McAllen teacher looks back at the first ten years of FIRST in the Rio Grande Valley

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

#Business #News #Government #Mario Muñoz #Rio Grande Guardians #Rio Grande Valley #RGV

28:39

For centuries, members of the B’doul Bedouin tribe lived in the caves around the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Then, in the 1980s, the government forced the tribe to move in the name of preserving the geological site for tourists. But if the residents are forced to leave, and if their heritage has been permanently changed, then what exactly is being preserved? SHOW NOTES: Meet The Man Living in The Lost City Carved in Stone Jordan: Petra's tourism authority cracks down on Bedouin cave dwellers The tribes paying the brutal price of conservation “There is no future for Umm Sayhoun” Jordan’s Young Bedouins Are Documenting Their Traditions on TikTok Check out Sami's company Jordan Inspiration Tours Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

há cerca de um ano 6:04

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MCALLEN, Texas - As the sun rose over McAllen on a milestone day, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

FIRST in Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering STEM education, marked its 10th anniversary in serving the Rio Grande Valley by revealing the latest season challenge for the FIRST® Tech Challenge program.

In a region that has long needed more educational programs like FIRST®, this celebration wasn't just about a game—it was about a decade of transformation in the Rio Grande Valley, a community that has embraced the power of robotics to inspire and uplift its youth.

At the McAllen kickoff event, hosted at McAllen Memorial High School, students, educators, and community leaders gathered to witness the unveiling of INTO THE DEEP, a new challenge that will take students beneath the surface of the oceans to innovate solutions for a better future. Across Texas, similar kickoff events were held in eight different areas, each one brimming with teams representing a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. These University Interscholastic League (UIL) approved competitions will culminate in the 2025 State Championship in Belton, Texas, where the best of the best will showcase their ingenuity and teamwork.

For Jason Arms, one of the founders of FIRST RGV and now CEO of FIRST in Texas, the day was especially meaningful. Reflecting on his journey in supporting teams since 2014, Arms shared his deep pride in the growth and impact of FIRST® programs in the Valley. "In 2014, a few of us STEM enthusiasts came together to support the 40 or so robotics teams that existed in the Rio Grande Valley at the time," Arms recalled. "Within just a few years, that number grew to more than 300 teams across all three programs, and we achieved parity with other regions in Texas in terms of representation and grant funding." Arms’ vision and dedication have been instrumental in bringing STEM opportunities to a region that previously lacked the resources to fully participate in such programs.
McAllen teacher and robotics competition referee David Ruiz has been with FIRST in the Valley from the beginning. Here is an interview he gave the Rio Grande Guardian.

Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

1024 episódios

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

McAllen teacher looks back at the first ten years of FIRST in the Rio Grande Valley

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

published há cerca de um ano

MP3•Home de episódios

MCALLEN, Texas - As the sun rose over McAllen on a milestone day, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

1024 episódios

#Business #News #Government #Mario Muñoz #Rio Grande Guardians #Rio Grande Valley #RGV

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Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

1
Everything Carlos Ealy said at RioPlex's Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit reception 9:21

há 5 dias9:21

9:21

Carlos Ealy is assistant secretary of state for Mexican and Border Affairs in the Office of the Texas Secretary of State. Ealy spoke at a reception held for the Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit hosted by RioPlex at the Westin Galleria in Houston. Here are his remarks from the stage. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Everything Valerie G. Segovia said RioPlex's Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit reception 7:04

há 5 dias7:04

7:04

HOUSTON, Texas - Valerie G. Segovia is vice of president of investor relations for the Texas Economic Development Corporation. Segovia spoke at a reception held for the Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit hosted by RioPlex at the Westin Galleria in Houston. Here are her remarks from the stage. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

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An interview with Veronica Gonzales about the Pharr EDC Foundation 5:23

há 20 dias5:23

5:23

PHARR, Texas - The Pharr EDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarship opportunities for graduating students residing in the city of Pharr. The foundation supports both college and trade school career paths. One of the foundation’s main fundraisers is an annual Casino Night. This year’s event will be held at the Regency Hall in Pharr on April 17. To learn more about the foundation, the Rio Grande Guardian interviewed one of its founding board members, Veronica Gonzales. “The Pharr EDC Foundation was a spin-off of the Pharr EDC, but the intent of the foundation was simply to raise money for students that are from the Pharr area, so that they can continue their education, whether that means going on to a two-year school, a technical school, a four-year school. We just want them to have the skills that they need to have a better quality of life,” Gonzales said. “And so that's why the organization was formed. And it's been around since 2021, right after the pandemic, or the tail end of the pandemic. And it's been very successful. Already it has benefited over 515 students and given away more than $1.3 million in scholarships.” Gonzales continued: “As time goes by, you kind of learn what works best. We have really firmed up the criteria for students that want to apply. They have to be from the Pharr area or at our high school. They have to be a high school senior. They have to also engage in some community service, at least 15 hours of community service, because we truly believe that when students get engaged in their community at an early age, that they're going to make it a habit in their lives to do that. And we want these students to be very well-rounded students, so either have an internship or 15 hours of community service, and then a grade point average of about 2.5 or higher.” Gonzales says the Pharr EDC Foundation has two big fundraisers every year. “We have a Golf Tournament that we do in the summer, and we also have a Casino Night, and our Casino Night is actually coming up. It's going to be on April the 17th, at the Regency Hall in Pharr. It's a lot of fun. You walk in, you think you've gone into a casino, and it's not a bunch of speeches. It's about having fun, having a little bit to eat and drink, and then just getting to play some fun games and networking with others in the community. But every dollar that we raise through the Casino Night goes to support these scholarships. And the scholarships are, I think, very good scholarships. They are $2,000 scholarships for students, $1,000 in the fall, $1,000 in the spring. And like I mentioned, we've given 515 of them away. So, the more you contribute at the Casino Night, the more goes to help these students and they can continue their education.” Asked if there was anything else she wanted to add, Gonzales said: “I want to thank Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, because he's the one that initially had the idea of doing this. And Victor Perez at the EDC. The city helped with funds at the beginning, but now we are becoming self-sustaining by doing these fundraisers. So, I do want to give a shout out to the mayor, to the city commission for being very supportive of this program, and, of course, to everyone over at the EDC Foundation, the staff who work very hard to make these events a success.” Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Blas Castañeda celebrates 49 years as a mentor to high school students 35:30

há 21 dias35:30

35:30

LAREDO, Texas - Legendary workforce development leader Blas Castañeda has been mentoring high school students for 49 years. The retired president of CTA Global Solutions will join with Area Health Education Center to hold his Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on March 27. This event recognizes the exceptional academic accomplishments of students participating in CTA’s mentorship career development program. The ceremony takes place at Falcon Event Center, 7718 McPherson Road in Laredo, starting at 6:00 p.m. on March 27. “The mentorship career development program pairs experienced community leaders with high school seniors to provide career preparation, foster personal growth, and develop essential skills for university success. Through guidance, support, and networking opportunities, the program aims to assist students in successfully navigating the university admission and enrollment process,” said Blas Castañeda told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service . “CTA Global Solutions and AHEC are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders by providing scholarships to deserving students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a dedication to their future careers,” Castañeda said. Castañeda became a well-known figure along the Texas-Mexico border when he chaired the Texas Border Coalition’s education and workforce development committee. His career included more than three decades in the higher education realm as chief external affairs/economic development officer at Laredo Community College. Gov. Rick Perry appointed him to the Texas Workforce Investment Council. Gov. Ann Richards appointed him to the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness. He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in International Trade. His resume includes an eight-year tenure as Laredo city councilmember and he was an active member of the Eagle Ford Consortium Tri-Chair Workforce of South Texas. The Guardian secured an in-depth phone interview with Castañeda. The Guardian asked him why he started a mentoring program. “In the neighborhood where I grew up, barely anyone going to college. The whole reason for that was mom and dad didn't have the money to pay for the college. So that was one of the reasons. The other reason was, when I was growing up, everybody had to go work. We used to go up north and work every year for, oh, maybe close to 20 years, working in the fields picking tomatoes and corn and lettuce and cherries and even pick up cotton. So we there was a major inopportunity to go to school,” Castañeda said. Castañeda added: “Over the years I have helped tons of students get to university. Today, they're engineers, they're nurses, they're bankers, they've got their own business, all over the place. A lot of them are here in Laredo, but a lot of them went out, and they're in different parts of the country. So, I'm very happy that my 49 years of community service really paid off for a lot of people.” Here is an audio recording of the Guardian ’s in-depth interview with Castañeda: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

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Cuellar discusses Mexico's water debt to the United States 10:28

há 24 dias10:28

10:28

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - Veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock, of Ron Whitlock Reports, recently interviewed U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar about Mexico’s water debt to the U.S. Whitlock asked Cuellar if the U.S. should withhold water from Mexico in California, in retaliation for Mexico not releasing water into the Rio Grande. He also asked the Laredo congressman if he would support Laguna Madre Water District in its efforts to build a desalination plant that would provide potable water to the residents of South Padre Island. Under a 1944 water sharing treaty, Mexico is committed to providing 350,000 acre feet of water a year. Mexico is badly in arrears in the current five year cycle. It owes the U.S. 1.3 million acre feet of water. The result has been devastating for South Texas farmers and ranchers. Texas’ last remaining sugar mill, in Santa Rosa, closed its doors last year due to insufficient water. Here is an audio recording of the interview Whitlock secured with Rep. Cuellar. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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TIPA President Dante Galeazzi speaks at RGV Legislative Tour event 9:04

há 7 weeks9:04

9:04

MISSION, Texas - Many of the state lawmakers that participate in next week’s Texas Water Day at the Capitol will likely know about the dire water crisis facing the Rio Grande Valley. Certainly those that traveled the region as part of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s recent 2025 RGV Legislative Tour will be aware. That is because they heard twice from Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. He spoke once during a panel discussion that focused on water availability challenges. That was held at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission. He also gave a speech at the Wonderful Citrus warehouse, also in Mission. At both events Galeazzi was blunt. The Valley has a “water crisis” on its hands, he said. “We've got a series of challenges that are driving the water situation here in South Texas,” Galeazzi said. Of our two international reservoirs, Falcon Dam is at 14% capacity. It’s never been that low. And Amistad Dam is at 26%.” Galeazzi pointed out that only 58 percent of the water in those dams can be used in the Valley. “Ninety percent of our fresh water here in the Valley comes from the river,” Galeazzi said, And Mexico owes more than a million acre feet (of water) under an international treaty.” Galeazzi continued: “Talking about all of the inflows, every bit of water that's supposed to be coming to the Rio Grande Valley, or into the Rio Grande River, is down over the last 30 years. It's trending 30% down and more. So we have a dire situation.” Galeazzi said more than 50% of the 1.3 million citizens that live in the Valley reside in unincorporated towns. As a result, he said, they depend on water districts to get their water. “The water districts don't have water. Those guys aren't going to be able to turn on water and get it out of the faucets.” Although the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty is a federal issue, there are things the State of Texas can do to help the Valley, Galeazzi said. “We're here at a very difficult time. I don’t want to understate it. It is doom and gloom time,” Galeazzi said. “We are in a position where we have got to figure something out and the time to act is now. We can't postpone things until the next session. We can't kick this ball down the road.” Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Businessman Alonzo Cantu addresses the RGV Broadband Coalition 2:53

há 7 weeks2:53

2:53

WESLACO, Texas - Famed businessman Alonzo Cantu has thrown his support behind the work of the Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition. The RGVBC unveiled its RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. The coalition noted that the Valley still lacks reliable internet access, holding the region back in a world that increasingly depends on digital tools. The coalition says its plan is a “bold initiative to ensure every home, business, and community anchor institution in the region has access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet.” Cantu, president and CEO of Cantu Construction and Development, had a front row seat for the coalition’s presentation. He was seated next to Sergio Contreras, CEO of Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP., Both Cantu and Contreras are members of the Texas Broadband Development Office’s Board of Advisors. To advance digital development in the region, the RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan focuses on: Expanding broadband infrastructure to connect unserved and underserved communities Increasing digital skills training to help residents navigate online education, work, and services Preparing a local workforce for in-demand, high-wage technology jobs Enhancing tele-health access to improve healthcare outcomes and lower costs Supporting small businesses in adopting digital tools to grow, compete, and better serve their customers Jordana Barton-Garcia, director of the RGV Broadband Coalition, said the plan has been developed through a multi-sector partnership of local governments, internet providers, schools, healthcare institutions, small businesses, and nonprofits. She said the plan addresses long-standing connectivity gaps that have limited education, jobs, healthcare access, and economic growth across the region. “Broadband is the foundation for opportunity in today’s economy,” Barton-Garcia said. “This plan represents a turning point, ensuring that all residents — no matter who they are or where in the Rio Grande Valley they live — can access the connectivity they need to thrive.” At the conclusion of the, Barton-Garcia thanked all the stakeholders that had come together to agree on a plan of action. She said the coalition is already working to implement some of the plan’s activities and is actively seeking partners and funding opportunities to put the full plan into action and accelerate digital opportunity efforts. It was at this point that Cantu asked if he could speak. Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website to read the full story. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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McAllen mayor discusses trade, international bridges 5:47

há 8 weeks5:47

5:47

MCALLEN, Texas - During his 2025 State of the City Address, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said he is often asked why he spends so much time in Mexico. “Simple,” Villalobos said, answering the question. “Mexico believes in McAllen. Mexico embraces McAllen. Mexico invests in McAllen. Quiero que sepan mis amigos Mexicanos. Que McAllen entra alla a Mexico. And we depend on each other for trade and commerce, and tourism. And many times, we are just family. A todos mis amigos Mexicanos. To all my Mexican friends, please stand and be recognized.” In his remarks, Villalobos spoke about the networking opportunities presented at McAllen’s annual MxLAN Summit. He said the 2024 event welcomed over 40 businesses and 90 participants from Mexican states such as Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, Jalisco, Tamaulipas and more. “The summit helped build more than 37 emerging business partnerships and new opportunities for McAllen,” he said. Villalobos also pointed to McAllen’s decision to set up a Department of International Relations. “It has had an immediate impact,” the mayor said, running through some of the cities and countries that have sent representatives to McAllen thanks to the outreach of the new department. He said diplomats from Ireland and France have visited the city, along with the governor of San Luis Potosí, and sister city delegations from Apodaca, Puerto Vallarta, Reynosa and Monterey. He said they also welcomed delegations from the departments of state in Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Rio, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Zacatecas. “In Mexico City we hosted McAllen Day, and in Monterrey we secured agreements with World Trade Center Monterrey, with the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo León, and with COMCE Noreste, the Mexican council for foreign aid,” Villalobos said. “And we just signed a trade agreement with a state of San Luis Potosi and a reaffirmation of sister city agreements with San Luis capital. And McAllen’s first friendship partnership agreement with Tampico. “McAllen’s agreements will push economic growth, help develop new businesses, build cultural connections, and bring our nation and people closer.” Editor's Note: The attached audio also includes Mayor Villalobos' remarks on the Anzalduas International Bridge. For the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News website. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Brian Godinez previews Building the Valley - Uniting for RGV Regional Growth event 5:34

há 9 weeks5:34

5:34

MCALLEN, TEXAS - The Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP) is partnering with the Rio Grande Valley Partnership to present its inaugural program in the Rio Grande Valley. Building the Valley - Uniting for RGV Regional Growth will highlight the significant of organizations like the RGV Partnership and UT-Rio Grande Valley in shaping the region’s future. The program will also explore the opportunities in the region for AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) and allied professionals. The event takes place Thursday, Feb. 13, between 11:00 and 2:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center. The target audience is AEC and allied professionals, public sector leaders, developers, financiers, and investors, community leaders and stakeholders. One of the speakers at the event will be I-LinCP founder Carol Warkoczewski The mission statement of I-LinCP is to “evolve the capital projects industry though sharing of knowledge for optimized leadership, delivery and performance.” Warkoczewski believes attendees will gain insights into upcoming projects, selection processes, and project delivery methods, as well as foster partnerships that drive RGV engagement and economic growth. A past president for I-LinCP is Shea Johnson, senior vice president for development at South Texas Facility Partnership. STFP is title sponsor of the event. Johnson’s colleague at STFP, Brian Godinez, gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service a preview of what to expect at Building the Valley - Uniting for RGV Regional Growth. “Strong partnerships lead to lasting growth. Join I-LinCP, the RGV Partnership, UTRGV, and other industry leaders as we explore the critical role of partnerships and best practices in driving success in the Rio Grande Valley,” Godinez said. “Discover the opportunities, challenges, and impactful initiatives shaping the future of the RGV.” Here is an audio recording of an interview the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service secured with Godinez about the event: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Hinojosa thanks Sharp for his initiatives for South Texas 4:40

há 9 weeks4:40

4:40

AUSTIN, Texas - State Sen. Juan Hinojosa has given a shoutout to retiring Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp for his critically-acclaimed Bordering the Future report. Sharp published “Bordering the Future: Challenge and Opportunity in the Texas Border Region” in 1998 whilst he was Texas State Comptroller. The report gave an in-depth assessment of the economic, political, and social condition of the Texas border counties. The report showed that if the 43-county region stretching from El Paso to Brownsville were a state unto itself, it would rank first in the nation in poverty, first in unemployment, and first in the percentage of residents without a high school diploma. “One of the biggest impacts you had, besides statewide and all the different programs pushing A&M to a much higher level, was in the Rio Grande Valley,” Hinojosa told Sharp. “You will recall, in 1999 you released a report about the challenges and opportunities that the border area offered to the state. And from that report you suggested and recommended certain initiatives. And we implemented those initiatives. They have made such a difference in taking the Valley out of poverty, making it into an economic success.” Hinojosa made his comments during a Senate Committee on Finance hearing at the state Capitol. Sharp was there to testify on Texas A&M’s funding requests for the next biennium. “People don't realize the impact that Chancellor Sharp has had throughout our state and the nation, and for that, we are very grateful and thankful for what he did,” Hinojosa said. Sharp penned a guest column about Bordering the Future for Texas Monthly in September 1999, after he had left the Comptroller’s Office. He said: “As a son of South Texas—I was born and raised in Victoria—I confess to a certain bias. I think the challenges of the border region demand our attention now, not later. I think the future of our state, even those areas that are far removed from the international boundary itself, will increasingly be subject to the ups and downs of the border. “The Texas workforce of the future will be drawn largely from this region, where a huge and growing population of young people gives us a comparative advantage envied by other states. If we continue to shirk our responsibility to provide them with the best possible education, those young people will be a liability large enough to drag down the rest of us. But if we offer them the educational and training opportunities they deserve, they will drive a future prosperity so strong that it will make the books of the past look like a barn dance.” Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Gonzalez: Trump backed off tariffs because stock markets were rattled 4:23

há 10 weeks4:23

4:23

WESLACO, Texas - President Trump said he would pause his planned 25 percent tariff duty on imported goods from Mexico due a “very friendly” telephone conversation with his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbuam. Trump said the tariffs would be put on hold for month while further discussions with the Mexican president take place. Trump’s tariffs were scheduled to take effect Tuesday, with a 25 percent duty on all imports from Mexico and most from Canada. Energy products from Canada would have had a ten percent tariff imposed. He also plans a ten percent tariff on Chinese goods. Trump explained his decision to hold off on tariffs for Mexican imports on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote: “I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican soldiers on the border separating Mexico and the United States, These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our country. “We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level representatives of Mexico. I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a “deal” between our two countries.” Sheinbaum for her part said Trump has agreed to a long-standing request from Mexico to get serious about stopping illegal weapons going south into Mexico. According to the Mexican government, more than 90 percent of guns seized in Mexico come from the United States. U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez has another theory as to why Trump halted the implementation of the tariffs - stock markets around the world were tanking at the thought of trade wars between the United States and its top three trading partners - Mexico, China, and Canada. Asked to respond to reports that Trump had paused the imposition of tariffs due to a telephone conversation with Sheinbaum, Gonzalez said: “Well, I don't know what how productive a short phone call might have been, but I do think that the dropping of futures yesterday, the dropping of the stock market today, just on speculation of tariffs, had a very deep impact on the administration and what was coming. I think that woke up the president and probably the administration and economic advisers to not go through with the tariffs.” Gonzalez said the imposition of tariffs would have been “devastating” for the country. “It would have been devastating for the state of Texas more than any other state in the country, because Texas is the most reliant on trade with Mexico, and obviously in South Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, it would have been devastating. It would have had a direct impact on our small businesses and our local economy,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez made his comments in an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports. Here is an audio recording of the interview: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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TAB's Glenn Hamer discusses Texas Leads Trade 15:24

há 10 weeks15:24

15:24

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Association of Business is launching a new coalition, Texas Leads Trade, to ensure Texas businesses have a strong voice in the upcoming US-Mexico-Canada Agreement renegotiations. The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service broke the story through an exclusive telephone interview with TAB President Glenn Hamer. “We’re trading more than ever with Mexico and Canada. The Texas economy is at the strongest point it has ever been and is gaining strength is that we’re far and away the country’s top export leader,” Hamer said. Hamer pointed out that with over $800 billion in annual trade, the Texas-Mexico border is a lifeline of the Texas economy. As discussions around USMCA heat up, Hamer said TAB will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to protect and expand North American commerce. Hamer provided the Guardian with some of the latest key trade statistics: Texas exports totaled over $444.6 billion in 2023, accounting for nearly 22% of all U.S. exports. In 2021, exports from Texas and American owned companies supported an estimated 1 million jobs. In 2023, Texas trade totaled $272 billion with Mexico and $71 billion with Canada, our top two trading partners. The Texas-Mexico border is the busiest trade gateway in North America, handling 68% of all trade between the United States and Mexico. This critical corridor facilitates $24 million in trade every hour. Texas ports of entry facilitated nearly $799 billion of US trade with Mexico in 2023. Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Hamer. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Everything said at Futuro RGV's "RGV Water Solutions Forum" 1:29:30

há 11 weeks1:29:30

1:29:30

MCALLEN, Texas - Futuro RGV, a citizenry group dedicated to improving quality of life in the Rio Grande Valley, recently held an in-depth discussion of the region’s water crisis. The RGV Water Solutions Forum was held at Rio Bank’s corporate headquarters in McAllen. The panel discussing the water crisis consisted of former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, former Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 Manager Sonny Hinojosa, and Mark Vega, general manager of McAllen Public Utility. Both Darling and Hinojosa are members of Region M Planning Group. Region M works with state agencies and local stakeholders to develop and update a Regional Water Plan, which guides the development and stewardship of the region’s water resources. The moderator of the discussion was Futuro RGV’s incoming President Mark R. Murray. Nedra Kinerk, the founder of Futuro RGV, said the forum “brought together community leaders, experts, and passionate advocates to address critical water challenges facing the Rio Grande Valley.” Here is an audio recording of the forum: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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An interview with Dante Galeazzi of Texas International Produce Association 5:15

há 13 weeks5:15

5:15

EDINBURG, Texas - The agricultural industry of the Rio Grande Valley has great supporters in Congress but needs more help at the state level. This is the view of Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. In an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock Reports, Galeazzi said state leaders could help by providing half the money needed to line the Valley’s irrigation canals. “We mean we have fantastic federal support,” Galeazzi said, referencing the work of U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with U.S. Reps. Monica de la Cruz, Henry Cuellar, Vicente Gonzalez, and Tony Gonzales. “All six of them have been advocates, champions for us for the last 18 months. They have been wherever we need them. But what we need is the state. We need the state to step up and put skin in the game.” Galeazzi said the state of Texas should match the federal government’s investment. “We need the state to match what the federal government can do. Because it's a huge price tag just to line the 3,500 miles of canals that are responsible for moving 85 percent of the water in the Rio Grande Valley,” Galeazzi said. “It is going to cost $5 billion. That’s a huge price tag for anybody. But if we can get the state to take half and the federal government to take the other half out of the Infrastructure Bill, those monies… now you're talking about a very different figure. Now you're talking about something that can have an impact.’ Galeazzi continued: “If we were to line all those canals, that could give us anywhere between 300,000 to 900,000 acre feet of water saved every single year. That is a huge savings.” Galeazzi pointed out that the Valley’s canal system was largely developed in the 1940s. “It has largely not been updated. You've had a few pockets where you've had some improvements, but a vast majority of that 3,500 miles are still earthen canals. With this money, we can create immediate savings, and in the next two to four years, we could see a significant impact to the Valley, enough so that I believe it would get us to a point where we would we would have some savings that would allow us the time we need for big projects like salt water desalination, larger brackish water treatment, reverse osmosis.” Galeazzi added: “This has to be a multi -pronged approach, but most importantly, it has to start today. The longer we delay, the worse this issue gets, and more importantly, the more expensive correcting this issue becomes.” Here is an audio recording of the interview Dante Galeazzi gave Ron Whitlock Reports: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Javier Guerra's introductory remarks at LRGVDC's first ever State of the COG event 4:43

há 14 weeks4:43