December - 2025

VIDA selected for national People-First AI Fund grant

The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement has been selected as a grantee of the OpenAI Foundation’s People-First AI Fund, a national initiative aimed at supporting community-based nonprofits using artificial intelligence to expand economic opportunity. VIDA is among 208 nonprofits chosen nationwide to receive a share of $40.5 million in unrestricted funding during the Foundation’s first round of grant awards. Nearly 3,000 organizations applied through an open call

Rio Grande City Officials Pay Tribute longtime physician Dr. Roberto M. Gonzalez

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas — The City of Rio Grande City paid tribute to Dr. Roberto M. Gonzalez Lozano, a longtime Starr County physician and the 2024 Christmas Parade Marshal, in a statement posted to social media following his death. "On behalf of [myself], the City Commission, and the residents of Rio Grande City, we extend our deepest condolences to the Gonzalez family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life," said Rio Grande City mayor Gilber

VIDA selected for national People-First AI Fund grant

The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement has been selected as a grantee of the OpenAI Foundation’s People-First AI Fund, a national initiative aimed at supporting community-based nonprofits using artificial intelligence to expand economic opportunity. VIDA is among 208 nonprofits chosen nationwide to receive a share of $40.5 million in unrestricted funding during the Foundation’s first round of grant awards. Nearly 3,000 organizations applied through an open call

McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Run scheduled for Jan. 17

Photo of the 2025 Independence 4K run posted on the McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Run Facebook page The McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Run will return Jan. 17, 2026, offering multiple race options and drawing runners from across the Rio Grande Valley, the United States and Mexico. The event will feature a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and a six-person relay, with all races taking place on a single day. Organizers expect more than 12,000 runners and spectators to attend,

Public Input Sought on Planned Improvements to Nolana Avenue in McAllen

The City of McAllen, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, is seeking public input on a proposed roadway improvement project for Nolana Avenue aimed at improving safety, traffic flow and mobility.