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Articles by Ron Whitlock
Community leaders, Noble Texas Builders unite to restore historic West Side convent in San Antonio
Arts & Culture Posted Thursday, October 15, 2026 2:46 pm SAN ANTONIO, Texas — For nearly a century, the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have served as a spiritual and educational anchor on San Antonio’s historic West Side. When severe weather recently left their convent, chapel, and early childhood facilities with critical roof damage beyond their financial reach, a collaborative community effort stepped forward to restore the campus.
Sepulveda: Cameron County ramping up bridge marketing, pushing regional approach for water and energy infrastructure
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Regional mobility and economic infrastructure leaders are expanding marketing efforts to boost cross-border commercial traffic while actively preparing for critical regional utility demands, according to Pete Sepulveda, executive director of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority.
Sepulveda: Potential of new international bridge at Port of Brownsville is ‘huge’
Transportation Posted Tuesday, September 29, 2026 10:11 am BROWNSVILLE, Texas — The prospective construction of a new international bridge at the Port of Brownsville is gaining renewed momentum as regional leaders highlight the strategic power of a decades-old presidential permit and an ambitious vision to create the world’s first autonomous “Smart Bridge.” Addressing the South Texas Manufacturers Association at the Brownsville Events Center, Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA)...
Sepulveda: Over $40 Billion in Megaprojects Driving Unprecedented Growth, Infrastructure Demands in Cameron County
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Four major economic development projects representing more than $40 billion in combined capital investments are fundamentally transforming the economic landscape of Cameron County, driving urgent demands for regional transportation infrastructure to keep pace with the influx of industry and rapid population growth. A list of the four biggest projects currently underway in Cameron County.
UTRGV’s Linda Ufland Romo Honored with Prestigious Ohtli Award by Mexican Government
Higher Education Posted Saturday, September 26, 2026 7:13 am BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Linda Ufland Romo, director of entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialization at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, has been awarded the prestigious Ohtli Award (Reconocimiento Ohtli), one of the highest honors bestowed by the Mexican government to individuals living outside Mexico.
Briones: Defense, Aerospace Boom Positioning Greater Brownsville as Next Major Industrial Hub
HARLINGEN, Texas — Highlighting rapid expansion in defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, Jerry Briones, executive vice president of the Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation (GBEDC), declared that the Rio Grande Valley is entering a transformative economic era driven by massive capital investments and regional workforce potential.
Garza: Edinburg’s Rapid Growth Driving EEDC Expansion and International Outreach
EDINBURG, Texas — With strong residential and commercial expansion pushing construction permit valuations into the hundreds of millions of dollars, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) is scaling up its operations and international recruiting efforts to match the pace of growth in one of Texas's fastest-growing municipalities.
Garza: Port of Brownsville is the ‘East Side of Town’ as RGV Regional Workforce Synergy Grows
EDINBURG, Texas — Viewing the Rio Grande Valley as a single, interconnected regional economy, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Raudel Garza says major industrial developments at the Port of Brownsville and coastal Cameron County are no longer a world away—they are effectively the "east side of town." Speaking at a "Tools and Talent" job fair his group hosted that was held at the Edinburg Activity Center, Garza emphasized that regional labor dynamics have shifted...
Benavides, Caven: Why Texas Public Radio deserves more financial support
July 22, 2026 / Dayna Reyes Reporter [[{“value”:” By Ron Whitlock SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Yvette Benavides, managing editor of San Antonio-based Texas Public Radio, says her station is deserving of increased financial support. TPR’s recent decision to join forces with the San Antonio Report will bring “more in-depth local journalism to the people we serve,” Benavides said, in a pitch to potential donors. This is the pitch she made: “Every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader.
Benavides, Caven: Why Texas Public Radio deserves more financial support
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Yvette Benavides, managing editor of San Antonio-based Texas Public Radio, says her station is deserving of increased financial support. TPR’s recent decision to join forces with the San Antonio Report will bring “more in-depth local journalism to the people we serve,” Benavides said, in a pitch to potential donors. This is the pitch she made: “Every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader.
Brownsville selected for historic $3 billion next-generation shipyard; project to create 10,000 jobs
Saronic is going to be providing about $750 million in annual paychecks to Texans. That’s game-changing for the population of Texas.” AUSTIN, Texas — In what state and local officials are calling one of the most significant economic developments in modern Texas history, defense technology company Saronic announced Friday that it has selected Brownsville as the future home of Port Alpha, a next-generation mega-shipyard engineered to rebuild American maritime industrial strength.
Everything Doug Allison said at RGVHCC’s Regional Water Infrastructure Forum
Water Resources Posted Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9:40 am MCALLEN, Texas - Doug Allison, board member and regulatory counsel for US Desalination, has unveiled plans for a scalable seawater desalination facility on South Padre Island. The project’s title is RGV Desal. Allison gave full details at a Regional Water Infrastructure Forum hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Commerce. The event was held at the Embassy Suites in McAllen.
Allison: Locating the 'Gold Standard' on South Padre Island
Water Resources Posted Monday, June 29, 2026 9:07 am MCALLEN, Texas — In its first major public appearance, the team behind a massive proposed regional seawater desalination project declared that the time has come for the Rio Grande Valley to secure an "uninterruptible" water supply to sustain its booming population and economic growth.
Allison to Ramsey: I so want you at every one of our public meetings
MCALLEN, Texas - Arnold Ramsey of McAllen is an engineer who worked on desalination projects and reverse osmosis throughout the 1980s. He is also an ambassador to the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Ramsey had a question for Doug Allison, board member and regulatory counsel for US Desalination at a Regional Water Infrastructure Forum hosted by the RGVHCC at the Embassy Suites in McAllen on June 24.
Cornyn passes Senate resolution honoring Juneteenth National Independence Day
WASHINGTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who successfully led the effort in Congress to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, this week led 21 of his colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution honoring Juneteenth National Independence Day. President Biden signed Cornyn’s bill into law in 2021. The holiday commemorates an effective end of slavery in the United States.
Cameron County approves $211M incentive package for Saronic project
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County commissioners approved a tax abatement Tuesday for Saronic Technologies as the company considers the Port of Brownsville for a proposed $3.2 billion shipbuilding facility. The project, labeled as 'Port Alpha,' would provide the Austin-based technology company with a 95% property tax abatement across four phases of development tied to the company's planned investment in the Rio Grande Valley.
Hinojosa: Count on my vote to repeal the sales tax exemption for data centers
Legislature Posted Friday, June 12, 2026 8:39 am Texas is a business-friendly state. I support growth and economic development, but not at the expense of our residents and natural resources or our wallets.” I appreciate Governor Abbott's directive to the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) regarding data center development in our state. Our residential electric bills should not be negatively impacted as a result of data center expansion.
New World screwworm has reached South Texas. Secretary Rollins responds.
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has responded to news that the New World screwworm has reached Texas. She said she has sent a strike team to the South Texas border to assist. The parasitic fly could put Texas’ $15 billion cattle industry in jeopardy. The USDA tested a sample from La Pryor in Zavala County at the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, lowa.
Cardenas: Brownsville is helping 17 surrounding cities and communities with their broadband needs
We officially launched Brownsville’s Intelligent Operations Center (IOC), a major step forward in how cities can use technology, data, and AI to operate smarter.” BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A $22 million grant the City of Brownsville received from the State of Texas will help bring lightning fast fiber optic broadband to 17 surrounding cities and communities. That is the claim of Jorge Cardenas, Brownsville’s chief information officer.
Sanchez: Information gathered at RGV Connect events will be shared with leaders in Austin, DC
HARLINGEN, Texas - The evidence and testimony the Rio Grande Valley Partnership is collecting through its RGV Connect series is being shared in Austin and Washington, DC, the group’s CEO states. Paco Sanchez gave an interview to Ron Whitlock Reports ahead of an RGV Connect event that focused on higher education and workforce. Held at TSTC Harlingen, the discussion featured the analysis higher education leaders such as Ron Garza of UT-Rio Grande Valley, Stella E.
Why Brownsville? Why Now? William Dietrich and Tom Ramsey give their answers.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Why Brownsville and Why Now? Those were two questions posed by Tracye McDaniel, president of TIP Strategies, at a YTexas conference held recently at The Livery Venue in downtown Brownsville. McDaniel was moderator for a panel about energy. The panelists were William Dietrich, CEO of the Port of Brownsville, and Tom Ramsey, COO of America First Refining. AFP is looking to build a multi-billion oil refinery at the port.
Cowen: South Texas-Northern Tamaulipas region will become the number one trade corridor in the world
Border Business Posted Tuesday, May 5, 2026 12:23 pm One of the stats I'm most proud of is, for every person that leaves Brownsville, three people are moving back down. So we are reversing the cycle of brain drain.” BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., predicts the South Texas-Northern Tamaulipas region will become the number one trade corridor and economic generator in the world.
Hagan, Larson, review Rotary District 5930’s annual conference
MCALLEN, Texas - Andy Hagan, a member and former president of Rotary Club of Brownsville Sunrise, has been involved in the Rotary movement for 31 years. He was district governor for District 5930 in South Texas in 2018-19. Hagan explained why the group matters to him in a recent interview with the Rio Grande Guardian. He said he initially joined because he was new to the Rio Grande Valley and wanted to network. But now Rotary is family, he says.
It's now official. Supply Pay has changed its name to Harva.
PORT ISABEL, Texas - It is now official. Supply Pay has changed its name to Harva. CEO and co-founder William Steele wanted to wait until RGV StartUp Week was well underway before making the news official because Supply Pay is title sponsor of the event. Harva specializes in helping those involved in producing and distributing of perishable goods and recently announced it had raised $113 million to bring AI-native ERP and embedded finance to the international perishables market.
Allison: RGV Desal will be largest water infrastructure project ever built in South Texas
HARLINGEN, Texas - Doug Allison, a board member and regulatory counsel for US Desalination, has given an in-depth interview about plans for the largest water infrastructure project ever built in South Texas. “We’re partnering with communities, agencies, and industry to ensure a reliable water future for generations to come,” Allison told the Ron Whitlock Reports, following a news conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in Harlingen.
Farris: If God had not put that tractor in front of me, we would never have seen the fire
HARLINGEN, Texas - Rio Grande Valley banker and philanthropist Robert 'Bobby' Farris has recalled an incident earlier this year where he and his wife Robin were referred to by the City of Rio Hondo as “good samaritans.” On Valentine’s Day, the couple rescued a six-year old girl and an elderly man from a house that was ablaze. Along with an off duty Sheriff deputy, they were first on the scene. Robin Farris called emergency services.
Fuentes: Unused flood repair monies should be used for flood mitigation
Water Resources Posted Wednesday, April 15, 2026 8:22 am MONTE ALTO, Texas - Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes says if federal money sent to the Rio Grande Valley to repair homes after a flooding event is not claimed, it should be made available for flood mitigation work. “We're not going to minimize that people need assistance when they encounter or endure catastrophic flooding. That's not what we're saying.
Torres: We need to address the needs of disadvantaged small farmers
Border Business Posted Sunday, April 12, 2026 10:18 pm HOPE for Small Farm Sustainability is committed to create new small producers, to enhance the ability of current farmers to stay in agriculture, and to keep farmland as working land.” HARLINGEN, Texas - Salomon Torres is president of Harlingen-based Soluciones Consulting, and projects and grants advisor to Holistic Organic Practical Education (H.O.P.E.) for Small Farm Sustainability.
Cowen: SpaceX has generated roughly $99 million in tourism-related economic impact
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., says SpaceX has been a “juggernaut for economic growth” in Brownsville and, really, for all of Texas. “The aerospace giant has infused $13 billion into into the economy across Brownsville and South Texas. It has created 24,000 direct and indirect jobs across the region, with approximately 4,000 jobs on site today. It is projected that 4,000 more jobs are coming,” Cowen said.
Cowen: Brownsville is not just growing. We are thriving.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Mayor John Cowen, Jr., held his 2026 State of the City Address at Texas Southmost College’s Performing Arts Center on March 25. It was titled “Prosperity and Purpose.” During his address he spoke about his city’s rapid growth, economic strength, and rising national recognition. To support that growth, the city is investing heavily in infrastructure.
Executives: At Saronic, our welders have the opportunity to train to be engineers
Workforce Development Posted Friday, March 20, 2026 5:47 pm This is where the marrying of extremely high tech and manufacturing creates a beautiful environment, where a welder or a production assistant has the same benefits package as a software engineer from Google or Meta.” PORT ISABEL, Texas - Saronic Technologies, the Austin-based defense technology startup that is considering building a shipyard at the Port of Brownsville, places a big emphasis on developing a young workforce.
What is RGV StartUp Week?
Border Life Posted Wednesday, March 18, 2026 8:33 am BROWNSVILLE, Texas - With the keynote speaker for this year’s RGV Startup Week about to be announced, here is some key information about the event. RGV Startup Week celebrates entrepreneurs building the future. It is co-organized by Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation and UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Commercialization. This year’s event runs from April 24 to May 1. This will be its third year.
Meet the Republican Candidate running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner
Politics Posted Friday, March 6, 2026 8:34 am HARLINGEN, Texas - Nate Sheets is a veteran, agriculture entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed “Trump Conservative.” He is running to be the next Agriculture Commissioner of Texas. In the Republican Primary he defeated three-term incumbent Commissioner Sid Miller. He now faces Democrat Clayton Tucker in the general election in November. Sheets’ second to last campaign event before the election was in Harlingen, where he appeared on stage with Gov.
Cornyn makes final campaign swing through the Valley
EDINBURG, TEXAS - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn made his last campaign swing through the Rio Grande Valley in the company of the National Border Patrol Council. “The Border Patrol Council, they have become like brothers and sisters,” Cornyn said, as he acknowledged the council’s endorsement. “It was heartbreaking to see how our professional law enforcement, who dedicate their lives to this nation, were abandoned by the administration during the previous four years, by the Biden administration.
Abbott makes final campaign swing through the Valley
Politics Posted Tuesday, March 3, 2026 11:58 am HARLINGEN, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a Get Out the Vote event at a restaurant in Harlingen on Monday, March 2 - the day before the primary election. He was joined on stage by Acting Comptroller candidate Kelly Hancock, Texas Agriculture Commissioner candidate Nathan Sheets, state Sen. Adam Hinojosa, and state Rep. Janie Lopez. All are Republicans and all but Hinojosa are on the ballot this year.
Lawmakers provide legislative update for Starr County
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Starr County Industrial Foundation recently held its first SCIF Talks event of 2026. It was held at South Texas College’s Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City. The guest speakers were state Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo and state Rep. Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande City. They reviewed last year’s legislative session and looked ahead to the next one, in 2027. After the event, the Rio Grande Guardian sought reaction to what the two legislators said.
Groundbreaking ceremony held in south Pharr for IMAS Fresh
Border Business Posted Sunday, February 1, 2026 10:51 am PHARR, Texas - Pharr Economic Development Corporation recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for IMAS Fresh, a new food-related facility coming to the City of Pharr. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at 600 W. Anaya Road in south Pharr. Victor Perez, president and CEO of Pharr EDC, said IMAS Fresh will enhance Pharr’s growing food and logistics ecosystem, leveraging the city’s strategic location and strong workforce.
Cornyn wants Mexico’s water debt raised during USMCA review
Water Resources Posted Friday, January 30, 2026 11:06 am If Mexico had delivered its obligated water to the United States in 2022 and 2023, the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Mill would likely still be in operation today. ” WASHINGTON, Texas - U.S. Senator John Cornyn is linking Mexico’s water debt to the United States with the current review of USMCA.
Cornyn: We cannot contemplate immigration reform until the border is secure. Barrasso: The border is secure.
HIDALGO, Texas - John Barrasso, the senior U.S. senator for Wyoming, says the southern border with Mexico is secure. His Senate colleague, John Cornyn, the senior senator from Texas, says he cannot get behind immigration reform until the southern border is secure. Their different analysis on whether the border is secure came to light at a press conference Republican senators held in Hidalgo, Texas, on Jan. 9.
Treviño: Just as important as the 2nd Causeway project is a new SPI-to-Edinburg highway
HARLINGEN, Texas - Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., says there is a project related to the South Padre Island 2nd Causeway that is just as important or even more so - a new east-west corridor linking SPI to Edinburg. Treviño spoke about both projects when appearing at a State of the County Address hosted by the Greater Chamber of Harlingen. “What's interesting about that (the 2nd Causeway) project -and it is a billion dollar project, by the way - is the other part of that project.
Garza: We need dedicated federal formula funding for multi-state future interstate highways
HARLINGEN, Texas - Cameron County Commissioner David Garza, a member of the Alliance for I-69 Texas, wants to see dedicated federal formula funding for multi-state future interstate highways, as part of the next Surface Transportation authorization legislation. Garza spoke about the initiative at a State of the County Luncheon hosted by the Greater Chamber of Harlingen. “Ninety percent of all the funding for interstate roads used to come from federal government.
More than 200 border leaders announce their endorsement of Sen. Cornyn
I’m proud of the work we’ve done, helping to improve cross-border trade, increasing access to education and job training opportunities, securing the border, and obtaining funding for infrastructure improvements in the area.” PHARR, Texas - More than 200 prominent residents from the border region have announced their endorsement of U.S. Senator John Cornyn in his Republican primary re-election bid.
Lucio celebrates his 25th Anniversary giving away turkeys for Thanksgiving
Border Life Posted Thursday, November 27, 2025 10:30 am BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Former state Sen. Eddie Lucioo, Jr., has not been able to give away as many turkeys to the less fortunate this year, in part because federal funding to the food banks has been cut. Normally, Lucio would purchase the turkeys at a competitive price from local food banks and distribute them to those in need in Cameron, Willacy, and Hidalgo counties.
Gámez: I will continue fighting for juvenile justice
Border Life Posted Sunday, November 23, 2025 11:06 am You could get an aggravated felon out (of jail) faster on a bond, than you could get a child out who was picked up with a vape pen.” ROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Erin Elizabeth Gámez, a Brownsville-based attorney, says she will keep fighting for justice for juveniles that fall foul of the law.
Garza gives update on I-69C, I-69E, and 2nd Causeway projects
HARLINGEN, Texas - Longtime Cameron County Commissioner David Garza is a noted specialist on transportation issues in South Texas. He is a longtime member of the Alliance for I-69 Texas and a regular attendee of Texas Transportation Commission meetings in Austin.
Todo lo que se hablo en la ceremonia de colocacion de La Bonanza en la ciudad de Pharr
PHARR, TEXAS – RioPlex fu eel anfitrion de una ceremonia de colocacion para La Bonanza Avocados, una compañia familiar de aguacates proveniente de Uruapan, Michoacán el 14 de Nov. Invitados de la ceremonia incluyeron mas de 20 lideres de Negocios de Michoacán, que se encontraban en una mission commercial que incluyo una visita a SpaceX en Starbase. La ceremonia de colocacion se llevo a cabo en la Esquina de Las Milpas y Veterans Road en Pharr.
O'Caña: Madero International Bridge project will be reignited if I am elected mayor
Posted Sunday, November 16, 2025 9:52 am We also have now a new nonprofit called the Rio Grande Valley Rail Advocates. We're on the move. We're at the land acquisition stage right now. We're at 25 percent land acquisition.” MISSION, Texas - Armando O’Caña says being re-elected mayor of Mission will help resurrect the Madero International Bridge project. The binational rail project was shelved by Mission City Council when O’Caña lost his re-election bid in 2022.
O’Caña: Our sea water desalination plant will benefit all of South Texas
Water Resources Posted Wednesday, November 12, 2025 9:54 am The intent is that we're going to start with three million gallons a day for Phase One. When we get to Phase Five we should be hitting at 75 million gallons a day,” MISSION, Texas - Armando O’Caña, the former mayor of Mission, has provided more details about this plans to develop a major seawater desalination plant in South Texas.
City of Brownsville Archives – Rio Grande Guardian
The Rio Grande Guardian was the first online newspaper to launch on the South Texas border, starting out in July, 2005. It is still the market leader, setting the pace and breaking news often before traditional media outlets.
Ron Whitlock Archives - Rio Grande Guardian
The Rio Grande Guardian was the first online newspaper to launch on the South Texas border, starting out in July, 2005. It is still the market leader, setting the pace and breaking news often before traditional media outlets.
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