Steve Taylor
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Articles by Steve Taylor
Bingham, Martinez, and Willis discuss strengthening the RGV's talent pipeline
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - The two workforce boards for the Rio Grande Valley - Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley and Workforce Solutions Cameron - co-hosted the “State of the Regional Workforce Conference” at Margaritaville on South Padre Island on October 23, 2026.
Father Kevin Collins outlines Valley Interfaith’s Agenda of Issues
Politics Posted Sunday, October 25, 2026 9:16 am MERCEDES, Texas - Valley Interfaith has been conducting neighborhood walks, house meetings, and civic academies to understand the pressures facing families across the Rio Grande Valley. These face-to-face conversations in congregations, schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods have shaped the organization's Agenda of Issues. The group held its 2026 Accountability Session at the Knights of Columbus Hall Events Center in Mercedes, Texas, on October 11.
Tech Executive Says Brownsville Has All the Ingredients to Become the ‘Shenzhen of North America’
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A visiting advanced manufacturing executive believes the Port of Brownsville and the surrounding border ecosystem possess all the essential building blocks to transform into the next Shenzhen, China—a global powerhouse for high-tech manufacturing and automated hardware production. Scott Li, managing director of RayTuring.Ai, made his second visit to the Rio Grande Valley recently to evaluate sites for an artificial intelligence and laser processing facility.
Everything Pete Sepulveda said at STMA’s monthly meeting
Transportation Posted Thursday, October 8, 2026 9:07 am BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Rio Grande Guardian has exclusive video of Pete Sepulveda’s recent presentation to the South Texas Manufacturers Association. The executive director of Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority gave a wide-ranging update. He spoke about the land ports in his county, plans for a second causeway for South Padre Island, the I-69 Corridor project, and the East Loop in Brownsville.
O’Caña Launches Campaign for Return as Mayor of Mission
MISSION, Texas — Former Mission Mayor Dr. Armando “Doc” O’Caña, Sr. has officially announced his candidacy for the city’s top elected post, launching a bid to return to the seat he previously held from 2018 to 2022.
Jim Darling announces he is retiring to San Antonio
McALLEN, Texas — Former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, a fixture in South Texas civic life and public governance for nearly nearly five decades, is stepping down from his extensive regional board commitments as he prepares to relocate to San Antonio. Darling participated in his final board of directors meeting for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) on Sept. 30.
Hidalgo County Future Leaders Council hosts its first official meeting
PHARR, Texas - Hidalgo County Future Leaders Council held its first meeting since it was officially formed by Hidalgo County Commissioners Court earlier this month. The 16-member advisory body was established to give young professionals a direct voice in local government and to combat regional brain drain. The group met for the first time since its inauguration at the Pharr Global Business Hub on Sept. 26. The keynote speaker was Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez.
STC’s student population shoots up to more than 43,000
MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas College’s student population has shot up from 30,000-plus to more than 43,000, thanks to a new way of measuring the count. As a result, STC is now the largest serving higher education institution in South Texas. UT-Rio Grande Valley has 35,000-plus students. STC President Ricardo Solis explained the new way of counting students at his college’s Fall Convocation, which was held at McAllen Convention Center on Sept. 25, 2026.
Goodwin: Texas Senate will be run very differently if I am elected lieutenant governor
HARLINGEN, Texas - State Rep. Vickie Goodwin of Austin says the way the Texas Senate operates will be dramatically change if she is elected lieutenant governor. “There would be a huge change in the Senate and the way it operates,” Goodwin told the Rio Grande Guardian. “I want to make sure senators understand that they are there to represent their communities.
Cuellar Demands Transparency From ICE Following South Texas Incidents, Pledges Strict Oversight If Democrats Take House
Immigration Posted Friday, September 25, 2026 8:28 am ALTON, Texas — U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has pressed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leadership for body camera footage and details regarding recent agency encounters in Alamo and Austin, warning that broad enforcement sweeps undermine border security efforts. Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot by a federal immigration officer in North Austin.
MEDC: Currently, there are companies from Mexico, China and Japan looking to invest in McAllen
MCALLEN, Texas - Ralph Garcia, COO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, gave a very brief report at a quarterly meeting of his group’s Stakeholders Committee. Garcia said: “Good morning everyone. I'll be brief. Right now we have about 18 active projects that we're working on and I'll share that this week we presented three of these to the city commission.
Hidalgo County Future Leaders Council officially recognized
EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County County Commissioners Coourt unanimously passed this proclamation at their Sept.
Rico-Leal: Big projects happening at the Port of Brownsville
Border Business Posted Sunday, September 13, 2026 6:32 pm BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Council for South Texas Economic Progress brought the Binational Higher Education Advisory Council to the Port of Brownsville to learn about the big projects happening there. COSTEP is aiming to bring higher education and industry closer together. The group has created a database of all the higher education courses available in the Rio South Texas and Northern Tamaulipas region.
A conversation with longtime school board member Gloria Santillan Casas
LA FERIA, Texas - Gloria Santillan Casas is a longtime school board member for La Feria ISD with 22 years of service who is seeking another term in November. In a podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian, Santillan Casas discusses the current state of public education, and her top three campaign issues: career and technical education, financial literacy, and emotional wellness. Santillan Casas has decades of management experience.
Transportation infrastructure discussed at 2026 NADBank Summit
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A panel discussion on transportation infrastructure took place at the 2026 NADBank Summit. The event was held at the Kimpton Santo hotel in downtown San Antonio.
Carstens discusses North American integration at NADBank Summit
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The NAD Bank Summit serves as a premier national high-level dialogue forum and networking platform focused on accelerating environmental infrastructure, sustainability, and economic growth along the U.S.-Mexico border. Hosted annually in San Antonio, Texas, where the North American Development Bank is headquartered, the summit brings together federal, state, municipal officials, private sector developers, investors, academic experts, and community leaders from both nations.
Everything Walker Smith said at STMA meeting
Border Business Posted Thursday, August 27, 2026 6:33 am MCALLEN, Texas - Walker Smith, port director of the Port of Harlingen, gave brief remarks at a South Texas Manufacturers Association luncheon held at the Double Tree by Hilton in McAllen on Aug. 21. The port is a member of the association. The Port of Harlingen is in the process of developing a 600-acre rail site, Smith announced. Here is a video recording of his remarks:
Chavez discusses launch of Latinas for Gina
MCALLEN, Texas - Tania Chavez is president of La Unión del Pueblo Entero. The Rio Grande Guardian recently met up with Chavez to discuss politics, the upcoming Get Out the Vote efforts of LUPE Votes, federal funding cuts to Medicaid, and the impact of ICE raids in South Texas. Chavez also heads LUPE Votes. The community leader also spoke about Latinas for Gina, a statewide coalition launched in August 2026 in San Antonio and powered by the Latino Victory Fund.
Smith: Port of Harlingen to develop a 600-acre rail site
Transportation Posted Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:31 am We're constantly asked by potential tenants about rail, which has made it very clear it is something we need to take us to the next level.” MCALLEN, Texas - Walker Smith, port director of the Port of Harlingen, gave brief remarks at a South Texas Manufacturers Association luncheon held at the Double Tree by Hilton in McAllen on Aug. 21. The port is a member of the association.
Cuellar: There are a lot ugly parts to the Big Beautiful Bill
MCALLEN, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has been asked to elaborate on his claims that the federal cuts to Medicaid will deepen after 2028. Both Cuellar, and Stan Dorn, director of the health policy project for UnidosUS, made the claim at a recent roundtable discussion UnidosUS held with community advocacy groups in McAllen. Later, during a “Conversations with Cuellar” webinar with jopurnalists, Cuellar was asked to explain why the cuts would deepen in 2028.
Tributes pour in for Juan Manuel Escobar
Funeral Services Visitation: St. Gertrude's Catholic School, 1120 S. 8th Street, Kingsville, TX 78363: August 18, 3:00-7:00 pm. Rosary: St. Gertrude's Catholic School, 1120 S. 8th Street, Kingsville, TX 78363: August 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Mass: St. Gertrude's Catholic School, 1120 S.
Blue Zones could be coming to Weslaco
WESLACO, Texas — What began as a four-city demonstration project to improve long-term health outcomes in the Upper Rio Grande Valley has expanded into a full-scale regional effort, with leaders in the Mid Valley officially joining the push to evaluate whether the region is ready for a multi-year "Blue Zones" transformation.
Gulf Aviation - Rio Grande Guardian
Livestream Gulf Aviation Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2026 4:18 pm By Steve Taylor, Reporter
Quisenberry: Bringing the Blue Zones initiative to Harlingen and Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas — In a major regional push to combat chronic disease and foster long-term community health, the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation is funding a comprehensive assessment to evaluate whether Harlingen and Brownsville are ready to adopt the internationally acclaimed Blue Zones health initiative.
A Valley Beyond Sick Care: Plans to Transform Region Through Landmark 'Blue Zones' Initiative
EDINBURG, Texas — A sweeping regional movement to shift South Texas from a model of reactive "sick care" to proactive health and longevity is gaining significant momentum across Hidalgo and Cameron counties. In a series of community report-outs held late last month, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas revealed the results of an exhaustive six-month feasibility assessment evaluating four major Hidalgo County cities—McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and Pharr.
Cuellar: Testimony of students will help PossAble Dream achieve its ambitious goals
PHARR, TEXAS - The PossAble Dream Adult High School has a target of graduating 1,000 students next year. This year, the school’s first, will see around 200 graduating later this month. Superintendent Darcia Cuellar says she knows how the school can attract sufficient adults to achieve its ambitious goal: the testimony of graduating students. “How are we going to grow to 1,000? It's testimony. It's the students' testimony that has helped them to overcome where they were and where they want to go.
Is the RGV ready for Blue Zones? An interview with the group's CDO
MCALLEN, Texas - Building more and more hospitals and training more and more doctors and nurses is not the answer, says Dan Buettner, Jr., chief development officer for Blue Zones. Buettner was in the Rio Grande Valley last week to see if the cities of Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, and Pharr would benefit from the Blue Zones program. Leaders of those cities said “yes.” Now, Blue Zones and Methodist Healthcare Ministries are trying to get sponsors to help fund the program.
Mission mayoral candidate Rick Salinas explains his top campaign issues
MISSION, Texas — Longtime trial attorney Ricardo “Rick” Salinas officially entered the race for mayor of Mission, Texas, filing his candidacy paperwork and outlining an ambitious campaign platform focused on City Hall transparency, urgent infrastructure repairs, and fiscal accountability ahead of the November election.
Number of Valley cities participating in the Blue Zones program could jump from four to seven
Healthcare Posted Wednesday, July 22, 2026 1:26 pm EDINBURG, Texas - When Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas (MHM) first started thinking of implementing a Blue Zones program in the Rio Grande Valley they had four cities in mind - Edinburg, McAllen, Mission and Pharr. Now, three more Rio Grande Valley cities could be added: Brownsville, Harlingen and Weslaco. The MHM board agreed to spend $1 million on an assessment of Edinburg, McAllen, Mission and Pharr, to see if they were ready.
New issues emerging for Texas Border Coalition to tackle
Government Posted Sunday, July 19, 2026 7:51 pm MCALLEN, Texas — From fighting the return of the devastating New World screwworm to ensuring private property and historical sites are preserved during border wall construction, the Texas Border Coalition (TBC) is tackling a fresh slate of critical challenges facing the Texas-Mexico border.
Cuellar: U.S. decision to drop long-term USMCA renewal is 'freezing' South Texas investment
LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar is warning that the federal government's decision to shift the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into a volatile cycle of annual reviews rather than issuing a long-term extension has caused multi-million dollar cross-border investments to completely freeze across South Texas ports of entry.
Perez: Why Sgt. Arturo ‘Treto’ Garza deserves city recognition
HARLINGEN, Texas — A new city park under construction in the fast-growing western sector of Harlingen will bear the name of a legendary local veteran and civil rights advocate, a move city leaders say is a crucial step toward reflecting the cultural diversity and rich history of the community.
Bazan: Pharr Bridge’s second span is 99 percent complete
PHARR, Texas — The eagerly awaited second span of the Pharr International Bridge is rapidly approaching the finish line, with construction now over 99 percent complete and on track to open within the next two months. Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge, confirmed the timeline during an interview inside a Capistrano cold warehouse following a press conference held to announce the upcoming "Fresh on the Border Week" initiatives. "We're at the final leg.
City of Pharr to launch inaugural Gateway Forum as part of 'Fresh on the Border Week'
PHARR, Texas - In a strategic bid to capitalize on its booming logistical infrastructure and counter negative national narratives, the City of Pharr has announced the launch of the Gateway Forum, a premier investment and supply chain platform that will kickstart this year’s "Fresh on the Border Week." The newly minted forum, scheduled for October 7, marks a significant expansion of the city's annual celebration of the fresh produce trade.
Meet the new Chair of the Texas Border Coalition
SIERRA BLANCA, Texas — In the sprawling expanse of Far West Texas, Hudspeth County presents a stark geometrical contrast to the bustling metroplexes of the state. Encompassing 4,500 square miles, it stands as the third-largest county in Texas—larger in landmass than the state of New Hampshire—yet it is home to just 3,200 residents. "We have more cows than people, and about 100 miles of the Texas-Mexico border," says Hudspeth County Judge Joanna “JoJo” Mackenzie.
Peña: How we expanded 'Pharr Connect' Fiber into Public Housing Units
Regarding our neighboring communities, we’d love to have those conversations. It’s outside of my wheelhouse, and that’s where elected officials come on board, and then that’s where the funding is really key...
Experts: The rules of North American commerce are now officially fluid
While USMCA is far from dead, a new era of regulatory uncertainty has officially begun, threatening the cross-border supply chains that underpin nearly $2 trillion in annual intraregional trade.” McALLEN, Texas — The July 1 formal joint review deadline for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has arrived, bringing with it a profound shift in the landscape of North American trade.
From South Texas Roots to National Recognition: A feature on Kairos Health
Border Business Posted Saturday, July 4, 2026 11:51 am Healthcare is ultimately a people-centric field, and our goal is really to use technology to reduce that administrative burden so providers and staff can spend a lot more time on focused patient care.” MCALLEN, Texas — Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, 19-year-old Adhira Tippur spent her after-school hours watching her mother, Dr. Ash Chandesh, run Pecan Dental, in McAllen, Texas.
Garza: City of Pharr creates 'monumental' partnership with Pharr Housing Development Corp.
Technology Posted Friday, July 3, 2026 8:16 am In the City of Pharr, we not only like to do things differently, but we like to provide models that can be used locally, statewide, and nationwide.” PHARR, Texas — In what local officials are calling a "monumental" step toward completely eliminating the digital divide in South Texas, the City of Pharr has expanded its municipally owned fiber-optic network to reach hundreds of public housing residents.
Contreras: Invest in the arts. It will pay big dividends.
Arts & Culture Posted Thursday, July 2, 2026 7:31 am Can you imagine having a Ramón Ayala museum? Can you imagine having a Pulido Family Museum? People travel to Corpus Christi just to take a picture with Selena's statue.
Arrieta: Mexico is attracting historic record Foreign Direct Investment
International Trade Posted Tuesday, June 30, 2026 9:01 am As global competition intensifies from regions like Asia, Mexico stands ready as a trusted partner to build the competitiveness required to keep North America at the forefront of the global economy.” BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Mexico attracted a historic record of $23.6 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 10.4% increase year-over-year.
LRGVDC asked to join discussions on a new water management plan for the Valley
WESLACO, Texas - The four county judges in the Rio Grande Valley have asked the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council to be part of a new water management plan for the region. The Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Management Plan aims to advance regional water solutions for the Valley. The plan is being funded by the North American Development Bank with Halff brought in as lead organizer.
RioPlex hires its first operations manager
MCALLEN, Texas - RioPlex has a new operations manager and member services lead. He is 25-year-old David Martinez. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Martinez previously ran his own construction company in Austin, Texas. Martinez will report to RioPlex Executive Director Mario Reyna. Martinez gave his first interview to the RGG Business Journal at a RioPlex mixer event held at Plains Capital Bank in McAllen.
AT&T: We’re expanding in San Juan because it is a business-friendly city
SAN JUAN, TEXAS - More than 1,200 residential and business locations in San Juan are now enjoying high speed fiber thanks to AT&T. More than 2,000 additional locations expected to come online throughout the remainder of the year, officials say. The company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at San Juan City Hall on June 25, 2026, to celebrate. Among those who speak at the event were J.D. Salinas, vice president for external and legislative affairs at AT&T, state Rep.
Garcia provides brief update on McAllen EDC's current strategy
Border Business Posted Wednesday, June 24, 2026 7:42 am MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen Economic Development Corporation is being very strategic on the visits it is making to secure new opportunities for the region, the group’s chief operating officer has explained. Ralph Garcia gave a very brief update on MEDC’s work at their quarterly stakeholders committee meeting on June 18. “We have some projects on the Mexico side, but the majority are US-side projects,” Garcia said.
Olaguibel: Anzalduas International Bridge to get a partial second span
MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen Bridge Board plans to build a second span covering just under half the length of Anzalduas International Bridge in order to separate northbound trucks from passenger vehicles. Juan Olaguibel, superintendent of bridges for the City of McAllen, announced details of the plan at a McAllen Economic Development Corporation quarterly stakeholders meeting.
Fajardo: Are We Building Safer Communities or a More Heavily Monitored One?
With the growing deployment of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) across the Rio Grande Valley, this is a question we should all be asking. We all want safer neighborhoods, safer schools, and a Valley where families can thrive. Public safety is not a partisan issue, nor should it be. Supporting public safety does not mean giving authorities a blank check.
COSTEP hosts workshop on its industrial data system
MCALLEN, Texas — Following its major public rollout back in March, the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) is continuing its push to educate regional leaders on its new Industrial Data System. The digital platform, which maps the extensive manufacturing ecosystem spanning the Rio South Texas region and Northern Tamaulipas, was the focus of a recent workshop held at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) offices.
Suarez: Valeo project is 'moving along very well'
MCALLEN, Texas — The McAllen Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is reporting a highly active first half of the year, driven primarily by efforts to secure the workforce pipeline for French automotive technology giant Valeo ahead of its anticipated move-in date this fall.
Sanchez: RGV-to-DC 2026 was a big success
WESLACO, Texas - Paco Sanchez is president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, the Valley’s regional chamber of commerce. Recently, RGVP held its annual RGV-to-DC trip. The group took a large delegation of business, community, health and education leaders to Washington to advocate for the Valley. In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Sanchez said the trip was an outstanding success.
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