
News media outlets want authority from Texas Legislature to allow journalists to use aerial drones for video and photographs as part of their news gathering, reports South Texas attorney Omar Ochoa
With the 89th Texas Legislature in the final half of its 140-day regular session, the Texas Association of Broadcasters is leading efforts to have state lawmakers restore the ability of Texas newsrooms to use drones for aerial photography in their news gathering mission, reports South Texas attorney Omar Ochoa.

Kendall Scudder, new Chair, Texas Democratic Party, to meet with Valley residents and news media journalists at McAllen Public Library from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025
Kendall Scudder, newly-elected Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, will meet with Rio Grande Valley residents and news media journalists on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the McAllen Public Library, located at 4001 North 23rd Street.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley honored at Texas Capitol ahead of its 10-year anniversary
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley received an early birthday gift from the Texas Legislature, which passed resolutions honoring the university’s upcoming 10th anniversary of its creation.

Valley’s three state senators vote for $3 billion Dementia Prevention and Research Fund, which is supported by DHR Health; measure now before the Texas House of Representatives for its action
A state plan intended to create the largest brain health research center in America, to be known as the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, recently passed the Texas Senate and is awaiting action by the Texas House of Representatives, according to DHR Health.

At least two proposals by Valley State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, would increase government transparency, reports South Texas attorney Omar Ochoa
At least two proposals by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, whose District 21 includes Starr County, are designed to increase government transparency statewide, reports South Texas attorney Omar Ochoa.

Sen. Hinojosa credits Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp for influencing University of Texas System to create UT Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
As the summer 2025 retirement approaches for John Sharp, Chancellor, Texas A&M System, one of his most important, yet least known, contributions to the state and especially to the Rio Grande Valley was recently publicly revealed by Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen.