Larry Charles Wingert, 83, a journalist and former publisher of the Monitor newspaper in McAllen who passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021, has been honored by the Texas House of Representatives for his professional civic, and personal contributions to the state.

Jennifer Saenz, who last summer opened the McAllen office of Phenix Saenz, LLC, a legislative affairs firm with business partner Billy Phenix, not only shares that noble belief of the late Texas governor, but continues to live it as a champion for people from all walks of life.

The Texas Water Development Board on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, approved a project application from the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 for financial assistance through the Flood Infrastructure Fund for a portion of the total cost for a major flood control project, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, announced.

A landmark legislative plan that would provide unserved regions, including many areas in South Texas, with access to vital high-speed Internet, such as needed for online learning from school for students who are unable to get to campus, and for Texans to receive health care through telemedicine, features Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, as a joint author.

Rio Grande Valley state lawmakers have a long and proven history of protecting freedom of speech, open government, and freedom of the press in Texas, and during the ongoing 140-day regular session of the 87th Texas Legislature, they will once more be champions of the people’s right to know, says attorney Omar Ochoa.

Graphic By ANTHONY ACOSTA •••••• First debate of McAllen mayoral candidates set for live online presentation on Wednesday, March 3, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m by McAllen Area Rotary Clubs  By DAVID A. DÍ[email protected] The five candidates for McAllen...

Medical professionals with DHR Health will appear before the Edinburg City Council on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, for a city proclamation recognizing March 2021 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which will include a call to observe Friday, March 5, 2021, as “Dress in Blue Day” to help bring awareness to colorectal cancer.

While COVID-19 and Medicaid expansion are sure to receive major attention during the ongoing 87th Texas Legislature, other key issues dealing with state health and human services may very well also be taken up by state lawmakers in the next few weeks and months, DHR Health has announced.

By being selected as Chair, House Committee on Transportation, Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, on Thursday, February 4, 2021, made history again by becoming the first Hispanic state lawmaker to lead that influential group of 12 fellow state representatives.

This is one in a series of stories about the men and women who are vital not only to their respective legislative employers but also to the people of the Rio Grande Valley.