Books
September 15, 2021
How a Western Comic Series Made Me the Texan I Am Today
To me, Garth Ennis's ‘Preacher’ is about growing past juvenile, self-destructive notions of masculinity.
Rio Grande Valley
Politics & Policy
September 13, 2021
Why Democrats Are Losing Texas Latinos
The party assumes people of color will turn the state blue. But most Tejanos consider themselves white. And more are voting Republican.
Tacos
August 3, 2021
Birria and Brisket Tacos, Plus a Truly Stellar Burrito, Make Starr Barbecue a Gem
This Rio Grande City smoke shack has barbecue in its name, but its Mexican dishes really shine.
News & Politics
June 24, 2021
“When Do They Leave?”: Border Residents Bear the Latest Surge of DPS Troopers
Governor Greg Abbott has sent a thousand state cops into Texas border communities to combat smuggling. But many locals complain that they are more of a nuisance than an effective crime-fighting force.
Politics & Policy
June 17, 2021
Meet the Two Latinas From the Rio Grande Valley Guiding Biden’s Political Strategy
Texas Democrats felt slighted by the president’s campaign in 2020, but Emmy Ruiz and Natalie Montelongo have given them a voice in the White House.
Style & Design
March 3, 2021
This Queer Modeling Agency Is Serving Looks and Creating Opportunity in Brownsville
Founded by Fish Fiorucci, Lady Gaga’s former muse, the f10 modeling agency is focused on building a fashion community in the Rio Grande Valley.
Being Texan
January 22, 2021
What My Aunt Yoli Taught Me About Being a Tejano
The Rio Grande Valley gets its magic from residents like her—those who believe in the blessedness of time and space.
Hunting & Fishing
January 21, 2021
In Search of the Chachalaca, the Least-Hunted Game Bird in Texas
With its distinctive, raucous call, the chachalaca is often heard in South Texas—but good luck spotting one.
Politics & Policy
December 8, 2020
The Arrival of Winter Texans Threatens the Rio Grande Valley’s Hospital System
An estimated 50,000 seniors from northern states are heading to Texas for the warmer weather despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Politics & Policy
November 11, 2020
Why Did Joe Biden Lose Ground With Latinos in South Texas?
Democrats have taken voters in the region for granted. This year, many were receptive to Donald Trump’s messaging on jobs, opportunity, and law enforcement.
Being Texan
October 14, 2020
This Year, Our Family’s Día de los Muertos Altar Will Memorialize Those Who Have Died From the Coronavirus
The ofrenda we build to honor loved ones will include not only our distant past but also the very sorrow that we’re living through now.
Politics & Policy
October 2, 2020
A Water Treaty Has Aided Mexican and U.S. Farmers for Decades. This Year, It’s Wreaking Havoc.
As Mexico lags on sending what it owes to U.S. reservoirs and farmers on both sides of the border protest, experts say the 1944 agreement is not suited for today’s agricultural landscape.
Politics & Policy
July 24, 2020
The Rio Grande Valley Is Texas’s Coronavirus Hot Spot
The death rate from COVID-19 in deep South Texas is more than twice the state average.
Politics & Policy
July 13, 2020
Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. Is Likely to Hold His Office, but He’s Campaigning As If He’s on the Ropes
A sleepy Democratic primary runoff against challenger Sara Stapleton-Barrera heated up last week when a mailer, using a nickname for the incumbent, incited numerous political allies to rally behind him.
Travel & Outdoors
June 24, 2020
The Surprising Story of How Salt Has Helped Shape Texas
From the Estelline spring in the Panhandle and the foot of the Guadalupe Mountains to the hypersaline lakes in the Rio Grande Valley, the common mineral is all around us.
Film & TV
June 15, 2020
The Pandemic Is Threatening to Close McAllen’s Historic Cine El Rey Forever
The community has united to save the 73-year-old cinema and venue, which did not qualify for federal relief funding.
Tacos
May 19, 2020
Taco of the Week: Bistek at Taqueria El Ultimo Taco
This taco is so beloved that it was part of a thorny trademark dispute.
Being Texan
April 20, 2020
Meet the South Texas Couple Who Kill Feral Hogs As a Public Service
Robert and Vickie Lyle’s lives revolve around hunting and trapping hogs. Wildlife refuge managers count on them to keep the destructive pigs in check.
Tacos
March 4, 2020
T-Ghost BBQ Serves Silky, Tender Barbacoa Tacos in the Valley
Joshua and Myra Guerrero’s food truck embraces new barbecue ideas from across the state.
BBQ
February 26, 2020
The Smoked Mollejas of Duval and Jim Hogg Counties
A trip through sparsely populated corners of South Texas reveals an unusual barbecue specialty.
Being Texan
January 22, 2020
A Snowball’s Chance in South Texas
The Wall Street Journal investigates what happened to the snowballs people froze after a historic 2004 snowfall.
Tacos
January 21, 2020
Taco of the Week: Chaco-Taco at El Santuario Tacos & Cocktails
At this Rio Grande Valley taqueria, starting with dessert might be the best way to kick off a meal of creative tacos.
Border & Immigration
January 10, 2020
Tommy Fisher Is Gambling He Can Flip His $42 Million Border Wall to Trump
No matter that the federal government formally objects to his project and plans to build its own just two miles away.
Border & Immigration
December 5, 2019
At Trump Administration’s Request, Federal Judge Stops a Private Border Wall in South Texas
For the second time in a week, the pro-Trump group has been told to stand down.
Border & Immigration
November 1, 2019
It Looks Like the Border Wall Is Going Up in South Texas. But Looks May Be Deceiving.
Crews have built a small section of steel fencing in Hidalgo County. Is it all for show?
Music
September 23, 2019
The Valley Comes Alive in Charley Crockett’s Songs
Recorded just before he had two heart surgeries, the singer-songwriter’s new album took him back to his South Texas roots.
Border & Immigration
September 19, 2019
The Angry Tías y Abuelas Are Feeding and Fighting for Asylum Seekers at the Border
Situated on the frontlines of the immigration crisis, the Angry Tias y Abuelas group acts as the eyes and ears of the border.
Travel & Outdoors
September 18, 2019
Rich With History, Brownsville Steps Into the Future
A revitalized downtown and a new network of hiking, biking, and paddling trails add to the appeal of this border town by the beach.
Politics & Policy
August 30, 2019
Is the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge Still in the Crosshairs of Trump’s Border Wall?
Activists are concerned that the Trump administration will circumvent congressional prohibitions against building a barrier through the South Texas preserve.
Art
August 27, 2019
‘We Exist, We Have Voices, We Have Stories’: A New Festival Confronts the Borderland’s Complexity
Art and activism intersected at the Rio Grande Valley’s first Encuentro en la Frontera.
Music
August 1, 2019
How McAllen’s New Festival Could Change the Valley’s Music Scene
McAllen’s new arts and music festival has potential to contribute to creative communities, if it’s thoughtful about how to best serve their needs.
Being Texan
April 17, 2019
The Beauty of Semana Santa in the Rio Grande Valley
With its mixture of American and Mexican heritage, South Texas does Holy Week like nowhere else.
Film & TV
April 4, 2019
Gabrielle Ruiz of ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ on Breaking Out of the Rio Grande Valley and Into Hollywood
The Edinburg native talks about her hometown, her role models growing up, and how she mentors aspiring actors in the RGV.
BBQ Joint Reviews
December 18, 2018
Massive, Tender Beef Short Ribs are Worth the Splurge at Smokin’ Moon in Pharr
From juicy chicken to a hulking brisket sandwich, the joint offers some of the best barbecue in Hidalgo County.
Underdog: Beto vs. Cruz
October 26, 2018
‘Underdog: Beto vs. Cruz’ and the Nonvoting State
In Episode 3, we travel to the Rio Grande Valley, where voter turnout is historically low.
Border & Immigration
August 31, 2018
The Trump Administration Is Targeting Latino Texans Who Are U.S. Citizens
With the government questioning the authenticity of their birth certificates, some Texans worry that even providing additional documentation won't be enough.
Music
June 14, 2018
Rio Grande Valley Musicians Reflect on Home in Stanford University Project
Stanford Ph.D student Jonathan Leal and producer/filmmaker Charlie Vela teamed for a project exploring this moment in Valley music.
Border & Immigration
April 3, 2018
Federal Border Wall Funding Spares Wildlife Refuge, But Not Much Else
The omnibus bill allocates money toward border wall construction along 33 miles in the Rio Grande Valley.
Bum Steers
October 16, 2017
The South Texas Fajita Bandit Has Finally Been Caught
It took nine years for him to meat his match.
Film & TV
March 16, 2017
‘As I Walk Through The Valley’ Tells The Untold History of South Texas Punk Rock
First-time documentarians Charlie Vela and Ronnie Garza capture fifty years of music history in their hometown.
Politics & Policy
October 19, 2016
Up Against the Wall
Congressman Filemon Vela had always kept a low profile—until he told Donald Trump to stick his border fence you-know-where.
News & Politics
September 21, 2016
Can This Man Secure the Border?
Manuel Padilla, the Border Patrol’s new sector chief in the Rio Grande Valley, promises to stem the influx of people and drugs into Texas. That may sound fanciful, but consider this: he did it in Arizona.
Sports
February 23, 2016
Mack Brown Will Be Assessing The Viability Of A UTRGV Football Program
Will UTRGV's football program remain undefeated?
Texas History
November 18, 2015
Five Questions With Filmmaker John Paris About the Bubblegum King of McAllen
John Paris’ father, Andy, was one of the most famous men alive in post-WWII America and Mexico—that is, until his bubblegum empire crashed hard.
Food & Drink
November 17, 2015
Best Tacos: Rio Grande Valley
Chilaquiles, Anita’s Cafe Type: Breakfast Rating: 4.25 Price: $1.79 Watching the tortilla lady at work in this little place, with its cheery rooster-themed decor, you feel like a guest in someone’s home. Best of a good lot:
Business
November 12, 2015
Great Planes
The real-life adventures of Leland Snow, the Thomas Edison of agricultural aviation.
Music
September 21, 2015
Music Monday: An Introduction To The Rio Grande Valley Punk Rock Scene’s Golden Era
With Fernando A. Flores’ short story collection and the forthcoming documentary shining new light on the RGV punk scene, let’s take an audio tour.
The Daily Post
August 24, 2015
San Juan Has Banned Car Clubs From Cruising
If cruising is outlawed, only outlaws will cruise.
The Daily Post
June 19, 2015
Pharr Is the Best Small City in the Country for Working Women
The small town in the Rio Grande Valley ranked first in the country on NerdWallet’s list of best cities for women in the workforce.