SOUTH TEXAS

Nine out of 27 loggerhead sea turtles were released after being in rehab at the Texas State Aquarium's Wildlife Rescue Center.

Texas is one of many states to have a liquor ban. Here's what you need to know to get your holiday booze.

The institute aims to meet rural community needs in South Texas and beyond.

EDINBURG — Bert Ogden Arena played host to a men’s basketball doubleheader featuring UTRGV and No. The Vaqueros opened the show with a thrilling 78-77 win over Western Illinois on a buzzer-beating layup by Ahren Freeman. When the Vaqueros needed a bucket most, however, it was Freeman who received an inbounds pass trailing 77-76 with 3.4 seconds left. Texas (4-0) took the court after the Vaqueros in front of a crowd of 6,674 scattered with burnt orange. A lot of tradition here with basketball, a lot of tradition here with Longhorns fans and alumni, so I thought it was awesome,” Texas head coach Chris Beard said.

Hurricane Ian didn’t do Florida’s citrus industry any favors, though it could benefit some citrus growers in the Rio Grande Valley, according to a Texas A&M citrus expert.

Texas Rangers killed them 102 years ago. It also honors their memory and contends that “justice against the Texas Rangers was never resolved.”“People want to know about the history,” Interim Duval County Judge E.B. Many died in La Matanza, a massacre led by Texas Rangers against ethnic Mexicans that Carmona says supported an anglo land grab in South Texas 100 years ago. “There is no relationship between the modern Texas Rangers (or DPS) and the incident you reference,” the law enforcement agent said in a statement. The Texas Rangers will mark its bicentennial next year, he observed.

The new Mexican American Studies Institute honors the legacy of Hispanic students and activism.

Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas unveiled its newly renovated office building in Harlingen on Thursday, expanding counseling and addiction services offered in 19 counties in the Valley and South Texas.

Newly elected Texas Republican Monica De La Cruz called out ABC's "The View" and actor John Leguizamo for suggesting Latinos fall for GOP "fear tactics."

The Port of Corpus Christi, since its inception in 1922, has been an integral part of the Coastal Bend’s identity as a key economic engine.

With rosy cheeks and bundles of sweaters, residents from across the Rio Grande Valley gathered here to enjoy fall-themed festivities in the South Texas cold (50 degrees), and even walked away with a turkey.

After finally flipping the Democratic district, Monica De La Cruz vowed to “represent all of South Texas” and likely will be influential on border issues.

Episode one of the podcast features a visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum and explores the violence of La Matanza in the Rio Grande Valley.

In a press call Monday, O’Rourke’s team reflected on its failures during the election, but said Gov. Greg Abbott had the advantage with his ability to attract media attention and rely on” established narratives” that historically favor Republicans.

While he defeated challenger Beto O’Rourke handily statewide, Abbott lost every Valley county on election night. “We planted our flag in South Texas,” the governor said Tuesday During his victory party at McAllen’s Quinta Mazatlan. This inspired Republicans at the national level, who traditionally had conceded South Texas as unwinnable, to make the region its primary target this year and moving toward 2024. To be sure, the Republican Party did make inroads during this election. Of course, a Republican presence has long been felt in the Valley, with party members serving as mayors of several cities and county judges.

While he defeated challenger Beto O’Rourke handily statewide, Abbott lost every Valley county on election night. “We planted our flag in South Texas,” the governor said Tuesday During his victory party at McAllen’s Quinta Mazatlan. This inspired Republicans at the national level, who traditionally had conceded South Texas as unwinnable, to make the region its primary target this year and moving toward 2024. To be sure, the Republican Party did make inroads during this election. Of course, a Republican presence has long been felt in the Valley, with party members serving as mayors of several cities and county judges.

Although the drought did take a toll on Christmas trees, there should be no shortage of trees after Thanksgiving.

Bel Furniture and the USA Today Network are partnering with the Texas VFW to give 12 Texans veterans furniture and $500 gift cards for Christmas.

The Robstown couple battled for 13 years to help get veterans suffering from the effects of burn pit exposure added benefits through federal agencies.

A cold front will bring cold weather and rain to South Texas this weekend. Here's how cold it could get.

Every two years, the party tries to kick the football—and every two years, it misses. Good grief!

The Thomas J. Henry law firm will hand out free Thanksgiving turkeys to families at four South Texas locations.

The GOP flipped only one of the three congressional seats it wanted this cycle. But the party made inroads down the ballot.

After more than a century of one-party representation, members of both major political parties will serve the Rio GrandeValley in both Congress and the state legislature. After all, officials, once elected, are expected to serve all of their constituents, regardless of their political affiliation or personal preferences. Can these officials stand up to the possible demands of party officials that might not be in the Valley’s interests? Can both Democrat and Republican elected officials from the Valley work together, using the strength of their numbers, to advocate for the needs of this area? Does the Valley’s new mixed bag of elected officials recognize this, and work together in the best interests of the region?

AUSTIN (AP) — Republican Texas Gov.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

Only a handful of the state’s 219 legislative and congressional races were competitive. That was by design.

While Republicans in South Texas may not have experienced the “red wave” they sought with much of the Rio Grande Valley voting blue, they did win a spot on the 20-county 13th Court of Appeals. The main headlines here Tuesday night were Republican Monica De La Cruz’s historic win to represent District 15, but longtime Republican operative Aaron Peña Jr. successfully secured a spot on the Edinburg-based appellate court early Wednesday morning. With all precincts reporting from the 20 counties that the 13th Court of Appeals serves, Peña secured a total of 225,132 votes for 52.61% of the vote compared to Hinojosa, who garnered 47.39% with 202,824 voters casting ballots in her favor. The appellate court is now split evenly down the line with three Republicans and three Democrats. Hinojosa was elected to the court in 2016 and took office in 2017.

The traditional job fair that is aimed primarily at veterans of the different branches of...

Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez is projected to defeat ​GOP Rep. Mayra Flores in her reelection bid for Texas' 34th congressional district.

Republican incumbents are successfully defending their seats while the party appears to be making inroads in South Texas.

Republicans continued their 28-year dominance of statewide races but fell short of their hopes for a South Texas congressional sweep.

Texas Republican Monica De La Cruz won re-election, beating Democrat Michelle Vallejo in the newly-drawn 15th Congressional District, the Associated Press projects.

De La Cruz defeated Democrat Michelle Vallejo, a political newcomer who ran on a platform of progressive social policy and close family ties to the region.

The Democratic congressman ousted Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Los Indios, who had won a special election in June. The race was key to Republican efforts to win over Hispanic voters in South Texas.

The 28th Congressional District race was one of three seats in South Texas where Republicans hoped to make gains in a region Democrats have long dominated.

As of presstime, Monica De La Cruz led Democrat opponent Michelle Vallejo by about 11,000 votes. De La Cruz, speaking to supporters a little before 11 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport, was jubilant. This election marks the second time De La Cruz has run for the District 15 seat. “Tonight, Texas Republicans will tell you that picking up TX-15 shows that they’re gaining ground with Hispanics in South Texas,” Hinojosa began. A half-dozen or so Republican candidates for state and local offices joined De La Cruz at her party.

The governor prevailed after a tumultuous period that included the pandemic, a statewide blackout, restrictions on voting and abortion and the Uvalde school shooting.

The race between incumbent Barbara Canales and Republican challenger Connie Scott is the most expensive and contentious local race.

Results from and analysis on Greg Abbott vs. Beto O’Rourke, reelection bids by Dan Patrick and Ken Paxton, South Texas House races, and more.

The preelection polling is over and done with. Now it's time for voters to have the final say in the race between Greg Abbott and Beto O'Rourke.

Texans head to the polls today to elect the state's governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general — and more — for the next four years. Several local and regional races are also on the ballot, including a handful of competitive seats for U.S. Congress.

While the GOP focuses on the border and economy under President Joe Biden, Democrats are hoping to prove polls and political forecasters wrong by tapping into anger over the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the Uvalde school shooting.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Here’s what’s on the ballot, what you’ll need to vote, how to get help and how to find election results.

Over 500 people showed up to hear President Bill Clinton stump for fellow Democrat Michelle Vallejo in Edinburg on Monday afternoon, a day before Election Day. Richard Gonzales, chairman of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party, introduced Vallejo who was welcomed by an energetic crowd. The Democratic candidate emphasized points in her platform like healthcare, education, and improving the quality of life for South Texas. “The first time I ever went to a political event was when Hillary Clinton was running in 2008,” Sabrina Gonzalez said. “She went to the Dodge Arena.”While Clinton represents a different time in the Democratic Party, Sabrina Gonzalez said she felt inspired to witness an act of solidarity during divisive times.

Election Day is here and Republicans are expected to make big gains in the midterms, including taking control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

If drought conditions and low Rio Grande water levels persist, that could at least be a consideration for the future of the Rio GrandeValley and perhaps the entire state. Treated wastewater, called effluent, already is used in South Texas to irrigate local golf courses and some farms. Texas already allows the recycling of effluent water into municipal water supplies, and some cities such as Wichita Falls and Big Spring, in West Texas, already do so. Despite the region’s rapidly growing population and industrial and business sectors, agriculture still uses three-fourths of all the water used in the region. Using more effluent water for crop irrigation would maximize its use and leave more available for homes.

Border Democrats in Texas held the line in two key House races.

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has won a third term following one of the most expensive races of the 2022 midterm elections.

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has won a third term following one of the most expensive races of the 2022 midterm elections.

If you’re keeping a close eye on the results Tuesday night, you should follow one overarching rule: Don’t jump to conclusions.

Clinton traveled to Laredo in the morning to stump for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and then went to the Rio Grande Valley to boost Michelle Vallejo, who is running for an open seat.

Finishing his third campaign in six years — Senate, then president, now Texas governor — Beto O’Rourke is the emblem of unrealized ambition in the Democratic Party.

First lady Jill Biden and U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy were in Texas Sunday to help members of their respective parties energize voters before Election Day.

O'Rouke has been driving throughout the state, trying to build a coalition similar to the one he had in 2018, when he narrowly lost to Ted Cruz. But this is 2022.

Four high school bands from the Rio Grande Valley including the Hanna Golden Eagle Marching Band will compete in this year's State High School Marching Contest at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Four high school bands from the Rio Grande Valley including the Hanna Golden Eagle Marching Band will compete in this year's State High School Marching Contest at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The AEP Foundation has contributed $25,000 to the Imaginarium of South Texas, the only...

The general hunting season for white-tailed deer starts on Saturday in South Texas and runs through Jan. 15. Here are the specific regulations for Webb County.

White-tailed deer season begins Saturday in the South Zone of Texas, and across the state as hunters prepare for the annual season.

Democrats are spending big to stop Republicans from flipping any of the three key battleground seats that have historically gone blue.

Amid a crowded field of conservative youth organizers, Run GenZ is supporting young candidates for local office across the state.

The university officially split its College of Science and Engineering into two separate colleges.

Republicans are pursuing Latinos. Democrats are counting on the abortion issue. Nobody knows who’s going to turn out. And the polls are all over the place.

The campaign stop in Corpus Christi was the first of five he made in South Texas on the final Monday of early voting.

For the first time in fifty years, single-issue abortion voters are pro-choice. Can Texas Democrats capitalize on it?

Texas’ biggest single solution to providing enough water for its soaring population in the coming decades is using more surface water, including about two dozen new large reservoirs. But climate change has made damming rivers a riskier bet.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, visited the Rio Grande Valley on Sunday as part of a tour to energize young voters in the lead up to the midterm elections on Nov. 8, speaking at a rally here for Michelle Vallejo, the Democratic nominee for Texas’ 15th congressional district.

The two-time Democratic presidential candidate visited Central Texas and South Texas amid concerns that young and working-class voters are not mobilized enough for the midterm election.

UVALDE (AP) — Just hours after voting started in Texas, Kimberly Rubio cast her ballot in the same Uvalde city building where she waited in May to learn that her daughter, Lexi, was one of 19 fourth-g[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

Sign unveiling ceremonies in Cameron County and on the Kenedy-Willacy county line on Friday marked the designation of additional miles of interstate in South Texas.

The Uvalde school massacre has cast a long shadow in the midterm elections in Texas, intensifying Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign against Democrat Beto O’Rourke and driving a blitz of television ads.

Texas' state police chief says his department did not fail Uvalde during the hesitant law enforcement response to the Robb Elementary School shooting.

In some battleground state legislative races, Republicans have been making overtures to those who believe the ban as too extreme. They have said they are open to revising the ban to include the exceptions — and even voiced confidence that the Legislature will do so when it reconvenes in January.

Trump rally attendees said they were basing their midterm votes on issues such as the economy and the border and were hopeful Trump would run for president again.

Nearly half of Hispanic Texans live in the state’s five largest counties, a voting bloc Democrats cannot afford to lose as they struggle to compete in the state’s vast rural areas.

Since Congress lifted the U.S. oil export ban in 2015, three proposed LNG export facilities have fallen victim to the protest. But the war in Ukraine is an impetus for two remaining projects.

The former president will stage a rally Saturday in Robstown, west of Corpus Christi.

The three GOP candidates raked in a combined $4.3 million over the past three months, and their Democratic competitors got $2.4 million together, according to new campaign finance filings.

“I’m really, deeply disappointed in the DCCC,” Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said. “I hope they change their mind, and if we lose this election, it’s completely on them.”

Texas Democrats are embarking on another October blitz in pursuit of flipping America’s big red state.

The seasoned South Texas Democrat is running his most aggressive campaign operation since his first run for Congress.

Garza remains the underdog, battling her own low name recognition and a fundraising disadvantage in an expensive statewide race that is already demanding considerable resources for travel and TV ads.

In two of the three races, Democrats are hitting back as outside Republican groups try to turn the region red.

The number of migrant encounters at the Texas-Mexico border has climbed from 109,456 in March 2021, the month the mission began, to 116,976 in August — a failure of Abbott’s office’s stated desire to “stop this revolving door and deter others considering entering illegally.”

Candidates like Beto O’Rourke and Mike Collier say they want to work toward a cleaner energy future but aren’t looking to eliminate the energy jobs that boost Texas’ economy.

Flores’ campaign previously said former district director Aron Peña had resigned after multiple allegations of sexual harassment. Peña has denied any wrongdoing and said the accusations were politically motivated.

The Democratic nominee for governor said during The Texas Tribune Festival that he’s counting on a big turnout of voters energized by the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The junior U.S. senator from Texas spoke Saturday at the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival about his beef with the Biden administration, the battle for the soul of the GOP and whether he plans to run for president again.

Citing water quality concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency may refuse to recognize a permit that Texas approved Thursday for a marine desalination plant at the Port of Corpus Christi.

Flores’ district director, Aron Peña, was accused of touching and kissing an intern without her consent. He denies any wrongdoing.

Both Gov. Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke hope to define the election on issues viewed as favorable to their own parties.

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services leaders instructed employees to avoid written communications about the cases and barred low-level employees from handling the investigations, according to internal agency communications.

A former South Texas mayor has been acquitted of organized election fraud and illegal voting.

Attorney General Ken Paxton accused Richard Molina of participating in “an organized illegal voting scheme,” when he announced the arrest in 2019.

The firing of Uvalde's embattled school police chief hasn't satisfied or reassured many Uvalde residents as a new school year approaches.

Attorney general’s opinion invites lawsuits over long-established ballot security and sets up election officials for possible criminal charges.

Uvalde school officials have faced mounting pressure to fire Arredondo, who received much of the blame for the delay in confronting the shooter during the May 24 massacre at Robb Elementary.

Progressive Democrat Michelle Vallejo and conservative Republican Monica De La Cruz face off in a South Texas district long represented by moderate Democrats.

Monica De La Cruz runs on a campaign against runaway spending and “socialist” policies, blasting Democratic measures to expand federal assistance amid the pandemic.

Flood threat for the rest of our Friday