IMAS is excited to introduce a new homeschool program designed to bring homeschool families together for hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery! Image courtesy of IMAS
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – IMAS is excited to introduce a new homeschool program designed to bring homeschool families together for hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery!
You are invited to join first Homeschool STEAM Day at the International Museum of Art & Science on Wednesday, October 21, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Homeschoolers of all ages are invited to explore the connections between science, technology, engineering, art, and math through engaging experiences throughout the Museum.
The day will include Science on a Sphere presentations, Animal Talks featuring Biozone Ambassador Animals, and hands-on science activities focused on potential and kinetic energy.
Texas Southmost College Trustee Edward Camarillo has been elected to the board of a leading statewide college association, providing an opportunity to bring South Texas communities’ higher education priorities to the forefront of conversations impacting the future of community colleges. Courtesy image. Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Texas Southmost College Trustee Edward Camarillo has been elected to the board of a leading statewide college association, providing an opportunity to bring South Texas communities’ higher education priorities to the forefront of conversations impacting the future of community colleges. Trustees and regents from community colleges across Texas selected Camarillo, who serves as the TSC Board Secretary, as the South Region Director of the Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT). The election took place during the CCATT Annual Conference, held Sept. 17-19 in Baytown.
Camarillo will serve a two-year term on the board, working to advance initiatives focused on student success, effective governance, and policies that strengthen Texas community colleges. In his new statewide role, he will participate in quarterly CCATT board meetings and serve on committees that support the association’s mission.
“I appreciate the trust my CCATT colleagues have placed in me to represent the voice of our South Texas region for important community college priorities,” said Camarillo. “As we head into the 90th Texas Legislative session, there is much work to be done to ensure we continue to expand higher education pathways for our communities, maintain affordability for students, and enhance our colleges’ sustainability across the state.”
Texas Southmost College’s ongoing participation in CCATT reflects the college’s continued commitment to leadership and engagement in higher education across Texas.
Alonzo Cantu, founder of AACT NOW, holds a “Register to Vote” sign supporting the organization’s nonpartisan voter-awareness initiative. Photo by Roberto Hugo González.
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas — The Advocacy Alliance Center of Texas, known as AACT NOW, will officially launch its Rally the Vote initiative Thursday, Oct. 1, bringing together community partners working to expand access to accurate, nonpartisan election information across the Rio Grande Valley.
The launch will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Party Suite at Bert Ogden Arena, 4900 S. Interstate 69C in Edinburg.
AACT NOW leadership will be joined by representatives from business, healthcare, education, media, local government, nonprofit groups, and other community organizations serving the region.
The press conference will introduce the initiative and its growing network of community partners. Organizers will explain how participating organizations will support voter education, civic engagement, and access to trusted election resources.
Rally the Vote is focused on communities in Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr and Willacy counties. The initiative will use established organizations and community networks to distribute election information to residents throughout the four-county region.
AACT NOW said voter participation in the Rio Grande Valley has historically remained below statewide levels. The organization described Rally the Vote as a community-driven effort intended to help residents obtain reliable information about registering and participating in elections.
The initiative is nonpartisan and is not organized to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot positions. Its stated purpose is to provide residents with information needed to understand the voting process and make their own decisions.
Organizers said working through trusted community partners can help election information reach residents through institutions and organizations they already know. Participating groups represent several sectors and communities across the Valley.
The launch event will include Rally the Vote branding, recognition of participating partners, and opportunities to interview AACT NOW officials and organizational leaders.
AACT NOW is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization focused on civic education, voter information, and community engagement across the Rio Grande Valley.
The organization works through community partnerships and initiatives including Rally the Vote and Touch-10. Both programs are intended to broaden access to trusted election resources and encourage residents to become informed about civic participation.
Rally the Vote will serve as the organization’s regional voter-information initiative, bringing participating groups together around a shared public-education campaign.
Additional information about AACT NOW and its programs is available at AACTnow.org.
The campaign’s message is “Rally the Vote. One Community. One Voice.”
The City of Laredo has launched Laredo Votes 2026, a nonpartisan public-information campaign intended to help residents prepare for the Nov. 3 election. Image for illustration purposes. Courtesy logo
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas — The City of Laredo has launched Laredo Votes 2026, a nonpartisan public-information campaign intended to help residents prepare for the Nov. 3 election.
The city’s Public Information Office is leading the campaign through an initiative of Mayor Victor Treviño and the City Council, according to information presented during a Sept. 24 news conference at City Hall.
City officials said the campaign will provide residents with voter-registration information, election deadlines, early-voting schedules, mail-ballot guidance, polling locations, sample ballots, and information about offices and candidates appearing on the ballot.
The campaign does not endorse candidates or political parties.
“We are not here to tell you who to vote for, but we are here to inform you so that you can make a good decision,” Public Information Manager Noraida Negrón said during the news conference.
Laredo’s general election is scheduled for Nov. 3. Voters will select the mayor, representatives for City Council Districts I, II, III and VI, and the judge for Municipal Court Place 1.
The voter-registration deadline is Oct. 5. Early voting will run from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30. The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail is Oct. 23, according to election information the city released.
Laredo also plans a series of candidate forums at City Hall before early voting begins. The forums are intended to give residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking municipal office.
Candidates for City Council District I will appear at 6 p.m. Oct. 6, followed by District VI candidates at 7:30 p.m. District III candidates are scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 7, followed by District II candidates at 7:30 p.m.
The Municipal Court Judge Place 1 forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 8.
Eligible members of the Laredo Youth Council who are at least 18 will be invited to participate as student panelists and submit questions to candidates, according to the city.
The Laredo Public Library is supporting the campaign by making voter-registration cards available at library locations. The library will also serve as an early-voting location.
Campaign organizers are working with community partners and plan to use city communication channels, neighborhood outreach and social media to distribute election information. Volunteers have also visited college campuses to help first-time voters register and encouraged registered voters to verify their status.
Negrón said Laredo has used the voter-information campaign during city elections since 2022. Organizers plan to focus part of their outreach on districts and neighborhoods with lower voter participation.
Residents can find registration information, voting dates, polling locations, sample ballots, and candidate details on the city’s official election webpage and through public communication channels.
The campaign’s public message is: “Get informed. Get ready. Vote.”
Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation to allow expanded use of dyed diesel on Texas roads. The proclamation also raises the allowable weight for fuel, agricultural, and timber loads, and suspends Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) rules to the extent the EPA authorizes. The Governor also requested that the EPA waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation to allow expanded use of dyed diesel on Texas roads. The proclamation also raises the allowable weight for fuel, agricultural, and timber loads, and suspends Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) rules to the extent the EPA authorizes. The Governor also requested that the EPA waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements.
“Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel,” said Governor Abbott. “Record prices put both industries at risk and raise costs for every Texas family. Farmers and truckers can now use dyed diesel on Texas roads, and fuel, crop, and timber loads can move at a higher weight. These steps cut costs on the farm, on the road, and at the store.”
Dyed diesel is off-road fuel marked red, typically used in agricultural operations, and sold without a motor-fuels tax. Because it is untaxed, state law ordinarily bars its use on public roadways. The Governor’s proclamation suspends state restrictions and associated penalties so operators can use such fuel on Texas roads. It does not waive the underlying fuel tax.
The proclamation also suspends state oversize and overweight permitting requirements for vehicles loaded with fuel, agricultural, or timber products and allows those loads at a gross weight of up to 95,000 pounds.
Governor Abbott asked EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for a temporary Clean Air Act waiver of federal ultra-low sulfur diesel rules and the TxLED rules that apply in 110 Texas counties. Those standards limit which diesel can be sold, and a waiver would allow more fuel to reach Texas pumps.
Texas Secretary of State Robert S. Howden today reminded eligible Texans that the deadline to register to vote in the November 3 General Election is Monday, October 5, 2026. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN — Texas Secretary of State Robert S. Howden today reminded eligible Texans that the deadline to register to vote in the November 3 General Election is Monday, October 5, 2026.
Robert Howden, Texas Secretary of State. Courtesy image
Election officials say registering to vote, or confirming an existing registration, is the first step toward a smooth voting experience this fall.
“The deadline to register to vote in the November general election is October 5,” Secretary Howden said. “If you are qualified to vote but have not yet registered, or if you have moved or since you last voted, now is the time to act.”
To register to vote, you must be at least 18 years old by Election Day, a U.S. Citizen, and a resident in your county of registration.
Texans can find a registration application, check their current registration status, or update their information at VoteTexas.gov.
When mailing in your voter registration application, it must be postmarked on or before the registration deadline.
Voters can ensure that a postmark is applied to their voter registration application, and that the date on the postmark matches the date of mailing, by visiting a USPS retail location and requesting a manual postmark at the retail counter when presenting their voter registration application.
Early voting for the November General Election runs October 19 through October 30, with Election Day on November 3.
For more information about voter registration, key election deadlines, or the upcoming general election, Texans are encouraged to visit VoteTexas.gov or call 1-800-252-VOTE for official assistance.
Texas Border Business Publisher Roberto Hugo González, who has joined the AACT Now nonpartisan voter initiative, reminds Rio Grande Valley residents that there is still time to register to vote. The voter registration deadline is October 5, 2026. Register now and make your voice count.
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas — Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News have joined AACT Now’s Rally the Vote initiative, using their digital platforms to encourage eligible Rio Grande Valley residents to register to vote and participate in the November 2026 election.
The publications began running a series of AACT Now and news articles, along with voter-awareness advertisements, on Sept. 23 as part of the nonpartisan regional campaign. The first phase focuses on voter registration and will continue through Oct. 5, the registration deadline.
Beginning Oct. 6, the publications will transition to a new advertising series encouraging registered voters to vote. The campaign will continue through Election Day on Nov. 3.
The message from Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News is clear: registering and voting matter, regardless of political affiliation.
The publications use five digital advertising formats, including desktop and mobile pop-up ads, a large skyscraper ad, in-article ads, and a wide billboard ad prominently displayed on the websites.
The effort follows AACT Now’s Sept. 15 Rally the Vote event in Edinburg, where business, education, health care, nonprofit and government representatives were asked to help increase civic participation across Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties. The event coincided with National Voter Registration Day.
AACT Now Executive Director Norma Flores Ruiz told participants that the campaign aims to transform the Valley’s existing community engagement into voter participation through a coordinated regional effort. The organization reported that voter turnout across the four counties was 48.5% in 2024 and set a goal of moving regional participation toward 55% to 60%.
AACT Now is also promoting its Touch 10 initiative, which asks participants to reach 10 people with accurate voting information, encourage them to make a voting plan, and follow up as voting approaches. The strategy relies on businesses, schools, health organizations, nonprofits, local governments, media organizations, and other trusted institutions to communicate directly with the people they serve.
Businessman Alonzo Cantu, founder of AACT Now, emphasized at the Edinburg gathering that AACT Now’s effort is nonpartisan and not intended to influence how residents vote.
“We don’t care how you vote. Just vote,” Cantu told participants.
Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News are participating in that outreach by prominently placing the voter messages in front of their digital audiences.
The campaign will carry two messages over the coming weeks: register before the deadline, and once registered, exercise the right to vote.
Through their participation in Rally the Vote, Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News are joining other regional organizations to encourage residents to take part in the civic process while remaining independent of candidates, political parties, and ballot positions.
The City of Edinburg is excited to announce the upcoming Fall 2026 Veterans Benefits Fair, taking place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Edinburg ACE Center (315 W. McIntyre St.), starting at 9 a.m. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas –The City of Edinburg is excited to announce the upcoming Fall 2026 Veterans Benefits Fair, taking place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Edinburg ACE Center (315 W. McIntyre St.), starting at 9 a.m.
This fair provides a hands-on, supportive space for local veterans and their families to explore available health services, financial benefits, and community resources. Representatives will be on-site to guide participants through VA claims, educational programs, and support systems. Attendees will discover tailored benefits, step-by-step resource navigation, and specialized programs that reflect the city’s commitment to honoring those who served.
Courtesy image
Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Doors open at 8 a.m.)
Location: Edinburg ACE Center | 315 W. McIntyre St., Edinburg
Walk-ins are welcome, but early registration is strongly encouraged. To RSVP, attendees can visi tedinburgarts.com/veteransfair or call (956) 388-8224.
This event is organized by the Edinburg Cultural Arts Department. For more information, community members may visit the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events Center at 315 W. McIntyre St., call (956) 388-8224, email arts@cityofedinburg.com, or visit edinburgarts.com.
IBC Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Gerald Schwebel to enterprise-wide president of international banking, recognizing his exceptional leadership, decades of service, and significant contributions to the bank’s growth and his accomplishments in leading international operations. Courtesy Image. Bgd image: Jorgeelopezk, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – IBC Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Gerald Schwebel to enterprise-wide president of international banking, recognizing his exceptional leadership, decades of service, and significant contributions to the bank’s growth and his accomplishments in leading international operations.
A respected authority on international trade, finance, transportation, and U.S.-Mexico relations, Gerald Schwebel has servedIBC Bank and its customers for decades. Since becoming head of the bank’s Corporate International Division in 1996, he has overseen all of IBC Bank’s international banking services while helping strengthen the institution’s position as a leading financial partner for businesses engaged in cross-border trade and commerce.
Throughout his career, Schwebel has represented IBC Bank before government officials, business leaders, and industry organizations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His expertise and advocacy on issues related to international commerce, transportation, and economic development have earned him widespread recognition across North America.
“Gerry’s promotion is both well-deserved and reflective of the extraordinary impact he has had at IBC Bank, on ourcustomers, and the communities we serve,” said Dennis E. Nixon, chairman and CEO of IBC Bank. “For many years, Gerry has been a trusted leader, a tireless advocate for international trade, and an invaluable member of our executive team. His dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence have helped drive the success of our International Department and strengthen IBC Bank’s reputation throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. We congratulate him on this important achievement and look forward to his continued leadership.”
Gerald Schwebel is a distinguished leader in international trade, transportation, economic development, and civic service whose influence has helped shape cross-border commerce between the United States and Mexico for more than three decades. Throughout his career, he has held prominent leadershiproles, including serving as Chairman of the Border Trade Alliance during the historic passage of NAFTA, Chairman of the North America Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO), Chairman of the Laredo Development Foundation and Laredo Economic Development Corporation, and Bi-national Director of the U.S./Mexico Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves as Chairman of the Texas Freight Advisory Committee and holds leadership positions with numerous state, national, and international organizations dedicated to trade, transportation, economic development, education, and public policy.
A dedicated community advocate, he has also led and served on the boards of organizations such as the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, Laredo Country Club, United Way of Laredo, American Red Cross, and Laredo Chamber of Commerce.
Schwebel played a key role in transforming the former UT Health San Antonio Laredo Regional Campus into the University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo (UT Center at Laredo). As Chair of the Regional Campus AdvisoryCouncil, he recognized that the traditional regional-campus model was not adequately addressing South Texas’ growing healthcare workforce and educational needs.
Drawing on his experience in economic development and workforce planning, Schwebel championed a multi-institutionteaching center that brings together the strengths of several University of Texas institutions. Working closely with state legislators and UT System leadership, he advocated for a model that would expand educational opportunities while allowing local students to remain in Laredo to pursue high-quality degree programs.
Since its transition in 2021, the UT Center at Laredo has grown from just seven students to approximately 230 studentsenrolled in health-related programs. Today, the center offers 11 degree and certificate programs in fields such as physician assistant studies, social work, occupational therapy, counseling, dental hygiene, and biomedical informatics.
The center has become a hub for academic, clinical, research, and community engagement activities that strengthen thehealthcare workforce across South Texas. Continued growth has led to plans for a new three-story academic building scheduled to open in 2028, further expanding educational access and workforce development opportunities for the region.
Schwebel has also been instrumental in his contributions to other university collaborations. Through a partnership with TheGlenn Biggs Institute, three community-based research studies were conducted to explore the potential link between COVID-19 and the development or progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As dementia research advanced and new therapies emerged to slow cognitive decline, local leadership and collaborative efforts helped bring these innovativetreatment options to the community. This work expanded access to early intervention, advanced research opportunities, and improved quality of life for individuals affected by dementia and mild cognitive impairment, while positioning the region at the forefront of addressing one of the most significant healthcare challenges facing aging populations.
His exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including the Russell H. Perry Award, the Advancing International Trade Award, the International Trade Ambassador Award, the Legacy Award, and induction intothe Laredo Business Hall of Fame, underscoring his lasting impact on economic growth, international commerce, and civic leadership throughout the border region and beyond.
Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville has registered plans for a $14.793 million emergency-department expansion. The project remains in the planning stage, with construction scheduled to begin in February 2027. Image: @ValleyMedCenter via facebook
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Valley Regional Medical Center has registered plans for a $14.793 million expansion and renovation of its emergency department, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
The project would add 22,692 square feet at the hospital, located at 100 Alton Gloor Boulevard in Brownsville. The filing states that construction is scheduled to begin Feb. 2, 2027, and conclude March 28, 2028.
The state record, registered Sept. 23, identifies the project’s current status as “Project Registered.” The filing documents the planned work but does not state that construction has started.
Plans call for a one-story addition containing eight emergency examination rooms, a nurses’ station, and support areas. The filing also includes a five-bay ambulance canopy and a second-floor mechanical penthouse.
Inside the existing emergency department, the project would install new paint and flooring. The scope also includes major renovations to the trauma rooms and reception area, according to the filing.
