Podcast appearances and mentions of Rio Grande Valley

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, Fernie is back on the show as we celebrate the change of seasons with something a little magical — it's the autumnal equinox dating horoscope! Fernie, an astrologer, mystic, and guide to all things cosmic and flirty, is here to help us navigate this shift and together, we'll explore what dating and flirting vibes you can anticipate this fall. The equinox is all about balance — and it's the perfect time to think about how we can bring that same harmony into our dating lives. We'll talk about letting go of old patterns, why overthinking is sabotaging the vibe, and even get a flirty little mantra to carry us through this season. The knight of swords also makes a visit, we'll hear what virgo and libra have to say about things, why October 13th needs to be on your calendar, and finally Venus and Mars enter the chat! So, how can we play and flirt with all of these energies this coming season? Stay tuned (and maybe grab a pumpkin spice latte!) and let's see what the cosmos have in store for love this fall. You can also watch the full episode on YouTube! Let's get into it, Flirties, and meet Fernie! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world! Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee! Work with me! Take the FREE Flirt Styles Quiz Get INSTANT ACCESS to my anti-anxiety flirting and dating guide Download my FLIRTING AND TEXTING CONVERSATION GUIDE Grab my FREE Dating App Survival handbook Book your 1:1 Flirting Audit Ask the Flirt Coach About our guest:  Fernie Salinas (he/they) is a queer Latinx fortune telling witch from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.  They are the owner and founder of Golden Mirror Fortunes, and they hope to be Your Favorite Fortune Teller! They grew up always knowing that magic was around us, as their great-grandfather and his son, their grand-uncle, were both curanderos (folk healers) in Rio Grande City, and it's been such a delight to have Golden Mirror Fortunes carry on the legacy of healing and mysticism they instilled in him. He's also an educator — he went to Rice University, studied English and Art History, got their teacher's certification, joined TFA, and have been a teacher and principal at various schools in the RGV.  He is currently an education consultant as well as running Golden Mirror Fortunes, their small fortune telling business.  He uses tarot and magic to help people heal and find their paths, all in service of improving their fortunes.  His deepest desire is to provide you with the light that you need to make your life a little more magical and glittery. Follow them on Instagram and let them be your favorite fortune teller! About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun! As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage. Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self. His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, Men's Health, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, watch on YouTube, and stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

For more than 25 years, Maria Ester Salinas has fought tirelessly to uncover the toxic truths hidden in the Rio Grande Valley. Known by many as the Erin Brockovich of the RGV, Maria has stood alongside families living in the shadow of contamination — from the Hayes-Sammons pesticide warehouses in Mission to the Donna Reservoir Superfund site and the McAllen 23rd Street Groundwater Plume.In this episode, Maria shares her decades-long battle against chemical companies, government agencies, and the bureaucratic roadblocks that left Valley residents exposed to cancers, miscarriages, and birth defects. We discuss the lawsuits, the cover-ups, and the health toll these sites continue to have on our communities — and why Maria refuses to give up the fight.This is more than history; it's a story of courage, accountability, and a demand for justice in one of America's most overlooked toxic frontlines.

In this episode of Jotxs y Recuerdos, Julian Toscano (J.T. Mexican Boyfriend), a DJ from Rio Grande City, shares his experiences growing up in both northern Minnesota and the Rio Grande Valley. J.T. not only reflects on his journey of coming out as trans but also on the issues of surveillance, law enforcement, and the hyper-militarization of the border region. This oral history also touches on the significance of music to his identity, spirituality, and role as a DJ, where he curates soundtracks to create communal energy and healing. --- Recorded and released 2025. 

Petrie Dish host Bonnie Petrie sits down with Public Health Watch reporter Raquel Torres to talk about her story on the Alzheimer's crisis in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as a $3 billion proposal to fund Alzheimer's research in Texas that won't go forward unless Texans say yes at the polls in November.

*Strong cattle prices should hold for the rest of the year.   *Texas A&M is building a new research center in the Rio Grande Valley.  *The Texas corn crop is shaping up to be a very good one this year. *A new winter wheat season is getting underway.  *A new beef industry long range plan has been released.  *The Make America Healthy Again report is out.  *Foliar fertilizers are becoming more popular.  *Beef bulls need rest after the breeding season.  

Host Brian Reardon and executive producer Josh Matejka welcome Sister Norma Pimentel, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, to discuss her work serving immigrant communities at the U.S.-Mexico border. Sister Norma shares moving stories of families fleeing violence and hardship, emphasizing the importance of restoring human dignity through compassion and encounter. The episode explores how Catholic health care and faith communities can collaborate to support vulnerable populations, regardless of legal status. Sister Norma encourages listeners to act with love, guided by faith, and to welcome immigrants into their communities. Her message is clear: healing begins with presence, understanding, and the courage to care. ResourcesLearn more about Sr. Norma's work at Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande ValleyAccess CHA's resources regarding immigration enforcement  Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeLearn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

In this episode, I sit down with Etienne Rosas, musician, grassroots organizer, and candidate for Congress in Texas' 34th District. Etienne's campaign is built around big ideas — dignity, justice, and real solutions for working families in South Texas. But behind the politics is a person with his own story, shaped by music, community, and a belief that the Rio Grande Valley deserves better.We talk about who Etienne is outside of politics, why he chose to run for office, and what his campaign means when it says “no more crumbs and bandaids.” From economic justice and healthcare to climate resilience, SpaceX, and gerrymandering, we dive deep into the issues shaping the Valley's future — and why they matter to everyday families.This isn't just another campaign conversation. It's an educational look at how politics, environment, and health connect in the RGV, and what kind of leadership it will take to bring real change.Tune in to learn more about Etienne Rosas, his vision for South Texas, and the movement he says is bigger than one person.

Explore the Rio Grande Valley's political shift with Rep. Janie Lopez and Ariana Guajardo on The Sweet Tea Series. They dive into border security, the water crisis affecting RGV agriculture, and why the RGV turned red in the last election.Keywords:Rio Grande Valley, RGV, Texas politics, border security, water crisis, Janie Lopez, conservative values, Texas House District 37, infrastructure funding, cartel challenges, agriculture, Republican shift, Red Wave, Ariana Guajardo, Sweet Tea Series  

President Trump signs an executive order ending cashless bail. We'll dive into what that means for cities like Houston.We're also tracking new state laws set to take effect Sept. 1, including one that aims to attract more film and television productions. Another increases the penalty for assaulting a utility worker.Plus, could the San Antonio Spurs […] The post College football arrives in the Rio Grande Valley appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

PALMVIEW, Texas - U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz spoke about congressional redistricting and Mexico's water debt to the U.S. at a top GOP dinner in Palmview.The event - titled the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner - was hosted by Hidalgo County Republican Party and held at the Stallion Event Center. De La Cruz introduced the keynote speaker, U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton.De La Cruz recalled a time she met President Trump and the two were looking at a map of Texas and the Gulf of America. “He turns to me and he says, well, Congresswoman, where are you from? I hear you're from South Texas, but where exactly? And we're looking at the Gulf of America. And I said, Sir, I am from right here, Mr. President. And I point right there to the very most southern tip of Texas. And he looks at me and says, well, you barely got in though, didn't you?” De La Cruz recalled.She said she responded: “I'm proud to be here. I'm proud to be in Texas.”The Edinburg Republican knew she would not have much time with the president and so she had to make the most of it. “There's a clock. You've only got 30 seconds. You'd better say something good, and you better say something fast. And so I turned to the President. I said, Mr. President, I have urgent news. He says, What's that? Take a deep breath. Mexico is screwing us. President Trump, Mexico is screwing us with water. And he goes, Mexico's screwing us. He goes, James, get over here. Why is Mexico screwing us? Tell him. Tell him.”De La Cruz said Trump told her that Mexico will deliver on its water treaty obligations. “And you know what? He kept his promise. We've got water from Mexico. We're holding back money from the Mexican government, and we are getting South Texas farmers the water that they need and they deserve. And I'm so grateful for President Trump for listening to what we needed in South Texas and actually doing it.”De La Cruz then spoke about successes she has had with the federal budget.“We've been able to bring $1 billion right here to the Rio Grande Valley, (and) $280 million in a carve out from the disaster emergency fund. That has never been done before. And no other district got that money,” De La Cruz said.Editor's Note: To read the full story go the Rio Grande Guardian website.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

PHARR, Texas - Dub Taylor is COO of Texas PACE Authority. He recently spoke at an event hosted jointly by the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. It was titled the Pharr Commercial & Investment Summit and it was held at the Pharr One Center.At the event, Taylor gave a presentation that included slides showing where a PACE project had worked in Texas. There were lots of examples shown in East Texas, the Panhandle and Central Texas. But there were no examples from the Texas-Mexico border region. The nearest were in San Antonio. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Taylor after his presentation, Taylor said that is why he was in Pharr - to spread the word about the benefits. The Pace website states: "Property Assessed Clean Energy (TX-PACE) is a proven financial tool that incentivizes Texas' property owners to upgrade facility infrastructure with little or no capital outlay. Approved by State legislation and established by local governments, TX-PACE programs enable owners to lower their operating costs and use the savings to pay for eligible water conservation, energy efficiency, resiliency, and distributed generation projects. Owners gain access to private, affordable, long-term (typically 20-30 years) financing that is not available through traditional funding avenues." Here is an audio recording of Taylor's presentation at the Pharr event. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

MISSION, Texas - Joe Quiroga is president of Texas National Bank. He was one of six panelists at a Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce event on August 13 titled “Buenas Tardes Luncheon.The panel discussion was titled The State of Current Business. In his remarks, Quiroga said there were positive and negative things to report about the current Rio Grande Valley economy. Here are his remarks. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

From the drum corps field to the Rio Grande Valley, Andrea Davila's journey is rooted in a belief that access matters. In this episode, she shares how she blends marketing expertise with mission-driven work—helping organizations like Bluecoats and Synergy Percussion communicate with clarity and care. You'll leave this episode with a better understanding of both marketing strategy and advocacy in action.Guest Bio:Andrea Davila is the co-founder of Synergy Percussion and has led impactful marketing efforts for Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, UTRGV School of Music, and Pageantry Innovations. She's driven by a passion for providing equitable opportunities to students, especially those from underserved communities in the Rio Grande Valley.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Punchbowl News publishes details on a new congressional district map that Texas Republicans lawmakers may release as soon as today, featuring five new GOP-leaning districts in Austin, D/FW, Houston and the Rio Grande Valley: https://punchbowl.news/article/campaigns/texas-sized-gamble/...It bets heavily on Hispanic voters in Texas, in an election not featuring Donald Trump, to resist buyers remorse and remain loyal to Republican candidates in 2026: https://punchbowl.news/article/campaigns/gop-texas-latinos/...The Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus will hold a press conference on Democratic options this afternoon upon the adjournment of House business, as U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries plans a closed-door meeting with those same lawmakers tonight: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/29/house-democratic-leader-hakeem-jeffries-to-visit-austin-amid-redistricting-fight/85429537007/...The national Democratic Party is in a massive fundraising push ahead of a planned targeting of several Republican lawmakers they believe will be compromised by the new map: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/us/politics/democrats-texas-redistricting.html...The House Majority PAC and its new Lone Star Fund have started running TV ads against those likely GOP targets in Texas: https://youtu.be/OvfgpTo2Vkk?si=sIfuvKXJMFNrhu_pThere's also a Democratic presser today being held by Dallas Senator Nathan Johnson and the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus on the status of THC regulation: https://www.facebook.com/NathanforTexas/photos/media-advisory-join-me-for-a-press-conference-on-cannabis-legislation-with-membe/1194566255807967/?_rdrAustin friends and soccer fans! Mark your calendar for Monday September 15, when we will gather for a live podcast taping with legendary Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver! Sponsorship opportunities are available now, and individual tickets will go on sale soon: ⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/allstaractivism_2025⁠...The Brad Stuver interview will be co-hosted by Landon Cotham of the terrific Austin FC podcast Moontower Soccer: ⁠https://www.moontowersoccer.com/⁠Progress Texas' financial reserves have dropped to about 3 months worth of funding. Help us avoid going on a permanent vacation this summer by becoming a sustaining member: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org/join-pt-summer-vacation-membership-drive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

MCALLEN, Texas - Julio Salinas is chairman of Texas Young Democrats. On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Salinas took state Rep. Gene Wu of Houston on a tour of key locations in Hidalgo County. Wu is minority leader in the Texas House of Representatives. Following the tour, Hidalgo County Young Democrats met with Wu. They spoke about the “devastating impact” ICE raids were having on Valley communities. And they impressed upon Wu the need for more investment in the Democratic Party in the Rio Grande Valley. Salinas said he would like to see Texas House members come down to the Valley for an “unvarnished” tour, to see the sights the Rio Grande Valley Partnership does not take state lawmakers to when they do their bi-annual Valley Legislative Tour. At the conclusion of the meeting, Salinas gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

MCALLEN, Texas - The minority leader of the Texas House says he is going to ensure Hidalgo County Democratic Party gets the funding it needs to be competitive in the 2026 election.State Rep. Gene Wu of Houston visited the Valley recently to hear from Young Democrats and grassroots progressives. In a meeting at the Hidalgo County Democratic Party HQ in McAllen, the young activists told him they felt the region had been neglected by the state and national party, thereby allowing Republicans to make significant inroads. Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairman Richard Gonzales was at the meeting. He said he has warned every local Democratic Party elected official to expect a Republican challenger at the next election. “The Republicans are well-funded,” Gonzales said. In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Wu said:“In my time as caucus chair, I've talked a lot of communities, and talked a lot of communities that say they've kind of been left behind, kind of been forgotten. And, I thought about this. I thought about South Texas, I thought about the Rio Grande Valley. And I wanted to make sure that they were not forgotten, that there are people who remember who they are and realize that they're important. And I want to make sure that that my actions reflect that.”Asked what he had learned from both a tour of Hidalgo County and a meeting with Young Democrats, Wu said:“I learned that this is a beautiful community that wants to move ahead, that wants to do better. But, because we didn't put in the resources, we didn't put in the time and the investments - and we're not just talking about the state, we're not just talking about Democrats, we're talking about everybody - we left this place behind. And that is a shame, because this is such a wonderful place with such wonderful people.”Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

Get your LT PetClub Mushpuppies and more today: http://ltpetclub247.com/  ————————— Save $10 on Rumble: Go to http://Rumble.com/premium/LT10 to join today. ——— AT sea with LT. 2026. Caribbean: https://www.inspirationtravel.com/event/lt-caribbean-cruise-2026 ————————— Protect your investments with And We Know http://andweknow.com/gold Or call 720-605-3900, Tell them “LT” sent you. ————————————————————— *Our AWK Website: https://www.andweknow.com/ *Our 24/7 NEWS SITE: https://thepatriotlight.com/ ————————— BOOM!!! https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947508288012329072 Another day of record high closes for the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947432337878421641 Karoline Leavitt says President Trump wants to stop the violence, negotiate a ceasefire, and ensure all hostages are freed from Gaza. https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947378180995879053 The Trump White House is now KICKING OUT the Wall Street Journal from the press pool covering President Trump's weekend trip to Scotland. https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1947374809937064104 6 months of WINNING! https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947331127326167249 More border wall is currently under construction in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas — delivering on another one of President Trump's promises. https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947327648109068786 President Trump's tariffs on Mexican tomatoes are already benefiting American tomato farmers. In just two days, farmers have seen increased interest from buyers, even without price changes. https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947317307228790817 ————————— *DONATIONS SITE: https://bit.ly/2Lgdrh5 *Mail your gift to: And We Know 30650 Rancho California Rd STE D406-123 (or D406-126) Temecula, CA 92591 ➜ AWK Shirts and gifts: https://shop.andweknow.com/ ➜ Audio Bible https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/1John.3.16 Connect with us in the following ways:

What's REALLY in Your Water? PFAS, E. Coli, Arsenic & The Fight for Clean Tap Water in the RGVInterview with Jessie, Senior Water Technician from Colair | Hosted by Joshua Moroles

Ascent Nutrition Pine products/Soap: https://goascentnutrition.com/andweknow  ————————— TriTails BEEF: Ribeye Special: http://trybeef.com/andweknow ——— Protect your investments with And We Know http://andweknow.com/gold Or call 720-605-3900, Tell them “LT” sent you. ————————————————————— AT sea with LT. 2026. Caribbean: https://www.inspirationtravel.com/event/lt-caribbean-cruise-2026 ————————— *Our AWK Website: https://www.andweknow.com/ *Our 24/7 NEWS SITE: https://thepatriotlight.com/ ————————— BOOM!!! https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947508288012329072 Another day of record high closes for the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947432337878421641 Karoline Leavitt says President Trump wants to stop the violence, negotiate a ceasefire, and ensure all hostages are freed from Gaza. https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947378180995879053 The Trump White House is now KICKING OUT the Wall Street Journal from the press pool covering President Trump's weekend trip to Scotland. https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1947374809937064104 6 months of WINNING! https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947331127326167249 More border wall is currently under construction in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas — delivering on another one of President Trump's promises. https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947327648109068786 President Trump's tariffs on Mexican tomatoes are already benefiting American tomato farmers. In just two days, farmers have seen increased interest from buyers, even without price changes. https://x.com/andweknow/status/1947317307228790817 ————————— *DONATIONS SITE: https://bit.ly/2Lgdrh5 *Mail your gift to: And We Know 30650 Rancho California Rd STE D406-123 (or D406-126) Temecula, CA 92591 ➜ AWK Shirts and gifts: https://shop.andweknow.com/ ➜ Audio Bible https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/1John.3.16 Connect with us in the following ways:

*Predation is the biggest challenge for Texas sheep and goat producers.   *Texas hunters have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a hunt on public and private lands.  *The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is just around the corner. *The paperwork for the latest disaster aid program can be challenging.  *Drought assistance is on the way for Rio Grande Valley farmers and ranchers.  *The current trade standoff with China is impacting U.S. red meat trade.  *The cotton crop and pastures are both looking good in the Texas Rolling Plains.  *Botulism is a rare disease in horses.  

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: The first called session of the 89th Legislature is underway in Austin as of Noon today. Congressional redistricting takes the national spotlight but there is a long list of highly important items on the Governor's call – it is probably too much for one 30-day session.Speaker of the House Burrows, founder of the Bureaucrat Coalition, named a special committee for redistricting. On the surface it looks heavily tilted to Republicans until one realizes that the 3-vote GOP majority on the committee is offset by Burrows appointment of three of the most liberal RINOs to the committee: Geren, Hunter, and Guillen.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Busting two common myths about Property Taxes perpetuated by politicians and  local media.Records show DEI standards used to pressure law schools to adopt racist practices. Texas law school deans (including at Texas Tech) want to deep DEI-infused ABA accreditation!Republican launches TX34 House bid in key Rio Grande Valley swing district GOP aims to flip in 2026 midterms – Eric Flores.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Drama building for the special session, as Democrats consider breaking quorum to block a Trump-ordered redistricting scheme - including : https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/15/us/politics/texas-redistricting-trump.html...Ken Paxton is threatening to "hunt down" any Democrats fleeing the session, while the plan itself could result in a "dummymander": https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/15/texas-democrats-redistricting-response-trump-republican-five-seats/?_bhlid=f8b2bec379355a332431cf659f421e931ee30532...A closer look at a potential "dummymander" shows that as it stands, safe blue districts are safer than safe red districts in Texas, making a weakening of those red districts a hazardous prospect: https://prospect.org/politics/2025-07-16-texas-redistricting-maneuver-may-harm-republicans/...The only real swing seats left in Texas are in the Rio Grande Valley, due to a surprising swing to Trump last year - no surprise, the cancellation of the RGV's biggest annual public health event due to Trump budget cuts: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/16/texas-rio-grande-valley-border-health-federal-cuts/...Ahead of all of this, Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into alleged non-citizen voting in Harris and several other counties: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/voting/2025/07/15/526434/texas-attorney-generals-office-opens-investigation-into-allegations-of-noncitizens-voting-in-harris-county/Propublica finds great disparity between claims by Kerr County officials that the July 4 flood couldn't have been predicted, and long oral and written histories that more or less do exactly that: https://www.propublica.org/article/texas-floods-oral-histories...Polling shows that most Americans believe that the death toll from the flood could have been much less severe if government officials had been better prepared: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5403144-poll-flood-deaths-texas/Republican Kerr County officials, under scrutiny due to the flood, are experiencing an unfortunate work hazard that's become familiar to Democratic leaders in bigger cities - death threats: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/texas-officials-death-threats-flash-flooding_n_68766208e4b0eefef0c4f62c...Those same officials, at their first meeting after the flood, acknowledge that the actual number of missing people remains uncertain: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/07/14/death-threats-and-uncertainty-over-total-number-of-victims-key-takeaways-from-kerr-county-commissioners-court/The family that owns Camp Mystic admits that the supervising owner Dick Eastland, who himself perished in the flood, didn't start evacuating kids from near the river until 46 minutes after receiving an emergency flood alert: https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/camp-mystic-evacuation-delayed-despite-warning-20770025.php...Those phone alerts, due to their frequency, similarity between situations, and typical long distance from the emergency itself, have become too easy for Texans to ignore or even turn off: https://www.keranews.org/texas-news/2025-07-15/texas-flood-alert-warning-phoneSeveral campaign announcements today, including Dallas State Senator Nathan Johnson, who becomes the first Democrat to announce a run for Attorney General: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/nathan-johnson-texas-attorney-general-20766914.php...Democrat Marquette Greene-Scott announces a repeat run against MAGA clown Troy Nehls in the 22nd Congressional District: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2025/07/14/526241/marquette-greene-scott-who-challenged-rep-troy-nehls-in-2024-announces-bid-for-congressional-district-22/...And ultra-MAGA Conroe State Rep. Steve Toth issues a primary challenge against GOP incumbent Congressman Dan Crenshaw in Congressional District 2: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/15/steve-toth-dan-crenshaw-texas-republican-primary-congress/

New Podcast Episode: The Water We Live With — with Jim WhiteHe was there during the 2000 furfural chemical spill in Brownsville.He worked inside the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission.He's studied the Arroyo Colorado and the waterways of the Rio Grande Valley for decades.Now, Jim White joins us to share what he's learned.In this episode, we sit down with environmental consultant and former TNRCC specialist Jim White to talk about what flows through our rivers, what sits in our flood zones, and how the environment around us may be affecting our health more than we realize.

In this episode, host Joshua Moroles sits down with Author, educator, and advocate Ray Thomas Garcia for a powerful conversation about the intersection of education and the water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley.Ray, a former candidate for the Texas State Board of Education and founder of the nonprofit CSLAP, breaks down why science literacy matters, how our public school standards are falling short, and what it will take to engage communities — especially young people — in solving the region's biggest challenges.We talk TEKS, policy blind spots, community-driven science projects, and why more people aren't talking about the environmental issues right in our backyard. Whether you're a student, teacher, policymaker, or just someone who cares about South Texas, this is a conversation worth hearing.

In this powerful episode, Joshua sits down with Gregory Kunkle Jr., a South Texas native and candidate for Congressional District 34, to talk about the urgent environmental and infrastructure crises facing the Rio Grande Valley—and what real solutions might look like.They dive into topics like: • The contamination of the Rio Grande, Arroyo Colorado, and municipal water systems • Mexico's 1.7 million acre-foot water debt under the 1944 Treaty • Air quality, PFAS, arsenic, and the alarming health conditions affecting Valley residents • The rising threat of hurricanes and a failing regional drainage system • And the big question: Why are so many people sick in South Texas?Greg shares his bold vision for transforming the Valley through federal investment in: • Clean drinking water, filtration systems, and desalination • Drainage and flood mitigation—with an estimated $3B price tag and a 20+ year timeline • Nuclear energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and SpaceX partnerships • High-paying tech and healthcare jobs to retain local talentThe conversation ends with a deep dive into Greg's cybersecurity background, the future of AI, and how South Texas can become a national leader in digital innovation—if we act now.

The 2024 presidential election saw shifts to the right in counties across the country. After the election, we brought you a story from the southern border in Texas, a heavily Hispanic area that flipped from blue to red. Judy Woodruff returned to the area for a closer look at what’s behind that shift and what it means for divisions in the community. It’s part of her series, America at a Crossroads. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

*Wheat harvest continues to move north.  *Recent rains have helped reduce drought conditions across Texas.   *USDA's monthly Cattle on Feed report contained no surprises. *Farmers in Southeast Texas heard a Farm Bill update at a recent field day.  *A month ago Mexico promised to make water deliveries to South Texas.  *Researchers at West Texas A&M are making new discoveries about liver abscesses in cattle.*The state's largest farm organization welcomes the news of a sterile screwworm fly facility in the Rio Grande Valley.  *Injecting botulinum neurotoxin in the hock joints of horses can help decrease arthritis pain.  

MCALLEN, Texas - The former editor and publisher of El Periódico USA has launched a new binational Spanish language media project called Debate X Media, LLC.The plan, says Jose Luis B. Garza, is to highlight the potential and accomplishments of the Hispanic population in the Rio Grande Valley and become a binational news agency.“We have to project the importance of this region because it's totally different to other regions in the country,” Garza said.In an in-depth audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Garza spoke about his time at El Periódico USA, the growth of Hispanic-owned news media publications, and his plans for Debate X. El Periódico USA is a newspaper published in McAllen that initiated in 1986, focusing on the South Texas community. Jose Luis Garza worked at El Periódico USA, initially as an advisor and worked his way up the media company. “They gave me a lot of satisfaction, experiences and big opportunities to understand how the Spanish media works in this country,” Garza said. “Initially around the 90s, the Hispanic population, Hispanic marketing, Hispanic publications, were not so important. But after that, soon we were growing in the country.”Garza said the growth of Hispanic publications allowed him to participate with the National Association of Hispanic Publications, an advocacy organization for Spanish language publications. He said he was vice president of the organization and national president in 2013. Garza was born in Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, Mexico and said many people from his birthplace are now living in the Rio Grande Valley. He was previously chairman of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce's International Committee.After leaving El Periodico USA, Garza said he founded Debate X, an agency for expanding Hispanic news coverage. He said his company strives to give advice to other newspapers and he has the support of his family and friends on the project. He said he chose the name of the news agency, Debate X, because it translates the same in both English and Spanish. Garza will be working on the project with Luis Cantu, former vice president for international business and community development for McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “We are reporting, we are doing work on both sides of the world,” Garza said. “This is a national project.”Garza said he founded Debate X after leaving El Periodico USA because his company strives to give advice to other expanding news companies in the form of a news agency. He said he met with about 15 congressmen at the end of April in Washington D.C., and spoke with the communications team at the White House. Garza said Congress was receptive to Debate X's plans to play an active role in aiding the Hispanic newspaper community.“We need to let the rest of the country, the rest of Texas, Mexico, know who we are, what we are doing, and the potential of this area,” Garza said. “This is an extraordinary area, we have problems like any other ones, but we have extraordinary opportunities here.”Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

Coming up on this episode of Flirtations, Fernie is back on the show for our summer solstice dating horoscope! With a brand new season comes new energy for dating, romance, flirting, and cosmic possibility. Joining us today is Flirtations' in-house astrologer, fortune teller, and magic mystic, Fernie, here to read the stars and pull back the planetary curtain on what this season has in store for our love lives. What does the Queen of Swords want us to know? What is Jupiter up to and what opportunities might some celestial happenings present? Mars has also got something to say and we're kicking off cancer season! Lot's to get to, including the two big themes the stars and planets have for us, and how we can fill our own cups a little bit more. You don't need to be an astrology expert—just bring an open heart and an open mind, and we'll take care of the rest. So get ready to flirt with fortune, boldness, beauty, and maybe a little bit of magic. Let's do this, Flirties, and meet Fernie. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Flirtations on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode to spread BFE - big flirt energy, all over the world! Enjoying the show and want to support my work? Buy the Flirt Coach a coffee! About our guest:  Fernie Salinas (he/they) is a queer Latinx fortune telling witch from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.  They are the owner and founder of Golden Mirror Fortunes, and they hope to be Your Favorite Fortune Teller! They grew up always knowing that magic was around us, as their great-grandfather and his son, their grand-uncle, were both curanderos (folk healers) in Rio Grande City, and it's been such a delight to have Golden Mirror Fortunes carry on the legacy of healing and mysticism they instilled in him. He's also an educator — he went to Rice University, studied English and Art History, got their teacher's certification, joined TFA, and have been a teacher and principal at various schools in the RGV.  He is currently an education consultant as well as running Golden Mirror Fortunes, their small fortune telling business.  He uses tarot and magic to help people heal and find their paths, all in service of improving their fortunes.  His deepest desire is to provide you with the light that you need to make your life a little more magical and glittery. Follow them on Instagram and let them be your favorite fortune teller! About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy - with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun! As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the Flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic, romantic, and with the self - to take center stage. Ultimately, this practice of connection helps flirters and daters alike create stronger relationships, transcend limiting beliefs, and develop an unwavering love for the self. His work has been featured in Fortune, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and Yoga Journal. You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

*USDA is planning a sterile screwworm distribution facility in the Rio Grande Valley.  *Rain has put a big damper on the Texas wheat harvest.*Rain is also slowing cotton planting.*Texas A&M broke ground on a new veterinary hospital.*Nominations are being accepted for local Farm Service Agency committees.    *Rains in the Texas High Plains are impacting ranchers' decision making.  *Extreme South Texas is hot and dry.  *Flies cause 6 billion dollars each year in damage to the U.S. cattle industry.  

A recent article in the Journal of Business Venturing sought to address the question of: Why and how does founder age perception influence funding outcomes?To discuss the importance of this question and the key findings of the paper I am delighted to be joined by Dr Michael Matthews, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. About our guest...Michael Matthews, Ph.D., studies leadership and the intersection between work and life. Michael received his B.S. (Brigham Young University) and M.S. (The University of Oklahoma) in information systems. Later, he received his Ph.D. in Business Administration (University of Oklahoma) with a particular focus on organizational behavior. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His writing has been featured in outlets such as the Journal of Management, Leadership Quarterly, and Harvard Business Review. Prior to entering academia, Michael worked as a computer programmer for several technology companies. In particular, Michael has coded for organizations such as ExxonMobil and Proofpoint.More information:Just a number? Using artificial intelligence to explore perceived founder age in entrepreneurial fundraising (from Journal of Business Venturing): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0883902623000757Research Powered by AI Shows Age Discrimination in Entrepreneurial Fundraising (from California Management Review): https://cmr.berkeley.edu/2024/03/research-powered-by-ai-shows-age-discrimination-in-entrepreneurial-fundraising/Two other papers mentioned in our conversation: Eren, O., & Mocan, N. (2018). Emotional judges and unlucky juveniles. American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 10(3), 171-205.Nault, K. A., Pitesa, M., & Thau, S. (2020). The attractiveness advantage at work: A cross-disciplinary integrative review. Academy of Management Annals, 14(2), 1103-1139. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On October 9th, 1984, a mystery began in Mercedes, Texas, adding to the many others in the Rio Grande Valley. Twenty-one-year-old Kim Sue Leggett was kidnapped from her place of employment, Ross Cotton Gin. A phone call that took place literally minutes after she was taken and a ransom letter sent to Kim's parents a few days later were virtually the only clues Mercedes Police, Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office investigators, the Texas Rangers, and the FBI had to work with. Kim was never seen alive again; her remains never found. Her kidnapping was cold from the beginning and remains so today.If you have any information about the disappearance of Kim Sue Leggett, please contact the Mercedes Police Department at 956-565-3102 or Texas Crime stoppers at 800-252-8477.You can support gone cold and listen to the show ad-free at patreon.com/gonecoldpodcastFind us at https://www.gonecold.comFor Gone Cold merch, visit https://gonecold.dashery.comFollow gone cold on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, and X. Search @gonecoldpodcast at all or just click linknbio.com/gonecoldpodcastThe Mercedes Enterprise, The Brownsville Herald, The McAllen Monitor, The Sonoma Press Democrat, The Longview News-Journal, The Victoria Advocate, The Del Rio News Herald, and KRVG News were used as sources for this episode. #JusticeForKimLeggett #WhereIsKimLeggett #MercedesTX #RGVTX #TX #Texas #TrueCrime #TexasTrueCrime #ColdCase #Abduction #Kidnapping #1984 #TrueCrimePodcast #Podcast #ColdCase #Unsolved #Murder #UnsolvedMurder #HateCrime #UnsolvedMysteries #Homicide #CrimeStories #PodcastRecommendations #CrimeJunkie #MysteryPodcast #TrueCrimeObsessed #CrimeDocs #InvestigationDiscovery #PodcastAddict #TrueCrimeFan #CriminalJustice #ForensicFilesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gone-cold-texas-true-crime--3203003/support.

*There were no surprises in the latest Cattle on Feed report.   *Texas farmers impacted by a lack of irrigation water in the Rio Grande Valley have more time to apply for financial help.  *The CME Group has reset daily price limits for live and feeder cattle futures contracts. *Wheat streak mosaic virus showed up in the Texas Panhandle late in the season. *The “Make America Healthy Again” report is out.  *A strong locking gate is important for rural landowners.  *There's an annual cattle drive river crossing that has been going on for over 100 years. *Umbilical hernias are not uncommon in calves.  

When classical music plays in a baby's nursery, does it really make a difference? For Moises Llanes, those early moments with Beethoven and Brahms symphonies resonating through his crib shaped a lifelong passion that would transform orchestral education in the Rio Grande Valley.This captivating conversation reveals how a businessman father with an eighth-grade education made a pivotal decision to expose his children to classical music and piano lessons, creating the foundation for Moises's remarkable 37-year teaching career. "I just feel at home listening and playing classical music," Llanes shares, reflecting on those formative experiences that gave him both purpose and direction from an astonishingly young age.Llanes takes us through his journey from student violinist to celebrated educator, highlighting a watershed moment when, as a high school student, he recognized a critical gap in orchestral education - the lack of music literacy. This insight became the cornerstone of his teaching philosophy, creating generations of independent musicians who could truly understand music rather than merely memorize finger positions. "You don't have to figure it out, you just have to read it," became his mantra, empowering students to explore music confidently on their own.The conversation delves into Llanes's collegiate years, cultural identity challenges, and the resilience that carried him through financial hardships when his father's business collapsed. Despite briefly retiring in 2022, his passion for music education drew him back to the classroom at Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School, where he continues making an impact. His parting wisdom for aspiring educators resonates powerfully: "If you're not going to do it 110%, especially teaching, don't do it at all."Subscribe now to hear more inspiring stories from the musical community of the Rio Grande Valley, where passion, perseverance, and cultural heritage create a unique symphony of experiences.

In this episode of Jotxs y Recuerdos, Carmen Castillo, a queer musician and artist from Reynosa, Tamaulipas/ McAllen, Texas, discusses her journey through various musical genres, including punk, hip hop, and ska. She also shares her experiences of coming out, dealing with misogyny, and the importance of community support in the Rio Grande Valley. Carmen emphasizes the role of music in advocating for social causes, such as her corrido for Bekah Hinojosa, a local environmental activist. She speaks the impact of external forces like SpaceX on the community and the need for resilience and resistance in the face of gentrification.         *Carmen is a member of the Chulita Vinyl Club (@chulitavinylclub)                  *Carmen is also a current member of the band Twin Eater                                        *Solo project is under the name Carmen Castillo                                                             -Previous Bands:                                                                                                                     The scarlet effectL@s Skagaler@sAngela & the exesBlight NightKRUX (w/a backwards R)Monstruo BohemioRotary WavesCaldo FríoContraceptors BasebornShanks & Chandeliers                                                                                                                            

We talk about the Rio Grande Valley a lot - we know!  But that is because it one of our favorite spots to go and every trip is different.  This time we saw a lifer and tested out a new boat trip on the Rio Grande river while guiding at the Spring Chirp birding festival! Adventure begins at: 11:10 Show notes Buy me a Coffee Southeast Arizona Birding Festival Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival Adam Cayton-HollandBirding is the World BrazilGlobal Big Day Spring Chirp Blue's Chill and GrillNana's Taqueria eBird Trip Reporthttps://ebird.org/tripreport/350343 Birds/Animals mentionedFlame-Colored Tanager Upland Sandpiper Intro Bird Call: Great-tailed Grackle (Recorded: Weslaco TX, May 1st, 2025 ) Outro Bird Call: Plain Chachalaca (Recorded: Weslaco TX, May 1st, 2025)Support the showConnect with us at... IG: @Hannahgoesbirding and @ErikgoesbirdingFacebook: @HannahandErikGoBirdingEmail us at HannahandErikGoBirding@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.gobirdingpodcast.comVenmo: @hannahanderikgobirdingGet a discount at Buteo Books using code: BIRDNERDBOOKCLUB

Squarin' Around had officially extended its reach to the Rio Grande Valley! In this one, Jakob and Andrew sit down with UTRGV pitcher Evan Maldonado. Apart from being a D1 pitcher with stops across Texas and Louisiana, Evan is Jakob's cousin. The pair of cousins and tio Zimmel reconnect to talk about life, tacos and baseball in South Texas. Tap in: https://linktr.ee/SquarinPod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textAdonis shares his personal journey of living with HIV, his experiences growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and the challenges of transitioning as a transgender man. He discusses the cultural taboos surrounding LGBTQ+ identities in his community, the support he received from his family, and the importance of gender-affirming care. Adonis reflects on his initial reactions to his HIV diagnosis and the subsequent acceptance from his family, highlighting the love and understanding that helped him navigate his journey. In this conversation, Adonis shares his journey of living with HIV as a transgender man, discussing the challenges and triumphs he has faced. He emphasizes the importance of support systems, the need for gender-affirming care, and the role of advocacy in the current political climate. Adonis also highlights the significance of community and connection, as well as the personal growth he has experienced through his diagnosis. His story serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar paths, encouraging openness and resilience.  Adonis has created a virtual organization for the trans non-conforming individuals called undertheumbrellargv. Visit his iInstagram pages.This podcast is brought to you by the Los Angeles Family AIDS Network

#TEXAS: HEADING TO AUSTIN TO CHECK ON THE BORDER SECURITY FROM THE THREATENING NEW WORLD SCREWWORM PARASITE.  @MICHAEL_YON https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-mexico-have-reached-agreement-new-world-screwworm-ag-secretary-rollins-says-2025-04-28/ 1900 RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Hello friends! Ram Vela from Austin-based, power-pop band, Ram Vela & The Easy Targets is my guest for episode 1482! Their new single, "Westerberg" an ode to Replacements' singer, Paul Westerberg, is available now on 7" vinyl and streaming. Find them their music, socials, and more on their Linktree. Ram and I have a great conversation about growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, discovering rock and roll, finding his way to Austin in 2001, his old band Whitman, starting The Easy Targets in 2018, getting Stella Maxwell (Stella & The Very Messed, Cruiserweight) to sing back-up on "Westerberg" after being a fan for over 20 years, recording with producer Matt Parmenter at Ice Cream Factory Studios, and much more. I had a great time getting to know Ram. I'm sure you will too. Let's get down!   Follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you pod.   If you feel so inclined. Venmo: venmo.com/John-Goudie-1  Paypal: paypal.me/johnnygoudie  

*Mexico is delivering more water to the Rio Grande Valley.   *The U.S. needs to build a sterile fly production facility to fight New World screwworms.*Texas Panhandle farmers are already facing a big battle with weeds.  *What do consumers think about cotton?  *House Democrats are expressing concerns over USDA layoffs.  *The TCU Ranch Management program has a long reputation of educating livestock producers.  *Be on the lookout for strangles this spring.  

*Cotton planting is underway across the cotton belt.  *The latest seasonal drought outlook has both good and bad news for Texas.  *Mexico has committed to deliver water to the Rio Grande Valley.*Southwest Texas got some well needed rainfall.  *The cattle markets could be in for a rocky ride in the months ahead.  *Work is underway to once again to rewrite the controversial Waters of the U.S. rule.  *Grain crops are going in the ground in the Texas Southern Plains.  *A company is offering free Cushing's testing for your horse.  

In this episode of Loud and Clear, Francisco Cardenas principal of Digital Strategy & Integration at LERMA/ is joined by Dr. Kimberly Selber, Associate Dean of Community Engagement at The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. They delve into the role of academia in preparing students for today's dynamic advertising landscape. Dr. Selber, affectionately known as Dr. K, shares her extensive experience spanning education and high-profile agency work. The discussion highlights the integration of critical thinking, real-time industry connections, and the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching advertising in the US-Mexico border region. The episode also explores innovative ways to bridge students with industry through remote internships, mentorship programs, and real-world projects.Guest:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Dr. Kimberly Selber, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Professor, Graduate Program Director; Dean of Community EngagementProducer:⁠⁠⁠Rolf Ruiz⁠⁠⁠, Digital Strategist, Creative Technologist & Agricultor at ⁠⁠⁠LERMA/⁠⁠⁠Host:⁠⁠⁠Francisco Cardenas⁠⁠⁠, Principal of Digital and Social Strategy at ⁠⁠⁠LERMA/⁠⁠⁠Music: Rolf Ruiz

Preaching for Good Friday, Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ, preaches on the transformative love of the Cross: "Everything that we fear, we see in the cross. We see in the cross pain, suffering, shame, defeat, failure, humiliation. And yet it is also a symbol of victory. The victory of Jesus' love for us.The love of God is more powerful than anything we fear."Sister Norma Pimentel is Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, where she oversees the charitable branch of the Diocese of Brownsville, the second largest Catholic Diocese in the United States. Sister Pimentel has over twenty years of experience in providing oversight to a diverse set of ministries and social services in the Rio Grande Valley such as homeless prevention, disaster relief, clinical counseling, pregnancy care, food assistance, and humanitarian relief to immigrants.Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/04182025 to learn more about Sr. Norma, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

In today's episode, Melissa introduces two authors from the new anthology, "Latinas in PR", Rachel Benavidez and Lilly Cortés Wyatt. About Rachel:Rachel Benavidez is a former journalist turned public relations and marketing professional who brings more than 25 years of experience to her role as Vice President of Communications and Strategy for VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio. The local PRSA Chapter named her PR Professional of the Year in 2023 and in 2024 elected her President, to lead in 2025. She's a Rio Grande Valley native who has lived in San Antonio since 2008, with roles as editor in chief at San Antonio Magazine and City Editor at the San Antonio Express-News. Connect with Rachel on LinkedInFollow Rachel on FacebookFollow Rachel on Instagram About Lilly:Lilly is the founder of SociosPR, an integrated communications firm known for its expertise in multicultural strategies and cultural competence. Drawing from her journalism background, Lilly leads a team with over a century of combined experience delivering tailored, human-centered communication solutions. With a commitment to diversity in thought and approach, Lilly offers insights that are intersectional, socially conscious, and environmentally aware, empowering clients to connect authentically with diverse audiences. Connect with Lilly on LinkedInFollow SociosPR on LinkedInFollow SociosPR on InstagramFollow SociosPR on Facebook Topics covered:- How the authors got in Public Relations- What inspired them to share their story- A preview of each author's story- Advice for someone taking a step forward in their career- Buy your copy of "Latinas in PR" on Amazon Resources mentioned: - "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture"- "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know"- MVW Communications

Oval Office Visit Senator Ted Cruz's Visit: Senator Cruz spent about two hours with President Trump in the Oval Office, discussing various topics and receiving a challenge coin from the President. Stock Market Surge Tariffs and Stock Market Impact: President Trump paused tariffs announced on April 2nd and increased tariffs on China, leading to the greatest single-day increase in the stock market in U.S. history. This move was aimed at leveraging negotiations for lower tariffs globally. Senate Floor Votes Late-Night Senate Votes: The document mentions the frustration of Senate Republicans with Democrats blocking the nomination for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, leading to votes being held at 1 AM. Mexico Stealing Water Water Treaty Violation: Mexico has been violating the 1944 Water Treaty by not providing the agreed amount of water to Texas, severely impacting Texas farmers. President Trump, at Senator Cruz's behest, took a strong stance against Mexico, demanding compliance with the treaty and threatening penalties. Oval Office Swag Presidential Gifts: President Trump is known for giving guests various personalized gifts, including signed hats, golf balls, and presidential cufflinks, all paid for out of his own pocket. Crypto Legislation Bill Signing: Senator Cruz introduced legislation to repeal a regulation from the Biden administration that harmed the crypto industry, which President Trump signed into law. Tariff Strategy Negotiation Tactics: The document discusses President Trump's negotiation strategy, using tariffs as leverage to achieve lower tariffs globally and improve market access for American producers. Personal Anecdotes Failures and Successes: Senator Cruz shares personal anecdotes about his failures and successes, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and learning from setbacks. Political Strategy Turning Texas Red: Efforts to flip the Rio Grande Valley from blue to red, highlighting the impact of standing up for local issues like the water treaty violation. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and the Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. Thanks for Listening #seanhannity #hannity #marklevin #levin #charliekirk #megynkelly #tucker #tuckercarlson #glennbeck #benshapiro #shapiro #trump #sexton #bucksexton#rushlimbaugh #limbaugh #whitehouse #senate #congress #thehouse #democrats#republicans #conservative #senator #congressman #congressmen #congresswoman #capitol #president #vicepresident #POTUS #presidentoftheunitedstatesofamerica#SCOTUS #Supremecourt #DonaldTrump #PresidentDonaldTrump #DT #TedCruz #Benferguson #Verdict #justicecorrupted #UnwokeHowtoDefeatCulturalMarxisminAmericaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Torrential rain in South Texas leads to dangerous flooding, trapping people in their homes. How the Rio Grande Valley is recovering.A new DEI directive led the Pentagon to purge certain historical figures from web pages. Why that decision has now been reversed.Some churches are looking to re-purpose buildings and land to help residents who need […] The post Deadly floods swamp South Texas, shatter records appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Today my guest is Arnold Cantu, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with experience in school social work, private practice, and community mental health. What made Arnold drop out of his doctoral program despite his passion for academic and clinical research, even as he became a published author well ahead of his classmates?Our conversation explores the challenging dynamics Arnold faced as a doctoral student who didn't perfectly align with certain ideological expectations, despite his progressive research interests critiquing the biomedical model of mental health. With seven years of clinical experience before entering his program in 2021, Arnold anticipated some political slant but was surprised by the extent of ideological conformity enforced.What pressures do students face when they don't enthusiastically embrace every aspect of critical social justice ideology? How thin is the line between education and indoctrination? What happens when a student defines "anti-oppressive" using a dictionary definition rather than approved academic literature?Arnold shares how he found himself under scrutiny not for being confrontational in class, but simply for not demonstrating sufficient enthusiasm for certain frameworks. Despite being a Mexican-American clinician focused on improving mental health services for immigrant communities, his approach wasn't considered progressive enough.The situation escalated when Arnold shared a link about academic freedom in a class survey, prompting professors to call meetings to discuss his values and commitment to social justice. He eventually withdrew in 2024 after what he describes as "one of the lowest years of my life," finding much greater happiness returning to clinical work.We discuss the paradox Arnold observed between an allegedly "anti-oppressive" framework that created an oppressive academic environment and the challenges of intellectual diversity in social work education. Despite leaving his program, Arnold has continued his scholarly work, publishing books and articles critiquing the medical model of mental health.This conversation raises important questions about the future of social work education, the tension between truth-seeking and political activism in academia, and whether students with diverse perspectives can thrive in programs with increasingly rigid ideological expectations.Look for a future episode where Arnold and I will dive deeper into his critique of the medical model and how certain "progressive" approaches to mental health may paradoxically reinforce oppressive frameworks.Arnoldo Cantú, LCSW is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist with experience in school social work, private practice, and currently working in community mental health seeing children, adolescents, families, and adults. Cantú was born in Mexico and considers Texas home having grown up in the Rio Grande Valley, though currently resides in the beautiful city of Fort Collins located in northern Colorado. He is the lead editor of a trio of volumes in the Ethics International Press Critical Psychology and Critical Psychiatry Series titled Theoretical Alternatives to the Psychiatric Model of Mental Disorder Labeling, Practical Alternatives to the Psychiatric Model of Mental Illness, and Institutionalized Madness: The Interplay of Psychiatry and Society's Institutions. He's written critically not only about the idea of so-called mental disorder, but also the idea of race categories.Arnold's recent article: A Case for Intellectual Humility, Tolerance, and Humanism: Perspectives from an Ethnically “Minoritized” Graduate StudentArnold's ResearchGate profileSpecial Issue "Beyond Ideological Mandates: Critical Reflections on Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Education"ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming gues...

In the second episode of our new series "Hombre: Understanding Latino Men," Maria Hinojosa sits down with two young Latino voters from Texas. Alejandro Flores, from Dallas, cast his ballot for Kamala Harris in 2024. First-time voter Alexis Uscanga, from the Rio Grande Valley, chose Donald Trump. This roundtable gets into the issues that informed both Alexis' and Alejandro's vote.Follow us on TikTok and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter by going to the top of our homepage. 

On the evening of April 16, 1960, a young woman from McAllen, Texas named Irene Garza went to church for confession. She never returned home. A week later, her body was found floating in a canal. Decades would pass before the priest who murdered Irene was brought to justice in a historic case for the church and the Rio Grande Valley. In Season five of “Darkness,” host Talisa Treviño details the decades-long fight for justice for Irene. Hear from the investigators who tackled the case and Irene's loved ones, as well as survivors of abuse in the Catholic church.