Area News

Frustration over finances flared at a July 28 Weslaco school board workshop during which one trustee called for an external financial audit and the district’s superintendent vocally defended operations from what he described as exceptional board negativity.   In June Superintendent Richard Rivera told trustees the district had a healthy fund balance and made major…

During its first regular meeting last month a new slate of Sullivan City councilmen voted to approve a flurry of significant changes, but council didn’t hold that meeting at city hall.   Instead, that meeting — along with a swearing in ceremony for new officials before it and a special meeting Monday — were all…

An Edinburg man charged with three counts of theft in 2021 and 2022 switched attorneys late last month after being arrested following months of trying to come up with restitution for his alleged victims.   During 2021 and 2022 police arrested Phillip Drake, 41, on three occasions after he allegedly cheated partners in the cattle…

Planned improvements inside Speer Memorial Library (SML) are on hold until external foundation repairs can be completed, and a persistent leaking roof can be repaired.     Mission City Manager Mike Perez told the Progress Times this week that the shifting foundation is causing roof leaks.   “We had it fixed over a year ago,…

The City of Mission unveiled its proposed new $68 million dollar budget and workshops scheduled each day next week will allow the public to listen in while the council finalizes the figures.   City Manager Mike Perez rolled out a first draft of the budget at Monday’s council meeting that he said was balanced as…

Sullivan City is considering appointing a new municipal judge who says she’ll work for free weeks after the city eliminated two paid judicial positions.     In early July, Sullivan City eliminated two municipal judge positions, a move the city says will save it $12,000 a year in salaries.   The city and the judges’…

Edinburg, Texas – Edinburg resident and respected attorney Omar Ochoa officially filed to run for Mayor of his hometown on Monday, July 21, 2025, the first day to file for a place on the November ballot. With his wife, attorney Leah Wise, and father, former Edinburg Mayor Joe Ochoa, by his side, Ochoa submitted his…

The City of McAllen is proud to announce the appointment of Elvira Alonzo to the position of Assistant City Manager, effective July 21, 2025. Alonzo brings a distinguished over 40-year career in public service at the City of McAllen, with experience in McAllen Public Works as Director, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, McAllen Parks and Recreation,…

The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court Tuesday appointed Ricardo Perez to the county’s vacant Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2, Place 1 seat.     That seat was left vacant after longtime JP Bobby Contreras died early this month.   Perez is originally from the Las Milpas area in Pharr.   He lives in McAllen…

The Texas Legislature will hold hearings over the next few days to receive feedback from the public on proposed new congressional district lines, and State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) said he has not yet seen a map for consideration.   “We don’t have a map,” Hinojosa told the Progress Times on Tuesday. “I’m sure…