PHARR, July 3 - A Rio Grande Valley veterans’ leader has called on local congressmen to include a VA hospital in any future federal stimulus package.

McALLEN, June 30 - Higher education officials and border congressmen say they are determined to eliminate money as an excuse for not going to college.

The University of Texas-Pan American is anticipating a big influx of new student veterans, and in preparation will begin offering numerous services for those coming back from war.

McALLEN, June 30 - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has explained the rationale for his vote for the controversial cap and trade bill.

McALLEN, June 30 - Gov. Rick Perry may not have added higher education issues to the call of the special session but that has not stopped state Sen. Judith Zaffirini from pre-filing three bills on the subject.

McALLEN, June 29 - A leading Republican in the Rio Grande Valley has threatened to run against U.S. Rubén Hinojosa at the next election in protest at his vote for the so-called cap and trade bill.

McALLEN, June 29 - U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz has made his first public comment on his decision to buck President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and vote against legislation designed to bring down the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions.

McALLEN, June 29 - The largest state medical society in the nation wants to see the Children’s Health Insurance Program added to the call for the special session starting on Wednesday.

McALLEN, June 29 - President Obama’s health care reform plans will produce the biggest economic boon the border region has seen in a generation, according to state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh of El Paso.

McALLEN, June 28 - State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa says Texans should not rule out the possibility of Gov. Rick Perry allowing state lawmakers to expand the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program during the upcoming special session.

EDINBURG, June 27 - San Juan businessman Ignacio Almaguer says his personal story is good reason to back President Obama’s health care reform plans.

McALLEN, June 27 - Officials representing universities and municipalities in the Rio Grande Valley must have their feet held to the fire when it comes to their commitment for higher education.

McALLEN, June 27 - Border congressmen from Texas were split Friday evening on a controversial bill that aims to chart a new course towards a clean energy economy.

McALLEN, June 26 - The American Civil Liberties Union has welcomed an announcement by the State Department that U.S. citizens born to midwives will not be denied a passport.

McALLEN, June 26 - McAllen Mayor Richard Cortez wants Monterrey Tech to build a campus in his city.

McALLEN, June 25 - A visiting community activist made such a powerful case for health care reform by telling a highly personalized story of her ailing mother that Rio Grande Valley Democrats videoed her speech.

McALLEN, June 25 - State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh says the biggest impact from President Obama’s health care reforms will be felt on the border region.

AUSTIN, June 25 - Gov. Rick Perry has called a special session of the Texas Legislature for July 1.

McALLEN, June 24 - If you are not in black and white you don't count.

WESLACO, June 24 - The research that will be done at the new $7.2 million Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center will be recognized throughout the world, says Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.

McALLEN, June 23 - Hailed for his work in strengthening U.S.-Mexico relations, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio (Tony) O. Garza has been named a partner of ViaNovo consultants on Tuesday.