South Texas needs rain. Tropical Storm Alberto didn’t deliver enough.
The region's two major reservoirs are at record-low levels and agriculture leaders are worried the citrus industry could be devastated this summer. Full Story
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Berenice Garcia is a regional reporter covering the Rio Grande Valley. She works at the Tribune as a corps members with Report for America. She previously covered local government, crime, healthcare and general assignments for The Monitor in McAllen where she was born. Though she's spent the majority of her life in the Valley, she traveled east to attend New York University where she studied journalism and politics. While there, she interned at the New York Daily News, the Daily Beast and NBC News. When she’s not working, she enjoys fighting for her life at the gym. Berenice is based in McAllen.
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![A citrus orchard in the Rio Grande Valley between the towns of Santa Rose and Combes in 2021.]()
Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas Tribune -
U.S. Supreme Court blocks the state’s Rio Grande water deal with New Mexico
Water law experts say the Supreme Court's recent decision will set a precedent for the federal government to intervene in water conflicts between states moving forward. Full Story
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![The Rio Grande at the New Mexico-Texas border on Monday, December 9, 2013 in El Paso.]()
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In South Texas, one woman is leading an agricultural renaissance
Texas is losing an estimated 1,000 acres of farm land a day, mostly to other industries. The Rio Grande Valley is losing land at a faster clip. Full Story
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![Diana Padilla at Yahweh’s All Natural Farm and Gardens in Harlingen on June 15, 2024. Diana and her husband Saul Padilla own Yahweh’s and the non-profit HOPE (Holistic Organic Practical Education for small farm sustainability).]()
Credit: Michael Gonzalez for The Texas Tribune -
In Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, a push for more direct democracy
Ground Game Texas, a group that has pushed for progressive policies in cities across the state, is working to make it easier for McAllen residents to change local laws. Full Story
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![Karen Salazar, center, campaign manager for Ground Game Texas, and field organizers Elena Pacheco, left, and Jimena Rodriguez in a McAllen neighborhood on May 23, 2024. They were gathering signatures for a petition to amend the city charter to limit campaign contributions.]()
Credit: Michael Gonzalez for The Texas Tribune -
Families of Uvalde shooting victims suing gun manufacturer, Instagram, video game company
The lawsuit accuses Daniel Defense, the manufacturer of the shooter’s weapon, of marketing its products to young people. Full Story
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![Attendees browse at the Daniel Defense firearms booth at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas on May 17, 2024.]()
Credit: Azul Sordo for The Texas Tribune -
Families of Uvalde shooting victims sue Texas DPS officers for waiting to confront gunman
In a separate settlement, the city of Uvalde will pay $2 million to the families, create a permanent memorial to the victims and provide enhanced training for police officers. Full Story
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![Authorities gather outside of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde after a gunman entered and killed 19 students and two teachers on May 24, 2022.]()
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Meatless in South Texas: Thousands flock to vegan festival in Rio Grande Valley
From brisket to carne asada, Texas is known for meat, making this annual gathering in a small Rio Grande Valley town stand out. Full Story
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![Attendees and non-profit organizations are seen at Vegan Fest in Elsa, Texas on May 11, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune]()
Credit: Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune -
With indictment, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s deep South Texas ties will again be tested
Cuellar was expected to cruise to reelection. Now he’ll need to rely on support from local and national Democratic leaders to help him overcome scandal. Full Story
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![U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, speaks at a GOTV rally with former President Bill Clinton for Democratic congressional candidate Michelle Vallejo in Edinburg on Nov. 7, 2022]()
Credit: Michael Gonzalez for The Texas Tribune -
Tarrant County DA wants Crystal Mason’s illegal voting conviction reinstated
A Texas appeals court recently overturned Mason’s five-year prison sentence for casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 election while on supervised release for federal tax evasion. Full Story
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![Crystal Mason in Fort Worth on Sept. 9, 2019.]()
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson for The Texas Tribune -
Is the ocelot, the endangered South Texas wildcat, making a comeback?
Conservation groups found a sign of hope, but scientists say it's too soon to celebrate. Full Story
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![The ocelot subspecies Leopardus pardalis albescens, found in South Texas, is classified as endangered.]()
Credit: Photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 2022, ©Chase Fountain