COMMENTARY: Newspapers keep communities strong

By DEAN RIDINGS CEO | America’s Newspapers Strong communities don’t just happen. They depend on connection — residents knowing what’s happening, businesses reaching the customers who keep them going, and citizens having the facts to make informed decisions. Local newspapers provide that connection in ways no other source can. In today’s fractured media landscape, trust …

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COMMENTARY: Season stirs points of concern

Joe Martinez, Ed.D., is a Doctor of Curriculum & Technology, a U.S. Military Veteran, and a San Benito native. Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends and to honor the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we prepare for the holiday season, I want to highlight some important safety and health …

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Lady ’Hounds record victories

By ALBERT VILLEGAS Special to the NEWS The San Benito Lady Greyhound Varsity Basketball Team began competing in the PSJA Tournament this week, with an overall record of 4-7. Their first tournament game was on Thursday against the PSJA Southwest Lady Javelinas. There is still a lot of time for San Benito Head Coach Luis …

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Ladies earn all district spots

By ALBERT VILLEGAS Special to the NEWS The San Benito Lady Greyhounds’ volleyball team secured a spot in the Class 6A postseason, thanks to strong performances from several players. For their efforts on the court, six Lady ‘Hounds were named to the All-District 32-6A Team. “I’m very proud of the girls’ volleyball accomplishments this year, …

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Teams get back to action

By ALBERT VILLEGAS Special to the NEWS With the Thanksgiving holiday, there weren’t many games played for the San Benito and Rio Hondo teams. The Greyhounds returned to the court against the Edinburg North Cougars on Tuesday, Dec. 2, but lost in a non-district game on the road, Head Coach Nate Garza said. The first-year …

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Club CEO Chavez recognized

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the NEWS For the second consecutive year, Boys & Girls Club of San Benito CEO Liz Chavez has been honored with a prestigious nationwide award, the 2025 Southwest Contribution to the Profession Award. This achievement reflects not only her leadership but also her lifelong connection to the Club and its …

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Region One expands canopy

Special to the NEWS Region One Education Service Center was awarded $1,181,667 from the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants Program to expand tree planting, resident education and urban forestry initiatives across seven Rio Grande Valley cities, including San Benito. Through this two-year grant cycle, running through December 31, 2027, Region One ESC will …

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Rios fights on with dignity

By ALBERT VILLEGAS Special to the NEWS The holidays, among other things, are a time to reflect on what one is thankful for, and for one San Benito family, it’s also the little things with loved ones that are now so grand in scale because of a disease that has impacted all too many. This …

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‘Past time’ featured in display

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the NEWS Longtime Valley historian, San Benito News columnist, community advocate, and retired assistant professor from the University of Texas at Brownsville/TSC, Rene Torres, has opened a new baseball exhibit at the San Benito Public Library, offering the public a rare look at his personal collection of vintage World Series …

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Anti-bully advocate awarded

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the NEWS San Benito author and community leader David Leija, founder of the TKO Movement, has been named one of ten honorees for Illuminations’ inaugural Local Lights campaign in McAllen, chosen from hundreds of nominations across the Rio Grande Valley. The recognition includes a $1,000 appreciation award and honors individuals …

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