By ALBERT VILLEGAS Special to the NEWS The San Benito Police Department (SBPD) received $20,000 through a resolution approved by elected officials at their recent public meeting. The Operation Lone Star grant, as it’s called, is provided by the Texas Governor’s Office, Homeland Security Grants Division, and is valid through August 31, 2026. An executive …

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By ALBERT VILLEGAS Special to the NEWS The San Benito Lady Greyhounds have played seven games, which include an appearance at the annual Border Bash Tournament in McAllen. The Lady ‘Hounds have a lone victory after they defeated the East Wildcats, 39-37. The game can be described as a tale of two halves, with San …

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By ALBERT VILLEGAS Special to the NEWS LYFORD, TX—The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcat Varsity Basketball Team placed second at the Dr. Keillor Classic Tournament while also improving to an impressive 7-1 record for the season. They advanced to the tournament’s title game, where the host Lady Bulldogs won, 57-47. “They faced some adversity during the …

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By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the NEWS LOS INDIOS, TX— This small river community is proving it has a big heart as organizers prepare to welcome senior residents for their Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Feast. This tradition began in 2021 and continues to grow each year. The event is scheduled for November 21, 2025, from …

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Special to the NEWS LOS INDIOS, TX—On Wednesday, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Cameron County, and the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) announced the completion of the infrastructure improvement project at the Land Port of Entry here, also known as the Free Trade Bridge. “GSA is pleased …

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By ALBERT VILLEGAS Special to the NEWS A proposed plan for building a performing arts center costing millions of dollars was publicly unveiled for the first time during a regular meeting of the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees. A recent gathering between DWilson Construction, SBCISD Fine Arts Department staff, and Superintendent …

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By ALBERT VILLEGAS Special to the NEWS After several minutes of deliberation on fire hydrants and the minimum inches required to install a line for residential development, an existing ordinance was cited to San Benito commissioners to assist in their decision. Elected leaders unanimously approved a variance at their Nov. 4 regular meeting to permit …

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Special to the NEWS The San Benito Cultural Arts Department (CAD) has again partnered with the regional VA office to host Moments of Expression: VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Veterans’ Creative Arts Competition Exhibition at the San Benito Cultural Arts Center. This exhibit features the work of local participants in the VA Texas Valley Coastal …

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Joe Martinez, Ed.D., is a Doctor of Curriculum & Technology, a U.S. Military Veteran, and a San Benito native. Market days in San Benito provide small businesses and new entrepreneurs a low-cost public platform to showcase their products and services, helping both vendors gain exposure and residents discover local offerings. This past weekend, I took …

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By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the NEWS The San Benito Chamber of Commerce celebrated a record-breaking evening at its 8th Annual Casino Night, held November 6, 2025, at the Oak Hill Event Center in San Benito. The highly anticipated fundraiser completely sold out, welcoming more than 500 attendees, including local officials, business owners, sponsors, and …

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