Michael Rodriguez
monitornews
San Benito, TX, United States
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Past articles by Michael:
Surrounded by death and division, Valley medical workers emerge triumphant
Time faded inside Fermin Herrera’s hospital room at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Stricken with COVID-19 and heavily medicated, the Missouri gentleman who for 20 years has called the Rio Grande Valley his winter home lay bedridden for weeks, flowing in and out of consciousness with only thoughts of his wife, Ruth Ann, to … → Read More
MOSTHistory's 'Bearing Witness' to chronicle Valley lives lost to COVID-19
When the Rio Grande Valley’s first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in March, no one could predict the precise impact it would have on people’s lives. Businesses, schools and churches were forced to close their doors to the public; those providing essential services had to rethink their operations to abide by health restrictions; jobs were … → Read More
Daughter: Parents who died due to COVID-19 robbed of chance to say goodbye
“They had more years in them, they had more years and they robbed us. Those people who don’t social distance, they robbed us of the ability to hold their hands, to say goodbye. They took that away from us.” Doreen Morgan Daughter to A.C. “Beto” Jaime and Dora Garcia Jaime His life extinguishing with … → Read More
Hurricane Hanna brings more devastation to virus-ravaged Rio Grande Valley
There’s 2020, and then there’s 2020 in the Rio Grande Valley, where devastation has struck on two fronts in a perfect storm of disaster — all before summer’s end. While no one in the Valley needs a reminder that the area has endured a pandemic of biblical proportions for more than a month, things became … → Read More
COMMENTARY: Why the Rio Grande Valley will thrive again
The following is a text message I sent to my publisher Friday morning. “The crack in my armor is getting bigger, and I’m beginning to lose my cool. I’m taking the day to step away, and write, lest I blow up at another reporter who’s working their ass off.” Knowing precisely what I was referring to, he replied: “Yep, I understand.” Read the full story at themonitor.com → Read More
COMMENTARY: Keep the faith in the fight against COVID-19
By Thursday, reporters began to have that look in their eyes. The one that speaks less to fatigue and more to utter exhaustion, as the stress of the times began to fill their already-bloodshot eyes. I’ve seen it before during hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters; except now it’s as if a catastrophic storm is hitting us every single day. Despite it all, we remain in good spirits,… → Read More
Alfredo Gonzalez veterans home limiting visits as virus protection measure
The Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home is limiting visitation to only spouses and family members as a precautionary measure to protect from the potential spread of the coronavirus, which the World Health Organization on Wednesday officially declared a global pandemic. Communications Director Karina Erickson of the Texas General Land Office said the McAllen facility is one of nine state… → Read More
Heavy rainfall brings flooding again to storm-weary RGV
By Michael Rodriguez and Celeste Gracia In a weather event that nearly repeated last year’s devastation, portions of an already storm-weary Hidalgo County and the surrounding areas sustained significant damage as a result of Monday night’s thunderstorms, with streets flooding and mobile homes being destroyed in the Delta area, and power outages reported around McAllen. … → Read More
After surgery, Michael Cohen's prison date postponed to May
By LARRY NEUMEISTER and MICHAEL R. SISAK | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — President Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen was granted a few more weeks of freedom Wednesday after his lawyers said he’s still recovering from surgery and hasn’t had time to get his affairs in order because he’s preparing to … → Read More
Weslaco adds $525K fire truck to fleet
WESLACO — Just call her Big Blue. → Read More
Underage drinking parties focus of law enforcement training
WESLACO — Law enforcement authorities from throughout the Rio Grande Valley will have the opportunity to participate in a free training session that will provide tips on how to discourage → Read More
Former KWES director takes TV, community expertise to EDC
WESLACO — As the new director of the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, Steve Valdez said he plans to make good on a commitment to promote his four core functions: job → Read More
$2M in EDA grants awarded to Weslaco, San Juan at CIEDO opening
WESLACO — The opening of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s new Center on International Economic Development Opportunities has already proved lucrative for some as nearly $2 million in → Read More
Nueva Luz Foundation aims to help first responders, families cope with trauma
WESLACO — The Nueva Luz Foundation’s goal is simple: help as many people with as few resources as possible. → Read More
Vending machines at nature center to provide free meals for area children
WESLACO — This isn’t your average giveaway. → Read More
Spotlight on the Mondragon House
A wonderful place to be. → Read More
Mercedes grants property owners preservation assistance
MERCEDES — When Cherity Ysquierdo went house hunting a few months ago, she didn’t realize the history behind a 110-year-old home that initially caught her eye would also afford her → Read More
Donna delays city manager search further
DONNA — City council members have decided to postpone the search for a new city manager after failing to come into agreement over a lone finalist during a recent meeting, → Read More
Residents embrace local law enforcement at Weslaco’s ‘Hug a Cop’ event
WESLACO — As the nation continues to debate whose lives matter, this in an increasingly-vitriolic climate involving allegations of systemic racism within law enforcement agencies, residents and police officers from → Read More
Weslaco opens new amenity to the delight of pet owners
WESLACO — In a year that’s seen long-awaited projects completed and popular restaurant chains open in the city, Wednesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony for a dog park marked the opening of → Read More