Good morning, Edinburg.

RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting a New Member Orientation to review membership benefits, resources, programs, and upcoming events.

New members will connect with staff and peers (attendees are encouraged to ask questions).

South Texas College's student count surged to over 43,000 (including both traditional and professional credit students) at a Sept.

25 Fall Convocation held at McAllen Convention Center. President Ricardo Solis said the new count marks a 5% increase and makes STC the largest higher education institution in South Texas.

Joseph Martinez, a student at LBJ Elementary in Elsa, received $250 from a back-to-school shopping spree by Channel 5 News, H-E-B, and Communities in Schools to buy third-grade supplies and hear police advice for his future career.

The NWS forecasts that after a long hot, dry spell the Valley will see cooler, wetter weather with heavy rains and flash flooding risk from tropical moisture in October through December — easing drought while leading to rough coastal conditions.

The Hidalgo County sheriff’s office used opioid abatement grant funds to equip patrol vehicles with 116 AED (automated external defibrillators) to help save lives.

Deputies will be trained by certified medical personnel to use the devices effectively in emergencies.

From Oct. 1–31, DHR Health offers a $99 mammogram screening special using digital 3D tomography for women 40 and older at multiple imaging locations in the Rio Grande Valley, including Edinburg; a referral from a health care provider is required.

During Suicide Prevention Month, UT Health RGV at the Edinburg Campus and local mental health professionals urge community members to recognize warning signs and seek help, stressing that open conversations and support programs in schools and the VA create life-saving awareness — a reminder that every life has purpose.