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Editorials

On call: Addressing EMT shortage a challenge for Valley cities

Paramedics often are the first responders to medical emergencies, whether they be traffic accidents or calls for an ambulance from a person’s home. Technically, most are not doctors or nurses; however, they are responsible for assessing a patient’s condition, diagnosing the specific problem and rendering the appropriate treatment, both at the site of the call and in the ambulance en route to a hospital. Their efforts can be complicated by the environment, which can include traffic-filled streets and highways and all kinds of weather.

Facing off: Valley appears best venue to hold gubernatorial debate

Plans aren’t set in stone, but it appears that Republican Gov. Greg Abbott plans to debate Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke once, and it will be in the Rio Grande Valley.

No kidding: School gun pranks warrant officials’ disciplinary action

People who have been to airports, border crossings and many other public facilities likely have seen signs that warn: Don’t even joke about carrying a weapon or committing an act of violence, as all such comments will be taken seriously.

Being conservative: Recycling isn’t only way to help our environment

Weather events seem to be getting more extreme; the Rio Grande Valley alone endured a crippling ice storm and related power outages last year, and this year is dealing with yet another heat wave and drought that has forced Valley cities and counties to issue calls for water conservation, some of them mandatory.

Big boost: Program can help families escape migrant life, wages

Rio GrandeValley business and political leaders often tout their migrant farm roots. In the coming months we’re bound to see plenty of commercials from candidates bragging about their parents to toiled in agricultural fields and orchards, and their ability to escape that life and find success in the political world. Lawyers especially talk about similar backgrounds, suggesting that such a life has steeled them to be tough and persistent as they advocate for their clients.

Our Aug. 11 editorial regarding the Town Hall on local disasters noted that some people have injected opinion into historical record. Staff at the Museum of South Texas History, which plays host to the Aug. 13 event in Edinburg, wish to ensure that everyone understands that the event will focus on the gathering oral histories from the community. People who attend will be asked specific questions about their own experiences with local disasters so that the project can gather the most accurate information possible.

Make history: Museum, UT collecting data on natural disasters in Valley

The Rio Grande Valley and its residents have endured historic natural disasters, from drought that forced ranchers to burn thorns off of cacti in order to feed the livestock they weren’t able to sell off, to tropical storms that flooded much of the Valley, to the winter storm that left much of the region cold and dark for days on end.

Staying safe: To secure best protection, understand role of police

Classes are beginning at schools all across America. As families prepare for the new school year, educators and community officials are making their own preparations.

Getting clean: Drug treatment options warrant more attention

Drug addition is an open secret all across the country. Everybody knows it’s a problem, but few acknowledge its presence, or its effects, closer to home. The National Institutes of Health reports that more than 90,000 people die from drug overdoses every year — and that number comes with a disclaimer that the government does not track statistics related to all drugs. Health officials say Texas has one of the highest rates of drug addiction and abuse.

Keep it clean: New pandemic is emerging, raising need to stay cautious

In many areas including the Rio GrandeValley, COVID cases are once again increasing in number. The surge coincides with the fact that many residents have eased back on many of the precautions they had undertaken during the height of the pandemic. Many have stopped wearing masks in public places and washing their hands or using sanitizing substances with the same frequency. Many of our popular grocery and department stores no longer provide disinfectant wipes or solutions at their entrances.