The Monitor

When my father was many years into living with Parkinson’s disease, he had lost his speech, his ability to walk, to write, and so much more. For most of his eight decades of life he was an accomplished world traveler, author, pilot, humanitarian, anthropologist, as well as a loving husband and father. It was shocking to see him lose so much — struggling to communicate verbally and having to be fed and assisted with his most basic needs.

McALLEN — Highway officials are looking for public input on a plan to widen one of the most congested portions of Jackson Road where it traverses underneath Interstate 2 as it bisects Pharr and McAllen.

McALLEN — I am usually not open to suggestions when it comes to these food reviews (just ask my editors), unless my girlfriend suggests that I take suggestions, in which case I will.

MERCEDES — We champion the blue ribbons and the animals who win them, and the students are all smiles and eyes bright.

MERCEDES — Students brought their goats before the judges during the 85th annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo. Applause rushed from the bleachers as students received their blue ribbons and their red ribbons and their pink ribbons for their goats.

EDINBURG — The city of Edinburg on Monday evening held a candlelight memorial for a local Border Patrol agent and two New York National Guard soldiers killed in a helicopter crash near La Grulla on Friday.

McALLEN — McAllen police shot a man Monday who entered the police department lobby wielding two knives and making threats.

Federal officials are seeking public input from Rio Grande Valley locals about a proposal to make major changes at the McAllen Post Office — changes that would cede a large chunk of distribution oversight and operations to San Antonio.

MERCEDES — The steer, all gray and monolithic in size, bellowed as his owner struggled with its rope.

South Texas College welcomed 26 students to its Construction Superintendent Apprenticeship program which enables them to earn money while they learn and receive a certificate in the industry.