Texas Attorney General Announces Arrest in Starr County for Illegal Ballot Harvesting

Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office announced the arrest of Modesta Vela in Starr County for allegedly operating an illegal ballot harvesting scheme during the 2022 general election.

According to a press release, a years-long investigation found evidence of a ballot harvesting operation that specifically targeted Texans over the age of 65. Following the investigation, a grand jury issued an indictment against Vela for intentionally and knowingly influencing a Texan’s vote in the presence of the ballot during the voting process. The offense is a state jail felony.

Vela was arrested in Starr County on September 4, following the indictment.

Tejano music legend Bobby Pulido has officially announced he is running for Congress.

He will be running as a Democrat in Texas' 15th Congressional District. In his announcement, he stated his goal is to bring the same pride and "corazón" to Washington that he has always brought to his music.

Pulido is focusing his campaign on key issues for the community, including tackling rising costs, fighting corporate greed, and working toward comprehensive immigration reform to support the local economy.

McAllen, Texas ⚕️🩺

The South Texas College Nursing & Allied Health Center campus is scheduled for a $6 million dollar renovation and expansion. The project will update a total of 29,663 square feet within a neighboring building.

The renovation is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025, with an expected completion date of October 1, 2026.

📍 2101 Vermont Ave., Mcallen, TX 78503

Edinburg, TX
The Charlie Kirk mural by artist Alexandro Gregoria (POPC_ULTURE) has already been restored after being vandalized. The artist finished the restoration last night.

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Education Agency is investigating over 100 teachers for allegedly calling for or inciting violence following the Charlie Kirk assassination.
Abbott stated that those educators will have their teaching certifications suspended and will be ineligible to teach in Texas public schools.

🎶 Get ready, RGV! 🎶
Stone Temple Pilots are coming LIVE in concert at Payne Arena in Hidalgo, TX this Saturday, November 8th! 🔥
🎤 Supporting Act: Toadies
📍 Payne Arena – 2600 N 10th St, Hidalgo, TX 78557
🎟️ Tickets available at: PayneArena.com
ℹ️ More info: RGVconcerts.net

Edinburg, TX
The Charlie Kirk mural by artist Alexandro Gregoria (POPC_ULTURE), which we shared yesterday, has already been vandalized.
The artist sent us these images and told us he plans to fix the mural this evening.

Edinburg, TX
Charlie Kirk mural in Edinburg Texas.

📸 James Hahn

McAllen, Texas
Lights Out in McAllen’s Entertainment District
The City of McAllen cut power to more than a dozen establishments in the Entertainment and Cultural Overlay District for operating without the required certificate of occupancy.
City officials say the move is about safety ensuring exits, wiring, and fire systems meet code. Power will be restored once businesses comply.
Mayor Villalobos emphasized: “We will continue to support responsible operators and keep our vibrant nightlife safe for everyone.”

Brownsville, Texas

Sprouts Farmers Market has a new location coming to 3457 Old Highway 77.
The 31,543-square-foot project includes the new grocery store along with attached space for four additional retail tenants.

Construction is scheduled to begin on May 4, 2026, with an expected completion date of August 9, 2027.

📍 3457 Old Highway 77, Brownsville, TX 78520

Edinburg, Texas

Space Monkey Barrcade, is coming soon to Edinburg, located at 1204 E. Canton Rd. across from the AMC theater.

It will be a free play arcade where guests pay one price to play all day and will feature a full bar and kitchen. The venue will be open to all ages, but will be strictly 18 and over after 9 p.m..

📍 1204 E. Canton Rd., Edinburg, TX

Pharr, Texas
The IKEA store at the Pharr Town Center!
This new location will be one of IKEA's new "small-format" stores, designed to bring the IKEA experience closer to customers in the Rio Grande Valley.

According to IKEA's official announcement, the new Pharr store is slated to open in the Fall of 2025.

📍 500 N Jackson Rd, Pharr, TX 78577

📸 Rick Grimaldo

City of McAllen Revokes Permits for Downtown Bars that Refuse to Prevent Underage Drinking

Less than 12 hours after the intense and engaging public comment at the August 29th City Commission Workshop, during which the public demanded bar operators curb underage drinking the City issued citations to over a dozen establishments that failed to take even the most basic preventative measures.

“They knew we were coming, and they made no changes,” said City Manager Isaac Tawil. “These operators have shown blatant disregard for the law and zero concern for protecting young people in our community. Based on these clear violations, the city has revoked their permits.”

To protect minors, the city is prioritizing enforcement of the two most critical safeguards against underage drinking: age-verification technology and UV ink to clearly mark patrons under 21.

On September 2, as a direct result of these establishments refusing to implement these safeguards, the City issued notices of revocation to the following establishments:
1. The Mini Bar
2. Valle Verde
3. Pasha
4. Scores Bar
5. Pecado Night Club
6. Karma/El Belicon
7. Broka
8. NY 17th Floor
9. The Lab on 17th
10. B7 Shot House
11. The White Rhino
12. Primo
13. Warehaus
14. Precopa
15. Tabu
16. Hustlerz
17. The Flying Walrus
18. Grand Central Square
19. Noxx
20. Yes Shot Bar

The age verification tools are inexpensive and effective, with age-verification systems costing as little as $250 to $500 per year, less than the profit from a single busy weekend. Other Special Use Permit requirements, including surveillance cameras, adequate lighting, and on-site security personnel, remain in place to ensure overall safety and compliance.

A recent study by Checkr ranked McAllen–Edinburg–Mission as the third worst metro area in the nation for job opportunities and earning potential in 2025.

Link: https://checkr.com/resourc...

Starbase, Texas

A new restaurant and bar named Chompy's is being built at 50520 Rio Grande Dr. to serve the growing Starbase community. The project involves the new, ground up construction of a 2,929 square foot building, including a full interior fit out. The estimated cost for the new build is $2,000,000.

Construction is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2025, and is expected to be completed by August 4, 2026.

📍 50520 Rio Grande Dr., Starbase, TX 78521

McAllen, Texas

Get ready for an authentic international experience! Sala De Despecho, an established restaurant and bar concept with locations across Latin America, Spain, and major U.S. cities like Miami, New York, and Las Vegas, is making its Texas debut in McAllen.

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and focus on "música de despecho" (heartbreak music), Sala De Despecho is set to bring a unique cultural and entertainment experience to the Rio Grande Valley.

📍 4037 Expressway 83, Suites 185-190, McAllen, TX 78501

McAllen, Texas

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen located at The District will be opening in October. The grand opening is planned for October 27, 2025.

📍 7701 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78504

Donna, Texas

A new food truck park, the Backyard Eatery, is celebrating its grand opening in Donna this Saturday, September 6th.

Located at 2112 Redskin Ave, the new park will feature a wide variety of food options, including tacos, burgers, Korean corn dogs, coffee, elotes asados, and a snack shop. A full bar will also be on site, serving mixed drinks and other alcoholic beverages. For the opening weekend, the park will also host local vendors.

📍 2112 Redskin Ave, Donna, TX

Edinburg, TX 🌯
Construction update 😁
Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming to 4112 S Business Highway 281!

The project is expected to be completed by February 9, 2026.

📍 4112 S Business Highway 281, Edinburg, TX 78539

Governor Greg Abbott signs law redrawing congressional maps.

The UTRGV Vaqueros will have their first football game tomorrow, August 30th! 🏈🔥

Former Rep. Mayra Flores has officially launched her bid to return to Congress, announcing she will run in Texas’ 34th Congressional District against incumbent Democrat Vicente Gonzalez in 2026.

Flores, who briefly held the seat after a 2022 special election, said the district is now one of the GOP’s top pickup opportunities following recent redistricting approved by the Texas Legislature. She credited the leadership of President Trump, Governor Greg Abbott, and Texas Republicans for positioning the party to compete in South Texas, adding:
“Now is the time to run with endurance, to fight the good fight, and to complete the work that God has placed before me. By His grace, we will finish it.”

Mayra Flores won’t be the only Republican in the race. Eric D. Flores, an Army veteran and lawyer, has also entered the GOP primary.

The contest is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in Texas, as Republicans continue their push to flip South Texas districts and Democrats fight to hold their ground.

Mission, TX
A new Junior’s Super Market is coming soon!

Juniors along with an adjoining commercial plaza is coming soon to the area of Doffing Rd & Mile 3 Rd.

Mission City Council approved the annexation into the city limits.

Palmview, Texas
The Palmview Police Department is currently investigating a case of illegal dumping involving a deceased dog. This incident took place on July 7, 2025, on Two Mile Line, specifically between Bentsen Palm Drive and Minnesota Road.

The entire incident was captured on newly installed cameras, which the City of Palmview recently purchased to combat the issue of illegal dumping.

Palmview PD is eager to speak with the two males observed in the photo regarding this incident. Their insights could prove invaluable to the investigation.

Anyone who has information related to this incident is encouraged to reach out to Palmview Crime Stoppers. You can contact them at (956) 584-TIPS (8477). Your assistance could play a pivotal role in resolving this case.

All calls made to the tips line are anonymous and if the information you provide leads to an arrest and conviction, you could earn a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Rio Grande Valley, Texas
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has signed a waiver to ensure the expeditious construction of approximately five miles of new 30 foot tall border wall in Starr and Hidalgo Counties in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector in Texas.

The Secretary’s waiver authority allows DHS to waive any legal requirement, including environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, to ensure the expeditious construction of physical barriers and roads.

McAllen, Texas

Bricks & Minifigs, a retail store specializing in new and used LEGO® products, is opening its first Rio Grande Valley location. The 3,000 square foot space will undergo a full interior renovation that includes building a new mezzanine, with an estimated cost of $180,000.

Construction is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025, and is expected to be completed by November 30, 2025.

📍 4100 N Colonel Rowe (2nd St.), Suite 200, Mcallen, TX 78504

McAllen, Texas
Jorge Lozano H. is bringing his "Libera La Fiera" tour to the McAllen Performing Arts Center on October 24th!
🎤 Prepare for a night of laughter, motivation, and inspiration. You don't want to miss this! Tickets are on sale now!

🎟️ https://www.ticketmaster.c...

Starbase, Texas
SpaceX Scrubs Starship's 10th Test Flight Due to Weather

SpaceX has called off the planned test flight of its massive Starship rocket, designated Flight 10, from its Starbase facility in Texas this evening. The decision to scrub the launch was attributed to unfavorable weather conditions.

This marks the second consecutive day a launch attempt for this mission has been aborted.

Donna, Texas

Get ready for Cheddar's! The popular restaurant is opening its first Donna location on September 8th, 2025.

📍 1510 E Interstate Hwy 2, Donna, TX 78537

The Hunchback of Notre Dame
September 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 2025
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Peter Parnell
Originally Developed by Disney Theatrical Productions
📍 Camille Playhouse
1 Dean Porter Park
Brownsville, TX 78580
📞 956-542-8900
🎟️ https://buy.ticketstotheci...