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.
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.
How Texas Localities Have (and Haven’t) Spent Settlement Funds to Fight the Opioid Crisis
In the coming years, Texas is set to receive billions of dollars to address the ongoing opioid crisis that has taken the lives of more than 10,000 Texans between 2020 and 2023, per state data. Already, the state has...
https://rgv.news/how-texas-localities-have-and-haven-t-spent-settlement-funds-to-fight-the-opioid-crisis--20710.html
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
TribCast: Texas A&M firing reignites campus free speech battles
After a firing at Texas A&M and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, free speech on-campus is back in the spotlight.
https://rgv.news/tribcast-texas-a-m-firing-reignites-campus-free-speech-battles-20699.html
Charlie Kirk shooting suspect likely to face charges Tuesday before first court hearing
PROVO, Utah (AP) — Prosecutors are preparing to file a capital murder charge Tuesday against the Utah man who authorities say held a “leftist ideology” and may have been “radicalized” online before he was arrested in the assassination of Charlie...
https://rgv.news/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-likely-to-face-charges-tuesday-before-first-court-hearing-20695.html
The Charlie Kirk mural by artist Alexandro Gregoria (POPC_ULTURE) has already been restored after being vandalized. The artist finished the restoration last night.
James Talarico’s progressive take on Christianity made him an online sensation. Will it translate to his Texas Senate bid?
The Austin lawmaker says his faith fuels his vision of a Democratic Party that “fights back” against billionaires. Republican critics say his stances are at odds with Scripture.
https://rgv.news/james-talarico-s-progressive-take-on-christianity-made-him-an-online-sensation-will-it-translate-to-his-texas-senate-bid--20690.html
New partnership developing between United Soccer League, City of Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A partnership between the city of Brownsville and the United Soccer League could be warming up. The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America. They reached out to Brownsville and said...
https://rgv.news/new-partnership-developing-between-united-soccer-league-city-of-brownsville-20688.html
Latest at Starbase with LabPadre: Sept 15
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — This week at Starbase, a new test tank makes its debut ahead of testing. The new mega bunker at the launch site continues to take shape, and endless concrete pours for the new Giga Bay. We...
https://rgv.news/latest-at-starbase-with-labpadre-sept-15-20686.html
Abbott stated that those educators will have their teaching certifications suspended and will be ineligible to teach in Texas public schools.
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
The Health Penalty
The year Charles Sullivan finally started the treatment that helped manage his agonizing digestive disorder was also the year he was arrested for the crime that would send him to prison for life. Now, 31 years and several surgeries...
https://rgv.news/the-health-penalty-20672.html
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.
Construction set to start on downtown Edinburg parking garage
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Construction on a new parking garage in downtown Edinburg is slated to begin this week, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The parking garage is the latest development in the downtown Edinburg...
https://rgv.news/construction-set-to-start-on-downtown-edinburg-parking-garage-20667.html
State Board of Education OKs Texas-heavy social studies plan, setting stage for clash over history lessons
Educators worry the plan will deemphasize topics like world geography, history and cultures. The board aims to vote on what specific content social studies lessons will include by next summer.
https://rgv.news/state-board-of-education-oks-texas-heavy-social-studies-plan-setting-stage-for-clash-over-history-lessons-20656.html
Inside Valley Politics: Kirk assassination prompts outcry across the nation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this week's episode of Inside Valley Politics, we will be talking about the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and the person of interest in the shooting, who is now in custody....
https://rgv.news/inside-valley-politics-kirk-assassination-prompts-outcry-across-the-nation-20655.html
Couple, accomplices arrested in connection with auto theft ring tied to cartel
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Five people accused of being involved in an auto theft ring linked to a local cartel were arrested by the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. Andreina Gonzalez, 36, Benito Martin Loredo, 28, Enrique Rodriguez Hernandez, 22,...
https://rgv.news/couple-accomplices-arrested-in-connection-with-auto-theft-ring-tied-to-cartel-20650.html
The Long Walk: More soul than tension
Directed by Francis Lawrence Screenplay by JT Mollner Based on the book by Stephen King Starring Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Mark Hamill ★★★☆☆ With a tagline like “Walk or Die” and a “based on Stephen King” credit, The Long...
https://rgv.news/the-long-walk-more-soul-than-tension-20649.html
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.”
Sprouts Farmers Market coming to Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sprouts Farmers Market, a supermarket chain known for its selection of organic and natural foods, is coming to Brownsville. Construction on the new store is slated to begin in May 2026, with an anticipated completion...
https://rgv.news/sprouts-farmers-market-coming-to-brownsville-20646.html
Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing had become 'more political' and likely acted alone, authorities say
OREM, Utah (AP) — The man accused in the Charlie Kirk assassination had earlier expressed to family his opposition to the viewpoints of the conservative activist, the authorities said Friday in announcing an arrest in a targeted killing that...
https://rgv.news/suspect-in-charlie-kirk-killing-had-become-more-political-and-likely-acted-alone-authorities-say-20644.html
Texas bill to restrict abortion pills beefs up an existing legal tool for a new fight
HB 7, which passed the Legislature this month, allows private citizens to sue abortion pill providers and manufacturers, mirroring a 2021 law that allows private enforcement of abortion bans.
https://rgv.news/texas-bill-to-restrict-abortion-pills-beefs-up-an-existing-legal-tool-for-a-new-fight-20641.html
Police: Gunman shot Progreso public works director
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A city administrator from Progreso was shot Thursday afternoon during a bizarre incident that apparently involved a mysterious man with a mohawk. Progreso Public Works Director Jose “Borrado” Moreno was shot in the hand Thursday...
https://rgv.news/police-gunman-shot-progreso-public-works-director-20635.html
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
Running Out: Texas’ water crisis — and the path forward
A growing population, leaking pipes and changing climate threaten the state’s water supply. Texas lawmakers hope a $10 billion investment over the next decade will help.
https://rgv.news/running-out-texas-water-crisis-and-the-path-forward-20622.html
Rifle recovered in the search for Charlie Kirk's killer as FBI releases photos of person of interest
OREM, Utah (AP) — The sniper who assassinated Charlie Kirk is believed to have jumped off a roof and fled into a neighborhood after firing one shot and has not been identified, authorities said Thursday in disclosing they have...
https://rgv.news/rifle-recovered-in-the-search-for-charlie-kirk-s-killer-as-fbi-releases-photos-of-person-of-interest-20621.html
Families gather at WTC to honor 9/11 victims, 24 years later
LOWER MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – Twenty-four years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, families of the victims gathered Thursday to honor their loved ones in a private ceremony in Lower Manhattan. The commemoration ceremony began at 8:30 a.m. at...
https://rgv.news/families-gather-at-wtc-to-honor-9-11-victims-24-years-later-20618.html
Taqueria food violators caught making same mistakes
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With tears and hugs, the Food Patrol is making a dream come true in a barbecue joint, while a taqueria acknowledges that more work needs to be put in. The barbecue spot is beaming with...
https://rgv.news/taqueria-food-violators-caught-making-same-mistakes-20612.html
