Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessInnovationTX Demo Day to Showcase Rising RGV Entrepreneurs, June 26th
On June 26, 2026, the McAllen Creative Incubator will host the InnovationTX Demo Day Pitch Competition, showcasing innovative business ideas from the Rio Grande Valley. Entrepreneurs will present their pitches in both English and Spanish, providing a unique opportunity for public engagement. The event will feature a competition for prizes totaling up to $15,000, aimed at helping local startups gain traction. Additionally, the UTRGV Business Resource Showcase will offer resources and support for entrepreneurs and businesses in the region. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 601 N. Main Street, McAllen.
BusinessCreative Capital: Why Investing in the Arts Makes Economic Sense
Investing in the arts is not only culturally significant but also economically beneficial, according to Dr. M. Ray Perryman of The Perryman Group. A report from his firm highlights that the arts sector employs nearly 960,000 Texans and contributes significantly to local economies through tourism and spending on related services. Cities with strong cultural infrastructures see increased economic activity and revitalization. Furthermore, arts education fosters creativity and social engagement, which are essential for workforce productivity. Participation in the arts is also linked to improved mental health and reduced public health costs, making it a vital component of economic sustainability.
BusinessThird Annual Harlingen Pitch Competition Offers $65K in Startup Funding
The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has opened applications for the 2026 RISE Up Harlingen Business Pitch Competition, in collaboration with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center. This competition aims to support local entrepreneurs by providing mentorship and resources leading to a live pitch event on October 1, 2026. Finalists will compete for grants totaling $65,000, with $30,000 for first place, $20,000 for second, and $15,000 for third. Interested applicants must apply by July 6, 2026, and commit to operating in Harlingen. For more details, visit www.harlingenedc.com/riseupharlingen.
BusinessPizza Hut's Parent Company to Sell the Pizza Chain for $2.7 Billion
Pizza Hut, the 68-year-old chain that has been struggling with increasing competition and outdated restaurants, will be sold for $2.7 billion by its parent company, Yum Brands. The company announced on Tuesday that private equity firm LongRange Capital will acquire Pizza Hut, excluding the business in mainland China, for about $1.5 billion. In that region, the chain will be purchased by Yum China Holdings Inc. for approximately $1.2 billion, the company stated. China is Pizza Hut's second-largest market outside the United States and accounts for 19% of sales. Yum China Holdings Inc. spun off from Yum Brands and became an independent company in 2016. Yum Brands, which also owns KFC and Taco Bell, began exploring its options for Pizza Hut in November. Last year, Yum Brands' global sales increased by 5%, but Pizza Hut's sales fell by 2%. In February, the parent company announced plans to close 250 Pizza Hut locations in the United States. Pizza Hut had 19,974 restaurants worldwide at the end of last year.
BusinessLyford cotton and corn fields benefit as recent rains ease water costs
Recent rains in the Rio Grande Valley are benefiting cotton and corn farmers, particularly Travis Johnson of Johnson Farms in Lyford. He reported receiving about three inches of rain, which will enhance his harvest and reduce irrigation costs. Johnson typically spends around $28 per acre on watering, and this rain will allow him to delay irrigation for several weeks. The cotton produced will be processed into bales for textiles, and both quality and quantity will affect his earnings. Johnson noted that June rains are crucial for completing the cotton crop before the drier July weather arrives.
BusinessCameron County approves 95 % tax break for proposed AI shipbuilding project
Cameron County commissioners unanimously approved a 95% tax break for Saronic Technologies, a shipbuilding firm planning to construct military and commercial vessels at the Port of Brownsville. The vote occurred on Tuesday, with all present commissioners in favor, while two were absent. The tax abatement, valid for 10 years, is part of agreements worth approximately $211 million, contingent on job creation. Saronic aims to create 10,000 permanent jobs within the first decade of operation. The decision sparked debate, with supporters praising the economic opportunity and opponents expressing concerns about the project's impact on the local identity. County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. defended the decision as beneficial for residents.
BusinessCameron County approves major tax break for AI shipbuilding project
Cameron County commissioners have unanimously approved a 95% tax break for Saronic Technologies, a shipbuilding firm planning to establish a shipyard at the Port of Brownsville. The decision, made during a Tuesday vote, will provide the company with a tax incentive over the next ten years, potentially worth $211 million as the project progresses through four phases starting in 2029. Saronic aims to create AI-driven autonomous vessels and expects to generate 10,000 permanent jobs. The vote sparked mixed reactions, with supporters praising the economic opportunity and opponents expressing concerns about the project's impact on the Rio Grande Valley's identity.
BusinessNo fat to trim: Texas beef industry profits eaten away by new threat the screwworm
The Texas beef industry is facing significant challenges as the New World screwworm re-emerges, threatening livestock and complicating recovery from previous droughts and wildfires. Ranchers, like James Henderson of Bradley 3 Ranch, struggle with rising costs and a shrinking cattle population, which is at its lowest in over 70 years. Beef prices have surged 12.9% nationally, yet ranchers are not seeing record profits due to increased operational costs. The screwworm outbreak could prolong these issues, with the sterile fly facility not expected to be completed until late 2027. The situation has also affected meat packers and barbecue restaurants, leading to higher prices for consumers.
BusinessCameron County commissioners approve Saronic Tech tax break
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Commissioners approved a tax break for Saronic Technologies, an Austin-based maritime defense technology company, during a Tuesday court meeting. The company is considering the Port of Brownsville as the site of a $3.2 billion shipyard project called Port Alpha. The shipyard would produce AI-powered drone boats for both military
BusinessWealthy businesswoman who spent COVID money on Mercedes-Benz avoids prison
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A wealthy businesswoman who submitted fraudulent loan applications during the pandemic avoided prison Tuesday. Sandra Pope Solis, 61, of Rancho Viejo collected $206,000 from the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program during the pandemic — and spent the money on a Mercedes-Benz. “It wasn’t her idea,” said
BusinessMcDonald's Fried Apple Pie Returns for the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.
McDonald's is preparing to bring back its fried apple pies to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The company announced on Tuesday that the fried apple pies will be available for the first time in over three decades at most restaurants across the U.S. starting June 23. McDonald's is among several fast-food chains offering special products for the semi-quincentennial. Burger King recently introduced its Firecracker Cookie Pay, featuring a sugar cookie base with star-shaped red, white, and blue sprinkles. Sonic is offering a red, white, and blue float for $2.50, while Hardee's has a Star-Spangled Biscuit topped with red and blue sprinkles. Here’s a look at McDonald's fried apple pies by the numbers: — 1968: McDonald's introduced the fried apple pie along with the Big Mac. Litton Cochran, a McDonald's franchise owner in Tennessee, created the rectangular pie, which was served in a cardboard sleeve. This was a pivotal year marked by the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis and Robert F. Kennedy in Los Angeles, protests against the Vietnam War, and the signing of a federal law prohibiting housing discrimination. — 1992: McDonald's replaced the fried apple pie with a baked version in most of the U.S. in response to growing consumer awareness about fat and cholesterol consumption. The Department of Agriculture published its food guide pyramid for the first time. The fried apple pie continued to appear on McDonald's menus in some other countries, including Mexico, Australia, and China. — 230: The number of calories in McDonald's baked apple pie. That’s 10 calories more than the fried version, according to the company's website. A cup of cooked lentils, a single Almond Snickers bar, and a large Starbucks coffee Frappuccino contain the same amount of calories, according to publicly available nutritional information. — 130: The number of members in the Facebook group “Bring Back the Original McDonald’s Fried Apple Pay.” — 170 million: The number of apples grown in the U.S. that McDonald's claims to serve each year in its stores nationwide. — 35: The height, in feet (10 meters), of a giant fried apple pie that McDonald's is installing on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, near McDonald's headquarters in Chicago. This is approximately the height of a three-story house and some species of palm trees. The giant pie will remain there until July 4, the company stated. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
Business$7M in Texas Talent Connection Grants Announced
Governor Greg Abbott has announced over $7 million in Texas Talent Connection grants to support 27 workforce training and job placement programs across the state. These competitive grants, administered by the Texas Workforce Investment Council, aim to enhance job skills, increase wages, and improve job retention, particularly for populations with special needs. Notable projects include funding for pre-apprenticeship training for youth, medical assistant training, and various vocational programs targeting high-demand careers. The initiative is designed to equip Texans with necessary skills for success in the workforce, reinforcing Texas's role as an economic leader.
BusinessHarlingen airport to offer seasonal nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Valley International Airport on Monday announced the return of seasonal nonstop service between Harlingen and Chicago O'Hare International Airport through American Airlines. The new route will operate every Saturday from Dec. 19, 2026, through Jan. 10, 2027, according to a news release from Valley International Airport. "We are excited to welcome Chicago
BusinessSoutheast Texas Grid Gets $200 Million Boost to Power Reliability
Governor Greg Abbott announced a $200 million grant from the Texas Energy Fund to enhance electric reliability for over 538,000 Entergy Texas customers in Southeast Texas. The funding will support projects aimed at strengthening power lines, upgrading utility poles, and protecting electric equipment from severe weather and flooding. Abbott emphasized the importance of reliable electricity for all Texans. The grant will finance two major projects, including the enhancement of over 400 miles of transmission lines and the fortification of five substations. These improvements are expected to reduce outages and improve power restoration times during extreme weather events.
BusinessALDI Gives Away Free Mystery Boxes: Here's How to Get Yours
Supermarket chain ALDI is launching its new 'ALDI Blind Box,' its own version of the popular surprise unboxing trend. The packages, filled with surprise products, offer ALDI customers a limited-time opportunity to claim a free box containing the store's 'fan favorite' items, according to a press release. From June 22 to June 25, a new 'ALDI Blind Box' will be released each day at 12:00 p.m. ET. Shoppers must visit the ALDI website each day to claim that day's themed free box while supplies last. The supermarket will also announce the theme of the next release on its Instagram account. 'Our customers come to ALDI for the prices, but also for the joy of discovery. From viral ALDI Finds to the everyday products that shoppers recommend to their friends, people love to find something new here. With surprise boxes more popular than ever, this is our way of helping customers discover even more favorites,' said Bridget Kozlowski, ALDI's communications director. The boxes come in four themes: the Snack Blind Box, the Fiber Blind Box, the Protein Blind Box, and a Mystery Blind Box, which the chain describes as 'all about the surprise.' While ALDI has not yet revealed the contents, the chain states that shoppers can expect a curated selection of products from throughout the store. How the ALDI Blind Box works: Follow @aldiusa on Instagram for daily previews of each box theme. Visit https://www.aldiblindbox.com from June 22 to June 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET each day. Select the Aldi Blind Box of the day. Enter your shipping information. Receive a free Aldi Blind Box delivered directly to your door.
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Jobs Update, 6-15-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is promoting its latest job opportunities, highlighting several positions available this week. Interested individuals can find these jobs and more at www.workintexas.com. Additionally, a Border Patrol information session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions in Weslaco, located at 2290 W. Pike Blvd., Ste. 100, Weslaco, TX 78596. This session aims to provide valuable insights for those considering a career in border security.
BusinessRGV Delegation Concludes Washington Mission With Focus on Transportation Water and Economic Development
The Rio Grande Valley Partnership wrapped up a significant delegation visit to Washington, D.C., from June 10-12, 2026, focusing on transportation, economic development, and water issues. Approximately 70 representatives from various sectors met with federal policymakers to address regional priorities, including infrastructure and workforce development. Key discussions included the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the BUILD America 250 Act. RGV Partnership President Paco Sanchez highlighted meetings with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and other officials, emphasizing the importance of federal engagement for the Valley's growth and resource management. The mission aimed to strengthen the region's influence in federal policy.
BusinessThe Rise in Powdered Protein Consumption Causes Shortages and Record Prices
Consumers worldwide are seeking more protein in every bite, but the dairy industry is struggling to keep up. Athletes and older adults have long used shakes and smoothies mixed with whey protein concentrate—a powdered byproduct of cheese production—to build or maintain muscle. Recently, food companies have sprinkled it into everything from breakfast cereals, Pop-Tarts, and potato chips to bagels, tortillas, and Starbucks drinks to meet the growing consumer demand. The average supermarket in the U.S. now carries 38,708 products advertising their protein content, according to NielsenIQ, a market research firm. However, the rush to attract ingredient-focused shoppers is causing a shortage of food-grade whey protein and pushing prices to record highs. 'Demand is very strong and seems to be outpacing supply for now,' explained Kathleen Wolfley, vice president of Ever.Ag Insights, a data provider and consulting firm for the agricultural industry. Wolfley noted that wholesale prices for whey protein began rising in 2024, with the pace accelerating last year and into this year. Whey protein concentrate with 80% protein—the type typically used by food manufacturers and supplement companies as an enhancer—is trading on the U.S. dairy commodities market at over $13 per pound, a 250% increase from a year ago, according to Ever.Ag. Whey protein isolate, a more refined version containing at least 90% protein, is 150% more expensive than last year, the firm reported. This is raising prices for consumers. In the U.S., prices for whey protein concentrate powder have increased by about 15% over the past year, while higher-quality whey isolate powder has seen even steeper increases, according to Datasembly, a price monitoring company. The story is similar in Europe, where 80% whey protein concentrate hit an average record of $30,518 per metric ton at the end of May, more than double what it was less than a year ago, according to DCA Market Intelligence, a Dutch firm specializing in commodity prices. This is what is happening with whey protein and when supply constraints might ease.
BusinessFox Announces Acquisition of Streaming Platform Roku
Fox Corporation announced on Monday that it plans to acquire the video streaming giant Roku, along with its namesake channel and customer data, in a deal valued at a total of $25 billion. Fox, which also owns Tubi, will become the third largest player in television in the United States by audience share, adding over 100 million streaming households worldwide, according to Fox. According to Nielsen, The Roku Channel accounts for 3% of all streaming audience in the U.S., placing it fifth behind YouTube, Netflix, Disney, and Prime Video. Roku will continue to operate as an independent platform, Fox stated in a press release. It remains a key hub for viewers to access Netflix and YouTube on their televisions. According to Reuters, Roku's main source of revenue is advertising, with $613 million reported in the first quarter of this year, a 27% year-over-year increase.