Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Weekly Jobs Update, 5-25-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several hiring events this week in the McAllen and Edinburg areas. On May 26, a Staff Force Hiring Event will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions South McAllen. The same day, an information session for Border Patrol will be held at Workforce Solutions Edinburg from 9 AM to 12 PM, followed by a hiring event for R&D Personnel from 1 PM to 4 PM at the same location. Additional events include a Satori Hiring Event on May 27 and a First Responders Job Fair on May 28, both in McAllen and Edinburg. Kiewit will also host hiring events on May 29 and 30 at the McAllen Careers Institute.
BusinessTexas AG Files Fraud Suit Against San Antonio Solar Company
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against CAM Solar Inc., a San Antonio-based solar panel company, for allegedly engaging in fraudulent practices. The suit follows an investigation prompted by over 100 consumer complaints regarding misrepresentations about energy savings, system efficacy, and installation issues. Some complaints noted that solar panels detached from roofs, causing property damage. The lawsuit claims CAM Solar violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by misleading customers and failing to deliver promised services. Paxton aims to halt CAM Solar's deceptive practices, secure restitution for affected consumers, and impose civil penalties.
BusinessAre You Eligible? Krispy Kreme Could Pay Up to $3,500 for Data Breach Settlement
Individuals affected by a data breach at Krispy Kreme may be eligible to receive $3,500 as part of a settlement, but the deadline to file a claim is approaching. The donut chain agreed to a $1.62 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit related to a data breach that occurred in November 2024, which allegedly exposed sensitive information. The breach may have compromised names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and financial account information. Krispy Kreme denies any wrongdoing. According to the settlement website, eligible group members are U.S. residents who received notice that their personal information may have been affected. Without submitting documentation, group members can receive a cash payment of $75.
BusinessLa Pale: Behind the Brownsville business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — La Pale may be known for its frozen treats, but the story behind this Brownsville business is even sweeter. La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar has become a familiar name across the Valley, known for its paletas, snacks, and colorful flavors. Daisy and Gerardo Alcazar are the owners. Gerardo comes from a
BusinessLast Hooters location in the Valley closes its doors
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The last Hooter's location in the Rio Grande Valley closes its doors on Sunday. The Hooters Harlingen location at 98 Bass Pro Drive will be open until 11 p.m., as it's final day before officially closing its doors permanently, according to a social media post. It is with a HEAVY HEART to
BusinessConsumer Reports: Save $$$ on car insurance
Car insurance rates are on the rise, with the average driver now paying nearly $2,700 annually. Consumer Reports suggests several strategies to reduce premiums without losing necessary coverage. Starting with an independent insurance agent can help compare rates from different companies. Increasing your deductible may lower your monthly payments, but ensure it's an affordable amount. For older vehicles, reconsidering collision and comprehensive coverage might be wise if premiums exceed 10% of the car's value. Bundling home and auto policies, taking defensive driving courses, and monitoring driving habits can also lead to savings. Additionally, life changes, such as removing a teen driver, can significantly impact costs.
BusinessBirthday memories serve as 'icing on the cake' for baker's Top Performer surprise
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — To be a Food 4 Thought, ¡QUE RICO! Top Performer, a business must have a routine inspection report with zero health code violations. To be a Food 4 Thought ¡QUE ASCO! Investigation, a business must have a health code inspection report with violations that pose a health risk to consumers. Like an
BusinessTexas Upstream Employment Increases in April
In April 2026, the Texas oil and natural gas industry saw an increase of 400 jobs, despite a loss of 1,300 jobs in extraction. The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) reported a total of 9,780 unique job postings, a 7% rise from March. The leading sectors for job listings included Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations and Gasoline Stations. Houston topped the cities with 2,613 postings. The median salary for advertised positions was $53,100, with 31% requiring a high school diploma. The industry contributed over $1.715 billion in oil production taxes this year.
BusinessSouthern Roots Market to Revive Iconic Downtown Weslaco Building
Southern Roots Market is set to open its fourth location in the Rio Grande Valley in downtown Weslaco later this year. The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco (EDCW) announced that the new venue will feature a specialty coffee bar, full kitchen, flower market, and boutique, revitalizing a historic building that once housed Guaranty State Bank. The owners, the Cisneros siblings, emphasized the building's legacy and potential. Founder Mariana Linaldi aims to attract a younger crowd and enhance community engagement. The market plans to hire around 20 employees initially, with growth expected as the business expands.
BusinessAbbott Declares Texas America’s New Financial Hub
At the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention, Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed Texas as America's financial capital. He emphasized the crucial role of banks and financial institutions in the state's economic growth, stating that Texas has the best economy in the U.S. for 21 consecutive years. TBA President Chris Furlow highlighted the unique strength of Texas' banking sector, which combines global and community banks. Abbott also noted the importance of workforce development to meet the demands of high-demand jobs and attract further financial investments. He thanked TBA for supporting entrepreneurs across Texas.
BusinessSpaceX gears up for 12th launch from Starbase
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX is gearing up for its 12th launch from Starbase, Texas, and the objectives for this mission differ from those in 2025. This year, for its first flight of 2026, SpaceX is introducing its third generation of Starship, labeled as Starship V3, and Super Heavy, which is powered by Raptor 3.
BusinessMortgage rates highest since August; Valley market cools
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Mortgage rates are climbing again, making it harder for many Rio Grande Valley families to afford a home even as more houses hit the market. Mortgage rates climbing nationwide The average rate for a 30-year mortgage climbed to 6.51% this week, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey released Thursday. That
BusinessValley gas prices above Texas average this Memorial Day
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As holiday travelers hit the road this weekend, gas prices are climbing to their highest holiday levels nationwide in four years. Meanwhile, drivers in the Rio Grande Valley are paying more than the state average. According to AAA Texas, the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $4.09.
BusinessSpotify to Reserve Concert Tickets for 'Superfans': How Will It Work?
For years, many concertgoers have expressed frustration over the difficulty of securing tickets for their favorite artists' tours amid resellers and high resale prices. Now, Spotify says it will launch a new program aimed at alleviating this issue for superfans of certain artists. The streaming platform announced the launch of 'Reserved,' which identifies the most engaged listeners of an artist and reserves two seats for a concert. Spotify already offers early access for fans of some of the most streamed artists, but these tickets will be set aside for specific users rather than simply granting access to a presale queue.
BusinessWalmart May Raise Prices in Stores Due to High Fuel Costs
Walmart warned on Thursday that it may increase retail prices in the coming months to offset rising fuel costs resulting from the war with Iran. The chain reported overall positive results for the first quarter, with revenues rising 7.3% to $177.8 billion and comparable sales in the U.S. growing 4.1%, partly driven by e-commerce and membership income. However, the increase in fuel prices significantly impacted Walmart's profits. The company stated that it absorbed $175 million in higher-than-expected fuel costs during the quarter. 'These are real impacts on the cost of goods sold for us and our suppliers,' said Walmart's Chief Financial Officer, John David Rainey, during a call with Wall Street analysts on Thursday. 'If the current high-cost environment persists, we would expect somewhat higher retail price inflation in the second quarter and the second half of the year.'
BusinessRio Grande City wastewater plant expands to keep up with growth
The Rio Grande City wastewater treatment plant is undergoing an expansion to enhance its capacity in response to increasing demand. Public Utilities Director Ruben Salinas noted that studies indicated the plant was nearing overcapacity due to the influx of businesses and new subdivisions. To accommodate this growth, upgrades to the sewer system are essential. The construction project is projected to be completed by December 2027.
BusinessHarlingen EDC and TMAC UTRGV launch new program to support manufacturers
The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation has introduced a new grant program called AIM to assist local manufacturers in modernizing their operations. Tri-Pak Machinery Inc., a long-standing Harlingen business since 1934, recently collaborated with consultants from the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center at UTRGV. The initiative aims to identify operational weaknesses and enhance efficiency through technology and AI. Sam Gonzales, office manager at Tri-Pak, noted the importance of adapting to modern demands and partnering with external resources. The program offers up to $4,500 for projects, with $50,000 still available for eligible manufacturers and small businesses seeking to enter the manufacturing sector.
BusinessMcAllen International Airport Secures $7 Million Federal Grant for Terminal Expansion
McAllen International Airport (MFE) has received a $7 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Terminal Program, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This funding will aid in the expansion of the passenger terminal, enhancing capacity and improving the overall travel experience. Mayor Javier Villalobos emphasized the airport's role in connecting the community and supporting economic growth in South Texas. City Manager Isaac J. Tawil noted the importance of such investments for accommodating increasing passenger traffic. The airport serves over 1.1 million passengers annually, making it a crucial hub for commerce and tourism in the region.
BusinessMcAllen to Expand Airport Terminal with Federal Funds
McAllen International Airport has received a federal grant of $7 million to continue expanding its passenger terminal, as officials report that the airport currently serves over 1.1 million passengers annually. Mayor Javier Villalobos emphasized the airport's importance for regional connectivity and the economy, noting that millions of passengers use the airport facilities each year, including tourists, business travelers, and binational visitors. According to local officials, the investment will help enhance the passenger experience, increase terminal capacity, and support the growth of air service in the Rio Grande Valley. City Manager Isaac J. Tawil stated that the growth in air traffic necessitates investments of this nature.