Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
BusinessTexas AG Sues DFW Roofing Company Over $500K Scam Targeting Homeowners
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Rubinsky Roofing, LLC, for allegedly scamming homeowners, particularly seniors, out of over $500,000. The company, founded in 2018 and primarily operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is accused of accepting payments for roofing services that were never completed. Complaints detail delays, excuses, and misleading sales tactics, with some customers reporting losses of tens of thousands of dollars. The Better Business Bureau revoked Rubinsky's accreditation in January 2026 due to numerous complaints. Paxton aims to hold the company accountable and seeks restitution for the victims.
BusinessSales Tax Holiday for Water-Efficient and ENERGY STAR® Products, May 23–25
From May 23 to May 25, Texans can take advantage of a sales tax holiday for water-efficient and ENERGY STAR® products. Senator Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa encourages residents to invest in these items to save on utility bills and conserve resources. The tax exemption applies to a wide range of products, including air conditioners under $6,000 and refrigerators under $2,000, among others. Additionally, items with the WaterSense® label, such as irrigation hoses and rain barrels, are also eligible. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items, and no exemption certificate is needed for purchases.
BusinessTexas AG Stops Texas Grocers From Misting Organics With Pesticides
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reached a settlement with Albertsons Safeway LLC, halting the use of synthetic pesticides on organic produce in its stores. This decision follows an investigation initiated in January 2026, which revealed that the pesticide ProduceMaxx, containing hypochlorous acid, was being used on USDA-certified organic items without consumer awareness. As part of the settlement, all Albertsons-owned grocery chains in Texas, including Randall’s and Tom Thumb, will cease using such pesticides and will implement a potable water rinse for organic produce post-treatment. Paxton praised this agreement as a significant victory for consumers seeking transparency in organic products.
BusinessBrownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau Accepting Applications For Hotel Occupancy Tax Funding
The Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is now accepting applications for Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding for the 2027 Fiscal Year. Local organizations aiming to promote tourism in Brownsville must submit their applications by July 6. The funding is intended to enhance tourism and the convention industry in the city, with eligible projects including advertising, historical preservation, and improvements to visitor centers. To assist applicants, the CVB will hold workshops on May 20 and June 10 at the CMD/CVB Complex, covering application guidelines and best practices. More information is available on their website.
BusinessBusinesses prepare for La Feria indoor, outdoor market
La Feria is set to host its first indoor-outdoor market on June 13 at the Parks and Recreation Dome, located at 901 Pancho Maples Drive. Local businesses, including Scratch Made Sweets owned by Cassie Escobedo, are preparing to participate. Escobedo, who has been in business for two years, will join 27 vendors offering various products. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and aims to support local businesses, with vendor fees contributing to future city events. Outdoor vendor spots start at $50, and there will be food trucks and information booths available. For vendor inquiries, contact the La Feria Indoor Recreation Center at 956-865-5806.
BusinessSettlement Over Fidelity Data Breach: How Long to File a Claim and How Much You Could Receive
A significant settlement with Fidelity Investments stemming from a data breach could result in payments of up to $5,000 for customers, but the deadline to file a claim is approaching. The $2.5 million settlement follows a lawsuit alleging that Fidelity experienced a cybersecurity incident between August 17 and 19, 2024, during which a third party accessed and obtained personal and financial records of some clients. These records included names, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and/or driver's license information, according to the settlement administrator's website. Once approved, the settlement could pay eligible class members up to $5,000, depending on documented direct losses caused by the incident, the administrator reported. Additionally, all group members will be entitled to a smaller payment without needing to submit receipts. As the deadline approaches, here’s what you need to know. Who is included in the Fidelity settlement? According to court documents, Fidelity notified eligible group members about the settlement and the breach. Those affected received a unique ID and PIN from Fidelity to file a claim. Anyone who believes they were affected by the breach and should be included in the settlement but did not receive a PIN can request one by emailing info@fidelitydatasettlement.com with their full name and mailing address.
BusinessAmazon and Walmart Compete to Deliver Faster to Rural Areas
Walmart and Amazon are intensifying their competition to speed up online deliveries in rural areas of the United States, a market previously overlooked by major retailers. Walmart has an advantage, with about 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of a store. Analysts estimate this untapped market could be worth up to $1 trillion annually. Amazon invested $4 billion last year to enhance same-day and next-day delivery to smaller cities and rural communities. Both companies are also utilizing drones and advanced technology to improve delivery efficiency, while other retailers like Dollar General are expanding their services in these areas.
BusinessBrownsville 10-year-old boy launches 3D printing business
A 10-year-old from Brownsville, Ernesto Gael Hernandez, has turned his passion for 3D printing into a small business called Prestige 3D Labs. Initially creating keychains for classmates, he now produces a variety of items, including whistles and can openers, and has made $1,500 in profit. With three printers running, he has partnered with a local clothing store, Jungle, to sell his products. Ernesto learned to design through online tutorials and dedicates time to his business around school and football practice. His mother, Samantha Quezada, supports him, emphasizing the importance of hard work and time management as they enjoy this venture together.
BusinessSeesaw rulings on Texa smokeable hemp ban is bad for business, retailers say
Recent legal battles over Texas's ban on smokeable hemp products have created significant uncertainty for retailers. Stores like Dream Planet Smoke and Vape have had to repeatedly pull products from shelves and then restock them as court rulings fluctuate. This instability is impacting sales and leading to job losses, as smokeable hemp accounts for a large portion of profits for many shops. The Texas Hemp Business Council warns that the ongoing legal issues could have a $7.2 billion negative impact on the state's economy. Retailers are now diversifying their offerings to include hemp edibles and drinks to mitigate losses.
BusinessBrownsville 10-year-old launches 3D printing business
A 10-year-old from Brownsville, Ernesto Gael Hernandez, has turned his hobby of making keychains into a thriving 3D printing business named Prestige 3D Labs. Starting with a single 3D printer he purchased with $500 of his chore money, Ernesto designs various products, including keychains and custom items, for customers across the Rio Grande Valley. He has already made a profit of $1,500 and has partnered with a local clothing store, Jungle, to sell his creations. With three printers running, Ernesto enjoys the process alongside his mother, who emphasizes the hard work and dedication behind their success. He dreams of investing in a home for them in the future.
BusinessSee where Valley shoppers spent money in April
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sales tax allocation numbers from the Texas Comptrollers Office for the month of April have been released. The numbers show a snapshot of where consumer spending was the strongest across the Rio Grande Valley last month. The allocations are based on sales taxes collected by businesses and may help indicate present
BusinessStarbucks to Lay Off 300 Workers in the U.S.
Starbucks announced on Friday that it will lay off 300 corporate employees and close some offices in the United States as part of its ongoing recovery process. The company stated that no café employees will be affected. The cuts will impact workers in support areas such as marketing, human resources, and supply chain management. For now, international employees will not be affected, but Starbucks indicated that it is also reviewing its corporate structure outside the United States. Additionally, Starbucks will close underutilized offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, and other cities. The Seattle-based company recently announced plans to open a corporate office in Nashville, Tennessee, which will employ up to 2,000 people over the next five years. Starbucks expects these measures to result in $400 million in restructuring charges, including $120 million in employee severance benefits.
BusinessBreeze Airlines Launches Direct Flights Between Brownsville and Orlando
Breeze Airways has launched direct flights between Brownsville and Orlando, aiming to provide more accessible travel options for the region. The new route will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, with one-way fares starting at $74. Flights will depart from Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport to Orlando, Florida. Breeze Airways currently operates over 300 seasonal and permanent routes to 88 cities across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.