New statewide push to reduce Texas’ uninsured population starts in the Rio Grande Valley
By Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza • August 24, 2026 • 9 min read
A new nonprofit backed by major health organizations is starting its statewide work in the Valley, where some of Texas’ highest uninsured rates persist.
Latest News
- USMCA won’t die in 2026 — but it’s entering a new, uncertain phase, RGV trade expert says
- New statewide push to reduce Texas’ uninsured population starts in the Rio Grande Valley
- SpaceX seeks to take zoning control over nearly 450 acres from city of Brownsville as a ‘regional’ water deal takes shape
- Sovereign Coffee grew into a multimillion-dollar business. Now, more is brewing
- Mission’s first Small Business Expo puts $25K on the line for local entrepreneurs
- STC puts AI to work across 55 courses — from construction sites to car repair
- TSTC bets on advanced manufacturing to meet RGV’s industrial boom
- Pharr’s cross-border business push earns international recognition
- STC built the nation’s first nursing apprenticeship. Its first class just went 10-for-10.
- BMW sales at Bert Ogden in Pharr are outpacing some bigger Texas markets, leaders say
- McCoy’s gives $10K, tools to launch Mid-Valley construction academy
Healthcare
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STC built the nation’s first nursing apprenticeship. Its first class just went 10-for-10.
All 10 graduates passed the national nursing exam on their first attempt after completing 2,000 hours of paid training at DHR Health.
U.S.
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SpaceX seeks to take zoning control over nearly 450 acres from city of Brownsville as a ‘regional’ water deal takes shape
The city says SpaceX is negotiating an investment that could roughly double regional potable water capacity as commissioners weigh its request.
Water
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Texas A&M’s $53.5M McAllen research center will tackle water, food security and Valley health
The project has grown by more than 4,000 square feet since it was announced, with construction now targeted to begin in February 2027.
Real Estate
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Sovereign Coffee grew into a multimillion-dollar business. Now, more is brewing
Sovereign Coffee is expanding to McAllen and Weslaco and adding its own bakery and roastery as the homegrown coffee company continues to grow.
Industrial Real Estate
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Volvo’s truck deal in Mexico is driving millions in new investment at Matamoros plant
Core Molding is adding two 4,500-ton presses in Matamoros to produce 1,000 Volvo truck roofs per week starting in 2027.
Commercial Real Estate
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BMW sales at Bert Ogden in Pharr are outpacing some bigger Texas markets, leaders say
The Rio Grande Valley population may be smaller than other markets in Texas but BMW dealership leaders say demand is growing statewide.
Business spotlight
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Reynosa entrepreneur finds new growth in Korean corn dogs after closing hardware business
Norberto Cruz Johansen lost five major oil and gas customers, closed his hardware business, and turned to food trucks before opening a storefront earlier this month.
Retail
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Mission’s first Small Business Expo puts $25K on the line for local entrepreneurs
The free, full-day event will bring businesses, resources and an entrepreneur pitch competition to the Mission Event Center on Sept. 16.
Workforce
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STC puts AI to work across 55 courses — from construction sites to car repair
The effort is designed to prepare students for workplaces where AI is quickly becoming part of the job.
Technology
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TSTC bets on advanced manufacturing to meet RGV’s industrial boom
HARLINGEN — As billions of dollars in industrial investment take shape across the Rio Grande Valley, Texas State Technical College is overhauling its program lineup to keep pace wi
Education
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McCoy’s gives $10K, tools to launch Mid-Valley construction academy
The new academy in Donna will give high school students hands-on construction training, with plans to eventually expand opportunities to working adults.
Economic Trends
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Pharr’s cross-border business push earns international recognition
The Pharr Global Business Hub was recognized for connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and investment opportunities across South Texas and Mexico.
Manufacturing
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SpaceX’s millionaire boom could make Brownsville homes — and some tax bills — more expensive
Thousands of SpaceX employees may have become millionaires, adding pressure to Brownsville’s housing market.
International trade
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TSTC lands nearly $500K grant to train more South Texas truck drivers
The federal grant will pay for two new semitrucks, a trailer, and upgrades to the college’s training and testing pad to help build the region’s transportation workforce.
Mexico
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Thousands of Mexicans are being sent back through Matamoros — bringing skills that could reshape Tamaulipas’ economy
Matamoros handled nearly 90% of Tamaulipas’ repatriation events through May — almost 14 times as many as Reynosa.
Economic incentives
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USMCA won’t die in 2026 — but it’s entering a new, uncertain phase, RGV trade expert says
The trade pact remains in force, but annual reviews, shifting tariffs and ongoing negotiations are creating new uncertainty for South Texas border businesses.
Finance
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Your business is making money. But is it making you wealthy?
A Rio Grande City financial literacy event challenged entrepreneurs to apply the same discipline they use to manage their businesses to building personal wealth.
Agriculture
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Valley farmers push Washington for immigration solutions as labor shortage grows
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz and Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling met with South Texas growers as farmers pushed for easier access to legal workers.
Immigration
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New report uses Rio Grande Valley to show how ICE raids can hurt local economies
More than 9,100 ICE arrests across South Texas have coincided with a record quarterly construction decline as Valley builders report labor disruptions.
Residential Real Estate
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Mexico president opens Tamaulipas tour in Reynosa with $2.16B housing push
President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted plans for 60,000 new homes for workers and more than $2 billion in statewide housing investment.
Tourism
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Travelers spent $272M on RGV lodging in first half of 2026. See where they stayed
Travelers most often chose to stay on South Padre Island overnight when visiting the Valley, even more so in 2026 than in 2025.
Entertainment
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Edinburg begins $7M transformation of Ebony Hills Golf Course near downtown
The city of Edinburg sees the golf course renovations as an economic development catalyst with the jumpstart of a new clubhouse and workforce development center.
Logistics
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Economic progress at the Port of Brownsville draws vice president’s visit
The vice president’s first visit to the region comes amid increasing tension over ICE arrests and their impact on local businesses.
Infrastructure
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The Valley landed the projects. Now it has to power them — and the others that are following
Industrial growth is bringing power requests larger than Brownsville’s electric system as the Valley races to expand power and water infrastructure.
Energy
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SpaceX quietly secured zoning approval for a new nearly 34-acre heavy industrial site along Boca Chica Highway
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. could expand its industrial operations to another 33.9 acres near Boca Chica Beach, records show.
Sponsored Content
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New capital projects chapter confronts growth challenges in the Rio Grande Valley
Harlingen luncheon will ask whether power, water and workers can keep pace with industrial expansion.
Demographics
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Reynosa and Matamoros emerge as Tamaulipas’ population engines
Reynosa and Matamoros now account for more than one-third of Tamaulipas’ population, fueled by manufacturing, logistics, and cross-border trade.
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- USMCA won’t die in 2026 — but it’s entering a new, uncertain phase, RGV trade expert says
- Mission lands one of its largest private investments with $50M aluminum manufacturing plant
- Vice President J.D. Vance cancels South Texas visit ahead of Port of Brownsville event
- New $1.6M food hall aims to transform downtown Edinburg with dining, retail and events
- South Texas builders say ICE raids are back, mourn death of slain construction worker
- Sluggish job growth across the Rio Grande Valley continues through June, data shows
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In the Headlines
- USMCA won’t die in 2026 — but it’s entering a new, uncertain phase, RGV trade expert says
- Environmental advocates push back as Starbase votes to dramatically expand city limits near Boca Chica Beach
- SpaceX’s operations projected to generate $13B economic impact in Cameron County
- U.K. business plans massive data center in Harlingen, records show
- Cameron County set to acquire B&M Bridge, adding fourth international crossing to its network
- The Rio Grande Valley: two countries, one inspiring story
