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GBIC to Operate Under New Name: Greater Brownsville EDC

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GBIC to Operate Under New Name: Greater Brownsville EDC
The change reflects a strategic branding update intended to better align with the organization’s role and the widely recognized terminology used across the economic development industry. Courtesy image
The change reflects a strategic branding update intended to better align with the organization’s role and the widely recognized terminology used across the economic development industry. Courtesy image

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) announced today that it will begin operating under a new name, Greater Brownsville EDC, in the coming weeks. The change reflects a strategic branding update intended to better align with the organization’s role and the widely recognized terminology used across the economic development industry.

While the organization’s public-facing name will transition to Greater Brownsville EDC, its legal name will remain the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation. The change does not affect the organization’s governance, mission, or commitment to serving the Brownsville community.

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“As Brownsville continues to grow and compete on a national stage, it’s important that our organization speaks the same language as the industry we work in,” said Ben Peña, Chairman of the GBIC Board. “The term ‘EDC’ is immediately recognizable within our industry and among site selectors, developers, and partners. Adopting this name helps clearly communicate our role while maintaining the same strong commitment to Brownsville’s economic future.”

Economic Development Corporations (EDCs) work to attract new investment, support business expansion, create quality jobs, and promote long-term economic growth. As the City of Brownsville’s Type A Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the organization partners with local, regional, state, and private-sector stakeholders to strengthen the local economy through strategic incentives, workforce development support, site development, and business recruitment and retention.

“Our work has always been economic development at its core,” said Gilberto Salinas, President and CEO of GBIC. “Transitioning to Greater Brownsville EDC better reflects the work we do every day, supporting businesses, creating opportunities for our residents, and helping position Brownsville as a competitive and attractive place to invest.”

Over the next several weeks, the organization will gradually roll out the new name across its website, marketing materials, and communications. Community members and partners may continue to see references to GBIC during the transition period.

“This is the same organization, with the same mission, team, and dedication to Brownsville,” Salinas added. “It’s simply a clearer way to tell our story.”

About Greater Brownsville EDC

The Greater Brownsville EDC is a Type A economic development organization dedicated to driving industrial growth in the Brownsville region. GBEDC supports business recruitment, retention, and expansion through strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and industry-focused initiatives.

Information source: GBIC

Texas DPS Unveils Largest Aircraft Operations Hangar in Edinburg

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Texas DPS Unveils Largest Aircraft Operations Hangar in Edinburg
Ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo by DPS
Ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo by DPS

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Texas Border Business

On January 26, 2026, the Texas Department of Public Safety held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Edinburg to officially open its largest aircraft operations hangar in the state, marking a significant expansion of DPS aviation capabilities. The new facility is designed to support a growing fleet of aircraft and improve operational efficiency for missions that include border security, search and rescue, disaster response, and law enforcement support across South Texas and beyond. DPS officials noted that the hangar will allow for faster deployment, improved maintenance capacity, and enhanced coordination during emergency and public safety operations.

Inside the newly opened Texas Department of Public Safety aircraft operations hangar in Edinburg, a spacious, state-of-the-art facility designed to support aviation missions, strengthen border security, and enhance rapid response capabilities across South Texas and the state. Photo by DPS

The Edinburg facility represents a major investment in aviation infrastructure and reflects the state’s continued focus on strengthening border security and public safety readiness. By centralizing aircraft operations in a modern, purpose-built facility, DPS can respond more quickly to emergencies, support law enforcement agencies throughout the region, and maintain aircraft at a higher level of readiness. Officials emphasized that the location in the Rio Grande Valley is strategically important due to its proximity to the border and its role in statewide emergency response efforts.

The Edinburg Mayor and high-ranking official representing DPS, as well as local and county elected official were present holding the ribbon: Edinburg Mayor, Texas Department of Public Safety leadership, and local and county elected officials gather to hold the ribbon during the ceremonial opening of the new DPS aircraft operations hangar in Edinburg, marking a major investment in public safety and aviation operations across South Texas. Photo by DPS

During the event, DPS expressed appreciation to the City of Edinburg, state lawmakers, and agency partners for their collaboration and support in bringing the project to completion. Special recognition was given to Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and State Representative Terry Canales for their leadership and advocacy in securing support for the facility. DPS leaders noted that the project reflects a strong partnership between state and local leaders who share a commitment to public safety and community protection.

The new hangar is expected to play a key role in strengthening aviation operations for years to come, ensuring that Texas DPS has the infrastructure needed to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, support law enforcement missions, and protect communities across the state.

Texas Joins National Education Freedom Tax Credit Program

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Texas Joins National Education Freedom Tax Credit Program
The U.S. Departments of Education and Treasury released a joint fact sheet explaining that the program allows taxpayers to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions made to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations, or SGOs. Image for illustration purposes
The U.S. Departments of Education and Treasury released a joint fact sheet explaining that the program allows taxpayers to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions made to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations, or SGOs. Image for illustration purposes

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Texas Border Business

Texas is one of the 23 states participating in the Education Freedom Tax Credit, a federal program created under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that allows taxpayers to support education through targeted tax credits. The U.S. Departments of Education and Treasury released a joint fact sheet explaining that the program allows taxpayers to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions made to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations, or SGOs. These contributions would otherwise be paid in federal income taxes and are instead used to fund education scholarships for students. According to the Departments, the goal is to expand access to education options and give families more control over how their children are educated.

Through Texas’s participation, families in the state can benefit from scholarships funded by these contributions to help pay for qualified education expenses. The Departments explain that eligible expenses include private school tuition, tutoring, and education-related services for students with disabilities, as well as other costs connected to K–12 public, private, or charter school education. The U.S. Department of Education stated that the Education Freedom Tax Credit represents “the largest national expansion of education freedom in history,” emphasizing that it is designed to help families afford educational services that meet their children’s individual needs.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the program helps families “afford key education services—like tutoring and scholarships—so they can tailor their child’s educational journey and access opportunities that meet their needs.” She added that the credit helps ensure families have real options regardless of income. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the program puts decision-making power in the hands of parents and noted that the Working Families Tax Cuts Act created “the first-ever federal tax credit for K–12 scholarships.” He also encouraged states to participate so more families can benefit from expanded access to education.

By opting into the Education Freedom Tax Credit, Texas joins states such as Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee in allowing residents to use the program to support student learning. Federal officials describe the credit as a way to increase educational opportunity without creating new federal spending programs, while giving families more flexibility to choose the educational path that best fits their children’s needs.

Read the full fact sheet below or follow this link: 

Third RN Apprenticeship Cohort Completes Training Through RGV College and DHR Health

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Third RN Apprenticeship Cohort Completes Training Through RGV College and DHR Health
NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES: Graduates from Rio Grande Valley College’s third cohort of the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program received their white coats during a special ceremony held December 18, 2025, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, in partnership with DHR Health. Image courtesy of DHR Health
NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES: Graduates from Rio Grande Valley College’s third cohort of the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program received their white coats during a special ceremony held December 18, 2025, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, in partnership with DHR Health. Image courtesy of DHR Health

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PHARR, Texas – Rio Grande Valley College and DHR Health proudly recognized the accomplishments of 11 aspiring nurses who recently completed the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program, marking another milestone in strengthening the local healthcare workforce. Graduates were honored during a special ceremony held December 18, 2025, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, where each apprentice officially received their white coat.

This celebration marked the graduation of the program’s third cohort, continuing a growing partnership between Rio Grande Valley College and DHR Health focused on developing skilled, job-ready nurses. Throughout the program, students completed intensive, hands-on clinical rotations at DHR Health facilities while being paid—allowing them to gain real-world experience while preparing to enter the profession.

Read the full story at:

Third RN Apprenticeship Cohort Completes Training Through RGV College and DHR Health

Texas Posts Nation’s Largest Job Gain in 2025

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Texas Posts Nation’s Largest Job Gain in 2025
“Texas is America’s jobs leader because Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and where hard work is rewarded,” said Governor Abbott. Image for illustration purposes

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AUSTIN ‒ Governor Greg Abbott celebrated Texas as America’s jobs leader as the state gained the most nonfarm jobs in the nation in 2025 and set new records for total nonfarm jobs, the number of Texans working, and the size of the Texas labor force based on December labor market estimates.

“Texas is America’s jobs leader because Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and where hard work is rewarded,” said Governor Abbott. “That is why Texas tops all states for business relocations and expansions. Job-creating businesses — large and small — invest with certainty in Texas and in our young, skilled, and growing workforce. With more Texans working than ever before, we begin a new year of boundless opportunity in Texas.”  

December labor market data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows:

  • Texas gained 132,500 jobs from December 2024 to December 2025, more than any other state and outpacing the national annual job growth rate by half a percentage point.
  • Texas reached a new high with the largest labor force ever in the state’s history at 15,964,000.
  • Texas reached a new high for Texans working, including self-employed, at 15,283,600.
  • Texas reached a new high for total nonfarm jobs at 14,341,000 after adding 19,700 positions over the month.
  • The Texas unemployment rate registered at 4.3%, below the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.4%.

Governor Abbott recently lauded the strength of the state’s robust and diverse economy in a lookback at Texas’ economic triumphs in 2025.

U.S. Attorney Reports 229 New Immigration Cases Between Jan. 9 and Jan. 15

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U.S. Attorney Reports 229 New Immigration Cases Between Jan. 9 and Jan. 15
 United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced that federal prosecutors in the district filed 229 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from Jan. 9 to Jan. 15. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas

SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced that federal prosecutors in the district filed 229 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from Jan. 9 to Jan. 15. Additionally, the district received 125 new habeas petitions bringing a total of 817 civil immigration cases received since Jan. 20, 2025. Charges were brought against illegal aliens with past convictions for violent crimes and DWIs, as well as alleged human smugglers and aliens with multiple prior removals.

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Round Rock Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Possessing Illegal Machinegun

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Round Rock Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Possessing Illegal Machinegun
According to court documents, Ashton Blake Donaldson, 22, knowingly built an illegal machinegun—specifically a fully-automatic .300 AAC Blackout caliber AR-platform pistol—and kept it in a commercial storage unit that he used and controlled. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – A Round Rock man was sentenced in a federal court in Austin to 30 months in prison for possession of a machinegun.

According to court documents, Ashton Blake Donaldson, 22, knowingly built an illegal machinegun—specifically a fully-automatic .300 AAC Blackout caliber AR-platform pistol—and kept it in a commercial storage unit that he used and controlled.

Donaldson was arrested on May 22, 2025, after he sold multiple privately manufactured machineguns to an undercover agent. He was charged with two counts of possession and transfer of a machinegun and one count of possession of a machinegun. Donaldson pleaded guilty to the third count on July 24, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Round Rock Police Department, and Austin Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Buie prosecuted the case.

Third Annual RGV Startup Week Announces Dates and Opens RSVPs

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Third Annual RGV Startup Week Announces Dates and Opens RSVPs
he Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), in collaboration with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (UTRGV ECC), announced today that RSVPs are now open for the third annual RGV Startup Week, taking place April 24 through May 1, 2026. To RSVP, find more about sponsorship opportunities, and receive updates as new announcements are released, visit rgvstartup.com. Courtesy image. Business person image for illustration purposes
he Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), in collaboration with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (UTRGV ECC), announced today that RSVPs are now open for the third annual RGV Startup Week, taking place April 24 through May 1, 2026. To RSVP, find more about sponsorship opportunities, and receive updates as new announcements are released, visit rgvstartup.com. Courtesy image. Business person image for illustration purposes

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), in collaboration with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (UTRGV ECC), announced that RSVPs are now open for the third annual RGV Startup Week, taking place April 24 through May 1, 2026. What began just two years ago has grown exponentially into one of the Rio Grande Valley’s largest entrepreneurship gatherings, drawing regional, state, and national attention to the innovation happening locally.

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RGV Startup Week 2026 will once again bring together entrepreneurs, students, small business owners, investors, and ecosystem partners from across the Valley for a full week of talks, workshops, pitch events, and community-driven programming hosted in Brownsville and partner cities.

The speaker selection is currently underway, with additional announcements related to speakers, sessions, and special events to be released in the coming weeks. Community members are encouraged to RSVP early to stay informed as the agenda continues to take shape.

The announcement follows a record-setting 2025 edition, which underscored the event’s rapid growth. Last year’s RGV Startup Week welcomed 1,850 registrants, featured 168 speakers, and delivered 123 hours of programming. The event reached more than 3.56 million content views, and 40,000 minutes of video content watch-time, doubling engagement from the previous year.

RGV Startup Week 2026 is brought to the community by BCIC, co-organized in collaboration with UTRGV ECC, alongside a growing network of regional partners and sponsors committed to strengthening the Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

To RSVP, find more about sponsorship opportunities, and receive updates as new announcements are released, visit rgvstartup.com.

Pharr EMS Leads Region with First Deployment of TRAUMAGEL® in the RGV

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Pharr EMS Leads Region with First Deployment of TRAUMAGEL® in the RGV
TRAUMAGEL® is a plant-based hemostatic gel designed to control moderate to severe bleeding in seconds. Applied directly to a wound, the gel conforms to the injury site to rapidly control bleeding, helping stabilize patients until they receive advanced medical care. Image courtesy of Te City of Pharr
TRAUMAGEL® is a plant-based hemostatic gel designed to control moderate to severe bleeding in seconds. Applied directly to a wound, the gel conforms to the injury site to rapidly control bleeding, helping stabilize patients until they receive advanced medical care. Image courtesy of Te City of Pharr

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PHARR, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that Pharr EMS has introduced TRAUMAGEL® into its emergency medical response system, becoming the first EMS service in the Rio Grande Valley and south of Houston to use this innovative, life-saving technology.

TRAUMAGEL® is a plant-based hemostatic gel designed to control moderate to severe bleeding in seconds. Applied directly to a wound, the gel conforms to the injury site to rapidly control bleeding, helping stabilize patients until they receive advanced medical care. It is supplied in a 30 mL sterile prefilled syringe, requires no preparation, and is easy to apply and remove, making it highly effective in emergency situations.

Read the full story and see the video of TRAUMAGE® in action from the City of Pharr at:

Pharr EMS Leads Region with First Deployment of TRAUMAGEL® in the RGV

Information source: City of Pharr

Harlingen Police Promote Yesenia Vega to Sergeant

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Harlingen Police Promote Yesenia Vega to Sergeant
Sgt. Yesenia Vega is formally pinned during her promotion ceremony at the Harlingen Police Department, marking her advancement to the rank of sergeant as fellow officers look on in recognition of her service and leadership. Courtesy image

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Texas Border Business

The Harlingen Police Department recently held a promotional ceremony to officially recognize Officer Yesenia Vega on her promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

Sgt. Vega began her career with the Harlingen Police Department in April 2015 after earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Since joining the department, she has served in several roles of increasing responsibility, gaining experience in both patrol and investigative assignments.

Sgt. Yesenia Vega holds her official Order of Appointment during a promotion ceremony at the Harlingen Police Department, surrounded by fellow officers who gathered to recognize her advancement to the rank of sergeant. Courtesy image

During her career, Sgt. Vega worked as a Field Training Officer, where she helped mentor and prepare new officers entering the department. She later served as a Corporal and was assigned as a Detective in the Crimes Against Persons Unit, followed by service in the Major Crimes Unit. In those roles, she worked on complex investigations and played a key role in cases involving serious offenses.

Department leadership said Sgt. Vega’s experience and performance demonstrated her readiness for promotion. Officials noted that her work ethic, professionalism, and ability to lead made her a strong candidate to take on greater responsibility within the department.

Sgt. Vega has now been assigned to the Patrol Division, where her law enforcement career began. In her new role, she will help guide daily patrol operations while mentoring and developing future officers, detectives, and supervisors.

The department recognized her promotion as a reflection of her commitment to public service and dedication to the Harlingen community. Colleagues who have worked alongside her described her as prepared for leadership and well suited to support the department’s mission.

The Harlingen Police Department congratulated Sgt. Vega on her promotion and expressed confidence in her continued service as she begins her new assignment.

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