Roberto H. Gonzalez

For the first time in more than a decade, Hidalgo County delivered a State of the County address on October 8, 2025, at the McAllen Convention Center, in an event hosted by RioPlex, LLC.

Industries most exposed to rising costs, according to Torres, include those tied to Section 232 and Section 301 tariffs. “Steel, aluminum and copper products and products that contain these metals, automobiles and auto parts, Chinese-origin products, and non-USMCA originating products that are subject to IEEPA Reciprocal Tariffs” face the greatest vulnerabilities, he noted.

Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, says the H-2A agricultural worker visa program is collapsing under its own weight.

At the McAllen Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon on October 3, 2025, Sen. Adam Hinojosa (R–District 27) outlined what he described as major achievements of the 89th Texas Legislative Session, focusing on property tax relief, regional water management, and health care access.

At the McAllen Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon on October 3, 2025, Veronica Gonzales, Senior Vice President for Governmental and Community Relations at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, praised the work of state legislators while emphasizing the importance of higher education and civic engagement.

At the McAllen Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon on October 3, 2025, Rep. Terry Canales (D–District 40) outlined his priorities from the 89th Texas Legislative Session, emphasizing public education, property tax reform, water security, and health care expansion.

At the McAllen Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon on October 3, 2025, Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. (D–District 36) highlighted education, property tax policy, and workforce training as key issues from the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

At the McAllen Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon on October 3, 2025, Texas Rep. Ryan Guillen (R–District 31) highlighted what he described as the most consequential bills of the 89th Legislative Session, pointing to record funding for public schools, a new institute for dementia research, and long-term water infrastructure investment.

At the McAllen Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon on October 3, 2025, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D–District 20) outlined what he called critical investments in water, health research, and grid reliability approved during the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

At the McAllen Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon on October 3, 2025, City Manager Ike Tawil emphasized the importance of legislative staff and credited the Rio Grande Valley’s lawmakers for their influence in Austin.