Mario Alberto Rodriguez admitted he participated in a scheme that used false warranty deeds to mislead lenders and real estate clients. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
McALLEN, Texas – A 44-year-old Mission resident has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Mario Alberto Rodriguez admitted he participated in a scheme that used false warranty deeds to mislead lenders and real estate clients.
Rodriguez would defraud homebuyers and short-term lenders by selling a lot with proposed townhome construction without filing the warranty deed. This left no record of the sale and allowed him to sell the same property multiple times. Rodriguez would then instruct co-conspirators to take out new loans on the previously sold properties in order to use the cash for other purposes.
Rodriguez defrauded victims out of more than $770,000 as a result of the scheme. Construction was never completed and victims were unable to take possession of the properties.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Aug. 12. At that time, Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
FBI, Texas Department of Insurance, McAllen Police Department, and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.
The Palm Valley Animal Society Trenton Center on a rainy day, nearing the end of its chapter after over 50 years of service to the Rio Grande Valley. Courtesy image
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Edinburg, TX — Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS) is calling on the community for urgent support as it begins the final chapter of its long-standing Trenton shelter. With the closure of the aging facility set for later this year, PVAS is working around the clock to ensure a safe and compassionate transition for the hundreds of animals still housed there.
A Landmark Chapter Comes to a Close
Opened in 1977, the Trenton shelter has served the Rio Grande Valley for over five decades. But with deteriorating infrastructure, overcrowded kennels, and intensifying weather challenges, the building is no longer a sustainable place for long-term animal care.
“We’re not just closing this shelter; we’re preparing for one of the biggest transitions in our organization’s history,” said Suzette Cruz, Executive Director. “But we can’t do it without the community. Every donation, every adoption, every foster home helps us get one step closer.”
The Need is Urgent
The team at PVAS is working hard to move every animal out of the Trenton facility and either into loving homes or into the more modern Laurie P. Andrews Center. That effort needs community backing now more than ever.
Palm Valley Animal Society is working urgently to relocate every animal from the aging Trenton facility with care and compassion. Community support is critical during this transition: fostering, adopting, volunteering or donating can directly help Palm Valley Animal Society ensure a safe and smooth transition.
The inside lobby of the Laurie P. Andrews Center. Courtesy image
Foster or Adopt — open your home to a pet in need. Visit www.pvastx.org to meet your new best friend.
Looking Ahead
The Laurie P. Andrews Center in Edinburg features climate-controlled kennels, expanded medical facilities, and a safer environment for both animals and staff. The move marks a major milestone in PVAS’s mission to raise the standard of animal care in the Rio Grande Valley.
The Food Bank RGV thanks H-E-B Hunger Relief for their generous donation to the food bank. Every dollar donated to the food bank provides up to 5 nutritious meals to the community. Image courtesy of Food Bank RGV
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PHARR, Texas – The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley proudly announces H-E-B Hunger Relief as the Title and Presenting Sponsor of Empty Bowls Lower Valley 2025. Now in its fourth year, this annual fundraiser will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Brownsville Events Center. This year’s theme, Noche Caliente, invites the community to a festive evening of local food, music, and giving back.
Thanks to H-E-B Hunger Relief’s generous $20,000 sponsorship, the event will help provide an additional 100,000 meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity across the Rio Grande Valley. Their continued partnership is instrumental in advancing the Food Bank RGV’s mission to fight hunger and feed hope in South Texas.
“We’re incredibly thankful to H-E-B Hunger Relief for their unwavering support,” said Libby A. Saenz, CEO of Food Bank RGV. “Their generosity will directly impact thousands of families in our community and helps ensure more people have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.”
Empty Bowls Lower Valley is one of the Food Bank RGV’s signature fundraising events, bringing together restaurants, sponsors, and supporters for a meaningful night of community connection. Guests will enjoy tastings from more than a dozen local restaurants, live music, raffles, a silent auction, and more.
New this year is a Best Salsa Contest, where participating restaurants will compete for the coveted title of salsa champion. Every guest will also receive a hand-painted ceramic bowl—a symbolic reminder of the empty bowls across our region and the collective promise to fill them.
The Food Bank RGV is currently welcoming event sponsors and recruiting restaurant participants. Sponsors will receive public recognition and community exposure while helping to fund critical hunger relief programs. Participating restaurants have the opportunity to showcase their cuisine to a wide and engaged audience.
Tickets are now available for $40 plus fees at https://EBLV25.eventbrite.com. Tickets will be $45 at the door on the day of the event.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or how to participate as a restaurant partner, contact Philip Farias at 956-904-4513 or email pfarias@foodbankrgv.com.
The McAllen Police Department is now accepting applications for its next Citizens’ Police Academy. Starting August 14 and running through October 15, 2025, the 10-week academy will meet every Thursday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Courtesy image
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The McAllen Police Department is now accepting applications for its next Citizens’ Police Academy. Starting August 14 and running through October 15, 2025, the 10-week academy will meet every Thursday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. There is no cost to apply and selected applicants must be 21 years of age or older; able to attend all classes; work or reside in McAllen; and turn in a completed application by Friday, July 25, 2025.
Courtesy image
“The Citizens’ Police Academy is a program designed to provide the members of our community with acomprehensive introduction to theMcAllen Police Department,” said McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez. “It is my belief that a community that knows its public safety resources is a safer community. Relationships that result from Citizen Police Academies have never been more important in our country than they are today.I encourage every member of our communityto apply and find out more about how the McAllen Police Department works.”
Topics covered will include police firearms orientation; patrol procedures; police ride-along; juvenile law and procedures; and additional areas of police instruction.
Applications are available at the McAllen Police Department, 1601 N. Bicentennial Blvd; the Garza-Chavez Police Community Network Center, 2901 Olga Ave.; and the Northwest Police Community Network Center, 2800 Oxford Ave. For more information, contact the McAllen Police Department Office of Community Affairs at (956) 681-2120.
This next academy will be the 19th McAllen PD Citizens’ Police Academy.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent assisted in the evacuation of 11 people, including six children, from a residential fire in the early morning hours of June 2, 2025. USCBP image
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PROGRESSO, Texas – A U.S. Border Patrol agent assisted in the evacuation of 11 people, including six children, from a residential fire in the early morning hours of June 2, 2025.
Upon arrival at the scene, the agent found that the residents were unaware of the fire. He entered the home to alert those inside and began evacuating all 11 residents.
Emergency medical service personnel arrived on scene to provide medical treatment. Additional Border Patrol agents and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department deputies provided support while the Progreso Fire Department successfully contained the blaze.
“I want to personally commend the courageous actions of our Border Patrol agents who routinely risk their own lives for the safety of others. Their quick thinking, bravery, and unwavering dedication exemplify the highest standards of service and compassion.” stated RGV Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local authorities.
For the second year in a row, Isla Blanca Park has claimed the #1 spot, reaffirming its status as the premier beach destination in the Lone Star State.Image: Googlemaps for illustration purposes
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Cameron County has announced that Isla Blanca Park has once again been recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Beaches in Texas by the prestigious 2025 USA TODAY Readers’ Choice Awards. For the second year in a row, Isla Blanca Park has claimed the #1 spot, reaffirming its status as the premier beach destination in the Lone Star State.
This national recognition follows a competitive selection process conducted by a panel of travel experts and USA TODAY’s “10Best” editors, who nominated an elite list of Texas beach destinations. Following several weeks of public voting, Isla Blanca Park rose to the top, earning the admiration and votes of thousands of beach lovers from across Texas and the nation.
Affectionately known as the “Crown Jewel of the Texas Gulf Coast,” Isla Blanca Park is situated at the southernmost tip of South Padre Island. The park offers over a mile of pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, along with a variety of recreational options including swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball, jetty and surf fishing and more. Guests can enjoy modern amenities such as beachfront pavilions, dining facilities, beach front boardwalks, water sport rentals, cabana and umbrella rentals, a boat ramp, a full-service marina, Amphitheater & Event Center and over 600 RV campsites. Visitors can also witness SpaceX launch activities with a front- row view.
“We are incredibly proud to see Isla Blanca Park once again named the best beach in Texas,” said Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. “This recognition reflects the commitment of Cameron County to preserving and enhancing our coastal treasures for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. Isla Blanca is more than a destination; it’s a source of pride for our entire community.”
“Isla Blanca Park is an essential part of our local identity and economy,” added Cameron County Commissioner Sofia C. Benavides, Pct. 1. “We’ve made significant investments in this park to improve infrastructure, enhance amenities and protect the natural beauty that makes it so special. This award validates those efforts and highlights the value of continued stewardship.”
“This recognition is a distinguished honor and a direct result of the leadership and support of the Cameron County Commissioners’ Court, and the unwavering commitment of the Cameron County Parks & Recreation staff,” said Joe E. Vega, Cameron County Parks Director. “Our Parks team strive every day to provide a safe, clean and memorable experience for everyone who visits Isla Blanca Park and County Coastal Parks. We thank the voters, and we welcome everyone to come see for themselves why Isla Blanca Park is the best in Texas.”
Top 10 Best Beaches in Texas – USA TODAY 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards:
The City of McAllen announced the promotion of Michelle Rivera to the position of Deputy City Manager, effective June 1, 2025. Courtesy images
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The City of McAllen announced the promotion of Michelle Rivera to the position of Deputy City Manager, effective June 1, 2025. Rivera brings a distinguished 30-year career in public service across the Rio Grande Valley, with experience in the cities of Harlingen, Mercedes, and McAllen, where she has served as Assistant City Manager since 2014. Known for her collaborative leadership, business-minded approach, and results-driven strategies, Rivera has built a legacy of innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community development throughout South Texas.
Mayor Javier Villalobos praised Rivera’s appointment, saying, “Michelle is a professional collaborator, a strategic thinker, and a business-minded leader. Her deep knowledge of development, her professionalism, and her unwavering dedication to the public good make her the ideal choice for Deputy City Manager. Her experience in economic development, fiscal management, and community building makes her an invaluable asset to the City of McAllen.”
City Manager Isaac J. Tawil echoed the sentiment: “Michelle has consistently demonstrated not only a sharp understanding of city operations, but also a deep commitment to our community’s growth and success. Her leadership has helped bring transformative projects to life in McAllen, and I am confident she will continue to deliver outstanding results in her new role. McAllen is fortunate to have a leader of her caliber as she adds tremendous value to our executive leadership team. As Deputy City Manager, she will play a vital role in guiding our city through its next phase of development and innovation.”
In her new role, Rivera will continue overseeing development services while expanding her leadership across citywide initiatives focused on infrastructure, economic growth, community development, and fiscal sustainability.
“I am honored and grateful for the trust placed in me by City Manager Tawil,” said Rivera. “It has been a privilege to serve McAllen and help shape its bright future. As Deputy City Manager, I look forward to new challenges and growth. I also will continue working with our incredible team and community partners to drive progress, strengthen our neighborhoods, and ensure McAllen remains the most dynamic and livable city in Texas.”
As Assistant City Manager of Development Services for McAllen, Rivera led initiatives that reshaped the city’s development landscape, including:
Establishing McAllen’s first Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ), which supported the successful location of the Texas A&M University-McAllen campus.
Establishing a second TIRZ for strategically placed drainage infrastructure.
Spearheading a $25 million bond program to address traffic and drainage improvements.
Overseeing more than 100 bond-funded construction projects, including the $45 million McAllen Performing Arts Center.
Leading the creation of McAllen’s first One Stop Shop Development Center and implementation of online permitting processes.
Developing and implementing the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council curriculum.
Playing a critical role in budget development and management across a $600 million budget portfolio.
Rivera is a credentialed manager with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), a Certified Public Manager, a Certified Grant Writer, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, as well as other municipal and planning organizations. She holds a Master of City & Regional Planning from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Urban Planning from Arizona State University.
In 2025, she was honored as the Texas City Manager’s Association Assistant of the Year and currently serves as Region-10 Representative for TCMA.
Additionally, Rivera is an active member of Palm Valley Church, serving on various ministry teams.
Rivera’s promotion reflects McAllen’s ongoing commitment to professional leadership, integrity, and innovation at the highest levels of municipal government.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Hidalgo County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents who sustained economic losses and physical damage from severe storms and flooding occurring March 26‑28. Image: Googlemaps
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Hidalgo County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents who sustained economic losses and physical damage from severe storms and flooding occurring March 26‑28.
Beginning Friday, May 30, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in Weslaco to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.
The center’s hours of operation are as follows:
HIDALGO COUNTY
Business Recovery CenterValley Metro Transit CenterBoardroom 510 S. Pleasantview Dr.Weslaco, TX 78596 Opens at 12 p.m. Friday, May 30 Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The following BRC location is open and continues to serve survivors:
CAMERON COUNTY
Business Recovery CenterHarlingen Chamber of Commerce 311 E. Tyler Ave.Harlingen, TX 78550 Mondays – Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face‑to‑face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to apply for physical damage applications is July 21, 2025. The deadline to apply for economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access its programs, activities, and facilities, regardless of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Image for illustration purposes
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access its programs, activities, and facilities, regardless of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition, SSA has taken steps to ensure that no person is discriminated against on the bases of disability, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or retaliation (e.g., for filing a previous complaint), in any program or activity conducted by SSA. In compliance with the Rehabilitation Act, SSA has long maintained methods for the public to request accommodations and file civil rights complaints.
Request for Accommodation:
Members of the public can request an accommodation through various methods:
Visit or call a local field office or hearing office, as they are the main points of contact for individuals interacting with SSA. Local field offices can be found by using the locator at www.ssa.gov/locator/. Local hearing offices can be found using the locator at www.ssa.gov/appeals/ho_locator.html.
Call the agency at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
“I was proud to vote for Senate Bill 1, the state budget for the next two years.” — Senator Hinojosa
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AUSTIN – The Texas Senate approved the final version of Senate Bill (SB) 1, the General Appropriations Act (budget bill) for the 2026-27 biennium. This bill was authored by Senator Joan Huffman, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. On May 27th, the Senate also approved House Bill 500, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill, also led by Senator Huffman. Both bills are now headed to Governor Greg Abbott for final approval. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.
Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:
“I was proud to vote for Senate Bill 1, the state budget for the next two years. When we began the budget process earlier this year, the All Funds budget, including federal funds, was $332.9 billion. The budget we passed today has grown to $338 billion. This figure includes $149 billion in General Revenue Fund (state) dollars.
Our approved budget prioritizes public education, tax relief, public safety, infrastructure, and improved taxpayer services for both individuals and businesses while also making important investments to maintain Texas’ economic competitiveness.
Throughout the session, public education funding has been a top priority. This budget allocates an additional $8.5 billion to provide a much-needed permanent pay raise for teachers, librarians, janitors, food service staff, and other support personnel. SB 1 provides resources for school safety, makes significant investments in special education, and allows schools greater flexibility in utilizing increased funding from the basic allotment.
Property tax relief was another priority. This budget adds $10 billion from the introduced bill for property tax relief, bringing the total tax relief package to $51 billion for the upcoming biennium. These funds will allow for an increase in the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for all homeowners, with an additional $60,000 exemption for homeowners over 65 and disabled homeowners, contingent upon voter approval of the constitutional amendments in November.
The budget also includes the following significant investments: $40 billion for the Texas Department of Transportation, $10.8 billion for higher education formula funding, $6.4 billion for the state contribution to the Teacher Retirement System, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, $3 billion to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, $850 million for a Texas State Technical College endowment fund to support capital projects, $304 million for the Graduate Medical Education Expansion program, and $100 million for grants for farmers. These are just a few examples of the investments included in the budget.
In addition to SB 1, the Legislature recently finalized HB 500, the Supplemental Appropriations bill, which is also on its way to the Governor’s desk. Key highlights include: $2.5 billion for water infrastructure and related grants, $131.3 million to access matching federal funds, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $350 million for the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, $250 million for semiconductor initiatives, $257 million for the purchase and operation of aircraft for wildfire suppression, $192.3 million to address the backlog for Fire Department Assistance, $124.8 million to cover the use of firefighting aircraft, $135 million to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for regional operations facilities and emergency response support, $369.2 million to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) for the benefit of TRS-ActiveCare, and more.
These balanced budgetary decisions reflect our commitment to investing in Texas’ future, ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of our communities.”
Both SB 1 and HB 500 include significant investments for projects in the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend including:
Public Safety/Emergency Response/Military Support
$110.2 million for Grants for Local Border Security
$34.5 million for Anti-Gang Programs
$30 million for Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grants to military defense impacted communities.
$3 million for Grants for Border Zone Fire Departments
Transportation
$10 million for South Texas International Airport in Edinburg
$18 million to Weslaco Airport for Hangar and Runway Expansion
$40 million for Port Access Improvements grants.
Education
$351 million for UTRGV General Academics
$97 million for UTRGV School of Medicine
$154 million for Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Water Infrastructure
$15 million for Delta Region Water Management Project in Hidalgo County
$30 million for Nueces River Ground Water Wells
$16 million for Mary Rhodes Pipeline Upgrades
$4 million for Nueces County Drainage District #2
$5.3 million for City of Alamo Lift Station Upgrades
$8 million for City of Weslaco Water and Drainage Improvements
$750,000 City of Penitas Lift Station
Parks and Economic Development:
$30 million for the Ritz Theater in Corpus Christi
$5 million for Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen
$2 million for Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi
$1 million for the City of Pharr All-Abilities Park
$1 million for Sullivan City Park Upgrades
$1 million for City of Granjeno Park
$1 million for City of Alton Park
$1 million for City of La Joya Parks
Once approved by the Governor, items funded in SB 1 will take effect September 1, 2025. Items funded in HB 500 become effective as soon as the Governor signs the bill.
