Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo and Bertha Alicia Castillo, owners of the Oro Ropa Usada business in McAllen, were accused of illegally exporting merchandise to Mexico and conspiring to launder money. A federal judge denied the defense's request to dismiss the charges, allowing the case to proceed in federal court. Jury selection is set for December 8, 2026.

In 2020 Joe Biden promised to roll back Donald Trump’s immigration policies, but this year he backed a Senate proposal that would set daily limits on border crossings. Democrats are changing their rhetoric, saying they can be tough on border security while promoting legal pathways for immigration. The shift could affect the support of immigrants and their advocates in the Rio Grande Valley.

In the November 3, 2026 election, Hidalgo County voters will decide who will be district attorney, with Republican Lydia Elizondo facing incumbent Toribio "Terry" Palacios. Elizondo, with 28 years as an attorney, proposes a cold‑case unit and greater focus on domestic violence, while Palacios leads a team of 82 prosecutors; both are seeking support from residents of the Rio Grande Valley.

The Hidalgo County Board of Commissioners approved on 22 de septiembre a budget of $439.7 million for 2026‑2027 that lowers the property tax rate and increases funding for police, firefighters, roads and a 5 % cost of living adjustment. The rate is $0.5691 per $100 of assessed value, a 1 % reduction, and $111 million is allocated to the Sheriff and $53.9 million to road work.

Mayor Óscar Montoya of Mercedes announced on Monday that the city will hire an executive search firm to find a new city manager, after the resignation of former manager Alberto Pérez, effective August 14. Fire chief Javier Campos has been appointed interim manager while the search continues. The measure aims to ensure continuity of projects and services for area residents.

Cameron County began work on the expansion of Old Alice Road, a $31 million project that will convert 4.9 miles from two lanes to four lanes with a left turn lane, plus sidewalks and shoulders. The construction, which started on Monday, aims to improve connectivity and safety for residents, workers and emergency services between Los Fresnos and Brownsville. According to the county, the work is scheduled to be completed in March 2029.