McAllen leaders hope the new Valeo manufacturing plant is a sign that the region, one of the most impoverished in the state, can attract better-paying jobs for its college graduates.
Berenice Garcia
Berenice Garcia is a regional reporter covering the Rio Grande Valley. She works at the Tribune as a corps members with Report for America. She previously covered local government, crime, healthcare and general assignments for The Monitor in McAllen where she was born. Though she's spent the majority of her life in the Valley, she traveled east to attend New York University where she studied journalism and politics. While there, she interned at the New York Daily News, the Daily Beast and NBC News. When she’s not working, she enjoys fighting for her life at the gym. Berenice is based in McAllen.
Posted in
Congress
After Monica De La Cruz helps migrant teen in ICE custody, Texas man seeks similar aid for fiancée
The Republican in Congress helped a migrant teenager she previously knew get released from federal custody. Scores of migrants are in similar situations with no clear exit.
Posted in
Immigration
Teen mariachis and family from McAllen released from ICE custody
The detention of the family of asylum seekers after a routine check-in with immigration officials had caused an uproar in their community.
Posted in
Courts
Legal fight over SpaceX beach closures hits Texas Supreme Court
The justices are considering the constitutionality of a 2013 law in a lawsuit brought by environmentalist and indigenous groups against the General Land Office and Cameron County.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Austin downtown shooting: What we know about the gunman, victims and motive
Three people were killed and 13 wounded in a West Sixth Street attack. Police say the shooter fired from an SUV before getting out and continuing on foot.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas House candidates in South Texas face allegations of lying about their party affiliation
Republicans hope to flip the Rio Grande Valley state House seat, long held by Democrats.
Posted in
Economy
Texans are demanding their local governments push pause on data centers. Can they?
Texans from Waco to Harlingen are raising concerns over how much energy and water data centers are poised to use. Local officials, some enticed by a tax boon, say they have little power to stop the rush.
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Economy
“We are ready”: Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says U.S., Texas ready to fight parasitic fly
The New World Screworm fly poses a billion-dollar threat to the state’s economy.
Posted in
Economy
SpaceX wants a tax break meant to create jobs in low-income areas. Critics question the benefits.
Elon Musk’s company got a boost in its application by the Starbase city commissioners. Two commissioners are SpaceX employees.
Posted in
State Government
Texas winter storm updates: Power grid holds up through its tightest condition on Monday, Gov. Abbott says
ERCOT officials expected to see power demand close in on power supply by Monday 8 a.m., but the grid held “flawlessly,” Abbott said.