RGV Daily Brief: Monday, July 13, 2026
Monday, July 13, 2026 brought a wide-ranging mix of developments across the Rio Grande Valley, from a milestone in commercial spaceflight to public safety concerns and a community health achievement. At Starbase, preparations advanced for Flight 13 as Booster 20 completed a successful static fire test, setting the stage for the next launch attempt from the southern tip of Texas. The region's aerospace activity unfolded against a backdrop of oppressive weather, with forecasters warning of hot, dry, and hazy conditions settling over the Valley for the week ahead.
On the public safety and community front, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office launched its first-ever teen academy, welcoming young participants into an introduction to law enforcement. In Harlingen, a couple faced arrest after teenagers at a quinceañera were found consuming tequila directly from bottles, according to documents. Separately, the Lyford police chief was among those injured in a bee attack, and an ICE shooting that killed a motorist in Maine drew attention from regional advocates who identified the man as a 26-year-old from Colombia. In Donna, a proposed pet surrender fee drew sharp opposition from PETA, while in Edinburg, DHR Health Transplant Institute received recognition with top rankings at both the state and national levels. Road construction on Interstate 2 in Mercedes prompted overnight lane closures, and in Pharr, city officials announced that Los Palominos would headline the 4th Annual Avocado Festival in downtown. Marco Antonio Solis is scheduled to perform at Payne Arena in Hidalgo on July 25, 2026.
Top StoriesAcross the Valley
- Starbase gears up for upcoming flight: LabPadreValleyCentral · July 13, 2026
Starbase confirmed a date for Flight 13 after Booster 20 completed a static fire test as part of ongoing launch preparations.
- Hot, dry and hazy this week for the Rio Grande ValleyValleyCentral · July 13, 2026
Forecasters called for hot, dry, and hazy weather conditions across the Rio Grande Valley throughout the week.
- ‘Recipe for disaster’: PETA opposes proposed Donna pet surrender feeValleyCentral · July 13, 2026
PETA voiced opposition to a proposed pet surrender fee in Donna, characterizing the policy as potentially harmful to animals.
- DHR Health Transplant Institute earns top state and national rankingsRio Grande Guardian · July 13, 2026
DHR Health Transplant Institute in Edinburg received top-tier rankings at both state and national levels.
- Couple arrested after teens drank tequila directly from bottles at quinceañera: DocsValleyCentral · July 13, 2026
A couple was arrested in Harlingen after documents revealed teens at a quinceañera drank tequila directly from bottles.
- ICE shot and killed a motorist in Maine. Advocates say he's a 26-year-old from ColombiaKRGV · July 13, 2026
Regional advocates identified an ICE shooting victim in Maine as a 26-year-old man from Colombia.
- Road work prompting night closures on Interstate 2 in MercedesValleyCentral · July 13, 2026
TxDOT announced overnight lane closures on Interstate 2 in Mercedes this week due to ongoing road construction.
- Hidalgo County Sheriff s Office kicks off inaugural teen academyValleyCentral · July 13, 2026
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office launched its first teen academy on Monday, welcoming the inaugural class of young participants.
- Los Palominos to Headline 4th Annual Avocado Festival in Downtown Pharr, Exciting Week of Events Announced at Fresh on the Border Press ConferenceCity of Pharr · July 13, 2026
Pharr officials announced Los Palominos as the headliner for the 4th Annual Avocado Festival in downtown Pharr.
- Lyford police chief among those stung in bee attackKRGV · July 13, 2026
The Lyford police chief was among several people stung during a bee attack, according to reports.
McAllenMcAllen
- Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Gina Cruz Celebrates 9 Years in Business with Chamber Recognition in McAllen, TXWhatTheyThink · July 13, 2026
EdinburgEdinburg
- Woman hospitalized following nightclub shooting near Edinburg, Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office investigatingKRGV · July 13, 2026
- Woman injured outside nightclub in rural Edinburg shootingValleyCentral · July 13, 2026
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is investigating an early Sunday morning shooting at a nightclub parking lot in rural Edinburg. According to
BrownsvilleBrownsville
- CITY OF BROWNSVILLE INFORMS RESIDENTS OF STARSHIP'S NEXT TEST FLIGHT SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAYCity of Brownsville · July 13, 2026
SpaceX is preparing for a potential 13th Test Flight of Starship on Thursday, July 16th, between the hours of 5:45pm and 7:15pm CST
- BROWNSVILLE’S CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM SEES STRONG COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AFTER SIX MONTHSCity of Brownsville · July 13, 2026
Brownsville residents are embracing curbside recycling, with participation exceeding expectations just six months after the City's residential recycling program launched in
- Brownsville bank robbery suspect identifiedKRGV · July 13, 2026
- Chase bank robbery suspect identified, pending bail hearingValleyCentral · July 13, 2026
HarlingenHarlingen
- Perez: Why Sgt. Arturo ‘Treto’ Garza deserves city recognitionRio Grande Guardian · July 13, 2026
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