Inside Valley Politics: Court ruling impacts DACA recipients, Google developer talks data center impact

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Early voting ended for the May 2 elections on April 28. A number of seats are up for grabs for local, municipal, special elections and more. In Hidalgo County, nearly 14,000 voters went to the polls, while in Cameron County almost ten thousand people showed up to cast their ballots. New

Trump says the U.S. will begin escorting ships in the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while showing little optimism about accepting a recent proposal from Tehran to end the conflict. Trump stated that the U.S. will start escorting the ships on Monday, noting that this is a response to other countries—whom he did not identify, but mentioned are not involved in the conflict—that have requested assistance to free vessels trapped in the passage. 'For the sake of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these countries that we will safely guide their ships out of these restricted waters so they can continue their activities freely,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added that the operation to escort the vessels will be called 'Project Freedom' and said that intermediaries have communicated this decision to the affected countries.

Pete Galvan unseats incumbent for San Benito mayor, unofficial results say

In San Benito, a significant leadership change has occurred as challenger Pete Galvan has unseated incumbent Mayor Ricardo Guerra, according to unofficial election results. Galvan received 1,149 votes, while Guerra garnered only 569. Having served on the city commission since 2020, Galvan campaigned on a platform of infrastructure improvements and community investment. He expressed gratitude to the San Benito community for their support and emphasized his commitment to advocating for local needs. Guerra, who has served two terms, acknowledged the voters' decision and offered his continued assistance to the city. Official results are pending canvassing.

Felida Villarreal could force a runoff with Fallek in Unofficial District 5 Results after Election Day Voting

In McAllen's District 5 special election on May 2, 2026, voters chose to fill the remainder of Mayor Pro Tem Seby Haddad’s term. Unofficial results show Michael Fallek leading with 571 votes (50.04%), followed by Felida Villarreal with 411 votes (36.02%) and Mark Murray with 159 votes (13.94%). The total turnout was low, with only 1,141 ballots cast from about 12,000 registered voters. Three provisional ballots remain uncounted, which could potentially trigger a runoff if they do not favor Fallek. Hidalgo County is expected to announce the final results on Tuesday.

Twelve Places Where the Federal Government Added Donald Trump's Name

The federal government is undergoing an unprecedented branding initiative, incorporating Donald Trump's name into various entities, including buildings, warships, and even a website for prescription drugs. Since winning a second term, Trump has successfully named roads and an airport after himself, while also pushing for his name to appear on currency and other government items. Notable examples include the U.S. Institute of Peace named after him, the Trump Class warships, and a new passport design featuring his image. Some efforts, like renaming a New York train station, have faced legal challenges, but the branding strategy marks a significant departure from previous administrations.

Is There Extraterrestrial Life? Pentagon to Release 'Very Interesting' Files on UFOs, Says Trump

Former President Donald Trump announced that the Pentagon is set to release intriguing files regarding UFOs, stirring both excitement and skepticism among the public. This follows his February directive for federal agencies to disclose records related to extraterrestrial life and unidentified aerial phenomena. Trump hinted at upcoming revelations during a White House event honoring NASA astronauts, claiming that the American people deserve transparency. While the Pentagon has been working on declassifying UFO-related documents, experts caution against high expectations, stating that previous disclosures have not revealed any confirmed alien technology. A second report is anticipated soon, covering recent sightings.

Trump Evaluates Iran's Plan to End War in 30 Days

Iran has proposed a 30-day plan to resolve issues with the United States and end the ongoing conflict, according to Iranian state-linked media. President Donald Trump is reviewing this new proposal but expressed skepticism about reaching an agreement, emphasizing that Iran has not faced sufficient consequences for its actions over the past 47 years. The 14-point Iranian proposal counters a U.S. plan and demands the lifting of sanctions, cessation of hostilities, and withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region. Meanwhile, Iran's economy continues to struggle, with the rial depreciating significantly against the dollar, raising concerns about rising unemployment and inflation.

Rolando Garcia elected as Mercedes City Commision Place 1, unoffical results show

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Mercedes residents have elected Rolando Garcia as its new city commissioner, according to unofficial election results. Garcia received 491 votes compared to opponent Stephanie Valdivia-Ramirez, who receive 440 votes. During his campaign run, Rolando Garcia was publicly endorsed by Democratic U.S. Representative Candidate for District 15 Bobby Pulido.

Cameron County Drainage District 6 elects new Place 3 board member

CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Alfonso Rodriguez has been elected to represent Cameron County Drainage District 6, Place 3, according to the unofficial election results. Rodriguez received 57% of votes, followed by his opponent, incumbent Gilbert Galvan, who came out with 43% votes. Cameron County Drainage District 6 serves customers in western Cameron County in

Cameron County Drainage District No. 3 board president reelected, unofficial election results show

CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Drainage District No. 3 Board President Ronaldo Garcia was reelected on Saturday night, according to unofficial election results. Garcia received 1,297 votes, followed by his opponent Jay Humphreys, who came out with 832 votes. Cameron County Drainage District 3 serves customers in parts of Harlingen, San Benito, Los Indios,

Hidalgo County voters reject Proposition 1, unofficial results show

HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County voters rejected a tax increase for emergency services in District 1, unofficial results show. According to unofficial results, 60 people voted for the proposition, while 179 people voted against it. Proposition 1 is a tax increase to 10 cents on each $100 of property value. As listed on

Laguna Vista mayor reelected, unofficial election results show

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Residents reelected Laguna Vista Mayor Michael Carter Saturday night, according to unofficial Cameron County election results. Carter defeated challenger Darla A. Jones to serve another term as the city's top leader. Carter received 689 votes, or 51.38 percent of the vote, while Jones received 652 votes, or 48.62% percent of the

Mercedes mayor reelected, unofficial results show

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) —Mercedes residents reelected Oscar D. Montoya Saturday night, according to unofficial election results from Hidalgo County. Montoya received 722 votes, or 77% of the vote, compared to challenger Velda J. Garcia, who received 214 votes, or 22.86% of the vote. Montoya was first elected in 2020, and again in 2023.

Elsa mayor reelected, unofficial election results show

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Residents reelected Elsa Mayor Alonzo "Al" Perez Saturday night, according to unofficial Hidalgo County election results. Perez defeated challenger Robert Escobar to serve another term as the city's top leader. Perez received 886 votes, or 63.33% percent of the vote, while Escobar received 513 votes, or 36.67% percent of the vote.

San Benito elects new mayor, unofficial results show

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — San Benito residents elected a new mayor on Saturday night, according to unofficial Cameron County election results. Challenger Pedro "Pete" Galvan unseated incumbent Ricardo "Rick" Guerra to become the city's top leader. Galvan received 1,149 votes, or 67 percent of the vote, while Guerra received 569 votes, or 33 percent of

Michael Fallek elected as McAllen District 5 Commissioner, unofficial results show

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — McAllen residents have elected Michael Fallek as their city commissioner for District 5, according to unofficial results. Fallek received 571 votes, or 50.04% of the vote, defeating opponents Felinda Villareal and Mark Murray. Villarreal received 411 votes, and Murray received 159 votes, according to the city of McAllen. Fallek, a third-generation McAllen

Election Results: May 2 Local and Special Elections

View the latest election results below:

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Federal court blocks rule that let Texans obtain out-of-state abortion pills