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CommunityMrs Baird’s Bread Launches Fifth Annual Fighting Texas Hunger Campaign
Mrs Baird’s Bread has launched its fifth annual Fighting Texas Hunger campaign, partnering with food banks across Texas to combat food insecurity. The initiative aims to support over 5 million Texans by donating more than 182,000 loaves of bread throughout June, including 11,000 loaves to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Residents can participate by donating food or money, with every dollar providing up to seven meals. The campaign highlights the increased need for food assistance during summer when school meal programs are unavailable, encouraging community involvement to help local families in need.
CommunityPharr Breaks Ground on Landmark Multi-Use Facility Under Leadership of Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez
The City of Pharr recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new multi-use facility, led by Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez. This 83,567-square-foot project aims to enhance community engagement and cultural identity. The event featured presentations from local leaders and a video showcasing the facility's design. Located on a 14.6-acre site at FM 495 and U.S. Highway 281, the building will incorporate modern architecture and advanced technology. Mayor Hernandez emphasized the project's significance for future generations, stating it represents Pharr's growth and commitment to arts and culture in the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalMan accused of murdering Minnesota lawmaker and her husband accepts plea deal
Vance Boelter, the Minnesota man accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer and fatally shooting the former Speaker of the State House in what authorities have described as a politically motivated murder, pleaded guilty on Thursday. Boelter had initially pleaded not guilty, but federal prosecutors indicated that in exchange for his guilty plea, they would no longer seek the death penalty. Neither Boelter's attorney nor the prosecutors immediately responded to requests for comments. A federal grand jury indicted Boelter last year on six charges, including harassment and murder by using a firearm in connection with the shootings that occurred on June 14, 2025. Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were injured in a nearby home in Champlin. Then-U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson stated that Boelter also attempted to kill the couple's daughter, Hope, but the senator and his wife shielded her with their bodies. The young girl was not injured.
Public SafetyAlleged Cockfighting at Monte Alto Property Ends in Arrest
The investigation began when a helicopter pilot from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), during a routine aerial patrol, noticed numerous vehicles gathered at the property and alerted state agents. Upon arrival, they observed several individuals fleeing the area and requested support from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Shortly after, the property owner, identified as 41-year-old Arnulfo Arizmendi, consented to an inspection of a warehouse located on the premises. During the search, agents found several roosters, a dead rooster, and other items that authorities say are consistent with cockfighting activities. Additionally, investigators interviewed witnesses who claimed that Arizmendi allegedly charged an admission fee to enter the venue and attend the event.
Public SafetyCockfighting at Monte Alto Property Ends in Arrest
The investigation began when a helicopter pilot from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), during a routine aerial patrol, observed numerous vehicles gathered at the property and notified state agents. Upon arrival, they saw several people fleeing the area and requested support from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Shortly after, the property owner, identified as 41-year-old Arnulfo Arizmendi, consented to an inspection of a warehouse located on the premises. During the search, agents found several roosters, a dead rooster, and other items that authorities say are consistent with cockfighting activities. Additionally, investigators interviewed witnesses who claimed that Arizmendi allegedly charged an admission fee to enter the venue and attend the event.
SportsLive Updates: World Cup Fever Begins with Shakira and Mexico's Opening Match
What you need to know The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off today and will run until July 19 with explosive matches that you can watch on Telemundo and Peacock. The day starts in Mexico with the opening ceremony, followed by the match between Mexico and South Africa at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT at the stadium in Mexico City. At 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT, South Korea will face the Czech Republic at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. You can watch these matches live and in Spanish on Telemundo. Grab your flag and turn on your screen on Telemundo, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is here! The world's largest sporting tournament begins this Thursday with the opening ceremony, led by Shakira and Burna Boy, and continues with Mexico's national team playing at home against South Africa. Later, South Korea will clash with the Czech Republic. Follow the excitement of the World Cup 2026 with live updates.
NationalPentagon Under Shelter-in-Place Order Due to 'Hazardous Materials Incident'
Emergency teams are responding to a 'hazardous materials situation' at the Pentagon, which has led to shelter-in-place orders and evacuations in certain areas of the building, according to the Pentagon. The Pentagon confirmed that it activated preventive measures after detecting an issue related to air quality. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated in a release that the facility's systems 'detected an air quality issue that requires preventive measures while we assess its significance.' 'The Department is implementing standard protective protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are deployed and ready to assist building occupants,' Parnell added. The Arlington County Fire Department reported on X that, along with specialized hazardous materials teams, it is responding to the incident.
BusinessRio Bank Executive Says Bank On INT Helps Retain Local Talent
Albert Guajardo, Senior EVP and Chief Lending Officer at Rio Bank, highlighted the importance of the Bank On INT internship program during a signing ceremony on June 5, 2026. This initiative, a collaboration between the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, UTRGV, and local banks, aims to nurture and retain talent from the Rio Grande Valley. Guajardo noted increased interest from financial institutions and shared the success of intern Marcus Casarez, who was hired full-time. The program provides students with valuable banking experience while fostering connections between education and local employers.
Public SafetyFirefighters Contain Blaze at Weslaco Home
The Weslaco Fire Department responded to a residential fire on Nevada Avenue that caused significant damage to a home. The fire started in a small bedroom near the main entrance and was contained to that area, preventing further spread. However, smoke affected about three-quarters of the residence. Minor damage occurred in three rooms on the south side, but most belongings in those areas were recoverable. The incident was managed solely by the Weslaco Fire Department, with no need for assistance from other emergency agencies.
Public SafetySuspect Arrested in Home Depot Theft in Harlingen
A suspect in a robbery at a Home Depot in Harlingen has been arrested following a tip from a citizen to 'Crime Stoppers.' The Harlingen Police Department reported that the information received allowed detectives to identify and apprehend the individual. The identity of the suspect and the specific charges have not yet been disclosed. 'Crime Stoppers' emphasized the significance of community collaboration in criminal investigations and reminded the public that they can provide information anonymously.
SportsWhen does the Mexican national team play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Mexico will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the leader of Group A, alongside South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. Following their early exit in the 2022 World Cup, Mexico aims to advance at least to the quarter-finals, matching their best performances from 1970 and 1986. The tournament kicks off on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa at 3 p.m. ET. Their second match is on June 18 against South Korea in Guadalajara, and the final group match is on June 24 against Czechia, also at Estadio Azteca. The top two teams will progress to the knockout stage.
WeatherEl Niño has formed: NOAA confirms the return of this climate phenomenon
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Thursday that the climate phenomenon El Niño has officially formed in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The meteorological agency issued a warning about the possibility that it could reach moderate, strong, or even very strong intensity in the coming months. According to meteorologists, there is a 63% chance that sea surface temperatures in the monitored region of the Pacific will exceed 2 degrees Celsius above average, a threshold that NOAA uses to classify an event as a 'very strong' El Niño. El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. It occurs when temperatures in the equatorial Pacific remain at least 0.5 degrees Celsius above average for several consecutive months, disrupting the atmospheric pattern known as the Walker circulation, which normally moves air from west to east across the ocean. While each El Niño episode has its unique characteristics, NOAA explained that this phenomenon typically reaches its peak intensity during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. Common effects include a warmer-than-normal winter in much of the northern United States, increased storm activity in the southern United States with higher chances of rain and snow, reduced cyclonic activity in the Atlantic due to increased upper-atmosphere winds, heightened tropical activity in the eastern and central Pacific, increased risk of coastal flooding associated with high tides in some regions, and disruptions in marine ecosystems and the migratory patterns of fish and other ocean species. 'Each El Niño is different; each has its own signature on weather patterns,' said Ken Graham, director of NOAA's National Weather Service. The agency also reported that it has officially begun using a new index known as the Relative Oceanic Niño Index (RONI) to monitor and forecast El Niño and La Niña events. According to NOAA, this new method provides a more accurate measurement of ocean temperature anomalies and has shown better correlation with atmospheric changes associated with these climate phenomena. Experts will continue to monitor the evolution of El Niño over the coming months to determine the magnitude of its global effects.
SportsHow Family Sacrifices Led Ricardo Pepi to the 2026 World Cup
Ricardo Pepi, a rising star of the U.S. national soccer team, reflects on the sacrifices made by his family that helped him reach the 2026 World Cup. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, Pepi's parents dedicated themselves to supporting his soccer journey, often traveling long distances for practices and games. At just 13, he left home to join FC Dallas, facing the challenges of a new environment without his family. Despite setbacks, including missing the 2022 World Cup, Pepi persevered, scoring 13 goals in 37 matches for the national team. He will debut in the World Cup on June 12, 2026, against Paraguay, honoring his family's commitment to his dreams.
Public SafetyDPS and Border Patrol Detain Group Including Russian Immigrant in Roma
Authorities reported that a joint operation by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Border Patrol led to the detention of 10 undocumented immigrants near Roma in Starr County. This operation took place on June 7 as part of the state’s Operation Lone Star initiative. Among those detained was a woman from Russia, identified as a foreign national of special interest. The 10 immigrants were subsequently transferred to Border Patrol custody for processing, according to officials.
NationalIran Responds to US Attacks: Warns of New Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing escalating tensions with U.S. forces in the region. The Persian Gulf Authority stated that those with transit permits must wait for new instructions. This comes amid a second day of exchanges of attacks between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns of a larger conflict. President Trump warned of a strong U.S. response, claiming that Iran would face consequences for stalled negotiations. The recent U.S. attacks reportedly resulted in casualties and damage to Iranian infrastructure, complicating ongoing discussions regarding the Strait's control and global energy supplies.
EducationHarlingen museum welcomes hundreds of PSJA students
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum kicked off its two-day education experience on Wednesday for students with the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District. The two-day experience will welcome more than 300 elementary students from the PSJA Gifted and Talented Program to learn about Harlingen and its history through activities and exhibits.
CommunityBTX Pride Alliance to host ceremony to honor lives lost in Pulse shooting
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A ceremony will be held in Brownsville on Friday to honor and remember the 49 lives lost in one of the deadliest mass shootings in the U.S. Friday will mark 10 years since the Pulse Orlando nightclub shooting, referred to as one of the deadliest attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in
CommunityVeteran Females United inviting community to military sexual trauma, PTSD symposium in Brownsville
Veteran Females United is hosting a symposium focused on PTSD and military sexual trauma on Friday, June 12, at the ITEC Center in Brownsville. The event aims to raise awareness, provide educational resources, and foster community support for those affected by these issues. It will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the resources available. For additional information, interested individuals can contact Veteran Females United at 956-426-0101 or visit their website.
Public SafetySafety Alert: Lead Detected In Black+Decker Blender
Consumer Reports has issued a safety alert regarding the Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 blender after a report linked it to elevated blood lead levels in a child. Health officials suspect that the blender, used for making baby food, may have caused the exposure. Lead is a toxic metal that poses significant health risks, especially to young children. Consumers are advised to monitor safety announcements from the manufacturer and regulators. If you own this blender, it is recommended to stop using it for food preparation, particularly for infants. For concerns about lead exposure, consult a healthcare provider.
CommunityGreen Valley Farms residents push back on water bill spike after March floods
Residents of Green Valley Farms, near San Benito, are expressing frustration over a significant increase in their water bills following last March's floods. One customer, Jeanneth Vela, reported her bill rising from approximately $49 to nearly $80, complicating recovery efforts for those still affected by the disaster. The East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation attributed the hike to the need for a secondary water source, with general manager Brian McManus stating that the funds will support the expansion of their desalination plant. While some residents understand the necessity, they feel the rate adjustment is unfair and are seeking assistance.