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CommunityHe’s a model and was born in Spain: meet the winner of La Casa de los Famosos 2026
La Casa de los Famosos 2026 concluded with Spanish model Fabio Agostini winning the sixth season of the popular Telemundo reality show. After over 110 days of competition, he took home $200,000, defeating strong contenders like former Miss Dominican Republic Celinee Santos, who placed second, and singer Luis Coronel. Fabio, 36, from Las Palmas, Spain, has over 3 million Instagram followers and gained fame in Latin America through various reality shows. His journey in La Casa de los Famosos included intense rivalries and a brief romance with Mexican artist Jeni de la Vega.
Public SafetyThe Rubio Murders: In the Cell
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In 2003, John Allen Rubio and his common-law wife, Angela Camacho, beheaded their three young children in Brownsville. We’ve broken down the crime, the case, the countdown to execution, along with an exclusive look at the evidence on ValleyCentral. Now, another exclusive, a former jailer who dealt with Rubio at the
CommunityUnaccompanied veteran laid to rest
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On Thursday, the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery laid to rest a U.S. Navy Veteran Fireman Apprentice. Robert Joseph Ruggeri, born on March 13, 1949, served from October 1968 to June 1970. FA Ruggeri received the National Defense Service Medal for his service to our nation. Ruggeri was not reported
WeatherNOAA announces the arrival of El 'Niño'
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —El Niño is officially here, and NOAA has confirmed it’s developing in the Pacific. But what exactly is El Niño? It’s natural climate pattern that happens when ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal. That extra heat can shift weather patterns across the globe. Here in Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, El Niño often brings a
Public SafetyBarbaric and inhumane: Reactions to arrest of Monte Alto man accused of organizing cockfight
Arnulfo Arizmendi, a 41-year-old property owner from Monte Alto, was arrested on June 1 for allegedly organizing a cockfighting event. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office discovered a makeshift cockfighting ring after a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter noticed a large gathering at his ranch. Deputies found several roosters, including a dead one, and weapons believed to be used in the fights. Witnesses reported being charged $20 to watch the fights. Animal welfare advocates describe cockfighting as barbaric and linked to other criminal activities. The case is still under investigation, with calls for stricter laws against animal fighting.
HealthUSDA releases sterile flies near Uvalde to fight screwworm spread
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released sterile flies at a ranch in La Pryor, near Uvalde, to combat the spread of screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite. Currently, there are seven active cases in the U.S., with six in Texas and one in New Mexico. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that staffing has increased by over 1,000%, and since February, 142 million sterile flies have been released in Texas. The USDA advises pet owners and farmers to monitor their animals for wounds or lesions and to report any suspected infections immediately.
EducationUTRGV scientist explains how to spot the screwworm fly
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Zavala County, Texas, the site of the first New World screwworm case in decades. This county, located 100 miles southwest of San Antonio, is central to efforts against the pest. Dr. Sarah Maestas from UTRGV explained how to identify the screwworm fly, which resembles a blow fly with a metallic green or blue body and distinctive stripes on its thorax. She emphasized that this pest feeds on live flesh, unlike another screwworm that consumes decaying matter. Residents are urged to report any infestations on wildlife or livestock to the appropriate authorities.
NationalEnvironmental lawsuit targets SpaceX land deal in Cameron County
Environmental organizations in Brownsville have filed a lawsuit against the federal government regarding a proposed land swap involving SpaceX and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The lawsuit claims the deal violates several federal laws, including the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act. Under the proposal, SpaceX would acquire 715 acres of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge in exchange for 683 acres it currently owns. Despite an environmental assessment stating no significant impact, over 25,000 public comments largely opposed the swap. Activists argue the deal threatens wildlife habitats and cultural resources.
PoliticsPolitical blame game follows as screwworm parasite threatens cattle in Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is combating the New World screwworm, a parasite threatening the cattle industry, particularly in Texas. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited a ranch where the pest was first detected and blamed the Biden administration for its resurgence. Democrats counter that cuts to agricultural funding under Trump are to blame. The USDA plans to invest over $1 billion to contain the screwworm, including $750 million for a facility to produce sterile flies. As the parasite spreads, experts warn of its potential impact on the beef market, though immediate price increases are not anticipated. Quarantine zones are established around detected cases.
SportsMexico launches its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa
Mexico kicked off its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in Mexico City on June 11. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the ninth minute, followed by Raúl Jiménez's header in the 66th minute. The match, held at the Azteca Stadium with 80,824 fans, saw South Africa reduced to nine players after two red cards, while Mexico's César Montes received one in injury time. Jiménez's goal marked his 46th international goal, tying him for second place in Mexico's all-time scoring list. Mexico now leads Group A with three points and will face South Korea next.
BusinessPharr breaks ground on $50 million multi-use facility
Pharr has officially begun construction on a new multi-use facility valued at $50 million. This facility will serve both city operations and public events upon its completion. Mayor Ambrosio 'Amos' Hernandez emphasized the importance of creating a modern and artistic space for the residents of Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley. The project is anticipated to take approximately two years to finish.
Public SafetyPolice investigating after more than 20 dogs found abandoned in Mission home
Mission authorities are investigating a case of animal cruelty after over 20 dogs were discovered abandoned in a home on Erma Avenue. The Mission Police Department responded to a report of a dog chasing people, which led them to the property. Many of the dogs, including newborn puppies, were found hiding and in poor health, with some being underweight and needing medical attention. Two puppies did not survive. Rescue organizations have taken in some of the dogs, while efforts continue to capture others still on the property. The previous tenants may face charges related to the abandonment.
NationalTrump calls off latest threats to strike Iran, cites breakthrough in talks to end the war
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has canceled plans for new military strikes against Iran, citing progress in negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. This announcement follows a series of threats Trump made earlier in the day, including a warning to take control of Iran's oil industry. Iranian officials confirmed that mediators are working on a deal, although no final agreement has been reached. The discussions are focused on extending a ceasefire that began in April and addressing concerns over Iran's nuclear program. Tensions remain high as both sides continue to exchange attacks.
Community'Fishing with the Friendly Judge' event continues in Port Isabel
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The saying goes, "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." That’s the theme behind this year’s “Fishing with the Friendly Judge” event hosted by Cameron County Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Judge Benito “Bo” Ochoa.
WeatherCity of Raymondville to distribute sandbags for residents
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Raymondville will be distributing sandbags to residents over the weekend in preparation for upcoming storm rain events, the city announced Thursday. The sandbag distribution event will be held behind City Hall on the north and south sides of Hidalgo Avenue. Sandbag distribution will happen on the following dates
NationalHispanic boy dies of asphyxiation at New York school; investigation into possible viral challenge underway
NEW YORK — A 12-year-old boy died of asphyxiation at a school in Yonkers, and authorities are investigating whether the incident was related to a viral challenge on social media. On Thursday night, family members placed flowers and candles in front of Sonia Sotomayor Community School in New York in tribute to young Jacob Medina. School officials reported that Jacob was heading to his next class when he began to show signs of respiratory distress. They were unsure what was choking him, but it could have been a donut. 'He was accompanied by an adult when he started showing these symptoms. Immediately, someone else arrived to assist him, and within seconds, probably in less than 10 seconds, other adults came over to try to revive him,' said Aníbal Soler Jr., superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools.
NationalAppeals Court: US Government Can Continue Collecting 10% Tariffs
The United States government can continue to collect the global 10% tariff imposed in February while challenges to those levies are processed in the courts, a federal court ruled on Thursday. The decision by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington represents a procedural victory for the government, concluding that its argument 'is likely to succeed on the merits.' At stake are temporary global tariffs of 10% that President Donald Trump imposed after the Supreme Court struck down broader tariffs he had imposed last year on nearly all countries. The new tariffs, invoked under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, are set to expire on July 24. Section 122, which had never before been used to justify import taxes, allows the president to impose global tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days, after which Congressional approval is needed to extend them.
CommunityCameron County Irrigation District No. 2 remove invasive flowers from San Benito resaca
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 is working to clean up the resaca in San Benito. Workers with Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 and Cameron County Drainage District No. 3 are removing water hyacinths from the water. Hyacinthus is a spring-blooming flower. Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 General Manager
Public SafetyPolice Clash with Hooded Protesters Near Azteca Stadium at World Cup Kickoff
MEXICO CITY — Despite forecasts of protests throughout the city, incidents reported in Mexico City during the opening of the World Cup were limited to acts of vandalism and confrontations with riot police involving about 200 people, according to the capital's security department. Only one 28-year-old woman was arrested and released shortly after, the department stated on its official X account. However, Mexican media documented in detail the events occurring at various points in the Mexican capital where different groups were expected to head towards the vicinity of Azteca Stadium. A video that went viral early Thursday showed a mother searching for her missing child kneeling before police during an operation that prevented her from advancing in her protest over the crisis of disappearances, and the touching reaction of one of the officers, who, however, did not move an inch.
Public SafetyHomeland Security Investigations raids Peñitas stash house, seizes nearly 86 pounds of cocaine
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Homeland Security Investigations seized nearly 86 pounds of cocaine last week in Peñitas. Leonardo Salinas, 22, of Peñitas is accused of providing nearly 51 pounds of cocaine to a courier and keeping another 35 pounds in a stash house. “I take exception to the fact that they’re calling him a stash