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Public Safety50-acre blaze in Donna sparked by vehicle fire
A vehicle fire ignited a 50-acre blaze in Donna on Monday night, according to Fire Chief David Simmons. The incident occurred when a pickup truck being towed broke down on North Val Verde Road, veered off the road, and caught fire in a brush pile. The flames spread due to wind, affecting vegetation and palm trees. Fire crews faced access challenges due to a fence but managed to protect a nearby farm. Assistance came from multiple local fire departments, and while no homes were damaged, residents with respiratory issues were advised to stay indoors. The cause is under investigation.
PoliticsCity of Mission Secures $2 Million Street Improvement Project via Texas GLO
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has approved $2 million in funding for street improvements in Mission, Texas, through the Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP). This initiative aims to address unmet needs from federally declared disasters by reallocating unused Community Development Block Grant funds. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham emphasized the GLO's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Rio Grande Valley. The funds are part of a larger effort to manage approximately $140 million available from various disaster recovery programs, with strict deadlines for project completion to avoid fund recapture by HUD.
NationalThey Served the U.S., Then Were Deported to Mexico: An Activist Supports These Veterans
From the border city of Tijuana, Robert Vivar has been dedicated to supporting U.S. Army veterans who, for various reasons, have been expelled to Mexico, with their stories reflecting the human impact of U.S. immigration policies. Through the Unified U.S. Deported Veterans Resource Center, Vivar provides a safe space offering comprehensive legal assistance, basic medical services, and crucial emotional support for those who feel abandoned by the country they served before being deported to Mexico. The organization helps veterans reintegrate into their communities in exile and seeks pathways for their possible return to the United States through programs such as document management, immigration assistance, and job searching. The initiative aims to launch a civil and criminal legal offensive against the U.S. Department of Justice and the companies that operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. The goal is to go beyond traditional diplomatic notes following the recent death of Mexican Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston on July 7.
WeatherBrownsville Leaders Prepare Ahead of Hurricane Season
Brownsville officials are actively preparing for the upcoming 2026 Atlantic hurricane season through their annual Hurricane Tabletop Exercise. This two-day training involved utility personnel and emergency responders who practiced coordination and emergency planning to protect residents and restore essential services after a storm. Utilizing FEMA’s Incident Command System, participants worked through realistic scenarios to ensure effective responses during disasters. City leaders emphasized the importance of community preparedness, urging residents to store water, create emergency kits, and stay informed about evacuation routes and alerts. The city remains committed to ensuring safety and swift recovery during severe weather events.
PoliticsGovernor Issues Executive Order Cracking Down On Birth Tourism Schemes
Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order aimed at investigating and eliminating illegal birth tourism schemes in Texas. The order mandates state agencies, including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Medical Board, to hold accountable any healthcare providers involved in such activities. Abbott emphasized that Texas will not allow exploitation of immigration laws for profit. The order allows for enforcement actions like revoking licenses and denying state benefits. This follows previous investigations into Texas hospitals promoting birth tourism packages. Texans are encouraged to report any related information to state authorities.
HealthRFK Jr.: Cyclospora outbreak 'under control'; Mexico questions link to alleged source
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Tuesday that the cyclospora outbreak was 'under control,' even as health authorities continue to seek answers as to why thousands of people in the United States have fallen ill. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially linked the outbreak—primarily causing severe diarrhea—to chopped iceberg lettuce from a Taylor Farms facility in central Mexico. However, the FDA later dismissed this connection, although experts remain vigilant. Meanwhile, Mexico's Health Secretary David Kershenobich asserted on Tuesday during a press conference that his country's investigation found no evidence that the outbreak originated there.
NationalNumber of Immigrant Arrests by ICE Agents Rises
Currently, more than 65,000 people are in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), representing a 9% increase since April, according to new data released by the agency on Monday. The rise in the number of individuals in ICE custody reflects the recent increase in arrests made by the agency, according to NBC News. In June, ICE arrested a record number of 39,563 immigrants and placed them in its detention centers, according to NBC News.
CommunityMovie Talk: The massive scale and scope of Christopher Nolan and The Odyssey
DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER NOLAN STARING MATT DAMON, TOM HOLLAND, ANNE HATHAWAY, ROBERT PATTINSON, ZENDAYA, MANY MANY OTHERS ★★★★☆ HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Massive-scale movies have been part of Hollywood's DNA since the beginning. "Lawrence of Arabia." "Gone with the Wind." "Ben-Hur." Just to name a few. They established just how big movies could be, and what they could mean to audiences. These
CommunityFood Bank RGV seeks donations, volunteers for flood-impacted Texas families
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is holding a food donation drive and seeking volunteers to support families recently impacted by heavy rain and flooding in Texas. According to a news release, the Food Bank RGV is requesting the following donations: Donations are asked to be new, unopened, and
CommunitySouth Padre Island officials celebrate opening of Marisol Boat Ramp
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Padre Island officials celebrated the grand opening of a $3 million boat ramp Tuesday morning. According to the city, the Marisol (Laguna Madre) Boat Ramp is the first public bay access development constructed in 30 years. The ramp features truck and trailer parking, a fish cleaning station, and an ADA-accessible
NationalWaiting for a visa based on family ties or employment? Here are the delays for August
The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for August, providing updates on dates for beneficiaries of family-based or employment-based visas. The bulletin includes two charts: 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing Applications,' which show eligibility based on visa category and the beneficiary's country of origin. Family-based visas: First: (F1) Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens: 23,400, plus any number not required for the fourth preference. Second: Spouses and children, and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused number from the first preference: A. (F2A) Spouses and children of permanent residents: 77% of the global limit of the second preference, of which 75% are exempt from the country limit; B. (F2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age or older) of permanent residents: 23% of the global limit of the second preference.
CommunityEdinburg ACE Center Debuts Interactive ‘Sip and Paint’ Classes for Adults
The Edinburg Cultural Arts Department, in collaboration with the Edinburg Arts Foundation, is launching interactive Sip & Paint workshops at the Edinburg ACE Center. These sessions, scheduled for select Saturdays from July to December 2026, provide a creative outlet for adults to create custom artwork. Each workshop costs $25 plus tax, and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Participants can register online or by phone, with early registration encouraged. The workshops will include all necessary painting supplies, and optional upgrades for ready-to-hang canvases will be offered. Dates include July 25, August 1, 15, 22, and more.
WeatherLIVE: Watches, warnings in effect for northern Gulf as Tropical Storm Bertha strengthens | Tracking the Tropics
Tropical Storm watches and warnings remain in effect for parts of the northern Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Bertha continues to move northwest, the National Hurricane Center announced Tuesday.
EducationDr. Jonathan B. Flores Earns Top International Management Credential
Dr. Jonathan B. Flores, City Manager of Pharr, Texas, has been awarded the Credentialed Manager designation by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). He is among over 1,700 professionals recognized through ICMA's Voluntary Credentialing Program. To qualify, candidates must have extensive experience in local government management, relevant educational credentials, and a commitment to ethical standards and lifelong learning. With 25 years of experience, including 8 in executive roles, Dr. Flores expressed gratitude for the support from his mentors and the Pharr community. He has also contributed to various organizations, including the Texas Police Chief’s Association and the Texas City Manager’s Association.
BusinessTexas Tops Nation in June Job Growth, Adding 43,400 Nonfarm Jobs
In June, Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs, leading the nation in job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state now has a total of 14,469,600 nonfarm jobs, marking a significant increase over the past year with 177,900 jobs added. Governor Abbott highlighted the skilled workforce and favorable business environment as key factors for this growth. The Texas labor force has also expanded, reaching 15,904,900, with an increase of 29,700 individuals over the last year. Since January 2015, Texas has created over 2.6 million jobs under Abbott's administration.
Public SafetyYoung Movie Actress Dies in Car Accident
Kaylee Hottle, a young actress best known for her roles in two 'Godzilla' films, passed away on Tuesday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland. 'It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our senior students at TSD, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away,' stated the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) on Tuesday. 'Our hearts go out to Kaylee's family, friends, and classmates, as well as to all who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,' the statement added. In a report, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office indicated that a 1995 Honda Accord, driven by a 19-year-old, veered off the road and crashed into a culvert just before 3 a.m.
EducationTexas A&M McAllen Higher Education Center Names Inaugural Student Affairs Director
Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen has appointed Samantha Castellanos, a 2010 graduate, as its first director of student affairs, starting July 20, 2026. Previously the assistant director at McAllen, Castellanos has over a decade of experience at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, focusing on student support. In her new role, she will enhance campus resources, oversee student programs, and promote engagement. Castellanos is committed to fostering student success and collaboration within the community. She holds a bachelor's degree in technology management from Texas A&M and a master's in higher education administration from Sam Houston State University.
BusinessVillalobos says $6 million federal grant will expand opportunity across the Rio Grande Valley
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos announced a $6 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce aimed at expanding the city's 47-acre industrial park. During an event with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Rep. Monica De La Cruz, Villalobos emphasized that this funding will benefit the entire Rio Grande Valley, not just McAllen. The grant will support infrastructure improvements necessary for future manufacturing investments, with expectations of creating at least 500 jobs. De La Cruz highlighted the grant's potential to enhance economic opportunities, housing growth, and small business support throughout South Texas.
SportsWhat’s Next After the World Cup? Here Are Options to Keep Enjoying Soccer
After 39 days and 104 matches, the FIFA World Cup has come to an end. The videos of Scottish fans placing traffic cones on statues and taking over baseball stadiums are over. The clips of fans crying tears of joy for what they just witnessed have come to a close. The shouts of 'Country Roads' and the Viking claps are finished. If you’re a new soccer fan, you might be wondering, 'What now?' Well, to start, the major summer tournaments aren’t too far away: the Women’s World Cup in Brazil kicks off in June 2027, while the UK will host the men’s Euro 2028. But soccer really never takes a long break (as exhausted players can attest).
PoliticsAbbott Issues Executive Order to Combat Birth Tourism in Texas
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies to investigate and eliminate illegal birth tourism schemes in the state, as well as to penalize healthcare providers involved in these practices. According to the governor, the measure aims to prevent individuals from traveling to the United States illegally or under false pretenses to give birth in Texas and obtain U.S. citizenship for their children. Following a July 7 order, the governor instructed the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to investigate Texas hospitals that were allegedly promoting birth packages in Mexico; now, agencies must take action against any person or entity with a state license found promoting, offering, facilitating, or participating in birth tourism activities that violate the law. Additionally, they may collaborate with federal prosecutors to share information and refer potential violations of federal law. Among the agencies involved in investigating these schemes are the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the State Department of Health Services, the HHSC Office of Inspector General, the Texas Medical Board, the Board of Nursing, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.