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Community'I was speechless': Thousands cheer as SpaceX’s Starship Flight 13 finally launches after delays
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After two scrubbed launch attempts, SpaceX's Starship Flight 13 finally lifted off Friday, rewarding thousands of spectators who waited days to witness the historic test flight. According to SpaceX, the mission achieved all of its primary objectives, including deploying 20 Starlink satellites and completing successful splashdowns of both the
WeatherSummer sizzle returns to the Valley while rain takes a vacation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A stretch of classic summer weather is settling in across Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley, and it’s not letting up anytime soon. A mid-level high-pressure system parked over the region will keep skies mostly sunny and temperatures running hot through the weekend and well into next week. Afternoon highs will
HealthDHR Health hosts seminar on managing student athletic emergencies
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — This week, DHR Health and the Valley Athletic Trainers Association teamed up for the 4th annual Texas Emergency Athletic Management Seminar. The training was sponsored by DHR Health at no cost to participants in an effort to increase student safety for all. The seminar began four years ago with mostly Valley
NationalTrump Returns to Correspondents' Dinner After Assassination Attempt and Jokes About Security
President Donald Trump returned to the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday, nearly three months after an assassination attempt disrupted the previous event in April. During his 70-minute speech, he referred to the attack as an assault on democracy. The dinner was held at the Waldorf Astoria instead of the traditional Washington Hilton, with attendance dropping from 2,600 to about 700 due to heightened security measures. Trump made jokes about the press and the security protocols, including wearing a bulletproof vest. Awards were presented to journalists from major outlets, and the event was notably attended by fewer officials than in previous years.
Public SafetyMercedes man accused in fentanyl overdose death indicted on federal charges
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mercedes man accused of selling narcotics to a man who died of a fentanyl overdose has been indicted on federal charges. Bryan Alexis Cedillo, 28, of Mercedes, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis on Friday morning. Cedillo is accused of knowingly and intentionally distributing a
NationalSpaceX launches Starship on another test flight, this time with the most advanced Starlinks
SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully launched on July 24, 2026, from Starbase, Texas, carrying 20 advanced Starlink satellites. Standing 407 feet tall, this test flight is crucial for NASA's plans to use Starship as a lunar lander. After engine issues caused a previous launch abort, SpaceX replaced six engines on the booster. The flight lasted an hour, with the booster and spacecraft destined for the Gulf of Mexico and Indian Ocean, respectively. The Starlinks will communicate with older models in orbit, and six of them carried cameras to monitor the heat shield's performance during the flight.
Public SafetyEdinburg suspect charged in stabbing incident that led to brief standoff
Noe Garza, a 27-year-old man, has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon against a family member following a brief standoff with law enforcement in rural Edinburg. The incident occurred on July 23 in the 10500 block of Hernandez Drive, where Garza allegedly stabbed a woman during a domestic dispute. The victim was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Authorities arrested Garza after he barricaded himself inside a home. His bond has been set at $5,000, and he remains in custody, according to Hidalgo County jail records.
Public SafetyHSI agents conduct enforcement operation in San Juan neighborhood
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents from the McAllen office are conducting an enforcement operation in the San Juan neighborhood as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. The operation, taking place on Noble Drive, involves collaboration with the San Juan Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Law enforcement officers in tactical gear were observed entering a residence, and one individual was taken into custody. An HSI spokesperson indicated that no further details are available at this moment.
Public SafetyMissing 74-year-old man found dead near home in Combes
Jose Jesus Lara, a 74-year-old man from Combes, was found dead near his home after being reported missing. He was last seen on July 22 at a Stripes convenience store. Concerned family members contacted the police when they lost contact with him. Following an investigation, Combes police received new information that prompted a follow-up search near Lara's residence on Woodrow Street. The search was expanded with the help of drones from the Cameron County Precinct 5 Constable's Office, leading to the discovery of his body in a concealed area that had previously gone unnoticed.
Public SafetyThird arrest made in connection to deadly San Juan shooting at H-E-B parking lot
The San Juan Police Department has made a third arrest related to a fatal shooting at an H-E-B parking lot on July 16. Ivory Ruiz was apprehended on July 23 and faces charges for hindering apprehension, three counts of assault on a peace officer, and resisting arrest. Her bond is set at $70,000. Previously, two suspects, Michael Anthony Lopez, 18, and Juan Samuel Olguin, 19, were arrested and charged with murder in connection to the incident, which is believed to have stemmed from a drug deal gone wrong, resulting in the death of 40-year-old Hervey Marin De Leon.
PoliticsPastors Detained by Immigration at McAllen Airport
Pastors Nepthali Zozaya and Cinthia Cardona were detained by immigration authorities at McAllen International Airport while on their way to a spiritual retreat organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. They reported being pressured by agents to sign a voluntary departure to avoid appearing before an immigration judge. The couple, who hold R visas for religious work and have three U.S. citizen children, refused to abandon their legal process despite warnings of prolonged detention and potential separation. Their congregation is currently caring for their children, and the exact location of their detention remains unknown. ICE has been contacted for further information.
Public SafetyMan charged in connection with stabbing in rural Edinburg: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 27-year-old man accused of barricading himself after allegedly stabbing a woman during a family dispute appeared in front of a judge on Friday, according to an update from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Noe Garza, 27, was charged with aggravated assault with a weapon on family, a first-degree felony, Hidalgo County
Public SafetyIt was salt: substances found in Lorenzo Salgado case confirmed not to be drugs
HOUSTON – Toxicology tests conducted on the substances found in Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's truck returned negative for narcotics and illegal drugs, according to Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare. In a statement, Teare indicated that he would not make further comments as the investigation is ongoing. Victor Salgado Araujo's attorney, Lorenzo's brother, stated that the test results only confirm what the family has maintained from the beginning and urged that the focus remains on seeking justice and the release of witnesses so they can assist with the investigation. Following the announcement of the results, community representatives also reacted. State Representative Christina Morales expressed that she was not surprised by the outcome and asserted that the substances were salt used for heat. Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) pointed out that the results support what the family has said from the start: that Lorenzo Salgado was a hardworking man. Protests continued on Thursday at Hidalgo Park in Houston's East End, where residents and community leaders reiterated their demands for justice for Lorenzo Salgado and expressed concern about the impact the case has had on the immigrant community.
NationalWATCH: SpaceX prepares to launch 13th Starship flight test
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —SpaceX aims to launch its 13th Starship flight test from Starbase on Friday afternoon. The 90-minute launch window opens at 5:45 p.m. ValleyCentral will livestream the launch in the video player above. Friday's launch comes after SpaceX scrubbed Thursday's flight hours before liftoff due to weather conditions. The original July 16 launch
WeatherGovernor Abbott Surveys Flood Damage In Cotulla
Governor Greg Abbott visited Cotulla to assess the damage caused by recent severe flooding. During a press conference, he praised local leaders and first responders for their quick actions that saved lives. Abbott warned that floodwaters are expected to rise in the coming days, urging residents to stay vigilant and avoid flooded areas. He also announced plans to request a Major Disaster Declaration for additional counties to access federal assistance for recovery efforts. The state is working closely with federal and local officials to support rebuilding infrastructure and aid affected Texans. Residents can report flood damage through the Texas Assessment Tool.
Public SafetyThird person arrested in connection with deadly shooting at San Juan H-E-B
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — San Juan police have arrested a third person in connection with a deadly shooting at an H-E-B parking lot in San Juan. Police arrested Ivory Ruiz, 24, on Thursday. Ruiz faces the following charges: Two men — 18-year-old Michael Anthony Lopez and 19-year-old Juan Samuel Olguín — were arrested on murder
CommunityDiego Rivera Exhibition Opens at IMAS With First U.S. Tour Stop
The International Museum of Art and Science (IMAS) in McAllen will host the exhibition "Diego Rivera: The Promise of a Better Future" from July 25 to October 25, 2026. This marks the first U.S. stop for the exhibition organized by the Diego Rivera Museum in Mexico City. The exhibit delves into Rivera's impact on muralism, architecture, and education, showcasing his commitment to social change. Opening day activities include a lecture by María Teresa Moya and a reception for attendees. General admission is $9 for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors. The exhibition aims to highlight Rivera's artistic legacy and influence.
BusinessIf You Live Paycheck to Paycheck, These Tips Can Help You Make Your Money Go Further
Inflation has forced many to rethink their finances. AARP has compiled a list of 99 tips to help people maximize their money. Among the advice shared by Gilberto Cabrera, AARP spokesperson, is the use of artificial intelligence. 'When you're planning your meals, you can go to your favorite AI search engine and ask it to fill out a whole week with budget-friendly dinner or lunch menus for your family, and it will design it according to your budget.' Other grocery shopping tips from the organization include: Challenge yourself to spend less. Once or twice a year, take inventory of your pantry. Create recipes with what you already have and plan to spend no more than $20 a week on what you need. Use cash for groceries. One way to stay within your budget is to go out with a fixed amount of cash and avoid using your credit cards. Look for manager's specials. Fresh foods nearing their sell-by date often receive discounts of up to 70%. Use them to prepare a last-minute meal or freeze them for later. Learn when a deal is truly worth it. Keep a price list of frequently purchased items at your grocery store on your phone or in a notebook. This way, you can compare current prices with what you usually pay. Stock up when it makes sense; avoid doing so when it's just a trick to attract buyers. The tips for saving money cover various aspects of daily family life, including health, food purchases, cars, computers, travel, and more. For the complete list, you can click here.
Public SafetySUV crashes into Mission barbershop, two people taken to hospital
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An SUV crashed into an EZ Hair Cuts barber shop in Mission on Friday, photos taken by the Mission Fire Department show. Mission Fire Chief Mike Silva told ValleyCentral that crews responded to a vehicle crashing into a building on Friday at a plaza located at the 300 block of North Shary
Public SafetyMissing 74-year-old man found dead in his home: Combes police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 74-year-old man who was reported missing earlier this week was found dead in his home on Friday, according to the Combes Police Department Jose Jesus Lara, 74, was last seen on Wednesday afternoon at a local Stripes store. Family members reported Lara missing on Thursday. According to an update on Friday,