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PoliticsValley nun speaks out following ICE detainment, fights removal to third country
Sister Letty, a nun from the Rio Grande Valley, held a press conference at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen after being detained by ICE in June. Her attorney announced that she faces a final removal order following an asylum denial but has been granted protection from deportation to Nigeria under the U.N. Convention Against Torture. Although ICE is considering deporting her to a third country, Sister Letty has complied with all legal requirements since 2019 and holds a valid work permit. She expressed gratitude for community support and hopes for a favorable resolution during her upcoming ICE check-in.
Public Safety4 house fires hit Starr County in two weeks; fire chief warns of electrical risk
Starr County is facing a troubling rise in house fires, with four incidents reported in just two weeks. The most recent fire devastated the Rodriguez family's home on Redwood Road, where they had lived for 40 years. Francisco Rodriguez recounted the harrowing escape, which was complicated by his wife's medical condition. Firefighters from multiple departments responded, and Fire Chief Manuel Muniz noted that electrical issues may be a contributing factor to these fires, especially during the summer heat. He emphasizes the importance of having an escape plan and smoke detectors in homes. The investigation into the cause of the Rodriguez fire is ongoing.
PoliticsPublic input needed on road widening proposal in San Benito
San Benito officials are inviting public feedback on a proposal to widen Oscar Williams Road. The Texas Department of Transportation, along with Cameron County and the city, aims to expand the road between Business 77 and San Jose Ranch Road. Eric Davila, Chief Development Engineer for the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority, emphasized the importance of public involvement in reviewing the project. A virtual meeting is set for Wednesday, July 29, at 5 p.m. Residents can find more details on how to participate.
HealthHidalgo County judge urges vigilance after screwworm detected in Starr County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said county leaders continue to closely monitor the New World Screwworm after the first confirmed case in the Rio Grande Valley was recently detected in a newborn calf in Starr County. Cortez issued a statement on Thursday praising the actions taken by local, state and
NationalOne Month Later: The Pain and Devastation Left by the Earthquakes in Venezuela
One month after the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, the death toll exceeds 5,300, and the number of missing persons remains unknown. Dozens of families are still searching through the rubble for their loved ones as criticism of the response from Delcy Rodríguez's government increases. The latest figure, provided on Wednesday by the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, is 5,398 dead and 16,740 injured. Unidentified victims are being buried in several newly opened mass graves at a municipal cemetery in La Guaira state, according to several witnesses who spoke to EFE earlier this month. The government has not provided data on the missing, but the citizen initiative 'Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela' reports over 29,000. According to unconfirmed figures received by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs last June, the number of missing persons due to the earthquakes could rise to 50,000.
HealthSan Juan Memorial Library to host free Narcan training
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The San Juan Memorial Library and Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department will host a free Narcan training on Friday. The free event will begin at 10:30 a.m. Attendees will learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to properly administer Narcan to reverse an overdose. Narcan is a
HealthInvestigation Underway for New Cyclospora Outbreak in the U.S.; 72 Infected
U.S. federal health authorities are investigating a new outbreak linked to the cyclospora parasite, which causes acute diarrhea. As of Wednesday, the outbreak has affected 72 people. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet identified which products are connected to the illnesses, nor have officials indicated where the cases are located. 'This is an active investigation, and authorities are working together to determine the specific cause of the illnesses in this group,' the Department of Health and Human Services stated in an email on Thursday. This week, federal authorities indicated they are still focused on Taylor Farms lettuce as the source of a separate outbreak affecting several states. The company announced last week the recall of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico. Meanwhile, the Latin American country announced on Thursday that no cyclospora was detected in the lettuce or water at the Taylor Farms facility, which operates in the central state of Guanajuato. The Health Secretariat stated in a release that tests conducted by the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) returned 'negative results for the detection of Cyclospora Cayetanensis and for the presence of fecal coliforms and within the physicochemical parameters according to national standards.' The study results were announced after a visit by Mexican health authorities to the Taylor Farms facility from July 18 to 20, during which ten samples of iceberg lettuce were collected: five whole samples present at the establishment and five samples of finished product, such as chopped, washed, and disinfected lettuce, according to the statement. During the visit, four water samples were also taken for microbiological and basic physicochemical determination. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that has come into contact with human feces, usually when agricultural products have been irrigated or washed with contaminated water. When ingested, the parasite causes an intestinal illness characterized by 'frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,' according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Federal and state health authorities have been investigating separate clusters of cyclospora cases, including one traced back to Taylor Farms. Food safety tips include washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food. Experts note that cooking can eliminate the parasite and recommend cooking vegetables to a temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Public SafetyDonna man pleads guilty to hitting ICE officer in the head with a Yeti cup
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who hit a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in the head with a Yeti cup pleaded guilty Thursday. Reynaldo Cisneros, a 47-year-old truck driver, was building a house in Donna when ICE showed up and began arresting the construction workers. “He threw a Yeti cup. And he regrets
PoliticsFormer Governor Ernesto Ruffo Faces Charges for Fuel Trafficking
MEXICO CITY – A federal judge has ordered the initiation of legal proceedings against former Baja California Governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel and seven others for their alleged involvement in an organized crime network related to the smuggling and illegal trade of hydrocarbons, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) reported on Thursday. The former politician, who has been in preventive detention since Sunday, was identified as Ernesto 'N' and is being prosecuted for probable responsibility in the crimes of organized crime, smuggling, and offenses related to hydrocarbons. The Federal Public Ministry, attached to the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO), presented 'compelling evidence' to support the charges and succeeded in having the judge uphold the precautionary measure of preventive detention. As a result, the former governor will remain incarcerated at the Federal Social Rehabilitation Center (Cefereso) number 1, Altiplano, in the State of Mexico.
Public SafetyMexican Man Wanted for Child Sexual Assault Added to Most Wanted List
Ruben Calzada Hernandez, a 31-year-old Mexican national, has been added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). He is wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child in Caldwell County since June 13, 2026. Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to his arrest, with all tips remaining anonymous. Calzada Hernandez has ties to Caldwell and Williamson counties and is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, with a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm.
BusinessProposed East Texas AI Data Center Withdrawn Amid Tougher State Guidelines
Diode has decided to withdraw its proposal for a data center near Cedar Creek Lake in Henderson County, citing non-compliance with state guidelines and community standards. Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized that data centers must adhere to specific requirements, including minimizing impacts on local residents and ensuring sustainable resource use. The governor's directive outlines expectations for data centers to lower residential electricity costs, cover their infrastructure expenses, and implement water-efficient technologies. Abbott plans to pursue legislation to formalize these standards and ensure that data center developments prioritize the well-being of Texas families and communities.
BusinessGovernor Abbott Announces Over $114 Million In Housing Tax Credits
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the allocation of over $114 million in housing tax credits aimed at financing the development or rehabilitation of 70 rental properties across Texas. This initiative, managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), is expected to create or renovate more than 4,400 affordable rental units. Abbott emphasized the importance of providing affordable housing options for Texans as the state continues to grow. The funding is part of a broader effort to ensure that hardworking families have access to quality housing, fostering a more prosperous Texas for future generations.
NationalTrump Expands Voluntary Commitment to Prevent Increases in Data Center Bills
President Donald Trump has expanded a voluntary commitment involving governors and electric companies to protect U.S. consumers from rising utility bills due to data centers. Initially announced in March, the agreement has not significantly reassured voters concerned about affordability and competition for resources. Trump claimed that electricity prices would decrease, asserting that there would be a surplus of energy. The commitment has been signed by 23 governors and at least 187 companies, including major utilities like NextEra Energy and Duke Energy. However, concerns persist about the environmental impact and the potential for increased costs in local communities.
BusinessSan Luis Potosí Automotive Sector Seeks Cross-Border Growth with Rio South Texas
On June 11, leaders from the San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster met with economic development representatives in McAllen, Texas, to explore cross-border business opportunities. The forum, organized by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP), highlighted Mexico's position as a key player in the automotive industry, ranking seventh globally with 4.09 million vehicles produced in 2025. San Luis Potosí was noted for producing 366,012 vehicles, contributing 9.62% to national output. The meeting concluded with a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration between the two regions, focusing on manufacturing and workforce development.
Public SafetyCBP El Paso Air Branch Rescues Injured Hiker
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations El Paso Air Branch successfully rescued an injured hiker in the Franklin Mountains. While conducting rescue training, the crew received a call from El Paso County Search and Rescue for assistance. A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter was deployed, and three members of the COMSAR team were airlifted to the hiker's location. At 1:18 p.m., a rescue specialist descended from the helicopter to assist in the evacuation. The injured hiker was safely transported to McKelligon Canyon and then taken to a local hospital for treatment.
PoliticsNun who was detained by ICE while walking to Mass in Texas says many are in her situation
McALLEN, Texas (AP) — A nun who was taken into immigration custody after being arrested while walking to Mass in her habit last month in Texas pleaded Thursday for people to have the chance to be heard before being taken into custody, saying she was speaking out to help others. “There are many others in
HealthLatest South Texas Healthy Living episode on NBC 23 to tackle arthritis
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Every month, South Texas Health System tackles a different issue in South Texas Healthy Living, a 30-minute program that airs on KVEO NBC 23. System Director of Marketing & Public Relations Tom Castaneda said the latest episode will explore the warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors of arthritis. According to the
CommunityValley Voices: Romeo Vaughn, Country Music Artist
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In the latest edition of Valley Voices, CBS 4's Marco Ramirez sits down with Rome Vaughn, country music artist from Santa Rosa, Texas. Vaughn moved to Nashville to jump-start his music career and has lived there for the past 10 years. But Vaughn has always kept his hometown of Santa Rosa
HealthValley doctor weighs in on new cholesterol pill
In the Rio Grande Valley, high cholesterol is a significant concern, especially among those with diabetes. The FDA has recently approved Lipfendra, a new pill that aids the liver in eliminating bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. Previously available only as an injection, the pill is expected to be more affordable for residents, according to Dr. Kamesh 'Siv' Sivagnanam from Valley Baptist Harlingen. He noted that the injections were costly, making the pill a more accessible option for many. Research indicates that Lipfendra can lower bad cholesterol levels by approximately 60 percent.
CommunityBrownsville Metro offering free rides for Customer Appreciation Day
Brownsville Metro is celebrating Customer Appreciation Day by offering free rides on all buses throughout the city this Thursday. Passengers can board any B Metro bus without needing a ticket, pass, or ID. Metro officials emphasize that this initiative is a way to thank the community for their support and encourage new riders to experience the transit system. Victoria De La Llata, the Grants and Public Outreach Coordinator, noted that this event could increase ridership as people take the opportunity to explore Brownsville. For more information on bus routes, visit their website.