Cerca News · Page 17

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Jul 24, 2026

"The body was not found": Aylín Mujica's heartbreaking account of her son's death

Aylín Mujica shared her heartbreaking experience following the death of her son, Mauro Menéndez, in Barbados due to pneumonia complications. In an emotional interview, she recounted the painful moments leading up to his passing, including witnessing his struggles during a video call while he was in an ambulance. After his death, Mujica and her ex-partner faced a harrowing ordeal trying to locate Mauro's body, which was initially unaccounted for at the hospital. Eventually, they learned it was at a funeral home. Despite her grief, Mujica expressed her determination to remain strong for her family and continue living in honor of her son.

Sports

City of Brownsville to upgrade athletic fields at 2 city parks

The City of Brownsville is set to enhance six athletic fields located in Morningside Park and Brownsville Sports Park. The upgrades will involve rebuilding the foundations to improve drainage, adding new grass, and repairing or replacing outdated irrigation systems. Many of the fields have been in use for over 20 years, leading to issues with divots and degraded turf. Brownsville Parks and Recreation Director Sean De Palma emphasized the need for these improvements. Construction is anticipated to begin in November and will take approximately one year, with a total project cost of $500,000 funded by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.

Brownsville nonprofit opens new office at police department

Down By The Border, a nonprofit organization in Brownsville, has opened a new office within the Brownsville Police Department. This move aims to better support individuals with special needs, particularly children. Previously located in a law firm, the nonprofit faced challenges in training volunteers and meeting families. Vice President Angie Tejada emphasized that the new office will help bridge knowledge gaps for families navigating resources and answers related to special needs. The office is available for families by appointment only, providing a space to learn about specific conditions and access community resources.

Harlingen preservation project aims to identify landmarks

Harlingen is launching a preservation project to document its history and identify significant landmarks. City officials are seeking input from residents about their memories and which buildings should be preserved. The initiative will focus on the Parkwood Subdivision, the Downtown Historic District, and the Marine Military Academy area. A previous historic survey identified 55 properties, and consultants aim to engage the community in sharing their stories. Harlingen Downtown Director Alexis Riojas emphasized the importance of connecting with residents and encouraged them to contribute photos and documents to aid the project.

Judge allows Weslaco cheerleader wrongful death lawsuit to move forward

A Hidalgo County judge has permitted the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a Weslaco cheerleader against an energy drink distributor to proceed. The distributor sought to pause the lawsuit while appealing a previous ruling that denied its request for dismissal. Larissa Rodriguez passed away in October 2025 due to an enlarged heart, linked to stress and high caffeine intake from Alani energy drinks. Her family is suing Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, LLC, which claims it only distributed the drinks. The judge confirmed that the lawsuit will continue, allowing both parties to exchange evidence as the appeals process unfolds, which may take 60 to 90 days.

Barricade suspect in custody after stabbing in Edinburg area: Sheriff

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A 27-year-old man is in custody after allegedly stabbing a woman and barricading himself inside a home in the Edinburg area, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to the call for a family disturbance involving a stabbing at the 10500 block of Hernandez Dr. on Thursday afternoon. At

Combes police searching for missing 74-year-old man

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Combes Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating a missing person. Jose Jesus Lara, 74, was reported missing and last seen at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday. According to police, Lara has a medical condition that requires medication. Lara was last seen wearing light-colored jeans, a black

Rain chances drop as Tropical Storm Bertha weakens

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Bertha was downgraded to a tropical depression on Thursday evening as it continued to push inland. The showers that swept across the Valley earlier have shifted south of the border, and southeasterly winds will keep flowing through the region. That sets the stage for a slightly hotter than-normal Friday, especially across the western Valley, where temperatures

‘It’s going to rock my freaking world’: Fans wait another day for Starship launch

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Thousands of people gathered at Isla Blanca Park on Thursday hoping to watch SpaceX's Starship Flight 13 lift off, but weather had other plans. Less than two hours before the scheduled launch, SpaceX scrubbed the mission because of weather conditions, marking the second launch cancellation in a week. Despite

‘It’s going to rock my freaking world’: Fans wait another day for Starship launch

Politics

'According to Scripture, do not be afraid': Nun detained by ICE shares her story

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sister Letty, a Nigerian-born Catholic nun, shared her story to ValleyCentral of the day she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers while walking to Sunday Mass. On June 28, Sister Letty was walking to Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen like she has for more

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Jul 23, 2026

San Juan Municipal Court urges residents to take advantage of amnesty program

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If you have any outstanding fines in the city of San Juan, now's your chance to resolve issues with the court without any additional penalties. The San Juan Municipal Court has extended its amnesty program through Aug. 31. During this time, residents with outstanding warrants are urged to make arrangements with

Business

Weslaco road project cuts sales at coffee shop; city admits not properly notifying businesses

A coffee shop owner in Weslaco, Mina Reyes, reports significant customer loss due to road construction on Sugarcane Drive. Reyes claims sales have dropped by 80 to 90 percent since the project began two weeks ago, forcing her to cancel cultural events. She was unaware of the construction until she arrived at work, having not received any prior notification from the city. The city acknowledges that businesses were not properly informed about the $520,000 street improvement project, which started on July 6. City officials are now working to enhance their notification processes for future projects.

SpaceX reschedules Starship 13th flight test due to weather

SpaceX has postponed the 13th flight test of its Starship rocket due to unfavorable weather conditions. Originally scheduled for Thursday, the launch is now set for Friday, July 24, with the launch window opening at 5:45 p.m. The primary goal of this test is to capture clear images of the Starship's heat shield during ascent at higher dynamic pressure. Residents of Cameron County should be prepared for a loud noise from the rocket's 33 Raptor engines during ignition.

Politics

Public 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.

Politics

Valley 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.

Elsa police hide rubber ducks in city parks to get kids outside

The Elsa Police Department has initiated a fun summer project to encourage children to play outside by hiding rubber ducks in city parks. Each day, officers hide three ducks, and kids who find them can exchange them for gift baskets. Rosie Rangel, a local mother, expressed her desire for her children to experience outdoor play, similar to her own childhood. Participants aged 3 to 15 can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a $150 Walmart shopping spree. Families have until July 28 at 4 p.m. to turn in the ducks they find, promoting outdoor activity in the community.

4 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.