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WeatherSharyland baseball state championship game postponed due to weather
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland Rattlers baseball team's state championship game has been postponed due to weather conditions. The Division II State Championships at Round Rock have been rescheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, where Sharyland will face Lucas Lovejoy. Sharyland is the fifth Valley baseball team to advance to the state championship.
HealthUSDA confirms second case of New World Screwworm in South Texas
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed a second detection of New World Screwworm in Zavala County. According to the USDA, the detection was confirmed on Friday on a domestic cattle. A post from the New World Screwworm Rapid Response page claims the second case comes from a one-month-old calf approximately
HealthValley Baptist Health System hosting cereal drive
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With students out for summer vacation, Valley Baptist Health System is partnering with the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley to provide hungry children and adults with a healthy breakfast. The cereal drive is taking place from June 8 through June 18. "When it comes to our children, I feel
PoliticsICE says 'secretive' South Texas facility is for processing not detention
Protesters waved signed and blew whistles in front of an unmarked building Friday that they say migrants are being held in by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE confirmed to Border Report the unmarked building processes detained migrants
CommunityOne Step Away from the Final: Which Housemate Was Eliminated from La Casa de los Famosos
In the latest episode of Telemundo's reality show, La Casa de los Famosos, Verónica del Castillo was eliminated, becoming the penultimate contestant to leave the house. This marks the first double elimination in the show's history, with only six days remaining until the final. Verónica, who spent 39 days in the house, showed resilience among the four latecomers. Following her elimination, Yoridán returned to the house, greeted warmly by his teammates. The next elimination is scheduled for Sunday, and Horacio was spared after a colorful greyhound race, bringing excitement to the remaining contestants.
BusinessRestaurant named after beloved grandmother earns Top Performer sticker
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — To be a Food 4 Thought, ¡QUE RICO! Top Performer, a business must have a routine inspection report with zero health code violations. Like an inspector, the Food Patrol’s Derick Garcia and Jerry Salinas arrive without warning. This edition of Food 4 Thought spotlights plant-based restaurant Maria Cruz at 314 S.
Public SafetyWoman's body recovered at the Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman's body was recovered at the Port of Brownsville on Friday afternoon, according to officials. The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department responded to a welfare concern at the port's Fishing Harbor after a family reported a female was missing, according to a news release from the Port of Brownsville.
NationalA federal judge strikes down Trump administration immigration policy affecting 39 countries
A federal judge in Boston has invalidated a Trump administration immigration policy that affected immigrants from 39 countries, making it harder for them to enter or remain in the U.S. The ruling by U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell Jr. criticized the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for acting outside its legal authority and failing to provide necessary explanations for its decisions. The policy, enacted after a shooting involving National Guard members, barred immigrants from receiving final decisions on asylum, work permits, and citizenship applications. Immigration advocates hailed the decision as a crucial win for lawful immigration pathways.
CommunitySea Turtle Inc. reports record breaking nesting season at South Padre Island
Sea Turtle Inc. has announced a record-breaking nesting season at South Padre Island, with 150 nests discovered, containing approximately 14,000 eggs. The organization credits its conservation efforts for this success, noting that it takes sea turtles around 12 to 15 years to mature. Dr. Amy Bonka, Chief Conservation Officer, emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts in turtle conservation, as the results are becoming evident. The hatching season is expected to begin as early as next week, following the typical timeline of about a month and a half after the eggs are laid.
HealthValley ranchers on alert as screwworm risk grows
Ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley are on high alert due to the proximity of New World screwworm cases in Uvalde County. Although no cases have been confirmed in Hidalgo County, local officials are coordinating with state and federal agencies to monitor the situation. Veterinarian Lucas Hinojosa recalls past outbreaks that severely affected cattle, leading to significant losses. Ranchers are advised to inspect their livestock daily for wounds and report any concerns to the Texas Animal Health Commission. The USDA is implementing measures, including quarantines and the release of sterile flies, to prevent the screwworm's spread. Public vigilance is crucial.
BusinessGov. Greg Abbott expands state disaster declaration on screwworm infestation in South Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has expanded a statewide disaster declaration due to the New World screwworm infestation in Texas. This declaration allows for the mobilization of all state resources to combat the issue, particularly in Zavala County, where the first case was confirmed. The state is prioritizing the shipment of sterile flies to disrupt the screwworm's reproductive cycle. Concerns have been raised about communication from the USDA regarding the infestation, especially as cases have emerged in Mexico. Local ranchers are worried about the impact on livestock and wildlife, with potential economic damages estimated at $1.8 billion.
BusinessSouth Padre Island city officials approve of temporary AEP Texa mobile skid
South Padre Island has approved the installation of a temporary mobile substation from AEP Texas to ensure reliable power supply during infrastructure upgrades. The city council's decision comes in response to concerns from residents about potential power outages. The mobile skid will be located on Padre Boulevard and is expected to remain in place for approximately 18 months. This measure aims to minimize disruptions while the utility company enhances its services.
Public SafetyA body was found at Port of Brownsville after woman reported missing
Authorities discovered a body in the water at the Port of Brownsville on Friday following a report of a missing woman. The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department responded to concerns raised by the woman's family. During the search, officers were informed by a third party about the body, which matched the woman's description. The Port of Brownsville Police Department, along with the Cameron County Sheriff's Department, is conducting an investigation into the incident, while the Brownsville Fire Department is aiding in the recovery operations.
Public SafetyElsa man arrested on drug and weapon charges
On June 2, an Elsa man named Mauricio Rocha Jr. was arrested at Mario Leal Park on drug and weapon charges. The Elsa Police Department reported that officers noticed a suspicious vehicle after park hours and approached Rocha. During their investigation, they discovered a Taurus .38 special revolver, marijuana, cocaine, THC vape devices, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, and cash in the vehicle. Rocha faces multiple charges, including the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He is currently held at the Hidalgo County jail with a bond set at $535,000.
EducationEdinburg EDC Leads Launch of Second Year of Bank On INT Internship Program
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) has officially launched the second year of the Bank On INT paid internship program, aimed at providing undergraduate students with practical experience in the banking sector. The program, initiated on June 5, 2026, involves a partnership between the City of Edinburg, EEDC, UTRGV, and several regional banks. Mayor Omar Ochoa emphasized the importance of this opportunity for students to gain real-world experience while earning a competitive salary. The initiative also aims to support workforce development and talent retention in the Rio Grande Valley, with local banks reporting successful placements of former interns into full-time roles.
HealthSecond Case of Screwworm Confirmed in South Texas
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported the detection of a second case of the New World Screwworm. The finding was in Zavala County, about 100 miles southwest of San Antonio, involving a 30-day-old calf with an umbilical injury, according to a statement released Friday night. They are collaborating with the Texas Animal Health Commission, the Department of Agriculture, and other agencies to address the situation. They emphasized that early detection is crucial and it's important to report any suspicion of infestation in live animals. This is a developing story; check back for updates.
Public SafetyState Mobilizes Response Following New World Screwworm Detection
Governor Greg Abbott announced a disaster declaration for Zavala and Uvalde Counties after the detection of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas. He emphasized the mobilization of state resources to combat this threat, including the acceleration of sterile fly production in Edinburg. The NWS is a parasitic fly that can harm livestock and wildlife. Abbott urged Texans to inspect their animals for wounds and report any suspected infestations to the Texas Animal Health Commission. The state is collaborating with federal partners to implement a containment strategy using the Sterile Insect Technique to eradicate the pest.
SportsWe're not enemies, it's just a sport: Sofía Vergara on the World Cup
LOS ANGELES – Colombian actress Sofía Vergara is making a strong call to the Hispanic community to embrace a historic World Cup that transcends racial, political, and religious differences, a message of unity she promotes as an ambassador for Telemundo. "This is a moment to have fun, to be happy, to have peace, to be companions, to be brothers... to have tolerance. We are not enemies in the world, it's just a sport," Vergara stated in an interview with EFE. The star of iconic series like the comedy "Modern Family" and Netflix's miniseries "Griselda" reflects on the intensity with which soccer is experienced in her native Colombia, an energy that is hard to replicate in the United States. "The passion, the energy, and what we have for that sport cannot be compared to what is felt in this country," she admits. However, she notes that the U.S. is gradually catching on to the Latin spirit for soccer, partly due to the fervor that the predominantly Hispanic community brings to a sport traditionally called "soccer." The massive wave of migrants has transformed the sports landscape, turning this major competition, which begins in Mexico on June 11 at Estadio Azteca, into a bridge that reconnects her with childhood memories. "When I think of the World Cup, I always think of how exciting it was when I lived in Colombia," she recalls. For Vergara, the World Cup taking place in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada is more than just a television sports event; it represents a ritual rooted in family heritage. "We always like to eat, shout, and fight. (The World Cup) is about being with family, having fun, and feeling the energy and excitement together," she confesses. Looking back, she reminisces about the 1994 World Cup held in the U.S., a golden era for Colombian soccer with figures like René Higuita and Carlos "El Pibe" Valderrama. "For us, they were gods, and every match, every emotion of that World Cup was incredible," she remembers. This year will be no different for Vergara, who will support the Colombian national team in their journey through the competition. "My favorite team has to be Colombia, of course. Plus, this year we have James Rodríguez, who seems to be in his last World Cup, and that will be very emotional for Colombians," she adds. As a Telemundo ambassador, the network that exclusively broadcasts the men's and women's national team matches in Spanish across the U.S. until 2030, Vergara advocates for experiencing the tournament with a Spanish accent, a key element in the current demographic context of the United States. "It's not the same in English. Yes, it's fine, but hearing the goal shout with the people we know... Our language, our roots, it's all ours. For me, the excitement of soccer as a Latino has to be in Spanish, without a doubt," she argues. Additionally, the Colombian takes advantage of the massive audience of a World Cup to promote a public health campaign called "Check: Detect the SOS," aimed at preventing diabetes, hypertension, and kidney failure among Hispanics through a urine test. "Latinos make up a huge number of people suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. And those are the people at risk of kidney failure, stroke, and heart attack without knowing it," she warns. In a sport historically considered male-dominated, where women are increasingly making their mark, Vergara distances herself from any label as a sports role model, although she proudly applauds the rise and strength of female players. "I didn't grow up watching women play soccer... At first, I thought, 'Oh no, it's too rough for a woman,' but now I realize we can do it just as well. People love it; I think they enjoy watching women play soccer more than men," she concludes.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Announces Latest Slate Of Appointments
Governor Greg Abbott has announced several appointments to various councils and committees aimed at improving health, safety, and industry in Texas. Notable appointments include Christine Cox and Brittany Henson to the Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, with terms expiring in 2031. The Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee will see new members like Victor Fishman and Lin Zhou, with terms ending in 2027. Additionally, a Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing has been formed, including 13 members with terms expiring in 2027. Other appointments include reappointments to the Texas Industrialized Building Code Council and the Texas School Safety Center Board, focusing on safety and regulatory oversight.
NationalMaine Air National Guard Steps Up for Operation Epic Fury
The Maine Air National Guard's 101st Air Refueling Wing has played a crucial role in Operation Epic Fury, moving over 747,000 pounds of cargo and 312 passengers since the operation began. The unit has managed 302 cargo pieces, including hazardous materials and aircraft parts, while supporting 97 missions with various aircraft types. They processed 394 outbound shipments, totaling around 5,000 pounds. Additional personnel from five units joined to enhance operations, emphasizing teamwork and efficiency. Staff Sgt. Eric LeFave highlighted the importance of their work in supporting troops overseas, reflecting the commitment of the Air Force to mission success.