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PoliticsGov. Abbott Announces Millions in Aid for Texans Struggling with Utility Bills
Governor Greg Abbott has announced $166 million in energy assistance to support low-income Texans with utility bills. The funds, managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), will be available starting January 1, 2027. Abbott emphasized the importance of helping families maintain safe housing during extreme temperatures. The grants can be used for utility bill payments, energy-efficient equipment, and consumer counseling. Local organizations across all 254 Texas counties will administer the program. This funding is made possible through federal assistance programs aimed at aiding vulnerable households.
EducationLos Fresnos CISD appoints interim superintendent
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday to appoint an interim superintendent. Jimmy McDonough will begin serving as Los Fresnos CISD interim superintendent on July 2 as the Board of Trustees continues its search for a new superintendent. McDonough, who currently serves as the
BusinessRGV Hispanic Chamber Welcomes New Corporate Partner
The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has welcomed David and Veronica Reyna, owners of Riverside Building Materials, as a new Corporate Partner. The couple opened their store in 2023 with 10 employees, which has since grown to 35 due to their success and customer service. They have made significant contributions to the Starr County community, creating jobs through their ventures, including Reyna Homes, which focuses on affordable housing and home improvement projects. David Reyna, a community leader, was awarded the Large Business of the Year Award for 2025, highlighting the importance of supporting local initiatives.
EducationMcAllen ISD Partners with TDA for Free Summer Meals
McAllen ISD has partnered with the Texas Department of Agriculture to provide free nutritious meals for children aged 1-18 during the summer of 2026. There will be 59 feeding locations across McAllen, including 38 schools, Boys & Girls Club sites, and worship centers, along with 21 Meals on Wheels sites where school buses deliver meals to designated neighborhoods. All meals must be eaten on-site, and children must be present to receive them. For more information, contact McAllen ISD Child Nutrition at 956-632-3226 or visit their website.
BusinessRGV Partnership Leads Record Washington Delegation to Advance Regional Priorities and Economic Growth
Paco Sanchez, President and CEO of the RGV Partnership, led a record delegation of about 70 Rio Grande Valley leaders to Washington, D.C., from June 10 to June 12. This initiative aimed to promote regional priorities such as economic development, infrastructure, and workforce training. The delegation included representatives from various sectors, including government, education, and healthcare, and focused on presenting key issues like water resources and trade opportunities. Meetings with federal agencies and congressional representatives are planned, emphasizing the importance of a unified regional agenda to secure federal resources and investments for the Valley's growth.
WeatherMuggy weather pattern brings heat index up to 110 degrees
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- High pressure in the Gulf will settle in over the next few days leading to a warmer and mostly dry weather pattern for us here in the Valley. Throughout Tuesday, we'll see highs climb into the low 90s in the east to upper 90s out west. Factor in the mugginess, dew
NationalBad Bunny and Pope Leo XIV Hold Private Meeting in Madrid
Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny met with Pope Leo XIV at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, as confirmed by several Spanish media outlets. Although images of the meeting have not yet been released, the newspaper El País cited a Vatican source confirming that the meeting was private. According to reports, the singer was accompanied by family members and greeted the pontiff before he left the stadium for the city of Barcelona, where he continues his visit to the country. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, the real name of the urban music artist, is currently on a series of concerts in Spain as part of his world tour 'Debí TiRar MáS Fotos WoRLd Tour.' The artist kicked off the tour in Barcelona and is currently performing in Madrid, where he has sold out approximately 10 shows at the Riyad Air Metropolitano Stadium.
Public SafetyTwo suspected of multiple thefts at Home Depot: Harlingen Crime Stoppers
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers is asking the for the public's help to identify two people suspected of committing multiple thefts at a Home Depot location. Anyone who recognizes the people in the image below is asked to contact the Harlingen Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously online or by
Sports2026 World Cup: Where the 48 Teams Will Set Up Camp in North America
National teams from around the world will have temporary bases this summer. With 48 teams competing in a total of 104 matches across North America, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will involve significant travel. Throughout the tournament, teams will have training camps spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where they can train and rest between matches. While there are 16 host cities for the World Cup, there are many more locations for the base camps. Some teams will set up in the host cities or nearby, while others will choose locations that are more centrally located relative to the stadiums where they will play their three group stage matches. From coast to coast and country to country, here are the base camp locations for the 48 teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Arizona, Turkey (Mesa), California, Australia (Alameda), Austria (Santa Barbara), New Zealand (San Diego), Paraguay (San Jose), Qatar (Santa Barbara), Switzerland (San Diego), United States (Irvine), Florida, Cape Verde (Tampa), Curacao (Boca Raton), Portugal (Palm Beach Gardens), Georgia, Uzbekistan (Atlanta), Kansas, Algeria (Lawrence), Massachusetts, France (Waltham), Missouri, Argentina (Kansas City), England (Kansas City), Netherlands (Kansas City), New Jersey, Brazil (Morris Township), Haiti (Galloway), Morocco (Basking Ridge), Senegal (Piscataway), North Carolina, Germany (Winston-Salem), Norway (Greensboro), Scotland (Charlotte), Ohio, Ecuador (Columbus), Oregon, Jordan (Portland), Pennsylvania, Ivory Coast (Chester), Rhode Island, Ghana (Providence), Tennessee, Japan (Nashville), Spain (Chattanooga), Texas, Czech Republic (Mansfield), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Houston), Saudi Arabia (Austin), Sweden (Frisco), Utah, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sandy), Virginia, Croatia (Alexandria), Washington, Belgium (Renton), Egypt (Spokane), West Virginia, Iraq (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia), Canada, Canada (Vancouver), Panama (New Tecumseth), Mexico, Colombia (Guadalajara), Iran (Tijuana), Mexico (Mexico City), South Africa (Pachuca), South Korea (Guadalajara), Tunisia (Santiago), Uruguay (Playa del Carmen). This story was translated from English with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
EducationValley association partners with STC, Donna ISD to create construction trade school
The South Texas Builders Association has partnered with South Texas College and Donna Independent School District to establish a construction trade school in Donna. This initiative aims to address labor shortages in the construction industry exacerbated by recent immigration enforcement actions. Classes will begin in August at a Donna ISD facility, with STC providing instructors. Efrain Gomez Jr., a local construction company owner, highlighted the urgent need for skilled workers, noting that delays in projects lead to increased home prices. While classes will be free for Donna ISD students, costs for the general public are still being determined.
NationalMiami Airport Denies Entry to World Cup Referee; He Will Miss the Tournament
Somali referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry to the United States. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office stated on Monday that a Somali citizen planning to referee at the World Cup was denied entry upon arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday. Although the CBP statement did not name the individual, Artan is the only World Cup referee from Somalia. FIFA later confirmed on Monday that Artan would not be able to train and officiate at the World Cup and issued a statement on behalf of the referee. 'Despite the circumstances, I am in good spirits and focused on the upcoming challenges in my career as a referee,' Artan said in the statement. 'I would like to thank FIFA and the African federation for all their support and I promise to maintain my level of officiating while I concentrate on the future. I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues the best of luck during the World Cup, and I hope to join them again in future competitions.'
NationalFor $750, you could have expedited visa interviews at certain embassies, according to AP
The U.S. State Department is launching a pilot program from July 1 to December 31 that offers expedited visa interviews for business and tourist applicants. For a fee of $750, in addition to the standard $185 application fee, applicants can schedule an interview within 10 days at select U.S. embassies and consulates. The specific locations for this service will be announced before the program starts. This initiative may address delays caused by previous immigration policies, which have led to long wait times for visa interviews. However, paying the premium fee does not guarantee visa approval.
SportsWhy Cristian Roldán Chose to Play in the World Cup with the United States
Cristian Roldán, a midfielder for the U.S. national soccer team, will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup close to his childhood home in Pico Rivera, California. Roldán chose to represent the U.S. despite eligibility for Guatemala and El Salvador, honoring the opportunities his family received after immigrating in the 1980s. His early soccer experiences in his backyard, where he played with his brothers, laid the foundation for his career. Roldán has enjoyed a successful MLS career with the Seattle Sounders and aims to inspire young players with his journey, emphasizing his pride in representing his roots and community.
NationalUS Helicopter Crashes Near Strait of Hormuz; Trump Says Pilots Are Fine
A U.S. Army Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump confirming that both pilots are safe. The incident occurred while the helicopter was patrolling regional waters, and the cause is currently under investigation. U.S. Central Command reported that the pilots were rescued within two hours and are in stable condition. The crash comes amid heightened tensions in the region following recent conflicts between Iran and Israel. Trump expressed optimism about potential negotiations with Iran, suggesting a deal could be reached soon, despite ongoing challenges in achieving a lasting ceasefire.
SportsSpain, the top favorite in the World Cup followed by France and Argentina, according to Goldman Sachs
Spain, with a 26% chance, is the team most likely to win the 2026 World Cup, followed by France (19%), Argentina (14%), Brazil (8%), and the Netherlands and England (5%), according to a predictive study by the American investment bank Goldman Sachs. The company has developed a model to forecast the outcome of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which begins this Thursday, November 11. It predicts that the semifinals will feature Spain vs. France and Argentina vs. Brazil, with 'La Roja' and the Albiceleste as the finalists, and the victory going to Luis de la Fuente's team. Goldman Sachs highlights Spain as the favorite, noting that its prediction 'aligns with the historical pattern that the World Cup almost always returns to Europe after being won by a South American team,' with the exception of Brazil's victories in 1958 and 1962. The report, which predicts the results of the group stage and the winners in the knockout rounds, uses historical performance data of each team and their scoring ability, as well as various mental and geographical factors, such as altitude and temperature, according to Goldman Sachs.
HealthBorder Report Live: Interactive map tracks New World screwworm cases by county
A New Mexico dog briefly became the latest case of New World screwworm in Texas before health officials reclassified it.
WeatherHot and dry is the name of the game this week
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —The familiar rhythm of daily afternoon showers from last week is taking a break. A strong high‑pressure system settles in Monday night and keeps a tight grip on our weather for the next several days, dramatically cutting down rain chances across the Valley. Temperatures jump quickly starting Tuesday. Expect the low 80s along the coast and the
Health‘Maybe not a hunting season at all’: Outfitters fear impact of screwworm outbreak
ALTON, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Concerns over the spread of screwworm in Texas are extending beyond cattle ranches and into the Rio Grande Valley’s hunting industry. Just days after the first screwworm case was confirmed in Texas, the number of infected animals has increased, raising fears among ranchers, hunters, and hunting outfitters about the potential impact
BusinessThe latest at Starbase with LabPadre: June 8
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- On Monday and Tuesday, both a booster and a ship transport stand were rolled out of the Sanchez site and taken up Highway 4. These stands were leaving Starbase and heading to the Port of Brownsville to be loaded onto SpaceX's newest barge to transport to SpaceX's facilities in Florida. Down
CommunityCool off from the heat at Splash-A-Palooza in Pharr
PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Pharr is preparing to cool off from the heat and kick off summer break with its annual Splash-A-Palooza event. The annual event brings in families across the Rio Grande Valley to ring in summer fun with an entire day of family-friendly activities. Splash-A-Palooza 2026 will feature a DJ,