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Public SafetyHarlingen preparing hazard mitigation plan with $100, 000 state grant
Harlingen city officials are developing a hazard mitigation plan to secure federal funding for future drainage improvements. They have one year to complete and adopt the plan after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Texas General Land Office. The plan aims to identify drainage priorities and enhance the city's resilience against hazards. It must be approved by the Texas Division of Emergency Management and FEMA. Public participation will be encouraged through meetings and surveys as the city emphasizes the importance of adopting the plan within the next 12 months to pursue additional funding for drainage projects.
Public SafetyFBI suggests migrant van in fatal Houston shooting had meth. A lawyer says it was salt.
The FBI has sought a search warrant to seize plastic bags containing a "crystal-like substance" from the van of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was shot and killed by an immigration officer in Houston. While the FBI suspects methamphetamine, Araujo's lawyer claims the substance is actually granulated salt, used as a homemade electrolyte mix. Araujo, who lived in Houston for nearly 35 years and was in the process of obtaining legal status, was not the intended target of the ICE operation. Investigations are ongoing, and the FBI is expected to release test results soon.
BusinessBrownsville lands $3. 2B AI drone tech company. Community members question the impact it. could bring
Brownsville has secured a significant investment from Saronic Technologies, an AI drone manufacturer, which plans to build a $3.2 billion shipyard at the Port of Brownsville. This project is expected to create 10,000 jobs over the next decade and generate a $160 billion economic impact for Cameron County. While city leaders view this as a vital step toward reducing local poverty, critics express concerns about potential environmental damage and socioeconomic disparities. The poverty rate in Brownsville remains around 24%, more than double the national average. Construction is set to begin this year, with operations starting in 2028.
CommunitySalvation Army of Cameron County giving away free fans
The Salvation Army of Cameron County has launched its annual fan distribution program, providing 600 free fans to families in the Rio Grande Valley. The giveaway began on Wednesday and will serve residents in Harlingen, Rio Hondo, San Benito, Raymondville, and Brownsville. Whitney Hoston, co-officer of the organization, noted the high demand, as 100 fans distributed in Raymondville were claimed within 20 minutes. Families must present a valid ID to receive a fan, with a limit of one per household. The fans were generously donated by H-E-B.
Public SafetyCameron County cleaning out box culverts
Cameron County Drainage District No. 5 is currently cleaning box culverts located under the expressway in Harlingen to ensure proper stormwater flow before upcoming storms. The Stuart Place Main Channel, which channels stormwater from Harlingen, Primera, and Palm Valley, was found to have two to three feet of sediment in the culverts when work began two weeks ago, according to General Manager Rolando Vela. The culverts extend over 400 feet beneath the expressway, and crews are anticipated to continue their work for an additional two weeks.
Public SafetyDonna man accused of hacking dead person social media accounts to harass family members
A man from Donna, Jose Luis Lara Jr., has been arrested for allegedly hacking into the social media accounts of a deceased individual to harass their family over six years. He faces multiple charges, including computer security breach and online impersonation. The investigation started after family members reported receiving disturbing messages that seemed to come from the deceased's accounts, containing explicit content and false allegations. This caused significant emotional distress to the victims. Lara was booked on Wednesday and released on a $32,500 bond the following day, according to Hidalgo County jail records.
NationalTrump administration revives rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits
The Trump administration is reinstating a controversial rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who utilize public benefits such as food stamps and Medicaid. This 'public charge' policy will be published in the Federal Register on July 20 and take effect on September 18. It requires green card applicants to prove they will not become a burden on the state. Critics argue that the rule fosters fear among immigrant communities, discouraging them from seeking essential services. Advocates warn that this could negatively impact public health and economic security, particularly for mixed-status families.
BusinessLocal, state officials react to Saronic coming to the Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local and state officials are reacting to the announcement that Saronic Technologies, an Austin-based maritime defense company, is coming to the Port of Brownsville. Gov. Greg Abbott and Saronic Technologies on Thursday announced that the $3.2 billion investment will be built on 800 acres and will expand to over 4,000 acres
McAllenSpaceX scrubs Starship Flight 13
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX scrubbed its Starship Flight 13 right after it was preparing to liftoff from Starbase on Thursday evening. The aerospace company posted on X that it is "standing down from today's flight test attempt." During a live feed, smoke was seen surrounding the Starship as it was preparing for liftoff. SpaceX
McAllenSpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 13
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The 13th test flight of Starship is scheduled to launch from Starbase on Thursday evening. According to SpaceX, Flight 13 will aim to complete similar objectives targeted on Flight 12, which debuted a redesigned ship and a new generation of Super Heavy V3 vehicles. Modifications on hardware and software have been
NationalBorder Patrol encounters dropped in June, Rio Grande Valley Sector again leads
HARLINGEN, Texas (Border Report) -- The number of migrants encountered by Border Patrol agents on the Southwest border dropped slightly in June from May, and the Rio Grande Valley Sector continued to report the most encounters. U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Thursday released data from June, which showed there were 9,848 migrant encounters on
CommunityCity of Pharr’s ADA Anniversary Celebration July 17th
The City of Pharr, in collaboration with the Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL), is hosting a celebration for the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Friday, July 17, 2026. The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Jose “Pepe” Salinas Recreation Center, located at 1011 W. Kelly Ave. This free community gathering will showcase local resources, vendors, and partners, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. For more information, contact the Pharr Public Health Department at (956) 402-4652.
Public SafetySoldier who smuggled migrants through South Texas sentenced to 1 year in prison
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Alabama National Guard sent Spc. Derrick Sankey to South Texas with a simple mission: Secure the border. When he arrived in McAllen, however, Sankey decided to work for smugglers instead. Sankey provided smugglers with codes that allowed them to pass through gates in the border wall. He told them about
Public SafetyCameron County detention officer accused of assaulting inmate
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Cameron County detention officer has been accused of assaulting an inmate at the Cameron County jail. Angel De La Garza was arrested on Thursday and faces charges of assault causing bodily injury and official oppression, according to a news release from the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. Both charges are classified
NationalTrump Attempts to Rebuild Tariff Wall Struck Down by Supreme Court
Last year, the U.S. Treasury benefited from revenue generated by the hefty tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from nearly every country in the world. However, the funds dwindled after the Supreme Court struck down Trump's largest and boldest tariffs in February. The question now is: Can the president's trade team fulfill its promise to replace the lost revenue?
BusinessPort of Brownsville Set to Anchor Next-Gen Autonomous Naval Shipyard
The Port of Brownsville has been selected by Saronic Technologies to host Project Alpha, a $3.2 billion next-generation shipyard expected to create over 10,000 jobs. Announced by Governor Greg Abbott, this project marks a significant economic development milestone for the Rio Grande Valley and Texas. Covering 835 acres, construction is set to begin in 2026, with operations anticipated to start in 2028. The shipyard will enhance the port's role in the maritime industry and is projected to generate more than $160 billion in economic impact for Cameron County. Local leaders emphasize the project's importance for job creation and national defense.
Public SafetyCameron County jail back in compliance: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Months after the Texas Commission on Jail Standards found that the Cameron County jail was out of compliance due to overcrowding, the Cameron County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday that it's back in compliance. The sheriff's office said its detention facilities were reinspected last week. Following inspections in April, the state found
NationalLawmakers fear child deportations ramping up in Texas
A group of Democratic members of Congress fears that the federal government is planning to relocate unaccompanied migrant children to Texas to potentially speed up their removals.
PoliticsSecretary of State Nelson Allocates Millions in Security Grants to Protect Texas Elections
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced significant updates on election security as she wraps up her term. With an $8 million budget from the Legislature, her office is conducting security assessments across all 254 counties, reviewing physical and IT security measures. Additionally, they identified over 8,500 voter registrations linked to commercial mailboxes, which will be investigated to maintain the integrity of the voter rolls. Nearly $1 million has also been allocated to enhance secure ballot options for military personnel and overseas voters. These initiatives aim to bolster election integrity ahead of the upcoming November elections.
CommunityChicharras Live At Quinta Mazatlán Tonight, July 16th
Tonight, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Quinta Mazatlán in McAllen will host Chicharras Live, an event celebrating the return of cicadas. Located at 600 Sunset Drive, the event invites families to enjoy live music, crafts, food, and educational activities. Admission is $5 for adults and children, while kids aged 2 and under enter for free. Attendees can expect performances by Valley Sereno Strings and a Story Book in the Woods featuring Cicada Symphony. This event aims to connect guests with nature and highlight the importance of cicadas in South Texas's seasonal rhythm.