Archive · 8169 stories · page 177 of 409
BusinessSaronic Technologies picks Port of Brownsville for $3.2 billion shipyard project
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Saronic Technologies and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced during a press conference in Austin on Thursday that Port Alpha is coming to the Port of Brownsville. "We are investing more than $3 billion to build out over 800 acres at the Port of Brownsville with the opportunity to expand to over
NationalTrump Administration Limits Foreign Student Stay in the U.S. to Four Years
The administration of President Donald Trump has finalized a rule that will prevent foreign students from staying in the United States for more than four years unless they receive federal approval, the Department of Homeland Security reported on Thursday. The measure, which will take effect in September, also establishes restrictions on when and how students can change their major or academic program. Current rules grant students much greater flexibility, typically allowing them to remain in the country for the duration of their academic program, many of which are designed to last longer than four years. Higher education leaders have expressed their opposition to the measure, stating that the change represents an administrative burden for schools, universities, and the federal government. 'This measure is unnecessary and redundant,' said Zuzana Wootson, deputy director of federal policy for the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a nonprofit organization. 'Foreign students are already among the most closely monitored non-immigrant populations in the U.S. and are subject to rigorous oversight by the Department of Homeland Security and academic institutions.'
NationalTalarico challenges Paxton to debates in US Senate race
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico challenged Republican nominee Ken Paxton to participate in three televised debates, saying voters deserve to hear the candidates answer questions directly ahead of November's election.
BusinessA $3.2B Game-Changer: Saronic Technologies Selects Brownsville for Massive Expansion
Saronic Technologies has chosen Brownsville for a significant expansion, announcing a $3.2 billion investment that will create 10,000 jobs. This project is expected to generate an estimated $168.4 billion in economic impact over its lifespan, including $1.6 billion during construction and $5.6 billion annually for 30 years. Local officials, including Mayor John Cowen, emphasized the importance of this investment for the community, enhancing job opportunities and economic resilience. The Greater Brownsville EDC is also investing $10 million in workforce development to prepare residents for the new jobs. The initiative aims to strengthen Brownsville's position in advanced manufacturing and maritime innovation.
WeatherStatewide Flooding: Governor Outlines Emergency Response and Next Steps for Texans
Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference in Austin to address the severe flooding affecting Texas, which is expected to set records. Over 1,300 personnel from more than 30 agencies are activated, with more than 800 vehicles, 75 boats, and 20 aircraft deployed for rescue operations. Abbott declared a disaster for 59 counties and emphasized the importance of saving lives during this crisis. State agencies are monitoring river levels and weather conditions while providing support to local emergency management. Texans are urged to stay informed about weather updates and prepare for potential evacuations.
PoliticsAbbott Proposes Property Tax Changes for Texas Homeowners
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a proposal on July 15 aimed at making homeownership more affordable by addressing rising property tax bills. He noted that while the homestead exemption has increased from $15,000 to $140,000, homeowners still face appraisal increases of up to 10% annually. Abbott's plan would limit appraisal increases to 3% per year and change the reappraisal cycle to every five years. Additionally, he proposed eliminating school district property taxes on homesteads, shifting the funding responsibility to the state, which he estimates would cost around $10 billion. Abbott emphasized the need for budget cuts in other areas to accommodate this change.
CommunityFoster Grandparent Program Launches Recruitment Drive for Child Mentors
The Foster Grandparent Program in Texas is actively seeking volunteers aged 55 and older to mentor children with special needs. Unlike traditional foster care, children do not live with their mentors. Volunteers commit 15 to 40 hours weekly and receive a monthly tax-free stipend. The program aims to enhance the academic, social, and emotional development of children. In the past year, foster grandparents served 16,772 children and contributed over 347,000 volunteer hours. The initiative emphasizes building personal relationships and providing support, creating a meaningful experience for both volunteers and children. More information is available at hhs.texas.gov.
PoliticsJames Talarico makes stop in the Valley
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It’s been a busy couple of days for U.S. Senate candidates in the Valley. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton visited McAllen for a rally on Tuesday. On Wednesday, his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, stopped by McAllen and Edinburg as part of his Frontera tour. His campaign has been traveling along the
Public SafetyDentist Faces Charges After Death of 4-Year-Old Hispanic Girl Following Dental Treatment
A dentist from Fort Worth, Texas, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with serious bodily injury to a minor who died in the hospital on April 1, 2026, after receiving dental treatment. She was released after posting bail. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner determined that the girl, identified as Aithana Rodriguez Arriaga, 4, died from meperidine (Demerol) intoxication, reporting a concentration of 793 nanograms per milliliter in her system. The document states that the medical examiner ruled the death accidental. Investigators reported that Hemphill administered meperidine, along with other sedative medications, prior to the procedure. The document also notes that medical experts consulted during the investigation concluded there were failures in monitoring the girl and in the emergency response after she stopped responding to stimuli. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this medication is used to treat acute to moderate pain, as it is essentially a narcotic (opioid analgesic) and can cause severe respiratory problems and life-threatening risks if abused. Telemundo 39 attempted to reach out to Dr. Hemphill's attorney for comments but has not received a response. Incident Chronicle: The Fort Worth Police Department reported that on April 1, 2026, firefighters responded to a medical emergency at a dental office (Cuddle Kids Dental Care) located in the 5300 block of Sycamore School Road. Upon arrival, they found a four-year-old girl unresponsive to stimuli. The mother had taken the girl to the office that same morning for a dental procedure. After the procedure, the girl showed no signs of response to the present staff. The Fort Worth Fire Department transported the girl to a local hospital, where her death was confirmed. The Child Abuse Crimes Unit (CACU) initiated an investigation into the case and determined that a crime had been committed, and the doctor who performed the procedure on the victim would face charges. On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect, Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill, 48. She was arrested on the charge of injury to a minor resulting in serious bodily injury.
EducationSTC Summer Camp Paves the Way for Future Robotics Engineers
South Texas College's Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) has launched a free Lego SPIKE Prime summer camp for students entering grades six to twelve. The camp, funded by a Texas Workforce Commission grant, allows participants like 12-year-old Emma Garza from Edinburg to explore robotics and engineering. Students engage in hands-on activities using Lego kits to build models and learn coding, motors, and sensors. Camp instructor Gary Lee Nunez emphasizes making robotics accessible and encouraging creativity. CATA Director Leonel Garcia highlights the camp's role in introducing students to careers in engineering and technology.
NationalTrump's Teleprompter Operator Suspended Over Alleged Bets on Trump's Speeches
The teleprompter operator for President Donald Trump is on unpaid leave amid reports that he used his knowledge of the president's speeches to place bets on the prediction market Kalshi, the White House reported on Thursday. The company's compliance chief noted that Kalshi reached out to federal regulators regarding bets that were allegedly made on what the president would say during public speeches. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the president is aware of the situation, which she described as 'regrettable' and 'a shame.' 'The White House has extremely strict ethical guidelines regarding matters like this,' Leavitt told reporters, adding that the assistant is on unpaid leave.
WeatherContinuing the heat & haze
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The summertime heat and haze will be staying with us for the next few days. Saharan dust continues to enter the area and will vary in intensity over the next few days. We should see a little more of the sun this afternoon than yesterday. A stray shower is not out
NationalLa Linea designated as Foreign Terrorist Organization
The Trump administration has added the Juarez cartel to its list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, allowing the U.S to go after its assets and those who help them.
PoliticsAbbott Orders Texas Rangers Investigation Into Fatal Shooting During Federal Immigration Operation
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on July 15 that the Texas Rangers will investigate the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Houston. Abbott emphasized that law enforcement can enforce immigration laws without resorting to deadly force. He stated that the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers have already met with federal officials and local police regarding the incident. Abbott affirmed the independence of the Texas Rangers in conducting investigations and reiterated his support for immigration law enforcement while advocating for the preservation of life during such operations.
WeatherTexas flooding surges as rescuers pull people from rising waters
The National Weather Service in San Antonio said a “large and deadly flood wave” was barreling down the same river wrecked by floods last summer when two dozen children and counselors were killed at Camp Mystic.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway Following Shooting in H-E-B Parking Lot in San Juan
The San Juan Police Department, in collaboration with the McAllen Police Department, is actively investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday around 11 a.m. in the parking lot of the H-E-B supermarket in San Juan. According to the official report provided by authorities, the violent incident took place inside a parked vehicle at the commercial establishment, prompting a swift mobilization of emergency services and multiple patrols in the area. Police spokespersons emphasized that this is an entirely isolated incident and assured the community that the situation is under control, with no active threat to public safety at this time. Local authorities publicly expressed their gratitude to the McAllen Police for their support and assistance at the scene, noting that as the case remains under active investigation, no further details will be released immediately, although they committed to providing timely updates as inquiries progress.
Public SafetyAlamo Loan Office Employee Arrested for Faking Robbery
The Alamo Police Department arrested Israel Aguirre III, an employee at the Security Finance Office on Main Street, after discovering that he staged an armed robbery to steal money from the establishment. The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, when the suspect himself reported an emergency, claiming that an unknown man had threatened him with a knife. However, after a quick investigation, detectives determined that the robbery was fabricated by Aguirre III to cover up that he had taken the cash himself. Aguirre III appeared today at 2:00 p.m. before a magistrate judge for his arraignment. He faces charges of theft and filing a false report to induce an emergency response, while a third formal charge is pending from authorities.
NationalDriving Fast Doesn't Save Much Time; It Wastes Gas and Emits Gases, According to Study
Accelerating in the car to get to work, pick up your kids from school, or move from one errand to the next not only wastes money on gas and releases harmful emissions into the air but also doesn't save much time, according to new research. This is something to consider as gas prices remain high during the summer, adding pressure to daily driving and seasonal road trips. In contrast, adhering to posted speed limits could save drivers millions of dollars at the pump and eliminate millions of gallons of fuel each day, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Nature's Communications Sustainability. That fuel, when burned, emits gases that warm the planet's atmosphere. Moreover, changing driving habits wouldn't even add a full minute to a driver's journey. Researchers from the University of Minnesota analyzed 120 million vehicle trips across the United States corresponding to four Wednesdays in 2021, using driving data on national road networks, speed limits, and elevation data from the U.S. Geological Survey. The analysis included roads with speed limits of 45 mph or higher.
BusinessAbbott Unveils Plan That Could Cut Texas Home and Auto Insurance Costs
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a legislative proposal on July 15 aimed at lowering home and auto insurance costs, which he noted are major concerns for Texans. Abbott highlighted that Texas has some of the highest home insurance rates due to severe weather, including hail and hurricanes. His plan includes a roof fortification grant program offering homeowners about $10,000 to strengthen roofs, potentially reducing premiums by 8% and saving over $15,000 over the roof's lifespan. Additionally, Abbott proposed changes to allow insurers to consider driving records when setting auto insurance rates, which could lower premiums by up to 30%.
BusinessHistoric Investment in Brownsville: Saronic Announces Super Shipyard
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced today that Saronic Technologies will build 'Port Alpha' at the Port of Brownsville, a $3.248 billion megaproject that will become the world's most advanced shipyard and the largest in the United States. This historic facility will focus on manufacturing next-generation autonomous vessels and is expected to generate 10,000 new jobs in the Rio Grande Valley, with an estimated annual payroll of $750 million for Texas families. 'Today we make history with the announcement of the most advanced shipyard in the entire world,' Governor Greg Abbott emphasized during the presentation. 'When this shipyard is fully constructed, it will employ nearly 10,000 people. Saronic will inject around $750 million annually in salaries for Texans. This changes the game for our population.' Founded in Austin in 2022, Saronic combines autonomy software with large-scale manufacturing to strengthen the country's commercial and defense fleets. The company chose Brownsville for its strategic location, infrastructure, and the talent of its people. Additionally, it will work closely with Cameron County, technical colleges, and local universities to create technical training programs and specialized apprenticeships, opening doors to high-paying careers for the region's youth without having to leave their community. With this announcement, Texas officially establishes itself as the undisputed new leader in the shipbuilding and maritime technology industry in the nation.