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Public SafetyTwo men facing murder charges in San Juan H-E-B parking lot shooting: Police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Two men are in custody in connection to a parking lot shooting that occurred Thursday morning at a H-E-B parking lot in San Juan. San Juan police Chief Leandro Sifuentes said the two suspects are facing murder charges. The two suspects, who have not been identified, are scheduled to appear in
BusinessSaronic Technologies moving forward with $3. 2 billion shipyard project at Port of Brownsville
Saronic Technologies is set to establish the largest shipyard in the U.S. at the Port of Brownsville, with a $3.2 billion investment expected to generate 10,000 jobs in South Texas. Governor Greg Abbott announced the project, named Port Alpha, which will focus on AI-driven autonomous vessels for potential military use. Saronic aims to enhance the industrial capacity and workforce necessary for American maritime leadership. The company will collaborate with local educational institutions for workforce training. Cameron County has approved a 95% tax break for the project, which is anticipated to significantly boost the local economy and create new opportunities for families.
Public SafetyWeslaco Fire Department gets $5, 000 grant to put iPads in fire trucks
The Weslaco Fire Department is set to enhance its operations with the addition of iPads in all fire trucks, thanks to a $5,000 grant. These devices will allow firefighters to access building layouts and information about stored materials before entering a structure during emergencies. Fire Chief Antonio Lopez emphasized the importance of strategic planning, stating that preparations can be made well in advance of any incidents. This initiative aims to improve safety and training for firefighters, ensuring they are better equipped for potential emergencies.
NationalSpaceX Starship launch aborted on the pad at the last moment
SpaceX's Starship launch was aborted just seconds before takeoff due to engine failures during a test flight on Thursday. Elon Musk announced that two engines will be replaced to ensure a successful flight in the near future. This would have been Starship's 13th flight, and the rocket, standing at 407 feet tall with 33 engines, is the largest and most powerful ever built. The launch team began draining fuel after the automatic launch system halted the countdown. Twenty advanced Starlink satellites were on board for the mission, which aims to support NASA's lunar ambitions in the coming years.
NationalTrump uses primetime address to the nation to once again raise doubts about past elections
In a primetime address, President Donald Trump reiterated doubts about the integrity of past elections, particularly the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden. He warned of flaws in the voting system and announced the release of previously classified documents related to the 2018 and 2020 elections. Trump emphasized the need for fair elections and justified his push for a strict voter ID bill. Some networks opted not to air the speech live, which Trump criticized, claiming they were part of a conspiracy. Democrats accused him of trying to undermine the legitimacy of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
PoliticsPaxton and Talarico open battle for South Texas with dueling rallies, diverging pitches
In McAllen, Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic nominee James Talarico held competing rallies as they campaign for the U.S. Senate seat. Paxton, supported by local GOP officials, emphasized his record on border security and economic opportunity, criticizing Talarico's legislative history. Talarico, on his 'Frontera Tour,' focused on affordability and a 'commonsense' border security plan, advocating for more personnel rather than a wall. Both candidates aim to appeal to Latino voters in a region that swung towards Trump in 2024. The contrasting messages reflect changing priorities, with economic issues now at the forefront for many voters in South Texas.
Public SafetyCameron County jails back in compliance with the state
Cameron County jails have regained compliance with state standards after being previously cited for overcrowding. The announcement came following a recent inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. In April, the jails were over capacity by 47 inmates, prompting the sheriff's office to collaborate with local judges and the district attorney to expedite court processes. To manage the inmate population, the jails stopped accepting nonviolent offenders. Sheriff Manuel Treviño praised the efforts of his staff, stating that their dedication played a crucial role in resolving the overcrowding issue.
PoliticsCameron County secures $1 million for Adams Garden levee project
Cameron County has initiated a $1 million levee project funded by the Texas General Land Office, following a previous funding denial. The Adams Garden Drainage Project will enhance the levee north of Harlingen and introduce new pumping systems. This initiative aims to assist both Cameron and Willacy counties, particularly in low-lying areas that face drainage challenges during heavy rainfall. Construction is expected to be completed within a year.
WeatherTwo deaths reported as flash flooding triggers urgent warnings across southwest Texas, Hill Country
Flash floods in southwest Texas have resulted in two fatalities and over 200 rescues, as reported by Governor Greg Abbott. The hardest-hit areas, including Uvalde and Kerr County, received up to 28 inches of rain in just three days. Rescuers, including over 2,000 first responders, have been deployed to assist those trapped in homes and vehicles. The floods, reminiscent of last year's disaster, prompted urgent warnings for residents to seek higher ground. While some areas experienced significant flooding, levels remained below last year's record highs. Many residents reported better preparedness this time around, with more alerts issued.
BusinessBrownsville vendors react to new $50 fee for monthly First Friday event
Vendors at Brownsville's monthly First Friday event will now face a $50 fee for their spots. City Commissioner Pedro Cardenas explained that rising production costs necessitated this change to support city staff and promote the event. Reactions among vendors vary; Leticia Gonzalez, a mother of six, expressed concerns about the added expense, stating it could be unmanageable given her current costs. In contrast, Aldo Banuelos, a newer vendor, feels the fee won't significantly impact his business. Cardenas mentioned that they are considering lower-cost options for some vendors to ease the financial burden.
Public SafetyHidalgo County property owner cited for illegal burning near Alton
Hidalgo County officials have cited a property owner for conducting an illegal burning operation near Alton. The site, located at 6 Mile Line and Iowa Road, was reported by neighbors who noticed smoke. Constables from Precinct 3 responded and found that the owner was charging people to dump trash for burning without a permit. Hidalgo County Constable Larry Gallardo stated that they are investigating the duration of this operation and advising the owner against it. The Alton Fire Department intervened to prevent the fire from spreading. Authorities remind the public that illegal dumping can lead to citations and penalties.
Community'We'll be back': Thousands disappointed after SpaceX scrubs Starship launch
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Thousands of spectators lined the beaches of South Padre Island on Thursday hoping to witness SpaceX's 13th Starship test flight, but their anticipation turned to disappointment when the company scrubbed the launch just moments before liftoff. The countdown was halted after several of Starship's Raptor engines failed to ignite,
WeatherMore heat, more haze and more dry weather on the way
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A stubborn high‑pressure ridge stays locked over the Gulf, keeping conditions dry, warm and hazy. With that sinking air overhead, temperatures stay hot and slightly above average, especially for the western regions of the Rio Grande Valley. The setup also encourages southerly winds, so the weekend won’t just be warm, it’ll feel more humid too. Most of the weekend trends partly to
NationalAP Exclusive: ICE officer in Maine shooting has history of violent behavior, family and records say
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot a Colombian man in Maine this week is an Army veteran who has struggled with serious mental health issues since early childhood and never should have been given a badge and gun to patrol American streets, several of his close relatives told The
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 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.
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.
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 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.