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NationalFunding Package for ICE and Border Patrol Approved
WASHINGTON — After weeks of setbacks and delays, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly approved a package of about $70 billion on Tuesday to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol through the end of President Donald Trump's term. The vote concluded with 214 in favor and 212 against. The package, titled the 'Secure America Act,' was approved by the Senate last week and now moves to the president's desk for expected signing. The approval in the House ends months of tensions and partisan disputes over funding for immigration enforcement operations.
Public SafetyPolice activity seen in Harlingen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police activity was seen in Harlingen on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson with the Harlingen Police Department confirmed a raid took place on the 800 block of W. Buchanan St. Photos provided to ValleyCentral show that at least two Harlingen units responded to the scene. This is a developing story. Check back
NationalKansas City Showcases World Cup Counter-Drone Defense to Federal Leadership
Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 visited Kansas City, Missouri, to discuss counter-drone measures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The task force has allocated over $100 million to enhance drone defense capabilities across 11 host cities. The visit included meetings with local law enforcement and safety partners, focusing on integrating air domain awareness and real-time drone response into security planning. Kansas City officials emphasized the importance of interagency coordination to ensure the safety of fans and facilities during the event. The federal government is actively supporting these preparations through various agencies.
PoliticsPaxton Demands Transparency from FIFA to Protect Texas Soccer Fans from Hidden Costs
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into FIFA, the international soccer governing body, over claims that it misled fans about the location and quality of seats for the upcoming 2026 World Cup matches in Arlington and Houston. Fans have reported purchasing premium 'Category 1' seats, only to find their seats reassigned to 'Category 2' with inferior views. Paxton aims to ensure FIFA adheres to ethical business practices, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights for Texas fans. The investigation will assess potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Texas Business and Commerce Code.
SportsFrom Ricky Martin to Shakira, the Official Songs of the World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is filled with music, and each year, the sound draws from various roots that resonate with fans. For the 2026 World Cup, Colombian superstar Shakira and afrobeats icon Burna Boy have teamed up for 'Dai Dai,' the official song. This track blends their musical styles—afrobeats and Latin rhythms—creating an undeniably global and multilingual pop theme. In one verse, they mention countries competing in this year's World Cup: 'Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia,' cheers Shakira. 'Mexico, Japan, Korea, Netherlands.' The song pays tribute to football legends like Pelé, Maradona, and Messi, among others. After the first chorus, Shakira and Burna Boy take turns singing their verses before coming together for a duet. 'Dai dai' is an Italian expression meaning 'let's go,' often used to encourage someone to keep going. The multilingual chorus 'Dai dai, Ikó, dale, allez, let’s go!' captures the global spirit of the World Cup. Another song energizing this World Cup is 'Somos más,' performed by global superstars Carlos Vives, Emilia, Wisin, and Xavi, which encapsulates the passion, diversity, and energy of football. As usual, FIFA World Cup sponsors release their own singles for the tournament. In March, Coca-Cola shared its official anthem, a reinterpretation of Van Halen's 'Jump,' featuring Colombian singer J Balvin, drummer Travis Barker, pop/R&B singer Amber Mark, and guitarist Steve Vai. Balvin added a new verse in Spanish, incorporating Brazilian funk and hip hop into the classic rock song. 'Jump' is not originally a football song, Balvin explained to The Associated Press, 'That's why I had to infuse the love and passion of Latinos for football into the lyrics.' In the past, Ricky Martin provided music for a World Cup, specifically the 1998 World Cup in France, with his iconic song 'La copa de la vida' (known in English as 'The Cup of Life'), which served as the official song for that tournament.
HealthNew screwworm cases raise concern for Texas cattle, beef prices
Concerns over the spread of the New World screwworm are growing after multiple new cases were confirmed on Monday, and as state and federal officials ramp up efforts to contain the parasite.
NationalUS-Commissioned Study Identifies Alcohol Risks, But Government Excludes It from Guidelines
An independent study commissioned by the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden to investigate health risks associated with alcohol was published on Tuesday, after the administration of President Donald Trump chose not to highlight the researchers' findings in new dietary recommendations, amid pressures from the alcohol industry and a congressional committee. The study's conclusions, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, aligned with years of research, indicating that health risks increase with just one drink a day and that no level of alcohol consumption has a protective effect on mortality. Even levels considered 'moderate' raise the risk of premature death and over 200 diseases, including heart disease and cancer, the researchers found. The new study was one of two government reviews intended to help guide new dietary guidelines. Released earlier this year, the guidelines advised consuming 'less alcohol for better overall health.' The authors of the independently released study argue that this did not provide detailed practical advice on the risks of drinking.
HealthUS-Commissioned Study Identifies Alcohol Risks, But Government Excludes It from Guidelines
An independent study commissioned by the administration of former President Joe Biden to investigate health-related damages from alcohol was published on Tuesday, after the government under President Donald Trump chose not to highlight the researchers' findings in new dietary recommendations, amid pressures from the alcohol industry and a congressional committee. The study's conclusions, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, aligned with years of research, indicating that health risks increase with just one drink a day and that no level of alcohol consumption has a protective effect on mortality. Even levels considered 'moderate' raise the risk of premature death and over 200 diseases, including heart disease and cancer, the researchers found. The new study was one of two government reviews intended to help guide new dietary guidelines. Released earlier this year, the guidelines advised consuming 'less alcohol for better overall health.' The authors of the independently released study argue that this did not provide detailed practical advice on the risks of drinking.
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.