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Public SafetyHarlingen police seeking missing 12-year-old girl
The Harlingen Police Department is asking for assistance in locating 12-year-old Shelyn Kendra Flowers, who was last seen on July 4. Shelyn was spotted in Harlingen wearing Hello Kitty shorts and a black shirt. She has brown hair, brown eyes, weighs approximately 112 pounds, and stands 5 feet 2 inches tall. Authorities believe she may still be in the area. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Harlingen Police Department at 956-216-5516.
BusinessSaronic Technologies moving forward with $3. 2b 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 that will create 10,000 jobs in South Texas. The facility, named Port Alpha, will focus on producing AI-driven autonomous vessels for potential naval applications. Governor Greg Abbott, who attended the announcement in Austin, emphasized Texas's leadership in shipbuilding and the significant economic impact of the project, which is expected to generate $750 million in annual salaries. Saronic plans to collaborate with local educational institutions for workforce training, supported by a 95% tax break approved by Cameron County commissioners.
NationalTrump is taking longer to approve disaster aid and denying Democratic states more frequently
Since taking office, President Trump has been slower to approve disaster aid, averaging a month and a half for major disaster declarations, compared to less than two weeks for previous presidents. His administration has denied a higher percentage of requests from Democratic states, approving about 60% of requests from Democratic governors versus 80% from Republicans. Recent denials included aid for states like Massachusetts and New York after a snowstorm. A council appointed by Trump has suggested changes to FEMA, potentially reducing federal aid and shifting more responsibility to states, which could lead to further denials of disaster declarations.
McAllenThirteenth Flight Test of SpaceX's Starship Rocket
On Thursday, July 16, SpaceX's Starship rocket is expected to conduct its thirteenth flight test from Starbase in Cameron County. The test aims to successfully execute the launch, ascent, stage separation, boostback burn, and landing burn on a maritime platform in the Gulf. The scheduled window for the test is 90 minutes, opening at 5:45 p.m. CT. This new mission follows Flight 12 on May 22, which marked the debut of Version 3 (V3) vehicles. In that test, the Starship reached space and successfully splashed down in the Indian Ocean; however, the Super Heavy booster experienced engine failures due to extreme thermal effects, resulting in a high-speed impact in the Gulf of Mexico. After resolving these software and hardware issues and receiving FAA approval on July 13, SpaceX is seeking redemption today with an optimized booster and the first real deployment of its Starlink V3 satellites. SpaceX stated in a release: 'Residents of Cameron County and nearby areas may hear a loud noise caused by the ignition of the rocket's 33 Raptor engines during the ignition and launch of the vehicle into space; however, what each person experiences will depend on weather conditions and other factors.'
BusinessMcDonald's Introduces Caesar Dressing to Its Menu Alongside New Products
Caesar dressing lovers, McDonald's has good news for you. The fast-food chain is adding Caesar dressing to its menu, a tempting and creamy blend of Parmesan cheese with garlic and lemon that will add a special touch to your favorite dishes. Starting Tuesday, July 21, fans of the restaurant can request the dressing to accompany their favorite chicken dishes. Along with the dressing, new menu options are arriving: Caesar Snack Wrap: A strip of breaded chicken with lettuce, shredded cheese, and Caesar dressing, wrapped in a soft tortilla. Available nationwide for $2.99. Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich: A McCrispy fillet topped with Caesar dressing, thick-cut applewood bacon, shredded lettuce, Roma tomatoes, crispy onions, and sliced pickles on toasted potato bread. Caesar Dressing Cup: If the dressing isn't enough or you want extra, you can order cups of dressing a la carte at participating restaurants.
Public SafetyHarlingen police searching for missing 12-year-old girl
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Harlingen Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a missing 12-year-old girl who was last seen on the Fourth of July. Police say Shelyn Kendra Flowers, 12, was last seen in Harlingen wearing Hello Kitty shorts and a black shirt. Flowers is about 5 feet, 2 inches
HealthMexico Issues Travel Advisory Due to Cyclospora Outbreak in the United States
The Mexican Ministry of Health has issued a preventive travel advisory for individuals planning to travel to the United States due to a multistate outbreak of cyclospora that has resulted in at least 1,645 confirmed cases across 34 states. In an epidemiological surveillance statement, Mexican authorities classified the risk as medium and recommended that travelers take extra hygiene precautions, especially regarding food and water consumption, as the source of contamination has not yet been definitively identified. Cyclospora is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, primarily transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal matter. According to the advisory, infected individuals shed the parasite in their feces, which can lead to contamination of food products and water sources. Health authorities noted that the current outbreak particularly affects four Midwestern states: Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, where more than 400 cases have been reported. In fact, there is also a health alert in the United States.
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.