Archive · 6149 stories · page 194 of 308
NationalSenate Approves Bill to Fund ICE and CBP; Now Heads to House Vote
The Senate approved a $70 billion bill early Friday to fund immigration enforcement agencies under President Trump. The vote, which passed 52-47, followed weeks of delays and controversy over a $1.776 billion compensation fund for law enforcement injured during the January 6 Capitol attack. Although unrelated to the bill, this fund threatened its passage. The legislation will finance Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for three years. The approval came after Republicans narrowly rejected attempts to permanently ban the compensation fund, which has caused division within the party.
Public SafetyBail ordered at $200K for Valley ICE agent wanted in Minnesota
A Minnesota judge has set bail at $200,000 for Christian Castro, an ICE agent arrested in Harlingen for assault and false reporting. Castro was taken into custody on May 29 at a home on Sun Chase Drive and is wanted in connection with a January shooting incident involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. During a June 4 hearing, Cameron County DA Luis V. Saenz mentioned that extradition documents are being prepared. Castro, a Rio Grande Valley native, faces charges of aggravated assault and false reporting. If released, he must travel to Minnesota for arraignment. He remains in custody at Cameron County jail.
WeatherWith hurricane season underway, South Padre Island urges residents to sign up for emergency alerts
As hurricane season begins, South Padre Island officials are encouraging residents and visitors to enroll in the city's emergency alert system. Managed by Rave Mobile Safety, the system provides alerts via text, phone calls, or email to anyone who registers. Local business owner Michael Sularz emphasized its importance for both residents and employees, noting the unpredictability of power outages during storms. Fire Chief Jim Pigg clarified that the alerts focus on immediate threats, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, rather than general weather updates. The last mass alert was sent during the 2021 freeze. Residents can sign up for alerts online.
SportsSan Antonio Spurs shootaround after game one loss
The San Antonio Spurs are regrouping after their disappointing Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks in the finals. Sports Director KJ Doyle and Reporter Alfredo Sanchez reported live from the Frost Bank Center, where players expressed their determination to improve. Forward Keldon Johnson emphasized the need to learn from self-inflicted mistakes, while Harrison Barnes noted the potential for growth and connection among teammates. Guard Devin Vassel acknowledged first-game nerves but remains optimistic about their readiness for Game 2, highlighting the importance of trust in each other and their game plan.
Public SafetyInput needed for proposed $14. 5M flood control project in Las Milpas area
Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 is proposing a $14.5 million flood control project in the Las Milpas area of Pharr, which could benefit over 1,000 property owners. The South Lateral Drain Phase Seven project aims to widen five miles of drainage channel and construct two detention ponds to manage stormwater. One pond will be located near Veterans Boulevard, covering 39 acres, while the other will be near Thomas Road, covering 11 acres. The project is currently in the environmental review phase, and public input is encouraged until June 12, 2026, to help finalize the plans.
Weather$1. 2 million flood warning network aims to give residents hours of notice across the Rio Grande Valley
Cameron County is developing a flood early warning system to provide residents in the Rio Grande Valley with advance notice of potential flooding. Currently, 48 data collection stations are operational, with plans to add at least 18 more. The system aims to give residents several hours of warning, allowing them to take necessary precautions, such as gathering sandbags or important documents. The stations communicate to track rising water levels and send alerts downstream. Funded by the state at a cost of approximately $1.2 million, the project will also aid in determining future flood mitigation efforts. A sign-up link for alerts will be available this fall.
SportsSpurs fans excited for the 2026 NBA Finals
San Antonio Spurs fans are thrilled as their team faces the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals, a moment many have long awaited. Dylan Castillo expressed his excitement, saying it feels like a childhood dream come true. Fans Susana Cruz and Olga Perez, who attended the 1999 Finals, are nostalgic about this rematch, with Cruz emphasizing the importance of being present for such a special event. The Rio Grande Valley is also represented, with Josh Nieto highlighting his local connections. Spurs center Victor Wembanyama appreciates the support from the community, noting the franchise's legendary status and the joy it brings to fans.
Public SafetyBrownsville juvenile charged after using AI to create sexually explicit images of female classmates, police say
A juvenile in Brownsville has been arrested for using artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images of female classmates, according to the Brownsville Police Department. The unnamed individual is facing 10 charges related to the unlawful production and distribution of deep fake sexually explicit media, with the arrest occurring on May 27. Authorities are urging anyone who believes they may be a victim of similar crimes to reach out to them. Police emphasized the potential for AI technology to be misused, highlighting the legal repercussions of creating or sharing such images without consent.
Public SafetyKen Paxton announces investigation into energy drink company linked to death of Weslaco cheerleader
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into Celsius Holdings, Inc., the manufacturer of the Alani Nu energy drink linked to the death of 17-year-old Weslaco cheerleader Larissa Rodriguez. Rodriguez's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming her death was caused by excessive caffeine consumption from the drink. Paxton aims to protect children from misleading marketing and dangerous caffeine levels, as each can contains 200 mg of caffeine, deemed unsafe for minors. The investigation follows reports of adverse health effects from energy drinks among young consumers nationwide. Distributors have denied the allegations and seek to dismiss the lawsuit.
Public SafetyHuman smuggling pursuit ends in tractor-trailer fire on US 281: Sheriff
LINN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A tractor-trailer involved in a human smuggling pursuit has caught fire, leading to road closures along U.S. 281, Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra is reporting. The southbound lanes of U.S. 281 approximately six miles north of Linn are closed as first responders put out the fire. The affected roadway will be
Health'We're not prepared': Texas agriculture commissioner warns as New World Screwworm reaches state
MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — State and federal officials continue ramping up efforts to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm after an infested calf was recently discovered in La Pryor, marking the pest's arrival in Texas. The infected calf was found about 200 miles north of McAllen, prompting increased surveillance and control measures across
WeatherThunderstorm focus turns to Mexico for Friday weather
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Another warm, humid day is scheduled for Friday with partly cloudy skies and modest southeast winds. The last several days the Valley has seen afternoon, sea breeze thunderstorms roll in from the east. Now the mechanism driving rain chances will shift to out of the southwest. The mechanical mix up will
EducationSpaceX awards $100K in scholarships to Brownsville ISD students
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX awarded students from the Brownsville Independent School District with $100,000 in scholarships on Thursday. The partnership between SpaceX and Brownsville ISD awards 10 students with $10,000 scholarships each to help them pursue a higher education and support their career goals. It adds that, in addition to academic success, students will
NationalNeither official nor unofficial: Mexico has no communication regarding US visa withdrawal
MEXICO CITY – Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco stated on Thursday that he has "no official or unofficial communication" from the United States regarding an alleged withdrawal of visas from two Mexican governors amid rising bilateral tensions. The governors in question are Alfonso Durazo of Sonora and Américo Villareal of Tamaulipas, who both denied reports on Wednesday that the US had revoked their visas due to an alleged investigation into their supposed ties to organized crime, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. "We have no official communication on this matter, nor unofficial. This is not a topic on which there has been any communication from the US government," Velasco said during a press conference alongside his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, at the Foreign Ministry in Mexico City. On Wednesday, Durazo, from the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena), rejected the notion that he needed to "prove" he has a valid visa to travel to the United States. He also urged US authorities to "clarify the information" if such an investigation exists. Meanwhile, the governor of Tamaulipas, also from Morena, posted a video on social media criticizing the journalistic reports and the "false, biased accusations lacking any evidence to support them." The reactions from both politicians come after the Los Angeles Times reported that Durazo and Villareal are being investigated in the US for alleged connections to organized crime and fuel smuggling (known in Mexico as "huachicol"). The publication indicated that Washington has revoked their visas, but both politicians continue to enter the United States regularly under cooperation programs with US authorities. If this investigation is confirmed, it would represent another step in the recent campaign that Washington has launched against active Mexican politicians and their alleged ties to organized crime, following an urgent request in April for the arrest of ten officials from Sinaloa, including Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, for drug-related offenses. Velasco also mentioned that the tone of conversations with the US ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, has been one of cordiality and friendship between the two countries.
EducationWeslaco ISD summer meal program runs through July 10 at no cost to students
Weslaco ISD is providing free lunches for students aged 18 and under this summer, funded by a federal grant. Last year, the program successfully served thousands of students, and the district aims to continue supporting families facing rising food costs. Weslaco ISD spokesperson Carlos Robledo emphasized the importance of nutritious meals, especially given current food inflation. The summer meal program will be available until July 10, 2026, and no school ID is required to receive a meal. Families are encouraged to contact their school district to confirm if their child's school is participating in the program.
Public SafetyPETA urges caution after reports of cat deaths in McAllen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is urging residents to keep their pets indoors following reports of cat deaths in a north McAllen neighborhood. The call for action by the nonprofit organization PETA is followed by a social media post from U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who said at least
Public SafetyTruck Allegedly Involved in Human Trafficking Catches Fire in Hidalgo County
A trailer truck, allegedly involved in human trafficking, caught fire in Hidalgo County, causing the southbound lane of Highway 281 to close six miles north of Linn. Sheriff Eddie Guerra announced the incident via social media, stating that law enforcement was pursuing the vehicle when the fire broke out. The situation is still developing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
HealthCameron County Monitors Screwworm Threat After Zavala County Detection
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the U.S. on June 3, 2026, after an infected calf was found in Zavala County, Texas. In response, officials are establishing an infested zone and conducting surveillance to prevent the spread of this pest, which can affect livestock and pets. Although Zavala County is about 300 miles from Cameron County, local officials are coordinating with state and federal agencies to ensure readiness. Residents are urged to monitor animals for signs of infection and report any suspected cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Public SafetyRGV Mother and Daughter Face Prison After Human Smuggling Conviction
A federal jury has found a mother and daughter from the Rio Grande Valley guilty of human smuggling. The verdict came after a two-day trial where evidence showed they transported an illegal alien to a Border Patrol checkpoint near Kingsville on July 22, 2025. The passenger, who could not provide identification, testified he was smuggled into the U.S. and was headed to Houston. The defendants claimed they believed he was a U.S. citizen, but the jury rejected this defense. Sentencing is scheduled for September 1, with both facing up to 10 years in prison. The case is part of Operation Take Back America.
Public SafetyCaught with cocaine, man said he planned to visit ‘my friend, my hoes’ near Corpus Christi
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who told Border Patrol he planned to visit “my friend, my hoes” near Corpus Christi was caught transporting nearly six pounds of cocaine on Wednesday, according to the criminal complaint against him. Francisco Javier Palafox Jr. stopped at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita on Wednesday afternoon. The