City of Edinburg Cultural Arts Announces New ACE Membership Program and Mariachi Guitar Classes

The Edinburg Cultural Arts Department has introduced the ACE Membership Program and announced new Mariachi Guitar classes at the Edinburg ACE Center. The four-week program, led by Manuel Lopez from UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán, is designed for adult beginners and intermediates, featuring eight sessions of instruction. Enrollment is limited to 15 students per session, and all necessary equipment will be provided. Additionally, ACE Memberships are available online, offering various tiers with benefits such as early event access and studio use. For details, visit edinburgarts.com or contact the center at (956) 388-8224.

Deadline Extended for Free Brownsville Business Course Starting August 11

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) has extended the application deadline for the eBridge Business Academy's August cohort to August 2, 2026. The program will run from August 11 to September 1, 2026, with sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization. This free entrepreneurship program, based on the Kauffman FastTrac curriculum, does not require a registered business or completed business plan to apply. Interested entrepreneurs can apply at www.ebridgebusinessacademy.com. A second cohort is scheduled from September 8 to September 29, 2026, meeting in the evenings.

Efforts underway to recover Starship from the Indian Ocean

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Efforts are underway to recover the Starship from the Indian Ocean after it lifted off from Starbase last week. SpaceX noted several successes throughout Starship Flight 13, including a successful first-stage ascent, a high-thrust burn igniting all 33 Raptor 3 engines with a Super Heavy V3, and deploying 20 Starlink V3

'Our way to give back to our kids': Cameron County Precinct 4 to host backpack giveaway

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Precinct 4 Commissioner Gus Ruiz is hosting a backpack giveaway for members of the community.  The Annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive will take place on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., or until supplies last. The event will take place at 26623 White Ranch Road in La Feria.   The event is a drive-thru

'They are profiling them': Valley builders losing workers due to ICE fears

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Builders from across the Valley and Texas rallied in Pharr on Wednesday, calling for an end to immigration enforcement at construction sites. Builders say the fear of raids is driving away workers, delaying projects and driving up the cost of new homes. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions have increased in

Terrence Howard Receives Edinburg Honor During Rio Grande Valley Visit

On July 27, 2026, actor Terrence Howard visited Edinburg, Texas, where he met with city leaders to discuss potential business ventures and share his vision for emerging technologies. During his visit, City Councilmember Jason De Leon presented Howard with a proclamation declaring the day as Terrence Howard Day. Howard expressed gratitude for the city's hospitality, noting the warmth of Edinburg's residents. He discussed innovative ideas, including drone technology for transporting heavy equipment. While no specific business projects were announced, the visit highlighted Edinburg's designation as a Film Friendly Texas community and its connection to the South Texas International Film Festival.

DPS Leads Successful Recovery of Radioactive Source in Midland County

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) successfully recovered a Cesium-137 radioactive source in Midland County over the weekend. The operation began when a DPS Corporal detected radiation during a routine patrol near S County Road 1210. After confirming the source, the DPS coordinated with local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and Midland Fire Department, to safely recover the material. The Cs-137 source, a sealed radioactive item manufactured in 1967, was found 6 to 8 inches underground and was retrieved without incident, ensuring no injuries or public threat. This operation underscores the importance of DPS's partnerships in emergency responses.

DIA Honors Decades of Service by Renaming Headquarters Auditorium

During a recent visit to the Defense Intelligence Agency at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth honored Army Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton by renaming Clapper Leadership Hall to Thomas Knowlton Leadership Hall. Hegseth highlighted Knowlton's pivotal role as the commander of the Continental Army's first intelligence unit, Knowlton's Rangers, established in 1776 under George Washington's directive. Knowlton's contributions are considered foundational to military intelligence. Hegseth emphasized the importance of intelligence in modern military operations and presented coins to service members, acknowledging their vital work in national defense.

FIFA Files Charges Against Argentina for Fight and Falklands Banner at World Cup

FIFA filed disciplinary charges against two Argentine players on Wednesday for striking Spanish opponents moments after the 2026 World Cup final, and accused the Argentine Football Association of allowing players to display a political banner about the Falkland Islands after defeating England in the semifinals. A list of open disciplinary cases against Argentina also includes 'discriminatory chants and gestures' by fans, an alleged assault by assistant coach Roberto Ayala after the final, and 'the throwing of objects by spectators in several matches of the Argentine national team' during the World Cup. Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three charges of assault in the post-match confrontations following Spain's 1-0 victory on July 19; defender Nahuel Molina faces two charges, and assistant Ayala faces one.

U.S. Department of Education Investigates Minnesota Schools Over “Transgender Dolls”

The U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation into the Minnesota Department of Education following a complaint from parents regarding the introduction of 'transgender dolls' in classrooms. These dolls, developed through a University of Minnesota program, are designed for children as young as four and feature interchangeable genitalia. Parents argue that their rights were violated as they were not informed or given the option to opt-out of this activity. The investigation aims to ensure compliance with the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, which grants parents rights concerning sensitive information and educational materials related to their children.

STC Library Opens Submissions for Art & Memory Conference

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery is calling for submissions for its 6th Annual Art & Memory Conference, focusing on food-themed artwork and recipes. Community members, including artists, students, and faculty, can submit one piece of artwork or recipe by August 12 at 5 p.m. The theme emphasizes the connection between food and personal stories, memories, and experiences, such as farming and shared meals. Submissions should be delivered to the STC Pecan Campus Library, Room F-235. For further details, contact the library at 956-872-3488 or visit their website.

McAllen nun Sister Letty faces deportation following Harlingen ICE check-in

Edinburg pastor charged with indecency with a child

Visa to Reduce Workforce by About 2,600 Employees as Company Repositions for Growth

Visa is set to cut approximately 2,600 jobs, representing about 7% of its global workforce, as part of a restructuring aimed at fostering growth. The layoffs will primarily affect employees in technology and product operations. Notifications for impacted employees are expected to be sent out soon, along with transition assistance details. CEO Ryan McInerney indicated that the company is adapting to future opportunities, with artificial intelligence playing a significant role in this evolution. Visa plans to redirect investments towards key areas such as affluent consumer services and cross-border payments, while maintaining a focus on efficiency and growth.

City of Combes issues alert for drivers, residents after 18-wheeler catches fire on expressway

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Combes is asking drivers to avoid the southbound expressway in Combes as crews work to clear the scene after an 18-wheeler carrying cement bags caught fire on Wednesday. Combes city officials are asking residents from the following areas to remain indoors and keep all windows and doors closed until

Remembering Joe Karam 1943-2026

Joe Charles Karam, Sr., a beloved figure from McAllen, TX, passed away on April 11, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on April 6, 1943, he was the eldest of six siblings and a graduate of McAllen High School, where he excelled in sports and was well-liked. Karam had a successful career as a pharmaceutical wholesaler and later as a financial advisor, focusing on helping clients with retirement planning. He was an avid outdoorsman and cherished family man, leaving behind his wife Mary Jo, three children, and eight grandchildren. A celebration of his life took place on April 25, 2026, in McAllen.

Rollover Accident Causes Temporary Closure of Access to I-69C in Edinburg

Edinburg authorities responded to a rollover accident in the 4000 block of I-69C, in the northbound lanes. According to the Edinburg Police, no injuries were reported following the incident. While all main lanes remain open, access to I-69C was temporarily closed as authorities work at the scene. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously and expect minor delays in the area.

Abbott Reappoints Ten Judges To Texas Business Court

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed all ten judges of the Texas Business Court Divisions for new two-year terms starting September 1, 2026. Abbott emphasized the court's role in resolving complex commercial disputes efficiently, which has bolstered Texas' reputation as a leading business state. The judges, who have extensive legal backgrounds, are expected to continue enhancing the court's effectiveness. Since its establishment, the Texas Business Court has successfully handled numerous cases, providing businesses with the certainty needed for investment and growth. This move underscores Abbott's commitment to maintaining a favorable legal environment for Texas businesses.

Man from Donna Accused of Impersonating Deceased Woman to Send Messages

A man from Donna is facing multiple charges after authorities accused him of allegedly unauthorized access to the digital accounts of a deceased woman and using her identity to send sexually explicit messages to her relatives. According to court documents, José Luis Lara Jr. was charged on July 2 with using a computer system or cell phone without the owner's consent. The investigation indicates that the accused allegedly accessed the phone and social media accounts, including Instagram, of a relative who passed away in 2020. Authorities reported that after the woman's death, her accounts remained active and began to be used by an unknown person. Over time, relatives of the deceased started receiving messages that appeared to come from her, including intimate photographs, explicit language, and sexually suggestive content related to alleged marital infidelity. During the investigation, agents located the cell phone allegedly used to send the messages at José Luis Lara Jr.'s residence, where he was subsequently arrested. The accused faces charges of Computer Security Breach, Harassment, Online Impersonation, and Publish/Threat to Publish Intimate Visual Material. The case remains under investigation by authorities.

Texas AG Investigates Online Puppy Seller over Misleading Health Claims

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Lone Star Pups, LLC, based in Caldwell, Texas, for allegedly misleading consumers regarding the health and origin of the puppies it sells. The company claims to work with reputable breeders, yet records show that veterinary exams are conducted in Ohio, a state known for questionable breeding practices. Additionally, Lone Star Pups asserts that 99% of its breeding dogs are OFA certified, but an undercover probe revealed they only complete two of the required tests. The investigation will also scrutinize their '10 Year Health Guarantee,' which has significant limitations.