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HealthSafe Summer Expo aims to reduce kids’ injuries in South Texas
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Texas Health System Children’s held its third annual Safe Summer Expo to provide safety strategies to help kids stay safe during the summer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a significant spike in pediatric emergency room visits nationwide between June and August. According to an STHS
Public SafetyState of Texas: Governor expands emergency declaration to fight screwworm threat
Texas and federal officials are working together to quickly contain the New World screwworm after the flesh-eating parasite was detected in a calf in La Pryor, roughly 100 miles southwest of San Antonio. It marks the first confirmed case on the Texas side of the U.S. - Mexico border in roughly six decades.
NationalMountain Guide Dies After Falling into Crevasse on Mount McKinley in Alaska
A seasonal mountain guide with the National Park Service, Robin Pendery, tragically died after falling into a crevasse on Mount McKinley in Alaska. The incident occurred near a camp at 14,000 feet, where Pendery was part of the climbing patrol. Despite rescue efforts, she did not survive. Pendery, originally from Enumclaw, Washington, had been with Denali National Park since 2024, focusing on climber safety and emergency response. She previously worked with Alpine Ascents International, earning respect for her skills and compassion. The park superintendent expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a dedicated colleague and friend.
NationalShooting at a festival in Ohio leaves several injured
A shooting near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on June 6, 2026, left at least 12 people injured, with two in critical condition. Toledo Police reported that the incident prompted a chaotic scene as festival-goers sought shelter. Authorities believe at least two individuals were exchanging gunfire. Videos shared on social media captured the panic as shots rang out. Witness Kevin Berry, present at the festival, recounted seeing people hit by bullets and immediately began assisting the injured. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed deep concern, emphasizing that summer festivals should be safe spaces for families.
HealthSecond screwworm case in Texas confirmed, as Abbott expands state disaster declaration
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a second case of New World screwworm in Zavala County, prompting Governor Greg Abbott to expand a statewide disaster declaration. The new case was identified in a calf just 5.6 miles from the first case. In response, Abbott authorized the use of all state resources to combat the infestation, including the construction of a facility to produce sterile flies aimed at disrupting the screwworm's reproduction cycle. The USDA has established a 20-kilometer infested zone and is working with local partners to manage the outbreak, which could potentially cause $1.8 billion in economic damage to Texas.
NationalJudge halts Trump administration efforts to impose conditions on SNAP
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempt to impose new conditions on states seeking funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This decision comes after 20 Democratic states filed a lawsuit against the Agriculture Department, arguing that the proposed conditions, which include restrictions on 'gender ideology' and 'immigration,' are unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun issued a preliminary injunction and plans to provide further explanation later. SNAP supports around 39 million Americans, but recent data shows a decline in beneficiaries, attributed to new requirements from a tax and spending cut bill passed last summer.
SportsSharyland Rattlers season ends with championship loss
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland Rattlers baseball team lost to Lucas Lovejoy with a final score of 7 -2 in the state championship in Round Rock on Saturday. The State Championship was originally scheduled for Friday evening; however, it was postponed due to weather conditions. During the first inning, Lovejoy took the lead with a
NationalPeru Chooses President Between a Conservative and a Progressive
Peruvians will vote this Sunday in a presidential runoff between conservative Keiko Fujimori and progressive Roberto Sánchez amid a political and security crisis. In the first round, Fujimori received 17.18% of the votes, while Sánchez garnered 12.03%. Recent polls show Fujimori with 38% and Sánchez with 35%, with 27% still undecided. Both candidates face significant rejection, with 40% and 38% of voters unwilling to support them, respectively. Fujimori promises order and security, while Sánchez seeks to reassure investors about his policies. Analysts note that regardless of the winner, governance challenges will persist due to a fragmented Congress.
NationalBody of American Student Missing in Japan Found
The body of 20-year-old Auburn University student James 'Weston' Higginbotham, who had been missing in Japan for a week, was found in a mountainous area near Kyoto. He disappeared while traveling with his family, last seen at the Kyoto train station on May 29. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, announced the discovery on Facebook, expressing indescribable pain and gratitude for the support received during the search. Weston had reportedly walked away after a discussion about artificial intelligence, and concerns grew about his emotional state. Heavy rains from a typhoon had delayed search efforts until Wednesday.
SportsHow the FIFA World Cup Will Be with 48 Teams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, an increase of 16 from previous tournaments. This edition will include 12 groups of four teams each, as opposed to the previous eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new knockout round of 32 teams, followed by the traditional knockout stages. In total, 104 matches will be played over 56 days, matching the duration of the 2010, 2014, and 2018 tournaments. The tournament will introduce new tiebreaker criteria as well.
NationalUnder Maximum Surveillance: The 11 World Cup Venues in the U.S. Prepare for Unprecedented Threats
As the World Cup approaches, security preparations are intensifying across 11 U.S. cities, with millions of soccer fans expected to attend. Andrew Giuliani, the White House task force director for the event, emphasized the need for collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement to address unprecedented security threats. The tournament, starting next week, will feature 48 teams and 104 matches. Host cities have received $625 million in federal funds for security enhancements. Additionally, concerns over a rare Ebola outbreak in Congo are being monitored, affecting the national team's training plans. Discussions are ongoing regarding fan safety measures, including restrictions on refillable water bottles.
BusinessNew state law will allow Valley food trucks to work across counties with one license
A new Texas law will simplify operations for food trucks starting July 1, requiring them to obtain a state license from the Texas Health Department instead of local permits. This change allows vendors to operate across city and county lines with a single license. Diana Baca, Program Manager for Hidalgo County Health and Human Services, emphasized the importance of applying promptly for the state license, as many may mistakenly believe local permits are sufficient. The cost of the license ranges from $300 to $1,800, depending on the type of vendor, and Hidalgo County is offering assistance to those with questions.
NationalBlow to Trump: Judge Blocks Restrictions on States to Access SNAP Funds
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to impose new conditions on states seeking funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 20 Democratic states, which argued that the restrictions related to gender ideology, immigration, and sports equality for women and girls were unconstitutional. The judge, Myong Joun, issued a preliminary injunction and plans to provide a memorandum explaining his decision. SNAP serves over 40 million participants monthly, and recent data shows a decline in beneficiaries, attributed to new requirements from a tax and spending bill pushed by Republicans.
CommunityLuis Fonsi Reunites with Mexican Taxi Driver, and They Even Sang Together!
Luis Fonsi returned to Mexico City a month after his encounter with the taxi driver went viral, captivating social media with his reaction upon discovering that the singer was his passenger. The Puerto Rican artist shared that he promised Richy that he would be his driver upon his return. He fulfilled that promise, and the moment was captured on social media. 'I am a man of my word,' the artist stated, also inviting the taxi driver to his acoustic concert at the El Cantoral cultural center in Mexico City, rewarding him with six tickets. A humorous moment occurred when the driver jokingly asked Fonsi to let him sing, turning the car into a stage as they attempted to sing 'No me doy por vencido.'
SportsCan You Spot an Offside? Take Our Quiz and Find Out!
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, the concept of 'offside' in soccer will be frequently discussed. This term is known for its complexity, relating to the positioning of attacking players in relation to defenders. The offside rule has evolved over time and can be challenging to understand and identify during live games. To assist with these decisions, professional leagues have adopted special technology. As you gear up for this year's World Cup, take the quiz below to learn more about what constitutes an offside violation.
NationalThe Incredible Cockroach Party Jumps from the Internet to the Streets of India
NEW DELHI, India – Hundreds of supporters of the Cockroach People's Party (CJP), a youth movement in India that started as a satire on social media, held their first protest this Saturday in New Delhi following the return of their leader, Abhijeet Dipke. Wearing cockroach masks and holding copies of the Indian Constitution, the protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to a series of leaks, technical errors, and cancellations in various official exams that have sparked outrage among Indian youth. 'Exam answers are being sold before the exam takes place. They can cost around $10,500. Those who buy the answers come out victorious; while others who cannot afford them cannot advance,' said Aditi Mishra, president of the student union at Jawaharlal Nehru University, during the protest. The concern over these official exams, often crucial in a country facing a 15.3% youth unemployment rate, prompted many young people to join the CJP protest on Saturday.
Public Safety'Something must be going on': Third dead cat found on same Peñitas street
PEÑITAS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A disturbing discovery in Peñitas has prompted an investigation by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. A dead cat was found with a cord tightly wrapped around its neck, raising concerns about possible animal cruelty. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday along a street where several dead cats and dogs have been
CommunityWeslaco couple competing in the BBQ World Cup in Las Vegas
Eloy and Debi De Leon, a couple from Weslaco, are set to compete in the inaugural BBQ World Cup in Las Vegas, where they will vie for a $1 million prize. Their journey from a backyard hobby to this prestigious event began after winning Grand Champion at Smokin' On The Rio this year. Known as Los Buzzards, the couple is excited to represent the Rio Grande Valley and emphasize that their participation is about community pride rather than the prize money. They will face over 100 pit masters from around the world next April, showcasing their South Texas flavors.
CommunityFormer Spurs dancer, San Juan native now teaches dance in San Antonio
Tina Alanis, a former Spurs Silver Dancer from San Juan, Texas, has transitioned from performing to teaching dance at Lee High School in San Antonio. Her passion for dance began at age two, and she credits her high school director with inspiring her journey. Alanis danced with the Spurs from 2005 to 2011, celebrating two championship wins and cherishing the sense of community among fans and dancers. Now, she aims to instill confidence in her students, who perform at Spurs games. Alanis encourages others to pursue their dreams, emphasizing that anyone can achieve their goals if they follow their passion.
Public Safety2 people arrested in human smuggling case that ended in fiery crash near Linn
Two individuals were arrested following a fiery crash near Linn on Thursday night. U.S. Border Patrol discovered 39 undocumented migrants inside the truck after it ignited. All migrants were rescued and are currently in federal custody. The incident began when the truck driver fled from the Falfurrias checkpoint, leading law enforcement on a chase. Despite the Texas Department of Public Safety deploying spike strips, the driver continued until the tires caught fire, prompting the stop.