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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.
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.
HealthGov. Abbott fast tracks sterile fly facility in Edinburg to combat screwworm
Governor Greg Abbott is intensifying efforts to protect Texas livestock from the New World Screwworm by fast-tracking an $800 million sterile fly breeding facility at Moore Air Base near Edinburg. This initiative follows a disaster declaration expansion aimed at preventing the parasite's spread, which threatens the state's $15 billion cattle industry. A confirmed screwworm case was reported in a calf in La Pryor, prompting officials to treat the animal and inspect its herd. Texas A&M will deploy fly testing facilities, and residents are urged to monitor pets for wounds and report any suspicious cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
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.
WeatherDespite the heat and humidity this weekend should be fairly nice
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If you're planning to spend the weekend outside in Harlingen, it's gonna be hot, humid, and with a whisper of sea breeze showers each afternoon. Saturday looks partly cloudy with highs pushing up to around 92°F, though the heat index will make it feel closer to the upper 90s. Winds will be
WeatherSharyland baseball state championship game postponed due to weather
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland Rattlers baseball team's state championship game has been postponed due to weather conditions. The Division II State Championships at Round Rock have been rescheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, where Sharyland will face Lucas Lovejoy. Sharyland is the fifth Valley baseball team to advance to the state championship.
HealthUSDA confirms second case of New World Screwworm in South Texas
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed a second detection of New World Screwworm in Zavala County. According to the USDA, the detection was confirmed on Friday on a domestic cattle. A post from the New World Screwworm Rapid Response page claims the second case comes from a one-month-old calf approximately
HealthValley Baptist Health System hosting cereal drive
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With students out for summer vacation, Valley Baptist Health System is partnering with the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley to provide hungry children and adults with a healthy breakfast. The cereal drive is taking place from June 8 through June 18. "When it comes to our children, I feel
PoliticsICE says 'secretive' South Texas facility is for processing not detention
Protesters waved signed and blew whistles in front of an unmarked building Friday that they say migrants are being held in by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE confirmed to Border Report the unmarked building processes detained migrants
CommunityOne Step Away from the Final: Which Housemate Was Eliminated from La Casa de los Famosos
In the latest episode of Telemundo's reality show, La Casa de los Famosos, Verónica del Castillo was eliminated, becoming the penultimate contestant to leave the house. This marks the first double elimination in the show's history, with only six days remaining until the final. Verónica, who spent 39 days in the house, showed resilience among the four latecomers. Following her elimination, Yoridán returned to the house, greeted warmly by his teammates. The next elimination is scheduled for Sunday, and Horacio was spared after a colorful greyhound race, bringing excitement to the remaining contestants.
BusinessRestaurant named after beloved grandmother earns Top Performer sticker
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — To be a Food 4 Thought, ¡QUE RICO! Top Performer, a business must have a routine inspection report with zero health code violations. Like an inspector, the Food Patrol’s Derick Garcia and Jerry Salinas arrive without warning. This edition of Food 4 Thought spotlights plant-based restaurant Maria Cruz at 314 S.
Public SafetyWoman's body recovered at the Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman's body was recovered at the Port of Brownsville on Friday afternoon, according to officials. The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department responded to a welfare concern at the port's Fishing Harbor after a family reported a female was missing, according to a news release from the Port of Brownsville.
BusinessGov. Greg Abbott expands state disaster declaration on screwworm infestation in South Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has expanded a statewide disaster declaration due to the New World screwworm infestation in Texas. This declaration allows for the mobilization of all state resources to combat the issue, particularly in Zavala County, where the first case was confirmed. The state is prioritizing the shipment of sterile flies to disrupt the screwworm's reproductive cycle. Concerns have been raised about communication from the USDA regarding the infestation, especially as cases have emerged in Mexico. Local ranchers are worried about the impact on livestock and wildlife, with potential economic damages estimated at $1.8 billion.
Public SafetyA body was found at Port of Brownsville after woman reported missing
Authorities discovered a body in the water at the Port of Brownsville on Friday following a report of a missing woman. The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department responded to concerns raised by the woman's family. During the search, officers were informed by a third party about the body, which matched the woman's description. The Port of Brownsville Police Department, along with the Cameron County Sheriff's Department, is conducting an investigation into the incident, while the Brownsville Fire Department is aiding in the recovery operations.
HealthValley ranchers on alert as screwworm risk grows
Ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley are on high alert due to the proximity of New World screwworm cases in Uvalde County. Although no cases have been confirmed in Hidalgo County, local officials are coordinating with state and federal agencies to monitor the situation. Veterinarian Lucas Hinojosa recalls past outbreaks that severely affected cattle, leading to significant losses. Ranchers are advised to inspect their livestock daily for wounds and report any concerns to the Texas Animal Health Commission. The USDA is implementing measures, including quarantines and the release of sterile flies, to prevent the screwworm's spread. Public vigilance is crucial.
BusinessSouth Padre Island city officials approve of temporary AEP Texa mobile skid
South Padre Island has approved the installation of a temporary mobile substation from AEP Texas to ensure reliable power supply during infrastructure upgrades. The city council's decision comes in response to concerns from residents about potential power outages. The mobile skid will be located on Padre Boulevard and is expected to remain in place for approximately 18 months. This measure aims to minimize disruptions while the utility company enhances its services.
CommunitySea Turtle Inc. reports record breaking nesting season at South Padre Island
Sea Turtle Inc. has announced a record-breaking nesting season at South Padre Island, with 150 nests discovered, containing approximately 14,000 eggs. The organization credits its conservation efforts for this success, noting that it takes sea turtles around 12 to 15 years to mature. Dr. Amy Bonka, Chief Conservation Officer, emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts in turtle conservation, as the results are becoming evident. The hatching season is expected to begin as early as next week, following the typical timeline of about a month and a half after the eggs are laid.
NationalA federal judge strikes down Trump administration immigration policy affecting 39 countries
A federal judge in Boston has invalidated a Trump administration immigration policy that affected immigrants from 39 countries, making it harder for them to enter or remain in the U.S. The ruling by U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell Jr. criticized the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for acting outside its legal authority and failing to provide necessary explanations for its decisions. The policy, enacted after a shooting involving National Guard members, barred immigrants from receiving final decisions on asylum, work permits, and citizenship applications. Immigration advocates hailed the decision as a crucial win for lawful immigration pathways.
Public SafetyElsa man arrested on drug and weapon charges
On June 2, an Elsa man named Mauricio Rocha Jr. was arrested at Mario Leal Park on drug and weapon charges. The Elsa Police Department reported that officers noticed a suspicious vehicle after park hours and approached Rocha. During their investigation, they discovered a Taurus .38 special revolver, marijuana, cocaine, THC vape devices, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, and cash in the vehicle. Rocha faces multiple charges, including the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He is currently held at the Hidalgo County jail with a bond set at $535,000.
EducationEdinburg EDC Leads Launch of Second Year of Bank On INT Internship Program
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) has officially launched the second year of the Bank On INT paid internship program, aimed at providing undergraduate students with practical experience in the banking sector. The program, initiated on June 5, 2026, involves a partnership between the City of Edinburg, EEDC, UTRGV, and several regional banks. Mayor Omar Ochoa emphasized the importance of this opportunity for students to gain real-world experience while earning a competitive salary. The initiative also aims to support workforce development and talent retention in the Rio Grande Valley, with local banks reporting successful placements of former interns into full-time roles.