Archive · 7083 stories · page 239 of 355
NationalUS Issues Travel Recommendations for Mexico: What You Should Know Days Before the World Cup
With just six days until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the US Embassy and consulates in Mexico have issued recommendations for those crossing the border, whether to attend a match or for various other reasons. The tournament, which will take place in 16 cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada, is expected to attract 5.5 million visitors to Mexico, according to the detailed communication from the US Embassy and consulates. Although all of Mexico is classified under Level 2 of the State Department's travel alert—indicating 'exercise increased caution'—there are areas with higher alert levels. The embassy and consulates emphasized specific warnings for the World Cup, ranging from how to avoid dangers while driving to tips on packing. Prohibited items for entry into Mexico include weapons and ammunition, electronic cigarettes and vaping liquids, as well as illegal drugs. 'If you plan to drive to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, be well-informed to avoid dangerous situations that other Americans have faced on Mexican roads. Please carefully review the travel alert information for each state along your route to understand the risks you may encounter along the way,' the statement reads. Additionally, travelers are advised to 'check their luggage and clothing pockets before traveling if they regularly carry prohibited items in Mexico. Bringing prohibited items can lead to severe penalties, even if done accidentally.'
Public SafetyMinor accused of creating sexually explicit AI images of female classmates
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department issued a warning on Thursday and reminded the public that using artificial intelligence technology to create sexually explicit images without a person's consent comes with criminal consequences. On May 27, Brownsville police arrested a juvenile accused of creating sexually explicit images of female classmates based on photos
NationalTrump Administration Asks Banks to Take Action Against Undocumented Individuals
The financial crimes division of the Treasury Department wants banks to help identify payroll schemes linked to undocumented individuals as part of the Trump administration's latest measure to tighten immigration control. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, also known as FinCEN, issued a notice on Friday asking banks to be vigilant against identity theft, tax fraud, and money laundering schemes related to the hiring of unauthorized workers. This comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in May requiring banks to scrutinize the citizenship of their clients more closely. The order instructs banking regulators and government agencies to look for signs that undocumented individuals are opening accounts or obtaining loans or credit cards. However, the order is less aggressive than banks had anticipated, as they expected the White House to mandate the collection of citizenship information from clients. Still, without encouraging widespread exclusion of large segments of the population, the order aims to deter individuals who are in the U.S. illegally from interacting with the financial system. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a release that the Trump administration 'will not allow illegal outsiders to abuse financial institutions to steal billions of dollars from hardworking American taxpayers.' 'Schemes to pay illegal workers often rely on access to the U.S. financial system, including U.S. banks,' Bessent added. Since banks have never collected information on the citizenship or immigration status of their clients, there are no reliable public figures on how much risk these clients pose to the financial system. The banking industry had been intensely lobbying for months to prevent the White House from issuing an executive order that would have made the collection of clients' citizenship status mandatory, arguing that it would be costly and require enormous amounts of paperwork. Given that the order only provided guidance to banks rather than a mandate, it seems the banks managed to convince the White House. The notice urges financial institutions to be alert for 'red flags' that an individual is in the U.S. illegally.
CommunityRio Grande Valley community rallies for Sharyland Rattlers baseball team
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland Rattlers baseball team is off to make history at the state championship. The Rattlers will face off against Lucas Lovejoy Friday night in Round Rock. "Everyone has pride here in the RGV," said Alejandro Islas. "I mean, me as a player, I would love to see my community come
NationalAustin Woman Gets 4 Years for Stealing $1.7M from Federal Non-Profit
Star Rana Jackson, a former Executive Director of the American Indian Center of Arkansas (AICA), has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for wire fraud. Jackson, 50, from Austin, embezzled over $1.7 million from AICA, a non-profit funded by federal grants. She pleaded guilty to the charges and was also ordered to pay nearly $1.8 million in restitution. During her tenure, Jackson misappropriated funds from various grants, including $30,000 from the Department of Education and $40,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services, using the money for personal expenses. The investigation was led by the FBI.
CommunityBrownsville Earns Governor’s Community Achievement Award
Brownsville has been awarded the 2026 Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA) by Keep Texas Beautiful, recognizing its exceptional efforts in environmental stewardship and community beautification. The award highlights the city’s strong volunteer engagement, with over 1,200 volunteers participating in 34 cleanup events in 2025, removing more than 51,000 pounds of litter. Initiatives included urban forestry projects and educational partnerships with local schools. Brownsville will receive a commemorative plaque and a $310,000 landscaping project from TxDOT to enhance community spaces. Other award recipients include Eden, San Saba, and Mesquite, among others.
CommunityMovie Talk discusses historic May at the movies
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — May 2026 may ultimately be remembered as a turning point for the theatrical experience—one defined not just by record-breaking box office numbers, but by the rise of unconventional films that connected with audiences in a big way. The momentum began with the unlikely breakout of "Obsession", a microbudget horror film that quickly became one of
SportsDivine Intervention? Who the 'Spurs Nuns' Are That Inspire the Team
New York has celebrities like Ben Stiller, Tina Fey, and Tracy Morgan among its superfans; San Antonio, on the other hand, has a group of nuns who wear Spurs jerseys over their habits. They are the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco. On game nights, they are known as the 'Spurs Nuns.' This relationship dates back at least 20 years, and for the sisters, it makes perfect sense. 'We serve the poor and the youth. To connect with young people, you have to love what they love; that way, they will love what you love. That's why we have an affinity with the Spurs, because it gives us a way to fulfill our mission with the youth we serve,' said Sister Bernadette Mota, director of the mission development department of the Salesian Sisters. This story began in a very particular way. According to reports, about two decades ago, some retired sisters—originally from Texas and big Spurs fans—watched games on television or listened to them on the radio, even while hospitalized. They cheered for all the players and coach Gregg Popovich. However, at times, Popovich seemed to lose his cool on the court, which led some sisters to write him letters. 'They wrote to Coach Popovich to congratulate him when he did a good job and also to point out when he lost his patience, but always from a place of support. He was the one who responded, thanking them for backing him and the Spurs. It was a very natural conversation that started all of this,' explained Mota. Yes, it's true: the nuns scolded Popovich for his behavior. Popovich and the Spurs have maintained their relationship with the sisters since then. Popovich's late wife, Erin, also had close ties with them and their work. The relationship has been beneficial for both sides: the Spurs enjoy having the sisters at games, and their story has inspired many to support their mission. 'We have had many people reach out and donate anywhere from $10 to $100, and also others with greater capacity to help. All of this is divine providence, a gift from God, because we really have many needs. Our mission depends on the generosity of those who collaborate with us,' Mota commented. The sisters are not the only group of fans that the Spurs have adopted. This season, the 'Jackals' emerged, a group driven by Victor Wembanyama to recreate the atmosphere of European soccer, with organized chants and drums during games. The nuns pray. The Jackals chant 'Olé, Olé, Olé.' Different styles, same intention. 'I always knew that the Spurs community had this energy. And now seeing it channeled in an organized, efficient, and effective way is a great joy,' said Wembanyama. Joy: that is also the word the sisters use. Around the team, it was noted that the sisters gave a special blessing to Luke Kornet during the Western Conference Finals, and shortly after, he made an impressive block in Game 7 in Oklahoma City, helping secure San Antonio's victory heading to the Finals. Divine intervention? Perhaps. It also does not go unnoticed by the sisters that Pope Leo XIV's prayer intention for June is dedicated to the value of sports and its ability to promote peace and respect worldwide. 'I don't know if those who helped choose the Pope's intentions were aware of what happens with the sisters and the Spurs. Maybe they were, maybe they weren't. I have no idea. But it seems incredible to me that the intention for June is about sports,' said Mota.
Public SafetyDPS Uncovers Stash House, Captures Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant Gang Member
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) discovered a stash house in Eagle Pass during Operation Lone Star, leading to the arrest of a wanted gang member. On May 29, 2026, DPS Troopers acted on a tip about suspicious activity at a hotel. Inside, they found four illegal immigrants from Honduras, including 21-year-olds Joseph Angel Gusman and Daniel Castillo Dionisio, both affiliated with the Rollin’ 30s Crips gang. Dionisio was wanted for armed robbery and aggravated assault. Two U.S. citizens, Juella Monet Brown and Starr Ricki Drake, were also arrested for operating the stash house. DPS encourages the public to report suspected stash houses for potential rewards.
CommunityBrownsville Invites Residents to Help Guide New Master Plan
The City of Brownsville is actively seeking public input for its Housing Master Plan, following the first public meeting held on June 3, 2026. Residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate through additional meetings and an online housing survey available on the city's website. The plan aims to address current and future housing needs with innovative policies and strategies. The process will include assessments of existing housing conditions and community engagement to shape actionable recommendations. Upcoming events include tabling at local celebrations and markets to gather further input from residents.
Public SafetyHidalgo County Sheriff's Office swears in 20 peace officers
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A graduation ceremony was held on Thursday to swear in a class of cadets who completed a nine-month training program to become peace officers. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office swore in 20 cadets who completed the program, known as the Basic Peace Officer Academy. Thursday's ceremony celebrated the 41st class of
CommunityNonprofit raising child abuse awareness after Raymondville infant death
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande Valley nonprofit is encouraging the Willacy County community to come together to increase child abuse awareness after the tragic loss of an infant in Raymondville. Criminal complaints obtained by Valley Central confirmed earlier reporting that 19-year-old Lydia De Los Santos was charged with manslaughter after allegedly leaving her
PoliticsAbbott to hold briefing on New World Screwworm response
Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a briefing in Austin on Texas’ response to a confirmed New World Screwworm case, joined by state and federal officials overseeing containment efforts.
WeatherWeekend rain chances linger, dry week to follow
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Rain showers, non severe thunderstorms stay in the forecast through the weekend with highest chances Friday then isolated, spotty showers Saturday and Sunday. Of those two days Saturday looks to be the most dry compared to Sunday. The activity won't be a washout but be mindful that rain is on the
Public SafetyDPS Launches Operation Safe Summer
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has initiated Operation Safe Summer, aimed at enhancing safety in high-traffic pedestrian areas across Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth this summer. The operation is designed to deter crime and ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy various events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin emphasized the importance of this initiative in response to the expected influx of tourists. Local police departments will collaborate with DPS to provide increased patrols in busy areas like stadiums and entertainment districts, adapting to pedestrian traffic patterns and event schedules.
NationalSenate Passes $70 Billion Immigration Funding Bill
The Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding bill early Friday, securing resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Border Patrol for the remainder of President Trump's term. The bill was approved with a 52-47 vote and will now move to the House, which is anticipated to address it next week. The vote followed extensive debates and the rejection of several amendments aimed at altering the funding. This legislation comes after previous appropriations for other Department of Homeland Security operations, leaving ICE and Border Patrol funding unresolved until this vote.
NationalICE Will No Longer Report Deaths of Recently Released Detainees
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will no longer report on the deaths of detainees who have recently been released from its custody, a change that could obscure the total human cost of the mass detention policies under President Donald Trump's administration. This measure reverses a 2021 policy implemented by former President Joe Biden's administration that required ICE to notify Congress and investigate the deaths of detainees occurring within 30 days of their release. The aim of the 2021 policy was to ensure that ICE could not evade accountability for deaths by releasing severely ill individuals. In the past, for example, detainees who were brain dead or suffering from infections died shortly after ICE released them. On Friday, two health experts who have investigated deaths under ICE custody criticized the change. 'Tracking deaths immediately after custody is a standard approach that allows health systems in jails, prisons, and immigration detention centers to understand care deficiencies that may occur before a person leaves a facility,' said Dr. Homer Venters, former chief medical officer of the New York City jail system. 'Eliminating the reporting of these deaths represents a deliberate act of ignoring the most severe health outcomes, which may reflect deficiencies in care or help track outbreaks.'
NationalOne by One, the US Matches in the FIFA World Cup
The United States national soccer team is preparing for a FIFA World Cup on home soil. The American team is hosting the world's largest soccer tournament for the first time since 1994 and, this time, shares this responsibility with Canada and Mexico. Led by coach Mauricio Pochettino and featuring star player Christian Pulisic, the US team aims to improve on its previous performance after being eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, they will face more intense competition than ever, as the 2026 World Cup will be the first in history to feature 48 teams.
Public SafetyFormer IRS Agent Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering His Wife and a Man
The former IRS agent convicted in a deadly identity theft scheme targeting his wife and an unknown man was sentenced on Friday to the mandatory life imprisonment. Brendan Banfield, 40, was found guilty in February of two counts of aggravated murder, one count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and endangering a child, for the 2023 homicides of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at the Banfield home in Herndon, Virginia. The couple's au pair involved in the scheme, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Peres Magalhaes initially faced second-degree murder charges but received a lesser sentence after cooperating with authorities and testifying for the prosecution in Banfield's trial in Northern Virginia. On Friday, Judge Penney Azcarate sentenced Banfield to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
NationalJudge Orders Resumption of Asylum Cases for Citizens from 39 Countries
A judge overturned President Donald Trump's immigration policies on Friday that had suspended asylum decisions and other benefits for citizens from 39 countries. Federal District Judge John McConnell ruled that these processing suspensions were illegal. The ruling ordered the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing, affecting asylum cases, work permits, and naturalization applications.