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BusinessConstruction begins on multi-use facility in Pharr
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A ceremony was held on Wednesday to celebrate the next chapter of a major development coming to the city of Pharr. City leaders gathered for the official groundbreaking of the city's new multi-center facility, a project that has been in the making for two years. Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez said the
Public SafetyFeds seize nearly 100 pounds of cocaine in Edinburg
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — State troopers caught a man with nearly 100 pounds of cocaine Monday in Edinburg, according to the criminal complaint against him. Troopers stopped Julio Cesar Gonzalez Flores, 52, of San Juan for a traffic violation and requested permission to search his GMC Safari van. During the search, troopers discovered two speaker
BusinessMAP: Where Rio Grande Valley shoppers spent the most money in May
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Comptroller's Office on Wednesday released sales tax allocation numbers for the month of May. The numbers show a snapshot of where consumer spending was the strongest across the Rio Grande Valley last month. The allocations are based on sales taxes collected by businesses and may help indicate present and
NationalHonda recalls over 800,000 cars due to issue that increases the likelihood of a crash
Honda is recalling more than 800,000 vehicles because rear suspension components could fail, causing drivers to lose control, which increases the chances of a crash or injury. The recall affects certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX models, as announced by American Honda Motor Co. It includes 880,514 vehicles sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.
CommunityValley Voices: Professional Wrestler "El Matatan"
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In the latest edition of Valley Voices, CBS 4's Marco Ramirez sits down with Professional Wrestler Matt Robledo, most commonly known as "El Matatan" Mateo Ozuna. Robledo is from Santa Rosa and has always aspired to be with the WWE. Robledo is on his way to making that dream a reality
CommunityIt Takes a Village: Emergency preparedness and life-saving skills for families
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It Takes A Village is a weekly ValleyCentral+ series that covers all things parenting, from real, honest conversations about daily routines and challenges to funny moments, lessons learned and balancing work and family life. Each week, host Meteorologist Lexie Walker and a guest will highlight a variety of perspectives, experiences, tips, solutions,
SportsInfantino defends World Cup ticket prices; compares them to NBA finals
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the ticket prices for the World Cup on Wednesday, stating that "if we are doing something wrong, then probably everyone selling tickets in North America is doing something wrong." Infantino spoke with reporters during an unusual Q&A session ahead of the opening match of a tournament expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches. He defended the record ticket prices, noted that FIFA had no power to ensure the U.S. government allowed a Somali referee to enter, and praised his own efforts to secure entry for the Iranian national soccer team into the United States. FIFA set initial prices at $140 for group stage matches, but standard tickets for the final on July 19, just outside New York, were announced for up to $8,680, with hospitality tickets reaching as high as $73,200. The prices for the final were later raised to $10,990 and then to $32,970. After receiving numerous criticisms, FIFA offered tickets at $60 to national federations for their regular fans, indicating that 130,000 tickets were made available in that category.
Public SafetyPolice identify woman who drowned at Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department on Wednesday identified a woman whose body was recovered from the water at the Port of Brownsville last week. Ana Idalia Reyes, 60, of El Salvador, was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead after her body was recovered from the water on Friday, June
SportsRGV Red Crowns take on Central Texas Coyotes FC on Wednesday evening
The RGV Red Crowns will continue their four-game road trip on Wednesday evening, facing the Central Texas Coyotes FC in Tyler, Texas. The Red Crowns previously defeated the Coyotes in Harlingen in mid-May and are currently on a two-game winning streak with two consecutive clean sheets. Players Cade Erickson and Johan Arevalo emphasize the importance of staying focused and treating this match as a fresh start, acknowledging that the Coyotes will be better prepared after studying their previous game. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM at Woodson Field in Tyler.
EducationTexas high schoolers show gains across all subjects on STAAR tests
Texas high school students have shown improvements across all subjects on the STAAR tests, according to results released on Wednesday. The exams, which include Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History, indicate readiness for college or careers. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath attributed these gains to focused teaching and the recent ban on cell phone use in classrooms. Approximately 54% of students passed Algebra I, up from 47% last year, while Biology saw a rise to 71%. English I and II also improved slightly. The changes in testing protocols aim to address concerns about overtesting in Texas schools.
BusinessMyssie Cardenas-Barajas Appointed to National Association of REALTORS® Data Center Work Group
Myssie Cardenas-Barajas, a REALTOR® and advocate for property rights, has been appointed to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Data Center Work Group. This group, part of the Land Use, Property Rights and Environment Committee, addresses critical issues related to data centers, which are increasingly important due to the rise of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. Cardenas-Barajas, who has extensive experience in policy and leadership, aims to balance technological growth with sustainable practices. She emphasizes the need for communities, especially in South Texas, to have a voice in shaping policies that impact land use and resource management.
CommunityStefano is Eliminated from the Sixth Season of La Casa de los Famosos
Stefano Piccioni was eliminated from the sixth season of La Casa de los Famosos this Wednesday during the semifinals. The Brazilian is one of the last finalists who spent over 100 days in the most famous house on Hispanic television. Piccioni is from Brazil but lives in the U.S. He has participated in and won several bodybuilding competitions.
Public SafetyMexican National Extradited to U.S. in Child Exploitation Case
A 39-year-old Mexican citizen, Abelardo Sanchez, is facing charges in McAllen federal court for producing child pornography. Arrested in Austria in December 2025, he was extradited to the U.S. on June 5, 2026, and made his initial court appearance on June 8. The indictment alleges that Sanchez operated an online account containing child sexual abuse material dating back to 2014, involving a minor victim from Texas. If convicted, he could face 25 to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case is part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative.
Public SafetyHouston Man gets 32 years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Minors in Two Texas cities
Cristian Morris, a 23-year-old from Houston, has been sentenced to 32 years in federal prison for sex trafficking minors. A jury found him guilty of two counts of trafficking and enticing minors after a trial in March 2025. Morris recruited teenage girls, provided them with drugs, and posted explicit ads for commercial sex in Houston and Dallas. He was arrested on June 23, 2023, after advertising for a 15-year-old runaway. Following his prison term, he will serve 15 years of supervised release, during which he must comply with restrictions on accessing children and the internet. He will also register as a sex offender.
NationalBrownsville organizations sue feds over SpaceX land swap
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - Three Brownsville organizations and the Center for Biological Diversity, based in Arizona, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday over a land swap with SpaceX. The land swap, which will exchange 715 acres of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge for
CommunityMcAllen Heritage Center Hosts “Veterans: Then & Now”, July 11th
The McAllen Heritage Center is hosting a special event titled “Veterans: Then & Now” on July 11th from 10 AM to 4 PM, honoring local veterans. This event offers a complimentary photoshoot and optional interviews for veterans of all ages and ranks. Participants will receive a professional 8x10 photograph, which will be displayed at the center and potentially at other venues. The interviews aim to capture personal stories and reflections from veterans, preserving their experiences for future generations. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact the Heritage Center at 956.687.1904 or via email.
NationalFeds Disable 13 Chinese Spying Sites Targeting U.S. Officials
Federal authorities have seized 13 internet domains linked to a scheme targeting U.S. individuals, particularly those with security clearances. These domains were used by foreign actors to lure Americans into revealing sensitive information through fake consulting job offers. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg emphasized the need for caution regarding suspicious online job offers. The FBI highlighted that these fraudulent sites were designed to exploit U.S. government employees. The domains included names like centrikglobalconsulting.com and rightinfoconsult.com. The FBI has placed warnings on these sites to prevent further illegal activities.
EducationUsing Art History to Change Student Views
Melissa Terry, an assistant professor at South Texas College, emphasizes the importance of teaching Art History beyond just facts and artifacts. Her goal is to foster empathy and broaden students' perspectives on different cultures and experiences. Recently awarded the NISOD Excellence Award, Terry has dedicated nearly a decade to teaching at STC. She incorporates interactive methods in her classes, such as group discussions and hands-on activities, to engage students. Notable initiatives include the 'She Roars' Women’s History Month series and educational trips to art museums, which have profoundly impacted her students' understanding of art and culture.
Public SafetyTexas DPS Increases Reward to $6,000 for 1992 Refugio County Cold Case
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is asking for help in identifying a woman whose remains were discovered in Refugio County in 1992. The reward for information leading to an arrest has been raised to $6,000 by Texas Crime Stoppers. The woman's body was found by a pipeline crew on March 2, 1992, and investigators believe she died from a gunshot wound. She is described as being between 20 and 35 years old, approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, and wearing distinctive clothing. Tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers hotline or the DPS website.
NationalExecution of Death Row Inmate Halted with Nitrogen Gas
A death row inmate whose execution was scheduled for Thursday was suddenly halted, expressing relief upon learning that a federal court ruled Alabama's use of nitrogen gas violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Jeffery Lee, who has spent nearly three decades on death row, spoke by phone from the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, moments after a district judge agreed to stop his execution. Despite the ruling, his fate remains uncertain as state Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed an appeal, likely bringing the case before the Supreme Court, which has previously allowed Alabama to proceed with nitrogen executions after last-minute appeals. Lee was set to become the ninth person in the U.S. executed by nitrogen hypoxia, a method Alabama initiated in 2024. Although lethal injection remains the primary execution method in Alabama, obtaining the necessary drugs has become challenging in recent years. Lee was convicted in 2000 for the murders of Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson, as well as the attempted murder of Helen King during a robbery. He expressed remorse for his actions and hopes his legal victory will prevent others from being executed by nitrogen gas.