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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.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Provides Update on Texas Response to the Screwworm
Governor Greg Abbott will receive an official report and hold a press conference this Friday to address Texas's response to the recent confirmed case of New World screwworm detected in the state. The event will take place at the State Operations Center in Austin and will bring together state and federal officials, as well as specialists involved in monitoring and controlling the pest. Abbott's appearance comes in response to the detection of the parasite in a calf in Zavala County, which triggered a coordinated response among state and federal agencies.
NationalFIFA Cancels World Cup Tickets for Fans Who Obtained Them for Free Due to Website Error
FIFA has canceled tickets for the World Cup issued to about 60 fans who mistakenly obtained them for free due to a website error. The governing body stated in a release on Thursday that the tickets were 'assigned at no charge ($0) due to a prior payment issue during the purchase process.' 'FIFA regrets the error and any inconvenience caused,' it noted. 'The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and affected fans have been invited to complete the payment of the correct amount.' This is the latest failure in a ticket sales program for the World Cup, which has often been controversial and is under investigation by the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey for possible violations of consumer protection laws. FIFA informed buyers in an email that the incorrectly priced tickets were sold through the official World Cup site on May 21.
NationalCheck Your Email: Agreement with Facebook Sends Second Check to Eligible Users
NOTE: The video in the player above is from a previous report. Some Facebook users may want to check their emails. Many could soon receive a second check related to a class action settlement, for which thousands have already received payments. According to a website dedicated to the Facebook, Inc. Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation settlement, the second checks are being sent only to those who have already cashed their initial payments. 'The second distribution was approved by the Court to redistribute unclaimed funds from the initial distribution to class members of the settlement who correctly cashed their initial payment,' the website states. Additional checks are expected to start being distributed in June, with payments sent in batches over a four-week period. The first checks will be sent out on June 9.
Sports2026 World Cup Players Will Earn $5,000 Daily for Their Clubs
Players participating in the 2026 World Cup will generate approximately $5,000 daily for their clubs, funded by FIFA's $355 million allocation. FIFA announced details on how it will distribute funds to clubs with players selected for the tournament and qualifying matches. Clubs earned $2,360 per match for players during qualifiers. Notably, Manchester City has the highest representation with 19 players. Other clubs like Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal also stand to gain millions. The FIFA club payment system began in 2010, with the fund increasing from $40 million in South Africa to $355 million for this upcoming tournament.
Public SafetyBorder Patrol hands over fugitive wanted in Mexico for alleged rape
The individual, identified as Esgar Serrato-Gómez, was wanted by Mexican authorities and was handed over to officials from that country at the Brownsville-Matamoros International Bridge. After the transfer process, the man is now in the custody of Mexican authorities, where he will face the appropriate legal proceedings. The Border Patrol emphasized the existing cooperation to transfer certain individuals wanted for serious crimes so they can face justice in the relevant jurisdictions.
Public SafetyMultiple Charges for Elsa Man Over Drugs and Weapons in Municipal Park
Mauricio Rocha Jr., a 24-year-old resident of Elsa, was arrested on June 2 after police discovered drugs and a firearm during an investigation at Mario Leal Park. Officers found a suspicious vehicle parked after hours and, upon investigation, seized a loaded.38 caliber Taurus revolver, marijuana, cocaine, THC vape devices, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, and cash. Rocha faces multiple charges, including manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone, and illegal possession of a firearm. His bail is set at $535,000, and he is currently in Hidalgo County Jail.