Archive · 7302 stories · page 254 of 366
HealthHidalgo County Strengthens Monitoring Due to Arrival of Screwworm in Texas
As cases of the screwworm increase in Mexico and the first case detected in a person in Nuevo León, authorities in Texas are also ramping up control measures following the confirmation of the first case in Texas livestock. Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez issued a statement regarding collaborative efforts with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the State Department of Health Services, and other agencies. Cortez explained that local authorities are closely monitoring the situation related to the New World screwworm after the recent detection of a case in Texas. According to the official, no cases have been reported in Hidalgo County so far, although authorities are coordinating with state and federal agencies to prepare for any potential developments. Cortez noted that the county is working together to monitor the situation and is in communication with judges from Cameron, Starr, and Willacy Counties to share information and coordinate regional efforts.
SportsHow to Watch the First Game of the US and Mexico in the World Cup with Your Telemundo Account
If you are registered with a Telemundo account, you can watch the first match of the national teams of the United States and Mexico in the 2026 World Cup on the NBC One app, without the need for a cable or satellite provider. The Mexico vs. South Africa match is the opening game of the World Cup, which will take place on Thursday, June 11, at 3 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the United States vs. Paraguay match will be held on Friday, June 12, at 9 p.m. ET. Additionally, your account will provide you with a 10-minute pass per game, with a maximum of 30 minutes per week. To create a Telemundo 40 account, you can do so from your computer, phone, or the Telemundo 40 app. To create your account on a computer or on the web, click on the profile icon in the upper right corner at any time and select 'Create Profile / Log In.' To create an account in the app, first ensure that the app is updated. Once in the app, go to the bottom right of your screen and press 'Log In.' You can create an account by entering your email address manually or by logging in with an existing Google or Apple account. If you enter your email, we will ask for your name, date of birth, and to create a password. If you already have an account but forgot your password, simply enter your email, and we will send you a code immediately. Don't forget to check your Spam folder if you don't find it. If you want to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, Telemundo offers many options. Telemundo will provide live coverage in Spanish of the World Cup games on Telemundo and Universo. Additionally, all matches will be streamed live on Peacock (for Premium and Premium Plus subscribers). If you want to watch on a big screen, you can see some games in Fandango theaters in key cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami. Tickets are already on sale here. Other benefits of having a local Telemundo account? By creating a free account, your NBCUniversal account will also allow you to save articles and videos to watch later. Plus, you can subscribe to or unsubscribe from our newsletters. Stay updated with local news: Create your free account now.
Public SafetySounding the Alarm Over Suspected Texas Screwworm Case
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has raised concerns over the first suspected case of New World screwworm in Texas, criticizing the USDA for its slow response that allowed the pest to spread from Mexico. He urged President Trump to implement the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS) to combat the infestation. Miller emphasized the need for immediate action, including funding for SWASS deployment, establishing a U.S.-Mexico task force, and enhancing surveillance efforts. The screwworm poses a significant threat to livestock and wildlife, potentially leading to severe economic impacts for Texas ranchers and the agricultural sector.
WeatherRecent rain denting the drought
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —All the rain we have been receiving over the last few weeks is making a definite difference in our drought conditions. New data released Thursday morning shows that some areas of Hidalgo and Starr counties are no longer considered in drought, while areas indicated in yellow are categorized as experiencing dry conditions.
HealthTexas Confirms First Case of H5N1 Avian Flu in Dairy Cattle
This is the first confirmed case in dairy cattle in Texas for 2026, detected after observing symptoms of illness in the cattle and a decrease in milk production. Samples were analyzed by the Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and on May 30, the National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in the dairy cattle in Texas. The dairy farm remains under quarantine. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA APHIS) reported that the affected dairy operation has been placed under quarantine while investigations continue to determine the extent of the situation. Meanwhile, state and federal officials are working together to contain any potential spread of the virus. Is there a risk for consumers? The USDA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other federal agencies reiterated that there are no concerns regarding the safety of the commercial milk supply. They explained that pasteurization remains effective in inactivating the H5N1 virus. Additionally, milk from affected animals is removed from the commercial system or destroyed to prevent it from entering the supply chain for human consumption. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H5N1 viruses currently circulating among birds and dairy cattle pose a low risk to the general population in the United States. However, authorities continue to promote strict biosecurity measures to reduce the possibility of transmission among animals.
EducationNew Construction Academy Aims to Build the Rio Grande Valley Workforce from the Ground Up
A new partnership involving the South Texas Builders Association, Donna Independent School District, and South Texas College is set to launch nationally accredited construction trade programs in fall 2026. Efrain Gomez, treasurer of the Builders Association, emphasized that the initiative will benefit not only Donna but also Hidalgo County and the entire Rio Grande Valley by providing essential training in various construction skills. The programs will be housed at a Donna ISD facility and are open to both students and the public. Enrollment is currently underway, with opportunities for hands-on experience in construction-related careers.
SportsFrom Messi to Mbappé: The 5 Players to Watch in the World Cup
Two of the greatest footballers of all time will take their final bow on the biggest stage in sports at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will finally pass the torch to a new generation that includes Spanish player Lamine Yamal. Kylian Mbappé, who was just 19 years old when he became a world champion with France in 2018, is still looking to confirm his place as the natural heir to Messi and Cristiano.
Public SafetyDPS Advises Public to Download iWatchTexas Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
As Texas gears up to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is promoting the iWatchTexas program. This initiative allows individuals to report suspicious activities anonymously, enhancing safety during the event. With millions expected to visit, DPS emphasizes that safety is a collective responsibility. Reports can be made via the mobile app, online, or by phone, and are reviewed by law enforcement. The program aims to prevent potential threats by encouraging the public to report concerning behaviors, ensuring a secure environment for all attendees.
BusinessSpaceX’s Proposed $55 Billion Terafab Project Moves Forward in Texas
On June 3, the Grimes County Commissioners Court approved a 4-1 vote for a reinvestment zone and tax abatement agreement for SpaceX's Terafab project, a semiconductor manufacturing facility near Gibbons Creek Reservoir. The project, which could involve an initial investment of $55 billion, aims to enhance domestic semiconductor production and create around 1,800 jobs. The facility is planned to be a multi-phase complex located about 20 miles east of Bryan-College Station. While the approval marks significant progress, further regulatory reviews and permits are still needed before construction can begin.
CommunityDavid Bisbal Joins Operación Triunfo USA as Judge of the Music Competition
Telemundo announces the addition of international star David Bisbal as a judge on Operación Triunfo USA, the music competition set to premiere in prime time this July. Twenty-five years after captivating audiences in the first edition of the phenomenon in his native Spain that launched him to stardom, Bisbal returns to Operación Triunfo as a jury member to guide and inspire a new generation of talent. "Returning to the universe of Operación Triunfo after so many years has a very special meaning for me, because it was the place where my career began and changed my life forever," said Bisbal. "It is an honor to be part of this moment, and I am filled with excitement to accompany, motivate, and witness the musical growth of a new generation of talents with big dreams."
NationalTrump Orders Sweeping Customs Enforcement Reforms
On June 3, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order aimed at reforming U.S. customs enforcement to enhance adherence to federal trade laws. The order emphasizes the importance of customs enforcement for national security and the economy, addressing issues like undervalued imports and duty evasion. The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with revising importer eligibility criteria within 180 days, including stricter bonding and reporting requirements. Additionally, foreign importers will face new regulations, and all importers must maintain good standing with Customs and Border Protection. Enhanced vetting, audits, and penalties for violations are also included in the reforms.
WeatherFans Will Not Be Allowed to Bring Water Bottles to 2026 World Cup Stadiums, Says FIFA
Fans attending the 2026 World Cup matches will be prohibited from entering stadiums with reusable water bottles, a last-minute policy change that could raise concerns about heat during the tournament this summer. 'FIFA made the decision to ban bottles to prevent risks and injuries to players and visitors,' a spokesperson for the global football governing body told NBC News in a statement on Thursday. 'Outside bottles are already banned at several of these venues for security reasons, and FIFA is applying this criterion at the stadiums of its tournament,' the statement noted. The measure comes as heat is expected to be a significant issue during the tournament, which is jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In parts of the southern U.S., daytime temperatures often reach the mid-80s Fahrenheit and higher during June and July. The Club World Cup, held in the U.S. last summer, generated complaints from players and fans about the heat.
HealthTexas Attorney General Launches Investigation into Caffeine Levels in Energy Drinks
The Office of the Attorney General announced that the investigation will be conducted under the provisions of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. So far, no formal charges have been filed against the companies under investigation, Celsius Holdings, Inc. and Alani Nutrition, LLC. According to the Attorney General, the process aims to determine whether the companies may have misled consumers about the safety of these products for teenagers and minors; therefore, it will be reviewed whether the warnings included on the packaging are sufficient to adequately inform consumers about potential risks, including eye-catching colors, attractive designs, and marketing strategies targeted at young audiences. In relation to this announcement, the Texas Attorney General referenced a lawsuit filed by the family of a 17-year-old girl from Weslaco, which claims that the consumption of energy drinks with high caffeine content contributed to the heart problems that led to the young woman's death. The case remains pending in court, and the allegations have not been legally resolved. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have warned about potential effects related to the consumption of energy drinks by minors, including increased heart rate, palpitations, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, and dehydration. Alani Nutrition, owned by Celsius Holdings, markets the energy drink Alani Nu, a popular brand among young adults that contains approximately 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can. In this regard, medical experts consider that this level of caffeine may pose risks to children and adolescents.
NationalExorcist Priest Removed for Comments on UFOs and Demons
WASHINGTON, DC – The Catholic Archbishop of Washington, D.C., Cardinal Robert McElroy, removed a well-known priest from his position as exorcist for the archdiocese on Wednesday after the priest made public comments suggesting that UFO sightings were the work of demons. McElroy stated that the archdiocese was also severing any ties with the Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, the nonprofit organization led by Monsignor Stephen Rossetti. The archbishop noted that Rossetti's statements, which link UFOs to demonic presence and the recent use of social media by the Center, seriously undermine the Church's teaching on the devil, demons, and exorcism.
Public SafetyExplosion at a Warehouse with Four Gas Tanks in Mexico Leaves Injured
MEXICO CITY – An explosion at a warehouse storing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks in the Mexican state of Puebla resulted in three injuries, who are currently receiving hospital care, state governor Alejandro Armenta reported on Thursday. According to available information, the explosion of the four gas tanks occurred at 9:53 local time, but the causes of the accident are currently unknown. "The individuals involved in this incident have already been transferred... I have information here about three injured people. We want them to be treated immediately, and that is being done," the governor stated to the media. So far, authorities have not reported any fatalities.
Public SafetyFord recalls nearly 420,000 vehicles due to seatbelt issue that could cause injury
Ford is recalling nearly 420,000 vehicles due to a seatbelt problem that could lead to injury in the event of a crash. The recall affects certain 2018 to 2022 model year Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The issue involves seatbelts that may inadvertently lock, preventing them from retracting or extending. The NHTSA report states that a seatbelt that does not retract or extend could result in injury during a crash. Individuals could also be injured in some cases if the seatbelt retracts rapidly. This recall replaces and expands upon two previous NHTSA recalls. The report indicates that Ford Motor Co. is aware of two warranty claims and two field reports related to the latest recall. The company is also aware of one injury.
NationalFlorida Pastor's Son Sentenced After COVID-19 Relief Fraud Exceeding $8.4 Million
Josh Edwards, son de un pastor de Florida, fue condenado a cuatro años y tres meses de prisión por su participación en un fraude de $8.4 millones relacionado con la ayuda por COVID-19. Junto a su padre, Evan Edwards, quien no será juzgado por problemas de salud mental, Josh fue arrestado en diciembre de 2022. La familia solicitó el préstamo a través de su ministerio, ASLAN International, alegando tener 486 empleados, lo que resultó ser falso. Las autoridades recuperaron el dinero, que se había destinado a la compra de una casa cerca de Disney World. Josh, ciudadano canadiense, podría ser deportado tras cumplir su condena.
Public SafetyTrial Against Young Man Accused of Killing His Classmate in a Competition in Texas
After a controversial jury selection process that saw the removal of three jurors (African Americans), the trial against 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony has finally begun in Collin County. Anthony admitted to stabbing Justin Metcalf, a fellow high school student in Frisco, in April 2025, and the defense argues that he acted in self-defense. The controversy erupted because, of the 12 jurors, three were African American, like Anthony, and the judge decided to dismiss them because they are educators. This has sparked anger, with many labeling the trial as racially charged. Discussions on social media highlight that the accused is Black and the victim was Anglo-Saxon, and now all jurors are Anglo-Saxon.
Public SafetyAuthorities Seek to Identify Suspect in Home Depot Thefts in Harlingen
Authorities in Harlingen are seeking to identify a suspect linked to multiple thefts at a Home Depot store. The individual is considered a person of interest in an ongoing investigation, though specific details about the stolen items or the dates of the incidents have not been disclosed. Local officials are urging anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about their whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted by calling 956-425-TIPS (8477) or through the P3 Tips mobile app.
NationalA Replica of the Oval Office: Inside the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
Just days before the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on June 19, the interior of the modern building honoring former President Barack Obama, who has strong ties to the city, was revealed. A new video of the expansive facility provided a glimpse of what to expect, including a regulation-sized basketball court, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, acres of green space, and a full museum highlighting Obama's years in the White House. 'It’s a living, breathing legacy because our hope is that people take the change back to their communities,' said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, in an interview with NBC News. The campus, located at 6001 S. Stony Island Ave. in the South Side, officially opens to the public on the holiday known as Juneteenth, more than a decade after the former president chose his hometown of Chicago for the project. However, tens of thousands of people—friends and family of museum staff, students, and journalists—have already had the chance to see it first, as teams complete final artistic installations and landscaping work. Museum officials expect the campus to attract up to one million visitors each year. Before the grand opening, here’s what you need to know about the center. When does the Obama Presidential Center open? According to a statement from the organizers, the grand opening festivities will take place from June 19 to 21, featuring a 'free, open-house-style weekend to commemorate this incredible milestone.' 'These opening days are a preview of how the campus will be activated year-round to inspire, empower, and connect us all to create change,' the center stated. 'The campus is free and open to the public, and we want you to be there to bring it to life.' Details of the weekend celebrations have not been fully disclosed, but preliminary announcements indicated there will be live entertainment, temporary food stalls, 'fan zones' featuring professional Chicago teams and their mascots, face painting, storytelling sessions, and other family-friendly activities. Officials noted that while the campus will be open to everyone, museum tickets are sold out for the opening weekend. In addition to the grand opening, a ceremony will take place on June 18. 'The response to our official party to view the grand opening ceremony, held at nearby Midway Plaisance, has been incredible; therefore, requests for tickets to this in-person community gathering are now closed,' the center announced. 'However, you can still be part of this historic moment from anywhere in the world. We will livestream the full ceremony on Thursday, June 18, so you can tune in from wherever you are!' Former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to travel to Chicago for the grand opening. What will be inside? The project, costing approximately $850 million, encompasses both the political and personal dimensions of the country's first Black president. Campaign memorabilia and presidential artifacts will be displayed in the ticketed-access museum tower, while the public spaces of the extensive campus will include other significant elements for Obama: a new library, a regulation-sized basketball court, and a picnic area with grills. The museum will also feature an exhibit dedicated to his time in the Oval Office, including a replica within the museum itself. It will also be the first fully digital museum of its kind, foregoing a large number of official documents on display. Instead, visitors will navigate high-tech, interactive exhibits covering the campaigns, key moments of Obama's presidency, and life in the White House. Iconic dresses worn by former First Lady Michelle Obama will also be on display. Approximately a dozen outfits on mannequins will be behind glass, including a black and red dress designed by Narciso Rodriguez that the former First Lady wore on election night in 2008 in Chicago. According to museum officials, the campus spans nearly 20 acres. How to get tickets Access to the museum will cost $30 for adults aged 12 and older, or $26 for Illinois residents. Admission for children aged 3 to 11 will cost $23, while Illinois residents will receive a discount to $15. Although the museum charges an admission fee, most of the campus is free and open to the public, including a branch of the Chicago Public Library, public art installations, and park space around the campus. According to officials, the museum will use timed tickets for access, which can be purchased in advance online. However, there are several ways to obtain free admission to the museum, including free entry for all Illinois residents on Tuesdays, officials said. It is recommended to secure those tickets in advance, and proof of residency will be required at the entrance. According to the museum's website, Illinois teachers, active-duty military personnel, and veterans will also have access. Comcast NBC Universal, our parent company, is a donor to the Obama Presidential Center. This story was translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Chicago reviewed the translation.