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NationalBody of American Student Missing in Japan Found
The body of 20-year-old Auburn University student James 'Weston' Higginbotham, who had been missing in Japan for a week, was found in a mountainous area near Kyoto. He disappeared while traveling with his family, last seen at the Kyoto train station on May 29. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, announced the discovery on Facebook, expressing indescribable pain and gratitude for the support received during the search. Weston had reportedly walked away after a discussion about artificial intelligence, and concerns grew about his emotional state. Heavy rains from a typhoon had delayed search efforts until Wednesday.
SportsHow the FIFA World Cup Will Be with 48 Teams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, an increase of 16 from previous tournaments. This edition will include 12 groups of four teams each, as opposed to the previous eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new knockout round of 32 teams, followed by the traditional knockout stages. In total, 104 matches will be played over 56 days, matching the duration of the 2010, 2014, and 2018 tournaments. The tournament will introduce new tiebreaker criteria as well.
NationalUnder Maximum Surveillance: The 11 World Cup Venues in the U.S. Prepare for Unprecedented Threats
As the World Cup approaches, security preparations are intensifying across 11 U.S. cities, with millions of soccer fans expected to attend. Andrew Giuliani, the White House task force director for the event, emphasized the need for collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement to address unprecedented security threats. The tournament, starting next week, will feature 48 teams and 104 matches. Host cities have received $625 million in federal funds for security enhancements. Additionally, concerns over a rare Ebola outbreak in Congo are being monitored, affecting the national team's training plans. Discussions are ongoing regarding fan safety measures, including restrictions on refillable water bottles.
BusinessNew state law will allow Valley food trucks to work across counties with one license
A new Texas law will simplify operations for food trucks starting July 1, requiring them to obtain a state license from the Texas Health Department instead of local permits. This change allows vendors to operate across city and county lines with a single license. Diana Baca, Program Manager for Hidalgo County Health and Human Services, emphasized the importance of applying promptly for the state license, as many may mistakenly believe local permits are sufficient. The cost of the license ranges from $300 to $1,800, depending on the type of vendor, and Hidalgo County is offering assistance to those with questions.
NationalBlow to Trump: Judge Blocks Restrictions on States to Access SNAP Funds
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to impose new conditions on states seeking funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 20 Democratic states, which argued that the restrictions related to gender ideology, immigration, and sports equality for women and girls were unconstitutional. The judge, Myong Joun, issued a preliminary injunction and plans to provide a memorandum explaining his decision. SNAP serves over 40 million participants monthly, and recent data shows a decline in beneficiaries, attributed to new requirements from a tax and spending bill pushed by Republicans.
CommunityLuis Fonsi Reunites with Mexican Taxi Driver, and They Even Sang Together!
Luis Fonsi returned to Mexico City a month after his encounter with the taxi driver went viral, captivating social media with his reaction upon discovering that the singer was his passenger. The Puerto Rican artist shared that he promised Richy that he would be his driver upon his return. He fulfilled that promise, and the moment was captured on social media. 'I am a man of my word,' the artist stated, also inviting the taxi driver to his acoustic concert at the El Cantoral cultural center in Mexico City, rewarding him with six tickets. A humorous moment occurred when the driver jokingly asked Fonsi to let him sing, turning the car into a stage as they attempted to sing 'No me doy por vencido.'
SportsCan You Spot an Offside? Take Our Quiz and Find Out!
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, the concept of 'offside' in soccer will be frequently discussed. This term is known for its complexity, relating to the positioning of attacking players in relation to defenders. The offside rule has evolved over time and can be challenging to understand and identify during live games. To assist with these decisions, professional leagues have adopted special technology. As you gear up for this year's World Cup, take the quiz below to learn more about what constitutes an offside violation.
NationalThe Incredible Cockroach Party Jumps from the Internet to the Streets of India
NEW DELHI, India – Hundreds of supporters of the Cockroach People's Party (CJP), a youth movement in India that started as a satire on social media, held their first protest this Saturday in New Delhi following the return of their leader, Abhijeet Dipke. Wearing cockroach masks and holding copies of the Indian Constitution, the protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to a series of leaks, technical errors, and cancellations in various official exams that have sparked outrage among Indian youth. 'Exam answers are being sold before the exam takes place. They can cost around $10,500. Those who buy the answers come out victorious; while others who cannot afford them cannot advance,' said Aditi Mishra, president of the student union at Jawaharlal Nehru University, during the protest. The concern over these official exams, often crucial in a country facing a 15.3% youth unemployment rate, prompted many young people to join the CJP protest on Saturday.
Public Safety'Something must be going on': Third dead cat found on same Peñitas street
PEÑITAS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A disturbing discovery in Peñitas has prompted an investigation by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. A dead cat was found with a cord tightly wrapped around its neck, raising concerns about possible animal cruelty. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday along a street where several dead cats and dogs have been
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.
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.
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.