Archive · 8001 stories · page 291 of 401
Public SafetyOvernight lane, ramp closures in Mercedes: TxDOT
MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Replacements on overhead signs along Interstate 2 will prompt overnight lane and ramp closures in Mercedes. The Texas Department of Transportation will begin replacing the signs on Wednesday night on the westbound Interstate 2 and Vermont Avenue. Maintenance work will prompt closures on nearby entrance and exit ramps, including a right
CommunityFirst responders gather for Blue Mass at San Juan Basilica
SAN JUAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A mass was held at the Basilica in San Juan on Wednesday to honor the service of all first responders and pray for the ones who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The annual tradition, widely known as Blue Mass, was led by Bishop Daniel Flores of
EducationHidalgo County Judge's Office launches puppet show to educate children about hurricane preparedness
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —The Hidalgo County Judge's Office on Wednesday partnered up with the Hidalgo County Office of Emergency Management and the Fire Marshal to launch "Storm Safe with Sunny", an interactive puppet show educating children about hurricane preparedness. Families gathered at the free community event at the Pharr Memorial Library to learn about hurricane
Public SafetyValley mother, daughter found guilty of attempted smuggling at Sarita checkpoint
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A federal jury on Wednesday found a Weslaco mother and her daughter guilty of attempting to smuggle a man past the Sarita checkpoint last year. Enedelia Garcia, 55, of Weslaco, and Ashley Garcia, 37, of Brownsville, face up to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors say that on July 22, 2025, the
Public SafetyDriver in custody after evading authorities in Harlingen: DPS
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver is in custody on Wednesday afternoon after evading authorities in Harlingen, according to a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Several DPS units and EMS were seen at the intersection of the Frontage Road and F. Street at about 4:14 p.m. DPS says a white BMW evaded
HealthFirst Case of Screwworm Confirmed in Texas
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed the first case of the screwworm (NWS) in Zavala County on June 3. The sample was taken from a three-week-old calf with an umbilical injury and identified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa. This marks the first detection in Texas since the parasite began moving north from Central America in 2023. Currently, no other cases have been reported in the state. Authorities have established an infested zone and imposed animal movement restrictions. They are also accelerating the release of sterile flies to control the breeding population in the area.
EducationPSJA ISD Students Recognized for Graduating from Cybersecurity Internship Program
The Pharr City Commission recognized 13 students from PSJA ISD for completing the Methodist Healthcare Ministries Internship Program, aimed at developing future technology professionals. The students received specialized training in cybersecurity and collaborated with city technology staff on community digital literacy projects. IT Director Jose Peña highlighted their hard work, noting that one student earned an associate degree in cybersecurity from South Texas College. Each graduate received a certificate and a laptop, enhancing their readiness for further education and careers in technology. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez expressed pride in their achievements and the future impact of their skills in cybersecurity.
NationalSpaceX's IPO is set to be the biggest ever and could make Elon Musk a trillionaire
NEW YORK (AP) — SpaceX says it plans to raise up to $75 billion when it goes public this month, setting the stage for the largest-ever stock market debut and putting Elon Musk on course to becoming the world's first trillionaire. The company, formally known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., said Wednesday it will sell
NationalFeds Issue Final Warning to Colorado’s Jeffco Schools Over Title IX Defiance
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has issued a warning to Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado for non-compliance with Title IX. The district has ten days to address violations, which include allowing male students to participate in female sports and use female facilities. An investigation found that the district's policies have displaced female athletes and permitted mixed-gender overnight accommodations for students as young as 11. Despite a proposed resolution from OCR, the district has not taken action. Failure to comply may lead to the loss of federal education funding.
Public SafetyHorseshoe Bay Child Predator Named Featured Fugitive for June
Victor Ramos Jr., a 19-year-old child predator from Horseshoe Bay, has been named the Featured Fugitive for June by Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders. He is wanted in Llano County for failing to comply with sex offender registration since August 2025, following a conviction for sexual assault of a child. A warrant for his arrest was issued due to a probation violation. A reward of $4,000 is offered for information leading to his capture during June. Ramos has connections to Burnet County, including Cottonwood Shores and Marble Falls. Tips can be submitted anonymously through various methods.
Public SafetyTeen charged with murder in connection with Pharr shooting pleads not guilty
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A teen charged with murder in connection with a deadly Pharr shooting pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, according to the Hidalgo County 430th District Court. Emanuel Flores, 19, was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, in January. On Jan. 3, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Pharr police responded to a home on the
NationalWestern District of Texas Logs 350 New Immigration Cases in May
Between May 22 and May 28, federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas initiated 350 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases. The charges primarily target human smugglers and undocumented individuals with previous convictions for offenses such as DWI, violent crimes, and burglary. These cases were supported by various federal law enforcement agencies, including ICE and the FBI, as well as local authorities. The Western District of Texas covers 68 counties and includes major cities like San Antonio and El Paso. This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and organized crime.
CommunityWhy Alamo’s Historic Transformation is a Must-Read Story
The City of Alamo is undergoing a significant transformation under Mayor J.R. Garza, who took office in late 2023. After decades of stagnation, Alamo is now focusing on infrastructure, public safety, and economic development, with over $100 million in projects currently underway. This revitalization aims to reshape the city’s future through strategic growth and modernization. The efforts are a collective mission involving city commissioners and municipal staff, emphasizing teamwork in advancing essential services and projects. The ongoing changes are expected to have a lasting impact on the community and the broader Rio Grande Valley.
HealthUSDA announces possible New World screwworm infection in South Texas
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on social media that a case of the New World screwworm (NWS) may have been detected in south Texas.
PoliticsMayor J.R. Garza Pushes Historic Transformation in Alamo
Mayor J.R. Garza of Alamo is spearheading significant development efforts aimed at revitalizing the city, which he describes as experiencing its most active growth period in decades. Since taking office in November 2023, Garza has prioritized infrastructure upgrades, public safety investments, and economic planning, with over $100 million in projects underway. Notable initiatives include a new public safety building, a $4 million all-inclusive park, and drainage improvements. Garza emphasizes community engagement and transparency in decision-making, aiming to attract businesses and enhance the quality of life for residents. The city’s strategic location and ongoing projects position it for sustainable growth.
PoliticsCameron County tables decision on tax break request for major AI shipbuilding project
Cameron County officials postponed a decision on Saronic Technologies' request for a tax break during a recent commissioners meeting. The company aims to establish a shipyard at the Port of Brownsville to build AI-driven military and commercial vessels. Supporters highlighted the economic and educational benefits, urging approval, while opponents emphasized the need for environmental protection and public services. Uriel Gavito voiced concerns about prioritizing corporate interests over community health. Saronic representatives countered that their facility would create local jobs and collaborate with educational institutions. The matter will be revisited on June 16, as not all commissioners were present for the vote.
National2 scientists charged with bringing deactivated mpox virus into the US and lying to authorities
Two scientists from a U.S. government lab face charges for allegedly smuggling deactivated mpox virus vials from Africa into the U.S. and lying to authorities at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe were stopped after returning from the Republic of Congo, where an mpox outbreak has caused over 2,000 deaths. Despite Munster's claims that he had no biological materials, tests revealed the vials in their possession. They are scheduled to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana. The National Institutes of Health is cooperating with the investigation, which remains ongoing.
PoliticsMission city leaders discussing replacing historic preservation commission
Mission city leaders are considering reviving the historic preservation commission by repealing its existing ordinance. During a workshop on Tuesday, council members agreed to discuss replacing the commission with a new appointed committee at the next city council meeting. The current commission has not met in three years and has failed to enforce preservation standards for historic buildings. Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza emphasized the need for compliance with city regulations. Local preservationist Gabriel Ozuna expressed concerns about the risks to historic sites, as Mission holds 10 of the 23 historically listed properties in Hidalgo County, including La Lomita Chapel and the Border Theater.
CommunitySouth Padre Island's Isla Blanca Park tops USA Today's best beaches in Texas list
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For the third straight year, Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island has claimed the No. 1 spot on USA Today's best beaches in Texas list. The list is compiled after a panel of travel experts nominates their top picks, and readers cast their vote to decide the winner. Isla Blanca
CommunitySTC’s 17th Annual South Texas Ceramic Showdown, June 10&11
The South Texas College Art Department and Library Art Gallery will host the 17th Annual South Texas Ceramic Showdown on June 10 and 11, themed 'Finding the Right Combination.' Featured artists include Laura Caroline Casas from Youngsville, NC, and Brownsville's Andy Rangel. The event will kick off with a clay demonstration on June 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by opening receptions from 4 to 6 p.m. On June 11, an artist talk will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., with another clay demonstration from noon to 4 p.m. The exhibitions will showcase works from various institutions, highlighting both emerging and experienced artists.