Cerca News · Page 292

STC’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.

How a New Paint Job Keeps the Flying Tiger Legacy Alive

At Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, an A-10C Thunderbolt II has been repainted with a design inspired by the legendary Flying Tigers, honoring Brig. Gen. David Lee 'Tex' Hill and the 23rd Fighter Group. The aircraft features a striking camouflage and the iconic Flying Tiger emblem, reflecting the squadron's World War II heritage. Eleven airmen from the 23rd Maintenance Squadron dedicated significant time to restore the jet, ensuring it serves as a tribute to both the squadron's history and the airmen who continue that legacy. The aircraft is now fully operational while symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Flying Tigers.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Jun 3, 2026

'It's a safe space': RGV Dads helping men throughout fatherhood

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Whether you are a first-time father or a third-time father, a nonprofit organization based in the Rio Grande Valley is supporting men throughout fatherhood with events and resources. RGV Dads, founded by Jesus T. Peña in July 2018, was created to connect fathers in the Valley through meetups, mental health support,

Public Safety

Four Tren de Aragua Members Plead Guilty to 2024 Double Murder

Four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, including Keiber Jaen Martinez, Samuel Gonzalez Castro, Eferson Morillo-Gomez, and Keineyer Ibarra-Mujica, pleaded guilty to multiple murder charges in connection with the May 24, 2024, killings of Claretha LaQuesha Daniels and Justin Lawless in the Bronx, New York. They were also involved in the non-fatal shooting of a third victim. A fifth member, Jarwin Valero-Calderon, previously pleaded guilty to racketeering. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized the gang's violent history and commitment to dismantling such organizations in the U.S. All eight defendants in this case have been convicted.

McAllen Unveils $600K in Storefront Upgrade Grants

The City of McAllen has launched the REFRESH 50|50 Storefront Revitalization Grant Program, offering over $600,000 in matching grants to commercial property owners. The maximum grant amount has increased from $15,000 to $25,000 per project, aimed at enhancing storefronts to attract customers and improve commercial areas. Eligible improvements include painting, landscaping, signage, and ADA accessibility upgrades. Since its inception in 2019, the program has funded 129 projects, generating over $1.37 million in investments. City officials emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses as McAllen continues to thrive economically, with nearly $100 million in sales tax revenue projected for 2025.

National

House of Representatives Rebukes Trump Over Iran War

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives issued an unusual rebuke to President Donald Trump by approving a measure pushed by Democrats to end his war with Iran, despite objections from Republican leadership. This was one of two Democrat-led measures—both opposed by the White House—that advanced in the Republican-controlled House. Lawmakers also approved a motion to allow a vote on sending aid to Ukraine. The war powers resolution regarding Iran, introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, was scheduled for a vote before the House's Memorial Day recess on May 21. However, it was abruptly pulled from the floor due to a lack of Republican attendance to block it. On Wednesday, the measure passed with 215 votes in favor and 208 against; four Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting it. These Republicans were Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Thomas Massie (KY), Tom Barrett (MI), and Warren Davidson (OH). The resolution orders Trump to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress votes to declare war or authorizes military force against the Middle Eastern nation. However, the measure would not compel the president to end the conflict, serving instead as a symbolic expression of disapproval of Trump's war with Iran. Earlier this year, Republicans had rejected three other attempts to pass a war powers resolution. The most recent vote ended in a tie of 212 to 212, a result Democrats celebrated, arguing that more Americans oppose the war and that it was only a matter of time before they achieved their goal. Wednesday's vote gives new momentum to the resolution in the Senate, which had already advanced its own version of the war powers resolution last month, although it had not yet held a final vote. However, the Senate version is binding, requiring Trump to end the war without Congressional approval. For this to happen, the measure would also need to be approved by the House, after which Trump could exercise his veto power. The House resolution faced opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and most Republicans, who argued it undermines Trump and his top negotiators at a time when they are trying to secure a nuclear deal with Iran. Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) called Wednesday's action 'simply a totally absurd vote.' 'I don't think there is any Democrat or Republican who can tell you what forces they would want to withdraw from Iran. In reality, they don't want to withdraw anything from there. They just want a stupid political vote, which is exactly what this represents,' Mast stated on Wednesday. This 'weakens the president's position while negotiating with Iran.' In the same series of votes on Wednesday, the House voted 218 to 204 in favor of a motion to 'release'—or advance—legislation providing aid to Ukraine. This vote came after the so-called 'release petition' garnered 218 signatures—a simple majority of the House—on May 13, allowing supporters to bypass Johnson and Republican leadership to bring the measure directly to the floor. Representative Kevin Kiley—an ex-Republican now serving as an independent—joined all Democrats and two Republicans—Fitzpatrick and Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska—in signing the petition for Ukraine. Kiley, along with six other Republicans, voted on Wednesday in favor of releasing the bill. This sets the stage for a final vote scheduled for Thursday. 'This vote is not a procedural vote,' said Meeks, who also led the initiative for the bill's release. 'It is a statement about whether this Congress—and all its members—stands in solidarity and support of Ukraine and its people in their fight for freedom, their fight for democracy, and their fight for independence.'

Health

Possible Screwworm Case Under Investigation in South Texas

Authorities reported that a possible case of New World Screwworm (NWS) has been detected in South Texas. According to preliminary information, the sample was sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Ames, Iowa, where confirmation tests will be conducted. While awaiting official results, authorities indicated that personnel have already been activated in the area and are working in coordination with local partners to address the situation and follow up on the case. They also stated that they will keep the community informed as the investigation progresses and new information becomes available. 'What you can expect from us is transparency, openness, and, most importantly, action,' authorities said in a statement. The screwworm is a pest that can affect animals by depositing larvae in open wounds, which can cause serious health damage to the animal if not treated promptly. Authorities assured that updates will be provided as soon as laboratory test results are available.

Health

Authorities Investigate Possible Case of Screwworm in South Texas

Authorities reported that a possible case of New World Screwworm (NWS) has been detected in South Texas. According to preliminary information, the sample was sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Ames, Iowa, where confirmation tests will be conducted. While awaiting official results, authorities stated that personnel have already been activated in the area and are working in coordination with local partners to address the situation and follow up on the case. They also indicated that they will keep the community informed as the investigation progresses and new data becomes available. 'What you can expect from us is transparency, openness, and, most importantly, action,' authorities said in a statement. The screwworm is a pest that can affect animals by depositing larvae in open wounds, which can cause serious health issues if not treated promptly. Authorities assured that updates will be provided as soon as laboratory test results are available.

ValleyCentral (KGBT) · Jun 3, 2026

National

White House compares migrants to space aliens

A migrant advocacy organization that helps refugees throughout the world is taking offense to a White House website that says "aliens have been walking among us." Hilary Chester, vice president of international and domestic programs for Jesuit Refugee Service/USA tells Border Report Live that the references are dehumanizing and poke fun at migrants comparing them to space aliens.

Texas Leads With Most Fortune 500 Headquarters

Texas has been recognized as the state with the most Fortune 500 headquarters, boasting 57 companies according to the recently released 2026 Fortune 500 list. Governor Greg Abbott highlighted this achievement, emphasizing Texas's favorable business environment, stable regulations, and a skilled workforce as key factors attracting major corporations. The total revenue for these companies amounts to $2.8 trillion, reinforcing Texas's position as a leading hub for business investment. Abbott stated, "Texas is the undisputed headquarters of headquarters," reflecting the state's appeal to both people and businesses alike.

Public Safety

Horror: Prominent real estate agent, her daughters, and ex-husband die in apparent murder-suicide

A prominent real estate agent from South Florida, her two young daughters, and the girls' father were identified as the deceased in an apparent murder-suicide case in the city of Doral. Melanie Hyer, 46, was a real estate professional known for her expertise and frequently interviewed by the media about the South Florida real estate market. Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office officials reported that Hyer was among four people found dead inside a home in the Doral Isles neighborhood during a welfare check on Tuesday night. Hyer's daughters, 11-year-old Savannah Whiten and 8-year-old Sienna Whiten, were also found dead in the home, along with their father, 42-year-old Ryan Charles Whiten. All had stab wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene, which the sheriff's office is treating as a murder-suicide. Although the couple had separated years ago, they shared custody of their daughters and had both remarried, though those relationships also ended. Court records show Hyer was married to another man until March of this year. The last known address for Whiten was an apartment in Doral Isles. The news shocked the community, including Doral Mayor Christi Fraga, who personally knew Hyer. Fraga called it an 'unimaginable tragedy' and added in a statement, 'As a mother, and as someone who personally knew and admired the loving and dedicated mother at the center of this tragedy, this loss feels especially close.' Former NBC6 investigative journalist Willard Shepard, a close friend of Hyer, expressed devastation upon learning of her death. 'She was an extremely generous person in her professional life; she was an expert in estate issues, foreclosures, that sort of thing,' Shepard said. 'I spoke with her probably a month and a half ago, with no signs or indications of anything like this, and obviously, if there had been any signs, I would have said something or taken some action; but there was simply nothing that indicated this could have happened.' Shepard mentioned that neighbors told him the girls had gone biking with Ryan Whiten on Sunday. Parents, teachers, and students at the girls' school, Downtown Doral Elementary, were also mourning on Wednesday, as grief counselors were made available. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, our faculty and staff at our elementary school, where they currently attended, and our high school. Both students were deeply loved by their school, their teachers, and their peers,' said school principal Jeannette Acevedo-Isenberg in an email to parents. The girls were also members of the Doral field hockey team, which remembered them in an Instagram post on Wednesday. 'Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by them,' the post read. 'They were an important part of our community and will be remembered for their kindness, friendship, and the positive impact they had on everyone around them.' Local resident Consuelo Paredes expressed being 'super sad, the community where this happened is very quiet.' Detectives are now trying to piece together the hours leading up to the tragedy to determine exactly what occurred inside the home to clarify the motives behind this chilling crime. Authorities continue to process evidence and interview family members and close associates of the victims. So far, they have not revealed who may have committed the attacks or the possible motive behind this tragedy that has left an entire community searching for answers. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

Education

STC Celebrates Reaccreditation of Its Powerful Dual Credit Program

South Texas College (STC) is celebrating its reaccreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), making it the only nationally accredited dual credit program in Texas. This recognition highlights STC's commitment to providing high-quality dual credit opportunities for high school students, allowing them to earn college credits while still in school. STC partners with 21 school districts and has served over 150,000 students since 2000, saving families more than $464 million. The program offers various degrees and career options, reinforcing STC’s role as a leader in educational access and student success in the Rio Grande Valley.

How the AI Explosion is Powering a Multi-Trillion Dollar Economic Shift

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant economic transformation in the U.S., with billions invested in data center construction and Nvidia's market valuation exceeding $5 trillion. A recent survey shows that AI usage among businesses is between 17% and 20%, with larger firms leading at 37%. Industries like Information and Finance are adopting AI more than Retail, which lags at 14%. Most companies are using AI to enhance tasks in sales, marketing, and IT. While some layoffs have been attributed to AI, the overall job market is expected to grow as skills adapt to new technologies.

Lupillo and Christian Nodal Join Telemundo's Celebration 'El Mundial es Nuestro'

Telemundo announced the addition of regional Mexican music stars Christian Nodal and Lupillo Rivera to 'El Mundial Es Nuestro,' the ultimate celebration for fans that will kick off its coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The special will be broadcast live from the iconic Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 7, at 9 PM/8 C on Telemundo. It will also be available simultaneously on Peacock and the Telemundo app. Nodal and Rivera join previously announced artists, including Carlos Vives, David Bisbal, David Garibaldi, Elena Rose, Emilia, Grupo Frontera, Low Clika, Luis Fonsi, Natalia Jiménez, Wisin, Xavi, and Yahritza y Su Esencia.

Pharr Proclaims June 2026 as “Responsible Fatherhood Month”

The Pharr City Commission has officially declared June 2026 as 'Responsible Fatherhood Month' to honor the significant contributions of fathers and father figures in the lives of children and families. This proclamation emphasizes the positive impact of engaged fathering, which includes emotional support and stability for children. Pastors David Magallan and Luis Cabrera were present to discuss the importance of strong father figures in fostering healthy families. Pastor Magallan expressed gratitude to the city for supporting this initiative, which aims to strengthen family bonds and enhance community well-being.

Education

STC Theatre & Dance’s 5th Annual South Texas New Play Festival, June 25-27

The 5th Annual South Texas New Play Festival, hosted by South Texas College Theatre & Dance, will take place from June 25 to 27 at the Cooper Center for Performing Arts in McAllen. The festival features stage readings, including 'Miriam’s Song' by Robert Paul Moreira, and a playwright panel. Three plays were selected from over 30 submissions, with finalists showcasing their work. Events include a panel on June 26 and a theatre fair. Festival passes are available for $15 until June 23, after which a $5 fee applies at the door. For more information, visit the South Texas College website.

South Padre Island’s Beach at Isla Blanca Park Named One of USA TODAY’s 10 Best Beaches

Isla Blanca Park Beach on South Padre Island has been named one of the top beaches in the U.S. for the third consecutive year by USA TODAY's 2026 10Best Beaches list. This recognition highlights the beach's white sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture, making it a premier destination for outdoor activities. The selection process involved nominations from travel experts followed by votes from readers nationwide. Kelly deSchaun, CEO of Visit South Padre Island, expressed pride in the recognition, emphasizing the island's appeal as a tropical getaway with diverse attractions for all visitors.

New Book Explores Why Cultural Context Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI and Global Business

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Magdalena Aguinaga will launch her new book, The Cultural Awakening, at J’aime Les Livres in McAllen, Texas, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The book addresses the importance of cultural context in communication, especially as businesses increasingly rely on AI tools. Aguinaga, a cultural intelligence expert, argues that while AI can translate languages, it fails to convey cultural meanings and emotional nuances. The Cultural Awakening combines memoir and leadership insights, offering a framework called The Cultural Lens™ to help navigate multicultural environments effectively.

American Airlines Launches Nonstop McAllen Phoenix Service

McAllen International Airport has announced a new daily nonstop service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, starting June 4, 2026. City Manager Isaac J. Tawil emphasized the significance of this route for McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley, enhancing access for business, education, and tourism. The airport generates over $1.2 billion in economic activity annually and supports more than 12,000 jobs. American Airlines' Dale Morris highlighted the airline's commitment to the community and the convenience this service brings, connecting McAllen to hundreds of destinations. The new route reflects ongoing investment in the region and aims to improve connectivity for travelers.