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EducationHarlingen South student heading to 2026 National Speech and Debate Tournament
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —Theatre is about telling stories, but one local student's story may be his most compelling role yet. The lights come up. The curtain opens. And for Javier, that's where the magic begins. Whether it's musical theatre, one-act play, or speech and debate, the Harlingen South junior continues to leave audiences speechless. "I've
Public SafetyDriver arrested in human smuggling attempt at Falfurrias checkpoint
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- U.S. Border Patrol arrested a driver who attempted to smuggle 26 people through the checkpoint in Falfurrias. U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jared C. Ashby provided details of the smuggling attempt and arrest on Thursday. Ashby reported that a white Dodge Ram 3500 hauling a gooseneck
CommunityHarlingen hosts free FIFA World Cup watch party in downtown plaza
Harlingen is organizing a free FIFA World Cup watch party at Lozano Plaza for fans of Team USA. The event begins at 7 p.m., with the match against Paraguay starting at 8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy drinks from the RGV Red Crowns, who will be selling their beers on-site. Visit Harlingen Director Cassandra Consiglio encourages visitors to support local businesses by shopping and dining in the area. Additionally, another watch party is scheduled for next Thursday at Lozano Plaza to cheer on Mexico.
PoliticsEdinburg residents push for answers over incomplete Alberta Road project
Residents of Edinburg are expressing frustration over the incomplete Alberta Road project, which has been ongoing for three years. Concerns were first raised in March when locals displayed a sign demanding completion. While city officials reported progress after resolving utility issues, residents now report missing lane markings and speeding drivers. The city confirmed that the main roadway and driveways are paved, with final phases including sidewalks and permanent striping still pending. The estimated completion date is set for July 2026. In response to speeding concerns, police have increased their presence in the area.
Public SafetyProgreso names fourth police chief in 2 years amid staffing concerns
Progreso has appointed Guillermo 'Willie' Figueroa as its new police chief, marking the fourth chief in two years. Figueroa was sworn in on Friday, coinciding with the resignation of City Manager Benjamin Arjona, who hired him. Interim Police Chief Al Perez also stepped down after applying for the permanent position. Tensions arose between Perez and Mayor Hugo Gamboa regarding a shooting investigation. The police department is currently facing staffing shortages, with two officers leaving soon, leaving only three on patrol. Mayor Gamboa indicated that the city may seek help from state or county law enforcement to manage calls.
CommunityLos Fresnos dancer performs at FIFA World Cup opening ceremony
Raul Passamentt, a 24-year-old professional dancer from Los Fresnos, showcased his talent at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony held at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Performing alongside renowned Mexican singer Belinda, Passamentt expressed immense pride in representing his community from the Rio Grande Valley. He previously appeared in Channel 5 News' Made in the 956 series as a member of the Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández. Now based in Mexico City, Passamentt aims to honor his roots in every performance, reflecting on the electrifying atmosphere of the stadium filled with fans during the event.
CommunityStreet cleanup event held in Brownsville ahead of weekend rain in the forecast
Brownsville community leaders organized an emergency cleanup event on Friday to remove trash from streets in anticipation of heavy rain and potential flooding. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. warned that rainfall is expected from Monday evening through Wednesday. The cleanup, led by District 3 Commissioner Gustavo De Leon, focused on the Central Avenue area, allowing residents to drop off unwanted items. Volunteers, including Kenny Robertson who disposed of an old sofa, and Jason Medina from STX Metal Trades, collected trash throughout neighborhoods. Officials estimate at least 35,000 pounds of trash will be collected, surpassing previous events' averages.
Public SafetyMidland police ID suspect in shooting that left one victim dead, 10 injured
Midland police have identified 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal as the suspect in a shooting that occurred on Friday morning, resulting in one death and ten injuries. Villarreal, who had previously fired at police during a chase, barricaded himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic after the shooting began. Authorities confirmed his death inside the building hours later, though the cause remains unclear. The incident prompted a significant police response, with reports of at least 40 gunshots. Four victims underwent surgery, while five others were treated and released. Midland, a city of approximately 140,000, has a history of violent incidents, including a mass shooting in 2019.
WeatherList: Sandbag distribution sites in the Valley
As rain is expected this weekend, several cities in the Rio Grande Valley are offering sandbag distributions to help residents prepare. Cameron County will distribute sandbags on Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brownsville will hold a free event at the Public Works Office Building C starting at 9 a.m. Combes will distribute sandbags from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Combes Warehouse. Hidalgo's self-serve distribution is on June 12 and 13 at Payne Arena. Mission provides free sandbags every Saturday until hurricane season ends, and Raymondville will distribute them from June 12 to June 14 behind City Hall.
WeatherTropical developments could dump inches of rain on the Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Tropical low pressure continues to develop over the Southwest Gulf where the National Hurricane Center is watching for strengthening and better definition. In other words, this system has a slight chance to become a tropical depression Saturday or Sunday. The big news for the Valley is the ability of this system
SportsBrazil and Morocco Face Off in FIFA World Cup Fever; How to Watch the Match
The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues on June 13 with the matchup between Brazil and Morocco. The excitement of the match between the Group C teams will take place at the New York/New Jersey stadium at 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT. Don't miss a second of this encounter, which will be broadcast live in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo. You can also watch it on Peacock (for Premium and Premium Plus subscribers).
BusinessMexico's Victory in World Cup Brings Nearly $70 Million in Benefits
MEXICO CITY – The Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Concanaco Servytur) estimated on Friday that Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa at the start of the 2026 World Cup generated an economic benefit exceeding 1.2 billion pesos (about $69.6 million) in Mexico City and areas linked to the tournament. The organization attributed the spending to consumption in restaurants, hotels, bars, transportation, retail, souvenir sales, and local activations, according to a statement released after the opening match. 'Nationally, the tournament could represent up to 65 billion pesos (almost $3.768 billion) for the sector, provided that opportunities also reach micro, small, and medium enterprises (MiPyMEs) and are not concentrated in large chains,' warned Octavio de la Torre, president of Concanaco Servytur. The Confederation noted that businesses in the so-called 'last mile,' the access perimeter to the Estadio Ciudad de México, better known as Estadio Azteca, opened their doors despite declines in sales attributed to mobilizations by the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE).
Public SafetyScheduled road closures for 10th Street in north McAllen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A portion of North 10th Street in McAllen will be closed starting Monday as crews begin to work on the roadway and drainage improvements. Road construction will be done between Frontera Road and Auburn Avenue/Wisconsin Road in north McAllen. Crews with the Texas Department of Transportation will begin work on the
BusinessMcAllen Public Library, Workforce Solutions to host weekend job fair
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Public Library and Workforce Solutions are partnering to host a free job fair on Saturday. More than 40 employers are scheduled to attend the event to network with potential employees. A list of employers scheduled to attend the job event is available at this link. The job fair will
PoliticsFrom Customs to Maximum Security Prison: U.S. Detains and Deports Official to Mexico
MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities reported on Friday the detention in the United States and subsequent handover to Mexico of an official from the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) who is being investigated for alleged ties to organized crime. The detainee was identified as Carlos Eugenio Benítez Orta, 46, an employee assigned to ANAM, a key institution for controlling border crossings and foreign trade in the country. ANAM and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) stated that the capture in the U.S. was the result of coordinated actions between Mexican and U.S. authorities, although they did not specify the exact location or the role each country played in the investigation. 'The events are related to an ongoing investigation into alleged organized crime activities,' they noted in a joint statement, without providing further details.
SportsThe NBA Finals have been close. Still, Knicks are in command and need 1 win over Spurs for the title
The New York Knicks are one win away from clinching the NBA Championship, leading the series 3-1 against the San Antonio Spurs. Each of the first four games has been tightly contested, with all outcomes still uncertain in the final minute. The Knicks won Game 4 by just one point, thanks to a last-second tip-in by OG Anunoby, after the Spurs squandered a 29-point lead. Knicks coach Mike Brown emphasized focusing on the process rather than the outcome. The decisive Game 5 will take place in San Antonio, where Knicks fans are expected to show strong support as the team aims to end a long championship drought.
SportsWorld Cup what to know: Mexico starts with big win while the US and Canada prepare for openers
Mexico kicked off the World Cup with a strong 2-0 victory over South Africa at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal in the ninth minute, followed by Raúl Jiménez, who marked his return with a header in the second half. The match saw three red cards, two for South Africa and one for Mexico's César Montes. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Canada prepare for their opening matches, with Canada seeking its first World Cup win against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the U.S. facing Paraguay. FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed ticket pricing concerns amid criticism.
PoliticsAt GOP convention, Abbott vows to demolish Democrats, calls for crackdown on H-1B visas and Sharia law
At the Texas GOP convention in Houston, Governor Greg Abbott pledged to defeat Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, framing them as proponents of 'Bernie Sanders socialism.' He proposed closing primaries to only registered Republicans and banning local governments from hiring lobbyists. Abbott also emphasized his plans to regulate data centers, reduce property taxes, and tighten immigration policies. He announced a $25 million investment to turn Harris County red again and called for a freeze on H-1B visa applications across all state and local governments. His remarks drew both cheers and criticism, particularly from his Democratic opponent, Rep. Gina Hinojosa.
BusinessGrants available for businesses in Mission downtown area
Businesses located in the downtown area of Mission may be eligible for grants of up to $25,000, as announced by the Mission Economic Development Corporation. These funds can be allocated for building renovations, equipment purchases, or inventory and do not require repayment. The grants are specifically for businesses situated along Conway Avenue from 1st to 18th streets in the historic district. Brianna Casares, Programs Director of Mission EDC, noted that past recipients have reported increased profits and hiring. The application period is currently open and will close at the end of the month.
PoliticsRGV Leaders Advocate for the Region’s Future During Washington, D.C. Mission
Leaders from the Rio Grande Valley recently traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of the RGV2DC initiative to advocate for the region's future. The delegation, led by Paco Sánchez, included representatives from business, education, and healthcare sectors. They engaged with federal policymakers on key issues such as healthcare, economic development, and workforce readiness. Highlights included meetings with Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as discussions on emerging industries and federal investment opportunities. The initiative aims to strengthen the Valley's voice and ensure competitiveness for future growth and investment.