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Public SafetyBrownsville juvenile charged after using AI to create sexually explicit images of female classmates, police say
A juvenile in Brownsville has been arrested for using artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images of female classmates, according to the Brownsville Police Department. The unnamed individual is facing 10 charges related to the unlawful production and distribution of deep fake sexually explicit media, with the arrest occurring on May 27. Authorities are urging anyone who believes they may be a victim of similar crimes to reach out to them. Police emphasized the potential for AI technology to be misused, highlighting the legal repercussions of creating or sharing such images without consent.
SportsSpurs fans excited for the 2026 NBA Finals
San Antonio Spurs fans are thrilled as their team faces the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals, a moment many have long awaited. Dylan Castillo expressed his excitement, saying it feels like a childhood dream come true. Fans Susana Cruz and Olga Perez, who attended the 1999 Finals, are nostalgic about this rematch, with Cruz emphasizing the importance of being present for such a special event. The Rio Grande Valley is also represented, with Josh Nieto highlighting his local connections. Spurs center Victor Wembanyama appreciates the support from the community, noting the franchise's legendary status and the joy it brings to fans.
Public SafetyKen Paxton announces investigation into energy drink company linked to death of Weslaco cheerleader
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into Celsius Holdings, Inc., the manufacturer of the Alani Nu energy drink linked to the death of 17-year-old Weslaco cheerleader Larissa Rodriguez. Rodriguez's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming her death was caused by excessive caffeine consumption from the drink. Paxton aims to protect children from misleading marketing and dangerous caffeine levels, as each can contains 200 mg of caffeine, deemed unsafe for minors. The investigation follows reports of adverse health effects from energy drinks among young consumers nationwide. Distributors have denied the allegations and seek to dismiss the lawsuit.
Public SafetyHuman smuggling pursuit ends in tractor-trailer fire on US 281: Sheriff
LINN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A tractor-trailer involved in a human smuggling pursuit has caught fire, leading to road closures along U.S. 281, Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra is reporting. The southbound lanes of U.S. 281 approximately six miles north of Linn are closed as first responders put out the fire. The affected roadway will be
Health'We're not prepared': Texas agriculture commissioner warns as New World Screwworm reaches state
MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — State and federal officials continue ramping up efforts to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm after an infested calf was recently discovered in La Pryor, marking the pest's arrival in Texas. The infected calf was found about 200 miles north of McAllen, prompting increased surveillance and control measures across
WeatherThunderstorm focus turns to Mexico for Friday weather
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Another warm, humid day is scheduled for Friday with partly cloudy skies and modest southeast winds. The last several days the Valley has seen afternoon, sea breeze thunderstorms roll in from the east. Now the mechanism driving rain chances will shift to out of the southwest. The mechanical mix up will
EducationSpaceX awards $100K in scholarships to Brownsville ISD students
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX awarded students from the Brownsville Independent School District with $100,000 in scholarships on Thursday. The partnership between SpaceX and Brownsville ISD awards 10 students with $10,000 scholarships each to help them pursue a higher education and support their career goals. It adds that, in addition to academic success, students will
NationalNeither official nor unofficial: Mexico has no communication regarding US visa withdrawal
MEXICO CITY – Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco stated on Thursday that he has "no official or unofficial communication" from the United States regarding an alleged withdrawal of visas from two Mexican governors amid rising bilateral tensions. The governors in question are Alfonso Durazo of Sonora and Américo Villareal of Tamaulipas, who both denied reports on Wednesday that the US had revoked their visas due to an alleged investigation into their supposed ties to organized crime, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. "We have no official communication on this matter, nor unofficial. This is not a topic on which there has been any communication from the US government," Velasco said during a press conference alongside his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, at the Foreign Ministry in Mexico City. On Wednesday, Durazo, from the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena), rejected the notion that he needed to "prove" he has a valid visa to travel to the United States. He also urged US authorities to "clarify the information" if such an investigation exists. Meanwhile, the governor of Tamaulipas, also from Morena, posted a video on social media criticizing the journalistic reports and the "false, biased accusations lacking any evidence to support them." The reactions from both politicians come after the Los Angeles Times reported that Durazo and Villareal are being investigated in the US for alleged connections to organized crime and fuel smuggling (known in Mexico as "huachicol"). The publication indicated that Washington has revoked their visas, but both politicians continue to enter the United States regularly under cooperation programs with US authorities. If this investigation is confirmed, it would represent another step in the recent campaign that Washington has launched against active Mexican politicians and their alleged ties to organized crime, following an urgent request in April for the arrest of ten officials from Sinaloa, including Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, for drug-related offenses. Velasco also mentioned that the tone of conversations with the US ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, has been one of cordiality and friendship between the two countries.
EducationWeslaco ISD summer meal program runs through July 10 at no cost to students
Weslaco ISD is providing free lunches for students aged 18 and under this summer, funded by a federal grant. Last year, the program successfully served thousands of students, and the district aims to continue supporting families facing rising food costs. Weslaco ISD spokesperson Carlos Robledo emphasized the importance of nutritious meals, especially given current food inflation. The summer meal program will be available until July 10, 2026, and no school ID is required to receive a meal. Families are encouraged to contact their school district to confirm if their child's school is participating in the program.
Public SafetyPETA urges caution after reports of cat deaths in McAllen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is urging residents to keep their pets indoors following reports of cat deaths in a north McAllen neighborhood. The call for action by the nonprofit organization PETA is followed by a social media post from U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who said at least
Public SafetyTruck Allegedly Involved in Human Trafficking Catches Fire in Hidalgo County
A trailer truck, allegedly involved in human trafficking, caught fire in Hidalgo County, causing the southbound lane of Highway 281 to close six miles north of Linn. Sheriff Eddie Guerra announced the incident via social media, stating that law enforcement was pursuing the vehicle when the fire broke out. The situation is still developing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
HealthCameron County Monitors Screwworm Threat After Zavala County Detection
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the U.S. on June 3, 2026, after an infected calf was found in Zavala County, Texas. In response, officials are establishing an infested zone and conducting surveillance to prevent the spread of this pest, which can affect livestock and pets. Although Zavala County is about 300 miles from Cameron County, local officials are coordinating with state and federal agencies to ensure readiness. Residents are urged to monitor animals for signs of infection and report any suspected cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Public SafetyRGV Mother and Daughter Face Prison After Human Smuggling Conviction
A federal jury has found a mother and daughter from the Rio Grande Valley guilty of human smuggling. The verdict came after a two-day trial where evidence showed they transported an illegal alien to a Border Patrol checkpoint near Kingsville on July 22, 2025. The passenger, who could not provide identification, testified he was smuggled into the U.S. and was headed to Houston. The defendants claimed they believed he was a U.S. citizen, but the jury rejected this defense. Sentencing is scheduled for September 1, with both facing up to 10 years in prison. The case is part of Operation Take Back America.
Public SafetyCaught with cocaine, man said he planned to visit ‘my friend, my hoes’ near Corpus Christi
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who told Border Patrol he planned to visit “my friend, my hoes” near Corpus Christi was caught transporting nearly six pounds of cocaine on Wednesday, according to the criminal complaint against him. Francisco Javier Palafox Jr. stopped at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita on Wednesday afternoon. The
Public SafetyBail set at $200K for ICE officer wanted in Minneapolis shooting
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer wanted in Minnesota for allegedly shooting a Venezuelan man had a bail of $200,000 set during a hearing Thursday morning in Cameron County. Christian J. Castro, 52, originally had no bail set when he appeared before a judge on May 30. He is charged
BusinessTxDOT Hosting Event for Small Businesses, July 20th
The TxDOT Pharr District is organizing an event on July 20 aimed at small businesses seeking state highway construction contracts. This event, titled BOSS (Big Opportunities Start Small), will allow participants to network with TxDOT engineers, prime contractors, and other small business representatives. The event will be conducted in English, but interpreters will be available upon request. Small businesses interested in attending can register by contacting the TxDOT Civil Rights Division at 210-615-5954 or via email. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities can also be arranged if requested by July 13, 2026.
Public SafetyDPS Finds 20 Migrants Hidden in Truck Tractor Near Laredo
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) discovered 20 undocumented migrants hidden in a truck tractor during a traffic stop on IH-35 near Laredo on May 26, 2026. The stop was part of Operation Lone Star, conducted by a DPS Trooper around 4:00 p.m. The migrants, from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala, were found in the sleeping area of the vehicle. The driver, 47-year-old Antonio Brown from Nevada, was arrested and charged with human smuggling. This incident marks the second time in less than ten days that DPS has uncovered a similar situation, with another 20 migrants found on May 18.
BusinessDSHS Opens Applications for Statewide Food Truck Licenses
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has launched applications for a new statewide license for mobile food vendors, including food trucks and pushcarts. This initiative follows the passage of HB 2844, which allows vendors to operate under a single license throughout Texas, eliminating the need for multiple local licenses. Starting July 1, all mobile food vendors must possess a DSHS license. Current vendors can continue operating if they have submitted a complete application. Inspections will be prioritized for new vendors without existing licenses. More details are available in the DSHS Mobile Food Vendor Guide.
CommunityFREE Fishing Day in Texas is June 6th
On June 6th, Texas will celebrate a Free Fishing Day, allowing residents and visitors to fish without a license at any public water body across the state. This event encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors and try fishing, whether they are experienced anglers or newcomers. Participants are reminded to bring their fishing gear and a friend to share the experience. It's a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories on the water. For those looking for the best fishing spots, resources are available to help find ideal locations. Don't miss out on this chance to fish for free all day long!
NationalFive Partner Nations Join U.S. Forces for Operation Red Flag-Alaska
Operation Red Flag-Alaska 26-2 began on May 28, 2026, at Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, involving over 2,100 service members from the U.S. and allied nations. The exercise aims to enhance air combat readiness and interoperability among forces from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Royal Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Republic of Singapore Air Force. Participants will engage in joint airborne operations, including airdrops and tactical exchanges, simulating Indo-Pacific operational conditions. The exercise is set to conclude on June 12, 2026.