Tropical storm Cristina update

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Conditions will remain mostly hot and dry through the rest of this week, but changes may arrive as we head into the weekend and early next week. Tropical Storm Cristina is currently located along the Central American coastline (Tuesday, June 9, 2026), moving toward Guatemala City and weakening as it interacts with

San Benito appoints Carlos Yerena as interim city manager

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of San Benito named an interim city manager during a special commission meeting on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson from the city. Carlos Yerena was appointed as interim city manager and is expected to begin immediately. On June 3, an agenda shared via the city's website stated that former city manager

Valley mariachi students perform at Carnegie Hall

Cleanup underway for invasive plant species at San Benito resaca trail

US strikes Iran after Trump blames Tehran for downing Army helicopter

The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iran after President Trump accused Tehran of downing an Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command described the strikes as a proportional response to Iranian aggression. Iranian officials vowed retaliation, stating that foreign military forces near their territory are at risk. The incident escalated tensions following a two-month ceasefire and recent exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel. Meanwhile, a U.S. drone boat successfully rescued two aviators after the helicopter crash, marking a first for the military. The situation continues to impact global energy prices and regional stability.

Weslaco among RGV teams to qualify for 7-on-7 state tournament

The Weslaco Panthers have secured a spot in the state 7-on-7 football tournament, scheduled for the last week of June in College Station. They achieved this by defeating PSJA in their qualifying match. Players expressed their excitement about competing against top teams in Texas. Running back Malachi Rodriguez emphasized the satisfaction of their hard work paying off, while quarterback Guadalupe Granados noted the team's focus and confidence as they prepare. This marks the second state qualification for defensive back Enrique Rodriguez, who highlighted the effort put in by the team. Port Isabel and PSJA North will also face off in a scrimmage this week.

Brownsville neighborhood floods as construction project raises concerns

Texas teen who fatally stabbed track athlete at school meet found guilty and sentenced to prison

A Texas teenager, Karmelo Anthony, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for fatally stabbing 17-year-old track athlete Austin Metcalf during a high school meet in April 2025. The jury rejected Anthony's self-defense claims, concluding that he was the aggressor in the confrontation that escalated over Anthony's refusal to leave Metcalf's team's tent. The trial attracted significant attention, partly due to social media discussions framing the incident racially. Both teens were from Frisco, Texas, and had no prior acquaintance. The case highlighted issues of accountability and community standards.

Brownsville hosting free World Cup watch party

Brownsville is set to host a free World Cup watch party at Linear Park on Friday, starting at 7 p.m. with the match between Team USA and Paraguay kicking off at 8 p.m. Approximately 200 soccer enthusiasts are expected to gather to watch the game on a massive 20-foot by 13-foot screen. Three local restaurants will provide food trucks, and 15 vendors will participate in the event. Organizers emphasize the importance of community connection and excitement for the occasion, encouraging attendees to bring their own chairs or blankets. FIFA merchandise will also be distributed during the event.

House passes $70B bill to fund immigration enforcement for 3 years, sending to Trump

The House of Representatives passed a bill allocating nearly $70 billion for immigration enforcement, which now awaits President Trump's signature. The legislation, approved by a narrow vote of 214-212, aims to fund the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies for three years, supporting Trump's deportation agenda. The bill includes $38 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, $26 billion for Border Patrol, and $5 billion for unforeseen costs. Democrats opposed the bill, criticizing it as a 'slush fund for ICE' without necessary reforms. The funding follows a lengthy standoff in Congress and is seen as crucial for Trump's immigration policies.

Candidates make their final push for the TSC Place 1 seat

The runoff election for the Texas Southmost College Place 1 Trustee seat is approaching its conclusion, with early voting ending on June 9 and Election Day set for June 13. The candidates are J.J. De Leon, a former board member advocating for transparency and community representation, and incumbent Adela Garza, who emphasizes the college's growth and readiness to meet workforce demands. De Leon argues for necessary change, while Garza believes in the college's current trajectory. The elected trustee will serve a six-year term, representing the community's interests.

La Grulla shelter steps up screwworm prevention as parasite cases increase in Texas

The Pawradise Dog Sanctuary in La Grulla is enhancing its screwworm prevention measures as cases of the parasite increase in Texas, particularly with a confirmed case in La Salle County. Owner Gloria Gonzalez noted that many animals arriving at the shelter have skin injuries, making them vulnerable to infections. She uses a medicated spray to treat open wounds and has intensified cleaning efforts at her facility. Nearby, the Rio Grande City animal control is also vigilant, having reported cases of animals with maggots, although recent tests showed they were negative for screwworm. Community cooperation is essential to combat this issue.

Made in the 956: Donna native helps protect the San Antonio Spurs

Roy Padilla, a native of Donna, Texas, is part of the San Antonio Spurs security team, gaining firsthand experience during the NBA Finals. He has been with the team since 2018, traveling with them for practices, games, and public events. Padilla, who has a law enforcement background dating back to 1980, previously served as the assistant police chief in Pharr and police chief for Donna ISD. Excited about the Finals, he emphasizes the importance of staying alert and focused. Padilla remains connected to his roots in the Rio Grande Valley, expressing pride in his hometown of Donna.

Texas A & M AgriLife launches screwworm task force to protect cattle industry

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has initiated a task force to combat the spread of New World screwworms, which have recently been detected in New Mexico. Dr. Phillip Kaufman, a veterinary entomologist, is spearheading the initiative aimed at protecting Texas's cattle industry. The task force will develop training programs to ensure proper inspection and treatment of cattle to prevent the parasite's spread. Kaufman mentioned that the plan will be finalized by the end of the week and submitted to the animal health commission for further action, including training additional personnel in affected areas.

Largest ICE detention facility wasted millions and put detainees at risk, report finds

A federal report highlights severe mismanagement at Camp East Montana, the largest ICE detention facility in the U.S., located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The Government Accountability Office found unsafe conditions that contributed to the deaths of three detainees within six months, including a Cuban migrant whose death investigation was compromised due to missing evidence. The facility, which opened in August 2022, failed to meet required standards, lacked adequate medical care, and wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on unnecessary services. The Department of Homeland Security has since replaced the contractor managing the facility to improve conditions.

Edinburg man pleads guilty in drive-by shooting death of 6-year-old girl

Daniel Guzman Flores, an Edinburg resident, has pleaded guilty to murder in the drive-by shooting death of 6-year-old Yvon Adele Medeles on February 23, 2021. The shooting occurred during a neighborhood dispute while Medeles was watching TV at her home on Valencia Avenue near Mission. Flores faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 15 to 99 years. He is one of four men arrested in connection with the incident, with co-defendants receiving various sentences, including life imprisonment for one. Flores's sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2026.

Consumer Reports: What to buy in June 2026

June is expected to be a lucrative month for shoppers, with early summer sales from Amazon and other retailers providing opportunities to save ahead of the holiday season. Consumer Reports highlights that it's a prime time for Father's Day gifts, with sales starting early in the month. Popular gift ideas include cordless drills and compatible smartwatches. This year, Amazon's Prime Day is anticipated to occur earlier than usual, featuring significant discounts on items like Ring doorbells and kitchen appliances. Additionally, early Fourth of July sales may emerge before the month ends, making June a great time for deals.

Hospitals Must Detail Their Prices, Says Federal Government

The Trump administration warned over 500 hospitals that they must provide the public with more basic information about healthcare prices, arguing that the lack of disclosure is inflating costs. The Associated Press exclusively obtained the list of hospitals that have received warning letters or requests to submit plans for price disclosure since April. Failure to comply with these warnings could result in penalties of up to $2 million annually for each recipient that does not develop a plan to publish clear data. The letters aim to address a fundamental issue: that patients, employers, and insurers may not know in advance how much a blood test, X-ray, or other form of treatment will cost, resulting in them paying more than they should. AP has published the list of hospitals that have received letters. A senior government official, who requested anonymity to provide the list, noted that President Trump plans to tighten transparency rules under an executive order he signed in 2019. More hospitals may receive letters for lack of data, the official added. The warnings are the latest example of how Trump is trying to convey that his administration is addressing the issue of medical expenses that can ruin a family's budget.

Mexico and the U.S. Suspend Live Animal Imports Due to Screwworm Cases

MEXICO CITY — Mexico and the United States agreed on Tuesday to temporarily suspend the importation of live animals from the neighboring country into Mexico in an effort to contain the spread of the screwworm pest following the confirmation of three new cases in Texas and New Mexico. The Mexican Ministry of Agriculture stated in a release that the measure was decided in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen the health protection of livestock in northwestern Mexico, where no cases have currently been reported. The northern states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora have not reported any screwworm cases. As of earlier this week, Mexico had accumulated 1,993 active cases across 27 of the country's 32 states. The screwworm is a larva of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax that can invade the tissues of any warm-blooded animal, including humans. The import restriction will apply to cattle, wild ruminants, horses for breeding, sport, exhibition, and transit, pigs, sheep, goats, songbirds, and ferrets originating from or coming from the United States.

Strategist Horacio Bids Farewell to La Casa de los Famosos as Seventh Finalist

Argentinian actor Horacio Pancheri said goodbye on Tuesday as the seventh finalist of the sixth season of La Casa de los Famosos, following the public's decision, in a gala that concluded alongside his main rival Fabio Agostini. Calm yet visibly saddened, the strategist of La Casa listened to the farewell words from La Jefa after becoming the season's seventh finalist. 'Good companion, protector; today a true gentleman leaves,' La Jefa said in her farewell. 'Your calmness and honesty were your shield and sword.' Meanwhile, the warriors of light in La Casa were inconsolable, especially Josh Martínez, over Horacio Pancheri's departure. Who remains as finalists? La Casa de los Famosos, which concludes on Thursday, June 11, still has the following finalists: Luis Coronel, Josh Martínez, Celinee Santos, Stefano Piccioni, Yoridán Martínez, and Fabio Agostini.