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PoliticsGov. Abbott orders multi-agency probe into alleged 'birth tourism schemes'
overnor Greg Abbott signed an executive order Tuesday directing Texas agencies to investigate alleged “birth tourism schemes” involving the state’s healthcare system. The directive calls for statewide coordination but appears to rely on agencies’ existing oversight powers rather than create new enforcement authority.
HealthValley Baptist Brownsville unveils new stroke care equipment
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Health care leaders joined at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Brownsville to celebrate a new program and equipment designed to treat stroke patients. The facility's new bi-plane imaging equipment will help specialists treat stroke patients more effectively and safely. With the help of the equipment, the facility's new thrombectomy program will
CommunityCommunity aids in planting trees at Harlingen city parks
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Harlingen Parks and Recreation Department hosted a free community tree-planting event on Wednesday as part of its ongoing initiative to improve the quality of life at its city parks. The tree-planting session was held at Pendleton Park, one of several parks where new trees were planted and made possible by
Public SafetyHarlingen PD partners with TxDOT to crack down on speeding
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is partnering with law enforcement agencies to crack down on speeding across the state. Operation Slowdown is an annual campaign by TxDOT to ramp up enforcement statewide and target drivers traveling at high and unsafe speeds. The Harlingen Police Department is one of many agencies teaming
CommunityFood Bank RGV to distribute free produce in Peñitas
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - The Food Bank RGV will be hosting a free mobile produce distribution on Thursday, July 23rd. The one day only event will be held at Faith Fellowship Bible Church in Penitas beginning at 9 AM until supplies last. Participants will need a picture ID and proof of address, with a maximum of two families per
PoliticsMexico Files 20 Complaints in the U.S. Over Deaths of Nationals in ICE Custody
The Mexican government has filed 20 complaints with state and county prosecutors in the United States regarding the deaths of 17 nationals that occurred since May during operations or while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This marks a new escalation in efforts to demand clarification of these cases. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) announced on Wednesday that the complaints were filed on July 13 by Mexico's ambassador to the U.S., Roberto Lazzeri, in the jurisdictions where the deaths occurred: eight with state prosecutors and 12 with county prosecutors in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. In addition to these actions, the Mexican Embassy submitted a complaint to the Department of Justice through the State Department on July 14, requesting a formal investigation into the 17 cases and updates on the progress of the inquiries. The Foreign Ministry clarified that these actions are part of the follow-up to measures announced on July 9 by President Claudia Sheinbaum, after the Mexican government reported the deaths of 17 nationals in ICE operations or detention centers since May of this year. It also noted that Ambassador Lazzeri held meetings last week with officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE, where he expressed the Mexican government's concerns about conditions in detention centers, including those operated by private companies, and requested clarification on each of the deaths.
CommunityWeslaco Police Department invites community to Bike Rodeo & Water Wars event
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Weslaco Police Department is inviting the community to a fun-filled bicycle safety rodeo on Saturday at Judge Gilbert Garza Park. Children ages 8-15 will have the opportunity to learn all there is to know about bike safety alongside Weslaco police. The afternoon is scheduled to include a helmet fitting, skills course, explanation of traffic rules, a bike
BusinessMcAllen Partners with UTRGV to Support Local Entrepreneurs
The City of McAllen has teamed up with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to introduce the UTRGV Market Lab at the McAllen Main Library. This initiative aims to provide local entrepreneurs and small business owners with free resources for business development. The six-week program will accept its first 30 businesses, offering personalized coaching, market research, and strategic planning at no cost. Participants will also collaborate with UTRGV student consulting teams. Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are currently open, and interested entrepreneurs can find more information on the city’s website.
Public SafetyLegal aid scam targets border residents
TRLA warns border residents about a scam targeting people seeking legal assistance, in which impostors are impersonating the nonprofit legal services organization and demanding payment from potential clients.
SportsThe Best Narrations by Andrés Cantor in the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup lived up to all expectations, featuring 104 matches filled with energy, excitement, outstanding athletic performances, and stadiums packed with fans passionately cheering for their national teams. A key part of the tournament's charm was the narration by the legendary Telemundo commentator, Andrés Cantor. Cantor is one of the most recognized voices in soccer, having appeared in commercials and even on 'The Simpsons.'
Public Safety1 killed, 1 hospitalized in wrong-way crash near Brownsville: DPS
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a wrong-way crash that left one person dead on Wednesday morning near Brownsville. According to DPS, the crash occurred at approximately 8:52 a.m. on FM 511, south of State Highway 48 in Cameron County. A preliminary investigation found that a 2020 Red Kenworth,
Public SafetyTruck Driver Admits to Human Smuggling Scheme Disguised as Carrot Cargo
Rodney William Gipson, a 61-year-old truck driver from Houston, has pleaded guilty to smuggling 24 illegal aliens in his vehicle, disguised as a shipment of carrots. During a secondary inspection at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint on February 19, authorities discovered the individuals hidden inside the trailer after a K-9 alerted them. Gipson, who has nearly 30 years of experience as a commercial driver, acknowledged he was aware of the illegal activity. He remains free on bond while awaiting sentencing, which could result in up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
HealthFruit Puree Pouches Sold at Target and Kroger Recalled Due to Possible Presence of Soft Plastic
Pumpkin Tree Organics (PT Organics) recalled one of its products on Tuesday due to the potential presence of soft plastic in the final product. Only one flavor of the brand was affected by the recall: banana and strawberry puree in 113 g (4 oz) pouches. The Oregon-based company voluntarily recalled the product due to the presence of food-grade soft plastic, caused by an internal packaging defect. The banana and strawberry variety was sold exclusively at Kroger, Meijer, and Target stores nationwide from March 3, 2026, to July 13, 2026.
CommunitySan Juan museum marks one year of teaching Mexican American civil rights history
Museo 956 in San Juan is celebrating its first anniversary, dedicated to educating visitors about Mexican American civil rights history. Co-founder Stephanie Alvarez emphasized the importance of preserving the history tied to the nearby San Juan Hotel, where many Mexican Americans were lynched. The museum operates entirely on volunteer efforts and donations. Its exhibits, developed over a decade, include significant events like La Matanza and highlight local figures who fought against injustice. Volunteers like Sareth Garcia stress the importance of learning this history to avoid repeating past mistakes. Meanwhile, the future of the San Juan Hotel remains uncertain, with city leaders considering its demolition or rehabilitation.
Public SafetyBrownsville police investigate after body found in state of decomposition
The Brownsville Police Department is conducting an investigation following the discovery of a decomposed body on Central Boulevard. The body was found around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday in the 2100 block by a pedestrian. Authorities report no immediate signs of foul play, and an autopsy has been ordered to ascertain the cause of death. The identity of the deceased male remains unknown, and the investigation is still active as police gather more information.
BusinessPharr EDC Set to Break Ground on New Commercial Project Along Nolana Loop, July 31st
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with Impulso Developments and NAI STX, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a new commercial retail project on July 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The event will take place at 705 W. Nolana Loop, strategically located near Highway 69C and adjacent to Dollar Tree and Monarch Apartments. This development aims to enhance the growth of Pharr by attracting more customers and boosting daily traffic in a bustling commercial area. Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr EDC, emphasized the importance of such projects for local economic development and community services.
Public Safety$2.7 Million in Cocaine Intercepted at Pharr International Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge seized nearly $2.8 million in cocaine hidden in a shipment labeled as bottled beverages. The interception occurred on July 15 when a tractor trailer from Reynosa, Mexico, was subjected to a secondary inspection. Using advanced nonintrusive inspection technology, officers detected irregularities in the trailer. A subsequent physical inspection revealed 79 packages of cocaine weighing a total of 208.33 pounds. The narcotics and the vehicle were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations has launched a criminal inquiry into the case.
PoliticsGov. Abbott appoints Region One ESC Senior Director to state committee
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday appointed a senior director for the Region One Education Service Center to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee. Celina Perez of San Benito will serve on the state committee that advises the Texas Health and Human Services on the development and implementation of policies. Perez's term is
Public SafetyInvestigation underway after decomposed body found in Brownsville, police say
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An investigation is underway after a decomposed body was found in Brownsville on Tuesday, according to the Brownsville Police Department. At about 9:15 p.m., police responded to the 2100 block of Central Boulevard after a pedestrian who was walking in the area called to report what appeared to be a dead
PoliticsTexas executive order targets 'birth tourism schemes'
On Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order aimed at eliminating “birth tourism schemes” in Texas.