UIL heat safety guidelines take effect in August

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starting on Aug. 1, the University Scholastic League (UIL) will require all school athletic teams and marching bands to follow heat safety guidelines. The guidelines are designed to protect students from overheating when practicing outdoors. The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District is one of several districts that have been utilizing the

Development leaders break ground on aluminum recycling plant in Mission

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The city of Mission is one step closer to making history by bringing one of the largest private investments in the area. City and development leaders gathered in Mission on Tuesday to celebrate the official start of construction on the $50 million aluminum recycling plant. Zerluma, an aluminum recycling company, is

US Prohibits Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots, Targeting China Over National Security

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States announced on Tuesday that it will ban the importation of foreign-made humanoid robots in a move aimed at China, citing national security risks. This decision could strain bilateral relations as the technological race between the two global leaders intensifies. China produces a significantly larger number of humanoid robots than the United States and other competitors, with analysts estimating its global market share to be around 85%. The FCC's ban includes new imports of humanoid robots, quadrupeds—often referred to as four-legged robot dogs—as well as foreign-made power inverters. In making this decision, the FCC noted that these advanced robots produced in foreign countries pose vulnerabilities in the supply chain for the United States, along with cybersecurity and national security risks. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated in a release that the measure aims to 'protect critical supply chains in the United States.' Washington has been taking steps to keep Chinese technology out with recent import bans, including those on drones manufactured in the Asian giant. Additionally, it is weighing restrictions on Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models at a time when Chinese AI is rapidly gaining ground. 'This is a constant succession of potential friction points ahead of the anticipated Trump-Xi summit in September,' said Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese tech policy. US President Donald Trump is expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in September, following their mid-May meeting in Beijing.

Changes made to U.S. Navy transfer policy in the aftermath of Angelina Resendiz's death

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The U.S. Navy has updated its transfer policy in the aftermath of the murder of Brownsville native sailor Angelina Resendiz. Resendiz disappeared from her barracks at Naval Station Norfolk on May 29, 2025. Eleven days later, Resendiz’s body was found in a wooded area near her base. She was 21 years

IVP: Exclusive interview with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Lawmakers and candidates from the Valley to Austin to Washington, D.C. weighed in on the issue of data centers. Policy proposals and pledges were announced or expanded looking to ensure that electricity customers weren't saddled with the cost of data centers moving into their areas. The Trump administration opted to not

Raymondville leaders push to replace closed city pool with splash pad

Donna man charged with using dead wife social media to send intimate photos

'Inhumane tactics': Congressman Vicente Gonzalez releases statement on Valley ICE raids

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Congressman Vicente Gonzalez on Tuesday released a statement regarding recent raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Rio Grande Valley, vowing to work with local leaders to find solutions that will keep people safe. The statement comes after ValleyCentral reported that residents in Port Isabel are changing their work and

Rio Grande City welcomes community to 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Rio Grande City is inviting the community to its Memorial Stair Climb event in honor of the first responders who sacrificed their lives on 9/11. The climb is designed to represent the same number of steps that firefighters and other first responders climbed inside the World Trade Center in response to

'It’s kinda ridiculous': Progreso residents push back on new $8.99 monthly brush fee

PROGRESO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A new monthly brush collection fee is sparking debate among residents in Progreso, with some questioning why they have to pay for a service they may not use every month, while city leaders say the charge is needed to keep the program running without raising property taxes. Starting next month, residents

Body Cam Video Shows Arrest of Tony Romo

A body camera video obtained by Telemundo 39 and NBC 5 shows the arrest of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo in Milwaukee on July 23 for allegedly driving under the influence. The footage captures Romo in his SUV, where Officer R. Kaur explains the reason for the stop, citing unsafe lane changes. Romo claims he had not consumed alcohol, stating he was coming from a golf tournament. He refused sobriety tests, requesting to call his lawyer instead. The officer noted signs of intoxication, and Romo was ultimately arrested. His court appearance is set for September 21, and the incident is under investigation.

13th Court of Appeals halts court proceedings for wrongful death lawsuit of Weslaco cheerleader

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The 13th Court of Appeals on Monday ordered Hidalgo County court proceedings regarding the wrongful death lawsuit of a Weslaco cheerleader to stop as it reviews an energy drink distributor's attempt to get the suit dismissed. The 13th Court of Appeals granted Glazer's Beer and Beverage's emergency motion for temporary relief

Mission CISD Back-to-School Bash Draws Huge Crowd

Over 2,000 students, parents, and community members attended the Mission CISD Back-to-School Bash on Monday at the Mission Event Center. This annual event aims to equip families for the 2026-2027 school year by providing essential resources such as school supplies, registration help, health information, and more. Attendees had the chance to meet district staff and learn about various student programs. School starts on August 11, and Mission CISD is eager to welcome students back for another year of academic success. The event was supported by local partners, highlighting the community's commitment to education.

Two kinds of weather for the Valley: Hot and breezy

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A classic weather pattern is settling in across the Rio Grande Valley. Over the next seven days, a dome of high pressure will dominate the region, keeping skies mostly sunny and temperatures running hot each afternoon. Highs are expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s and 100s from the

Meta and BlackRock Launch El Paso Data Center Venture Expected to Create More Than 4,300 Jobs

Meta Platforms Inc. and BlackRock Inc. have announced a partnership to develop a data center campus in El Paso, Texas, aimed at bolstering Meta's artificial intelligence initiatives. The construction, which is already underway, will provide 1 gigawatt of computing capacity and is expected to create over 4,300 jobs, including 300 permanent positions. Meta is investing more than $10 billion in the project, with BlackRock managing 80% of the venture. Additionally, the initiative includes workforce development programs and a $500,000 grant for STEM education in El Paso schools. The total development cost is projected at around $14 billion.

He Strangled and Killed His Pregnant Partner: This is the Sentence He Will Serve

The chilling murder of a young mother from Vernon, Connecticut, who was strangled by her then-partner, with whom she had a child and was pregnant, reached a conclusion with the sentencing of the perpetrator. Abdul Mboob, 26, was sentenced on Tuesday to 34 years in prison for the murder of 22-year-old Anastasia Paul. Mboob pleaded guilty to the brutal crime that took Paul’s life on July 17, 2023, in their apartment, where they were living together with their child. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visit www.thehotline.org, or text LOVEIS to 22522. The heartbreaking details of the murder reveal that Mboob strangled Paul to death because he was angry with her. In court, Mboob did not appear physically; instead, he attended via Zoom. The courtroom quickly filled with tears from Paul’s family. 'It has been three long and exhausting years seeking justice for Anastasia, hoping for a result that matches a criminal like this,' said the victim's sister, Jelina Paul. 'The outcome is permanent. He denied her all the future she had planned.' Several family members made statements in court, but Jeanine Lavoy, the victim's mother, broke down in tears. 'I still hear her voice in my head calling, “Mom.” She deserved to live,' Lavoy said. '…Why did you do this to my daughter? How can someone be so cruel and selfish, not caring to take a whole life and make a heart stop forever?' In response, Mboob expressed remorse and apologized to Paul’s family; however, they walked out and did not hear his statement. Although the sentence has been handed down, Paul’s family will continue to fight to raise awareness about domestic violence and ensure that Paul’s memory lives on for their four-year-old son. The judge also issued a permanent protection order against Mboob, prohibiting him from contacting the child until he is at least 70 years old.

Community Invited to Edinburg PD’s 30th National Night Out, Aug. 4th

The Edinburg Police Department is hosting its 30th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Promenade Park Amphitheater, located at 200 W. McIntyre St. This free community event will feature food, safety demonstrations, and live entertainment, including performances by Leo Garcia & the Rattlers and The Hot Rodz. Attendees can enjoy a carnival, car show, kids’ games, dinosaur rides, and a petting zoo. Free school backpacks and supplies will be distributed while supplies last, promoting community spirit and neighborhood connections.

Senate Confirms Jay Clayton as Head of Intelligence Agencies

The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the new head of the nation's intelligence agencies with a 51 to 47 vote, following partisan lines. Clayton, previously a federal prosecutor and SEC chairman, was nominated after President Trump delayed the process. Concerns arose over the interim director, Bill Pulte, who lacked intelligence experience and had been involved in controversial actions, including staff reductions. Clayton faced scrutiny during his confirmation hearing for not explicitly stating that President Biden won the 2020 election. Despite Democratic opposition, Clayton emphasized his commitment to national security principles during the hearing.

Mexican National Convicted in $157M Drug Smuggling Operation

Wblester Villanueva Echeverria, a 30-year-old Mexican national previously living in Atlanta, was convicted of drug trafficking in a Laredo court. The jury found him guilty of conspiring to distribute over 10,460 kilograms of meth and cocaine, valued at approximately $157 million, from June 2019 to August 2023. Evidence linked Echeverria to multiple shipments of narcotics hidden in produce and other goods. The investigation began in November 2021, leading to significant drug seizures. He faces a potential life sentence and a $10 million fine, with sentencing scheduled for a later date. Echeverria remains in custody.

Congress Chooses the Only Daylight Saving Reform Version That the U.S. Already Tried, Hated, and Repealed

If a new bill to make daylight saving time permanent becomes law, Americans may no longer have to worry about changing their clocks twice a year. However, some social media users still do not want to reverse the current policy. On July 15, the House of Representatives approved the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 to establish year-round daylight saving time, with the support of President Donald Trump. If enacted, Americans will experience darker mornings and later sunsets during the winter. 'Congress just chose the only version of daylight saving reform that the U.S. has already tried, hated, and repealed,' reads a post on X from July 14. History shows that the U.S. has been through this before. The Standard Time Act of 1918 established U.S. time zones; daylight saving time was standardized in 1966. This law allowed states to opt out of observing daylight saving time, which Hawaii and Arizona did. In 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act to reduce energy consumption amid an oil crisis caused by an OPEC embargo aimed at punishing the U.S. for its support of Israel. The bill instituted a two-year trial period of permanent daylight saving time in most states, hoping that more evening light would save fuel. 'We have taken several steps to address the energy crisis, and more will need to be taken. Many of these involve inconveniences and sacrifices,' Nixon said. 'But year-round daylight saving time will result during the winter months in an estimated savings equivalent to 150,000 barrels of oil daily, meaning only minimal inconveniences and requiring the fair participation of all.' Permanent daylight saving time began on January 6, 1974, coinciding with the coldest and darkest part of winter in many states. Soon after, news of early morning traffic accidents heightened safety concerns. In Florida, eight children died within a month of the trial period's start, compared to two in the same period the previous year. Six of the deaths were attributed to the lack of sunlight when children were heading to school, a Florida Department of Education spokesperson told The New York Times that year. Then-Florida Governor Reubin Askew called the state legislature into a special session and proposed that most of the state return to standard time. 'Any disruption in commerce would be truly insignificant compared to the life of a single child,' Askew said at the time. As most Americans began their mornings in complete darkness, the popularity of the new law plummeted: 79% of Americans supported the change in December 1973, but by February 1974, that number had dropped to 42%, according to the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. Even the arrival of spring and summer—the sunniest seasons when Americans were already accustomed to daylight saving time—did not stop U.S. politicians from working to reverse the change. On August 19, 1974, the House of Representatives voted to end the trial period of permanent daylight saving time early. The Senate voted similarly and sent the proposal to President Gerald Ford. On October 27, the U.S. returned to standard time.