Food and online orders more expensive: diesel prices in the U.S. exceed $6 per gallon

The price of diesel in the U.S. has reached a record high, surpassing $6 per gallon, affecting grocery prices and online orders. The national average hit $6.05, up from $5.85 last week and $3.70 a year ago, according to AAA. This increase is attributed to the ongoing conflict between Washington and Iran, which is disrupting global fuel supplies. Higher diesel costs lead to increased transportation expenses for everyday products, particularly perishables like meat and produce. Consumers may notice these price hikes soon as businesses pass on the additional costs, with diesel prices closely following crude oil trends.

Minute by Minute: NYC Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11, the Deadliest Terrorist Attack in U.S. History

New York City commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the deadliest terrorist act in U.S. history, which resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. On that day in 2001, Islamic extremists hijacked four commercial planes, crashing two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, leading to their collapse. A moment of silence is observed for each flight and the towers' fall. The aftermath continues to affect lives, with over 9,000 deaths linked to health issues from the attacks. The city has released 170,000 pages of documents revealing early awareness of air quality risks. Victims included citizens from over 90 countries and 441 first responders from NYC.

25 Years Since September 11: The Wounds of the Attacks That Forever Marked the U.S.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the impact of that tragic day continues to resonate across the United States. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, with many victims still unidentified. The rebuilt World Trade Center now stands as a symbol of resilience, attracting around 9,000 visitors daily to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The nation will commemorate this shared tragedy, reflecting on the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and ongoing debates about national security and immigration policies. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the attacks, remains imprisoned, with his trial scheduled for June 2028.

Atlantic remains quiet as drought deepens across the Valley

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- We are now in the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, yet conditions remain remarkably quiet across the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. A combination of a strong El Niño pattern and persistent Saharan dust has helped suppress tropical development, limiting storm activity across the basin. While the

New ordinance will demolish abandoned buildings in La Villa

La Villa is set to demolish abandoned buildings as part of a new ordinance aimed at improving community safety and aesthetics. City Administrator Antonio 'Tony' Barco reported that seven properties have already been identified, primarily located on the east and northeast sides of the city. Residents have expressed concerns about pests and illegal activities in these vacant homes. The city will reach out to property owners for voluntary participation in the demolition program, which will involve a fee of around $500 for trash containers. If owners refuse, the city is prepared to pursue legal action for demolition.

La Villa eyeing $14M water plant upgrade

La Villa is planning to construct a new water treatment plant to replace its aging facility, which is approximately 40 years old and frequently requires repairs. The estimated cost for the new plant is $14 million, and the city is actively seeking grants to fund the project. Recently, city commissioners approved a contingency plan in case grant funding is not secured. City Administrator Antonio 'Tony' Barco mentioned that a loan application has been submitted to the Texas Water Development Board, which would allow for necessary repairs to the existing plant to ensure continued operation for a few more years while pursuing grants.

Mercedes partners with Compudopt for citywide electronics collection drive

The city of Mercedes is collaborating with Compudopt this month to organize an electronics collection drive aimed at providing devices to those in need. Residents can drop off old or broken electronics at the Mercedes Library and the Recreation Center Dome. The initiative seeks to assist individuals who cannot afford new technology, as highlighted by Digital Navigator Anthony Cardenas. After collection, the devices will be cleaned and data-wiped before being distributed, with priority given to residents of Mercedes. Any surplus devices will be shared with the wider Rio Grande Valley community.

Family of Weslaco teen fights to keep Alani Nu energy drink lawsuit alive in appeals court

The family of Larissa Rodriguez, a Weslaco teen who died after consuming Alani Nu energy drinks, is appealing to keep their wrongful death lawsuit against the product's distributors alive. The case is currently under review by the 13th Court of Appeals. Larissa passed away in October 2025 due to an enlarged heart linked to caffeine intake. The lawsuit targets Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, LLC, which the family claims knew the drinks were dangerous for minors. The distributors argue they only distributed the drinks and did not manufacture them. A trial court previously allowed the lawsuit to proceed despite the distributors' dismissal request.

Oil prices leap to their highest since May and drag Wall Street lower

Oil prices surged to their highest levels since May, driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict with Iran. This spike has raised concerns about inflation and negatively impacted Wall Street, with the S&P 500 dropping 0.6% for the fourth consecutive day. Brent crude oil reached over $108 per barrel, contributing to a rise in gasoline prices to an average of nearly $4.28 nationwide. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates to combat inflation, while the European Central Bank also increased its rates. Meanwhile, the U.S. housing market shows signs of strain as mortgage rates hit a 14-month high.

1 man arrested after Brownsville auto theft triggers lockdown at several nearby schools, police say

Brownsville Police arrested one man after a stolen vehicle was discovered near several schools, prompting lockdowns at multiple campuses. The vehicle was reported stolen early Thursday and found around 10:54 a.m. in an alley between East 21st and East 22nd Streets. When officers approached, two men fled the scene; one was apprehended, while the other remains at large. In response to the situation, Brownsville ISD placed Canales Elementary, Faulk Middle School, Lincoln Park High School, Cromack-Castaneda Elementary, and Porter Early College High School on lockdown. The lockdown was lifted after the search concluded, and the vehicle was returned to its owner.

McAllen launches $3 bus route to Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge

McAllen has introduced a new bus route that connects the downtown area to the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge, providing a safer and more affordable travel option. The one-way fare is set at $3, allowing passengers to bypass the $1 toll and avoid walking through traffic. The bus operates every two hours from Monday to Saturday between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. City Commissioner Michael Fallek noted that safety issues with private shuttles prompted this initiative, which is currently under evaluation and may undergo changes.

Fluidstack breaks ground on $4 billion data center project in Cameron County

Fluidstack has commenced construction on a $4 billion data center campus in Cameron County, covering over 1,100 acres near Valley International Airport and the Port of Harlingen. The project is expected to generate over 2,500 construction jobs and several hundred permanent positions. Fluidstack is working with local leaders on community benefits and has received necessary permits from Cameron County. Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda noted the project will proceed without city approval, while Congressman Vicente Gonzalez expressed concerns about water and energy demands. The company claims it will cover all costs and contribute significantly to local taxes.

Cameron County joins Brownsville to boost north side housing growth

Cameron County has partnered with Brownsville to enhance housing infrastructure on the city's north side. County commissioners unanimously approved joining the city's reinvestment zone, which spans approximately 1,000 acres north of I-169, between Old Alice and Paredes Line Road. This initiative aims to accommodate the influx of workers from projects like SpaceX and LNG developments. Cameron County Economic Development Director Ramiro Aleman emphasized the importance of collaboration between the county and municipalities for housing development. The county's involvement will last 25 years, directing 50% of the tax increment from maintenance and operations to the zone, with implementation starting in 2027.

Appreciation lunch held for Veterans in Harlingen

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Congressman Vicente Gonzalez and U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego visited Harlingen on Thursday to host a lunch for all Veterans. The lunch was held at VFW Post 2410 and served as a token of appreciation to all Veterans. "I should say to all of our family members and service members that served,

'Disappointed, frustrated, angry': Vendors lose thousands after sudden Frontera Fest cancellation

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Vendors from across Texas arrived in Harlingen on Thursday morning ready to set up for Frontera Fest. Instead, they found an empty venue and a festival that had been canceled. Some vendors say they are now out thousands of dollars in merchandise, travel expenses and other costs. Marilu Rodriguez, owner of Powder

Harlingen auditorium renamed after the late Gloria Canales

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A celebration was held in Harlingen on Thursday to officially unveil the Gloria G. Canales Auditorium. Formerly known as the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, the building was renamed after the late Folklorico dancer and instructor known for her teachings at the Gloria Canales School of Dance. Founded in 1975, the Gloria Canales School

US Census Evaluates Plan to Omit Data on Immigrants and Race

The United States government has proposed a drastic reform to its national census that could exclude key data on race and ethnicity, as well as millions of immigrants based on their status, potentially jeopardizing resource allocation and the country's electoral map. The possible changes, announced on Wednesday, would exclude immigrants living in the country illegally, asylum seekers, and anyone without permanent status. Certain demographic questions from the traditional questionnaire would also be removed. This echoes a previous proposal by President Donald Trump to add a citizenship question to the 2030 census. In a post on the Federal Register website, the Census Bureau argued that 'illegal aliens (among others) should not be included in the apportionment count, as they are not true inhabitants, members of the political body, or people with a 'usual residence' in the United States due to their lack of sufficient ties and loyalty to the United States.' The census 'should be impartial regarding color and should not be distorted in any way with questions about immaterial personal characteristics, such as race,' the agency added. It is also considering eliminating questions related to individuals identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. These changes would harm data quality, said Beth Jarosz, data researcher and vice president of the Association of Public Data Users. 'Not counting all the people who reside here is, in fact, where the real threat lies,' Jarosz stated. 'If you think about all the ways census data is used.' Census figures are traditionally used for an 'apportionment count' to determine how many seats each state will have in the federal House of Representatives. This count also determines the number of votes in the Electoral College. 'You can imagine if there are people you don't count or if there are people counted in the wrong place,' Jarosz noted. 'Then their political power or political representation gets diluted.'

"If you love Mexico, go there": Vance's response to protester with Mexican flag

U.S. Vice President JD Vance responded on Thursday to a protester who interrupted his speech at the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas while waving a Mexican flag, an incident he used to assert American nationalism and criticize the left. "If you love Mexico so much, go there. I'll buy you a plane ticket," Vance said after the protester displayed the Mexican flag during his address. Press present at the Republican convention, held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas ahead of the midterm elections, reported that a man with a tricolor flag was protesting in one of the aisles when the confrontation with the vice president occurred. Vance later described the flag as a "symbol of the extreme left" and argued that the man should have displayed the American flag instead. The protester was removed from the venue by security personnel.

Week 3: High School Football Scoreboard

Alligator sighting near Long Island Village sparks concern

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Locals have reported seeing a large alligator in Port Isabel near the Long Island Village; however, gator experts say the animal was probably passing through the area. ValleyCentral spoke with educator, alligator expert and licensed nuisance alligator trapper with the South Padre Island Birding Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary, Jacob Reinbolt, who