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Public SafetyNightly closures planned for westbound expressway lanes in Donna
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A portion of the westbound expressway lanes in Donna will be closed overnight for pavement repairs, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) are expected to have nightly closures between FM 493 Salinas Blvd and FM 1423 Valverde Rd in Donna through Friday. Crews
CommunityNew public boat access opens at South Padre Island
South Padre Island has inaugurated its first new public boat access point in three decades, the Marisol Boat Ramp located on Laguna Boulevard. This $3.2 million project, partially funded by federal and state grants, aims to enhance recreational boating opportunities. According to Kristina Boburka, the city's Shoreline Director, the ramp is free for public use and features a fish cleaning station along with an ADA-accessible dock. The facility is open throughout the week, offering residents and visitors improved access to the bay.
Public SafetyFBI Apprehends Notorious Fugitive in $547 Million Medicare Fraud Case
Khalid Satary, a 54-year-old foreign national, was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport for his role in a $547 million Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary genetic testing. Charged in 2019, Satary allegedly operated diagnostic labs that billed Medicare for expensive tests, using deceptive marketing and illegal kickbacks. He had been on the run since 2022, fleeing the country after failing to appear in court. His apprehension on July 20, 2026, followed a coordinated effort by the FBI and other agencies. Satary faces multiple charges, including health care fraud and conspiracy, with potential prison sentences totaling up to 20 years.
Public SafetyNightly closures planned on WB I-2 in Donna thru July 24th
Westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) in Donna will be closed for pavement repairs from FM 493 (Salinas Blvd.) to FM 1423 (Valverde Rd.) nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until July 24. During this time, traffic will be redirected to the I-2 frontage road. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
CommunityExplosive Announcement: Acuarela Expelled from Operación Triunfo USA
An explosive announcement was made this Wednesday on Operación Triunfo USA. Mexican participant from North Texas, Acuarela Jiménez, was expelled from the competition. According to a post on Telemundo's social media, the 18-year-old violated one of the community rules. Erika Ender, director of La Academia, gathered the students to deliver the news. She informed them that production had notified her that the young woman from Lancaster received a warning for breaching a conduct rule and will not return to Operación Triunfo USA. The director took the opportunity to remind the students to follow the regulations, do things right, and make the correct decisions.
EducationSTC Director Earns Top National Honor with Lifetime Certification
Lynell Williams, director of the South Texas College Centers for Learning Excellence, has received a Level 4 Lifetime Certification from the International College Learning Center Association. This prestigious certification recognizes her nearly 30 years of excellence in student learning support services. Williams documented her professional achievements and developed a training plan for her staff as part of the certification process. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for her team and aims to inspire them to pursue similar certifications. Her leadership has ensured that all CLE tutors are certified and receive ongoing training to support STC students effectively.
CommunityNew Horizon Health Center Opens Care Closet to Address One of Community’s Top Identified Needs
New Horizon Health Center has launched the Care Closet at 2137 E. 22nd St. in Brownsville to address clothing access issues identified by over 3,000 surveyed patients. This free resource offers clothing for all ages, seasonal wear, professional attire, shoes, accessories, and personal hygiene products, all at no cost to current patients. The initiative aims to improve health and well-being by addressing social needs that impact confidence and quality of life. The center encourages community donations of gently used or new items to keep the Care Closet stocked. It operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CommunityFrom Kany García to Greeicy: Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 Reveals Participating Artists
Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 revealed its first round of headline speakers on Wednesday, which includes Greeicy, Jay Wheeler, Jessi Uribe, Kany García, and Rawayana. Also set to participate are Lola Índigo, Paola Jara, Rainao, Ryan Castro, Trueno, and Zhamira, who will speak in exclusive sessions. 'We are honored to welcome this year's talent as we continue to inspire conversations that drive the industry,' said Mike Van, CEO of Billboard, in a statement. For over three decades, Billboard Latin Music Week has sparked impactful conversations and highlighted moments in Latin music.
CommunityFood Bank RGV to Host FREE Produce Distribution on THURSDAY, July 23, 2026
The Food Bank RGV will hold a FREE Mobile Produce Distribution on Thursday, July 23, 2026, starting at 9 AM at Faith Fellowship Bible Church located at 110 N. Tom Gill Rd. in Penitas. This one-day-only event will continue until supplies last. Participants are asked to bring a picture ID and proof of address, and a maximum of two families per car is allowed. Each family can attend only one Mobile Food Distribution per week, and it is recommended to have the car trunk empty for the distribution.
WeatherRecord heat continues as Tropical Storm Bertha approaches area
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Wednesday will likely mark day three in a row for some record high temperatures to be tied or broken during the afternoon. With mostly sunny skies, most everyone will break into the triple digits, except Brownsville and the coast. The "feels like" temperature will be in the 108-111 range once again.
Public SafetyBody of a man found in an advanced state of decomposition in Brownsville
Brownsville Police reported that the body was discovered on the night of Tuesday, July 21, after a citizen walking in the 2100 block of Central Boulevard came across what appeared to be a corpse and immediately alerted emergency services by calling 911. Upon arrival, officers located the body of a man in an advanced state of decomposition. Police stated that, so far, there are no obvious signs of foul play. However, an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The identity of the deceased has not yet been established as the investigation continues.
NationalCornyn and Cruz Request Disaster Relief for 33 Texas Counties Hit by Storms
U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz have expressed their support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's request for a major disaster declaration to President Trump. This declaration aims to provide essential resources for recovery in 33 Texas counties affected by severe rainfall and flash flooding that began on July 12, 2026. The flooding has necessitated extensive water rescue operations, particularly in Uvalde and Kerr counties. Preliminary estimates suggest recovery costs could reach approximately $489.7 million. The senators are urging the approval of federal assistance and activation of various programs to aid the affected communities.
HealthChildren's fruit pouches recalled over possible presence of plastic
An "internal packaging defect" is to blame, according to the recall notice.
NationalTrump Receives Remains of Four Soldiers Killed in War with Iran
President Donald Trump traveled to Delaware on Wednesday to receive the remains of four service members who died in the ongoing conflict with Iran, a task he described as one of the most difficult duties of being commander in chief. Trump will be at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware when the remains of the fallen soldiers are returned to their families, the White House reported. This ritual is one of the most solemn responsibilities of a commander in chief and will be the third such event Trump has attended since the war in Iran began in February. Speaking to reporters en route to Dover, Trump called it 'one of the hardest things to do as president.' His message to the grieving families, he indicated, will simply be: 'We love you, we love your son.' 'There are no games, there’s nothing: that’s your son,' Trump stated. 'And the only thing you can do is give your heart.'
PoliticsSmall Texas Town Takes on Trump Administration Over Border Wall Construction
On one side: a small community in rural Texas. On the other: the Trump administration. A tiny Texas town near the Mexico border is fighting government efforts to build a border wall that would cut through a levee system protecting the community. The town argued in court on Tuesday that the wall could lead to flooding and that the government is not adhering to the law as it rushes forward with its plans. The federal court hearing took place as the Department of Homeland Security pushes its $46 billion plan to complete a border wall from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, fulfilling what has long been a signature promise of President Donald Trump. However, the department is facing opposition from landowners, environmental groups, indigenous tribes, and others who argue that the government's rapid construction endangers historical and religious sites and a way of life along the border, at a time when crossings from Mexico are already at extremely low levels. The lawsuit filed by the Presidio development district pits a small town of just over 3,200 residents against a key department in the government's plans to carry out its mass deportation agenda. It also highlights a longstanding issue that has been significant for many Americans, particularly Republicans: the friction that sometimes arises between small municipalities and the federal government in Washington.
BusinessCOSTEP Brings Regional EDC Leaders Together
On June 11, 2026, the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) hosted a forum in McAllen, bringing together economic leaders from Rio South Texas and representatives from the San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster. The event focused on cross-border trade, supply chain integration, and investment opportunities. Key discussions included the importance of regional infrastructure, with presentations from various economic development officials. Notable participants included Ralph Garcia from the McAllen Economic Development Corporation and Jorge Torres from Interlink Trade Services. The meeting aimed to strengthen business relationships and highlight the industrial capabilities of both regions.
Public SafetySuspect Sought in Harlingen Sam's Club Theft
Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers has released a photograph of the suspect and is inviting anyone who may recognize her or know her whereabouts to provide information. Those with details about her identity can contact Harlingen Area Crime Stoppers anonymously at 956-425-8477 (TIPS), submit a report through the P3 Tips app, or visit the website www.425TIPS.com.
PoliticsAbbott signs executive order targeting birth tourism schemes following investigation at Valley hospitals
Governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order aimed at investigating and shutting down birth tourism schemes in Texas. This order specifically targets licensed healthcare providers involved in such practices. Two hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley, Mission Regional Medical Center and Knapp Medical Center, are currently under investigation for allegedly promoting birth packages to foreign nationals. Abbott emphasized that Texas will not tolerate the misuse of immigration laws for profit and has directed various state agencies to take enforcement actions against any violations. These actions may include revoking licenses and collaborating with federal authorities.
NationalMexican Man Who Died After Being Struck by Truck While Fleeing ICE in Florida Was on Vacation, Authorities Say
A Mexican man who was killed after being hit by a truck in Florida while fleeing from federal immigration agents was on vacation in the United States and held a tourist visa, according to a Mexican government official and a group assisting his wife. Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán, 28, died on July 14 after reportedly running across a busy highway in St. Augustine and into the path of a truck. His death was the third linked to encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in about a week, following deadly shootings in Texas and Maine. Coronilla Durán traveled from his hometown of San Luis de la Paz in central Mexico's Guanajuato state to Atlanta to visit family and friends, according to Isaret Jeffers, founder of Colectivo Arbol, a farmworker advocacy group. Jeffers noted on Tuesday that he had stayed in Georgia for three weeks before heading to Florida's east coast to enjoy the beaches.
HealthWalmart Withdraws Taylor Farms Iceberg Lettuce Bags in Several States
Walmart announced that its stores in several states are withdrawing certain bags of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Fresh Foods after the brand expanded its voluntary recall of lettuce products sourced from central Mexico, due to a possible link to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak. According to the recall notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the lettuce was distributed across various states, including through food service and retail segments. The recall indicates that some retailers sold 12 and 24-ounce bags of iceberg salad and 8 and 16-ounce bags of shredded lettuce, with 'best by' dates ranging from July 16 to August 3. The FDA did not provide a list of retailers. A July 18 post on Walmart's 'Food Recalls' website indicated that some of the lettuce products were sold in retail locations across 15 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Overall, the voluntarily recalled Taylor Farms products were primarily distributed through food service in over two dozen states, and the CDC initially warned consumers to avoid eating the shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. A complete list of states included in the Taylor Farms recall is available. The recall announcement included 25 shredded lettuce and salad mix products sold under eight different brand codes. The recalled products were shipped as recently as July 16 and have 'best by' dates up to August 3. The full list can be found here. Sysco, the largest food distributor in the country, suspended the distribution of all Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce products sourced from Mexico and instructed its customers to destroy them. On July 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised consumers not to eat the recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico, which 'may be sold in retail stores or restaurants.' 'If you purchased the recalled lettuce, dispose of it or return it to the store. If you are unsure of the lettuce's origin, ask at the restaurant,' the CDC stated. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that contaminates food that has been in contact with human feces, most often when agricultural products are irrigated or washed with contaminated water. When ingested, the parasite causes intestinal illness marked by 'frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,' according to the CDC. In 2026, Cyclospora has sickened at least 1,645 people in the United States and hospitalized 141, according to the CDC, which is investigating over 5,000 additional illnesses that could be related to the parasite. By this time last year, only 249 cases had been reported. It was unclear whether other retailers had removed Taylor Farms lettuce products from their shelves. NBC Chicago reached out to Target and the parent companies of Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s for this report.