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CommunitySouth Padre Island officials celebrate opening of Marisol Boat Ramp
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Padre Island officials celebrated the grand opening of a $3 million boat ramp Tuesday morning. According to the city, the Marisol (Laguna Madre) Boat Ramp is the first public bay access development constructed in 30 years. The ramp features truck and trailer parking, a fish cleaning station, and an ADA-accessible
NationalWaiting for a visa based on family ties or employment? Here are the delays for August
The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for August, providing updates on dates for beneficiaries of family-based or employment-based visas. The bulletin includes two charts: 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing Applications,' which show eligibility based on visa category and the beneficiary's country of origin. Family-based visas: First: (F1) Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens: 23,400, plus any number not required for the fourth preference. Second: Spouses and children, and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent residents: 114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused number from the first preference: A. (F2A) Spouses and children of permanent residents: 77% of the global limit of the second preference, of which 75% are exempt from the country limit; B. (F2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age or older) of permanent residents: 23% of the global limit of the second preference.
CommunityEdinburg ACE Center Debuts Interactive ‘Sip and Paint’ Classes for Adults
The Edinburg Cultural Arts Department, in collaboration with the Edinburg Arts Foundation, is launching interactive Sip & Paint workshops at the Edinburg ACE Center. These sessions, scheduled for select Saturdays from July to December 2026, provide a creative outlet for adults to create custom artwork. Each workshop costs $25 plus tax, and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Participants can register online or by phone, with early registration encouraged. The workshops will include all necessary painting supplies, and optional upgrades for ready-to-hang canvases will be offered. Dates include July 25, August 1, 15, 22, and more.
WeatherLIVE: Watches, warnings in effect for northern Gulf as Tropical Storm Bertha strengthens | Tracking the Tropics
Tropical Storm watches and warnings remain in effect for parts of the northern Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Bertha continues to move northwest, the National Hurricane Center announced Tuesday.
EducationDr. Jonathan B. Flores Earns Top International Management Credential
Dr. Jonathan B. Flores, City Manager of Pharr, Texas, has been awarded the Credentialed Manager designation by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). He is among over 1,700 professionals recognized through ICMA's Voluntary Credentialing Program. To qualify, candidates must have extensive experience in local government management, relevant educational credentials, and a commitment to ethical standards and lifelong learning. With 25 years of experience, including 8 in executive roles, Dr. Flores expressed gratitude for the support from his mentors and the Pharr community. He has also contributed to various organizations, including the Texas Police Chief’s Association and the Texas City Manager’s Association.
BusinessTexas Tops Nation in June Job Growth, Adding 43,400 Nonfarm Jobs
In June, Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs, leading the nation in job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state now has a total of 14,469,600 nonfarm jobs, marking a significant increase over the past year with 177,900 jobs added. Governor Abbott highlighted the skilled workforce and favorable business environment as key factors for this growth. The Texas labor force has also expanded, reaching 15,904,900, with an increase of 29,700 individuals over the last year. Since January 2015, Texas has created over 2.6 million jobs under Abbott's administration.
Public SafetyYoung Movie Actress Dies in Car Accident
Kaylee Hottle, a young actress best known for her roles in two 'Godzilla' films, passed away on Tuesday in a car accident in Frederick, Maryland. 'It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that one of our senior students at TSD, Kaylee Hottle, tragically passed away,' stated the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) on Tuesday. 'Our hearts go out to Kaylee's family, friends, and classmates, as well as to all who knew and loved her during this incredibly difficult time,' the statement added. In a report, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office indicated that a 1995 Honda Accord, driven by a 19-year-old, veered off the road and crashed into a culvert just before 3 a.m.
EducationTexas A&M McAllen Higher Education Center Names Inaugural Student Affairs Director
Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen has appointed Samantha Castellanos, a 2010 graduate, as its first director of student affairs, starting July 20, 2026. Previously the assistant director at McAllen, Castellanos has over a decade of experience at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, focusing on student support. In her new role, she will enhance campus resources, oversee student programs, and promote engagement. Castellanos is committed to fostering student success and collaboration within the community. She holds a bachelor's degree in technology management from Texas A&M and a master's in higher education administration from Sam Houston State University.
BusinessVillalobos says $6 million federal grant will expand opportunity across the Rio Grande Valley
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos announced a $6 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce aimed at expanding the city's 47-acre industrial park. During an event with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Rep. Monica De La Cruz, Villalobos emphasized that this funding will benefit the entire Rio Grande Valley, not just McAllen. The grant will support infrastructure improvements necessary for future manufacturing investments, with expectations of creating at least 500 jobs. De La Cruz highlighted the grant's potential to enhance economic opportunities, housing growth, and small business support throughout South Texas.
SportsWhat’s Next After the World Cup? Here Are Options to Keep Enjoying Soccer
After 39 days and 104 matches, the FIFA World Cup has come to an end. The videos of Scottish fans placing traffic cones on statues and taking over baseball stadiums are over. The clips of fans crying tears of joy for what they just witnessed have come to a close. The shouts of 'Country Roads' and the Viking claps are finished. If you’re a new soccer fan, you might be wondering, 'What now?' Well, to start, the major summer tournaments aren’t too far away: the Women’s World Cup in Brazil kicks off in June 2027, while the UK will host the men’s Euro 2028. But soccer really never takes a long break (as exhausted players can attest).
PoliticsAbbott Issues Executive Order to Combat Birth Tourism in Texas
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies to investigate and eliminate illegal birth tourism schemes in the state, as well as to penalize healthcare providers involved in these practices. According to the governor, the measure aims to prevent individuals from traveling to the United States illegally or under false pretenses to give birth in Texas and obtain U.S. citizenship for their children. Following a July 7 order, the governor instructed the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to investigate Texas hospitals that were allegedly promoting birth packages in Mexico; now, agencies must take action against any person or entity with a state license found promoting, offering, facilitating, or participating in birth tourism activities that violate the law. Additionally, they may collaborate with federal prosecutors to share information and refer potential violations of federal law. Among the agencies involved in investigating these schemes are the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the State Department of Health Services, the HHSC Office of Inspector General, the Texas Medical Board, the Board of Nursing, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
HealthAllergy medication recalled over potentially 'life-threatening' cross-contamination
Some consumers may have a hypersensitivity to the possible contaminate, officials warn.
NationalMaduro Returns to Court This Wednesday
Nicolás Maduro will return to a federal court on Wednesday for a hearing regarding the status of his case, at a crucial moment in his criminal proceedings. His lawyers may raise a question that could reshape the entire case: whether U.S. courts even have jurisdiction to try him. The defense could argue that a century-old extradition treaty between the United States and Venezuela requires that the dispute be resolved through international arbitration before any criminal proceedings can advance; an argument that, if accepted, could stall the case and potentially lead to Maduro's release. If they choose to pursue this line of defense, prosecutors are expected to vigorously oppose it. On Tuesday, during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office with the President of Lebanon, President Trump was asked about Maduro and stated, 'We eliminated a man who was very evil. What he did was very evil, in many, many different ways. We eliminated him, but you know, Venezuela… They said the same thing. When I acted regarding Venezuela, everyone said… because look at the drugs. Look at what they did. Where they took all their prisoners. They opened their jails and let all the inmates in through Biden's open border policy, which is absolute madness; and we did that in one day.' In March, District Judge Alvin Hellerstein ruled that the trial would continue after Maduro's attorney, Barry Pollack, requested to dismiss the case, claiming the U.S. government was blocking funds for the defense team. This issue is likely to be addressed again in Wednesday's hearing. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. forces during a nighttime raid in Caracas on January 3 and flown to New York, where they were charged with four counts, including narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons-related offenses.
WeatherRecord heat continues as the Valley stays clear of Tropical Storm Bertha
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — We have two big weather stories: the heat and hot temperatures with the possibility of breaking, if not tying, records, but also Tropical Storm Bertha in the northern Gulf. Tropical Storm Bertha Tropical Storm Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic Season and the second storm to form along
WeatherRecord heat continues as the Valley stays clear of Tropical Storm Bertha
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — We have two big weather stories: the heat and hot temperatures with the possibility of breaking, if not tying, records, but also Tropical Storm Bertha in the northern Gulf. Tropical Storm Bertha Tropical Storm Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic Season and the second storm to form along
CommunityFood Bank RGV Seeks Food Donationsand Volunteers for South Texas Flood Relief
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is actively seeking food donations and volunteers until the evening of July 22 to assist families impacted by recent flooding in South Texas. They are requesting non-perishable items such as canned proteins, ready-to-eat meals, peanut butter, bottled water, and other easy-to-prepare snacks. Donations should be new and unopened, and can be dropped off at their location in Pharr. Volunteers are also needed to help sort and package food. The Food Bank RGV will deliver collected items to the South Texas Food Bank on July 23.
SportsUTRGV football takes the stage for Southland Conference Opening Drive media day
HOUSTON, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley football team is participating in the Southland Conference Opening Drive media day on Tuesday at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Watch the livestream in the video player above. UTRGV football Head Coach Travis Bush selected redshirt sophomores, linebacker Jaiden Haygood and offensive
BusinessCommerce Department awards $6 million to expand McAllen industrial park
The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $6 million grant to McAllen to expand its industrial park, facilitating future manufacturing and investment in the Rio Grande Valley. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced the funding during a visit to GE Aerospace, emphasizing its role in building necessary infrastructure like roads and utilities. Local leaders have secured $34 million in private investments linked to the project, which aims to create approximately 500 jobs. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos highlighted the grant's potential regional impact, benefiting not just McAllen but the entire valley.
EducationMission CISD Volunteers Prepare Over 1,000 Backpacks for Back-to-School Bash
Mission CISD volunteers gathered to pack over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for students in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Back-to-School Bash. The event, which involved staff, teachers, and community members, aims to ensure families are ready for the new school year. In addition to free supplies, the bash will offer services like immunizations, physicals, and haircuts. Scheduled for July 27, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Mission Event Center, the event encourages families to utilize these resources as they gear up for the school year ahead.
CommunityTelemundo Reveals Date for the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards
Telemundo and Billboard have announced the date for the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, the most prestigious and long-standing awards in Latin music. The musical special will be broadcast live on Thursday, October 22, on Telemundo and Peacock. It will take place at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. The awards will celebrate the year's most outstanding artists, albums, and songs, featuring stunning live performances by today's top Latin artists. The Billboard Latin Music Awards are the only awards that honor the most popular albums, songs, and performers in Latin music, based on actual sales results, streaming, radio airplay, and social media data that contribute to Billboard's weekly charts over a one-year period. The celebration will coincide with Billboard's Latin Music Week, returning to Miami from October 19 to 22, recognizing Latin music, culture, and entertainment throughout the week with exclusive performances, unique conversations, workshops, showcases, events, and fan experiences. For more information about Billboard's Latin Music Week, visit billboardlatinmusicweek.com.