Archive · 2775 stories · page 6 of 139
Education'A huge milestone': Roma ISD mariachi director speaks on performance at Carnegie Hall
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Roma Independent School District's mariachi program had the opportunity to shine and represent the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday at Carnegie Hall in New York City. "It's a tremendous opportunity for a musician, especially as a student musician, to step foot on one of the world's most prestigious stages," said director
CommunityPharr Breaks Ground on Landmark Multi-Use Facility to Enhance Municipal Services and Emergency Readiness
Pharr city officials and community leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for a new Multi-Use Facility aimed at enhancing municipal services and emergency preparedness. The facility will span 83,567 square feet on a 14.6-acre site at U.S. Highway 281 and Ferguson Avenue. This significant investment will combine government services, educational programs, and civic events, serving as a hub for emergency management. With flexible event spaces and advanced technology, the facility is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2028 and will create 400 to 500 construction jobs, benefiting local contractors and suppliers.
NationalUndocumented Immigrants in the U.S. Forced to Watch the World Cup from Home
LOS ANGELES, California – José, a Mexican immigrant, has dreamed of attending a World Cup match his entire life. When he learned that Los Angeles would host several games, he was excited about the possibility of fulfilling that dream, but his immigration status has brought him back to reality: 'I will have to watch them on television.' The 46-year-old man, who only identifies himself by his first name for fear of immigration authorities, says he has been a soccer fan for as long as he can remember. He wears the Mexican national team jersey whenever he can, and one of the greatest gifts he gave himself was attending a match of El Tri in Los Angeles, the city where he emigrated over 25 years ago. 'Going to the stadium is an emotion that cannot be compared,' he tells EFE.
CommunityKeep McAllen Beautiful Recognized as Gold Star Affiliate
Keep McAllen Beautiful (KMB) has been awarded the Gold Star Affiliate designation by Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), recognizing its significant contributions to community improvement. This honor is given to affiliates that demonstrate leadership through impactful programs and strong volunteer engagement. In 2025, KMB mobilized 3,146 volunteers, collecting 613 tons of trash, planting 291 trees, and painting homes and murals throughout McAllen. The efforts resulted in a volunteer hour value of $254,941. City Manager Isaac J. Tawil praised KMB for its dedication to enhancing the city's beauty, reflecting community pride and commitment to service.
NationalWhat It Means for Elon Musk to Be the First Person in the World to Have a Trillion Dollars
Fueled by the market debut of his rocket company SpaceX, Elon Musk has become the first person in the world to reach a net worth of one trillion dollars. This level of wealth, concentrated in a single individual, was previously unimaginable. Until Friday, the trillion-dollar mark was reserved for figures like the GDP (or overwhelming debt) of a handful of major economies and—only in the last decade—for the value of some of the largest publicly traded companies. Musk's new title comes amid a widespread acceleration of wealth among the richest. Year after year, the billionaire club—which he was part of, although now at a vast distance—has added a growing number of members, from tech titans to celebrities. Meanwhile, more and more people around the world struggle to pay their everyday expenses. Many have criticized the emergence of the first trillionaire as the latest and most alarming example of that wealth gap. The figure of 'one trillion' is, in itself, difficult for the human mind to grasp. One trillion dollars is a thousand times greater than one billion dollars and a million times greater than one million dollars. According to Forbes, Musk's net worth reached $1.1 trillion by noon on Friday, after SpaceX soared in its early moments in the market. However, here are some ways to visualize the extent of that sum of one trillion dollars. Imagine traveling to the Moon and back more than 200 times. Visualizing the magnitude of one trillion dollars is almost as astronomical as the interplanetary goals that SpaceX has set. In terms of physical money, one trillion one-dollar bills placed end to end would stretch nearly 97 million miles. That would equal more than 200 round trips to the Moon, which, according to NASA, is an average distance of 238,855 miles from Earth. It would also exceed the approximately 93 million miles that separate Earth from the Sun. Currently, there are nearly 8.2 billion people living on Earth, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. If one trillion dollars were divided among the entire population, each person would receive nearly 122 dollars. One trillion dollars is more than double the annual GDP of South Africa, Musk's birthplace. According to data from the International Monetary Fund, the nation's production of goods and services stands at nearly $480 billion. Today, only about 21 countries in the world have a GDP exceeding the trillion-dollar mark. The United States and China top the list with over $32.38 trillion and $20.85 trillion, respectively, figures far exceeding those of most other economies. With a median selling price of about $403,200 for homes sold in the U.S., according to the latest figures from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, one trillion dollars could buy nearly 2.5 million homes at that price. At current gasoline prices in the U.S.—which averaged nearly $4.11 per gallon on Friday, according to AAA—one trillion dollars could purchase more than 243 billion gallons of regular fuel. To put this in context, that figure far exceeds the nearly 137 billion gallons of gasoline for vehicles that Americans consumed over the entire last year. Additionally, prices at gas stations were much lower in 2025. High oil prices, driven by the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Israel and Iran, pushed the national average above $4 per gallon for the first time in four years. According to Forbes, the second richest person in the world today is Google co-founder Larry Page, who had a net worth of nearly $295 billion by noon on Friday. That figure is $705 billion below the trillion-dollar mark. In fact, the combined net worth—at the close of Friday—of the four men who follow Musk on Forbes' richest list (which, in addition to Page, includes fellow Google co-founder Sergey Brin with $272 billion; Amazon's Jeff Bezos with $247 billion; and Oracle's Larry Ellison with $228 billion) amounted to just over $1.04 trillion. These fortunes can fluctuate by tens of billions of dollars from one day to the next, or even within hours. Musk's own net worth has experienced rapid increases in value. Just last year, his fortune stood at $342 billion according to Forbes, up from $195 billion in 2024.
Public SafetyFord recalls over 250,000 Focus cars due to engine failures
Ford is recalling more than 250,000 vehicles that were improperly repaired during a previous recall campaign aimed at addressing an issue that caused the engine to stall while driving. The recall includes 255,404 Ford Focus cars from model years 2012 to 2018. Ford stated that the fuel tank purge valve could fail, leading to unexpected engine shutdowns while driving, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries. To resolve the issue, dealers will provide a propulsion system software update at no charge.
BusinessJorge Torres of Interlink Delivers USMCA Review as Automotive Supply Chains Take Center Stage in McAllen
On June 11, 2026, Jorge Torres, president of Interlink Trade Services, spoke at a COSTEP meeting in McAllen, addressing members of the Cluster Automotriz de San Luis Potosí and regional economic leaders. He discussed the upcoming review of the USMCA, emphasizing its significance for North American trade, and confirmed the agreement's validity until June 30, 2036. Torres highlighted potential changes to vehicle regional value content requirements and the impact of Section 232 tariffs on auto parts. He encouraged manufacturers to explore opportunities in the Rio South Texas Region, known for its logistics advantages and industrial potential.
PoliticsRGV Partnership Delegation Meets with Senator Cornyn in Washington
U.S. Senator John Cornyn met with leaders from the Rio Grande Valley Partnership in Washington, D.C., to address critical issues such as water security, economic development, and federal tax policy. Key participants included RGV Partnership Chairwoman Amanda Saldana Ramirez, President Paco Sanchez, and mayors Omar Ochoa of Edinburg and John Cowen of Brownsville. The discussion focused on ensuring Mexico fulfills its water obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, as well as the growing economic role of the Port of Brownsville. The meeting aimed to promote regional priorities, including the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which supports businesses and education.
NationalJudge Extends Suspension of Controversial Trump Fund for Capitol Riot Pardons
A federal judge in Virginia extended the suspension of the 'anti-weaponization fund' proposed by Donald Trump's administration on Friday, expressing frustration that the Department of Justice has not clarified—under penalty of perjury—whether the fund has been definitively discarded. District Judge Leonie Brinkema noted that 'none of those statements,' whether from Blanche or the president, 'were made under penalty of perjury.' Earlier this month, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told House lawmakers, 'We are not moving forward with the fund, period'; however, the next day, President Donald Trump responded 'I don’t know' when asked if the fund was suspended or eliminated. Brinkema also pressed Justice Department attorney Andrew Block, who could not explain why the department has not formally revoked the memorandum regarding the creation of the fund.
SportsLive Updates: Second Day of the World Cup Kicks Off with Opening Ceremonies; U.S. Plays Tonight
What you need to know The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues into its second day, and you can watch every match on Telemundo and Peacock. The day starts with the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match in Group B at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT. The United States and Paraguay from Group D will meet at the Los Angeles stadium at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT. There will be two opening ceremonies this Friday: one in Canada and another in Los Angeles. The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with a second day of exciting matches and two opening ceremonies. Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m. ET following an opening ceremony featuring stars like Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé, among others. Later, the second opening ceremony of the day, with Katy Perry and Anitta, will take place in Los Angeles before the United States, the 'team of all,' plays against Paraguay. Stay tuned for live updates on the World Cup 2026.
Public SafetyWoman Rescued from Kidnapping and Forced into a 'Satanic Ritual,' Police Say
A man was arrested outside an Olive Garden restaurant in New Hampshire after a woman reported that he was holding her against her will, forcing her to marry him, and subjecting her to a 'satanic ritual,' according to police. Officers responded to the Olive Garden in Newington, New Hampshire, after receiving a report that a woman was being held by an armed man, as stated in a copy of the arrest affidavit. The woman's mother located her cell phone at that location and notified the Pennsylvania State Police, who then contacted the Newington police. Officers found the woman in the parking lot, crying and showing cigarette burns on her legs, the document notes.
Public SafetyShooting in Texas Leaves One Dead and 11 Injured; Suspect Barricaded, Authorities Say
MIDLAND, Texas – At least one person has died and another 11 have been injured in an active shooting incident reported Friday morning in Midland, confirmed Midland Mayor Lori Blong. Authorities stated that the suspected shooter remains barricaded as a significant police operation continues to manage the situation. The incident occurred in the area of 4600 West Wall Street, where, according to Midland Police Chief Greg Snow, officers responded after receiving reports of gunfire and hearing shots coming from a building. Officers quickly worked to secure and clear the area, with support from armored units and multiple law enforcement agencies. As part of the response, a Family Reunification Center has been set up at Midland Memorial Hospital, where relatives can obtain information about their loved ones. Authorities urged the community to call: (432) 631-4689. Additionally, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced a complete closure of BI-20 from Thomason to Loop 250, including the access roads in both directions, due to an ongoing police investigation. There is currently no estimated time for the reopening of the roadway.
WeatherPossible Heavy Rains This Weekend Activate Preparations in the Region
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has intensified preventive maintenance efforts at various locations in Cameron County. They reported that the work includes mowing and cleaning along State Highway 100 to improve the flow of rainwater into adjacent ditches and channels. According to TxDOT, controlling vegetation helps rain runoff flow more easily, reducing the risk of water accumulation during heavy storms. Sandbag Distribution in Counties Raymondville is one of the cities scheduled to distribute sandbags to prepare for possible adverse weather conditions in the coming days. Below are the times and locations available for pickup. Distributions will take place behind the Raymondville City Hall, in the north and south areas of Hidalgo Avenue, next to the railroad tracks. Schedule: Friday, June 12: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 14: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Requirements and Limits: Authorities ask residents to keep the following requirements in mind: - Bring your own shovel. - Present an active water bill from the City of Raymondville. - Limit of six sandbags per residence. - Limit of ten sandbags for businesses. Availability will depend on weather conditions and existing supply. Additionally, the city of Mercedes announced that it will provide sand and sandbags to residents as a preventive measure against possible flooding. Distribution will begin at 1:45 p.m. in the parking area of KC Hall. Municipal authorities urge residents to prepare in advance for the possibility of heavy rainfall and water accumulation in some areas. For additional information, residents can contact the City of Mercedes Public Works Department at (956) 565-3114.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After Shooting Following Vehicle Accident in Brownsville
An investigation launched by the Brownsville Police Department is looking into an incident that occurred Friday morning at the intersection of Central Avenue and Jaime Zapata, where an individual allegedly fired shots at another vehicle following a traffic accident. Preliminary information from the police indicates that the suspect was involved in a collision after another car hit them from behind. After firing the shots, the suspect left the scene before authorities arrived. Brownsville police officers responded to the scene to collect evidence and interview potential witnesses, and they are currently working to locate the individual involved, asking anyone with information about the case to contact the police.
EducationTexas National Bank Executive Sees Bank On INT as Investment in Future Workforce
Rafael Medrano, executive vice president of Texas National Bank, highlighted the Bank On INT internship program as a vital investment in the future workforce of the Rio Grande Valley during its second-year launch on June 5, 2026. The event, held at Edinburg City Council Chambers, included representatives from the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, UTRGV, and local banks. Medrano emphasized the program's benefits for students and employers, providing hands-on experience in the financial sector. He also suggested expanding banking education at UTRGV, while Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa encouraged students to pursue careers in the region.
SportsReviving Memorable Moments from the 1994 World Cup in Los Angeles
The last time the Los Angeles area hosted FIFA World Cup matches was in 1994, with eight games played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, including two group stage matches for the U.S. men's national team. Several of the matches left memorable moments—some celebratory, others heartbreaking—that are recorded in World Cup archives and in the history of the U.S. men's national team. Thirty years later, the upcoming World Cup will return to Los Angeles, which will again host eight matches. SoFi Stadium, known as Los Angeles Stadium for the tournament featuring 48 teams, will host two group stage matches for the United States.
McAllenSocial Media Users Report Outages on Instagram and Facebook
On Friday, users reported temporary outages on Facebook and Instagram, with both platforms experiencing access and functionality issues for about 30 minutes. Many users shared their frustrations on X, noting that the apps were slow to load or displayed connection errors. Specifically, Facebook users mentioned that their feeds were not updating with new content. As of now, Meta has not publicly addressed the situation or provided an explanation for the disruption. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected.
BusinessHistoric Debut: SpaceX Goes Public with an Astronomical Valuation of $1.7 Trillion
SpaceX is set to make its historic debut on the stock market this Friday, with shares priced at $135 each, giving the company a staggering valuation of $1.77 trillion. Trading under the symbol SPCX, the initial price indications began at 9:50 a.m. ET, although actual trading may take hours to commence. Goldman Sachs leads the underwriting team, alongside Morgan Stanley and others. While the excitement around AI fuels market optimism, some analysts, like those from Morningstar, argue that SpaceX is overvalued, estimating its worth at $780 billion. The IPO is seen as a significant test for financial markets and investor appetite.
SportsWho is Julián Quiñonez, the Mexican player who scored the first goal in the 2026 World Cup
Forward Julián Quiñones, who scored the first goal in the 23rd edition of the 2026 World Cup, paving the way for Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa, celebrated his personal achievement and the collective success on Thursday, but assured that 'El Tri' wants more. 'We are happy. A few days ago, people showed us their support, and today we have partially repaid that trust, but we want more,' said the 29-year-old forward, born in southern Colombia, who obtained Mexican nationality in October 2023. The top scorer in the Saudi League with Al Qadisiyah (33 goals) scored in the 9th minute of the opening match at Estadio Azteca. The versatile player's shot slipped between the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
SportsUnited States Debuts in the 2026 World Cup Against Paraguay: How to Watch the Match for Free and in Spanish
The United States men's national soccer team will kick off its World Cup 2026 campaign against Paraguay on Friday, June 12, at the Los Angeles stadium in California. The match, part of Group B, is set to start at 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT. Landon Donovan emphasizes the advantage of home support for the U.S. team. Fans can watch the game live in Spanish on Telemundo's open signal, or stream it on Peacock for Premium subscribers. Additionally, registered users can view the match on the NBC One app without needing a cable or satellite provider.