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

Fluidstack Begins $4 Billion AI Data Center Project in Cameron County

Fluidstack has initiated the construction of a $4 billion AI data center project in Cameron County, covering over 1,100 acres near Rio Hondo. This development, located east of Valley International Airport and west of the Port of Harlingen, is expected to create more than 2,500 construction jobs and several hundred permanent positions. Fluidstack will finance its own energy and infrastructure without seeking local tax incentives, contributing millions annually to the local tax base. The project will utilize a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water use. Local officials have praised the investment for its commitment to community resources and job creation.

Fluidstack begins $4 billion data center construction in Cameron County

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — New York-based Fluidstack announced it has begun construction of a $4 billion data center campus in Cameron County. As previously reported by ValleyCentral, the facility will be built on more than 1,000 acres east of the Valley International Airport and west of the Port of Harlingen, near Rio Hondo. The company estimates

19-year-old Alton man indicted on charges of killing parents and grandmother

Gaurav Chopra, a 19-year-old from Alton, has been indicted on multiple charges related to the deaths of his parents and grandmother. The indictment includes capital murder of multiple persons and evading arrest, stemming from the June 16 incident where 56-year-old Sweeta Ram, 46-year-old Kamlesh Rani, and 73-year-old Minder Kaur were killed. Chopra allegedly shot at his brother but missed before fleeing the scene. He was apprehended after a police chase that resulted in a crash, injuring two others. Chopra remains in jail with a bond of $500,000 for some charges, while the capital murder charge has no bond set.

Search for Brownsville auto theft suspect triggers security measures at several nearby schools

The Brownsville Police Department arrested one suspect and continues to search for another following the discovery of a stolen vehicle near several schools. The vehicle was located around 10:54 a.m. in an alley between East 21st and East 22nd Streets. When officers approached, two men fled, with one apprehended. Due to the proximity to schools, Brownsville ISD placed five campuses on lockdown: Canales Elementary, Faulk Middle School, Lincoln Park High School, Cromack-Castaneda Elementary, and Porter Early College High School. After the search concluded, normal operations resumed. A local clinic also went into lockdown and canceled appointments for the day.

Trump wants to make this midterm year special to avoid losing Republican control of Congress

At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections for maintaining GOP control in Congress. He promised $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans win, a proposal that could cost over $1 trillion amid a $40 trillion national debt. Trump acknowledged the historical challenges for sitting presidents in midterms but called this election 'something very special.' The convention featured speeches from various Republican leaders, warning of the consequences of a Democratic victory. Democrats countered by highlighting issues like high prices and healthcare access, portraying Republicans as disconnected from voters' concerns.

Fluidstack breaks ground on $4 billion data center campus 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 more than 2,500 construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions. Fluidstack is working on community benefit commitments and has received necessary permits from Cameron County. Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda stated that the project is proceeding without the city's approval, and the proposed $20 million for infrastructure improvements will now go to Cameron County. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez expressed concerns about water shortages and the impact of data centers on local resources.

More than 200, 000 Texans are waiting for Medicaid approval as enrollment declines

Over 200,000 Texans are currently awaiting Medicaid approval as enrollment declines. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has faced challenges in processing applications promptly, with only 65% processed on time in July, down from 81% the previous year. New requirements from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act mandate more frequent reapplications and proof of employment, contributing to the backlog. As a result, many families, including pregnant women like Vanessa Melendez, are left without necessary healthcare. The decline in Medicaid enrollment has also led to increased visits to emergency rooms, with over 5 million Texans uninsured, the highest in the nation.

God chose them to help me: Rancho Viejo man reunites with medical team who saved his life

Julio Cardenas, a 73-year-old man from Rancho Viejo, returned to Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville to express gratitude to the medical team that saved his life after a serious bike accident in January. Cardenas was hospitalized for nearly two months following the incident, during which his family relied on their faith for his recovery. He credited the doctors, nurses, and therapists for their dedication in keeping him alive. Physical therapist Alma Ramirez noted the emotional impact of seeing Cardenas again, highlighting the bond formed with patients. Cardenas reflected on the experience, stating he may never ride a bike again, viewing it as a sign to prioritize his health.

Donna ISD awarded $3.12 million for outdoor classrooms

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Donna Independent School District was awarded $3.12 million by the Texas A&M Forest Service Schoolyard program to build new outdoor classrooms, increase tree canopy and add nature-based learning spaces to eight district schools. According to a release, the program is a partnership between Texas Trees Foundation, Donna ISD, Region One

Texas Achieves Historic Ruling Against TikTok for Minor Safety

AUSTIN, Texas — In a groundbreaking national court ruling, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a historic judgment declaring TikTok responsible for misleading parents about the safety of its platform and exposing minors to explicit and inappropriate material. The ruling was issued by District Judge Cory Liu, who found that the social media platform lied about its safety standards and concealed the prevalence of harmful content. According to the ruling, although TikTok claimed to remove graphic videos depicting drugs, nudity, alcohol, injuries, and obscene language, such material remained accessible to minors, even when users employed 'Restricted Mode.' The legal battle began in January 2025 when Attorney General Ken Paxton sued TikTok for misleadingly promoting its app as safe for minors. The state also accused the company of violating the Online Child Safety by Empowering Parents Act (SCOPE Act) by operating in a manner that jeopardized the privacy and online safety of young Texans. 'TikTok sacrificed the safety and innocence of children for engagement and numbers, and now they are being held accountable,' stated Attorney General Ken Paxton following the ruling. 'Texas is now the first state in the country to legally hold TikTok accountable for lying to parents. I will continue to pursue TikTok and every social media company that exposes children to predators, inappropriate content, or addictive features,' he added. Following this ruling on the company's liability, the case will proceed to trial, which is expected to be scheduled for next month. At that stage, penalties and other legal measures that could be applied to TikTok will be determined.

STC Brings Back No-Cost CPR Training This Fall

South Texas College (STC) is reintroducing free CPR training this fall due to high demand from summer sessions. Funded by a $100,000 grant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the American Heart Association Basic Life Support courses are available to STC students and community members. Classes will be held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from September to October at the Continuing Education Training Center in McAllen. Each session accommodates 10 participants, with dates starting from September 17-19 and continuing through October. Successful participants will earn an AHA Basic Life Support certification, essential for many health-related programs.

Joe Salazar Named Acting CEO as Mission EDC Builds on Record of Economic Growth

Joe Salazar has been appointed as the acting CEO of the Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC) effective September 9, 2026. With over 15 years of public-sector financial experience, Salazar aims to continue the organization's economic development initiatives while the Board searches for a permanent CEO. He previously served as the financial officer, managing budgeting and compliance. Salazar emphasizes the importance of continuity and collaboration with the staff, city leadership, and community partners to support Mission's business environment and attract investments. His appointment follows the retirement of Teclo Garcia, who served as CEO for four years.

McAllen Fire Department to Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

The McAllen Fire Department will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on September 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the McAllen Central Fire Station, located at 201 N. 21st Street. This event commemorates the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honors the first responders who acted bravely during the tragedy. As the nation observes the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the ceremony aims to bring the community together for reflection and gratitude. Mayor Javier Villalobos, city officials, and community members are invited to share stories and remember the sacrifices made on that day.

Pharr PD Receives Prestigious State Accreditation

The Pharr Police Department has achieved Accreditation Status through the Texas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, a notable recognition for law enforcement agencies that meet high standards of professionalism and accountability. The accreditation was presented by Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala during a City Commission Meeting on September 8. This distinction places Pharr PD among the top two percent of law enforcement agencies in Texas and makes it the fourth accredited agency in the Rio Grande Valley. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez and Chief Juan F. Gonzalez emphasized the department's commitment to excellence and community trust in their service.

STC Alumnus Protects and Serves as Weslaco PD Public Information Office

Heriberto Caraveo, a first-generation law enforcement officer and Public Information Officer for the Weslaco Police Department, is dedicated to serving his community. A graduate of the South Texas College (STC) Police Academy in 2018, Caraveo holds multiple leadership roles, including overseeing sex offender compliance and coordinating Crime Stoppers initiatives. His challenging upbringing in a low-income neighborhood fueled his desire to inspire positive change. Balancing work, family, and education, Caraveo emphasizes the importance of discipline and time management. He aims to mentor others and advocates for integrity and compassion in law enforcement, encouraging those interested in the field to pursue their dreams.

TSTC and The PossAble Dream Open New Path for Adult Students in Harlingen

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Harlingen has partnered with The PossAble Dream Adult High School to offer a tuition-free high school diploma for adults aged 18 to 50. A memorandum of understanding was signed on September 9, allowing the adult school to operate on TSTC's campus. This initiative aims to provide a direct pathway to technical education and workforce careers, addressing barriers that prevent adults from completing high school. The program allows students to experience college life while pursuing their educational goals, ultimately leading to better job opportunities. Enrollment information is available on The PossAble Dream's website.

South Texas International Film Festival begins today

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Edinburg kicks off its 12th Annual South Texas International Film Festival on today, a three-day event showcasing regional talent. The event is happening from Thursday to Saturday and taking place at the Edinburg Arts Culture, and Events (ACE) Center. Opening night will celebrate talent from the Rio Grande

Four RGV Leaders Confirmed for ZERA Leadership Day Conference in Pharr

Four leaders from the Rio Grande Valley have been confirmed as panelists for the 2026 Leadership Day Conference in Pharr, scheduled for October 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pharr ONE. The panelists include Dr. Marcos Silva, Dr. Annabelle Palomo, Milly Chirino, and Iliana Villalobos, who bring expertise in education, business, and law. The conference aims to foster leadership skills among attendees from various backgrounds, including students and professionals. ZERA Coaching, which organizes the event, focuses on enhancing leadership capabilities in the region. Registration is available at www.hellozera.com.