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Public SafetyTraffic Stop Ends in Rescue of Driver Trapped in Burning Vehicle
A traffic stop on a Texas highway turned into a life-saving rescue when Southlake Police Officer Joshua Swisher pulled a driver from a burning vehicle just seconds before it was engulfed in flames. Swisher had stopped a speeding Mercedes when he noticed a smoking car nearby. He rushed to the vehicle, breaking the driver's side window to extract the dazed driver as smoke filled the car. The entire rescue took less than 30 seconds. Fortunately, the driver suffered no serious injuries, and Swisher received recognition from the Southlake Police Department for his heroic actions. The speeding driver received only a warning instead of a ticket.
BusinessFew Days Left to Claim Your Payment from the Amazon Settlement
Amazon Prime customers may be eligible for compensation from a $2.5 billion antitrust settlement, but the deadline is approaching. In September, Amazon agreed to pay customers after being accused of pressuring them to enroll in Prime subscriptions and complicating cancellations. Some users may have already received payments last year. To claim the second payment, eligible customers must submit a claim by July 27, 2026. Requirements include being a U.S. consumer who unintentionally enrolled in Prime or attempted to cancel without success. Approved claims could receive up to $51, with payments expected by September.
Public SafetyVehicle on Fire Causes Major Blaze on Val Verde Highway
A fire that started in a GMC truck escalated into a multi-acre blaze on Monday night in Donna, prompting a response from several fire departments in the Rio Grande Valley. The incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. on North Val Verde Road. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The dry brush allowed the flames to spread quickly towards an undeveloped area filled with tall weeds and palm trees, advancing westward towards a nursery and coming close to a tire storage facility. Emergency crews managed to contain the fire before it reached the tire area. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
SportsWhat will be the next host cities for the FIFA Men's World Cup after 2026?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has concluded with Spain defeating Argentina, but the focus now shifts to future tournaments. The next men's World Cup will be in 2030, hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, marking the centenary of the first tournament. In 2034, Saudi Arabia will host the event, likely in winter due to extreme heat. The 2038 World Cup host is still undecided, with potential candidates including the USA, Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand. Germany has also expressed interest in hosting in 2038 or 2042, pending FIFA's decisions.
NationalTrump Revives Trade War with Canada with 50% Tariffs: When Will They Take Effect?
President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian products, citing unfair discrimination against U.S. automobiles, alcohol, and dairy. This move could escalate economic chaos and inflation, straining U.S.-Canada relations. The tariffs will take effect in 30 days, allowing for potential negotiations. Excluded from the tariffs are energy products, potash, fish, and crucial minerals. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed readiness to negotiate, emphasizing the importance of free trade. However, Ontario's Premier Doug Ford warned of potential retaliatory tariffs. The situation raises concerns over a broader trade war and its implications for the global economy.
Public SafetyWeslaco home damaged by fire linked to possible refrigerator problem
A fire in Weslaco, potentially caused by a refrigerator malfunction, occurred around 7 a.m. on Monday at a residence on Bethany Drive. The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the incident, noting that the fire originated near the refrigerator. The homeowner reported previous issues with the appliance freezing up. Julio Mata, an appliance parts supplier, emphasized the importance of regular maintenance, including checking cords and ensuring proper installation to prevent electrical hazards. Fortunately, one person was inside during the fire but escaped unharmed and was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. The home is not deemed a total loss.
Public SafetyVal Verde Road closed due to major fire in Donna
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A major roadway in Donna is closed until further notice as a team of first responders work to put out a fire that broke out on Monday night. According to authorities, FM 1423, also known as Val Verde Road, is closed until further notice as crews work to put out the
CommunityWho Left the Competition? Highlights from the Second Elimination of Operación Triunfo USA
The second elimination gala of Telemundo's Operación Triunfo took place on Monday, resulting in the departure of 24-year-old Nicaraguan artist Daniela. She was nominated alongside José Ángel and bid farewell after a brief stint in the competition. Emotional moments unfolded as judge David Bisbal encouraged her to continue pursuing her dreams. The competition offers a $100,000 prize and a chance to enter the music industry with Universal Music Latino. Contestants are evaluated weekly by judges David Bisbal, Ana Bárbara, and Ximena Sariñana, with the show hosted by Natalia Téllez. Viewers can watch live or through the Telemundo app.
WeatherTropical Storm Bertha brings very hot conditions to the Rio Grande Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Tropical Storm Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic Season and the second storm to form along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Bertha is not expected to develop into a hurricane but to remain a tropical storm. On Thursday, Bertha will encounter land on the Louisiana coast as it tracks
NationalUS Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick visits McAllen
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For the first time, a sitting secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce visited the Rio Grande Valley. Howard Lutnick was in McAllen on Monday to announce a $6 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). “You guys have the land. You guys have the infrastructure; you have the workers.
HealthValley cities qualify for the Blue Zones community health project
MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A global initiative to make healthier choices easier and more accessible for communities is one step closer to coming to the Rio Grande Valley. The founder of Blue Zones, Dan Buettner, discovered five regions around the world where people were living better and longer lives than anyone else on the planet.
PoliticsCBP says it's not responsible for runaway border buoys
U.S. Customs and Border Protection told Border Report the federal government was not responsible for the lost buoys because they had not taken possession of the waterborne barrier, yet.
PoliticsAttorney Rick Salinas announces bid for Mayor of Mission
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local attorney Ricardo "Rick" Salinas announced he is running for Mayor of Mission. According to a news release from Salinas, he filed his paperwork on Monday to run for Mayor of Mission at Mission City Hall. Salinas has over 30 years of legal experience as a trial attorney and aims to focus
BusinessTxDOT hosts event to collaborate with small business owners
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation Pharr District welcomed a group of local business owners during its annual outreach event on Monday. The annual event was geared towards small business owners, offering a chance to connect with local TxDOT engineers, prime contractors and representatives from other small businesses. Rex Costley, Deputy Engineer
EducationBrownsville ISD approves contract for new superintendent
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Independent School District Board of Trustees officially named its new superintendent during a meeting on Friday. The school district approved an employment contract for Timothy E. Cuff following a state-mandated 21-day waiting period. Cuff was named the lone finalist in late June. "On behalf of the Board of Trustees,
HealthFree medical services to be offered during Operation Border Health in Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Residents can get a variety of free health and veterinary services during Operation Border Health events happening across the Valley this week. The events are happening in all four Valley counties from Tuesday, July 21, through Thursday, July 23. Cameron County In Cameron County, the event will take place from 8 a.m.
Public SafetyJudge signs disaster declaration after first screwworm case reported in Starr County
Editor's note: The video above is from previous ValleyCentral coverage. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County Judge Eloy Vera signed a disaster declaration on Monday following the county's first reported case of New World Screwworm. The case was found on the northwestern side of the county, north of Roma. Starr County Emergency Management spokesman Lenny Fuentes
Public SafetyTxDOT: Lane reductions on International Blvd. in Progreso
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of lane reductions in Progreso this week due to irrigation crossing installation. From Monday through Friday, FM 1015 (International Blvd.) between US 281 (Military Hwy.) and the Progreso Port of Entry will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Lanes will be
Public SafetyTxDOT: Lane reductions on International Blvd. in Progreso
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of lane reductions in Progreso this week due to irrigation crossing installation. From Monday through Friday, FM 1015 (International Blvd.) between US 281 (Military Hwy.) and the Progreso Port of Entry will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Lanes will be
NationalSheinbaum Discusses T-MEC Details During Attendance at World Cup Final
President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed on Monday that she decided to attend the 2026 World Cup final in New York, where Spain defeated Argentina, after receiving a personal invitation from her U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump. She took the opportunity to briefly discuss the review of the North American trade agreement during their meeting. 'Until Friday, the only invitation I had received was from FIFA. I was considering whether to go or not, but I was leaning towards not attending. Then on Saturday, we had a phone conversation with Trump,' she recounted during her press conference. The Mexican leader clarified that the call took place on Friday, when the U.S. president asked if she would be traveling to New York. 'And that’s when he personally invited me. He said, 'Claudia, are you coming?' I replied, 'Well, if you invite me, President Trump.' He said, 'Yes, you are invited, come, you will be sitting right next to us,' and then I thought, 'Well, I should go,' because as the saying goes, courtesy doesn’t take away from bravery,' she added. The president noted that she initially booked a direct commercial flight from Cancun, where she was, but the flight was canceled due to thunderstorms affecting New York. With no alternatives available, she traveled on a plane from the Secretariat of National Defense.