Archive · 6298 stories · page 70 of 315
Public SafetyDriver accused of leaving scene of single-vehicle crash in Escobares
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Escobares Police Department is searching for a driver accused of leaving the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning. Police were dispatched to the crash site on Old Highway 83 in the Garceno area. At the scene, a crashed SUV was found unoccupied on the roadway. According to Escobares
Public SafetyBreaking: Heavy Police Presence in the City of Palmview
There is a significant police presence reported near Palmview, Texas, specifically around Mission, between Abraham Road, Clara Boya Lane, and Jewel Drive. Law enforcement agencies on the scene include Border Patrol, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, SWAT teams, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Helicopters are also seen flying over the area. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
CommunityPet of the week: Bernard the kitten
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A very special guest stopped by our studio on Tuesday. Along with Brownsville Animal Regulation Care Center adoption specialist Jordan Wally, anchor Alexia Serrata got to say hello to a very excited furry friend named Bernard. Wally explained that Bernard is a rescue who was found abandoned in an alley but is now living his best life. "He didn't
Public SafetyTruck's exhaust causes 50-acre brush fire in Donna
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A pickup truck's exhaust ignited a fire that engulfed 50 acres of land along Val Verde Road on Monday night, according to Donna Fire Chief David Simmons. Simmons said the truck was traveling southbound on Val Verde Road when it drove off the roadway. According to Simmons, the truck's exhaust was
WeatherPharr and TCEQ host Texas drought and hurricane workshop
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Pharr and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) partnered up to host the Texas Drought and Hurricane Preparedness Workshop on Tuesday. The workshop took place at the Jose "Pepe" Salinas Recreational Center located at 1011 W. Kelly Ave in Pharr. The purpose of the workshop was to
EducationMission Residents Encouraged to Apply for MEDA Scholarship
Residents of Mission are encouraged to apply for the Mission Economic Development Authority (MEDA) scholarship, which has supported over 1,113 South Texas College (STC) students since its inception in 2013, distributing more than $2 million in funding. The priority application deadline is July 31, and eligible students can receive up to $3,200 annually. Gustavo Garcia from STC's Student Financial Services noted that they have already received 559 applications, with new submissions arriving daily. The scholarship is particularly beneficial for students in nursing, technology, and bachelor’s programs. For more details, visit the STC website.
BusinessDe La Cruz and Lutnick Deliver $6 Million Grant to McAllen for Industrial Expansion
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Rep. Monica De La Cruz announced a $6 million grant for McAllen to enhance its industrial park infrastructure. This funding aims to attract private investment and generate nearly 500 jobs. The grant will support the development of roads, water, and sewer systems on the 47-acre site, backed by an additional $34 million in private investment. De La Cruz emphasized the grant's significance for the entire Rio Grande Valley, while Mayor Javier Villalobos noted its potential to draw more employers and strengthen the regional economy. De La Cruz has secured over $50 million in federal funds since taking office.
HealthBeyond the Barn: What the Return of New World Screwworm Means for Human Health
The New World screwworm has returned to the U.S. after 44 years, raising concerns for livestock and human health. This parasitic blowfly larva, which feeds on living tissue, has spread from Central America. Experts from Texas A&M emphasize the importance of public education, especially for those at risk, including agricultural workers and individuals with chronic wounds. They recommend immediate cleaning and covering of any injuries to prevent infestation. Warning signs include severe pain and foul-smelling discharge. The USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission are monitoring the situation and promoting good wound hygiene as the best defense against this parasite.
CommunitySan Benito considering making Market on Robertson a permanent program
The Market on Robertson is set to return to downtown San Benito after a two-month hiatus, with city officials considering making it a permanent fixture. This monthly market, part of a pilot program initiated six months ago, will be evaluated during budget meetings in August and September. City spokesperson Cristina Garcia noted that the commission will analyze attendance, vendor numbers, and community feedback. The upcoming market on August 8, 2026, will feature around 25 vendors, with hopes of reaching 40. Local business owner Julissa Tamez Garcia emphasized the market's role in attracting shoppers to downtown.
Public SafetyMan withdraws guilty plea in connection with fentanyl-related overdoses in Cameron County
Eric Castillo, accused in a series of fentanyl-related overdoses that resulted in eight deaths in Cameron County, has retracted his guilty plea. Initially, Castillo pleaded guilty on June 1 to four counts of possession of a controlled substance, facing a potential life sentence. However, just ten days later, his defense filed a motion to withdraw the plea. Castillo is alleged to have distributed THC, cocaine, meth, and fentanyl, with his arrest linked to fatal overdoses in Brownsville and Harlingen in October 2023. His next court hearing is set for September 3, with the trial beginning on September 14.
Public Safety50-acre blaze in Donna sparked by vehicle fire
A vehicle fire ignited a 50-acre blaze in Donna on Monday night, according to Fire Chief David Simmons. The incident occurred when a pickup truck being towed broke down on North Val Verde Road, veered off the road, and caught fire in a brush pile. The flames spread due to wind, affecting vegetation and palm trees. Fire crews faced access challenges due to a fence but managed to protect a nearby farm. Assistance came from multiple local fire departments, and while no homes were damaged, residents with respiratory issues were advised to stay indoors. The cause is under investigation.
Public SafetyStarr County judge signs disaster declaration over screwworm infection
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera declared a disaster on Monday after the first case of New World screwworm was confirmed in the Rio Grande Valley, specifically in a calf north of Roma. The Texas Animal Health Commission has designated most of western Starr County as an infested zone, restricting cattle movement without state approval. Judge Vera emphasized the need for medicines and equipment to combat the parasite, which can harm warm-blooded animals. Local rancher John 'Jackie' Ramirez recalled his father's experiences with screwworms in the 1970s and is now vigilant as his heifers are due to give birth soon. Residents are urged to report any infected animals.
WeatherHidalgo County emergency officials share hurricane readiness tips
Hidalgo County officials are reminding residents to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which peaks in August and September. Emergency Management Coordinator Ricardo Saldana recommends assembling an emergency kit that includes blankets, flashlights, extra cash, batteries, and multi-purpose tools. Residents of the Rio Grande Valley should also store important documents like insurance cards and medical records in waterproof containers. Additionally, officials advise keeping vehicle fuel tanks full and having cash on hand, as power outages may disrupt credit card transactions during emergencies.
Public SafetyDriver flees scene following single-vehicle crash in Starr County, police say
A driver abandoned their vehicle after a single-vehicle crash in Starr County on Tuesday. The incident took place on Old Highway 83 near Garceño, where police found an unoccupied SUV on a bridge. Escobares Interim Police Chief Lt. Jesse Alvarez reported that the driver fled before officers arrived and is believed to be injured in a nearby wooded area. The severity of the driver's injuries is currently unknown. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
BusinessCity of McAllen receives $6 million grant for industrial park project
McAllen has secured a $6 million federal grant aimed at enhancing its industrial park project. This funding is expected to attract new investments and generate approximately 500 jobs. Mayor Javier Villalobos expressed gratitude for the recognition of the area's business potential, stating that the grant will significantly boost job opportunities for local youth. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz emphasized the broader economic benefits for South Texas and mentioned additional federal funds for the Rio Grande Valley, including support for a sterile fly facility in Edinburg to address the New World screwworm issue.
WeatherValley officials warn of elevated fire risk due to weather conditions
Officials in the Rio Grande Valley are alerting residents about an increased risk of wildfires due to current weather conditions, which include humidity and strong winds. These factors can create a hazardous environment for fires to ignite. Last week, multiple fires were reported in the area, with one incident linked to illegal burning practices. Residents of Hidalgo County are reminded that outdoor burning requires a permit from the Hidalgo County Fire Marshal's office to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
PoliticsCity of Mission Secures $2 Million Street Improvement Project via Texas GLO
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has approved $2 million in funding for street improvements in Mission, Texas, through the Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP). This initiative aims to address unmet needs from federally declared disasters by reallocating unused Community Development Block Grant funds. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham emphasized the GLO's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Rio Grande Valley. The funds are part of a larger effort to manage approximately $140 million available from various disaster recovery programs, with strict deadlines for project completion to avoid fund recapture by HUD.
NationalThey Served the U.S., Then Were Deported to Mexico: An Activist Supports These Veterans
From the border city of Tijuana, Robert Vivar has been dedicated to supporting U.S. Army veterans who, for various reasons, have been expelled to Mexico, with their stories reflecting the human impact of U.S. immigration policies. Through the Unified U.S. Deported Veterans Resource Center, Vivar provides a safe space offering comprehensive legal assistance, basic medical services, and crucial emotional support for those who feel abandoned by the country they served before being deported to Mexico. The organization helps veterans reintegrate into their communities in exile and seeks pathways for their possible return to the United States through programs such as document management, immigration assistance, and job searching. The initiative aims to launch a civil and criminal legal offensive against the U.S. Department of Justice and the companies that operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. The goal is to go beyond traditional diplomatic notes following the recent death of Mexican Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston on July 7.
WeatherBrownsville Leaders Prepare Ahead of Hurricane Season
Brownsville officials are actively preparing for the upcoming 2026 Atlantic hurricane season through their annual Hurricane Tabletop Exercise. This two-day training involved utility personnel and emergency responders who practiced coordination and emergency planning to protect residents and restore essential services after a storm. Utilizing FEMA’s Incident Command System, participants worked through realistic scenarios to ensure effective responses during disasters. City leaders emphasized the importance of community preparedness, urging residents to store water, create emergency kits, and stay informed about evacuation routes and alerts. The city remains committed to ensuring safety and swift recovery during severe weather events.
PoliticsGovernor Issues Executive Order Cracking Down On Birth Tourism Schemes
Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order aimed at investigating and eliminating illegal birth tourism schemes in Texas. The order mandates state agencies, including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Medical Board, to hold accountable any healthcare providers involved in such activities. Abbott emphasized that Texas will not allow exploitation of immigration laws for profit. The order allows for enforcement actions like revoking licenses and denying state benefits. This follows previous investigations into Texas hospitals promoting birth tourism packages. Texans are encouraged to report any related information to state authorities.