Archive · 6307 stories · page 73 of 316
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
NationalAmid Risk of 'Unforeseen Escalation' in the Middle East, U.S. Issues Travel Alert
WASHINGTON – The U.S. State Department issued a global travel alert on Monday warning of the risk of an 'unforeseen escalation' of the conflict in the Middle East and recommended that American citizens take extra precautions due to the deteriorating security situation in the region. In the alert, the U.S. government noted that 'due to the rising tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex, with the potential for unforeseen escalation,' urging its citizens to stay informed and follow the guidance of U.S. embassies and consulates. The State Department also warned that the evolution of the conflict could lead to disruptions in international travel, including flight cancellations and airspace closures, and advised Americans in the Middle East to prepare for possible sudden changes in security and transportation conditions. The global alert does not prohibit travel but urges U.S. citizens to carefully assess their travel plans to or through the Middle East and to consult official recommendations before undertaking any trips, as Washington closely monitors the situation in the region.
NationalSheinbaum Discusses T-MEC: Details of Her Attendance at the 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 the meeting. 'Until Friday, the only invitation I had received was from FIFA. I was considering whether to go or not, but I had thought about 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 travel 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, yes, you are invited, come, you will be sitting right next to us, and then I thought, well, we should go, because as the saying goes, courtesy does not 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, she traveled on a plane from the Secretariat of National Defense.
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.
NationalUS soldiers killed by Iran were from Texas and Hawaii, military says
The U.S. military has confirmed the deaths of two soldiers, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, from Carrollton, Texas, and 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, who were killed in Jordan by Iranian missile and drone attacks. This marks the first U.S. troop fatalities from direct Iranian fire since the conflict began. The soldiers were part of a mission against the Islamic State. In total, 17 American service members have died in the ongoing war with Iran, highlighting the dangers posed by drone and missile warfare in the region.
BusinessBrownsville restaurant credits World Cup watch parties for jump in sales
Ramses Tacos & Tequilas in Brownsville has reported a significant increase in summer sales, attributing this boost to the World Cup festivities. The restaurant hosted viewing parties for all 48 matches, drawing larger crowds, especially during games featuring popular teams like Mexico and the U.S. To accommodate the influx of customers, the restaurant expanded its staff from 20-25 to around 40-50 employees. Manager Gabriel Exinia noted a 30% rise in sales compared to May, highlighting the success of the season. Patrons, like Ashok Nair, expressed that the lively atmosphere enhanced their viewing experience compared to watching at home.