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WeatherTropical Storm Bertha Forms in the Gulf; Areas That May Be Affected
MIAMI – Tropical Storm Bertha formed on Monday after Tropical Depression Two intensified, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of the latest bulletin at 8 PM, the system was located 110 miles south of Panama City, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and a minimum pressure of 1004 mb, moving northwest at about 3 mph. According to the forecast track, Bertha is expected to move near or along the northern Gulf coast over the next few days, with the possibility of further strengthening. The latest forecast indicates that the NHC is closely monitoring the system as it approaches the Florida Panhandle, an area for which a tropical storm watch has already been issued. Tropical storm conditions could be experienced in this area from late tonight through Tuesday, potentially extending into Wednesday. The combination of storm surge and tide will likely cause flooding in normally dry areas near the immediate coast due to rising water levels moving inland from the shoreline. Watches and Warnings: A tropical storm watch is in effect from the Ochlockonee River to the Florida-Alabama border. A storm surge watch is in effect from the Alabama-Florida border to the mouth of the Mississippi River.
CommunityMedal of Honor Monday: Army 2nd Lt. Robert Craig
Army 2nd Lt. Robert Craig was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor during World War II, specifically for his actions in Sicily during Operation Husky. Born in Scotland on June 7, 1919, Craig's family moved to Toledo, Ohio, when he was four. After joining the Army in 1941, he participated in the July 1943 landings in Sicily. During a fierce battle, he bravely charged enemy positions, allowing his platoon to retreat safely. He was killed in action, but his heroism inspired his men to defeat the enemy. His Medal of Honor was presented to his father in 1944.
PoliticsBoca Chica Beach is off-limits! Law proposal presented to protect the name
In a statement, Congressman Vicente González introduced the "Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach" bill, aimed at protecting the name of Boca Chica Beach and providing greater transparency in the name change process. The initiative would also require the Domestic Names Committee, a key division of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), to notify the relevant congressional representative about any proposed name changes affecting their district. The statement also indicated that geographic names established by a congressional law, or those included in proposed legislation, are not subject to the authority of the BGN. Therefore, González's initiative would take precedence over the principles, policies, and procedures of the BGN, and no future proposals to change the name of Boca Chica Beach during this legislative period would be considered. The congressman stated: "It is absurd that a name change proposal from outside our state has jeopardized the very essence of a historic and cultural site in South Texas." Vicente González (TX-34) "The serious lack of transparency from the Domestic Names Committee nearly silenced the voices of Cameron County residents in a decision that directly affects our daily lives and would have imposed a financial burden on local municipalities responsible for replacing signage and public identifiers. Although our community quickly united to stop this initial proposal, my bill will ensure that Boca Chica Beach will always remain the People's Beach." Vicente González (TX-34) Controversy over the proposed name change for Boca Chica Beach It is worth noting that Cameron County experienced moments of intense tension following the proposal to rename the iconic Boca Chica Beach as "Cyber Beach," an attempt to align the name of the location with the region's technological and aerospace boom. However, on July 9, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names halted the initiative, ruling in favor of residents demanding respect for their roots. In a statement, County Judge Eddie Treviño said: "We are encouraged that the overwhelming opposition expressed by Cameron County residents, along with the support of our local, state, and federal elected officials, has reaffirmed the importance of preserving the historic name of the beach."
Public SafetyCBP Officers Intercept 22.4 Kilograms of Fentanyl at Presidio Port of Entry
On July 15, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 22.4 kilograms of fentanyl at the Presidio Port of Entry in Texas. The fentanyl was hidden in the spare tire of a 2018 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by a male U.S. citizen who had just crossed the border from Ojinaga, Mexico. Anomalies detected by nonintrusive inspection technology led to a secondary inspection, revealing the concealed drugs. The driver was arrested and charged with violations related to the importation and possession of controlled substances. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking at the border.
PoliticsCongressman Gonzalez introduces bill to protect renaming of Boca Chica Beach
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez on Monday introduced legislation seeking to bring transparency to the federal renaming process. The "Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act" aims to protect the site from unnecessary name changes and would require the Domestic Names Committee to notify congressional members of a proposed name change that
EducationFree school supplies, haircuts, health screenings at back-to-school expo
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With back-to-school season just around the corner, Driscoll Health is partnering with dozens of sponsors, including the RGV Vipers, to get thousands of Valley families ready for the coming school year. On Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., all Valley families are invited to the Bert Ogden Area, where they will have a
PoliticsCongressman Gonzalez Introduces Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) has introduced the Hands off Our Boca Chica Beach Act to protect the historic Boca Chica Beach from unnecessary name changes. This legislation aims to codify the beach's name and requires the Domestic Names Committee to inform the local Congressman of any proposed name changes. Gonzalez's bill takes precedence over the committee's policies, ensuring that no future renaming proposals will be considered during this Congress. The act follows a controversial attempt to rename the beach to 'Cyber Beach,' which faced strong opposition from local officials and was ultimately rejected after Gonzalez's intervention.
WeatherStarr County Judge Signs Disaster Declaration Due to Armyworm Threat
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera announced on his social media that he has signed a local disaster declaration due to the threat of the New World armyworm in the region. This is a developing story. We will provide more details as they become available.
BusinessPharr EDC Launches Digital Facade Initiative to Help Local Businesses Strengthen Their Online Presence
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (Pharr EDC) has launched the Digital Facade Initiative to assist local businesses in enhancing their online visibility. This program aims to ensure that businesses are easily searchable and accurately represented on platforms like Google. Pharr EDC staff will conduct visits to local companies to review their digital storefronts, including Google Business Profiles and essential information for customers. Leticia Adame, Economic & Workforce Director, emphasizes the importance of a strong digital presence for customer trust. Businesses interested in this initiative can reach out to Pharr EDC for support.
NationalHarlingen Native Helps Power U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Missions
Chief Petty Officer Jeffery Huerta, a Harlingen native, is currently serving as an aviation structural mechanic with Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 13 at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. Huerta credits his upbringing in Harlingen for instilling values of respect and hard work, which have shaped his leadership style. After graduating from Sam Rayburn High School in 2003, he joined the Navy 21 years ago, initially intending to serve only one term. He is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety. Huerta expresses pride in his promotion to chief petty officer and acknowledges the support of his family throughout his military journey.
Public SafetyConviction Handed Down in Human Smuggling and Extortion Plot
Cameron Jake Tucker, a 26-year-old from Bacliff, has been convicted of kidnapping, hostage-taking, and harboring an illegal alien. After a three-day trial, a federal jury reached a guilty verdict in just two hours. The case began on May 14, 2025, when an illegal alien escaped from a stash house in Houston, claiming he had been held captive and assaulted by Tucker. The victim managed to escape and led authorities to the stash house, where Tucker was later apprehended. He faces a potential life sentence and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for October 15, 2026.
WeatherTropical storm could form later today in the Gulf
Tropical Depression Two is expected to become Tropical Storm Bertha on Monday as the depression moves northwestward, the National Hurricane Center announced.
McAllenKVEO’s NBC Children’s Programming for July 25, 2026
Due to Network changes, the Saturday July 25th showing of Mutual of Omaha airing at 9am has been rescheduled for 6:30am, Earth Odyssey A airing at 9:30am has been rescheduled for July 24th at 2:30pm, Wild Child airing at 10am has been rescheduled for July 25th at 6am, Earth Odyssey B airing at 8:30am has
PoliticsRick Salinas Announces Bid for Mayor of Mission
Local attorney Ricardo 'Rick' Salinas will officially announce his candidacy for Mayor of Mission on July 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM at City Hall. His campaign will focus on fiscal responsibility, affordability, and transparency, especially following a recent credit downgrade for Mission due to mismanagement. With over 30 years of legal experience, Salinas aims to address issues like neighborhood infrastructure and protect family budgets. He criticized the current administration for poor financial decisions, emphasizing that the downgrade affects taxpayers and future projects. Salinas seeks to restore trust in local government through transparency.
EducationDo You Have a Federal Student Loan or Plan to Apply for One? Learn About the New Changes
Changes to federal student loans in the United States, expected to affect millions of borrowers, went into effect on July 1. These changes, part of President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill,' mark the end of certain repayment plans and new limits on graduate student loans. With the termination of President Joe Biden's SAVE plan, these changes are likely to result in increased payment amounts for millions of borrowers. 'What is concerning is the affordability of monthly payments. I believe many will experience a significant increase in their payments, forcing them to stretch their budgets or simply not be able to make them,' said Michele Zampini, associate vice president of The Institute for College Access & Success, a nonprofit advocacy group working to make higher education more affordable. Approximately 9 million Americans have been delinquent on their federal student loans since June, according to the Department of Education. Hundreds of thousands more are overdue on payments and at risk of defaulting this year. Earlier this month, Education Department officials indicated that borrowers enrolled in automatic payment will be eligible for a 1% reduction in the interest rate starting July 1. However, those already using this system receive a 0.25% discount, meaning the new reduction only represents a 0.75% decrease. For all borrowers, the rate reduction will be temporary and will last until June 2028. If you received a student loan, here are some key points to know: The SAVE plan is ending. The SAVE plan (an acronym for Saving on a Valuable Education) was a repayment option with some of the most lenient terms ever offered by the government. Shortly after its launch, it was challenged in court, leaving millions of student loan borrowers in limbo. Earlier this year, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the SAVE plan, which has now ended. There are about 7.5 million borrowers in the SAVE plan, and servicers have already begun sending them official notices, said Lindsay Vail Clark, a senior borrower advocate at Savi, a student debt assistance platform. Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan will be notified that they have 90 days to enroll in another income-driven repayment plan. Vail Clark recommends that borrowers start checking their options as soon as possible, as processing delays are likely. If they do not enroll in another plan before the 90-day deadline, the Department of Education will automatically enroll them in one of the standard options, she added. However, there is no specific deadline for all borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan to find another plan, as notices will be sent continuously, Zampini noted. Changes to graduate loan limits. Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' changed the amounts that graduate students can borrow for various programs, but his administration recently updated that plan, according to a judge's order. Under the new regulation, programs classified as professional degrees face federal student loan limits of $200,000, while other graduate programs have a limit of $100,000. Previously, graduate students could obtain federal loans that covered the full cost of their degree. For now, the updated government plan restores eligibility for graduate students in nursing, physical therapy, and other fields to obtain higher amounts of federal student loans. The initial rule had kept them at lower limits. Changes to Parent PLUS loans. Parent PLUS loans have had fewer repayment options, but these are now being further reduced, Zampini noted. The new limits on Parent PLUS loans restrict them to $20,000 per student and $65,000 per family. Additionally, Parent PLUS borrowers who apply for new loans starting July 1 will not have access to any income-driven repayment plan, only to a new standard graduated repayment plan. 'From now on, they will only have the standard repayment option, and there will be no exception or safety net to adjust it based on income, if they have low income or experience income fluctuations or any other type of hardship,' Zampini warned. Parent PLUS borrowers who consolidated their loans into a direct consolidation loan before July 1 can pay them through the income-contingent repayment plan until June 30, 2028. After that date, borrowers will be transitioned to the income-driven repayment plan. Enrollment in income-driven repayment plans. Current borrowers can apply for the following income-driven repayment plans: income-based repayment plan, pay-as-you-earn plan, and income-contingent repayment plan. The payment amount under income-driven repayment plans is a percentage of the borrower's discretionary income, and the percentage varies by plan. However, students who take out loans starting in July will only be able to enroll in one income-driven repayment plan: the payment assistance plan. Borrowers can also use the graduated standard plan, a repayment plan with a fixed amount that ensures loans are paid off within 10 to 25 years. You can find out which repayment plan might suit you best by logging into the Department of Education's loan simulator. If you want public service loan forgiveness. There are no changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, despite a plan from the Trump administration announced last year to change eligibility requirements for participating nonprofit organizations. The policy sought to disqualify nonprofit workers if their work was deemed to have a 'substantial illegal purpose.' The Trump administration asserted that it was necessary to prevent taxpayer money from going to lawbreakers, while critics argue that it turns the program into a tool for political retaliation. Two federal judges recently overturned the new rules, one day before they were set to take effect. If your student loans are in default. Federal student loan collections remain suspended. The Trump administration previously announced this year that it is postponing plans to garnish wages of student loan borrowers who default on their payments. Federal student loan debtors can have their wages garnished and their federal tax refunds withheld if they default on their loans. Borrowers are considered in default when they are at least 270 days late on payments. If your student loans are in default, you can contact your loan holder to request a loan rehabilitation program. Through this program, borrowers enroll in a reduced payment plan, and after making five successful payments, wage garnishment ends. Borrowers can find more information about loan rehabilitation here. If you want to consolidate your loan. The online application for loan consolidation is available at studentaid.gov/loan-consolidation. If you have multiple federal student loans, you can combine them into a single loan with a fixed interest rate and one monthly payment. The consolidation process typically takes about 60 days to complete. You can only consolidate your loans once. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
Public SafetyFM 1015 (Int’l Blvd.) to be reduced to one lane in each direction, July 20-24
From July 20 to July 24, FM 1015 (International Blvd.) will be reduced to one lane in each direction between US 281 (Military Hwy.) and the Progreso port of entry. This lane reduction is necessary for the installation of an irrigation crossing located just north of Rancho Toluca Road. Motorists are advised to remain vigilant and follow all traffic signs in the construction area to ensure safety for all road users.
WeatherGovernor Signs Major Disaster Declaration After Severe Weather And Flooding
Governor Greg Abbott has requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist Texas communities affected by severe weather and flooding. During a visit to Uvalde County, he assessed damage and met with local officials and first responders. Abbott announced that he is seeking federal aid for 28 counties, with the possibility of adding more as needed. Over 2,700 personnel and 1,500 resources have been deployed statewide, resulting in more than 270 rescues. The Governor urged residents in Uvalde and surrounding counties to stay vigilant as additional severe weather may occur. State agencies are providing ongoing support to affected areas.
WeatherThe Valley will simmer in summer-time heat
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Caution is being advised for afternoon outdoor activities as the combination of heat and humidity will be raising the heat index to 108-112 in many areas. This is what it will feel like to us during the hottest part of the day today. Remember these tips to help keep yourself and
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Jobs Update, 7-20-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several job events this week. An information session for Border Patrol will take place on Tuesday, July 21, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions in Mission. On Wednesday, July 22, two hiring events are scheduled: one from 8 AM to 12 PM at Rio Plex Safety Council in McAllen and another from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions in Mission. Additionally, a Skilled Trades Job Fair will be held on Thursday, July 23, from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Edinburg Activity Center. More details can be found at workintexas.com.
CommunityCity of Pharr Named National Finalist for 2026 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award®
The City of Pharr has been named a finalist for the 2026 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, a prestigious recognition for organizational excellence. Pharr is the only city in the U.S. among the 13 finalists this year. This award, overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce, honors organizations that exemplify high performance across various sectors. Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the city's commitment to quality service. The evaluation process will include a site visit from national examiners this fall, assessing leadership, strategy, and operations to ensure continuous improvement in serving residents.