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CommunityCameron County Irrigation District No. 2 remove invasive flowers from San Benito resaca
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 is working to clean up the resaca in San Benito. Workers with Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 and Cameron County Drainage District No. 3 are removing water hyacinths from the water. Hyacinthus is a spring-blooming flower. Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 General Manager
Public SafetyPolice Clash with Hooded Protesters Near Azteca Stadium at World Cup Kickoff
MEXICO CITY — Despite forecasts of protests throughout the city, incidents reported in Mexico City during the opening of the World Cup were limited to acts of vandalism and confrontations with riot police involving about 200 people, according to the capital's security department. Only one 28-year-old woman was arrested and released shortly after, the department stated on its official X account. However, Mexican media documented in detail the events occurring at various points in the Mexican capital where different groups were expected to head towards the vicinity of Azteca Stadium. A video that went viral early Thursday showed a mother searching for her missing child kneeling before police during an operation that prevented her from advancing in her protest over the crisis of disappearances, and the touching reaction of one of the officers, who, however, did not move an inch.
Public SafetyHomeland Security Investigations raids Peñitas stash house, seizes nearly 86 pounds of cocaine
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Homeland Security Investigations seized nearly 86 pounds of cocaine last week in Peñitas. Leonardo Salinas, 22, of Peñitas is accused of providing nearly 51 pounds of cocaine to a courier and keeping another 35 pounds in a stash house. “I take exception to the fact that they’re calling him a stash
SportsWorld Cup fever hits border town with Mexico in opening match
Hundreds of soccer fans spread out on the lawn of the McAllen Convention Center on Thursday afternoon in 90-degree heat to watch the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.
Public SafetyTop Commercial Vehicle Inspectors Crowned at 2026 Texas CVE Challenge
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) held the 34th annual Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Challenge in Corpus Christi, where law enforcement personnel showcased their skills in enforcing federal motor carrier safety regulations. Corporal Kaleb Rains from Eastland was named the DPS Grand Champion, while Scott Henderson from the Houston Police Department earned the title of MCSAP Grand Champion. A total of 21 DPS personnel and 9 MCSAP Officers participated, undergoing vehicle inspections and written exams. The event emphasized collaboration among law enforcement and industry experts to enhance safety on Texas roads.
SportsThe Spurs are still believers, but it the Knicks who are 1 game from winning the NBA title
The San Antonio Spurs face a critical Game 5 against the New York Knicks on Saturday, trailing the NBA Finals series 3-1. Victor Wembanyama acknowledged the stakes: a Spurs win extends the series, while a Knicks victory secures their first championship in 53 years. The Spurs suffered a historic collapse in Game 4, losing a 29-point lead. Despite the daunting odds, Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox emphasized the need to focus on one game at a time. The Knicks, having won the first two games in San Antonio, aim to capitalize on their momentum and finish the series this weekend.
Public SafetyPharr father convicted in death of 2-month-old son, sentencing reset
Miguel Ortiz Jr., a resident of Pharr, was found guilty of injury to a child by omission in the death of his 2-month-old son. A Hidalgo County jury recommended a 30-year sentence, which was initially scheduled for June 11 but has now been reset to June 17. Ortiz was arrested in June 2024, along with the child's mother, Karina Ramirez, after the baby was discovered dead in their home on East Sam Houston Boulevard. An autopsy revealed multiple injuries and signs of decomposition. Both parents had an active case with Child Protective Services at the time of the incident.
WeatherMcAllen opens three cooling centers to beat the heat
McAllen has launched three cooling centers to help residents cope with the extreme heat. The designated locations are the Lark Community Center, Las Palmas Community Center, and Palm View Community Center. These centers offer a safe, air-conditioned environment where individuals can find relief, along with water, snacks, and activities. Resources and tips for staying cool at home while conserving energy are also provided. Mayor Javier Villalobos emphasized the importance of these centers, noting that many residents struggle to manage the heat on their own. Reliant Energy collaborates with the city to support this initiative. More details can be found online.
NationalUSDA reverses course on pet dogs crossing into Mexico amid screwworm threat
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reinstated a requirement for dog owners returning from Mexico to obtain a screwworm freedom certification. This regulation, effective since November 2024, follows the discovery of New World screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico. All dogs re-entering the U.S. must meet USDA standards, with certifications available from authorized veterinarians in Mexico. Gloria Gonzalez, who runs Pawradise Dog Sanctuary, emphasizes the importance of treating any wounds on transported animals. Meanwhile, Mexico has suspended the exchange of live animals with the U.S. due to the screwworm threat, enhancing inspections at entry points.
WeatherRecent rain prompts Brownsville to send out mosquito spray trucks
Following heavy rainfall over the weekend, Brownsville has deployed mosquito spray trucks to combat potential outbreaks. City officials are particularly worried about standing water that can breed mosquitoes. According to Brownsville Medical Entomologist Yaziri Gonzalez, spraying focuses on public roadways and parks, avoiding private properties. The spraying schedule is primarily determined by weather conditions. Additionally, the city offers a mosquito alert app for residents to report mosquito issues and monitor spraying activities. Crews will continue spraying until 8 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
HealthScrewworm was found in a dog in Texas. What does that mean for your pets?
The New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas, with six cases reported in the state and one in New Mexico. This parasitic fly targets open wounds on warm-blooded animals, including pets, laying eggs that hatch into maggots. Symptoms of infestation include discomfort, foul-smelling discharge, and unusual behavior in pets. Veterinarians emphasize that the condition is treatable if caught early, with specific medications available. Pet owners are advised to monitor their animals closely for wounds and maintain good hygiene. Local officials are actively working on containment measures, including releasing sterile flies to control the population.
Public SafetyMonte Alto man charged with cockfighting
Arnulfo Arizmendi, a 41-year-old resident of Monte Alto, was arrested for allegedly organizing a cockfight on his property. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies discovered a dead rooster, several live roosters, and other evidence of cockfighting in a warehouse during a search prompted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Authorities had noticed numerous vehicles at the location on Nittler Road. Witnesses claimed Arizmendi charged admission for the event. He was charged with cockfighting and released on a $5,000 bond on June 2, while several spectators received citations for misdemeanors.
CommunityMission sets up wildlife habitat zone after alligator sighting near RV resort
Mission city officials have established a wildlife habitat zone following an alligator sighting near the Seven Oaks RV Resort. The alligator was first spotted weeks ago near Casino Drive and was last seen recently. The new ordinance enables the city to install warning signs in the area to protect both the wildlife and the public. Juliana Martinez Cano, the Mission Animal Control and Shelter Manager, emphasized the importance of the signs, which will advise against feeding the alligator and prohibit swimming in the vicinity. Animal control officers will continue to monitor the area regularly.
SportsMexico launches its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez helped Mexico make an exuberant start to the World Cup on Thursday, scoring a goal each in a 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening match of the tournament. With a capacity crowd of 80,824 watching at the iconic Azteca Stadium, co-host Mexico started the
EducationSTC CDL Program Rolls Out OSHA 10, Hazmat Training This Summer
Starting July 1, South Texas College's Commercial Truck License Institute will launch an 18-hour training program that includes OSHA 10 instruction and hazardous materials endorsement preparation. The program aims to enhance workplace safety knowledge for commercial drivers in the transportation, logistics, and industrial sectors. Classes will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout July and August, featuring 10 hours of OSHA coursework and eight hours of Hazmat training. This initiative is open to current CDL holders and those looking to expand their professional credentials, emphasizing the importance of safety in handling hazardous materials.
NationalDOJ Sues New Mexico Supreme Court Over Military Rights Violation
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the New Mexico Supreme Court and the New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners for allegedly violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The lawsuit claims that these bodies refused to recognize the out-of-state law licenses of servicemembers and their spouses, which is mandated by the SCRA. A specific case involves a military spouse who was denied the opportunity to practice law in New Mexico after relocating due to military orders. The DOJ emphasizes that this issue affects many military families and their employment opportunities.
Public SafetyMan Illegally in U.S. Sentenced to More than 16 Years for Social Media Child Exploitation
Erasmo Alexandro Rodriguez-Estrada, a 24-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for producing child pornography. He pleaded guilty on December 2, 2025, and the court considered the psychological harm inflicted on the victim during sentencing. Rodriguez-Estrada, who was illegally residing in Laredo after being previously removed from the U.S. in December 2024, will also have to register as a sex offender and comply with restrictions on accessing children and the internet. Following his prison term, he faces deportation proceedings. The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, aimed at combating child exploitation.
Public SafetyPharr man sentenced to 30 years in connection with infant's death
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Pharr man was sentenced to 30 years in state prison on Tuesday in connection with the death of his 2-month-old infant, according to Hidalgo County court records. Miguel Ortiz, 38, of Pharr, was indicted on charges of capital murder of a person under 10, felony murder, two counts of injury
Public SafetyRemains of Nancy Guthrie May Be in Mexico, According to Anonymous Tips
NOGALES - The remains of Nancy Guthrie could be located in the Nogales area, south of the border between Mexico and the United States. The Colectivo Buscando Corazones de Nogales received two anonymous calls that allegedly reveal the whereabouts in Sonora of Savannah Guthrie's mother, according to information from NBC. Nancy Guthrie was 84 years old when she disappeared from her home in Tucson at the end of January. In the past month, Buscando Corazones has conducted two searches in the Mariposa area, northwest of Nogales, explained Raymona Guadalupe Ayala Ortiz, a member of the group, to NBC.
Public SafetyCEO and Others Convicted in Wastewater Test Falsification Scheme
Derek McCoy, 52, former CEO of a wastewater testing laboratory, along with Deena Higginbotham, 56, and John Montgomery, 60, have pleaded guilty to falsifying wastewater test results. The trio, from Spring and Llano, manipulated data to misrepresent compliance with pollutant limits set by state discharge permits over a three-year period. Their actions violated the Clean Water Act and were reported to the EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. They face up to two years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, with sentencing scheduled for September 3, 2026.