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Public SafetyFirefighters Contain Blaze at Weslaco Home
The Weslaco Fire Department responded to a residential fire on Nevada Avenue that caused significant damage to a home. The fire started in a small bedroom near the main entrance and was contained to that area, preventing further spread. However, smoke affected about three-quarters of the residence. Minor damage occurred in three rooms on the south side, but most belongings in those areas were recoverable. The incident was managed solely by the Weslaco Fire Department, with no need for assistance from other emergency agencies.
Public SafetySuspect Arrested in Home Depot Theft in Harlingen
A suspect in a robbery at a Home Depot in Harlingen has been arrested following a tip from a citizen to 'Crime Stoppers.' The Harlingen Police Department reported that the information received allowed detectives to identify and apprehend the individual. The identity of the suspect and the specific charges have not yet been disclosed. 'Crime Stoppers' emphasized the significance of community collaboration in criminal investigations and reminded the public that they can provide information anonymously.
SportsWhen does the Mexican national team play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Mexico will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the leader of Group A, alongside South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. Following their early exit in the 2022 World Cup, Mexico aims to advance at least to the quarter-finals, matching their best performances from 1970 and 1986. The tournament kicks off on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa at 3 p.m. ET. Their second match is on June 18 against South Korea in Guadalajara, and the final group match is on June 24 against Czechia, also at Estadio Azteca. The top two teams will progress to the knockout stage.
WeatherEl Niño has formed: NOAA confirms the return of this climate phenomenon
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Thursday that the climate phenomenon El Niño has officially formed in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The meteorological agency issued a warning about the possibility that it could reach moderate, strong, or even very strong intensity in the coming months. According to meteorologists, there is a 63% chance that sea surface temperatures in the monitored region of the Pacific will exceed 2 degrees Celsius above average, a threshold that NOAA uses to classify an event as a 'very strong' El Niño. El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. It occurs when temperatures in the equatorial Pacific remain at least 0.5 degrees Celsius above average for several consecutive months, disrupting the atmospheric pattern known as the Walker circulation, which normally moves air from west to east across the ocean. While each El Niño episode has its unique characteristics, NOAA explained that this phenomenon typically reaches its peak intensity during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. Common effects include a warmer-than-normal winter in much of the northern United States, increased storm activity in the southern United States with higher chances of rain and snow, reduced cyclonic activity in the Atlantic due to increased upper-atmosphere winds, heightened tropical activity in the eastern and central Pacific, increased risk of coastal flooding associated with high tides in some regions, and disruptions in marine ecosystems and the migratory patterns of fish and other ocean species. 'Each El Niño is different; each has its own signature on weather patterns,' said Ken Graham, director of NOAA's National Weather Service. The agency also reported that it has officially begun using a new index known as the Relative Oceanic Niño Index (RONI) to monitor and forecast El Niño and La Niña events. According to NOAA, this new method provides a more accurate measurement of ocean temperature anomalies and has shown better correlation with atmospheric changes associated with these climate phenomena. Experts will continue to monitor the evolution of El Niño over the coming months to determine the magnitude of its global effects.
SportsHow Family Sacrifices Led Ricardo Pepi to the 2026 World Cup
Ricardo Pepi, a rising star of the U.S. national soccer team, reflects on the sacrifices made by his family that helped him reach the 2026 World Cup. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, Pepi's parents dedicated themselves to supporting his soccer journey, often traveling long distances for practices and games. At just 13, he left home to join FC Dallas, facing the challenges of a new environment without his family. Despite setbacks, including missing the 2022 World Cup, Pepi persevered, scoring 13 goals in 37 matches for the national team. He will debut in the World Cup on June 12, 2026, against Paraguay, honoring his family's commitment to his dreams.
Public SafetyDPS and Border Patrol Detain Group Including Russian Immigrant in Roma
Authorities reported that a joint operation by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Border Patrol led to the detention of 10 undocumented immigrants near Roma in Starr County. This operation took place on June 7 as part of the state’s Operation Lone Star initiative. Among those detained was a woman from Russia, identified as a foreign national of special interest. The 10 immigrants were subsequently transferred to Border Patrol custody for processing, according to officials.
NationalIran Responds to US Attacks: Warns of New Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing escalating tensions with U.S. forces in the region. The Persian Gulf Authority stated that those with transit permits must wait for new instructions. This comes amid a second day of exchanges of attacks between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns of a larger conflict. President Trump warned of a strong U.S. response, claiming that Iran would face consequences for stalled negotiations. The recent U.S. attacks reportedly resulted in casualties and damage to Iranian infrastructure, complicating ongoing discussions regarding the Strait's control and global energy supplies.
EducationHarlingen museum welcomes hundreds of PSJA students
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum kicked off its two-day education experience on Wednesday for students with the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District. The two-day experience will welcome more than 300 elementary students from the PSJA Gifted and Talented Program to learn about Harlingen and its history through activities and exhibits.
CommunityBTX Pride Alliance to host ceremony to honor lives lost in Pulse shooting
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A ceremony will be held in Brownsville on Friday to honor and remember the 49 lives lost in one of the deadliest mass shootings in the U.S. Friday will mark 10 years since the Pulse Orlando nightclub shooting, referred to as one of the deadliest attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in
NationalTrump signs bill giving nearly $70B to his immigration enforcement agenda through end of his term
President Donald Trump has signed a bill that allocates nearly $70 billion to bolster his immigration enforcement initiatives through the end of his presidency. The legislation includes $38 billion for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and $26 billion for Border Patrol, with an additional $5 billion set aside for unexpected expenses. This funding comes after a contentious six-month debate, sparked by the deaths of two U.S. citizens during immigration operations. The bill was passed by House Republicans with a narrow 214-212 vote and is expected to support the deportation of approximately 1 million individuals annually over the next three years.
BusinessMcAllen repair shop has an F-rating and a pattern of broken promises, Better Business Bureau says
Humberto Arruda, an Edinburg resident, paid $2,240 to Menchaca Lawn Equipment Repair in McAllen for equipment repairs but has yet to see results months later. After purchasing a lawnmower, he attempted to buy a generator and concrete saw, only to be told the generator needed parts. Despite multiple visits and varying explanations, no repairs were made. Arruda filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which has received five unresolved complaints against the shop, leading to an F-rating. Owner Maria Menchaca cited health and staffing issues but denied any intent to mislead customers.
CommunityGreen Valley Farms residents push back on water bill spike after March floods
Residents of Green Valley Farms, near San Benito, are expressing frustration over a significant increase in their water bills following last March's floods. One customer, Jeanneth Vela, reported her bill rising from approximately $49 to nearly $80, complicating recovery efforts for those still affected by the disaster. The East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation attributed the hike to the need for a secondary water source, with general manager Brian McManus stating that the funds will support the expansion of their desalination plant. While some residents understand the necessity, they feel the rate adjustment is unfair and are seeking assistance.
CommunityVeteran Females United inviting community to military sexual trauma, PTSD symposium in Brownsville
Veteran Females United is hosting a symposium focused on PTSD and military sexual trauma on Friday, June 12, at the ITEC Center in Brownsville. The event aims to raise awareness, provide educational resources, and foster community support for those affected by these issues. It will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the resources available. For additional information, interested individuals can contact Veteran Females United at 956-426-0101 or visit their website.
Public SafetyHer chain of command failed her: Reactions to sentencing of Angelina Resendiz killer
Jeremiah Copeland, a 21-year-old Navy sailor, was sentenced to 44 years in prison for the murder of Angelina Resendiz, a 21-year-old Brownsville woman and fellow sailor. Resendiz's remains were discovered on June 9, 2025, one year prior to Copeland's sentencing on June 9, 2026. He pleaded guilty to several charges related to her death. Resendiz's family criticized the Navy for not taking her disappearance seriously, with her mother, Esmeralda Castle, expressing the need for accountability. Friends and family attended the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues of safety within the military community.
CommunityMission forms advisory committee to rebuild historic preservation efforts
Mission city officials have replaced the historic preservation commission with a new advisory committee aimed at enhancing preservation efforts. The previous commission was deemed inadequate in terms of standards and resources. This change follows a 2021 Senate bill mandating compliance with preservation laws. The new committee, effective immediately, consists of members appointed by the mayor and city council, focusing on local history and heritage. It will collaborate with the Hidalgo County Historical Commission to create a sustainable program and establish clear guidelines. Recommendations from the committee will be necessary for the city council to consider a new ordinance.
Public SafetyPort of Brownsville drowning victim identified as woman from El Salvador
Authorities have identified a 60-year-old woman from El Salvador, Ana Idalia Reyes, as the victim who drowned at the Port of Brownsville. Her body was discovered on Friday after family members reported her missing from the fishing harbor. The Port of Brownsville Police and Security Department confirmed that a preliminary autopsy indicated drowning as the cause of death. The investigation is currently being supported by federal agencies and the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office.
Public SafetyAlamo Fire Department unveils command center for storm response
The city of Alamo has inaugurated its first emergency command center at Fire Station No. 2, enhancing storm response capabilities. During a ceremony, Fire Chief R.C. Flores emphasized the center's role in timely and accurate public communication during severe weather. The fire station has also undergone renovations, and the department has acquired a new fire truck. This event coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Alamo Fire Department, which was established in 1926. City officials highlighted the importance of investing in resources to continue serving the community for future generations.
EducationWeslaco cosmetology school offering free summer program for teens with Down syndrome
The Riva Institute of Cosmetology in Weslaco is introducing a free summer program named "Hands & Faces of Light" for teens and young adults with Down syndrome. The initiative aims to teach beauty skills like skincare, haircare, and nail care under the guidance of professional instructors. Director Elva Alanis emphasized the program's goal of community support and student success. Scheduled for two one-week sessions in July, enrollment will be limited to five participants to ensure personalized attention. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion. For more details, contact the Riva Institute at 956-952-7482.
CommunityRio Grande City recognizes teen author with rare genetic disorder
Rio Grande City honored 17-year-old Edie Faith Garza from La Grulla for her achievements as a young author. Despite having Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, Edie has published her first book, "Miracle for Santa," which focuses on themes of hope and faith. She actively engages with children at libraries and schools, sharing her story and encouraging others to pursue their dreams regardless of challenges. Edie expressed her empowerment through writing, stating, "I feel like a powerful woman." Her upcoming second book will address her personal fear of spiders. The community celebrated her inspiring journey.
Public SafetySafety Alert: Lead Detected In Black+Decker Blender
Consumer Reports has issued a safety alert regarding the Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 blender after a report linked it to elevated blood lead levels in a child. Health officials suspect that the blender, used for making baby food, may have caused the exposure. Lead is a toxic metal that poses significant health risks, especially to young children. Consumers are advised to monitor safety announcements from the manufacturer and regulators. If you own this blender, it is recommended to stop using it for food preparation, particularly for infants. For concerns about lead exposure, consult a healthcare provider.