Archive · 7687 stories · page 9 of 385
NationalAn appeals court considers restricting the most common abortion method
A federal appeals court is considering tightening prescription rules for mifepristone, a key drug used in the most common abortion method in the U.S. This case, heard by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, is part of broader efforts to limit abortion access following the Supreme Court's decision allowing states to regulate abortion. The FDA is reviewing its regulations and may propose changes. Currently, mifepristone is involved in about 60% of U.S. abortions. Legal challenges from states like Louisiana and Texas are ongoing, with significant implications for abortion access nationwide, especially as midterm elections approach.
PoliticsTexas prisons seek $298 million for air conditioning. That a fraction of what needed.
The Texas prison system is requesting $298 million from the Legislature over the next two years to install air conditioning in over 15,700 beds, aiming to address extreme summer heat. However, inmate advocates argue that this amount is insufficient, estimating that $1.5 billion is needed for comprehensive cooling solutions. A federal judge is currently deliberating on whether to mandate cooling in Texas prisons, where temperatures often exceed 100 degrees. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice also seeks additional funding for expansion dorms, but advocates claim that the agency is not treating the heat crisis as an emergency, leading to preventable deaths among inmates.
CommunityBrownsville Space Fest expands with new STEM events at Linear Park
Brownsville's Space Fest is set to expand this year, with city officials anticipating a large turnout. A new feature includes a robot competition at Linear Park, where students can either bring their own robots or construct them on-site to face various challenges. This addition is part of a broader initiative to incorporate STEM activities, with some serving as qualifiers for larger competitions. Nathan Burkhart, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, emphasized the importance of inspiring local students about career opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley. Space Fest will take place from September 24 to 26, and applications for the Maker Faire are still open.
HealthFree Narcan available in vending machines across Hidalgo County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department has launched accessible Narcan vending machines to help reverse opioid overdoses. An event was held on Tuesday to celebrate the launch of five Narcan vending machines across Hidalgo County. The first machine was made available back in November 2025 at the Hidalgo County
CommunityIncredible Kidz Color Run Returns to Harlingen Sept. 26
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Families across the Rio Grande Valley are invited to get active while supporting a local cause during Sunny Glen Children's Home's 12th annual Incredible Kidz 5K, 1-Mile and Color Run later this month. Amanda Lucio, director of marketing for Sunny Glen Children's Home, joined us Wednesday morning to share details about the
HealthMaduro's Wife Requests House Arrest from Federal Court Due to Heart Problems
Cilia Flores, the wife of Nicolás Maduro, has requested a federal court to grant her house arrest while awaiting trial, citing serious heart issues that require specialized medical care. Her attorney, Mark Donnelly, argues that she deserves to recover outside of detention after undergoing invasive heart surgery. The request includes conditions such as GPS monitoring and armed surveillance. Donnelly claims that Flores has not received her necessary monthly injection since her imprisonment and has lost over 25 pounds. The court has yet to announce a decision regarding her house arrest request.
CommunityWhen Duty Means Running Toward Danger
As the 25th anniversary of September 11 approaches, Texas Border Business highlights the commitment of first responders who rush toward danger when others flee. This second installment of their series, 'The Enduring Spirit of September 11,' emphasizes that heroism often arises from spontaneous decisions to help those in need. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics exemplify this courage daily, responding to emergencies without expectation of recognition. The legacy of September 11 serves as a reminder of the vital role these individuals play in public safety, showcasing that true bravery involves prioritizing others' safety over personal risk.
EducationFormer STC Dual Credit Student Joins Computer Science Faculty
Ramiro Santos, a former dual credit student from PSJA Southwest Early College High School, has joined the Computer Information Technologies faculty at South Texas College (STC). At just 23 years old, Santos reflects on his educational journey, which began with a passion for Computer Science ignited during high school. After earning his associate degree from STC, he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Santos aims to inspire current students by sharing his experiences and helping them engage with the evolving tech industry, including opportunities in research and project development.
CommunityLocal videographer films in Harlingen with metal band, Walls of Jericho
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A local photographer and videographer collaborates with the well-known metal band Walls of Jericho to film their latest music video in Harlingen. Mateo Torres has worked in the rock/metal music industry for nearly 20 years, including with bands such as Close Your Eyes, who were signed to Victory Records, among others, as
HealthTexas Releases Its First-Ever Official Nutrition Guidelines
The Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee has released its first-ever official nutritional guidelines aimed at helping Texans improve their health. The guidelines recommend filling half of each plate with fruits and vegetables, consuming three servings of healthy proteins daily, and including healthy fats in meals. They also emphasize the importance of whole grains, hydration, and reducing sugary beverages. Established by Senate Bill 25, the committee aims to enhance nutrition education in schools and promote food literacy across Texas. The guidelines will be updated annually based on new research, encouraging Texans to make informed dietary choices.
NationalTrump Gave $45,000 Christmas Gifts to Natalie Harp and Three Other Advisors
President Donald Trump presented generous Christmas gifts to four White House advisors, according to new financial disclosures released by the government. The gifts, valued at $45,000 each for executive assistant Natalie Harp, communications advisor Margo Martin, and Deputy Chief of Staff Chamberlain Harris, along with a $20,000 gift for Oval Office Chief of Staff Walt Nauta, were recorded in the annual financial disclosure forms of the staff, which the government published last week. Harp, Martin, and Harris earn $150,000 a year, while Nauta receives $175,000 annually, according to the White House salary information report to Congress. A White House official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that Trump has long had the practice of giving Christmas gifts to those around him, including, at times, employees and advisors, both in government and during his time in the private sector. The official did not indicate whether other employees received similar gifts from the president but added that the cash gifts were not related to 'each individual's official duties in government and therefore are entirely permissible under applicable legal and ethical standards.' The information about the gifts was first reported earlier Tuesday by The Washington Post.
Public SafetyAffidavit reveals new details in Edinburg pastor child grooming cases
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An affidavit reveals new details in the arrest of an Edinburg pastor accused of inappropriately touching minors at church. According to the affidavit, Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, 49, pastor at Iglesia Internacional Poder y Gloria, is accused of touching two girls in the church's camera-operating room. On July 24, one of the
Public SafetyTwo Years After the Fracture of the Sinaloa Cartel, Criminal Groups Lower Their Profile
Two years after the Sinaloa Cartel's fracture led to internal conflict in northwest Mexico, the country's criminal landscape is changing. Authorities have intensified actions against cartel structures, leading to a decrease in visible violence. Despite a 53% drop in daily homicide rates from September 2024 to August 2026, Sinaloa remains a violence hotspot due to rivalries between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza. U.S. pressure, especially regarding fentanyl trafficking, has also influenced cartel behavior, prompting them to adopt a lower profile. However, violence persists in certain states, highlighting the need to address corruption and ties between authorities and criminal organizations.
CommunityPeso Pluma and Tito Double P Lead Finalists List for 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards
Telemundo and Billboard announced the finalists for the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, with Peso Pluma leading the list with 17 nominations, followed by Tito Double P with 15 and Fuerza Regida with 12. Karol G tops the female nominations with nine, while Prince Royce and Bad Bunny follow with eight and seven, respectively. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on Telemundo and Peacock on October 22 at 8 PM ET from the James L. Knight Center in Miami. This year introduces a new category, Artist of the Fans, where the public will vote for their favorite artist. Voting is open until October 22.
NationalOil Prices Will 'Plummet' Shortly After the Elections, Says Trump
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that oil prices, which have surged due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, are unlikely to decrease until after the upcoming U.S. elections. Oil prices rose over 3% on Wednesday, with Brent crude surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time since July. Trump predicted that prices would 'plummet' shortly after the elections, suggesting that Iran would relent once the elections are over. He emphasized that the war, which has lasted seven months, is affecting oil flow from the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, U.S. gasoline prices have significantly increased, averaging $4.22 per gallon.
Public SafetyElsa Fire Department warns callers imersonating firefighters
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Elsa Fire Department is advising the public to be aware of callers impersonating the department. According to a public service announcement, the department has been receiving reports of individuals calling businesses and residents, claiming to be from the Elsa FD to schedule or conduct fire inspections. Elsa FD is informing the
PoliticsCity of Alamo appoints new Assistant City Manager
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Alamo appointed Iris Alvarado Padilla as the new assistant city manager on Tuesday. Padilla earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law with a minor in History and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D in public administration to expand her professional growth
NationalAnother Change? Trump Proposes Renaming Strait of Hormuz to 'Trump Strait'
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he will propose changing the name of the Strait of Hormuz to 'Trump Strait' as part of Washington's ongoing conflict with Iran. 'We control Hormuz. I think we should call the Strait of Hormuz
PoliticsBorder Operations Yield 247 Additional Cases in Early September
In early September, 247 individuals were charged in 239 cases related to immigration and border security crimes, including 232 illegal aliens. From August 28 to September 3, 171 complaints were filed for felony reentry after removal, and 41 faced illegal entry charges. Many of the charged individuals have prior felony convictions for narcotics and violent crimes. Additionally, 42 people were charged with human smuggling, which includes 20 illegal aliens. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at enhancing border security and public safety in the Southern District of Texas, which covers 43 counties.
NationalDairy Products, Alcoholic Beverages, and Motorcycles: What the U.S. Will Ban Importing from Canada
The United States will ban the import of certain dairy products, motorcycles, and most alcoholic beverages from Canada starting September 29, as part of escalating trade tensions between the two countries. This announcement follows Canada's implementation of retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of U.S. goods. President Trump has also moved to exclude Canadian products from significant long-term government contracts until Canada offers 'full and fair reciprocity' for U.S. goods. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the need for Canada to become more independent in trade, aiming to diversify its economic partnerships beyond the U.S., which still accounts for over 70% of Canadian exports.