Improvements made to Freddy Fender memorial
SAN BENITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of San Benito is honoring hometown icon Freddy Fender with improvements to a memorial site where the late singer is laid to rest. Fender, born Baldemar Gar
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LOCAL PROGRAMS HELP OLDER ADULTS STAY ACTIVE, HEALTHY, AND CONNECTED
GLADYS PORTER ZOO’S SUMMER SAFARI PROGRAM OFFERS WILD ADVENTURES FOR KIDS
CITY OF BROWNSVILLE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX FUNDING
POLICE REMIND FAMILIES TO STAY DURING SUMMER BREAK
BROWNSVILLE POLICE URGE SAFE GUN STORAGE DURING SUMMER BREAK
RESIDENTS SAY BROWNSVILLE IS MOVING FORWARD
Improvements made to Freddy Fender memorial
SAN BENITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of San Benito is honoring hometown icon Freddy Fender with improvements to a memorial site where the late singer is laid to rest. Fender, born Baldemar Garza Huerta, was laid to rest in 2006. Since his passing, the San Benito community and visitors hav...
The latest at Starbase with LabPadre: June 1
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- In the wake of Blue Origin's New Glenn mishap, the ball is in SpaceX's court to deliver a human landing system for Artemis 3 in 2027. Construction of the next round of ships and boosters is well underway, with Booster 21's methane landing tank, transfer tubes, a...
Sea breeze effect brings a chance of rain
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Over the next week, the Rio Grande Valley will experience isolated showers and thunderstorms driven by the sea breeze effect. This phenomenon occurs when cooler, moist Gulf air meets the warmer air over land, sparking daily rounds of showers and storms. While ...
SPI mother who took child overseas during custody dispute pleads guilty
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A South Padre Island mother who took her child on a months-long international trip during a custody battle pleaded guilty to her charge on Monday. Lillian Maria Crouch is charged with interference with child custody, a state jail felony. She was charged in July ...
Upload a photo of dad for Father's Day
Harlingen, Texas (ValleyCentral) — To celebrate dads and father figures across the Rio Grande Valley, ValleyCentral is accepting photo submissions. Upload a photo of you and pops to show him just how much you love and appreciate his sacrifices. Here at ValleyCentral we know how much dads do for t...
South Padre Island shares hurricane season preparedness tips
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of South Padre Island shared hurricane season preparation tips on Monday. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. HURRICANE SPECIAL: Watch Preparing for Tomorrow, our Valley Storm Team's 2026 hurricane special here. "Planning what to do in ad...
Several hospitalized after multi-vehicle crash in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Several people were taken to a hospital after a multi-vehicle crash in Edinburg on Monday afternoon. The crash happened at about 4 p.m. at the Monte Cristo and Closner intersection. A white semi traveling southbound on Closner entered the intersection and crashe...
Rio Hondo ISD breaks ground on new turf fields
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Hondo Independent School District held a groundbreaking ceremony at Bobcat Stadium on Monday for its $6 million sports complex renovation. The renovation includes new turf at the football, softball, and baseball fields, LED lighting and a new track. Fun...
STAY ACTIVE AND CONNECTED WITH BROWNSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION THIS JUNE
The City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the community to stay active, healthy, and connected this June with a full lineup of free fitness classes, social activities, and outdoor programs.
Energy drink distributor denies 'each and every allegation' in Weslaco cheerleader's wrongful death lawsuit
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In its first response since being accused of contributing to the death of a Weslaco cheerleader who, according to attorneys, died from an enlarged heart due to excessive caffeine consumption, an energy drink distributor is denying "each and every allegation" lev...
Brownsville home prices up 107% since 2015
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A new report places Brownsville and McAllen on the list of the top 10 cities in America with the most overpriced homes on the market. The report from MoneyLion ranks Brownsville and McAllen fourth and eighth, respectively, on its list of housing markets with the...
BROWNSVILLE EARNS GOVERNOR’S COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Keep Texas Beautiful has named the City of Brownsville a recipient of the 2026 Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA), one of Texas’ highest environmental honors. The award was announced during the 2026 Keep Texas Beautiful Conference.
BCIC HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR QUALITY OF LIFE INVESTMENTS IN SPECIAL EDITION REPORT
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is sharing the full story behind its work in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 through a special edition report highlighting major investments, business support, job growth, and community impact across the city.
GREATER BROWNSVILLE EDC PROMOTES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT SELECTUSA
The Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation (GBEDC) joined the Texas delegation at SelectUSA, one of the nation’s premier investment promotion events, to connect with industry leaders and showcase Brownsville’s economic opportunities.
GBEDC TO HOST INDUSTRY PRESENTATION AND ROUNDTABLE ON AI, INDUSTRY AND FUTURE WORKFORCE
The Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation (GBEDC) is bringing together business leaders, educators, and workforce partners for a presentation and roundtable discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
GBEDC PARTICIPATES IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT AI READINESS AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT IN BROWNSVILLE
Workforce development leaders, industry partners, and federal representatives recently came together in Brownsville to discuss the future of work and how communities can prepare for the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce.
CITY OF BROWNSVILLE INVITES COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY AT BROWNSVILLE SPORTS PARK
Get ready for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration as the City of Brownsville Parks and Rec Department hosts a night of family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and one of the community's favorite summer traditions at Brownsville Sports Park.
CITY OF BROWNSVILLE ANNOUNCES ROADWAY MAINTENANCE ON ROBINHOOD DRIVE
Motorists traveling through Robinhood Drive can expect to see City of Brownsville Engineering & Public Works crews conducting scheduled roadway maintenance throughout the month of June.
SpaceX launches 50th Starlink mission of 2026
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Station on the Starlink 17-41 mission on May 30, 2026. Image: SpaceX Update May 30, 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 UTC): SpaceX confirms deployment of the 24 Starlink satellites. SpaceX launched its 50th dedicated ...
BE READY BEFORE THE STORM: BROWNSVILLE PROMOTES HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
The City of Brownsville is encouraging residents to prepare now for hurricane season by making sure they have the supplies and plans needed to stay safe during severe weather.
BROWNSVILLE IS PREPARING FOR A WEEKEND THAT’S TRULY OUT OF THIS WORLD
Visit Brownsville has announced the return of Space Fest 2026, set to take place September 24 through 26 in Downtown Brownsville. The three-day celebration will bring together space enthusiasts, families, innovators, artists, and visitors.
SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on the Starlink 10-53 mission on May 29, 2026. Image: Michael Cain/Spaceflight Now SpaceX launched its penultimate planned flight in May, sending its Falcon 9 rocket flying from Cape Canaveral Sp...
BROWNSVILLE OFFICIALS TAKE ACTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES AFTER HEAVY RAIN
The Department of Health, Wellness, and Animal Services is canvassing the community to identify areas with standing water. Crews are applying larvicide where needed to help stop mosquitoes before they become a larger problem.
Cameron County races decided
Unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary runoff show Esteban “Steve” Guerra defeating incumbent Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. for the Democratic nomination for Cameron County judge. (photo courtesy/Port Of Brownsville ) By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Texas vo...
Storms leave SPI streets flooded
Street flooding covers portions of Padre Boulevard near a bus stop and Isla Balli restaurant on South Padre Island on May 27 after heavy rain moved through the area, causing water to pool along the roadway. (photo courtesy/Michael Sularz) By DIANTÉ MARIGNY editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Hea...
Animal shelter policies spark debate
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS The Port Isabel Animal Advisory Board discussed shelter operations, euthanasia policies, volunteer programs, flea and tick concerns and the city’s growing feral cat population during its May 21 meeting at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center. Officials ...
Family STEM Night inspires students
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS Students attending Port Isabel Junior High School are getting a hands on introduction to engineering and problem solving thanks to a traveling STEM education lab funded through the Texas Education Agency. The mobile learning lab, operated through Learning ...
PIECHS baseball players named to all-district teams
(Port Isabel’s Joseph Martinez selected to First Team All-District Pitcher. Picture by PIECHS) By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS The Port Isabel Early College High School All-District selections in baseball are as follows. Earning 1st Team All-District was sophomore starting p...
PI squad continues to impress at 7on7 games
Port Isabel’s QB, Grayson Estes leading his 7on7 team versus San Benito. May 26, 2026. Picture by Constancio Martinez Jr By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS This Tuesday, May 26 the Port Isabel 7on7 team traveled to San Benito to compete in a 4-team 7on7 showdown. Although Port Isa...
BARCC SEEKS COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR INCOMING PUPPIES AND KITTENS
The Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center (BARCC) is asking for the community’s help after recently receiving multiple batches of puppies and kittens in urgent need of care.
CITY COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS FOR MAY 26, CITY COMMISSION MEETING
During its May 26 City Commission Meeting, the Brownsville City Commission recognized local achievements, approved operational improvements, and honored community service members through several major agenda items.
FAA requires SpaceX-led mishap investigation before resumption of Starship launches
A closeup shot of SpaceX’s Super Heavy booster, tail number Booster 19, during the initial moments of ascent on the Starship Flight 12 mission on May 22, 2026. Image: SpaceX FAA requires SpaceX-led mishap investigation before resumption of Starship launches The Federal Aviation Administration mad...
Nevada truck driver charged with 20 counts of human smuggling after South Texas traffic stop
Editor's note: The video above, provided by DPS, is from the May 26 traffic stop. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — More than a dozen people believed to be in the country illegally were found inside a truck tractor during a traffic stop near Laredo last week, according to the Texas Department of...
Preparing for Tomorrow: Valley Storm Team hurricane special
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hurricane season has arrived, and the Valley Storm Team has put together its annual 30-minute special to be sure all Valley residents are prepared for what could come tomorrow. The Atlantic Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November. The fastest st...