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Mia Morales

Journalist · 91 articles indexed on The Brownsville

Mia Morales is a bylined journalist whose reporting appears on The Brownsville. We aggregate Mia Morales's work from trusted local sources with full attribution, linking back to the original publisher. To learn more about how we select and review stories, see our editorial standards.

Affiliated with: ValleyCentral

Recent articles

Couple arrested after teens drank tequila 'directly from bottles' at quinceañera: Docs

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A teen confessed to officers that she and the quinceañera drank tequila "directly from the bottles," which led to the arrest of a couple during their daughter's 15th

ValleyCentral · Jul 13, 2026 · safety

Lyford police chief among those stung in bee attack Monday morning: Sheriff

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Lyford police chief and approximately five to six others were reportedly stung during a bee attack Monday morning, according to the Willacy County Emergency Mana

ValleyCentral · Jul 13, 2026 · safety

Woman injured outside nightclub in rural Edinburg shooting

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is investigating an early Sunday morning shooting at a nightclub parking lot in rural Edinburg. According to a news release from

ValleyCentral · Jul 13, 2026 · safety

Chase bank robbery suspect identified, pending bail hearing

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The suspect involved in a Monday morning Chase bank robbery has been identified, the Brownsville Police Department announced in an update. Authorities identified the

ValleyCentral · Jul 13, 2026 · safety

Local representatives pay tribute to late Sen. Graham

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local U.S. representatives have published their reactions on social media following reports that Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died from a "brief and sudden illness" Sa

ValleyCentral · Jul 12, 2026 · business

Lane reductions, scheduled road closures in Pharr Interchange

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Motorists traveling westbound on I-2 at the Pharr Interchange are advised to seek alternative routes due to a scheduled road closure. According to a news release, th

ValleyCentral · Jul 12, 2026 · local

Stolen truck chase ends in Mercedes, suspect at large

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety assisted Pharr police in a vehicle chase from Pharr to Mercedes early Sunday morning, after a call about a stolen truck, accord

ValleyCentral · Jul 12, 2026 · safety

SpaceX announces target date for 13th Starship launch

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX has announced the target date for its thirteenth Starship test flight. The launch window is scheduled to open as early as 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, from

ValleyCentral · Jul 11, 2026 · space

Women learn heart health at Vestido Rojo in Brownsville

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The American Heart Association South Texas hosted its Vestido Rojo event in Brownsville to help raise awareness about women's cardiovascular health. The event was he

ValleyCentral · Jul 11, 2026 · local

Paxton campaign stops in McAllen for rally

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is heading to McAllen as a guest at the Rally in the Valley campaign event. The event is taking place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesd

ValleyCentral · Jul 11, 2026 · business

Rio Grande Valley IDEA Schools host free backpack giveaways

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley is hosting six free back-to-school backpack giveaways throughout July and August across its Valley campuses. According t

ValleyCentral · Jul 11, 2026 · schools

Talarico coming to Edinburg to speak on Healthcare costs

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, is visiting Edinburg as part of his campaign for the U.S. Senate. The event is scheduled for noon on July 15 at Bert Ogden Arena

ValleyCentral · Jul 11, 2026 · local

Traffic stop in Cameron Co. leads to human smuggling arrest

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —  A traffic stop led to a human smuggling case in Cameron County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Juan Garcia, of Garland, Texas, was arrested and

ValleyCentral · Jul 11, 2026 · safety

Hidalgo County Health and Human Services offers free colorectal cancer screening kits

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services is offering free colorectal cancer screening kits to eligible members in the community. The Hidalgo County Health and Hu

ValleyCentral · Jul 11, 2026 · government

Brownsville drivers advised of scheduled road closures on Westbound Wild Rose Ln.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Brownsville is advising drivers to prepare ahead for its upcoming road closures as part of the Wild Rose Lane Reconstruction Improvements Project. Accord

ValleyCentral · Jul 10, 2026 · local

11-week road closure in Mercedes for drainage project

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Precinct One Commissioner David L. Fuentes announced a scheduled road closure that will last approximately 11 weeks. According to a news release,

ValleyCentral · Jul 10, 2026 · government

Brownsville Parks and Rec host free block parties, water slides, games

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual block parties for the community. According to a news release from city officials, the Mobile Re

ValleyCentral · Jul 10, 2026 · local

Palm tree sparks fire, damages two homes in Donna

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A palm tree that came into contact with a power line started an electrical fire that spread to two homes, according to the Hidalgo County Fire Marshall. At approxima

ValleyCentral · Jul 10, 2026 · safety

Edinburg animal care, Magic Valley Electric Co-op save kitten from power box

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — City of Edinburg Animal Care officers and Magic Valley Electric Co-op teamed up to rescue a kitten from 7,500 volts on a power box. According to a social media post

ValleyCentral · Jul 7, 2026 · local

TxDOT to begin 3 month reconstruction project in Alton

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation has a three-month-long reconstruction project at FM 494 on Shary Road in Alton. According to a news release from TxDOT, the re

ValleyCentral · Jul 7, 2026 · business

TxDOT: US 281 Brooks Co. rest stop closed until further notice

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation has announced that the U.S. 281 Brooks County rest area is temporarily closed. According to a social media post from TxDOT, th

ValleyCentral · Jul 7, 2026 · government

Weslaco Police offer free women's self-defense class

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Weslaco Police Department is hosting a free women's self-defense class. The class is taking place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 20, at the Weslaco Police Depa

ValleyCentral · Jul 7, 2026 · safety

Diesel spill causes road closure near Progreso Bridge

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Drivers are being advised to avoid both north and southbound lanes of FM 1015 near the Progreso International Bridge due to a diesel spill, according to the Texas De

ValleyCentral · Jul 7, 2026 · border

Chase ends with crash on highway, driver in custody

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A high-speed chase that ran from Cameron to Hidalgo County ended with an accident on the expressway. Drivers in Donna are being advised to avoid the area of the expr

ValleyCentral · Jul 7, 2026 · safety

TxDOT suspends nightly road closure on I-69C

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A road closure that was scheduled to take place this week on the southbound I-69C main lane will not be in effect. A spokesperson with the Texas Department of Transp

ValleyCentral · Jul 7, 2026 · business

Driver of SUV dies week after crashing into pole

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver involved in a two-vehicle crash that caused his SUV to hit a pole died on Sunday, according to an update from the Brownsville Police Department. Abel Barrie

ValleyCentral · Jul 6, 2026 · safety

City of McAllen reports crime rate down by 21%

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of McAllen is reporting that it "recorded its lowest crime levels in four decades," according to the latest crime data from city officials. In a newly relea

ValleyCentral · Jul 6, 2026 · safety

2 adults charged after teen who drank 'directly from bottles' prompts 911 call

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 911 call regarding minors consuming alcohol resulted in the arrest of a man and woman on July 4, according to the McAllen Police Department. Jeanett Garza, 43, and

ValleyCentral · Jul 6, 2026 · safety

Harlingen Junior League to host Repair Cafe, Clothing Swap

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Harlingen Junior League is hosting its first Repair Café and Clothing Swap. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at the TSTC Cul

ValleyCentral · Jul 6, 2026 · local

Fire officials: 10 vehicles on fire in Edinburg junkyard

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Approximately 10 vehicles are reported to be on fire at a junkyard in Edinburg, according to city officials. At approximately 1:30 p.m., the dispatch received a call

ValleyCentral · Jul 6, 2026 · safety

Another New World screwworm case confirmed in Crockett Co., cases rise to 31

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Another case of New World Screwworm has been confirmed in Crockett County by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The detection was confirmed on Friday in a domestic

ValleyCentral · Jul 5, 2026 · government

South Texas Health System welcome two 4th of July babies

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The South Texas Health System congratulated two families in McAllen and Edinburg as they welcomed two babies born this Independence Day! Born at South Texas Health S

ValleyCentral · Jul 4, 2026 · local

Willacy County warns of bee colony at Port Mansfield park

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Willacy County Sheriff's Office is advising its residents to be cautious when visiting the Laguna Point Park in Port Mansfield, as there are reports of a bee col

ValleyCentral · Jul 4, 2026 · government

'Celebration and remembrance': Brothers to open pet funeral home in Pharr

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two brothers are on a mission to honor, celebrate and mourn pets by opening a pet funeral home and event center. Jason and Jacob De Leon are fourth-generation funera

ValleyCentral · Jun 30, 2026 · local

Rancho Viejo PD rules out foul play in death investigation

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rancho Viejo Police Department has ruled out foul play in the death investigation of a man found unresponsive in a driveway, according to an update from the poli

ValleyCentral · Jun 30, 2026 · safety

Body found near Hidalgo, Starr Co. line: Starr Co. Sheriff

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County Sheriff's Office is working to identify a body found near the Starr/Hidalgo County line on Tuesday. According to a news release from the Starr County Sh

ValleyCentral · Jun 30, 2026 · government

Decomposed body found in rural La Villa cornfield identified: Sheriff

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday identified the decomposed body that was found in a cornfield in rural La Villa last week. The body has been identified

ValleyCentral · Jun 30, 2026 · government

'Wildly disturbing': Catholic Diocese of Brownsville releases statement after Valley nun detained by ICE

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville has released a statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained a nun while she was walking to Mass on Sunday, w

ValleyCentral · Jun 30, 2026 · border

South Texas ISD Science Academy wins national Esports title

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The South Texas Independent School District Science Academy Dragons are now national champions after competing at the 2026 Esports Series Championship in Orlando, Fl

ValleyCentral · Jun 29, 2026 · schools

Cameron Co. Sheriff's Prisoners at Work program continues cemetary cleanup

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Sheriff's Office says its Prisoners at Work Program continues to keep the community and local cemeteries clean. According to the Cameron County Sh

ValleyCentral · Jun 29, 2026 · government

5-year-old child ejected from vehicle in Alamo expressway crash in stable condition, police say

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 5-year-old child who was ejected from a vehicle during a rollover crash on the Alamo expressway earlier this month is in stable condition, according to the Alamo P

ValleyCentral · Jun 29, 2026 · safety

No major injuries reported after vehicle fires in rural Cameron County

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — No major injuries were reported after three vehicles caught fire in rural Cameron County over the weekend. According to the Los Fresnos Fire Department, at approxima

ValleyCentral · Jun 29, 2026 · safety

'Our goal is compliance and safety': Brownsville mayor on Midtown Entertainment District shutdowns

Editor's note: The video above is from previous coverage. HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In a statement on Sunday, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen said the city's priority is safety following the rec

ValleyCentral · Jun 29, 2026 · government

Major house fire in Edinburg deemed total loss

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Multiple fire department agencies responded to a major house fire in Edinburg on Sunday, according to the Edinburg Fire Department. At approximately 1 p.m., dispatch

ValleyCentral · Jun 28, 2026 · safety

McAllen nun released from ICE custody after being detained while on her way to Mass

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande Valley nun who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while on her way to Sunday Mass has been released, according to U.S. Repr

ValleyCentral · Jun 28, 2026 · border

Man in critical condition after two-vehicle crash caused SUV to collide into pole: PD

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man is reported to be in critical condition after a two-vehicle collision caused his SUV to crash into a pole on Saturday night, according to an update from the Br

ValleyCentral · Jun 28, 2026 · safety

NC murder suspect transferred to Carrizalez Rucker Detention Center, awaiting extradition

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A North Carolina murder suspect captured in San Benito has been transferred to Carrizalez Rucker Detention Center, according to Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino

ValleyCentral · Jun 27, 2026 · government

Sheriff: Decomposed body found in cornfield, investigation underway

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A death investigation is underway after a decomposed body was found in a cornfield in rural La Villa, according to a news release from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's O

ValleyCentral · Jun 27, 2026 · government

New World screwworm case confirmed in Jim Hogg County, cases rise to 26

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A new case of New World Screwworm has been confirmed in Jim Hogg County, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The detection was confirmed on Friday in a

ValleyCentral · Jun 27, 2026 · government

'Full dose of your vacation in one location': South Padre Island food truck opens full service restaurant

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With hard work and dedication, dreams do come true. Local businessman and owner of Pineapple Ninjaz, Jerry Leal, has seen his South Padre Island food truck business

ValleyCentral · Jun 26, 2026 · business

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