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Los Fresnos CISD appoints interim superintendent

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday to appoint an interim superintendent. Jimmy McDonough will begin serving as Los Fresnos CISD interim superintendent on July 2 as the Board of ...

ValleyCentralJun 9, 2026

Brownsville seeks housing input in first-of-its-kind master plan

The city of Brownsville’s Planning and Redevelopment Department is seeking input from residents to help put together the first Brownsville Housing Master Plan. It’s the first plan of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley, according to Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr., who encouraged ...

MyRGVJun 8, 2026

A few more showers until mostly dry conditions return to the Valley this week

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As expected, light to moderate showers have been steady over the past couple of hours, with Cameron, Willacy, and Hidalgo counties seeing the most rainfall. Though Starr County has seen a few spotty showers as well. Rain will continue for the re...

ValleyCentralJun 7, 2026

USDA confirms second case of New World Screwworm in South Texas

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed a second detection of New World Screwworm in Zavala County. According to the USDA, the detection was confirmed on Friday on a domestic cattle. A post from the New World Screwworm Rapid Re...

ValleyCentralJun 6, 2026

Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office swears in 20 peace officers

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A graduation ceremony was held on Thursday to swear in a class of cadets who completed a nine-month training program to become peace officers. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office swore in 20 cadets who completed the program, known as the Basic P...

ValleyCentralJun 5, 2026

Nonprofit raising child abuse awareness after Raymondville infant death

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande Valley nonprofit is encouraging the Willacy County community to come together to increase child abuse awareness after the tragic loss of an infant in Raymondville. Criminal complaints obtained by Valley Central confirmed earlier rep...

ValleyCentralJun 5, 2026

District discusses scholarships, staffing

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS The Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners approved a federal grant application seeking $7.1 million for port infrastructure improvements and authorized a new hire during its regular meeting May 21. Commissioners...

Port Isabel PressJun 5, 2026

San Benito commissioners to mull accepting city manager’s resignation

Fred Sandoval SAN BENITO — City commissioners are set to consider whether to accept City Manager Fred Sandoval’s resignation. On Thursday afternoon, Sandoval said his resignation would become effective at 5 p.m. Friday. “It’s his prerogative,” Mayor Pete Galvan said, referring to...

MyRGVJun 4, 2026

CITY COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS FOR JUNE 2, 2026, CITY COMMISSION MEETING

The Brownsville City Commission held its regular meeting on June 2, recognizing community leaders and organizations while receiving updates on major city initiatives focused on housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and youth engagement....

City of BrownsvilleJun 4, 2026

SBA disaster loans now available to Cameron County residents

Cameron County has been approved for assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration in the wake of severe weather events occurring in early May, the county announced Tuesday. The county’s announcement followed an announcement from the governor’s office that its request...

MyRGVJun 3, 2026

South Padre Island's Isla Blanca Park tops USA Today's best beaches in Texas list

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For the third straight year, Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island has claimed the No. 1 spot on USA Today's best beaches in Texas list. The list is compiled after a panel of travel experts nominates their top picks, and readers cast their vote...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

Potential Brownsville shipyard project sparks community debate

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — At the Cameron County Commissioners Court meeting held Tuesday, a long and often heated public hearing about possible tax breaks for a maritime defense technology company ended with no decision made. ValleyCentral first reported in February th...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

Cameron County tables tax break for ‘Port Alpha’ AI shipyard

BROWNSVILLE — The Cameron County Commissioners Court on Tuesday tabled a tax break for an Austin-based defense technology company that is interested in building a $3.2 billion, next-generation shipyard called “Port Alpha” at the Port of Brownsville. Commissioners were considering...

MyRGVJun 3, 2026

Cameron County sheriff provides update on jail overcrowding

OLMITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino on Tuesday provided an update regarding overcapacity at the county jail. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards found the Cameron County jail out of compliance after inspectors determined the facility was over ...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

Flood advisory issued in Cameron County

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A flood advisory is in effect for Cameron County until 6 p.m. on Tuesday. According to the advisory, minor flooding may occur in low-lying and poor drainage areas. A radar created by our Valley Storm Team shows a cluster of thunderstorms affecti...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

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@portisabelsouthp...

Port Isabel PressMay 28, 2026

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 sop...

Port Isabel PressMay 28, 2026

Wildlife biologist speaks about recent alligator sighting in Starr County

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Rainy weather conditions played a part in a recent alligator sighting in the Rio Grande Valley, according to a local wildlife biologist. On May 20, an alligator was spotted by Military Road and Grulla Elementary School in Starr County, a game wa...

ValleyCentralMay 27, 2026

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....

City of BrownsvilleMay 27, 2026

Newcomer upsets former McAllen city commissioner in District 41 Dem. runoff

A trio of primary runoff races in the Upper Rio Grande Valley delivered surprising results Tuesday night, upending expectations in the battles for Texas House Districts 40 and 41. The District 41 Democratic runoff turned heads Tuesday night when political newcomer Julio Salinas’ ...

MyRGVMay 27, 2026

Port of Brownsville chairman wins Dem. nomination for Cameron County judge

Cameron County has a new Democratic nominee for county judge after the incumbent was soundly defeated Tuesday night. Democratic voters chose Esteban “Steve” Guerra, who is chairman of the Port of Brownsville board, as their candidate for Cameron County judge over three-term incum...

MyRGVMay 27, 2026

Severe weather leaves thousands customers without power in the Valley

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A severe weather alert has caused power outages affecting thousands of customers, according to AEP Texas and Magic Valley Co-Op outage maps. 11:56 a.m. Nearly 2,000 customers in Cameron County have a power outage, the outage maps report. In Hida...

ValleyCentralMay 27, 2026

Esteban Guerra unseats Eddie Trevino Jr. for Dem. county judge nomination

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Esteban "Steve" Guerra has won the Democratic nomination in the May runoff election for Cameron County Judge, according to unofficial election results. According to unofficial results with 100% of precincts reporting, Guerra won with 55% or 10,...

ValleyCentralMay 27, 2026

Julio Salinas punches ticket to House District 41 midterm race

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Julio Salinas is the Democratic nominee who will be on the ballot in the Texas House District 41 midterm race in November. Unofficial results show that Salinas carried a majority of votes, totaling 3,349, with 84% of precincts reporting. Haddad ...

ValleyCentralMay 27, 2026

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Starr County

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County will be under a severe thunderstorm watch until 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Additionally, Starr County and the western portions of the Rio Grande Valley are under a slight risk for severe weather on Tuesday night going into Wednesday morni...

ValleyCentralMay 27, 2026

Ochoa wins Democratic nomination in House District 37 race, unofficial results show

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Oziel “Ozzie” Ochoa Jr. has secured the Democratic nomination in the District 37 race, unofficial results show. With 82% of precincts reporting, Ochoa garnered 3,195 votes, while Cantu-Castle got 1,931 votes, according to unofficial results. Och...

ValleyCentralMay 27, 2026

San Benito CISD Performing Arts Center expected to be ready by January 2028

SAN BENITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The San Benito Consolidated Independent School District has begun construction on a $24 million state-of-the-art performing arts center funded through the 2018 bond election. While the facility is located on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Aca...

ValleyCentralMay 27, 2026

RESULTS: 2026 Primary Runoff Election results

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Polls are now closed for the 2026 Primary Runoff Elections. Below is a list of results for the May 26 runoffs:

ValleyCentralMay 27, 2026

Brownsville unveils plaque honoring Vietnam veterans

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Brownsville, alongside the Warriors United in Arms and Cameron County Veterans office, held an unveiling for a Vietnam Veteran Plaque on Monday. The ceremony was held on Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial Park to honor Vietnam V...

ValleyCentralMay 26, 2026

Salinas leading Haddad in District 41 (D) race, unofficial results show

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two Democratic candidates are facing off in the primary runoff race in hopes of making their mark on the November midterm election. Julio Salinas and Victor 'Seby' Haddad are facing off again to determine who will represent the Democratic party ...

ValleyCentralMay 26, 2026

Primary runoff polling locations across the Valley

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Election Day is underway for Texas primary runoff races across the Rio Grande Valley, and voters are encouraged to cast their ballots until 7 p.m. Local races On the Democratic side, Esmeralda Cantu-Castle and Oziel Ochoa, Jr. face off to secure...

ValleyCentralMay 26, 2026

What to know about the democratic candidates in the Tx House District 37 runoff

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As Election Day takes place on Tuesday, two Democratic candidates, Esmeralda Cantu-Castle and Oziel Ochoa, Jr., face off to secure a seat representing the Democratic Party in Texas House District 37. In Oct. 2025, Cantu-Castle announced her Demo...

ValleyCentralMay 26, 2026

Inside Valley Politics: Candidates in Democratic runoff races face off

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As Democratic candidates approached the runoff election finish line, they gathered in Harlingen to face off one last time. The Northern Cameron County Democrats hosted the forum, featuring candidates running for County Judge, District Court Judg...

ValleyCentralMay 26, 2026

Progreso ISD student drowns after jumping into canal, Sheriff says

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A teenager drowned after attempting to free a fishing line in a canal located at Mile 1 West and Mile 10 in rural North Mercedes, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. A spokesperson from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office identifie...

ValleyCentralMay 25, 2026

Laguna Vista recount confirms Carter victory

By DIANTÉ MARIGNY & JACQI LEYVA-HILL editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com Incumbent Mayor Michael “Mike” Carter’s reelection victory in Laguna Vista was officially upheld following a formal recount conducted May 14 at the Cameron County Historic Courthouse exhibit room in Brownsville....

Port Isabel PressMay 22, 2026

PIECHS golf and boys soccer All-District selections

(Port Isabel boys soccer coach and players at East vs West All-Star game. May 19, 2026. Picture by PIECHS) By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS As the 2025-2026 school season comes to a conclusion, we wrap up the season’s All-District awards with boys’ soccer and golf...

Port Isabel PressMay 22, 2026