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safety

CBP officers arrest man wanted in Combes shooting investigation

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a man with multiple warrants out of Combes. German Tanguma was arrested on Thursday while attempting to enter the U.S. at the Hidalgo International Port of Entry. The Combes Police Department...

ValleyCentralJul 17, 2026

safety

Multiple agencies respond to house fires in Starr County

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- First responders from Starr and Hidalgo Counties are working to put out a fire that broke out in a community near Rio Grande City. The Starr County Sheriff's Office reported that the fire broke out on San Eulogio Street. Rio Grande City Fire Ch...

ValleyCentralJul 17, 2026

safety

Major vehicle crash closes road near La Gloria

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Starr County Sheriff's Office is on the scene of a major vehicle crash on North FM 755 by FM 1017 in La Gloria. According to a news release from the Texas Department of Transportation, FM 755 is currently closed between FM 2294 and FM 1017. ...

ValleyCentralJul 17, 2026

government

Brownsville adjusting to new statewide food truck licensing

The Kabab Karavan Mediterranean food truck is pictured Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Brownsville. (Travis M. Whitehead | Valley Morning Star) On July 1, a new statewide food truck licensing system went into effect, meaning that vendors no longer need separate permits for each city an...

MyRGVJul 17, 2026

schools

Harlingen CISD, UTRGV partner to combat diabetes in children

UTRGV and the Harlingen school district announced a new campaign called “Living Longer by Design” to prevent diabetes in young people on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Courtesy of Harlingen CISD) HARLINGEN — We’re a fast-food nation. We love our Whataburgers, our Big Macs, and our peppe...

MyRGVJul 17, 2026

space

SpaceX targeting Monday for Starship's 13th flight

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX has announced its new launch date after the second launch of the year was scrubbed on the pad on Thursday afternoon. SpaceX's website shows the Starship's 13th flight test is expected to happen on July 20, Monday, with a launch window ope...

ValleyCentralJul 17, 2026

border

Campaign contrast: Paxton and Talarico take different roads to South Texas voters

McALLEN — U.S. Senate candidates Ken Paxton and James Talarico took their shows on the road in the Rio Grande Valley, vying for votes during their McAllen campaign stops this week. One candidate delivered a speech at his rally, standing in front of a lineup of National Border Pat...

MyRGVJul 17, 2026

safety

Judge set bail at $1M for men connected to H-E-B shooting death

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two men accused of being involved in a deadly shooting at an H-E-B parking lot that occurred on Thursday in San Juan appeared before a judge Friday morning. After a bond hearing on Friday morning, a judge set bail at $1,000,000 cash surety for t...

ValleyCentralJul 17, 2026

News

Triple-digit heat ahead in the Valley

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The general trend heading into the weekend is hot, rain-free and turning hotter through early next week. This Friday will see highs in the upper 90s for the majority of the Valley. A mix of sun and clouds with highs peaking in the upper 90s. Win...

ValleyCentralJul 17, 2026

space

TEXAS LAUNCHES NEW STATEWIDE LICENSE FOR MOBILE FOOD VENDORS

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is now accepting applications for a new statewide license for mobile food vendors, including food trucks, pushcarts, and roadside vendors....

City of BrownsvilleJul 17, 2026

safety

Two men facing murder charges in San Juan H-E-B parking lot shooting: Police

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Two men are in custody in connection to a parking lot shooting that occurred Thursday morning at a H-E-B parking lot in San Juan. San Juan police Chief Leandro Sifuentes said the two suspects are facing murder charges. The two suspects, who hav...

ValleyCentralJul 17, 2026

space

'We'll be back': Thousands disappointed after SpaceX scrubs Starship launch

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Thousands of spectators lined the beaches of South Padre Island on Thursday hoping to witness SpaceX's 13th Starship test flight, but their anticipation turned to disappointment when the company scrubbed the launch just moments before l...

ValleyCentralJul 17, 2026

Local

More heat, more haze and more dry weather on the way

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A stubborn high‑pressure ridge stays locked over the Gulf, keeping conditions dry, warm and hazy. With that sinking air overhead, temperatures stay hot and slightly above average, especially for the western regions of the Rio Grande Valley. The ...

ValleyCentralJul 17, 2026

space

Starship launch scrubbed: Last-second issue delays launch

SpaceX scrubbed the launch of Starship/Super Heavy from Boca Chica just as the Super Heavy booster was about to ignite its 33 engines for liftoff. There was no immediate word about what issue triggered the abort. Flight 13 was to have been the second flight of the third version o...

MyRGVJul 16, 2026

safety

Cameron County jailer arrested for assaulting handcuffed inmate

Angel De La Garza A Cameron County detention officer was arrested for assaulting a handcuffed inmate following an investigation by the sheriff’s office. Angel De La Garza was charged with assault causing bodily injury and official oppression after investigators found that he had ...

MyRGVJul 16, 2026

government

Harlingen mayor withdraws letter she signed in support of data center

Norma Sepulveda HARLINGEN — Documents show Mayor Norma Sepulveda and WaterWorks interim General Manager Roy Rodriguez signed letters supporting a company proposing a multi-billion dollar 1,800-acre data center project, urging AEP-Texas to run an extra-high-voltage transmission li...

MyRGVJul 16, 2026

business

Brownsville seeks final public comment on downtown master plan

The city of Brownsville is asking the public for “final” input on its Downtown Renaissance Master Plan, according to a news release. The city intends to use the plan as a 5- to 10-year road map for future decisions on land use, infrastructure, economic development, housing and mo...

MyRGVJul 16, 2026

business

Laguna Madre Men’s Softball League opens season

By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR. Special to the PRESS This past Wednesday, July 8 the Laguna Madre Sports Park officially kicked off its Men’s Softball League with an exciting opening night of competition. The league which features men of all ages, is made up of the following eight te...

Port Isabel PressJul 16, 2026

News

Island to open boat ramp

Special to the PRESS The City of South Padre Island will celebrate the grand opening of the new Marisol (Laguna Madre) Boat Ramp on Tuesday, July 21, marking the completion of the island’s first public bay access project in more than 30 years. The ceremony is scheduled for 9 a....

Port Isabel PressJul 16, 2026

safety

Judge denies motion in capital murder case

PRESS Staff Report A Cameron County judge has denied a defense request to suppress cell phone location evidence in the capital murder case against Rogelio Martinez Jr., who is accused in the 2023 fatal shooting of San Benito Police Lt. Milton G. Resendez. Martinez is charged with...

Port Isabel PressJul 16, 2026

News

Keep SPI Beautiful holds meeting

By JACQI LEYVA-HILL Special to the PRESS A residence at 5804 Yucca Circle and SPI Hardware were named South Padre Island’s July Yard/Landscape of the Month winners during the Parks & Keep SPI Beautiful Committee’s July 15 meeting. The Yucca Circle home received the residential re...

Port Isabel PressJul 16, 2026

business

Local, state officials react to Saronic coming to the Port of Brownsville

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local and state officials are reacting to the announcement that Saronic Technologies, an Austin-based maritime defense company, is coming to the Port of Brownsville. Gov. Greg Abbott and Saronic Technologies on Thursday announced that the $3.2 b...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

Local

Moments In Time: Did pirate Lafitte bury treasure here?

By STEVE HATHCOCK Special to the PRESS Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, offering a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley. Steve Hathcock is a local historian and a regula...

Port Isabel PressJul 16, 2026

business

BROWNSVILLE LEADERS FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE AT ONE CITY SUMMIT

Community leaders from across Brownsville gathered at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for the second One City Summit, where discussions centered on strengthening education, workforce development, and economic opportunity through collaboration....

City of BrownsvilleJul 16, 2026

space

SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 13

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The 13th test flight of Starship is scheduled to launch from Starbase on Thursday evening. According to SpaceX, Flight 13 will aim to complete similar objectives targeted on Flight 12, which debuted a redesigned ship and a new generation of Supe...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

space

SpaceX scrubs Starship Flight 13

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX scrubbed its Starship Flight 13 right after it was preparing to liftoff from Starbase on Thursday evening. The aerospace company posted on X that it is "standing down from today's flight test attempt." During a live feed, smoke was seen s...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

border

Border Patrol encounters dropped in June, Rio Grande Valley Sector again leads

HARLINGEN, Texas (Border Report) -- The number of migrants encountered by Border Patrol agents on the Southwest border dropped slightly in June from May, and the Rio Grande Valley Sector continued to report the most encounters. U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Thursday relea...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

safety

Cameron County detention officer accused of assaulting inmate

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Cameron County detention officer has been accused of assaulting an inmate at the Cameron County jail. Angel De La Garza was arrested on Thursday and faces charges of assault causing bodily injury and official oppression, according to a news re...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

government

Cameron County jail back in compliance: Sheriff

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Months after the Texas Commission on Jail Standards found that the Cameron County jail was out of compliance due to overcrowding, the Cameron County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday that it's back in compliance. The sheriff's office said its ...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

safety

San Juan police investigating shooting at H-E-B parking lot

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — San Juan police are investigating a shooting that occurred inside a car at the H-E-B parking lot Thursday morning. Police say the shooting happened at about 11 a.m. and that the occupant of the vehicle drove to a McAllen hospital for treatment. ...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

News

Grupo Frontera holds pop-ups in McAllen before hometown concerts

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Grupo Frontera will drop exclusive merch during pop-ups in McAllen ahead of their hometown concerts on Thursday and Friday. The pop-up ends at 7 p.m. on Thursday and will continue on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1224 E Yuma Avenue. The Gramm...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

space

Former Brownsville animal regulation deputy pushing stray solutions

Antonio Caldwell, former deputy director of the Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center (BARCC), has a new gig, though his focus is still on addressing the Rio Grande Valley’s big stray-animal problem. He recently launched his own consulting firm and has been contacting mun...

MyRGVJul 16, 2026

business

Saronic Technologies picks Port of Brownsville for $3.2 billion shipyard project

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Saronic Technologies and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced during a press conference in Austin on Thursday that Port Alpha is coming to the Port of Brownsville. "We are investing more than $3 billion to build out over 800 acres at the Port of Bro...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

business

Saronic Technologies picks Brownsville for $3.2B ‘Port Alpha’

Austin-based Saronic Technologies has chosen the Port of Brownsville for its “Port Alpha” next-generation shipyard, according to Gov. Greg Abbott, who announced the news at Saronic headquarters in a Thursday morning press conference. The $3.2 billion project aims to “restore U.S...

MyRGVJul 16, 2026

News

Continuing the heat & haze

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The summertime heat and haze will be staying with us for the next few days. Saharan dust continues to enter the area and will vary in intensity over the next few days. We should see a little more of the sun this afternoon than yesterday. A stray...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

Local

BROWNSVILLE RESIDENTS ADVISED TO PREPARE FOR WEEKEND HEAT

Brownsville residents are encouraged to take extra precautions as hot temperatures and high humidity are expected to continue through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley....

City of BrownsvilleJul 16, 2026

schools

Ready to roll: Valley’s top returning running backs for 2026

EDWARD SEVERN | STAFF WRITER EDITOR’S NOTE: This story continues our position-by-position look at the top returning high school football players in the Rio Grande Valley. Follow the series in the coming weeks as we count down to the release of our annual Top 30 players list in Au...

MyRGVJul 16, 2026

News

Saharan dust and hazy conditions continue in the forecast

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Another wave of Saharan dust is on the move again, stretching from Africa across the Atlantic, sweeping through the Caribbean and the Gulf, and yes, more of it is headed for the Valley. As this haze settles in over the next several days and like...

ValleyCentralJul 16, 2026

government

San Benito mulls former city manager’s severance, reviews job candidates

Fred Sandoval SAN BENITO — City commissioners are considering former City Manager Fred Sandoval’s separation agreement, reviewing his contract limiting payments to three months of severance based on his $150,000 salary. Meanwhile, commissioners narrowed a list of 20 applicants fo...

MyRGVJul 15, 2026

Local

Food Bank RGV to distribute free produce in Hidalgo

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Food Bank RGV will give out free fruits and vegetables to residents on Thursday in Hidalgo. A pop-up mobile produce distribution event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Payne Arena located at 2600 N. 10th St. A picture ID is requ...

ValleyCentralJul 15, 2026

government

Harlingen City Commission to further discuss proposed policy on public comment

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A meeting will be held at Harlingen City Hall on Wednesday to further discuss an ordinance aimed at adopting a new policy for the public comment period at city meetings. A draft of the proposed rules was presented at the previous city meeting h...

ValleyCentralJul 15, 2026

safety

Alton fire crews respond to call of illegal burning

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County Commissioner Everardo 'Ever' Villarreal is alerting residents about the consequences of illegal burning after fire crews responded to an illegal burn call on Wednesday. Crews with the Alton Fire Department responded to the fire ne...

ValleyCentralJul 15, 2026

government

Homicide investigation underway in La Grulla

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A homicide investigation is underway in La Grulla. A man was found unresponsive in La Grulla on Tuesday and was later pronounced dead, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Rangers and Starr County officials are leading the h...

ValleyCentralJul 15, 2026

Local

BROWNSVILLE TO UNVEIL NEW DOWNTOWN MURAL AS PART OF AMERICA250 CELEBRATION

The City of Brownsville Convention and Visitors' Bureau, the Office of Space Commerce, and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages will celebrate the unveiling of a new community mural in downtown Brownsville with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 16....

City of BrownsvilleJul 15, 2026

News

Primera plans water treatment plant after payment dispute with Harlingen

The city of Primera plans to develop its own water treatment plant and new municipal water well for its more than 5,000 residents, according to city officials. The plan comes after the city and its sole water supplier, the Harlingen WaterWorks system, worked to resolve months of ...

MyRGVJul 15, 2026

safety

Body of man found in Donna, investigation underway

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police are investigating after the body of a man was found in Donna on Wednesday. The body of a 34-year-old man was found off the 2400 block of Bonita St., according to Donna police Chief Gilbert Guerrero. Donna police say they received a call f...

ValleyCentralJul 15, 2026