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government

Passport fair coming to PI

PRESS Staff Report The Office of Cameron County District Clerk Laura Perez-Reyes, in partnership with the City of Port Isabel, will host a Passport Fair on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Port Isabel Community Center, 213 N. Yturria St., Port Isabel. The fai...

Port Isabel PressAug 13, 2026

business

Moments in Time: Flying Jeeps Invade South Padre Island 1956

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 regular columnist for the Port Isabel South P...

Port Isabel PressAug 13, 2026

safety

Medical emergency causes driver to strike pillar in Edinburg

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver hit a pillar after experiencing a medical emergency behind the wheel Thursday morning, according to a spokesperson for the city of Edinburg. At approximately 9:35 a.m., emergency responders with the city of Edinburg were dispatched to t...

ValleyCentralAug 13, 2026

News

Movie Talk reviews 'The End of Oak Street'

Written and Directed by David Robert Mitchell Staring Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella ★★★1/2 HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — When was the last time you saw a movie featuring dinosaurs that was not part of the "Jurassic Park" franchise? It is admittedly a bold move t...

ValleyCentralAug 13, 2026

schools

Editorial: State should consider scheduling earlier dates for tax-free shopping

M ost Rio Grande Valley students are back in class by now, and parents can enjoy the break from having to keep their children occupied and out of trouble during the summer break. Many students and families now reflect on the past few months — a “what I did on my summer vacation” ...

MyRGVAug 13, 2026

safety

Cause of fire that destroyed La Feria home still under investigation

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The cause of a fire that destroyed a home in La Feria on Wednesday is being investigated by the Cameron County Fire Marshal's Office. Cameron County Fire Marshal Juan Martinez said that the house cannot be accessed at this time because it has be...

ValleyCentralAug 13, 2026

business

Richard Moore Outdoor Report: Wonderful Wood Storks

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hundreds of wood storks are migrating through the Rio Grande Valley this summer, taking advantage of receding resacas to forage for fish and other aquatic creatures. Worldwide, there are some 17 species of storks, but the wood stork is North Ame...

ValleyCentralAug 13, 2026

News

Valley Storm Team: Preparing for the busiest part of hurricane season

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In this edition of Valley Storm Team, forecasters Craig Verley and Taylor Gomez take the latest look at what we can expect over the next few days. But before they look forward, they explain current conditions and how the lack of rain over the la...

ValleyCentralAug 13, 2026

business

Hot and breezy trend continues into the weekend

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Another hot day is in store for the Valley today. Temperatures will quickly start to warm up, with highs ranging from the upper 80s to the lower triple digits. The heat risk will range from a moderate level to an extreme level today, so make sur...

ValleyCentralAug 13, 2026

News

Type O blood donors needed for South Texas blood drive

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Amid a national shortage of blood donations, the South Texas Blood & Tissue organization is urging people with Type O blood to donate in order to save lives. According to Yvonne Wheeler with STB&T, both Type O negative and Type O positive blood ...

ValleyCentralAug 13, 2026

News

Registration now open for City of Edinburg 9/11 Memorial Run

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Registration is now open to participate in the city of Edinburg's annual 9/11 Memorial Run. The event is dedicated to honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11. The run will take place at 7:30 a.m. on September ...

ValleyCentralAug 13, 2026

business

Crews working to repair water line breaks in Weslaco

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Crews are working to repair three water line breaks that have caused water disruptions across the city of Weslaco. The city alerted residents of two water breaks on Wednesday afternoon. A third water break was reported on Wednesday evening. Tem...

ValleyCentralAug 13, 2026

border

Foul odor in Roma water linked to border wall construction

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The city of Roma is linking ongoing construction of the border wall to the source of a foul odor in its water distribution system. City officials were made aware of the odor on Monday after residents reported an "unusual" odor, prompting an inv...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

government

Pay increase approved for Cameron County elected officials

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Commissioners Court on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a 5% salary increase for elected officials. The discussion and vote centered on a pay increase for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, according to the Aug. 11 meeting agenda ...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

safety

Edinburg Police Department reminds public about school zone safety

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Now that schools across the Valley are back in session, many will want a refresher course on safety in school zones. That is why Officer Laura with the Edinburg Police Department stopped by our studios on Wednesday morning. Officer Laura stress...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

Local

Younger filmmakers, AI bans premiere at Edinburg’s 48-hour Film Race

T he South Texas International Film Festival’s 48-hour Film Race in Edinburg has come early this year, and local creatives are already gearing up for the competition. The race to create the most stand-out short film in the Rio Grande Valley kicks off Friday. Filmmakers have 48 ho...

MyRGVAug 12, 2026

government

San Benito commissioners appoint city manager in split vote

Carlos Yerena S AN BENITO — Under a split vote, interim City Manager Carlos Yerena is taking San Benito’s top administrative position. In a heated meeting, Commissioners Daniel Cortez, Rick Perez and Victor Manuel Gonzalez voted to appoint Yerena to the city manager’s post while ...

MyRGVAug 12, 2026

government

Cast your vote: Brownsville’s Battlefield Trail vying for Hall of Fame induction

B rownsville’s Historic Battlefield Trail is one of three trails nationally vying for inclusion in the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) Hall of Fame this year. The other two are the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, located in the Buckeye State, and the Mount Vernon Trail in Virg...

MyRGVAug 12, 2026

government

Isla Blanca among Cameron County beach parks to see access fee hike

B ROWNSVILLE — Beach-goers can expect to pay more for access to Cameron County coastal parks beginning this fall as officials prepare to roll out fee increases they say are meant to keep up with the rising costs of maintenance. During an early August meeting, commissioners approv...

MyRGVAug 12, 2026

safety

Harlingen, La Feria firefighters respond to structure fire

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Harlingen and La Feria firefighters are battling a fire at a home Wednesday afternoon. According to Harlingen Assistant Fire Chief Ruben Balboa, the structure fire is located near Bass Boulevard and Glenn Way and is 50% contained. No injuries ha...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

Local

Historic Brownsville trail nominated for trail organization's Hall of Fame

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Brownsville is celebrating a big nomination this week. Rails to Trails is a conservancy that recognizes outstanding trails across the country for their history, accessibility, community connection, and overall trail experience. The o...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

safety

Brownsville Fire Department welcomes new fire engine, brush truck

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Fire Department on Wednesday morning welcomed two new units into service during a push-in ceremony, a fire service tradition of formally welcoming new emergency response vehicles. Brownsvillle firefighters pushed in Fire Engine 3...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

government

Alamo completes drainage improvement project

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — City officials gathered in Alamo on Wednesday morning to celebrate the completion of a $1.5 million drainage improvement project. Alamo Mayor J.R. Garza said the city partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation on the project along Ala...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

News

Plenty of sunshine and a parade of planets

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If you love a parade and don't mind getting out of bed a little extra early Thursday morning, we have just the event for you. Go to an area away from city lights for better viewing an hour or so before sunrise. Then look towards the north, fairl...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

Local

Four RGV teams earn state ranking in preseason XC poll

IVAN PALACIOS | STAFF WRITER IDEA Pharr, La Feria, McAllen High and Weslaco East’s boys cross country teams enter the 2026 season fresh off state meet appearances a year ago, making them teams to watch across South Texas. The four squads aren’t only on the RGV’s radar, but on the...

MyRGVAug 12, 2026

News

Heat cranks up, chance for showers on Friday

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A strong high‑pressure system has been parked over the the region like it owns the place, cranking up temperatures and pushing pollution down toward the surface. That sinking air mechanism is why our air quality has dipped into the “moderate” zo...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

schools

UTRGV DBs looking for bigger Year 2

Bryan Ramos | Staff Writer EDINBURG — We continue our fall camp position room breakdowns of the UTRGV football team with a dive into the Vaqueros’ defensive backfield. UTRGV’s secondary combined to make 11 interceptions, force five fumbles and recover four fumbles in their inaugu...

MyRGVAug 12, 2026

schools

Excitement and nerves mark school start at Harlingen CISD's Early Childhood Academy

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Many students across the Valley are heading back to school this week, including those in the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, who kicked off their first day Tuesday morning. ValleyCentral paid a visit to one school to see how ...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

safety

'This could take months': Jury selection begins in Martinez capital murder trial

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Jury selection began Tuesday in the capital murder trial of Rogelio Martinez Jr., who is accused of fatally shooting San Benito Police Lt. Milton Resendez during a 2023 vehicle pursuit. The case is expected to draw a lengthy jury-selection pro...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

space

A first look at 'Prometheus', a 50-foot bronze statue at Starbase

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — French sculpture group Atelier Missor has revealed the first look of its 50-foot bronze statue of Prometheus being built in Starbase, Texas. Atelier Missor, a French foundry, is a traditional metal-casting workshop that specializes in titanium s...

ValleyCentralAug 12, 2026

safety

DRIVETEXAS MOBILE APP NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

A new app is available, expanding access to a valuable tool that helps drivers plan routes during emergency situations and everyday travel. The DriveTexas mobile app is now available to download on Apple and Google devices....

City of BrownsvilleAug 11, 2026

News

Hazmat team responds to fuel tanker trailer spill in Edinburg

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A roadway in Edinburg where a diesel spill occurred is now partially open while crews continue to treat the impacted area, the city announced on Thursday night. The city of Edinburg confirmed that the spill was caused by a diesel trailer that di...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

Local

Pet of the week: Mariana makes waves

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A very special guest dropped by our studios on Tuesday. Brownsville Animal Regulation Care Center specialist Jorge introduced the world to Mariana, a painfully shy, trembling puppy. Though it took her a while to feel comfortable, Jorge promised ...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

safety

Edinburg Fire Department hosts 'Sparky's Back to School Bash'

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Fire Department is inviting children across the Valley to close out their summer with a free end-of-summer celebration on Thursday. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Promenade Park Amphitheater located at 201 W. McIntyre St. 'Sparky...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

safety

Palmview to host National Night Out event

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Palmview Police Department is hosting its annual National Night Out event on Thursday. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the parking lot of the Palmview Parks & Recreation Gym located at 406 Veterans Boulevard. The event promis...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

government

Southwest Airlines mural to remain in Harlingen’s downtown

H ARLINGEN — The downtown mural paying tribute to Southwest Airlines’ founder will remain overlooking the newly revamped Lozano Plaza. Under a deadlocked city commission vote, the push to remove the mural honoring the legendary Herb Kelleher was crushed after a second round of di...

MyRGVAug 11, 2026

safety

Brownsville PUB: Emergency water repairs underway near El Lago area

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Approximately 1,000 customers are impacted by the emergency water reports, according to the Brownsville Public Utilities Board. On Tuesday afternoon, BPUB announced that residents near the El Lago area may experience a water service interruption...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

Local

Water produced at South Padre Island RGV Desal plant to be privately owned

A rendering of the RGV-Desal desalination plant planned on South Padre Island. (Courtesy: RGV-Desal) R GV Desal has pitched itself as a potential solution to the Rio Grande Valley’s longstanding water woes. This new resource, however, will be privately owned. Cities and water dis...

MyRGVAug 11, 2026

space

Making a splash: Olmito Nature Park kayak launch opens

C ameron County officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday to celebrate the completion of phase two of the Olmito Nature Park. The event specially marked the official opening of the park’s kayak launch, with an actual kayak launching courtesy of Aaron Millan of Brownsvi...

MyRGVAug 11, 2026

schools

District 15-5A DI Preview: RGV teams aim to compete against Coastal Bend’s best

Bryan Ramos | Staff Writer Every single team across the Rio Grande Valley is officially back on the practice field this week as the countdown to kick off of the 2026 Texas high school football season continues. With Week 1 of the regular season less than two weeks away, the RGVSp...

MyRGVAug 11, 2026

safety

Accused smugglers in fatal Brownsville crash indicted on state charges

A 40-year-old man and 20-year-old woman accused in a fatal rollover crash in Brownsville that killed a man following a vehicular pursuit with Border Patrol have been indicted on state charges. Fernando Alejandro Rivera Rojas and Cynthia Dominique Gonzalez were indicted June 24 on...

MyRGVAug 11, 2026

business

Roma Public Water System seeks to identify source of 'foul odor' in water

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Roma city officials announced in a public notice on Tuesday that they are aware of concerns regarding "an unusual or foul odor" being reported in portions of the city's water distribution system and are working to identify and address the source...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

safety

Man accused of aggravated assault in Edcouch

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was taken into custody on Sunday following a disorderly conduct call, according to the Edcouch Police Department. Kevin Contreras Ochoa was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with/fabricating physical eviden...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

government

Man sentenced to 35 years for Brownsville barber shop murder

Donovan Yandel Martinez Tirado C ameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz announced on Facebook Monday the sentencing of a teenager who pleaded guilty to killing a man when he was 16 years old on June 1, 2024. Donovan Yandel Martinez Tirado, who is now 17, pleaded guilty to ...

MyRGVAug 11, 2026

News

ITAV: 365 days of parenthood, surviving the first year

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It Takes A Village is a weekly ValleyCentral+ series that covers all things parenting; from real, honest conversations about daily routines and challenges to funny moments, lessons learned and balancing work and family life. It's a milestone epi...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

government

65-year-old man electrocuted in rural Mission, sheriff says

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a 65-year-old man who was found unresponsive in rural Mission, the sheriff announced Tuesday. The man has been identified as 65-year-old Eudoxio Marquez. On Monday at approximatel...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

safety

Jury selection begins in trial of man accused of killing San Benito cop

B ROWNSVILLE — Jury selection began Tuesday morning in the death penalty trial of a 20-year-old Brownsville man accused of fatally gunning down a San Benito police officer following an hourslong chase across Cameron County. Rogelio Martinez, who was 18 at the time of the shooting...

MyRGVAug 11, 2026

schools

Back-to-school season begins with hot and muggy weather

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It might be back to school season but Mother Nature is still giving us hot, humid and sunny weather across the Valley. A high-pressure system that is centered over the state of Louisiana enforces a little to no rain weather pattern, high tempera...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026

safety

Missing 76-year-old man found safe: Elsa PD

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Elsa Police Department said in an update that the missing 76-year-old man was found safe. According to the update, Lauro Trevino has been found and is doing well. "We want to thank our community and everyone who shared the original missing p...

ValleyCentralAug 11, 2026