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government

Residents speak out at Cameron County meeting over AI shipyard incentive proposal

BROWNSVILLE — Some listeners slouched further into their hard wooden chairs as the public comment period grew tense in Cameron County Commissioners Court on Tuesday. After about three hours, more than 20 statements opposed a 95%, 10-year tax abatement for an Austin-based defense ...

MyRGVJun 3, 2026

government

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

Local

Valley mother, daughter found guilty of attempted smuggling at Sarita checkpoint

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A federal jury on Wednesday found a Weslaco mother and her daughter guilty of attempting to smuggle a man past the Sarita checkpoint last year. Enedelia Garcia, 55, of Weslaco, and Ashley Garcia, 37, of Brownsville, face up to 10 years in prison...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

News

Driver in custody after evading authorities in Harlingen: DPS

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver is in custody on Wednesday afternoon after evading authorities in Harlingen, according to a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Several DPS units and EMS were seen at the intersection of the Frontage Road and F. Stre...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

space

SpaceX's IPO is set to be the biggest ever and could make Elon Musk a trillionaire

NEW YORK (AP) — SpaceX says it plans to raise up to $75 billion when it goes public this month, setting the stage for the largest-ever stock market debut and putting Elon Musk on course to becoming the world's first trillionaire. The company, formally known as Space Exploration T...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

safety

Teen charged with murder in connection with Pharr shooting pleads not guilty

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A teen charged with murder in connection with a deadly Pharr shooting pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, according to the Hidalgo County 430th District Court. Emanuel Flores, 19, was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, in January. On Jan. ...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

government

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

business

'It's a safe space': RGV Dads helping men throughout fatherhood

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Whether you are a first-time father or a third-time father, a nonprofit organization based in the Rio Grande Valley is supporting men throughout fatherhood with events and resources. RGV Dads, founded by Jesus T. Peña in July 2018, was created t...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

safety

Don’t let the sunshine fool you, showers & thunderstorms remain in the forecast

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Just like on Tuesday, rain activity will stay isolated to widely scattered. The severe weather threat is low but not zero; damaging winds and large hail can't be ruled out completely, but, to reiterate, the threat is wicked low. Those who do see...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

schools

Sharyland prepares for 5A DII state title game

Bryan Ramos | Staff Writer MISSION — Sharyland High is set to take the biggest stage in Texas high school baseball as the Rattlers prepare to play seven innings with a state championship on the line. Sharyland is just the fifth team in Rio Grande Valley high school baseball hist...

MyRGVJun 3, 2026

government

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

News

Daily afternoon showers continue through the week

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The weather is settling into a pretty classic early-June South Texas groove — hot, humid, and just unstable enough to keep things interesting. Things off Wednesday with a mix of sun and clouds and a noticeable uptick in moisture. By the afterno...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

Local

Local coffee shop celebrates five-year milestone by giving back

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- For the past five years, a local coffee shop has done more than serve coffee. It has faithfully served the 956 community. 956 Coffee Co., owned by Valley natives Eddie and Lori Muniz, first opened its doors in 2021. From the beginning, the co...

ValleyCentralJun 3, 2026

space

Poor weather forces launch scrub of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral

File: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stands at Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) ahead of the launch of the Starlink 8-11 mission on Sept. 4, 2024. Image: Adam Bernstein/Spaceflight Now Update June 3, 7:24 a.m. EDT (1124 UTC): SpaceX scrubbed the launch. SpaceX hoped to launch its Falco...

Spaceflight NowJun 3, 2026

business

Harlingen EDC proposing $9 million bond issue in $97 million development

Orlando Campos In one of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation’s biggest projects in years, the agency’s planning to sell $9 million in bonds as part of a proposed $97 million project aimed at developing a 51-acre site to build homes, office suites, retail shops, restaur...

MyRGVJun 3, 2026

government

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

business

Valley adaptive sports league unveils statues of young players with mobility aids

At the West Brownsville Little League Park, baseball practice for Challenger Division players starts on Sunday evenings when the air starts to cool. The team runs the bases on turf fields safe for wheelchairs and walkers, League President Dino Chavez said. Since 2021, the League ...

MyRGVJun 3, 2026

News

Justice Clarissa Silva seeks second term on 13th Court of Appeals

Justice Clarissa Silva Justice Clarissa Silva announced that she will be seeking another term in office to the Place 6 seat in the 13th Court of Appeals. Silva, a Harlingen native, has served on the 13th Court of Appeals since 2021. The 13th Court of Appeals serves the Corpus Chr...

MyRGVJun 3, 2026

space

SpaceX conducting third mishap investigation since January 2025

SpaceX has landed Super Heavy boosters back at the launch site on three occasions, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico, following launch and stage separation from Starship minutes into the flight. Super Heavy B19, the first Version 3 (V3) of the booster, did not manage a Gulf splash...

MyRGVJun 3, 2026

News

South Padre Island Metro adding 16 superchargers for electric vehicles

The city of South Padre Island announced a new amenity to its Island Metro on Tuesday. According to a news release, the city will be adding 16 new universal electric vehicle superchargers at the Island Metro Multi-Modal Park and Ride facility, which is located at 321 Padre Boulev...

MyRGVJun 3, 2026

Local

Food Bank RGV distributing free produce in Los Indios

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Food Bank RGV is distributing free produce in Los Indios on Wednesday morning. The “pop-up” one-day-only offering will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., or until supplies last, at the Diamantina Ortega-Bennett Community Center at 309 E Heywood St....

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

government

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

business

Valley homeowners, businesses affected by May storms can apply for disaster loans

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Qualifying homeowners, renters, and businesses that were affected by severe weather in late April and early May can apply for federal assistance, Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday. Abbott said the U.S. Small Business Administration approved ...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

News

Energy drink distributor files motion to dismiss wrongful death lawsuit

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Glazer's Beer and Beverage of Texas, an energy drink distributor accused in the death of a Weslaco cheerleader, has filed a motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit filed against it. The motion to dismiss was filed in the 370th District Cour...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

government

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

business

Home prices outpace Valley paychecks: Data shows

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After reporting Monday that home prices across the Rio Grande Valley have more than doubled since 2015, many of you asked us a very simple question on social media: Are paychecks keeping up? The data says, no. While household incomes across the ...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

News

South Padre Island announces new universal electric vehicle superchargers

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of South Padre Island on Tuesday announced 16 new universal electric-vehicle superchargers will be installed at the Island Metro Multi-Modal Park and Ride facility. The purpose of the new superchargers is to expand access to electric ve...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

News

Spotty showers again today

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Look for just a few spotty showers again on Tuesday. They will most likely occur in the afternoon, with the sea breeze triggering isolated showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Most will be small and short-lived. Highs this afternoon will reach t...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

News

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...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

space

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, ...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

Local

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 an...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

News

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...

ValleyCentralJun 2, 2026

Local

Valley summer temps depend on heat dome location, NWS says

According to the latest three-month outlook from the National Weather Service Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley office, the “unsettled weather” that helped close out May in dramatic fashion probably will be followed by hot and dry conditions starting mid- to late June into August. Ju...

MyRGVJun 1, 2026

Local

DHR Health offers new treatment for resistant high blood pressure

Dr. Michael Seawell, cardiologist at DHR Health, says DHR Health is offering a new treatment called renal denervation in Edinburg and Brownsville for patients with resistant high blood pressure. (Courtesy: DHR Health) DHR Health is now offering a new treatment option designed to ...

MyRGVJun 1, 2026

business

Proposed federal grant cuts risk SPI’s dune protection, beach access ramps

South Padre Island officials are calling on support to protect federal Coastal Zone Management grants that have long helped the city fund dune protection and beach access ramp projects, the city announced in a statement on Facebook on May 26. In the post, the city shared an onlin...

MyRGVJun 1, 2026

schools

UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School students create projects for NASA

Ramses Mares, left, is pictured next to Rebecca Lawler, a NASA astronaut candidate, Ariel Mata and Mercedes Espinoza in this undated photo. (Courtesy photo) HARLINGEN — Even in the peace and the serenity and the glory of the stars, space travelers can still get headaches. Now, th...

MyRGVJun 1, 2026

Local

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 m...

ValleyCentralJun 1, 2026

News

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...

ValleyCentralJun 1, 2026

safety

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 inters...

ValleyCentralJun 1, 2026

schools

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 ...

ValleyCentralJun 1, 2026

Local

KNAPP MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES 5 STARS IN MEDICARE RATINGS

Knapp is the only hospital in South Texas to achieve 5 stars; rating reflects high level of healthcare provided by Knapp physicians and employees for Rio Grande Valley patients WESLACO, May 2026 – Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, a member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, is th...

MyRGVJun 1, 2026

News

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 Novembe...

ValleyCentralJun 1, 2026