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Articles by Claudia Torres
$1M in federal funds to improve drainage in La Feria
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — $1 million in federal funds will go toward addressing flooding in La Feria. U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, (D) Texas 34, presented a $1 million check to La Feria city officials Tuesday morning. The funds will be used to install a new storm sewer pump station in the city’s La Bonita neighborhood. Gonzalez said he helped secure the funds after seeing the impact of the March 2025 flooding.
5×5 Brewing Co. opening $2.5M facility in Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — City officials announced Monday that they will build a new $2.5 million facility for 5×5 Brewing Co. in Edinburg. The facility will include a brew room, dining area, taproom and bar and outdoor patio. The facility is expected to bring 20 primary jobs. “Edinburg is a college town,” Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa said. “We’re home to UTRGV. We want a lively atmosphere, creativity, community.
Missing man located safety: Brownsville police
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Girls volleyball highlights: Pioneer at Sharyland, Los Fresnos at Brownsville Veterans Memorial
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It’s the final week of the regular season for high school volleyball before the playoffs get started. District races are coming down to the wire, but a few gold balls are still up in the air, including the Sharyland matchup as the Lady Rattlers take on the Lady Diamondbacks. It doesn’t matter what sport it is, this rivalry is must-see.
McAllen police seek man in vehicle theft, burglary case
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — McAllen police are searching for a man accused of stealing a vehicle and burglarizing three others. Carlos Alberto Moran, 27, whose last known address is in McAllen, is wanted on charges of auto theft and three counts of burglary of a vehicle. McAllen police are searching for Carlos Alberto Moran in an vehicle theft and burglary case.
‘They don’t check’: Brownsville student accused of bringing gun to school, TSC Rec Center
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The student accused of bringing a gun to Brownsville Early College High School last week is also accused of bringing the weapon to the nearby Texas Southmost College Rec Center the same day, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ValleyCentral. Records show Luis Diaz Jr., 17, was arrested on charges of unlawful carrying of a weapon prohibited places, a third-degree felony, and unlawful carrying of a weapon, a Class A misdemeanor on Oct. 14.
MHWSC issues boil water notice for customers in San Juan, Alamo area
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Military Highway Water Supply Corporation public water system issued a boil water notice for customers in the San Juan and Alamo area on Tuesday. The notice comes after a 12″ water line break in the San Juan area happened on Monday.
Mic’d Up: Weslaco East Head Coach Carlos Cuellar
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In this edition of Mic’d Up, Photojournalist Diego Tijerina follows Weslaco East Head Coach Carlos Cuellar as the Wildcats take on Brownsville Hanna. The Wildcats were down by 14 at halftime. In the locker room, Cuellar had some inspiring words for his team. “Don’t get down on yourself,” Cuellar said. “Right now, breathe in. Breathe out. Hey, we got to go play a second half. It is what it is. We got to go play the second half.
FBI most wanted fraudster believed to be hiding in Mexico
HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — The FBI says a man accused of defrauding hundreds of victims in the San Antonio area may be hiding in Mexico. Imer Gomez, 29, was recently added to the newly created FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters list after being indicted by a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in July 2025.
FBI Most Wanted Fraudster believed to be hiding in Mexico Original
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The FBI says a man accused of defrauding hundreds of victims in the San Antonio area may be hiding in Mexico. Imer Gomez, 29, was recently added to the newly created FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list after being indicted by a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in July 2025.
Second annual Ruben Vela Festival coming to Santa Rosa
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The second annual Ruben Vela Festival is coming to Santa Rosa on Saturday, Oct. 17. The free event, taking place at 116 Santa Vista Avenue, features food, a kids zone and a lineup of eight bands, including Orphanage Road, Marlissa Vela, Ruben Vela y Los Muchachos, Reny Roland, Los Garcia Bros, Whiskey D., Jaime Deanda and Grupo Secretto. Organizers said the inspiration for last year’s inaugural festival came together after a few years of brainstorming.
Week 7 Team of the Week Winner: San Benito
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The votes are in for our Week 7 Team of the Week. San Benito earned the top spot with 451 votes or 56% of the vote. PSJA North came in second with 209 votes, or 26% of the vote, and Sharyland came in third with 153 votes, or 18%. ValleyCentral thanks all of our viewers who voted for Team of the Week! Team of the Week is sponsored by Bert Ogden Auto Group. Our high school football coverage continues with ourGame of the Week as Harlingen takes on PSJA North.
LIST: After heavy rain, Valley cities spraying for mosquitoes
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After heavy rain across the Rio Grande Valley, cities are spraying for mosquitoes. Many cities began spraying for mosquitoes last week and are continuing this week. See the list below for the time and dates: Mosquito spraying will be conducted in Weslaco on Tuesday and Wednesday. Crews will be spraying from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on both days. The city of Alton will be mosquito spraying starting Tuesday. Spraying will be conducted during the evening hours.
DHR's ‘Bras for a Cause' raises money for Renaissance Cancer Foundation
HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — DHR Health is raising money for cancer patients — and is inviting the community to participate. "Bras for a Cause" is an annual fundraiser and contest in which employees decorate bras to help raise money for the Renaissance Cancer Foundation. Man who hit ICE officer with Yeti cup sentenced to 10 months in prison Now in its 15th year, the event also aims to raise breast cancer awareness.
James Talarico to speak with US Hispanic Business Council via video at Edinburg event
by: Claudia Torres Posted: Sep 30, 2026 / 01:06 PM CDT Updated: Sep 30, 2026 / 01:06 PM CDT HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — James Talarico is expected to speak with the U.S. Hispanic Business Council via video conference on Wednesday. The Democratic Senate nominee was scheduled to be in Edinburg at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for a sit-down conversation, but his staff says he’s ill and was unable to travel to the Valley.
Alton man pleads not guilty in killing of parents, grandmother
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man accused of killing his parents and grandmother inside their Alton home in June has pleaded not guilty to charges. Gaurav Chopra, 19, pleaded not guilty to capital murder of multiple persons, a capital felony; attempt to commit capital murder of multiple persons, a first-degree felony; and evading arrest with a vehicle, a third-degree felony on Monday during an arraignment in the 139th state District Court.
Latest South Texas Healthy Living episode on NBC 23 to tackle arthritis
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Every month, South Texas Health System tackles a different issue in South Texas Healthy Living, a 30-minute program that airs on KVEO NBC 23. System Director of Marketing & Public Relations Tom Castaneda said the latest episode will explore the warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors of arthritis.
Mission doctor sentenced for falsely diagnosing patients in health care fraud scheme released from prison
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mission doctor convicted of falsely diagnosing patients in a health care fraud scheme has been released from prison. Jorge Zamora-Quezada, 69, of Mission, was released from custody on Monday, according to the Bureau of Prisons’ Office of Public Affairs. He still has to serve three years of supervised release, federal officials said.
Organizaciones de Brownsville demandan al gobierno federal por el intercambio de terrenos de SpaceX
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) – Tres organizaciones de Brownsville y el Centro para la Diversidad Biológica, con sede en Arizona, presentaron una demanda contra el Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE. UU. en Washington, DC, el miércoles por un intercambio de terrenos con SpaceX.
Father, son share successful kidney transplant story at DHR Health
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The DHR Health Transplant Institute held an event on Tuesday highlighting the story of a successful kidney transplant between a father and son. After facing kidney disease and challenges waiting for a transplant, Luis F. Gonzalez received a kidney transplant from his son, Ivan Gonzalez. Ivan said it took him less than a second to say yes after finding out he was a match. “He looked weak. He was struggling.
Texas mom, daughter found guilty of smuggling migrant at Border Patrol checkpoint
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A federal jury on Wednesday found a mother and daughter guilty of attempting to smuggle a man past the Border Patrol checkpoint last year in Sarita, Texas. Enedelia Garcia, 55, of Weslaco, and her daughter Ashley Garcia, 37, of Brownsville, face up to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors say that on July 22, 2025, the mother-daughter duo arrived at the checkpoint with David Alejandro Gutierrez in their vehicle.
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. Prosecutors say that on July 22, 2025, the mother-daughter duo and David Alejandro Gutierrez attempted to pass the Javier Vega Jr. U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint.
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 intersection and crashed into a Toyota Camry, a Ford Bronco, a Nissan and a truck tractor hauling watermelons, according to an Edinburg city spokesperson.
Energy drink distributor denies ‘each and every allegation’ in Weslaco cheerleader’s wrongful death lawsuit
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In its first response since being accused of contributing to the death of a Weslaco cheerleader who, according to attorneys, died from an enlarged heart due to excessive caffeine consumption, an energy drink distributor is denying “each and every allegation” levied against it. Attorneys for Glazer’s Beer and Beverage of Texas made the assertion in its original answer filed in Hidalgo County’s 370th District Court on May 22.
DACA recipient released from ICE custody in Raymondville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program who was in a federal detention center for more than three months was released from immigration custody on Thursday. Court records show a federal judge on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of Yennifer England, a 32-year-old DACA recipient and Mexican citizen who has lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years. She was taken into custody on Feb.
Mexican man in cocaine-filled van arrested at border, CBP says
by: Claudia Torres Posted: May 21, 2026 / 05:20 PM CDT Updated: May 21, 2026 / 05:22 PM CDT HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested a Mexican man accused of attempting to smuggle 45 pounds of cocaine across the Hidalgo International Bridge earlier this month. The drug bust happened on May 1 after a Chrysler Pacifica was sent to a secondary inspection following an alert from a K-9.
Mexican man in cocaine-filled van arrested at Hidalgo bridge: CBP
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested a Mexican man accused of attempting to smuggle 45 pounds of cocaine across the Hidalgo International Bridge earlier this month. The drug bust happened on May 1 after a Chrysler Pacifica was sent to a secondary inspection following an alert from a K-9. Forty-five pounds of cocaine were seized at the Hidalgo International Bridge earlier this month.
Faith-based coalition meets in Weslaco for hurricane preparedness
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The third Faith-Based Coalition meeting took place at Weslaco City Hall on Thursday. The coalition is made up of local faith leaders, city officials, emergency management personnel, and other community partners. The coalition met to discuss storm preparedness ahead of hurricane season. Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said Thursday’s meeting was important for getting timely information to church leaders, who can then relay it to their parishioners.
2 arrested in Raymondville crack, meth seizure: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Willacy County authorities arrested two people and seized crack cocaine, meth, and marijuana after a traffic stop in Raymondville on Tuesday. The traffic stop happened at about 7:43 p.m. at the Murphy USA gas station located on the 14000 block of FM 490 after a deputy spotted a man with active felony warrants out of the 197th District Court, according to the Willacy County Sheriff’s Office.
WATCH LIVE: RGV Palm Awards 2026
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — ValleyCentral and ValleyCentral+ will livestream the Palm Awards happening Wednesday night at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. The event is expected to begin at 7 p.m. and will be livestreamed on this article and on ValleyCentral+, our free streaming app available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung TV. The 8th annual RGV Palm Awards is an event spotlighting high school theatre students from across the Valley.
Highway renamed to honor slain San Benito Lieutenant Milton Resendez
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Family and first responders gathered in San Benito on Tuesday for the unveiling of a highway renamed to honor a slain San Benito police lieutenant. A portion of Sam Houston Street was renamed to the Lieutenant Milton Resendez Memorial Highway. Resendez was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 17, 2023.
Police: Man found dead in Harlingen hotel, foul play not suspected
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was found dead at a Harlingen hotel on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the Harlingen Police Department. Video Player is loading. Current Time 0:00 Duration 0:29 Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. TextColorOpacity Text BackgroundColorOpacity Caption Area BackgroundColorOpacity Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window.
Boys in Edinburg crash that killed mother remain in critical condition
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The two boys involved in a weekend Edinburg crash that killed their mother remain in critical condition at a hospital in San Antonio, according to a city spokesperson. The boys, ages 9 and 5, were taken to a San Antonio hospital following the crash that happened on the night of May 2 at the intersection of Salinas Street and West Monte Cristo Road.
Mother’s Day gifts at Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Stephanie Canales from the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets stopped by our NBC 23 studio in Harlingen on Friday to talk about gift ideas for Mother’s Day, graduation, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Canales said Kate Spade has a deal going on for 70% off, plus an additional 20% off if you spend $150 or more. The store will also offer free gift wrapping, perfect for Mother’s Day, graduation, and Nurses’ and Teachers’ Appreciation Week.
STHS holding weeklong steps challenge for stroke awareness
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Texas Health System is holding a weeklong step challenge to raise awareness about strokes. The sixth annual “Steps for Stroke” virtual challenge will take place from May 16 through May 22, and invites the public to reach 50,000 steps. Trophies will be awarded to top finishers in three categories: community members, STHS staff, and first responders. The fun starts with a pep rally on Friday, May 15, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at STHS McAllen.
‘Really, really bad’: Valley drivers feeling the impact of high gas prices
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Drivers across the Rio Grande Valley are feeling the impact of high gas prices. The average gas price in Texas is $4.09 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, according to AAA’s latest report released on Thursday. It’s the first time the average gas price has hit $4 since July 2022. The average price in the Brownsville-Harlingen area is $4.15, up 33 cents from last week’s $3.82. This time last year, the average gas price in the region was $2.76, according to AAA.
New outdoor fitness court unveiled at McAllen park
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of McAllen debuted a new fitness court on Wednesday. The new outdoor fitness court at Bill Schupp Park, located at 1300 Zinnia Ave W, is the latest effort from the city to help residents stay active. “We’re just trying to get the community get engaged at the very end,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Exercise will help you with weight loss; stronger heart, stronger lungs.
Drug trafficker’s former $1.7M Brownsville mansion to be sold at government auction: feds
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A $1.7 million mansion in Brownsville that once belonged to an alleged drug trafficker who was killed in a shootout in Mexico in 2023 will be sold at government auction. Video Player is loading. Current Time 0:00 Duration 0:50 Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. TextColorOpacity Text BackgroundColorOpacity Caption Area BackgroundColorOpacity Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window.
Valley father who lost battle to cancer to be honored with posthumous degree
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande Valley man who lost his battle to cancer will be honored with a posthumous degree from South Texas College. Francisco Javier Mejia, 51, was studying to get an associate degree in Kinesiology when he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. Photo credit: South Texas College Mejia’s family initially thought he was sore from branch cutting, but soon found out that wasn’t the case.
Former Sauceda Middle School security guard kissed student by band hall: Records
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A criminal complaint obtained by ValleyCentral details what led to the arrest of a former security guard at Sauceda Middle School in Donna, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Francisco San Roman, 50, of Donna, was arrested in April on charges of online solicitation of a minor under 14, improper relationship between educator and student, and indecency with a child sexual contact.
Laguna Vista mayor reelected, unofficial election results show
Star Wars Squishmallows are on sale just in time to celebrate May 4 The Force is strong as we wait for May 4, also known as Stars War Day. The “holiday” celebrates all things Star Wars and is a pun on the franchise’s iconic phrase, “May the Force …
San Benito elects new mayor, unofficial results show
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — San Benito residents elected a new mayor on Saturday night, according to unofficial Cameron County election results. Challenger Pedro “Pete” Galvan unseated incumbent Ricardo “Rick” Guerra to become the city’s top leader. Galvan received 1,149 votes, or 67 percent of the vote, while Guerra received 569 votes, or 33 percent of the vote. Galvan previously served as a city commissioner alongside Guerra since 2020.
Harlingen South band holding Loteria fundraiser
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Harlingen High School South’s Mighty Hawk Band is holding a Cinco de Mayo fundraiser. Harlingen South Band Booster President Lisa Leal said proceeds of the Loteria night will go towards the band’s annual banquet. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the school’s cafeteria. For $20, you can get four cards for 20 games. Prizes include a $100 gift card to Target and Longhorn Steakhouse. The top prize is a 43″ TV.
Brownsville Youth Advisory Board hosting summit
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Youth Advisory Board is hosting a summit on Saturday to give students the opportunity to pitch solutions to active problems in the community. The event is taking place at the eBridge Center located at 1304 East Adams Street in Brownsville from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the day, students will participate in workshops and team project development before presenting their final pitch to a public audience.
Sea Turtle Inc. holding gender reveal party for rescued turtle
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sea Turtle Inc. is holding a gender reveal party for a rescued sea turtle on Saturday. Chief Executive Officer Wendy Knight said when a member of the public rescues a sea turtle, they get to name them. The person who rescued this sea turtle named it “Cowgirl.” But that name may change to “Cowboy”, depending on the results of the gender reveal party. “Cowgirl stranded with us in 2021 and she has been with us four times,” said Knight.
Escobares police chief arrested on DWI charge
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Escobares police Chief Nelson Martinez was arrested on a DWI charge on Thursday. According to an affidavit obtained by ValleyCentral, at 3:45 a.m., a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper working Operation Lone Star in La Grulla pulled over a 2020 Ford F150 pickup truck that failed to drive in a single lane on US 83. Escobares police Chief Nelson Martinez was arrested on a DWI charge on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
17-year-old accused of providing alcohol for minors at McAllen Airbnb party
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Investigators on Wednesday arrested a 17-year-old accused of providing alcohol for minors at a party held at a McAllen Airbnb earlier this month. Devin Davila, 17, of McAllen, was arrested on charges of purchase/furnishing of alcohol for a minor, a Class A misdemeanor; misrepresentation of age by a minor, a Class C misdemeanor; and possession of alcohol by a minor, a Class C misdemeanor.
‘Nothing got destroyed’: Evidence tampering charge against Grandma’s Daycare manager dismissed by DA’s office
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office dismissed a charge against a daycare manager accused of tampering with evidence in an injury to a child case. According to Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios, there wasn’t enough evidence to move forward in the case against Alma Enriquez Garza, 58, of McAllen.
Lifeline Heart of Worship hosting ‘Becoming Her’ women’s conference
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Lifeline Heart of Worship in Harlingen is hosting its inaugural “Becoming Her” women’s conference next month. The conference will be held May 8 and 9 at the Lifeline Heart of Worship located at 2909 E. Grimes St. Any woman can attend the conference, and must be 18 years old to register. The goal of the conference is to talk about the mind, body, and soul. Organizers said it’s an opportunity for women to come together and meet their bestie.
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