Trump administration freezes federal funding for South Texas migrant shelter
Read full article: Trump administration freezes federal funding for South Texas migrant shelterSister Norma Pimentel with Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley founded the shelter in McAllen, which serves undocumented immigrants released from federal custody.
Texas’ plan to stop a parasitic fly from destroying its cattle population is far from complete
Read full article: Texas’ plan to stop a parasitic fly from destroying its cattle population is far from completeTexas lawmakers heard conflicting reports on the state’s readiness to fight the New World Screwworm, which is approaching the southern border.
Watch: Virtual one-on-one interview with Vicente Fox for Texas Tribune Festival
Read full article: Watch: Virtual one-on-one interview with Vicente Fox for Texas Tribune FestivalThe former president of Mexico sat down for a virtual interview with Berenice Garcia, Rio Grande Valley reporter for The Texas Tribune.
A year after Donald Trump won the Rio Grande Valley, South Texans navigate changes big and small
Read full article: A year after Donald Trump won the Rio Grande Valley, South Texans navigate changes big and smallResidents in the southernmost part of Texas want to remind themselves — and the nation — that the region is more than a political battleground. It’s their home.
Cruz, Cornyn push new retaliatory legislation that blocks U.S. water from going to Mexico
Read full article: Cruz, Cornyn push new retaliatory legislation that blocks U.S. water from going to MexicoThe bill is the latest effort from the Texas delegation that demands the U.S. get tougher with Mexico for failing to honor a 1944 treaty that in part governs Rio Grande water.
Texas’ congressional delegation wants Trump to punish Mexico for missing key water deadline
Read full article: Texas’ congressional delegation wants Trump to punish Mexico for missing key water deadlineThe state’s citrus industry is at risk, farmers say, after Mexico failed to deliver water it owes Texas as part of a 1944 treaty.
In South Texas, Allred and Talarico compete for Latino voters by vowing to fight for working class
Read full article: In South Texas, Allred and Talarico compete for Latino voters by vowing to fight for working classThe two leading Senate Democratic candidates have made it a point to spend time along the border early in the cycle, a sign of the region’s importance in 2026.
South Texas students have a new chance to taste the race for space
Read full article: South Texas students have a new chance to taste the race for spaceIn the shadow of SpaceX, Rio Grande Valley students will have a chance to build their own rockets and launch them 11,000 feet in the air, under a program that hopes to spark interest in aerospace jobs.
Starbase will take partial control of beach near Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch site
Read full article: Starbase will take partial control of beach near Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch siteThe deal between the new South Texas city and Cameron County mirrors a similar agreement with South Padre Island and requires a plan to combat beach erosion.
Affidavit: San Antonio man accused of stalking SAPD Chief William McManus, his wife
Read full article: Affidavit: San Antonio man accused of stalking SAPD Chief William McManus, his wifeA San Antonio man accused of stalking the city’s police chief and his wife is back in Bexar County after he was arrested in the Rio Grande Valley.
As Republicans make gains in the Rio Grande Valley, Democrats are fighting among themselves
Read full article: As Republicans make gains in the Rio Grande Valley, Democrats are fighting among themselvesA faction of Hidalgo County Democrats has raised concerns over how the party is spending money and blocking the group from doing business for several months.
U.S. will build sterile fly factory in Texas to stop screwworm from devastating livestock industry
Read full article: U.S. will build sterile fly factory in Texas to stop screwworm from devastating livestock industryMounted patrol officers, known as tick riders, who typically patrol the southern border to protect cattle from fever tick, will also now serve as the first line of defense against screwworm.
Texas AG can't depose Catholic Charities leader in migrant aid case, appeals court rules
Read full article: Texas AG can't depose Catholic Charities leader in migrant aid case, appeals court rulesThe three-judge panel agreed with a lower court that Ken Paxton’s office can’t question officials from Catholic Charities under oath without first filing a lawsuit.
Pickup Lines: Brooks President & CEO Leo Gomez reflects on family and the life skills he learned in a grocery store
Read full article: Pickup Lines: Brooks President & CEO Leo Gomez reflects on family and the life skills he learned in a grocery storeThe latest Pickup Lines segment features Leo Gomez, the president and CEO of Brooks.
Texas Republicans aim to redraw House districts at Trump’s urging, but there’s a risk
Read full article: Texas Republicans aim to redraw House districts at Trump’s urging, but there’s a riskTexas Republicans are poised to redraw the state’s congressional map during a special session that starts Monday.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in Texas
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders preemptive strike on screwworm in TexasAbbott ordered two Texas agencies to begin working together and with residents and business leaders to stop the spread of the invasive fly before it even starts.
Texas parents charged with capital murder in connection to their child’s death, report says
Read full article: Texas parents charged with capital murder in connection to their child’s death, report saysTwo South Texas parents have been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of their two-month-old child, according to a KRGV report.
To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile flies
Read full article: To fight screwworm, the U.S. is opening a South Texas facility to disperse sterile fliesScrewworm is a parasitic fly that targets warm-blooded animals and has the potential to disrupt Texas’ $15 billion cattle industry.
Judge orders US refugee office to reconsider some children's cases
Read full article: Judge orders US refugee office to reconsider some children's casesA federal judge says the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement must reconsider the cases of some migrant children who have been stuck in government custody since the Trump administration changed the identification requirements for would-be family sponsors.
Texas braces for an imminent screwworm infestation, a threat to the state’s cattle industry
Read full article: Texas braces for an imminent screwworm infestation, a threat to the state’s cattle industryU.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz hope to fund an operation to kill the parasitic fly before too much damage is done.
As the Rio Grande runs dry, South Texas leaders look to new water supplies to sustain growth
Read full article: As the Rio Grande runs dry, South Texas leaders look to new water supplies to sustain growthLeaders hope to treat groundwater and capture more rain as the water from one of the nation’s most iconic rivers becomes less reliable.
Can Texas lawmakers agree on how to spend billions to save the state's water supply?
Read full article: Can Texas lawmakers agree on how to spend billions to save the state's water supply?The Texas House took its first step toward revising a priority Senate bill last week. The changes were lauded by the state’s water community.
UT-Rio Grande Valley students caught in nationwide sweep sue Homeland Security over immigration status
Read full article: UT-Rio Grande Valley students caught in nationwide sweep sue Homeland Security over immigration statusThe four students were involved in minor criminal cases that have been resolved, which they argue shouldn’t be used to justify ending their higher ed goals in Texas.
“The Valley matters to us”: Texas Democratic Party leader makes first pitch to reclaim South Texas
Read full article: “The Valley matters to us”: Texas Democratic Party leader makes first pitch to reclaim South TexasIn 2024, President Donald Trump won all four counties in the Rio Grande Valley, once considered a reliable Democratic stronghold.
The Rio Grande Valley was once covered in forest. One man is trying to bring it back.
Read full article: The Rio Grande Valley was once covered in forest. One man is trying to bring it back.The Tamaulipan thornforest once covered 1 million acres on both sides of the border with Mexico. Restoring even a fraction of it could help the region cope with the ravages of a warming world.
South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new bill
Read full article: South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new billThe lawmakers behind the bill promised there would not be an increase in the number of days the beach is closed.
Salvation Army deploys crews to Rio Grande Valley after severe storms, organization says
Read full article: Salvation Army deploys crews to Rio Grande Valley after severe storms, organization saysThe Salvation Army of San Antonio announced it deployed crews to the Rio Grande Valley Sunday morning to assist those affected by severe storms.
Intense storms trigger flash floods across Rio Grande Valley
Read full article: Intense storms trigger flash floods across Rio Grande ValleyIt was a sight for sore eyes in San Antonio as much-needed rainfall swept through the region on Wednesday and Thursday. However, the heaviest downpours fell just south of the Alamo City, triggering severe flooding across South Texas.
FEMA launches review of migrant shelter aid, suggesting smuggling laws were violated
Read full article: FEMA launches review of migrant shelter aid, suggesting smuggling laws were violatedThe Trump administration has launched a review of organizations that provide temporary housing and other aid to migrants, suggesting they may have violated a law used to prosecute smugglers.
Why a Rio Grande Valley hospital is helping to feed its patients
Read full article: Why a Rio Grande Valley hospital is helping to feed its patientsAs the Edinburg facility and others seek to assist people experiencing food insecurity, state lawmakers have more than a dozen bills that could tackle Texas’ food deserts.
How a South Texas community college embraced apprenticeships to ease a growing nursing shortage
Read full article: How a South Texas community college embraced apprenticeships to ease a growing nursing shortageSouth Texas College in McAllen launched one of the first registered nursing apprenticeships in the country as area hospitals expect the need for nurses to increase.
Idle buses, empty Border Patrol boats: Arrests for illegal crossings fall in the Rio Grande Valley
Read full article: Idle buses, empty Border Patrol boats: Arrests for illegal crossings fall in the Rio Grande ValleyBorder Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley have seen a sharp drop in apprehensions along the southern border since the new administration started.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros' first-ever football schedule released
Read full article: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros' first-ever football schedule releasedThe reality of fielding a college football team is getting closer for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros football team.
“A lot of fear going on”: Texas immigrant community on edge during Trump’s first weeks
Read full article: “A lot of fear going on”: Texas immigrant community on edge during Trump’s first weeksAcross the state, immigrants and their loved ones are changing their daily habits as the Trump administration orders at least 1,200 daily arrests of undocumented people.
A Rio Grande Valley doughnut shop was on the verge of closing. Then Donald Trump won reelection.
Read full article: A Rio Grande Valley doughnut shop was on the verge of closing. Then Donald Trump won reelection.The Edinburg shop owner shared her support for Trump — and special pastries — on social media following the election, garnering a rush of customers.
Border shelters relieved the pressure during migrant surges. Under Trump, they could become a target
Read full article: Border shelters relieved the pressure during migrant surges. Under Trump, they could become a targetRepublicans are stepping up their scrutiny of dozens of shelters run by aid groups on the U.S. border with Mexico.
Border Patrol opens investigation after video shows agent allegedly abusing K9 in Rio Grande Valley
Read full article: Border Patrol opens investigation after video shows agent allegedly abusing K9 in Rio Grande ValleyThe U.S. Border Patrol said an investigation is underway after a video shows one of their agents allegedly abusing a K9 in the Rio Grande Valley.
Texas’ citrus industry — once an agricultural powerhouse — is on the brink of disaster
Read full article: Texas’ citrus industry — once an agricultural powerhouse — is on the brink of disasterA hurricane and winter freeze devastated the South Texas industry. A lack of water is preventing a full recovery.
Trump’s promise of mass deportation throws undocumented Texans into fear, uncertainty
Read full article: Trump’s promise of mass deportation throws undocumented Texans into fear, uncertaintyAs Republican Texas leaders show support for Trump’s mass deportation plans, undocumented people — some who have lived in America for decades — are weighing their options amid mounting fears.
US border facilities for migrant children are improving but still need work, court monitor says
Read full article: US border facilities for migrant children are improving but still need work, court monitor saysThe U.S. is still separating some migrant children from parents while holding them after they cross the border despite broad improvements at detention centers in Texas.
“The best time to prepare”: Migrant rights group warns undocumented Texans to plan for deportations
Read full article: “The best time to prepare”: Migrant rights group warns undocumented Texans to plan for deportationsGroups are urging the state’s estimated 1.6 million undocumented migrants to prepare financially and make plans for their loved ones if they’re detained.
Texas General Land Office unveils proposed 1,402-acre site for immigrant detention, border wall
Read full article: Texas General Land Office unveils proposed 1,402-acre site for immigrant detention, border wallOfficials with the Texas General Land Office on Tuesday outlined plans for a 1,402-acre ranch it has offered to the incoming Donald Trump administration for housing undocumented immigrants before deportation.
Despite back-to-back deals on water from Mexico, relief for South Texas farmers is far from certain
Read full article: Despite back-to-back deals on water from Mexico, relief for South Texas farmers is far from certainTexas agreed to take 120,000 acre-feet of water from Mexico this month, only after the U.S. and Mexico agreed to an updated treaty.
Trump’s near sweep of Texas border counties shows a shift to the right for Latino voters
Read full article: Trump’s near sweep of Texas border counties shows a shift to the right for Latino votersThe former president captured 55% of Latino voters in the state, according to exit polls. He also won 14 out of the 18 counties within 20 miles of the border, a number that doubled his 2020 performance in the Latino-majority region.
Adam Hinojosa flips Texas Senate seat, becomes first Republican to represent Rio Grande Valley district since Reconstruction
Read full article: Adam Hinojosa flips Texas Senate seat, becomes first Republican to represent Rio Grande Valley district since ReconstructionHinojosa won the only competitive seat in the Texas Senate this cycle, besting Sen. Morgan LaMantia two years after she narrowly defeated him.
Mexico is offering water to South Texas. But there’s a catch farmers aren’t happy about.
Read full article: Mexico is offering water to South Texas. But there’s a catch farmers aren’t happy about.Farmers say they want the water, but not if it goes against the allotment they need for the spring planting season.
From Denton to Edinburg, Texas cities are spooking their residents and tourists this Halloween
Read full article: From Denton to Edinburg, Texas cities are spooking their residents and tourists this HalloweenDenton has renamed itself Halloween, Texas, and has planned 31 days of events to drive up tourism and family entertainment.
Vicente Gonzalez and Mayra Flores clash in fiery South Texas congressional debate
Read full article: Vicente Gonzalez and Mayra Flores clash in fiery South Texas congressional debateIn their only debate before Election Day, Gonzalez and Flores traded jabs over the economy, immigration and abortion, and regularly spoke over each other.
Texas agriculture commissioner’s new executive order aims to provide water for Rio Grande Valley farmers
Read full article: Texas agriculture commissioner’s new executive order aims to provide water for Rio Grande Valley farmersRio Grande Valley farmers' concerns about a lack of water are being addressed in a new executive order issued by state agriculture commissioner Sid Miller’s office.
KSAT Explains: Mexico’s lack of adherence to decades-old treaty leaves Rio Grande Valley farmers in peril
Read full article: KSAT Explains: Mexico’s lack of adherence to decades-old treaty leaves Rio Grande Valley farmers in perilA 1944 water-sharing treaty between the United States and Mexico is back in the spotlight and Rio Grande Valley farms are hanging in the balance.
Laredo enters its sixth day of a boil-water notice after E. coli is discovered in water system
Read full article: Laredo enters its sixth day of a boil-water notice after E. coli is discovered in water systemThe South Texas city is the latest to grapple with aging water infrastructure, which officials suggested could have been the cause for the E. coli outbreak.
Animal welfare advocates will plead with Texas lawmakers to help cities control stray pet population
Read full article: Animal welfare advocates will plead with Texas lawmakers to help cities control stray pet populationOne group estimated more than 568,000 cats and dogs entered shelters in 2023. About 82,000 cats and dogs were euthanized.
Takeaways from the Texas Tribune-Associated Press report on 24 hours along the Texas-Mexico border
Read full article: Takeaways from the Texas Tribune-Associated Press report on 24 hours along the Texas-Mexico borderReporters from both organizations spent a day documenting the reality on the border. Here’s a summary of what they found.
Many Americans say immigration is out of control, but 24 hours on the Texas-Mexico border showed a new reality. Will it last?
Read full article: Many Americans say immigration is out of control, but 24 hours on the Texas-Mexico border showed a new reality. Will it last?The Texas Tribune and The Associated Press visited five locations along the 1,254-mile span to separate the facts from the political narrative during a heated election year.
At this South Texas political convention, everyone has a voice, regardless of legal status
Read full article: At this South Texas political convention, everyone has a voice, regardless of legal statusInspired by the work of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, the biennial “cumbre” helps South Texans organize for political change.
Democrats hope anti-voucher campaign will help win back South Texas House seat
Read full article: Democrats hope anti-voucher campaign will help win back South Texas House seatThe first-term Republican defending her seat said a private school voucher program will help her community, especially students from low-income families.
A South Texas school district received a request to remove 676 books from its libraries
Read full article: A South Texas school district received a request to remove 676 books from its librariesThe request came from a local pastor who is part of a group that trains people to “defend their freedom and liberty.” Other faith leaders have pushed back.
Federal court orders regulators to fix process, reconsider gas export projects in South Texas
Read full article: Federal court orders regulators to fix process, reconsider gas export projects in South TexasThis week’s ruling was the latest twist since cities and groups in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley sued to block the projects.
Texas’ floating barrier in the Rio Grande can stay for now, appeals court says
Read full article: Texas’ floating barrier in the Rio Grande can stay for now, appeals court saysAfter Texas deployed the barrier, a panel ordered it removed. The full appeals court says it can stay while a lower court hears a case on the merits.
The Rio Grande Valley’s pet population is out of control. Will a proposed limit in one city help?
Read full article: The Rio Grande Valley’s pet population is out of control. Will a proposed limit in one city help?Local leaders began debating a household limit on the number of pets after two residents were arrested for having 93 dogs and a cat in their home.
Attorney for former Delia’s Tamales employees speaks days after 3 restaurants were raided
Read full article: Attorney for former Delia’s Tamales employees speaks days after 3 restaurants were raidedDelia’s Tamales locations in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley were the focus of FBI raids earlier this week.
As the Rio Grande runs dry, South Texas cities look to alternatives for water
Read full article: As the Rio Grande runs dry, South Texas cities look to alternatives for waterMany of the solutions are costly, putting them out of reach for small towns. But the region's most populous cities are getting innovative.
‘I could feel numbness’: Woman bitten by shark on South Padre Island describes moments before, after attack
Read full article: ‘I could feel numbness’: Woman bitten by shark on South Padre Island describes moments before, after attackA woman who was one of four people attacked by a shark off South Padre Island on Independence Day shared what she experienced the moments before she was attacked.
Rio Grande Valley leaders hope to rebrand region as “RioPlex” to attract investment
Read full article: Rio Grande Valley leaders hope to rebrand region as “RioPlex” to attract investmentAfter years of competing with each other for new businesses, Valley cities want to present a united front to highlight the region’s assets.
Carlos Cascos, former Texas secretary of state and political leader in Rio Grande Valley, dies at 71
Read full article: Carlos Cascos, former Texas secretary of state and political leader in Rio Grande Valley, dies at 71Cascos began his political career as a Democrat but later flipped to the Republican Party.
South Texas needs rain. Tropical Storm Alberto didn’t deliver enough.
Read full article: South Texas needs rain. Tropical Storm Alberto didn’t deliver enough.The region's two major reservoirs are at record-low levels and agriculture leaders are worried the citrus industry could be devastated this summer.
Rio Grande Valley chef wins Best Chef: Texas in 2024 James Beard Awards
Read full article: Rio Grande Valley chef wins Best Chef: Texas in 2024 James Beard AwardsSan Antonio chefs may have been left out of the winners list for the 2024 James Beard Awards, but the Lone Star State was represented by a Rio Grande Valley woman who won Best Chef: Texas.
In Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, a push for more direct democracy
Read full article: In Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, a push for more direct democracyGround Game Texas, a group that has pushed for progressive policies in cities across the state, is working to make it easier for McAllen residents to change local laws.
Meatless in South Texas: Thousands flock to vegan festival in Rio Grande Valley
Read full article: Meatless in South Texas: Thousands flock to vegan festival in Rio Grande ValleyFrom brisket to carne asada, Texas is known for meat, making this annual gathering in a small Rio Grande Valley town stand out.
Former South Texas HS football player who tackled referee avoids jail sentence, pleads no contest
Read full article: Former South Texas HS football player who tackled referee avoids jail sentence, pleads no contestA former South Texas high school football player who tackled a referee in 2020 after being ejected from a Texas high school football game pleaded no contest to a charge of assault-causing bodily injury on Tuesday morning, according to CBS 4 News.
A South Texas town may have just seen the hottest May temperature in Texas history 🥵
Read full article: A South Texas town may have just seen the hottest May temperature in Texas history 🥵According to the Weather Prediction Center, La Puerta, Texas reach 116 on Thursday. After sifting through records, this may be the hottest May temperature in Texas history.
Mayra Flores raises twice as much as U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in bid to unseat him this November
Read full article: Mayra Flores raises twice as much as U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in bid to unseat him this NovemberNational Republicans are investing heavily in Flores’ bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in South Texas.
South Texas farmers are in peril as the Rio Grande Valley runs dry — again
Read full article: South Texas farmers are in peril as the Rio Grande Valley runs dry — againWith the hottest days still ahead, local leaders have declared emergencies. And farmers are lobbying for the U.S. government to pressure Mexico to release water.
Some South Texas school employees could be barred from holding elected office after fraud investigation
Read full article: Some South Texas school employees could be barred from holding elected office after fraud investigationA state-appointed board of managers overseeing the La Joya Independent School District is set to consider the policy this week.
Company helping immigrants in detention ordered to pay $811M+ in lawsuit alleging deceptive tactics
Read full article: Company helping immigrants in detention ordered to pay $811M+ in lawsuit alleging deceptive tacticsA company that provides services for immigrants in federal detention has been ordered to pay more than $811 million in restitution and penalties in a lawsuit alleging it used deceptive and abusive tactics.
1.7 million Texas households are set to lose monthly internet subsidy
Read full article: 1.7 million Texas households are set to lose monthly internet subsidyThe Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 monthly subsidy to help low-income households pay for internet service. The program is slated to run out of money at the end of the month.
Texas woman charged with murder for self-induced abortion sues Starr County district attorney
Read full article: Texas woman charged with murder for self-induced abortion sues Starr County district attorneyThe Starr County district attorney dropped the improper charges, but the fallout “forever changed the Plaintiff’s life,” a new federal lawsuit says.
Vicente Gonzalez compares Latino Trump supporters to “Jews for Hitler”
Read full article: Vicente Gonzalez compares Latino Trump supporters to “Jews for Hitler”The South Texas Democrat said Latinos who support former President Donald Trump are voting against their self interest, but Republicans recoiled at the comparison.
Texas’ only sugar mill shuts down after 50 years due to water shortage
Read full article: Texas’ only sugar mill shuts down after 50 years due to water shortageThe Texas Farm Bureau said the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers mill no longer had adequate water to sustain operations, an issue the bureau blames on ongoing water issues with Mexico under the 1944 Water Treaty.
Texas border cities offer Biden and Trump different backdrops for dueling visits
Read full article: Texas border cities offer Biden and Trump different backdrops for dueling visitsPresidential visits to the border are usually short on substance and long on political theater and symbolism, starting with the choice of location.
Biden administration asks Supreme Court to allow border agents to cut razor wire installed by Texas
Read full article: Biden administration asks Supreme Court to allow border agents to cut razor wire installed by TexasThe Biden administration is asking the Supreme Court to allow Border Patrol agents to cut razor wire that Texas installed on the U.S.-Mexico border, while a lawsuit over the wire continues.