All articles tagged with #rio grande valley
Public Health Watch links rising Parkinson’s disease risk in the Rio Grande Valley to long-term pesticide exposure, including paraquat drift affecting farmworkers and nearby residents; researchers report brain differences in exposed individuals, while advocates press the EPA and states to tighten safety rules and pursue bans amid limited access to movement-disorder specialists in the region.
Democratic candidates in Texas, including U.S. Senate hopeful James Talarico and Congressman candidate Bobby Pulido, are uniting in the Rio Grande Valley to appeal to Latino voters, emphasizing bipartisanship and community issues amid competitive races and shifting political dynamics in the region.
Health officials in the Rio Grande Valley are monitoring rising cases of Candida Auris, a resistant and potentially deadly fungus primarily spread in healthcare settings, with cases increasing in Hidalgo and Cameron counties, posing a risk especially to chronically ill patients, and emphasizing the importance of hygiene and infection control measures.
Millions of Americans, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, are at risk of losing health coverage over the next decade due to federal spending cuts on Medicaid and the ACA, which could lead to worse health outcomes and strain on hospitals.
The annual free health services event, Operation Border Health, in the Rio Grande Valley was canceled for the first time in 26 years due to federal funding cuts to Texas's public health programs, impacting local health services and community health outcomes.
A helicopter carrying National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent crashed near the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, killing two soldiers and the agent, with another soldier injured. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and the names of those killed have not been released. The border region is heavily patrolled by state and federal authorities, and the crash occurred during routine aviation operations.
The Rio Grande Valley is bracing for the first arctic blast of the season, with meteorologists warning of very cold temperatures and high winds early next week. The National Weather Service predicts a widespread freeze with temperatures potentially dropping below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, presenting hazards such as fire weather concerns and hazardous marine conditions. Residents and agricultural operators are advised to take precautions, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas has issued a Weather Watch due to extreme cold weather forecast for the region.
The Biden administration has announced plans to build up to 20 miles of border barriers in Texas's Rio Grande Valley, despite President Biden's previous pledge not to build any more border wall. The administration claims that it is obligated to build this section of the wall because Congress had already appropriated the funding in 2019. Border Patrol agents have made over two million arrests at the southwest border this year, with a significant number of arrests in the Rio Grande Valley. Critics argue that a wall is not an effective solution to border security and that it is expensive and dangerous.
The Biden administration has announced that it will waive 26 federal laws to allow for the construction of additional border barriers in the Rio Grande Valley, citing "high illegal entry." The construction will be funded using already appropriated funds for physical border barriers. This decision comes as the surge of migrants at the US-Mexico border continues to strain federal and local resources, putting pressure on the administration to address the crisis. The Department of Homeland Security has determined that waiving certain laws is necessary to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads in Starr County, Texas. The move has drawn criticism as it bypasses laws previously protected by the administration, including environmental regulations.
At least one person was killed and multiple others were injured following a possible tornado that touched down near Laguna Heights, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. The Port Isabel Police Department confirmed there were injuries on the ground and that multiple structures had been destroyed. Storms may bring damaging winds, large hail and scattered tornadoes to southern Texas and there is a high flooding risk.
The Rio Grande Valley is expected to experience potential strong to severe storms for the fourth time in a week, with a cold front moving through the area between 11 p.m. tonight and 4 a.m. Saturday morning. The main threats are strong winds of 50 to 60 MPH and large hail of at least one to two inches in diameter, with a risk of isolated areas of flooding due to recent rain. Drier air will come in after the cold front, with mostly sunny skies by Saturday afternoon and wind gusts up to 40-45 MPH.
Another round of storms is expected to pass through the Rio Grande Valley on Thursday afternoon, as a cold front slides through the area. Some of the thunderstorms may become strong and possibly severe, with strong gusty winds, frequent lightning, heavy downpours, and small hail. Any flooding threat should be limited to street flooding.
A mysterious animal caught on camera in the Rio Grande Valley prompted an investigation by Texas Parks and Wildlife officials. After receiving guesses from the public, officials believe the animal is likely an American Badger, which is part of their natural range in Texas. The arrival of spring brings new badgers, which produce litters of one to five cubs that rely on their mother for protection.
A "mystery animal" caught on camera in the Rio Grande Valley has left Texas park officials and social media users stumped. The furry, short and stout, four-legged creature was caught on footage from the trail cam of a park visitor while walking at night. After much speculation and debate, park officials unveiled that it is likely an American Badger, which is not commonly seen in the valley due to their nocturnal behavior.
Certain Dairy Queen locations in the Rio Grande Valley are offering free small cones today, with the option to pay $1 for a dip, as a fundraiser for Driscoll Children's Hospital. Limit one free cone per person.