Artist Ray Smith revisits roots with exhibit

Special to the NEWS The San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum presents Before the Fall: The Architecture of Vulnerability, a solo exhibition by internationally recognized artist Ray Smith. According to a museum press statement, the exhibition examines contemporary social realities through reflection, distortion, and repurposed materials. It will be on view from Feb. 19 to May …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/13/artist-ray-smith-revisits-roots-with-exhibit/

Falfurrias drops from competition

By ALBERT VILLEGASSpecial to the NEWS RIO HONDO, TX—Now that the University Interscholastic League has introduced its biennial realignment, local student-athletes will see minor changes across various sports. The Falfurrias Jerseys are no longer a district foe in football (District 16-3A, Division I). Weslaco IDEA Pike is gone from RHHS’s basketball (District 32-3A), but remains …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/06/falfurrias-drops-from-competition/

Hoops Report: Ranked Lady ’Cats claim title with games remaining

By ALBERT VILLEGASSpecial to the NEWS RIO HONDO, TX—For the sixth consecutive season, the Lady ’Cats’ Varsity Basketball Team clinched a district title. As is customary after the game, Rio Hondo Head Coach Victor Sauceda allowed the Lady ’Cats to cut down the net as a reminder of the incredible feat. The district clincher came …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/06/hoops-report-ranked-lady-cats-claim-title-with-games-remaining/

HogWaddle tickets on sale

Special to the NEWS Tickets are officially on sale for the 2026 San Benito Hog Waddle, set for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the San Benito Fairgrounds and headlined by Grammy-nominated artist and San Benito native Charley Crockett. General admission tickets start at $10, with VIP seating available starting at $50. Tickets are available now, …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/06/hogwaddle-tickets-on-sale/

PI-SBND advances upgrades

By JACQI LEYVA-HILLSpecial to the NEWS PORT ISABEL, TX —Community improvements, financial stewardship, and long-term growth opportunities shaped the discussion at the Jan. 30 meeting of the Port Isabel–San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners. At the district’s offices in Port Isabel, commissioners worked through a full agenda focused on maintaining safe, efficient facilities and …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/06/pi-sbnd-advances-upgrades/

Bust yields arrests

Special to the NEWS On January 31, 2026, Detectives with the San Benito Police Department (SBPD) Criminal Investigations Division and Special Investigations Division, in conjunction with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Agents, conducted a criminal investigation of the 7 Leguas Bar & Restaurant at 236 West Robertson Street in San Benito. An investigation was initiated after …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/06/bust-yields-arrests/

Balli signs to UTRGV

By ALBERT VILLEGASSpecial to the NEWS On Wednesday, senior Luis Balli became the first San Benito High School student-athlete to sign a letter of intent to attend the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Balli, who played on the offensive line for the Greyhounds’ football team, became the third San Benito player to sign with the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/06/balli-signs-to-utrgv/

MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: AGL secures Guitar Center Music Foundation Grant

By JACQI LEYVA-HILLSpecial to the NEWS A local educator’s initiative is bringing thousands of dollars’ worth of musical instruments to her school after the campus teacher secured a Guitar Center Music Foundation grant. Motivated by a desire to provide more opportunities for her students, educator Nayelli Quiroga applied for the foundation’s competitive grant after noticing …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/06/music-to-their-ears-agl-secures-guitar-center-music-foundation-grant/

COMMENTARY: County stands for due process

Recent reports and eyewitness accounts indicate increased federal immigration enforcement activity in Cameron County and across the Rio Grande Valley, particularly at workplaces, construction sites, and local businesses. Although Cameron County has not received formal notification of these activities, it is important to address the concerns they have raised in our community. As County Judge, …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/06/commentary-county-stands-for-due-process/

COMMENTARY: Holiday offers chance prove hometown love

Joe Martinez, Ed.D., is a Doctor of Curriculum & Technology, a U.S. Military Veteran, and a native of San Benito. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I couldn’t help but remind everyone what it truly means to care for and love someone or something so dear to our hearts that we use such a powerful word …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2026/02/06/commentary-holiday-offers-chance-prove-hometown-love/