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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalICE extends no-bid contract for major detention center in Texas, rejecting calls for closure
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has decided to extend its no-bid contract with Amentum Services Inc. for the Camp East Montana detention center in El Paso, Texas, through September 30, 2027. This extension could cost taxpayers an additional $776 million, following an initial $452 million contract awarded in March. Despite calls from lawmakers and advocacy groups to close the facility due to reports of human rights abuses, ICE claims relocating detainees would be impractical. The camp has been criticized for unsafe conditions and mistreatment of detainees, with at least three reported deaths since its opening in August 2025.
NationalAmerican Airlines Reports Issues with Its Computer Systems
American Airlines confirmed a nationwide disruption of its computer systems. The airline acknowledged the problem, stating, 'We are aware of the issue affecting connectivity. Our teams are working to resolve it. We apologize for the inconvenience.' 'We sincerely regret the delay in answering your call. We are currently experiencing a systemwide IT outage,' said representatives from American Airlines.
NationalTrump Has Not Asked Supreme Court to Reconsider Ruling on Birthright Citizenship
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump does not appear to have fulfilled his promise to initiate an effort —with little chance of success— to persuade the Supreme Court to reconsider its recent ruling on citizenship by birthright. The 25-day deadline to file a petition for a rehearing before the Supreme Court expired Monday night, and official records indicate that nothing has been submitted regarding this matter. 'I will request a new hearing before the United States Supreme Court, IMMEDIATELY,' Trump stated in a July 8 post on Truth Social. 'This legal aberration will destroy the United States if they do not change their decision, which is absolute madness.' Neither the White House nor the Department of Justice responded to multiple requests for comments.
NationalVictims of Seattle Shooting Identified; One is a Mexican Immigrant
A 15-year-old boy arrested after a shooting at a food festival near Seattle's Space Needle over the weekend was carrying a ghost gun with an extended magazine, police reported on Tuesday. Police Chief Shon Barnes stated at a press conference that the weapon was a 9 mm Polymer80 pistol, a now-defunct company that was once a leading manufacturer of ghost gun parts. Investigators also recovered two other firearms and 14 shell casings fired from two different calibers. The shooting, which occurred in the final hours of the Bite of Seattle festival, left three people dead, including a 19-year-old gunman, and at least four others injured, including a small child. Authorities believe the violence was gang-related and are reviewing available surveillance footage while interviewing victims and witnesses to identify other possible participants. A potential eighth person who may have been shot registered at a hospital after the incident but left before investigators could interview them, Barnes added. Various legal hurdles have prevented them from obtaining the patient's identity. Ghost guns are privately made firearms that lack serial numbers used for tracing and are often purchased without background checks. Law enforcement officials say ghost guns, including those made with 3D printers, have increasingly been used in violent crimes across the United States. The weapon the 15-year-old fired when he surrendered to police was equipped with a 33-round extended magazine, which still contained 19 rounds. On Sunday night, police also recovered a 9 mm pistol at the scene that they do not believe was used in the shooting. On Monday, when food vendors were allowed back to the area to clean up and collect their equipment, a third weapon was discovered: a Glock 45 model 9 mm with a switch that allowed it to fire fully automatically, according to Barnes. Police believe this weapon was fired during the shooting and had a 40-round extended magazine with 21 rounds remaining. In a document filed Monday in Seattle juvenile court, police stated that they believe there were at least three shooters: the 15-year-old, an acquaintance who died at the scene, and 'at least one other unknown suspect.' Authorities had previously indicated they believed there were two. Among the victims is a Mexican immigrant. The King County Medical Examiner's Office identified the deceased on Monday as Carlos Israel Sánchez Villalba, 44, Ashley Whitehead, 56, and Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19. Villalba was a husband and father of three known for his kindness and willingness to help others, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched Monday to assist his family with funeral expenses. He died from a gunshot wound to the torso, while Whitehead died from a gunshot to the pelvis and Semo died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the medical examiner's office. Whitehead had moved to Washington from Alabama a year ago and was enjoying the festival with one of her adult daughters when she was shot, her cousin Michelle Whitehead told The Associated Press. She was taken to the hospital and died in surgery, her cousin said. Ashley Whitehead adored her two adult daughters and also loved nature and arts and crafts, her cousin said. 'I would consider her just a free spirit. She had the best sense of humor, the most beautiful smile,' she expressed. On Monday night downtown, during a vigil, Michelle Whitehead was among dozens holding a sign that read 'Whitehead Strong' as the group observed a moment of silence and raised their phone flashlights to honor those who had been killed. There were candles and flowers around them. The four injured include a two-year-old boy, two men aged 23 and 27, and a 39-year-old woman, all of whom have been released from the hospital, a hospital spokesperson said. One of the injured was riding a bicycle when he was struck, according to the court document. The small child was with his mother. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
NationalCouple to Receive Million-Dollar Settlement from eBay for Threats and Harassment
BOSTON — eBay Inc. has agreed to pay nearly $50 million to a Massachusetts couple who were sent threats and strange packages, including live insects, a funeral wreath, and a bloody pig mask, by company employees, according to details of the settlement released on Tuesday. The agreement with David and Ina Steiner, founders of EcommerceBytes, a newsletter covering the e-commerce industry, includes an additional $7 million in charitable donations, including to organizations that support First Amendment rights. Attorney Christopher Murphy stated that the resolution sends 'a warning that attempts by large companies to suppress freedom of expression and the press will not be tolerated.' 'This was not just an attack and a campaign of harassment against two individuals; it was also an attack on freedom of expression and freedom of the press,' said Murphy, of Scalli Murphy Law, based in Massachusetts.
NationalService Members Awarded Mexican Border Defense Medal by Secretary Hegseth
On July 27, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth awarded the Mexican Border Defense Medal to 50 U.S. service members, including Marines for the first time, during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Hegseth emphasized the importance of these troops in maintaining operational control of the U.S.-Mexico border since January 2025, highlighting their role in preventing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The medal, a revival of a 1918 award, recognizes those deployed to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Hegseth and other officials praised the dedication and effectiveness of the service members in their mission to secure the border.
NationalLIVE: Lawmakers honor late Sen. Lindsey Graham
The late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was honored in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday morning ahead of his funeral service in Washington, D.C.
NationalTwo Executions in One Day: Florida to Carry Out Death Penalty on a Rapist and a Murderer
Florida is set to become the first state in the country in nearly a decade to execute two inmates on the same day, with lethal injections scheduled six hours apart. The executions are part of a push to accelerate the use of the death penalty led by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis over the past year and a half. So far, the governor has not explained why both executions were scheduled for the same day. James Aren Duckett, 68, is scheduled to be executed at noon at Florida State Prison near Starke. Hours later, Dominick Anthony Occhicone, 80, is set to be executed, making him the oldest inmate to be executed in the modern history of the state.
NationalJohnson & Johnson's $5.5 Billion Settlement Over Talc Lawsuits Claiming Ovarian Cancer
Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay $5.5 billion to settle ongoing lawsuits claiming its talc products caused ovarian cancer. The company, which has faced talc-related lawsuits for over a decade, stated that the settlement requires participation from at least 95% of the remaining claimants. A bankruptcy judge previously rejected a proposed $9 billion settlement from its subsidiary, Red River Talc. A federal judge recently ordered claimants to justify why their pending talc claims should not be dismissed, as witnesses failed to establish a direct link between the product and cancer. As part of the new agreement, Johnson & Johnson will make an initial payment of up to $3 billion next year, with no additional payments due until 2028. The company's shares rose over 2% before the market opened on Tuesday.
NationalKeiko Fujimori Takes Office as President of Peru: The Challenges Ahead
Keiko Fujimori has officially taken office as the President of Peru for the next five years, facing significant challenges including organized crime and political instability. The daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, she won a tightly contested election against progressive candidate Roberto Sánchez, largely thanks to overseas votes. Fujimori's primary focus will be combating extortion, which has surged dramatically in recent years, impacting small businesses and leading to numerous fatalities among transport workers. Additionally, opposition groups are calling for investigations into civilian deaths during protests in 2022 and 2023, and they demand reforms to laws perceived as weakening the fight against organized crime.
NationalThis is how the final farewell to Senator Lindsey Graham will take place in Washington
On Tuesday, Washington will bid farewell to Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 71. The ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. ET with a brief ceremony in the Capitol rotunda, honoring his military service and over three decades in Congress. The private ceremony will be streamed live. Following this, a funeral service will take place at the National Cathedral at 2 p.m. ET, also by invitation only. President Trump is expected to speak, along with other dignitaries, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Graham's sister, Senator Darline Graham, will also be present. The tributes will continue in South Carolina on Wednesday morning, culminating in a public funeral service at the First Baptist Church of Columbia.
NationalTrump and Netanyahu to Meet This Tuesday at the White House Amid Tensions
President Donald Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday amid politically sensitive times for Netanyahu. They will discuss issues including the conflict in Iran, the peace framework in Lebanon, and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords. This meeting marks their first face-to-face encounter since Trump referred to Netanyahu as 'a complete lunatic' in a recent phone call. Trump also plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Netanyahu is facing declining support for his stance on Iran and will attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong ally of Israel.
NationalStrong 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Japan; Tsunami Warning Canceled
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto, located on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, on Tuesday evening, resulting in numerous injuries and damage. A tsunami warning was issued but lifted two hours later by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Reports indicate at least 50 injuries, with a hospital in Yatsushiro treating around 40 patients. A train derailed, and damage was noted at Kumamoto Castle and the Aeon Mall in Kashima. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to stay away from the coast and emphasized the government's focus on safety and damage assessment. No anomalies were found at nearby nuclear plants.
NationalTrump Urges Supreme Court to Block Mail-In Voting Ahead of Elections
President Donald Trump's administration requested the Supreme Court on Monday to pave the way for an executive order that could implement drastic changes to the mail-in voting process ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections. The Department of Justice asked the highest court to temporarily suspend lower court rulings that block the order from being implemented in nearly half the country. The request came shortly after Trump delivered a speech reinforcing his years-long campaign to cast doubt on the legitimacy of elections, and it could be one of several electoral challenges that reach the court before the midterm contest. In March, Trump ordered the government to create a 'state citizenship list' of eligible voters and to send mail-in ballots only to individuals included on that list. Democratic officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit, arguing that the Constitution grants states and Congress, not the president, the authority to set election rules. Their attorneys have pointed out that Trump's proposed changes open the door to misuse and could cause chaos. A judge in Massachusetts blocked the order for the suing states, and in a split decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld her ruling over the weekend.
NationalTrump to Host Zelenskyy at the White House Before Lindsey Graham's Funeral
KIEV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United States on Tuesday to meet with President Donald Trump and attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly on July 11 after returning from a trip to Kiev. "Our agenda includes meetings with President Trump, his team, and those who can support our defense," Zelenskyy wrote on social media, adding that the main priority of these meetings will be to strengthen Ukraine's ballistic defense capabilities and "strategic cooperation with the United States." Ukraine has received the green light from the U.S. to begin manufacturing missiles for Patriot air defense systems with American company Raytheon, which the Ukrainian Army needs to intercept Russian ballistic missiles. "Of course, on behalf of all of Ukraine, we will honor the memory of Senator Lindsey Graham," Zelenskyy said regarding the other part of his trip.
NationalFormer Guatemalan Mayor Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Cocaine Trafficking Case
Romeo Ramos Cruz, a former mayor of Santa Lucia in Guatemala, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for attempting to import over five kilograms of cocaine into the U.S. He was extradited to the U.S. on August 4, 2025, after being detained in Guatemala. Court documents reveal that from 2022 to 2023, he used his position to facilitate drug trafficking operations, including appointing a known trafficker to a police role and disguising cocaine shipments as cement donations. Ramos Cruz faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for December 2, 2025.
NationalGovernor Highlights Critical Role of Maritime Labor at 93rd ILA Convention
Governor Greg Abbott spoke at the 93rd International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Convention in Galveston, emphasizing the vital role of maritime labor in Texas' economy. He noted that Texas ports contribute over $700 billion annually and support approximately 2.5 million jobs. Abbott presented a proclamation marking the 200th anniversary of the Port of Galveston, declaring July 27, 2026, as International Longshoremen’s Association Day. He praised the dedication of longshoremen in maintaining the flow of commerce and highlighted the historical significance of the Port of Galveston and the ILA's contributions to Texas' maritime industry.
NationalISIS Supporter Pleads Guilty to Spreading Terrorist Propaganda Online
Anas Said, a 30-year-old from Houston, has pleaded guilty to providing material support to ISIS and making false statements. He used social media to share ISIS propaganda and communicated with the Sarh al-Khilafah Institution, which publishes content for ISIS. Said admitted to concealing his identity in videos and expressed intentions to harm others. His plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge David Hittner, with sentencing set for October 16, where he faces up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and local law enforcement agencies.
NationalSpaceX’s Starship Reaches Space, Completes Soft Ocean Splashdown on Flight 13
On July 24, 2026, at 5:51 p.m. CT, SpaceX's Starship successfully launched from Starbase, Texas, marking its thirteenth test flight. This mission was notable for deploying the new Starlink V3 satellites. The flight involved a robust ascent with all 33 Raptor 3 engines, followed by a hot-staging maneuver. After stage separation, the Super Heavy booster performed a flip maneuver but experienced a hard splashdown in the Gulf. Starship completed its ascent, deployed 20 satellites, and gathered critical data during reentry. It executed a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean, showcasing its heatshield performance for the first time.