National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalIdaho Student Killer Seeks to Withdraw Guilty Plea
Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, is seeking to withdraw his guilty plea and wants his day in court. Kohberger, who pleaded guilty in July 2025 to avoid a trial for the quadruple homicide and is currently serving four life sentences, filed a petition for post-conviction relief on Monday in the Ada County District Court in Idaho. A post-conviction relief petition is a legal mechanism to challenge a conviction outside the appeal process. Court records indicate that Kohberger is representing himself. It is currently unclear on what grounds he is basing his petition. However, in an interview with The New York Times, Kohberger claimed he is innocent and was coerced into pleading guilty to the murders. 'My true innocence is my truth, and the guilty plea, based on false promises and obvious misinformation, MUST be withdrawn,' he stated to the newspaper on Sunday night.
NationalUSCIS Change: Some Asylum Cases to Go Directly to Immigration Judges
The Trump administration announced a new immigration rule that will allow asylum cases to be sent directly to immigration judges, without an immigration agent interviewing the applicants first. In a statement from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the temporary measure aims to reduce the backlog in the asylum system by modifying how some applications are processed. Currently, USCIS agents handle asylum applications from individuals not in deportation proceedings, while immigration judges from the Department of Justice resolve cases for those facing removal. 'This essentially allows a foreign national a second chance to apply for asylum,' the statement noted.
NationalMedal of Honor Monday: Army Tech. Sgt. Ted Takayuki Tanouye
Army Tech. Sgt. Ted Takayuki Tanouye was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during World War II in Italy. Born on November 14, 1919, in Torrance, California, he enlisted in the Army in 1942. Tanouye's heroic actions on July 7, 1944, included leading his platoon in an assault to capture a critical hill, where he engaged enemy forces, sustaining injuries while saving fellow soldiers. He died from wounds sustained in combat on September 6, 1944. His Medal of Honor was awarded in 2000, presented to his brother by President Bill Clinton. Tanouye is buried in Los Angeles, and his legacy is honored in several memorials.
NationalPentagon's Official Casualty Count in War Against Iran No Longer Includes 4 Fallen Soldiers
The Pentagon has removed the names of four U.S. soldiers killed in recent combat with Iran from its official casualty count, placing them in a new category labeled 'Overseas Operations.' This change raises questions about the accuracy of military casualty reporting amid escalating tensions in the region. The Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) also reported over 200 injuries, but it remains unclear if all were related to the Iran conflict. The Pentagon attributed the changes to 'data anomalies' rather than an attempt to obscure the human cost of war. As of now, the official count stands at 14 dead and 420 injured since hostilities resumed in July.
NationalICE Agent's Evaluation Under Review Following Colombian's Death in Maine
The evaluation of an ICE agent involved in the shooting death of a Colombian man in Maine is under internal review, according to Tom Homan, a key figure in the Trump administration's immigration policies. Family members revealed that the agent, David Brouillette, had a history of severe mental health issues and violent behavior. Homan stated that if these allegations are true, Brouillette should not have passed the evaluation. The Department of Homeland Security is facing scrutiny over its hiring practices, especially after two recent fatal shootings involving immigrants. New body camera requirements for vehicle stops have been implemented, but concerns remain among lawmakers.
NationalSpaceX plans Starship tower catch for next test flight, Elon Musk announces
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announces SpaceX will attempt to catch Starship with the tower on the next scheduled test flight. Following the anticipated thirteenth Starship test flight, Musk posted on X that, "unless [SpaceX] discover problems after mission data review," they are attempting to catch the Starship back at the tower. During
NationalUS and Iran Pause Attacks as Efforts Continue for Negotiations
The United States has paused its attacks on Iran for the second consecutive day as both nations seek to resume negotiations. This pause follows nearly two weeks of U.S. strikes on Iranian coastal areas and infrastructure after Iran fired on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials, including Ambassador Mike Waltz, suggest this is a chance for diplomacy, with ongoing discussions involving Oman and Iran. Meanwhile, Iran has also halted its retaliatory actions. Concerns remain about maritime security in the region, especially in the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb, where Houthi rebels threaten shipping routes. The U.S. continues its naval blockade against Iran.
NationalFederal Court Upholds Order Blocking Voter List Requested by Trump
A federal appeals court upheld a ruling that blocks former President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at creating a federal voter eligibility list and restricting mail-in ballot delivery to those on the list. The court's decision affects nearly half of U.S. states, where officials argued that the order was unconstitutional and could lead to chaos. Trump's order, issued in March, sought to require specific documentation proving U.S. citizenship for voter registration. The ruling was prompted by a lawsuit from Democratic officials in 23 states and Washington, D.C., who contended that only states and Congress can set voting regulations.
NationalFormer Honduran President Returns to His Country to Face Justice After Being Pardoned by the U.S.
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández returned to Honduras on Sunday after being pardoned by the United States. He was welcomed by hundreds at Palmerola International Airport. Hernández, who was extradited to the U.S. four years ago for drug trafficking, plans to face justice in Honduras as well. His family was present to greet him, and he expressed gratitude for his return. Despite being sentenced to 45 years in the U.S., he received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, who claimed Hernández did not receive a fair trial. He is expected to appear in court on August 3 regarding corruption charges linked to the Pandora II case.
NationalGermany says attack at Berlin Pride party was Islamic terrorism
In Berlin, a deadly attack during the Pride festival left one person dead and 29 injured. The suspect, Abdul Ballout, a Lebanese-German, was killed by police after a nearly 24-hour manhunt. Authorities believe he drove a van into a crowd and subsequently attacked others with a machete, classifying the incident as Islamic terrorism. Ballout had previously attempted to join ISIS and was sentenced for extremist activities. The attack occurred near the Brandenburg Gate during the festival's closing party, which followed a parade. A memorial was set up, with community members expressing solidarity against hate.
NationalThe White House Wants Veteran Soldiers to Replace Immigrant Truck Drivers
The Trump administration is encouraging military veterans to consider truck driving as a career to fill the gap left by immigrant drivers who lost their licenses this year. A new campaign promotes programs allowing veterans who have operated large military vehicles to bypass the skills test for a commercial driver's license. The GI Bill will cover 100% of the training costs, and some veterans may also receive housing assistance. This initiative is part of a broader effort to help veterans find civilian jobs. Currently, truck drivers earn an average of $70,000 annually due to labor shortages in the industry.
NationalTeenager Accused of Killing Four at Georgia School Pleads Guilty
In Winder, Georgia, 16-year-old Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 charges, including murder, related to a school shooting at Apalachee High School that occurred on September 4, 2024. The incident resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers, with several others injured. Gray, who was 14 at the time, was charged as an adult. His father, Colin Gray, was previously convicted of second-degree murder for providing the assault rifle used in the shooting. The court will determine Gray's sentencing, with victims' families urging for life without parole. The hearing resumes Monday, with testimonies expected from mental health professionals.
NationalAgent Involved in Fatal Shooting of Immigrant in Maine May Be Under Protection from Authorities
The ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Johan Sebastián Durán in Maine is reportedly under protective custody due to multiple threats against him. The Colombian Embassy is assisting Durán's family and confirmed his identity. Judicial documents reveal that the agent, David Brouillette, and his wife left their home on July 15 after receiving threats. ICE has not confirmed Brouillette's identity, citing safety concerns for their agents. They reported a significant increase in assaults and threats against their personnel. The shooting occurred during an attempted arrest related to an individual with a final deportation order.
NationalMega Millions Soars to $800 Million! It's the Tenth Highest in Lottery History
The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to $800 million, marking the tenth highest in lottery history after no one matched the winning numbers from Friday's draw. The winning numbers were 2, 5, 42, 44, 60, and the Mega Ball was 1. Winners can choose between a lump-sum cash payment of $344.2 million or an annuity option paid over 30 years. Both options are subject to federal taxes, and state taxes may apply depending on where the prize is claimed. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336, while any prize has odds of 1 in 23. Mega Millions draws occur every Tuesday and Friday across 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but not in certain states like Alabama and Alaska.
NationalTrump Returns to Correspondents' Dinner After Assassination Attempt and Jokes About Security
President Donald Trump returned to the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday, nearly three months after an assassination attempt disrupted the previous event in April. During his 70-minute speech, he referred to the attack as an assault on democracy. The dinner was held at the Waldorf Astoria instead of the traditional Washington Hilton, with attendance dropping from 2,600 to about 700 due to heightened security measures. Trump made jokes about the press and the security protocols, including wearing a bulletproof vest. Awards were presented to journalists from major outlets, and the event was notably attended by fewer officials than in previous years.
NationalSpaceX launches Starship on another test flight, this time with the most advanced Starlinks
SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully launched on July 24, 2026, from Starbase, Texas, carrying 20 advanced Starlink satellites. Standing 407 feet tall, this test flight is crucial for NASA's plans to use Starship as a lunar lander. After engine issues caused a previous launch abort, SpaceX replaced six engines on the booster. The flight lasted an hour, with the booster and spacecraft destined for the Gulf of Mexico and Indian Ocean, respectively. The Starlinks will communicate with older models in orbit, and six of them carried cameras to monitor the heat shield's performance during the flight.
NationalWATCH: SpaceX prepares to launch 13th Starship flight test
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —SpaceX aims to launch its 13th Starship flight test from Starbase on Friday afternoon. The 90-minute launch window opens at 5:45 p.m. ValleyCentral will livestream the launch in the video player above. Friday's launch comes after SpaceX scrubbed Thursday's flight hours before liftoff due to weather conditions. The original July 16 launch
NationalSean 'Diddy' Combs Moves to Isolation in Prison After Fight with Another Inmate
NEW JERSEY — Rapper Sean Combs, known as Diddy, has been placed in isolation at a federal prison in New Jersey, where he is serving a sentence for prostitution-related charges, following a fight with another inmate. According to Channel 7 of ABC News, citing a source familiar with the matter, the popular artist got into a scuffle with another inmate over a comment made to him. It is unclear how long the punishment will last for the singer and successful businessman, who faced trial last year in federal court for the Southern District of New York after being accused of conducting 'elaborate sex shows,' known as 'freak offs,' in which he allegedly forced various women to engage with male sex workers, often under the influence of drugs. The jury acquitted him of the more serious charges of organized crime—which could have led to life imprisonment—and sex trafficking, but found him guilty of two counts of transportation for prostitution. Combs has been serving his four-year and two-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Fort Dix, New Jersey, since October of last year and has appealed his conviction.
NationalHe was already under investigation for organized crime: authorities on murdered mayor
MEXICO CITY — The mayor of a town in central Mexico, who was shot dead in his office on Wednesday, was under investigation for organized crime and the murder of two activists. One of them was Samir Flores, who opposed the construction of an energy project and was shot in 2019, according to federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch on Friday. The official explained that the mayor of Temoac, Valentín Lavín, was allegedly involved in the murder of Flores as well as that of Sandra Rosa Camacho, a local social leader who was also killed. Camacho was murdered in March, shortly after she expressed fears for her life in a video where she also reported to the governor of Morelos state, Margarita González Saravia — from the ruling Morena party — the violence faced by activists. Civil society organizations have been demanding justice for Flores's murder in the Amilcingo community in Temoac for seven years. The activist became a symbol of the community's struggle to defend land in Mexico against many projects promoted by the government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024), such as the controversial Maya Train in southeastern Mexico.