National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalNew Jersey Asks FIFA for a Share of Proceeds from Final Match Turf Sale
New Jersey has requested a share of the profits from FIFA's sale of pieces of the final match turf, priced between $450 and $3,000. Governor Mikie Sherrill and state legislators are upset about this commercialization, arguing that taxpayers should benefit from the millions spent on preparing MetLife Stadium for the World Cup. The state invested $13 million for the field's preparation. Sherrill's administration has had previous disputes with FIFA over public transport costs to the stadium, which were raised to $98. FIFA anticipates a record $11 billion revenue from the 2026 World Cup, featuring 104 matches.
NationalFlight Hours and Travel Miles of Infantino During the World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has logged nearly 60,000 miles and over 100 hours in the air during the 2026 World Cup, the most geographically extensive tournament in history. Traveling across North America, he attended matches and meetings in 16 cities across three countries. His itinerary included a mix of high-profile events, such as an interview on Fox & Friends and a FIFA summit in Miami. Infantino's Gulfstream G650, operated by Qatar Airways, facilitated his extensive travel, which included 43 matches and 23 international border crossings. The tournament has also raised concerns about carbon emissions due to increased travel demands.
NationalAt least one dead and 10 injured after earthquake in central Peru
A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Andes region of Peru on Saturday night, resulting in at least five fatalities and over 20 injuries, according to authorities. The quake occurred at 9:24 PM local time, with its epicenter located 1.24 miles west-southwest of Sicaya in the Junín region. The depth was recorded at 6.21 miles. Luis Vásquez, head of civil defense, confirmed the deaths and reported significant damage to homes and historical structures, including a church and convent. Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors, while health brigades assist the injured. The region is known for its agricultural and livestock traditions.
NationalTwo U.S. Soldiers Confirmed Dead in Jordan; One Missing
Two U.S. soldiers were killed in combat on July 17 while defending Jordan against an Iranian missile and drone attack, with another soldier reported missing, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The attack's specific location in Jordan has not been disclosed, and further details about the incident remain limited. Additionally, four other U.S. soldiers were evacuated to hospitals in Jordan but have since been released. Those with minor injuries have returned to their duties. CENTCOM stated that the identities of the deceased soldiers will not be released until their families have been notified, which will take 24 hours.
NationalSpaceX sets new date for 13th test flight after engines failed to ignite
SpaceX has rescheduled the 13th test flight of its Starship rocket for Monday, July 20, with a launch window opening at 5:45 p.m. This follows a failed attempt on July 16, when the launch was aborted due to two engines not igniting. To ensure a successful flight, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that the malfunctioning engines will be replaced. The upcoming test flight will see Starship launched from Texas on a mission that will take it halfway around the world.
NationalBridges and a water plant impacted: US completes seventh night of attacks against Iran
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that American forces completed their seventh consecutive night of attacks against Iran, concluding operations at 9:30 PM Eastern Time. The airstrikes targeted Iranian military logistics, surveillance facilities, and maritime capabilities, utilizing fighter jets, drones, and naval vessels. CENTCOM holds Iran responsible for escalating tensions and maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iranian officials reported significant casualties from the attacks, including damage to bridges and electrical infrastructure in Hormozgan province. Additionally, a tower at Chabahar port was destroyed, which the U.S. claims was used for military surveillance. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on U.S. targets in the region.
NationalAt Trump's Direct Invitation, Sheinbaum Will Attend the World Cup Final
President Claudia Sheinbaum will attend the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, following an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump. The match will feature Argentina and Spain at Metlife Stadium in New York. Sheinbaum confirmed her attendance during a media event in Playa del Carmen, stating that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will also be present. She plans to travel on Saturday afternoon and return to Mexico on Monday morning. Additionally, she will hold a press conference on Saturday regarding sargassum, having previously given her ticket to the World Cup opener to an indigenous girl who plays soccer.
NationalCornyn Hails 10,000-Job Port Alpha Shipyard Coming to Brownsville
U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced that Saronic is investing over $3 billion to establish the Port Alpha Project at the Port of Brownsville. This initiative is expected to generate up to 10,000 jobs in the Rio Grande Valley and enhance the shipbuilding workforce in the region. Cornyn emphasized the importance of this investment for national security, especially in light of increasing threats from foreign adversaries. He expressed enthusiasm for Saronic's expansion in Texas, highlighting the state's potential for innovation in the maritime industry.
NationalU.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz Issues First Public Statement on Fatal Houston ICE Shooting
U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz addressed the recent fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado in Houston, emphasizing the ongoing investigation by federal agencies, including the FBI and DHS. On July 7, federal officers attempted to stop a white van linked to two Guatemalan men who had evaded arrest. During the encounter, one officer fired a shot that struck Salgado, who later died in the hospital. Reitz urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed without interference and expressed a commitment to uncovering the truth while highlighting the importance of safety and justice in communities.
NationalSpaceX targeting Monday for Starship's 13th flight
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX has announced its new launch date after the second launch of the year was scrubbed on the pad on Thursday afternoon. SpaceX's website shows the Starship's 13th flight test is expected to happen on July 20, Monday, with a launch window opening at 5:45 p.m. According to the website, a
NationalSecretary of Homeland Security Threatens States After Trump's Message on Elections
WASHINGTON — Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin threatened state election officials on Friday with possible prison sentences if they do not comply with President Donald Trump's methods for determining whether non-citizens are registered on the voter rolls. Expanding on President Trump's electoral speech the night before, Mullin stated that the Department of Homeland Security had preliminarily determined that there were over 250,000 non-citizens registered to vote in at least four states: California, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Mullin demanded that states check their voter rolls against a federal database managed by the DHS to determine if non-citizens are registered and warned that failure to do so would result in losing access to federal grants.
NationalMeteorite that Fell in a House in the U.S. Reveals Data on Extraterrestrial Components
A meteorite that crashed through the roof of a home in New Jersey on July 16, 2024, has been identified as one of the most scientifically valuable objects ever recovered. Researchers from the SETI Institute found that the Hillsborough meteorite contains a variety of compounds, including carbon and amino acids, which are essential for understanding the building blocks of life that may have reached early Earth. The meteorite, classified as a carbonaceous chondrite, showed significant alteration by water, making it unique. The homeowner preserved the fragments, allowing for detailed study, with some pieces to be housed at the American Museum of Natural History.
NationalTrump Administration Seeks to Ease Testosterone Prescription; Would It Be Beneficial?
The Trump administration is looking to simplify the process for men to obtain testosterone prescriptions, amid ongoing debates about the hormone's benefits and risks. Supported by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., this initiative aligns with advice from health influencers promoting testosterone for muscle mass and energy. The military will begin testing for low testosterone levels to enhance soldier performance. Recent studies have shown potential health benefits of testosterone, despite previous concerns about heart risks. The FDA has proposed easing prescription guidelines, but experts warn that many men seeking help may not meet the strict criteria for treatment.
NationalSpaceX Starship launch aborted on the pad at the last moment
SpaceX's Starship launch was aborted just seconds before takeoff due to engine failures during a test flight on Thursday. Elon Musk announced that two engines will be replaced to ensure a successful flight in the near future. This would have been Starship's 13th flight, and the rocket, standing at 407 feet tall with 33 engines, is the largest and most powerful ever built. The launch team began draining fuel after the automatic launch system halted the countdown. Twenty advanced Starlink satellites were on board for the mission, which aims to support NASA's lunar ambitions in the coming years.
NationalTrump uses primetime address to the nation to once again raise doubts about past elections
In a primetime address, President Donald Trump reiterated doubts about the integrity of past elections, particularly the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden. He warned of flaws in the voting system and announced the release of previously classified documents related to the 2018 and 2020 elections. Trump emphasized the need for fair elections and justified his push for a strict voter ID bill. Some networks opted not to air the speech live, which Trump criticized, claiming they were part of a conspiracy. Democrats accused him of trying to undermine the legitimacy of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
NationalAP Exclusive: ICE officer in Maine shooting has history of violent behavior, family and records say
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot a Colombian man in Maine this week is an Army veteran who has struggled with serious mental health issues since early childhood and never should have been given a badge and gun to patrol American streets, several of his close relatives told The
NationalTrump administration revives rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits
The Trump administration is reinstating a controversial rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who utilize public benefits such as food stamps and Medicaid. This 'public charge' policy will be published in the Federal Register on July 20 and take effect on September 18. It requires green card applicants to prove they will not become a burden on the state. Critics argue that the rule fosters fear among immigrant communities, discouraging them from seeking essential services. Advocates warn that this could negatively impact public health and economic security, particularly for mixed-status families.
NationalBorder Patrol encounters dropped in June, Rio Grande Valley Sector again leads
HARLINGEN, Texas (Border Report) -- The number of migrants encountered by Border Patrol agents on the Southwest border dropped slightly in June from May, and the Rio Grande Valley Sector continued to report the most encounters. U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Thursday released data from June, which showed there were 9,848 migrant encounters on
NationalTrump Attempts to Rebuild Tariff Wall Struck Down by Supreme Court
Last year, the U.S. Treasury benefited from revenue generated by the hefty tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from nearly every country in the world. However, the funds dwindled after the Supreme Court struck down Trump's largest and boldest tariffs in February. The question now is: Can the president's trade team fulfill its promise to replace the lost revenue?