National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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?
NationalLawmakers fear child deportations ramping up in Texas
A group of Democratic members of Congress fears that the federal government is planning to relocate unaccompanied migrant children to Texas to potentially speed up their removals.
NationalU.S. Earthquake Aid to Venezuela Climbs Past $380 Million as Recovery Operations Expand
U.S. military aid to Venezuela has surpassed $380 million following the devastating earthquakes on June 24, 2026. The U.S. Southern Command is coordinating disaster relief efforts in La Guaira and Caracas, focusing on immediate stabilization and support for local authorities. Troops are engaged in rapid response operations, delivering essential supplies like drinking water and other relief materials. The military presence is temporary, with plans to transition responsibilities to NGOs and local organizations once the immediate crisis is under control. The ongoing efforts highlight the commitment to assist Venezuelans in their recovery process.
NationalPOTUS live address: Trump expected to make election conspiracies a focus Thursday night
President Donald Trump is set to address the nation on Thursday night on topics he said will include elections and voting machines, suggesting he is likely to revisit some of the unproven claims he has previously made about Republican losses, particularly his own in 2020.
NationalUnited States Reduces Foreign Journalist Visas from Years to 240 Days
The government of President Donald Trump announced on Thursday a drastic reduction in the validity of visas for foreign journalists to 240 days, down from several years. The measure has raised concerns regarding press freedom in the United States and potential retaliation against American journalists abroad. The policy, revealed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will eliminate the 'duration of status' system, which allows foreign journalists to stay and work in the U.S. as long as they meet eligibility requirements. This system will be replaced by a fixed period, although visas can be extended. The agency claims the measure is necessary for better vetting of visa holders. However, advocacy groups for foreign journalists oppose the change, arguing that a significantly shorter stay would severely restrict their ability to live and work in the United States.
NationalTrump administration revives rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits
MIAMI (AP) — The Trump administration is reviving a rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits that could include food stamps, Medicaid, housing vouchers and others. The policy, known as “public charge,” appeared on Thursday in the Federal Register. It will be formally published on July 20 and take effect