National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalU.S. Contradicts Iran, Says Strait of Hormuz is Open Amid Intensified Attacks
The U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran early Sunday following an Iranian attack on a Cypriot-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which forced the crew to abandon the vessel. Iran retaliated by targeting several Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. U.S. Central Command stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for lawful transit, despite Iranian claims of closure. The recent violence has jeopardized ongoing negotiations aimed at a permanent ceasefire, which had been agreed upon in June. Meanwhile, India condemned the attack on its crew member and is coordinating a rescue operation with Oman.
NationalHouston ICE shooting witnesses claim driver didnt try to ram agents
Witnesses to the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Houston claim he never attempted to run over any officers. An attorney representing two passengers in Salgado Araujo's van stated that agents fired from the sides of the vehicle, contradicting ICE's account that the van was used as a weapon. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia and the attorney called for an independent investigation into the incident, as ICE agents lacked body cameras during the shooting. The Mexican government plans to file complaints regarding the treatment of its nationals in U.S. detention centers, following this and other incidents.
NationalTrump suggests a standing order to attack Iran if it assassinates him. But Vance would make the call
President Donald Trump has indicated that he has left military orders for the U.S. to retaliate against Iran if it attempts to assassinate him. However, the U.S. lacks a mechanism for automatic retaliation, meaning Vice President JD Vance would have to make the call if Trump were killed. Trump claims that 1,000 missiles are ready to target Iran in response to threats against him. Iran's supreme leader has vowed revenge for the killing of his father, further escalating tensions. The White House has not clarified what would happen to Trump's orders in the event of his death, amid ongoing threats from Iran.
NationalSpaceX announces date for 13th Starship launch
SpaceX has announced that the 13th test flight of its Starship is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, from Starbase in Cameron County. A safety zone will be established in collaboration with local law enforcement, which will lead to temporary closures of Highway 4 and Boca Chica Beach. The launch window will begin at 5:45 p.m. and will last for 90 minutes, allowing for the test to proceed safely while ensuring public safety in the surrounding area.
NationalSenator Lindsey Graham dies after brief and unexpected illness, his office says
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away on Saturday night at the age of 71 due to a brief and unexpected illness, according to a statement from his office. Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was known for his strong advocacy of U.S. foreign policy and military intervention. His death prompted tributes from Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who praised Graham's dedication to the country. Graham had served in the Senate since 2002 and was involved in significant legislative efforts, including immigration reform. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement.
NationalSpaceX announces target date for 13th Starship launch
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX has announced the target date for its thirteenth Starship test flight. The launch window is scheduled to open as early as 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, from Starbase. The thirteenth Starship test flight will be the second flight test of 2026. According to Starbase, the thirteenth Starship test flight aims
NationalAt least two dead after shooting in Toronto, according to police
On July 11, 2026, a shooting near a salsa festival in Toronto resulted in at least two fatalities and six injuries. The incident occurred at the intersection of St Clair Ave W and Arlington Ave, where local authorities reported that two individuals were killed, five others suffered gunshot wounds, and one person sustained a different type of injury. The suspect remains at large. Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his devastation over the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair festival, extending his thoughts to the victims and their families.
NationalMeta Limits Use of New AI Tool That Accessed Public Instagram Images
Meta has limited the use of its new AI tool, Muse Image, which accessed public Instagram images. This decision came just days after its launch, following backlash over privacy concerns. Muse Image allowed users to generate images based on prompts, but it also automatically referenced photos from public accounts. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) expressed concerns, urging members to adjust their Instagram settings to protect their images. In response to the criticism, Meta stated that the tool was intended to be useful but acknowledged that it missed the mark, leading to the discontinuation of the feature.
NationalIran Announces Strait of Hormuz Will Remain Closed 'Until Further Notice'
Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed 'until further notice' and that any foreign interference aimed at opening an 'illegal route' in the region will receive a strong response, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported early Sunday. The armed force stated in a communiqué that the decision was made after several vessels ignored warnings to transit exclusively through an authorized area. According to information released by IRIB, a ship endangered maritime security, prompting the Revolutionary Guard's navy to stop it after firing warning shots. Iranian authorities stated that they will not allow vessels to pass while U.S. interference in the Strait of Hormuz continues, and this determination will remain 'until further notice.'
NationalJournalists Subpoenaed After Report Questioning Security of New Air Force One
The Trump administration has issued subpoenas to several New York Times journalists following a report raising security concerns about the new Air Force One, which was recently put into service. The subpoenas, delivered by federal agents to reporters' homes, require them to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan. David McCraw, a lawyer for the Times, criticized the federal agents' actions as alarming for press freedom. The situation reflects a broader pattern of Trump's aggressive stance against independent media. Meanwhile, Trump denied any security issues regarding the new aircraft, which underwent a $400 million upgrade.
National1,000 missiles are ready”: Trump’s strong warning to Iran after calls to kill him
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that 1,000 missiles are ready to target the Islamic Republic following calls for his assassination during the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The tensions in the Middle East are escalating as the U.S. demands Iran publicly acknowledge that the Strait of Hormuz is open and safe for shipping. Iran, however, insists on controlling the strait and charging fees for passage. Recent U.S. airstrikes have led to Iranian retaliatory attacks on several Middle Eastern countries, raising concerns about further conflict. Trump declared the ceasefire agreement with Iran effectively over.
NationalStrained Ohio county seeks help to care for 16 siblings from squalid home and prosecute their family
Authorities in Vinton County, Ohio, are facing a crisis after discovering 16 siblings living in deplorable conditions at a rural home. The county is struggling to provide care for these children, aged 18 months to 18 years, while prosecuting their parents and grandparents. The local prosecutor warned that the medical costs for one defendant could bankrupt the county, leading to his release for hospital care. The state is expected to approve $1 million to assist with the children's care, as the county's resources are stretched thin. The siblings are now safe, but the situation poses significant challenges for the small, impoverished county.
NationalJudge Grants Request to Overturn Proud Boys Convictions for January 6
A federal judge has agreed to vacate the convictions of four Proud Boys members involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, following a request from the Department of Justice. Judge Timothy J. Kelly permanently closed the cases against Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola, noting that while he did not support the government's decision, he had no choice but to grant the motion. The four men had been convicted of serious charges in 2023, with Nordean receiving an 18-year sentence. Their convictions were part of a broader pattern of clemency granted by former President Trump to those involved in the Capitol riots.
NationalUS Demands Iran Publicly Declare Strait of Hormuz Open to Navigation
The United States government has demanded that Iran publicly announce that the Strait of Hormuz is open and that vessels crossing the waterway will no longer be subject to attacks, senior Washington officials reported on Friday. They added that internal disputes within the power structure in Tehran have complicated efforts to reach and maintain an agreement. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the situation with Iran, stated that military actions resumed this week after a rebel faction attempted to sabotage the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump reiterated on social media on Friday that he believes the provisional ceasefire agreement is 'over!' However, he added that the United States would continue talks aimed at achieving a permanent end to the war. The officials noted on Friday that Trump has given US negotiators a limited time to reach an agreement with Iran, but highlighted the complicated landscape by stating that the president has a wide range of options if the talks collapse. They also indicated that there is currently a dispute within the Iranian government following the death of the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the initial US and Israeli airstrikes that began the war.
NationalSen. Cruz Welcomes Aaron Reitz as U.S. Attorney for Texas’ Southern District
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has expressed his support for the appointment of Aaron Reitz as the new U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. Cruz, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, praised Reitz's experience and dedication, noting their previous collaboration when Reitz served as his Chief of Staff for nearly two years. Cruz emphasized Reitz's commitment to the rule of law and public safety, expressing confidence in his ability to serve Texans effectively in this role. The announcement highlights Reitz's qualifications and the significance of his new position.
NationalEight Men Charged with Planning Attack on the White House
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Eight men were formally charged on Thursday with murder and conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism due to their alleged involvement in a thwarted attack — which included the use of drones and snipers — against a UFC cage fighting event scheduled for June to celebrate President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The formal indictment, filed in Ohio, charges the eight individuals in two separate conspiracies: one for providing material support to terrorists and another for committing murder on federal territory and killing a federal official. Court records do not clarify how close the alleged attackers were to carrying out the plan before it was thwarted. According to the new indictment, the plot began in May when the group started accumulating money, firearms, ammunition, bulletproof vests, explosives, drones, medical equipment, communication gear, and other items. On June 10, law enforcement became aware of a potential threat against President Trump's UFC event, four days before the mixed martial arts show was to take place. Last month, the Department of Justice announced a series of criminal complaints in various districts across the country related to the plot against the UFC, including cases in Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Nebraska, and California. The indictment announced on Thursday represents a government effort to expedite the case and consolidate the defendants into a single court proceeding for conspiracy in Ohio. Authorities have noted that group members harbored extremist conspiracy theories and hoped the attack would destabilize the government.
NationalBoston Nurses Stage Largest Strike in Massachusetts History
On Wednesday, over 4,000 nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston initiated a strike, marking the largest nurses' strike in Massachusetts history and the first at this hospital. The Massachusetts Nurses Association cited stalled contract negotiations with Mass General Brigham, primarily over wages, as the reason for the strike. The hospital has hired around 1,300 temporary nurses to maintain operations during the strike. Although the strike was intended to last one day, the hospital enforced a five-day lockout, complicating the situation. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has called for renewed negotiations with mediators involved.
NationalAaron Reitz, former attorney general candidate, appointed U.S. attorney in Texas’ southern district
Aaron Reitz has been appointed the next U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas. Reitz previously worked as a top deputy to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and worked in the Trump Justice Department before running for attorney general earlier this year. Reitz finished fourth, despite Paxton’s endorsement, in a crowded and expensive primary.
NationalTerrifying Flight: Passenger Partially Sucked Out of Airplane Window in Greece
A man who was partially sucked out through a detached window on a flight from Greece to Germany on Friday was pulled back inside the plane by other passengers. The 61-year-old suffered injuries to his neck and shoulders, as well as friction burns, according to a Greek hospital official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to make public statements to the media. The incident occurred on a morning flight from the Greek city of Thessaloniki in the north of the country to Memmingen, near Munich, operated by Malta Air, a subsidiary of Ryanair. Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, stated in a release that the flight 'returned to Thessaloniki shortly after takeoff when a passenger window detached mid-flight.' Passengers told Greek media that they heard a loud bang, oxygen masks dropped, and the plane began to lose altitude.