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PoliticsAbbott Issues Executive Order to Combat Birth Tourism in Texas
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies to investigate and eliminate illegal birth tourism schemes in the state, as well as to penalize healthcare providers involved in these practices. According to the governor, the measure aims to prevent individuals from traveling to the United States illegally or under false pretenses to give birth in Texas and obtain U.S. citizenship for their children. Following a July 7 order, the governor instructed the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to investigate Texas hospitals that were allegedly promoting birth packages in Mexico; now, agencies must take action against any person or entity with a state license found promoting, offering, facilitating, or participating in birth tourism activities that violate the law. Additionally, they may collaborate with federal prosecutors to share information and refer potential violations of federal law. Among the agencies involved in investigating these schemes are the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the State Department of Health Services, the HHSC Office of Inspector General, the Texas Medical Board, the Board of Nursing, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
HealthAllergy medication recalled over potentially 'life-threatening' cross-contamination
Some consumers may have a hypersensitivity to the possible contaminate, officials warn.
NationalMaduro Returns to Court This Wednesday
Nicolás Maduro will return to a federal court on Wednesday for a hearing regarding the status of his case, at a crucial moment in his criminal proceedings. His lawyers may raise a question that could reshape the entire case: whether U.S. courts even have jurisdiction to try him. The defense could argue that a century-old extradition treaty between the United States and Venezuela requires that the dispute be resolved through international arbitration before any criminal proceedings can advance; an argument that, if accepted, could stall the case and potentially lead to Maduro's release. If they choose to pursue this line of defense, prosecutors are expected to vigorously oppose it. On Tuesday, during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office with the President of Lebanon, President Trump was asked about Maduro and stated, 'We eliminated a man who was very evil. What he did was very evil, in many, many different ways. We eliminated him, but you know, Venezuela… They said the same thing. When I acted regarding Venezuela, everyone said… because look at the drugs. Look at what they did. Where they took all their prisoners. They opened their jails and let all the inmates in through Biden's open border policy, which is absolute madness; and we did that in one day.' In March, District Judge Alvin Hellerstein ruled that the trial would continue after Maduro's attorney, Barry Pollack, requested to dismiss the case, claiming the U.S. government was blocking funds for the defense team. This issue is likely to be addressed again in Wednesday's hearing. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. forces during a nighttime raid in Caracas on January 3 and flown to New York, where they were charged with four counts, including narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons-related offenses.
WeatherRecord heat continues as the Valley stays clear of Tropical Storm Bertha
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — We have two big weather stories: the heat and hot temperatures with the possibility of breaking, if not tying, records, but also Tropical Storm Bertha in the northern Gulf. Tropical Storm Bertha Tropical Storm Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic Season and the second storm to form along
WeatherRecord heat continues as the Valley stays clear of Tropical Storm Bertha
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — We have two big weather stories: the heat and hot temperatures with the possibility of breaking, if not tying, records, but also Tropical Storm Bertha in the northern Gulf. Tropical Storm Bertha Tropical Storm Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic Season and the second storm to form along
CommunityFood Bank RGV Seeks Food Donationsand Volunteers for South Texas Flood Relief
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is actively seeking food donations and volunteers until the evening of July 22 to assist families impacted by recent flooding in South Texas. They are requesting non-perishable items such as canned proteins, ready-to-eat meals, peanut butter, bottled water, and other easy-to-prepare snacks. Donations should be new and unopened, and can be dropped off at their location in Pharr. Volunteers are also needed to help sort and package food. The Food Bank RGV will deliver collected items to the South Texas Food Bank on July 23.
SportsUTRGV football takes the stage for Southland Conference Opening Drive media day
HOUSTON, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley football team is participating in the Southland Conference Opening Drive media day on Tuesday at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Watch the livestream in the video player above. UTRGV football Head Coach Travis Bush selected redshirt sophomores, linebacker Jaiden Haygood and offensive
BusinessCommerce Department awards $6 million to expand McAllen industrial park
The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $6 million grant to McAllen to expand its industrial park, facilitating future manufacturing and investment in the Rio Grande Valley. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced the funding during a visit to GE Aerospace, emphasizing its role in building necessary infrastructure like roads and utilities. Local leaders have secured $34 million in private investments linked to the project, which aims to create approximately 500 jobs. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos highlighted the grant's potential regional impact, benefiting not just McAllen but the entire valley.
EducationMission CISD Volunteers Prepare Over 1,000 Backpacks for Back-to-School Bash
Mission CISD volunteers gathered to pack over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for students in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Back-to-School Bash. The event, which involved staff, teachers, and community members, aims to ensure families are ready for the new school year. In addition to free supplies, the bash will offer services like immunizations, physicals, and haircuts. Scheduled for July 27, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Mission Event Center, the event encourages families to utilize these resources as they gear up for the school year ahead.
CommunityTelemundo Reveals Date for the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards
Telemundo and Billboard have announced the date for the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, the most prestigious and long-standing awards in Latin music. The musical special will be broadcast live on Thursday, October 22, on Telemundo and Peacock. It will take place at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. The awards will celebrate the year's most outstanding artists, albums, and songs, featuring stunning live performances by today's top Latin artists. The Billboard Latin Music Awards are the only awards that honor the most popular albums, songs, and performers in Latin music, based on actual sales results, streaming, radio airplay, and social media data that contribute to Billboard's weekly charts over a one-year period. The celebration will coincide with Billboard's Latin Music Week, returning to Miami from October 19 to 22, recognizing Latin music, culture, and entertainment throughout the week with exclusive performances, unique conversations, workshops, showcases, events, and fan experiences. For more information about Billboard's Latin Music Week, visit billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
NationalRemains of Plane That Crashed Over 70 Years Ago After Taking Off from Puerto Rico Found
In an incredible discovery, an aerial search team found the remains of a plane that crashed shortly after taking off from San Juan, Puerto Rico, over 70 years ago. This was revealed by Discovery Channel exclusively for TODAY, confirming the discovery of the Pan Am aircraft known as Clipper Endeavor, which went down in the Atlantic on Good Friday, April 11, 1952. Of the 69 people on board, only 17 survived. The other 52 died after the plane suffered a failure in its engines just minutes after taking off for New York. What caused the tragedy? The official investigation report from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) concluded that both engines on the right side of the plane failed. The pilot managed to perform an emergency water landing in the Atlantic, and although it was successful, the sea was rough, and the rear of the fuselage detached. The plane sank in less than three minutes, leaving very little time for evacuation. Now, more than seven decades later, the search team used autonomous underwater drones to find the Pan Am logo, the landing gear, and the engine of the aircraft, bringing an end to years of searching. The episode of 'Expedition Unknown' about the Clipper Endeavor is scheduled to air in the fall.
NationalWhat’s Behind the Stations Trump Promotes for Their Cheap Gas?
President Donald Trump and his administration have enthusiastically promoted a network of gas stations called 'Freedom Fuel,' promising to sell gas at $3.47 per gallon. The initiative is already a reality in Philadelphia, but uncovering exactly who is behind it has proven difficult. According to an AP investigation, Freedom Fuel currently has a network of 25 gas stations located in the northeastern United States, primarily in the Philadelphia area. Records indicate that the chain, launched last month, is run by a diverse group of entrepreneurs, including an NFL coach, a Republican fundraiser, and a New Jersey businessman who was ordered this year, along with his brother, to pay civil damages for illegally siphoning off more than 200,000 gallons of fuel.
Public SafetyFather and Son Charged with Kidnapping Two Biologists in Northern California Forest
A father and son, Joseph Charles Henrichsen, 49, and Phoenix Henrichsen, 23, have been charged with the armed kidnapping of two federal biologists in Northern California. The incident occurred near Gumboot Lake in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where Joseph allegedly approached the biologists with an AR-15 rifle, restraining them with plastic ties. He forced them to a nearby trailer, where they were held for hours. During negotiations, Joseph claimed to have a grenade and threatened to use it. The victims were released early Friday, and the suspects surrendered. If convicted, they face life imprisonment.
Public SafetyTraffic Stop Ends in Rescue of Driver Trapped in Burning Vehicle
A traffic stop on a Texas highway turned into a life-saving rescue when Southlake Police Officer Joshua Swisher pulled a driver from a burning vehicle just seconds before it was engulfed in flames. Swisher had stopped a speeding Mercedes when he noticed a smoking car nearby. He rushed to the vehicle, breaking the driver's side window to extract the dazed driver as smoke filled the car. The entire rescue took less than 30 seconds. Fortunately, the driver suffered no serious injuries, and Swisher received recognition from the Southlake Police Department for his heroic actions. The speeding driver received only a warning instead of a ticket.
BusinessFew Days Left to Claim Your Payment from the Amazon Settlement
Amazon Prime customers may be eligible for compensation from a $2.5 billion antitrust settlement, but the deadline is approaching. In September, Amazon agreed to pay customers after being accused of pressuring them to enroll in Prime subscriptions and complicating cancellations. Some users may have already received payments last year. To claim the second payment, eligible customers must submit a claim by July 27, 2026. Requirements include being a U.S. consumer who unintentionally enrolled in Prime or attempted to cancel without success. Approved claims could receive up to $51, with payments expected by September.
Public SafetyVehicle on Fire Causes Major Blaze on Val Verde Highway
A fire that started in a GMC truck escalated into a multi-acre blaze on Monday night in Donna, prompting a response from several fire departments in the Rio Grande Valley. The incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. on North Val Verde Road. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The dry brush allowed the flames to spread quickly towards an undeveloped area filled with tall weeds and palm trees, advancing westward towards a nursery and coming close to a tire storage facility. Emergency crews managed to contain the fire before it reached the tire area. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
SportsWhat will be the next host cities for the FIFA Men's World Cup after 2026?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has concluded with Spain defeating Argentina, but the focus now shifts to future tournaments. The next men's World Cup will be in 2030, hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, marking the centenary of the first tournament. In 2034, Saudi Arabia will host the event, likely in winter due to extreme heat. The 2038 World Cup host is still undecided, with potential candidates including the USA, Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand. Germany has also expressed interest in hosting in 2038 or 2042, pending FIFA's decisions.
NationalTrump Revives Trade War with Canada with 50% Tariffs: When Will They Take Effect?
President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian products, citing unfair discrimination against U.S. automobiles, alcohol, and dairy. This move could escalate economic chaos and inflation, straining U.S.-Canada relations. The tariffs will take effect in 30 days, allowing for potential negotiations. Excluded from the tariffs are energy products, potash, fish, and crucial minerals. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed readiness to negotiate, emphasizing the importance of free trade. However, Ontario's Premier Doug Ford warned of potential retaliatory tariffs. The situation raises concerns over a broader trade war and its implications for the global economy.
Public SafetyWeslaco home damaged by fire linked to possible refrigerator problem
A fire in Weslaco, potentially caused by a refrigerator malfunction, occurred around 7 a.m. on Monday at a residence on Bethany Drive. The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the incident, noting that the fire originated near the refrigerator. The homeowner reported previous issues with the appliance freezing up. Julio Mata, an appliance parts supplier, emphasized the importance of regular maintenance, including checking cords and ensuring proper installation to prevent electrical hazards. Fortunately, one person was inside during the fire but escaped unharmed and was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. The home is not deemed a total loss.
Public SafetyVal Verde Road closed due to major fire in Donna
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A major roadway in Donna is closed until further notice as a team of first responders work to put out a fire that broke out on Monday night. According to authorities, FM 1423, also known as Val Verde Road, is closed until further notice as crews work to put out the