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NationalUS soldiers killed by Iran were from Texas and Hawaii, military says
The U.S. military has confirmed the deaths of two soldiers, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, from Carrollton, Texas, and 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, who were killed in Jordan by Iranian missile and drone attacks. This marks the first U.S. troop fatalities from direct Iranian fire since the conflict began. The soldiers were part of a mission against the Islamic State. In total, 17 American service members have died in the ongoing war with Iran, highlighting the dangers posed by drone and missile warfare in the region.
BusinessBrownsville restaurant credits World Cup watch parties for jump in sales
Ramses Tacos & Tequilas in Brownsville has reported a significant increase in summer sales, attributing this boost to the World Cup festivities. The restaurant hosted viewing parties for all 48 matches, drawing larger crowds, especially during games featuring popular teams like Mexico and the U.S. To accommodate the influx of customers, the restaurant expanded its staff from 20-25 to around 40-50 employees. Manager Gabriel Exinia noted a 30% rise in sales compared to May, highlighting the success of the season. Patrons, like Ashok Nair, expressed that the lively atmosphere enhanced their viewing experience compared to watching at home.
McAllenThe latest at Starbase: July 20
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- As SpaceX transitioned into final preparations for Starship Flight 13, Ship 40 gave a wave as it was put through a round of actuation testing of its flaps. That afternoon, the chopsticks released Ship 40 and were open and raised into the launch position. The landing rails were tested again, being
PoliticsTxDOT, CCRMA Seek Public Input on Proposed FM 1846 Widening Project in San Benito
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in collaboration with the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) and the City of San Benito, will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss proposed improvements to FM 1846 (Oscar Williams Road). The project aims to widen 1.62 miles of the road, adding four travel lanes, a continuous left turn lane, and a shared use path, with an estimated cost of $10.5 million funded by state and federal sources. The meeting will be accessible online starting July 29, 2026, and will remain open for 15 days. In-person attendance is also available, with accommodations for those needing assistance.
WeatherGovernor Surveys Flood-Damaged Areas, Provides Update On Texas’ Severe Weather Response
Governor Greg Abbott conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Texas, providing updates on the state's response to last week's severe flooding. He expressed gratitude to first responders and volunteers for their efforts. The state has identified approximately 490 homes with damage and is collaborating with local officials to expedite debris removal and rebuilding efforts. Abbott emphasized the importance of monitoring local forecasts and avoiding flooded roads. Resources for recovery and assistance can be found at disaster.texas.gov and TexasReady.gov, as Texas maintains a heightened response posture to support affected communities.
HealthLaredo Public Health Department reports 7 cases of cyclospora
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Laredo Public Health Department has confirmed seven cases of cyclospora in Webb County. According to a spokesperson for the Laredo Public Health Department, no confirmed hospitalizations have been associated with the cases. Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the small intestine and is linked to fresh produce, causing serious symptoms such
NationalTrump Administration Seeks to Revoke Citizenship of Immigrant for Million-Dollar Medicare Fraud
The U.S. government plans to revoke the citizenship of a Cuban immigrant who allegedly defrauded Medicare out of nearly $900,000 and reportedly committed fraud to obtain this immigration benefit, according to official information. The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits to denaturalize ten citizens accused of concealing serious crimes during their immigration process, including a Cuban immigrant from South Florida, as reported by the DOJ. According to the DOJ's civil complaint, 45-year-old Yoskmaikel Rodríguez Pérez obtained permanent residency in the U.S. in 2004 and became a naturalized citizen in 2018. However, the federal government claims that before becoming a citizen, he operated an alleged medical clinic from which he submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare totaling over $886,000. Authorities allege that throughout the naturalization process, he concealed his 'criminal activity and also provided false testimony under oath during his interview' with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials. Subsequently, Rodríguez Pérez pleaded guilty and was convicted of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and electronic fraud. As a result, the DOJ filed a four-count complaint to revoke his citizenship, arguing that he never met the legal requirement to demonstrate 'good moral character,' which is essential for naturalization. In addition to the Cuban immigrant, the lawsuits seek to revoke the citizenship of nine other naturalized citizens from Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, and Poland. Among them are individuals accused or convicted of child sexual abuse, immigration fraud, healthcare fraud, cocaine trafficking, theft, and tax fraud, as well as using false identities to obtain immigration benefits. The DOJ clarified that all the lawsuits are civil, and the allegations contained within them must be evaluated by federal courts, meaning a judge will ultimately determine whether the revocation of citizenship for each individual is warranted. The DOJ described this initiative as part of the largest denaturalization effort driven by the Trump administration. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the accused 'lied to obtain U.S. citizenship' and assured that the government will continue to bring more cases. 'Under President Trump's leadership, we will aggressively pursue denaturalization to protect the integrity of the naturalization process,' Blanche declared. Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that those who commit fraud during the immigration process lose the right to retain U.S. citizenship.
Public SafetyMan who threatened ‘lights out’ for ICE agent takes responsibility, avoids prison
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man who threatened a federal agent with “lights out” avoided prison Monday. In June 2025, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided a taqueria in San Benito, bystanders recorded the confrontation — and posted the video on Facebook. Anastacio Castillo De Leon, who lived in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, asked
WeatherTropical Storm Bertha Forms in the Gulf; Areas That May Be Affected
MIAMI – Tropical Storm Bertha formed on Monday after Tropical Depression Two intensified, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of the latest bulletin at 8 PM, the system was located 110 miles south of Panama City, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and a minimum pressure of 1004 mb, moving northwest at about 3 mph. According to the forecast track, Bertha is expected to move near or along the northern Gulf coast over the next few days, with the possibility of further strengthening. The latest forecast indicates that the NHC is closely monitoring the system as it approaches the Florida Panhandle, an area for which a tropical storm watch has already been issued. Tropical storm conditions could be experienced in this area from late tonight through Tuesday, potentially extending into Wednesday. The combination of storm surge and tide will likely cause flooding in normally dry areas near the immediate coast due to rising water levels moving inland from the shoreline. Watches and Warnings: A tropical storm watch is in effect from the Ochlockonee River to the Florida-Alabama border. A storm surge watch is in effect from the Alabama-Florida border to the mouth of the Mississippi River.
CommunityMedal of Honor Monday: Army 2nd Lt. Robert Craig
Army 2nd Lt. Robert Craig was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor during World War II, specifically for his actions in Sicily during Operation Husky. Born in Scotland on June 7, 1919, Craig's family moved to Toledo, Ohio, when he was four. After joining the Army in 1941, he participated in the July 1943 landings in Sicily. During a fierce battle, he bravely charged enemy positions, allowing his platoon to retreat safely. He was killed in action, but his heroism inspired his men to defeat the enemy. His Medal of Honor was presented to his father in 1944.
PoliticsBoca Chica Beach is off-limits! Law proposal presented to protect the name
In a statement, Congressman Vicente González introduced the "Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach" bill, aimed at protecting the name of Boca Chica Beach and providing greater transparency in the name change process. The initiative would also require the Domestic Names Committee, a key division of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), to notify the relevant congressional representative about any proposed name changes affecting their district. The statement also indicated that geographic names established by a congressional law, or those included in proposed legislation, are not subject to the authority of the BGN. Therefore, González's initiative would take precedence over the principles, policies, and procedures of the BGN, and no future proposals to change the name of Boca Chica Beach during this legislative period would be considered. The congressman stated: "It is absurd that a name change proposal from outside our state has jeopardized the very essence of a historic and cultural site in South Texas." Vicente González (TX-34) "The serious lack of transparency from the Domestic Names Committee nearly silenced the voices of Cameron County residents in a decision that directly affects our daily lives and would have imposed a financial burden on local municipalities responsible for replacing signage and public identifiers. Although our community quickly united to stop this initial proposal, my bill will ensure that Boca Chica Beach will always remain the People's Beach." Vicente González (TX-34) Controversy over the proposed name change for Boca Chica Beach It is worth noting that Cameron County experienced moments of intense tension following the proposal to rename the iconic Boca Chica Beach as "Cyber Beach," an attempt to align the name of the location with the region's technological and aerospace boom. However, on July 9, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names halted the initiative, ruling in favor of residents demanding respect for their roots. In a statement, County Judge Eddie Treviño said: "We are encouraged that the overwhelming opposition expressed by Cameron County residents, along with the support of our local, state, and federal elected officials, has reaffirmed the importance of preserving the historic name of the beach."
Public SafetyCBP Officers Intercept 22.4 Kilograms of Fentanyl at Presidio Port of Entry
On July 15, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 22.4 kilograms of fentanyl at the Presidio Port of Entry in Texas. The fentanyl was hidden in the spare tire of a 2018 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by a male U.S. citizen who had just crossed the border from Ojinaga, Mexico. Anomalies detected by nonintrusive inspection technology led to a secondary inspection, revealing the concealed drugs. The driver was arrested and charged with violations related to the importation and possession of controlled substances. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking at the border.
PoliticsCongressman Gonzalez introduces bill to protect renaming of Boca Chica Beach
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez on Monday introduced legislation seeking to bring transparency to the federal renaming process. The "Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act" aims to protect the site from unnecessary name changes and would require the Domestic Names Committee to notify congressional members of a proposed name change that
EducationFree school supplies, haircuts, health screenings at back-to-school expo
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With back-to-school season just around the corner, Driscoll Health is partnering with dozens of sponsors, including the RGV Vipers, to get thousands of Valley families ready for the coming school year. On Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., all Valley families are invited to the Bert Ogden Area, where they will have a
PoliticsCongressman Gonzalez Introduces Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) has introduced the Hands off Our Boca Chica Beach Act to protect the historic Boca Chica Beach from unnecessary name changes. This legislation aims to codify the beach's name and requires the Domestic Names Committee to inform the local Congressman of any proposed name changes. Gonzalez's bill takes precedence over the committee's policies, ensuring that no future renaming proposals will be considered during this Congress. The act follows a controversial attempt to rename the beach to 'Cyber Beach,' which faced strong opposition from local officials and was ultimately rejected after Gonzalez's intervention.
WeatherStarr County Judge Signs Disaster Declaration Due to Armyworm Threat
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera announced on his social media that he has signed a local disaster declaration due to the threat of the New World armyworm in the region. This is a developing story. We will provide more details as they become available.
BusinessPharr EDC Launches Digital Facade Initiative to Help Local Businesses Strengthen Their Online Presence
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (Pharr EDC) has launched the Digital Facade Initiative to assist local businesses in enhancing their online visibility. This program aims to ensure that businesses are easily searchable and accurately represented on platforms like Google. Pharr EDC staff will conduct visits to local companies to review their digital storefronts, including Google Business Profiles and essential information for customers. Leticia Adame, Economic & Workforce Director, emphasizes the importance of a strong digital presence for customer trust. Businesses interested in this initiative can reach out to Pharr EDC for support.
NationalHarlingen Native Helps Power U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Missions
Chief Petty Officer Jeffery Huerta, a Harlingen native, is currently serving as an aviation structural mechanic with Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 13 at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. Huerta credits his upbringing in Harlingen for instilling values of respect and hard work, which have shaped his leadership style. After graduating from Sam Rayburn High School in 2003, he joined the Navy 21 years ago, initially intending to serve only one term. He is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety. Huerta expresses pride in his promotion to chief petty officer and acknowledges the support of his family throughout his military journey.
Public SafetyConviction Handed Down in Human Smuggling and Extortion Plot
Cameron Jake Tucker, a 26-year-old from Bacliff, has been convicted of kidnapping, hostage-taking, and harboring an illegal alien. After a three-day trial, a federal jury reached a guilty verdict in just two hours. The case began on May 14, 2025, when an illegal alien escaped from a stash house in Houston, claiming he had been held captive and assaulted by Tucker. The victim managed to escape and led authorities to the stash house, where Tucker was later apprehended. He faces a potential life sentence and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for October 15, 2026.
WeatherTropical storm could form later today in the Gulf
Tropical Depression Two is expected to become Tropical Storm Bertha on Monday as the depression moves northwestward, the National Hurricane Center announced.