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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.
Public SafetyMan accused of sending intimate photos through dead persons's social media accounts: Police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was taken into custody for allegedly sending intimate photos through a deceased person's social media accounts, according to the Donna Police Department. On June 15, Jose Lara Jr. was charged with harassment, two counts of online impersonation, computer security breach and unlawful disclosure of intimate visual material. According to a
Public SafetyCBP officers arrest man wanted in Combes shooting investigation
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a man with multiple warrants out of Combes. German Tanguma was arrested on Thursday while attempting to enter the U.S. at the Hidalgo International Port of Entry. The Combes Police Department said Tanguma was wanted for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred
Public SafetyBrownsville Police Arrest Suspect in Multiple Downtown Robberies
Brownsville police arrested a man linked to multiple thefts in the downtown area early on July 17, 2026. Officers from the specialized Task Force against Theft apprehended 35-year-old Oscar Leonardo Urbina around 12:14 a.m. after a thorough investigation. Urbina faces seven felony charges for commercial burglary and one charge for residential burglary, which is classified as a second-degree felony. Authorities noted that his arrest is a significant step in addressing property crimes in Brownsville's commercial and historic district, where such incidents have been on the rise. He is now in custody awaiting legal proceedings and bail assignment.
PoliticsFederal case dropped against former Hidalgo County District Clerk, state charges remain
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Federal charges against former Hidalgo County District Clerk Omar Guerrero have been dropped by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Texas. According to a criminal complaint, the order of dismissal was submitted on Thursday due to "reasons in the interest of justice." On Friday, the dismissal order was granted, according
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.
Public SafetyDPS Investigates Fatal Crash in Starr County
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a fatal accident that occurred on Friday, July 17, 2026, in Starr County. The crash involved two pickup trucks on FM 755, south of FM 1017, around 1:40 p.m. A silver Dodge Ram towing a trailer was traveling north when a gray Dodge 1500, carrying a driver and a passenger, veered into oncoming traffic. The driver of the Ram swerved to avoid a head-on collision but could not prevent the gray truck from hitting the trailer. The passenger, 67-year-old Noelio Garza Peña from Houston, died at the scene. The driver of the gray truck was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the Ram was unharmed. DPS officials are continuing their investigation.
Public SafetyMultiple agencies respond to house fires in Starr County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- First responders from Starr and Hidalgo Counties are working to put out a fire that broke out in a community near Rio Grande City. The Starr County Sheriff's Office reported that the fire broke out on San Eulogio Street. Rio Grande City Fire Chief Manuel S. Muniz told ValleyCentral that the
Public SafetyTexas AG Issues Warning Against Flood-Related Scams and Price Gouging
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a warning to residents about potential scams and price gouging related to recent flooding in the state. He emphasized the importance of vigilance against fraudulent charities and illegal price increases during declared disasters. Paxton stated that it is unlawful for businesses or individuals to raise prices unreasonably during such times. He encourages anyone who suspects scams or price gouging to report them via his office's toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508. Additionally, he advised residents to verify charities before donating and to protect their personal information.
Public SafetyMajor vehicle crash closes road near La Gloria
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Starr County Sheriff's Office is on the scene of a major vehicle crash on North FM 755 by FM 1017 in La Gloria. According to a news release from the Texas Department of Transportation, FM 755 is currently closed between FM 2294 and FM 1017. Northbound traffic on FM 755 is
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.
Public SafetyThe Death of Nahomi Rodríguez Remains a Mystery 10 Years After Disappearance
Nahomi Rodríguez, a 19-year-old from San Benito, mysteriously disappeared on this day in 2016 after leaving work. Months later, her remains were discovered in Río Hondo, Texas. Nine years later, Harlingen police are still investigating the case and urge the community to provide any information that could help solve it. On the day she vanished, security cameras captured her at a fast-food restaurant, where she was seen getting into a gray Ford Escape. Her last communication was a call to her mother, saying someone would take her home. Her identity was confirmed through dental records after her remains were found in April 2017.
HealthBinational Summit to Halt Flesh-Eating Screwworm Outbreak Convened in New Mexico
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller attended a New World Screwworm (NWS) Summit in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, alongside federal, state, and industry leaders. The summit focused on urgent actions to combat the NWS, which poses a threat to livestock, wildlife, and the economy. Participants from the U.S. and Mexico discussed strategies for surveillance and eradication, emphasizing the need for cooperation across borders. Miller advocated for the use of the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS) and called for enhanced communication and coordination among agencies. The meeting concluded with a commitment to utilize all available resources to address the NWS threat effectively.
Public SafetyLaredo Resident Ordered to Prison for 11 Years in Fentanyl Distribution Case
Jorge Humberto Medrano Jr., a 24-year-old resident of Laredo, has been sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Medrano, who pleaded guilty in January, was linked to the Cártel del Noreste and was found to have trafficked fentanyl mixed with xylazine, a dangerous veterinary tranquilizer. This combination increases the risk of overdose and severe injuries. The court highlighted the ongoing fentanyl crisis and Medrano's role in smuggling nearly 2,000 illegal aliens. He remains in custody pending transfer to a federal facility, as part of a broader initiative to combat organized crime.
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
Public SafetyDeadly San Juan H-E-B parking lot shooting linked to drug deal gone wrong
Two suspects, Michael Anthony Lopez, 18, and Juan Samuel Olguin, 19, have been charged with murder following a shooting at an H-E-B parking lot in San Juan. The incident, linked to a drug deal, resulted in the death of 40-year-old Hervey Marin De Leon on July 10. Both suspects were arraigned and given a $1 million bond. Lopez faces additional charges of aggravated kidnapping and robbery in a separate case. Witnesses reported Lopez shot Hervey during the transaction. The investigation continues, with other suspects not ruled out and several individuals detained for questioning.
CommunityCrowds at Isla Blanca Park react to scrubbed Starship test launch
SpaceX's planned Starship launch at Isla Blanca Park was canceled last Thursday due to engine issues, as confirmed by CEO Elon Musk. The company will replace two engines and aims to attempt the launch again next week. Despite the disappointment, many visitors, including Bianca Martinez from San Antonio and Brandon Towry from Louisiana, expressed excitement about witnessing the event, even if it didn't happen. The park was filled with spectators who had traveled long distances, and while parking was full, attendees remained hopeful about returning for the next launch attempt.
Public SafetyJudge set bail at $1M for men connected to H-E-B shooting death
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two men accused of being involved in a deadly shooting at an H-E-B parking lot that occurred on Thursday in San Juan appeared before a judge Friday morning. After a bond hearing on Friday morning, a judge set bail at $1,000,000 cash surety for the two men, respectively. Michael Anthony Lopez,
WeatherHeavy Rains and Storms Cause Buoys to Dislodge in Eagle Pass
Due to rising levels of the Rio Grande from heavy rains and storms, several border buoys became dislodged in the Eagle Pass area. We reached out to CBP for a statement, and a spokesperson from the agency provided the following information. "As a result of the heavy rains recorded this week in Eagle Pass, Texas, the buoys near Shelby Park, which were under the responsibility and control of the contractor, were swept into the river due to the rapid rise in water levels. These were not buoys that were already installed and anchored in the river. CBP is working with its contractor to recover these buoys." "The water barriers are intended to create a safer border environment for agents conducting patrols, as well as to deter migrants from attempting to cross the border illegally through dangerous waterways. They also provide effective impediment and deterrence capabilities that reinforce natural barriers and complement nearby steel bollard border wall systems," said the CBP spokesperson.