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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.
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.
BusinessTexas Hits Record 14.46 Million Nonfarm Jobs After June Surge
Texas achieved a record high of 14,469,600 nonfarm jobs in June, adding 43,400 jobs and surpassing the national growth rate. The state's labor force now totals 15,904,900, with 15,203,600 individuals employed, including self-employed workers. Governor Abbott highlighted Texas as a hub for innovation and prosperity, emphasizing its favorable business climate. Additionally, Saronic Technologies, Inc. plans to build Port Alpha, a massive shipyard at the Port of Brownsville, with a $3.25 billion investment that will create 10,000 jobs. This growth reflects Texas's ongoing economic expansion and job creation efforts.
HealthTaylor Farms Recalls Iceberg Lettuce Due to Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
Taylor Fresh Foods announced on Friday that it would voluntarily recall all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. This recall comes amid a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis—a gastrointestinal infection that causes weeks of severe diarrhea—linked by federal health authorities to lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants. Taylor Fresh Foods stated that the action was prompted by information provided by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 'While the FDA tracing points to a specific independent farm—representing less than 1% of the iceberg lettuce supply in the U.S.—as the potential source of the outbreak, we have indefinitely removed all iceberg lettuce from that region,' the statement read. 'No other Taylor Fresh Foods products in the country have been affected.' Earlier on Friday, the FDA issued an alert: 'Do not consume chopped iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.' It remains unclear if Taylor Farms products could be related to cases in other states affected by outbreaks. Health authorities have indicated that multiple ongoing outbreaks are likely in at least 34 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Friday morning via an email statement that chopped lettuce sold in supermarkets or served in other restaurants has not been affected. Nationwide, nearly 7,000 people may have contracted the gastrointestinal infection that causes weeks of severe diarrhea. As of Friday, the CDC had confirmed 1,644 of those cases and was investigating over 5,000 additional ones. No deaths have been reported. In an email statement on Thursday, Taco Bell reported that it had voluntarily removed the lettuce suspected of being linked to the outbreak from its national supply chain indefinitely and would replace it in selected states over the course of the following day. The company did not mention Taylor Farms in its statement but asserted that it believes 'public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities; we take pride in having always acted quickly and proactively to protect our customers,' according to the text. 'We encourage all relevant restaurants, retailers, and food service operators to do the same.' The link between Taylor Farms and the outbreak was initially reported by the Washington Post. Michigan has been the most affected state, with 5,002 reported cases as of Friday. (CDC figures often lag behind those of the states.) The state health department reported that 102 people in Michigan have required hospitalization. Michigan health authorities had previously pointed to lettuce and salad greens as a potential source, based on over 1,000 interviews with individuals who tested positive. Since then, the health department has conducted 2,025 such interviews. Not all individuals who fell ill in Michigan reported eating at a Taco Bell. 'Many did not report consuming lettuce at a chain restaurant or other food establishment. However, lettuce continued to appear frequently in food questionnaires, even in cases without exposure to restaurants or fast food,' the Michigan Department of Health noted in a statement on Friday. Identifying the source of the outbreak has proven difficult, as the incubation period required for the parasite to make a person ill can extend up to two weeks. This is not the first time Taylor Farms has been linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. In 2013, health authorities concluded that 631 people in 25 states fell ill due to a salad mix associated with the company. Many cases occurred in Iowa and Nebraska among individuals who had dined at Olive Garden and Red Lobster. It was ultimately determined that the outbreak originated from a salad mix produced at a Taylor Farms processing plant in Mexico. Health authorities also determined that Taylor Farms was behind an E. coli outbreak in 2024, linked to sliced onions used in McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers. According to the FDA, 104 people fell ill in 14 states during that outbreak. Nearly three dozen were hospitalized, and four individuals—including at least one child—developed severe kidney problems. One person, an elderly adult from Colorado, died. This article was originally published in English by Erika Edwards and Sara G. Miller for our sister network NBC News. The note was translated with the help of an artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Digital reviewed the translation.
PoliticsTexas AG Backs Congressional Resolution Affirming Texas’s Constitutional Right to Defend Borders
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his support for House Resolution 50, introduced by Rep. Jodey Arrington, which affirms states' constitutional rights to defend against border invasions. The resolution highlights the sovereign authority of states to exclude unlawfully present foreign nationals and emphasizes the federal government's obligation to protect states from invasion. Paxton stated that H.Res.50 validates Texas's actions to secure its borders and counters legal challenges from the Biden administration. He also noted that the resolution reinforces Texas Senate Bill 4, which criminalizes illegal entry and allows for the arrest of illegal aliens.
BusinessTexas Upstream Energy Sector Posts June Job Gains
The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) reported a 400-job increase in the state's upstream oil and natural gas sector from May to June 2026, despite a loss of 900 jobs in extraction. The service sector gained 1,300 jobs, totaling 135,800. In June, Texas had 10,978 unique job postings in the industry, with Houston leading at 2,770 postings. The median salary for advertised positions was $54,100, with 37% requiring a bachelor's degree. Texas oil producers paid $948 million in production taxes, including $736 million in oil taxes, marking a record monthly collection.