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Public SafetyLa Grulla homicide investigation underway
The Texas Rangers are currently investigating a homicide case in La Grulla. The inquiry started on Tuesday when authorities discovered a man unresponsive on Migrant Street, who was subsequently declared dead. A spokesperson from the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that further details about the incident are not available at this moment.
WeatherHeavy rains keep drenching South Texas, tornado reported in San Antonio
Heavy rains continue to batter South Texas, leading to significant flooding and a tornado sighting in San Antonio. On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, slow-moving storms caused extensive damage, prompting mandatory evacuations in Uvalde County and warnings for residents in Boerne to evacuate voluntarily. The National Weather Service reported rainfall totals of up to 16 inches in Uvalde County, with high-water rescues ongoing. Authorities warned of dangerous flash flooding, especially in areas west of San Antonio. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared disasters in multiple counties as first responders worked tirelessly to assist those affected by the severe weather.
EducationSan Benito CISD awarded $1. 85 million grant to expand after-school programs
San Benito CISD has received a $1.85 million grant to enhance after-school programs at nine campuses over the next three years. This funding, provided through the Cycle 13 ACE After School Grant, ensures that all after-school activities remain free for families. Superintendent Fred Perez emphasized the district's commitment to keeping students engaged after school, noting that a campus with approximately 600 students could see around 150 participating in the program. The district aims to maintain high participation rates in these after-school initiatives.
PoliticsKen Paxton campaigns in McAllen following endorsement from National Border Patrol Council
Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, held a campaign rally in McAllen on Tuesday evening, emphasizing the importance of border security. The event took place at University Draft House on Business 83 and 2nd Street, shortly after news broke that Washington had temporarily halted immigration arrests during traffic stops. Earlier that day, Paxton received the endorsement of the National Border Patrol Council. He stated, "We need to stand behind our law enforcement," while acknowledging the challenges they face. Paxton will be on the November ballot against Democrat James Talarico, who is set to campaign in McAllen on Wednesday.
PoliticsReports from Camp East Montana: Beatings and Abuse at Immigrant Detention Center
Dozens of individuals held at a large Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Texas claim they were beaten by guards or witnessed others being assaulted, according to a report released by legal and human rights activists. The 84-page report, jointly published on Wednesday by Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union, also notes that men and women detained at Camp East Montana, located at the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, reported being denied medical care, forced to live in unsanitary conditions, and given inedible food. Detainees also indicated they were prevented from communicating with their lawyers or family members. Of the 71 detainees contacted over a five-month period, 64—about 90% of those interviewed—said they had personally experienced abuse by staff or had seen others suffer physical mistreatment, according to the report. 'ICE's Camp East Montana is a human rights disaster,' said Angélica César, associate researcher for Human Rights Watch and the ACLU and one of the lead investigators of the report. 'The U.S. government should shut it down, conduct independent investigations into all abuses and deaths in custody, and end mass deportations and mandatory immigration detention.'
Public SafetyAlton fire crews respond to call of illegal burning
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County Commissioner Everardo 'Ever' Villarreal is alerting residents about the consequences of illegal burning after fire crews responded to an illegal burn call on Wednesday. Crews with the Alton Fire Department responded to the fire near the 6-Mile Line and Iowa Road. "I want to remind everyone that illegal burning
EducationFormer Donna ISD employee takes office as Texas State Teachers Association president
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A former Donna Independent School District employee took office as the new president of the Texas State Teachers Association on Wednesday. According to TSTA, Linda Estrada was born in Weslaco and grew up in Donna, where she went on to have a 33-year career with Donna ISD. Over the course of her career, Estrada held positions as
Public SafetyHomicide investigation underway in La Grulla
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A homicide investigation is underway in La Grulla. A man was found unresponsive in La Grulla on Tuesday and was later pronounced dead, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Rangers and Starr County officials are leading the homicide investigation. No other details are being released at this time,
HealthThe Crucial Steps to Prevent Rabies Transmission
Rabies is primarily found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes in the U.S. It can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from infected animals. The CDC highlights that bat bites are a leading cause of rabies-related deaths in the country. To prevent rabies, it is crucial to avoid contact with wildlife, keep pets vaccinated, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a potentially rabid animal. Each year, over 100,000 people may be exposed, but fewer than 10 die due to effective prevention measures and access to post-exposure prophylaxis.
NationalPromise Me, America
Former U.S. President Joe Biden will publish a memoir this fall, Little, Brown and Company informed The Associated Press. 'Promise Me, America,' which Biden claims will cover topics from the economy to his decision to withdraw from his reelection campaign, is set to be released on November 17. The timing of the book's launch—two weeks after the midterm elections, where Democrats are trying to regain control of Congress—could raise concerns within his party. Many Democrats remain divided over Biden's legacy and his controversial decision to seek a second term in the White House, and leaders hope to keep the fall campaign focused on the record of Republican President Donald Trump. 'Promise Me, America' is about the challenges we face as a nation. It is about the decisions I made and why I made them. Above all, it is about my faith in the promise of America,' Biden stated in a video announcement accompanying Wednesday's news. Reports about Biden's book have been circulating for over a year, and the former president himself has referenced it in public comments, suggesting it would be published before the November elections.
BusinessFlower Guerrero Named Marketing Director for Cano Family Companies
Flower Guerrero has been appointed as the marketing director for Cano Family Companies, which includes Grande Produce, Cano & Sons Trucking, and others. Announced on July 14, Guerrero brings over 25 years of experience in marketing and brand strategy. Her role will encompass corporate communications, public relations, and digital marketing, among other responsibilities. The Cano family, founders of Cano & Sons Trucking in 1999, has expanded their business to include over 190 trucks and various services in transportation and logistics. Guerrero aims to unify the brand strategy while maintaining each company's unique identity.
PoliticsRep. Gonzalez Delivers $1.4 Million Federal Grant to Brownsville Airport
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced a federal grant of $1,491,504 for the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Program. This funding will be used to replace essential airfield signage, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Gonzalez emphasized the airport's role as a crucial economic gateway for the region. The grant is part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which he supported to ensure ongoing funding for airport improvements. Local officials expressed gratitude for Gonzalez's advocacy in securing this vital investment for South Texas.
Public SafetyFormer Captain Pleads Guilty to Drugging and Assaulting a Merchant Marine Cadet
NEW YORK — A former cargo ship captain pleaded guilty on Wednesday to drugging and raping a 21-year-old cadet from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, who was working on the vessel as part of the academy's 'Sea Year' training program. John Merrone, 53, entered his plea just as his trial was set to begin in federal court in Brooklyn. He admitted to having sexual intercourse with the cadet without her consent 'on the ship, in the middle of the ocean' after rendering her unconscious with an intoxicating substance in 2019. The jury had already been selected, and the woman, identified only as Jane Doe, was present in court waiting to testify. Prosecutors also planned to call other women as witnesses who have accused Merrone of sexual assaults over the past three decades. Generally, The Associated Press does not disclose the names of individuals who allege they have been sexually assaulted unless they agree to be identified. Merrone had previously been convicted of false imprisonment and battery after a waitress in the Florida Keys accused him of having sex with her against her will; however, an appeals court overturned the verdict, and prosecutors did not retry the case.
NationalMexico's Prosecutor's Office Fails to Identify Pilot Who Transported 'El Mayo' Zambada to the U.S.
The controversial arrest and transfer of drug lord Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada to the United States took a new turn on Wednesday after the Attorney General's Office admitted it took nearly ten months to identify the pilot of the aircraft that transported the trafficker, despite having detained him in Mexico in February 2025 and subsequently handing him over to U.S. authorities. The Attorney General's Office reported in a statement that last month it was able to determine the identity of the mysterious pilot after finding 'voice and fingerprint evidence' in the investigation files of the case. The pilot was identified by the Attorney General as Mauro Alberto 'N' or Alejandro 'N', alias 'El Jando'. Since July 2024, following the arrest of Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López, one of the sons of the convicted drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán in Texas, Mexico had repeatedly requested information from Washington regarding the operation that led to the capture of the historic drug lord and his subsequent air transfer to the United States, but received no response. The co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel was arrested on July 25, 2024, in Texas along with Guzmán López, who admitted in federal court last December that he organized Zambada's kidnapping in Mexico in hopes of gaining benefits from U.S. authorities. Zambada, 76, pleaded guilty in a New York court and is awaiting sentencing, along with Guzmán López, after stating that he accepted a life sentence.
NationalNew One-Dollar Coin Featuring Trump's Face Goes Into Production
The United States has begun producing a new one-dollar coin featuring President Donald Trump's face to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country's independence. The final design of the commemorative coin, set to launch in the fall, was approved earlier this year by the Fine Arts Commission, whose members were appointed by Trump. However, the finished product differs in some aspects from that version, including that it is not made of gold but has a gold finish. The coin aims to 'honor the enduring legacy of liberty and serve as a lasting symbol of patriotism,' wrote Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a post on X. 'With President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all.' Trump's preference for placing his name and image on various structures, such as the Peace Institute, the Kennedy Center, and warships, has drawn criticism, particularly because federal law prohibits the depiction of a living president on a coin, although the Treasury Secretary has the authority to authorize minting and issuing coins under certain circumstances. The obverse of the coin shows an image of Trump in a suit and tie with a stern expression. The word 'LIBERTY' appears on the upper half of the coin's arc, with the dates 1776-2026 on the lower half. The words 'IN GOD WE TRUST' are in the center. The reverse features the traditional image of a bald eagle with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' on the upper half of the coin and the Latin phrase 'E PLURIBUS UNUM,' meaning 'Out of many, one,' on the shield stamped on the eagle's chest. Among the other differences from the design approved earlier this year is that Trump is no longer depicted leaning forward on his fists. The Treasury Department did not specify why the final product deviated from the originally approved design. In March, the Treasury Department announced that Trump's signature would appear on all new U.S. currency. Traditionally, currency features the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer, not the President.
HealthPentagon Announces Testosterone Testing for Military Personnel
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday a new program for detecting 'testosterone deficiency' among troops, calling it necessary for them to operate at their 'absolute best level.' Hegseth stated that the new tests will be conducted annually as part of mandatory medical examinations for military personnel aged 30 and older. Those under 30 may volunteer for the test. In a video shared on social media, Hegseth referred simply to the troops, although it appears he is specifically addressing the evaluation of male service members for hormonal irregularities. This measure comes as other Trump administration officials have begun advocating for easier access to testosterone replacement therapies for men, but Hegseth's message mixes established science about the hormone with broader, less substantiated claims. When asked what conditions Hegseth aimed to address with the new policy, the Pentagon referred to Hegseth's statements in the video, where he spoke about keeping troops 'strong, resilient, and capable' and that the demands of modern battlefield require 'maximum psychological and mental readiness.' The Pentagon did not specify conditions or diseases targeted by the policy. In his video, Hegseth noted that receiving testosterone replacement therapy will be voluntary. In recent years, special operations troops—particularly Navy SEALs—have come under scrutiny for their use of testosterone and similar substances to enhance performance. The death of a SEAL candidate during training in 2022 led to the discovery of substances in his possession, including testosterone, revealing a much more widespread drug use in the elite program than previously acknowledged. A year after the candidate's death, the Navy announced it would begin a drug testing program to detect 'any hormonal, chemical, or pharmacologically related substances to testosterone that promote muscle growth.' Hegseth asserted that his new initiative 'is not about artificial enhancement.' The Pentagon did not respond to questions about what research or academic studies supported the measure, nor did it indicate whether female service members could be tested for estrogen deficiency as they enter perimenopause. Testosterone levels in men naturally decline with age and have long been linked to issues such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, mood changes, and weight gain. However, experts have debated for years how to diagnose these problems and whether they should be treated by replacing the hormone. Hegseth's announcement comes as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other Trump administration officials push to make it easier for doctors to prescribe testosterone. Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed relaxing prescription limits for testosterone gels, pills, patches, and injections. The current FDA label specifies that the medications are only for men with hypogonadism, a medical condition that causes drastically low testosterone levels. However, many influencers and advocates of Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' movement promote testosterone as a way to look younger, build muscle, and maintain mental clarity, although these uses are not accepted by most medical experts. Nonetheless, recent studies have bolstered the argument for the benefits of testosterone for certain conditions while dispelling concerns about its safety, particularly regarding cardiovascular safety. Last year, the FDA removed a prominent boxed warning about potential risks of heart attack and stroke from testosterone drugs. Separately, a series of studies from the National Institutes of Health in older men found that taking testosterone improved erectile dysfunction, libido, and other sexual measures, and had a small effect on mood. However, there was little to no improvement in other measures such as fatigue, memory, or overall well-being. Other studies have shown potential improvements in muscle development, strength, and bone density. However, current medical guidelines generally recommend against widespread testing of testosterone levels. Physicians are typically advised to discuss testosterone therapy with men who exhibit concerning symptoms and documented low hormone levels in two separate blood tests. Testosterone testing is challenging because hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Accurate testosterone measurements are usually taken in the morning after fasting.
Public SafetyEdinburg Man Sent to Prison for 25 Years for Cyber Exploitation and Coercion of a Minor
A 20-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced for distributing child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor.
PoliticsGroundbreaking Kicks Off Landmark $1.5M Adams Garden Drainage Project, July 16th
Cameron County will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Adams Garden Drainage Project on July 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. on Ballenger Road, west of US-77. This $1.5 million initiative, in collaboration with Cameron County Drainage District No. 6 and the Texas General Land Office, aims to enhance stormwater drainage and mitigate flood risks in the Adams Garden area. The project includes building a new pump station and improving drainage infrastructure. Expected to be completed by January 2027, it represents a significant investment in local flood protection, benefiting residents who have faced flooding during heavy rains.
PoliticsJury finds Veronica O’Caña guilty in Mission CISD bribery case
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After a three-day trial, a jury deliberated for less than three hours Wednesday before finding Veronica O’Caña guilty on bribery, money laundering and witness tampering charges. Veronica Inez O’Caña, 50, of Mission accepted bribes on behalf of her sister, former Mission school board President Patricia “Patty” O’Caña-Olivarez. “The deal is quite
Public SafetyBody of man found in Donna, investigation underway
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police are investigating after the body of a man was found in Donna on Wednesday. The body of a 34-year-old man was found off the 2400 block of Bonita St., according to Donna police Chief Gilbert Guerrero. Donna police say they received a call from the man's parents requesting a welfare