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EducationSTC Biology Professor Shapes Students, Builds Community
Diane Teter, Professor Emeritus at South Texas College, has significantly influenced students and the college's Biology Department during her nearly 25-year tenure. Since starting her teaching career in 1996, Teter has been dedicated to fostering strong student communities. She recalls STC's early days with only three biology faculty members and a growing student body. Teter actively sought resources for laboratory improvements and emphasized hands-on learning. Beyond teaching, she served in various leadership roles within the Faculty Senate, advocating for faculty initiatives. Even after retiring in 2019, Teter remains connected to STC, believing in the importance of lifelong education.
PoliticsTimeline: 10 years of corruption in western Hidalgo County
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Testimony is scheduled to resume Tuesday in the case against Veronica O’Caña, a real estate broker who allegedly participated in a conspiracy to bribe a member of the Mission school board. O’Caña, however, is just one of more than 20 people from western Hidalgo County arrested on public corruption charges during
NationalNational Restaurant Association Applauds House Passage of Federal Rounding Legislation
The National Restaurant Association has praised the House's approval of the Common Cents Act, which addresses the challenges faced by restaurant operators due to the phase-out of the penny. This legislation allows for rounding in cash transactions and offers protections for business owners, simplifying sales processes and reducing confusion. With 25% of restaurant transactions made in cash, the bill aims to provide clarity and consistency for both operators and customers. The legislation now awaits consideration in the Senate, where the Association is advocating for its swift passage to support small businesses nationwide.
WeatherTropical Depression 5-E Forms Off the Coast of Mexico; Could Become a Hurricane
Tropical Depression 5-E formed on Tuesday offshore, off the coast of Mexico, and could strengthen into a hurricane within two days, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of the 5:00 p.m. ET bulletin, the tropical depression was located 560 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, moving west at 18 mph. 'Steady strengthening is forecast over the next few days, and the cyclone is expected to become a hurricane by Thursday night,' the statement said. There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
HealthTaco Bell removes certain menu items amid cyclospora outbreak: Reports
Taco Bell is reportedly taking precautions as a parasite continues to sicken thousands of people nationwide.
CommunityRGV Hispanic Chamber Recognizes Louie Peña as Compadre Ambassador of the Year
The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RGVHCC) honored Louie Peña as the Compadre Ambassador of the Year at its annual Noche de Gala Awards Dinner in Mission, Texas. Peña, who has been a member for a year and a half and a Compadre Ambassador for one year, was recognized for his commitment to the Chamber and business growth in the region. With over 30 years in high-tech engineering and now in financial services, Peña helps families achieve financial success. RGVHCC President Cynthia M. Sakulenzki praised Peña as a model ambassador for his dedication and volunteerism.
EducationCentral Middle School Students Honored as Leadership Essay Contest Winners
Central Middle School in Weslaco recently celebrated its inaugural American Legion Texas Leadership Essay Contest winners during an End-of-the-Year Awards Assembly. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez and Representative Armando Martinez presented Congressional Certificates of Recognition to the 7th and 8th grade recipients. The winners were chosen by a committee of Language Arts teachers and American Legion alumni, including Bobby Pulido, who reviewed the essays. The program aims to inspire students to engage in leadership roles within their schools and communities. Notable winners include Javier Villarreal and Elijah Luke Garza McGinnis, among others. The initiative promotes future leadership opportunities for students.
BusinessTexas AG Ken Launches Investigation Into LinkedIn Over “Ghost Jobs”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into LinkedIn for allegedly promoting 'ghost jobs'—fake or misleading job listings that do not correspond to actual openings. LinkedIn, which boasts over one billion users globally and significant revenue from subscriptions and advertising, has been accused of misleading job seekers, particularly those in Texas who rely on the platform for legitimate employment opportunities. The investigation includes a Civil Investigative Demand for documents and data regarding LinkedIn's advertising practices. Paxton emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in job listings, asserting that consumers deserve access to genuine opportunities.
Public SafetyTexas to Receive Nearly $11M to Improve Crisis Intervention Programs
U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced that Texas will receive $10,973,066 in federal funding from the Department of Justice to enhance crisis intervention programs. This grant will support state and local initiatives, including expanding behavioral health crisis response and specialized court programs aimed at addressing factors that contribute to violence. The funding is part of the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, established by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Cornyn co-authored. Cornyn emphasized that these resources will improve law enforcement training for responding to mental health crises and ensure continued support for treatment courts in Texas.
BusinessSecretary Nelson Unveils Full Rollout of Fast-Track Business Services
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has announced the full rollout of Texas Express, which provides same-day and next-day processing for all business filings. This service aims to enhance Texas's appeal as a business-friendly state. Launched in September 2025, Texas Express initially offered expedited processing for limited filings and expanded in April 2026. Now, all business filings are eligible for expedited service. The program has processed over 2,600 filings, reflecting strong demand. Texas Express offers three levels of expedited service, with fees ranging from $50 to $750 depending on the urgency. For more details, visit the Secretary of State's website.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Orders Aggressive Enforcement Against Birth Tourism Schemes in Texas
On July 14, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has begun enforcing measures against birth tourism in Texas. This follows Abbott's directive to investigate birth tourism packages offered by Mission Regional Medical Center to foreign nationals. He emphasized that U.S. citizenship is not for sale and that Texas will not allow the exploitation of its healthcare system to bypass federal immigration laws. Any violations will be referred to the Attorney General's office for civil enforcement and to local prosecutors for criminal prosecution. Texans with information on such schemes are urged to report them.
Public SafetyJalisco Cartel Declares War on Rival Groups in Mexico City
Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, have declared war on rival criminal groups in Mexico City, specifically Unión Tepito and the Tláhuac Cartel, according to a video released on social media this Tuesday. The video shows several hooded individuals armed with firearms and wearing vests with the initials CJNG in an unidentified location, while one of them reads a manifesto attributed to the criminal group. 'Notice to the entire population of Mexico City and the State of Mexico. We are coming for all the extortionists and floor collectors of Unión Tepito and the Tláhuac Cartel. Those fakes who claim to be from the company. Their gold mine is over,' said the alleged CJNG member reading the statement. This conflict aims to target 'all those who are extorting in our name,' he stated. 'We come to restore order, not to cause discomfort. We are the Jalisco New Generation Cartel,' he concluded.
CommunityCity of Brownsville works to upgrade 5 bus stops
The City of Brownsville is set to upgrade five bus stops, with construction expected to begin in a few weeks. Funded by a $175,000 community development grant, the project will enhance accessibility and include new bus stands, concrete sidewalks, and ADA improvements. The city commissioners approved the initiative during a recent meeting, allowing Brownsville Metro to proceed. Director Gennie Garcia stated that construction could start within 30 days, with completion anticipated in 30 to 60 days, barring any significant weather delays. The stops to be upgraded include locations on Hortencia Boulevard, Southmost Nature Trail, and other Southmost Boulevard intersections.
Public Safety‘The signs cannot be ignored’: she survived 34 stab wounds and now warns other women
Heydi Morales recalls the attack that she claims nearly cost her life at the hands of her ex-partner. 'Everything he did was to kill me,' the woman said in an interview with Telemundo 51. Morales received 34 stab wounds in various parts of her body and, nearly a month after the assault, she continues to recover physically and emotionally. She recounted that during the year-long relationship, she never imagined she would become a victim of an attempted murder. 'We had a pretty healthy relationship. We got along well,' she said. However, over time, controlling behaviors began. Morales claims her then-partner constantly checked her, installed a GPS on her phone to track her movements, and frequently showed up at her workplace.
NationalHouse of Representatives Approves Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
Efforts in Congress to make daylight saving time permanent gained momentum after the House of Representatives passed a bill that would eliminate the need for Americans to change their clocks twice a year. The legislation, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, was approved with 308 votes in favor and 117 against. It would establish the current daylight saving time observed from March to November nationwide, unless a state opted out before the law took effect. Former President Donald Trump publicly urged Congress to pass the legislation, stating on Truth Social on May 21 that he would 'work very hard to get the Sunshine Protection Act enacted.' He added, 'It’s time for people to stop worrying about the “clock,” not to mention all the work and money spent on this ridiculous twice-a-year procedure. It will also be a great VICTORY for the Republican Party. Take advantage of it!' The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. A Senate version of the Sunshine Protection Act stalled last year after Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) opposed fast-tracking the bill through unanimous consent in October. Cotton argued that switching to permanent daylight saving time could have unforeseen negative consequences, pointing out areas of the country where the sun wouldn’t rise until 9 a.m. or later, and mentioned the potentially dangerous dark morning commutes for workers who would have to start early without sunlight. Changing the clock twice a year is unpopular among Americans, according to a 2025 AP-NORC poll, but opinions on how to modify the system are divided. Congress has attempted to address the issue before; in 2022, the Senate voted to make daylight saving time permanent through unanimous consent, a measure that failed to advance in the House. In the 1970s, President Richard Nixon enacted a law establishing daylight saving time as the norm for two years to save energy during the oil crisis; however, the legislation was repealed less than a year after taking effect due to disapproval from Americans regarding dark mornings. Almost all states have considered legislation to end the biannual clock changes, and 19 states have passed laws allowing them to keep daylight saving time year-round if Congress does the same, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Daylight saving time was temporarily implemented as a wartime measure during World War I and World War II, but it was not officially established nationwide until the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which set clocks forward one hour in March and back one hour in November. Arizona, Hawaii, and several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, do not observe daylight saving time. This article was originally published in English by Raquel Coronell Uribe and Kyle Stewart 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.
NationalHouston Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking After East Texas Federal Investigation
Indolfo Hernandez, a 36-year-old man from Houston, has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges after an investigation by a Homeland Security Task Force in East Texas. On July 10, 2026, Hernandez admitted to conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. The investigation, initiated in January 2024, uncovered a drug trafficking organization he led, which was responsible for distributing large quantities of meth across Texas. Law enforcement seized more than 16 kilograms of the drug during the operation. Hernandez faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, with the possibility of life in prison, pending a sentencing hearing.
CommunityBrownsville City Secretary’s Office Earns Prestigious TMCA Achievement of Excellence Award
The City Secretary's Office in Brownsville has received the Achievement of Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA). This honor recognizes municipal clerk offices that excel in areas such as compliance, transparency, and effective operations. Brownsville is one of only 42 offices in Texas to achieve this distinction in 2026. The award reflects the hard work of the City Secretary's team and the support from the Mayor and City Commission. Mayra Rios, the City Secretary, expressed pride in her team's commitment to public service and integrity. The award was formally presented at a City Commission meeting on July 7.
NationalICE plans to temporarily limit traffic stops following fatal shootings: reports
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has privately directed its officers to temporarily pause traffic stops in the wake of two deadly shootings, though the agency would not confirm the directive publicly. Sources confirmed to NewsNation, The Hill’s sister outlet, that such stops would be temporarily halted nationwide. Other outlets said ICE has directed agents
Public SafetyCBP Officers Arrest Wanted Child Sexual Assault Suspect in Brownsville
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge arrested Bryan Eduardo Alcala, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen, who was wanted by the Harlingen Police Department for child sexual assault. The arrest occurred on July 6 during a secondary inspection where biometric verification revealed an outstanding warrant against him. Port Director Tater Ortiz praised the vigilance of the officers, emphasizing their role in apprehending individuals with serious charges. Alcala has been handed over to the Harlingen Police Department for further action.
NationalUSS San Antonio Deployed to Venezuela for Relief Mission
The USS San Antonio arrived at La Guaira, Venezuela, on July 9, taking over from the USS Fort Lauderdale in a humanitarian mission following the June 24 earthquakes. This amphibious transport dock will serve as the main coordination hub for U.S. Southern Command and the State Department to deliver aid and manage relief operations. The San Antonio is equipped with advanced medical facilities and a flight deck for search and rescue missions. U.S. military forces are prepared to support the Venezuelan government and international partners in ongoing relief efforts, transitioning responsibilities to local authorities as the situation stabilizes.