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PoliticsMission CISD contract scheme involved $30, 000 in cash bribes, witness says
The federal bribery trial of Veronica O’Caña, accused of rigging a contract for Mission Consolidated Independent School District, has concluded its testimonies, with jury deliberations set to begin. Key witness Antonio Gonzalez III testified about a scheme involving $30,000 in bribes, including a $25,000 cash payment to O’Caña on the night the contract was awarded. Gonzalez claimed he was directed by O’Caña to ensure Performance Services Inc. received favorable treatment. Despite the alleged bribes, the contract was stalled by the purchasing department. Gonzalez, who pleaded guilty, cooperated with the FBI after his father's death in 2018.
Public SafetyDo You Drive a Subaru? Thousands of SUVs Recalled for Incorrect Weight Rating Label
Subaru of America is recalling over 541,000 SUVs, including the Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent, due to an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) label. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that this mislabeling could lead to vehicles being overloaded, increasing the risk of accidents. Although Subaru has not reported any related accidents or injuries in the U.S., they will send corrective labels to affected owners by mail or offer to install them at dealerships for free. Notifications are expected to begin in late August, and owners can check if their vehicle is affected on the NHTSA website.
SportsArgentina Revives the Legend of Mexico '86 by Wearing Blue Against England
In the Mexican neighborhood of Tepito, the legend that Argentina purchased the jerseys with which they won the 1986 World Cup remains alive among merchants of various generations, just as FIFA confirmed that the national team would face England this Wednesday in a blue jersey inspired by that tournament. The story claims that, before the quarter-final match against England, Argentina acquired the blue jerseys in Tepito, the same ones Diego Armando Maradona wore to score the so-called 'Goal of the Century' with the 'Hand of God.' Although no one has ever identified who made them, the tale has been passed down for years by members of the coaching staff and by the then third-string goalkeeper Héctor Miguel Zelada, who played for Club América and was familiar with the neighborhood.
HealthWhy experts can't pinpoint source of 'explosive diarrhea' parasite
It's been difficult for the CDC to obtain an accurate count of how many cases are currently in the U.S.
NationalTrump: ICE Should Continue Stopping Cars After Recent Shootings, Appearing to Contradict New Policy
President Donald Trump stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should continue traffic stops for detentions, despite reports of a policy change following recent fatal shootings. On Wednesday, Trump praised ICE's work on social media, insisting that strong measures are necessary to remove criminals he claims were allowed into the U.S. by the previous Democratic administration. This comes after a series of incidents, including the shooting of a Colombian driver in Maine and another fatal encounter in Houston. Critics, including Senator Susan Collins, have urged the cessation of non-urgent vehicle detentions due to safety concerns.
NationalTrump's Nominee for U.S. Intelligence Chief Faces Confirmation Hearing
Jay Clayton, President Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, is expected to receive a favorable reception during his confirmation hearing this Wednesday. Both Democratic and Republican legislators view Clayton, currently a federal prosecutor in New York, as a safe choice to replace interim director Bill Pulte. Concerns have arisen among Democrats regarding potential misuse of intelligence services in upcoming elections. Clayton has previously criticized the integrity of U.S. elections and has faced scrutiny over his lack of intelligence experience. His confirmation is seen as crucial for resolving a congressional deadlock on surveillance authority renewal.
NationalMexican Actress Elsa Aguirre, an Icon of Cinema, Passes Away
MEXICO CITY – Mexican actress Elsa Aguirre, one of the most emblematic figures of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema and regarded as one of the most iconic faces on the national screen, passed away at the age of 95, the National Association of Interpreters (ANDI) reported on Wednesday. "The Board of Directors and the Surveillance Committee of the National Association of Interpreters announce the sad passing of our member Elsa Aguirre," the organization stated in a message posted on social media. In a brief statement, ANDI highlighted that Aguirre was "one of the most iconic and emblematic actresses of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema" and noted that she gained fame for both her artistic career and her image on the big screen. "Elsa was celebrated for her dramatic talent as well as being considered one of the most beautiful faces of the silver screen," the association added.
NationalMan Killed in Hit-and-Run While Fleeing ICE in Florida
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that a Mexican citizen died after being struck by a vehicle during an immigration operation in northeastern Florida. The incident occurred on July 14 around 6:42 a.m. on State Road SR-16 near Green Acres Road in St. Johns County. According to preliminary investigations, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) attempted to detain four individuals in a gas station parking lot, prompting them to flee on foot. One individual ran across the highway and was hit by a trailer. The driver stopped to assist, but the victim, aged 28, died at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
NationalMexican Immigrant Killed in Hit-and-Run While Fleeing ICE in Florida
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that a Mexican citizen died after being struck by a vehicle during an immigration operation in northeastern Florida. On July 14, DHS agents conducted an operation near St. Johns. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the incident that occurred around 6:42 a.m. on SR-16 near Green Acres Road. Preliminary reports indicate that four individuals fled a vehicle during the encounter, and one was hit by a trailer while crossing the road. The victim, 28 years old, died at the scene, and the investigation remains ongoing.
NationalIran Threatens to Halt Energy Exports from the Middle East Following U.S. Blockade
The U.S. military has reinstated a blockade on Iranian ports and intensified airstrikes in response to Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes reportedly killed at least seven Iranian soldiers and injured over 260 others. As tensions escalate, Iran's Revolutionary Guard has threatened to halt all energy exports from the Middle East. The conflict has disrupted a recent ceasefire agreement, and both nations have exchanged retaliatory attacks, raising concerns of a broader war. Oil prices are climbing, with Brent crude exceeding $85 per barrel, as the situation remains volatile in the region.
NationalResale tickets for the World Cup final start at $7,000
NEW YORK – Resale tickets for the World Cup final this Sunday, July 19, where Spain will seek its second star against the winner of the England-Argentina match, start at $7,000 for the cheapest seats and go up to $39,000 for the most expensive on the most popular resale websites in the United States. With four days to go until the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area, resale ticket prices range from $7,000 for the cheapest to over $30,000 for the most expensive. Tickets for the World Cup final are no longer available on FIFA's official website for regular seating, only 'hospitality' tickets are being offered.
Public SafetyEdinburg city truck rolls over on I-69C, temporarily closing northbound lanes
A rollover accident involving an Edinburg city solid waste truck led to the temporary closure of the northbound lanes of Interstate-69C. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Monday near the Russell Road overpass when the driver lost control, causing the truck to roll onto its left side. The driver was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The northbound lanes were closed for a few hours but were reopened shortly after 10:30 p.m.
HealthCameron and Hidalgo counties report 10 total cases of Cyclosporiasis
Cameron and Hidalgo counties in Texas have reported a total of 10 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic stomach illness linked to contaminated food or water. The Hidalgo County Health Department confirmed eight cases, while Cameron County reported two. Nationwide, there are over 1,600 confirmed cases, with Texas seeing between 31 and 80 cases. Health officials emphasize the importance of washing produce thoroughly and recommend cooking vegetables to prevent infection. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. The CDC is investigating the outbreak, which has seen a significant increase compared to last year.
NationalTrump administration orders ICE to suspend most vehicle stops after two deadly shootings: AP source
The Trump administration has directed ICE to halt most vehicle stops following two fatal shootings involving officers. The decision comes after an ICE officer shot and killed a Colombian driver in Maine, just a week after another officer shot a motorist in Houston. Protests erupted in Maine over the death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, who was killed during an encounter with ICE while allegedly trying to flee. The suspension allows exceptions for criminal warrants. Maine's congressional delegation is calling for a thorough investigation, while critics, including former Colombian President Gustavo Petro, condemned the shootings as targeted killings by U.S. authorities.
PoliticsBrownsville commissioner says city built road on family private property without permission
A Brownsville family claims the city constructed a road on their private property without consent, continuing work even after they requested it to stop. Gustavo De Leon, a city commissioner and executor of the property, discovered city crews on the land on May 4, 2026. He stated that his family has owned the land for over 90 years and never granted permission for the work. De Leon filed a police report and sent a cease-and-desist letter, but the city completed the road despite his objections. He demands the restoration of the land, which is used for growing grass and selling hay.
HealthSecond Rio Grande Valley hospital under investigation over alleged birth tourism packages
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has initiated an investigation into Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission and Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco for alleged birth tourism practices. These hospitals, owned by Prime Healthcare, are accused of marketing childbirth packages to foreign nationals, which Abbott deems illegal. The inquiry follows a social media post by former Congresswoman Mayra Flores, who highlighted a billboard promoting these packages. Mission Regional claims the marketing campaign was misinterpreted and has since been halted. Abbott emphasized that U.S. citizenship cannot be commodified and that Texas will not allow exploitation of its healthcare system.
WeatherConsiderable to catastrophic flooding likely through Thursday in Texas, forecasters say
Forecasters are warning of considerable to catastrophic flooding in Texas, particularly along the U.S. 90 corridor west of San Antonio, with heavy rain expected through Thursday. Rainfall totals could reach 10 to 20 inches in some areas, raising concerns for vacationers unfamiliar with flash flood risks. Counties at highest risk include Medina, Frio, Uvalde, and others. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster for 59 counties to facilitate resource allocation. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and avoid flooded roads. Some areas have already experienced over 10 inches of rain, leading to road closures and emergency warnings.
Politics'No one ever gave permission': Brownsville commissioner says city built road on family's private property
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Brownsville City Commissioner Gustavo De Leon is accusing the city of Brownsville of building a road across his family's private property without permission and using the land as a dumping site for asphalt millings. Although De Leon serves as the city's District 3 commissioner, he said he is speaking on behalf
WeatherBig rain upstream could put water in Valley reservoirs
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Ingredients for heavy rain, from the Hill Country to the Big Bend, show signs of benefiting the Valley's two water reservoirs. The threat of rain is expected to last all week. High pressure from the Northern Plains is generating a boundary on the southern edge across Texas. This boundary forms a
EducationBrownsville ISD holds full-scale active attack training exercise ahead of school year
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Dozens of law enforcement officers, many wearing full riot gear, gathered at Hanna Early College High School Tuesday morning as the Brownsville Independent School District partnered with multiple agencies for a full-scale active attack training exercise. The exercise was designed to test officers' response capabilities during an emergency attack while also evaluating