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CommunityUSS George Washington Recognizes Donna Native as Top Airwing Warfighter
Airman Alma Gutierrez, a native of Donna, Texas, was honored as the Airwing Warfighter of the Week aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73) on July 1, 2026. This recognition is part of a program where the ship's captain acknowledges outstanding sailors for their achievements. Gutierrez, serving with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, played a crucial role as an F/A-18 Super Hornet Plane Captain, facilitating 16 aircraft launches and conducting nine inspections, ensuring mission readiness. A 2025 graduate of Phar-San Juan-Alamo Early College High School, she expressed pride in serving her country during her eight months in the Navy.
EducationWeslaco Brothers Redefine Leadership and Education Through STC Dual Credit Program
Jaden Daniel Gutierrez and his younger brother, Jeshua Davian Gutierrez, made history in Weslaco by becoming the first siblings to hold the title of Mr. Weslaco consecutively. This achievement highlights their family's commitment to leadership and community service, as well as the benefits of South Texas College's (STC) Dual Credit Programs. Jaden, a Weslaco High School graduate, earned an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice through STC and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree at UTRGV. Jeshua, inspired by his brother, is also enrolled in STC's program to gain college credits while in high school, emphasizing the importance of education and mutual support in their journey.
CommunityBrownsville Celebrates State Recognition After Sweeping Three TAMI Awards for Media and Marketing
The City of Brownsville's Communications & Marketing Department (CMD) and Brownsville TV (BTV) received three TAMI Awards from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers during the July 7 Commission Meeting. These awards recognize excellence in municipal communications, including video production and public information campaigns. Brownsville was honored for its State of the City Opening Achievements, a new downtown campaign, and the 89th Annual Grand International Parade. City Manager Alan Guard praised the team's dedication to informing residents and promoting civic engagement. The TAMI Awards highlight the city's commitment to effective communication and community storytelling.
NationalLawmakers Introduce PROMISE Act to Address the Future of Social Security
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill that would create a formal process for Congress to develop and vote on a long-term plan to protect the financial future of Social Security, as the program faces a deficit that could eventually lead to benefit cuts. The PROMISE Act—short for Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone—comes as the latest report from the Social Security Trustees warns that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund could deplete its reserves by 2032. Once those reserves are exhausted, the fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, would only be able to cover about 78% of scheduled benefits for approximately 71 million people unless Congress takes action. 'Social Security is on an unsustainable path that will lead to drastic benefit cuts for retirees and growing skepticism among workers contributing to a program on the brink of insolvency,' said Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina and one of the bill's sponsors, in a statement. 'I’m not going to pretend there is consensus on how to solve this problem, but the math is unforgiving: the longer Congress waits to act, the fewer viable options will remain,' he added.
WeatherHot, breezy, mostly dry days ahead
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On tap weather-wise this Wednesday, we'll see near-average highs with many reaching the mid to upper 90s under mostly cloudy skies. As dewpoint temperatures sit in the 70s, not exactly topping out the muggy meter, but it's close, we'll be under a moderate heat risk, plus feels like temps will range
CommunityTexas Shrimp Association Sets Sail with ‘Blessing of the Fleet’
On July 8, the Port of Brownsville hosted the annual Blessing of the Fleet, led by Reverend Joel Flores from Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The event marked the upcoming opening of the commercial shrimp season on July 15. Community members, shrimpers, and local officials gathered to honor those lost in the past year and to pray for a safe and successful season. Challenges facing the shrimp industry include a shortage of work visas and rising fuel prices. To support local shrimpers, Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 823, which mandates labeling for shrimp sold in restaurants, helping consumers choose Texas-caught shrimp.
NationalStarship’s Thirteenth Flight Test Set for July 16th
SpaceX is set to conduct the thirteenth flight test of its Starship on Thursday, July 16, with a launch window opening at 5:45 p.m. CT. The test aims to achieve objectives similar to previous flights, including deploying 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites. Modifications have been made to the Super Heavy booster and Starship's propulsion system to enhance reliability after issues were encountered in the twelfth flight. A live webcast will begin 30 minutes prior to launch on X @SpaceX, where updates will also be provided. This flight marks the first time Starship will carry V3 Starlink satellites into space.
PoliticsKen Paxton Campaign Rally Brings Republican Candidates to McAllen
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton led the "Rally in the Valley" on July 14, 2026, at University Draft House Townlake in McAllen. The event featured Republican candidates Eric Flores, running for Texas’ 34th Congressional District, and Tano Tijerina, running for the 28th District, along with National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez. Speakers emphasized themes of freedom, family, and conservative values, urging attendees to engage in the campaign and vote. They criticized current Democratic representation in South Texas and highlighted Paxton’s efforts against what they termed harmful policies from the Biden administration regarding border security and law enforcement.
NationalTrump says ICE can't give up traffic stops: 'Important and effective'
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should continue utilizing traffic stops, calling the tactic one of the agency's "most important and effective" crime-fighting tools.
SportsLive Updates: Argentina and England Clash in a Semifinal That Promises to Be a Preview of the Final
What you need to know You can watch this match live and in Spanish on Telemundo's open signal or Peacock. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT and will take place in Atlanta, Georgia. The winner will secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final and will play against France on Sunday. Argentina and England, two of the top favorites for the title, face off this Wednesday in Atlanta for a ticket to the grand Final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Follow live updates here.
NationalInteractive Map: Where Shootings and Incidents Involving ICE Agents Have Occurred
The shooting deaths of a Mexican man in Houston and a Colombian man in Maine within a week have renewed national attention on incidents involving agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Using data from The Trace's Gun Violence Data, which tracks information on gun violence, this interactive map highlights some incidents involving ICE agents since June 2025, when the Trump administration launched a large-scale federal immigration operation in Southern California. In response to comments about the incidents over the past year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated: 'Thanks to the efforts of the Trump administration, federal law enforcement agents are removing violent criminals from their communities and are directly responsible for the lowest homicide rate in 125 years!' The DHS included a January Axios report on the decline in murder rates since 1900. Timeline: Shootings and other force incidents involving ICE since June 2025. Click on a point for more information about the incident.
Community"Empty the Shelters" Returns with Its Twelfth Pet Adoption and Donation Campaign
Who is ready to empty the shelters? NBCUniversal Local is back this summer with the 12th edition of "Empty the Shelters," an annual pet adoption and fundraising campaign. The donation drive began on Wednesday and will run until September 15, while the adoption initiative will take place from August 1 to August 31. "Empty the Shelters" brings together NBC and Telemundo-owned stations, as well as their affiliates, with shelters and rescue organizations in their communities to promote pet adoption and raise funds. In 2025, the campaign involved over 1,700 shelters and rescue organizations across 49 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam. Since its launch in 2015, "Empty the Shelters" has contributed to over 1.3 million adoptions and raised more than $5.6 million for participating shelters and rescue organizations. Last year, the campaign facilitated over 160,000 adoptions and raised more than $628,000, the highest amount raised since 2020. "Empty the Shelters continues to have an incredible impact on communities thanks to all the people who come together each August to help vulnerable pets and support the animal shelters that care for them," said Meredith McGinn, executive vice president of Diginets and Original Production at NBCUniversal Local, in a statement. "We thank our partners, led by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, as well as the participating stations and shelters that drive this extraordinary effort," McGinn added.
BusinessTravel Now, Pay Later: JetBlue Launches New Payment Option When Booking Your Flight
JetBlue has introduced a new payment option allowing travelers to pay for their flights in installments. Announced on Wednesday, the airline partnered with ClarityPay to offer financing at checkout for eligible customers booking directly through JetBlue.com or the mobile app. This option enables travelers to split their ticket costs into manageable payments. Customers can select ClarityPay during checkout, and checking eligibility won't impact their credit score. JetBlue is also running a promotion with 0% interest on financing plans for up to 12 months, valid until August 15, 2026. TrueBlue members can still earn points while using this financing option.
Sports"Dibu" Martínez Becomes the Argentine Goalkeeper with the Most World Cup Appearances
Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, became the player with the most World Cup appearances for the Albiceleste on Wednesday during the 2026 World Cup semifinal against England, having played in 14 matches. "Dibu" entered the semifinal with 13 World Cup games under his belt, tying with Ubaldo Fillol, but surpassed that record today in Atlanta. Martínez matched the legendary Fillol, a World Cup champion in 1978, during the match against Switzerland.
NationalBlanche Testifies at His Confirmation Hearing as U.S. Attorney General
During his confirmation hearing, interim Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Justice Department's handling of Jeffrey Epstein's files, acknowledging mistakes but emphasizing unprecedented transparency. Blanche, who has led the department since April, faces scrutiny over his aggressive investigations into Trump’s adversaries and a controversial $1.776 billion fund aimed at compensating those he claims are unjustly targeted. With over 1,200 former department members opposing his nomination, Blanche needs unanimous Republican support to advance, especially from Texas Senator John Cornyn and North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, who have expressed reservations. Questions regarding Epstein's files and the fund are expected during the hearing.
NationalPost Malone Joins Tom Cruise at World Cup Closing Ceremony
NEW YORK – American singer Post Malone will headline the closing ceremony of the World Cup during the final taking place this Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area, joining celebrities like Tom Cruise and Robbie Williams. Post Malone, a singer and songwriter from New York, is the latest figure to be added to the closing ceremony for the World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, as announced by FIFA in a statement on Wednesday. Other confirmed celebrities from the music and entertainment world for the ceremony include actor Tom Cruise, singers Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini, artist Nicole Scherzinger, and streamer IShowSpeed.
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.