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NationalExecution of Death Row Inmate Halted with Nitrogen Gas
A death row inmate whose execution was scheduled for Thursday was suddenly halted, expressing relief upon learning that a federal court ruled Alabama's use of nitrogen gas violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Jeffery Lee, who has spent nearly three decades on death row, spoke by phone from the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, moments after a district judge agreed to stop his execution. Despite the ruling, his fate remains uncertain as state Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed an appeal, likely bringing the case before the Supreme Court, which has previously allowed Alabama to proceed with nitrogen executions after last-minute appeals. Lee was set to become the ninth person in the U.S. executed by nitrogen hypoxia, a method Alabama initiated in 2024. Although lethal injection remains the primary execution method in Alabama, obtaining the necessary drugs has become challenging in recent years. Lee was convicted in 2000 for the murders of Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson, as well as the attempted murder of Helen King during a robbery. He expressed remorse for his actions and hopes his legal victory will prevent others from being executed by nitrogen gas.
BusinessTexas Power: The Essential Fuel Behind the Global AI Explosion
Texas is becoming a key player in the global AI landscape due to its abundant land and electricity generation opportunities. Currently, about 140 data center projects are underway in the state, surpassing Virginia as the leading hub for AI infrastructure. These multi-billion-dollar facilities promise well-paying jobs and boost local economies without overwhelming existing infrastructure. They generate significant tax revenue, benefiting counties, cities, and school districts, while also enhancing local services. Despite some initial disruptions during construction, Texas aims for a balanced approach to support both economic growth and community needs.
NationalUS Says It Strikes 'Multiple Targets' in Iran
The United States military announced on Wednesday that it had begun another round of strikes against Iran after President Donald Trump threatened to escalate attacks. The increasing assaults threaten to derail efforts to end the war, as Trump warned Tehran would 'pay the price' for the stalled negotiations. The US Central Command stated on social media that the military was targeting 'multiple objectives in Iran' in response to the 'ongoing and unprovoked aggression' of the Islamic Republic. These offensives came a day after the US attacked Iran following the crash of a US military helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump attributed to Iran. The president urged Iran to sign an agreement to end the war. On Wednesday morning, the US military reported firing on a tanker attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of its blockade on Iranian ports. Trump's comments highlighted the shifting approach of the US leader towards the war; earlier this week, he suggested that an agreement to end the conflict could be reached within days. Iran has shown resilience despite facing weeks of intense bombardments, banking on its ability to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial passage for oil and natural gas—as a strong bargaining chip. Iran's UN envoy stated that the US should refrain from threatening the use of force if it wants an agreement. 'Iran has never negotiated under threats and pressure and will never submit to pressure or questioning,' Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the UN Security Council on Wednesday. Nevertheless, both countries appear to be seeking a way to end the conflict if they can sell it as a victory at home. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems determined to pursue objectives that make compromise more difficult: the overthrow of Iran's theocratic government, the elimination of its nuclear program, and the destruction of the Iran-aligned political-military group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump claimed that the US has been secretly smuggling oil past Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz since last month, stating that ships were sailing at night, aided by the destruction of Iranian radar equipment. He said that as a result, over 100 million barrels of oil have evaded Iran's tight control over the strait. There was no immediate confirmation of that figure, which is approximately equivalent to five days of oil shipments through the waterway before the war began. The role of the military remains unclear. Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for Central Command, stated that US forces 'communicate and coordinate' with commercial vessels in the area but did not provide details on the military support being offered. The US military reported on Wednesday that a US aircraft fired 'precision munitions' at the engine room of the Palauan-flagged vessel M/T Settebello while it attempted to breach the naval blockade with a cargo of Iranian oil. This was the eighth merchant vessel disabled by US forces in the waters off Iran. India's Foreign Ministry reported that three Indian sailors were missing after the Settebello was hit, while 21 others were rescued. The statement did not mention the US military or the blockade. Hawkins from Central Command stated that US forces warned the crew before firing on the ship. The US military said that the strikes carried out on Wednesday morning targeted 'air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites.' Iran indicated that the US attacks hit two water storage facilities in its southern city of Sirik, temporarily cutting off water supply to thousands of people. So far, Central Command has not commented. Tehran later claimed responsibility for attacks in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Jordan reported that it intercepted five incoming missiles, which Iran claimed were targeting a military base housing US aircraft. Bahrain and Kuwait reported intercepting incoming fire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attacks as a violation of Iranian sovereignty. Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, stated in televised comments that, in light of the new attacks, Iran would reconsider its stance on negotiations to end the war. Efforts to mediate an agreement continued. Following consultations with the US, a delegation from Qatar arrived in Tehran for talks on Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the visit who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions. The exchanges occurred a day after a US Army attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. The helicopter collided with an Iranian drone, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. It was unclear whether the collision was intentional. A marine drone rescued both crew members from the helicopter, and Trump stated they were unharmed. Significant disagreements stand in the way of a swift peace agreement. Wary of high gasoline prices ahead of the November congressional elections, Trump appears to be seeking a quick victory. However, he also raises demands that will be difficult for Iran to accept. The US wants Iran to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Although the Islamic Republic insists its nuclear program is peaceful, that uranium is a short technical step away from weapon-grade levels. Iran refuses to relinquish the uranium and demands relief from sanctions. It also wants the release of frozen assets even before a final agreement, something Trump has rejected. It remains unclear how these differences can be bridged. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated on Wednesday that Iran was taking 'too long to negotiate an agreement' and that 'they will now have to pay the price!!!' Meanwhile, Iran has insisted that any agreement to end the war must also end the fighting between its ally Hezbollah and Israel. In contrast, Israel has intensified its military campaign against the rebel group based in Lebanon. An airstrike on a village east of Tyre killed at least six people, according to Lebanon's state news agency. It reported that two others were killed by an Israeli drone strike on a car in the southern city of Sidon. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Digital reviewed the translation.
NationalSocial Security Fund Could Run Out by 2032, According to Report. How Would It Affect Your Benefits?
A trust fund for Social Security that pays benefits to tens of millions of Americans could deplete its reserves by the end of 2032, according to a new report released on Tuesday, which could prevent beneficiaries from receiving their full payments. The annual report indicates that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which covers retirees and survivors of deceased workers, may only be able to pay 78% of benefits once its reserves are exhausted. In 2025, the report projected that the retirement trust fund would run out in 2033, but that estimate was later revised to the end of 2032. Social Security provides monthly payments to approximately 71 million beneficiaries in the United States. Social Security is primarily funded through payroll taxes paid by workers and employers. When benefit payments exceed the program's annual income, the Social Security Administration taps into the trust fund reserves to cover the shortfall.
Public SafetySuspect Identified in Ohio Festival Shooting that Left 12 Injured
Ohio police are searching for a 20-year-old suspect and a 'second shooter' in connection with a shooting that occurred Saturday during a neighborhood festival in Toledo, injuring 12 people. Ka Nye Taylor is wanted on 11 counts of felonious assault related to the shooting at the Old West End Festival, according to the Toledo Police Department's report on Wednesday. The department added that the suspect was identified after conducting interviews and following various investigative leads. Taylor is described as a Black male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Investigators have also received 'photographs of a second shooter' and are asking the public for assistance in identifying him. Both Crime Stoppers and the U.S. Marshals Service are offering rewards of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, for information leading to their arrests. The mass shooting on Saturday left 12 injured and stemmed from 'a dispute between two rival groups,' police reported on Tuesday. The oldest victim is 61 years old and the youngest is 14, according to Lieutenant Dan Gerken. He added that most of the affected individuals are in their 20s. 'While investigators believe some of the victims were targeted, most of the injured appear to have been innocent bystanders caught in this senseless act of violence,' said Toledo Police Chief Michael Troendle on Tuesday. Police estimate that three of the victims were involved in the dispute between the groups, while the other nine were caught in the crossfire. All victims are expected to survive; nine have already been discharged from the hospital. Troendle stated on Tuesday that authorities 'are still trying to piece together' how the shooting unfolded on Saturday night. This note was translated with the help of an artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Digital reviewed the translation. This article was originally published in English by Rebecca Cohen for our sister network NBC News.
BusinessGovernor Unveils Major Power Plant Expansions to Strengthen Houston Power Grid
Governor Greg Abbott announced the activation of 456 megawatts (MW) of new natural gas power generation units at NRG Energy’s TH Wharton Generating Station in Houston. These units, funded by the Texas Energy Fund (TxEF), can supply electricity to over 100,000 homes during peak demand. Abbott emphasized the importance of reliable power for Texas's growing economy. The Public Utility Commission of Texas, which oversees the TxEF, highlighted the project as a direct result of voter support for energy reliability. NRG Energy plans to enhance its capacity further with additional projects, aiming for over 1.5 gigawatts by 2028.
Public SafetyCity of Alamo celebrates fire station renovations
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Alamo celebrated the completion of renovations at the Chief Rolando Espinoza Fire Station No. 2 and the arrival of a new fire engine on Tuesday. The city of Alamo also celebrated the creation of its new Emergency Operations Center. The new addition will bring together city departments and partner agencies
EducationFree Breakfasts and Lunches for Kids Offered This Summer in the Valley
Families in the Texas Valley can access free breakfasts and lunches for children and teenagers this summer thanks to a program initiated by Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas, Inc. The initiative aims to ensure that minors continue to have access to nutritious food during the school break. In Starr County, free meals are offered at two locations: Rio Grande City at Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park, 1473 Stephan Saenz St., with lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and La Grulla at the Community Center, 381 Pvt. Leopoldo Longoria St., with lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The program started on June 1 and will continue until August 7. In Hidalgo County, the Valle Alto Youth Facility provides meals for children and teenagers aged 3 to 18, with breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Hidalgo Youth Center also offers free meals with breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and lunch from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The program is available to all minors aged 3 to 18 at no cost. Organizers emphasize that the goal is to support families during the summer months and ensure that children continue to receive healthy meals while not in school. For more information, interested individuals can call (956) 578-4937, (956) 607-1549, or (956) 929-0504. Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas reported that the program is open to all eligible families and is part of their efforts to promote healthy eating among minors in the region.
CommunityMcAllen Public Library and Workforce Solutions Community Job Fair, June 13th
The McAllen Public Library, in collaboration with Workforce Solutions, will host a Community Job Fair on June 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 4001 N. 23rd St., McAllen, TX. Over 40 employers from various industries will be present, offering job seekers a chance to secure interviews and job offers. Attendees are encouraged to bring updated résumés and dress professionally. Computers will be available for online applications. This event aims to connect residents with local employment opportunities and provide resources for career development. For more details, contact the Library at (956) 681-3060.
NationalColombia: Unusual Attempt to Suspend Gustavo Petro Fails Days Before Elections
BOGOTÁ, Colombia – An unusual attempt to provisionally suspend Colombian President Gustavo Petro caused a stir on Wednesday, just eleven days before the second round of elections in which his successor will be chosen between Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist Iván Cepeda. The decision, a precautionary measure lacking legal grounds, was made by Gloria Arizabaleta, the president of the House of Representatives' Commission on Investigation and Accusation, from the same party as the president, the Historical Pact, due to Petro's alleged participation in the current political campaign to support Cepeda, despite being legally prohibited from doing so. The precautionary measure, which had never been taken in Colombia and aimed to expedite the total suspension of the president, failed after Arizabaleta revoked the decision and filed a new order that must be voted on by all members of the Commission on Investigation and Accusation. "I have not intervened in politics, and I have made that clear," Petro stated at the United Nations Security Council in New York, where he chaired a debate on seeking solutions for peace in the Middle East. The president asserted that the attempt to suspend him is due to "having a different thought" and defended that being president does not strip him of his "fundamental rights," which is understood as a reference to his right to comment on the elections.
CommunityCity of Edinburg’s Second FREE Summer Concert, June 20th
The City of Edinburg is hosting its second free Summer Music Concert on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Edinburg Promenade Amphitheater. Gates will open at 7 p.m., with live music starting at 7:30 p.m. Local bands Buzz Kill and Bullet Train will kick off the evening, performing classic rock and '80s hits. The headliner, Already Gone, is a Houston-based Eagles tribute band known for their authentic renditions of popular songs like 'Hotel California' and 'Desperado.' Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy food from local vendors. Admission is free.
HealthFather, son share successful kidney transplant story at DHR Health
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The DHR Health Transplant Institute held an event on Tuesday highlighting the story of a successful kidney transplant between a father and son. After facing kidney disease and challenges waiting for a transplant, Luis F. Gonzalez received a kidney transplant from his son, Ivan Gonzalez. Ivan said it took him less
BusinessPharr EDC Launches Trade & Tech Initiative with “Restro Tech” Roundtable, June 22nd
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (Pharr EDC) is hosting a Trade & Tech Roundtable on June 22nd at the Pharr Global Business Hub. In collaboration with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center and Resto Tech, the event aims to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on the restaurant industry. Industry leaders will share insights on innovation and automation, highlighting Dairy Queen's success story in Pharr. The initiative seeks to connect businesses with resources and experts to enhance efficiency and profitability in a digital marketplace. Registration is encouraged for this informative session.
BusinessInflation heats up as Valley gas prices rise again
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As inflation rises to its highest level in three years, the Rio Grande Valley is seeing prices at the pump jump sharply. New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released on Wednesday shows the Consumer Price Index (CPI) jumped 4.2% in May compared to last year. That is the highest
SportsHow to Watch Mexico and South Africa in the 2026 World Cup on Telemundo
The soccer excitement begins with the match between Mexico and South Africa in the FIFA World Cup 2026 this Thursday, June 11. The Mexico City Stadium will host the teams from Group A as they kick off the battle for the 2026 World Cup trophy. You can watch the match at 3 PM ET / 2 PM CT on Telemundo and Peacock. Remember that Telemundo will bring you most of the 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup live and in Spanish.
PoliticsAbbott Orders PUC and ERCOT to Protect Consumers from Data Center Power Costs
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to implement measures that protect residential customers from the financial impact of data center expansions. In his directive, Abbott emphasized that data centers should not only minimize costs for residential electricity users but also conserve water resources. He mandated that data centers cover the costs of necessary electric infrastructure and urged the PUC and ERCOT to propose further protective actions by July 2026. Additionally, Abbott plans to collaborate with the Legislature to establish regulations ensuring data centers enhance Texas' electric capacity responsibly.
NationalTrump Promises Total U.S. Support if Right-Wing Candidate Wins in Colombia
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump promised on Wednesday that Colombia will have "the full support and strength" of the United States if far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella wins the presidential runoff. Trump, who announced his electoral support for De la Espriella last week, emphasized in a message on his Truth Social platform that the Colombian candidate has his "total and unconditional backing" heading into the second round on June 21. "The results of these elections are crucial for the future of Colombia and its relationship with the United States, which, if Abelardo wins, will have the full support and strength of the United States thanks to his competence and love for his country," the Republican wrote.
HealthPrivate Water Well Screenings Set for June in South Texas
The Texas Well Owner Network will conduct private water well screenings in South Texas from June 22-30. Residents in Robstown, Sinton, and Refugio will pay $15 per sample, while others can test for free. The screenings will check for contaminants like E. coli and arsenic. Sample drop-off locations include Robstown, Falfurrias, Kingsville, and more, with specific times for each area. Results meetings are scheduled for June 25 in various locations, including Robstown and Sinton, and a virtual meeting for Zapata and Rio Grande City on June 30. For details, contact Joel Pigg at Texas A&M AgriLife.
EducationValley students get hands-on experience at TSC summer camp
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Middle and high school students from across the Rio Grande Valley gathered in Brownsville on Tuesday for a Regional P-Tech Expansion Summer Camp. Over 100 students from about 13 Valley school districts had an opportunity to explore TSC's programs. Through hands-on activities, students gained a better understanding of the career path
Public SafetyEdinburg man charged with cockfighting
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office raided a cockfight near Monte Alto last week. At 2:29 p.m. on June 1, the Texas Department of Public Safety contacted the Sheriff’s Office about suspicious activity near the intersection of Nittler Road and Jesus Flores Road northwest of Monte Alto. Troopers said a Department of