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PoliticsTexas AG Investigates Online Puppy Seller over Misleading Health Claims
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Lone Star Pups, LLC, based in Caldwell, Texas, for allegedly misleading consumers regarding the health and origin of the puppies it sells. The company claims to work with reputable breeders, yet records show that veterinary exams are conducted in Ohio, a state known for questionable breeding practices. Additionally, Lone Star Pups asserts that 99% of its breeding dogs are OFA certified, but an undercover probe revealed they only complete two of the required tests. The investigation will also scrutinize their '10 Year Health Guarantee,' which has significant limitations.
NationalConfirmation of Blanche as U.S. Attorney General Could Be Delayed Due to Trump and IRS Agreement
Todd Blanche's path to confirmation as the next U.S. Attorney General faced a setback on Wednesday after two key Republicans pressured the Department of Justice to commit in writing to end an 'anti-instrumentalization' fund that could provide money to Trump allies and limit the scope of tax audit immunity granted to the president and his family members. A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was scheduled for Thursday morning to advance Blanche's nomination, which would move to the full Senate if approved by the committee. However, Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina—both of whom have clashed with Trump and are not seeking re-election in November—have complicated Blanche's confirmation process. Much of the debate has centered around the so-called 'Anti-Instrumentalization Fund,' created under an alleged agreement between Trump and the executive branch following a lawsuit Trump filed over the disclosure of his tax records, which led to a five-year prison sentence for a former IRS contractor.
WeatherHot days and warm nights continue across the Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Most cities will peak in the triple digits each afternoon, but factor in dew points in the upper 70s, and heat indices will be up to 110-115°. Hot, yes, but thankfully we'll see a nice southeast breeze with gusts all week ranging between 25- 35 mph, helping break up the hot
PoliticsCongressman Henry Cuellar Meets with Sister Letty in McAllen
Sister Leticia 'Letty' Ugboaja remains free as her immigration process continues, following a follow-up appointment with immigration authorities nearly a month after she was detained by ICE agents while on her way to Mass. After the review, her attorney reported that the meeting was merely a routine procedure and confirmed that the nun can remain free under the same conditions established after her release. The legal team is also evaluating all available options as the case progresses. As part of the attention this case has generated in the community, Congressman Henry Cuellar will hold a meeting with Sister Letty this Wednesday at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen. After the meeting, the legislator will be available for media between 4:00 and 4:20 PM, where he is expected to discuss the details of the meeting and the nun's immigration situation. Sister Letty's detention by ICE agents sparked a widespread reaction among religious leaders, community organizations, and elected officials, who have closely followed the development of her case. Meanwhile, the nun continues her service work in the community while awaiting the next steps in her immigration process.
EducationIDEA Public Schools Hosts Immunization Clinics Ahead of School Year
IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley is collaborating with Procare to offer 10 affordable immunization clinics for students ahead of the new school year. These clinics aim to ensure that all students are vaccinated and ready for school in August. Starting July 30 and running until August 14, the clinics will be held at various IDEA campuses across the region. Families are encouraged to bring their child's vaccination card, and all required vaccines will be available. Most insurance plans will be accepted, and those without insurance can receive vaccines for $7 each. For more details, contact Alicia at IDEA Public Schools.
Public SafetyPastor charged with indecency with a child: Edinburg police
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A local pastor has been charged with indecency with a child, according to the Edinburg Police Department. Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, 49, was arrested Monday without incident following a police report that was filed earlier this month, Edinburg police said. Edinburg police did not identify which church Martinez is affiliated with. ValleyCentral
EducationAbbott Names Members of Teacher-Led Texas Classroom Commission
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed 21 distinguished educators to the newly formed Texas Classroom Commission, aimed at enhancing public education in the state. This commission will focus on improving student achievement and ensuring Texas leads in educational quality. Chaired by Courtney Boswell MacDonald, the commission includes teachers from various districts, such as Dallas ISD and Houston ISD. Their mission is to provide actionable recommendations to the Governor and the Texas Legislature, building on previous initiatives that increased special education funding and teacher compensation. The commission's work is set to influence the upcoming 90th Legislative Session.
NationalHow Tariffs Drive Up Consumer Prices and Harm U.S. Manufacturers
Tariffs on imported goods, paid by domestic importers, significantly impact consumer prices in the U.S. These additional costs are often passed on to consumers, affecting not only finished products but also imported components used by manufacturers. For instance, industries like automotive and consumer electronics rely heavily on imported materials. Recent data shows a 7.1% increase in import costs from June 2025 to June 2026, with prices from China rising 0.9% in June alone. Although tariffs have decreased since 2025, current rates remain higher than before, contributing to a 1-2% increase in consumer prices and a reduction in GDP.
BusinessDoorDash Prepares to Launch Drone Delivery System After FAA Approval
DoorDash is taking to the skies. The company announced on Wednesday that it has launched DoorDash Air, an internal drone delivery system. This news comes after DoorDash received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate commercial drones in the United States. DoorDash stated that with this launch, it is developing its own aircraft and drone infrastructure at DoorDash Labs, aiming to make deliveries smoother and more scalable. 'We want drone delivery to work for any merchant, anywhere. We are building the complete solution to make it possible: from ground infrastructure to the drone itself, and the delivery and transfer systems that allow everything to work together,' said Harrison Shih, director of DoorDash Air, in the company's announcement. 'Advancements in hardware, computing power, and AI are creating extraordinary new capabilities for local commerce, and becoming a certified air carrier accelerates everything we are building.' DoorDash did not provide a timeline for when its drones would begin commercial operations as part of DoorDash Air.
Public SafetyEdinburg Police Department Investigating Indecency with a Child Case
The Edinburg Police Department is currently investigating a case of indecency with a child involving local pastor Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, who was arrested on July 27, 2026. The 49-year-old faces four counts of indecency with a child, with incidents reportedly occurring between March and April 2025. He was arraigned the following day, and his bond is set at $300,000. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information or potential victims to reach out to the Edinburg Police Department at (956) 289-7700 or Edinburg Crime Stoppers at (956) 383-8477.
BusinessDo You Have SNAP? You Can Now Use It to Pay for Your Purchases at Dollar Tree on DoorDash
Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now use their benefits to shop at Dollar Tree through the DoorDash app. The food and retail delivery company announced the expansion of this payment option, allowing SNAP recipients to pay for eligible items for home delivery from participating Dollar Tree stores in 48 states. SNAP is the largest nutrition assistance program in the United States, benefiting an average of over 41 million people each month, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
NationalICE Plans Construction of Detention Centers in Four Cities
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning to build four detention centers located in Seattle, Miami, Denver, and Philadelphia. According to NBC News, the four centers will accommodate up to 5,500 immigrants in total, based on official documents. For now, ICE intends to sign contracts with the companies responsible for the construction. Each detention center will feature five hearing rooms for immigration judges and at least 20 offices for attorneys from ICE's legal division.
HealthDo You Throw Away Food When the Label Date Passes? It Could Be Wasteful, According to Experts
If you've ever thrown away a carton of milk or a yogurt container just because the date on the package had passed, you're not alone. Many people discard food simply because of the date printed on the label. However, it often remains perfectly edible, according to experts. Since there are no federal regulations requiring standardization of date labeling on food—except for infant formula—it’s not surprising that deciphering terms like 'Best Before,' 'Best By,' 'Best If Used By,' 'Enjoy By,' and 'Sell By' can be confusing. What most people don’t realize is that these labels are more about the freshness of a product—not whether it’s safe to eat. California is attempting to provide clarity with a new law that requires food manufacturers to use only two labels: one for quality and another for safety.
EducationSTC Valley Promise Opens Doors to a Career in Cybersecurity
Matthew Castillo, an 18-year-old Weslaco East High School graduate, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity at South Texas College (STC) through the Valley Promise program. This initiative offers last-dollar financial aid, covering tuition and fees after federal assistance. Castillo credits the program for his smooth transition to college, providing not just financial support but also personal guidance. He has always had a passion for technology and believes cybersecurity is the perfect career for him. Looking ahead, Castillo aims to work in cybersecurity outside the Rio Grande Valley, encouraged by the confidence he gained from STC.
PoliticsRep. Gonzalez Calls Out Aggressive ICE Raids in South Texas
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) has expressed concern over aggressive ICE raids in South Texas, which are creating fear and contributing to a labor shortage. He emphasized the need for humane immigration enforcement, stating that while he supports strong border security, the current tactics have harmed innocent individuals, including American citizens. Gonzalez is collaborating with local leaders, such as Port Isabel Mayor Martin Cantu, Jr., to advocate for sensible solutions that ensure safety and restore the workforce. He encourages those wrongfully detained by ICE to reach out to his office for assistance.
BusinessZERLUMA Breaks Ground on $50 Million Mission Manufacturing Facility
ZERLUMA held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 28 for a $50 million aluminum recycling and advanced manufacturing facility in Mission, Texas. This project is considered one of the largest private investments in the city's history, aimed at creating quality jobs and boosting the local economy. Key figures at the event included Mission Mayor Norie González Garza and Mission Economic Development Corporation COO Belén Guerrero-Aguirre, who emphasized the project's significance for economic growth. ZERLUMA plans to collaborate with local educational institutions to recruit talent and aims to establish a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance cross-border manufacturing opportunities.
PoliticsWitness in ICE Operation Where a Mexican Died in Texas Released
HOUSTON – José Trinidad Rojas Pliego, a key witness in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation related to the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, was released on July 29, just hours before a federal judge's deadline for his release. The decision was made by a federal judge who determined that the government did not justify keeping Rojas Pliego in immigration custody without an individual assessment of whether he posed a flight risk or danger to the community. According to Telemundo Houston, Rojas Pliego was released around noon at an undisclosed location. His attorneys stated that after regaining his freedom, he returned to the site of the operation where Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was killed. Rojas Pliego had been in ICE custody for three weeks since the July 7 operation, when federal agents intercepted the vehicle he was traveling in with Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and others on their way to work. During that incident, agents fired at the vehicle, resulting in the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. The court order mandated that federal authorities release him within 48 hours, return his personal belongings, notify his attorneys in advance about the time and place of his release, and release him in a public location. After his release, Rojas Pliego's attorneys reported that the government filed a request related to the habeas corpus petition that led to the court order. The defense indicated they would respond in court and noted that federal authorities did not provide prior notification of the release, as required by the ruling. The order was issued after Rojas Pliego's defense filed a habeas corpus petition, a legal mechanism to challenge the legality of his detention. According to his federal attorney, the judge considered that Rojas Pliego has lived in the United States since 1998, has no criminal record, and has a wife and children who are U.S. citizens. The other two witnesses in the case remain in ICE custody, and their legal proceedings are still pending. Attorneys believe Rojas Pliego's release could set an important precedent for those cases. A press conference is expected from his legal representatives on Wednesday.
WeatherTips for Keeping Your Home Cool and Saving Energy During Extreme Heat
With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the Rio Grande Valley, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing your electricity bill can seem challenging. However, experts say that some simple changes can make a significant difference. Jaime Gómez, an air conditioning systems specialist, recommends setting the thermostat between 77 and 78 degrees when people are home and raising it by about four degrees when leaving to prevent the system from overworking. He also advises setting the air conditioning fan to automatic mode so it turns off once the desired temperature is reached, and adjusting ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise, which helps push cool air down during the summer. Another key point is to change the air conditioning filter at least once a month. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forces the equipment to work harder, and increases energy consumption. Additionally, closing curtains or blinds during peak sunlight hours and avoiding the use of heat-generating appliances, such as the stove, dryer, or washing machine, during the hottest parts of the day can help maintain a more comfortable temperature indoors and reduce air conditioning usage.
NationalUSPS at the Center of Mail-in Voting Dilemma for Elections
About six weeks before the first mail-in ballots for the midterm elections are sent out, the United States Postal Service is emerging as a key player in an election season that will determine control of Congress. President Donald Trump is seeking greater control over mail-in voting through an executive order, while a change in how the agency processes shipments is drawing criticism for not delivering ballots on time. Democratic officials have expressed concerns over the past week about how quickly the Postal Service will process ballots, after tens of thousands in California and hundreds in Wisconsin arrived too late at local election offices to be counted in this year's elections. Election officials in Kansas and Michigan are urging voters who want to cast their ballots early to avoid the mail and instead deliver them in person. The Postal Service responded to these concerns by stating on Tuesday that it remains 'committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process.'
Public SafetyDate Set for Trial of Cristóbal Garzes, Accused of Hitting a Man
The 197th District Court in Cameron County has set the trial date for 28-year-old Cristóbal Stephan Garzes, who faces multiple charges related to the death of 46-year-old David Zapata in Harlingen. Pre-trial hearings are scheduled for October 3, with the jury trial beginning on October 5. The incident occurred on April 29 on Interstate 2, where Zapata was securing a vehicle on a tow truck when he was struck. Authorities allege Garzes fled the scene and was later apprehended by police. He faces charges of intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid, and possession of a controlled substance, with bail set at $725,000.