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Public SafetyMan Arrested in McAllen for Evading Arrest During Traffic Stop
The report was made on Thursday, July 23, around 6 p.m., in the 1000 block of Austin Avenue in McAllen. According to police, when they attempted to pull him over, 34-year-old Alan Michelle Álvarez allegedly fled the scene after an officer initiated the traffic stop. Álvarez now faces a charge of evading arrest, a third-degree felony, and has been set bail at $5,000. The driver was taken into custody without incident and later transported to the Hidalgo County Jail.
Public SafetyWho is Elvia Cabrera and what is happening now in the case of the murder of Gabriela Nicole Pratts?
Elvia Cabrera Rivera was found guilty on Thursday of the first-degree murder of 16-year-old Gabriela Nicole Pratts, a case that has garnered significant public attention both in Puerto Rico and in other parts of the United States. According to the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial, Cabrera allegedly handed the murder weapon to her daughter, Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera, who reportedly stabbed Gabriela Nicole Pratts 11 times. Following the verdict, both the defense and Cabrera's family insisted on her innocence. Meanwhile, prosecutors emphasized that the evidence presented in court was sufficient to prove her guilt of first-degree murder. However, the judicial process is not yet over. Attention now turns to the case of Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera, who is now 18 years old and also faces first-degree murder charges for the teenager's death. Jury selection for her trial began on June 30, although experts anticipate that the process could extend over several weeks due to the notoriety of the case and the challenge of finding an impartial jury. Telemundo PR journalist Walter Soto León, who has closely followed the judicial proceedings, explained that during Elvia Cabrera's trial, jury members were sequestered for several days in a hotel, without access to television, radio, or cell phones, a measure implemented to avoid external influences. Soto León also indicated that one aspect that continues to raise questions is the origin of the conflict that led to the crime. He stated that there was a relationship that was apparently not approved by the family, which caused tensions and multiple confrontations. According to his analysis, Gabriela Nicole Pratts had no direct connection to that initial conflict but ended up being the fatal victim of a series of confrontations that occurred simultaneously. Although the murder weapon has not been recovered, key testimonies presented during the judicial process indicated that Elvia Cabrera had handed a sharp object to her daughter and later stored it in her purse before leaving the scene. Elvia Cabrera's sentencing is scheduled for September 20. If convicted according to the jury's verdict, she could face up to 99 years in prison for first-degree murder.
SportsLiga MX Lights Up Telemundo This Saturday
Mexican soccer is showcased on Telemundo, and this Saturday is no exception. In the opening match of the day, Chivas de Guadalajara will host Juárez for a new round of Liga MX. The game will take place at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara and is set to start at 7 PM Eastern Time. The match will be broadcast on Telemundo.
HealthUS Records More Measles Cases in 2026 Than in All of 2025
The number of measles cases in the United States has already surpassed the record total recorded for all of 2025, with five months remaining in 2026. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,318 cases of measles as of Thursday, according to an agency update released on Friday. The country recorded 2,289 cases in 2025, the worst year for measles in over three decades. Now, 2026 has easily become the worst year for measles in the U.S. since 1991, due to large outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona that have sickened hundreds, along with smaller clusters of cases in other states. In November, international health authorities will meet to determine if the U.S. and Mexico have lost their status as measles-free countries. The U.S. eliminated local transmission of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, which have recently fallen below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Experts believe that the actual spread of the virus may be underestimated, as some individuals become ill without seeking medical attention, a situation not unique to measles. Additionally, vaccination rates have declined nationwide, with rates for measles, mumps, and rubella dropping to 92.5% among kindergarten children for the 2024-25 school year, down from 95.2% in 2019-2020, concealing even lower rates in certain communities. In Utah, where public health officials have been combating measles for over a year, the virus has sickened more than 700 people during that time, according to the state health department. Experts using mathematical models and genetic analysis suggest that a large outbreak on the Utah-Arizona border could be three to four times larger than currently known, according to state epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen. The situation is even more uncertain in South Carolina, which experienced the largest outbreak in the country in 35 years, with a total of 997 cases likely being an underestimate, according to the state health department. Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim director of the state health department, stated that the extent of underreporting is “impossible to know and may vary throughout an outbreak.” Gaps in data can hinder reliable estimates of the true scope of an outbreak. Experts say hospitalization rates can be a good indicator, but measles hospitalizations are not mandated to be reported in all states. In Texas, researchers are still working to estimate the size of the state's 2025 outbreak, with preliminary findings suggesting it could have been nearly double the known 762 cases. Rémy Pasco, a mathematical epidemiologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, noted that underestimations do not surprise him. In the absence of adequate community vaccination rates—95%, according to health experts—“there is not much that can be done against measles once you have it,” he stated. The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more linked cases. However, by the time three such cases are identified in communities with low vaccination and less disease surveillance, “either you missed the previous cases or you’re going to have many more,” he added. Dr. Varun Shetty, Texas's chief state epidemiologist, mentioned instances where individuals tested positive for measles, but health authorities could not confirm who else lived in that person's household or if they were ill. “What we can count and report is almost always an underestimate of what actually occurred, because it depends on people being willing to get tested and share information with health providers and public health,” Shetty said. “Sometimes that simply does not happen.” The state health department previously reported that 182 probable measles cases went unconfirmed in March 2025 among minors in Gaines County—the epicenter of the outbreak—due to a lack of information. The confirmed case count in that west Texas county during the entire outbreak is 414. Shetty expects to continue seeing measles cases and even outbreaks, as many people remain unprotected. “It is really crucial, not just for individuals, but also for communities, to have high vaccination coverage,” he said. Dr. Mark Roberts, former director of the Public Health Dynamics Lab at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Public Health, is particularly concerned about what he calls “innocent bystanders.” Research and measles models from his team show that those unable to be vaccinated—very young infants, people with weakened immune systems, and those who, on rare occasions, do not develop strong immunity from the vaccine—bear the brunt of outbreaks early on. Some people view skipping vaccination as akin to deciding not to wear a seatbelt in a car, Roberts said. “Not vaccinating your child is like saying, ‘I don’t want my car to have brakes,’” he said. “Because you can crash into other people. You’re not alone in your car. There are other people.”
Public SafetyFederal Agency Operation Reported at San Juan Property
A significant mobilization of federal and state agencies took place on Friday morning at a property located at the intersection of San Antonio and Noble Drive in San Juan. Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were seen entering the property to carry out operations. During the operation, HSI agents were observed taking photographs inside and around the building, while Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel secured the perimeter. So far, federal authorities have not disclosed the reason for the operation or whether any arrests or seizures were made.
Public SafetyAuthorities in Edinburg Seek to Identify Vehicle Involved in Hit-and-Run
The property damage and hit-and-run incident, according to police, occurred on Thursday, July 23, in the 3700 block of Lori Morgan Drive. Surveillance footage shows that the suspect vehicle is a white four-door car, which, after the impact, destroyed a wooden fence dividing two neighboring properties and subsequently left the scene without providing contact information. Police reported that the vehicle likely has visible damage on the front right side, as parts of the vehicle and a tire cover were recovered from the scene. Anyone with information about this case can contact the Edinburg Police Department at (956) 289-7700 or Edinburg Crime Stoppers at (956) 383-TIPS (8477).
Public Safety11 People Charged with Smuggling Following Discovery of Dead Migrants in Texas
Federal authorities have charged 11 individuals following the discovery of seven deceased migrants, including a 14-year-old boy, in Texas in May 2026. The accused are linked to an organization involved in human smuggling that used Union Pacific freight containers to transport migrants from Del Río to San Antonio. According to the indictment, from at least April 2023 until May 12, 2026, the defendants and others operated a human trafficking organization that illegally used freight trains to move undocumented immigrants deeper into the United States after having crossed them illegally from Mexico. Each immigrant transported, or their relatives and friends, paid smugglers between $1,500 and $10,000 in Honduras, Mexico, the United States, and other locations. The indictment claims that by late April 2026, the organization began facilitating the illegal transport of at least seven immigrants from Acuña (Mexico) to Del Río (Texas). On May 9, approximately after the smugglers illegally crossed the seven migrants from Mexico into the Del Río area, the organization moved them to a location near the Union Pacific train tracks in that locality. Between 1:18 p.m. and 1:25 p.m., while a Union Pacific train was stopped, the suspects allegedly used red bolt cutters to cut the lock on the door of a Conex-type shipping container, placed the migrants inside, and closed the door. The container was stacked on another and lacked ventilation or refrigeration systems.
SportsBreaking News in the NBA: LeBron James Signs with the Philadelphia 76ers
LeBron James announced on his social media that he has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking a new chapter in his career after playing with the Los Angeles Lakers. The basketball star expressed his excitement about joining a team that includes notable players like Tyrese Maxey, DG Edgecomb, and Joel Embiid. In his message, he stated his belief in the team's potential to win a championship and thanked his previous teams, including Miami and the Lakers. The 76ers confirmed they learned of his decision through his announcement. This story is still developing, with updates expected soon.
HealthPopular Allergy Medication Withdrawn Due to Potentially Fatal Risks
The FDA has announced a voluntary recall of four lots of Cetirizine Hydrochloride tablets, commonly used for allergy relief, due to potential contamination with ranitidine. This contamination poses serious health risks, including severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, particularly for individuals sensitive to ranitidine. The affected lots, distributed by Rising Pharma Holdings Inc., include GY825029, GY825030, GY825031, and GY825032, with an expiration date of October 2028. Consumers are advised to check their medications and consult healthcare providers if they have concerns about possible contamination.
BusinessMexican Automotive Suppliers See Rio South Texas as a Gateway for Expansion
On June 11, 2026, leaders from the San Luis Potosí automotive sector met in McAllen to explore opportunities for cross-border operations in the Rio South Texas region. The meeting, hosted by COSTEP, aimed to enhance collaboration and investment in manufacturing and supply chains. Representatives from various companies discussed the potential for industrial growth and the benefits of establishing operations in the area. Notable attendees included Mauricio Galindo, who highlighted his company's success in Texas, and Ricardo Jiménez, who shared insights on industrial engineering. COSTEP emphasized the region as a vital economic corridor linking Texas and northern Mexico.
NationalFDA Panel Supports Expanding Access to Various Peptides Promoted by Influencers and Celebrities
A federal health advisory panel has recommended easing access to popular peptides promoted by influencers and celebrities, despite warnings from U.S. scientists about their safety and efficacy. In a close vote of 8-6, the panel suggested that the FDA remove current restrictions on pharmacies producing injectable peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500. This non-binding vote may influence Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who supports peptide use. Critics, including FDA scientists, express concerns over the lack of solid scientific evidence for these substances, which are often marketed for unverified health benefits. The panel will vote on additional peptides soon.
Public SafetyHe Strangled Her with the Rice Cooker Cord: This is the Sentence He Received
A maintenance worker from Miami was sentenced to death on Friday for the 2005 murder of a waitress at the Cuban restaurant La Carreta using the cord from a rice cooker. Rafael Andrés, 61, was found guilty in 2014 and subsequently sentenced to death—before being granted a new sentencing trial—for the murder of Ivette Fariñas. At that time, prosecutors stated that Andrés stabbed Fariñas, 31, multiple times in the chest, struck her in the face and head, and strangled her with the power cord of a rice cooker before leaving her apartment engulfed in flames.
HealthThe Cyclospora Outbreak Expands to Illinois, Pennsylvania, and 7 Other States
The multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis has expanded to nine states, according to the CDC. Cases in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania are now linked to Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan, which has reported the highest number of infections. A total of 1,947 cases have been confirmed. The likely source is shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from Mexico, which has voluntarily recalled the product. Investigations continue as the FDA looks into other potential sources. Michigan has nearly 8,000 cases, while Ohio has 2,596. Other states, including New York and North Carolina, are also reporting cases.
NationalTrump Administration Imposes Tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 Countries: What You Need to Know
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, covering 99% of foreign products entering the U.S. The administration justified this action by stating that these countries have not sufficiently banned goods produced through forced labor. The tariffs will take effect as temporary 10% tariffs expire, and the U.S. will invoke Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose tariffs on countries with 'unjustifiable' trade practices. Exemptions include oil, gas, and products qualifying under the USMCA. Countries like Brazil and Chile have criticized the decision, while Canada plans to continue collaboration to prevent forced labor goods from entering the supply chain.
Community"The body was not found": Aylín Mujica's heartbreaking account of her son's death
Aylín Mujica shared her heartbreaking experience following the death of her son, Mauro Menéndez, in Barbados due to pneumonia complications. In an emotional interview, she recounted the painful moments leading up to his passing, including witnessing his struggles during a video call while he was in an ambulance. After his death, Mujica and her ex-partner faced a harrowing ordeal trying to locate Mauro's body, which was initially unaccounted for at the hospital. Eventually, they learned it was at a funeral home. Despite her grief, Mujica expressed her determination to remain strong for her family and continue living in honor of her son.
SportsCity of Brownsville to upgrade athletic fields at 2 city parks
The City of Brownsville is set to enhance six athletic fields located in Morningside Park and Brownsville Sports Park. The upgrades will involve rebuilding the foundations to improve drainage, adding new grass, and repairing or replacing outdated irrigation systems. Many of the fields have been in use for over 20 years, leading to issues with divots and degraded turf. Brownsville Parks and Recreation Director Sean De Palma emphasized the need for these improvements. Construction is anticipated to begin in November and will take approximately one year, with a total project cost of $500,000 funded by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.
CommunityBrownsville nonprofit opens new office at police department
Down By The Border, a nonprofit organization in Brownsville, has opened a new office within the Brownsville Police Department. This move aims to better support individuals with special needs, particularly children. Previously located in a law firm, the nonprofit faced challenges in training volunteers and meeting families. Vice President Angie Tejada emphasized that the new office will help bridge knowledge gaps for families navigating resources and answers related to special needs. The office is available for families by appointment only, providing a space to learn about specific conditions and access community resources.
CommunityHarlingen preservation project aims to identify landmarks
Harlingen is launching a preservation project to document its history and identify significant landmarks. City officials are seeking input from residents about their memories and which buildings should be preserved. The initiative will focus on the Parkwood Subdivision, the Downtown Historic District, and the Marine Military Academy area. A previous historic survey identified 55 properties, and consultants aim to engage the community in sharing their stories. Harlingen Downtown Director Alexis Riojas emphasized the importance of connecting with residents and encouraged them to contribute photos and documents to aid the project.
Public SafetyJudge allows Weslaco cheerleader wrongful death lawsuit to move forward
A Hidalgo County judge has permitted the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a Weslaco cheerleader against an energy drink distributor to proceed. The distributor sought to pause the lawsuit while appealing a previous ruling that denied its request for dismissal. Larissa Rodriguez passed away in October 2025 due to an enlarged heart, linked to stress and high caffeine intake from Alani energy drinks. Her family is suing Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, LLC, which claims it only distributed the drinks. The judge confirmed that the lawsuit will continue, allowing both parties to exchange evidence as the appeals process unfolds, which may take 60 to 90 days.
Public SafetyBarricade suspect in custody after stabbing in Edinburg area: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A 27-year-old man is in custody after allegedly stabbing a woman and barricading himself inside a home in the Edinburg area, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to the call for a family disturbance involving a stabbing at the 10500 block of Hernandez Dr. on Thursday afternoon. At