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PoliticsTexas executive order targets 'birth tourism schemes'
On Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order aimed at eliminating “birth tourism schemes” in Texas.
BusinessYou Can Use Your Vehicle to Power Your Home, Check Here How
The multi-day freeze that hit Texas in February 2021 and impacted the electrical grid has been on Kenneth Kovar's mind ever since. Although the New Braunfels resident, northeast of San Antonio, did not lose power at that time, he was unable to operate his septic tank because it is independent of local systems. He had to fill the toilets with water from his pool. So, when Kovar, 64, bought a Ford F-150 last fall, his hope was to be better prepared for any new crisis. 'I wanted to try to find some kind of backup power,' Kovar said. Now, Kovar has a Ford setup that allows drivers of certain F-150 models to plug their vehicle directly into their electric meter to power parts of their home during a blackout. This is the latest example of how automakers are adapting their electrification technologies to the home energy business, especially as demand on the grid increases and electric vehicle sales slow down. Automakers are looking to leverage their multi-billion dollar investments in electric vehicles to enter a promising market of vehicle, home, and grid technology, both for backup power and to support grid resilience. 'They are trying to look for other businesses they could sell to,' said Parth Vaishnav, an assistant professor of sustainable systems at the University of Michigan. Drivers of hybrid F-150 PowerBoost and electric F-150 Lightning trucks can now plug a 30-inch adapter into a 240-volt outlet onboard. This adapter—manufactured by Ford in partnership with Global Power Products—makes the vehicle compatible for connecting to a longer, separate cable that connects to a transfer switch installed directly on the home's electric meter. Through this adapter and cable series, homeowners can essentially connect their vehicle directly to their home's breaker box. The owner simply turns on and off the circuit breakers they want, depending on which devices they wish to power. 'The way we think about it, especially for customers who already have a compatible vehicle, is that they already own the power source; it's in their vehicle,' said Amanda Roraff, Ford's network and energy services business lead. The Lightning could supply power for two to three days, depending on which household devices are being used, while the PowerBoost Hybrid could last up to five days on a single tank of gas. The manufacturer claims that its solution is a less expensive way to provide backup power. Conventional portable generators, powered by diesel, and whole-house backup systems require costly installation, often running into several thousand dollars. This solution, which also requires professional installation at the meter, starts at around $1,100. The setup currently applies only to about 200,000 vehicles and is exclusively for blackouts. Ford also offers its Home Integration System for bidirectionality, sending power both from the vehicle to the home and from the home to the vehicle, with the possibility of feeding the grid. Other manufacturers are enhancing their energy solutions. Estimates indicate that more than 630,000 vehicles in the United States already have this functionality, and manufacturers are rapidly expanding their available options with the long-term goal of achieving full vehicle-to-grid support. The South Korean brand Kia and Wallbox, an electric vehicle charging company, have partnered so that eligible and compatible vehicle drivers can have home backup power during blackouts or periods of high demand, reducing their consumption from the utility company. They can also feed energy back to the grid. Tesla's technology is similar: it allows drivers of equipped vehicles to connect to their homes using additional Tesla hardware. The Cybertruck offers full vehicle-to-home capability, while other Tesla models can only connect and power specific devices or appliances. General Motors is also doing something similar. A recent partnership with WeaveGrid, for example, allows owners driving certain GM electric vehicles—who have the manufacturer's home system and proper interconnection with the grid—to enroll in some utility programs for grid reliability. Once a blackout is detected, GM's vehicle-to-home technology can disconnect the house from the grid and begin supplying power from their GM electric vehicle. 'The future as we move forward will be to give the customer the ability—now that we have this unique platform—to experience our system,' said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy, 'but also to have total control over the energy.' Electric vehicle sales are declining. Experts say this business is not only crucial amid increasing demand on the grid and more blackouts, but manufacturers need to pivot with a less active electric vehicle market under current U.S. federal policy. Sales of fully electric vehicles in the country have dropped 23.8% year-over-year, according to a July report from Cox Automotive on the first half of 2026. This highlights the value of owning an electric or hybrid vehicle. The technology is not without challenges. On the industry side, these systems must undergo third-party testing to ensure they meet safety standards, and the vehicle and charger must be programmed to communicate. It also requires approval from the utility company where the capacity will be used. Securing an interconnection agreement can take years. On the customer side, owners need to understand their vehicle's capabilities and how to self-manage their system. Additionally, it simply adds another power generator to the home mix. Still, experts see opportunities, especially with high interest in electric vehicle sales outside of the United States. 'We already know this has a benefit during a blackout, as it provides electricity to the home,' said Scott Samuelsen, emeritus professor of engineering at the University of California, Irvine. 'This is going to become very, very popular.' This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative AI tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
NationalNicaragua's Parliament Moves to Abolish Elections at Ortega's Order
MEXICO CITY — Nicaraguan lawmakers stated they will carry out President Daniel Ortega's plan to abolish elections in the Central American country, prompting new criticism from the international community on Wednesday. The measure was announced in a statement on Tuesday by the National Assembly, which is firmly under the control of Ortega and his wife, co-president Rosario Murillo. The Assembly noted that the latest constitutional reform will ensure 'peace, security, and stability' in the country. This legislative action follows Ortega's announcement over the weekend that 'there will be no more elections here,' reflecting both his effort to extend his nearly 20-year rule and to eliminate any possibility of opposition coming to power.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After Pickup Truck Falls into Drainage Canal
A black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck fell into a ditch next to a drainage canal on Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Hackberry Avenue and 2nd Street in McAllen. The vehicle ended up at the bottom of the ditch, next to the drain, for reasons that have yet to be determined. Images from the scene show that the truck sustained significant damage, particularly on one side. The condition of the driver and the number of passengers in the vehicle remain unknown. Authorities have not yet disclosed the causes of the accident. The investigation into the causes is ongoing.
NationalCity of Brownsville Procurement Department Honored with Prestigious National Award
The City of Brownsville's Procurement Department has received the 2026 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® Award from the National Procurement Institute, Inc. This prestigious award recognizes public and nonprofit organizations that excel in procurement practices. The award highlights Brownsville's commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public purchasing. City Manager Alan Guard emphasized the importance of integrity and professionalism in delivering services. The department aims to enhance vendor engagement and improve procurement processes. Brownsville will be recognized at NPI's 58th Annual Conference in Frisco, Texas, from October 4-7, 2026, along with other award recipients.
EducationNo-Cost Meals Announced for All IDEA Public Schools Students
IDEA Public Schools will implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026-27 school year, providing free breakfast and lunch to all students across its campuses in the Rio Grande Valley. This initiative eliminates the need for families to submit meal applications for free or reduced-price meals. Fernando Aguilar, Senior VP of the Child Nutrition Program, emphasized that access to nutritious meals supports students' learning and growth. The 26 qualifying campuses include locations in Alamo, Brownsville, Edinburg, McAllen, and more. Families do not need to take any action to benefit from this program.
NationalThinner: How is Maduro Six Months After His Capture?
NEW YORK — A date has been set for the start of the historic trial against Nicolás Maduro in New York, where he faces federal drug trafficking charges following his arrest earlier this year by the Trump administration. During a hearing held on Wednesday in federal court in Manhattan, Judge Alvin Hellerstein ordered that the trial against Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will begin on June 1, 2027, as requested by the prosecution. The judge also approved a two-phase schedule for pre-trial motions, with the first date set for November 17 for a hearing on motions. How did Maduro and his wife look? Maduro entered the courtroom in Manhattan alongside his wife, dressed in a khaki prison uniform, athletic shoes, and without handcuffs, according to NBC News. Upon entering, he greeted the judge with a "Good Morning," which was heard in the courtroom. His wife, Cilia Flores, followed behind but did not say anything. The captured leader waved to his lawyers and others present at the hearing. The hearing lasted 13 minutes. Additionally, both he and his wife greeted and said goodbye to the judge and the audience, and both appeared to be in good health, as noted by Telemundo 47. A courtroom sketch artist, who regularly attends the sessions, remarked that he looked thinner: "From the first time to this time, I saw that he is very skinny. And he is already very gray. More docile." What are the charges? Maduro, 63, was extradited to New York after being captured on January 3 during a U.S. military operation in Caracas. He faces charges of: Narcoterrorism, Drug trafficking, Possession of weapons. His lawyers have requested that the case be dismissed, arguing diplomatic immunity and questioning whether U.S. courts even have jurisdiction to try him in the U.S.
Public SafetyTraffic Stop in Elsa Ends in Arrest for Alleged Drug Possession
A 24-year-old man from Edcouch, identified as David Isaiah Gutiérrez Jr., is facing a charge for possession of a controlled substance, in an amount of four grams or more but less than 200 grams. His bond has been set at $50,000. Elsa Police reported that the stop was conducted under the Stonegarden Operation at the intersection of North Austin Avenue and West 7th Street, noting that approximately 30 grams of suspected crack and $858 in cash were found during the traffic stop on Tuesday, July 21.
NationalThousands of Soup Cans Recalled Due to Product Defect
A popular organic food brand has recalled over 184,000 cans of soup sold in Illinois and other U.S. states due to a defect that posed a risk of product deterioration, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Amy’s Kitchen, Inc., a California-based company specializing in organic foods, initiated the recall of its Organic Lentil Soup – Light in Sodium on June 22 due to a 'potential deterioration,' as stated in the recall notice.
NationalAre You Waiting for Your Child's Trump Account Deposit? Here's What We Know
U.S. President Donald Trump claims that Trump Accounts could lift children out of poverty and give more Americans the chance to benefit from stock market investments. Some parents say they are still waiting for the money. The president plans to speak this Wednesday at a high school in Georgia to promote the investment accounts, which offer $1,000 in seed capital to every child born during his second term. The accounts were activated on July 4, two days before Trump rang the opening bells of the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq from the Oval Office. The tax-advantaged accounts, created last year through Trump's signature tax cut and spending bill, can be opened for any child under 18. The Treasury Department estimates there are 6.5 million registrations for Trump Accounts, of which 1.5 million are eligible for the $1,000 seed capital for babies born between 2025 and 2028. Most of those families receive their $1,000 within one or two days, the Treasury Department indicated. Program advocates argue that it is an opportunity for more Americans to participate in the stock market. They hope this will curb the rising popularity of democratic socialists, who seek to raise taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals to alleviate costs for low-income and middle-class Americans. Once Trump Accounts are set up, parents, relatives, friends, and employers can contribute to them. Some billionaires have also pledged philanthropic contributions. The money is given to private firms that invest it in index funds, a type of mutual fund that tracks stock market performance. The money cannot be accessed until the child turns 18, and only for specific purposes, such as going to school, starting a business, or buying a home. Some parents were told the deposit could take four weeks. For babies born since Trump took office last year, $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury is supposed to kickstart the accounts. While some parents report having received the money, others have said in interviews and on social media that they are still waiting for the accounts to receive the $1,000. Masaki and Kristina McLellan, first-time parents from Bergen County, New Jersey, said in an interview that they hesitated to enroll in the accounts because they feared it was a promotional stunt by the president. But the $1,000 incentive convinced the couple, whose daughter Maya was born in late March, to open an account anyway. Masaki McLellan noted that he applied for the account on July 6. Initially, the application was rejected, but the account was activated after he called the Trump Accounts help line. He was told he would see the money in the account in 10 days. Now, he claims he has been told it could take up to four weeks. Kristina McLellan expressed disappointment that it was taking so long to fund their daughter's account. However, the baby already has other investments being capitalized for her. Maya's parents have already started a 529 college savings plan and a custodial brokerage account for her. The Trump Account is the third investment account in the child's name. 'We definitely want to give her options for her future and ensure she can choose what she wants to do,' said McLellan, a news station study director, who will return from maternity leave next week. The Treasury Department emphasized that the McLellan case is unusual and stated that only a small fraction of applicants need customer support. The Treasury says most parents wait only one or two days. The Treasury Department indicated that the time between opening an account and receiving the seed capital constitutes a 'standard processing time, like receiving a tax refund,' and that the overwhelming majority of parents wait only one to two days. However, the department likes to give parents a conservative estimate of how long the money transfer might take, such as the estimate of up to four weeks given to the McLellans. 'Trump Accounts level the playing field by allowing every parent to invest in their children's future, not just wealthy families with trust funds,' the department noted. The government also announced last month an initiative allowing child welfare agencies to open accounts on behalf of youth in foster care. 'With nearly 1 million registrations per month before launch, Trump Accounts have become the most popular and successful government-backed savings product in U.S. history,' the Treasury Department stated. Trump faces pressure over his handling of the economy. Trump's stop in Georgia comes as he and other Republicans face pressure in the midterm elections over his economic management. Only 33% of adults in the U.S. approve of the president's economic leadership, which is among the lowest ratings of his second term, according to a June poll by the AP and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Trump promised to lower costs, but his tariffs and the war in Iran have instead contributed to rising prices. Trump Accounts are similar to 'baby bonds,' promoted by cities and states governed by Democrats aimed at reducing the wealth gap between low- and high-income children. However, unlike most baby bonds, which generally focus on children from disadvantaged backgrounds, Trump Accounts are available to families at all income levels. The program has faced criticism from those who say it does nothing to help families in the early years of a child's life, when children are most likely to experience poverty, homelessness, and hunger. And the Republican bill that created the program also cut funding for programs disproportionately used by children, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This story was translated from Spanish by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Digital reviewed the translation.
NationalCongress Delivers Major Federal Housing Reform with Passage of ROAD to Housing Act
In a significant bipartisan move, both the U.S. House and Senate have passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, marking a major reform in federal housing policy. This legislation aims to address the national housing shortage of approximately 5.5 million units by removing regulatory barriers and streamlining the development process. It allows for the use of pre-approved home designs and modernizes HUD programs to facilitate faster homebuilding. Additionally, it limits large institutional investors from acquiring more single-family homes, promoting a healthier housing market. The Act is expected to gradually improve housing affordability across the country.
Public SafetyScammers Use Police to Extort Money from Residents in Rio Grande City
The Rio Grande City Police Department issued a warning to the community about a phone scam in which criminals impersonate police employees and demand money. The police clarified that the scammers call victims to falsely inform them that they are being investigated and require them to send money to prevent their information or situation from being posted on social media. The police emphasized that these calls are fraudulent and reminded that the department never asks for money over the phone or demands payments to avoid investigations or threats of publishing personal information. They recommend that anyone receiving such a call: do not send money, do not provide personal or financial information, and hang up immediately. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, you can contact the Rio Grande City Police Department directly at (956) 487-8892.
PoliticsMelt ICE Bill Aims to Dismantle Immigration Control Operations
One day after the House of Representatives approved a resolution to extend funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Congresswoman Delia Ramírez criticized her colleagues for not supporting her 'MELT ICE Act,' which seeks to dismantle immigration control operations. 'My colleagues in Congress are passing legislation to give more money to ICE. How much more can we give to this place of terror, to these soldiers of terror who are terrorizing our community? I thought it was very important that we were here discussing the legislation I am introducing that would end detention,' Ramírez stated. She called on Congress this Wednesday to pass her 'Melt ICE' bill, which aims to eliminate ICE's authority and stop funding allocated to DHS for the surveillance, detention, and deportation of immigrants. The initiative seeks to gain support in the Senate and House of Representatives to end immigration operations and redirect resources allocated to ICE towards housing and healthcare programs for communities. 'It would be prohibited for any federal money to be used for detention. This means they cannot stop you on a street and put you in detention, where you will end up dying or being deported,' Ramírez said. During the press conference, Ramírez joined the expressions of immigrant rights advocates and the testimony of the sister of Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva, a man who died on July 13 while in ICE custody in Georgia.
Public SafetyNightly closures planned for westbound expressway lanes in Donna
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A portion of the westbound expressway lanes in Donna will be closed overnight for pavement repairs, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) are expected to have nightly closures between FM 493 Salinas Blvd and FM 1423 Valverde Rd in Donna through Friday. Crews
CommunityNew public boat access opens at South Padre Island
South Padre Island has inaugurated its first new public boat access point in three decades, the Marisol Boat Ramp located on Laguna Boulevard. This $3.2 million project, partially funded by federal and state grants, aims to enhance recreational boating opportunities. According to Kristina Boburka, the city's Shoreline Director, the ramp is free for public use and features a fish cleaning station along with an ADA-accessible dock. The facility is open throughout the week, offering residents and visitors improved access to the bay.
Public SafetyFBI Apprehends Notorious Fugitive in $547 Million Medicare Fraud Case
Khalid Satary, a 54-year-old foreign national, was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport for his role in a $547 million Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary genetic testing. Charged in 2019, Satary allegedly operated diagnostic labs that billed Medicare for expensive tests, using deceptive marketing and illegal kickbacks. He had been on the run since 2022, fleeing the country after failing to appear in court. His apprehension on July 20, 2026, followed a coordinated effort by the FBI and other agencies. Satary faces multiple charges, including health care fraud and conspiracy, with potential prison sentences totaling up to 20 years.
Public SafetyNightly closures planned on WB I-2 in Donna thru July 24th
Westbound lanes of Interstate 2 (I-2) in Donna will be closed for pavement repairs from FM 493 (Salinas Blvd.) to FM 1423 (Valverde Rd.) nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until July 24. During this time, traffic will be redirected to the I-2 frontage road. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
CommunityExplosive Announcement: Acuarela Expelled from Operación Triunfo USA
An explosive announcement was made this Wednesday on Operación Triunfo USA. Mexican participant from North Texas, Acuarela Jiménez, was expelled from the competition. According to a post on Telemundo's social media, the 18-year-old violated one of the community rules. Erika Ender, director of La Academia, gathered the students to deliver the news. She informed them that production had notified her that the young woman from Lancaster received a warning for breaching a conduct rule and will not return to Operación Triunfo USA. The director took the opportunity to remind the students to follow the regulations, do things right, and make the correct decisions.
EducationSTC Director Earns Top National Honor with Lifetime Certification
Lynell Williams, director of the South Texas College Centers for Learning Excellence, has received a Level 4 Lifetime Certification from the International College Learning Center Association. This prestigious certification recognizes her nearly 30 years of excellence in student learning support services. Williams documented her professional achievements and developed a training plan for her staff as part of the certification process. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for her team and aims to inspire them to pursue similar certifications. Her leadership has ensured that all CLE tutors are certified and receive ongoing training to support STC students effectively.
CommunityNew Horizon Health Center Opens Care Closet to Address One of Community’s Top Identified Needs
New Horizon Health Center has launched the Care Closet at 2137 E. 22nd St. in Brownsville to address clothing access issues identified by over 3,000 surveyed patients. This free resource offers clothing for all ages, seasonal wear, professional attire, shoes, accessories, and personal hygiene products, all at no cost to current patients. The initiative aims to improve health and well-being by addressing social needs that impact confidence and quality of life. The center encourages community donations of gently used or new items to keep the Care Closet stocked. It operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.