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Public SafetyWanted Sex Offender Apprehended by CBP Officers at Del Rio Port of Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers apprehended Juan Manuel Gomez, 58, at the Del Rio Port of Entry on July 15. Gomez, a U.S. citizen, was driving a vehicle that was referred for secondary inspection, where biometric checks revealed an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child issued by the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office. Following his arrest, Gomez was transported to the Val Verde Correctional Facility. CBP officials emphasized the importance of their role in safeguarding vulnerable populations and their collaboration with law enforcement to enhance community safety.
CommunityAnnual Community Health Fair Open to All Residents, Aug. 1st
The McAllen Public Library is hosting its Annual Community Health Fair on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 4001 N. 23rd St. This free event aims to connect residents with local healthcare providers and organizations, offering various health screenings including blood glucose, blood pressure, and vision tests. Attendees can also participate in a blood donation drive and enjoy activities for children and teens. Library Director Kate Horan emphasizes the fair's role in promoting accessible preventive care and wellness information for the community. No library card is needed to attend.
NationalAmerican Airlines Reports Issues with Its Computer Systems
American Airlines confirmed a nationwide disruption of its computer systems. The airline acknowledged the problem, stating, 'We are aware of the issue affecting connectivity. Our teams are working to resolve it. We apologize for the inconvenience.' 'We sincerely regret the delay in answering your call. We are currently experiencing a systemwide IT outage,' said representatives from American Airlines.
CommunityPet of the Week: Spiderman swings into the studio
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A very special superhero swung by our studio on Tuesday. A fantastically sweet and shy young white and grey kitten who goes by the name Spiderman was brought in by Brownsville Animal Regulation Care Center adoption specialist Jordan Wally as this week's Pet of the Week. Spiderman came into BARCC's care with some health
PoliticsCatholic nun avoids detention but still faces deportation
A Catholic nun from Nigeria who had been arrested and briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in June while walking to church in McAllen, met with ICE on Tuesday and was allowed to remain free.
NationalTrump Has Not Asked Supreme Court to Reconsider Ruling on Birthright Citizenship
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump does not appear to have fulfilled his promise to initiate an effort —with little chance of success— to persuade the Supreme Court to reconsider its recent ruling on citizenship by birthright. The 25-day deadline to file a petition for a rehearing before the Supreme Court expired Monday night, and official records indicate that nothing has been submitted regarding this matter. 'I will request a new hearing before the United States Supreme Court, IMMEDIATELY,' Trump stated in a July 8 post on Truth Social. 'This legal aberration will destroy the United States if they do not change their decision, which is absolute madness.' Neither the White House nor the Department of Justice responded to multiple requests for comments.
NationalVictims of Seattle Shooting Identified; One is a Mexican Immigrant
A 15-year-old boy arrested after a shooting at a food festival near Seattle's Space Needle over the weekend was carrying a ghost gun with an extended magazine, police reported on Tuesday. Police Chief Shon Barnes stated at a press conference that the weapon was a 9 mm Polymer80 pistol, a now-defunct company that was once a leading manufacturer of ghost gun parts. Investigators also recovered two other firearms and 14 shell casings fired from two different calibers. The shooting, which occurred in the final hours of the Bite of Seattle festival, left three people dead, including a 19-year-old gunman, and at least four others injured, including a small child. Authorities believe the violence was gang-related and are reviewing available surveillance footage while interviewing victims and witnesses to identify other possible participants. A potential eighth person who may have been shot registered at a hospital after the incident but left before investigators could interview them, Barnes added. Various legal hurdles have prevented them from obtaining the patient's identity. Ghost guns are privately made firearms that lack serial numbers used for tracing and are often purchased without background checks. Law enforcement officials say ghost guns, including those made with 3D printers, have increasingly been used in violent crimes across the United States. The weapon the 15-year-old fired when he surrendered to police was equipped with a 33-round extended magazine, which still contained 19 rounds. On Sunday night, police also recovered a 9 mm pistol at the scene that they do not believe was used in the shooting. On Monday, when food vendors were allowed back to the area to clean up and collect their equipment, a third weapon was discovered: a Glock 45 model 9 mm with a switch that allowed it to fire fully automatically, according to Barnes. Police believe this weapon was fired during the shooting and had a 40-round extended magazine with 21 rounds remaining. In a document filed Monday in Seattle juvenile court, police stated that they believe there were at least three shooters: the 15-year-old, an acquaintance who died at the scene, and 'at least one other unknown suspect.' Authorities had previously indicated they believed there were two. Among the victims is a Mexican immigrant. The King County Medical Examiner's Office identified the deceased on Monday as Carlos Israel Sánchez Villalba, 44, Ashley Whitehead, 56, and Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19. Villalba was a husband and father of three known for his kindness and willingness to help others, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched Monday to assist his family with funeral expenses. He died from a gunshot wound to the torso, while Whitehead died from a gunshot to the pelvis and Semo died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the medical examiner's office. Whitehead had moved to Washington from Alabama a year ago and was enjoying the festival with one of her adult daughters when she was shot, her cousin Michelle Whitehead told The Associated Press. She was taken to the hospital and died in surgery, her cousin said. Ashley Whitehead adored her two adult daughters and also loved nature and arts and crafts, her cousin said. 'I would consider her just a free spirit. She had the best sense of humor, the most beautiful smile,' she expressed. On Monday night downtown, during a vigil, Michelle Whitehead was among dozens holding a sign that read 'Whitehead Strong' as the group observed a moment of silence and raised their phone flashlights to honor those who had been killed. There were candles and flowers around them. The four injured include a two-year-old boy, two men aged 23 and 27, and a 39-year-old woman, all of whom have been released from the hospital, a hospital spokesperson said. One of the injured was riding a bicycle when he was struck, according to the court document. The small child was with his mother. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
Public Safety3 men hospitalized after ATV rolls into canal in Elsa: Sheriff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Three men were hospitalized Monday night after the ATV they were riding rolled into a canal in Elsa, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. At approximately 8:40 p.m., deputies responded to the 11400 block of Mile 17 Road North in Elsa regarding an ATV crash. Deputies arrived to find the
NationalCouple to Receive Million-Dollar Settlement from eBay for Threats and Harassment
BOSTON — eBay Inc. has agreed to pay nearly $50 million to a Massachusetts couple who were sent threats and strange packages, including live insects, a funeral wreath, and a bloody pig mask, by company employees, according to details of the settlement released on Tuesday. The agreement with David and Ina Steiner, founders of EcommerceBytes, a newsletter covering the e-commerce industry, includes an additional $7 million in charitable donations, including to organizations that support First Amendment rights. Attorney Christopher Murphy stated that the resolution sends 'a warning that attempts by large companies to suppress freedom of expression and the press will not be tolerated.' 'This was not just an attack and a campaign of harassment against two individuals; it was also an attack on freedom of expression and freedom of the press,' said Murphy, of Scalli Murphy Law, based in Massachusetts.
Public SafetyMcAllen man accused of killing his dog with a hammer: Records
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police arrested a McAllen man accused of killing a dog with a hammer, according to an offense report obtained by ValleyCentral. Daniel Alberto Martinez, 36, of McAllen was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals and tampering/fabricate physical evidence with intent to impair, according to Hidalgo County jail records. Both charges are third-degree
CommunitySan Benito invites community to budget session
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of San Benito is inviting the community to attend its budget session "Let's Taco Bout the Budget" on Tuesday. The community is encouraged to share ideas, projects, services and improvements from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Community Building located at 210 E. Heywood St. Cristina Garcia, public
Public SafetyMore than 20 firearms and suspected drugs found in a truck in McAllen
An inspection conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) resulted in the discovery of a total of 23 firearms, THC substance, and over 11,000 rounds of ammunition, authorities confirmed. The stop was made on a Chevrolet Silverado at the intersection of Savannah Avenue and 10th Street. DPS reported that after the traffic stop, the officer observed a box labeled 'ammunition' inside the vehicle and requested permission from the driver, identified as Elfego Salvador Benavides, to conduct a search. According to the report, Benavides stated he was traveling from Houston to Monterrey, Mexico, but refused to allow the inspection. Ultimately, after a positive alert from a K-9 officer, the patrol officer found the firearms and drugs inside the vehicle. Among the charges facing Salvador Benavides are: possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, four counts of possession of a stolen firearm, and 23 counts related to the illegal carrying of firearms.
HealthFDA Withdraws Thyroid Medication from Market for Being Less Effective
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has withdrawn a commonly prescribed thyroid medication from the market. The recall affects levothyroxine sodium tablets, which are used to treat hypothyroidism and reduce the size of the thyroid gland when it is enlarged, according to the Mayo Clinic. The FDA reported that the medications were functioning as lower potency products than indicated, meaning they contained a lesser amount of the active ingredient and were therefore less effective. The recalled tablets were packaged and distributed by Major Pharmaceuticals. Cardinal Health also distributed some of the affected products.
WeatherMore heat and less dust heading our way
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The little blue "H" centered near the Texas Panhandle is having a big impact on temperatures across much of the country. The heat dome effect will be bringing above-normal temperatures across many areas, including the Rio Grande Valley, for several days to come. In fact, our heat will be building as
Public SafetyAnother Key Member of the Network Trafficking and Sedating Minors with THC Gummies Arrested
EL PASO, Texas – One of the most shocking child trafficking cases revealed at the border between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso took a judicial turn after 33-year-old Dianne Guadian pleaded guilty to charges related to a smuggling network that allegedly transported undocumented children into the United States. According to a federal criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Texas, the organization was reportedly led by Susana Guadian, who coordinated the recruitment of drivers to transport migrant minors from Ciudad Juárez to various locations across the country. Authorities indicated that Daniel Guadian assisted in the logistics of the transfer, while Dianne Guadian and Manuel Valenzuela were involved in receiving the minors and paying drivers once they crossed the border. The federal investigation claims that the network specialized in trafficking minors aged between 5 and 13 years, using documents belonging to other children to facilitate their crossing at international entry points. One of the most notable incidents occurred in October 2024, when border agents detected several minors attempting to enter the country using documents that did not belong to them. During the investigation, authorities determined that some of the children had received THC gummies, allegedly to keep them sedated during the journey. Two minors were taken to a hospital, where they were evaluated for possible marijuana intoxication. According to the complaint, one minor told emergency personnel that they avoided consuming the gummies and threw them on the ground during a secondary inspection. Agents later recovered the candies and tested them, which yielded positive results for cannabis. Court documents also describe conversations and evidence gathered during the investigation that, according to prosecutors, link the defendants to multiple attempts to traffic minors across the border. Additionally, Manuel Valenzuela, another individual implicated in the federal investigation, was recently sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in the operation.
NationalService Members Awarded Mexican Border Defense Medal by Secretary Hegseth
On July 27, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth awarded the Mexican Border Defense Medal to 50 U.S. service members, including Marines for the first time, during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Hegseth emphasized the importance of these troops in maintaining operational control of the U.S.-Mexico border since January 2025, highlighting their role in preventing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The medal, a revival of a 1918 award, recognizes those deployed to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Hegseth and other officials praised the dedication and effectiveness of the service members in their mission to secure the border.
NationalLIVE: Lawmakers honor late Sen. Lindsey Graham
The late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was honored in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday morning ahead of his funeral service in Washington, D.C.
PoliticsCity of Pharr Named First Recipient of the Balanoff Good Government Award
The City of Pharr has been awarded the inaugural Balanoff Good Government Award, recognizing its commitment to exceptional governance. This honor was presented during the CENTEX ASPA Public Service Recognition Awards Luncheon on July 18, 2026, in San Marcos, Texas. Hilda Pedraza, the Assistant City Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Pharr. The award is given to Texas municipalities that exemplify integrity, innovation, and accountability in public service. Pharr was one of only two cities selected for this recognition, reflecting its dedication to ethical leadership and effective governance, as highlighted by City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores.
EducationMcAllen ISD Kicks Off P-TECH Bridge Program for Future Electricians and Builders, July 29th
McAllen ISD is launching its P-TECH program this fall, aimed at preparing students for careers in the electrical and construction fields. On July 29, incoming ninth graders will attend a Bridge Orientation at South Texas College’s Technology Campus from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Approximately 50 students will engage in presentations, team-building activities, and campus tours. The program allows students to earn a tuition-free Level 1 certification in Electrician Technology or Construction Supervision while taking dual credit courses. This initiative addresses the demand for skilled workers and connects classroom learning with real-world applications.
Public SafetyInvestigation Underway After ATV Accident in Elsa Canal
An ATV accident in Elsa has led to the hospitalization of three men after their vehicle overturned and fell into a canal. The incident occurred on July 27, shortly before 9 PM, on Mile 17 Road North. According to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, all three occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. The severity of their injuries has not yet been disclosed. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the accident.