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NationalTrump Urges Supreme Court to Block Mail-In Voting Ahead of Elections
President Donald Trump's administration requested the Supreme Court on Monday to pave the way for an executive order that could implement drastic changes to the mail-in voting process ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections. The Department of Justice asked the highest court to temporarily suspend lower court rulings that block the order from being implemented in nearly half the country. The request came shortly after Trump delivered a speech reinforcing his years-long campaign to cast doubt on the legitimacy of elections, and it could be one of several electoral challenges that reach the court before the midterm contest. In March, Trump ordered the government to create a 'state citizenship list' of eligible voters and to send mail-in ballots only to individuals included on that list. Democratic officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit, arguing that the Constitution grants states and Congress, not the president, the authority to set election rules. Their attorneys have pointed out that Trump's proposed changes open the door to misuse and could cause chaos. A judge in Massachusetts blocked the order for the suing states, and in a split decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld her ruling over the weekend.
Public SafetyBrownsville suspect made a burger run before abandoning stolen car, police say
The Brownsville Police Department is investigating a vehicle theft involving a suspect who stole a Kia Optima. After breaking into the car, the individual made a brief stop to buy burgers before abandoning the vehicle. Authorities are seeking assistance from the public and encourage anyone with information to reach out to Brownsville Crime Stoppers at 956-546-8477.
PoliticsLyford mayor announces passing of city commissioner
Lyford Mayor Pablo Morales has announced the death of City Commissioner Albert Cavazos. In a Facebook statement, Morales described Cavazos as a dedicated advocate for the community and a strong supporter of public welfare. He highlighted Cavazos's long service in running the local food pantry and his commitment to the community as a police officer. Morales emphasized Cavazos's love for life and his unwavering generosity, stating that his legacy of compassion and service will be remembered by all who knew him.
Public Safety18-year-old arrested in connection with Edinburg nightclub shooting
An 18-year-old man, Rodrigo Castillo, was arrested on July 24 in connection with a shooting at a nightclub in rural Edinburg. He faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, with a bond set at $100,000. The incident occurred on July 12 at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 5100 block of South Raul Longoria Road. A woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting; however, authorities clarified that she was not shot but did not disclose the nature of her injuries. The investigation by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is ongoing.
CommunityAcademy Award nominee Terrence Howard visits Edinburg, honored with proclamation
Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard visited Edinburg on Monday to explore business opportunities. He expressed his appreciation for the city's hospitality, stating, "There's nothing greater than the hospitality of kind people." During his visit to City Hall, Howard was honored with a proclamation declaring July 27 as Terrence Howard Day. He remarked on the warmth and genuine smiles he encountered, emphasizing the welcoming nature of Edinburg. Howard is renowned for his roles in films such as Hustle & Flow, Crash, Iron Man, The Best Man, and Ray.
Public SafetyUndocumented migrant living in Donna pleads guilty to attempting to meet minor for sex
A 35-year-old undocumented migrant from Honduras, Anael Jossue Rodriguez-Rodas, living in Donna, has pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor. Over three days, he communicated with someone he believed to be a 16-year-old girl, expressing his intentions and sending explicit images. Rodriguez-Rodas arranged to meet the minor at a local park, but was arrested by law enforcement upon arrival. He is set to be sentenced on October 6, facing a minimum of 10 years and potentially life in federal prison, along with a maximum fine of $250,000. He will remain in custody until transferred to a federal facility.
Public SafetyWere glad no one was seriously hurt: Mission hair salon to close for 2 weeks after vehicle crash
EZ Cuts, a hair salon in Mission, will close for two weeks after a suspected drunk driver crashed into the building on July 24. Owner Martin Briseño expressed relief that no one was seriously injured, although both the driver and an employee were hospitalized. The crash, captured on security cameras, showed a black SUV driving onto the sidewalk and crashing into the salon, causing significant damage. Briseño is working on repairs, which include replacing plumbing and flooring, and has arranged for employees to work at another location during the closure. The driver faces DWI charges, but their identity remains undisclosed.
EducationTexas Southmost College to offer Medical Aesthetics Injector Certificate Program
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A new program at Texas Southmost College will soon offer licensed healthcare professionals the opportunity to get certified in medical aesthetics injections. According to STC, medical aesthetics is a branch of medicine that uses clinical procedures and products to adjust personal appearance and reduce signs of aging, including treatments such as Botox,
NationalTrump to Host Zelenskyy at the White House Before Lindsey Graham's Funeral
KIEV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United States on Tuesday to meet with President Donald Trump and attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly on July 11 after returning from a trip to Kiev. "Our agenda includes meetings with President Trump, his team, and those who can support our defense," Zelenskyy wrote on social media, adding that the main priority of these meetings will be to strengthen Ukraine's ballistic defense capabilities and "strategic cooperation with the United States." Ukraine has received the green light from the U.S. to begin manufacturing missiles for Patriot air defense systems with American company Raytheon, which the Ukrainian Army needs to intercept Russian ballistic missiles. "Of course, on behalf of all of Ukraine, we will honor the memory of Senator Lindsey Graham," Zelenskyy said regarding the other part of his trip.
CommunityTerrence Howard of 'Hustle & Flow' honored at Edinburg City Hall
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Edinburg welcomed Academy Award-nominated actor Terrence Howard to City Hall on Monday, honoring the Hollywood actor with a special city proclamation. Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa officially declared July 27 as Terrence Howard Day. "There's nothing greater than the hospitality of kind people," Howard said. "What you guys have
CommunityIt Takes a Village: Parenthood from the outside
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It Takes A Village is a weekly ValleyCentral+ series that covers all things parenting; from real, honest conversations about daily routines and challenges to funny moments, lessons learned and balancing work and family life. Some people know they want children someday, some aren't sure and some choose a different path altogether. In
PoliticsJudge Orders Release of Witness from ICE Operation Where Mexican Died in Texas
HOUSTON – A federal judge has ordered the release of José Trinidad Rojas Pliego, one of the witnesses in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation related to the death of Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo on July 7 in Houston. The ruling mandates that federal authorities must release him within 48 hours, return his personal belongings, and notify his attorneys in advance of the time and place of his release. Additionally, if the government seeks to detain him again while his immigration proceedings are ongoing, it must demonstrate to an immigration judge that he poses a flight risk or a danger to the community. According to court documents, Rojas Pliego was detained on the same day as the operation after ICE agents intercepted the vehicle he was traveling in on his way to work. During that incident, agents fired at the vehicle carrying Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who died following the shooting. The court ruling states that Rojas Pliego has lived in the United States since 1998 and has no criminal record. The judge concluded that keeping him in custody without an individual assessment of whether he poses a flight risk or a danger to the community violates the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment. The order was issued days after the same judge temporarily suspended Rojas Pliego's deportation while reviewing his habeas corpus petition.
CommunityShow off your pup for National Dog Photography Day
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — ValleyCentral wants to see your four-legged companion in honor of National Dog Photography Day. National Dog Photo Day was founded in 2018 to encourage pet owners and pet photographers to capture in-the-moment photos of their dogs and their unique quirks. ValleyCentral is accepting photo submissions of your pups for their special day!
Public SafetyJoint Operation in Northwest Austin Ends in Arrest of Four Suspects
On July 8, 2026, a joint operation by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of four suspects in Northwest Austin related to a San Antonio home invasion. The operation began with the Texas Rangers tracking Rodney Robinson III, 21, wanted for a June 15 incident. After a brief vehicle chase, Robinson was apprehended, along with passenger Devion Sommers, 23, who had an outstanding murder charge. Two additional suspects, Nehemiah Pratt, 21, and Kentrell Guillory, 19, were arrested later during a search warrant execution. A total of 11 firearms and illegal drugs were seized. Robinson remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
BusinessBPUB CEO Elected to Serve as TPPA President-Elect for FY 2026-27
Marilyn D. Gilbert, General Manager and CEO of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB), has been elected as the president-elect of the Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) for the fiscal year 2026-27. Currently serving as vice president, Gilbert will lead the association that represents 72 municipal electric utilities in Texas. She expressed her honor in taking on this role, emphasizing the importance of contributing to discussions that impact public power. TPPA Executive Director Taylor Kilroy praised Gilbert's leadership and commitment to public service, highlighting her influence and the benefits her election brings to BPUB and the Brownsville community.
NationalFormer Guatemalan Mayor Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Cocaine Trafficking Case
Romeo Ramos Cruz, a former mayor of Santa Lucia in Guatemala, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for attempting to import over five kilograms of cocaine into the U.S. He was extradited to the U.S. on August 4, 2025, after being detained in Guatemala. Court documents reveal that from 2022 to 2023, he used his position to facilitate drug trafficking operations, including appointing a known trafficker to a police role and disguising cocaine shipments as cement donations. Ramos Cruz faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for December 2, 2025.
Public SafetyLeader Linked to Los Chapitos, Powerful Faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, Arrested
On Monday, military personnel and security agents arrested Ricardo Ozuna Tirado, alias 'El Tío', in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. Authorities identified him as a financial operator and leader of a criminal group linked to Los Chapitos, one of the most powerful factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, led by the sons of drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, who is currently imprisoned in the U.S. According to federal sources, the 49-year-old Ozuna Tirado is recognized as a key leader and financial operator of a Los Chapitos cell in the municipality of La Cruz de Elota, Sinaloa. The Security Cabinet reported that he was a 'priority target' and was arrested along with five others from the same criminal group in the coastal and tourist municipality of Mazatlán, where authorities seized firearms, magazines, cartridges, various drug doses, foreign currency, communication and computing equipment, and two vehicles. In a coordinated action in Mazatlán, elements from SEMAR, SSPC, FGR, and the National Intelligence Center detained six individuals, including Ricardo 'N', alias 'El Tío', a financial operator and one of the main leaders of a criminal cell.
NationalGovernor Highlights Critical Role of Maritime Labor at 93rd ILA Convention
Governor Greg Abbott spoke at the 93rd International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Convention in Galveston, emphasizing the vital role of maritime labor in Texas' economy. He noted that Texas ports contribute over $700 billion annually and support approximately 2.5 million jobs. Abbott presented a proclamation marking the 200th anniversary of the Port of Galveston, declaring July 27, 2026, as International Longshoremen’s Association Day. He praised the dedication of longshoremen in maintaining the flow of commerce and highlighted the historical significance of the Port of Galveston and the ILA's contributions to Texas' maritime industry.
Public SafetyFamilies displaced, dog rescued in McAllen apartment fire
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Families were displaced and a dog was rescued from a McAllen apartment building fire on Sunday, according to a news release from the McAllen Fire Department. No injuries were reported. At approximately 2 p.m. on Sunday, McAllen firefighters responded to an apartment on the 1600 block of W. Tamarack, where they encountered
HealthTexas AG Launches Investigation into Popular Women’s Brands Over Toxic Chemicals
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated investigations into several popular feminine care and cosmetic brands, including lip balm and lipstick, to assess the presence of toxic chemicals in their products. The investigations aim to determine if companies mislead consumers about harmful ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and heavy metals found in some feminine products. A recent study revealed that over 30 tampon products contained measurable levels of dangerous metals like lead and cadmium. The Attorney General's office is focused on potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and has issued Civil Investigative Demands to brands like Tampax and Kotex.