Good morning, Mission.

Valley farmers applied for $280 million in USDA and Texas Department of Agriculture relief funds to help with water shortages that have limited crop choices and raised expenses; the funds will be divided among qualifying applicants based on acreage.

The deadline to apply is midnight today.

Hidalgo County Judge Richard F.

Cortez announced his bid for a third term and highlighted his work on the new courthouse, jail expansion, and drainage and road improvements. He said he will continue to build the county into a strong economic hub and enhance workforce development for modern business needs.

Valley officials in Hidalgo and Cameron counties are split on Texas Senate Bill 8, which may require sheriffs in big counties to work with ICE starting in September—some say it will boost neighborhood safety while others worry it could harm community trust.

Hidalgo County Judge Richard F.

Cortez announced he will run for a third term after first being elected in 2018; he said he has built a magnificent courthouse, expanded the jail, and improved drainage, roads, and lab facilities to help boost the county’s economy. He plans to form smart alliances and build a strong workforce to continue the county's progress.