National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalState by State: Here's How Much You Would Save If the Federal Gas Tax Is Suspended
As the national average gas price approaches $5 per gallon, one state has already suspended its fuel tax, and now President Donald Trump and his cabinet are discussing doing the same. Although a suspension would provide some relief, an NBC News analysis shows that gas prices would still average 35% more per gallon than at the start of the war with Iran, even if all state and federal taxes were suspended. The average gas price nationwide has risen more than 50% since the war began in late February. Trump told reporters on Monday that he intends to suspend the federal gas tax of 18 cents per gallon, which would require a law from Congress. Democrats in the House and Senate proposed measures to suspend the gas tax in March. "Any measures that can be taken to lower the price at the pump and reduce costs for Americans have the support of this government," said Energy Secretary Chris Wright on NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Sunday. On average, 51 cents in taxes and fees are added to each gallon of regular gasoline sold in the United States. Part of this revenue goes to the state imposing the tax, and about 18 cents goes to federal coffers. Georgia suspended its gas tax in March, with that suspension set to expire on May 19. The burden of these taxes and fees varies: 5% of the cost per gallon in Alaska comes from taxes and fees, while 17% of the price paid by residents in Illinois comes from state and federal taxes and fees, according to an NBC News analysis. On average, across all states, 11.5% of the price paid per gallon is due to taxes and fees. Taxes and fees range from 27 cents per gallon in Alaska to 89 cents per gallon in California, not including local taxes. Part of the revenue from the federal gas tax goes to the Highway Trust Fund, which is used to finance road and public transportation projects. One estimate placed the cost of a temporary gas tax exemption at a minimum of $2.5 billion per month. In March, Trump mentioned in a cabinet meeting that he had "thought" about suspending the federal gas tax. The federal gas tax has not been increased since Bill Clinton signed the last hike in 1993. The 18 cents per gallon in 1993, adjusted for inflation, would be equivalent to 8 cents in 2026 dollars.
NationalSocial Security Payments Begin for May. Find Out When You'll Receive Yours
Social Security payments for May begin on Wednesday, May 13, but not all beneficiaries will receive their payments on this date. Payment dates depend on the beneficiary's birth date. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are made on the first day of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are made the preceding Friday. For May 2026, the payment schedule is as follows: May 13 for those born from the 1st to the 10th, May 20 for those born from the 11th to the 20th, and May 27 for those born from the 21st to the 31st. Further details on the payment schedule for the rest of 2026 are also provided.
NationalAre Aliens Real? Pentagon Releases First Files on UFOs
The Pentagon has begun releasing new files on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), allowing the public to draw their own conclusions. A recent post on X highlighted an incident where a drone pilot reported seeing a bright object in the sky that vanished after a few seconds. The initiative, backed by the White House and various agencies, aims for transparency, contrasting with previous administrations. The first batch includes 162 files, featuring old State Department cables and NASA transcripts. While some Congress members push for more transparency, experts caution against misinterpretation of UAP videos. The Pentagon's 2024 report found no evidence of alien technology recovery.
NationalTed Turner, founder of CNN, dies
Ted Turner, credited with launching CNN in 1980, has died, the network announced Wednesday.
NationalHow “Eerie Company” is Haunting Multinational Drills
Eerie Company, part of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, is enhancing reconnaissance capabilities using first-person-view drone systems during multinational exercises in Hohenfels, Germany. Established in December, the company focuses on short, mid, and long-range reconnaissance to improve battlefield intelligence. Captain Luther Salmon noted the company's role in adapting to modern warfare demands, particularly in light of ongoing global conflicts like the war in Ukraine. The Archer drone, a key tool for the unit, allows soldiers to train in identifying aerial threats. This technology helps the battalion maintain situational awareness and readiness for contemporary combat scenarios.
NationalNavy Commissions Submarine USS Idaho
Texas Border Business By Navy Chief Petty Officer Darren Moore, Submarine Readiness Squadron 32 / US DOW The Navy commissioned the submarine USS Idaho in a traditional ceremony at Groton Connecticut Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, April 25. The ceremony marked the culmination of a multiyear construction process and officially brought the USS