National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalCensus: Texas leads the U. S. in having more kids, but the state fertility rate is still falling
According to recent Census data, Texas has the highest fertility rate among large U.S. states, with approximately 58 live births per 1,000 women of childbearing age from July 2024 to July 2025, surpassing the national average of 53. However, the state's fertility rate has been declining for nearly 20 years, reflecting a broader trend of decreasing birth rates across the country. Factors such as high living costs, delayed marriages, and increased access to contraception contribute to this decline. Despite these challenges, Texas's younger population and higher Hispanic birth rates help maintain its relatively high fertility figures compared to other states.
NationalSenate Republicans reject war powers resolution after Trump berates them at Capitol meeting
Senate Republicans voted late Wednesday to reject a war powers resolution concerning President Trump's military actions in Iran, following a tense meeting where Trump criticized them for opposing his war efforts. The vote, which failed 47-50-1, came after four GOP senators, including Bill Cassidy, had supported a similar measure the day before. Cassidy was later invited for a briefing at the White House, which influenced his vote against the new resolution. Trump's ongoing disputes with Senate Republicans have complicated their legislative agenda, particularly as they approach the midterm elections.
NationalSupreme Court ruling blocks thousands of lawsuits against maker of Roundup weedkiller
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Bayer, the maker of Roundup, blocking numerous lawsuits claiming the company failed to warn consumers about cancer risks associated with the weedkiller. The 7-2 decision stated that federal regulations do not require a warning label, as they found a cancer link unlikely. This ruling is seen as a win for American farmers, according to Bayer's CEO, who emphasized the need for regulatory clarity. Despite the ruling, Bayer plans to move forward with a $7.25 billion class-action settlement to address remaining claims. Environmental groups criticized the decision, calling it a setback for public health.
NationalThe U. S. last beat screwworm in 1966. Can current leaders learn from the past playbook?
The New World screwworm has re-entered the U.S., raising concerns reminiscent of past outbreaks. Following warnings from Central America and Mexico, funding for monitoring was cut last year, leading to a rise in cases. Historically, the USDA estimates that screwworm eradication saved the livestock industry over $900 million annually. Edward F. Knipling, a key figure in past eradication efforts, emphasized the need for preventive measures rather than reactive ones. Despite successful past strategies, the current outbreak poses significant challenges, highlighting the importance of learning from historical approaches to manage this pest effectively.
NationalSupreme Court Rules in Favor of Popular Herbicide Amid Cancer Claims
The Supreme Court sided with the manufacturer of the herbicide Roundup on Thursday in a ruling that could block thousands of lawsuits claiming the company failed to warn people that the product could cause cancer. The case reached the justices following a wave of litigation that included several multi-billion dollar verdicts against the global agrochemical manufacturer Bayer, based in Germany, which acquired Roundup when it purchased its original maker, Monsanto, in 2018. The decision is a victory for the Trump administration but sparked outrage among allies of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement who want to curb pesticide use. In a 7-2 ruling, the court determined that the company cannot be sued in state courts for lack of warning because federal regulations have deemed a link to cancer unlikely and do not require labeling. While focused on Roundup, the ruling could impact similar claims against other pesticide products. 'This decision is good for American farmers who help feed the world,' said Bayer CEO Bill Anderson. 'It provides the regulatory clarity needed for innovators like us to develop agricultural tools that ensure an affordable food supply.'
NationalCensus Trends: Suburbs and Outlying Counties Propel Broad Growth Across the South
From 2020 to 2025, the South experienced the fastest population growth in the U.S., with a 6.0% increase, nearly double the national average of 3.1%. This growth was driven by outlying metro counties, which saw increases across all age groups. Notably, the South was the only region to grow in the under-18 demographic, with a 1.1% rise, while other regions saw declines. The Census Bureau highlighted that demographic changes are influenced by the aging baby boomer population and local migration patterns. The median age in the U.S. rose to 39.4 years in 2025, with women outnumbering men by 6.3 million.
NationalOp Ed: One Year Later: Feeding Texas Reviews the Legacy of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’
Feeding Texas is reflecting on the impact of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (HR 1) as it approaches its first anniversary. Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the act has led to a 16% decline in SNAP participation in Texas, affecting nearly 550,000 individuals, many of whom are children. The rising cost of living has increased demand at food banks, which now distribute over 700 million pounds of food annually. New eligibility restrictions and work requirements are complicating access to SNAP, prompting Feeding Texas to urge Congress to delay financial penalties for states to improve program accuracy and maintain food access for families in need.
NationalHighlighting Crucial Role of Pollinators for National Pollinator Week
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has announced National Pollinator Week, taking place from June 22-28, urging Texans to recognize the importance of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bats in sustaining agriculture and natural landscapes. Over 75% of flowering plants and three-quarters of major food crops rely on animal pollination. Texas is home to a diverse range of pollinators, including the iconic Monarch butterfly and various swallowtail species. Miller emphasizes that pollinators are vital for food production and ecosystem health. He encourages Texans to plant native flowers, use pesticides responsibly, and support local beekeepers to promote pollinator health.
NationalUS Navy Sea Drones Integrated into NATO’s BALTOPS 2026 Exercise
During the BALTOPS 2026 exercise in Gdynia, Poland, U.S. Navy's Unmanned Surface Vessel Division 32 showcased its capabilities by deploying Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARCs). This exercise, focused on enhancing NATO's maritime response, allowed allied forces to practice defending against unmanned vessels. The division, established earlier this year, includes robotics warfare specialists trained to operate these advanced systems. Navy Lt. Sarah Weinstein emphasized the importance of recognizing unmanned vessels, while Chief Robotics Warfare Specialist Christian Butler noted the growing significance of robotics in naval operations. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards a hybrid fleet in the Navy.
NationalReflecting Pool at National Mall Cut with Knife, Says National Park Service
The lining of the Reflecting Pool in Washington was cut with a sharp knife or razor, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of the rehabilitation project, a National Park Service official stated. Park Police responded on June 9 to a complaint from the park service, noted Frank Lands, deputy operations director of the park service. Lands made the statement in a court document filed late Wednesday as part of a lawsuit by a nonprofit organization to halt the Trump administration's work on the project. His statement does not specify when exactly the damage occurred, whether it was an alleged case of vandalism, or identify anyone who may have been involved. The police report indicates damage to the pool, 'including a sealant applied over the foam sealant that was cut with a sharp knife or razor and the destruction of surface material that was delaminating,' Lands stated. About 70 fence post caps were also thrown into the pool, he added. The statements mark the first time the Republican government has provided specific details about when and how the pool may have been damaged after the project work was nearly completed.
NationalForeign Actors Leverage Fake Job Listings for Insider Recruitment
Foreign intelligence agencies are increasingly using fake job listings and online identities to recruit individuals with access to sensitive information. The FBI warns that these operatives may pose as recruiters or consultants on professional networking sites and social media. A notable case involved Korbein Schultz, a former U.S. Army analyst who was sentenced to seven years in prison for sharing classified information with a foreign national posing as a client. The FBI emphasizes that anyone with government experience could be targeted, and urges vigilance when approached for remote consulting work, advising individuals to verify offers and report suspicious contacts.
NationalSupreme Court Strikes Down Hawaii's 'Vampire Rule' for Gun Owners
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a Hawaii restriction on firearms that limited when individuals could carry them on certain private properties open to the public, ruling that it infringes on the right to bear arms. In a 6-3 vote, the court invalidated the measure requiring concealed carry permit holders to seek permission from property owners before entering. The rule has been dubbed the 'vampire rule' because, similar to the classic novel 'Dracula' and related tales, vampires can only enter someone's home if invited. The court, which typically supports gun rights, concluded that the provision violates the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Conservative justices formed the majority, while the three liberal justices dissented. 'The effect of this new rule is to impose severe restrictions on the everyday activities of residents who have met the state's rigorous requirements for obtaining a gun carry permit,' wrote conservative Justice Samuel Alito on behalf of the court. 'This regime obstructs what the Second Amendment protects: the right of Americans to carry firearms for personal defense while they go about their daily lives,' he added. In her dissenting vote, liberal Justice Elena Kagan stated that she would have upheld the law, as it constitutes a 'modern equivalent of colonial and founding-era laws that similarly prohibited carrying firearms on private property without the property owner's express consent.'
NationalFederal Judge Halts Trump's Order to Create Federal Voter List
A federal judge halted President Donald Trump's executive order on Thursday that aimed to create a federal voter list and limit who can receive a mail-in ballot. Judge Indira Talwani, nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama, sided with a coalition of nearly two dozen states that challenged the president's order by granting a summary judgment. Her decision applies to the electoral cycle of this year's midterm elections. The plaintiffs argued in two lawsuits, both filed in federal court in Boston, that Trump's order should be declared unconstitutional because states and Congress, not the president, have the authority to set election rules. The judge agreed, noting in her ruling that the provisions of Trump's order to create a list of eligible federal voters and use the Postal Service to determine who can receive a mail-in ballot are 'legally void' because they 'unconstitutionally violate the separation of powers.' This was the second decision in as many days against executive orders Trump has signed seeking oversight of the nation's elections. A separate ruling on Wednesday prohibited an executive order he signed last year that would have required individuals to show documents proving their citizenship when registering to vote.
NationalDHS Oversight Office to Review ICE Detainee Deaths and Use of Force
WASHINGTON — The oversight office of the Department of Homeland Security announced on Thursday that it will launch two new reviews related to the management of detained migrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a new statement published on the inspector general's website. One review will examine the increase in deaths of individuals detained by ICE, while the other will assess whether ICE facilities meet appropriate standards regarding the use of force when interacting with detainees. These new reviews come after a rise in deaths among migrants in ICE custody, including the death of a detainee at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, earlier this year; that case has been ruled a homicide and is under investigation by the FBI, according to the DHS. As of this week, there have been 20 deaths in ICE custody in 2026, according to ICE. Last year, there were 33 deaths reported for the entire year, according to the agency. In 2024, the agency reported 11 deaths, according to its own website. Earlier on Thursday, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin was asked by Representative Lauren Underwood, a Democrat from Illinois, about the 'historically high mortality rate' in ICE detention during a House Appropriations Committee hearing.
NationalConsumer Blow: Inflation Indicator Reaches Highest Level in Three Years
The inflation indicator preferred by the Federal Reserve rose in May to a new three-year high, as gasoline prices reached their peak, signaling that rising costs could pose political challenges for President Donald Trump as midterm elections approach. The Commerce Department reported on Thursday that consumer prices increased by 4.1% in May compared to a year earlier, the largest year-over-year increase since April 2023. On a monthly basis, inflation was 0.4% last month, matching April's increase and down from 0.7% in March. The rise was largely driven by higher gasoline prices, as well as more expensive semiconductors and other computing equipment that are in high demand due to the rollout of AI. The price increase has led those combating inflation at the Federal Reserve to keep their key rate unchanged this year, a shift from January when they anticipated two cuts. Some economists predict that the central bank may instead raise rates this year. 'Core inflation is closer to 3% than to 2%,' said Mark Vitner, chief economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital. 'It does suggest to me that the Fed's next move, whenever it occurs, will likely be a hike and not a cut.' He added that the Fed is unlikely to raise rates until next year.
NationalPrice Increase in Expedited U.S. Passport Delivery Service
Starting June 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will raise the fee for expedited overnight passport delivery from $22.05 to $23.36, marking a $1.31 increase. This service ensures passport delivery within 1 to 3 days post-processing, compared to the standard 5 to 7 days. The Passport Facility is located at 221 S. 15th St. and operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (956) 681-1450. Applicants must meet specific requirements, including presenting valid identification and completing necessary forms.
NationalTrump Meets with House Speaker to Discuss Housing Projects and Elections
President Donald Trump is expected to meet Thursday afternoon at the White House with House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, to discuss a way to move forward amid legislative gridlock on Capitol Hill, according to a source familiar with the meeting. This meeting comes a day after President Trump abruptly canceled a signing ceremony for a significant housing bill that had received broad bipartisan support. On Wednesday, the president told Senate Republicans that they must first pass the SAVE America Act, a measure that would require voters to present additional documentation and proof of citizenship to vote, despite repeated warnings that the bill does not have enough votes to advance. Johnson needs the president's support to break the logjam in the House, where Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, has been blocking all legislative activity until the SAVE Act is approved. A version of the measure has already passed the House but remains stalled in the Senate.
NationalSNAP Payment Errors Costing Dozens of States Under New Law Signed by Trump
Several dozen states may be forced to shell out millions of dollars to provide food assistance to low-income residents if they do not reduce errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments. In contrast, nine states will not have to pay a dime for SNAP benefits because their error rates are so low that they received an exemption from the cost-sharing requirement included in a major tax and spending law signed by President Donald Trump. Data released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a first look at the winners—and potential losers—under the new law. The error rate refers to the percentage of SNAP benefits paid above or below what people should have received, primarily due to mistakes. While states with low error rates are guaranteed not to owe anything when the annual cost-sharing requirement takes effect in October 2027, others will have an additional year to try to reduce their errors and lessen the impact on their budgets. States with high error rates will have to make decisions that could affect their residents. To fund SNAP benefits, will they spend less on public schools, law enforcement, or mental health care? To save money, will they cut access to SNAP, making it harder to stay in the program? Or will they withdraw completely from the federal food assistance program that has existed for decades?
NationalUS Army Prepares to Provide Logistical and Rescue Support to Venezuela
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced on Thursday that it is preparing to provide logistical and rescue support to Venezuela as part of the assistance operations the United States will deploy following the devastating earthquakes. In a statement, the agency reported that it has established an operational planning team to coordinate the mission. 'Our joint forces are rapidly mobilizing to make available the unmatched airlift, logistics, and lifesaving response capabilities of the U.S. Army to help save lives and support the Government of Venezuela during this crisis,' stated Southern Command. The planning team includes 'humanitarian assistance experts from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, who advise personnel and leaders responsible for planning disaster response operations and mission-related decisions.' On Thursday morning, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States would provide support to Venezuela. 'At the direction of President Donald Trump, the State Department is immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela,' he added. Southern Command indicated that its assistance is in response to the directive from the Department of War, which is working directly with Rubio's office.