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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalTrump pledged to give every US adult $5,000 if GOP wins. Can he do that?
The dubious promise would most likely cost more than $1 trillion and require congressional approval, and would further exacerbate the country’s nearly $1.8 trillion annual budget deficit and concerns about inflation.
NationalDr. Steve Turley Examines Renewed Immigration Allegations Against Ilhan Omar
Dr. Steve Turley, a conservative commentator, recently discussed renewed allegations of immigration fraud against U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during an episode of his show, "Turley Talks." He highlighted a Freedom of Information Act request by Just the News for ICE records related to Omar, which the agency withheld, citing potential interference with enforcement proceedings. Turley interpreted this as evidence of ongoing federal scrutiny. However, the ICE response did not confirm an active investigation into Omar, nor did it establish any wrongdoing. Omar has consistently denied the allegations, which relate to her previous marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi.
NationalSalvadorans with TPS Maintain Work Permit, but Lawyer Recommends Seeking Alternatives
After more than two decades, the TPS for Salvadorans was set to expire on September 9, which would have left thousands of beneficiaries without immigration protection or legal work authorization in the United States. However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced in an update on Wednesday night that until the agency makes an official announcement, Salvadorans with TPS retain their protection and work permit. 'An announcement regarding TPS for El Salvador will be made at the appropriate time. Until that announcement is made, Salvadorans present in the U.S. under TPS maintain their protection, including work authorization,' USCIS stated on its website. Immigration attorney Kelley Ortega indicated that this could mean a 6-month extension. 'If by dawn tomorrow morning (September 10) we do not have any announcement from the government, this community will have that protection until March 9, 2027,' she said in an interview with Telemundo 44. Section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act states that if the government does not make an official announcement about the future of the program 60 days before the expiration date, the benefit is automatically extended. According to Ortega, the extension would be for an additional 6 months or until the U.S. government determines otherwise. Now, will Salvadorans with TPS need to present any document when they go to work in the coming days? 'That is the part that is more complicated because there is no document that the government has published at this time giving them authority to work,' the lawyer responded. 'The statute or carrying a copy of the law may show that the law allows them to work or that they are supposed to be able to work, but the government needs to update its internal systems to verify it. In the case of Lebanon, it took two days,' she added.
NationalSecond Day of Republican Convention: JD Vance's Speech and Trump's Closing Remarks
DALLAS, Texas — Republicans gathered at their midterm convention know that history is not on their side this election season, but they are counting on President Donald Trump and his major two-day event in Dallas to mobilize voters and protect their majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate. They spent the first night labeling Democrats as extremists, before Trump closed out Wednesday with a speech in which he claimed the election is 'very, very simple' and made the extravagant promise of giving $5,000 to every adult American if his party wins. Such a proposal could cost over a trillion dollars at a time when the nation faces a record debt of $40 trillion; even some Republicans expressed reluctance about linking direct payments to electoral outcomes. Joe Lonsdale, a prominent donor and activist who supports much of Trump's agenda, stated on X that he is 'strongly against the 'bread and circuses' bribery.'
NationalPresident Trump to Visit the Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington
TEXAS – During his stay in North Texas for the Republican Convention, Trump will head to Arlington this Thursday, where he will meet with more than a dozen Medal of Honor recipients, accompanied by 'members of Congress, national and local leaders, and prominent supporters of the monument.' The president is also expected to deliver remarks at the museum to 'honor the extraordinary valor and distinguished service of these American heroes.' Trump's arrival at the museum is scheduled for noon this Thursday. Nearby roads are expected to be closed during the president's visit, and a temporary flight restriction for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) has been established.
NationalDemocrats Hold Parallel Activities During Republican Convention in Texas
DALLAS, Texas – While Republicans gather at the American Airlines Center for a second day of their pre-midterm election convention, the first of its kind, Democrats at all levels are also convening in Dallas to organize parallel activities aimed at spreading their message ahead of the elections. Much of the Democratic message on Wednesday focused on the cost of living and the effort to shift the party's economic discourse toward working-class families. 'We have people who are struggling: struggling to pay for gas, to buy food, and to keep a job that allows them to put a roof over their heads and their families,' stated Houston Comptroller Chris Hollins.
NationalThe Echo of a Gunshot: One Year Since the Murder of Charlie Kirk
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a political event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The 31-year-old, who was married with two children, was addressing students when he was struck by a bullet from a nearby rooftop. Following the incident, a man named Tyler Robinson was identified as the shooter and later arrested. Robinson, a 22-year-old student, faces charges including aggravated murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. The Kirk family continues to seek justice as they cope with the loss of Charlie.
NationalTrump promises $5,000 dividend if Republicans win; similar proposals have not materialized
During a Republican midterm convention in Dallas, former President Donald Trump promised a $5,000 payment to every adult American if Republicans retain control of Congress in the upcoming elections. This proposal, which could cost over $1 trillion, would require Congressional approval and raise concerns about the national deficit, currently at nearly $1.8 trillion. Trump claimed the funds could come from tariffs, but did not clarify specifics. Vice President JD Vance suggested that the payments would not go to wealthy individuals. Critics argue that such a plan is unrealistic given the country's financial situation, which includes a national debt exceeding $40 trillion.
NationalAn appeals court considers restricting the most common abortion method
A federal appeals court is considering tightening prescription rules for mifepristone, a key drug used in the most common abortion method in the U.S. This case, heard by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, is part of broader efforts to limit abortion access following the Supreme Court's decision allowing states to regulate abortion. The FDA is reviewing its regulations and may propose changes. Currently, mifepristone is involved in about 60% of U.S. abortions. Legal challenges from states like Louisiana and Texas are ongoing, with significant implications for abortion access nationwide, especially as midterm elections approach.
NationalTrump Gave $45,000 Christmas Gifts to Natalie Harp and Three Other Advisors
President Donald Trump presented generous Christmas gifts to four White House advisors, according to new financial disclosures released by the government. The gifts, valued at $45,000 each for executive assistant Natalie Harp, communications advisor Margo Martin, and Deputy Chief of Staff Chamberlain Harris, along with a $20,000 gift for Oval Office Chief of Staff Walt Nauta, were recorded in the annual financial disclosure forms of the staff, which the government published last week. Harp, Martin, and Harris earn $150,000 a year, while Nauta receives $175,000 annually, according to the White House salary information report to Congress. A White House official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that Trump has long had the practice of giving Christmas gifts to those around him, including, at times, employees and advisors, both in government and during his time in the private sector. The official did not indicate whether other employees received similar gifts from the president but added that the cash gifts were not related to 'each individual's official duties in government and therefore are entirely permissible under applicable legal and ethical standards.' The information about the gifts was first reported earlier Tuesday by The Washington Post.
NationalOil Prices Will 'Plummet' Shortly After the Elections, Says Trump
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that oil prices, which have surged due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, are unlikely to decrease until after the upcoming U.S. elections. Oil prices rose over 3% on Wednesday, with Brent crude surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time since July. Trump predicted that prices would 'plummet' shortly after the elections, suggesting that Iran would relent once the elections are over. He emphasized that the war, which has lasted seven months, is affecting oil flow from the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, U.S. gasoline prices have significantly increased, averaging $4.22 per gallon.
NationalAnother Change? Trump Proposes Renaming Strait of Hormuz to 'Trump Strait'
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he will propose changing the name of the Strait of Hormuz to 'Trump Strait' as part of Washington's ongoing conflict with Iran. 'We control Hormuz. I think we should call the Strait of Hormuz
NationalDairy Products, Alcoholic Beverages, and Motorcycles: What the U.S. Will Ban Importing from Canada
The United States will ban the import of certain dairy products, motorcycles, and most alcoholic beverages from Canada starting September 29, as part of escalating trade tensions between the two countries. This announcement follows Canada's implementation of retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of U.S. goods. President Trump has also moved to exclude Canadian products from significant long-term government contracts until Canada offers 'full and fair reciprocity' for U.S. goods. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the need for Canada to become more independent in trade, aiming to diversify its economic partnerships beyond the U.S., which still accounts for over 70% of Canadian exports.
NationalApple to Unveil New Generation of iPhones with Anticipated Foldable Model
Apple is set to unveil its new generation of iPhones, including a much-anticipated foldable model, during an event on Wednesday led by new CEO John Ternus. Competing brands like Samsung and Motorola have already launched foldable smartphones, but Apple typically waits to adopt new technologies until they are proven viable. Analysts suggest that while foldables currently represent a small segment of the market, Apple’s entry could reshape this category. The iPhone 18 is expected to be more expensive than previous models due to global chip shortages, with the iPhone 17 priced between $799 and $1,999. Ternus's keynote will outline his vision for Apple's future amidst growing competition in AI and consumer technology.
NationalTexas Begins Controversial Republican Convention Under Heavy Security
DALLAS, Texas – Republicans are gathering this Wednesday in Dallas for a highly unusual midterm convention — a sort of 'Trump-a-Palooza' — that will place President Donald Trump at the center of this fall's midterm elections, whether the candidates competing in them like it or not. Many party members, including those facing tight races, will not attend the two-day event, either due to other commitments or because they reject the demands to pay for access. Others hope that appearing alongside Trump will put them in the national spotlight as they work to mobilize their voters, despite him not being on the ballot. The convention, which combines a political rally with a fundraising event, is taking place as Republicans try to boost enthusiasm ahead of the final stretch of the midterm elections, despite Trump's low approval ratings. Organizers have billed it as 'a prime-time showcase for President Trump's successes, his candidates, and the causes that have made the 2026 midterm elections unprecedentedly relevant.' Much of the programming will focus on Democrats, attempting to portray them as extremists by highlighting the party's insurgent left wing. The agenda is marked by the presence of Trump and more Trump. Regular political conventions occur every four years and serve a purpose beyond pomp and protocol, as parties formally nominate their presidential candidates. In 2024, Trump used the occasion to announce JD Vance as his running mate. The schedule released this week by organizers makes it clear that the convention will be, from start to finish, the 'Trump show.' 'It's going to be a 'Trump-a-Palooza,' said RNC Chair Joe Gruters to Spectrum News. Around 5 p.m., Trump will participate in a MAGA Inc. meeting and is expected to arrive at the event at 6 p.m. His speech is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. this Wednesday, September 9, and he will stay overnight in North Texas to participate in activities again on Thursday.
NationalTPS for Salvadorans: 25 Years of History and an Uncertain Future
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans is set to expire on September 9, leaving over 170,000 beneficiaries without immigration protection or work authorization in the U.S. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that an announcement regarding TPS for El Salvador will be made at the appropriate time, but until then, current protections remain in effect. Many Salvadorans, like José, who has lived in the U.S. for 25 years, are anxious about their future. Legal experts advise beneficiaries to stay informed about potential extensions and to consult with attorneys regarding their immigration options.
NationalThe GOP was confident about keeping its Senate majority. Now the fight for control is wide open
As the 2026 elections approach, the Republican Party's hold on the Senate is increasingly uncertain. With less than two months until Election Day, Democrats are competing in states like Texas and Iowa, previously thought out of reach. Key races in Michigan and Maine have become more complex, with significant spending expected to exceed $3.4 billion across all contests. In Texas, Democrat James Talarico faces Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has faced legal challenges. Meanwhile, Republicans are optimistic about New Hampshire and Michigan but acknowledge the competitive landscape. Trump's declining approval ratings add to the uncertainty for the GOP.
NationalGOP to open first-ever midterm convention in Dallas as Texa U. S. Senate race hangs in the balance
Republicans are convening in Dallas this week for their first-ever midterm convention, focusing on energizing voters and raising campaign funds ahead of a crucial election cycle. The event, held at the American Airlines Center, features prominent GOP figures including President Trump, who will deliver the closing speech. With the Texas U.S. Senate race tightening, Attorney General Ken Paxton faces a strong challenge from Democrat James Talarico. The convention aims to showcase GOP achievements while contrasting their agenda with that of Democrats. Texas Republicans hope to rally support and counteract declining Latino voter backing as they gear up for the November elections.
NationalPaxton Announces 7-Million Egg Statewide Giveaway
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced the distribution of over 7 million free eggs to food banks across the state, following settlements with three major egg producers. So far, more than 1.7 million eggs have been delivered, with an additional 5.3 million expected in the coming weeks. The settlements, reached in June 2026, addressed antitrust claims related to inflated egg prices from 2022 to 2025. The donations are being coordinated with Feeding Texas, involving 17 food banks statewide, including the Houston Food Bank, which will receive 1.5 million eggs.