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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalMan accused of murdering Minnesota lawmaker and her husband accepts plea deal
Vance Boelter, the Minnesota man accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer and fatally shooting the former Speaker of the State House in what authorities have described as a politically motivated murder, pleaded guilty on Thursday. Boelter had initially pleaded not guilty, but federal prosecutors indicated that in exchange for his guilty plea, they would no longer seek the death penalty. Neither Boelter's attorney nor the prosecutors immediately responded to requests for comments. A federal grand jury indicted Boelter last year on six charges, including harassment and murder by using a firearm in connection with the shootings that occurred on June 14, 2025. Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were injured in a nearby home in Champlin. Then-U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson stated that Boelter also attempted to kill the couple's daughter, Hope, but the senator and his wife shielded her with their bodies. The young girl was not injured.
NationalPentagon Under Shelter-in-Place Order Due to 'Hazardous Materials Incident'
Emergency teams are responding to a 'hazardous materials situation' at the Pentagon, which has led to shelter-in-place orders and evacuations in certain areas of the building, according to the Pentagon. The Pentagon confirmed that it activated preventive measures after detecting an issue related to air quality. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated in a release that the facility's systems 'detected an air quality issue that requires preventive measures while we assess its significance.' 'The Department is implementing standard protective protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are deployed and ready to assist building occupants,' Parnell added. The Arlington County Fire Department reported on X that, along with specialized hazardous materials teams, it is responding to the incident.
NationalIran Responds to US Attacks: Warns of New Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing escalating tensions with U.S. forces in the region. The Persian Gulf Authority stated that those with transit permits must wait for new instructions. This comes amid a second day of exchanges of attacks between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns of a larger conflict. President Trump warned of a strong U.S. response, claiming that Iran would face consequences for stalled negotiations. The recent U.S. attacks reportedly resulted in casualties and damage to Iranian infrastructure, complicating ongoing discussions regarding the Strait's control and global energy supplies.
NationalConservation groups suing federal government over potential SpaceX land swap in Cameron County
Conservation groups and a Native American tribe from the Rio Grande Valley have filed a lawsuit against the federal government to block SpaceX from acquiring protected land in Cameron County. The suit, submitted in Washington, D.C., by Save RGV, the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, and others, claims the proposed land swap violates several federal laws. SpaceX aims to exchange 715 acres from the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge for 683 acres it owns. The lawsuit highlights concerns over environmental impacts, including habitat degradation and public access issues. A hearing date for the case has yet to be determined.
NationalTrump signs bill giving nearly $70B to his immigration enforcement agenda through end of his term
President Donald Trump has signed a bill that allocates nearly $70 billion to bolster his immigration enforcement initiatives through the end of his presidency. The legislation includes $38 billion for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and $26 billion for Border Patrol, with an additional $5 billion set aside for unexpected expenses. This funding comes after a contentious six-month debate, sparked by the deaths of two U.S. citizens during immigration operations. The bill was passed by House Republicans with a narrow 214-212 vote and is expected to support the deportation of approximately 1 million individuals annually over the next three years.
NationalHonda recalls over 800,000 cars due to issue that increases the likelihood of a crash
Honda is recalling more than 800,000 vehicles because rear suspension components could fail, causing drivers to lose control, which increases the chances of a crash or injury. The recall affects certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX models, as announced by American Honda Motor Co. It includes 880,514 vehicles sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.
NationalBrownsville organizations sue feds over SpaceX land swap
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - Three Brownsville organizations and the Center for Biological Diversity, based in Arizona, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday over a land swap with SpaceX. The land swap, which will exchange 715 acres of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge for
NationalFeds Disable 13 Chinese Spying Sites Targeting U.S. Officials
Federal authorities have seized 13 internet domains linked to a scheme targeting U.S. individuals, particularly those with security clearances. These domains were used by foreign actors to lure Americans into revealing sensitive information through fake consulting job offers. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg emphasized the need for caution regarding suspicious online job offers. The FBI highlighted that these fraudulent sites were designed to exploit U.S. government employees. The domains included names like centrikglobalconsulting.com and rightinfoconsult.com. The FBI has placed warnings on these sites to prevent further illegal activities.
NationalExecution of Death Row Inmate Halted with Nitrogen Gas
A death row inmate whose execution was scheduled for Thursday was suddenly halted, expressing relief upon learning that a federal court ruled Alabama's use of nitrogen gas violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Jeffery Lee, who has spent nearly three decades on death row, spoke by phone from the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, moments after a district judge agreed to stop his execution. Despite the ruling, his fate remains uncertain as state Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed an appeal, likely bringing the case before the Supreme Court, which has previously allowed Alabama to proceed with nitrogen executions after last-minute appeals. Lee was set to become the ninth person in the U.S. executed by nitrogen hypoxia, a method Alabama initiated in 2024. Although lethal injection remains the primary execution method in Alabama, obtaining the necessary drugs has become challenging in recent years. Lee was convicted in 2000 for the murders of Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson, as well as the attempted murder of Helen King during a robbery. He expressed remorse for his actions and hopes his legal victory will prevent others from being executed by nitrogen gas.
NationalUS Says It Strikes 'Multiple Targets' in Iran
The United States military announced on Wednesday that it had begun another round of strikes against Iran after President Donald Trump threatened to escalate attacks. The increasing assaults threaten to derail efforts to end the war, as Trump warned Tehran would 'pay the price' for the stalled negotiations. The US Central Command stated on social media that the military was targeting 'multiple objectives in Iran' in response to the 'ongoing and unprovoked aggression' of the Islamic Republic. These offensives came a day after the US attacked Iran following the crash of a US military helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump attributed to Iran. The president urged Iran to sign an agreement to end the war. On Wednesday morning, the US military reported firing on a tanker attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of its blockade on Iranian ports. Trump's comments highlighted the shifting approach of the US leader towards the war; earlier this week, he suggested that an agreement to end the conflict could be reached within days. Iran has shown resilience despite facing weeks of intense bombardments, banking on its ability to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial passage for oil and natural gas—as a strong bargaining chip. Iran's UN envoy stated that the US should refrain from threatening the use of force if it wants an agreement. 'Iran has never negotiated under threats and pressure and will never submit to pressure or questioning,' Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the UN Security Council on Wednesday. Nevertheless, both countries appear to be seeking a way to end the conflict if they can sell it as a victory at home. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems determined to pursue objectives that make compromise more difficult: the overthrow of Iran's theocratic government, the elimination of its nuclear program, and the destruction of the Iran-aligned political-military group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump claimed that the US has been secretly smuggling oil past Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz since last month, stating that ships were sailing at night, aided by the destruction of Iranian radar equipment. He said that as a result, over 100 million barrels of oil have evaded Iran's tight control over the strait. There was no immediate confirmation of that figure, which is approximately equivalent to five days of oil shipments through the waterway before the war began. The role of the military remains unclear. Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for Central Command, stated that US forces 'communicate and coordinate' with commercial vessels in the area but did not provide details on the military support being offered. The US military reported on Wednesday that a US aircraft fired 'precision munitions' at the engine room of the Palauan-flagged vessel M/T Settebello while it attempted to breach the naval blockade with a cargo of Iranian oil. This was the eighth merchant vessel disabled by US forces in the waters off Iran. India's Foreign Ministry reported that three Indian sailors were missing after the Settebello was hit, while 21 others were rescued. The statement did not mention the US military or the blockade. Hawkins from Central Command stated that US forces warned the crew before firing on the ship. The US military said that the strikes carried out on Wednesday morning targeted 'air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites.' Iran indicated that the US attacks hit two water storage facilities in its southern city of Sirik, temporarily cutting off water supply to thousands of people. So far, Central Command has not commented. Tehran later claimed responsibility for attacks in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Jordan reported that it intercepted five incoming missiles, which Iran claimed were targeting a military base housing US aircraft. Bahrain and Kuwait reported intercepting incoming fire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attacks as a violation of Iranian sovereignty. Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, stated in televised comments that, in light of the new attacks, Iran would reconsider its stance on negotiations to end the war. Efforts to mediate an agreement continued. Following consultations with the US, a delegation from Qatar arrived in Tehran for talks on Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the visit who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions. The exchanges occurred a day after a US Army attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. The helicopter collided with an Iranian drone, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. It was unclear whether the collision was intentional. A marine drone rescued both crew members from the helicopter, and Trump stated they were unharmed. Significant disagreements stand in the way of a swift peace agreement. Wary of high gasoline prices ahead of the November congressional elections, Trump appears to be seeking a quick victory. However, he also raises demands that will be difficult for Iran to accept. The US wants Iran to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Although the Islamic Republic insists its nuclear program is peaceful, that uranium is a short technical step away from weapon-grade levels. Iran refuses to relinquish the uranium and demands relief from sanctions. It also wants the release of frozen assets even before a final agreement, something Trump has rejected. It remains unclear how these differences can be bridged. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated on Wednesday that Iran was taking 'too long to negotiate an agreement' and that 'they will now have to pay the price!!!' Meanwhile, Iran has insisted that any agreement to end the war must also end the fighting between its ally Hezbollah and Israel. In contrast, Israel has intensified its military campaign against the rebel group based in Lebanon. An airstrike on a village east of Tyre killed at least six people, according to Lebanon's state news agency. It reported that two others were killed by an Israeli drone strike on a car in the southern city of Sidon. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Digital reviewed the translation.
NationalSocial Security Fund Could Run Out by 2032, According to Report. How Would It Affect Your Benefits?
A trust fund for Social Security that pays benefits to tens of millions of Americans could deplete its reserves by the end of 2032, according to a new report released on Tuesday, which could prevent beneficiaries from receiving their full payments. The annual report indicates that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which covers retirees and survivors of deceased workers, may only be able to pay 78% of benefits once its reserves are exhausted. In 2025, the report projected that the retirement trust fund would run out in 2033, but that estimate was later revised to the end of 2032. Social Security provides monthly payments to approximately 71 million beneficiaries in the United States. Social Security is primarily funded through payroll taxes paid by workers and employers. When benefit payments exceed the program's annual income, the Social Security Administration taps into the trust fund reserves to cover the shortfall.
NationalColombia: Unusual Attempt to Suspend Gustavo Petro Fails Days Before Elections
BOGOTÁ, Colombia – An unusual attempt to provisionally suspend Colombian President Gustavo Petro caused a stir on Wednesday, just eleven days before the second round of elections in which his successor will be chosen between Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist Iván Cepeda. The decision, a precautionary measure lacking legal grounds, was made by Gloria Arizabaleta, the president of the House of Representatives' Commission on Investigation and Accusation, from the same party as the president, the Historical Pact, due to Petro's alleged participation in the current political campaign to support Cepeda, despite being legally prohibited from doing so. The precautionary measure, which had never been taken in Colombia and aimed to expedite the total suspension of the president, failed after Arizabaleta revoked the decision and filed a new order that must be voted on by all members of the Commission on Investigation and Accusation. "I have not intervened in politics, and I have made that clear," Petro stated at the United Nations Security Council in New York, where he chaired a debate on seeking solutions for peace in the Middle East. The president asserted that the attempt to suspend him is due to "having a different thought" and defended that being president does not strip him of his "fundamental rights," which is understood as a reference to his right to comment on the elections.
NationalTrump Promises Total U.S. Support if Right-Wing Candidate Wins in Colombia
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump promised on Wednesday that Colombia will have "the full support and strength" of the United States if far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella wins the presidential runoff. Trump, who announced his electoral support for De la Espriella last week, emphasized in a message on his Truth Social platform that the Colombian candidate has his "total and unconditional backing" heading into the second round on June 21. "The results of these elections are crucial for the future of Colombia and its relationship with the United States, which, if Abelardo wins, will have the full support and strength of the United States thanks to his competence and love for his country," the Republican wrote.
NationalEl Salvador Opens the World’s Largest Aircraft Maintenance Center
On April 16, 2026, President Nayib Bukele inaugurated Hangar 7 in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador, marking AEROMAN as the world's largest aircraft maintenance center at a single location. This expansion enhances El Salvador's status as a global aviation hub and is expected to drive investment and job creation in the aerospace sector. The project, completed in 15 months, was delivered on time and within budget. Bukele emphasized the significance of this development for the country's economy and invited both national and international companies to invest in El Salvador, highlighting political stability and legal certainty as key factors for business growth.
NationalU.S. Begins Revoking Visas for Tourists Who Come to Have Babies
HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of State has started revoking visas for individuals who have come to the country on tourist visas to give birth. This was announced on Wednesday, June 10, as the Department revealed it has launched an offensive against individuals and international networks involved in what is known as 'birth tourism,' a practice where foreign nationals seek to enter the U.S. on visitor visas primarily to give birth so their children can obtain U.S. citizenship. According to the federal agency, a U.S. embassy in West Africa detected a sophisticated network of over 100 foreigners who allegedly used fraudulent documents and 'visa facilitators' to obtain travel permits.
NationalFIFA Reverses Course: Now Allowing Bottles, but with Specific Rules
FIFA has reversed its policy for fans and will now allow them to bring their bottles into certain stadiums during the 2026 World Cup, adjusting a rule that previously prohibited spectators from entering with reusable bottles at the 16 tournament venues in North America, including some with little or no shade. In a social media post, FIFA stated that fans will be allowed to bring a factory-sealed, soft plastic, disposable water bottle of up to 20 ounces to any match held in the United States or Canada. In a video released by FIFA, Operations Director Heimo Schirgi noted that rigid reusable bottles will not be allowed for 'safety reasons.'
NationalCan You Bring Portable Chargers on a Plane? Here's What You Need to Know Before Your Next Flight
Travelers planning to fly this summer should be aware of updated regulations regarding portable chargers, particularly lithium-ion battery packs. These chargers must be carried in carry-on luggage, as they are prohibited in checked bags. Passengers can take up to two power banks with a capacity of 100 watt-hours without airline approval. Larger batteries, between 100 and 160 watt-hours, require prior consent. Recent incidents of lithium battery fires have prompted stricter airline policies. Once on board, chargers must be stored in accessible locations and cannot be used to charge devices during the flight. Always check with your airline for specific rules.
NationalColombia Temporarily Suspends President Petro Until After Elections
Colombia's Congress has temporarily suspended President Gustavo Petro until June 21, coinciding with the presidential runoff election. This decision, made by Gloria Arizabaleta, chair of the Accusation Commission, aims to prevent Petro from participating in political activities during the campaign. The suspension is based on allegations of his involvement in the electoral process, which is considered a serious offense under Colombian law. Petro, currently in New York for a UN Security Council meeting, would be the first Colombian president to face such a suspension. The runoff will feature candidates Abelardo de la Espriella and Iván Cepeda.
NationalDefense Secretary Says in Guantanamo That It Is 'Reckless' for Cuba to Obtain Weapons to Attack the U.S.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived Wednesday at the Naval Base in Guantanamo, Cuba, where he met with troops stationed on Cuban territory. His itinerary also included a visit to Tampa, Florida, where he would meet with units from Central Command (CENTCOM) as part of a tour to oversee operations in the region, according to an official U.S. government announcement. Although the reasons for the trip to both locations have not been specified, this move comes amid tensions between Havana and Washington, following a U.S. military helicopter crash in the Strait of Hormuz during a ceasefire with Iran. During the meeting, the Defense Secretary stated that he considers it 'reckless' for Cuba to attempt to acquire weapons to attack the U.S. military enclave in the east of the island, amid escalating bilateral tensions. 'It would be reckless for the Cuban government to try to acquire or gain access to weapons that could reach this base or U.S. territory,' Hegseth told the troops stationed at the controversial military enclave, the oldest that Washington maintains outside its borders and the only one in a communist country. According to the Pentagon chief, the island's leadership would expose itself 'to a type of confrontation that they not only do not want but also could not withstand' because 'no country in the world can match the military capability' of the U.S. 'We do not seek enemies or adversaries,' said Hegseth, who added that he hopes to soon be 'friends' with the 'leaders of the Cuban government.' He insisted that 'the future of Cuba is in the hands' of President Donald Trump and 'the Cuban leaders.' 'Whatever happens, the Department of War will be prepared and positioned for any possible contingency,' he said, according to a video posted on X by the Pentagon. The former Fox News host and close ally of Trump spoke with Marines after a morning training session in various areas of the enclave, including in front of a now-closed booth that once provided access to Cuban territory before both countries severed relations in the early 1960s, isolating the base from the rest of the island.