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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
NationalInflation in the U.S.: Another Spike Expected in May Report Due to War with Iran
Inflation in the United States has risen for the third consecutive month, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reaching 4.2%, the highest level since early 2023. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a 0.5% increase from April, largely driven by a 10.9% rise in energy prices in May. Energy costs accounted for over 60% of the overall monthly increase. While inflation has outpaced wage growth, which stands at 3.4%, oil prices have surged nearly 35% since the onset of the conflict with Iran. Gas prices remain about 40% higher than before the conflict, despite a recent dip in retail gasoline prices.
NationalLargest ICE detention facility wasted millions and put detainees at risk, report finds
A federal report highlights severe mismanagement at Camp East Montana, the largest ICE detention facility in the U.S., located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The Government Accountability Office found unsafe conditions that contributed to the deaths of three detainees within six months, including a Cuban migrant whose death investigation was compromised due to missing evidence. The facility, which opened in August 2022, failed to meet required standards, lacked adequate medical care, and wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on unnecessary services. The Department of Homeland Security has since replaced the contractor managing the facility to improve conditions.
NationalUS strikes Iran after Trump blames Tehran for downing Army helicopter
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iran after President Trump accused Tehran of downing an Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command described the strikes as a proportional response to Iranian aggression. Iranian officials vowed retaliation, stating that foreign military forces near their territory are at risk. The incident escalated tensions following a two-month ceasefire and recent exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel. Meanwhile, a U.S. drone boat successfully rescued two aviators after the helicopter crash, marking a first for the military. The situation continues to impact global energy prices and regional stability.
NationalHouse passes $70B bill to fund immigration enforcement for 3 years, sending to Trump
The House of Representatives passed a bill allocating nearly $70 billion for immigration enforcement, which now awaits President Trump's signature. The legislation, approved by a narrow vote of 214-212, aims to fund the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies for three years, supporting Trump's deportation agenda. The bill includes $38 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, $26 billion for Border Patrol, and $5 billion for unforeseen costs. Democrats opposed the bill, criticizing it as a 'slush fund for ICE' without necessary reforms. The funding follows a lengthy standoff in Congress and is seen as crucial for Trump's immigration policies.
NationalAn Indian billionaire was targeted by Trump. Then he poured money into a startup secretly backed by Donald Trump Jr.
In late November, Indian billionaire Anant Ambani met with Donald Trump Jr. in India amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Ambani's energy empire. Following their meeting, Ambani's company invested over $100 million in America First Refining, a Texas startup linked to Trump Jr. This investment raised eyebrows due to the startup's troubled history and the significant political connections involved. Trump Jr. reportedly holds a stake in the company, although details remain unclear. The deal coincided with favorable U.S. policy changes for Reliance Industries, suggesting a potential alignment of interests between the Ambanis and the Trump family.
NationalHouse is set to fund Trump immigration actions for the rest of his time in the White House
The House of Representatives has passed a bill providing nearly $70 billion for immigration enforcement, which now awaits President Trump's signature. The legislation, approved by a narrow vote of 214-212, allocates $38 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), $26 billion to the Border Patrol, and $5 billion for unforeseen costs. This funding supports Trump's deportation agenda, aiming to deport around 1 million individuals annually. The bill faced opposition from Democrats, who criticized it as a 'slush fund' for ICE without necessary reforms. The funding is crucial for the Department of Homeland Security, which is under new leadership and pressure to meet deportation goals.
NationalChancellor Announces Mexico-U.S. Bilateral Meeting Following Conversation with Rubio
MEXICO CITY – Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Velasco, announced on Tuesday that his phone conversation on Monday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which they reviewed cooperation on security, migration, and trade, took place in a "very cordial, very respectful" atmosphere. "Yesterday we had a call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (...). A conversation in a very cordial, very respectful environment," Velasco stated, noting that the dialogue lasted about half an hour. During a presidential press conference, he explained that one of the main topics was cooperation on border security and combating organized crime. "We discussed the cooperation we have in security matters, about naturally moving forward on the principles we have talked about many times under the border security and law enforcement cooperation program," he indicated. Velasco announced that a bilateral working meeting with representatives from both governments will take place this week in Mexico City to follow up on those efforts. Regarding the results achieved, he highlighted that Mexico reported progress in combating drug trafficking and irregular migration. "There has been a 76% decrease in fentanyl seizures at the border from the beginning of President (of Mexico, Claudia) Sheinbaum's administration to the last month for which we have records," he asserted. He also noted that both countries will continue to work on migration issues "always with respect for human rights." The chancellor also mentioned that they discussed the review of the Mexico-United States-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other trade matters. "We talked about the importance of reaching a good outcome with the ongoing discussions on this matter," he said. According to Velasco, Rubio informed him that he is personally following up on these issues and that both will remain in contact to explore a future in-person meeting. The call comes amid tensions between the two countries. Last week, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum urged U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson to respect the country’s internal affairs following a series of public exchanges related to security and the fight against drug trafficking.
NationalAmid Tensions, U.S. Secretary of War Plans Visit to Guantanamo Naval Base
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will travel this Wednesday to the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba and to Tampa, Florida, to meet with troops stationed in Cuban territory and with units from Central Command (CENTCOM), the U.S. government announced in an official statement. Although the reason for the trip to both locations has 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. This marks the second visit by a Trump administration official to the U.S. territory at Guantanamo Naval Base in the past 15 days. General Francis L. Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, was in Cuba on May 29 to discuss issues such as 'the safety of military personnel and their families and operational readiness, along with base officials.' Donovan also conducted an analysis of the 'perimeter security of the naval base' during the meeting, which included representatives from the Cuban military. President Donald Trump has openly threatened to take control of Cuba, stating that the island could be his next military target after Iran.
NationalSheinbaum Questions Her Attendance at the Zócalo Fan Fest
MEXICO CITY – President Claudia Sheinbaum cast doubt on her attendance at the Fan Fest organized in the capital's Zócalo for the World Cup on Tuesday, pending the developments of protests by teachers and other groups in the city center. "We will see how things unfold with the teachers and some other groups, because I need to stay alert to that, obviously. So, there is a team that is constantly monitoring this. But we will see how it develops," the president stated during her morning press conference when asked about her potential presence at the event. The Mexican government has prepared a Fan Fest in the Plaza de la Constitución to follow the World Cup matches, which Sheinbaum had previously stated she would attend to witness the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, after giving her ticket to an Indigenous girl to attend the match at the Estadio Ciudad de México. According to official information, the Zócalo Fan Fest could host up to 60,000 fans on match days, with free access and operating throughout the tournament. Regarding the event's organization, the Mexican leader assured that there is already a defined logistics plan for attendee access. "It is already known how they will enter (the tourists)," she noted, referring to visitors and content creators who have expressed doubts on social media about access to the Zócalo.
NationalSheinbaum Questions Her Attendance at Zócalo Fan Fest
MEXICO CITY – President Claudia Sheinbaum cast doubt on her attendance at the Fan Fest organized in the Zócalo to celebrate the World Cup, pending the developments of protests by teachers and other groups in the city center. "We will see how things unfold with the teachers and some other groups, because I need to stay attentive to that, obviously. There is a team that is constantly monitoring this. But we will see how it develops," the president stated during her morning press conference when asked about her potential presence at the event. The Mexican government has prepared a Fan Fest in the Plaza de la Constitución to follow the World Cup matches, which Sheinbaum had previously assured she would attend to witness the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, after giving her ticket to an indigenous girl to attend the match at the Estadio Ciudad de México. According to official information, the Zócalo Fan Fest could accommodate up to 60,000 fans on match days, with free access and operating throughout the tournament. Regarding the event's organization, the Mexican leader confirmed that logistics for attendee access are already defined. "It is already known how they will enter (the tourists)," she noted, referring to visitors and content creators who have expressed concerns on social media about access to the Zócalo.
NationalTrump vows response against Iran after downing of US helicopter
President Trump on Tuesday blamed Iran for shooting down an American Apache helicopter overnight and said a response was necessary. “I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump posted on his social
NationalFunding Package for ICE and Border Patrol Approved
WASHINGTON — After weeks of setbacks and delays, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly approved a package of about $70 billion on Tuesday to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol through the end of President Donald Trump's term. The vote concluded with 214 in favor and 212 against. The package, titled the 'Secure America Act,' was approved by the Senate last week and now moves to the president's desk for expected signing. The approval in the House ends months of tensions and partisan disputes over funding for immigration enforcement operations.
NationalFunding Package for ICE and Border Patrol Approved
WASHINGTON — After weeks of setbacks and delays, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly approved a package of about $70 billion on Tuesday to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol until the end of President Donald Trump's term. The vote concluded with 214 in favor and 212 against. The package, titled the *Secure America Act*, was approved by the Senate last week and now heads to the president's desk for expected signing. The approval in the House ends months of tensions and partisan disputes over the funding of immigration enforcement operations.
NationalKansas City Showcases World Cup Counter-Drone Defense to Federal Leadership
Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 visited Kansas City, Missouri, to discuss counter-drone measures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The task force has allocated over $100 million to enhance drone defense capabilities across 11 host cities. The visit included meetings with local law enforcement and safety partners, focusing on integrating air domain awareness and real-time drone response into security planning. Kansas City officials emphasized the importance of interagency coordination to ensure the safety of fans and facilities during the event. The federal government is actively supporting these preparations through various agencies.
NationalUS-Commissioned Study Identifies Alcohol Risks, But Government Excludes It from Guidelines
An independent study commissioned by the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden to investigate health risks associated with alcohol was published on Tuesday, after the administration of President Donald Trump chose not to highlight the researchers' findings in new dietary recommendations, amid pressures from the alcohol industry and a congressional committee. The study's conclusions, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, aligned with years of research, indicating that health risks increase with just one drink a day and that no level of alcohol consumption has a protective effect on mortality. Even levels considered 'moderate' raise the risk of premature death and over 200 diseases, including heart disease and cancer, the researchers found. The new study was one of two government reviews intended to help guide new dietary guidelines. Released earlier this year, the guidelines advised consuming 'less alcohol for better overall health.' The authors of the independently released study argue that this did not provide detailed practical advice on the risks of drinking.
NationalBad Bunny and Pope Leo XIV Hold Private Meeting in Madrid
Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny met with Pope Leo XIV at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, as confirmed by several Spanish media outlets. Although images of the meeting have not yet been released, the newspaper El País cited a Vatican source confirming that the meeting was private. According to reports, the singer was accompanied by family members and greeted the pontiff before he left the stadium for the city of Barcelona, where he continues his visit to the country. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, the real name of the urban music artist, is currently on a series of concerts in Spain as part of his world tour 'Debí TiRar MáS Fotos WoRLd Tour.' The artist kicked off the tour in Barcelona and is currently performing in Madrid, where he has sold out approximately 10 shows at the Riyad Air Metropolitano Stadium.