National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalBody of a Morena Congressman Found in Mexico
A federal deputy from the ruling Morena party, Zenyazen Escobar García, was found dead in a vehicle on a highway in Veracruz on Friday. The discovery was confirmed by Veracruz's prosecutor, Lizbeth Aurelia Jiménez Aguirre, near La Gloria in Puente Nacional. Preliminary investigations indicate he suffered at least one gunshot wound to the head. Escobar García, 42, previously served as Secretary of Education and was elected to Congress in 2024. The Veracruz government announced that the Federal Attorney General's Office will take over the case to ensure a thorough investigation. Morena expressed condolences and called for clarity regarding the circumstances of his death.
NationalLindsay Clancy murder trial ends in hung jury, defense demands stay of mistrial declaration
The judge in the Lindsay Clancy murder case has declared a mistrial after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
NationalWhat a Mistrial Means for Lindsay Clancy
The judge in Lindsay Clancy's trial announced he would declare a mistrial on Friday, only to suddenly change his mind and grant her defense attorney an hour to appeal. Judge William Sullivan's surprising decision came after he revealed in court that the jury—now deliberating for seven days—had sent a third note indicating they could not reach a unanimous decision on whether the Massachusetts mother is criminally responsible for the deaths of her three young children in 2023. 'I am going to declare a mistrial at this moment,' Sullivan said before the defense requested a stay of that declaration. Clancy showed no visible reaction at the defense table. The trial has garnered significant interest for over a month, deeply dividing public opinion and focusing attention on issues related to maternal mental health after childbirth. Clancy's attorney claimed she suffered from a rare disorder known as postpartum psychosis when she strangled her children— the youngest being just 8 months old—and subsequently attempted to take her own life.
NationalBuild the Wall and Stop Migrants: White House Launches 5 Video Games on Its Website
On Thursday, the White House website unveiled an Arcade section, featuring a collection of five low-resolution video games that promote various aspects of President Donald Trump's agenda. 'Build the Wall' is a version of 'Tetris' that transforms the classic game into an effort to 'protect the border from the approaching horde.' In 'Rio Run,' reminiscent of the old mobile favorite 'Snake,' an icon resembling Trump runs back and forth while gathering people attempting to cross the border. In 'Supply Line,' which looks like a condensed version of the game 'Tapper,' food moves along an assembly line, and players must reject products that do not meet the 'Make America Healthy Again' standards. Two of the games take place in the skies above the nation's capital. In 'Flappy Bill,' an eagle carries a bill through the National Mall monument complex.
NationalWhere Does the Meat Imported by the U.S. to Lower Prices Come From? Trump Weighs In
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the extraordinary quota of 300,000 tons of imported beef aimed at reducing prices in the U.S. comes from Argentina and Brazil. Until now, the U.S. government had not identified which countries would supply the additional volume of meat, which is intended to be mixed with American beef for hamburger preparation over a 90-day window. 'It's coming from Argentina and it's coming from Brazil,' Trump responded when asked by reporters at the White House during an event where he signed an executive order allowing ranch owners to also process meat; a clear nod to the agricultural sector dissatisfied with the duty-free importation of foreign meat. The extraordinary measure, included in a presidential proclamation Trump signed on August 26, allows for the importation of 300,000 tons of fresh or frozen lean cuts between September 1 and November 30, and according to the president, will lower ground beef prices by 25%. The Department of Agriculture explained that this temporary importation aims to compensate for the partial closure of the border to live Mexican cattle, which remains in place due to the pest of the corn borer.
NationalTrump says Mexico only offers the U.S. 'spicy tamales and tomatoes'
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Mexico has nothing to offer the United States except for 'spicy tamales and tomatoes.' However, he clarified that he does not intend to disrupt the trade relationship because he gets along 'very well' with his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump made these comments while responding to questions from reporters in the Oval Office regarding his threat to cut trade with countries that maintain a trade surplus with the U.S. He emphasized that the U.S. has all the necessary resources, saying, 'We have oil, we have everything.' Trump also praised his good relationship with Sheinbaum and expressed his intention to maintain historical trade ties with Mexico. He referred to the tensions between the U.S. and Canada, exacerbated by the breakdown of bilateral trade talks and the imposition of U.S. tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, which Ottawa plans to respond to with similar tariffs next week. This situation raises questions about the future of the USMCA trade agreement signed by the three North American countries in 2018. Last Tuesday, Sheinbaum stated that despite the challenges in the relationship with Washington, she is hopeful for an 'understanding' in security and trade areas. The most recent round of USMCA review talks took place in July in Mexico City, where trade representatives from both nations discussed tariffs on the automotive industry, steel, aluminum, agriculture, and economic security. Following that meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard agreed to continue discussions in September.
NationalMiracle in Nepal: Two Workers Rescued Alive After 9 Days Trapped in Tunnel
In Kathmandu, Nepal, two workers were rescued alive from the Trishuli 3A hydroelectric project tunnel on Friday, nine days after devastating floods struck the region. The survivors, Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, were located approximately 170 meters inside the tunnel. Rescue teams had previously heard voices, prompting intensified efforts. Communication was briefly established, with rescuers assuring those trapped that help was on the way. The floods, which occurred on August 26, resulted in at least 1,287 deaths and left over 5,000 missing. Damage from the disaster is estimated at around $2.5 billion.
NationalDiesel Prices Hit Record High in the U.S.; How Could It Impact Your Wallet?
Diesel prices in the U.S. hit a record high of $5.85 per gallon, driven by ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have disrupted global fuel supplies. This increase is expected to raise transportation costs for a wide range of everyday products, impacting consumers as businesses may pass on these costs through higher prices. Grocery items, particularly perishables like fruits, vegetables, and meats, could see immediate price hikes. Regular gasoline prices also rose to an average of $4.15 per gallon, up from $3.20 last year, marking a significant increase as the Labor Day holiday approaches.
NationalUS Creates 162,000 Jobs in August While Wages Lag Behind Inflation
In August, the U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs, significantly exceeding expectations. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Economists had predicted only 53,000 new jobs. Revisions showed June's employment increased by 11,000 to 31,000, and July's figures improved by 44,000, resulting in a net gain of 21,000 jobs. The restaurant and bar sector led with 59,000 new jobs, while local government education added 42,000. However, the tech sector lost 23,000 jobs. Wage growth was stagnant at 3.1% year-over-year, lagging behind inflation, which was 3.4% in July.
NationalLindsay Clancy Trial: One Juror Emerges as Key Figure in Reaching Verdict
The jury in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who faces murder charges for the deaths of her three children in January 2023, has been struggling to reach a verdict. A juror has reportedly refused to follow the court's instructions regarding reasonable doubt. Clancy, 36, has admitted to causing their deaths but pleads not guilty due to lack of criminal responsibility. During a tense session, the judge decided not to remove the dissenting juror, stating there was no need for interrogation. Meanwhile, Clancy's attorney filed a motion to ensure all proceedings remain public. If the jury cannot agree, the trial may be declared a mistrial.
NationalMamdani's Next Battleground? Berlin.
Staffers from Germany’s Die Linke party traveled to New York last year to learn from the DSA’s campaign as they try to win a mayor’s race in Berlin.
NationalICE officer charged with lying about shooting turns himself in to feds, AP source says
WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer charged with lying to investigators about the events leading up to the shooting of a Venezuelan man during the Minneapolis immigration crackdown is in federal custody, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Christian Castro turned himself in to authorities after being charged with
NationalMaria Bartiromo Leaves FOX News Media After More Than 12 Years
Maria Bartiromo has departed from FOX News Media after over 12 years with the network, a tenure that included her prominent roles on both FOX Business Network and FOX News Channel. The announcement of her departure was made on September 3, effective immediately, but no reasons were provided. FOX News expressed gratitude for her contributions and wished her well in future endeavors. Her show, 'Mornings with Maria,' aired its final episode the same day, and will be replaced by 'Mornings with FOX Business' featuring rotating anchors. Bartiromo's exit also opens a spot on 'Sunday Morning Futures,' which will be temporarily hosted by former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz.
NationalProposal Could Affect Money Immigrant Families Receive When Filing Taxes
HOUSTON – A proposal from the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could impact the money that some immigrant families receive when they file their taxes. The proposal seeks to restrict four tax credits for DACA recipients, TPS holders, asylum applicants, and individuals with certain non-immigrant visas. These credits are related to children, college education, and adoption, among others. According to estimates mentioned in the proposal, the change could affect up to 700,000 taxpayers nationwide. The IRS estimates that families could collectively stop receiving between $700 million and $2.6 billion. The proposal is not yet final. Taxpayers can submit comments on the proposal until October 4. A hearing is scheduled for October 14, before a decision is made on the measure. To express your opinion, please visit this website.
NationalThousands of Eligible Children Await Child Care Assistance
Thousands of eligible children are on waiting lists for government-funded childcare assistance, which aims to alleviate costs for low-income families. An analysis by The Associated Press revealed that hundreds of thousands of children in 23 states and Washington, D.C., were waiting for assistance this spring. The demand has surged since 2023, when only eight states had waiting lists. Many families have been denied aid, and the expiration of $28 billion in pandemic relief has exacerbated the situation. Parents report making sacrifices, such as skipping essentials or relying on friends for childcare, while some are forced to bring their children to work or school.
NationalAP Source: ICE officer charged with lying to investigators in the shooting of Venezuelan man
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors have charged a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer with lying to investigators about the events leading up to the shooting of a Venezuelan man during the Minneapolis immigration crackdown earlier this year, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to publicly
NationalGloomy Outlook: Earth Will Soon Exceed Key Global Warming Limit, According to the UN
In a strategic retreat in the fight against climate change, the UN has acknowledged that the Earth has lost its chance to avoid some of the worst impacts of global warming. Now, the world must figure out how to bring temperatures down from the danger zone and back to safety, officials say. The Earth is set to soon surpass the safe temperature threshold agreed upon in the 2015 Paris climate pact due to warming caused by the burning of coal, oil, and gas, according to a grim report, the first of its kind, published Wednesday by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Instead of giving up, scientists and UN officials recommend trying to limit excessive warming and then work to bring temperatures back down to the agreed threshold. However, this will still mean decades of increased climate-related disasters, rising sea levels, extinctions, and melting ice and glaciers. "Humanity is speeding past the limit to avoid a climate catastrophe," stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
NationalStabbing victim in Times Square was a new mother who died on her first day back at work
NEW YORK — The woman who was fatally stabbed in Times Square was a new mother who had just completed her first day back at work after maternity leave when she became the victim of an unprovoked attack, according to her family. Erin Piacenti, 32, a vice president at Bank of America, was walking through the busy tourist area in the heart of Manhattan on Monday night when she was stabbed in the abdomen. She was pronounced dead shortly after at a hospital. Piacenti is survived by her husband and her 5-month-old daughter, Madison. Relatives have set up a fundraising campaign to support the baby.
NationalTrump says he will campaign for Republicans in 35 races, including Texas
Former President Donald Trump announced his commitment to campaign for Republican candidates in 35 races this fall, ahead of the November midterm elections. During a White House dinner with Republican Congress members, Trump stated he would dedicate the last 30 days to these contests, including supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico for a Senate seat. Trump emphasized he would not campaign for candidates with secure leads and noted his super PAC, MAGA Inc., has over $400 million available to support these efforts. He insists the midterms do not personally affect him as he is not a candidate.