National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalMay Employment Report Could Show Growth in Inflation-Pressed Economy
The U.S. economy added 172,000 jobs in May, indicating resilience in the labor market despite rising inflation and energy crises linked to the ongoing war in Iran. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3%, while average hourly earnings increased by 3.4% year-over-year, falling short of inflation, which hit 3.8% in April. Key job growth sectors included education, healthcare, and leisure. The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring the economy, with concerns that persistent inflation may require tighter monetary policy. Gas prices have surged over 40% since the war began, raising costs across various industries.
NationalSenate Approves Bill to Fund ICE and CBP; Now Heads to House Vote
The Senate approved a $70 billion bill early Friday to fund immigration enforcement agencies under President Trump. The vote, which passed 52-47, followed weeks of delays and controversy over a $1.776 billion compensation fund for law enforcement injured during the January 6 Capitol attack. Although unrelated to the bill, this fund threatened its passage. The legislation will finance Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for three years. The approval came after Republicans narrowly rejected attempts to permanently ban the compensation fund, which has caused division within the party.
NationalNeither official nor unofficial: Mexico has no communication regarding US visa withdrawal
MEXICO CITY – Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco stated on Thursday that he has "no official or unofficial communication" from the United States regarding an alleged withdrawal of visas from two Mexican governors amid rising bilateral tensions. The governors in question are Alfonso Durazo of Sonora and Américo Villareal of Tamaulipas, who both denied reports on Wednesday that the US had revoked their visas due to an alleged investigation into their supposed ties to organized crime, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. "We have no official communication on this matter, nor unofficial. This is not a topic on which there has been any communication from the US government," Velasco said during a press conference alongside his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, at the Foreign Ministry in Mexico City. On Wednesday, Durazo, from the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena), rejected the notion that he needed to "prove" he has a valid visa to travel to the United States. He also urged US authorities to "clarify the information" if such an investigation exists. Meanwhile, the governor of Tamaulipas, also from Morena, posted a video on social media criticizing the journalistic reports and the "false, biased accusations lacking any evidence to support them." The reactions from both politicians come after the Los Angeles Times reported that Durazo and Villareal are being investigated in the US for alleged connections to organized crime and fuel smuggling (known in Mexico as "huachicol"). The publication indicated that Washington has revoked their visas, but both politicians continue to enter the United States regularly under cooperation programs with US authorities. If this investigation is confirmed, it would represent another step in the recent campaign that Washington has launched against active Mexican politicians and their alleged ties to organized crime, following an urgent request in April for the arrest of ten officials from Sinaloa, including Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, for drug-related offenses. Velasco also mentioned that the tone of conversations with the US ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, has been one of cordiality and friendship between the two countries.
NationalFive Partner Nations Join U.S. Forces for Operation Red Flag-Alaska
Operation Red Flag-Alaska 26-2 began on May 28, 2026, at Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, involving over 2,100 service members from the U.S. and allied nations. The exercise aims to enhance air combat readiness and interoperability among forces from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Royal Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Republic of Singapore Air Force. Participants will engage in joint airborne operations, including airdrops and tactical exchanges, simulating Indo-Pacific operational conditions. The exercise is set to conclude on June 12, 2026.
NationalTexas Dream Act goes to court over fight to restore in-state tuition for undocumented students
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear a case regarding the Texas Dream Act, which previously allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. Advocates, including Students for Affordable Tuition and La Unión del Pueblo Entero, are seeking to defend the law after it was blocked last year following a lawsuit from the Trump administration. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office argues that the law conflicts with federal immigration statutes. The Texas Dream Act has benefited over 57,000 students, and its repeal could have significant economic impacts on the state. A ruling from the court is expected in the coming weeks or months.
NationalTrump administration has separated dozens of children from their parents for a second time, AP finds
An Associated Press investigation reveals that the Trump administration has re-separated dozens of children from their families, despite a legal settlement aimed at preventing such actions. Eleven-year-old Ederson Galicia Alva, who was first separated from his mother at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2018, experienced a second separation last year in Florida. After enduring months of trauma, Ederson's family was allowed to return to Florida following a federal judge's ruling. However, many families face ongoing challenges, including detention and deportation, as the government continues aggressive immigration enforcement, raising fears of further separations.
NationalSenate begins voting on bill to fund ICE, Border Patrol as Democrats try to derail it
The Senate has commenced voting on a $70 billion bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol, aiming to resolve a funding blockade by Democrats. This legislation seeks to provide three years of funding amid calls for policy changes following the fatal shootings of two protesters by federal agents. Democrats plan to introduce amendments, including one to eliminate a controversial $1.776 billion settlement fund. Senate Republicans are attempting to navigate procedural hurdles to pass the bill without Democratic support, while House leaders hope to finalize the legislation by week's end.
NationalControversy in Colombia as James Rodríguez Allegedly Denies Photo to Petro's Daughter
BOGOTÁ, Colombia – A controversy erupted in Colombia on Thursday after it was reported that James Rodríguez, captain of the national team for the 2026 World Cup, allegedly denied a photo to Antonella, the youngest daughter of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who presented the team with the national flag. During the event, which was not open to the press and was announced at the last minute, Colombian players took to a stage to receive a sombrero vueltiao gifted by President Petro, where most of the footballers appeared to be displeased. Antonella was alongside Petro, and when she greeted the 34-year-old Rodríguez, she asked him for a photo. However, he continued to greet others on stage and seemingly ignored her request. The incident did not go unnoticed, and on the social media platform X, Antonella and James Rodríguez became the second and third trending topics, respectively.
NationalTrump Orders Sweeping Customs Enforcement Reforms
On June 3, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order aimed at reforming U.S. customs enforcement to enhance adherence to federal trade laws. The order emphasizes the importance of customs enforcement for national security and the economy, addressing issues like undervalued imports and duty evasion. The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with revising importer eligibility criteria within 180 days, including stricter bonding and reporting requirements. Additionally, foreign importers will face new regulations, and all importers must maintain good standing with Customs and Border Protection. Enhanced vetting, audits, and penalties for violations are also included in the reforms.
NationalExorcist Priest Removed for Comments on UFOs and Demons
WASHINGTON, DC – The Catholic Archbishop of Washington, D.C., Cardinal Robert McElroy, removed a well-known priest from his position as exorcist for the archdiocese on Wednesday after the priest made public comments suggesting that UFO sightings were the work of demons. McElroy stated that the archdiocese was also severing any ties with the Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, the nonprofit organization led by Monsignor Stephen Rossetti. The archbishop noted that Rossetti's statements, which link UFOs to demonic presence and the recent use of social media by the Center, seriously undermine the Church's teaching on the devil, demons, and exorcism.
NationalFlorida Pastor's Son Sentenced After COVID-19 Relief Fraud Exceeding $8.4 Million
Josh Edwards, son de un pastor de Florida, fue condenado a cuatro años y tres meses de prisión por su participación en un fraude de $8.4 millones relacionado con la ayuda por COVID-19. Junto a su padre, Evan Edwards, quien no será juzgado por problemas de salud mental, Josh fue arrestado en diciembre de 2022. La familia solicitó el préstamo a través de su ministerio, ASLAN International, alegando tener 486 empleados, lo que resultó ser falso. Las autoridades recuperaron el dinero, que se había destinado a la compra de una casa cerca de Disney World. Josh, ciudadano canadiense, podría ser deportado tras cumplir su condena.
NationalA Replica of the Oval Office: Inside the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
Just days before the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on June 19, the interior of the modern building honoring former President Barack Obama, who has strong ties to the city, was revealed. A new video of the expansive facility provided a glimpse of what to expect, including a regulation-sized basketball court, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, acres of green space, and a full museum highlighting Obama's years in the White House. 'It’s a living, breathing legacy because our hope is that people take the change back to their communities,' said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, in an interview with NBC News. The campus, located at 6001 S. Stony Island Ave. in the South Side, officially opens to the public on the holiday known as Juneteenth, more than a decade after the former president chose his hometown of Chicago for the project. However, tens of thousands of people—friends and family of museum staff, students, and journalists—have already had the chance to see it first, as teams complete final artistic installations and landscaping work. Museum officials expect the campus to attract up to one million visitors each year. Before the grand opening, here’s what you need to know about the center. When does the Obama Presidential Center open? According to a statement from the organizers, the grand opening festivities will take place from June 19 to 21, featuring a 'free, open-house-style weekend to commemorate this incredible milestone.' 'These opening days are a preview of how the campus will be activated year-round to inspire, empower, and connect us all to create change,' the center stated. 'The campus is free and open to the public, and we want you to be there to bring it to life.' Details of the weekend celebrations have not been fully disclosed, but preliminary announcements indicated there will be live entertainment, temporary food stalls, 'fan zones' featuring professional Chicago teams and their mascots, face painting, storytelling sessions, and other family-friendly activities. Officials noted that while the campus will be open to everyone, museum tickets are sold out for the opening weekend. In addition to the grand opening, a ceremony will take place on June 18. 'The response to our official party to view the grand opening ceremony, held at nearby Midway Plaisance, has been incredible; therefore, requests for tickets to this in-person community gathering are now closed,' the center announced. 'However, you can still be part of this historic moment from anywhere in the world. We will livestream the full ceremony on Thursday, June 18, so you can tune in from wherever you are!' Former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to travel to Chicago for the grand opening. What will be inside? The project, costing approximately $850 million, encompasses both the political and personal dimensions of the country's first Black president. Campaign memorabilia and presidential artifacts will be displayed in the ticketed-access museum tower, while the public spaces of the extensive campus will include other significant elements for Obama: a new library, a regulation-sized basketball court, and a picnic area with grills. The museum will also feature an exhibit dedicated to his time in the Oval Office, including a replica within the museum itself. It will also be the first fully digital museum of its kind, foregoing a large number of official documents on display. Instead, visitors will navigate high-tech, interactive exhibits covering the campaigns, key moments of Obama's presidency, and life in the White House. Iconic dresses worn by former First Lady Michelle Obama will also be on display. Approximately a dozen outfits on mannequins will be behind glass, including a black and red dress designed by Narciso Rodriguez that the former First Lady wore on election night in 2008 in Chicago. According to museum officials, the campus spans nearly 20 acres. How to get tickets Access to the museum will cost $30 for adults aged 12 and older, or $26 for Illinois residents. Admission for children aged 3 to 11 will cost $23, while Illinois residents will receive a discount to $15. Although the museum charges an admission fee, most of the campus is free and open to the public, including a branch of the Chicago Public Library, public art installations, and park space around the campus. According to officials, the museum will use timed tickets for access, which can be purchased in advance online. However, there are several ways to obtain free admission to the museum, including free entry for all Illinois residents on Tuesdays, officials said. It is recommended to secure those tickets in advance, and proof of residency will be required at the entrance. According to the museum's website, Illinois teachers, active-duty military personnel, and veterans will also have access. Comcast NBC Universal, our parent company, is a donor to the Obama Presidential Center. This story was translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Chicago reviewed the translation.
NationalTrump Administration Has Separated Dozens of Migrant Children from Their Parents During This Term, According to AP
A recent investigation by The Associated Press reveals that the Trump administration has resumed separating migrant children from their parents, despite a legal agreement aimed at keeping families together. Many parents have been detained for months, while others have been deported after being separated again. The report highlights the trauma experienced by families, including the case of Ederson Galicia Alva, who was separated from his mother multiple times. The government claims it is following judicial orders, but advocates argue that the separations continue to cause significant harm. The ACLU has reported that over 11,800 families have been affected by these policies since 2017.
NationalCanada's goalkeeper reveals the list of goals he wrote as a child
Dayne St. Clair, the Canadian national soccer team's goalkeeper, reflects on the goals he set as a child, including playing for the national team. At age 12, his mentor Jerry Pennant encouraged him to write down his aspirations. Recently, Pennant revealed St. Clair's original list, which included dreams of participating in a World Cup. St. Clair credits Pennant for guiding him from a defender to a goalkeeper, overcoming tough competition. Now, as he mentors youth, he emphasizes the importance of community and goal-setting, continuing to strive for his childhood dream of winning a World Cup with Canada.
NationalTrump to Nominate His Former Lawyer Todd Blanche as Attorney General to Replace Pam Bondi
President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday his intention to nominate Todd Blanche as the new Attorney General of the United States, replacing Pam Bondi. Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal attorney and interim Attorney General, has been active in advancing the president's agenda. Trump plans to formally submit the nomination on Thursday, following Bondi's dismissal in April. Blanche has faced criticism for his aggressive investigations against Trump's opponents and for proposing a $1.8 billion fund to compensate allies for alleged political persecution. His nomination will require Senate approval, where bipartisan backlash against his actions has emerged.
NationalHouse approves war powers resolution to halt military action against Iran, in a rebuke of Trump
On June 3, 2026, the House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution aimed at halting U.S. military actions against Iran, marking a significant challenge to President Trump's authority. The vote, which ended with 215 in favor and 208 against, saw support from four Republicans alongside Democrats. Representative Gregory Meeks emphasized the need for the president to prioritize peace, citing public frustration over rising gas prices and inflation linked to the conflict. The resolution will now move to the Senate, where a similar measure has already been advanced. The ongoing military actions and the uncertain ceasefire complicate the situation further.
NationalSenate begins voting on funding immigration enforcement after Trump settlement fund is dropped
The Senate, led by Republicans, is advancing a $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies after dropping a controversial settlement fund linked to former President Trump. The Senate voted 53-46 to begin debate on the bill, which aims to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol. Despite some Republican concerns, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed optimism about securing enough votes. The legislation faced delays due to disputes over funding for White House security and the settlement fund, which Democrats want permanently banned. The Senate is expected to start voting on amendments soon.
NationalSpaceX's IPO is set to be the biggest ever and could make Elon Musk a trillionaire
NEW YORK (AP) — SpaceX says it plans to raise up to $75 billion when it goes public this month, setting the stage for the largest-ever stock market debut and putting Elon Musk on course to becoming the world's first trillionaire. The company, formally known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., said Wednesday it will sell
NationalFeds Issue Final Warning to Colorado’s Jeffco Schools Over Title IX Defiance
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has issued a warning to Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado for non-compliance with Title IX. The district has ten days to address violations, which include allowing male students to participate in female sports and use female facilities. An investigation found that the district's policies have displaced female athletes and permitted mixed-gender overnight accommodations for students as young as 11. Despite a proposed resolution from OCR, the district has not taken action. Failure to comply may lead to the loss of federal education funding.