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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalExclusive: ICE Arrests 50,000 People in August, Maintains Record Pace
ICE agents and officers arrested nearly 50,000 people in August, according to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official familiar with preliminary arrest data. This figure matches that of July, which was the highest monthly arrest total during Donald Trump's second term. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is experiencing a nationwide increase in arrests that is less visible than the aggressive enforcement efforts earlier this year, when the Border Patrol moved from city to city, culminating in the shooting deaths of two American citizens in Minneapolis. Arrests sharply declined in February and March but began to rise again in May. June and July saw record numbers of ICE arrests, according to ICE arrest data.
NationalHouse Approves Funding Bill to Avoid Shutdown Before Elections
WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to approve a short-term funding bill to prevent a government shutdown at the end of September, keeping funding levels at current rates until December 11. The legislation, which has already been approved by the Senate, passed comfortably in the chamber with a vote of 370 in favor and 48 against. It now goes to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it. This would remove the most significant legislative item from Congress's to-do list before the November 3 elections, postponing stalled negotiations over a funding agreement until after the midterm elections. Both parties have clashed over the scope of federal spending, as Democrats reject Trump's call for a massive $1.5 trillion military budget, an increase over the already record $1 trillion that Congress allocated to the military this year.
NationalThe White House Reveals More Details on Oil Deal with Venezuela
The White House announced on Monday that it has partnered with North American Blue Energy Partners as part of President Donald Trump's initiative to tap into Venezuela's oil industry, establishing an agreement that will give the Pentagon a stake in approximately one-fifth of the country's vast oil reserves. Later that evening, the Trump administration released more details about the pact, days after the president announced what he described as the largest oil deal in history. The extensive agreement has been met with skepticism by analysts, who say it will take years to reactivate Venezuela's production, but Trump and his advisors present it as an opportunity to develop a new oil giant in the Western Hemisphere. As part of the agreement, the United States is creating a private company as part of a joint venture with NABEP, a detail that the White House withheld for days. NABEP, owned by Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt, is already the second-largest operator in Venezuela after Chevron. The acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, is granting the company rights for 100 years over 17 oil fields with proven reserves of about 65 billion barrels. Many of those fields were owned by Russian or Chinese companies, the White House indicated.
NationalWhat Will Trump Do in 2028 After the Presidency? Here's What He Has Said
President Donald Trump has frequently suggested that he wants to seek a third term in the United States, posting about launching another campaign, wearing 2028 hats, and discussing ways to achieve it, even as he has acknowledged that the Constitution prohibits him from doing so. However, recently, Trump has begun to show signs that he may not even believe there will be another campaign. In recent speeches, the Republican leader has started to describe life after the White House when his term ends in January 2029, predicting that he will be at home feeling anxious while his successor takes credit for his achievements. 'Your next president will say, ‘What a great job I did,’' Trump stated at an event in Long Island, New York, this month. 'He’s going to be sitting around watching television. A real loser. Unless they vote Republican, of course.'
NationalWhen do Social Security payments arrive in September? Here are the key dates
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for September will be sent out on Tuesday, September 1. However, the date you receive your Social Security deposit will depend on your birth date. Below is the payment schedule for this month and the rest of the year. Social Security payment schedule for September 2026: Born from the 1st to the 10th: September 9; Born from the 11th to the 20th: September 16; Born from the 21st to the 31st: September 23.
NationalSheinbaum Approaches Two Years in Office Amid Trump Pressures and Internal Challenges
As President Claudia Sheinbaum approaches two years in office, she faces significant challenges, including pressure from former President Donald Trump regarding security and trade. Sheinbaum has maintained a stance of 'cooperation without subordination' while intensifying security measures, resulting in over 63,000 arrests since October 2024. Despite a decrease in the homicide rate, violence persists in regions like Sinaloa. Trade relations with the U.S. remain strong, exceeding $872 billion last year, but tensions over immigration have escalated, especially following the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals in U.S. custody. Internal controversies have also emerged, notably involving Sinaloa's governor accused of cartel ties.
NationalJury in Lindsay Clancy Case Enters a New Day of Deliberations: Will There Be a Verdict?
The jury deliberating in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy reported to the judge that they have not reached a unanimous verdict, prolonging uncertainty in this high-profile Massachusetts case. Deliberations began four days ago, with the jury showing no signs of progress except for a question posed last week. On Tuesday morning, after a brief meeting with attorneys, the judge announced that the jury was deadlocked but urged them to continue deliberating. Clancy, 36, admits to strangling her children but claims she acted under postpartum psychosis. The jury has five options for each of the three charges, including potential life imprisonment if found guilty.
NationalSen. Cornyn Praises $30 Million NSF Grant for UT Austin Robotics Research
Senator John Cornyn has praised the National Science Foundation's (NSF) $30 million grant to the University of Texas at Austin, aimed at establishing a Science and Technology Center (STC) over five years. This funding will enhance research on robotics, focusing on creating robots that are more intuitive and responsive to human needs. The center will explore how robots can adapt to various environments and interact effectively with people, particularly in settings like homes and hospitals. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. leadership in science and technology and improve the STEM workforce.
NationalJury Reaches Verdict in Tupac Shakur Murder Trial
A jury in Nevada has convicted Duane "Keffe D" Davis of first-degree murder for orchestrating the 1996 shooting of rap icon Tupac Shakur. The verdict follows a trial that included testimony from over two dozen witnesses and focused on Davis's own admissions in interviews and his 2019 memoir. Prosecutors argued that Davis, 63, was a gang leader who planned the attack as retaliation for a previous altercation involving his nephew. The jury deliberated for three hours after weeks of testimony. Davis faces a potential life sentence, marking a significant development in a case that has intrigued hip-hop fans for decades.
NationalArgentinian Soccer Player Describes His ICE Detention: 'Three Days Without Food and Tied to a Chair for 35 Hours'
Argentinian soccer player Matias Pourrain is back in Miami after spending 22 days in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and being released on a $20,000 bond while he continues his immigration process. The Miami United FC player was detained on August 6 at Fort Lauderdale International Airport as he was preparing to travel with his team for a match in Los Angeles. Pourrain, 34, recounted the conditions he claims to have faced during his detention and spoke about his plans to return to soccer. 'Everything happens for a reason; God put this in my path to come out stronger. To learn, to appreciate everything we have day by day that we might take for granted,' Pourrain said.
NationalAugust Sets Record with Gas Prices Over $4 Nationwide Every Day
Gas prices have shown no signs of relief as summer comes to a close, a time when drivers typically begin to see some easing. Instead, prices have remained above $4, reaching record levels. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline stayed above $4 every day in August, marking the first time this has happened, according to AAA. August is also on track to become the most expensive August on record at gas stations, surpassing the monthly average of $3.97 set in 2022. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $4.08 on August 31, compared to $3.18 a year ago. Despite a decrease in gasoline demand, high crude oil prices and ongoing volatility around the Strait of Hormuz have kept gas prices persistently high ahead of Labor Day weekend. Brent crude, the international benchmark, surpassed $90 per barrel on Monday, while U.S. benchmark crude was priced above $86. In comparison, crude oil averaged around $67 per barrel during the Labor Day weekend of 2025. In some states, average prices have surged well above $5 per gallon. California leads the list as the most expensive gas market in the country, averaging $5.63 per gallon, followed by Hawaii at $5.41 and Washington at $5.27. Other western states are also among the most expensive, including Arizona at $4.54 and Utah at $4.40. Meanwhile, some states have managed to stay below $4. Indiana has the lowest average in the country at $3.46 per gallon, while Texas stands at $3.63.
NationalJury Hears Closing Arguments in Tupac Shakur Murder Trial
Closing arguments in the murder trial of Tupac Shakur begin Monday in a Nevada courtroom, following testimony from more than two dozen witnesses. Duane 'Keffe D' Davis faces a first-degree murder charge for the shooting death of the rap icon, which occurred 25 years ago near the Las Vegas Strip on September 7, 1996. Prosecutors presented the former gang member as an influential leader who orchestrated the shooting in retaliation for an assault on his nephew in a casino lobby earlier that night. Much of the prosecution's case focused on the defendant's own words regarding the deadly confrontation, including police interviews and a memoir published in 2019. Davis's attorneys have challenged these statements, arguing that he was never charged with Shakur's murder because authorities knew he was 'talking nonsense.' If convicted, the 63-year-old Davis faces life in prison. The jury, consisting of 10 women and six men, has heard from two dozen prosecution witnesses and three from the defense. The case remained unsolved for decades until Davis's public interviews and memoir reignited scrutiny over the murder. Prosecutors also played clips from Davis's YouTube interviews, where he urged viewers to buy his book for what he called 'the real truth.' In a 2008 police interview played for the jury, Davis claimed he provided the weapon and that his nephew, Orlando 'Baby Lane' Anderson, fired the shots. The other men in the Cadillac have since died, limiting eyewitness testimony. 'Let's be clear: Duane Davis did not pull the trigger. But he did plan the shooting in retaliation for the beating of his nephew,' said Deputy Chief Prosecutor Binu Palal during opening statements. Davis's lawyers have contested the statements and unsuccessfully sought to have them excluded, with attorney Michael Sanft telling the jury that his client's words did not represent the truth.
NationalDeath toll rises to over 900 and 4,200 missing due to floods in Nepal
The death toll from last week's devastating floods in Nepal has risen to 903, with 4,247 people reported missing, including 592 foreigners. Rescue teams are struggling to reach affected communities after a glacier collapse triggered the floods. Over 90,000 individuals have been impacted, according to the Nepal Red Cross. Morgues are overwhelmed, with many bodies unrecognizable. In China’s Tibet region, 16 deaths and 546 missing persons have been reported, though overlaps in missing counts between the two regions are unclear. More than 10,400 people have been rescued, including 277 foreigners, as heavy rains continue to raise river levels.
NationalLindsay Clancy Trial: Key Moments the Jury May Be Considering
The jury in the highly publicized trial of Lindsay Clancy began deliberations last week but had not reached a verdict by the end of Friday. They resumed deliberations shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Monday. Over the past five weeks, the jury heard testimonies from doctors, emergency personnel, family members, and even Clancy's ex-husband. They are now evaluating whether she should be held criminally responsible for the deaths of her three young children, which occurred at her home in Massachusetts in 2023. Both sides agree that Clancy committed the acts, but her attorneys argue that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time and that inadequate mental health care exacerbated her condition. The prosecution contends that she deliberately planned the murders. If convicted, Clancy could face life in prison; if acquitted, she might be released or remain in a mental health facility. As the jury continues to deliberate, here are some moments from the trial that they may be considering. Patrick Clancy, Clancy's ex-husband, was the first to testify, recounting the day he found his wife after she attempted to take her own life. He had been sent to get takeout and medication for their daughter, which the prosecution argues was an excuse for him to leave the house. Upon returning, he found the house unusually quiet and discovered blood in the master bedroom and an open window. The jury listened to the 911 call Patrick made after finding his wife outside in the snow, where he spoke to her before telling the operator he would check on the children. Moments later, he screamed and cried after finding his children in the basement, telling the operator, 'She killed the kids!' Family and friends testified that Clancy struggled with mental health issues after giving birth to her youngest child. Her mother, Paula Musgrove, read a text message from October 2022 in which Clancy expressed her fear of being alone and her struggles with insomnia and anxiety. Clancy's defense questioned the quality of her medical care, claiming she received a misdiagnosis and excessive medication. A clinical psychologist testified that Clancy claimed a voice told her to kill her children and herself, while a rebuttal witness stated he did not believe she had auditory hallucinations. After testimonies concluded, each side presented their final arguments, with the defense emphasizing the impact of poor medical care and the prosecution arguing that Clancy made a conscious choice to kill her children. More on the Lindsay Clancy trial.
NationalU.S. and Israel's War in Iran: Six Months Later, Here's How the Global Economy Has Changed
Six months into the conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, the global economy has shown resilience despite initial dire predictions of soaring oil prices and a recession. Investment strategist Michael Ashley Schulman noted that while the war has hindered growth, enthusiasm for artificial intelligence has provided a counterbalance. Stock markets have rebounded significantly since March, with the Dow rising nearly 19%. However, rising oil prices have hit consumers hard, especially those relying on gasoline, as costs remain about 20% higher than pre-war levels. The war has also spurred a push for clean energy, leading to record sales of electric vehicles worldwide.
NationalGoogle Maps Renames Lake Ontario to Lake America for U.S. Users
Google Maps will rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' for users in the United States, while Canadian users will still see it as Lake Ontario. This change follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. The new name will only be visible to U.S. users, with the rest of the world seeing it as 'Lake Ontario (Lake America).' Google stated that the updates reflect changes from the U.S. Geological Survey's Geographic Names Information System. A similar renaming occurred for the Gulf of Mexico in February 2025, also under Trump's directive.
NationalFlooding in Nepal: 'It's too early to establish a connection with global warming'
Nepal is on high alert for potential new flooding as the Bhotekoshi River rises. Rescue teams are clearing a major road connecting Kathmandu to severely affected areas after catastrophic floods on Wednesday killed at least 788 people and left over 2,500 missing. Chinese authorities reported a new lake formed by the floods is draining, but a nearby crater still poses a risk. Residents in Dhading are returning to their devastated homes to salvage belongings. The Nepalese Foreign Minister emphasized that the country is disproportionately affected by climate change, despite contributing only 0.1% of global emissions. Malaysia is sending a rescue team and $1 million in aid.
NationalAlleged Photos of Nicolás Maduro from Jail in New York Released
Alleged photos of Nicolás Maduro were posted on the social media accounts of the former Venezuelan president, who is currently captured and detained in New York. "I send these photos as a small gift to all my grandchildren, to the children, and to all the noble people who love us," reads part of the message accompanying the images, which are dated June 25, the day after the double earthquake in Venezuela. The images show Maduro wearing gray pants and a sweatshirt, along with white sneakers. "Cilia and I embrace you forever, with our souls invested in you and with our faith intact in God," the post adds, referencing his wife, who is also imprisoned following her capture on January 3. Both are facing trials related to drug trafficking, with Maduro facing charges in New York for conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and cocaine importation.
NationalMass shooting in Chicago leaves one dead and 14 injured on Saturday night
A mass shooting in Washington Park, Chicago, occurred late Saturday night, resulting in one death and 14 injuries. The incident took place around 11:37 p.m. when police attempted to disperse a large crowd on the 5400 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue. Authorities reported that a 35-year-old man died from multiple gunshot wounds, while a 47-year-old woman remains in critical condition. Several victims were taken to local hospitals in stable or good condition, but the status of at least three others is unknown. Investigators from Area One are looking into the shooting, and no arrests have been made yet.