National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
NationalWestern District of Texas Logs 350 New Immigration Cases in May
Between May 22 and May 28, federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas initiated 350 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases. The charges primarily target human smugglers and undocumented individuals with previous convictions for offenses such as DWI, violent crimes, and burglary. These cases were supported by various federal law enforcement agencies, including ICE and the FBI, as well as local authorities. The Western District of Texas covers 68 counties and includes major cities like San Antonio and El Paso. This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and organized crime.
National2 scientists charged with bringing deactivated mpox virus into the US and lying to authorities
Two scientists from a U.S. government lab face charges for allegedly smuggling deactivated mpox virus vials from Africa into the U.S. and lying to authorities at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe were stopped after returning from the Republic of Congo, where an mpox outbreak has caused over 2,000 deaths. Despite Munster's claims that he had no biological materials, tests revealed the vials in their possession. They are scheduled to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana. The National Institutes of Health is cooperating with the investigation, which remains ongoing.
NationalHouse of Representatives Rebukes Trump Over Iran War
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives issued an unusual rebuke to President Donald Trump by approving a measure pushed by Democrats to end his war with Iran, despite objections from Republican leadership. This was one of two Democrat-led measures—both opposed by the White House—that advanced in the Republican-controlled House. Lawmakers also approved a motion to allow a vote on sending aid to Ukraine. The war powers resolution regarding Iran, introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, was scheduled for a vote before the House's Memorial Day recess on May 21. However, it was abruptly pulled from the floor due to a lack of Republican attendance to block it. On Wednesday, the measure passed with 215 votes in favor and 208 against; four Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting it. These Republicans were Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Thomas Massie (KY), Tom Barrett (MI), and Warren Davidson (OH). The resolution orders Trump to withdraw U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress votes to declare war or authorizes military force against the Middle Eastern nation. However, the measure would not compel the president to end the conflict, serving instead as a symbolic expression of disapproval of Trump's war with Iran. Earlier this year, Republicans had rejected three other attempts to pass a war powers resolution. The most recent vote ended in a tie of 212 to 212, a result Democrats celebrated, arguing that more Americans oppose the war and that it was only a matter of time before they achieved their goal. Wednesday's vote gives new momentum to the resolution in the Senate, which had already advanced its own version of the war powers resolution last month, although it had not yet held a final vote. However, the Senate version is binding, requiring Trump to end the war without Congressional approval. For this to happen, the measure would also need to be approved by the House, after which Trump could exercise his veto power. The House resolution faced opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and most Republicans, who argued it undermines Trump and his top negotiators at a time when they are trying to secure a nuclear deal with Iran. Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) called Wednesday's action 'simply a totally absurd vote.' 'I don't think there is any Democrat or Republican who can tell you what forces they would want to withdraw from Iran. In reality, they don't want to withdraw anything from there. They just want a stupid political vote, which is exactly what this represents,' Mast stated on Wednesday. This 'weakens the president's position while negotiating with Iran.' In the same series of votes on Wednesday, the House voted 218 to 204 in favor of a motion to 'release'—or advance—legislation providing aid to Ukraine. This vote came after the so-called 'release petition' garnered 218 signatures—a simple majority of the House—on May 13, allowing supporters to bypass Johnson and Republican leadership to bring the measure directly to the floor. Representative Kevin Kiley—an ex-Republican now serving as an independent—joined all Democrats and two Republicans—Fitzpatrick and Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska—in signing the petition for Ukraine. Kiley, along with six other Republicans, voted on Wednesday in favor of releasing the bill. This sets the stage for a final vote scheduled for Thursday. 'This vote is not a procedural vote,' said Meeks, who also led the initiative for the bill's release. 'It is a statement about whether this Congress—and all its members—stands in solidarity and support of Ukraine and its people in their fight for freedom, their fight for democracy, and their fight for independence.'
NationalWhite House compares migrants to space aliens
A migrant advocacy organization that helps refugees throughout the world is taking offense to a White House website that says "aliens have been walking among us." Hilary Chester, vice president of international and domestic programs for Jesuit Refugee Service/USA tells Border Report Live that the references are dehumanizing and poke fun at migrants comparing them to space aliens.
NationalDHS Clarifies Drastic Change in Green Card Application Process
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided clarification regarding the measure announced last week that required individuals applying for permanent residency in the United States to leave the country and process their applications at the consulates of their respective countries. In a statement sent to TELEMUNDO Digital, DHS clarified that 'this policy will not have a noticeable impact on highly qualified applicants or skilled professionals who have complied with the law.' 'These foreigners benefit the national interest and contribute economic benefits to the United States, and they will continue to deserve the favorable exercise of discretion,' DHS stated in response to a request on the matter from TELEMUNDO Digital.
NationalTrump administration is scrapping $1. 8B fund meant to compensate president allies, Blanche says
The Trump administration has decided to abandon plans for a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate allies of the former president, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. This decision comes after significant legal challenges and bipartisan criticism regarding the fund's oversight and its potential connection to the January 6 Capitol riot. Blanche confirmed during a House hearing that the fund would not proceed, despite previous assertions that it was a necessary measure against perceived political weaponization by the Biden administration. The fund was originally linked to Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over his tax returns.
NationalTrump signs an executive order that invites vetting of top AI models for national security risks
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on artificial intelligence oversight, allowing the federal government to review advanced AI systems for national security risks before their public release. This review period is set at 30 days, which is shorter than some industry expectations. Participation by AI developers in this vetting process is voluntary. The order aims to enhance national security while maintaining America's technological leadership. Concerns have been raised about the discretion given to the National Security Agency in determining which AI models are reviewed. The order follows a contentious period in the tech industry, particularly regarding Anthropic's AI model, Claude Mythos.
NationalEU strikes migration deal for more deportations and detention centers abroad
The European Union has approved a significant change to its migration policy, focusing on increasing deportations and establishing detention centers outside its borders. This controversial regulation, which has drawn criticism for its potential human rights violations, allows for the creation of 'return hubs' in third countries. EU officials argue that the new measures will streamline the return process for individuals without legal residency. Several EU nations, including Germany and Greece, are already negotiating with countries in Africa to set up these centers. Critics warn that this shift mirrors harsh immigration policies seen in the U.S. under the Trump administration.
NationalThere are supposed to be ceasefires across the Middle East, but the fighting is worsening
Despite announced ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, fighting continues to escalate. Israeli forces have gained ground in Gaza, killing key Hamas militants and civilians. In Lebanon, Israeli troops made significant incursions, capturing a historic fortress while Hezbollah retaliated with rocket fire. The U.S. and Iran are engaged in hostilities as they seek a lasting truce, with Iran maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global fuel prices. The situation remains dire for Palestinians, with many living in poor conditions amid ongoing violence, as negotiations for peace show little progress.
NationalTexas Wins Big: Supreme Court Approves Rio Grande Water Pact
The U.S. Supreme Court has officially approved a settlement regarding the distribution of Rio Grande water among Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. This decision follows a report from a Special Master recommending the final decree, which aims to ensure fair water allocation. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton emphasized that this agreement is a significant victory for Texas, addressing issues stemming from New Mexico and Colorado's water management practices. The settlement mandates that New Mexico control groundwater pumping to secure Texas's water rights, benefiting local farmers and families who rely on the Rio Grande for their daily needs.
NationalCoast Guard Divers Arrive in Bahamas to Search for Missing American
U.S. Coast Guard divers have arrived in the Bahamas as the agency resumes the search for American citizen Lynette Hooker, who went missing in April after her husband reported that she fell from a boat, a U.S. official said on Tuesday. The divers reached Hopetown, and the search was expected to begin on Tuesday night, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Hooker, 55, disappeared on April 4; her husband, Brian Hooker, informed authorities that she had fallen from a boat, officials have indicated.
NationalTrump Enters Colombian Race: Backs Far-Right Candidate Abelardo de la Espriella
Washington – President Donald Trump congratulated Colombian far-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella on his victory in the first round of elections and expressed his "full and total support" ahead of the second round on June 21. On his Truth Social account, Trump described De la Espriella as a "smart, strong, and determined" leader fighting for his country, asserting that if elected president, he would promote economic growth, job creation, trade, and combat crime and drug trafficking, as well as restore "law and order." The U.S. president also emphasized the importance of the second round for Colombia's future and for bilateral relations with the United States, noting that the Colombian candidate will face a contender from what he calls the "radical left" in the final elections.
NationalThe Justice Department 'Will Not Move Forward' with Fund Against 'Politicization'
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Tuesday that the Justice Department will not move forward with its $1.8 billion fund aimed at combating 'instrumentalization.' 'We will not move forward with the fund, period,' Blanche asserted during a hearing before a House Appropriations subcommittee, committing to this stance even after a federal court order expires that temporarily halts the fund. The Justice Department announced on Monday that it would comply with a recent court ruling that temporarily blocks the $1.8 billion fund, which has faced widespread opposition from both political sides.
NationalHistoric July 4th: Sailboats from 20 Countries to Navigate to New York for 250th Anniversary of the U.S.
New York is gearing up for a historic gathering of iconic sailboats from 20 countries as part of Sail4th 250, celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence on July 4. Nearly 50 vessels will sail from various parts of the world to New York Harbor, participating in the International Sailboat Parade. The event will feature a fleet of U.S. naval ships and over 120 aircraft, including the Blue Angels. An estimated 6 million spectators are expected along 15 miles of coastline. Live coverage will be available on Telemundo and Peacock, with events running from July 3 to 8.
NationalTrump Appoints Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence; He Will Replace Tulsi Gabbard
President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte as the interim Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. The announcement was made on Truth Social, highlighting Pulte's extensive experience in managing sensitive matters in the U.S. and overseeing over $10 trillion at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Pulte will retain his current roles while stepping into this new position. Gabbard resigned last month after disclosing her husband's cancer diagnosis. If formally nominated, Pulte would need Senate confirmation for the permanent position. His background in national security remains unclear, although he has frequently traveled with Trump on Air Force One.
NationalTrump reconsidering $1. 8 billion fund, AP source says, as Justice Department temporarily pauses it
President Donald Trump is reconsidering a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate his allies, following a temporary pause by the Justice Department due to a court order. The fund, labeled the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' was created to address Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over his tax return leaks. However, it has faced significant backlash from Republicans concerned about oversight and potential payouts to participants in the January 6 Capitol riot. Amidst this political turmoil, Senate leaders are urging the administration to abandon the fund altogether, while a federal judge has halted its implementation pending further arguments.
NationalICE sued over inhumane conditions at Camp East Montana in West Texas
A coalition of legal and civil rights organizations has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over alleged inhumane conditions at Camp East Montana in El Paso, the largest immigration detention facility in the U.S. The lawsuit claims that detainees have faced medical neglect, abuse, and insufficient food, with at least three deaths reported since the camp's opening in August 2025. ICE has denied these allegations, asserting that detainees receive quality healthcare. The lawsuit seeks class action status to represent all current and future detainees. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar has criticized the facility, calling it a 'purgatory for human beings.'