National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalAlaska: Three Climbers Fall Near the Summit of Mount McKinley and Die
Three climbers died near the summit of Mount McKinley in Alaska after falling in a dangerous area, as reported by a Latvian mountaineering group. A fourth climber was rescued. The group was part of a seven-member expedition on the West Buttress route, known for its hazardous sections. The fall occurred on Wednesday, and the rescued climber was airlifted from about 17,200 feet by Denali National Park's search and rescue team. The area near Denali Pass, where the fall happened, has a history of injuries and fatalities. Over 130 climbers have died on the mountain since the park's establishment.
NationalTrump Administration to Appeal Order Allowing Refunds for Tariffs
The Trump administration plans to appeal a federal judge's ruling that allows companies to receive refunds for tariffs deemed illegal by the Supreme Court. This decision could halt the refund process, which had been running smoothly until the Justice Department announced the appeal. As of May 22, refund requests totaling $85 billion had been accepted, with $20.6 billion already issued. Retailers like Walmart plan to use their refunds to lower prices, while smaller businesses are using funds to manage debts and operational costs. A hearing is scheduled for June 9 to discuss the government's obligations regarding these refunds.
NationalStep by Step: How to Pay the USCIS Annual Asylum Fee
Starting tomorrow, May 29, significant changes will affect those with pending asylum cases in the U.S. As mandated by the Trump administration, immigrants must now pay an annual fee of $102 to keep their asylum applications active. This fee, known as the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF), applies to applicants whose cases have been pending for over a year. Payments must be made within 30 days of notification from USCIS, or their applications will be denied, leading to potential deportation. Detailed instructions for making this payment online are provided by USCIS.
NationalSetback for Temu: Receives Multimillion-Dollar Fine for Unsafe Toys and Electronics
Temu has been fined $232 million by European regulators for failing to protect consumers from unsafe products, including toxic toys and unreliable electronics. This penalty follows a preliminary investigation that revealed high risks associated with items sold on its platform, such as baby toys and small electronic devices that did not meet EU safety standards. The European Commission stated that Temu did not adequately assess the systemic risks of illegal products, leading to consumer harm. Temu disagrees with the ruling, calling it disproportionate, and has until the end of August to submit a corrective action plan to avoid further penalties.
NationalICE Evaluates Selling Mega Warehouses Acquired for Mass Detentions
The Trump administration is considering selling some of the large warehouses acquired by ICE for mass immigrant detention. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have identified several of the eleven warehouses, which were intended to hold up to 8,000 immigrants, as potential candidates for sale. While no decisions have been made, the facilities were purchased for over $38 billion as part of a plan to detain 100,000 immigrants nationwide. DHS is also reviewing the sale of aircraft acquired during the previous administration. Community opposition to these warehouses has been significant, with some local leaders expressing relief at the potential reconsideration of these plans.
NationalU.S. Supreme Court Ends Rio Grande Water Dispute Between Texas and New Mexico
The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a final decree that resolves a prolonged water dispute between Texas and New Mexico concerning the Rio Grande. The case, Texas v. New Mexico and Colorado, focused on water deliveries under the 1938 Rio Grande Compact. The decree, entered on May 26, 2026, aims to decrease groundwater pumping in southern New Mexico and ensure more consistent water deliveries to Texas. New Mexico is required to cut groundwater use by 18,200 acre-feet over ten years, with half of that reduction due in five years. The settlement also involves retiring certain water rights tied to irrigated farmland.
NationalKennedy Center Violated the Law by Adding Trump's Name, Judge Says
A federal judge ruled on Friday that President Donald Trump's name was illegally added to the Kennedy Center and prohibited the administration from closing the cultural and artistic venue for major renovations. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington, D.C., determined that the board's vote on March 16 to close the facilities was 'misinformed and apparently predetermined,' disregarding its legal obligations. 'The trustees could have evaluated the appropriateness of the closure in various prudent ways. This was not one of them,' Cooper wrote. He added that the board 'exceeded its authority' by unilaterally adding Trump's name to the center, noting that Congress gave the center its name and only Congress can change it. Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center's vice president of public relations, stated on Friday that the institution is 'confident that, on appeal, the court will support the board's desire to recognize President Trump's historical contributions to our national cultural center.' She indicated that the decision would be 'carefully reviewed.' 'Although the reality remains that the Center requires urgent and significant restoration—a truth that even the plaintiff acknowledges,' Daravi said. 'With $257 million secured by President Trump and approved by Congress, resources are available, and we remain committed to exhausting all legal avenues to ensure that the Trump Kennedy Center is restored as a national cultural landmark for all Americans to enjoy.' Cooper held hearings in late April on parallel lawsuits challenging the project. One was filed by a group of cultural and historic preservation organizations, while the other was filed by Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio who serves as an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board. He ruled in favor of Beatty's request but rejected the other challenge. Justice Department lawyers argued that the renovation plans for the building are limited in scope and fully within the board's authority to carry out without external approvals. The plaintiffs fear that the president and his allies on the board will overlook preservation standards designed to maintain the building's historical integrity. In previous statements during court hearings, Beatty's lawyers and the preservation groups expressed doubts about the limited scope of the project, citing Trump's comments about 'completely exposing' the building's steel skeleton. Beatty has said she is 'very fearful that we will see what happened with the East Wing and what happened with the Rose Garden' if the center closes and renovations are allowed without oversight, referring to significant changes the president has made at the White House. Trump has shown a marked interest in the Center's operations since returning to the White House last year. He installed a board that named him president. His name was added to the facade of a building considered a living monument to President John F. Kennedy. The Center has continued to operate, albeit at a much slower pace than in previous years. Trump attended the opening of the musical 'Chicago' in March, and other shows, including 'Moulin Rouge,' are scheduled for June. Comedian Bill Maher, who has had a tumultuous relationship with Trump, is set to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on June 28, an event anticipated as one of the last major moments at the Kennedy Center before the closure. Cooper was nominated to the position by Democratic President Barack Obama.
NationalSOUTHCOM General Meets with Cuban Military Officials in Guantánamo
The Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), General Francis L. Donovan, held a meeting with senior military leaders from Cuba at the perimeter of the Guantánamo Naval Base, described by officials as a 'brief and initial' discussion focused on matters related to the installation. According to a defense official, the meeting does not indicate any changes in the U.S. stance regarding the base. This meeting marks Donovan's first contact with Cuban military authorities since he took command of SOUTHCOM, as well as the first of its kind in a long time between a command chief and high-ranking Cuban officials. During the visit, General Donovan also conducted a comprehensive inspection of the security posture at the Guantánamo base. According to official information from SOUTHCOM, the tour included a complete assessment of perimeter security. The general led discussions with base authorities on force protection, operational readiness, and measures aimed at ensuring the safety of military personnel, their families, and deployed units at the installation. The visit is part of a broader analysis of security conditions at the base, including its response capabilities and current protocols. Military Deployment in the Caribbean This meeting occurs in a regional context marked by an increased U.S. military presence. On the same day, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) announced its assumption as Littoral Combat Force-24 (LCF-24) within SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility. This force has deployed over 1,300 Marines and sailors, operating as an immediate crisis response unit, and participating in Operation Southern Spear, with orders to secure embassies, conduct rescue missions, maritime interception operations, and disaster support. Its deployment also aims to combat drug trafficking and terrorism networks, as well as to strengthen security cooperation with countries in the region.
NationalTrump is Patient in Pursuit of a Major Deal with Iran: Hegseth
SINGAPORE – U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized on Saturday that President Donald Trump "is patient in the pursuit of a major deal with Iran," following a meeting he held at the White House with his security team to make a "final decision" regarding the war that ended without an agreement, according to The New York Times. "I had the opportunity to speak with President Trump this morning, and he wanted me to reiterate how patient he is," Hegseth said during his remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's most important annual security forum. "Any deal will be a major deal, and he is patient in his pursuit," added the Pentagon chief, who reiterated that the U.S. is in a "good place" and has ammunition to continue the conflict. "We have more than enough reserves (of weapons)," Hegseth assured. His comments followed a nearly two-hour meeting in the White House crisis room, but the president did not reach any decision regarding an agreement to end the war, a senior government official told The New York Times on the condition of anonymity.
NationalTomato Prices Rise: Another Sign of Increasing Cost of Living in the U.S.
Tomato prices in the U.S. have surged approximately 40% over the past year, making them the fastest-rising food item, according to the Consumer Price Index. This increase is attributed to various factors, including tariffs and geopolitical tensions, particularly the U.S. withdrawal from a tariff-free tomato import agreement with Mexico. As a result, tariffs on tomatoes skyrocketed from $16,424 in 2024 to nearly $4.6 million, a staggering 27,879% increase. This price hike is significantly impacting consumers and businesses reliant on tomatoes, with some restaurants reporting costs rising dramatically. Experts suggest prices may stabilize later this year as domestic crops are harvested.
NationalFormer Attorney General Evades Lawmakers' Questions About Trump's Role in Epstein Case
Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi faced questions from House lawmakers regarding Donald Trump's involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case but refused to comment on the president's role. During a closed-door interview, Bondi defended the Trump administration's actions and stated that the process of releasing Epstein's files was complex and supervised by current acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Democratic representatives criticized Bondi for not answering questions about Trump and for the handling of sensitive victim information. Outside the Capitol, Epstein abuse survivors protested, urging accountability from Bondi and the government regarding the case's file disclosures.
NationalJudge Temporarily Blocks Trump's Fund for Alleged Victims of Politicization
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the disbursement of a fund created by former President Donald Trump for allies allegedly victimized by political bias in the justice system. Judge Leonie Brinkema, appointed by Bill Clinton, also halted the fund's establishment pending litigation. An upcoming hearing is set for June 12 to discuss extending the block on the $1.776 billion fund. The fund was intended to resolve Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. Critics, including some Republicans, have raised concerns about eligibility, including potential compensation for Capitol rioters. Multiple lawsuits challenge the fund's legality.
NationalFlorida Police Ticket Driver for Using Cell Phone with a Hand She Doesn't Have
A Florida woman, Kathleen Thomas, received a $116 traffic ticket for allegedly holding her cell phone with her right hand while driving. The twist? Thomas was born without a right hand. The incident occurred in Lake Worth and was captured on body camera footage, which went viral on social media. During the stop, Thomas humorously pointed out her missing limb, but the officer insisted he saw her with a phone. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office later dismissed the ticket after reviewing the circumstances. Thomas expressed discomfort with the interaction but noted the importance of accepting differences in physical abilities.
NationalWalking Among Us: Trump Administration Launches Portal to Report Immigrants to ICE
The Trump administration has launched a new website, aliens.gov, encouraging the reporting of 'suspicious' immigrants to ICE. The site compares immigrant detentions in the U.S. to an alien invasion, using the dual meaning of 'alien' to highlight what it describes as the 'real danger' posed by immigrants. As of Friday, over 3.1 million arrests have been recorded since Trump took office. The portal features a map detailing arrests by state, including information on nationalities and alleged gang affiliations. The site claims that immigrants have been living among Americans for decades, urging citizens to report those they suspect are undocumented.
NationalNew Immigration Rule for Asylum Seekers Takes Effect: Failing to Pay Annual Fee Will Cost Your Case
Starting Friday, May 29, a new immigration rule takes effect for asylum seekers in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that applicants who fail to pay the annual asylum fee will have their cases rejected and face deportation proceedings. Asylum seekers must pay a fee of $102 within 30 days of notification. If they do not comply, their pending applications will be denied, and they will lose any pending employment authorization based on their asylum request. This fee was implemented last year as part of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' to increase funding for immigration operations.
NationalThis is what the $250 bill featuring Trump's face would look like; the final decision rests with Congress
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that a design for a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump has been prepared, pending Congressional approval of a bill introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson. The bill aims to create an exception to the current law prohibiting living individuals on U.S. currency. Bessent emphasized that the decision lies with Congress, not the president. The design includes Trump's portrait and signature, created by artist Iain Alexander. If approved, this would mark a significant recognition for a sitting president. The Treasury has stated it is ready to implement the bill if it passes.
NationalIt still feels surreal: Donna DACA recipient back home while awaiting deportation
Yennifer England, a 32-year-old DACA recipient from Donna, has returned home after being released from immigration custody on May 21. She had been detained at El Valle Detention Center since mid-February following a traffic stop where officers discovered her suspended license. A judge ordered her deportation on May 19, but she is currently allowed to stay at home while her removal proceedings continue. England, a mother of two and a registered nursing assistant, expressed her disbelief at the situation, questioning the fairness of deportation and its impact on families.
NationalBlue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Explodes After 'Anomaly' During Launch in Cape Canaveral
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during a launch attempt at Cape Canaveral on Thursday night due to an anomaly, as reported by the company on X. Founder Jeff Bezos confirmed that all personnel are safe and accounted for, but the cause of the explosion is still unknown. He expressed determination to rebuild and continue flying. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged the incident and stated that NASA would support a thorough investigation into the explosion and its implications for upcoming missions, emphasizing the challenges of developing new heavy-lift launch capabilities.
NationalTrump DOJ sues 4 Democratic-run states over denying undercover license plates for federal agents
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing four states—Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington—over their refusal to issue undercover license plates to federal agents. The DOJ claims these states are imposing unconstitutional restrictions that hinder law enforcement and jeopardize agent safety. State officials argue their policies aim to protect citizens from aggressive tactics used by federal agents. The lawsuits assert that the states are obstructing federal immigration enforcement, which is a federal power. Maine's Secretary of State and other officials defend their decisions, stating they prioritize safety and constitutional rights over federal demands.