National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalMeta Agrees to Pay Up to $18 Billion to Resolve Social Media Addiction Lawsuit
Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle a lawsuit over social media addiction filed by California and other states. The settlement aims to fund online safety initiatives for youth and includes commitments to implement daily usage limits and nighttime access blocks for teenage users. Additionally, Meta will enhance age verification measures to prevent children from accessing age-restricted content. The agreement, which requires judicial approval, follows accusations that Meta's platforms contribute to a national mental health crisis among adolescents. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated the settlement will make social media safer for children.
NationalLive Updates: Last Witness Testifies in High-Profile Trial Against Lindsay Clancy
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the alleged murder of her three young children in Massachusetts on January 24, 2023. Prosecutors claim she strangled her 5-year-old, 3-year-old, and 8-month-old using exercise bands in her basement. Clancy, 32 at the time, faces charges of murder and strangulation. Her defense argues she suffered from postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, exacerbated by prescribed antidepressants. The trial has entered its 21st day, with expert testimony challenging the defense's claims. Judge William Sullivan announced that closing arguments will take place on Thursday before the jury deliberates.
NationalUS Temporarily Pauses Immigrant Visa Appointments Worldwide
WASHINGTON – The United States has temporarily paused immigrant visa appointment scheduling worldwide due to the need to train its consular staff on new procedures, a State Department spokesperson reported on Wednesday. "As we work to accommodate this training thoroughly, visa service appointments will be adjusted," the spokesperson told EFE, without specifying when these services would resume. "When there are changes to visa interview appointment schedules, embassies and consulates communicate any changes directly to applicants," the spokesperson noted, which aligns with messages that visa applicants around the world have begun receiving regarding the suspension of already scheduled appointments. The training is related to new procedures to ensure that recipients of these visas do not impose a burden on public finances and "do not become dependent on public benefits in the United States that Americans qualify for."
NationalSpaceX Unveils $100 Billion Starbase Louisiana
SpaceX has announced a monumental $100 billion investment to establish Starbase Louisiana, a new spaceport on the Gulf Coast at Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. This project is expected to create over 11,000 jobs and facilitate thousands of launches annually. The development will enhance SpaceX's Starship operations, expanding beyond its current bases in South Texas and Florida. Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with the first launch anticipated as early as 2029. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry emphasized the significance of this investment for the state's economy and its role in the future of commercial spaceflight.
NationalSpaceX Announces $100 Billion Louisiana Spaceport, Its Largest Launch Site Yet
SpaceX has announced a $100 billion investment in a new spaceport in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, which will be its largest launch facility to date. Named Starbase Louisiana, the site will cover approximately 125,000 acres on Pecan Island and is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs with an average salary of $92,600 over the next decade. The project aims to support thousands of launches annually and includes plans for five launch complexes and various facilities. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with the first launch anticipated in 2029. Local officials emphasize the economic impact and environmental reviews will be conducted.
NationalSan Diego Padres Minor League Coach Released from ICE Custody
SAN DIEGO — Oswaldo José Pirela, minor league catching coordinator for the San Diego Padres, was released on bail after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the team reported on Tuesday. The Venezuelan, who previously played in the minor leagues for the Texas Rangers, was arrested on August 16 at El Paso International Airport while traveling for work with the Padres, according to the Department of Homeland Security and his family. "We are pleased that Oswaldo Pirela has been released on bail and has reunited with his family," said Craig Hughner, a spokesperson for the Padres, on Tuesday. He added that the team would not comment further at this time, out of respect for Pirela's privacy "and the ongoing matter." The DHS reported that Pirela entered the country legally in 2014, received permission to stay until early 2018, and remained beyond the authorized period. It also indicated that the procedures for his removal from the country are ongoing. "When approached by law enforcement agents, he did not have legal documentation granting him status in the country," the agency stated. "He was released on bail on August 24 after being in ICE custody, pending removal proceedings."
NationalDolly Parton, Country Music Legend and American Icon, Dies at 80
Dolly Parton, the iconic country music singer-songwriter, passed away on August 25 at the age of 80, as confirmed by her family. Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, Parton enjoyed a prolific career spanning nearly six decades, producing timeless hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." She gained fame not only in music but also in film, starring in classics such as "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias." Beyond her entertainment career, Parton was known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly through her Imagination Library, which provides books to children. No cause of death has been announced yet.
NationalDolly Parton has died, family announces
The country music icon was 80 years old.
NationalICE arrests jumped to nearly 50,000 in July, the highest monthly total of Trump’s second term
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested nearly 50,000 people during July, the highest single monthly arrest total during the second Trump administration, according to new figures. The spike in immigration arrests shows that the administration has continued to advance its mass deportations agenda despite a shift in approach earlier this year from
NationalWhat Will Happen with Mail-In Voting? Supreme Court Decision Could Cause Chaos in November
The Supreme Court's preliminary approval of President Donald Trump's order to restrict mail-in voting does not change any procedures for the upcoming legislative elections in November, but it has already cast uncertainty over the method that nearly a third of the country uses to vote. Instead of affirming that Trump's order is legal, the high court indicated on Monday that it was too early for Democratic-led states to challenge it in June, when they convinced a federal judge in Boston to freeze the order for the November elections. This effectively restarts the legal battle over the order on an incredibly compressed timeline, with the first ballots set to be sent to overseas voters and military personnel in North Carolina in just over a week. A second court order remains in effect, prohibiting the Postal Service from making changes to comply with Trump's directive. Nevertheless, the government filed a motion late Monday to lift that second suspension and has published new Postal Service regulations that would take effect on Tuesday if the legal path is fully cleared. This new rule requires a specific format for envelopes containing mail-in ballots—which could force some jurisdictions to completely revise them—and mandates that states use an electronic system to identify to the Postal Service who is voting by mail. If states do not comply with the rule, their mail-in ballots will not be sent.
NationalBall from Maradona's 'Hand of God' auctioned for over $3 million
WASHINGTON – The ball from Diego Armando Maradona's 'Hand of God' was sold at auction for $3.35 million at Heritage Auctions in the United States this weekend. The sale of the ball, with which the legendary player scored the 'Hand of God' goal for Argentina against England in the 1986 World Cup, ultimately did not meet the expectations that had been set. The auction, which started with a base price of $2.5 million and took place on Saturday, was anticipated to break records and potentially reach ten million.
NationalWe explain how to find out if your visa has been revoked by the U.S. government
The United States is preparing to revoke the business and tourist visas of up to 200,000 individuals who have applied for asylum in the U.S. If this happens, it would mark the largest visa revocation in U.S. history and is likely to face legal challenges. The State Department is expected to announce the revocation of the so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026, for which holders have applied for asylum, according to State Department documents obtained by AP and two federal officials. If you are one of those affected by this measure, we explain step by step how to find out if your visa has been revoked: To check the status of your visa, whether immigrant or nonimmigrant, you must visit the U.S. State Department's Electronic Visa Application Center website. Once there, select the type of visa—whether immigrant or nonimmigrant—and then enter your visa number. You will also need to provide your passport number and the first five letters of your last name. To start the search on the mentioned page, click here.
NationalHigh Prices Cause Drop in US Consumer Confidence, Lowest Level in 7 Months
American confidence in the economy fell in August to its lowest level in seven months, as the conflict in Iran continues to push gasoline prices above $4 per gallon. The Conference Board reported on Tuesday that its consumer confidence index dropped to 89.4 in August from 90.2 in July. This marks the lowest level in seven months, but it essentially remains within the same range it has been since the beginning of the year. At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, readings were consistently above 100. Respondents' perception of their current situation improved, but their short-term outlook deteriorated. Americans remain frustrated with the economy after five years of high inflation, which could pose a risk for President Donald Trump and Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections, set to take place in less than 70 days.
NationalFather of USS Lincoln Sailor Released from ICE Detention
The immigrant father of a sailor aboard the troubled USS Abraham Lincoln returned to his family on Tuesday after being detained by immigration authorities over the weekend. The family confirmed the release of Luis Manuel Avilés in a statement posted on social media by his son Joshua Avilés, a Navy sailor specializing in aircraft handling operations. Joshua Avilés has been deployed on the aircraft carrier for nine months, which is considered a record for the U.S. military for uninterrupted time at sea. 'Luis has been released and has returned to our family. We appreciate all the support for both Luis and Josh throughout this situation. Right now, our family is taking time to be together. While we await the return of our proud Navy sailor, we kindly ask for your understanding and respect,' the statement reads. The Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond to multiple requests for comments regarding Luis Manuel Avilés's release. DHS confirmed over the weekend that Border Patrol arrested Luis Manuel Avilés on Saturday during a traffic stop in Key West, Florida, where the family resides. The agency indicated that he entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location and was in ICE custody. Originally from Nicaragua, 47-year-old Luis Manuel Avilés has lived in the United States for 20 years. He has mostly worked as maintenance staff for hotels in Key West, according to his younger son, Luis Avilés, and his stepdaughter, Katty Delgado.
National'Offensive': Target issues apology after Halloween costume backlash
Target has removed a Halloween costume from sale after customers and social-media users pointed out that it appeared to evoke racist stereotypes.
NationalFederal judge declines Ghislaine Maxwell's bid to toss conviction
A federal judge on Tuesday declined a petition from Ghislaine Maxwell to set aside her conviction, a longshot bid that would have allowed for a new trial.
NationalWife of Army Sergeant Deported While Outside Walmart in Texas
TEXAS – The wife of an active-duty U.S. soldier was deported to her native Honduras on Monday, according to her family and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Cristy Maryori Villafranca Trejo is at least the seventh spouse or parent of an active-duty member of the U.S. military to be deported amid President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. The Associated Press has identified more than 50 cases where immediate family members of U.S. service members were placed in federal immigration detention after the Trump administration reversed protections for military families. In some instances, DHS has released military spouses after media coverage of their cases and pressure from some lawmakers.
NationalDolly Parton, Country Music Icon, Dies at 80
Dolly Parton, who rose from a humble but loving childhood in the mountains of East Tennessee to become the 'Queen of Country,' a Hollywood star, and a beloved American icon, has died, her family announced on Tuesday. Parton was 80 years old. Her death came after she abruptly announced in May 2026 that she was canceling a show in Las Vegas and revealed she had been receiving treatment for kidney stones for several years. 'Goodness, they take out more stones from me each year than from the quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee,' Parton said in a statement. 'But seriously, my immune system and digestive system have completely gone haywire over the last two or three years, and I'm working very hard to recover and strengthen them. Hopefully, I'll be back to full form soon.'
NationalJorge Torres Says Illegal Transshipment Is Already Occurring Through Mexico and Canada
Jorge Torres, president of Interlink Trade Services, emphasized the growing responsibility of U.S. importers and customs brokers to verify the origin and tariff treatment of goods amid heightened efforts against illegal transshipment. He highlighted that legitimate transshipment involves substantial transformation of products, while mere relabeling or repackaging does not qualify. Torres warned of Chinese goods entering Mexico or Canada before being exported to the U.S. under false claims of origin. He urged importers to conduct thorough analyses and maintain proper documentation to avoid penalties, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection increases scrutiny and utilizes artificial intelligence for enforcement.