National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalThousands of Reports Feed the 'Venezuela Earthquake Missing' Platform to Reunite Families
Following the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, a citizen platform called 'Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela' has emerged to assist families in locating their missing loved ones. While official numbers of the missing have not been released, the platform has recorded 30,910 reports, with 29,321 individuals still unaccounted for and 1,589 found safe. The site operates as a non-partisan tool, allowing users to share information and photos. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has reported 164 deaths and 971 injuries, with La Guaira experiencing the most severe damage. Two significant earthquakes struck Caracas, prompting evacuations and widespread concern.
NationalTrump May End TPS for Haitian and Syrian Immigrants Following Supreme Court Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian immigrants, potentially exposing hundreds of thousands to deportation. This decision revokes lower court orders and enables the Department of Homeland Security to swiftly terminate TPS, which currently protects 1.3 million individuals from 17 countries. Approximately 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians are affected. Despite ongoing violence in these countries, the administration argues that TPS was intended to be temporary. A bipartisan House bill aimed at extending protections for Haitians is stalled in the Senate.
NationalAvianca Cancels Flights to Caracas Following Devastating Earthquakes in Venezuela
Avianca Airlines has canceled several flights on the Bogotá-Caracas route due to devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. The affected flights include AV122 on June 24 and AV123, AV142, and AV143 on June 25. In a statement, Avianca expressed solidarity with those impacted by the earthquakes and announced a flexibility plan for passengers traveling to and from Caracas between June 24 and July 1. This plan allows for date changes without penalty, subject to availability, and passengers can rebook their flights up to 15 days after the original date. Refund requests can be made through avianca.com or the travel agency used for booking.
NationalSupreme Court Greenlights Trump Administration to Reject Asylum Seekers at the Border
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing the rejection of asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border before they enter U.S. soil, requiring them to wait in Mexico. The decision, supported by six of the nine justices, overturns a Ninth Circuit ruling that permitted rejected immigrants to apply for asylum while still in Mexico. The case, Mullin vs. Al Otro Lado, highlights the conflict between the Secretary of Homeland Security and a California-based organization assisting refugees. Dissenting justices warned that this ruling would lead to more dangers for those fleeing persecution. The case was argued on March 24, 2023.
NationalTelemundo News to Provide Special Coverage of Earthquakes in Venezuela
Two earthquakes measuring over 7.2 struck Venezuela, prompting widespread panic and an official emergency declaration. Noticias Telemundo will provide special coverage on Thursday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The tremors, measuring 7.5 and 7.2, hit central Venezuela, causing yet-to-be-determined material damage. By Thursday morning, interim President Delcy Rodríguez reported over 160 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries. Rodríguez announced the state of emergency in a message broadcast on state television, emphasizing the constitutional measures being taken. For minute-by-minute updates on the tragedy in Venezuela, click here.
NationalRescue Teams, Aerial Images, and Humanitarian Aid: How the U.S. Will Support Venezuela
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided updates on the coordination of humanitarian aid to Venezuela following recent devastating earthquakes. During a press briefing in Manama, Bahrain, he announced that search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles, California, will assist in rescue efforts. Rubio emphasized the urgent need for rescue operations in the next 48 to 72 hours, as many buildings have collapsed. Additionally, the U.S. will provide aerial imagery to help Venezuelan authorities assess damage, particularly in coastal areas. Countries like Qatar and El Salvador have also offered assistance.
NationalMinute by Minute: Earthquakes in Venezuela Leave Over 160 Dead and 900 Injured
Venezuela has been struck by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 164 deaths and 971 injuries, as reported by interim leader Delcy Rodríguez. In response to the disaster, she declared a state of emergency on Wednesday night. Entire communities have been devastated, and many areas are experiencing power outages. Rescue teams are actively working to free individuals trapped under debris. Updates on the ongoing rescue efforts and the situation are being provided continuously.
NationalMarco Rubio Announces Deployment of U.S. Aid Following Earthquakes in Venezuela
Following two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the deployment of search and rescue teams and humanitarian assistance to the affected regions. Rubio expressed condolences to the Venezuelan people and confirmed that, under President Donald Trump's directive, resources are being sent immediately, including medical supplies. Preliminary reports indicate at least 164 fatalities and 971 injuries. Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez communicated with Rubio, thanking him for the support and mentioning that specialized UN rescue teams are also on their way to assist. She has reached out to private sector leaders for additional help.
NationalJudge bars immigration arrests at US courthouses in a setback for Trump
A federal judge has prohibited immigration arrests at U.S. courthouses, marking a significant setback for the Trump administration's policies. U.S. District Judge Casey Pitts criticized the lack of rationale behind the arrests, highlighting their negative impact on individuals attending court hearings. This ruling follows a similar decision made in May by a New York judge, but Pitts' order applies nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security's general counsel, James Percival, condemned the ruling as judicial overreach, arguing that it undermines the enforcement of immigration laws. The decision reflects ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement practices in the U.S.
NationalTrump Turns Kickoff of 250th Anniversary Celebrations into Campaign Rally
WASHINGTON D.C. — President Donald Trump officially launched the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States on Wednesday night, aiming to rally the country… around himself. The president held a rally at the National Mall in Washington that featured roaring flyovers of stealth bombers, music from military bands, and a performance by Lee Greenwood singing 'God Bless the USA.' 'There has never been anything like the United States of America, and together, we are making it greater, better, stronger, and much more exceptional than ever,' Trump declared. He claimed to have restored greatness to the country and proclaimed, 'No one laughs at us anymore.' As is typical in his rallies, Trump defended his hardline policy on the U.S.-Mexico border and his opposition to transgender rights. However, perhaps in a nod to the anniversary celebrations, he was noticeably less critical of Democrats than usual; at least to some extent. 'The American Dream is alive again. It’s something nobody thought I would say after going through those last four years of incompetence,' Trump said. The president also mentioned his controversial efforts to remodel the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial and to build a ballroom at the White House.
NationalTrump berates Senate Republicans over Iran war vote after calling off bill signing
During a recent visit to the Capitol, President Donald Trump criticized Senate Republicans for their vote against his war powers resolution concerning Iran. This meeting, intended to focus on his proof-of-citizenship voting bill, turned contentious as Trump confronted four Republican senators who sided with Democrats. Senator Bill Cassidy defended his vote, stating the need for transparency about the war's duration and objectives. Tensions escalated further when Trump canceled a scheduled signing of a housing bill, demanding the passage of his voting bill first. This ongoing conflict highlights a growing divide between Trump and Senate Republicans as they approach the midterm elections.
NationalFederal judge bars Trump from implementing proof of citizenship requirement to vote
A federal judge has permanently blocked President Trump's attempt to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper ruled that Trump's executive order violated the Constitution's separation of powers, affirming that states and Congress regulate elections. This ruling follows a previous injunction that temporarily halted Trump's election changes. The order would have mandated documentary proof of citizenship, restricted mail-in ballots, and penalized non-compliant states. Attorney General Letitia James praised the decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting voting rights. Trump is now advocating for legislation to implement his citizenship requirement, which has faced obstacles in Congress.
NationalUSDA defends screwworm response amid congressional fingerpointing
During a recent Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins defended the USDA's response to the New World screwworm, which was first confirmed in a South Texas calf in June. Rollins stated that the agency received $1.3 billion in emergency funding to combat the pest, but acknowledged that current production of sterile flies is insufficient, with only 100 million produced weekly instead of the needed 500 to 700 million. Political leaders are debating the cause of this shortfall, with Rollins blaming the Biden administration's policies and Democrats pointing to cuts made in 2025. The USDA plans to expand production capacity, including a new facility in Edinburg expected to open in 2027.
NationalVenezuela in a state of emergency: Maiquetía airport closed
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency on Wednesday following two earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 that struck a central region of the country, causing unquantified material damage, with no reports of injuries or fatalities so far. 'We are declaring a state of emergency, as our Constitution provides,' Rodríguez stated in a broadcast on the state channel Venezolana de Televisión, accompanied by Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez and Interior and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello. She also announced that the entire public and private health network has been activated, especially in the most affected areas to assist the injured, without specifying numbers. Rodríguez indicated that there would be no classes 'in the coming days' this week, nor any activities that are not 'essential services.' The president noted that there were building collapses in several areas of Caracas, as well as damage in parts of the states of Miranda, La Guaira, Falcón, and Carabobo, urging citizens to maintain unity and calm. Additionally, she reported disruptions in electricity and water services, and buildings with damage experienced cuts in domestic gas service. Metro and rail services were also suspended. Rodríguez announced that the Maiquetía International Airport, which serves Caracas, was closed after suffering severe infrastructure damage, though she did not specify the extent. The mayor of the Caracas municipality of Chacao, Gustavo Duque, reported possible fatalities in his jurisdiction, without providing a specific number. Two strong earthquakes shook the Venezuelan Caribbean on Wednesday with just 39 seconds apart, in a seismic sequence where the main event was a 7.5 magnitude quake, according to the official U.S. tsunami alert system. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center explained that both tremors constituted a 'double seismic event,' a phenomenon where two large magnitude earthquakes occur within seconds of each other in the same area, prompting official updates to identify the 7.5 magnitude quake as the main event.
NationalWho Receives Social Security Payments on June 24? Here’s What You Need to Know
The third and final round of Social Security payments for this month was delivered on June 24, according to the official schedule. Payments of up to $5,181 began on June 10 in the first round and continued on June 17 in the second round, with the deposit date depending on the recipient's birth date. On this day, those born from the 21st to the 31st of any month received their payments, with retirees at age 70 receiving $5,181. Those who retired at 62 receive up to $2,969, and those at 67 receive up to $4,152. Below is the complete payment schedule for the rest of the year. When are SSI payments made? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive their payments on the following dates: July 1, September 1, October 1, and December 1. The payment date for Social Security beneficiaries who do not receive SSI depends on their birth date. If you were born between the 1st and 10th of the month, you will receive your payment on the second Wednesday of each month. If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, your payment will be on the third Wednesday of the month. If you were born between the 21st and 31st, you will receive your money on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Here’s the breakdown: Born from the 1st to the 10th: July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 10, and December 9. Born from the 11th to the 20th: July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18, and December 16. Born from the 21st to the 31st: July 22, August 26, September 23, October 28, November 25, and December 23. For more information, you can visit the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
NationalVIDEO: How the earthquakes that shook Venezuela were experienced
A motorcyclist rides near debris on Wednesday in Caracas, following powerful earthquakes that were felt across much of the country. People are seen walking through an area affected by the significant earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. Rescuers are working to save lives under the rubble of collapsed structures. According to the United States Geological Survey, the first earthquake occurred at 6:04 p.m. near San Felipe with a magnitude of 7.2. One minute later, at 6:05 p.m., a second quake was recorded near Yumare, measuring 7.5. Authorities have not yet reported a death toll. Entire structures have collapsed, and it remains unclear how many people may be trapped inside. The Chacao police, one of the affected areas, are conducting rescue operations for survivors in destroyed buildings.
NationalTrump Refuses to Sign Housing Bill: How It Affects Those Looking to Buy or Rent?
A comprehensive legislative package aimed at reducing housing costs and promoting the construction of more homes received bipartisan approval from Congress this week, but it has encountered a significant obstacle to becoming law: President Donald Trump. The White House had supported the '21st Century ROAD to Housing' bill, but on Wednesday, Trump canceled the signing ceremony, stating he would not enact the measure until Congress approved legislation requiring proof of citizenship from all voters. This legislation is the result of months of negotiations among lawmakers, who combined dozens of bills to address how access to affordable housing—both for renters and aspiring homeowners in the U.S.—has become increasingly difficult for many Americans. The bill would reduce federal regulations, streamline environmental reviews, accelerate the construction process, and curb the influence of large corporate landlords by limiting their ability to purchase single-family homes. However, it is not a magic solution to all the factors contributing to the lack of housing affordability, including a labor shortage in construction, rising insurance costs, and years of stagnant wage growth against a backdrop of soaring rents and home prices. Despite this, the bill has garnered broad support from the real estate sector, including organizations representing builders and apartment complex owners, as well as housing access advocates. If the bill does not pass, one of the biggest obstacles to homeownership has been the imbalance between supply and demand in many areas of the country. The legislation includes a wide range of provisions, such as expanding government rental assistance and affordable housing construction programs, and it would raise limits on the number of public housing units that can receive funding for renovations. Trump's decision not to enact the law on Wednesday could only temporarily delay its implementation, as the House of Representatives passed the bill with 358 votes in favor and 32 against, while the Senate approved it with 85 votes in favor and 5 against.
NationalKeiko Fujimori expects to be proclaimed as elected president of Peru in the coming days
LIMA – Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori, winner of the second round of Peru's presidential elections against leftist Roberto Sánchez, stated on Wednesday that she hopes the National Jury of Elections (JNE) will officially proclaim the results in the coming days so she can begin forming her government and preparing her administration's initial measures. "It is important that we can have the proclamation from the electoral authorities in the coming days," Fujimori said in a statement alongside a stack of boxes containing over 82,500 ballots collected by her more than 90,000 delegates deployed on the day of the second round of presidential voting on June 7, aimed at monitoring the vote and validating her victory. "We want to show the evidence," said the daughter and political heir of former president Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) as she declined to respond to Sánchez, who, without evidence, alleges fraud and demands the annulment of voting abroad, which would reverse the results and give him the victory, as he has more votes within the national territory. The leader of the Fujimorista party Fuerza Popular assured that she understands how Sánchez may feel, as she has gone through the same situation three times, having been defeated in the second round of presidential elections against Ollanta Humala (2011), Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016), and Pedro Castillo (2021), the last two by just a 40,000 vote difference. This time, with 98.86% of the votes counted, Fujimori has 50.12% of the valid votes compared to Sánchez's 49.88%, separated by a narrow margin of 44,027 votes.
National"It is very difficult for the other right to insert itself in our country": Sheinbaum
MEXICO CITY – President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Wednesday that it is "very difficult" for the right to "insert itself" into the presidency of Mexico, but she urged attention to what is happening in other places like Colombia, after leftist candidate Iván Cepeda acknowledged his defeat to far-right Abelardo de la Espriella. "Of course, we must always be attentive to what happens elsewhere, work hard to inform, not disappoint, and continue to fulfill our commitments... It is very difficult for the other right to insert itself in our country," the president declared during her daily press conference when asked about the loss of power of progressivism in Latin America. Despite the international context and the electoral outcome in Colombia, Sheinbaum asserted that a "unique phenomenon" occurred in Mexico with the rise of the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), a party founded by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024). In this regard, she defended the reclamation of national history by the political movement she is part of, self-described as the Fourth Transformation, especially regarding the "indigenous cultures" and the "great civilizations" of the country. "That is why we can never betray. Honesty must be our banner. We must be honest and never lie to the people," the president emphasized. As commitments of her government, Sheinbaum reaffirmed her intention to continue with the "transformation program" aimed at generating and redistributing wealth among the entire population. "But the Mexican phenomenon is unique. We must take care of it, preserve it, and continue with the revolution of consciousness," concluded the head of state.