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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalInside the $2B Collapse: Investment Tycoon Sentenced for Fraud and Bribery
Greg Lindberg, a 56-year-old investment tycoon from Tampa, Florida, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in a bribery and fraud scheme that led to the bankruptcy of several insurance companies. From 2016 to 2019, Lindberg and his associates deceived regulators and misused over $2 billion in insurance funds, benefiting personally from the fraud. His actions resulted in significant financial losses for thousands of policyholders, with over $1 billion still owed. Lindberg pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and was convicted of wire fraud and bribery, with a restitution hearing set for a later date.
NationalFlorida Teen Accused of Killing Stepsister on Cruise Will Remain Free
A federal judge on Wednesday declined to detain a Florida teenager accused of murdering and sexually assaulting his stepsister during a cruise, allowing him to stay in the custody of a relative while awaiting trial. Timothy Hudson, 16, has been free since the murder of Anna Kepner, who died on November 7, 2025, aboard a Carnival cruise. The victim was 18 years old. Hudson was initially arrested and processed as a minor, and he was allowed to live with an uncle due to his age. However, in April, a federal grand jury formally charged him as an adult, which opens the possibility of incarceration while he awaits trial. 'If this were a 20-year-old in the same circumstances, I probably would have detained him,' said U.S. District Judge Edwin Torres. 'The presumption would be that we simply wouldn’t take that risk.' 'This is a different case,' Torres said.
NationalRobert Kennedy Jr. Sparks Controversy by Handling Snakes. This Isn't His First Time.
A video of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. grabbing two snakes by hand has caught the internet's attention. This is the latest encounter with wildlife that the U.S. Health Secretary has publicly shared, generating intrigue and, in some cases, concern. Kennedy posted the video on his personal social media, where he is seen holding the tails of non-venomous black racer snakes, explaining in the description that he was removing them from Dr. Mehmet Oz's yard, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A nature enthusiast, Kennedy has shared numerous photos and videos over the years interacting with wild animals. He has also recounted anecdotes about these interactions, including once planting a bear's carcass in Central Park, New York, as a prank. Internet users reacted with excitement, disbelief, and outrage to Kennedy's latest video, in which the snakes can be seen striking towards his fingers while Oz asks him questions about them. Kennedy's wife, actress Cheryl Hines, can be heard asking him, 'Why?' and telling him to let them go. Herpetologists, or reptile experts, stated that the species featured in the video is virtually harmless to humans, even if it bites. However, they warned that the stress caused by handling snakes should be considered and advised against grabbing them by the tail, as Kennedy does in the video, since this can cause spinal injuries.
NationalTrump's New 'Green Card' Measure Raises Many Questions. Here's What Lawyers Advise
The Trump administration's recent announcement requiring green card applicants to apply from their home countries has raised concerns among immigration lawyers. Flavia Santos Lloyd, an immigration attorney, noted that this policy could slow down applications and create confusion. The USCIS stated that only in extraordinary circumstances could individuals apply from within the U.S. This change affects numerous applicants and is seen as an attempt to deter legal immigration. Experts suggest that the policy may target those overstaying their visas. Immigration attorneys are advising clients to remain cautious and await further guidance on the implications of this new rule.
NationalProtests Erupt Outside ICE Facility in NJ Over Alleged Worm-Infested Food and Medical Negligence
Protests continue outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey, where demonstrators are voicing concerns over alleged inhumane living conditions. This comes amid a hunger strike by detainees, who claim they are being served expired food, including meals with worms. Tensions escalated on Tuesday night, resulting in clashes between protesters and ICE agents, leading to at least two arrests. The Department of Homeland Security denies the existence of a hunger strike and asserts that detainees receive adequate medical care and food. Activists demand accountability and are determined to ensure that the detainees are not transferred to other facilities.
NationalDOJ Wants to Release Biden Recordings. The Former President Sued to Prevent It
Former President Joe Biden has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, seeking to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts of his private conversations with the ghostwriter of his 2017 memoir. This legal action follows a 2024 Freedom of Information Act request from the Heritage Foundation, which aims to obtain Biden's comments made while writing 'Promise Me, Dad.' The DOJ had previously withheld these materials but has since indicated plans to release them. Biden argues that these personal conversations should remain private under FOIA laws. Without judicial intervention, the materials are set to be disclosed on June 15.
NationalMatthew Perry's Assistant to Be Sentenced Today for the Actor's Death
Kenneth Iwamasa, the personal assistant of the late Matthew Perry, is set to be sentenced today in Los Angeles for his role in the actor's drug-related death. Iwamasa, 60, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, the drug that led to Perry's death. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of three years and five months, significantly less than he could have faced without cooperation. Perry's family has expressed their deep disappointment, stating that they trusted Iwamasa to help their son maintain sobriety. Perry, known for his role in 'Friends,' had been using ketamine for depression, but sought more than prescribed.
NationalKen Paxton defeats John Cornyn for U. S. Senate GOP nomination
Attorney General Ken Paxton has won the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate, defeating longtime incumbent John Cornyn. This victory marks a significant shift in Texas GOP politics, as Paxton's win was bolstered by an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Cornyn, who has served for over 40 years and was a prominent figure in the Senate, conceded without mentioning Paxton. The general election will see Paxton face state Rep. James Talarico, who is expected to be a formidable opponent. Paxton's victory highlights the changing dynamics within the Republican Party and the influence of Trump's endorsement.
NationalTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton wins GOP runoff for US Senate, ousting longtime Sen. John Cornyn
PLANO, Texas (AP) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, defeating four-term Sen. John Cornyn. Paxton was endorsed by President Donald Trump last week. His victory in Tuesday’s runoff makes Cornyn the first Republican senator from Texas to lose the party’s nomination for reelection. Trump endorsed Paxton as part
NationalTrump Administration Proposes Requiring Federal Employees to Sign Confidentiality Agreements
The Donald Trump administration is proposing a rule that would require federal workers to sign confidentiality agreements, according to a draft notice published on Tuesday by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). "The OPM believes that a government-wide confidentiality agreement (NDA) will promote consistency across the government, better protect confidential information, and better inform federal employees about their rights and obligations regarding such information," the notice states, which was published in the Federal Register. It also claims that this measure is necessary to combat 'unauthorized disclosures' to the media, partly citing last year's reports on the controversial efforts by the OPM to facilitate the firing of government employees. "Such disclosures risk inhibiting candid feedback among agencies, disrupting orderly decision-making, and undermining trust both within federal agencies and between them," the notice indicates. Violations of the confidentiality agreement by current and former employees could result in civil and criminal penalties, the document warns. Reuters and The Washington Post were the first to report on the proposal.
NationalAll Evacuation Orders Lifted Due to Toxic Chemical in California
Evacuation orders for residents affected by the chemical emergency in Garden Grove were lifted on Tuesday, according to the city's Police Department. Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farr announced the decision during a community meeting held on Tuesday night. Approximately 50,000 people were evacuated following a hazardous material leak from a tank that occurred last Thursday in Garden Grove.
NationalSupreme Court Rules in Favor of Trump in Immigration Judges' Limits Dispute
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday in favor of President Donald Trump's administration in a lawsuit concerning restrictions on the free speech of immigration judges that affected the rights of federal workers. The justices overturned a lower court ruling that had allowed the case to proceed and raised questions about whether a complaint system for federal employees continues to function as intended after the Republican president dismissed some of his top officials. Immigration judges are federal employees, unlike those working in federal courts. They wish to sue over a policy that restricts their public speech, which began during Trump's first term and continued under his successor Joe Biden. The judges argue that this is a matter of free speech that belongs in a federal court.
NationalSinaloa Governor Reappears After U.S. Accusations: Appears Before Mexican Prosecutor's Office
MEXICO CITY – Rubén Rocha Moya, the suspended governor of Sinaloa, announced on Tuesday that he appeared before the Attorney General's Office (FGR) in Culiacán as part of an investigation opened in Mexico following accusations made against him and nine other Sinaloan officials in the United States for alleged drug and arms trafficking offenses. 'Today I appeared before the Attorney General's Office, based in Culiacán, Sinaloa. I answered the questions posed by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Agent,' Rocha Moya wrote in a post on the social media platform X. Rocha Moya, who requested a temporary leave from his position during the investigation, added that he will remain available to respond to any requests from authorities. 'I have a firm determination to respond to any call made by the investigating authority, whenever it deems necessary,' he expressed. The suspended governor also stated that he trusts the Mexican judicial system and the rule of law, while defending the justice institutions and reforms promoted by the so-called Fourth Transformation movement led by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024). 'For this reason, and with my head held high, I will continue to fight for the truth to prevail,' he emphasized.
NationalTrump to Undergo Annual Medical Exam This Tuesday
President Donald Trump underwent his annual medical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, reporting that all results were 'perfect' on Truth Social. This examination comes at a time when public scrutiny of his health is heightened, especially as he approaches his 80th birthday next month. The White House described the visit as routine preventive checks. Despite concerns about his age and health, Trump maintains he feels as good as he did decades ago. Critics have raised questions about the transparency of his medical history, as presidents are not legally required to disclose their health records.
NationalIran Condemns US Attacks as a Display of 'Bad Faith' and Warns of Consequences
The U.S. military described its recent attacks in southern Iran as defensive, targeting missile launch sites and vessels laying mines, while claiming to act with moderation amid a fragile ceasefire. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of the ceasefire and warned that the U.S. would bear the consequences. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard reported downing several drones and a fighter jet that entered its airspace. These events occurred during ongoing negotiations, which include discussions about the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global oil and gas. Iran demands the lifting of military blockades on its ports.
NationalWhat’s at Stake in Texas’ Primary Runoff This Tuesday
The Texas primary runoffs on Tuesday will test President Donald Trump's influence as he seeks to penalize certain Republicans he views as disloyal. Trump supports Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican Senate runoff against incumbent John Cornyn, raising concerns among party members about Paxton's potential to jeopardize the Senate seat. The winner will face Democrat James Talarico in November. Additionally, several House primary runoffs are scheduled, including a contentious race in the 35th Congressional District, where a controversial Democrat is backed by a mysterious group linked to Republicans. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET statewide.
NationalUS Military Claims to Have Conducted Strikes Against Targets in Iran
US armed forces attacked targets in Iran, near the Strait of Hormuz, in what a military spokesperson described on Monday as acts of legitimate self-defense. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command, stated that the strikes were 'defensive actions' and included 'missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to lay mines.' The attacks took place in Bandar Abbas, in southern Iran, according to a defense official. No changes were announced regarding the temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran, which went into effect on April 8. 'US Central Command continues to defend our forces while exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,' Hawkins stated.
NationalSteel Nerves: Paragliding Woman Survives After Being Struck by Small Plane
A 44-year-old woman practicing paragliding over the Austrian Alps survived a terrifying mid-air collision when a small plane struck her wing, causing her to spiral out of control. The incident occurred near Piesendorf, Salzburg, during a scenic flight. The 28-year-old pilot reported that he couldn't avoid the collision. The plane's propeller severely damaged the paraglider, prompting the experienced paragliding woman to deploy her reserve parachute. She made an emergency landing and was airlifted by police, but both she and the pilot escaped serious injuries. A video of the incident was shared on social media, showing her calm response during the crisis.
NationalGovernor Honors Fallen Heroes At Memorial Day Ceremony
Governor Greg Abbott honored the sacrifices of U.S. Armed Forces members during a Memorial Day Ceremony at Sugar Land Memorial Park. He emphasized the importance of remembering those who died in service to the nation, stating, "We should honor their memory every day." Abbott called on Texans to reflect on the dedication of fallen heroes and to teach future generations about the cost of liberty. He was joined by Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon, Retired Brigadier General Dave Van Kleeck, and other military advocates, all recognizing the bravery and selflessness of those who defended American freedoms.