National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalSupreme Court Paves Way for Lawsuits Against Cuba Over Confiscated Properties from the Cuban Revolution
The United States Supreme Court ruled on Thursday in favor of owners of Cuban properties confiscated by Fidel Castro's government more than 65 years ago. In an eight-to-one decision, the justices reopened lawsuits filed by the American company Havana Docks, which operated docks in Havana. The lawsuit targets four cruise lines that brought tourists to Cuba during the brief thaw in relations between the two nations under the Obama administration. Justice Clarence Thomas, speaking for the Supreme Court, stated that the Atlanta federal appeals court erred in dismissing the lawsuits, noting that 'the cruise lines used confiscated properties over which Havana Docks holds rightful ownership.'
NationalSpaceX plans what could be the biggest-ever initial public offering
The prospectus reads in part like a Hollywood fantasy version of the future, detailing in one section how part of Musk’s compensation will be granted only if he maintains “a permanent human colony on Mars with at least one million inhabitants.”
NationalCostco Issues Recall of Thousands of Electric Kettles Due to Burn Risk
Costco has announced a new nationwide product recall, this time for an appliance that poses a burn hazard. The recall involves the ZWILLING Enfinigy Pro electric kettle, which was sold between 2019 and 2025 at Costco stores across the country. What is the reason for the recall of over 113,000 units nationwide? The company warned that the handle may become loose or detach, potentially leading to accidents or injuries, including burns from hot water.
NationalSpaceX to Launch Even Larger Starship Prototype from Texas
SpaceX is set to launch a new prototype of its Starship megacraft, designated V3, from its Starbase facility in South Texas this Thursday. This test flight marks the twelfth mission for Starship and the first for the third-generation model, which is larger and more powerful. The launch window opens at 6:30 p.m. ET. NASA is closely monitoring this flight, as it plans to use Starship for lunar landings as part of its Artemis program. The test will attempt to deploy 22 Starlink satellite models and will last approximately 65 minutes, with the upper stage expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean.
National500, 000 fewer Texans are on SNAP as participation slips nationally
The number of Texans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has decreased by 14% over the past year, with nearly 500,000 fewer participants as of April 2026 compared to April 2025. This decline is attributed to stricter work requirements introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and increased fears of deportation among immigrant families. Texas reported 3.1 million eligible SNAP individuals at the end of April, with significant drops in participation across the Gulf Coast and North and South Texas. Advocates express concern that these changes limit access to necessary food assistance for eligible families.
NationalTennessee man jailed over Charlie Kirk post wins $835, 000 settlement
Larry Bushart, a retired police officer from Tennessee, has reached an $835,000 settlement after being jailed for over a month due to a Facebook post about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Bushart was arrested in September for refusing to remove memes that some perceived as threatening, particularly one referencing a school shooting. He spent 37 days in jail, losing his job and missing significant family events. The felony charge was dropped in October. Bushart expressed relief that his First Amendment rights were upheld and emphasized the importance of free speech in a democracy.
NationalMexico Wins Over $578 Million in Case Linked to Ex-Minister Convicted in the U.S.
The Mexican Ministry of Finance, through the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), announced on Wednesday that a court in Florida, in the city of Miami, ruled in favor of the Mexican state for over $578 million in a case linked to former Public Security Secretary Genaro García Luna, related to an illicit public contracting scheme. García Luna, 57, was the head of public security under former President Felipe Calderón (2006-2012), during which he led the strategy known as the 'war on drugs.' He was arrested in Dallas in 2019 and, in 2024, a jury in New York found him guilty of five drug-related offenses and lying on his U.S. citizenship application, resulting in a nearly 39-year prison sentence. Although his lawyers have appealed the sentence he is serving in the U.S. for drug trafficking, claiming due process violations. The UIF explained in a statement that the court ruling condemns members of the Weinberg family, linked to the former official, and companies related to the payment of $578.5 million as 'reparations for the financial damage' caused to the Mexican state by the so-called 'corrupt scheme.' It also detailed that during the process, the involvement of individuals and entities was established, who participated in 'mechanisms aimed at the improper acquisition of public contracts and the subsequent transfer and concealment of resources.' It specified that a 'broad body of evidence' was compiled during the process, consisting of financial documentation, testimonial statements, and elements obtained through international legal cooperation mechanisms. The UIF clarified that this ruling adds to previous judgments against García Luna and his spouse, Cristina Pereyra, issued by U.S. Judge Lisa Walsh in May 2025, amounting to over $2.448 billion. 'The total amount of judgments obtained in favor of the Mexican state for this scheme amounts to over $3.067 billion, consolidating as a significant recovery action,' the text stated. According to the Mexican government, the ruling is also part of an agreement whereby the convicted individuals must deliver identified assets in various jurisdictions for partial payment of the amounts determined by the judicial authority, a matter that the UIF assured it would follow up on. The news comes on the same day that the rating agency Moody’s Ratings downgraded Mexico's sovereign rating to 'Baa3' from 'Baa2,' the last step within the investment grade.
NationalSpaceX reveals plans for what could be the biggest-ever initial public offering
NEW YORK (AP) — The world’s richest man announced plans Wednesday for one biggest sales of stock to the public ever for a space company currently losing billions of dollars year. Documents filed on Wednesday show Elon Musk’s SpaceX lost $2.6 billion from operations last year on $18.7 billion in revenue, and the losses kept
NationalFeds File 281 New Immigration Criminal Cases in West Texas
Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas have filed 281 new immigration-related criminal cases between May 8 and May 14. These cases involve charges against human smugglers, visa fraudsters, and illegal immigrants with prior convictions for various crimes. Notably, Encarnacion Lopez-Sanchez, a Mexican national, faces charges for visa fraud and has a pending sexual assault case in Mexico. Other cases include a U.S. citizen charged with alien smuggling in El Paso and several illegal aliens facing re-entry charges after previous deportations. The prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and violent crime.
NationalThe impact of “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” on Texas SNAP funding
Feeding Texas held a virtual press briefing to discuss the implications of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting October 1, 2026, Texas will be responsible for 75% of SNAP administrative costs, adding an estimated $117 million annually. By October 1, 2027, if the state's payment error rate exceeds 6%, Texas could owe around $709 million in benefit cost-sharing. Although SNAP fraud is rare, Feeding Texas emphasizes the need for a realistic timeline to lower the error rate without compromising food access for millions of Texans, especially children and working families.
NationalNJ Pastor Facing Life in Prison for Cult-Like Sex and Labor Enterprise
Treva Edwards, 61, and his wife Christine Edwards, 64, from Orange, New Jersey, face serious charges including sex trafficking and forced labor. A grand jury indicted them for exploiting vulnerable individuals who joined their church, 'Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost.' Between 2010 and 2025, they allegedly coerced members into unpaid labor, using threats and emotional abuse. Treva Edwards is accused of physical and sexual assaults against victims, including impregnating one. If convicted, he could face life in prison. The case is under investigation by Homeland Security and the Department of Labor, with a trial pending.
NationalUS Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Arrives in the Caribbean Amid Tensions with Cuba
The United States Navy announced on Wednesday that its nuclear aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is sailing through the Caribbean, amid rising tensions between Cuba and the United States. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) shared a video on social media highlighting the capabilities of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG). The post coincides with the day the U.S. government charged Cuban leader Raúl Castro, along with five other Cubans, with murder and other charges related to the downing of Brothers to the Rescue planes in 1996.
NationalU.S. Unseals Indictment Against Raul Castro for 1996 Shoot-Down of unarmed U.S. civilian aircraft
The U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed a new indictment against Raul Modesto Castro Ruz, 94, from Holguin, Cuba, along with five others, for their alleged involvement in the 1996 shoot-down of two unarmed U.S. civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue (BTTR). The incident, which occurred over international waters, resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including three U.S. citizens. The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals and murder. If convicted, they could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. The announcement coincided with a ceremony in Miami honoring the victims.
NationalSan Antonio Grand Jury Indicts New Braunfels Woman in Republican HQ Arson Case
A federal grand jury in San Antonio has indicted Grace Carol Brown, a 22-year-old from New Braunfels, for attempted arson at the Comal County Republican Party Headquarters. The incident occurred on January 14, when Brown allegedly broke a window and tried to ignite a fire inside the building, which also houses two other businesses. Investigators found that she had expressed hostility towards the Republican Party and U.S. government officials. Arrested on January 22, Brown faces charges of burglary and arson, with potential federal penalties of 5 to 20 years in prison if convicted. The FBI is leading the investigation.
NationalThe Five-Year Outlook for the US Economy
The US economy is showing modest growth despite facing challenges such as geopolitical conflicts and inflation. The labor market remains stable, with ongoing capital investments in data centers and AI technology. However, oil supply issues and rising prices are contributing to economic uncertainty. While consumer spending is strong, it is mainly driven by higher-income households, leaving lower-income families more vulnerable to inflation. Projections indicate a 2.55% annual growth in GDP over the next five years, with an expected increase of 11.4 million jobs. The initial phase may be tough, but growth is anticipated as uncertainties fade.
National"Life in prison or death penalty": what the charges against Raúl Castro imply
On May 20, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, 94, for his alleged involvement in the shooting down of two Brothers to the Rescue planes in 1996, resulting in the deaths of four pilots. Castro, who was the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) at the time, placing him at the top of the military chain of command that decided to shoot down the planes, faces charges of murder, conspiracy to kill Americans, and destruction of aircraft for the deaths of the four pilots 30 years ago.
NationalTrump Reiterates His 'Unwavering' Commitment to Cuba's 'Freedom' on Its Independence Day
President Donald Trump shared a message marking the 124th anniversary of Cuba's independence, emphasizing his 'unwavering' commitment to ensuring that 'the people of Cuba regain the freedom that their ancestors fought so bravely to establish more than 100 years ago.' The message was posted on the White House website on the same day the Department of Justice filed charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. 'Today we commemorate Cuba's Independence Day: the 124th anniversary of the birth of a nation that was once free, forged through sacrifice, courage, and an unwavering desire for freedom. Just like the American patriots who shook off the tyrannical yoke 250 years ago, Cuba's founding generation rose against the subjugation of the Spanish Empire to claim the same birthright that our citizens enjoy today: the right of a free people to govern themselves.'
NationalWhat is the group Brothers to the Rescue and what is its history
A group founded by Cuban exiles, known as Brothers to the Rescue, is at the center of the U.S. Department of Justice's decision to seek formal charges against Cuban leader Raúl Castro; a move that revives one of the lowest points in the decades-long bitter relationship between the two countries. The charges are linked to Castro's alleged role in the 1996 shooting down of two planes operated by the Miami-based exile group. At that time, Castro was serving as Minister of Defense, making him the highest authority in the nation after his brother Fidel.
NationalNew SNAP Program Rules Cut Millions Nationwide
TEXAS – Food banks across North Texas report that they are already feeling the impact of sweeping changes to the country’s largest food assistance program, as millions of families nationwide face reduced access to benefits under a new federal law. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, is undergoing significant changes under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which was enacted last summer. The legislation cuts an estimated $1.87 trillion from SNAP over the next decade, expands work requirements for beneficiaries, and shifts more costs to the states. Advocates warn that the effects are already being felt. A study cited by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that participation in SNAP nationwide fell by about 8% between July 2025 and early 2026, a decrease of more than 3 million people who lost access to the program. In Texas, food bank leaders say these figures reflect what they are seeing on the ground. 'The changes from last year’s HR one legislation are just starting to be felt,' said Clarissa Clarke from the North Texas Food Bank. 'So people might be losing their benefits because they are not aware of the changes.' One of the most significant changes involves the expansion of work requirements. Previously, able-bodied adults without dependents had to meet work requirements until the age of 54. Under the new law, that threshold has been raised to 64. The requirements for parents have also been tightened, lowering the age of children whose caregivers can be exempt. Clarke noted that these changes can be confusing, and in some cases, people may be losing benefits simply because they are unaware of the new rules. 'You had to do 20 hours of work a week, volunteer, or participate in job training. And now that has been expanded to 64 years old,' she said. 'So people might be losing their benefits because they don’t realize the changes.' The timing also raises concerns. Food banks typically see increased demand during the summer months when children lose access to free or reduced-price school meals. 'We always see a slight increase in the summer because kids are not in school,' Clarke said. 'There are some feeding programs... but we do see more people in our food pantries.' She added that cuts to SNAP could further strain a system that is already struggling to meet demand.