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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalMinute by Minute: US Government to Charge Raúl Castro Today
The U.S. Department of Justice is expected to announce charges against Raúl Castro today at 1 PM from the Freedom Tower in Miami. The announcement will be preceded by a press conference at 9 AM featuring Florida Republican Congress members Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, Carlos A. Giménez, and Nicole Malliotakis from New York, who will discuss Castro's alleged involvement in the 1996 downing of a civilian aircraft belonging to Brothers to the Rescue. The event coincides with the commemoration of Cuba's Independence Day and will be broadcast live on Telemundo 51 and its digital platforms.
NationalUS government agrees to drop tax claims against Trump in broadening of IRS lawsuit settlement
The U.S. government has agreed to permanently drop tax claims against President Donald Trump as part of a settlement related to his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. This settlement prevents the government from examining or prosecuting Trump and his family regarding current tax issues. Additionally, a new fund of $1.776 billion has been established to compensate individuals who believe they were unfairly targeted for prosecution, a move criticized by Democrats and some Republicans as potentially corrupt. Trump will receive a formal apology but no monetary compensation from the settlement, which was dismissed by a judge for lack of transparency.
NationalBlanche doesnt rule out considering payments for violent Jan. 6 rioters as he defends $1. 8B fund
During a Senate hearing, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche discussed a new $1.776 billion fund intended for individuals who believe they were politically targeted. He did not dismiss the possibility that those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot could apply for compensation, stating that anyone who feels victimized by 'weaponization' can seek funds. Questions arose regarding the fund's purpose and its implications, with critics labeling it an abuse of power. Blanche emphasized transparency and indicated that the commission deciding on payouts would consider all applications, regardless of political affiliation or prior convictions for violence.
NationalTrump Scores Primary Victories, But Major Questions Loom Ahead of Midterm Elections
President Donald Trump showcased the strength of his transformative political movement on Tuesday, continuing his successful campaign to eliminate political enemies within the Republican Party throughout the month. However, low approval ratings for the president and the ongoing conflict with Iran have raised alarms in key Republican primaries among base voters who supported Trump's 'America First' agenda, which emphasized internal issues. These warning signs may persist among independent voters and in base turnout as general elections approach in a few months. Meanwhile, Trump continues to demonstrate that he can influence the Republican primary electorate and attack Republicans who oppose him without facing significant negative consequences. Earlier this month, Trump defeated five incumbent Republican state senators in Indiana who opposed his mid-decade redistricting initiative. Over the weekend, Trump's political machinery also stalled the primary progress of Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana, who voted to convict him during his 2021 impeachment trial. However, the most significant victory for the White House came on Tuesday with the defeat of Representative Thomas Massie, the Kentucky Republican who opposed Trump on key issues, including the tax and spending plan known as the 'big, beautiful bill.' Massie lost to Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein, who secured 54% of the votes in the Republican primary. Trump's allies have targeted Massie for months, and on Tuesday, they achieved victory in what was the most expensive House primary in history in terms of advertising spending. The defeat of Massie was met with disappointment in other Republican circles, with some viewing it as a revenge tour against a solid conservative voter who refused to bend to Trump's will. However, Trump did not win everything he intervened in on Tuesday. In the closely watched Georgia gubernatorial race, Trump-backed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones advanced to a runoff against billionaire Rick Jackson, who has positioned himself as a Trump ally, despite various organizations, including the Trump-backed super PAC MAGA Inc., supporting Jones. Jackson has spent over $80 million of his own fortune on television ads, many linking him to Trump; however, the former president has made it clear he does not endorse the businessman heading into the runoff in Georgia. It remains unclear how Trump's dominance in Republican primaries will manifest in the general midterm elections, where Republicans are trying to maintain their narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Democrats could take control of the House and are attempting to contest the Senate, although that is considered a much more challenging endeavor. Some Republican senators believe what could be interpreted as a 'victory' for Trump on Tuesday may actually harm the Republican Party's chances of success. A notable example is Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is Trump's endorsed Senate candidate in his state. If he wins the Republican primary runoff next week, as currently expected, Paxton will enter the general election at a clear fundraising disadvantage against Democratic candidate James Talarico. Additionally, he carries significant political baggage, including an impeachment trial initiated against him in 2023 by the Republican-controlled Texas House, from which he was later acquitted in the state Senate. This is compounded by his wife's request for divorce citing 'biblical reasons.' Several Republicans fear Paxton may be a weaker candidate compared to current Senator John Cornyn, and they believe national Republican groups will be forced to allocate funds to Texas—resources that could otherwise have been used to boost Republican Senate candidates in other key states. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the Senate; a daunting task, but one that increasingly seems feasible due to Trump's declining approval ratings among independent voters. This has generated enthusiasm among Democrats regarding their prospects of taking control of the chamber. 'While the Texas Republican Party has been embroiled in a 'bitter' and 'costly internal war' that has fractured its base and left them resource-depleted, Democratic enthusiasm has surged to its highest level in decades,' said Maeve Coyle, spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. 'James Talarico is building a campaign to win, and Texans will send him to the U.S. Senate in November,' she added.
NationalDepartment of Education Acts to Free States from Excess Federal Mandates
The U.S. Department of Education, under President Trump and Secretary Linda McMahon, is promoting state control over education by expanding federal flexibilities. Recently, Florida and Illinois were approved for Ed-Flex, bringing the total to 18 states utilizing this authority. Ed-Flex allows states to waive certain federal requirements, enabling more local control over education funding. This includes flexibility in spending Student Support and Academic Enrichment funds. The Department has also issued guidance encouraging states to implement existing flexibilities in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, allowing better fund transferability and use of federal resources to meet local needs.
NationalAfter submitting 269 extradition requests: Mexico demands reciprocity from the U.S.
MEXICO CITY – The Mexican government stated on Tuesday that it has submitted 269 extradition requests to the United States since 2018, with none having been concluded, and defended its decision to demand additional information in cases involving Mexicans pointed out by Washington, including Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, who is accused of drug trafficking. "From January 1, 2018, to May 13, 2026, Mexico has requested 269 extradition cases from the United States. None have been delivered so far. 36 have already been denied, and 233 remain pending conclusion," said Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco during a presidential press conference. "In 47 of the 50 provisional arrest requests we have made, the U.S. government has asked us to provide additional information. This is a common practice between the two countries that requires additional elements," he stated. The head of the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) maintained that requesting supplementary evidence in extradition or provisional detention cases is stipulated in the treaty between both countries.
NationalUnmarried Births Declined in 2023 Across Most States
In 2023, the number of unmarried women giving birth in the U.S. fell to approximately 1.2 million, marking a 15% decrease over the past decade, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Unmarried women represented 30.9% of all births among women aged 15 to 50. Southern states like Texas and Florida had higher rates of unmarried births compared to the national average, while many Midwestern and Northeastern states reported lower rates. The report suggests socioeconomic factors, such as poverty levels and education, influence these trends, with areas of higher education showing lower rates of unmarried births.
NationalTrump endorses Ken Paxton in Senate GOP runoff
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican runoff for the U.S. Senate, providing a significant boost to Paxton's campaign against incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Trump praised Paxton as a 'true MAGA Warrior' and highlighted his support for ending the Senate filibuster and voting restrictions. Paxton expressed gratitude for the endorsement, emphasizing his commitment to Trump's America First agenda. With early voting underway, the race has seen nearly $25 million spent on ads. Cornyn, who has a strong pro-Trump voting record, faces challenges as Paxton's candidacy raises concerns about Republican control in upcoming elections.
NationalDateline Launches Streaming Channel Dateline en Español on Peacock, Hosted by José Díaz-Balart
Dateline has launched the streaming channel Dateline en Español on Peacock, available 24/7, hosted by José Díaz-Balart, anchor of Noticias Telemundo and Weekend NBC Nightly News. A statement from the network indicates that Dateline en Español will also be available as a FAST channel on other platforms in the coming weeks. The audience will have access to a library of over 100 hours of Dateline en Español episodes, bringing this iconic true crime franchise to an even larger audience. The first themed marathon, Dangerous Games, is expected to air in mid-June, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
NationalSenate Advances Legislation Aimed at Ending War with Iran
WASHINGTON — The Senate moved forward on Tuesday with legislation that seeks to compel President Donald Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran, as an increasing number of Republicans challenged the president's wishes. Since Trump ordered the attack against Iran in late February, Democrats have forced repeated votes on war powers resolutions that would require him to seek congressional approval for the conflict or withdraw troops otherwise. Republicans had managed to gather enough votes to reject those proposals, but Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy — who had just suffered a defeat in the primary elections where Trump backed his opponent — switched sides to provide a crucial vote that allowed the legislation to advance. The outcome of the vote, with 50 in favor and 47 against, highlighted the small — but crucial — number of Republicans who voted to stop the war with Iran. The legislation will be put to a final approval vote, although the exact timing of this was not immediately clear.
NationalDOJ to Announce Charges Against Raúl Castro Tomorrow, NBC News Sources Say
A day before the press conference regarding the Brothers to the Rescue case, two NBC News sources reported that the Department of Justice would announce formal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in Miami during the event scheduled for May 20. Congressional and federal leaders indicated on Tuesday that they would make significant announcements regarding the downing of the planes during Cuba's Independence Day. The Cuban regime reacted, stating that the incident was not an isolated violation of airspace. In a statement, the Cuban Embassy in the United States called the incident, in which four pilots died—three of them American citizens on February 24, 1996—a 'myth' and a 'deception.' They argued that between 1994 and 1996, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cuban civil aviation authorities documented over 25 serious, deliberate, and systematic violations of Cuban airspace. They claimed these were not miscalculations but a continuous campaign that endangered international aviation security. The exact location of the downing is crucial in the ongoing legal and political battle since 1996. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the attack occurred in international waters, not within Cuban airspace, as the Cuban government contends. This detail is essential as the case could be considered a crime against American citizens outside Cuba, potentially leading to legal actions against the 94-year-old Raúl Castro, who was the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba. This week, two press conferences were scheduled in Washington, D.C. and Miami, respectively, related to the Brothers to the Rescue case. At 9 a.m., the group of Cuban-American congress members will hold their event in the capital, while at 1 p.m., the Department of Justice will hold its event at the Tower of Liberty. Both events will take place on May 20, known in Cuba as Independence Day. On Wednesday, two federal sources familiar with the investigation and the press conference scheduled for tomorrow in Miami indicated that the Department of Justice and the FBI are expected to announce formal charges against Raúl Castro. On May 15, Telemundo 51 reported that the Department of Justice already had a date for the formal charges, confirmed by a source familiar with the matter to our sister network NBC. That same source linked the charges to the case of the downed planes. The victims were Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, Armando Alejandre Jr., and Pablo Morales, members of Brothers to the Rescue, a group primarily dedicated to locating and assisting Cuban rafters in the Florida Straits. Notably, the statement does not directly mention the downing of the planes or the deaths for which the United States plans to present criminal charges against the Cuban leader.
NationalTrump endorses Paxton in Texas Senate GOP runoff, in blow to Cornyn
President Trump has endorsed state Attorney General Ken Paxton in Texas' high-stakes Senate race, snubbing incumbent senior Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) ahead of next week's GOP primary runoff. "Ken is a true MAGA Warrior who has ALWAYS delivered for Texas, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate," Trump wrote on Truth
NationalTrump Secures Protection from Tax Investigation Involving His Family and Businesses
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump secured a government agreement on Tuesday that prohibits the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from conducting audits or investigations related to the past conduct of the Republican's family and businesses. The agreement, disclosed by the Department of Justice and signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, establishes that the IRS is 'forever prohibited and barred' from claiming any conduct of the Trump family that occurred before this Tuesday. This provision is part of a broader out-of-court settlement reached between the government and the Republican president to resolve lawsuits filed by Trump and his children against the IRS for the leak of their tax returns.
NationalICE Agents Cannot Make Arrests at Immigration Courts in New York, Federal Judge Orders
NEW YORK – A federal judge has prohibited most arrests made by federal ICE agents in and around three immigration court buildings in New York, marking a significant halt to a practice implemented during the Trump administration. Judge P. Kevin Castel's decision abruptly stopped a policy that allowed immigration agents to arrest individuals attending their hearings before immigration judges. The detentions had led to dramatic scenes in court hallways, where some immigrants were separated from family members in tears after being arrested by federal agents. In his written decision, Castel acknowledged that there is 'a strong government interest in enforcing immigration laws,' but also stated that there is a significant interest in allowing individuals to attend deportation proceedings and asylum requests 'without fear of being arrested.'
NationalJustice Department announces nearly $1. 8B fund to compensate Trump allies claiming political targeting
The Trump administration has announced a nearly $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate allies who claim they were unjustly targeted for investigations and prosecutions. Dubbed the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' it stems from a settlement regarding Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. The fund will allow individuals who believe they were politically persecuted, including by the Biden administration, to apply for compensation. Critics, including nearly 100 House Democrats, have condemned the fund as corrupt and unconstitutional, arguing it could enrich Trump’s allies with taxpayer money. A commission will oversee the fund's distribution.
NationalDefense Department delays 54 wind projects in Texas, citing national security concerns
The U.S. Department of Defense has paused the approval of 54 wind projects in Texas due to national security concerns, affecting the development of renewable energy in the state. This delay is part of a larger issue impacting 165 wind projects nationwide, as federal law mandates reviews for structures over 200 feet tall, including wind turbines. The Department of Defense has not approved any projects since August 2025 and has canceled meetings with developers. Experts warn that these delays hinder financing and construction timelines, reflecting a broader trend of slowing wind energy growth amid national security considerations.
NationalGood Karma: Man Returns Lost Lottery Ticket to Owner and Then Wins Jackpot
A man from South Carolina attributed his recent lottery win of over $586,000 to good karma after he returned a lost winning ticket worth $500 to its rightful owner. The anonymous winner, who found the ticket at a gas station in Myrtle Beach, asked the store manager to notify him if anyone came looking for it. When the owner claimed it, he felt certain he would win the lottery one day. Two months later, he bought a ticket for the 'Palmetto Cash 5' game at the same gas station and hit the jackpot. He plans to use his winnings to help others and hopes to inspire good deeds.
NationalMagnitude 5.2 Earthquake Strikes Southern China; 2 Dead
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Liuzhou in Guangxi, southern China, on Monday, resulting in two fatalities and the evacuation of over 7,000 residents. At least 13 buildings collapsed, and four individuals sustained injuries. Rescue teams conducted searches in the rubble, successfully locating a 91-year-old man who was trapped but unharmed. Landslides blocked roads leading to the area, and train services around Liuzhou faced cancellations and delays. Earthquakes are not uncommon in southern China, with the most severe recorded in 2008 in Sichuan, which resulted in over 87,000 casualties.
NationalSheinbaum Announces Visit from U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Amid Tensions
MEXICO CITY – President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday the visit of high-ranking U.S. officials, including Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, which was agreed upon following her recent call with U.S. President Donald Trump amid rising bilateral tensions regarding security. The Mexican leader stated in a press conference that this meeting will help maintain security coordination, but emphasized that any collaboration must respect sovereignty and that 'everyone operates in their own territory.' She specified that Mullin will arrive in Mexico this Thursday, while the so-called drug czar, Sarah Carter, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, will arrive on Monday, May 25. The meetings follow the conversation Sheinbaum had with Trump last Friday, where they discussed security and trade and agreed to maintain bilateral dialogue.