National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalStorms Leave at Least Five Dead in Indiana
Seis personas han muerto en Indiana debido a las intensas tormentas y las inundaciones que han afectado al estado. Equipos de emergencia rescataron a varios atrapados en áreas inundadas, especialmente a lo largo del río White en Indianápolis. Las lluvias han sido tan severas que han llevado a más de una docena de condados a declarar desastres locales. El gobernador Mike Braun expresó sus condolencias y anunció que el presidente Trump apoyará la solicitud de recursos federales para la recuperación. Las alertas de inundación siguen vigentes, y se estima que más de 400 personas han evacuado sus hogares en el área afectada.
NationalViolent Crimes Historically Decreased in 2025, According to the FBI
The FBI reported a historic drop in violent crime rates for 2025, with a 9.3% decrease in total violent crimes compared to 2024. Homicides and non-negligent manslaughter fell by 18.1%, marking the largest annual declines since the FBI began tracking these statistics in 1936. President Donald Trump highlighted these figures during a speech in Garden City, New York, claiming they represent the best crime statistics in history. The report noted a homicide rate of 4.1 per 100,000 residents, tying the lowest rate since the FBI's estimations began. Preliminary data for 2026 suggests further declines in crime.
NationalLuigi Mangione pleads guilty to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO
Luigi Mangione, 28, pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City in December 2024. Mangione admitted to using a 3D-printed gun to kill Thompson after posing as an investor to gain access to an event. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for December 18. Mangione also faces a separate state murder charge. His defense argues that he should not be tried twice for the same incident, while authorities maintain that his grievances against the health insurance system do not justify his actions. Thompson's family views the plea as a step toward justice.
NationalLimits on certain firearms, silencers lifted for some in Texas after judge order takes effect
A federal court ruling has lifted nearly century-old restrictions on certain short-barrel firearms and silencers for specific gun groups and agencies in Texas and 14 other states. This change follows the Trump administration's decision not to appeal the ruling by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who deemed the regulations unconstitutional after the tax on these items was revoked. Gun rights advocates hailed the decision as a significant victory for the Second Amendment, while gun control organizations expressed concerns about public safety. The Department of Justice is evaluating the ruling's implications but has not announced any plans to appeal.
NationalDocuments show federal surveillance operation in Minnesota targeted progressive groups, unions
Federal agents conducted a large-scale undercover surveillance operation in Minnesota earlier this year, targeting progressive organizations and labor unions protesting immigration enforcement. Known as Operation Puppet Master, the initiative aimed to monitor what officials described as a network of conspirators aiding 'violent opportunists.' Court documents revealed that Homeland Security officers infiltrated meetings in various public spaces, often centered around peaceful protests. The operation led to charges against 15 individuals for obstructing federal actions. Civil rights groups condemned the surveillance, asserting it threatens free expression and is a misuse of government power. The investigation has drawn significant public outrage.
NationalTrump Downplays USS Abraham Lincoln's Record Time at Sea
President Donald Trump downplayed the impact on U.S. sailors who have spent nearly nine months at sea aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, amid growing concerns about mental health and supplies on the aircraft carrier supporting U.S. operations against Iran. In a brief exchange with reporters before traveling to New York for an event highlighting the decline in violent crime nationwide, Trump denied that families had expressed concerns about the length of the deployment, even claiming that the mission—which includes a record of over 240 uninterrupted days at sea—is 'not even close to being long enough.' 'That ship is moving right now, or it will be very soon, and it will be replaced by another very similar one,' Trump said when asked about the prolonged stay. Meanwhile, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced on social media that the Lincoln 'will be home soon.' Trump began his second term promising to avoid long and costly military conflicts. However, after initiating the war against Iran alongside Israel, both he and his advisors stated that the conflict would last only a few weeks. The war has now extended for over five months. Nevertheless, during his speech on crime in Garden City, New York, he acknowledged using U.S. armed forces 'a little more than I wanted,' while reaffirming that the U.S. operation against Iran is progressing favorably. He even jokingly remarked that 'very soon I will declare the Strait of Hormuz territory of the United States.' 'I will never apologize,' Trump added regarding the war and its impact on oil prices. 'I did the right thing.'
NationalBorder Patrol arrests fell again in July, data shows
Border arrests along the Southwest border reportedly fell for a second consecutive month and remain among the lowest levels in decades.
NationalCentcom Launches First-Ever Multinational Attack Drone Task Force
U.S. Central Command announced the formation of Task Force Falcon Strike on August 13, 2026, marking the first multinational attack drone task force. This unit will utilize one-way attack drones operated by U.S. military personnel and regional partners, building on the success of Task Force Scorpion Strike, the first dedicated one-way attack drone squadron in the Middle East. Task Force Scorpion Strike achieved significant milestones, including the first aerial drone launch from a Navy warship. The new task force aims to enhance regional collaboration and integrate advanced capabilities across multiple domains.
NationalA magnitude 7.7 earthquake shakes the coast of Indonesia, according to the USGS
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred in the sea off the coast of Flores, Indonesia, the United States Geological Survey reported on Friday. The earthquake had a depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers). So far, no damage or injuries have been reported.
NationalThree Inmates Executed in One Day
Tennessee and Oklahoma executed inmates just 30 minutes apart on Thursday, with Alabama following suit hours later. This marks the first time since 2010 that U.S. states have executed three men by lethal injection in a single day. The man in Tennessee was executed for killing a waitress at a motel in 1985, while the inmate in Oklahoma was executed for murdering his girlfriend in 2003. In Alabama, a man was executed at night for the murder of a 5-year-old girl, for whom he paid the mother to abuse. Having three executions in one day is a scheduling coincidence, but it also reflects a trend toward an increase in executions nationwide. Eleven states executed a total of 47 people in 2025, the highest number since 2009. With Thursday's executions, 22 inmates have been executed this year, and nearly a dozen more are scheduled.
NationalSelena Gomez and Her Mother Accused of Fraud in Mental Health Company
Superstar Selena Gomez and her mother have been accused of defrauding investors in their mental health startup, Wondermind, in a federal lawsuit filed on Thursday. Wondermind, co-founded by Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and Daniella Pierson in November 2021, promotes practices and tools for mental well-being. The lawsuit alleges that Wondermind and its founders provided false information to investors regarding the company's infrastructure, leadership, and partnerships, while concealing the alleged fraud for over three years. According to the complaint, the founders told investors they would develop a Wondermind app, boasted about advertising deals, and secured celebrity covers, but none of this materialized.
NationalNavy to create new status for missing sailors following Angelina Resendiz's death
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Following the disappearance and death of Brownsville native sailor Angelina Resendiz, the Navy is working to update personnel and process policies and will create a new status for missing sailors, according to Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao. On Monday, Cao informed Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) via letter that a review
NationalSoldiers killed in helicopter crash identified
Fort Hood, Tx (FOX 44) - Fort Hood officials have identified the two soldiers killed in the crash of a helicopter near Salado and now say it occurred during a maintenance test flight. The pilots have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead. Huey, 34, whose
NationalTrump Asks Supreme Court to Allow Construction of Ballroom to Continue During Appeal
WASHINGTON DC — President Donald Trump's administration requested on Friday that the Supreme Court permit the continuation of construction on his ballroom project at the White House while appealing a lower court's order to halt the work. Trump's Attorney General asked the high court to stay last week's decision from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts set a deadline for Tuesday for the plaintiffs challenging the ballroom project to respond. The divided panel ruled last week that Trump must stop construction because Congress has not approved the project. The majority held that Trump does not have unilateral authority to build an 8,400-square-foot ballroom where the East Wing of the White House stood before he ordered its demolition last fall. The lower court stayed its own ruling for two weeks to allow the government time to appeal to the Supreme Court. Attorney General D. John Sauer urged the Supreme Court to rule on his request for a stay before the appeals court's decision goes into effect on August 21. 'This case involves an extraordinary and unlawful injunction that will halt the ongoing construction of the integrated military complex, including a fully secure ballroom space, in the East Wing of the White House, which is vital to national security,' Sauer wrote.
NationalCourt Order Invalidating Regulations on Silencers and Certain Firearms Takes Effect
A federal court ruling that invalidates regulations on sound suppressors and certain firearms took effect on Thursday after the U.S. Department of Justice failed to appeal within a seven-day deadline set by a Texas judge. This ruling allows the purchase of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and shotguns without registration or additional background checks. While the decision benefits plaintiffs, including some out-of-state merchants, it is not a nationwide injunction. U.S. District Judge James Hendrix ruled that regulations from a 1930s law are unconstitutional, stating that the regulations should fall after Congress and President Trump eliminated a $200 tax for permits. Gun Owners of America reported members purchasing suppressors without registration, marking what they call a historic victory.
NationalIs Your Dog's Name Among the Most Popular in the U.S.? Check Out the Top 25
U.S. News & World Report has released its updated list of the top 100 dog names in the U.S., with Bella reclaiming the number one spot from Luna. This ranking, based on over 500,000 data points from a pet insurance partner, shows that Bella and Luna have consistently occupied the top two positions since 2023. The top five names also include Max, Coco, and Daisy. Bella was the most popular name in 25 states, including Texas, while Luna led in 12 states. The list reflects various trends, including mythological names and characters from popular films. For more details, visit the full list.
NationalSurrogate Mother Flees to Texas to Give Birth After Alleged Pressure from California Couple to Abort
A newborn with a serious heart defect is at the center of a legal dispute between a California couple and a surrogate mother who traveled from Alaska to Texas to give birth. McKenna West, a nurse, delivered the baby on Wednesday, diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The couple, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, claim West breached their surrogacy contract by refusing to abort after the diagnosis. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened, ensuring the baby receives care in Texas. West's supporters, including anti-abortion group Live Action, helped her travel for medical attention. The case raises questions about surrogacy laws across states.
National▶ LIVE: Anticipation in New York for Possible Guilty Plea from Luigi Mangione
Luigi Mangione is scheduled to appear in federal court in New York on Friday, where he is expected to plead guilty to charges related to the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare, in December 2024. The 27-year-old faces two federal charges: interstate stalking resulting in death and using interstate commerce to commit stalking resulting in death, both carrying a maximum life sentence. Mangione is also facing state charges, including second-degree murder. A federal judge previously dismissed additional charges that could have led to the death penalty. The state trial is set to begin next month, but its outcome may be affected if Mangione pleads guilty in federal court.
NationalFormer President López Obrador's Son Reveals His Visa Was Canceled by the U.S.; Writes Letter to Trump
Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, son of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, announced that the U.S. government has revoked his visa. He sent a three-page letter to President Donald Trump, blaming high-ranking officials at the State Department, specifically Secretary Marco Rubio and Undersecretary Christopher Landau, for the decision. López Beltrán criticized the move as politically motivated and lacking any evidence of wrongdoing on his part. He emphasized that the visa revocation does not personally harm him, as he is currently campaigning for a federal deputy position in Tabasco's sixth district. This incident reflects ongoing tensions in U.S.-Mexico relations regarding drug cartels.