National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalTrump Withdraws Lawsuit Against the IRS Over Tax Return Leak
Former President Donald Trump has withdrawn his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS regarding the leak of his tax returns. This decision was made public in a federal court filing in Florida. Reports indicate that Trump is considering this withdrawal as part of a deal to establish a $1.7 billion fund to compensate allies he believes were unfairly targeted. The proposal has drawn criticism from Democrats, including Representative Jamie Raskin, who labeled it unconstitutional. The lawsuit was initially filed last year, claiming reputational and financial harm due to the leak, which also involved Trump's sons as plaintiffs.
NationalSpanish Court Rules in Favor of Shakira and Orders Return of 60 Million Euros
A Spanish court has ruled in favor of Colombian superstar Shakira, ordering the government to refund her over 55 million euros (approximately $64 million) in improperly charged fines and interest. This decision comes after years of tax issues for Shakira in Spain. The court determined that the Spanish tax authorities failed to prove she was a tax resident in 2011, as she only spent 163 days in the country that year, falling short of the 183 days required for residency. This ruling contrasts with previous cases involving other sports stars who faced tax evasion charges.
NationalFour aviators survive after mid-air collision of two planes at Idaho military base
An airshow at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho was abruptly canceled on Sunday after two fighter jets collided in the air and crashed to the ground. All four crew members ejected safely, reported Commander Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for the U.S. Pacific Fleet Naval Aviation. The four were in stable condition, according to the base. The incident occurred two miles northwest of the base during the second day of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, the base announced on social media. The aviators were performing an aerial demonstration when they collided at 12:10 p.m. local time. They were flying two EA-18G aircraft from the Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, based in Whidbey Island, Washington, Umayam said.
NationalUSPS Launches Special Edition Bald Eagle Stamps in Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the USPS has launched a special edition of stamps featuring the bald eagle, a national symbol. The stamps were unveiled at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota, and depict the eagle in five stages of its life. Available for immediate purchase nationwide, these stamps reflect on the eagle's significance and the nation's history. The bald eagle, a conservation success story, was removed from the endangered species list in 2007, with over 300,000 eagles now in the continental U.S. Artist David Sibley created the illustrations, focusing on the eagle's head for detail.
NationalTrump's Ballroom Construction Faces Setback from Senate Parliamentarian
A proposal to allocate $1 billion for security upgrades at the White House and President Trump's new ballroom has been deemed procedurally flawed by the Senate parliamentarian. This setback affects Republican plans to include it in a budget bill for immigration agencies. The parliamentarian's ruling indicates that such a large project cannot be included in the restricted budget bill, which only requires a simple majority. Democrats have criticized Republicans for prioritizing the ballroom over aiding Americans facing rising costs. Meanwhile, Republicans assert that private donations will fund the ballroom, while federal dollars will focus on necessary security improvements.
NationalThese Baby Names Are the Most Popular in the U.S., According to Social Security
The U.S. Social Security Administration has released its list of the most popular baby names for 2025, providing inspiration for new parents. For girls, the top names are Olivia, Charlotte, Emma, Amelia, Sophia, Mia, Isabella, Evelyn, Sofia, and Eliana. For boys, the most popular names are Liam, Noah, Oliver, Theodore, Henry, James, Elijah, Mateo, William, and Lucas. Olivia has been the leading name for girls since 2019, with Charlotte overtaking Emma in 2024. For boys, Liam and Noah have held the top two spots since 2017. A complete list is available on the SSA's website.
NationalEcuador: Armed men shoot and kill five at a volleyball court
In Montecristi, Ecuador, five people were killed and five others injured during a shooting at a volleyball court on Friday night. Armed men on two motorcycles opened fire on a group gathered at the side of the court. Major Christian Sarmiento, the local police chief, stated that the motives behind the attack are under investigation, and it remains unclear if the victims had criminal records. The violence is attributed to gang disputes linked to transnational drug cartels vying for control of territory. Ecuador has been under a state of emergency since 2024, with over 2,500 homicides reported this year, primarily on the coast.
NationalWhy Are FIFA World Cup Tickets So Expensive?
The resale of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a legal practice in the U.S., leading to significant price disparities. While FIFA initially offered over 100,000 tickets starting at $60, resale platforms list tickets for thousands, with some exceeding a million dollars. FIFA emphasizes that the revenue generated from the tournament is reinvested into the development of football. The organization aims to ensure fair access for fans and has established a resale marketplace to facilitate safe transactions. FIFA's pricing strategy reflects market demand, similar to other major sporting events in the country.
NationalColombia: Former Mayor Shot Dead Alongside Advisor
Rogers Devia, the former mayor of Cubarral, Colombia, and his advisor Eder Cardona were shot and killed in a rural area on Saturday night. Devia was part of the campaign team for presidential candidate Abelardo de La Espriella. The Defensoría del Pueblo expressed deep concern over the incident, especially given its proximity to the upcoming presidential elections, and urged an immediate investigation. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti confirmed that there is currently no clear motive for the attack, which is being investigated by police and intelligence agencies. A reward of 50 million pesos ($13,194) has been offered for information leading to the assailants' capture.
NationalFDA Restructuring Continues with Departure of Top Drug Regulator
Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg has been removed from her position as the interim director of the FDA's drug program, which she led since December. Her departure follows a series of resignations at the FDA, including Commissioner Marty Makary and vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad. Hoeg, who was closely aligned with Makary, had been scrutinizing the safety of antidepressants and COVID-19 vaccines. She expressed no regrets in a social media post about her dismissal. Dr. Mike Davis will replace her, while Karim Mikhail has been appointed as the interim director of the vaccine center. The FDA continues to undergo significant restructuring amid political pressures.
NationalIran Announces New Plan for Vessel Passage and Allied Countries Through the Strait of Hormuz
An Iranian parliamentary official announced a new plan for maritime traffic management in the Strait of Hormuz. This mechanism will allow commercial vessels and allied countries to use a designated route for which they will pay tolls. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, stated that only cooperating vessels will benefit from this system. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial, with about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it. Meanwhile, the U.S. has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports in response to Tehran's actions in the strait.
NationalTrump says ISIS leader was killed in joint US-Nigeria mission
Donald Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian forces killed a key ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, during a joint operation in Nigeria on Friday. In a late-night social media post, Trump described al-Mainuki as the group's second-in-command globally, stating he believed he could hide in Africa. U.S. officials considered him instrumental in ISIS's operations and finances, and he was reportedly planning attacks against U.S. interests. Al-Mainuki, born in Nigeria's Borno province in 1982, took over the West Africa branch of ISIS after the previous leader was killed in 2018. The operation is part of a series of covert missions announced by Trump this year.
NationalTrump says ISIS leader was killed in joint mission by US and Nigeria
President Donald Trump stated that United States and Nigerian forces killed a leader of the extremist group ISIS during a mission carried out on Friday in Nigeria. Trump announced the joint operation in Africa's most populous country in a late-night social media post, offering few details. He noted that Abu Bakr al-Mainuki was the second-in-command of ISIS globally and that he 'thought he could hide in Africa, but he didn’t know we had sources keeping us informed about what he was doing.' Al-Mainuki was considered a key figure in the organization and finances of ISIS, and had been planning attacks against the United States and its interests, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share sensitive information. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed the operation, stating that Al-Mainuki was killed along with 'several of his lieutenants during an attack on their compound in the Lake Chad basin.'
NationalSheinbaum Holds a 'Cordial and Excellent' Call with Trump Amid Tensions
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported a "cordial and excellent" phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, focusing on bilateral efforts in security and trade. Sheinbaum stated they agreed to continue discussions, with Trump's collaborators expected to visit Mexico soon. This conversation follows recent accusations from the U.S. Department of Justice against Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha and others for alleged drug trafficking ties, which Mexico has criticized for lacking evidence. The dialogue also addresses ongoing issues such as drug trafficking, fentanyl, migration, tariffs, and the review of the USMCA trade agreement, which may extend negotiations until 2027.
NationalTrump Sues Border Diocese to Expropriate Land for Border Wall
The Donald Trump administration seeks to expropriate 14 acres of land on a prominent mountain outside El Paso, owned by the Catholic diocese of nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico, to install additional border barriers; the site attracts thousands for an annual religious pilgrimage. The land in question is located at the base of Mount Cristo Rey, a 720-foot tall mountain featuring a nearly 29-foot statue of Jesus Christ at its summit, overlooking Ciudad Juárez, El Paso, and Sunland Park, New Mexico. Trump's attorneys filed a lawsuit last week in a federal court in New Mexico against the Las Cruces diocese, which is resisting the government's attempt to take the land. The lawsuit claims that the federal government needs the land to install barriers and technology 'designed to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border.' The government noted in court documents that it has offered the church $183,000 for the property.
NationalTexas AG Launches Sweeping Meat Industry Inquiry
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into the beef industry, focusing on possible anticompetitive practices among major meatpackers. This effort is in collaboration with the Department of Justice, which is also conducting an antitrust inquiry to safeguard the beef supply chain. The investigation targets four dominant companies—JBS S.A., Tyson Fresh Meats, Cargill, and National Beef Packing—that control over 85% of the market. Reports suggest these firms may have lowered payments to cattle ranchers while increasing consumer prices. Paxton emphasizes the need for fair pricing for both ranchers and consumers, urging anyone with information on violations to reach out to his office.
NationalDOJ Concludes Yale Medical School Violated Civil Rights Act in Admissions
The U.S. Department of Justice has concluded that Yale School of Medicine violated the Civil Rights Act through its admissions practices. An investigation revealed that Yale intentionally selected applicants based on race, using strategies to bypass the Supreme Court's ban on racial considerations in admissions. The findings indicated that Black and Hispanic students had a higher acceptance rate than White and Asian students with similar test scores, despite generally lower academic qualifications. The Justice Department emphasized its commitment to addressing illegal admissions practices in higher education, particularly in medical schools that rely on federal funding.
NationalPort Isabel may offer a preview of a Trump plan to force noncitizens from public housing
PORT ISABEL, Texas (AP) — Until recently, young children ran in and out of their public housing homes in this Gulf Coast town, playing on sun-dappled lawns as mothers looked over their shoulders for the school bus to drop off their older kids. Suddenly, couches, dressers and refrigerators started appearing curbside for movers or garbage
NationalBirthright Citizenship, Deportations, and Barring Males From Female Sports Among Supreme Court Cases Shaping National Developments
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to deliver nine significant rulings by the end of June, impacting immigration, elections, and presidential powers. A key case involves birthright citizenship, where President Trump’s executive order aims to limit citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents without legal status. Other cases address the participation of males in girls' sports and deportation protections for Haitians and Syrians. The court is also reviewing campaign finance laws and presidential authority over federal officials. These decisions could shape social policies and influence Trump's agenda as the term concludes.