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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalFujimori and Sánchez to Compete for the Presidency of Peru in a Runoff
LIMA, Peru – Conservative Keiko Fujimori and progressive Roberto Sánchez will face off in a runoff election for the presidency of Peru on June 7, according to the total vote count from the election held over a month ago. Fujimori, the candidate from Fuerza Popular, led the voting with 17.18%, based on 100% of the election records from April 12, as published on Friday by the National Jury of Elections (ONPE). Sánchez, from Juntos por el Perú, came in second with 12.03%. However, the Electoral Tribunal of Peru announced that it will officially proclaim the two candidates for the runoff on Sunday. Fujimori, daughter of the late former president Alberto Fujimori, is making her fourth appearance in a presidential runoff in Peru.
NationalFederal Judge Blocks Texas from Enforcing Immigration Detentions Under SB4 Law
A federal judge has blocked Texas from enforcing its SB4 immigration law, which was passed in 2023. The ruling, reported by The Texas Tribune, cites concerns that certain aspects of the law may be unconstitutional and interfere with federal authority over immigration matters. The SB4 law would have allowed state police to arrest individuals suspected of crossing the border illegally, raising significant opposition from civil rights organizations and immigrant advocates. Additionally, the law included provisions allowing judges to order the return of migrants to Mexico during certain state judicial processes.
Federal judge halts Texas immigration law the day before it was set to take effect
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Texas Senate Bill 4, which was set to take effect, allowing state police to arrest individuals suspected of illegal border crossings. The law, passed in 2023, would classify illegal crossings as a state crime and mandate deportation for convicted individuals. Civil rights groups argued that the law infringes on federal immigration authority and lacks defenses for those with pending immigration statuses. U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra deemed parts of the law unconstitutional, emphasizing that immigration policy should not vary by state. The Texas Attorney General's office has not yet commented on the ruling.
Port Isabel may offer a preview of a Trump plan to force noncitizens from public housing
On February 19, 2026, a public forum at the Port Isabel Community Center addressed tenant rights amid concerns over a Trump administration proposal affecting public housing. The Port Isabel Housing Authority had initially informed residents that families with undocumented members would lose housing assistance, prompting a mass exodus. Occupancy rates plummeted from 91% to 43% as fears of eviction spread. Many families, including U.S. citizens, faced significant challenges, with some relocating to more expensive housing. Advocates warn that the proposed rule could displace up to 80,000 people nationwide, disproportionately affecting children and Latino families. The final rule from HUD is still pending.
NationalBill would exempt taxes on overtime pay for Border Patrol agents
Border Patrol agents could be exempt from paying taxes on overtime pay under legislation expected to be filed in Congress.
Latest: Trump concludes visit to China with private meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping
President Donald Trump concluded his visit to Beijing with a private meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The two discussed contentious issues such as the Iran war, trade, technology, and Taiwan. Trump expressed optimism about U.S.-China relations, while Xi warned that disagreements over Taiwan could lead to conflict. Trump also focused on increasing Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products and aircraft, aiming to avoid a repeat of last year's trade war. Following their discussions, Trump and Xi shared a formal lunch, while Trump's entourage enjoyed McDonald's outside. Trump hinted at potential agreements for China to purchase U.S. oil.
Mexico City braces for World Cup, eager to showcase food and culture amid crowds and congestion
As Mexico City prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it showcases its rich history and vibrant culture. The city, home to over 23 million people, faces significant traffic congestion, especially near the Azteca Stadium. Visitors should be aware of the high altitude, which may require acclimatization. Key attractions include the Zócalo, Chapultepec Park, and the ancient site of Teotihuacan. The culinary scene is diverse, offering everything from street tacos to Michelin-starred restaurants. The city will host 18 fan zones for free match broadcasts, while public transport remains the best option for reaching the stadium, despite some ongoing issues.
US Border Patrol chief Michael Banks is resigning, in latest DHS leadership change
Michael Banks, the chief of U.S. Border Patrol, has announced his resignation, effective immediately. His departure, confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security, marks a significant change in leadership amid ongoing shifts in immigration policy under the Trump administration. Banks stated it was time for him to focus on family and life after feeling he had stabilized the agency during a chaotic period at the southern border. His resignation follows the appointment of Markwayne Mullin as homeland security secretary and coincides with leadership changes at ICE. Banks had a long career in Border Patrol, becoming a key figure in immigration enforcement efforts.
Cornyn and Paxton bury each other in negative ads as Senate GOP runoff enters final stretch
As the Republican runoff for the U.S. Senate nomination heats up, incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are engaging in a fierce battle marked by negative advertising. Cornyn's campaign has outspent Paxton's by over four to one, launching ads that label Paxton as corrupt and incompetent. Conversely, Paxton's campaign has criticized Cornyn for being weak on key issues and too aligned with Democrats. Despite the spending disparity, polls suggest a close race, with both candidates focusing on discrediting each other as they head into early voting next week.
Outside cash floods U. S House runoffs in Texas
In Texas, significant outside funding is pouring into U.S. House runoffs, with nearly $6 million spent by various political action committees since the March primary. This influx is particularly notable in the 35th Congressional District, where a GOP-linked PAC is supporting a candidate with a controversial history. The Democratic primary features Maureen Galindo, who received 29.2% of the vote, against Johnny Garcia, who garnered 27%. Meanwhile, in the 18th District, Protect Progress, a pro-crypto PAC, has invested heavily in supporting Democratic Rep. Christian Menefee. Overall, outside spending has surged, accounting for 89% of ad expenditures in these races.
Very thankful: McAllen doctor from Venezuela released from immigration custody
Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar, a Venezuelan physician, was released from immigration detention in Raymondville on Wednesday after being held since April. She left the El Valle Detention Facility wearing an ankle monitor and is set to check in with ICE later this month. Bolivar was detained at McAllen International Airport while traveling to California for an immigration hearing with her American citizen daughter. Despite immigration claims of overstaying her visa, Bolivar has a valid work permit. Her husband, Milenko Faria, stated they will contest her deportation, as her asylum claim remains unresolved.
NationalSupreme Court Upholds Mail Access to Abortion Pill Mifepristone
WASHINGTON — On Thursday, the Supreme Court ensured that the abortion pill mifepristone can continue to be available by mail, without the need for an in-person consultation with a medical professional. A ruling issued on May 1 by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans had jeopardized widespread access to the pill. The Supreme Court has now granted emergency requests from drug manufacturers Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro, who sought to block that ruling.
NationalDC Bus Driver Wins $5 Million Lottery and Then Drives His Bus as Usual
A man from Washington, DC, won $5 million with a lottery ticket in Hyattsville, Maryland, and then continued his workday as a school bus driver. Maurice Williams purchased his winning ticket at the 7-Eleven on 7200 Sheriff Road before heading to work, according to Maryland Lottery officials. He stopped at the store to cash a $50 prize he had won in a lottery game. He used the $50 winnings to buy a $50 LUXE lottery ticket worth $5,000,000, almost missing the fact that he had won the $5 million. 'At first, I didn't realize I had the winning number until I scanned it,' he explained to lottery officials. 'It's crazy because the winning number was 59, and I just turned 59 years old.' Williams said he couldn't believe he had won such a large amount of money. 'I just sat there, frozen. I mean, I couldn't believe it,' he stated. 'I had to clear my mind.'
NationalSenators Vote to Retain Their Own Salaries During Government Shutdowns
WASHINGTON — Senators unanimously approved a measure on Thursday to retain their own salaries during federal government shutdowns. The resolution, introduced by Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, was passed by voice vote and will take effect after the 2026 midterm elections. It does not need to be approved by the House of Representatives or enacted into law. "During any period in which a government shutdown is in effect, the Secretary of the Senate shall disburse and withhold any payment that would otherwise be due for that period in compensation for each senator," the text states. The measure includes a section that stipulates that, like federal government employees, senators will receive full retroactive pay "as soon as possible after the date on which the government shutdown ends."
NationalUS Eliminates Visa Bonds of Up to $15,000 for World Cup 2026 Ticket Holders
The U.S. government has announced the elimination of visa bond requirements for foreign visitors holding tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Previously, travelers from certain countries were required to pay bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 due to concerns over visa overstays and security issues. This decision, confirmed by the State Department, aims to ease travel for fans from 50 countries, including Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exemption applies to fans who register for the FIFA Pass, which facilitates expedited visa appointments starting April 15. The World Cup will take place from June 11 and is co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
NationalICE detains former Kansas mayor who voted despite not being a citizen
Joe Ceballos, the former mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, was detained by ICE after admitting to voting in elections despite not being a U.S. citizen. Ceballos, a 55-year-old legal permanent resident originally from Mexico, was apprehended during a meeting at an ICE office in Wichita. He resigned as mayor in December while facing state charges for illegal voting. Ceballos acknowledged voting during a 2025 naturalization interview, unaware that permanent residents cannot vote. His case has garnered community support, with many rallying outside the ICE office. His attorney plans to seek bail from an immigration judge.
For Texas GOP, immigration politics show signs of fading potency
Texas Republicans are experiencing a shift in their immigration stance as the urgency of the issue declines among voters. Initially united against the Biden administration's policies, the party now faces internal divisions, with some candidates advocating for immigration reform that offers temporary legal status to undocumented residents. Recent polls indicate that immigration is no longer the top priority for many Texans, with inflation and the economy taking precedence. Despite this, GOP leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, continue to leverage immigration issues against Democrats. The upcoming midterms will test whether immigration remains a potent campaign issue for the party.
Parts of Texas immigration law are likely unconstitutional, federal judge signals
During a recent court hearing, U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra indicated that parts of Texas Senate Bill 4, which allows state police to arrest individuals suspected of illegal border crossing, may be unconstitutional. The law, set to take effect soon, has faced legal challenges arguing that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. Ezra criticized certain provisions of the law as unnecessary and unconstitutional, questioning Texas's claim of an ongoing invasion at the border. The judge plans to issue a ruling on the request to block the law before its implementation, as the state continues to collaborate with federal immigration authorities.
Tax cuts collide with inflation as voters weigh Trump economy in the midterms
As the midterm elections approach, voters in North Carolina are grappling with economic challenges linked to inflation and tax cuts under President Trump. Evan Duke, a bartender, highlights the struggle of affording health insurance despite benefiting from tax breaks. The Republican candidate, Michael Whatley, promotes Trump's tax overhaul, while Democratic candidate Roy Cooper criticizes the economic impact of rising costs. Voter sentiment is mixed, with many undecided as they weigh their financial situations against political promises. Cooper's Medicaid expansion efforts contrast with Republican claims, making the economic landscape a focal point in the Senate race.
