National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalAmerica’s Debt Now Larger Than Its Economy
The U.S. national debt has surpassed its gross domestic product (GDP) for the first time since World War II, now approaching 100% of GDP. This alarming trend is driven by high budget deficits and increasing interest payments, which are nearing $1 trillion annually. Major expenditures include Social Security, healthcare, and national defense, with the latter remaining high due to geopolitical tensions. Experts emphasize the need for bipartisan efforts to address the growing debt through responsible spending and tax policies. Without corrective measures, the debt-to-GDP ratio will continue to rise, posing risks to economic stability.
NationalJustice Department Secures $30M Settlement with PayPal Over DEI Investment Program
The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a $30 million settlement with PayPal Inc. following an investigation into a discriminatory investment program aimed at black and minority-owned businesses. As part of the settlement, PayPal will establish a new Small Business Initiative that does not consider race or national origin in its criteria. The initiative includes waiving processing fees for $1 billion in transactions for eligible veteran-owned and small businesses in farming, manufacturing, or technology. PayPal will also appoint a director for the initiative and provide training on the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to its employees.
NationalSenate Confirms New Federal Reserve Chair
WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, bringing new leadership to the world's most powerful central bank at a critical time for the global economy. Warsh was confirmed on Wednesday in a vote that largely followed party lines. His nomination had been in doubt in recent months after Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina declared he would block the nomination while the Justice Department investigated Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The investigation into Powell was dismissed in April, clearing the way for the Senate to confirm Warsh. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) urged his colleagues to support Warsh during a speech on the Senate floor Wednesday morning, stating that it is crucial for a Fed chair to 'understand not only the macro' but also 'to appreciate microeconomics: that is, hardworking Americans, their jobs, and their livelihoods.'
NationalIntroducing Starship V3, Set to Launch May 19th
SpaceX is preparing for the 12th test flight of its Starship V3 and Super Heavy on May 19 at 5:30 PM from a new launch pad at Starbase, Texas. This latest version features significant upgrades, including a redesigned Super Heavy booster with fewer but larger grid fins, improved thermal protection, and a new fuel transfer system. The Raptor 3 engines will deliver increased thrust, and the avionics have been enhanced for better reliability and precision. These advancements aim to support rapid reuse and in-space operations, including satellite deployment and potential missions to the Moon and Mars.
NationalSouth Carolina Supreme Court Overturns Alex Murdaugh's Conviction for the Murders of His Wife and Son
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned the double murder convictions against discredited attorney Alex Murdaugh on Wednesday and ordered a new trial for the murders of his wife and son. The court ruled that Murdaugh was denied his right to a fair trial due to 'improper external influences on the jury' by Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill. 'Hill tipped the scales of justice,' the court wrote in its unanimous decision, accusing her of 'shocking interference with the jury' during the 2023 trial. Murdaugh's attorney, Jim Griffin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Murdaugh was convicted for the murders of his wife, Margaret Murdaugh, and his 22-year-old son, Paul Murdaugh, which occurred in June 2021, in a trial that garnered national attention. Prosecutors accused Murdaugh of committing the murders to elicit sympathy and divert attention from financial crimes that threatened to destroy his public reputation. This article was originally written in English by Juliette Arcodia and Daniel Arkin for NBC News.
NationalExclusive: ICE Agents May Be Present at 2026 World Cup Matches
Federal agents from ICE may be present at FIFA World Cup matches in the U.S. next month, according to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They stated that ICE personnel could assist local police and federal agencies to enhance security, similar to their role in events like the Super Bowl. However, ICE officials will not check the immigration status of attendees. The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, with the opening match in Mexico City and the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Concerns have been raised that ICE's presence might deter some fans from attending.
NationalBarack Obama appears with James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa at Austin restaurant
Former President Barack Obama surprised patrons at Taco Joint in downtown Austin on Tuesday, joining Democratic candidates James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa for a casual meet-and-greet. The trio spent about 30 minutes engaging with a young crowd, discussing various issues and taking photos. Obama referred to Talarico and Hinojosa as the state’s potential next governor and senator. Although he did not make formal endorsements, his presence was seen as significant support for their campaigns. The event highlighted the competitive political landscape in Texas, with both candidates facing tough races against well-funded Republican opponents.
NationalKey Summit: Trump Arrives in China; Will Meet with President Amid Trade War
President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid global concerns over trade and the Iran conflict. Trump aims to secure agreements for China to purchase more U.S. agricultural products and aircraft, while also discussing the contentious issue of Taiwan and a proposed $11 billion arms package. Despite his confident demeanor, the visit comes at a challenging time for Trump, with his domestic popularity affected by the ongoing war in Iran. The summit could help ease tensions from the trade war that escalated last year due to tariff increases.
NationalTrump Shares Image of Venezuela Map Painted with the U.S. Flag
WASHINGTON.- President Donald Trump shared an image on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday of a map of Venezuela painted with the American flag and the caption 'State 51,' after stating in an interview the day before that he is 'seriously' considering the possibility of incorporating the South American country into the United States. Trump posted the map image without any comments, only accompanied by the phrase 'State 51,' following a social media post on Monday by John Roberts, co-host of Fox News, who said the president had assured him he was 'seriously considering making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States.' The image shared by Trump was also replicated by the official White House account on its X account.
NationalUS authorities cancel cruise ship worker visas as part of child sexual abuse images case
U.S. immigration authorities have revoked the visas of 27 individuals, primarily from the Philippines, who worked on Disney Cruise Line ships, due to allegations of possessing or viewing child sexual abuse images. This action followed inspections of eight cruise ships in late April, with the individuals subsequently returned to their home countries. Disney stated it has a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior and cooperated with law enforcement. Immigrant rights groups are seeking more information about the enforcement actions and the treatment of the workers, expressing concerns about due process and transparency in the case.
NationalSpaceX sets target date for 12th Starship launch
SpaceX has announced a target launch date of May 19 for its 12th Starship test flight from Starbase. The rocket will take off from a newly designed launch pad and will mark the first flight of the next-generation Starship and Super Heavy vehicles, utilizing an upgraded Raptor engine. The launch window is set to open at 5:30 p.m. To ensure safety, SpaceX will coordinate with local law enforcement to establish a safety zone, which will involve temporary closures of Highway 4 and Boca Chica Beach. Updates on beach closures and road access can be received by texting "BEACH" to 1-866-513-3475.
NationalThe Iran war is hitting home as gasoline prices fuel inflation surge of 3. 8 % in the US
U.S. consumer prices surged by 3.8% in April, the largest increase in three years, largely driven by rising gasoline costs amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Labor Department reported that gasoline prices rose 5.4% from March, contributing to a 28% increase compared to last year. While core consumer prices, excluding food and energy, rose modestly by 0.4%, inflation continues to strain American households, with average hourly wages dropping 0.3% year-over-year. The economic impact of the war has led to concerns about affordability, especially as voters prepare for the upcoming elections on November 3.
NationalWith ceasefire talks stalled, Trump and Hegseth claim control over Iran and Strait of Hormuz
Kuwait has accused Iran of a failed attack on Bubiyan Island, where China is constructing a port, raising tensions in the region. This allegation coincides with President Trump's visit to Beijing for discussions with President Xi Jinping, where Iran's nuclear program will be a key topic. Trump claimed that the U.S. has Iran 'under control' and warned of severe consequences if no agreement is reached. Meanwhile, Israel has deployed Iron Dome defense systems to the UAE, marking a significant military collaboration. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil shipments.
NationalDavid Venturella appointed new ICE director, confirms NBC News
David Venturella will be the new director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following Todd Lyons' departure, according to a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who spoke with NBC News. Venturella, a former ICE official, also previously worked at the private prison company GEO Group. Lyons is leaving the Department of Homeland Security, where he served as acting director, as announced by the new DHS head in mid-April. 'Thanks to his leadership, American communities are safer,' stated DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin at the time. 'We wish him luck in his next opportunity in the private sector.' Lyons' last day will be May 31, Mullin noted. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
NationalControversy Ignited: Chihuahua Prosecutor's Office Claims 'Foreigners' Were Present in Drug Operation
MEXICO CITY – The Chihuahua Prosecutor's Office in northern Mexico confirmed on Tuesday that days before a drug operation conducted between April 16 and 19, 'four foreign individuals' were seen, identified as alleged CIA agents, who 'interacted' with local officers. In a press conference, Wendy Chávez, head of the Specialized Unit of the State Attorney General's Office (FGE), stated that as of April 16, 'it has been corroborated, based on new information, including videos from surveillance points,' that four unidentified individuals, dressed in civilian clothes and without any distinctive insignia of a corporation or security agency, joined the convoy of authorities departing from the city of Chihuahua. On April 19, two alleged agents linked to the U.S. Embassy and two officials from the State Investigation Agency (AEI) of Chihuahua died in a traffic accident while returning from the operation against a drug lab. Chávez also mentioned that 'a pattern of interaction and informal engagement' has been found between these foreign individuals, the director of the State Investigation Agency (AEI), and other members of the FGE. Furthermore, she noted that these individuals 'were not wearing tactical uniforms of the AEI nor any official insignia of that corporation.'
NationalBen Affleck and Matt Damon Sued Over Realistic Details in 'The Rip'
MIAMI — Two police officers from South Florida argue that the recent action and suspense film by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, 'The Rip', used too many real-life details in its fictional narrative, harming the personal and professional reputations of the officers, according to a defamation lawsuit. Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana, sergeants with the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office, filed the lawsuit earlier this month in a federal court in Miami against Artists Equity, a film production company owned by Affleck and Damon. The court documents do not specify the amount the officers are seeking, but the civil suit states they are requesting compensatory damages, punitive damages, payment of their attorney's fees, as well as a public retraction and correction.
NationalAnother Departure in Trump's Administration: FDA Commissioner Steps Down
Dr. Marty Makary has resigned as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), marking the fourth high-profile exit from President Donald Trump's administration this year, according to two individuals familiar with the decision. The news comes days after NBC News reported that President Trump was considering removing Makary amid months of dissatisfaction with some of his work at the FDA. This information was initially reported by Politico. Last Tuesday, the FDA announced that it had authorized the sale of fruit-flavored vapes for adults in the United States, following months of pressure from the industry and the president himself. Restoring the availability of fruit-flavored vapes and e-cigarettes was a key campaign promise made by Trump in 2024.
NationalTiger Woods' Prescription Drug Records to Be Turned Over to Prosecutors
STUART, Florida — Tiger Woods' prescription drug records will be handed over to prosecutors following his arrest in March in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence of substances, a judge ruled on Tuesday morning. Judge Darren Steele approved an agreement between Woods' defense attorney and prosecutors after a four-minute hearing in the Martin County Circuit Court, located just north of Palm Beach County. Prosecutors had issued a subpoena requesting copies of all prescription drug records of the legendary golfer from a Palm Beach pharmacy, covering the period from early this year to the end of March.
NationalTexas Accuses Netflix of 'Spying' on Children and Designing 'Addictive' Features
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a strong lawsuit against Netflix on Monday, accusing the Hollywood streaming giant of 'spying' on residents of the state—including children—and collecting user data without consent. 'Netflix is not the ad-free, child-friendly platform it claims to be. On the contrary, it has deceived consumers while exploiting their private data to generate billions,' Paxton stated in a press release accompanying the lawsuit, which was filed in a state court in Collin County. A Netflix spokesperson responded, stating that the lawsuit 'lacks merit and is based on inaccurate and distorted information.' 'Netflix takes its members' privacy very seriously and complies with privacy and data protection laws everywhere it operates,' the spokesperson said. 'We look forward to the opportunity to respond in court to the Texas Attorney General's allegations and to explain in greater detail our industry-leading, child-friendly parental controls, as well as our transparent privacy practices.' The lawsuit alleges that Netflix has built a 'surveillance machine' that tracks and records viewing habits, preferences, devices, home networks, app usage, and 'other sensitive behavioral data' from users, both through adult and child profiles. The complaint notes that Netflix may have previously presented itself as a 'Big Tech alternative that is child-friendly and ad-free.' 'But behind the scenes,' it adds, 'Netflix has quietly built a behavioral surveillance program of astonishing magnitude.' Netflix, which claims to have over 325 million subscribers worldwide, offers subscription packages in the U.S. both with and without ads. The company launched its ad-supported plan in late 2022. 'The strategy of deception and changing terms that Netflix has maintained for years has led the company precisely to the place it promised never to be: generating addiction to its platform among children and families, extracting data from those users, and subsequently transforming that information into highly lucrative business intelligence for global advertising giants,' the lawsuit asserts. Additionally, Netflix 'designs its platform in a misleading way to make it addictive,' the 59-page document states, highlighting the existence of 'subtle features specifically designed to manipulate users and induce them to take actions that Netflix desires,' such as using its autoplay feature. Disney+, HBO Max, and other leading entertainment streaming services also have autoplay features.