National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalMexico Seeks Those Responsible for Content Creator's Murder During Live Stream
MEXICO CITY – On Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that authorities will seek to apprehend both the material and intellectual authors of the murder of content creator César Gastélum during a live broadcast. The crime, which occurred on Tuesday night in Culiacán, Sinaloa, was the focus of the president's morning conference, where she confirmed that the case was discussed in the Security Cabinet meeting and that authorities are already working to determine the motive behind the homicide. 'Yes, the topic was addressed, and they are conducting the entire investigation to apprehend those responsible and to understand the cause of this unfortunate homicide,' she affirmed.
Authorities seek a motive in the mass shooting at an Idaho In-N-Out Burger
A mass shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, on August 1, 2026, left three dead and seven injured. The shooter, identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, took his own life after the attack. Witnesses described Williams as an introverted individual with no known criminal history. Among the victims was an employee of the restaurant, Christopher Claunch, who was remembered for his dedication to helping others recover from addiction. Two individuals were critically injured, including a former law enforcement officer who attempted to intervene. A vigil is planned for the victims at Twin Falls City Park.
NationalPope Leo XIV to Visit Several Latin American Countries in November
Pope Leo XIV will visit several Latin American countries next November, the Vatican confirmed on Wednesday. The Holy Father will travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17, accepting invitations from the Heads of State and ecclesiastical authorities of those respective countries, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reported on Wednesday. During this trip, he will visit Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florida from November 6 to 8; Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján from November 8 to 11; and Lima, Chiclayo, Cuzco, and Pucallpa from November 11 to 17.
NationalI will grow up without a father”: Heartbreaking reaction from daughter of Salvadoran man who died in ICE custody
Edwin López Cornejo, a Salvadoran immigrant, was hospitalized on Saturday after suffering a 'medical emergency' while detained at Delaney Hall in Newark, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He died that same day. His mother, María Cornejo, said he called her the day before his death to report he had lost feeling in half of his face and one arm. Family members are demanding an independent investigation into his death, claiming he was denied proper medical care. López Cornejo's 12-year-old daughter, Ashley, expressed her sorrow, stating, 'I will grow up without a father... They didn’t let me see him one last time, and he died.' ICE stated that López Cornejo received appropriate medical care while in custody. His death has reignited calls for the closure of Delaney Hall, a facility that has been the focus of protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
NationalSen. Cruz Leads Push to Abolish Federal Insurance Office and Empower States
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have reintroduced the Federal Insurance Office Abolishment Act, aiming to eliminate the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This legislation seeks to return regulatory authority over the insurance industry to the states, a power they argue has been infringed upon by federal oversight. Senators Cruz and Lee criticized the FIO as unnecessary and an expansion of federal bureaucracy, while Blackburn emphasized the importance of state control over insurance regulation, which has been established since the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945.
NationalBreath of Fresh Air for Mexico: Remittances Increase 3.1% in the First Half of 2026
Remittances to Mexico saw a 3.1% increase, reaching $30.759 billion during the first half of 2026, despite the aggressive immigration policies of the United States, the main source of these funds, according to the Bank of Mexico (Banxico). This represents an increase of $917 million compared to the first six months of 2025, when remittances totaled $29.842 billion, a historic figure for a similar period. In Mexico, where remittances account for nearly 4% of the economy, the average amount sent by nationals to the country surged by 5% from January to June, rising from $386 to $405 compared to the same period in 2025. The number of transactions during this time decreased by 1.8% year-on-year to $75.9 million, with 99.2% of them being electronic transfers. In June alone, Mexico received $5.472 billion in remittances, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.1%. Additionally, compared to the previous month, remittances rose by 3.8%.
NationalUS Energy Secretary Chris Wright visits Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is scheduled to visit the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday. Wright will visit the Port of Brownsville to discuss American energy and economic growth. Vice President JD Vance was initially scheduled to visit the Port of Brownsville for the discussion. The Port of Brownsville and Republican congressional
NationalGov. Abbott Awards Over $6.1M in Grants to San Antonio Veteran Support Groups
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the allocation of $6,187,000 in Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants to 24 organizations in San Antonio and South-Central Texas. This funding, part of the Texas Veterans Commission's Grants Across Texas Tour, aims to support approximately 103,749 veterans in the region. Key recipients include the Alamo Area Council of Governments and Catholic Charities, among others, providing services ranging from housing modifications to financial assistance. Abbott emphasized Texas's commitment to honoring veterans and their families, while TVC Chairwoman Laura Koerner expressed gratitude to organizations making a positive impact on veterans' lives.
NationalPoll: One-third of Black Texas voters say Talarico win makes them more likely to vote
The poll -- conducted by the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center at Texas Southern University -- surveyed 500 Black Texans who voted in a recent election.
NationalMusk likely to face tough questions during SpaceX's first earnings call as a public company
NEW YORK (AP) — Investors in Elon Musk's space company get a chance to question him Tuesday after SpaceX issues its first quarterly earnings since going public. SpaceX shares are down by half from their June peak as investors worry Musk may have oversold them on its future prospects. They're also bracing for volatile trading
NationalAlert in Guatemala Due to Eruption of Volcano de Fuego: Evacuations Ordered
Guatemalan authorities activated an orange alert on Tuesday, indicating the second highest level of danger, due to the eruption of Volcano de Fuego. Claudinne Ogaldes, executive secretary of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), confirmed to The Associated Press that the volcano's activity began on Monday morning and intensified throughout the day, prompting the evacuation of nearby communities as a precaution. Live broadcasts showed large columns of gas and ash rising from the volcano as it expelled massive amounts of incandescent lava and pyroclastic flow descending rapidly.
NationalInvestigation Underway into Death of New York Police Officer Following Cosmetic Surgery in Dominican Republic; She Had Three Children
NEW YORK — A New York City police officer died in the Dominican Republic after traveling to the country for a procedure at an aesthetic clinic in Santo Domingo. Rebecca De Paula, 31, and mother of three, reportedly arrived on the island to have her breast implants removed at a specialized center in the capital. However, details surrounding her death have not been disclosed. National Police spokesperson Colonel Diego Pesqueira stated that they are awaiting the results of forensic examinations to determine the cause of her death. Patrick Hendry, president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association (PBA), noted that she had only been on the job for 18 months. 'Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our colleague, Officer Rebecca De Paula, who passed away while off duty after just 18 months in the department,' said Hendry. 'We ask all New Yorkers to keep her family, friends, and coworkers in their prayers during this difficult time.' Meanwhile, the organization of police officers of Dominican descent also expressed their condolences. What do we know about the case? The victim's mother is demanding answers and claims that the clinic staff did not inform her of her daughter's death, only that there were complications with her health and that she was in serious condition. However, it has not yet been revealed whether the officer died at the clinic, the date of her death, or how long after the medical procedure she lost her life. Dominican authorities are investigating the case. Who was Rebecca De Paula? Rebecca De Paula was married to a pastor and was a mother of three. The officer was assigned to the 46th Precinct in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx. She had joined the police force just 18 months ago, in January 2022, and was recognized as the 'Officer of the Month' for her precinct last March, according to the Daily News.
NationalTodd Blanche's Nomination for Attorney General Clears Key Hurdle After Agreement with Republicans
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche's nomination for Attorney General after reaching an agreement with Republican senators who had previously expressed concerns. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis had raised issues regarding a controversial fund related to the Trump administration, which aimed to use taxpayer money for allies, potentially including January 6 insurrection participants. Blanche announced a modification to the agreement that addressed these concerns. The nomination will now proceed to a full Senate vote, where Republicans hold a majority. Blanche, who previously served as Deputy Attorney General, was nominated after Trump dismissed Pam Bondi in April.
NationalTrump Administration Proposes Drastic Changes to Head Start Program for Low-Income Children
The Trump administration is proposing significant changes to the Head Start program, which supports low-income children. Sources indicate that the new regulations would replace existing detailed standards with a much shorter set, leaving many decisions to local and state governments. Proposed changes include stricter documentation requirements for homeless or unemployed parents and potentially barring undocumented parents from enrolling their children. Experts warn that these reforms could undermine the program's effectiveness, which serves over half a million children nationwide. The proposed changes are still in draft form and have not yet been made public, with the possibility of public comment and legal challenges ahead.
NationalLegal Battle Grows: 25 States Sue Trump's New Tariffs
Twenty-five U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over recently imposed tariffs, claiming they are a pretext to replace tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court in February. Last month, Trump implemented double-digit tariffs on 59 countries and the European Union, arguing they failed to combat imports produced with forced labor. The new tariffs took effect as temporary tariffs expired. New York Attorney General Letitia James criticized the move, stating it unfairly burdens families and businesses. The states involved include California, Arizona, and Illinois, among others, challenging the legality of these tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
NationalLong Lines and Over 25 Minutes of Waiting: Spain's Jersey with the Second Star Goes on Sale
MADRID – The new jersey of the Spanish national football team featuring two stars after winning the 2026 World Cup, marketed by Adidas, went on sale this Tuesday amid long lines of fans eager to purchase it. From early in the morning, long queues with waits of over 25 minutes and people arriving from various parts of the world were waiting to get the new kit, priced at 100 euros (about $115) for adults and 75 euros ($86) for children, at major stores of the German brand in Spain, including the one located on the bustling Gran Vía in Madrid. The jersey is the same model worn by Spain when they won the World Cup in New York, but it features two significant updates: the second star embroidered above the crest (representing the two World Cups won by Spain, in South Africa 2010 and the current one), as well as a golden patch in the center indicating that La Roja is the reigning champion. The second kit, which is white, was already a social and sales success in the early months of summer, and Adidas hopes that, thanks to the appeal of the new star, this one will also be a hit.
National'A chilling effect': Immigration attorney says new rule could discourage green card applications
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A major change to U.S. immigration policy is set to take effect next month, and immigration attorneys say it could impact some people applying for a green card. The Trump administration is reinstating the public charge rule on Sept. 18, bringing back a policy used during the president’s first term that
NationalSalvadoran immigrant dies in ICE custody in New Jersey; leaves a daughter orphaned
NEW JERSEY — An immigrant from El Salvador died in an immigration jail in New Jersey that has been the target of protests for months over the living conditions of detainees there, federal officials reported on Monday. The deceased is Edwin López Cornejo, 41, who died on Saturday while in custody at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, which has a capacity of 1,000 beds. López had been detained by ICE agents on June 18, according to a statement from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter, according to his family.
NationalTrump Establishes Military Spouse Commission
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish the President’s Military Spouse Commission, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for military families. The commission will focus on issues such as housing, employment, healthcare, childcare, and education. During the signing ceremony, Trump emphasized the vital role of military spouses, who often face unique challenges, including long separations from their partners. The commission will be chaired by the spouse of the Secretary of War and will include spouses of senior military leaders. Monthly meetings will be held at the White House, with funding provided by the War Department.
