National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
NationalChip Roy Announces Sharia Free America Caucus and Calls for Legislative Action
U.S. Representative Chip Roy from Texas announced the establishment of the Sharia Free America Caucus, emphasizing its focus on immigration, national security, and opposing Sharia law in the U.S. During a press conference, Roy expressed concerns about the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood on American politics. He argued that Sharia law contradicts the nation's founding principles and supports legislative measures to prevent its application in U.S. courts. Roy also called for a pause in immigration until a vetting system is established. He highlighted safety concerns for women in certain Texas communities, referring to them as 'no-go zones.'
NationalCuban Migrants Riot in Mexico to Avoid Deportation
TAPACHULA, Mexico – Around 40 Cuban migrants who were detained and transferred from central Mexico to the Siglo XXI immigration station in the southern state of Chiapas rioted upon learning they were to be deported, setting fire inside the facility. The Cubans, who were under the custody of Mexican authorities, could not prove their legal status in Mexico and are believed to have ignited the mattresses inside the immigration station. In response to the situation, federal forces were requested to assist and implemented a preventive operation around the immigration station, while others entered the facility to control the individuals housed there. As of Saturday night, federal authorities had not reported any injuries or updates on the deportation process following the events inside the Siglo XXI immigration station. Municipal, state, and federal police were observed at the scene, restoring order while the migrants remained under the custody of the National Institute of Migration (INM). This marks the first riot or incident recorded during the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, as mass migration continues to be stalled at the southern border due to U.S. policies and asylum issues.
NationalExhibit Against ICE Sparks Controversy Following Operation That Resulted in Mexican Man's Death in Texas
HOUSTON – Just days shy of the one-month mark since the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an ICE operation in Houston's East End, a controversial exhibit has returned to a private property aimed at drawing attention to the case and renewing calls for transparency. The installation, created by East End resident Mark Antonio Rodríguez, features a white pickup truck similar to the one Salgado was driving on the day of his death, construction tools, and mannequins wearing hats and shirts with ICE initials. Rodríguez describes the exhibit as a peaceful yet vigorous protest against the federal agency's actions. 'It’s a peaceful protest. I’m not threatening anyone, I’m just showing what’s happening in our city,' Rodríguez said, asserting he fears no repercussions because the installation is on private property. This is not the first visual demonstration Rodríguez has held in support of the immigrant community, but this time the issue hits close to home as Salgado's death occurred just blocks from his residence. The exhibit also depicts what appear to be bullet impacts on the truck and a mannequin inside the vehicle, symbolically representing the fatal incident. Rodríguez stated he aims to keep the conversation about the case alive and pressure local authorities to demand an independent and transparent investigation. 'ICE has taken the lives of many people, Mr. Lorenzo Salgado in Houston, Johan Sebastian Durán in Maine, in El Paso Texas, Víctor Díaz, and Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota, all this year.' Salgado Araujo's death occurred on July 7 during an ICE operation in Houston. Family members of the Mexican immigrant have called for justice and clarity regarding the events, while Harris County officials announced they would fund an independent investigation into the case. For now, Rodríguez plans to keep the exhibit up for an extended period to 'shed more light' on the issue he believes affects the immigrant community in Houston and across the country. What ICE said: At the time, the immigration enforcement agency (ICE) stated that 'on July 7, 2026, at approximately 6:50 a.m. (CST), ICE law enforcement agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop as part of a targeted enforcement operation aimed at apprehending an undocumented foreign national. The driver of the vehicle, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo — an undocumented foreign national from Mexico — attempted to evade arrest. According to information received, he struck an official ICE vehicle, refused to comply with multiple verbal commands, and used his vehicle as a weapon in an attempt to run over an ICE agent, prompting the agent to discharge his weapon in self-defense.' They added that 'the driver was struck by gunfire and emergency services were contacted immediately. He was transported to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. The DHS Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) is leading the investigation into the shooting involving the agent. The FBI office in Houston is leading the investigation into the alleged assault on a federal law enforcement officer. This is an ongoing situation, and the public will be informed as more information becomes available.' No new details about the ongoing investigation have been released so far.
NationalVice President Vance cancels visit to Port of Brownsville
Vice President JD Vance has canceled his planned visit to the Port of Brownsville, as confirmed by Eric Flores, the Republican nominee for Texas's 34th Congressional District. The cancellation is attributed to a change in Vance's schedule. He was expected to address attendees at the port on Tuesday, but it remains unclear if he will reschedule his visit in the future.
NationalAbbott Meets U.S. Air Force Secretary for High-Level Discussions
Governor Greg Abbott met with U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss support for Texas Air Force bases. They explored ways to enhance military missions and improve efficiencies. The meeting included Gwen Griffin from the Texas Space Commission, State Representative Greg Bonnen, and Lieutenant General Douglas A. Schiess of the U.S. Space Force. A significant outcome was the announcement of a 10-year Partnership Intermediary Agreement worth up to $300 million, aimed at fostering technology transfer and collaboration among government, industry, and academia, reinforcing Texas's role in national defense and space leadership.
NationalAriana Grande Plans to Step Back from Public Life
Ariana Grande announced plans to step back from public life after completing her *Eternal Sunshine* tour next month. The pop star has withdrawn from a London theater production of *Sunday in the Park with George*, where she was set to star alongside Jonathan Bailey. Producers expressed understanding of her decision, emphasizing support as she seeks a break from the intense public scrutiny she faces. Grande aims to finish her tour on a high note, concluding in London on September 1. Known for her Nickelodeon roots and Grammy wins, she has also been nominated for an Oscar for her role in *Wicked*.
NationalTrump Claims Talks with Iran Will Resume This Monday, But Iranian Government Denies It
Iranian officials denied claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that negotiations between the two countries would resume on Monday. Ismail Bagaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated that there are currently no negotiations with the U.S. and that any future discussions will depend on evolving circumstances. Trump had suggested that he canceled a significant military strike against Iran to facilitate a potential agreement, citing requests from allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Tensions remain high in the region, with ongoing violence and recent attacks on U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Jordan.
NationalInvestigation Underway into Fatal Plane Crash in Peru; Pilot Reportedly Reported Mechanical Failure
A tragic plane crash in southern Peru has resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including 11 foreign tourists. The pilot of the C208B aircraft, operated by Aerodiana, reportedly reported a mechanical failure during the flight. The crash occurred near Pueblo Viejo in the Ica region while the plane was en route from Pisco to view the famous Nazca Lines. Among the deceased are seven Italians, two Spaniards, and two Germans. Peruvian authorities are investigating the incident, focusing on mechanical evidence and communication recordings. Local officials express concern about the impact on tourism in the area.