National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalUEFA Threatens to Boycott FIFA Tournaments Over World Cup Investor Plan
UEFA member federations agreed on Thursday to boycott all FIFA competitions in protest of Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a stake of World Cup revenues to private equity investors. "UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions," said the governing body of European football following an urgent online meeting of its 55 members. The next scheduled FIFA tournament will take place in Europe in a few weeks: the U-20 Women's World Cup, which will be held in Poland starting September 5. "Selling some things is simply unacceptable," UEFA stated in a release. "The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And as long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale."
NationalUS Economy Grows at a Slow Pace and Inflation Remains Stubborn
The U.S. economy grew at a slow rate of 1.5% from April to June, hindered by rising imports despite increased consumer spending. The Commerce Department reported that GDP growth slowed from 2.1% in the first quarter, falling short of economists' expectations. Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of economic activity, rose at an annual rate of 3.2%. Imports surged by 11.5%, impacting GDP growth negatively. The preferred inflation measure by the Federal Reserve, the PCE index, rose 3.7% year-over-year, remaining above the 2% target. The Fed maintained interest rates steady but some officials advocated for increases to combat inflation.
NationalSean 'Diddy' Combs' Release Date Moved Up: Here's His New Date
Sean "Diddy" Combs, currently serving a 50-month sentence in a federal prison in New Jersey, will be released earlier than expected on January 24, 2028. This change comes after reports of a fight with another inmate, which led to his placement in isolation. Initially, his release was set for June 4, 2028. The reasons for the earlier release are not fully disclosed, but may include good behavior and credits earned through approved programs. Combs, 56, was convicted in 2025 for prostitution-related charges but was acquitted of more serious charges like sex trafficking.
NationalTrump attacks on mail balloting and concerns over delays turn midterms spotlight on Postal Service
As the midterm elections approach, the U.S. Postal Service is facing scrutiny over mail-in ballot delivery. President Trump is pushing for an executive order to control mail voting, raising concerns about timely ballot processing. Recent issues in California and Wisconsin saw thousands of ballots arrive too late to be counted. Election officials in Kansas and Michigan are advising voters to drop off ballots in person to avoid delays. The Postal Service claims it is committed to its electoral role, but legal battles over Trump's order continue, with Democratic officials urging the agency to abandon the plan for a national voter list.
NationalFauci repeatedly invokes the Fifth Amendment in a contentious Senate committee hearing
Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on July 29, 2026, where he invoked the Fifth Amendment multiple times, avoiding questions regarding his COVID-19 pandemic response. Despite a pardon from President Biden in early 2025, Republican senators, particularly Rand Paul, suggested he could still face perjury charges. The hearing, marked by accusations of dishonesty from Republicans and defense from Democrats, lasted about three hours. Paul announced a forthcoming vote on holding Fauci in contempt for his refusal to answer. The session highlighted ongoing partisan tensions surrounding the pandemic's origins and Fauci's role.
NationalTrump and DOJ ask Supreme Court to toss $83 million defamation verdict in E. Jean Carroll case
Former President Donald Trump and the Justice Department are appealing to the Supreme Court to dismiss an $83 million defamation verdict awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of sexual assault. They argue that Trump cannot be sued for comments made during his presidency, invoking the Westfall Act, which protects federal employees from lawsuits related to their official duties. This marks Trump's second attempt to overturn a jury's decision in Carroll's favor, following a previous $5 million verdict for sexual abuse and defamation. Carroll's lawyers have not commented on the latest filing, and lower courts have previously rejected Trump's appeals.
NationalReport: Undocumented population has swelled to 15.8 million, a 'new peak'
The number of migrants who were living unauthorized in the United States swelled to an estimated record 15.8 million in 2024, up from 11 million people prior to 2019, according to a report released Wednesday.
NationalDIA Honors Decades of Service by Renaming Headquarters Auditorium
During a recent visit to the Defense Intelligence Agency at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth honored Army Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton by renaming Clapper Leadership Hall to Thomas Knowlton Leadership Hall. Hegseth highlighted Knowlton's pivotal role as the commander of the Continental Army's first intelligence unit, Knowlton's Rangers, established in 1776 under George Washington's directive. Knowlton's contributions are considered foundational to military intelligence. Hegseth emphasized the importance of intelligence in modern military operations and presented coins to service members, acknowledging their vital work in national defense.
NationalFIFA Files Charges Against Argentina for Fight and Falklands Banner at World Cup
FIFA filed disciplinary charges against two Argentine players on Wednesday for striking Spanish opponents moments after the 2026 World Cup final, and accused the Argentine Football Association of allowing players to display a political banner about the Falkland Islands after defeating England in the semifinals. A list of open disciplinary cases against Argentina also includes 'discriminatory chants and gestures' by fans, an alleged assault by assistant coach Roberto Ayala after the final, and 'the throwing of objects by spectators in several matches of the Argentine national team' during the World Cup. Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three charges of assault in the post-match confrontations following Spain's 1-0 victory on July 19; defender Nahuel Molina faces two charges, and assistant Ayala faces one.
NationalFilm Producer Accused of Operating $100 Million Pyramid Scheme
Film producer Jason Cloth, who financed 'Joker,' 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife,' and dozens of other films, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of wire fraud related to what prosecutors claim was a $100 million pyramid scheme. The indictment against the 60-year-old Cloth was made public on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in Chicago. Cloth was arrested the same day in Los Angeles, where he made his initial court appearance, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. The indictment alleges that Cloth solicited money from investors, telling them the funds would be used for a movie or a video game platform. Instead, the indictment claims he used the money for other projects, such as a real estate development in Canada, and to pay earlier investors. Court records do not reveal whether Cloth has hired an attorney for the criminal case. Several attorneys representing Cloth in lawsuits in Florida and California did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
NationalU.S. Department of Education Investigates Minnesota Schools Over “Transgender Dolls”
The U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation into the Minnesota Department of Education following a complaint from parents regarding the introduction of 'transgender dolls' in classrooms. These dolls, developed through a University of Minnesota program, are designed for children as young as four and feature interchangeable genitalia. Parents argue that their rights were violated as they were not informed or given the option to opt-out of this activity. The investigation aims to ensure compliance with the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, which grants parents rights concerning sensitive information and educational materials related to their children.
NationalConfirmation of Blanche as U.S. Attorney General Could Be Delayed Due to Trump and IRS Agreement
Todd Blanche's path to confirmation as the next U.S. Attorney General faced a setback on Wednesday after two key Republicans pressured the Department of Justice to commit in writing to end an 'anti-instrumentalization' fund that could provide money to Trump allies and limit the scope of tax audit immunity granted to the president and his family members. A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was scheduled for Thursday morning to advance Blanche's nomination, which would move to the full Senate if approved by the committee. However, Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina—both of whom have clashed with Trump and are not seeking re-election in November—have complicated Blanche's confirmation process. Much of the debate has centered around the so-called 'Anti-Instrumentalization Fund,' created under an alleged agreement between Trump and the executive branch following a lawsuit Trump filed over the disclosure of his tax records, which led to a five-year prison sentence for a former IRS contractor.
NationalHow Tariffs Drive Up Consumer Prices and Harm U.S. Manufacturers
Tariffs on imported goods, paid by domestic importers, significantly impact consumer prices in the U.S. These additional costs are often passed on to consumers, affecting not only finished products but also imported components used by manufacturers. For instance, industries like automotive and consumer electronics rely heavily on imported materials. Recent data shows a 7.1% increase in import costs from June 2025 to June 2026, with prices from China rising 0.9% in June alone. Although tariffs have decreased since 2025, current rates remain higher than before, contributing to a 1-2% increase in consumer prices and a reduction in GDP.
NationalICE Plans Construction of Detention Centers in Four Cities
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning to build four detention centers located in Seattle, Miami, Denver, and Philadelphia. According to NBC News, the four centers will accommodate up to 5,500 immigrants in total, based on official documents. For now, ICE intends to sign contracts with the companies responsible for the construction. Each detention center will feature five hearing rooms for immigration judges and at least 20 offices for attorneys from ICE's legal division.
NationalUSPS at the Center of Mail-in Voting Dilemma for Elections
About six weeks before the first mail-in ballots for the midterm elections are sent out, the United States Postal Service is emerging as a key player in an election season that will determine control of Congress. President Donald Trump is seeking greater control over mail-in voting through an executive order, while a change in how the agency processes shipments is drawing criticism for not delivering ballots on time. Democratic officials have expressed concerns over the past week about how quickly the Postal Service will process ballots, after tens of thousands in California and hundreds in Wisconsin arrived too late at local election offices to be counted in this year's elections. Election officials in Kansas and Michigan are urging voters who want to cast their ballots early to avoid the mail and instead deliver them in person. The Postal Service responded to these concerns by stating on Tuesday that it remains 'committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process.'
NationalFederal Reserve Expected to Keep Interest Rates Steady Despite Inflation Levels
The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates around 3.6% during its upcoming monetary policy vote, despite ongoing inflation concerns. Experts warn that inflation could be exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, such as a prolonged conflict with Iran and recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. While some analysts predict a potential rate hike before the year ends, others believe inflation may have peaked, allowing the Fed to keep rates stable. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs and their legal challenges adds complexity to the economic outlook, as inflation remains above the Fed's 2% target, affecting consumer purchasing power.
NationalMexico Releases First Batch of Flies in Chihuahua to Combat Pest Infestation
Mexican authorities have released a first batch of sterile flies in Chihuahua to combat the screw-worm infestation, a crucial step as the region prepares to reopen for cattle exports to the U.S. This follows the announcement from Washington that it will resume imports of Mexican cattle starting August 24, after a year-long closure due to the outbreak. Approximately 2.5 million sterile flies were dispersed in Coronado, Chihuahua, to interrupt the reproductive cycle of the screw-worm. The initiative is part of a broader effort, with plans for additional releases in Tamaulipas, where 106 cases have been reported. A joint investment of $61 million aims to produce 100 million sterile flies weekly by year-end.
NationalAnthony Fauci Invokes His Fifth Amendment Right Not to Testify at COVID-19 Hearing
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to testify during a Senate hearing on COVID-19 origins and government response. He expressed concerns that his testimony could be used by Republicans, particularly Senator Rand Paul, to accuse him of perjury. Fauci criticized Paul's obsession with prosecuting him and mentioned previous defamatory comments made by Paul. He stated that, despite his respect for the legislative process, he would refrain from answering questions based on his lawyers' advice. Paul has previously claimed Fauci lied to Congress, a charge Fauci denies. The hearing was expected to be contentious due to their history of public confrontations.
NationalUS Prohibits Foreign-Made Humanoid Robots, Targeting China Over National Security
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States announced on Tuesday that it will ban the importation of foreign-made humanoid robots in a move aimed at China, citing national security risks. This decision could strain bilateral relations as the technological race between the two global leaders intensifies. China produces a significantly larger number of humanoid robots than the United States and other competitors, with analysts estimating its global market share to be around 85%. The FCC's ban includes new imports of humanoid robots, quadrupeds—often referred to as four-legged robot dogs—as well as foreign-made power inverters. In making this decision, the FCC noted that these advanced robots produced in foreign countries pose vulnerabilities in the supply chain for the United States, along with cybersecurity and national security risks. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated in a release that the measure aims to 'protect critical supply chains in the United States.' Washington has been taking steps to keep Chinese technology out with recent import bans, including those on drones manufactured in the Asian giant. Additionally, it is weighing restrictions on Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models at a time when Chinese AI is rapidly gaining ground. 'This is a constant succession of potential friction points ahead of the anticipated Trump-Xi summit in September,' said Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese tech policy. US President Donald Trump is expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in September, following their mid-May meeting in Beijing.