National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalTrump says his planned arch would become a military complex able to host drones and snipers
President Donald Trump announced plans for a monumental arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, which he claims will serve as a 'top grade military complex' capable of hosting drones and snipers. He argues that this project, along with other initiatives to enhance the White House, is essential for national security. The arch has received preliminary approval but faces legal challenges from veterans and an architectural historian who argue it requires Congressional authorization. The project is part of Trump's broader efforts to leave a lasting legacy in Washington, D.C.
NationalTexas Supreme Court rules baby delivered by surrogate can leave Texas
The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that a baby delivered by a surrogate can leave Texas for medical treatment in California. McKenna West, the surrogate, sought to prevent the biological parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, from taking the one-month-old infant, Rumi, to a hospital in Los Angeles. The court emphasized the child's medical needs, stating that transferring Rumi to an ICU in California is crucial for his health. The ruling follows a series of court battles across multiple states, with the biological parents consistently winning custody rights. Rumi has already undergone surgery and requires further medical care.
NationalVoting groups sound alarm on funding shortfalls that they say could affect midterm turnout
Major voter engagement and racial justice organizations in the U.S. are experiencing significant funding shortages as the midterm elections approach, raising concerns about voter turnout. America Votes, a coalition of over 400 progressive groups, reports being underfunded compared to previous election cycles. Many grassroots organizations, particularly those focused on communities of color, are scaling back operations due to decreased donor support following the 2024 presidential election. Efforts to engage voters are being hindered, with some groups turning to technology and social media to adapt. The Democratic National Committee acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes its commitment to voter protection and mobilization.
NationalDelcy Rodríguez Arrives in New York to Participate in the UN General Assembly
Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez arrived in New York to participate in the UN General Assembly, as she shared in a social media post early Monday morning. The Venezuelan government confirmed on Sunday her attendance at the event, where she is also scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The announcement underwent a change shortly after it was published. The Ministry of Communication initially posted a message on X with details about Rodríguez's participation but deleted it minutes later. They then shared a new, shorter message reaffirming her attendance at the General Assembly. In the original post, the Ministry announced that Rodríguez would 'bring the voice of the nation to the global stage.' 'See you at the UN!' the Communication Ministry stated in that message, highlighting that Venezuela has regained its status and rejoined 'the diplomatic dynamics of the planet' thanks to 'previous efforts.' The last visit by a Venezuelan head of state to the General Assembly was by Nicolás Maduro in 2018. Maduro is currently detained in a prison just a few kilometers from the UN headquarters after being captured by U.S. forces in Caracas during a military operation in January. The White House announced on Friday that Trump and Rodríguez will meet on Tuesday in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, marking the first meeting between the two. This will also be the first encounter between a U.S. president and a Venezuelan leader in over 11 years, since the brief meeting between Barack Obama and Maduro during the 2015 Summit of the Americas held in Panama.
National"Died in my arms": Lindsay Clancy's ex-husband speaks for the first time in interview with '60 Minutes'
In a recent interview with CBS News' '60 Minutes', Patrick Clancy spoke publicly for the first time since a jury could not reach a verdict in the trial regarding the tragic deaths of his three children. He expressed profound grief and addressed conspiracy theories suggesting his involvement in their deaths. Patrick shared insights into his ex-wife Lindsay's struggles with postpartum depression, noting that he first recognized something was wrong in October 2022. He revealed that he had suicidal thoughts and discussed the impact of online rumors on his family's legacy. Patrick also mentioned his new wife, Dr. Rachel Danis, and their efforts to build a family together.
NationalTrump says the Arch will become a 'military complex' for drones and ammunition
President Donald Trump announced plans for a massive arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, which he claims will become a 'top-tier military complex' for drones and ammunition storage. This initiative is part of Trump's broader vision to enhance the White House and the city while serving a defensive purpose. The project faces legal challenges, with a group of veterans arguing it requires Congressional approval. Despite initial backing from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the arch's construction has not yet received final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which will revisit the matter this fall.
NationalSenator Claims Trump Does Not Violate the Constitution by Banning White House Journalists
Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming downplayed concerns regarding President Trump's decision to bar journalists from Politico, MS NOW, and CNN from covering White House activities. When asked if Trump violated the Constitution, Barrasso stated he believed the press should report impartially. He noted that Trump’s actions were a response to what he perceives as biased reporting. Trump announced the ban on Truth Social, claiming it was due to 'fake news' coverage. Affected media outlets vowed to continue reporting and defend their First Amendment rights, while the White House Correspondents' Association condemned the ban as a violation of press freedom.
NationalGasoline Prices Near Highest Level Ahead of Midterm Elections
Gasoline prices in the U.S. have risen to near their highest levels of the year, averaging $4.46 per gallon, just 10 cents shy of the peak reached in May. Six states have prices exceeding $5 per gallon, with California leading at $6.11. Diesel prices have also surged, averaging $6.44, a 71% increase since the conflict with Iran began. This rise in fuel costs is expected to affect consumer prices across various sectors. As midterm elections approach, consumer frustration over high prices is growing, with analysts expressing skepticism about claims of a price drop post-election. Global factors, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, continue to drive prices up.
NationalPoll: Most Voters Say Trump Has Hurt the Economy
A recent NBC News survey indicates that President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 41%, its lowest during his presidency. A majority of voters, 55%, believe his policies have harmed the economy, a rise from 48% in March. The Democrats hold a 5-point lead over Republicans in the race for Congress, but both parties face challenges. Voters express more concern about excessive Republican support for Trump than about Democratic obstruction. Additionally, 56% disapprove of Trump's performance, with 43% of voters indicating their congressional vote is a protest against him. The survey was conducted from September 11 to 15, 2023, with a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
NationalState of Texas: Race for Texas senate, governor heating up
As we quickly approach the start of early voting in Texas, a new poll released by Nexstar Media and Emerson College showed that both the Texas Governor's race and the Texas Senate race are heating up.
NationalUS Army says it killed 4 people in attack on vessel in the Caribbean
The U.S. military reported the death of four individuals in a strike against a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Caribbean. This operation, part of a broader campaign against alleged narcotraffickers, raised the total death toll to at least 231 from 69 similar attacks over the past year. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted agreements with Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras for joint military operations against criminal groups, although Guatemala denied such an agreement. The Trump administration continues to justify these actions as necessary to combat drug trafficking and related fatalities in the U.S., despite a lack of evidence linking the vessel to drug transport.
NationalLawsuit Claims Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google Agreement to Slow AI Development is Illegal
A recent lawsuit claims that Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI, and Google engaged in an illegal agreement to slow down their artificial intelligence development. Filed in the Northern District of California, the lawsuit argues that these companies violated antitrust laws by coordinating efforts to decelerate progress, which could diminish the value for consumers paying for AI subscriptions. The coordination reportedly began on September 12, when Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, called for industry cooperation on safety measures. The plaintiffs, who subscribe to AI services, assert that such agreements harm competition and consumer interests. Representatives from the companies have not yet commented.
NationalAI Models Could Soon Improve Themselves, Say Some Labs
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) suggest that autonomous self-improvement of AI models may soon be possible. This concept, known as recursive self-improvement (RSI), involves AI systems enhancing their own capabilities and creating successors. While companies like Anthropic report that their AI model, Claude, is already involved in research and development, concerns about potential risks remain. Experts warn that uncontrolled superintelligence could emerge. Some tech leaders advocate for a slowdown in AI development to ensure safety measures keep pace with advancements. OpenAI and other firms are exploring automated research systems, but the timeline for fully autonomous improvement remains uncertain.
NationalMexico Honors Victims of the Earthquakes that Shook the Country in 1985 and 2017
On Saturday, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum paid tribute to the victims of the earthquakes on September 19, 1985, and 2017, both remembered for the devastation that caused the deaths of thousands across the country. The solemn event took place at 7:15 AM (13:15 GMT) in the Zócalo, Mexico City's largest public square, and was led by the head of the Executive, who raised the flag at half-mast as a commemorative gesture for the victims, while the military band and the National Defense choir performed 'Canto a la bandera' and 'Silencio.' The president was joined by members of the Mexican Army, the National Guard, and officials from her cabinet, as well as Mexico City’s government chief Clara Brugada, and leaders from the Mexican Red Cross, Eduardo De Agüero Le Duc, and Civil Protection, Laura Velázquez Alzúa. The tribute comes just hours before the second National Drill, led by various government agencies, in which it is expected that 80 million cell phones will receive a text message simulating an earthquake alert of different magnitudes and epicenters, depending on the location of the mobile device.
NationalTrump Announces Agreement with Denmark to Strengthen US Military Presence in Greenland
President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Denmark to enhance the U.S. military presence in Greenland, following months of threats to acquire the territory. The deal, set to be signed next week at the UN General Assembly, aims to address U.S. security concerns and recognizes Greenland's sovereignty. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that parliamentary approval is needed before the agreement takes effect. The accord prohibits non-NATO bases in Greenland and restricts adversarial investments, ensuring that China and Russia cannot establish a presence there. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a historic agreement for national security.
NationalCNN and MS NOW Report Denied Access to the White House After Trump's Ban
Journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were denied access to the White House on Saturday morning following a ban imposed by President Donald Trump. This action, which Trump described as a response to what he calls 'fake news', marks a significant escalation in his ongoing efforts to limit press coverage he deems unfavorable. Both CNN and MS NOW issued statements supporting their reporters, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment rights and independent journalism. The situation escalated as reporters Betsy Klein and Akayla Gardner reported their credentials were deactivated, preventing them from entering the White House while Trump was at Camp David.
NationalPossible Parole Hearing Dates Announced for the Menendez Brothers
Lyle and Erik Menéndez are set to have their second parole hearings in California in February 2024, with Lyle's hearing scheduled for February 23 and Erik's for February 24. This is over a year earlier than initially expected. The brothers, convicted of murder in 1996, were previously denied parole last year. They became eligible for parole consideration due to a change in their sentencing in 2025. Their family expressed gratitude for the early hearing dates, highlighting the brothers' achievements in prison. The hearings were granted under Proposition 9, which allows for early parole hearings if new information arises.
NationalFeds reimburse Texas for $7.5 billion in border spending, ending delay
The federal government has approved a $7.5 billion reimbursement to Texas for border security expenses incurred during President Biden's administration. Announced by Governor Greg Abbott, the funding comes 14 months after Congress authorized it through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025. Texas spent over $11 billion on border security initiatives, including Operation Lone Star, which involved building barriers and deploying personnel. The reimbursement is seen as a significant win for Texas taxpayers. Additionally, a separate $3.5 billion fund from the Department of Justice will support immigration-related law enforcement activities. This funding will impact the state budget discussions in January.
NationalMarine Corps Air Station Uses 471 Goats to Clear Dry Brush
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, has initiated Operation Goat Rope, utilizing 471 goats to graze on dry brush and invasive grasses. This innovative approach aims to reduce wildfire risks around military infrastructure and nearby civilian areas. The program, a first for a U.S. military installation, involves a collaboration with a local grazing company. By managing vegetation, the goats create strategic fuel breaks, enhancing fire prevention efforts. Fire Chief Joshua Allen emphasized that these breaks are crucial for slowing fire spread and providing firefighters with the necessary time to control blazes effectively.