National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalCornyn Op-Ed: CHIPS Act Will Help America Win the AI Race with China
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) emphasized the importance of the CHIPS for America Act in a recent op-ed, highlighting its role in reshoring semiconductor manufacturing amid the competitive landscape with China. He noted that the U.S. currently holds a slight edge in semiconductor design but lags in production, with 90% of advanced chips made in Taiwan. The CHIPS Act, alongside the CHIPS and Science Act, allocated $40 billion for manufacturing incentives and $13 billion for research and workforce development. Cornyn urged other states to leverage federal investments to enhance their semiconductor industries and create high-paying jobs.
NationalIt's Not Just a Government Issue: Mexico Denounces Death of 17 Nationals
The government of Mexico will file complaints on Monday with the U.S. Department of Justice and state prosecutors regarding the deaths of 17 Mexicans in the United States at the hands of immigration authorities, announced President Claudia Sheinbaum, marking a new escalation in her administration's actions against alleged human rights violations of migrants. 'Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will present the complaints to the U.S. Department of Justice and state prosecutors in the United States regarding the deaths of 17 nationals,' the president stated during her morning conference. Sheinbaum specified that among the cases is that of a Mexican who recently died during an immigration operation in Houston, whose death is being investigated by local and federal U.S. authorities. She also noted that the complaints respond to Mexico's concern over 'alleged human rights violations' of Mexicans in detention centers and the deaths of three nationals during operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The president took the opportunity to call on Congress, political parties, and Mexican society to support the defense of migrants in the United States. 'It's not just a matter for the government of Mexico,' she asserted. 'It's a matter for all Mexicans.'
NationalSam Neill, New Zealand actor who starred in Jurassic Park and The Piano, dies at 78
Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor renowned for his roles in 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano,' has passed away at the age of 78 in Sydney. His family announced that his death was sudden and unexpected, despite him being cancer-free at the time. Neill, who was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma in 2023, was celebrated for his versatile performances in both film and television, including 'Dead Calm' and 'Peaky Blinders.' He was also a winemaker and published his memoir in March 2023. Neill is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren, leaving a legacy in the film industry.
NationalHouse Republicans Back Pause on USMCA Extension
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, a Republican from Missouri, has endorsed the Trump administration's choice not to extend the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for an additional 16 years. He argues that this decision prevents merely maintaining the current situation. Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith from Nebraska views the pause as a chance to ensure compliance with the agreement. While some Democrats support this decision, others, like Virginia Rep. Don Beyer, criticize it as a significant error, advocating for the review process to enhance the agreement instead of stepping back.
NationalData centers become flashpoint in gubernatorial races
“Could you invent an easier political target if you tried?”
NationalJudge: Trump Administration Tried to 'Manipulate Judicial Process' with IRS Settlement
A federal judge in Florida ruled that the lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was brought in 'bad faith' and for an 'improper purpose,' imposing sanctions on some of those involved. District Judge Kathleen Williams, appointed by former President Barack Obama, stated that the lawsuit 'was not filed to assert rights,' but rather to 'manipulate the judicial process.' Williams noted that, despite arguments to the contrary from Trump's attorney, these were not ordinary litigants. She indicated that, as president, Trump has authority over the Department of Justice, the Department of the Treasury, and the IRS. 'After reviewing the record and the parties' statements, the court refuses to accept the naive attempt to separate the current charge against President Trump from an understanding of what occurred here,' the judge wrote.
NationalEight Men Indicted in Complex Conspiracy to Attack White House UFC Event
Eight men have been indicted on federal charges related to a conspiracy to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on June 14. The indictment, issued in Columbus, includes charges of providing material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder. The defendants allegedly communicated through various online platforms to plan the attack, which targeted high-profile individuals, including the President and Vice President of the United States. The group is accused of amassing weapons and undergoing combat training. If convicted, they face severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
NationalWho Will Fill Lindsey Graham's Seat? Trump Proposes Late Senator's Sister
President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he has recommended Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of Lindsey Graham, be appointed as his temporary replacement in the Senate. Trump posted on social media that Governor Henry McMaster should designate Nordone to complete the remainder of Graham's term, which ends in January. Graham passed away over the weekend at the age of 71, and McMaster is expected to name a replacement on Monday. After their parents died when they were young, Graham took on the responsibility of raising his sister, later becoming her legal guardian. They were very close, and she was by his side when he filed for re-election earlier this year, along with his children and grandchildren. A person familiar with the appointment process, but not authorized to speak publicly, indicated that the interim senator would be sworn in on Wednesday. Senator Tim Scott, who—according to that person—had spoken with Graham's sister several times since his death, planned to be present at McMaster's announcement.
NationalTwelve States Sue to Block the Merger Between Paramount and Warner Bros.
A dozen states filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging Paramount Skydance Corporation's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. The lawsuit, filed in Northern California, seeks to block the proposed $110 billion merger between two historic studios with a legacy in Hollywood spanning over a century. Warner Bros. Discovery became a target for acquisition amid a dispute between Netflix and Paramount, owned by Skydance. Paramount ultimately emerged victorious and is increasingly close to finalizing the purchase of the entire Warner company. The lawsuit cites antitrust concerns over the combination of the two film studios and their streaming platforms. The merger would bring together Paramount's CBS broadcast network and pay-TV channels like MTV and BET, along with CNN, TNT, and others from WBD under one roof. The lawsuit argues that the proposed merger violates a part of the Clayton Act, which addresses mergers that may substantially reduce competition and create a monopoly. In a statement, Attorney General Bonta said the merger 'would lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less content for film and television, harming theaters, basic cable distributors, and ultimately audiences on every couch and in every movie seat across the United States.' David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, has stated that the merger would honor the legacy of both companies while creating a next-generation media and entertainment business. Ellison is the son of Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle. Warner Bros. shareholders approved the proposed merger in April. In June, the U.S. Department of Justice gave the merger the green light, stating that the transaction 'is unlikely' to harm competition or consumers. The proposal has faced criticism from some industry professionals, including actors, directors, and writers, as well as elected officials in California and Los Angeles. Over 1,000 industry professionals signed an open letter opposing the merger. Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington are part of the lawsuit.
NationalTrump Administration Tightens Measures to Limit Immigrants' Access to Banking System
The administration of President Donald Trump is taking additional steps to prevent individuals living in the United States without legal residency from using the country's banking system by intensifying actions against financial institutions that lend them money. On Monday, a group of financial regulators is set to issue guidelines aimed at reminding banks and financial institutions of their 'know your customer' requirements regarding credit risk management, particularly concerning borrowers who are not authorized to work in the United States. This warning is one of several measures the Trump administration has adopted to discourage individuals who are in the U.S. illegally from interacting with the extensive U.S. financial system. The measures are designed to strongly encourage banks to remove such individuals as clients, without explicitly ordering them to do so.
NationalOil Prices Surge Following Trump's Announcement to Resume Sanctions on Iran
Oil prices jumped more than 5% after President Donald Trump declared on social media Monday morning that the U.S. would resume its sanctions on Iran and would be 'compensated' for assisting ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. crude soared 5%, surpassing $75 per barrel, while international Brent also rose 5% to $80. The recent spike in oil prices also halted the decline in gasoline prices in the United States. Stocks also retreated, with the S&P 500 falling 0.5%. The Nasdaq, which was already experiencing significant losses, hit its lowest point of the day. Trump stated that the reimbursement would be 'at a rate of 20% on all cargo shipped.' It was not immediately clear how this would work. Energy and shipping companies have firmly rejected a similar idea proposed by Iran, in which ships would pay a toll to navigate this key maritime route.
NationalInvestigation Underway into South African Soccer Player Jayden Adams' Death After World Cup
The police in Cape Town, South Africa, are investigating the death of 25-year-old soccer player Jayden Adams, whose body was found over the weekend. Adams had recently helped South Africa reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and authorities are conducting a judicial investigation. His father, Juanito Adams, stated that the family is awaiting autopsy results and has not yet made funeral arrangements. Adams played in all three group stage matches but did not participate in the loss to Canada in the Round of 32. Tributes were paid during quarterfinal matches.
NationalWho Controls the Strait of Hormuz? The U.S. and Iran Continue the Debate with Intense Attacks
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. is reinstating a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, charging ships a 20% toll for safe passage. This decision follows escalating tensions after an Iranian attack on a container ship. Trump stated that Iranian vessels will no longer be allowed to transit the strait, which is crucial for global oil and gas transport. The U.S. Central Command reported extensive military actions against Iranian positions, while Iran insists it controls the strait. The conflict has raised global oil prices and heightened fears of a return to full-scale war.
NationalLocal representatives pay tribute to late Sen. Graham
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local U.S. representatives have published their reactions on social media following reports that Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died from a "brief and sudden illness" Saturday night. The Office of U.S. Sen. Graham posted on X at 2:02 a.m. Sunday, saying, "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly
NationalSen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally and foreign policy hawk, dies after a brief illness
Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican from South Carolina and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has passed away at the age of 71 after a brief illness. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Graham, who served in Congress for three decades, was known for his strong stance on foreign policy and military intervention. He recently returned from a trip to Ukraine and had been actively involved in discussions regarding sanctions against Russia. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement, with a special primary election expected soon to fill Graham's seat.
NationalNew World Screwworm outbreak sparks debate over federal response, preparedness
WASHINGTON, D.C. (ValleyCentral) — Texas officials are offering competing views of the federal response to the New World screwworm outbreak, with Democrats saying budget cuts weakened monitoring before the parasite reached the southern border. The flesh-eating parasite primarily affects livestock but can also infest wildlife, pets and, in rare cases, people. As of early July, more
NationalMitch McConnell Reveals He Was Unconscious After Fall That Led to Hospitalization
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, revealed on Sunday that he was briefly unconscious after a fall that led to his hospitalization nearly a month ago. In his first public statement since the incident, McConnell shared that doctors have not yet cleared him to return to the Senate. He emphasized that he remains engaged with colleagues regarding budget allocations and midterm election policies. At 84, he has undergone extensive tests and is now in rehabilitation after experiencing a mild case of pneumonia. McConnell has faced several falls this year, attributed to polio-related mobility issues, and plans to complete his Senate duties before retiring in January.
NationalWill Daylight Saving Time Become Permanent? The House Will Vote on a Bill This Week
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote this week on a bill aimed at making Daylight Saving Time permanent. This follows a push from former President Donald Trump, who advocated for more evening daylight. The Sunshine Protection Act, which passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee with a 48-1 vote in May, seeks to eliminate the biannual clock changes. While the Senate unanimously approved a similar measure in March 2022, it stalled in the House due to opposition. Critics argue that permanent Daylight Saving Time could lead to late sunrises in winter, affecting children's safety on their way to school.
NationalFrom Critic to Ally: The Long and Strange Friendship of Lindsey Graham with Trump
Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away unexpectedly at 71, had a tumultuous relationship with former President Donald Trump. After the January 6 Capitol attack, Graham expressed his disillusionment with Trump, stating he was done with him. However, he quickly returned as a staunch supporter, recognizing Trump's influence on the Republican Party. Their bond strengthened over shared interests like golf and mutual humor. Graham played a key role in advancing Trump’s Supreme Court nominees and supported his policies, including a hardline stance on Iran. Even in his final days, Graham praised Trump, indicating a deep admiration that transcended political differences.