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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
NationalApple Sues OpenAI for Alleged Trade Secret Theft
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the theft of trade secrets as it develops its own hardware for ChatGPT. The complaint, submitted in a California federal court, claims OpenAI encouraged Apple employees to share confidential information while recruiting them. Two former Apple employees now at OpenAI, Tang Tan and Chang Liu, are named in the suit. Apple asserts that Liu accessed sensitive hardware files before joining OpenAI and that Tan advised candidates to bring actual Apple components to interviews. Apple began investigating potential breaches of its trade secrets and claims to have found a pattern of theft. The lawsuit marks a significant shift from their previous collaboration.
NationalU.S. Contradicts Iran, Says Strait of Hormuz is Open Amid Intensified Attacks
The U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran early Sunday following an Iranian attack on a Cypriot-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which forced the crew to abandon the vessel. Iran retaliated by targeting several Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. U.S. Central Command stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for lawful transit, despite Iranian claims of closure. The recent violence has jeopardized ongoing negotiations aimed at a permanent ceasefire, which had been agreed upon in June. Meanwhile, India condemned the attack on its crew member and is coordinating a rescue operation with Oman.
NationalTrump suggests a standing order to attack Iran if it assassinates him. But Vance would make the call
President Donald Trump has indicated that he has left military orders for the U.S. to retaliate against Iran if it attempts to assassinate him. However, the U.S. lacks a mechanism for automatic retaliation, meaning Vice President JD Vance would have to make the call if Trump were killed. Trump claims that 1,000 missiles are ready to target Iran in response to threats against him. Iran's supreme leader has vowed revenge for the killing of his father, further escalating tensions. The White House has not clarified what would happen to Trump's orders in the event of his death, amid ongoing threats from Iran.
NationalHouston ICE shooting witnesses claim driver didnt try to ram agents
Witnesses to the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Houston claim he never attempted to run over any officers. An attorney representing two passengers in Salgado Araujo's van stated that agents fired from the sides of the vehicle, contradicting ICE's account that the van was used as a weapon. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia and the attorney called for an independent investigation into the incident, as ICE agents lacked body cameras during the shooting. The Mexican government plans to file complaints regarding the treatment of its nationals in U.S. detention centers, following this and other incidents.