National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalThousands of migrant children in the US could face new deportation risks as legal aid deal expires
As the contract for legal services for unaccompanied migrant children in the U.S. expires, advocates warn that thousands may lose representation in immigration court, increasing their risk of deportation. The Trump administration's decision not to renew the contract, which provided legal aid to about 20,000 children, raises concerns about their future legal support. Organizations like Estrella El Paso, which currently represents 243 children, fear that without legal assistance, many will face expedited deportation. Legal service providers have already begun layoffs due to unpaid invoices, and the situation remains uncertain as the government has not outlined a plan for continued representation.
NationalVice President Vance to visit Port of Brownsville
Vice President JD Vance is set to visit the Rio Grande Valley next week, with a scheduled stop at the Port of Brownsville on Tuesday. The mayor of Brownsville announced that Vance will deliver a speech around noon during his visit. Further details regarding the agenda or other events related to Vance's trip have not been disclosed.
NationalTrump Claims Allies Agree on Terms for Pact to End War with Iran
President Donald Trump announced that Middle Eastern allies have agreed on terms to end the conflict with Iran. He stated that he will refrain from ordering new attacks for now, contingent on a swift agreement. The proposed deal would involve the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear threats. Trump mentioned that Israel is on board with the U.S. effort to finalize the agreement. Concerns were raised by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a call with Trump about potential U.S. escalation, fearing Iranian retaliation against Saudi energy infrastructure.
NationalValleyCentral Weekend Report: Biggest stories of the week in case you missed them
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this week's edition of ValleyCentral Weekend Report, Anchor Alexia Serrata breaks down all the news of the week. Starting with the biggest stories of the week, in case you missed them. Kicking things off with an update to a story we've been following very closely over the past few months, an appeals court has placed a
NationalTrump administration pushes tougher English rules for Mexican train crews crossing into the US
The Trump administration is proposing stricter English language requirements for Mexican train crews operating in the U.S. This initiative aims to ensure that crews can understand critical safety information and to protect American jobs. Following inspections at Texas rail yards, the Federal Railroad Administration found issues with language comprehension among crews. The proposed rule would also enhance certification standards for train operators. Rail unions support the changes, emphasizing the importance of clear communication for safety. The new regulations would prevent crews from operating more than 10 miles into the U.S., addressing concerns about safety and job security.
NationalACLU launches legal claims in 17 states against immigration detention conditions, including Texas
The ACLU has filed a tort claim on behalf of Elton Purvis, a 55-year-old legal permanent resident from Trinidad and Tobago, seeking $10 million from the Trump administration. Purvis alleges he faced medical neglect and mistreatment during his seven-month detention at the South Texas Detention Complex in Pearsall. The claim is part of a broader ACLU initiative that includes over 50 claims across 17 states, highlighting the neglect of detained immigrants' medical and food needs. Purvis, who suffered from diabetes and malaria, reported that his requests for medical help were often ignored, leading to severe health crises while in custody.
NationalState Department Urges Americans in the Middle East to Leave the Region
The U.S. State Department has urged Americans in the Middle East to consider leaving the region or to be prepared for rapid departures due to escalating tensions with Iran. This warning follows President Trump's threats of strong retaliation against Iran, which has promised to respond. The State Department highlighted potential flight disruptions and security risks, advising Americans to maintain high vigilance. Some airlines have postponed resuming flights, and the U.S. embassies in various Middle Eastern countries have disseminated the warning. The situation has intensified, with Kuwait's military reporting drone attacks from Iran and U.S. forces conducting significant strikes against Iranian targets.
NationalTrump to Sell Fast Access to His Posts on Truth Social; Who Will Benefit?
Former President Donald Trump is set to monetize his social media posts on Truth Social, offering early access to Wall Street traders starting Saturday. This move raises concerns about insider trading and the use of public office for personal gain. Trump Media & Technology defends the service, claiming it promotes free markets and distinguishes between public and private information. Traders could profit from Trump's posts, which often influence market movements. The service, named Truth API, aims to attract high-frequency traders willing to pay $100,000 monthly. However, critics warn it could lead to unfair advantages for wealthy investors over retail ones.
NationalSmall Plane Crashes in Peru, Leaving at Least 13 Dead
At least 13 people died on Saturday when a small plane crashed while flying over the famous Nazca Lines in Peru. Of the 13 deceased, 11 were tourists from Spain, Italy, and Germany, according to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), which did not specify the number of nationals from each country. The accident occurred around 1 p.m. local time, just over a mile from Nazca Airport, after the aircraft, operated by Aerodiana, took off around noon from Pisco Airport in the Ica region, aiming to fly over the geoglyphs of the Nazca Lines. In a statement, the Ministry of Transport and Communications indicated that, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they are ensuring that
NationalTrump threatens to revive 'anti-politicization' fund if Blanche's nomination for Attorney General is blocked
Former President Donald Trump has threatened to push for the revival of an $1.8 billion fund aimed at combating weapon militarization if the nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General is blocked by Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. Trump criticized the senators for their lack of support and indicated he would maintain Blanche as interim Attorney General while advocating for the fund, which has faced opposition from the senators. Tillis responded, blaming Trump for the nomination's delay and expressing concern that Blanche's confirmation is at risk due to the ongoing dispute. The controversial fund has been indefinitely blocked by a federal judge.
NationalUS Strengthens English Rules for Mexican Train Crews
The U.S. government is tightening English language requirements for Mexican train crews transporting cargo across the border to ensure they can understand critical safety information. This proposed regulation, praised by two major railroad unions, aims to enhance safety standards and address concerns raised after inspections of Texas rail yards revealed language barriers. The Federal Railroad Administration has urged companies like CPKC and Union Pacific to ensure their crews can communicate effectively, especially in emergencies. The new rules will limit Mexican crews to operating trains no more than 10 miles into the U.S., addressing safety and job security issues.
NationalKey Contract Expires: Thousands of Migrant Children in the U.S. Face Risk of Deportation
Activists warn that tens of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children in the U.S. may lose their legal representation in immigration courts due to the expiration of a key contract with legal service providers. This contract, which ended on August 31, allowed nearly 100 legal groups to assist around 20,000 children. Without legal support, these vulnerable minors, including infants and teenagers, face a heightened risk of deportation. Organizations like Estrella El Paso are already experiencing layoffs and financial difficulties, as they have not received payments for months. The situation raises concerns about the future of these children and their legal rights.
NationalTerrorist Attack in Colombia: Car Bomb Explodes Near Police Command; At Least 11 Injured
A car bomb exploded near a police command in Cúcuta, Colombia, injuring at least 11 people, including eight police officers. The attack occurred early Saturday in the Tasajero neighborhood, close to residential areas and businesses that sustained damage from the blast. Following the initial explosion, several other explosive devices were detonated. Among the injured was a woman selling coffee at a street stall. This incident coincides with the city's celebrations for the Ferias de Cúcuta and comes just a week before the inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who condemned the attack and vowed to combat violence.
NationalFor Texas DACA recipients, a fearful present and an uncertain future as protected status expires
Itzayana Mondragón, a 26-year-old DACA recipient from Cedar Creek, Texas, faces uncertainty as a federal court ruling could end her ability to work legally in the state. Having grown up in the U.S. after crossing the border from Mexico as an infant, Mondragón has built a life as a nurse and a farmer. However, delays in DACA renewals have left her and others vulnerable to deportation. With fears of losing her job and family stability, she reflects on the anxiety surrounding her status and the impact of immigration enforcement in her community. The upcoming court decision could force her to relocate for work.
NationalFBI: Hair Found in Nancy Guthrie's Home Not Linked to Any Suspect
The FBI announced that hair found in Nancy Guthrie's home in Arizona is not linked to any suspects in her disappearance. This update comes ten days after the FBI released images of a person potentially connected to the case. Officials stated that the hair does not contain DNA, making it unlikely to provide leads. Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for six months, with authorities treating the case as a kidnapping for ransom. The investigation remains active, and the FBI continues to look into ransom notes received since her disappearance on February 1.
NationalBond Requirement for Some U.S. Visas Could Become Permanent
The U.S. State Department will make a pilot program permanent that requires citizens from 50 countries, primarily in Africa, to post bonds when applying for a U.S. visa, and it is also increasing the bond amount to a maximum of $20,000. A draft notice published on Friday in the Federal Register indicates that nearly a year of review provided 'sufficient data' to show that the bond program effectively enforces visa conditions, leading to its permanence. The formal notice will be published on Monday, the day the program becomes permanent, and more countries may be added to the list. The pilot program set the maximum bond amount at $15,000, with lower amounts of $5,000 and $10,000 at the discretion of a consular officer. The final rule raises the maximum to $20,000 and eliminates the minimum payment of $5,000. The program requires passport holders from the affected countries to pay the bond to be interviewed for business and tourist visas—known as B1 and B2 visas—to travel to the United States. The bond is refunded if the visa application is denied or, if granted, if the individual complies with the visa terms. The Trump administration implemented the program in August of last year to combat overstays and as part of broader efforts to curb illegal immigration. The government estimates that arresting and deporting visitors who have overstayed their visas costs about $18,000 per person. State Department officials have described the program as a great success. In 2024, nearly 45,500 visitors from the 50 countries included in the program overstayed their visas, according to the notice. In the first 10 months of the pilot bond program, the number of overstays from those countries was fewer than 50. Critics have argued that the bond imposes an unnecessarily harsh burden on people from impoverished countries visiting family or seeking educational or business opportunities in the U.S. According to government projections and statistics from the program's first year, the State Department initially expected about 2,000 visa applicants to be required to post the bond. Instead, the department found that approximately 20,000 applicants were subject to the bond requirement. Nearly half of those applicants chose not to pay the bond, resulting in an 83% drop in the number of business and tourist visas issued to citizens from the listed countries. 'The department expects this final rule to contribute to the ongoing reduction in demand for B1/B2 visa applications from citizens of countries subject to the program,' the notice states.
NationalBrother of 'El Mencho' Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking in the U.S.
A man whose late brother led one of the most powerful and violent drug cartels in Mexico pleaded guilty on Friday in a Washington court to conspiracy to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States. Antonio Oseguera Cervantes worked for cartels alongside his brother Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the drug lord known as 'El Mencho,' who was killed by the Mexican Army in February, according to U.S. federal prosecutors.
NationalA Marine’s Journey from Trainee to Instructor of the Year
Marine Corps Sgt. Kade Prentice, an aviation support equipment instructor at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit North Island, has been recognized as the Junior Instructor of the Year for fiscal year 2025. Prentice began his military journey in Portland, Oregon, and completed his training at various military bases, including the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and Naval Air Station Pensacola. After serving in the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Bataan and USS Mesa Verde, he returned to teaching, motivated by his operational experiences. His growth from a shy recruit to an effective instructor highlights his dedication to training future Marines.
NationalInfantino says FIFA has abandoned plans to create a subsidiary for World Cup commercialization
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Friday in a statement that the organization has decided against its intention to create a subsidiary for marketing the World Cup. 'After carefully listening to all opinions, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of such a nature that, regardless of the level of support, it no longer serves the benefit of the originally stated objective,' the communication from the governing body of football states. 'Our purpose has always been, and will always be, to unite and improve. Consequently, this proposal will not move forward,' it adds. Last Wednesday, FIFA announced its intention to sell 20% of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the new subsidiary it sought to create to manage the commercial operations and events of the organization, such as the World Cup, its main product.