National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalTrump's $46 Billion 'Smart Wall' Advances on the US-Mexico Border
For decades, the only thing separating the United States from Mexico was a barbed-wire fence. Now, following a massive injection of funds from Congress, President Donald Trump's administration is rapidly constructing what it has dubbed a 'smart wall,' a combination of 30-foot-high steel fences and a series of sophisticated technologies such as sensors, cameras, and towers that allow the Border Patrol to monitor the area. The wall is under intense scrutiny due to the billions of dollars being allocated to it at a time when border crossings are at their lowest level in decades. Critics argue that the United States is militarizing the border by deploying increasingly sophisticated surveillance technology in the area, which impacts local communities. 'We are seeing a huge expansion of surveillance and surveillance technology throughout the border region,' said Ricky Garza, border policy advisor for the advocacy group Southern Border Communities Coalition. 'The wall, in all its forms, is harmful to communities.' Authorities point out that the technology complements the physical wall and frees agents to perform other tasks. 'It's a smart wall. It's not just a barrier,' said Rodney Scott, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), during recent testimony before Congress. 'It maximizes the use of our most valuable resource, which is our agents.'
NationalDOW and Mike Rowe Form $10M Partnership to Rebuild America’s Industrial Workforce
The U.S. Department of War has launched the Build Freedom workforce development initiative, announcing a $10 million investment to support the mikeroweWORKS Foundation Scholarship program. Under Secretary Michael P. Duffey emphasized the importance of closing the skills gap in America, linking it to national security. Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, expressed gratitude for the funding, which will help train the next generation of skilled workers for essential jobs in the defense industrial base. The initiative aims to unite government, industry, and educational institutions to create opportunities in high-paying, AI-resistant careers.
NationalThe Anticipated Wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden; What We Know
NEW YORK — The celebrations for the 250th Anniversary of the United States, FIFA World Cup matches (including the final), and the Knicks parade… it has been a busy summer for New York City. And the activity is about to ramp up even more. NBC News confirmed that the celebrations for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding will take place at Madison Square Garden in the days leading up to the July 4th weekend. Just in case another hint was needed. On Thursday, our sister station NBC New York spotted a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer in front of Madison Square Garden with a folder that read: 'Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Wedding.' The document is dated Thursday, July 2, the rumored date for the couple's rehearsal dinner. It is unclear if the folder actually contains wedding details. Could it be a hoax? In recent days, speculation about the superstar musician and the football player's wedding has reached a fever pitch, following weeks of unconfirmed reports suggesting the nuptials would take place over the July 4th weekend at one of New York's most iconic venues. Now, that information has been confirmed. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on Wednesday that a permit had been requested for a 'large event' at Madison Square Garden. The request also includes setting up a tent and closing streets around the venue. Mamdani's administration did not reveal who applied for the permit. 'We are fully prepared,' he added. 'There is nothing more to communicate on this matter.'
NationalTrump Administration Proposes Rule That Would Save Medicare Patients Money on Medications
The administration of President Donald Trump proposed a new rule on Thursday to prevent hospitals from charging markups on discounted medications for Medicare patients, claiming it could save consumers $1.1 billion next year, according to estimates obtained by The Associated Press. The rule would apply to hospitals serving low-income patients under what is known as the 340B program, which allows hospitals to purchase prescription drugs for outpatient patients at discounted prices. However, in many cases, hospitals can bill insurers at rates that exceed those costs, allowing them to keep the difference and resulting in higher costs for patients. Under the proposed rule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would change the reimbursement formula that participating hospitals in the program receive, in an effort to reduce costs for patients. The Republican administration has sought to demonstrate, in an election year, that it is addressing affordability challenges for American families at a time when rising healthcare costs are creating financial strain for households and the government. While the administration has taken several measures that it claims will save money on medical treatments, it remains unclear how much savings could ultimately materialize, given the complexity of the country's healthcare system.
NationalTrump Accounts Launch on July 4, with $1,000 for Newborns: What You Need to Know
President Donald Trump's administration plans to launch the Trump Accounts on Saturday, linking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with an effort to promote the financial independence of the nation's children. Under the program, parents can open investment accounts for any child born during Trump's second term and automatically receive $1,000 from the government. Accounts can also be opened for older children, as long as they do not turn 18 before the end of the calendar year, but they will not receive the $1,000. The funds—along with any other deposits made by employers, philanthropic organizations, and family members—will be invested in the stock market through private firms. Children cannot access the money until they turn 18, and even then, only for specific purposes, such as purchasing a home or funding education. The accounts have already received a boost from billionaires, in addition to the government's $1,000. Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, and his wife, Susan, have committed to contributing $6.25 billion to the accounts of some children who do not qualify for the government's $1,000. On Wednesday, Trump announced on Truth Social that Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology, would contribute $250 million.
NationalEight Days Under the Rubble: The Miraculous Rescue of Hernán in Venezuela
Hernán Gil, a 43-year-old security guard, was rescued after being trapped for eight days under the rubble of a building in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, following two powerful earthquakes on June 24. His small security booth provided a protective air pocket amidst the debris. Rescue operations began formally on Monday, involving around 100 rescuers from various countries, including Chile and the U.S. Gil maintained communication with rescuers, who provided him with hydration and medication. His wife, Gusbimar González, waited anxiously outside the collapsed building. The Venezuelan government reported over 6,461 rescues and significant casualties from the earthquakes.
NationalJune Unemployment Report to Be Released This Thursday: Here's What to Expect
The U.S. economy added only 57,000 jobs in June, raising concerns about labor market stability, while wage growth remained below inflation for the third consecutive month. The unemployment rate slightly decreased to 4.2%. June's job creation was the lowest since February, with significant downward revisions to previous months' data. April's job growth was reduced by 31,000, and May's by 43,000. The employment report will be released this Thursday due to the Independence Day holiday. Economists are closely monitoring the labor market, especially as hiring in the healthcare sector slowed to 22,000 jobs, well below the average of 38,000. Additionally, leisure and hospitality jobs fell by 61,000 in June, signaling potential consumer spending decline.
NationalFederal Government Sues Over Law Banning Sale of Semi-Automatic Pistols
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against California's new law prohibiting the sale of semi-automatic Glock pistols, claiming it violates the Second Amendment. This law, known as AB 1127, took effect on July 1, 2026, and targets Glock models and similar designs that can be easily converted into automatic weapons. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the Second Amendment is a sacred right for all Americans, including Californians. While the law halts new sales, it does not penalize existing ownership of Glock pistols, which can still be legally retained by current owners.
NationalCalifornia Establishes Bruce Lee Day, Martial Arts Icon
California has officially designated May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, making him the first Chinese-American to receive this honor in the state’s history. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law on Tuesday, as announced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, who represents San Francisco. Bruce Lee, born in San Francisco in 1940, returned to the city on May 17, 1959, at the age of 18. His daughter, Shannon Lee, expressed that this recognition highlights her father's enduring legacy as a cultural bridge. Various Asian-American organizations plan to celebrate Lee annually with cultural events and educational activities across the state.
NationalUS and Iran Hold Separate Meetings in Qatar: Agree to Continue Talks
U.S. and Iranian negotiators held separate meetings in Qatar on Wednesday, facilitated by Qatari and Pakistani mediators, achieving 'positive progress' and agreeing to continue discussions. The next meeting will be scheduled soon after the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, set for Saturday in Tehran. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner discussed a permanent end to the war, while Iranian negotiator Kazem Gharibabadi focused on issues like Lebanon and the return of frozen Iranian assets. Tensions remain high, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, where a foreign container ship ran aground due to not following Iran's approved route.
NationalDepartment of War Creates Dedicated Portfolio to Accelerate Unmanned Systems
The Department of War has announced a major reorganization to consolidate all Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UxS) under a new position reporting directly to the Deputy Secretary of War. This initiative aims to enhance the development and deployment of autonomous technologies, crucial for maintaining the U.S. military's competitive edge. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized the need for rapid action, citing the significant increase in global military production of unmanned systems. The reorganization follows directives from President Trump to improve military capabilities and strengthen domestic drone manufacturing, ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in drone technology.
NationalQatari Jet Transformed into Air Force One Takes Inaugural Flight with Trump
President Donald Trump is making his first trip on a new Air Force One valued at $400 million, gifted by Qatar. The aircraft, a refurbished Boeing 747, incorporates Trump's personality even more deeply into the institution of the U.S. presidency. The signature light blue fuselage over the cockpit is gone. The renovated plane is painted in Trump's preferred colors: navy blue on the lower half with red and gold stripes. It features the luxury amenities that the president believes should be part of a commander-in-chief's entourage—plush carpets, fully reclining seats, wooden paneling, and a presidential seal on the seatbelts, according to tours of the aircraft. Trump told reporters he was proud of the luxurious aircraft, stating, 'You can do two things: you can keep it discreet or you can show it off.'
NationalLegendary Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan Dies at 100
Alan Greenspan, the former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, passed away at the age of 100, leaving a significant mark on the economic landscape. Serving from 1987 to 2006, his tenure was characterized by pivotal moments, including the management of the 1990s peso crisis and the response to the 9/11 attacks. Known for coining the term 'irrational exuberance,' his remarks often influenced global markets dramatically. Despite facing criticism for his monetary policies, which some argue contributed to the 2008 financial crisis, Greenspan advocated for increased investment in public education as a means to address economic inequality.
NationalUS, Canada, and Mexico Begin Negotiations to Renew the USMCA, a Key Trade Agreement
Tourists from Chattanooga are checking into beach resorts in Cancun. Parts from Canadian cars supply factories in the north-central region of the United States and vice versa. Happy hour enthusiasts are raising glasses of Mexican tequila and mezcal in bars in Seattle. All of this adds up. The United States trades $1.9 trillion a year—$5 billion a day—in goods and services with its neighbors, Canada and Mexico. These countries have surpassed China to become the two largest trading partners of the United States. Therefore, what is at stake is significant when it comes to tweaking the rules governing trade among the three countries. After a year of chaotic tariff policies under President Donald Trump, many businesses in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico would welcome a return to stability across North America. However, it is unlikely they will achieve that. The regional trade agreement, known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which Trump negotiated and touted during his first term, reached its renewal review date on Wednesday, a process that is likely to take months, if not longer. The road ahead is fraught with challenges. 'There will be a lot of drama this summer,' said Diego Marroquín Bitar, a researcher at the Americas Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, last week at a forum on the USMCA sponsored by the Cato Institute.
NationalHow the Supreme Court Became a Key Player in Trump's Immigration Agenda
President Donald Trump's administration turned to the Supreme Court to approve its ambitious hardline immigration agenda, generally receiving the backing it sought, with one key exception: birthright citizenship. After lower courts repeatedly ruled against the Trump administration, the nation's highest court allowed it to end temporary protections for people fleeing war or conflict, granted immigration officials greater discretion in dealing with permanent resident cardholders returning from abroad, and permitted the government to limit the number of people who can apply for asylum. In serving as a facilitator for the contentious immigration policy of the Republican president, the Supreme Court showed deference to constitutional safeguards in the key case regarding birthright citizenship, which would have redefined who can be American. By ruling against the government, the court reaffirmed the concept that individuals born in the United States, regardless of their parents' immigration status, are American citizens.
NationalTelemundo Celebrates 250 Years of the U.S. with Special Coverage This July 4th from NY
Everything is set! The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary this Saturday, July 4th, and Telemundo will join in with special live coverage from 9 AM ET to 1 PM ET. The coverage will kick off at 9 AM ET / 8 AM CT with Sail4th 250, an unprecedented event that will bring together dozens of vessels from 20 countries in New York Harbor. The special will be hosted by Carlos Calderón, presenter of Hoy Día, and Lourdes Stephen from Al Rojo Vivo. Nearly 50 sailboats from various corners of the world will participate in the International Sailboat Parade in New York Harbor. The route will start at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, continue in front of the Statue of Liberty, and proceed up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge, where they will share the stage with a fleet of U.S. Navy ships and allied countries. You can follow this historic celebration through Telemundo, Peacock, and this article. Impressive sailboats from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Peru, India, Italy, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Uruguay will sail into New York Harbor. The event is expected to be the largest maritime and aerial gathering in U.S. history, according to organizers. 48 large sailboats from 20 countries will sail through New York Harbor during the July 4th international parade. More than 40 naval vessels from the U.S. and allied countries will be anchored in the Hudson for the International Naval Review 250. Over 120 aircraft, led by the Blue Angels, will fly over the parade in an international air review. An estimated 6 million spectators are expected along 15 miles of coastline. The parade will primarily feature Class A vessels, the largest of their kind, ranging from approximately 160 to 370 feet in length. The extensive live coverage of the July 4th International Sailboat Parade will be the highlight of the event: you can watch it live on Telemundo and Peacock from 7:00 AM ET to 1:00 PM ET. NBCU Local is collaborating with Sail4th 250 and will provide live coverage from various locations in the city, including Governors Island, Riverbank Park, Roosevelt Park, and the Intrepid, as well as aboard the Queen Mary 2, the USCGC Eagle, and sailboats from Peru and Italy, among other locations throughout the harbor. 'With 50 days to go, New York Harbor is ready to welcome the world,' said Chris O’Brien, president of Sail4th 250. 'The men and women who have dedicated years to making this event possible — in the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard, Sail4th 250, and dozens of collaborating agencies — have achieved something this country hasn’t seen in a generation. On July 4th, the world will witness a true exchange of international goodwill.' Through this partnership, NBC and Telemundo stations will present coverage of Sail4th 250 on television, streaming platforms, and digital outlets nationwide before and during the event, which will take place from July 3rd to 8th in New York.
NationalLIVE: Two People Climb to the Top of the Iconic Empire State Building
NEW YORK — Two individuals climbed to the top of the iconic Empire State Building in Manhattan on Wednesday. Telemundo 47 captured images of the climbers holding a black flag with white lettering that read: 'When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.' As of 12:04 p.m., the two were clinging to the building's spire. It remains unclear how they reached the antenna. The Empire State Building is one of the most famous buildings in the world and a symbol of New York City. For nearly 40 years, it was the tallest building in the world. This is a developing story.
NationalPostal Worker Kidnapped and Murdered While Delivering Mail on Her Route
A man kidnapped and murdered a United States Postal Service worker last week while she was delivering mail in North Carolina, authorities reported. The victim left her two daughters orphaned, who had just lost their father a few months earlier. Brandi Reynolds, 35, was found dead after authorities responded to an emergency call on Friday afternoon in Hays, North Carolina, according to a statement from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). 'I can confirm that Brandi Reynolds was delivering mail on her route when the incident occurred,' said Michael Martel, a United States Postal Inspection Service inspector, in an email.
NationalWhen Will Social Security Payments Arrive in July? Here Are the Mailing Dates
Social Security payments for July 2026 will be distributed on specific dates based on beneficiaries' birth dates. Payments for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will start on July 1. Those born from the 1st to the 10th will receive their payments on the second Wednesday of the month, while those born from the 11th to the 20th will get theirs on the third Wednesday, and those born from the 21st to the 31st on the fourth Wednesday. The payment schedule continues with the first of each month for the rest of the year, adjusted for weekends and holidays. For more details, visit the official Social Security Administration website.