National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalNASA Seeks to Save Telescope Before It Falls Back to Earth with Bold Mission
NASA is launching a $30 million mission to rescue the aging Swift Observatory, which is losing altitude due to increased solar activity. The operation, set to begin this week, involves a robotic spacecraft developed by Katalyst Space Technologies that will elevate Swift to a higher orbit. The autonomous spacecraft, named Link, is designed to capture Swift and raise its orbit from 360 kilometers to 600 kilometers. Swift, operational since 2004, is crucial for detecting cosmic events. If successful, it could resume operations by September. NASA emphasizes the importance of this mission, as Swift is irreplaceable and vital for ongoing astronomical research.
NationalKarol G urges De la Espriella to govern 'for everyone' and move beyond polarization in Colombia
Bogotá — Colombian singer Karol G published an open letter addressed to the elected president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, urging him to govern 'for everyone,' listen to both his supporters and those who backed other candidates, and remember that power 'is not a trophy' but 'a responsibility.' In the text shared on her X account a week after the presidential runoff, the artist states she is not writing 'as a supporter' or 'as an opponent,' but 'as a Colombian who deeply loves her country,' and emphasizes that after the elections, 'the campaign has ended' and now begins 'the hardest part: governing for everyone.' Carolina Giraldo (Karol G's real name) notes that while 12.9 million Colombians supported the new president and another 12.7 million voted for leftist Iván Cepeda, all share the desire to live in 'a safer, fairer country with more opportunities and less hatred.' In this regard, the artist urges the elected president to also listen to those who did not support him at the polls and to govern 'for Colombia' and not 'for a party, an ideology, or a sector.' 'I want to ask you to remember, every day, that the power you received a week ago is not a trophy, it is not a prize, it is a responsibility,' the performer wrote in one of the most notable sections of the letter.
NationalMississippi Law to Create List of Undocumented Immigrants Alarms Advocates
A new law in Mississippi allows the state's public safety agency to create a list of undocumented immigrants residing in the state. Set to take effect on Wednesday, this legislation has raised concerns among immigrant advocates, fearing it could lead to increased deportations. The law mandates the Department of Public Safety to use legal means to identify undocumented individuals, including collecting personal information and criminal records. Critics argue this could undermine trust in law enforcement and divert resources from public safety. Mississippi has a low number of undocumented immigrants, estimated at under 28,000, or less than 1% of its population.
NationalDo You Have a Student Loan? Important Changes Under Trump’s Law Take Effect This Week
Starting this week, significant changes to the federal student loan system will take effect under the Trump administration. Borrowers may experience varied impacts, with some seeing minimal changes while low-income individuals could face increased monthly payments. The new regulations limit repayment plan options and eliminate the more favorable repayment plan introduced during the Biden administration. Additionally, interest rates will rise, with undergraduate loans at 6.52% and graduate loans at 8.07%. The changes aim to streamline the system and transfer oversight from the Department of Education to the Treasury Department, raising concerns among advocacy groups about affordability and potential negative effects on borrowers.
NationalMore than 72 million people will travel for July 4th; here's how to avoid holiday traffic
Over 72 million Americans are expected to travel for Independence Day celebrations from June 27 to July 5, according to AAA. This marks a slight increase from last year's record of 71.8 million travelers. Most will drive, with 61.4 million opting for road trips despite high gas prices, as filling a tank remains cheaper than flying, which averages around $830 for domestic flights. The busiest travel day is projected to be July 2. Popular destinations include Seattle, Orlando, and New York, while international travelers are drawn to cities like Vancouver and Rome. Travelers are advised to avoid peak traffic times to ease their journeys.
NationalAnguish Grows in Venezuela as Search for Survivors Continues After Earthquakes Leave 1,430 Dead
In Venezuela's La Guaira state, rescue efforts continue following devastating earthquakes that have left at least 1,450 dead and over 3,150 injured. Families are desperately searching for missing loved ones, with reports indicating around 68,900 people unaccounted for. Rescuers, including international teams, are sifting through rubble, but frustrations are mounting over the government's perceived inadequate response. Many locals criticize the lack of support from authorities, while the International Organization for Migration warns that over 6 million could be affected. Amid the chaos, small moments of hope emerge as survivors are found, but the situation remains dire as aftershocks complicate rescue operations.
NationalA Trump Administration Commission Urges Building 'Bridges' Between Church and State
A new report from a Trump administration commission advocates for building 'bridges' between church and state, challenging the long-standing separation principle in U.S. law. The draft, released by the U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom, suggests a stronger role for religion in government and public spaces, praising recent Supreme Court decisions that expand religious expression rights. It calls for the repeal of the Johnson Amendment, which restricts political activities of tax-exempt religious groups, and recommends compensating military personnel discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations. The draft is open for public comment for 15 days and is expected to face opposition from groups favoring church-state separation.
NationalUS Attacks Iranian Targets for Second Consecutive Day Amid Temporary Agreement
The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets for the second consecutive day, following orders from President Donald Trump. The Central Command reported that these strikes targeted Iranian surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, and drone storage facilities in response to an earlier drone attack on the oil tanker Kiku in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the U.S. would not tolerate further violations of the ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Bahrain condemned the Iranian drone attacks and called for an end to hostilities. Ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran aim to finalize a ceasefire agreement within 60 days.
NationalTrump nominates former Marine Lance Schroyer to lead ICE
President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state police officer and U.S. Marine, as the next director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump described Schroyer as a 'PATRIOT with real operational experience' and a 'proven leader with decades of experience.' If confirmed, Schroyer will lead ICE during a time of heightened public scrutiny regarding immigration enforcement. The agency has recently expanded with a $75 billion funding boost, allowing for the hiring of 12,000 agents. The nomination follows the resignation of former ICE director Todd Lyons, with David Venturella currently serving as acting director.
NationalWhat Caused the Collapse of So Many Buildings Due to Earthquakes in Venezuela
Recent earthquakes in Venezuela have caused significant destruction, primarily due to old buildings, non-compliance with construction regulations, and geographical factors. The powerful tremors, among the strongest in over a century, resulted in over 900 fatalities, with numbers expected to rise. Experts from Microsoft analyzed satellite images revealing that about one-third of nearly 30,000 structures in Catia La Mar were damaged. Factors like rapid construction during oil booms and poor adherence to seismic safety practices contributed to the devastation. Many older buildings, built before modern standards, and those on soft soil were particularly vulnerable to collapse.
NationalEarthquake damages in Venezuela estimated at $6.7 billion, according to UNDP
The damages caused to homes and economic assets, such as vehicles, buildings, or businesses, following the two earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week are preliminarily estimated at $6.7 billion, according to a satellite assessment based on the Rapid Digital Analysis (RAPIDA) from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to a statement from the UNDP, the assessment is based on seismic models, satellite images, and population data, and was conducted in the hours following the earthquakes on June 24, which had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred near the northern coast of Venezuela. The earthquakes were felt in significant populated and economically relevant areas, including the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and the states of La Guaira, Carabobo, Miranda, Yaracuy, and Aragua, the UNDP noted. The data also suggests possible interruptions in the power supply in parts of Carabobo, La Guaira, Caracas, and Aragua. 'The speed and accuracy of initial assessments are essential for an effective response,' stated Luis Francisco Thais, UNDP Resident Representative in Venezuela.
NationalVenezuela Enters Critical Phase of Survivor Search: Tragedy Leaves 920 Dead
Venezuela is in a critical phase of search and rescue following devastating earthquakes that have resulted in at least 1,430 deaths and left around 50,000 people missing. Access to La Guaira, the hardest-hit area, has been restricted by authorities to facilitate rescue efforts, which are mainly being conducted by local residents due to a shortage of government rescuers. Over 14,000 military and police personnel are on patrol, and more than 1,600 international rescuers from various countries have arrived to assist. The situation remains dire, with reports of food shortages and allegations of military confiscation of aid. The Maiquetía airport has reopened one runway to facilitate rescue operations.
NationalA Trump commission urges bridge between church and state in sweeping draft report
A draft report from a commission established by former President Trump advocates for a closer relationship between church and state, challenging the traditional separation concept. Released by the Religious Liberty Commission, the 224-page document recommends various measures, including repealing the Johnson Amendment, which restricts political activities of tax-exempt religious groups, and expanding religious expression in public spaces. It also proposes compensating military members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines and creating new honors for religious liberty. The report is open for public comment for 15 days, but it faces criticism from groups advocating for the separation of church and state.
NationalTexas Supreme Court rejects lawsuit by survivors of Uvalde school shooting
The Texas Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal from students and teachers of Robb Elementary School regarding the 2022 Uvalde shooting that resulted in 19 student and two teacher fatalities. The court upheld a previous ruling from the 4th Court of Appeals, which stated that the Department of Public Safety and Uvalde County were not liable under the Texas Tort Claims Act. The lawsuit claimed negligence in the response to the shooting, citing failures in communication and protective measures by law enforcement. However, the court found insufficient evidence to support the claims of negligence leading to injuries during the incident.
NationalTrump administration sued for denaturalization plans
A nonprofit is suing the Trump administration for more information on its plans to identify and pursue denaturalization cases in the United States.
NationalAsteroid the Size of Two to Four Empire State Buildings to Pass Near Earth
A large asteroid will speed past Earth this weekend, but there's no need for concern: it poses no danger. The space rock, named 1997 NC1, will make its closest approach on Saturday morning, at a distance of 2.6 million kilometers (1.6 million miles), according to the European Space Agency (ESA). Discovered nearly three decades ago by an asteroid tracking system in Hawaii, the asteroid measures between 0.75 kilometers (2,461 feet) and 1.65 kilometers (5,413 feet) wide, roughly the size of two to four Empire State Buildings.
NationalThe flame of Liberty and Independence
The United States is commemorating its Semiquincentennial, celebrating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. This milestone reflects on the ongoing spirit of the Revolution, emphasizing that the ideals of Liberty and Independence remain alive in the hearts of American patriots today. Events and activities are likely to take place across the nation to honor this significant anniversary and the values it represents.
NationalTrump Threatens 100% Tariff on Imports from Countries Taxing Digital Services
President Donald Trump threatened on Friday to impose a 100% tariff on imports from any country that enacts a tax on digital services provided by U.S. companies. In a social media post, Trump criticized European countries that he claimed are debating the 'imminent' implementation of taxes on American companies. The U.S. president has repeatedly sought to use tariffs as a way to deter such taxes, but many countries are looking for revenue as their economies increasingly operate in digital sectors dominated by U.S. firms. 'Let this statement serve to make it clear that any country imposing such a tax will immediately face a 100% TARIFF on all goods shipped to the United States,' Trump wrote. He added that the new tariff would take precedence over any previously negotiated trade agreements. Trump noted that the sanction would apply to any country imposing such a tax, but specifically pointed to European nations in his post. This measure could lead to a larger confrontation that threatens to raise prices and hinder economic growth, potentially triggering a wider trade war if the European Union, made up of 27 member states, is forced to retaliate. 'Unilateral measures targeting legitimate policies of this kind are unjustified. If implemented, the EU will respond swiftly and decisively to defend its rights and regulatory autonomy,' emphasized Olof Gill, spokesperson for the European Commission, on Friday. He defended the taxation of tech companies as 'non-discriminatory' and applied equally to 'all large companies, regardless of their origin.'
NationalFootball Diplomacy Eases Tensions Between Mexico and Spain
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — With football and culture, seven years of tensions and ups and downs between Mexico and Spain have been resolved. Their national teams have not faced each other in this World Cup, and it is unlikely they will meet, but this World Cup — specifically the Spain-Uruguay match this Friday in Guadalajara — provided the opportunity for King Felipe VI to travel to Mexico, have a one-hour conversation with President Claudia Sheinbaum, and officially close the disagreements that have lingered since 2019 over Mexico's demand for an apology from the monarch regarding the Conquest. Miguel Campos, a 41-year-old Spanish bank employee visiting Mexico for the first time to attend the match, considered the controversy to be 'more political maneuvering and media noise than what people actually feel.' He stated, 'There is no hatred towards Spain, and I believe that Mexicans and Spaniards are like half-cousins.' Sergio Astorga, a waiter from Guadalajara, emphasized that 'the unity between Mexicans and Spaniards is part of us.' The public apology that sparked heated debates in both countries never occurred, but the monarch acknowledged in March the abuses and 'moral and ethical controversies' during the conquest of Mexico at a Mexican exhibition in Madrid about indigenous women. Two days later, Sheinbaum confirmed that there was an invitation for him to attend the World Cup. The diplomatic efforts of both governments had succeeded, and Sheinbaum acknowledged on Friday that these words from March were essential. She needed those statements for 'a matter of dignity' for the people of Mexico and aimed to be consistent with the position of her predecessor and mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who sent the letter to the king demanding an apology and in 2022 placed relations on a 'pause' that was never explained; she did not invite Felipe VI to her inauguration in 2024. Overcoming the misunderstandings was also necessary for pragmatic reasons: to strengthen the already significant bilateral commercial, cultural, and social ties at a complicated geopolitical and economic moment. The alignment between both governments had already been demonstrated with Sheinbaum's visit to a meeting of progressive leaders in Barcelona, where a message of unity was sent against the policies of Donald Trump's government. Felipe VI and Sheinbaum discussed trade, economy, and international politics on Thursday. 'He is a very down-to-earth person,' she said. 'This magnificent relationship... is improving' and has 'an enormously prosperous future ahead, that is what we need to talk about, especially about the future,' the king said shortly after in Guadalajara. The diplomatic power of football has been utilized by governments for decades, although it is also a ground of contradictions. This World Cup, organized in the three North American countries as a symbol of unity, comes at a tense moment between the United States, Mexico, and Canada due to Trump's unilateral, protectionist, and anti-immigration policies. Felipe VI is not the only royal family member to visit Mexico during the World Cup. Princess Hisako of Takamado from Japan also took the opportunity to visit Monterrey, where Japan defeated Tunisia 4-0 last Sunday in the 1,000th match in World Cup history. Additionally, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands were in Houston cheering for their team against Sweden and later in Kansas City supporting Curacao, a Dutch nation making history by participating in the World Cup for the first time.