National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalIran Halts Negotiations with the U.S. and Leaves Venue Following Trump's Threats
Iran has suspended negotiations with the United States in Switzerland following new threats from President Donald Trump. The Iranian delegation left the negotiation site in Bürgenstock after a meeting with Qatari mediators. Trump warned that the U.S. could resume bombings if Iran does not act against its ally Hezbollah. He also threatened that if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, it would face severe consequences. Despite these threats, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohamad Baqer Qalibaf downplayed the warnings, asserting that Iran's armed forces are ready to respond. The negotiations aimed to address the implementation of a recent memorandum regarding various conflicts, including Lebanon.
NationalTrump tries to blame Reflecting Poll woes on vandalism, without offering substantiation
President Donald Trump announced multiple arrests related to vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which has faced issues following a $14 million rehabilitation project. Despite his claims of vandalism, Trump provided no evidence to support his assertions. The pool, intended to reflect the Washington Monument with a blue lining, quickly turned green due to algae. One of the arrested individuals, David Hearn, stated he was curious about the peeling coating when he was detained by authorities for five hours. Trump suggested that nefarious actions were at play, linking it to previous incidents on the National Mall.
NationalJD Vance Reports 'Significant Progress' After Initial Hours of Negotiations with Iran
U.S. Vice President JD Vance reported significant progress in the initial hours of negotiations with Iran in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, aimed at ending the Middle East conflict. Vance, leading the U.S. delegation, expressed optimism about achieving further advancements in the discussions. He emphasized that this marks the beginning of a technical negotiation process, which, while not resolving all issues, allows for dialogue. The U.S. aims to transform its relationship with Iran, contingent on Iran's commitment to cease regional instability and nuclear ambitions. Progress was also noted regarding the ceasefire in Lebanon, with hopes for a comprehensive peace in the region.
NationalPresidential Runoff in Colombia: Key Proposals from Cepeda and De la Espriella
COLOMBIA — Colombia will elect its next president in a runoff on Sunday between progressive Iván Cepeda and conservative Abelardo de la Espriella, who have opposing proposals on how to govern a country facing financial, social, and security challenges. Senator Cepeda promises to deepen the agenda of the current progressive government of Gustavo Petro, his political ally who cannot be reelected, to continue the 'change' in favor of the most vulnerable, claiming that the opposition hindered the execution of his projects during Petro's term. He has also indicated he will continue seeking negotiated solutions to the internal armed conflict. Meanwhile, De la Espriella promises a complete turnaround from the current administration, focusing his program on a hardline strategy against drug trafficking and illegal armed groups, despite Colombia having signed a historic peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) a decade ago. The conservative candidate is supported by U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine Javier Milei, who stated on social media that Colombia will determine whether it follows the 'path of economic growth' or persists 'in the path of impoverishing communism.' The Colombian Foreign Ministry rejected Milei's statements and called for respect for the 'principle of non-intervention' in the country's internal affairs. Below are the key proposals from both candidates.
NationalTrump Blames Deterioration of National Mall Reflecting Pool on Vandalism and Announces Arrests
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that federal authorities had made multiple arrests related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. He attributed the pool's deterioration to previous administrations, stating he aimed to restore it to a 'flag-blue' color. However, after its recent unveiling, the blue hue quickly turned green again, prompting chemical treatments that caused the blue coating to peel. Trump claimed vandalism was responsible for the damage, although he provided no evidence. One arrested individual, David Hearn, was detained for five hours after touching the peeling coating. Investigations into the vandalism are ongoing.
NationalJudge Rejects Biden's Request to Halt Release of Recordings Linked to DOJ Investigation
A federal judge has denied former President Joe Biden's request to block the release of recordings related to a Department of Justice investigation. Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled that public interest in the material outweighed Biden's privacy rights, but she suspended her decision for three weeks to allow for an appeal. The recordings were obtained by Special Counsel Robert Hur during an investigation into whether Biden improperly retained classified documents. Republicans in Congress have demanded these recordings after Hur declined to file charges against Biden. The Biden administration has resisted releasing the recordings, citing privacy concerns.
NationalCepeda vs. De la Espriella: How Colombia Approaches the Decisive Presidential Runoff
Colombians are set to vote in a crucial presidential runoff on Sunday, choosing between progressive Iván Cepeda and conservative Abelardo de la Espriella. Cepeda, an ally of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, aims to continue his social reforms, while De la Espriella, an outsider who garnered 43.73% of the first-round votes, promises a tough stance against crime. The election has heightened tensions, with accusations of vote-buying and fraud. Analysts express concern over extreme polarization and potential post-election violence. Both candidates are urged to promote trust in institutions and discourage violence as they head into the decisive vote.
NationalColombia Elects President Today in Runoff
Colombians return to the polls this Sunday to choose their president in a runoff election that will determine the leader for the 2026-2030 constitutional period, between Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist Iván Cepeda, following a heated campaign marked by intense rhetoric and social media activity. A total of 41,421,973 citizens are eligible to vote in these elections, both domestically and abroad, where voting began on June 15 and will also conclude this Sunday. More than half of the electorate consists of women (21.2 million), while men total 20.1 million, registered at 122,016 polling stations across 13,742 voting locations.
NationalIran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again After Deadly Israeli Attacks in Lebanon
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz following deadly Israeli attacks in Lebanon, warning that little progress can be made in ongoing negotiations with the U.S. unless fighting ceases. U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tolls on the vital waterway if a final agreement is not reached within 60 days. Negotiators from both nations are set to meet in Switzerland, with key Iranian officials attending. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have resulted in at least 16 deaths, escalating tensions. The situation remains precarious as both sides seek a ceasefire amid ongoing military operations.
National"Nothing beats this plane": Trump unveils the new Air Force One gifted by Qatar
President Donald Trump officially presented his new Air Force One on Friday —which was delivered amid controversy by the government of Qatar— and announced it would be used for a ceremonial flyover in Washington on July 4 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Trump celebrated the delivery of the luxurious Boeing 747 during an event at Joint Base Andrews, just outside Washington, which began as he descended the aircraft's steps. With a color scheme of dark red, white, and dark blue —a variation from the lighter blue of the previous model— the plane is intended for Trump to use at events commemorating this historic anniversary of the nation. "Nothing beats this plane, and that's how we should have it for our country. No one comes close," Trump stated. On July 4, the aircraft will lead a flyover —"like never seen before," according to Trump— featuring other military planes.
NationalTexas Supreme Court rejects attempt to block beach closures for SpaceX launches
Siding with SpaceX and the attorney general’s office, the Texas Supreme Court on Friday ruled that environmental groups did not have a right to sue to preserve public access to a beach that has been closed during rocket launches. The unanimous ruling said a trial judge properly dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning the groups
NationalThe blue paint is peeling from the water mirror of the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial
WASHINGTON — The renovation of the water mirror at the Lincoln Memorial, initiated by President Donald Trump in anticipation of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States, is not going as planned. First, the project exceeded Trump's initial cost estimate — which was under $2 million — and has already surpassed $14.6 million, according to a federal spending database. Then, the new 'American flag blue' color — promoted by Trump — lasted only a short time, as algae turned the water green, prompting the government to send crews to pour hydrogen peroxide into the expansive pond to address the issue. In recent days, NBC News observed that the blue paint was peeling; strips of paint were seen coming off and floating on the surface, visible to visitors and passersby, just as the summer tourism season begins in the nation's capital.
NationalMigration Returns to the Forefront of the Agenda Between Mexico and the United States
The heads of the Interior and Foreign Affairs secretariats, Rosa Icela Rodríguez and Roberto Velasco, met with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, to discuss the migration agenda and highlighted progress against trafficking and human smuggling. The meeting also included Mexico's National Migration Institute Commissioner, Sergio Salomón, and representatives from the National Defense Secretariat, the Citizen Security and Protection Secretariat, and the Attorney General's Office, along with U.S. embassy representatives. According to a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the meeting aimed to 'discuss bilateral agenda topics related to migration.' The text noted that 'the advances made by the Mexican government in addressing the migration process were highlighted.' The secretaries emphasized ongoing binational collaboration based on respect for the principles that underpin the relationship between both countries, which has helped reduce irregular migration and combat trafficking networks. On social media, the Interior Secretary stated that 'there is coordination between the governments of Mexico and the U.S. to work on bilateral agenda topics' and assured that the meeting served 'to continue progressing with dialogue, cooperation, and respect on migration issues.' Mexico has shifted from being a transit country in the migration flow to the U.S. to becoming a destination due to the tightening of restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump since his return to the White House. As a result, many migrants now aim to obtain legal status to work and settle in the country.
NationalCamp Lejeune Deploys High-Tech Simulations to Revolutionize Tactical Driving
At Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, the Marine Corps has introduced the Multiplatform Driver Simulator (MPDS) to enhance tactical vehicle training. This advanced simulator allows Marines to practice driving in various environments without physical risks, improving their confidence and critical thinking skills. The MPDS features realistic controls and can simulate real-time scenarios, including adverse weather conditions and mechanical warnings. Instructors can customize challenges to better prepare Marines for unpredictable situations. This modernization effort aims to ensure that Marines are well-prepared and safe before operating actual tactical vehicles.
NationalFeds Cut Interest Rates on Federal Student Loans
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a 1% interest rate reduction for federal student loan borrowers who enroll in auto pay starting July 1. This reduction applies to those who enroll by September 30, 2026, or are already enrolled, lasting until June 30, 2028. The initiative aims to simplify repayment and increase affordability in higher education. Additionally, two new repayment plans will be available from July 1: the income-driven Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) and the Tiered Standard repayment plan. Borrowers can benefit from these plans by maintaining auto pay, which helps ensure timely payments and access to loan forgiveness options.
NationalItaly's Political Class 'Outraged' with Trump: What Did the President Do?
ROME – The Italian political class unanimously criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday after he claimed in a television interview that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni begged him for a photo together at the recent G7 summit, which she called a 'fabrication.' The Italian channel 'La 7' aired a transcript of a phone interview with Trump, where he stated: 'I'm sure she's happy I spoke with her! I didn't have to do it! I don't know what to say! She begged me to take a photo with her! She really wanted a photo with me. I wouldn't have accepted, but I felt sorry for her!' Meloni quickly responded, emphasizing in a social media message, 'Neither I nor Italy ever beg. Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. Honestly, I'm astonished.' She added, 'I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his allies. Moreover, this is not the first time it has happened.' This incident adds to the tensions between Trump and Meloni that began last April when Trump harshly criticized Pope Leo XIV for his stance on the Iran war. The first reaction to this new friction came from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who decided to cancel his planned visit to Miami on June 21 and 22 following Trump's 'serious and offensive words towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni,' which 'offend all of Italy.' Government Undersecretary Giovanbattista Fazzolari stated that 'Trump's tirades against Giorgia Meloni are just the latest episode of attacks and insults directed at European leaders' and added that 'it is unclear whether he does this intentionally or out of incompetence, ruining the historic relationship between the United States and Europe.' Meanwhile, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto wrote on social media: 'I cannot imagine Giorgia Meloni asking anyone for a photo, not even under threat. However, I can imagine the high price she paid by setting aside what Trump had said weeks ago to serve the interests of Italy, Europe, and the West.'
NationalThe Obama Presidential Center Opens to the Public, But Tickets Will Be Hard to Come By
After an extraordinary inauguration ceremony on Thursday featuring a star-studded lineup of artists and speakers, a crowd filled with top celebrities and three former presidents, the long-awaited Obama Presidential Center in Chicago's South Side officially opens on Friday, but visiting it may still be a challenge. 'I hope this center serves as a reminder of how special and valuable our democracy truly is, and that it reminds us of what we can achieve when we take on our shared responsibilities as citizens,' said former President Barack Obama, the country's first Black president, during his speech to the crowd. Tickets for the center's public opening, which coincides with Juneteenth, have been sold out for months. Earlier this week, the venue's ticketing website indicated that admission was booked through November, with only 17 dates available. By Friday morning, it appeared that the center was completely sold out for all future dates until new tickets are released.
NationalIranian National Team Files Complaint with FIFA Over U.S. Travel Restrictions for World Cup
The Iranian Football Federation (FFI) announced on Friday that it has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the restrictions imposed on the national team for traveling to the United States ahead of their matches. The FFI requested to travel to Los Angeles two days before the Sunday match against Belgium, as the game is scheduled for noon, seeking time for players to acclimate and rest, but the request was denied. 'The Iranian Football Federation believes that these restrictions are incompatible with the principle of equal conditions for participating teams and could affect the teams' technical preparation,' the organization stated in a press release. 'Consequently, while expressing its dissatisfaction with this decision, the Federation has lodged its protest with FIFA through official channels,' it reported. A similar situation occurred last week during the match against New Zealand when U.S. authorities only allowed the Iranian team to travel one day prior.
NationalSwitzerland Confirms Postponement of Meeting Between the US, Iran, and Mediators
Bürgenstock (Switzerland), June 19 (EFE).- The Swiss government confirmed on Friday that the meeting scheduled between the United States, Iran, and the two mediators in the negotiations for a ceasefire, Qatar and Pakistan, has been postponed. The meeting was set to take place today in the alpine town of Bürgenstock, where significant security measures had already been deployed in anticipation of the delegations' arrival. The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, despite this setback, 'the relevant preparatory work in Bürgenstock continues' and that it remains fully committed to facilitating the talks. Journalists from various international media had arrived to cover the event, even though authorities had indicated that press access was not expected.