National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalUN Mission Finds Reasons to Believe the US Committed War Crimes in Iran
A UN mission has found reasonable grounds to believe that the United States committed war crimes in Iran, particularly in two airstrikes that killed at least 178 civilians, including women and children. One of the attacks targeted the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab. The report, issued by an international team investigating Iran, states that the U.S. conducted indiscriminate attacks causing civilian casualties. The U.S. Central Command denied responsibility for one of the attacks. The mission also highlighted severe human rights violations by Iranian state security forces. The findings have not been officially acknowledged by the Trump administration.
NationalVideo: U.S. Sinks Another 'Floating Station' in the Pacific Linked to Drug Trafficking
The United States intercepted and subsequently sank a floating refueling station on Wednesday that, according to Southern Command, supported drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific and was linked to the Ecuadorian criminal organization Los Choneros, in a new operation coordinated with Ecuador. Southern Command shared a video of the operation and stated on its X account that the forces of the Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) successfully intercepted 'a floating refueling station that supported illicit drug trafficking operations at sea in the Eastern Pacific.' According to Southern Command, 'intelligence confirmed the vessel's involvement with the violent narcoterrorist organization Los Choneros.' They reported that individuals removed from the vessel have been transferred to Ecuadorian authorities. After clearing the ship and disembarking the crew, U.S. forces sank it. Footage captured the moment the vessel exploded in Pacific waters. Southern Command added that JTF-WHEM continues to conduct operations to dismantle the logistical networks fueling drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. 'Alongside our Ecuadorian partners, we are relentlessly pursuing the narcoterrorists that threaten our citizens, undermine hemispheric security, and leave death and suffering in their wake. This deliberate, lawful, and precise operation saves lives and makes our citizens—from Ecuador to the United States—safer,' stated Southern Command Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. This operation adds to a series of U.S. interdictions of vessels allegedly used as floating refueling stations in the Eastern Pacific. Just a day earlier, a similar action took place on Tuesday. Southern Command has reported other operations of this kind on August 28 and September 2, 7, and 8, several of which are related to Los Choneros.
NationalBeyond Miami and New York: Migrants are Changing Smaller Cities in the U.S.
In the past decade, the U.S. has seen an unprecedented rise in border crossings, with millions arriving from over 150 countries, leading to the highest immigrant population in history. While traditional immigrant hubs like New York and Miami remain popular, smaller cities such as Elkhart, Indiana, and Knoxville, Tennessee, are increasingly becoming destinations for newcomers. Data from 4.5 million migrants released after crossing the southern border reveal diverse origins, including India and Ecuador. Notably, nearly 60% of these migrants are women and children, marking a significant demographic shift. Florida continues to be a primary destination, but many seek better opportunities elsewhere.
NationalMexico Demands Trump Administration Account for Drug Fight in the U.S.
Mexico City, September 17 (EFE) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called on the U.S. government on Thursday to provide accountability and present a report on its own drug-fighting efforts, in response to recent demands from Washington regarding security issues in the Latin American country. During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum reacted to recent comments from the United States about the progress of cartels in the region and rejected claims that seek to scrutinize internal security policies. 'We do not need to be judged from the outside; we know what Mexico's problems are and we act every day,' she asserted while defending the daily results of her security strategy. Her statements come in response to recent remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised Sheinbaum's government's efforts against organized crime but demanded that Mexico intensify actions, increase customs controls, and investigate public officials allegedly colluding with cartels. In light of these claims, Sheinbaum requested to know what actions Washington is taking on its own territory. 'I would like to hear or see a report on what the U.S. government is doing in the United States,' she stated. 'Where is the work being done to stop all the cartels or drug distributors in the United States? What about money laundering there?' she questioned. The president also highlighted the illegal trafficking of arms from the U.S. to Mexico, a recurring demand from her administration within the bilateral security relationship. 'The firepower of organized crime in our country cannot be explained without the flow of arms from the United States to Mexico,' she maintained. She further insisted that Washington must address drug consumption as a public health issue and questioned the role of opioid prescriptions in the origin of the addiction crisis in the United States. 'What about those who consume there? What about a critical view of this opioid consumption crisis?' she asked. The president recalled that Mexico has emphasized the principle of shared responsibility in combating drug trafficking and defended that her government acts against officials related to illicit activities when there are investigations and evidence. The exchange of statements reflects the complex balance in bilateral cooperation on drug control, where the Mexican administration rejects unilateral oversight from Washington and conditions progress on the U.S. assuming responsibility for the illicit arms trade and domestic consumption within its territory.
National29-Year-Old Guatemalan Dies After Helicopter Crash in Los Angeles
Edy Fernando Gutiérrez Mejía, a 29-year-old Guatemalan visiting Los Angeles, was identified as the third victim of a helicopter crash involving Telemundo 52 and NBC4. The Los Angeles County coroner confirmed his identity. Gutiérrez Mejía was in Los Angeles to collect vehicles for transport back to Guatemala. Witnesses reported that he was near a car when the helicopter crashed, resulting in his death. Friends and local officials remembered him as a cheerful and hardworking individual. The crash, which also claimed the lives of two journalists, is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
NationalMore than 100,000 Japanese citizens surpass 100 years old, according to data
Japan has reached a significant milestone with over 100,000 citizens aged 100 or older, according to recent government data. The Ministry of Health and Welfare reported that there are now 107,677 centenarians, an increase of 7,914 from last year. Nearly 88% of these individuals are women. The oldest woman, Fuyo Kishimoto, is 114 years old, while the oldest man, Hikaru Kato, is 112. This announcement coincides with Respect for the Aged Day on September 15. Despite the longevity, a recent survey revealed that over 20% of single young adults do not plan to marry, citing financial concerns and the burdens of parenting as reasons.
NationalTrump Threatens More Tariffs on Europe if Canada Becomes an Associate Member
President Donald Trump warned that allowing Canada to become an associate member of the European Union could be seen as a "hostile act," threatening to impose additional tariffs on Europe. His comments, made on Wednesday, depend on the intentions of European leaders. Trump criticized the idea of Canada joining the EU, labeling it as "ridiculous" and calling Canada a "terrible trading partner." Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed this membership as a way to strengthen ties with Canada, which is seeking to reduce its reliance on the U.S. and explore deeper economic partnerships with the EU.
NationalBrownsville Delegation Meets Nation’s Leaders in D.C.
A delegation from Brownsville, led by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, is in Washington, D.C. to meet with federal leaders and agencies. The group includes representatives from local businesses, such as Valley Regional Medical Center and Bechtel Corporation. Their discussions focus on enhancing relationships with federal decision-makers and exploring funding opportunities for projects in Brownsville. Key topics include water sustainability, infrastructure, international trade, and economic development. Mayor John Cowen emphasized the need for federal support to achieve local priorities. The delegation is also meeting with Texas congressional members to advocate for the region's interests.
NationalHouse Approves Bill Aimed at Preventing Energy Bill Increases from Data Centers
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Ratepayers Protection Act with a vote of 417-3, aimed at preventing energy cost increases for consumers due to new data centers. The bipartisan legislation shifts the responsibility for energy infrastructure costs from consumers to tech companies. Co-sponsored by Representatives Gabe Evans and Kathy Castor, it establishes a federal standard for state regulators regarding large data centers. While the bill addresses energy concerns, it does not tackle recent warnings about AI risks. The Senate has yet to act on similar proposals, and public opposition to data centers remains high, with nearly 70% of surveyed voters against them in their neighborhoods.
NationalThe Seismic Shifts Rocking Higher Education
Significant changes are occurring in higher education across the U.S., impacting student choices and institutional viability. More students are opting for shorter, less expensive programs, particularly at community colleges, where enrollment in undergraduate certificates is rising. This shift is influenced by high costs associated with four-year degrees and a declining number of traditional college-age individuals due to lower birth rates and fewer international students. While large public universities in growing states like Texas may thrive, smaller institutions face challenges. Adapting to these trends is essential for maintaining enrollment and ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.
NationalNTSB: Live coverage video is key evidence in Los Angeles helicopter crash
Video and audio recorded during live coverage on Tuesday afternoon, moments before a news helicopter crashed in the Chatsworth community of Los Angeles, will be a key part of the federal safety investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported. During a press conference on Wednesday near the accident site in the San Fernando Valley, NTSB investigator Fabian Salazar stated that tones generated in the helicopter's cockpit serve as alerts for the pilot. The recording also captured what appeared to be changes in speed before the helicopter fell into a parking lot near a storage business.
NationalLive Updates: NTSB Investigates News Helicopter Crash in Los Angeles
What you need to know A news helicopter in Los Angeles crashed on Tuesday while its crew was covering a fatal Metro bus collision in Chatsworth. Pilot George Marciniw, NBCLA and Telemundo 52 journalist Eliana Moreno, and a third person on the ground died in the Chatsworth accident. A witness described the helicopter, known as NewsChopper4, as 'swaying' before it gradually appeared to lose altitude. The helicopter crashed in the parking lot of a storage company. National Transportation Safety Board officials arrived on Wednesday morning to begin their investigation. Five people died in the Chatsworth community of Los Angeles, where a news helicopter covering a fatal Metro bus accident crashed in a parking lot. Scroll for live updates.
National"Long Live the Dignity of the People of Mexico!": Sheinbaum Defends Sovereignty During the Grito
In Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum led the traditional Independence Day celebration, emphasizing the country's sovereignty and freedom amid ongoing violence in regions like Sinaloa. Addressing tens of thousands at the Zócalo, she honored historical figures and called for dignity, justice, and democracy. This year, Sheinbaum included a tribute to Antonia Nava, a key figure in the independence movement, and recognized Afro-Mexican communities. The event featured fireworks, musical performances, and traditional foods. Meanwhile, in Sinaloa, the government held celebrations under heavy security due to ongoing cartel violence, with over 1,800 military and police deployed to ensure safety.
NationalWho Were the Victims of the Telemundo 52 and NBC LA News Helicopter Accident
On Wednesday, condolences poured in following a tragic helicopter crash in Los Angeles that claimed the lives of three individuals. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in Chatsworth while the helicopter, operated by Angel City Air for Telemundo 52 and NBC Los Angeles, was covering a separate traffic accident. The victims were identified as Eliana Moreno, a well-known journalist, and pilot George Marciniw, who had begun flying together in 2023. A pedestrian at the scene also died, though their identity remains unknown. Both networks expressed deep sorrow for the loss and announced an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA.
NationalFederal Prosecutors Charge Five with Using H-2A Program to Smuggle Foreign Nationals
Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Georgia have charged five individuals for allegedly exploiting the H-2A visa program to smuggle foreign nationals into the U.S. The indictment claims the defendants fraudulently obtained temporary work visas and coerced workers into making improper payments. They reportedly confiscated workers' identification documents and threatened them to maintain control. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Labor, focusing on dismantling networks that abuse the visa system. The defendants face serious charges, and the case highlights ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling.
NationalPatel Defends FBI's Hiring Policy on Prostitution and Bestiality
FBI Director Kash Patel defended the agency's relaxation of hiring requirements related to prostitution and bestiality on Tuesday, stating that the changes aim to allow victims of such acts to apply for jobs without fear of automatic disqualification. The issue arose during a tense Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where Patel clashed with Democrats over the firing of agents involved in investigations of President Donald Trump, a series of inquiries into media leaks, and whether employees would be sent to polling places on Election Day, amid the agency's ongoing election investigations and Trump's repeated false claims of widespread voter fraud. The hearing featured insults and sharp personal exchanges that have come to define Patel's appearances on Capitol Hill, where Democrats labeled Trump's appointee as unfit, criticized him for politically charged investigations against the president's enemies, and highlighted trips that included a visit to the Winter Olympics in Italy, where he celebrated with U.S. hockey players, and a snorkeling excursion at the Pearl Harbor memorial in Hawaii.
NationalSpaceX Targets Sept. 22 for Starship’s 14th Flight Test
SpaceX is preparing for the 14th flight of its Starship, scheduled for September 22, pending regulatory approval. The launch window will open at 7:15 a.m. CT, with the mission aiming to send Starship into orbit for the first time. This flight will deploy 26 Starlink V3 satellites, enhancing global connectivity. The mission will reach an altitude of approximately 275 km and complete about six orbits before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Modifications have been made to the booster and upper stage to improve performance and safety based on previous flight data. A live webcast will be available before liftoff.
NationalUS Acknowledges for First Time That It Has Deployed Weapons in Space
The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed weapons in space, a notable revelation following previous warnings about countries like Russia potentially turning artificial intelligence into a weapon in a global frontier that treaties have long agreed should only be used for peaceful purposes. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink stated at the Air and Space Cybersecurity Conference in Maryland on Monday that the US has deployed 'space control weapons in orbit capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile actions from adversaries.' Meink did not specify what the weapons were, how they function, or whether they were targeting other objects in space or on Earth. Two years ago, the US warned that Russia was developing a new space-based anti-satellite weapon, although the White House indicated at that time that the threat was not imminent. Reports about the anti-satellite weapon reflected long-standing concerns about space threats from Russia and China, given that much of US infrastructure relies on satellite communications. The US has also previously demonstrated its own capability to take down satellites from Earth.
NationalThe War with Iran Has Cost the U.S. Over $38 Billion and Pressures Inflation, According to CBO
The United States' war against Iran has cost the Department of Defense more than $38 billion as of August 1, and it is expected to continue costing up to $3 billion a month or more, depending on the intensity of the conflict, according to an assessment released Tuesday by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a nonpartisan agency. The CBO indicated that the war is projected to contribute to inflation until the first quarter of 2027, which would make price increases approximately 0.5 percentage points higher than previously estimated. This is largely due to reduced shipments of oil and natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions in maritime transport through the Red Sea. The estimate, developed in response to a request for information from the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, Representative Brendan Boyle, largely aligns with a previous calculation by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who placed the costs at $37.5 billion, according to his testimony before the Senate. The CBO noted that the estimates largely stem from the replenishment of munitions and equipment lost in combat and do not include costs related to U.S. military personnel killed or injured in the conflict, nor long-term medical care for veterans or disability compensation.