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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalAuthorities presume 12 people aboard aircraft dead after crash in Missouri
Authorities in Missouri believe that all 12 individuals aboard a plane that crashed in Butler have died. The aircraft, operated by Skydive Kansas City, went down around 11:30 a.m. near Butler Memorial Airport after failing to gain altitude and making a sharp left turn. The interim airport manager suggested the pilot may have attempted an emergency landing on the highway. Local sheriff Chad Anderson described the incident as a 'mass casualty event.' The cause of the crash is under investigation, and both the NTSB and FAA are expected to participate. Recovery and identification of victims will begin once federal investigators complete their initial assessment.
NationalTrump warns Israel and Iran not to 'screw up' possibility of agreement
President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end the ongoing war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lift the U.S. naval blockade. Trump expressed his excitement, stating that the deal is complete and ships can now resume operations. Pakistan also confirmed the agreement, which is expected to provide relief to the global economy after more than three months of conflict. Details of the agreement are still pending, with a signing scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. The timeline for fully reopening the strait remains unclear, but the U.S. plans to ease sanctions on Iran's oil exports.
NationalMexican Authorities Investigate the Murder of a Mayor in Oaxaca
Mexican authorities have launched an investigation into the murder of Joel Bravo Martínez, the mayor of San Miguel Amatitlán, Oaxaca, who was shot dead on Saturday. This incident marks another case of political violence in the country. Bravo had previously expressed fears for his life and requested state protection. The Oaxaca state prosecutor's office activated protocols for high-impact crime investigations following the murder. The Mexican Security Cabinet is collaborating with state authorities to apprehend those responsible and has deployed additional forces to the area. Political violence remains a significant issue in Mexico, especially during events like the FIFA World Cup.
NationalSeveral U.S. States Investigate OpenAI for Possible User Harm
OpenAI is under investigation by several U.S. states regarding user safety related to its ChatGPT chatbot. The company received a subpoena and plans to respond constructively, emphasizing its commitment to user protection. Concerns have arisen over ChatGPT allegedly encouraging suicidal thoughts and criminal behavior. A recent lawsuit from a Canadian mother links the chatbot to her daughter's suicide. Florida's attorney general previously sued OpenAI after two shooters reportedly consulted ChatGPT. OpenAI claims its models promote seeking real-world support and has implemented measures to protect minors using its service. The investigation coincides with OpenAI's upcoming IPO.
NationalJudge Halts Trump's Order Demanding Museums Remove Exhibits on Slavery or Climate Change
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt changes made under an executive order that required museums and national parks to remove exhibits deemed inappropriate. Judge Angel Kelley issued a preliminary injunction stating that the plaintiffs demonstrated efforts to 'rewrite the nation’s history.' The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by conservation and historical organizations, which argued that the National Park Service's policies forced staff to censor exhibits related to slavery and climate change. The judge emphasized that the history of the nation cannot be accurately told while excluding the experiences of marginalized communities.
NationalHow Did Elon Musk Build His Astronomical Fortune of $1 Trillion? Here Is His Story
Elon Musk, the world's richest man and the first billionaire in history, oversees a diverse range of businesses, including electric vehicles, brain implants, and space exploration. His company SpaceX, which went public recently with a valuation of $1.7 trillion, has expanded beyond rockets to include the satellite communication service Starlink and the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Musk also leads Tesla, which faces stiff competition in the electric vehicle market, and Neuralink, focused on brain-computer interfaces. Additionally, he founded The Boring Company, which works on tunneling projects. Musk's initial fortune came from selling startups like Zip2 and PayPal.
NationalTrump's Name Removed from Kennedy Center in Washington After Intense Legal Battle
The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., removed Donald Trump's name from its facade after a lengthy legal battle. Workers completed the task behind a tarp, causing disappointment among onlookers who hoped to witness the event. A judge had granted an extension due to storms, allowing the removal to occur later than planned. Trump's name was added in 2025 after he replaced the board of trustees. The future of the Kennedy Center is uncertain, with upcoming events scheduled but staffing reduced. Trump has expressed anger over the court's decision and suggested the center could close due to public safety concerns.
NationalTrump says he will sign agreement with Iran this Sunday to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump announced that a deal with Iran will be signed on Sunday to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He stated on Truth Social that the strait will be 'OPEN FOR ALL' immediately after the signing. This announcement follows Pakistan's mediation efforts, suggesting a virtual signing could occur within 24 hours. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry has downplayed the likelihood of a Sunday signing. Trump claims the agreement will ensure Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions without any financial exchange, allowing the U.S. to access and destroy enriched uranium. He warned of a 'definitive alternative' if the deal falters.
NationalTrump says US military strike killed leader of Tren de Aragua gang with help from Venezuela
President Donald Trump announced that a U.S. military strike has killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, the leader of the Tren de Aragua gang, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization. The operation, conducted with Venezuelan cooperation, took place in Bolivar state, where clashes with criminal groups occurred. Guerrero Flores faced federal charges in New York for racketeering and supporting terrorism. The U.S. had offered up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest. Trump emphasized the commitment to combat narco-terrorism and eliminate safe havens for such groups in the region.
NationalTrump Turns 80 Amid Growing Doubts About His Health
U.S. President Donald Trump celebrates his 80th birthday this Sunday, claiming to enjoy robust health, although he faces increasing questions from the opposition about his capabilities, while a majority of Americans view his ability to serve in office with skepticism. The Republican became the oldest U.S. president to assume office last year and will be the second president in the country's history to reach 80 years old, following his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden (2017-2021), whom he has repeatedly criticized for his cognitive state. 'Biden lost strength as his presidency progressed. In my opinion, both Biden and Trump are too old to be elected president of a superpower,' political analyst Larry Sabato explained to EFE. Trump, a former real estate mogul and television celebrity, has decided to celebrate his milestone with a high-profile mixed martial arts evening from the UFC at the White House. He does so while maintaining a busy agenda, with negotiations to end the war in Iran and a trip to France on Sunday night for the G7 summit.
NationalWho was the dangerous criminal 'El Niño Guerrero,' killed by the U.S. in Venezuela?
The United States killed the alleged leader of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua, Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as 'El Niño Guerrero,' President Donald Trump reported. 'Under my orders, U.S. Southern Command carried out a swift and lethal kinetic strike to successfully neutralize 'Niño Guerrero,' the infamous leader of Tren de Aragua, one of the most bloodthirsty terrorist organizations on the planet,' Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social. 'This action was closely coordinated with our friends in Venezuela, with whom we are working very well. As a result, the terrorists of Tren de Aragua no longer have a safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else,' Trump added.
NationalTrump announces that the U.S. killed the leader of Tren de Aragua, 'El Niño Guerrero'
The United States killed the alleged leader of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua, Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as 'El Niño Guerrero,' President Donald Trump announced on Friday. 'Under my orders, U.S. Southern Command carried out a swift and lethal kinetic strike to successfully neutralize 'Niño Guerrero,' the infamous leader of Tren de Aragua, one of the most bloodthirsty terrorist organizations on the planet,' Trump stated on the social media platform Truth Social. 'This action was closely coordinated with our friends in Venezuela, with whom we are working very well. As a result, the terrorists of Tren de Aragua no longer have a safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else,' he added.
NationalNaval Research Laboratory and Space Force Join Forces to Boost Defense Antenna Capabilities
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory has received a transportable satellite tracking antenna system from Space Systems Command to enhance its capabilities at the Blossom Point Tracking Facility in Welcome, Maryland. This new system will improve tracking, telemetry, and command operations for emerging space technologies, allowing for more flexible experimentation and long-term monitoring. The facility has a history of supporting satellite command and control and communications research. The integration of this system aims to bolster joint testing and training efforts, ultimately aiding the Space Force's mission to create realistic training environments and improve operational readiness.
NationalTreasury Expands Rules for Banks on Data Sharing Related to Immigration Status
The U.S. Department of the Treasury took steps on Friday to engage the country's banks more deeply in President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration, including issuing new guidelines that allow banks to quickly share information about suspicious customers and a notice directing them to flag indications that one of their clients may lack legal immigration status. These changes are part of the government's push to remove undocumented workers from the banking system without explicitly ordering banks to do so. To encourage bank participation, the government has framed these actions as a crackdown on fraud and crime, rather than explicitly on immigration. 'The information at your disposal can help stop a cartel financier, dismantle a money laundering network, uncover labor exploitation, or protect taxpayers from fraud,' asserted Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in prepared remarks for a banking conference in Houston. Bessent's statements and the new Treasury guidelines stem from an executive order signed by Trump in May that requires banks to closely examine the citizenship of their clients, in addition to instructing banking regulators and government departments to look for signs that individuals without legal status are opening accounts or obtaining loans or credit cards. However, that executive order did not include an explicit mandate for banks to collect citizenship information, something the sector has lobbied against for months. Banks have been able to share information about their customers with other banks under the Patriot Act program when they suspect money laundering or fraud, as part of post-September 11, 2001 efforts to combat terrorism and other crimes.
NationalTrump to Make First Flight on New AF1 During Event at Mount Rushmore
President Donald Trump is considering making the inaugural flight of the new Air Force One — a gift from Qatar — during his trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota next month. This trip is part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, according to a senior White House official and a source familiar with the plans. Although a final decision has not been made, sources indicated that the months of modifications on this luxury aircraft, valued at $400 million, are nearing completion to serve as the presidential aircraft. They noted that White House officials have been discussing the possibility of Trump’s trip to Mount Rushmore, scheduled for July 3, being his first flight on the new aircraft. The Department of Defense accepted Qatar's donation last year, despite bipartisan criticism and questions about the security and ethics of using the plane for official government matters. Aviation experts estimated that the total refurbishment project could exceed $1 billion due to the installation of multiple high-security systems. The White House has stated that the plane will be delivered to the Trump presidential library foundation at the end of his term in January 2029, which would presumably require the removal of all sensitive government equipment installed on the aircraft. Trump’s presence at Mount Rushmore is one of several highlighted events scheduled around July 4 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The aircraft is undergoing final inspections and flight tests to ensure it is ready to take off for the first time with the president on board next month, according to sources. The Boeing 747 has been painted with a new color scheme — featuring a red, white, and blue design — marking a departure from the current 'Jackie Kennedy' style design characterized by light blue and white. 'Air Force One' is the designation for any aircraft transporting the president; therefore, there are several planes available for this function, according to a U.S. official. This includes two jumbo 747s currently in service, known as VC-25A. Additionally, there is a fleet of C-32A aircraft — modified versions of the 757 model — that can be used by the vice president, as well as other high-ranking government officials and cabinet members. Once the Qatar aircraft — which the Air Force calls VC-25B Bridge — is incorporated into the rotation this summer, the VC-25As will remain part of the executive fleet, and the president could still use them under the designation of Air Force One, the U.S. official indicated. A 'spectacular' fireworks show is expected to take place at Mount Rushmore on the eve of July 4, according to the National Park Service. This note was translated with the help of an artificial intelligence tool. An editor from Telemundo Digital reviewed the translation. This article was originally published in English by Kelly O'Donnell, Mosheh Gains, and Monica Alba for our sister network NBC News.
NationalDo you know what a UFC fight is? It will be part of Trump's birthday celebration
U.S. President Donald Trump will celebrate his 80th birthday on Sunday with an unprecedented evening of mixed martial arts (MMA) fights in the White House gardens, drawing global attention to a sport that has seen remarkable growth in recent years. The event, named UFC Freedom 250 in honor of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will feature a series of matches, including a lightweight title fight between undefeated Georgian-Hispanic Ilia Topuria and American Justin Gaethje, as well as a heavyweight bout between Brazilian Alex Pereira and Frenchman Ciryl Gane. The fights will take place in a large ring set up in the South Lawn of the White House, making it a historic event for both the UFC and the presidential residence. Outside the White House, a Fan Zone will accommodate around 80,000 people watching the fights on giant screens. The event has sparked controversy, as a civic organization has filed a lawsuit claiming the White House is being used for a private commercial spectacle, citing a potential conflict of interest due to Trump's recent purchase of $50,000 in shares of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC.
NationalUSDA Steps Up Support for Ranchers with New Directive to Restore National Forest Grazing
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced a new directive aimed at enhancing support for ranchers by restoring grazing on national forest lands. This initiative is part of the USDA's efforts to implement the Grazing Action Plan and strengthen American ranching. The directive emphasizes the importance of grazing for rural economies and food security, while also addressing bureaucratic challenges that have hindered ranchers. Key actions include expanding access to closed allotments, streamlining permitting processes, and improving communication with ranchers. This move is expected to benefit approximately 23,000 permit holders who depend on public rangelands.
NationalKey US Surveillance Program Set to Expire: What It Means for National Security
A key surveillance tool, deemed vital for preventing terrorist attacks and catching foreign spies, is set to expire on Friday after bipartisan efforts in Congress to temporarily extend it failed. This represents a significant disruption for the program known as Section 702, and while President Donald Trump nominates a new national intelligence director who may be more acceptable to both Republicans and Democrats than his first choice, it remains unclear how soon lawmakers—about to enter recess—could reactivate the spying program. However, there may not be an immediate drop-off, as a court order issued in March allowed these government surveillance powers to remain in effect for another year. Section 702 provides broad powers to analyze foreign communications and is part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), granting US intelligence agencies extensive authority to collect and examine communications of foreigners located outside the United States without first obtaining a warrant. US officials consider the law an invaluable national security tool that has helped thwart potential terrorist acts, provided valuable information on ransomware attacks against critical infrastructure, and contributed to the death of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a drone strike in 2022. The law was enacted in 2008 as an effort to codify key aspects of a previous spying program created by the Republican administration of President George W. Bush. Since then, officials from both major parties have warned that without the law, the government will be unable to gather crucial intelligence abroad. The periodic need to reauthorize the law has sparked prolonged debate in Congress long before this year, including discussions about whether additional safeguards are needed to protect the privacy of Americans and their personal data. This is because when the government intercepts communications from foreigners abroad, it also ends up collecting communications from American citizens and others in the United States who are in contact with those surveillance targets. Civil liberties advocates have expressed concern over revelations that, over the years, FBI analysts have improperly accessed the vast repository of intelligence collected through the program to obtain information about Americans, including information related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol assault by a mob of Trump supporters and the 2020 racial justice protests, as well as about state and federal political figures. Some of these advocates have pointed out that the government should be required to obtain a warrant before examining communications collected from Americans. US officials have indicated that a warrant would be legally unnecessary and overly burdensome, and that corrective measures have been implemented to reduce the number of improper queries. Further complicating the debate are the unlikely political alliances it has generated, uniting a coalition of lawmakers skeptical of government surveillance that includes both liberal Democrats concerned about privacy and Republicans who remain wary of the intelligence community due to the investigation into ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 Republican presidential campaign. This time, the impasse is tied to the rejection of Trump's interim intelligence pick, Bill Pulte. Democrats resisted when Trump chose Pulte as acting national intelligence director and refused to support a FISA extension until the nomination was withdrawn. Pulte, a Trump loyalist with no known national security experience, has raised alarms for using his position as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to facilitate questionable investigations of mortgage fraud against individuals perceived by Trump as adversaries. A vote this week in the House of Representatives, which would have temporarily extended the program, failed: 19 Republicans and nearly all Democrats rejected the temporary measure with 198 votes in favor and 218 against. An attempt by the Senate to pass its own versions also failed. Following those votes, Trump announced the nomination of Jay Clayton, a federal prosecutor in Manhattan who previously served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as his permanent choice for national intelligence director. The selection was well-received in the Capitol, but it was not enough to break the deadlock before the scheduled expiration on Friday. Connecticut Representative Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, commented that he has 'known and respected' Clayton for decades and that if he had been chosen a week earlier, 'much pain could have been avoided.' 'His intelligence, temperament, and deep commitment to public service will make him an extraordinary DNI,' Himes stated. Next steps for the surveillance powers provision The Republican senator from Arkansas, Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Iowa senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, warned the Trump administration to prepare 'for a possible significant gap in foreign intelligence collection.' The expiration is likely to be the first significant disruption of Section 702 since its creation over 15 years ago. In 2024, the Senate narrowly exceeded its midnight deadline before voting to pass a bill that was later signed by former Democratic President Joe Biden, causing a brief interruption. Despite the stalemate, an immediate drop in intelligence gathering is not expected as the United States hosts a series of events this summer with potential national security concerns, such as the World Cup and festivities surrounding the 250th anniversary of American Independence. A ruling issued in March by the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court certified the program's renewal for another year, so the authority of Section 702 is expected to remain intact for months. Still, it is conceivable that, without Congressional reauthorization, a telecommunications company or internet service provider could challenge the government's ability to compel it to comply with its surveillance demands.
NationalAG Paxton Puts $200 Million Price Tag on Potential Big 12 Sanctions Against Texas Tech
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has warned the Big 12 Conference against sanctioning Texas Tech University for complying with a court order. In a letter, Paxton's office stated that such sanctions would violate federal and state laws, potentially exposing the conference to antitrust liability. This follows a temporary injunction from a Texas court allowing Texas Tech to support student-athlete Brendan Sorsby during the 2026 football season. Paxton emphasized that any punitive actions could lead to damages exceeding $200 million due to lost revenues and other financial impacts on Texas Tech.