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National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalSenate Blocks Cryptocurrency Regulation as Trump's Investments Come Under Scrutiny
U.S. Senate Democrats blocked legislation on Tuesday aimed at creating a new regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, halting an industry-backed effort to establish new guidelines around digital assets while demanding more limits on President Donald Trump's investments. The vote on whether to advance the legislation, which saw 49 votes in favor and 50 against, was a crucial test in an election year for the $2.3 trillion cryptocurrency market, as the industry has aggressively pushed for a uniform set of rules. The Senate debate occurred at a time when cryptocurrency companies have become a significant political force and Trump has amassed considerable wealth in crypto assets while in office. Although some Democrats are supportive of the industry and back the idea of regulation, they have been adamant that the bill include strong ethical safeguards to prevent the president and his family from profiting while in power. Opposition appears to have solidified even further two months ahead of the midterm elections, despite substantial donations that cryptocurrency-focused groups have made to some Democrats in recent years. In the end, no Democrat offered their support.
NationalTrump lashes out at Supreme Court: 'These are not the people I interviewed'
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the Supreme Court on Tuesday for rejecting his attempt to restrict mail-in voting for the November 3 elections, claiming that the justices who opposed him 'are not the people I interviewed.' Trump's administration made a last-minute effort to have the Postal Service play a central role in deciding who could receive a mail-in ballot. However, state election officials argued that there was not enough time to make changes for the midterm elections and stated that their systems were already secure and accurate. The court ruled late Monday, in an emergency order, that the restrictions would likely lose in court, at least for this year's elections.
NationalUS Offers Military Aid to Trump Allies in Latin America and Withdraws from Europe
The United States is withdrawing tens of millions of dollars in military assistance from countries in Europe and the Middle East to support conservative-leaning governments in Central and South America. The State Department notified Congress on Tuesday that it will reallocate $52 million in foreign military financing from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia, and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru last week, promising them additional support as the Trump administration has prioritized the Western Hemisphere in its foreign policy, with a focus on combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration. This is just the latest in a series of measures that have reduced either funding or military deployments in Europe, in response to President Donald Trump's complaints that NATO allies do not spend enough on defense. Both North Macedonia and Slovakia are NATO members.
NationalO'Reilly predicts Paxton win: 'Talarico is just too much' for Texas
Political commentator Bill O'Reilly on Monday predicted that Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton (R) will win his race against Democrat James Talarico, saying that the latter "is just too much" for Texas. "So if I had to go by my gut, I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I
NationalKennedy Center Board Votes for Immediate Closure, Sources Say
The Kennedy Center board voted on Tuesday to close the iconic performing arts venue 'immediately' for two years for renovations, according to a source familiar with the board's decision. A federal judge had previously blocked the Kennedy Center from closing completely while the work was underway. Earlier on Tuesday, a federal judge prevented the Kennedy Center from reinstating the name of President Donald Trump, a move intended to acknowledge his renovation efforts, ruling that it would violate a previous decision that determined his name was added to the building illegally. Judge Christopher Cooper stated, 'Simply put, the defendants cannot install memorials for President Trump — or for anyone or anything else — at the Kennedy Center without Congressional approval.'
NationalThe Federal Reserve Seems Prepared to Raise Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve appears ready to raise its short-term interest rate on Wednesday for the first time in three years to combat inflation, a move that would put the central bank at odds with President Donald Trump, who has favored a cut. It is uncertain whether the Fed will increase its benchmark rate, currently at 3.6%, as its chair Kevin Warsh has not provided hints about future actions like his predecessors did. Nevertheless, most analysts and economists anticipate a hike following Walsh's speech two weeks ago in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he stated that the institution has not achieved its inflation target. A rate increase would introduce another sharp turn in a volatile period for the economy and financial markets. Just as recently as March, the Fed had forecasted a rate cut this year. However, with the war in Iran reigniting and causing significant increases in oil and gas prices, inflation is likely to remain above the Fed's 2% target for an extended period. 'I don't see any end to the war in Iran at this moment,' noted Kristin Forbes, an economist at MIT's Sloan School. 'Given the high inflation we have all experienced in recent years, consumers are more sensitive, businesses are more sensitive, prices are rising faster... The risks point much more toward persistent inflation than a rapid decline.' The skyrocketing investment in data centers has also been accelerating inflation and contributing to higher long-term interest rates, although major companies are now discussing slowing down the development of artificial intelligence.
NationalMystery Solved: $1.04 Billion Powerball Prize Claimed in Illinois
The mystery behind a historic $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot appears to be resolved. The Illinois Lottery announced on Tuesday that the winner of the state's second-largest lottery prize has come forward, nearly a month after the drawing. Although the winner chose to remain anonymous, they released a statement saying they couldn't believe their life-changing victory. "At first, I didn't believe I had won, so I called a family member to confirm it," the winner told the Illinois Lottery. "Even after claiming the prize, I'm still processing the news and feeling the full range of emotions that come with winning a billion-dollar jackpot — from disbelief and shock to overwhelming euphoria." The winning ticket was a Quick Pick purchased at a Hy-Vee in Quincy, Illinois, located about two hours north of St. Louis. The lucky winner matched all six numbers: 4, 26, 66, 67, 69, with a red Powerball of 9. "I never would have imagined that a $2 purchase would lead me to a $1.04 billion jackpot. This is truly a blessing, and I am deeply grateful for this unexpected and extraordinary opportunity," the winner said. Residents of the small border town between Illinois and Missouri were eager to find out who the winner was.
NationalSNAP Will Change in October: Benefits Will Increase, but States Will Bear More Costs
Starting October 1, 2026, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see changes that include an increase in maximum benefits for families purchasing food. However, states will now be responsible for 75% of the program's administrative costs, up from the current 50%. This shift may strain state budgets and could lead to potential cuts in the program. The maximum monthly benefits will rise slightly for households of various sizes, with increases ranging from $8 for one-person households to $52 for eight-person households. These changes are part of the One Big Beautiful Act signed by President Trump in July 2025.
NationalNational Voter Registration Day: Your Power Begins with Being Registered
On September 15, the National Voter Registration Day emphasizes the importance of being registered ahead of the upcoming midterm elections on November 3. This non-partisan civic initiative encourages citizens to ensure their voices are heard by registering to vote, checking their registration status, and being aware of state deadlines. Telemundo highlights that 'Your power begins with being prepared to vote.' For more information on voter registration requirements, how to register, and how to check or update your registration, visit the USAGov website. Voters will have the opportunity to choose representatives for the House, Senate, and 36 gubernatorial seats in the midterms.
NationalComplete List of 2026 Emmy Winners
At the 2026 Emmy Awards, "The Pitt" won Best Drama for the second consecutive year, with Noah Wyle taking home the Best Actor award in a drama series. Jean Smart from "Hacks" achieved her fifth consecutive Emmy as Best Actress in a Comedy Series, tying her with Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the most wins. "Widow’s Bay" was awarded Best Comedy Series and garnered three acting awards, including Best Actor for Matthew Rhys. The ceremony, hosted by Mariska Hargitay at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, also honored Michael J. Fox with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
NationalSenate Republicans finally mobilize with big money for Ken Paxton in Texas
DALLAS — Senate Leadership Fund, the super PAC affiliated with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, is coming off the sidelines in Texas’ U.S. Senate race, placing its first ad buy of the general election in support of Ken Paxton. Texas PAC, a new group connected to SLF, on Friday purchased an initial tranche of some $51.3
NationalDonald Trump Jr. Acknowledges Russian Oligarch Linked to Putin Paid for Wedding Celebrations
Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina, revealed that a Russian oligarch linked to President Vladimir Putin financed their extravagant wedding celebration in the Caribbean this past May. Umar Kremlev reportedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the festivities, which took place on a private island in the Bahamas. Bettina expressed gratitude on Instagram, calling Kremlev's generosity a wonderful wedding gift. However, questions have arisen regarding the appropriateness of accepting such a gift from someone closely associated with Putin. Trump Jr. has previously faced scrutiny over his connections with Russian individuals during his father's presidency.
NationalGavin Newsom Says He Won't Run for President in 2028 if Kamala Harris Does
California Governor Gavin Newsom made a surprising announcement, stating he will not launch a bid for the White House in 2028 if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run again. 'I wouldn’t run if she runs,' Newsom told CNN in an interview that aired Monday night. Newsom mentioned that competing against Harris, a fellow California Democrat who served as state attorney general before becoming a senator, would be an 'electoral gift' for everyone else. 'They would enjoy it immensely. Mutual destruction assured. It serves no greater good. Why would I do this if I weren't trying to serve some greater good? There would be no advantage whatsoever,' said Newsom, who has been considering a presidential run. Newsom, who has not run for president before, acknowledged that a 'campaign approach' would be to argue that Harris, who ran in 2020 and 2024, has already had her chance and has previously run for the presidency.
NationalSupreme Court Blocks Trump from Enforcing New Mail-In Voting Rule
WASHINGTON — In a significant blow to President Donald Trump's ambitions to exert federal control over the midterm elections, the Supreme Court on Monday prevented a U.S. Postal Service regulation related to mail-in ballots from taking effect. In a brief order, the court rejected an emergency request from the Trump administration to block a lower court ruling that determined the regulation was likely illegal. The court appeared to divide 7-2, with conservative justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting. The measure would have imposed requirements on states to send mail-in ballots to voters, a function the Postal Service typically does not perform. Implementing these significant changes just weeks before the elections would likely have caused major issues, and voting rights advocates feared it would hinder millions of Americans from casting their votes. Time was already running out to implement the rule, as North Carolina began sending ballots on September 4, with other states set to follow shortly after. There were also doubts about whether the Postal Service even had the technical resources necessary to carry it out.
NationalMcAllen Cancer Survivor Heads to Washington to Urge Congress to Make Cancer a National Priority
Elvia Gibbs, a cancer survivor from McAllen, will head to Washington, D.C., to advocate for increased funding for cancer research and better access to clinical trials. She will join over 700 advocates at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, where they will meet with lawmakers to push for policies that enhance cancer research and prevention. Gibbs aims to highlight the importance of federal investment in cancer initiatives and support the bipartisan Clinical Trial Modernization Act, which seeks to reduce barriers for underrepresented populations in clinical trials, ensuring equitable access to treatment.
NationalMitch McConnell Returns to the Senate After Three Months Away
Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican from Kentucky, returned to the Senate on Monday after an absence of more than three months. 'Today I will cast my first vote in the Senate since I suffered a severe fall in June. I am eager to be back on the Senate floor and see my colleagues,' McConnell wrote in a statement on Monday. The senator added that his recovery had been 'a long and frustrating process' and mentioned that it had been complicated by 'persistent effects of the polio I had in childhood.' 'I am not fully recovered yet, but I have assured Leader Thune that while I continue with physical therapy following my doctors' recommendations, I will do my best to be present for tough votes when our caucus needs me,' McConnell added.
NationalEPA Eliminates Rule Limiting Emissions from Power Plants in the U.S.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Monday that it is revoking rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants, a measure that the agency claims will eliminate over $300 billion in costs for the industry and help 'unleash' American energy. The rule change, proposed last year, marks a fundamental shift from the efforts of Democratic Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama to address climate change and reduce industrial pollution. Environmental groups condemned the change, stating it will harm the health of Americans and further degrade the environment. Agency officials, known as the EPA, said the change will allow utility companies to make decisions for their ratepayers instead of being forced to close old or inefficient plants. The rule is likely to face legal challenges. In a related action, the EPA proposed a rule to prevent future administrations from regulating emissions from power plants. This proposal follows the EPA's action this year to revoke a scientific determination that has been central to national efforts to regulate emissions and combat climate change.
NationalICE has no plans to 'sweep polling locations' for noncitizens, Homan says
White House border czar Tom Homan on Sunday said there are no plans in place for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to "sweep polling locations" in the November midterm elections.
National78th Primetime Emmys are Monday: Here's a preview
TV stars are set to descend upon Los Angeles for the 78th Primetime Emmys on Monday.