National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
NationalHouse Speaker Claims Congress Would Work to Deliver $5,000 Checks
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on NBC's 'Meet the Press' that Congress would work on fulfilling former President Donald Trump's promise of $5,000 checks to American adults if Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate after the midterm elections. Johnson emphasized the need for consensus and acknowledged the challenges posed by narrow Republican majorities. Trump, during the midterm Republican convention in Dallas, reiterated this promise, calling it the 'Trump dividend.' Critics have raised concerns about potential inflation and the feasibility of such a measure. Johnson also addressed ongoing tensions with Iran and the rising gas prices affecting Americans.
NationalTrump Calls Those Seeking AI Regulation 'Negative Forces'
During a visit to Ireland, former President Donald Trump labeled those advocating for artificial intelligence (AI) regulation as "negative forces." He dismissed concerns raised by industry leaders like Dario Amodei and Elon Musk about the risks of AI technology, arguing that the U.S. must maintain its leadership in AI against China. Trump emphasized that the nation is currently the most advanced in AI and stated, "whoever wins with AI, wins." His comments came after Amodei called for a slower pace in AI development due to potential risks, a sentiment echoed by other tech leaders. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders in Congress are urging urgent action to regulate AI.
NationalCongressman Swims to Safety After Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Lake
Congressman Tom Tiffany, a Republican gubernatorial candidate from Wisconsin, sustained minor injuries after his plane made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night. Tiffany was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner when the aircraft lost power near the Wausau Downtown Airport. Both he and the pilot swam to safety after the plane began to sink. Tiffany expressed gratitude to the pilot and emergency responders who quickly assisted them. They were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for treatment. The FAA is investigating the incident involving the Beechcraft K35 aircraft, which had two occupants.
NationalTrump wants the Smithsonian Institution to install George Washington statues and exhibit
Former President Donald Trump has called for the Smithsonian Institution to install a large statue of George Washington outside the National Museum of American History and create an exhibit celebrating the first president. He proposed the exhibit to run until February 22, 2032, marking Washington's 300th birthday. Trump criticized the museum for not adequately representing Washington's historical significance, particularly his crossing of the Delaware River. He suggested replacing the current 'Infinity' sculpture with a 30-foot statue of Washington. The Smithsonian operates independently, and it remains unclear if Trump can mandate these changes.
NationalThe US has made progress in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but the Iran war is far from over
The U.S. has made strides in reducing Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, significantly impacting Iran's oil exports, which fell from 1.85 million barrels per day to about 255,000. Despite these developments, the conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel in February remains unresolved, with ongoing low-level fighting and no diplomatic progress. Economic pressures on Iran have not led to an uprising, and its leaders may escalate military actions instead. Meanwhile, the Houthis in Yemen have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, contributing to rising oil prices, which have surpassed $100 per barrel this week.
NationalVenezuela Can Credential Diplomats in the U.S.: What’s Needed to Reopen Consulates?
Venezuela can now accredit diplomats in the United States, marking a step towards restoring its diplomatic presence, as confirmed by a State Department spokesperson. This announcement is significant for Venezuelans needing to renew passports or manage documents, but it does not clarify when consulates will open or what services will be available. The diplomatic relations were severed in January 2019 when Nicolás Maduro closed the Venezuelan embassy and consulates after the U.S. recognized Juan Guaidó as interim president. The potential reopening could ease the process for Venezuelans in the U.S. but remains contingent on further decisions regarding electoral participation and services.
NationalFormer CIA Agent Accused of Hiding Gold Bars Reaches Plea Agreement
A former CIA officer, David J. Rush, has reached a preliminary plea agreement after being charged with public funds theft. Investigators discovered around 300 gold bars valued at over $40 million, nearly $2 million in cash, and luxury watches at his residence. Rush allegedly inflated his salary by fraudulently claiming 744 hours of military leave after being honorably discharged from the Navy in 2015 and falsely asserting he held degrees from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A federal judge has extended the deadline for formal charges to October 8 to allow both parties to finalize the agreement and avoid a public trial.
NationalSuspected Intruder Arrested Outside Kamala Harris's Home in Malibu
Security team members arrested an individual on Friday night who illegally entered the property of former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, according to a spokesperson for Harris. The former U.S. senator and her husband were not at the residence at the time. 'Last night, security personnel detained a person who illegally entered Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman Emhoff's property before reaching the house,' said spokesperson Eduardo Negrón. 'Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman Emhoff were not present. They are grateful to the security staff and law enforcement who responded quickly.'
NationalFIFA Bans 2 Officials for Life Over Financial Irregularities in Their Federations
FIFA has banned two former football federation presidents for life due to financial misconduct. Vincent Cassell, the former president of Montserrat's football federation, was found guilty of abuse of position and misappropriation of FIFA funds. Bassam Adeel Jaleel, the ex-president of the Maldives football federation, misused COVID-19 relief funds for personal gain and was sentenced to 23 years in prison for embezzling $1.2 million. FIFA also imposed a 15-year ban on Tandica Hughes, Montserrat's former secretary general, for facilitating improper transactions. FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously condemned corruption in football, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy.
NationalDonald Trump Releases Video on Nicolás Maduro Capture Eight Months After Operation
Eight months after the United States conducted an operation in Venezuela to capture former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, President Donald Trump shared a video of the operation on his social media. The post, which contains no text or explanation, was shared on Friday, September 11, at 11:13 p.m., amid ongoing diplomatic advancements between the two countries and shortly after new groups were added to the list of terrorist organizations in Latin America. The video, set to dramatic music, opens with the Venezuelan leader saying 'Come for me,' followed by footage from the press conference where Trump announced the capture. 'Last night, following the instructions of the President of the United States,' says General Dan Caine, as the video intersperses images of Maduro saying 'I await you here, in Miraflores' and clips from the operation. Statements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, President Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also appear in the video. Officials emphasize the strength of the U.S. Armed Forces, with Rubio adding, 'And if you don't know it yet, now you know, because this is how this will unfold. And I think people need to understand that this is not a president who just talks, sends letters, and holds press conferences. If he says he is serious about something, it’s because he means it. Don’t play games. Don’t play games with the sitting president, because it won’t end well.' Following the capture, discussions about oil and the uncertain future of the Latin American country led Trump to announce in late August 2026 that a historic agreement had been reached: 'the largest oil deal in history,' he stated. According to Trump, the plan aims to give the United States majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of proven reserves in Venezuela while securing 55% of effective production through company participation and oil purchased at cost. In March, the U.S. announced that both countries would restore their diplomatic and consular relations. After the announcement, the U.S. diplomatic mission in Caracas resumed operations that same month. Both steps forward were anticipated since January 2026, when Secretary Rubio explained that the process, following Maduro's arrest, would be divided into three phases: stabilization, recovery, and transition. 'The second phase will be a stage we call recovery,' the Secretary of State said at the time. 'And it involves ensuring that American, Western, and other countries' companies have access to the Venezuelan market in a fair manner,' he added. As relations between Venezuela and the United States continue to evolve, Maduro and Flores await trial on charges related to alleged narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and possession of weapons. The judicial process is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027.
NationalIt Would Be Fantastic: Trump Sparks Controversy by Discussing Possible Reunification of Ireland
During a recent visit to Ireland, former President Donald Trump expressed his support for a unified Ireland, stating it would be 'fantastic.' This comment came during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin, where Trump acknowledged the complex political implications of such a reunification. He remarked that while he doesn't wish to stir controversy, he believes it is inevitable. The topic of Irish unity has historically been contentious, leading to decades of conflict known as 'The Troubles.' Trump's visit also drew mixed reactions from locals, with some expressing frustration over the disruptions caused by his presence.
NationalAnthropic CEO Calls for Slowing Down AI Race Due to Safety Warnings
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has called for a slowdown in the race to develop advanced AI systems, echoing concerns raised by researchers about safety risks. In a recent essay, Amodei argued that the rapid pace of AI advancements outstrips researchers' ability to understand and manage them. He proposed a strategy called 'pacing the frontier' to allow more time for safety measures without halting progress. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, supported this idea, stating that moderation in development discussions has been a priority at OpenAI. The call for caution follows warnings from several researchers about the potential dangers of unchecked AI development.
NationalTwo Leading AI CEOs Call for Slowing Down Development
Two leading CEOs in the artificial intelligence sector are calling for a slowdown in the development of increasingly powerful AI systems. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, argues that the rapid advancements in AI are outpacing researchers' ability to understand and manage them safely. He suggests a deliberate reduction in the pace of model improvements to allow for better safety measures. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, supports this view and plans to implement protective measures proposed by Amodei. Both executives emphasize the need for responsible progress in AI development, highlighting recent incidents that raised concerns about safety and control.
NationalTrump Administration Expands Terrorist Group List in Latin America, Mexico at the Forefront
The Trump administration has designated 21 criminal groups in Latin America and the Caribbean as foreign terrorist organizations, with Mexico having the highest number at eight. This classification, previously reserved for groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, aims to increase pressure on drug cartels and their supporters. Key targets include the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, major traffickers of fentanyl to the U.S. The strategy has led to military operations and increased cooperation with Latin American countries. However, contradictions arise, such as the pardon of former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, linked to drug trafficking.
NationalTSA created 25 years ago following Sept. 11 attacks
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established in response to the September 11 attacks and has been operational for nearly 25 years. Currently, the agency employs around 60,000 individuals who are responsible for screening passengers and their luggage every day. TSA officials emphasize that while screening technology has evolved, the fundamental training for officers has remained unchanged. Eric Guthier, a TSA Regional spokesperson, highlighted the importance of experience in identifying potential threats, stating that the ability to voice concerns about suspicious items is now a vital component of the agency's security approach.
NationalUTRGV international students among those affected as new federal rule sets 4-year cap on F-1 student visas
A new federal rule will impose a four-year limit on F-1 student visas, affecting international students like Anoushka Mitra at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Mitra, a 21-year-old biology major from India, fears the implications for her future as she aims to graduate in 2028 and pursue a medical career. Under the new regulations, students must complete their programs within the four-year cap, and changing majors will require reapplying for a visa. Additionally, the grace period after program completion will be reduced from 60 to 30 days, raising concerns about potential deportation for those who overstay.
NationalAlleged mastermind of 9/11 attacks still not on trial
NEW YORK — Two decades after U.S. authorities locked Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a military detention center in Cuba, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks does not appear to be any closer to standing trial than the day he arrived. A judge recently set 2028 as the date when Mohammed will finally be tried in a military court, but some lawyers predict that this will never happen, neither that year nor any other. They argue that the maze of legal issues that arose because Mohammed was tortured after his capture in Pakistan in 2003 is too convoluted to ever be unraveled. A brief initiative to try him in a civilian court in New York City was quashed years ago due to security concerns. A plea deal that would have kept Mohammed incarcerated for life but spared him from possible execution began to unravel shortly after its announcement in 2024 and was ultimately scrapped last year.
NationalUS Ambassador Defends Terrorist Designation of Mexican Cartels by Remembering 9/11
On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson defended the designation of several Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move initiated by former President Donald Trump. During a memorial ceremony in Mexico City, Johnson emphasized that terrorist organizations adapt their methods and networks, highlighting the violence and intimidation used by these cartels. He listed the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, and others as threats beyond drug trafficking, linking this security policy to the remembrance of the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001. Johnson also praised the solidarity shown by Mexicans during the aftermath of the attacks.
NationalLutnick Claims Trump's $5,000 Checks Would Not Depend on Taxpayers
Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce, stated that the proposed $5,000 dividend from President Trump for all U.S. adults would not be funded by taxpayers. During an interview, he emphasized that the government could generate the necessary funds without increasing the deficit. Trump promised this dividend if Republicans retain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. Lutnick mentioned the 'Trump Platinum Card' program, which would allow wealthy individuals to extend their U.S. visas for a fee. He also discussed an investment in Intel that yielded significant returns, although the government has not yet sold its shares. Economic concerns remain high among voters as inflation continues to rise.