National
National news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
National“There’s No One Coming to Save Us”: Alarms Sound Over AI That Could Escape Human Control
Two former researchers from Anthropic and Google DeepMind, Joe Benton and Josh Engels, have raised alarms about the potential dangers of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems. They express concerns that these systems could escape human control and pose existential threats. Their warnings follow a viral post by ex-Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, emphasizing the rapid development of AI and its risks. Benton and Engels highlighted a recent cyberattack on AI startup Hugging Face, allegedly by autonomous AI systems. They are now joining METR, a nonprofit research center, to focus on AI safety and transparency, advocating for better public awareness of AI risks.
NationalWATCH LIVE: Flight 93 Memorial ceremonies mark 25 years since 9/11
SHANKSVILLE, Pa. (WTAJ) -- The Flight 93 National Memorial will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with remembrance ceremonies honoring the 40 passengers and crew of United Flight 93. Thousands are expected to gather in Shanksville on Sept. 11 to remember those who lost their lives when Flight 93 crashed in Somerset
NationalTeen Survives Several Days at Sea After Fishing Boat Capsizes; His Brother and Cousin Died
A 15-year-old boy survived several days at sea after a fishing boat capsized off the coast of an island in Alaska, resulting in the deaths of his older brother and cousin. The teenager was rescued on Monday after being found on the overturned vessel about 4 miles east of St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, according to a statement from the Coast Guard. Darren Toolie-Noongwook said his family is mourning the loss of his brother Sidney, who was the family's provider and doted on Parker, the surviving teenage brother. A video obtained by KTUU, an NBC affiliate in Anchorage, showed the moment the teenager was rescued. The young boy, who appeared to be wearing a black hoodie under a coat, green pants, and black boots, was seen kneeling on the boat.
NationalTrump and Hegseth Honor 9/11 Victims from the Pentagon
On the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, public officials gathered at the Pentagon to honor the memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives that day. More than two decades after two planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York, American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., claiming the lives of 184 individuals. President Donald Trump stated that the thousands of victims were 'beautiful souls taken from our world.' Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remarked that the September 11 attacks were 'one of the darkest days in American history,' adding, 'evil did not have the last word.' 'Twenty-five years later, America is stronger than ever. Standing tall and proud,' he expressed at the Pentagon memorial site. Hegseth also paid tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders.
NationalVance, Rubio, or DeSantis? Who Republicans See as Possible Trump Successors
As Vice President JD Vance addressed the crowd at the midterm Republican convention, he was interrupted by a supporter shouting 'JD 48!', referring to the possibility of him being the 48th president of the United States. Others joined in, and Vance paused with a smile before cutting them off. 'We need to focus on what’s at stake this November, and then we’ll worry about what comes next,' he stated. Vance was a key figure on Thursday night at the convention, where he and President Donald Trump urged Republicans to vote in the upcoming fall elections, which will mark the imminent end of Trump’s time in the White House and the beginning of the race to succeed him. However, in the halls of the American Airlines Center in sweltering Dallas this week, Vance's position as Trump’s heir was far from assured. In interviews with nearly two dozen attendees, there was still no clear consensus on a favorite candidate for 2028. While Vance was frequently mentioned, a long list of other figures—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis—also appeared among the preferences. Most said they were not ready to commit to any one candidate.
NationalWe're in the Era of The Jetsons: Air Taxi Testing Begins in Texas
Texas is taking a leading role in testing electric air taxis with the launch of a three-year pilot program aimed at exploring how highly automated aircraft could eventually transport cargo and passengers. The Nexus Project was introduced by local and national leaders, with Texas spearheading a multi-state effort. Daniel Harmon, director of the Texas Department of Transportation's Aviation Division, likened the initiative to 'The Jetsons.' The first phase will involve pilots determining effective routes, with future plans for autonomous flights. Archer, a participating company, aims to begin passenger transport during the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
NationalTwenty-Five Years Later, We Still Remember
On September 11, 2026, the United States commemorates the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Over the past week, Texas Border Business has highlighted the enduring spirit of remembrance, service, and sacrifice. Today, memorials across the nation will honor the 2,977 victims, their families, and the first responders who acted heroically. Ceremonies will include moments of silence, flag displays, and gatherings at significant sites like the National September 11 Memorial. As time passes, the responsibility to remember and honor those lost grows, ensuring that their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.
NationalTrump Promises $500 Rebate Checks from Obamacare for Enrollees in 30 States
President Donald Trump has announced $500 rebate checks for nearly 1 million Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollees in 30 states, claiming they were overcharged by the previous Biden administration. This announcement follows Trump's promise of $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans maintain control in the upcoming midterm elections. Trump stated that the rebates would be issued within weeks, targeting those who do not receive premium assistance. Critics have dismissed the plan as a gimmick, arguing it fails to address rising healthcare costs. The source of the rebate funds and the need for Congressional approval remain unclear.
NationalInflation Accelerated in August as Gas Prices Soared
Inflation in the U.S. rose by 0.4% in August, maintaining an annual rate of 3.4%. The core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, increased by 0.3%, slightly above economists' expectations of 0.2%. A significant contributor to the overall increase was a 3.9% rise in gasoline prices, accounting for over a third of the monthly increase. Food prices went up by 2.1%, while housing costs rose by 0.3%. Despite these increases, real average hourly earnings fell by 0.1% from July to August. Analysts suggest that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates in their upcoming meeting.
NationalFood and online orders more expensive: diesel prices in the U.S. exceed $6 per gallon
The price of diesel in the U.S. has reached a record high, surpassing $6 per gallon, affecting grocery prices and online orders. The national average hit $6.05, up from $5.85 last week and $3.70 a year ago, according to AAA. This increase is attributed to the ongoing conflict between Washington and Iran, which is disrupting global fuel supplies. Higher diesel costs lead to increased transportation expenses for everyday products, particularly perishables like meat and produce. Consumers may notice these price hikes soon as businesses pass on the additional costs, with diesel prices closely following crude oil trends.
NationalMinute by Minute: NYC Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11, the Deadliest Terrorist Attack in U.S. History
New York City commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the deadliest terrorist act in U.S. history, which resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. On that day in 2001, Islamic extremists hijacked four commercial planes, crashing two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, leading to their collapse. A moment of silence is observed for each flight and the towers' fall. The aftermath continues to affect lives, with over 9,000 deaths linked to health issues from the attacks. The city has released 170,000 pages of documents revealing early awareness of air quality risks. Victims included citizens from over 90 countries and 441 first responders from NYC.
National25 Years Since September 11: The Wounds of the Attacks That Forever Marked the U.S.
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the impact of that tragic day continues to resonate across the United States. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, with many victims still unidentified. The rebuilt World Trade Center now stands as a symbol of resilience, attracting around 9,000 visitors daily to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The nation will commemorate this shared tragedy, reflecting on the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and ongoing debates about national security and immigration policies. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the attacks, remains imprisoned, with his trial scheduled for June 2028.
NationalUS Census Evaluates Plan to Omit Data on Immigrants and Race
The United States government has proposed a drastic reform to its national census that could exclude key data on race and ethnicity, as well as millions of immigrants based on their status, potentially jeopardizing resource allocation and the country's electoral map. The possible changes, announced on Wednesday, would exclude immigrants living in the country illegally, asylum seekers, and anyone without permanent status. Certain demographic questions from the traditional questionnaire would also be removed. This echoes a previous proposal by President Donald Trump to add a citizenship question to the 2030 census. In a post on the Federal Register website, the Census Bureau argued that 'illegal aliens (among others) should not be included in the apportionment count, as they are not true inhabitants, members of the political body, or people with a 'usual residence' in the United States due to their lack of sufficient ties and loyalty to the United States.' The census 'should be impartial regarding color and should not be distorted in any way with questions about immaterial personal characteristics, such as race,' the agency added. It is also considering eliminating questions related to individuals identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. These changes would harm data quality, said Beth Jarosz, data researcher and vice president of the Association of Public Data Users. 'Not counting all the people who reside here is, in fact, where the real threat lies,' Jarosz stated. 'If you think about all the ways census data is used.' Census figures are traditionally used for an 'apportionment count' to determine how many seats each state will have in the federal House of Representatives. This count also determines the number of votes in the Electoral College. 'You can imagine if there are people you don't count or if there are people counted in the wrong place,' Jarosz noted. 'Then their political power or political representation gets diluted.'
National"If you love Mexico, go there": Vance's response to protester with Mexican flag
U.S. Vice President JD Vance responded on Thursday to a protester who interrupted his speech at the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas while waving a Mexican flag, an incident he used to assert American nationalism and criticize the left. "If you love Mexico so much, go there. I'll buy you a plane ticket," Vance said after the protester displayed the Mexican flag during his address. Press present at the Republican convention, held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas ahead of the midterm elections, reported that a man with a tricolor flag was protesting in one of the aisles when the confrontation with the vice president occurred. Vance later described the flag as a "symbol of the extreme left" and argued that the man should have displayed the American flag instead. The protester was removed from the venue by security personnel.
NationalTrump wants to make this midterm year special to avoid losing Republican control of Congress
At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections for maintaining GOP control in Congress. He promised $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans win, a proposal that could cost over $1 trillion amid a $40 trillion national debt. Trump acknowledged the historical challenges for sitting presidents in midterms but called this election 'something very special.' The convention featured speeches from various Republican leaders, warning of the consequences of a Democratic victory. Democrats countered by highlighting issues like high prices and healthcare access, portraying Republicans as disconnected from voters' concerns.
NationalTexas Achieves Historic Ruling Against TikTok for Minor Safety
AUSTIN, Texas — In a groundbreaking national court ruling, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a historic judgment declaring TikTok responsible for misleading parents about the safety of its platform and exposing minors to explicit and inappropriate material. The ruling was issued by District Judge Cory Liu, who found that the social media platform lied about its safety standards and concealed the prevalence of harmful content. According to the ruling, although TikTok claimed to remove graphic videos depicting drugs, nudity, alcohol, injuries, and obscene language, such material remained accessible to minors, even when users employed 'Restricted Mode.' The legal battle began in January 2025 when Attorney General Ken Paxton sued TikTok for misleadingly promoting its app as safe for minors. The state also accused the company of violating the Online Child Safety by Empowering Parents Act (SCOPE Act) by operating in a manner that jeopardized the privacy and online safety of young Texans. 'TikTok sacrificed the safety and innocence of children for engagement and numbers, and now they are being held accountable,' stated Attorney General Ken Paxton following the ruling. 'Texas is now the first state in the country to legally hold TikTok accountable for lying to parents. I will continue to pursue TikTok and every social media company that exposes children to predators, inappropriate content, or addictive features,' he added. Following this ruling on the company's liability, the case will proceed to trial, which is expected to be scheduled for next month. At that stage, penalties and other legal measures that could be applied to TikTok will be determined.
NationalAfter Rubio's Criticism, Sheinbaum Urges the U.S. Not to Use Mexico in 'Their Electoral Campaign'
President Claudia Sheinbaum once again rejected the claims made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that drug cartels are out of control in Mexico and attributed these remarks to the 'electoral campaign' in the United States ahead of the midterm elections in November. 'I believe this is part of the electoral campaign in the United States. They have an election in November, and as we have said, they should not use Mexico in their campaign. The United States has its problems. Therefore, Mexico should not be used as part of the electoral campaign,' Sheinbaum emphasized during her regular morning press conference. The president responded to Rubio's comments, who claimed during a visit to Ecuador on Wednesday that 'there are territories, vast territories in Mexico, that are not governed by the state, but are controlled by drug trafficking organizations,' a statement that has been reiterated by U.S. President Donald Trump on other occasions. 'Mexico is not anyone's piñata; Mexico deserves respect. We do not interfere in their elections,' she added.
NationalBattle for the 2030 World Cup Final: Spain and Morocco Want to Host
Morocco and Spain are in discussions over the right to host the final of the 2030 World Cup, while FIFA's beleaguered president, Gianni Infantino, lurks behind the scenes. FIFA has yet to officially announce which country will host the most important match of the biggest football event. Although the 2026 edition just concluded with Spain winning the title this summer, Moroccan and Spanish officials are asserting their claim to host the next final. The competition for the match comes as Spain is still reeling from a massive border crossing of tens of thousands of migrants who surged from Morocco into the Spanish North African enclave at the end of July. A significant match for two proud countries. The head of Moroccan football boasted on Thursday that his country had it secured. 'The city of Benslimane will host the World Cup final. Whether you like it or not, and if anyone wants to talk about anything else, let them talk,' said Fouzi Lakjaa, president of the Moroccan federation, at a political rally.
NationalApple Unveils First Foldable iPhone with $1,999 Starting Price
Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, featuring a 7.6-inch inner display for multitasking and a 5.4-inch outer display. Priced at $1,999, preorders will start on October 16, with availability in over 70 countries, including the U.S. and Mexico, beginning October 23. The device, made from grade 5 titanium, includes advanced features like a 48-megapixel camera, a new A20 Pro chip, and redesigned iOS 27 for enhanced multitasking. The iPhone Duo is designed for durability with an IP68 rating and offers various storage options up to 2TB.