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NationalTrump says Mexico only offers the U.S. 'spicy tamales and tomatoes'
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Mexico has nothing to offer the United States except for 'spicy tamales and tomatoes.' However, he clarified that he does not intend to disrupt the trade relationship because he gets along 'very well' with his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump made these comments while responding to questions from reporters in the Oval Office regarding his threat to cut trade with countries that maintain a trade surplus with the U.S. He emphasized that the U.S. has all the necessary resources, saying, 'We have oil, we have everything.' Trump also praised his good relationship with Sheinbaum and expressed his intention to maintain historical trade ties with Mexico. He referred to the tensions between the U.S. and Canada, exacerbated by the breakdown of bilateral trade talks and the imposition of U.S. tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, which Ottawa plans to respond to with similar tariffs next week. This situation raises questions about the future of the USMCA trade agreement signed by the three North American countries in 2018. Last Tuesday, Sheinbaum stated that despite the challenges in the relationship with Washington, she is hopeful for an 'understanding' in security and trade areas. The most recent round of USMCA review talks took place in July in Mexico City, where trade representatives from both nations discussed tariffs on the automotive industry, steel, aluminum, agriculture, and economic security. Following that meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard agreed to continue discussions in September.
NationalMiracle in Nepal: Two Workers Rescued Alive After 9 Days Trapped in Tunnel
In Kathmandu, Nepal, two workers were rescued alive from the Trishuli 3A hydroelectric project tunnel on Friday, nine days after devastating floods struck the region. The survivors, Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, were located approximately 170 meters inside the tunnel. Rescue teams had previously heard voices, prompting intensified efforts. Communication was briefly established, with rescuers assuring those trapped that help was on the way. The floods, which occurred on August 26, resulted in at least 1,287 deaths and left over 5,000 missing. Damage from the disaster is estimated at around $2.5 billion.
NationalDiesel Prices Hit Record High in the U.S.; How Could It Impact Your Wallet?
Diesel prices in the U.S. hit a record high of $5.85 per gallon, driven by ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have disrupted global fuel supplies. This increase is expected to raise transportation costs for a wide range of everyday products, impacting consumers as businesses may pass on these costs through higher prices. Grocery items, particularly perishables like fruits, vegetables, and meats, could see immediate price hikes. Regular gasoline prices also rose to an average of $4.15 per gallon, up from $3.20 last year, marking a significant increase as the Labor Day holiday approaches.
Public SafetyThreats and Demands for Money Preceded the Murder of Camilo Séptimo Musician
Omar García Harfuch, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, acknowledged that there was a prior relationship, which he described as 'commercial,' between Jonathan Meléndez, a musician from Camilo Séptimo, and the alleged perpetrator of the multiple homicide that occurred on September 1 in central State of Mexico. 'He had a commercial relationship, so to speak, or a certain partnership with the family member (Meléndez),' García Harfuch stated during a presidential conference held this Friday in Zacatecas. The official confirmed that there were also economic demands and threats against Meléndez before the crime. 'What is a fact is that money was being demanded; there was a demand, there were certain threats, and this unfortunate multiple homicide was committed,' he asserted. García Harfuch noted that he does not know the amount demanded and clarified that the Attorney General's Office of the State of Mexico (Fgjem) requested to reserve part of the information in this case until the first hearing to avoid affecting the judicial process. He also explained that federal authorities communicated with state prosecutor José Luis Cervantes and state security secretary Pablo Vázquez, highlighting that the detainees were captured in less than 12 hours. The secretary assured that the main suspect identified by the investigations is in custody and that another person may have collaborated with him, although the Prosecutor's Office continues to explore leads to determine if more individuals were involved. He indicated that the main suspect might have a criminal record but referred to the Prosecutor's Office for precise information. The multiple homicide occurred on September 1 in an apartment in Atizapán de Zaragoza, on the outskirts of Mexico City. Meléndez, 38, was killed along with his pregnant wife, their three-year-old daughter, and a domestic worker, while one of the musician's sons, aged six, was found alive. Authorities arrested Diego Sebastián 'N,' identified by the Prosecutor's Office as the musician's partner and probable author of the crime, and Gerardo 'N,' noted for his possible involvement. Meanwhile, Secretary of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez explained that the Government of the State of Mexico is leading support for the families through the state victims' commission, the System for the Comprehensive Development of the Family (DIF), and the Child Protection Agency. 'There is outreach to the family, and dialogue will continue to provide all the necessary support,' Rodríguez affirmed. She added that the federal government is also in contact with state authorities and is willing to intervene if necessary, by instruction of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who offered federal assistance since Thursday.
NationalUS Creates 162,000 Jobs in August While Wages Lag Behind Inflation
In August, the U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs, significantly exceeding expectations. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Economists had predicted only 53,000 new jobs. Revisions showed June's employment increased by 11,000 to 31,000, and July's figures improved by 44,000, resulting in a net gain of 21,000 jobs. The restaurant and bar sector led with 59,000 new jobs, while local government education added 42,000. However, the tech sector lost 23,000 jobs. Wage growth was stagnant at 3.1% year-over-year, lagging behind inflation, which was 3.4% in July.
NationalLindsay Clancy Trial: One Juror Emerges as Key Figure in Reaching Verdict
The jury in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who faces murder charges for the deaths of her three children in January 2023, has been struggling to reach a verdict. A juror has reportedly refused to follow the court's instructions regarding reasonable doubt. Clancy, 36, has admitted to causing their deaths but pleads not guilty due to lack of criminal responsibility. During a tense session, the judge decided not to remove the dissenting juror, stating there was no need for interrogation. Meanwhile, Clancy's attorney filed a motion to ensure all proceedings remain public. If the jury cannot agree, the trial may be declared a mistrial.
Public SafetySuspect Armed with Knife Shot Dead While Climbing Cables of Brooklyn Bridge in NYC
NEW YORK — NYPD officers shot and killed a man armed with a knife on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York after he climbed the cables and threatened emergency responders with the weapon, authorities reported during a press conference on Friday morning. According to Jerry Dowling, deputy chief of the Emergency Service Unit (ESU), officers received a 911 call around 3:30 a.m. about a person walking on the beams on the bridge towards Brooklyn. ESU officers arrived at the scene and attempted to engage the man in dialogue. The deputy chief stated that the two officers tried for nearly an hour to convince the man to come down when they noticed he had a knife. "I want to die," the suspect said, according to authorities. Dowling emphasized that during high-altitude rescues on bridges, officers remain secured to the structure for safety reasons, which significantly limits their mobility. "I want to die. I want you to kill me. I have a bomb. You won't force me to do something bad to the police," the man reportedly told the two ESU officers on the cable. The officers continued to try to persuade him to come down from the cables while repeatedly ordering him to drop the knife. After an hour, police said the man began to descend rapidly down the bridge cable towards the officers. Both officers were positioned below the man, still secured to the bridge and on the same cable. They began to back away, according to authorities, but could not move away as quickly as the man approached. The suspect was shot when he was about 3 feet from the first ESU officer, raising the hand holding the knife towards the officer. At that moment, an ESU officer fired once, hitting the man. The officers brought the man down from the cable and began to assist him. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. A knife was recovered at the scene. Authorities said the entire incident was recorded by police body cameras. NotifyNYC sent an alert around 4:30 a.m. warning of delays on the bridge due to police activity. The bridge was temporarily closed in both directions. On social media, several people reported waking up due to the police response. Chopper 4 footage showed a large emergency operation, with multiple police vehicles and yellow evidence markers scattered across the bridge. Both lanes of the bridge reopened during the mid-morning rush hour. This shooting marks the second deadly incident this week in which NYPD officers opened fire. On Monday, an emotionally disturbed woman armed with two knives randomly attacked several people in Times Square, killing a 32-year-old woman and injuring a 68-year-old man before advancing towards the police, according to authorities. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
NationalMamdani's Next Battleground? Berlin.
Staffers from Germany’s Die Linke party traveled to New York last year to learn from the DSA’s campaign as they try to win a mayor’s race in Berlin.
Public SafetyValley ICE officer charged with lying about shooting turns himself in to feds
Christian Castro, an ICE officer, has turned himself in to federal authorities after being charged with lying about the shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis during a Minneapolis immigration operation in January. Castro was previously released from jail in Texas after Governor Greg Abbott delayed his extradition to Minnesota. The charges against him include false statements and assault related to the incident, where he allegedly shot Sosa-Celis through a door. The case has raised concerns about the conduct of federal officers during immigration enforcement operations, and Sosa-Celis plans to seek damages from the federal government.
PoliticsHidalgo County courthouse set to reopen on Friday
The Hidalgo County Courthouse will reopen to the public on Friday, September 4, after being closed due to a vehicle crash at its entrance. The driver, 49-year-old Jesus Alaniz Jr., is in critical condition and faces a DWI charge. Although the closure slightly impacted the district attorney's caseload, operations will resume as normal. The main entrance remains closed for repairs, but temporary entrances are available from N. Closner Boulevard and S. 12th Avenue. Regular hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Clerk's Office continues to provide marriage licenses at a temporary location in Edinburg.
Public SafetyMcAllen man sentenced for leading deadly human smuggling ring
Jose Manuel Silva-Lopez, a 27-year-old from McAllen, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for leading a human smuggling operation that resulted in three deaths, including a teenage driver. His smuggling activities spanned from June 2023 to September 2024, during which he coordinated at least 21 smuggling events. Silva-Lopez recruited drivers via social media, including minors as young as 14, and instructed them to evade law enforcement. The operation led to high-speed chases, with one incident resulting in a crash that killed the driver and two passengers. He remains in custody pending transfer to a federal facility.
PoliticsHarlingen tables FluidStack data center drainage request after public pushback
Harlingen city commissioners postponed a decision regarding FluidStack's request to use a city drainage canal for stormwater from a proposed data center. Community members raised concerns during a recent meeting, prompting the commissioners to seek more public input before proceeding. Commissioner Daniel Lopez emphasized the importance of allowing residents to ask questions about the project. Moving forward, any industrial development over one acre seeking to connect to city drainage will require a public hearing. Resident Sandra Gonzalez Gomez expressed frustration, believing the city has already made a decision about the data center's construction. FluidStack has yet to schedule a public open house.
WeatherWhat to know before taking your boat out this Labor Day weekend
As Labor Day weekend approaches, many families in the Rio Grande Valley are preparing to enjoy boating and fishing. Texas Game Warden Calvin Atkinson emphasizes the importance of safety, advising boaters to check their equipment, including life jackets and fire extinguishers, and to tune up their engines. He also recommends creating a float plan and being mindful of weather conditions. Children under 13 must wear life jackets. Last year, Texas game wardens dealt with seven boating incidents, resulting in two fatalities. Increased patrols will be in effect, and boaters are urged to limit alcohol consumption while operating vessels.
EducationHidalgo County DWI program lets offenders attend STC to clear their record
South Texas College has introduced a program allowing individuals convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) to have their cases dismissed by completing a degree or certification. In collaboration with the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office and the 275th District Court, the initiative aims to enroll 10 offenders, with 10 already participating. Candidates must not have caused fatalities in their cases, and the district attorney will assess eligibility. Upon graduation, STC will assist in job placement, helping to reduce barriers to employment for those with prior convictions. Interested individuals can consult their probation officer or judge for application details.
EducationBrownsville ISD adapts to Texas special education funding shift
Brownsville ISD is adapting to a new special education funding model in Texas that emphasizes individual student needs rather than service locations. With a reporting deadline approaching, the district has been preparing since spring and summer, applying for state grants to support the transition. Last year, around 7,200 students, or 20% of the district's population, received special education services. The new model categorizes student needs into eight tiers, impacting funding based on the services provided. Special Education Director Adriana Lippa believes this shift will enhance service delivery and potentially increase resources for students, especially as the autism population grows.
WeatherHurricane season peak around the corner as drought conditions continue across Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —The calendar reads September 3, and the Atlantic basin has yet to produce a single hurricane this season. This unusually quiet stretch aligns with the influence of a strong El Niño, which enhances upper‑level wind shear across the Atlantic and suppresses tropical development. If this trend holds, we could be approaching a
Public Safety'First and absolutely last': Mother demands answers after 5-year-old leaves Edinburg Boys & Girls Club unsupervised
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A mother is demanding answers after she says her 5-year-old daughter walked away from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. She was later found outside the facility without shoes. Destiny Esquivel says Wednesday was her daughter Zoe Torres’ first and last day at the Boys & Girls Club’s after-school program.
Public SafetyProsecutors bring terrorism charges against man who allegedly handled ‘disposal of human remains’ for the Gulf Cartel
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man accused of working for the Gulf Cartel pleaded not guilty to federal terrorism charges last week. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas brought terrorism charges against Jose Flores Flores, 21, of Reynosa in mid-August. Flores handled “regional protection and enforcement” and “disposal of human remains”
NationalICE officer charged with lying about shooting turns himself in to feds, AP source says
WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer charged with lying to investigators about the events leading up to the shooting of a Venezuelan man during the Minneapolis immigration crackdown is in federal custody, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Christian Castro turned himself in to authorities after being charged with
Public SafetyMcAllen police seeking vehicle burglary suspect
The McAllen Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to locate 43-year-old Jesus Manuel Treviño, a suspect in two vehicle burglaries that occurred on August 24 in a parking area on the 200 block of Expressway 83. Victims reported that personal belongings were stolen from their cars. Treviño is described as 5'7" tall, weighing around 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and has noticeable tattoos on his face and neck. Authorities encourage anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-8477.