National

Dolly Parton has died, family announces

The country music icon was 80 years old.

ICE arrests jumped to nearly 50,000 in July, the highest monthly total of Trump’s second term

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested nearly 50,000 people during July, the highest single monthly arrest total during the second Trump administration, according to new figures. The spike in immigration arrests shows that the administration has continued to advance its mass deportations agenda despite a shift in approach earlier this year from

What Will Happen with Mail-In Voting? Supreme Court Decision Could Cause Chaos in November

The Supreme Court's preliminary approval of President Donald Trump's order to restrict mail-in voting does not change any procedures for the upcoming legislative elections in November, but it has already cast uncertainty over the method that nearly a third of the country uses to vote. Instead of affirming that Trump's order is legal, the high court indicated on Monday that it was too early for Democratic-led states to challenge it in June, when they convinced a federal judge in Boston to freeze the order for the November elections. This effectively restarts the legal battle over the order on an incredibly compressed timeline, with the first ballots set to be sent to overseas voters and military personnel in North Carolina in just over a week. A second court order remains in effect, prohibiting the Postal Service from making changes to comply with Trump's directive. Nevertheless, the government filed a motion late Monday to lift that second suspension and has published new Postal Service regulations that would take effect on Tuesday if the legal path is fully cleared. This new rule requires a specific format for envelopes containing mail-in ballots—which could force some jurisdictions to completely revise them—and mandates that states use an electronic system to identify to the Postal Service who is voting by mail. If states do not comply with the rule, their mail-in ballots will not be sent.

Ball from Maradona's 'Hand of God' auctioned for over $3 million

WASHINGTON – The ball from Diego Armando Maradona's 'Hand of God' was sold at auction for $3.35 million at Heritage Auctions in the United States this weekend. The sale of the ball, with which the legendary player scored the 'Hand of God' goal for Argentina against England in the 1986 World Cup, ultimately did not meet the expectations that had been set. The auction, which started with a base price of $2.5 million and took place on Saturday, was anticipated to break records and potentially reach ten million.

We explain how to find out if your visa has been revoked by the U.S. government

The United States is preparing to revoke the business and tourist visas of up to 200,000 individuals who have applied for asylum in the U.S. If this happens, it would mark the largest visa revocation in U.S. history and is likely to face legal challenges. The State Department is expected to announce the revocation of the so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026, for which holders have applied for asylum, according to State Department documents obtained by AP and two federal officials. If you are one of those affected by this measure, we explain step by step how to find out if your visa has been revoked: To check the status of your visa, whether immigrant or nonimmigrant, you must visit the U.S. State Department's Electronic Visa Application Center website. Once there, select the type of visa—whether immigrant or nonimmigrant—and then enter your visa number. You will also need to provide your passport number and the first five letters of your last name. To start the search on the mentioned page, click here.

High Prices Cause Drop in US Consumer Confidence, Lowest Level in 7 Months

American confidence in the economy fell in August to its lowest level in seven months, as the conflict in Iran continues to push gasoline prices above $4 per gallon. The Conference Board reported on Tuesday that its consumer confidence index dropped to 89.4 in August from 90.2 in July. This marks the lowest level in seven months, but it essentially remains within the same range it has been since the beginning of the year. At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, readings were consistently above 100. Respondents' perception of their current situation improved, but their short-term outlook deteriorated. Americans remain frustrated with the economy after five years of high inflation, which could pose a risk for President Donald Trump and Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections, set to take place in less than 70 days.

Father of USS Lincoln Sailor Released from ICE Detention

The immigrant father of a sailor aboard the troubled USS Abraham Lincoln returned to his family on Tuesday after being detained by immigration authorities over the weekend. The family confirmed the release of Luis Manuel Avilés in a statement posted on social media by his son Joshua Avilés, a Navy sailor specializing in aircraft handling operations. Joshua Avilés has been deployed on the aircraft carrier for nine months, which is considered a record for the U.S. military for uninterrupted time at sea. 'Luis has been released and has returned to our family. We appreciate all the support for both Luis and Josh throughout this situation. Right now, our family is taking time to be together. While we await the return of our proud Navy sailor, we kindly ask for your understanding and respect,' the statement reads. The Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond to multiple requests for comments regarding Luis Manuel Avilés's release. DHS confirmed over the weekend that Border Patrol arrested Luis Manuel Avilés on Saturday during a traffic stop in Key West, Florida, where the family resides. The agency indicated that he entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location and was in ICE custody. Originally from Nicaragua, 47-year-old Luis Manuel Avilés has lived in the United States for 20 years. He has mostly worked as maintenance staff for hotels in Key West, according to his younger son, Luis Avilés, and his stepdaughter, Katty Delgado.

'Offensive': Target issues apology after Halloween costume backlash

Target has removed a Halloween costume from sale after customers and social-media users pointed out that it appeared to evoke racist stereotypes.

Federal judge declines Ghislaine Maxwell's bid to toss conviction

A federal judge on Tuesday declined a petition from Ghislaine Maxwell to set aside her conviction, a longshot bid that would have allowed for a new trial.

Wife of Army Sergeant Deported While Outside Walmart in Texas

TEXAS – The wife of an active-duty U.S. soldier was deported to her native Honduras on Monday, according to her family and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Cristy Maryori Villafranca Trejo is at least the seventh spouse or parent of an active-duty member of the U.S. military to be deported amid President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. The Associated Press has identified more than 50 cases where immediate family members of U.S. service members were placed in federal immigration detention after the Trump administration reversed protections for military families. In some instances, DHS has released military spouses after media coverage of their cases and pressure from some lawmakers.

Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon, Dies at 80

Dolly Parton, who rose from a humble but loving childhood in the mountains of East Tennessee to become the 'Queen of Country,' a Hollywood star, and a beloved American icon, has died, her family announced on Tuesday. Parton was 80 years old. Her death came after she abruptly announced in May 2026 that she was canceling a show in Las Vegas and revealed she had been receiving treatment for kidney stones for several years. 'Goodness, they take out more stones from me each year than from the quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee,' Parton said in a statement. 'But seriously, my immune system and digestive system have completely gone haywire over the last two or three years, and I'm working very hard to recover and strengthen them. Hopefully, I'll be back to full form soon.'

Texas Border Business · Aug 25, 2026

Jorge Torres Says Illegal Transshipment Is Already Occurring Through Mexico and Canada

Jorge Torres, president of Interlink Trade Services, emphasized the growing responsibility of U.S. importers and customs brokers to verify the origin and tariff treatment of goods amid heightened efforts against illegal transshipment. He highlighted that legitimate transshipment involves substantial transformation of products, while mere relabeling or repackaging does not qualify. Torres warned of Chinese goods entering Mexico or Canada before being exported to the U.S. under false claims of origin. He urged importers to conduct thorough analyses and maintain proper documentation to avoid penalties, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection increases scrutiny and utilizes artificial intelligence for enforcement.

ICE Arrests Reached Nearly 50,000 in July

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested nearly 50,000 people in July, marking the highest monthly total during President Donald Trump's second term. The figure indicates that the administration has continued to push its mass deportation agenda despite a shift in focus earlier this year, moving from high-profile operations in major cities that sparked public outrage to more discreet arrests. The 49,571 arrests in July represent a 15% increase from the 43,021 in the previous month and a 70% rise from the 29,241 in February following operations in Minnesota, according to government data provided by ICE to the Deportation Data Project at the University of California, Berkeley, and analyzed by The Associated Press. The immigration arrests in the month prior to Trump's inauguration were above 8,000, largely composed of immigrants transferred from municipal or state jails and handed over to ICE for deportation. During Trump's first year in office, the numbers began to rise as the administration relaxed rules on where and whom ICE could arrest and injected billions of dollars into the agency.

How Tariffs Between the U.S. and Canada Would Affect Your Wallet

Canada has committed to responding 'dollar for dollar' to the tariffs announced by the United States amid the ongoing trade war between the two North American neighbors. Ottawa released a list on Tuesday of more than 700 products that will be subject to taxes. Starting September 8, there will be higher taxes on goods ranging from fish and cheese to smartphones and steel imported from the United States. Canada indicated that its retaliation would focus on the products 'most affected by U.S. tariffs.' The levies will be set at 15%, 25%, or 50%—rates that, according to the government, will match the U.S. tariffs on the goods targeted in the latest round from Washington, as well as on products covered by previously imposed sectoral duties. The announcement came just days after President Donald Trump's administration implemented a 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian products, ranging from honey to hockey sticks. This represents only 5% of the value of goods Canada sent to the United States last year, but the punitive rate adds to a series of tariffs Trump has imposed on the country during his second term. Meanwhile, there are threats of further escalation, and therefore, businesses—and, by extension, households—on both sides of the border could soon feel the pressure. Below is a summary of some of the affected products.

Live Updates: Lindsay Clancy Trial Approaches Final Stage

The trial of Lindsay Clancy, accused of murdering her three young children in Massachusetts on January 24, 2023, is nearing its conclusion. Prosecutors allege that Clancy strangled her 5-year-old, 3-year-old, and 8-month-old children using exercise bands in her basement. At 32 years old at the time of the crime, she faces charges of murder and strangulation. Her defense claims she suffered from postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, exacerbated by antidepressants prescribed after the birth of her third child. The court continues to hear testimonies as the prosecution presents its final arguments before moving to the next phase of the trial.

Mexican cattle imports restart in Arizona as screwworm cases decline

The U.S. livestock port in Douglas, Arizona, became the first along the Southwest border to reopen to Mexican cattle on Monday, but the threat of New World screwworm still remains elsewhere and that means restrictions are still in place.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Aug 24, 2026

How ICE Deportations Impact Your Wallet, According to a Study

HOUSTON – Deportations and immigration operations by ICE are reportedly having effects on the U.S. economy, according to a study by the organization America’s Voice that analyzes the impact of a reduction in workers across various industries. The report, titled 'The ICE Tax,' claims that sectors reliant on migrant labor have seen increases in their costs, including food, maintenance, construction, and healthcare services. Data presented in the study shows that healthcare-related costs rose by 10.7%, while gardening costs increased by 10.8%, and housing construction saw increases of up to 15.4% in some areas of the country. In Texas, the report indicates that construction contracted by 5%. According to the study, immigration measures implemented during 2025 would have resulted in the loss of approximately 668,000 jobs nationwide, with at least 51,000 of those positions held by U.S.-born workers. An economics professor at the University of Houston explained that a reduction in the workforce can decrease production and contribute to rising prices. The study refers to the 'ICE tax' as the economic cost that, according to the organization, is generated by operations and deportations across different sectors and communities in the country.

Texas Border Business · Aug 24, 2026

Lubbock Pair Faces Up to 70 Years in Prison Following Federal Ponzi Conviction

Two men from Lubbock, Joshua Allen and Michael Cox, were convicted by a federal jury in San Antonio for their involvement in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded numerous victims. They were found guilty on four counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud. The scheme, which also involved their co-defendant Brooklynn Chandler Willy, led to millions of dollars in losses for victims, as funds were used to pay earlier investors and enrich the conspirators. Both Allen and Cox face up to 70 years in prison, with sentencing hearings yet to be scheduled.

Texas Border Business · Aug 24, 2026

U.S. Attorney’s Office Adds Nearly 300 New Immigration Cases in Western District of Texas

From August 7 to August 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Texas filed 292 new immigration-related criminal cases. These cases involve charges against alien smugglers and undocumented individuals with previous convictions for driving while intoxicated, violent offenses, theft, and prior deportations. This initiative is part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. It emphasizes the commitment of the Department of Justice to protect communities from violent crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.