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Anxiety in Chicago for Missing Family Members After Earthquake in Colombia

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Monday morning, resulting in dozens of fatalities, collapsed buildings, and people trapped. In Chicago, several Colombian families are experiencing hours of anguish as they await news of their loved ones. Among the missing are siblings Valentina and Juan Esteban Galeano, who, according to their relatives, remain trapped after the building they lived in completely collapsed. The structure is located south of Cali, reported as the most affected area. 'Their father lives nearby and has been there trying to help. My cousin has a two-month-old baby. They managed to get him out and he is receiving medical attention, but they are still trapped,' said Juliana Figueroa, who is searching for her missing relatives. Images from the scene show rescuers and volunteers removing debris in search of the two siblings. So far, according to information provided by their family, no signs of life have been found. 'There are rescuers and volunteers, and my hope is to find them alive,' Figueroa said. The anxiety is also felt thousands of miles away from Colombia. Daniela Bucheli, who is in Chicago, said she woke up on Monday to her phone filled with messages informing her of what happened to her loved ones. Since then, she has been waiting for news from Colombia. 'It’s very sad, very distressing, really,' Bucheli said.

Trump's Order Aims to Reduce the Number of Diseases for Which Children Are Vaccinated

On Monday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at reducing the number of universally recommended vaccines for children; a measure that reaffirms the drastic modification of the vaccination schedule previously announced this year by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which had been blocked in court. Similar to that modification, the new order recommends reducing the list of diseases against which all children must be vaccinated from 18 to 11, according to a fact sheet obtained by NBC News. Other vaccines would be subject to a so-called 'shared clinical decision-making' process between parents and the child's doctor. In theory, the proposed changes do not prohibit access to childhood vaccines; rather, Kennedy stated on Monday that his goal is to provide options for parents. The recommended childhood immunization schedule in the United States has never been mandatory. In his announcement, Trump linked the vaccination changes recommended by the order to concerns about rising autism rates in the U.S., despite decades of research showing no relationship between autism and vaccines. 'While we do not know the exact cause of autism, it is crucial for our research efforts to have the best vaccination recommendations in the world; that’s why we are reducing them,' Trump stated. Heidi Overton, Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, noted during Monday's announcement that, since Kennedy's previous vaccination reform is stalled in the courts, Trump is 'correcting that mistake' through his executive order. The order also recommends that all childhood vaccines be administered during separate medical visits and that the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine be divided into three separate doses, according to the fact sheet. Currently, there are no individual vaccines of this type approved by the FDA or available on the market. The combined MMR vaccine, recommended for children aged 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years, has been available since 1971, partly to reduce the number of injections children receive. Separating the vaccines would mean that children would receive six injections instead of two. This measure is based on a previous provision aimed at aligning U.S. childhood vaccination recommendations with those of other developed countries. Some current and former Trump administration officials have pointed to Denmark as an example, where vaccines for flu, COVID-19, RSV, chickenpox, and other diseases are not part of the universal childhood vaccination schedule. However, many public health experts argue that the burden of infectious diseases is different in the U.S., given the size and diversity of its population. Additionally, Denmark has a universal healthcare system, unlike the United States.

Trump: US Controls Strait of Hormuz Despite Iranian Blockade

Washington – President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the United States maintains total control over the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran blocking the maritime route in retaliation for the ongoing conflict. 'It is already open. Look, the only one controlling the Strait of Hormuz right now is the United States Navy,' the president asserted during a press conference in the Oval Office. Trump mentioned that 'occasionally' the Islamic Republic places some naval mines with explosives in the strait, but he claimed that the US Armed Forces have completely cleared the passage. Iran, which is negotiating with its neighbor Oman for a possible agreement regarding the strait, released a list of demands on Saturday that the United States must meet for maritime traffic to reopen in this key route for global oil trade.

United States Revokes Over 175,000 Visas for Foreign Nationals

The U.S. State Department announced on Monday the revocation of over 175,000 visas for foreign nationals, part of ongoing review operations initiated under President Donald Trump. Most revocations are linked to encounters with authorities due to various criminal activities, including assault, DUI, theft, and drug-related offenses. Other reasons include reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, and embezzlement. The reviews aim to ensure visa holders comply with their terms and do not pose a security threat. Additionally, over 100 visas were revoked for individuals allegedly traveling to the U.S. primarily for their children to gain citizenship. The Trump administration emphasized its commitment to identifying and investigating visa violations.

Todd Blanche Sworn in as U.S. Attorney General

Washington – Todd Blanche, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump and former Deputy Attorney General of the United States, was sworn in as the new Attorney General on Monday during a private ceremony in the Oval Office, attended by the President. 'Congratulations to a great lawyer and an even better person!' wished government press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a message on social media platform X, along with a brief video of the official appointment, which also featured several Republican Party members, including Vice President JD Vance. Blanche, who served as acting Attorney General following the dismissal of Pam Bondi in April, led the Washington delegation at the inauguration of new Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, an ally of Trump, last Friday. Born in Denver, Colorado in 1974, the new head of the Department of Justice developed his career as a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York and later as a defense attorney in high-profile cases.

Earthquake reported in Colombia, felt in much of the central and southern parts of the country

On Monday, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, impacting cities such as Manizales, Cali, and Pereira, according to the Colombian Geological Service. Initially reported as 6.7, the magnitude was later corrected. The quake, which occurred at 7:34 AM local time, had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, at a depth of 82 kilometers. At least 20 fatalities have been confirmed, with significant structural damage reported, including collapsed buildings and affected airports. The Colombian government has activated emergency response measures, and the U.S. has offered assistance to Colombia in the aftermath of this disaster.

AP: Congressional Democrats Launch Investigation into Deportation of U.S. Military Members and Their Families

Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. Congress have launched an investigation into the Trump administration's deportation efforts targeting active-duty military members and their families. This follows reports that over 50 spouses and parents of service members have been detained by immigration authorities. In a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 60 legislators expressed concerns about the potential coordination between these agencies to deport military families, which they argue undermines military readiness and morale. The Pentagon declined to comment, while the DHS emphasized that military service does not automatically confer legal immigration status.

TPS for Salvadorans Expires in Less Than a Month; Here’s What You Need to Know

More than 170,000 Salvadoran immigrants have begun a race against time to avoid deportation, with less than a month until the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador expires, a benefit that has been targeted by President Donald Trump's administration since his first term. The TPS for Salvadorans will end on September 9, leaving beneficiaries without work permits and at risk of deportation. "People (those protected by TPS) are terrified," says Teresa Tejada, director of the Association of Salvadorans in Los Angeles (ASOSAL), which has been advocating for renewals of the protection granted in February 2001 following two earthquakes that struck the country that year. She notes that in recent days, the organization’s phone has been ringing off the hook with questions from Salvadorans who are "in a panic" over the potential cancellation. The outlook for these immigrants is not very hopeful. Immigration attorney Fernando Romo believes it is "unlikely" that the protection will be extended, citing orders against the program issued by President Trump during both his first (2017-2021) and current administrations. In January 2018, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ordered the cancellation of TPS for El Salvador, giving beneficiaries (about 180,000 at that time) 18 months to seek another path to residency or leave the country. The program managed to survive due to a court order following a lawsuit filed by beneficiaries and their U.S. citizen children, claiming the government acted on discriminatory and racist grounds. Despite this setback, Trump continued his campaign upon returning to the White House, eliminating protections for several countries, including Venezuela and Haiti, which also went to court. However, this time the Republican secured a victory when the Supreme Court ruled that he had the authority to revoke TPS. In the case of El Salvador, a country with which Trump currently has good relations, it is believed that the administration will simply allow the protection to expire for about 170,000 immigrants, according to data from The National Immigration Forum. These Salvadorans will lose their work permits and legal residency status, putting them at imminent risk of deportation. It is a "very complicated" situation, estimates Romo. The fear among TPS beneficiaries, known as 'tepesianos,' is so great that they have gone from being very vocal to nearly silent: "Immigration is watching who protests, so it’s time to stay quiet," said a Salvadoran TPS beneficiary who wished to remain anonymous. While Tejada understands the fear, she also believes that only a coordinated fight that includes immigrants can save the protection. This message has been reinforced in recent days by Salvadoran José Urias, who is urging Congress to act and extend the protection for about 16 countries. Urias, a businessman who employs more than 50 people in Malden (Massachusetts) and is protected by TPS, has been an active face in the TPS Alliance movement, created to defend the program. "Those of us favored by TPS are hardworking people, we have clean records, the FBI checks us every 18 months, and we pay taxes. So why do they want to kick us out of the country?" he questions. He shares that although he has a construction and real estate business that generates jobs and pays taxes, he has not found another way to change his TPS status in decades. "We have never been given that path to citizenship. It’s time for Congress to act," he insists. For Tejada, the intervention of El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele is also necessary in this fight, as tepesianos send remittances to their country. However, the president has been unable to stop deportations, which grew by 73.8% in the first half of 2026.

Trump Appoints Will Scharf as New White House Legal Advisor

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Will Scharf, former secretary of the Commission on Capital Planning, will be the new legal advisor to the White House. Scharf previously helped secure approval for a $400 million event hall at the presidential residence. He replaces David Warrington, who is leaving for the private sector on September 1. Scharf has experience as a federal prosecutor and has represented Trump in various cases, including before the Supreme Court. This change comes just months before the midterm elections, where the Republican Party aims to maintain congressional control amid potential Democratic investigations into Trump’s administration.

Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Does Not Rule Out Running for President in 2028

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party's left wing, has not ruled out a presidential run in 2028. In an ABC interview, she expressed gratitude for her support following a New Hampshire University poll that shows her leading in the Democratic primary race. At 36, Ocasio-Cortez is currently focused on her re-election campaign for her New York district in the upcoming midterm elections on November 3. She also mentioned the possibility of challenging Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer for his New York seat in 2028. The poll indicates Ocasio-Cortez at 22%, followed closely by Pete Buttigieg at 21%.

Pentagon Pressures Defense Companies to Increase Weapons Production

The Pentagon is urging U.S. defense companies to ramp up weapon production to replenish dwindling ammunition stocks, particularly due to ongoing conflicts in Iran. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized the need for faster procurement of munitions to meet combat demands. Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg has given industry leaders 21 days to propose plans for quicker delivery schedules and increased production capabilities. Recent analyses indicate that reduced inventories of advanced missile interceptors could put U.S. troops at greater risk. Meanwhile, a defense spending bill is stalled in Congress, with some lawmakers opposing increased military funding.

Hunter Biden says his father prostate cancer is causing him pain even as he continues to speak out

Hunter Biden revealed in a recent BBC interview that his father, former President Joe Biden, is suffering from prostate cancer that has metastasized to other parts of his body, causing him significant pain. The 83-year-old Biden continues to engage in public discussions despite his health challenges. Hunter expressed sadness over his father's condition, noting that it has been difficult for the family. He mentioned that his father remains active in speaking out on important issues, emphasizing his belief in the country. Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis was made public in May 2022, shortly after leaving the White House.

Israel Rejects Trump's 15-Point Plan for Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at advancing a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu stated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, emphasizing that this includes all types of weapons. While Hamas has accepted the plan, they have conditioned their disarmament on a complete Israeli withdrawal. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations and accusations of ceasefire violations from both sides. Over 73,000 people have died in Gaza since October 7, 2023, amid the ongoing conflict.

Argentinian soccer player in ICE custody was set to travel with his team

Argentinian soccer player Matías Alejandro Pourrain, 34, is currently in ICE custody after being detained at an airport while preparing to travel with Miami United FC for the UPSL final in Los Angeles. Pourrain, who has been in the U.S. since 2019 on a tourist visa and has a pending immigration application, was approached by ICE agents after passing TSA security. His attorney, Regina de Moraes, stated that he has no criminal record and was pressured to sign for self-deportation, which he refused. His team expressed solidarity, emphasizing his importance to the club and community.

Thousands of customers in parts of the U.S. report Verizon service outages

On August 8, 2026, over 10,000 Verizon customers in the U.S. reported service disruptions, primarily affecting voice calls. Issues began around 1:30 PM CT, peaking at 2:30 PM ET with more than 13,300 complaints. Affected areas included Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Boston. Verizon acknowledged the problem and stated that engineers were working quickly to resolve the issue. They advised users to restart their devices if service continued to be affected and apologized for the inconvenience. Customers can check the network status on Verizon's website for updates.

Thousands of Customers in the U.S. Report Verizon Service Outages

On August 8, 2026, over 10,000 Verizon customers in the U.S. reported service disruptions, primarily affecting voice calls. The issues began around 1:30 PM CT and peaked at approximately 2:30 PM ET, with more than 13,300 complaints logged on Downdetector. Affected areas included major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Boston. Verizon acknowledged the problem and stated that their engineers were working quickly to resolve it. They advised customers to restart their devices if issues persisted and directed them to their website for updates on service status.

ValleyCentral Weekend Report: ICE agent extradition update, County beach fees increase and more

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this week’s edition of ValleyCentral Weekend Report, Anchor Alexia Serrata breaks down all the news of the week. Starting with the biggest stories of the week, in case you missed them. Big changes are coming to the U.S. immigration policy next month and some attorneys say it could impact who qualifies for a green card. This week

Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to His Father at Private Cemetery in Rosario

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Lionel Messi arrived in the city of Rosario, in the Argentine province of Santa Fe, on Saturday to join his family in saying goodbye to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away early in the day at a clinic where he had been admitted due to complications from a long illness. The star landed on a private plane around 8:40 PM local time at Rosario Airport, having taken off from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he resides. Amid a security operation, a van transported Lionel to the family property located in an exclusive neighborhood of the city.