National

Trump Forces U.S. Companies to Manufacture More Weapons

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is using his executive authority to compel defense companies to rapidly produce more weaponry, as his administration pressures lawmakers to approve additional defense spending to replenish reserves depleted during the U.S.-led war against Iran. Trump discreetly invoked the Defense Production Act last week to address growing concerns within his administration about ammunition shortages, according to a memorandum submitted on Tuesday to the Federal Register. "I hereby conclude that conditions exist that may pose a direct threat to national defense or its preparedness programs," Trump wrote in a June 11 memorandum to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Production limitations and supply chain concerns "may undermine the ability of the United States to produce, sustain, and expand the availability of munitions, missiles, and equipment necessary for national defense," he wrote. Hegseth was on Capitol Hill Tuesday meeting with Senate Republicans about a $350 billion reconciliation package for additional funding for the Department of Defense that the administration wants approved, specifically to replenish munitions. Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, said his meeting with Hegseth "focused primarily on department funding" and that the Pentagon "is falling short of the resources it needs to acquire the weapons, missiles, and such that it needs to protect the nation."

Case Against Kingpin Rafael Caro Quintero: Prosecutor Requests Anonymous Jury for Trial

NEW YORK — Rafael Caro Quintero, co-founder of the now-defunct Guadalajara Cartel, attended a new hearing in his case in New York on Wednesday, where the prosecution requested that the jury for his trial be anonymous. During the Wednesday hearing, held at the Eastern District Court of New York in Brooklyn, the parties discussed classified documents and evidence that will be presented during the trial, as reported by the Mexican newspaper La Jornada. In addition to anonymity, the prosecution also requested Judge Frederic Block to keep the jury 'partially isolated,' a request it had already made in a document published on Tuesday. In that document, the prosecution asked the judge that the names, addresses, and workplaces of both the jury candidates and the final panel 'not be disclosed to the parties or their attorneys.' Furthermore, it demanded that, each day of the trial, jurors be transported 'to and from' the courthouse by the U.S. Marshals Service and remain isolated from the public while in court. 'These measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the trial and the impartiality of the jury, preventing harassment, intimidation, or other interference directed at its members,' the prosecution stated in a filing. In this regard, it argued that this case involves charges 'of exceptional gravity' and that Caro Quintero 'has the means to interfere in the judicial process and has a long history of having done so, for example, with the murder of a U.S. federal agent' or 'continuing his criminal conduct while in a Mexican prison.'

Retail Sales in the U.S. Increase, Indicating Consumer Resilience

Consumers increased their spending in May, exceeding expectations as temperatures rose and gasoline prices stabilized. Retail sales rose by 0.9%, compared to a revised gain of 0.4% in April, according to data from the Commerce Department released on Wednesday. Sales received a boost from generous government tax refunds in both April and May, although economists note that this cash cushion is starting to fade. Excluding sales at gas stations, retail sales in May increased by 0.7%. The figures are not adjusted for inflation, so they may be slightly inflated by higher prices. Economists point to healthy spending, with widespread increases even in clothing, accessories, and furniture stores. Online sales rose by 1.5%. There were some weak points, as both electronics and appliance stores and department stores recorded slight declines in sales.

The Fed Keeps Interest Rates Steady in First Meeting Under New Chairman

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged during the first monetary policy meeting chaired by Kevin Warsh at the helm of the central bank. 'Economic activity is expanding at a solid pace, despite the heightened uncertainty stemming in part from the conflict in the Middle East,' the Fed stated in a release. The committee also noted that 'employment growth has kept pace with the labor force,' which monetary policy officials view as a sign of stability. Oil prices remain 30% above levels seen at the beginning of the year. Wholesale inflation exceeded 6% in May, and overall consumer inflation was above 4%; both figures are a result of the energy impact from the war in Iran, the effects of which continue to ripple through the U.S. economy. The decision on rates was unanimous, contrasting with the previous meeting, which saw four dissenting votes for various reasons. Additionally, central bank policymakers released updated economic projections for the coming years, the last of which was made at the onset of the war in Iran, when the economic outlook was much more uncertain.

Trump Attributes Drop in Auto Insurance to His Immigration Policies; Experts Disagree

This week, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that his strict immigration policies led to a drop in auto insurance premiums, falsely blaming illegal immigration during his predecessor's administration for a previous increase. Trump shared a graph on Monday via his Truth Social platform showing the year-over-year change in premiums from 2021 to 2026, indicating a sharp rise from 2021 to 2023, followed by a decline starting in 2024. Experts, however, state that the COVID-19 pandemic, not illegal immigration, primarily caused the spike. They argue that the rise in costs was due to pandemic-related factors such as riskier driving behaviors and supply chain disruptions. As insurers improved their financial situations, they began lowering rates to remain competitive. There is no evidence that illegal immigration significantly impacted either the rise or fall of insurance premiums. A 2023 study found that areas with higher illegal immigration had more uninsured drivers, which does raise premiums, but this correlation exists only in states where undocumented individuals cannot obtain driver's licenses. Trump also reiterated his unfounded claim that Biden's immigration policies allowed millions of criminals to enter the U.S. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comments.

Point by Point: What the Agreement to End the War with Iran Would Entail

Iran is set to take immediate steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once a provisional agreement with the United States is signed, allowing it to sell oil freely. This interim deal, expected to be formalized in Switzerland, aims to end the conflict initiated by the Trump administration and Israel on February 28. The agreement includes provisions for Iran to receive at least $300 billion for infrastructure rebuilding and the lifting of U.S. and UN sanctions, contingent on nuclear negotiations. The reopening of the Strait is crucial for global oil and gas supply, which has been disrupted by the conflict.

"Repugnant, cowardly": serial killer and dismemberer sentenced after decades of panic in NY

NEW YORK — After decades of waiting for justice, the families of the victims of the Gilgo Beach serial killer in New York confronted him on Wednesday before he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the crimes he confessed to committing. The judge described Rex Heuermann as a "repugnant and despicable man, a coward" as he handed down the sentence, immediately ordering him removed from the courtroom. Victim's families stood up and celebrated. "A million years is not enough," said Jasmine Robinson, cousin of victim Jessica Taylor. "Nothing will ever repair this." Heuermann clasped his hands on the defense table in an East Long Island courtroom, staring ahead while lightly drumming his fingers. The Long Island architect, who led a secret life for years before admitting to killing eight women, was arrested in 2023. "You disgust me so much I can't stand it," Robinson said. Amanda Funderburg, sister of victim Melissa Barthelemy, urged Heuermann to look at her as she spoke. He turned his gaze toward her, though he kept his eyes slightly downcast. "I hope you suffer," Funderburg said, recounting a mocking phone call she received from him days after Barthelemy's disappearance when she was 15 years old. The sentencing concludes an investigation that solved one of New York's most baffling mysteries: a case that began as a series of seemingly unrelated disappearances of young women, largely overlooked, but eventually became the focus of documentaries, books, and true crime podcasts after police began uncovering the skeletal remains of the victims among the sandy vegetation along a coastal highway. "Justice has been served, but that cannot replace what has been taken from us," said JoAnn Mack, mother of victim Valerie Mack. "She had dreams, and you took them all away." Heuermann, who had remained mostly silent during numerous court appearances since his arrest, also had the opportunity to speak on Wednesday. His ex-wife and two adult children did not attend the sentencing; through their lawyers, they communicated that they would stay away out of respect for the victims' families. Heuermann, 62, pleaded guilty in April to the murders of seven women: Barthelemy, Mack, Taylor, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, and Sandra Costilla. Heuermann also admitted in court to killing an eighth victim, Karen Vergata, although he was never formally charged in her death. He stated that he strangled his victims—many of whom were sex workers—and dismembered some of their bodies. The two children of Brainard-Barnes, who were 7 and 1 when she disappeared, highlighted on Wednesday how her absence marked their lives and how she never got to know the adults they have become. Her sister, Melissa Cann, said she lived for decades with "survivor's guilt," wondering if she could have done more to protect Brainard-Barnes. "It was a burden I carried everywhere," Cann said through deep sobs. But, she added, that guilt "is not mine to carry. It belongs to Rex, and only to Rex." Liliana Waterman was 3 years old when her mother, Megan Waterman, disappeared. The daughter recounted that she did not fully understand what happened until she was about 9 years old. "In an instant, my world shattered," she said. "Did she feel pain? Was she scared?" Most of the women disappeared between 2000 and 2010, and most of their remains were found along a road near Gilgo Beach on Long Island, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Manhattan. Costilla's remains were found in 1993, over 100 kilometers (60 miles) away, in the Hamptons, while Vergata's appeared in 1996 on Fire Island, more than 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of Gilgo Beach. The case came to light in 2010 when investigators began finding remains along Ocean Parkway while probing the disappearance of another sex worker, Shannan Gilbert, whose death was ultimately ruled an accidental drowning. The investigation stalled until 2022 when detectives linked Heuermann to a pickup truck that a witness saw when one of the victims disappeared in 2010. They eventually matched DNA obtained from a pizza crust Heuermann had thrown in a Manhattan trash can with genetic material extracted from severely deteriorated hair strands found on the victims' remains. Investigators gathered other evidence, including mobile phone and location data showing that Heuermann arranged meetings with some of the victims shortly before they disappeared. After Heuermann's arrest, prosecutors recovered from his computer files what they described as a "detailed plan" for committing the murders. As part of his plea agreement, Heuermann agreed to cooperate with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit to help catch other serial killers. Heuermann has spent the last three years alone in a solitary cell at the Suffolk County jail, reading detective novels, receiving occasional visits from his lawyers or family, and initiating brief correspondence with the infamous "Happy Face Killer," according to Sheriff Errol Toulon.

Trump Freezes Intelligence Chief Nomination; Seeks to Pressure Congress to Pass Voting Law

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will delay the nomination of federal prosecutor Jay Clayton to lead the U.S. intelligence agency. This move aims to pressure Congress to pass a voter ID bill that lacks sufficient support. Trump will keep Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence, despite bipartisan opposition due to Pulte's perceived lack of experience. The announcement raises concerns about the leadership of the intelligence community and the renewal of a crucial surveillance program that expired last week. Trump linked the approval of the surveillance program to the passage of the voter ID law, which faces challenges in Congress.

Birthright Citizenship, Asylum, and TPS: Trump Faces Crucial Weeks in Supreme Court

In the coming weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court will issue rulings on significant cases involving President Donald Trump, including his efforts to limit birthright citizenship and remove a Federal Reserve Board member. With a conservative majority, the court has 20 pending cases, with decisions expected soon. Trump has faced setbacks, including a February ruling against his tariffs. Key cases include Trump v. Barbara, which challenges birthright citizenship, and immigration-related cases affecting Temporary Protected Status for Haitian and Syrian immigrants. Additionally, the court will decide on Trump's attempt to dismiss Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve, amid broader efforts to reshape government oversight.

KRGV (NBC 5) · Jun 17, 2026

ICE says relaxed detention standards reduce the burden on contractors running its lockups

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced relaxed detention standards that allow contractors to use artificial intelligence for communication with detainees and continue to avoid paying minimum wage for voluntary work. These changes aim to ease the operational burden on detention facilities, which currently hold about 60,000 individuals. Critics argue that the revisions could worsen already poor conditions, including medical neglect and inadequate food. While some improvements in mental health care and suicide prevention are noted, experts warn that the overall trend is towards weaker standards. The new rules also limit detainees' rights and access to necessary services.

"The most corrupt and incompetent in U.S. history": Harris on Trump administration

VIENNA – Former Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris described Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday in Vienna as the "most ruthless, corrupt, and incompetent that the United States has experienced," and predicted a victory for her party in the upcoming November midterm elections. In her first trip abroad since losing the 2024 U.S. elections to Trump, Harris stated that she anticipated "everything that was going to happen with this administration" even before those elections, including that the current president would use the Department of Justice to attack his political rivals. "And for that reason, I have no doubt that we will win the midterm elections," she added regarding the elections taking place this November, which historically favor the opposition party. Harris made her remarks at the Austrian World Summit (AWS), an environmental conference held for the past ten years in the Austrian capital by actor and former Republican Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger. The former California senator predicted that this electoral victory would be possible thanks to the unity of citizens from different political positions and noted that in the 2024 elections, one-third of voters voted for Trump, another third voted for the Democrats, and another third did not vote. "Which means that two-thirds of American voters did not vote for this (for Trump)," she summarized.

No Deadline: Mexico Has Yet to Receive Evidence from the U.S. Against Sinaloa Governor

MEXICO CITY – President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Tuesday that there is no deadline for the U.S. Department of Justice to present evidence in the case against Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, who has been accused by Washington of alleged ties to drug trafficking. "There is no deadline (to receive the evidence). There is no deadline. There would be a deadline if it were a formal extradition trial," the president noted during her morning press conference. On April 29, the Southern District of New York Prosecutor's Office released the indictment against Rocha Moya, who requested a leave of absence from his position, along with nine other officials for allegedly "conspiring with leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel to import massive amounts of narcotics into the U.S. in exchange for political support and bribes." Following this, an urgent detention request was made against the accused, which the Mexican government has rejected, citing a "lack of evidence." In this context, Sheinbaum explained that the request received by the Mexican government pertains to an "urgent detention request for extradition purposes" and not to a formal extradition trial. The president emphasized that the request was made by a specific office within the U.S. Department of Justice and not by the U.S. government itself. "What a specific office of the U.S. Department of Justice requested, because this is very relevant, (...) is an urgent detention for extradition purposes. This is very important because there is another thing which is the extradition trial," she indicated.

What are G7 leaders chatting about during their summit? Eavesdropping microphones reveal all

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — The leaders of the world's wealthiest democracies are discussing how to tackle some of the planet's biggest issues this week, but open microphones at the G7 summit revealed that their conversations also included lighter topics. Sports. Cigarettes. The weather. And something about Greenland? As world leaders made their way to conference rooms at a lakeside resort, microphones set up for their serious debates on war and trade often picked up improvised jokes. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's smoking habit was the focus of a moment caught by an open mic on Tuesday. When German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asked her if she had smoked a cigarette that morning, Meloni revealed that she hadn’t smoked “since May 1.” Her departure from tobacco prompted enthusiastic congratulations from leaders of Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union. Meloni raised her hands in celebration. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had a question for her. “Do you have a patch?” Carney asked, grabbing his own arm.

Trump Transfers Certain Powers of the Department of Education to Other Entities

President Donald Trump's administration is further dismantling the Department of Education by shifting oversight of special education and civil rights to other agencies. The Department of Justice will handle civil rights in education, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education. The Trump administration made the announcement on Tuesday. The Department of Justice will also take on the task of protecting student privacy and will provide schools with some training and counseling assistance. Trump campaigned with a promise to close the Department of Education, vowing to 'return education to the states, where it belongs.' While only Congress can close the department, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, a billionaire and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, has entered into agreements with other federal agencies to take on much of her department's work. The Department of Education has already transferred some of its programs through 10 previous internal agreements, but the agencies included in Tuesday's announcement—the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and the Office for Civil Rights—were among the most closely watched. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services administers billions of dollars in grants and oversees states' compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Office for Civil Rights investigates complaints of discrimination in schools and universities across the country. Rachel Gittleman, president of the union representing department employees, criticized the decision, stating it will create chaos for families, students, and schools. 'This will leave our most vulnerable students and families, who have been excluded from our education system, without the services they need and without protection when facing discrimination,' Gittleman said in a statement. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.

Texas Border Business · Jun 16, 2026

Brownsville Communications Department and Brownsville TV Honored with National Award

The City of Brownsville's Communications and Marketing Department and Brownsville TV have received a prestigious Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) for their Brownsville TV Newscast. This award recognizes their efforts in providing transparent and accessible information to the community about city services, public safety, and local events. Interim City Manager Alan Guard praised the team's professionalism and commitment to keeping residents informed. The award ceremony took place in Greater Palm Springs, California, where 102 awards were given across various categories. The city will officially recognize this achievement on June 16, 2026.

FBI Thwarts Alleged Plot to Attack UFC Event at the White House, According to Kash Patel

The FBI thwarted an alleged plot to attack the UFC event held at the White House, according to agency director Kash Patel. Reports indicate that suspects planned to use drones with explosives to target nearby buildings and crowds while escaping with sniper support. Patel confirmed that several individuals are in custody following the investigation, which began on June 10 when a potential threat was identified. The seriousness of the threat was acknowledged by law enforcement officials. A significant police presence was noted around the White House during the event, with roads blocked and hundreds of agents deployed to ensure safety.

The War with Iran May End, But High Prices for Gas, Food, and Flights Won't

A provisional agreement to end the war with Iran raises questions about when prices for gasoline, food, and flights will decrease in the U.S. Experts warn that relief may not come quickly. Even with oil supplies resuming from the Middle East, consumers might not see immediate changes at gas stations or supermarkets. The conflict has disrupted not only crude oil supplies but also food and fertilizer chains. Economists predict persistent inflationary pressures on food prices and higher shipping costs due to ongoing supply chain issues. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could help, but a return to normalcy will be gradual.

Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) · Jun 15, 2026

Agreement with Iran Highlights Trump's Presence at G7 Summit and Alters Some Details

ÉVIAN, France – G7 leaders kicked off a summit on Monday that was heavily influenced by the agreement reached between the United States and Iran just hours before President Donald Trump headed to Évian. Upon arrival, Trump expressed confidence that the Strait of Hormuz would be fully open by next Friday. He made this statement to the press during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, shortly before the official start of the G7 summit in Évian, which will conclude on Wednesday. The opening of Hormuz is one of the hottest topics, including the absence of tolls. Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, hosted an official reception to welcome G7 leaders and their entourages at a luxurious hotel in the alpine resort town of Évian, overlooking Lake Léman and neighboring Switzerland, marking the beginning of the summit. This reception initiates three days of negotiations where conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, global macroeconomic imbalances, and the development of safe, fast, and effective artificial intelligence will define the agenda.