Archive · 7687 stories · page 270 of 385
NationalICE Will No Longer Report Deaths of Recently Released Detainees
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will no longer report on the deaths of detainees who have recently been released from its custody, a change that could obscure the total human cost of the mass detention policies under President Donald Trump's administration. This measure reverses a 2021 policy implemented by former President Joe Biden's administration that required ICE to notify Congress and investigate the deaths of detainees occurring within 30 days of their release. The aim of the 2021 policy was to ensure that ICE could not evade accountability for deaths by releasing severely ill individuals. In the past, for example, detainees who were brain dead or suffering from infections died shortly after ICE released them. On Friday, two health experts who have investigated deaths under ICE custody criticized the change. 'Tracking deaths immediately after custody is a standard approach that allows health systems in jails, prisons, and immigration detention centers to understand care deficiencies that may occur before a person leaves a facility,' said Dr. Homer Venters, former chief medical officer of the New York City jail system. 'Eliminating the reporting of these deaths represents a deliberate act of ignoring the most severe health outcomes, which may reflect deficiencies in care or help track outbreaks.'
NationalOne by One, the US Matches in the FIFA World Cup
The United States national soccer team is preparing for a FIFA World Cup on home soil. The American team is hosting the world's largest soccer tournament for the first time since 1994 and, this time, shares this responsibility with Canada and Mexico. Led by coach Mauricio Pochettino and featuring star player Christian Pulisic, the US team aims to improve on its previous performance after being eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, they will face more intense competition than ever, as the 2026 World Cup will be the first in history to feature 48 teams.
Public SafetyFormer IRS Agent Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering His Wife and a Man
The former IRS agent convicted in a deadly identity theft scheme targeting his wife and an unknown man was sentenced on Friday to the mandatory life imprisonment. Brendan Banfield, 40, was found guilty in February of two counts of aggravated murder, one count of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and endangering a child, for the 2023 homicides of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at the Banfield home in Herndon, Virginia. The couple's au pair involved in the scheme, Juliana Peres Magalhaes, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Peres Magalhaes initially faced second-degree murder charges but received a lesser sentence after cooperating with authorities and testifying for the prosecution in Banfield's trial in Northern Virginia. On Friday, Judge Penney Azcarate sentenced Banfield to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
NationalJudge Orders Resumption of Asylum Cases for Citizens from 39 Countries
A judge overturned President Donald Trump's immigration policies on Friday that had suspended asylum decisions and other benefits for citizens from 39 countries. Federal District Judge John McConnell ruled that these processing suspensions were illegal. The ruling ordered the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing, affecting asylum cases, work permits, and naturalization applications.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Provides Update on Texas Response to the Screwworm
Governor Greg Abbott will receive an official report and hold a press conference this Friday to address Texas's response to the recent confirmed case of New World screwworm detected in the state. The event will take place at the State Operations Center in Austin and will bring together state and federal officials, as well as specialists involved in monitoring and controlling the pest. Abbott's appearance comes in response to the detection of the parasite in a calf in Zavala County, which triggered a coordinated response among state and federal agencies.
NationalFIFA Cancels World Cup Tickets for Fans Who Obtained Them for Free Due to Website Error
FIFA has canceled tickets for the World Cup issued to about 60 fans who mistakenly obtained them for free due to a website error. The governing body stated in a release on Thursday that the tickets were 'assigned at no charge ($0) due to a prior payment issue during the purchase process.' 'FIFA regrets the error and any inconvenience caused,' it noted. 'The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and affected fans have been invited to complete the payment of the correct amount.' This is the latest failure in a ticket sales program for the World Cup, which has often been controversial and is under investigation by the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey for possible violations of consumer protection laws. FIFA informed buyers in an email that the incorrectly priced tickets were sold through the official World Cup site on May 21.
NationalCheck Your Email: Agreement with Facebook Sends Second Check to Eligible Users
NOTE: The video in the player above is from a previous report. Some Facebook users may want to check their emails. Many could soon receive a second check related to a class action settlement, for which thousands have already received payments. According to a website dedicated to the Facebook, Inc. Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation settlement, the second checks are being sent only to those who have already cashed their initial payments. 'The second distribution was approved by the Court to redistribute unclaimed funds from the initial distribution to class members of the settlement who correctly cashed their initial payment,' the website states. Additional checks are expected to start being distributed in June, with payments sent in batches over a four-week period. The first checks will be sent out on June 9.
Sports2026 World Cup Players Will Earn $5,000 Daily for Their Clubs
Players participating in the 2026 World Cup will generate approximately $5,000 daily for their clubs, funded by FIFA's $355 million allocation. FIFA announced details on how it will distribute funds to clubs with players selected for the tournament and qualifying matches. Clubs earned $2,360 per match for players during qualifiers. Notably, Manchester City has the highest representation with 19 players. Other clubs like Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal also stand to gain millions. The FIFA club payment system began in 2010, with the fund increasing from $40 million in South Africa to $355 million for this upcoming tournament.
Public SafetyBorder Patrol hands over fugitive wanted in Mexico for alleged rape
The individual, identified as Esgar Serrato-Gómez, was wanted by Mexican authorities and was handed over to officials from that country at the Brownsville-Matamoros International Bridge. After the transfer process, the man is now in the custody of Mexican authorities, where he will face the appropriate legal proceedings. The Border Patrol emphasized the existing cooperation to transfer certain individuals wanted for serious crimes so they can face justice in the relevant jurisdictions.
Public SafetyMultiple Charges for Elsa Man Over Drugs and Weapons in Municipal Park
Mauricio Rocha Jr., a 24-year-old resident of Elsa, was arrested on June 2 after police discovered drugs and a firearm during an investigation at Mario Leal Park. Officers found a suspicious vehicle parked after hours and, upon investigation, seized a loaded.38 caliber Taurus revolver, marijuana, cocaine, THC vape devices, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, and cash. Rocha faces multiple charges, including manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone, and illegal possession of a firearm. His bail is set at $535,000, and he is currently in Hidalgo County Jail.
CommunityThe Grand Finale of La Casa de los Famosos is Here! Here's How to Watch It Live Coast to Coast
The grand finale of La Casa de los Famosos is set for Thursday, June 11, at 7 PM ET/6 PM CT/4 PM PT on Telemundo. Hosted by Jimena Gállego and Javier Poza, viewers will witness the announcement of the winner who will take home $200,000. The remaining contestants, including Celinee Santos and Horacio Pancheri, are still isolated in the house, with eliminations occurring this week. Voting for the winner will open after the final gala on Sunday, June 7. Fans can watch live on Telemundo's app or catch episodes on Peacock the following day, along with additional content on social media and YouTube.
Sports2026 World Cup Opening Ceremonies: Date, Time, Artists, and More
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature unprecedented opening ceremonies in the host countries of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, produced by Marco Balich. Each ceremony will showcase local culture, with Canada highlighting its multicultural identity, Mexico using traditional papel picado, and the U.S. presenting a dazzling trophy. Ceremonies will include speeches, a flag parade, and around 30 minutes of musical entertainment. The festivities kick off on June 11 in Mexico City, followed by Toronto on June 12, and Los Angeles later that same day. Major artists like Shakira, Katy Perry, and Alanis Morissette are set to perform.
NationalSenate passes immigration enforcement funding after clashes over ballroom, 'anti-weaponization' fund
The Senate voted early Friday morning to pass a $69.5 billion budget reconciliation package to fund immigration enforcement operations through 2029, overcoming the concerns of several Republicans who were upset the bill did not include language barring the Trump administration from creating a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to pay MAGA allies. The legislation passed 52-47,
Public SafetyAnimal Cruelty Cases Alerted Involving Several Cats in McAllen
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has launched an investigation into the deaths of at least five cats found in the Fox Run neighborhood of McAllen since January. Reports indicate that some of the cats were discovered mutilated and abandoned on properties where residents regularly fed them. Congressman Vicente González (TX-34) has been seeking information on the case and providing updates to the community. McAllen Animal Care Services is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but no arrests or suspects have been publicly identified. PETA urges pet owners to keep their cats indoors to prevent abuse and other dangers.
Public SafetyTractor-trailer involved in human smuggling chase catches fire near Linn, Hidalgo County sheriff says
A tractor-trailer involved in a human smuggling pursuit caught fire on Thursday night near Linn, according to Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra. The incident occurred on the southbound lane of U.S. 281, approximately six miles north of Linn, leading to its closure. The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed that the lane will remain closed until further notice. Sheriff Guerra did not provide further details, directing inquiries to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which in turn referred questions to U.S. Border Patrol. Channel 5 News is sending a crew to the scene for updates.
CommunityNational Donut Day is Here! Here's Where to Find Them for Free or at a Discount
National Donut Day is celebrated on Friday, June 5, honoring the Salvation Army's Donut Lassies who served donuts to soldiers in 1917. Many chains across the U.S., including Krispy Kreme and Dunkin', are offering promotions. At 7-Eleven, members can get glazed donuts for 50 cents each. Bonchon offers a free Korean donut with a $15 purchase. Duck Donuts gives one free classic donut per person, while Dunkin' offers a free donut with any drink purchase. Other participating locations include Gopuff, Honey Dew Donuts, Lidl, Paris Baguette, and Voodoo Doughnut, each with special deals for the day.
NationalMay Employment Report Could Show Growth in Inflation-Pressed Economy
The U.S. economy added 172,000 jobs in May, indicating resilience in the labor market despite rising inflation and energy crises linked to the ongoing war in Iran. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3%, while average hourly earnings increased by 3.4% year-over-year, falling short of inflation, which hit 3.8% in April. Key job growth sectors included education, healthcare, and leisure. The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring the economy, with concerns that persistent inflation may require tighter monetary policy. Gas prices have surged over 40% since the war began, raising costs across various industries.
BusinessCrews make final preps to turn on CBS4/NBC23 new high-power antenna
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A new wave of television is coming to the Rio Grande Valley. Starting Friday, we will be the only local broadcaster with an over-the-air signal reaching all four counties across the 956. Our enhanced broadcast will reach from South Padre Island all the way to Roma, encompassing all of Hidalgo County.
NationalSenate Approves Bill to Fund ICE and CBP; Now Heads to House Vote
The Senate approved a $70 billion bill early Friday to fund immigration enforcement agencies under President Trump. The vote, which passed 52-47, followed weeks of delays and controversy over a $1.776 billion compensation fund for law enforcement injured during the January 6 Capitol attack. Although unrelated to the bill, this fund threatened its passage. The legislation will finance Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for three years. The approval came after Republicans narrowly rejected attempts to permanently ban the compensation fund, which has caused division within the party.
Weather$1. 2 million flood warning network aims to give residents hours of notice across the Rio Grande Valley
Cameron County is developing a flood early warning system to provide residents in the Rio Grande Valley with advance notice of potential flooding. Currently, 48 data collection stations are operational, with plans to add at least 18 more. The system aims to give residents several hours of warning, allowing them to take necessary precautions, such as gathering sandbags or important documents. The stations communicate to track rising water levels and send alerts downstream. Funded by the state at a cost of approximately $1.2 million, the project will also aid in determining future flood mitigation efforts. A sign-up link for alerts will be available this fall.