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U.S. Laws Lag Behind Criminal Exploitation of Illegal Gold Mining, Coalition Warns

U.S. Laws Lag Behind Criminal Exploitation of Illegal Gold Mining, Coalition Warns

The FACT Coalition is highlighting a critical gap in U.S. laws that allows criminal organizations to exploit illegal gold mining for money laundering, with gold now generating more illicit profits than cocaine in countries like Colombia and Peru. The shift towards gold is driven by its historically high prices and less scrutiny compared to drug trafficking. Criminal groups are using sophisticated methods, such as smuggling crudely made gold jewelry and using anonymous companies, to launder billions of dollars. For instance, a Boston-area man was recently convicted for smuggling gold and platinum from Colombia and laundering money, bragging about the ease of bypassing U.S. border controls. The U.S. is particularly exposed to this issue, being the largest destination for Colombian gold exports, with an estimated 80% of Colombia's gold-related exports having an illegal or criminal origin.
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Portugal's Aveiro Local Health Unit Director Dismissed and Arrested on Corruption Charges

Portugal's Aveiro Local Health Unit Director Dismissed and Arrested on Corruption Charges

Ricardo Matos, the director of the Aveiro Local Health Unit (ULS) in Portugal, was dismissed from his position and subsequently arrested on suspicion of corruption, abuse of power, and influence peddling. The Ministry of Health confirmed his immediate dismissal and announced plans to select a new management team for ULS Aveiro. Matos was arrested along with a businessman and an engineer, who are alleged to have received contracts in exchange for financial gain, including for the construction of a house. Investigators are also examining irregularities in Matos's appointment as chairman of the board of directors of ULS Aveiro in May. The operation, conducted by Portugal’s criminal investigation police agency (PJ), involved 80 members, four judges, and four prosecutors. Authorities carried out multiple searches, seizing property, €15,000 in cash, $15,000 in cryptocurrency, and relevant documents. Matos had previously served as president of the Central Regional Section of the Association of Nurses and treasure...
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Analysts weigh how Democrats’ midterm wins could shift Trump’s Latin America policy

Analysts weigh how Democrats’ midterm wins could shift Trump’s Latin America policy

Analysts are examining how recent Democratic wins in the U.S. midterm elections might impact Latin America during President Donald Trump's final two years
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Beggs Police Department Faces Scrutiny Over Missing Guns, Uninvestigated Burglaries, and Mishandled Evidence

Beggs Police Department Faces Scrutiny Over Missing Guns, Uninvestigated Burglaries, and Mishandled Evidence

The Beggs Police Department in Oklahoma is under intense scrutiny following revelations of significant operational failures, including missing federally issued M16 rifles, numerous uninvestigated burglaries, and the alleged mishandling of a blood sample in a death investigation. Former Police Chief John Palacio, who served in 2025, described the department as being in disarray upon his arrival, citing a subpar radio system and a high turnover rate of police chiefs, with five in 16 months. Palacio claimed that 60-something burglaries occurred in the three years prior to his tenure, with only 25 reported and even fewer leading to arrests or charges. He also alleged that requests for equipment upgrades were denied. Former City Administrator Steve Barteau reported that a blood sample in a death case was left in a police department refrigerator for 30 days, violating state law requiring immediate submission to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Mayor Roger Merrill denied knowledge of uninvestigated cases...
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Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico if it does not halt migrants

Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico if it does not halt migrants

By Bo Erickson and Susan Heavey WASHINGTON, Nov 12 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to double tariffs on Mexico if it does not stop more than a thousand migrants walking north toward the United States after last week's US election, warning that they would not be allowed to
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Sam Rockwell Stars in 'Wild Horse Nine' as CIA Agent Lee Chesterfield

Sam Rockwell Stars in 'Wild Horse Nine' as CIA Agent Lee Chesterfield

Sam Rockwell Stars in 'Wild Horse Nine' as CIA Agent Lee Chesterfield
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection Partners with Mexico for Joint Trade Enforcement Operation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Partners with Mexico for Joint Trade Enforcement Operation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Partners with Mexico for Joint Trade Enforcement Operation
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Vernon Man Arrested on Livestock Theft Warrant in Wilbarger County

Vernon Man Arrested on Livestock Theft Warrant in Wilbarger County

Garrett Pierce, 22, of Vernon, Texas, was arrested on November 4 following an investigation into the theft of 14 donkeys in Wilbarger County. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Cliff Swofford made the arrest, charging Pierce with theft of livestock, a third-degree felony. The investigation began in late October 2026. Evidence and witness statements suggest that Pierce allegedly took 14 donkeys from a Vernon family on two separate occasions between August 30 and September 30. He is then accused of selling these animals to a livestock trader. The estimated market value of the donkeys ranged from $400 to $700 per animal, but authorities allege Pierce received just over $1,200 for them. The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers received assistance from Texas Game Warden Matt Thompson, the Wilbarger County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bowie Livestock Sale Barn during the investigation.
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Former CIA Director William Burns Appointed to HawkEye 360 Board of Directors

Former CIA Director William Burns Appointed to HawkEye 360 Board of Directors

Former CIA Director William Burns Appointed to HawkEye 360 Board of Directors
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President Claudia Sheinbaum Advocates for Digitalization and DNA Database Expansion in Mexico's Missing Persons Search

President Claudia Sheinbaum Advocates for Digitalization and DNA Database Expansion in Mexico's Missing Persons Search

President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for the digitalization of search records and the expansion of Mexico's DNA database to improve the search for missing persons. This initiative comes as Mexico grapples with over 130,000 missing individuals nationwide, a crisis often linked to drug violence. Critics have previously accused the government of insufficient efforts in this area, leading many families to conduct searches independently. Mexico City's Comprehensive Care Center for the Search for Persons (CAIBP) serves as a model, streamlining the search process and providing humane support to families. The center, which operates 24/7, utilizes a control room with extensive security camera footage and integrates agents from various agencies to expedite investigations, achieving a 68% increase in resolved cases since 2024.
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Steve Buscemi Cast as CIA Bureau Chief MJ in Upcoming Film 'Wild Horse Nine'

Steve Buscemi Cast as CIA Bureau Chief MJ in Upcoming Film 'Wild Horse Nine'

Steve Buscemi Cast as CIA Bureau Chief MJ in Upcoming Film 'Wild Horse Nine'
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FIFA releases evaluation reports for the 2031 and 2035 Women's World Cup

FIFA releases evaluation reports for the 2031 and 2035 Women's World Cup

The joint bids for both the 2031 and the 2035 Women’s World Cup tournaments meet the hosting requirements and will be put up for a vote by FIFA’s members later this month