Crime & Public Safety
Saturday, July 18, 2026 · Santa Cruz County
State Department Offers $15 Million in Rewards for MS-13 Leaders
The State Department announced reward offers totaling $15 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of two MS-13 leaders operating in Honduras. Both men remain at large and face charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crimes.
Prosecutors push to increase sentences for domestic homicides
Officials are considering legislation that would increase the mandatory minimum sentence for domestic killings to 25 years, aligning penalties with other murder convictions.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Most Americans Face Daily Scam Attempts, Yet Few Report Losses
An AP-NORC poll shows most Americans encounter scam attempts regularly, and roughly 3 in 10 have suffered financial or information losses. However, most victims do not report their experiences to authorities.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
DEA faces scrutiny over fentanyl flow in New Mexico
Current and former DEA agents told the Associated Press that the agency did not take sufficient action to stop hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills from reaching New Mexico streets between 2023 and 2025. The DEA did not provide a response to the allegations.
Saturday, July 18, 2026