Archive · 344 stories · page 2 of 18
Public SafetyMcAllen police arrest man in child vape-related incident
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Police Department has arrested a man after a 12-year-old boy was hospitalized after using a vape on a morning school bus ride. Francisco Ariel Cuevas Rivas, 18, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with manufacture or delivery of a substance in penalty group 2, causing serious bodily injury, a first-degree
WeatherContinuing the heat until the weekend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Our afternoon will be hot, but not quite as hot as it has been the last couple of days. Highs will range from the mid-90s for most of the Upper Valley to the lower 90s for the Lower Valley this afternoon. We will continue to feel the humidity and get our
SportsUTRGV baseball team triumphs over No. 6 Oregon State 9-7
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's baseball team beat No. 6 Oregon State 9-7 at Goss Stadium in Oregon on Wednesday. According to UTRGV, it's the first win over a top-six opponent since 1983, when the program won three of four at No. 1 Wichita State. UTRGV says it's the
CommunityTreviño and Hinojosa Highlight Workforce Access and Court Barriers at Second Chance Event
Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business McAllen, Texas — Alberto Treviño III, Commissioner Representing Labor at the Texas Workforce Commission, and Hidalgo County Clerk Laura Hinojosa addressed workforce access and systemic barriers during the event “Rebuilding Futures, Advancing Second Chances through Policy, Partnership, and Purpose,” held April 28, 2026, at
Hinojosa and Solis Emphasize Education and Policy in Second Chance Efforts
Texas Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa and Dr. Ricardo J. Solis, President of South Texas College, addressed attendees on April 28, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom during the event “Rebuilding Futures, Advancing Second Chances through Policy, Partnership, and Purpose,” focusing on education, workforce development, and policy approaches for individuals impacted by the justice system.
PoliticsCantu and Palacios Outline Employment and Education Strategies for Justice Impacted Individuals
Hidalgo County Commissioner Eduardo Eddie Cantu and Hidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacios spoke during panel discussions on April 28, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom
Public SafetyBorder Report Live: Capture of cartel leader triggers border violence
The recent arrest of a cartel leader has sent the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas into a state of chaos.
CommunityRebuilding Futures Event Highlights Personal Stories and Policy Gaps in Second Chance Efforts
Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business McALLEN, Texas — Community leaders gathered at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom on April 28, 2026, for the event “Rebuilding Futures, Advancing Second Chances through Policy, Partnership, and Purpose,” aimed at addressing barriers faced by individuals impacted by the justice system and identifying pathways
CommunityPastor Milton Gonzalez Calls for Second Chances at Rebuilding Futures Event
Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business McALLEN, Texas — Pastor Milton Luis Gonzalez delivered the keynote address at “Rebuilding Futures, Advancing Second Chances,” an April 28 event hosted by South Texas College and the City of McAllen to promote second chances for people leaving jail or otherwise impacted by the
Public SafetyCamp Mystic Withdraws License Application for Summer 2026 Season
TEXAS – Camp Mystic, the Christian girls-only camp located along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, where 25 campers and two counselors tragically lost their lives in a flood in 2025, announced on Thursday to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that it is withdrawing its license application for the 2026 summer camp season. Camp Mystic issued the following statement: 'No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, investigations remain ongoing, and so many Texans still bear the pain of the tragedy that occurred last July. We commend the DSHS for their testimony this week, in which they acknowledged their legal obligations. However, rather than risk defending our rights under Texas law in a way that could unintentionally cause further harm, we have chosen to withdraw our application for the 2026 camp season.' 'Twenty-eight precious lives were lost. We understand that no statement or decision can repair that loss or ease the burden carried daily by parents, siblings, loved ones, survivors, emergency response teams, and our beautiful Kerr County community. We also recognize that over 800 girls wish to return to Camp Mystic Cypress Lake this summer. Our special bond with Camp Mystic families does not change or end with this announcement. We love each and every one of you.' 'This decision aims to dispel any doubt that Camp Mystic has heard the concerns expressed by grieving families, members of the Texas House and Senate investigative committees, and citizens across our state. Respect for those voices requires us to step aside for now.' 'Camp Mystic will continue to fully cooperate with all ongoing investigations, comply with all legal requirements, and support recovery and healing efforts.' 'Today is not about camp operations; it is about respect for families, accountability to the public, and reverence for the memory of the lives lost.'
Public SafetyEscobares Police Chief Arrested for Allegedly Driving While Intoxicated
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Nelson Martínez, the police chief of Escobares, was arrested after showing signs of intoxication. Reports indicate Martínez struggled to maintain his balance, had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a strong smell of alcohol emanating from his vehicle. On April 30, 2026, at approximately 3:45 a.m., a Texas Department of Public Safety officer was conducting operations as part of Operation Lone Star in La Grulla, Starr County. The officer observed a 2020 Ford F-150 traveling westbound on US 83, allegedly committing traffic violations, including failing to stay within a single lane and driving on the shoulder where prohibited. After activating emergency lights, the officer initiated a traffic stop. Upon approaching the driver, signs of intoxication were reportedly detected. The officer conducted standardized field sobriety tests. According to the report, Martínez was subsequently arrested. He was read his legal warnings but allegedly refused to provide a breath sample. The suspect was transported to the Starr County Jail, where he was booked without incident.
PoliticsCongress Approves DHS Funding Bill, Excludes Funds for ICE and Border Patrol
WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a funding bill, previously passed by the Senate, to finance much of the Department of Homeland Security, ending the record-breaking 75-day administrative shutdown of this vast federal agency. President Donald Trump had urged lawmakers to pass the bill and promised to sign it into law. The bill will allow DHS to reopen without providing new funds for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the U.S. Border Patrol, as Democrats push for changes to immigration enforcement policies. Republicans plan to seek funding for these agencies separately. The House's action came just ahead of a critical deadline. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin had warned lawmakers that if funds were not approved by Thursday, emergency funding would run out, leaving thousands of workers unpaid.
Public Safety18-Year-Old Arrested After Medical Emergency Involving Minor Allegedly Using Vape in McAllen
McAllen police have arrested Francisco Ariel Cuevas Rivas, 18, for allegedly manufacturing or distributing a Penalty Group 2 substance that caused serious bodily injury, a first-degree felony. The incident occurred on April 22 when authorities responded to a medical emergency involving a 12-year-old who reportedly used a vaping device. According to police, the investigation began after officers found the 12-year-old student unconscious upon arriving at school in the morning. A McAllen Municipal Court magistrate determined there was sufficient probable cause to issue an arrest warrant for Cuevas Rivas, who was taken into custody on April 29. Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing with support from state and federal agencies. Cuevas Rivas remains in custody and could face additional drug-related charges. Officials also noted that other individuals may face charges if further evidence emerges during the investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact authorities at (956) 687-8477. Information leading to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward.
Public Safety17-Year-Old Arrested for Allegedly Providing Alcohol to Minors
Devin Davila, 17, was arrested on April 29, 2026, for allegedly purchasing or supplying alcohol to a minor. He was taken before the McAllen Municipal Court and later transferred to the Hidalgo County Jail with a personal bond set at $3,000. The arrest is part of an investigation into a report of multiple individuals under the age of 21 found in possession of alcoholic beverages. According to police, the investigation began following an incident reported on April 11, 2026, at a residence located in the 1800 block of Kingsborough Avenue in McAllen, Texas. A magistrate from the McAllen Municipal Court determined there was sufficient probable cause to issue an arrest warrant for Davila, charging him with a Class 'A' misdemeanor. Davila also faces charges for allegedly falsifying his age as a minor, a Class 'C' misdemeanor, as well as possession of alcohol by a minor, another Class 'C' misdemeanor. Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or charges may follow. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-TIPS (8477). Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward, and anonymous tips can also be submitted via the 'P3 Tips' app. Separately, McAllen police issued 25 citations for alcohol possession by minors after responding to a report of a party at a residence rented through Airbnb.
Public SafetyFormer Chick-fil-A Employee Accused of Stealing $80,000 Through 'Mac and Cheese' Fraud
DALLAS, Texas – A former Chick-fil-A employee has been accused of stealing over $80,000 through a fraudulent refund scheme, according to Grapevine police. In November 2025, police reported that Keyshun Jones was caught on surveillance video behind the counter of the restaurant, from which he had been fired a month earlier. Authorities stated that Jones allegedly used the restaurant's cash register to process 800 orders of mac and cheese trays and then refunded the amounts to his personal credit cards.
Public SafetySuspect in White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting to Remain in Custody
The accused shooter who allegedly opened fire during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner last weekend will remain in custody. Public defenders for Cole Tomas Allen had pushed for his release, but during a hearing on Thursday, they stated he 'accepted detention for now.' Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher and engineer from California, was charged on Monday with attempting to assassinate the president and other related offenses after allegedly firing shots outside the crowded ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where President Donald Trump and other White House officials had gathered with journalists for the annual dinner. Allen was apprehended after a U.S. Secret Service agent fired multiple shots at him. A criminal complaint notes that Allen fell to the ground and sustained minor injuries but was not struck by gunfire. In a court filing on Wednesday supporting Allen's pretrial release, his public defenders argued that he has no criminal record and was 'stably employed as a tutor' in California. The attorneys stated that Allen 'has the support of family and friends' who would ensure he complied with release conditions. 'As previously noted, Mr. Allen’s background and characteristics favor his release in this case,' the public defenders wrote, describing him as a 'beloved and respected teacher and colleague who has consistently demonstrated kindness, empathy, and compassion, and never violence.'
HealthInfant Formula in the U.S. is 'Safe,' According to FDA Analysis
A new analysis of chemical substances in infant formula available in the United States has found reassuringly low levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and other potential contaminants, federal health officials reported on Wednesday. The review was conducted as part of the FDA’s Operation Stork Speed project, described as the 'largest and most rigorous' to date. The agency concluded that the infant formula supply is 'safe,' according to FDA officials and external experts. 'There’s no reason not to use any formula available' in the U.S., said Dr. Steven Abrams, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austin, who reviewed the findings. FDA officials tested over 300 samples of commercial infant formula between 2023 and 2025 for heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. They also screened for pesticides, plastic-related chemicals known as phthalates, and PFAS, sometimes referred to as 'forever chemicals.' The agency reported that contaminant levels were either undetectable or very low. Detected heavy metals were well below limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water, and 99% of samples showed no traces of pesticides. Additionally, the FDA found no detections for 25 of the 30 PFAS compounds analyzed.
Public SafetyMother-in-law of slain former beauty queen arrested in Venezuela; allegedly shot her six times
The Mexico City Attorney General's Office has confirmed the arrest in Venezuela of the suspect accused of fatally shooting Carolina Flores, a former beauty queen from Baja California. Flores, 27, was found dead in her home in an upscale neighborhood of Mexico City's Miguel Hidalgo borough. Authorities identified the suspect as Erika María 'N,' the victim's mother-in-law, who fled to Venezuela after allegedly committing the crime that shocked the nation. 'In coordination with authorities from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Erika María 'N,' the probable perpetrator of the femicide of a 27-year-old woman, was arrested,' the Attorney General's Office announced in a statement on its X account. The suspect remains in custody in Venezuela, awaiting extradition to Mexico, where she could face a prison sentence of 40 to 60 years.
Public SafetyCharges Dropped Against Alma Garza Accused of Evidence Tampering
According to court documents, charges against Alma Enríquez Garza, who had been accused of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with the intent to affect an investigation, have been dismissed after a judge granted a motion to drop the case. The documents indicate that the judge approved the request made by Garza's legal representative to dismiss the charges. However, the reasons for the dismissal were not publicly disclosed and appear to be based solely on the state's motion. Alma Enríquez Garza, 58, was arrested on February 2 in connection with a report involving another individual accused of causing injuries to a minor. At the time, Garza's bond was set at $15,000. The alleged incident occurred on January 26, 2026, involving daycare employee Brenda Rae Pérez, who is accused of striking a one-year-old child under her care. Pérez was charged with injury to a child and given a $50,000 bond. Daycare administrator arrested in connection with alleged child abuse case.
SportsFIFA World Cup Trophy Arrives in San Antonio
The original FIFA World Cup Trophy has arrived in San Antonio as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, an international tour traveling across North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The tour will visit the 16 host cities of the 2026 World Cup, as well as 22 additional markets in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, aiming to bring fans closer to the most coveted prize in soccer.