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Public SafetyPeñitas Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Human Trafficking and Death of a Victim
A resident of Peñitas, identified as Jesús Grimaldo, 21, pleaded guilty in October 2025 and was recently sentenced by a federal judge in Corpus Christi. Grimaldo was considered a leader in a human trafficking network that resulted in the death of a Mexican migrant, who died from heat exposure. The victim was found in Brooks County in May 2024. Grimaldo will now serve a 120-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. According to the investigation, Grimaldo coordinated human trafficking operations between 2022 and 2025, transporting over 100 migrants after crossing the border and helping them evade checkpoints. Authorities stated that the accused recruited drivers, organized routes, and received payments for facilitating these transports, even under dangerous conditions such as hiding people in vehicle trunks during extreme heat. The court increased the severity of the sentence after determining that Grimaldo used weapons, endangered the lives of migrants, and led the organization. Investigators linked the accused to the case after discovering money transfers on the victim's phone. The judge emphasized that the death would not have occurred without Grimaldo’s involvement in the operation, and he will remain in federal custody until his transfer to prison.
HealthBlue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Payments of $2.67 Billion: What You Need to Know
Blue Cross Blue Shield subscribers may soon receive a check in the mail as part of a significant $2.67 billion settlement reached after years of litigation. The settlement, dating back to October 2020, alleged that the company violated antitrust laws by limiting competition among Blue Cross health insurance plans. Blue Cross denied all accusations of wrongdoing, maintaining that its decisions led to lower healthcare costs and greater access to health services. In addition to the settlement fund, the company agreed to implement 'changes in the way it conducts business' in a manner that, according to the plaintiffs, will increase competition in health insurance markets. According to the settlement administrator, the agreement has received final approval, and the initial distribution of payments will begin next month.
BusinessCementing Tech Leadership with $20 Million Grant to Applied Optoelectronics
Texas Border Business AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $20,852,518 has been extended to Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) for an expansion of their manufacturing capacity in Sugar Land. The expansion represents more than $279 million in capital investment and is expected to create 500 jobs. “Texas is
McAllenThe 2026 Met Gala: Everything You Need to Know About One of the Year's Most Anticipated Events
NEW YORK — Fashion enthusiasts already know: 'Fashion is Art.' But how will the guests at this year's Met Gala interpret this dress code for the grand celebration? Last year's theme, 'Tailored For You,' brought forth a stunning array of magnificent outfits; this year's theme promises truly extravagant ensembles as attendees ascend the iconic carpeted staircase on May 4. As always, the dress code is inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute spring exhibition. 'Costume Art' will pair nearly 200 artistic objects with 200 garments to highlight the connection between fashion and art throughout the centuries. Here are some key details to know as the biggest night in fashion approaches:
EducationPSJA ISD School Board Appoints Temporary Member Following Resignation
The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) announced the appointment of Romeo Robles as a temporary member of the Board of Trustees. Robles will take on the role following the recent resignation of Trustee Diana Y. Serna and will officially begin his duties after being sworn in during a regular board meeting held on Monday, April 27. The school district noted that the new member has prior experience within the district, particularly in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) field, where he supported programs focused on careers like agriculture and welding.
SportsAmateur Junior Boxing Olympics Returns to Edinburg, May 1st-3rd
The City of Edinburg is ready to rumble! The Parks and Recreation Department is set to host the South Texas Junior Boxing Olympics May 1 through May 3 at 315 E. Mark S. Peña Drive.
Weather90s to 70s: Major weather changes on the way this weekend!
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A ridge of high pressure (a heat dome) is still set up across central Mexico. This continues the summer-like weather pattern through Friday. Most days will see highs in the mid-90s to low-100s, with feels-like temperatures in the triple digits and gusty south winds between 25 and 35mph. Eventually, the ridge
SportsPSJA Swimmer Madeline Wollny Makes History, Signs with UIW
PSJA Early College High School (PSJA ECHS) senior Madeline Wollny officially signed her letter of commitment to the University of the Incarnate Word to continue her academic and athletic journey on a swimming scholarship.
HealthDe La Cruz Leads Bipartisan Bill Targeting Fentanyl Deaths on College Campuses
Texas Border Business Texas Border Business WASHINGTON — Monica De La Cruz introduced the bipartisan Saving Lives on Campuses Act with Lou Correa, aiming to reduce overdose deaths among college students by requiring public colleges and universities to maintain opioid overdose rescue kits, including Narcan, on campus. Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death
PoliticsCruz appoints Cassy Garcia as Texas State Director
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ted Cruz announced the appointment of Cassy Garcia as State Director for his Texas operations.
EducationPartnership between Hidalgo County DA, STC will give second chance through education
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After serving time in the criminal justice system, Olivia Gomez's brother, Rene Efrain Tamez, was dedicated to changing his story. “He was in the middle of coming back to school," said Gomez, STC's director of external affairs. "He had enrolled at STC, and he was getting all A's and he was set
PoliticsPowell Says He Will Remain at the Federal Reserve Until Investigation Concludes
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell made it clear on Wednesday that he has no plans to step down for now. After the Fed once again kept interest rates steady, Powell told reporters he intends to remain on the Board of Governors, even as he prepares to hand over the chairmanship to Kevin Warsh next month. He stated he plans to maintain a 'low profile.' 'My concern really lies with the series of legal attacks against the Fed, which threaten our ability to conduct monetary policy without political considerations,' Powell told the press, referring to the Justice Department's criminal investigation against him, which has already been dismissed. However, the Justice Department has indicated it would reopen the investigation if circumstances warranted.
Public SafetyDetails and Photos: Judicial Document Reveals Suspect in Attempted Assassination of Trump
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, faces charges for attempting to assassinate President Trump and other crimes related to an attack during the White House Correspondents' Dinner at a Washington, D.C. hotel. Allen, a resident of Torrance, California, was arrested shortly after the shooting. Federal authorities report that Allen was carrying a 12-gauge Mossberg pump-action shotgun, knives, and ammunition when he ran through security. A court filing by the Department of Justice (DOJ) includes photos of Allen, a registered hotel guest, allegedly taken in his room minutes before the attack. Allen has ties to Southern California, including attending Pacific Lutheran High School in Gardena and the prestigious California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. During a search of his parents' home in the Los Angeles area, authorities discovered two long gun cases, a Mossberg stock, a pistol holster, a training pistol, and shotgun ammunition, according to the filing. The DOJ released new information and photographs on Wednesday in a court document ahead of a scheduled hearing this week for Allen, who is accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The document, which requests the judge to keep Allen in custody, includes previously unpublished photos of Allen in his Washington, D.C. hotel room and lists items allegedly in his possession, as well as those recovered from his parents' home in Los Angeles County.
BusinessInterlink Trade Services adopts AI to address customs complexity
Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business Jorge Torres, President and Licensed Customs Broker at Interlink Trade Services, said his company is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations to address the increasing complexity in the customs industry. In an interview with Omar Abuhashish, Co-Founder & CEO of Reform, based in San
Public SafetyMexican Man Pleads Guilty to Posing as Border Patrol Agent with Fake ID
A Mexican man in the United States has pleaded guilty to impersonating a Border Patrol agent and following federal immigration officers to distract them during operations in Southern California. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Jaime Ernesto Álvarez-González admitted to tailing a Border Patrol agent on January 8 as the agent drove through a San Diego neighborhood. Prosecutors revealed that Álvarez-González was driving a black Ford F-150 truck, a model often used by undercover federal agents, with a license plate frame that read 'federal truck' in small letters—though the word 'federal' was misspelled. The truck also had a Border Patrol decal on the windshield, non-functional radio antennas on the roof, and handcuffs hanging from the rearview mirror. The agent aborted his mission after noticing Álvarez-González following him, mistakenly believing other agents were responding. When confronted by actual agents, Álvarez-González reportedly shouted obscenities and demanded they leave the Linda Vista community. At one point, three additional vehicles arrived in the area and began harassing the agents, even pursuing them onto the highway. Prosecutors stated that Álvarez-González had recorded himself actively searching for federal agents involved in immigration operations and claimed he had brought 'reinforcements.' A fake FBI badge was also found in his possession. Álvarez-González pleaded guilty to one count of impersonating a federal agent and three counts of illegal firearm possession. His federal public defender did not respond to an emailed request for comment.
EducationZERA Coaching Offers Free Leadership Certificate for College Students
ZERA Coaching has announced a free Leadership Development Certificate Program for full-time college students enrolled at universities and colleges in the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsPowell Accuses Trump of Putting Federal Reserve Independence 'At Risk'
Washington — Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated on Wednesday that the institution's independence is 'at risk' due to legal actions taken by President Donald Trump's administration, including a criminal investigation against Powell that appears to have clear political motivations. 'I believe the Fed's independence is at risk,' Powell said during a press conference in response to a journalist's question. 'I think these legal challenges, if you want to call them that, are punishing the institution because of these issues,' the economist added. Powell, 73, is set to step down as Fed chairman on May 15 but announced that, contrary to tradition, he will remain on the board of governors at least until the investigation initiated by Trump against him is 'concluded definitively and transparently.' It is also believed that Powell's decision reflects his commitment to safeguarding the Fed's independence in monetary policy during a time when the president is fixated on lowering interest rates.
Public SafetyComey Appears in Court, Accused of Making Threats Against Trump
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — Former FBI Director James Comey appeared in court on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a criminal case against him that legal experts say poses significant challenges for the prosecution and will likely be difficult for the Department of Justice to win. Comey, who did not enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, was formally charged in North Carolina on Tuesday with making threats against President Donald Trump. The charges stem from a photo he posted on social media last year, showing seashells arranged to form the numbers '86 47.' The Department of Justice argues that these numbers constituted a threat against Trump, the 47th president.
HealthTeen Vaping: The Risk Many Parents May Be Overlooking
Health experts are raising alarms about the dangers of e-cigarette use among minors, noting that while the overall number of users has declined, younger individuals are increasingly starting to use these products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no tobacco product is safe, and specialists warn that vaping can lead to rapid addiction. Dr. Carlos Medina, a family physician, explained that one of the biggest risks is the unknown content of these devices, stating, 'Sometimes they contain nicotine... but they may also contain marijuana or other substances... that's what's dangerous, especially when you don't know what's inside.' Additionally, side effects can be more severe in minors. 'It can cause sweating, rapid heartbeat, loss of color, vomiting... and in some cases even seizures,' he warned. The expert emphasized that young brains are more susceptible to addiction, explaining, 'It causes more addiction in kids... the brain doesn't fully develop until age 25.' Given this situation, he advises parents to talk openly with their children and 'especially discuss the risks of e-cigarettes,' he said. In Texas, since 2023, students caught using vape devices on school property can face immediate expulsion if the devices contain nicotine or THC. Furthermore, possession of these products by minors is illegal, and new restrictions targeting youth-oriented designs of these devices have been implemented as of September 2025. This article was originally reported for broadcast by Telemundo 40. Artificial intelligence tools assisted in creating the digital version, and a Telemundo Digital journalist edited the article for publication.
SportsFIFA Changes World Cup Rule on Yellow Cards to Prevent Suspensions After Group Stage
VANCOUVER, Canada — FIFA has modified its World Cup regulations regarding yellow cards to ensure fewer players face suspensions during crucial knockout-stage matches in the tournament set to take place in North America. The change was proposed on Tuesday during a meeting of FIFA's governing council. The additional yellow card amnesty will clear players' disciplinary records twice during the expanded tournament in North America. Later, FIFA issued a statement confirming the change.