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Public SafetySoldier Pleads Not Guilty to Using Information on Maduro Capture to Win Bets
NEW YORK — A U.S. Special Forces soldier pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges of using classified information about the mission to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to earn over $400,000 on the prediction market platform Polymarket. Gannon Ken Van Dyke, 38, entered the plea in a Manhattan federal court after being accused of illegally using confidential government information for personal gain, stealing non-public government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud, and conducting an illegal monetary transaction. He was released on a $250,000 bond, with travel restricted to certain parts of New York, North Carolina, California, and necessary routes between those locations.
Public SafetyA leader in Jalisco New Generation Cartel arrested in Mexico
Audias Flores Silva, also known as “El Jardinero,” was detained in Nayarit, Mexico's secretary of security announced.
WeatherAir quality unhealthy for sensitive groups
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The unseasonably hot temperatures and humidity will be making outdoor activities a little rough again today, with highs into the triple digits from La Joya to the west and mid-90s for much of the inland areas of the Rio Grande Valley. The sun will once again be filtered through a layer
Public Safety“We did everything we could that night”: Camp Mystic director apologizes
TEXAS – One of the directors of a Texas camp that was flooded in 2025 tearfully apologized on Tuesday to the families of the 25 campers and two counselors who died in the tragedy. “We did everything we could that night. It wasn’t enough to save your daughters,” said Edward Eastland, a member of the family that owns the camp. “I am deeply sorry.” Eastland’s apology came as dozens of the girls’ family members sat just a few feet behind him during the second day of a special legislative hearing investigating the devastating July 4 flood. A written report with the findings is expected later this year. Eastland recounted that he and his father, Richard Eastland, were at the camp that night and made a desperate attempt to save the girls when they realized the heavy rains had triggered a flood that swept through the camp along the Guadalupe River. Richard Eastland died in the flood, and Edward survived only after being carried to a tree. “These girls were our youngest campers and their incredible counselors, whom we watched grow up,” Eastland said. “The world was a better place with them, and the outrage against us for not being able to keep them safe is completely justified.” Britt Eastland, another director, stated that the camp will train counselors and conduct drills to prepare campers for floods, fires, tornadoes, and intruders. Legislative investigators noted on Monday that the lack of training at the camp was a critical issue that contributed to the deaths. “All of these things should have been done from the start,” said Senator Charles Perry. Camp Mystic is a Christian girls-only camp located along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country. Its owners plan to reopen at the end of May and have said they will only use parts of the camp that were not flooded. They anticipate nearly 900 girls will be on campus this summer. These plans have angered the victims’ families, and some state officials have called for regulators to deny or delay the camp’s license renewal, which is under review. The Legislature will not reconvene until January 2027, and the panel does not have control over Camp Mystic’s license review.
PoliticsWater Supply Debate Expands Across Sectors in Rio Grande Valley
Regional leaders across multiple forums and interviews have described a widening water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley, affecting municipalities, industry, and agriculture, and have highlighted the cost and complexity of delivering a reliable supply.
Public Safety12-year-old McAllen student hospitalized after vaping substance laced with narcotics on school bus
Un estudiante de 12 años de McAllen fue hospitalizado después de vapear una sustancia que contenía narcóticos mientras estaba en un autobús escolar. Las autoridades están investigando el incidente y han instado a los padres a hablar con sus hijos sobre los peligros del vapeo y el uso de sustancias ilícitas.
Public SafetyMan charged after allegedly providing alcohol to minors at McAllen house party
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A McAllen man was arrested Monday after allegedly providing alcohol for minors during a house party, police reported. Miguel Ángel Herrera, 59, of McAllen, was charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. On April 11, at approximately 11 p.m., officers responded to the 7300 block of North
Public SafetyCBP Officers Seize more than $8.1M in Meth at Pharr International Bridge
Texas Border Business PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted $8.1 million in suspected methamphetamine concealed in a shipment manifested as tile. On April 21, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a commercial tractor trailer traveling from Reynosa, Mexico. The vehicle was referred
PoliticsSan Benito mayoral candidates make final pitches to voters
SAN BENITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Both candidates in the San Benito mayoral race say their goal is to move the city forward. Incumbent Mayor Ricardo Guerra is seeking a third term against Pedro "Pete" Galvan, who has served as a city commissioner alongside the mayor since 2020. Guerra says his main focus is infrastructure and flood
Public SafetySuspect in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Charged with Attempt to Assassinate the President
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was arraigned today in U.S. District Court on charges stemming from the April 25, 2026, shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
HealthCameron County Confirms Measles Case; Investigation Underway
The Cameron County Public Health Department has confirmed a case of measles and launched an investigation to identify potential exposures within the community. Officials clarified that the case involves an individual who does not reside in the county but traveled from another state where recent outbreaks have been reported. It remains unclear whether the patient was vaccinated. Health Administrator Esmeralda Guajardo stated, 'A person with measles is contagious four days before the rash appears and four days afterward; we determined the most infectious period was between April 15 and April 23.' Authorities are currently working in coordination with the Texas Department of State Health Services to locate individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through direct contact or airborne transmission when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after exposure and include: high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body. Health officials urge anyone who suspects exposure to isolate and contact their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic to prevent further spread. The department emphasized that vaccination with two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is the best form of prevention, offering up to 97% protection. Children should receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old. The county will continue monitoring the situation and encourages residents to report any suspected cases by calling (956) 247-3650.
Public SafetyStudent detained, 12-year-old boy hospitalized after vaping on school bus: McAllen police
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — One male student was detained, and a 12-year-old boy required emergency care after vaping on a school bus, according to the McAllen Police Department. On April 22 at 7:34 a.m., officers received a report from the 1400 block of North 29th Street regarding a 12-year-old boy in a bus, vomiting and unconscious.
PoliticsFor the Second Time: Government Files Charges Against Former FBI Director Comey
WASHINGTON — Former FBI Director James Comey was charged on Tuesday in connection with an investigation involving a photograph posted on social media. The image depicted seashells arranged on a beach, which authorities claim represented a threat against President Donald Trump, according to a person familiar with the matter. The individual, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the issue, confirmed the charges to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity. The specific charge or charges against Comey were not immediately disclosed. This marks the second criminal case the Department of Justice has initiated against Trump’s former adversary. Comey stated that he believed the arrangement of the shells—which he noticed during a walk and formed the inscription '86 47'—was a political message rather than a call to violence.
BusinessDesalination Project Proposed for South Texas Gains Momentum
During an interview conducted by Sergio Sanchez on KURV 710 AM, Mark M. Ellison outlined details of a proposed billion-dollar desalination project for South Texas, describing it as a long-term solution to regional water shortages.
CommunityTexas Mariachis Previously Detained by ICE to Perform at Country Artist's Concerts
AUSTIN, Texas – Country artist Kacey Musgraves will perform at three concerts starting May 3 alongside three young Mexican mariachis from South Texas who were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last March. Musgraves, who is set to release her new album 'Middle of Nowhere' this Friday, will take the stage at the historic Gruene Hall in New Braunfels on May 3, 4, and 5. Tickets went on sale this morning and are already sold out, according to the venue's official website. Brothers Antonio, Caleb, and Joshua Gámez-Cuéllar were held in two ICE migrant detention centers in Texas, sparking widespread criticism from both Democratic and Republican politicians, as well as activists and members of the South Texas community, where the family has lived since 2023. Antonio and Caleb were part of the award-winning school mariachi group Mariachi McAllen Oro, which earned state-level recognition and led to their acknowledgment in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2025. The family, originally from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, was arrested during a routine ICE appointment and released following a pressure campaign led by Congressmembers Joaquín Castro and Mónica de La Cruz. The Gámez-Cuéllar family entered the U.S. through the CBP One app, a program implemented under Democratic President Joe Biden (2021-2025) that allowed migrants to schedule border appointments to begin their asylum application process.
PoliticsUSCIS Reminds Asylum Applicants to Pay Annual Fee or Face Consequences
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that asylum applicants who fail to pay the annual fee will have their applications rejected. In a statement on its website, USCIS explained that 'in an effort to comply with the legal mandate requiring the Department of Homeland Security to enforce the annual fee payment, the interim final rule establishes that if a foreign national does not pay the annual fee within 30 days of notification, USCIS will reject their pending asylum application. If the foreign national does not have legal status in the United States, USCIS will also initiate removal proceedings.' The Department of Homeland Security implemented the annual fee for asylum applicants last year as a way to increase revenue to support immigration operations.
PoliticsMayor Ochoa and Ellie Torres Highlight Regional Push to Strengthen Drainage System
Texas Border Business By Texas Border Business Omar Ochoa and Ellie Torres, Precinct 4 commissioner for Hidalgo County, outlined efforts to improve drainage across the region, emphasizing how city and county systems work together to manage water flow in Edinburg and surrounding areas. Ochoa said the discussion is part of an ongoing public series on
HealthBaby on Board: Paramedics Assist Passenger in Giving Birth During Delta Flight
Please fasten your seatbelt, secure your tray table, return your seat to its upright position, and prepare for... childbirth? A passenger aboard a Delta Air Lines flight departing from Atlanta gave birth to a 5.5-pound baby girl on Friday, just before the Boeing 737 landed at Portland International Airport in Oregon. Two paramedics, who happened to be traveling on the flight, assisted with the delivery, borrowing blankets from other passengers and using a shoelace to tie off the umbilical cord. Baby Brielle Renee Blair arrived a couple of weeks early, and the plane landed about 20 minutes ahead of schedule. The mother, Ashley Blair, a Tennessee resident, was traveling to Oregon to be with her own mother for the delivery but didn’t make it in time. She went into labor about 30 minutes before the plane reached its destination.
Public SafetyU.S. Consulate Issues Security Alert Over Roadblocks and Violence in Reynosa
The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros has issued a security alert following reports of violent criminal activity, including roadblocks, in the city of Reynosa, located in the state of Tamaulipas. Due to the situation, U.S. government employees are instructed to avoid the Reynosa area. Additionally, the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for Tamaulipas, urging individuals not to travel to the region due to risks of crime, kidnapping, and violence. Residents are advised to avoid the area, remain vigilant, and follow guidance from local authorities. Recommendations include avoiding high-risk areas, keeping a low profile, monitoring local media, and staying in contact with family regarding safety. Authorities also urge individuals to review personal security plans and call 911 in case of an emergency. For now, staying updated with official announcements is strongly advised.
Public SafetyKen Paxton Investigates CDL Schools Over Alleged Certifications for Unqualified Drivers
EL PASO, Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a statewide investigation into several commercial driving schools accused of endangering public safety by certifying commercial drivers who are allegedly unqualified and lack proficiency in English. According to an official statement released on April 28, the investigation focuses on potential violations of state and federal laws related to the training and certification of commercial driver’s license (CDL) operators. As part of the process, the Attorney General’s Office has issued Civil Investigative Demands to the following companies: - EP Texas Trucking School - Trucker Certified LLC - Fast Track CDL LLC - CDLCALL.COM LLC - Lindenwood Education System (Ancora) Federal regulations require CDL holders to be able to read, write, and speak English to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to authorities, and complete official reports. Additionally, state and federal laws mandate that schools ensure students are adequately prepared to safely operate commercial vehicles. Authorities indicated that preliminary findings suggest some schools are disregarding these requirements, including instances where applicants are reportedly informed that English proficiency is not necessary to complete their programs. Certain centers were also found to advertise services in Spanish, falsely present themselves as certified institutions, and offer accelerated training programs lasting as little as 20 days—far below the industry average of three to seven weeks. The Attorney General’s Office stated that these practices may violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and pose a significant risk to motorists and pedestrians. “Putting individuals who do not speak English behind the wheel of 18-wheelers can pose a serious threat to public safety,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “My office will thoroughly investigate these schools and take action to ensure that only qualified, English-proficient drivers operate commercial vehicles on our roads.” According to the statement, EP Texas Trucking School operates facilities in El Paso and Odessa; Trucker Certified has locations in Pampa, Amarillo, Plainview, and Borger; Fast Track CDL is based in Garland; CDLCALL is located in San Antonio; and Ancora’s headquarters are in Arlington. These schools supply drivers to transportation companies across the state, including major logistics hubs like Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston. The investigation is ongoing and is part of the state’s efforts to protect students and ensure road safety in Texas.