Edinburg man sentenced after sending child porn to a 13-year-old girl he called his girlfriend

McAllen crime rate drops to lowest levels recorded in 40 years, city says

McAllen has reported its lowest crime rates in 40 years, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The 2025 Uniform Crime Reporting data indicates a 21.4% decrease in the overall crime rate compared to 2024, with a 20.4% drop in crime volume. Since 1995, crime has decreased by approximately 81.4%. Notable reductions include a 75% drop in murder, a 42.9% decrease in robbery, and a 56% reduction in auto theft. Mayor Javier Villalobos and Police Chief Victor Rodriguez credited community efforts and collaboration with law enforcement for these significant improvements in public safety.

UPDATE: Missing child found near Weslaco

The missing child was located at home on Tuesday around 6 p.m., as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Earlier reports indicated that multiple law enforcement agencies were actively searching for the child near Weslaco. Deputies from the sheriff's office, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, and game wardens were seen conducting searches on Lantana Drive and Mile 5 North Road, close to Estero Llano Grande State Park. Further details about the incident have not been disclosed.

Palmview Fire Department granted $250K for new truck

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Palmview Fire Department received $250,000 in community project funding to support its efforts. U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced the funding for the Palmview Fire Department on Wednesday at Palmview City Hall. The money will be used to support fire safety and equipment for the Palmview Fire Department and to

San Antonio Leader of Extremist Child Exploitation Network Gets 40-Year Sentence

A member of a Nihilistic Violent Extremist group in San Antonio, Alexis Aldair Chavez, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in child exploitation. Known as Zack8884, the 19-year-old was an administrator of the '8884' network, linked to the 764 network, which promotes social unrest and the downfall of societal norms. Chavez coerced minors into self-harm and sexual acts, including a disturbing incident where he attempted to have a minor overdose on camera. He was arrested in October 2024 and pled guilty to multiple charges, including racketeering and distribution of child pornography.

Rio Grande City taking new steps to monitor New World screwworm threat

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- One city in Rio Grande Valley is now taking new steps to prepare for the possible threat of the new world screwworm. Rio Grande City announced that all of its animal control officers are now certified New World screwworm inspectors. The certification allows the officers to inspect livestock and

Registered Sex Offender Gets 15 Years After Nearly 10K Explicit Images of Children Found

Wesley Joseph Slanina, a 71-year-old man from Bacliff, has been sentenced to 186 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. This is his second conviction for similar offenses. Slanina was found with over 7,000 explicit images and videos of children, including infants, on his devices. He will also serve 10 years of supervised release post-incarceration, during which he must adhere to strict regulations. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay $71,000 in restitution to the victims. The investigation began in June 2019 when he was discovered sharing illegal files online.

Living Among Trash and 39 Animals: Two Minors Found; Parents Arrested

Two parents were arrested after authorities discovered their two children, a 5-year-old and an 8-month-old, living in unsanitary conditions alongside 39 animals in a home in northeast Philadelphia. The discovery occurred at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, when FBI agents conducted a court-authorized operation at a house located in the 7100 block of Whittaker Avenue. According to the Philadelphia Police, the investigation that led agents to the residence was not related to the condition of the property. However, once inside the house, investigators reported finding an alarming scene. Authorities stated that the home was filled with trash, waste, empty food boxes and bags, as well as a large amount of accumulated items, posing a risk to those living there. Officers announced that the two children were removed from the location and are being evaluated at a hospital. The Pennsylvania SPCA also responded to the emergency after authorities found 38 cats and one dog inside the scene. The woman in the house, 44-year-old Megan Bach, was arrested at the scene. Shortly after, 43-year-old Thomas Bach arrived and was also detained. Both were identified as the parents of the minors. The two adults face charges of endangering the welfare of a child, recklessly endangering another person, criminal conspiracy, possession of an instrument of crime, and possession of an offensive weapon. Thomas Bach appeared before a judge on Wednesday, July 8. The prosecution had requested bail close to one million dollars for both defendants, but the court set bail at $125,000 for each. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 20. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the case.

Intersection Reconstruction at FM 494 (Shary Road)/Mile 4 East in Alton, July 7th – October

A reconstruction project at the intersection of FM 494 (Shary Road) and Mile 4 East in Alton will begin on July 7 and is expected to last until October 2026. The project will affect traffic for about 2000 feet east of the intersection, as the contractor upgrades the crossing with new sidewalks, ramps, and traffic signals. This work may also disrupt bus routes for the upcoming school year. Drivers are encouraged to follow detour signs or find alternative routes during the construction period.

El Paso Border Patrol Warns Rideshare Drivers They’re Being Targeted by Smuggling Cartels

The U.S. Border Patrol's El Paso Sector has issued a warning to rideshare drivers about the risks posed by transnational criminal organizations. Smugglers are using rideshare apps to facilitate illegal activities, often booking rides in remote areas and using third-party accounts. Drivers are advised to be vigilant for signs of smuggling, such as passengers in dirty clothing or groups exceeding vehicle limits. Accepting these rides can lead to detention and felony charges. The Border Patrol urges drivers to prioritize their safety by canceling suspicious rides and reporting any concerns to law enforcement or the Border Patrol hotline.

Mother Who Claimed Her 18-Month-Old Twins Died After Vaccination Charged with Murder

Andrea Shaw, a 23-year-old woman from Idaho, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of her 18-month-old twins. Authorities report that she allegedly suffocated her children in May 2025. Shaw previously claimed that her twins died after receiving vaccinations, which she discussed on a podcast produced by the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense. She was arrested last week and is being held on a $2 million bond. If convicted, she could face life in prison or the death penalty. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 14.

What Will Happen to the Unstable Skyscraper in Manhattan? What We Know

On Tuesday morning, two structural beams of a skyscraper under construction in Manhattan began to buckle, prompting a large emergency response and mass evacuations. The former Pfizer headquarters at 235 East 42nd Street was being converted into residential apartments when the FDNY received reports of falling bricks. By evening, some residents were allowed to return, although many evacuation orders remained in effect. Officials stated that the building was stabilized, but long-term repairs may be complex and costly. The site is near major landmarks like the Chrysler Building and the United Nations headquarters, raising concerns about safety and structural integrity.

Mujeres Unidas upgrading security system with new grant

Mujeres Unidas, an organization in McAllen that supports victims of domestic abuse, is enhancing its security system with a $4,500 grant. This funding will be used to install 12 new cameras at their facility, aimed at providing better protection for individuals seeking assistance. Genesis Gonzalez, the Community Outreach Program Coordinator, emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for clients who are often in distress and escaping dangerous situations. The grant was awarded by the Texas Council on Family Violence to help improve the safety of those who rely on their services.

Edinburg police make 34 DWI arrests during summer holiday enforcement wave

The Edinburg Police Department conducted a DWI enforcement operation from June 19 to July 6, 2026, resulting in 34 arrests, including 13 during the Fourth of July weekend. This initiative, funded by a Texas Department of Transportation grant, aimed to enhance road safety by removing impaired drivers. Police Chief Jaime Ayala emphasized the goal of preventing accidents and ensuring community safety. Edinburg is a No-Refusal City, meaning impaired drivers will be arrested. The department encourages residents to plan for safe transportation options to avoid tragedies related to drunk driving.

ICE agent fatally shoots Houston man accused of trying to run over officer

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico, during a vehicle stop in Houston. The incident occurred when Salgado allegedly attempted to run over the officer, prompting the agent to fire in self-defense. Salgado was transported to Ben Taub Hospital but later died from his injuries. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are investigating the shooting. Family members claim Salgado was in the process of obtaining a work permit and was on his way to work when the incident occurred. Local officials are calling for a transparent investigation.

Dozens arrested in Edinburg DWI enforcement wave

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Edinburg Police Department concluded its safety initiative aimed at cracking down on impaired drivers. The initiative was funded by the Texas Department of Transportation, granting the Edinburg Police Department to ramp up its patrols during a two-week period. Edinburg police Chief Jaime Ayala said that between June 19 through July

ICE fatally shoots man in Houston after he allegedly tried to run over agent

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican migrant, in Houston during an enforcement stop early Tuesday. According to ICE, Araujo allegedly attempted to run over the agent while trying to evade arrest. The incident occurred around 7 a.m., and the agent fired in self-defense after Araujo ignored commands. Emergency responders found him with a gunshot wound and he later died at Ben Taub Hospital. Investigations by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are underway, with calls for transparency from local officials and community leaders regarding the shooting.

Teen charged with lying to police in connection with deadly hit-and-run crash in Edinburg

A second suspect, 17-year-old Jezaie Luis Gonzalez, has been arrested for lying to police about a fatal hit-and-run incident in Edinburg. The crash occurred on June 26 on North McColl Road, where bicyclist David Moreno was struck by a Dodge Caravan that fled the scene. Moreno later succumbed to his injuries. A 16-year-old driver was also arrested for the collision. After the crash, Gonzalez allegedly fabricated a story to mislead investigators, claiming he saw a different vehicle involved. He was arraigned on Tuesday with a bond set at $5,000.

Suspect in custody after police pursuit ends in Donna crash

A police pursuit that started in Cameron County concluded with a crash on the expressway in Donna, resulting in the arrest of one man. The chase began with the Cameron County Sheriff's Office pursuing a black Buick Enclave before the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) took over. The incident occurred at the intersection of I-2 and Hutto Road, leading to traffic diversions in the westbound lanes, as reported by TxDOT spokesperson Ray Pedraza. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the situation is still developing, with updates expected soon.