Ken 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.

Multi-Million Dollar Drug Load Found Hidden in Tiles at Pharr Border Bridge

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a shipment of methamphetamine valued at over $8.1 million on April 21 at the Pharr International Bridge. The discovery was made during an inspection at the cargo facility when a tractor-trailer arriving from Reynosa, Mexico, was flagged for irregularities in a shipment declared as tiles. With the assistance of a canine unit, authorities uncovered packages hidden within pallets containing white powder. Tests confirmed the substance was methamphetamine. In total, officers seized 200 packages weighing approximately 908 pounds. The drugs and the tractor-trailer were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents have launched a criminal investigation.

‘They Were Aware’: Former Jet Set Employee Claims Owners Knew About Nightclub’s Structural Issues

A former employee of the Jet Set Club nightclub, where 236 people died after the roof collapsed in 2025, testified on Monday before a judge that the establishment's owners were fully aware of the building's structural deterioration. 'Yes, they were aware, because I sent them photos, I sent them videos of all the problems there. This should never have happened; not a single person should have died there,' Gregory Adames stated during the final phase of the preliminary trial against siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, owners of the nightclub. This testimony, presented in a case involving prosecutors and dozens of lawyers representing the affected families, worsens the legal situation for the business owners amid complaints from victims' families about delays and slow progress in the proceedings.

Man Arrested After Being Found in Bed with 13-Year-Old in Texas

Authorities in Houston have arrested a 20-year-old man after he allegedly broke into a home and was discovered in a concerning situation with a minor. According to official reports, Isaac Mendoza López entered the residence, apparently through a window, and was found in bed with a 13-year-old. Court documents reveal that the suspect had been in contact with the minor for over a month, attempting to gain her trust before the alleged incident. The complaint states that the suspect initiated contact with the victim with the intent of engaging in sexual activity. Following his arrest, Mendoza López was charged with indecency with a child. His bond has been set at $70,000.

12-Year-Old Hospitalized in McAllen After Inhaling Vape Pen

A 12-year-old student was rushed to the hospital after suffering a severe reaction from using a vape device while on his way to school in McAllen. The incident was reported from a school bus on April 22 at approximately 7:34 a.m. in the 1400 block of North 29th Street. Police stated that another student had provided the device to the minor. After using it, the student began acting unusually and was found unconscious and vomiting inside the bus. Emergency responders administered Narcan at the scene, but the child had to be transported to a hospital for further medical care. Preliminary investigations revealed that the device contained Benzylpiperazine (BZP), a substance classified as a drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. The student who provided the device has been identified, detained, and now faces charges related to the incident, according to police. The case remains under investigation with support from state and federal agencies.

Man Arrested for Allegedly Providing Alcohol to Minors in McAllen

The McAllen Police Department launched an investigation into the alleged distribution of alcohol to minors at a party. This followed a neighbor's report of shouting, arguments, and fights coming from the location. The incident was reported on April 11 at approximately 11:00 p.m. at a residence in the 7300 block of North 8th Street. Police stated that a 59-year-old man, identified as Miguel Ángel Herrera, denied officers access to the property, where they found between 40 and 50 minors at what was described as a 'house party' with loud music and alcohol consumption. After an investigation, a McAllen Municipal Court judge determined there was probable cause to issue an arrest warrant. Herrera was arrested on Monday, April 27, with a bond set at $1,500 and charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Herrera currently remains in custody at the Hidalgo County Jail.

School Bus Accident on Highway 83; No Injuries Reported

On the morning of Tuesday, April 28, a school bus from Rio Grande City La Grulla ISD was involved in an accident on Highway 83 near the Loma Linda area. The district identified the vehicle as unit number 63. Despite initial concerns, it was confirmed that all students are safe, and no injuries were reported. The district also praised the swift response of emergency teams and staff on-site, which ensured the situation was handled promptly.

McAllen police search for man wanted on domestic violence charges

There nothing to stop us: Rio Grande City barbershop rebuilding after break-in

Palmview police approved for new cloud-based dispatch system upgrade

Brownsville Police Department takes to the skies with new drone program

Palmview will soon have AI cameras scanning license plates for crimes

Camp Mystic counselors lacked emergency training before deadly flood, Texas lawmakers told

City of Harlingen warns of email scam targeting contractors

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Harlingen city leaders are alerting residents about an email scam that appears to target people involved in planning and development work. According to the city of Harlingen, the emails are primarily being sent to contractors. The emails falsely claim to be from the city of Harlingen Planning and Zoning Commission. Residents are

Arrest warrants issued in McAllen domestic violence investigation

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Police Department is searching for a man wanted in connection with a domestic violence investigation. Two arrest warrants have been issued for Ramon Ayala III, 35, for continuous violence against the family and violation of a protection order, both third-degree felony charges. According to police, Ayala physically assaulted a

Passenger Dies After Falling from Balcony on Carnival Firenze Cruise Ship

A passenger aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship passed away Monday morning after falling from the balcony of her stateroom, the company confirmed. The Carnival Firenze was near Catalina Island off the California coast when the passenger fell from her balcony and landed on a lower deck, according to the cruise line. The woman was traveling with her family, who alerted the crew about the incident.

'Going to get my AR ready': Premiere High School-McAllen student threatened teacher and principal, docs allege

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Premier High School-McAllen student was arrested earlier this month after he allegedly threatened a teacher and principal, according to a criminal complaint obtained by ValleyCentral. The incident occurred on April 14 and led to a lockdown at the charter school campus at 2400 Daffodil Ave. Johnny Martinez, 18, of Mission, was

Sebastian MUD issues water boil notice following water line break

Man arrested after argument leads to shooting in McAllen parking lot