Archive · 349 stories · page 10 of 18
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.
Public SafetyMulti-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.
SportsTexas Tech Quarterback to Enter Treatment for Gambling Addiction
TEXAS – Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby will enter a residential treatment program for gambling addiction, the university confirmed to NBC News on Monday. NCAA rules prohibit athletes, coaches, and athletic department staff from betting on college or professional sports. Additionally, in 2025, Division I universities voted to revoke a rule that would have allowed betting on professional sports. According to NCAA regulations, 'players who bet on their own games' could face permanent loss of eligibility in all sports. Sorsby may appeal any potential sanctions. The NCAA told NBC News that, due to confidentiality rules, 'it will not comment on current, pending, or potential investigations.' 'Nonetheless, the NCAA takes sports betting very seriously and is committed to protecting the well-being of student-athletes and the integrity of competition. The Association works with integrity monitoring services, state regulators, and other stakeholders to conduct due diligence whenever reports are received.' Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire stated in a release: 'We care deeply about Brendan and support his decision to seek professional help. Taking this step requires courage, and our top priority is him as a person. Our program stands with Brendan as he prioritizes his health.' Through a spokesperson, Texas Tech affirmed its commitment to 'supporting Brendan during his recovery process and ensuring his long-term health and well-being.' The institution added that it would not make further comments to 'protect the integrity of the recovery process.' Sorsby, 22, began his college career at Indiana and left the school after two years. He spent the last two seasons at Cincinnati before transferring to Texas Tech in January. Sorsby was heavily recruited when he entered the transfer portal and was considered a prospect for next year’s NFL Draft. In his final season at Cincinnati, Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also rushed for 580 yards and scored nine additional touchdowns. This story was originally written in English by Rohan Nadkarni of our sister network NBC News. This story was translated from English with the help of a generative AI tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
Public Safety‘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.
Public SafetyMan 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.
Public Safety12-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.
Public SafetyMan 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.
PoliticsKing Charles Meets with Trump at the White House; Will Address Congress Next
WASHINGTON DC — King Charles III is set to don some of Washington's most formal ceremonial attire on Tuesday in an effort to underscore the deep ties between the United Kingdom and the United States. He will become the first British monarch to address the U.S. Congress since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so in 1991. Her speech highlighted the shared history of both nations and the importance of their democratic values—topics Charles is expected to emphasize in his address. Such speeches are reserved for the world's most prominent leaders, including Pope Francis, Václav Havel, and Winston Churchill. This event is likely to be Charles's most significant public appearance during his four-day visit to the United States, which aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country's independence from Britain. Earlier this year, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson became the first sitting leader of the House to address the UK Parliament. On Monday, Johnson attended a reception in Washington's gardens alongside the king, where he remarked that he had assured Charles he would be "warmly welcomed" in Congress.
Public SafetySchool 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.
HealthHeart of the Valley: Weslaco woman shares her 20-year journey to manage diabetes
Una residente de Weslaco ha abierto su corazón para compartir su experiencia de dos décadas viviendo con diabetes. A través de su historia, busca inspirar a otros en el Valle del Río Grande a tomar control de su salud y enfrentar los desafíos de esta enfermedad crónica con determinación y esperanza.
Public SafetyPalmview will soon have AI cameras scanning license plates for crimes
La ciudad de Palmview implementará cámaras de inteligencia artificial diseñadas para escanear placas de vehículos y ayudar en la identificación de actividades delictivas. Estas cámaras buscan mejorar la seguridad pública al proporcionar datos en tiempo real a las autoridades locales. El sistema permitirá a los oficiales responder más rápidamente a incidentes y localizar vehículos involucrados en crímenes. Este avance tecnológico forma parte de los esfuerzos de la ciudad para fortalecer la vigilancia y proteger a los residentes.
McAllenTrumps call for ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel again after morbid joke about first lady
El expresidente Donald Trump ha solicitado una vez más a la cadena ABC que despida al presentador Jimmy Kimmel después de que este hiciera una broma considerada mórbida sobre la primera dama. Trump expresó su descontento en redes sociales, calificando el comentario como inapropiado y ofensivo. La controversia ha generado un debate sobre los límites del humor en la televisión.
PoliticsSouth Texas immigration attorneys report pattern of DACA processing delays
Abogados especializados en inmigración en el sur de Texas han observado un patrón preocupante de retrasos en el procesamiento de solicitudes de DACA. Según los informes, estos retrasos están afectando a jóvenes inmigrantes que dependen del programa para obtener protección contra la deportación y permisos de trabajo. Los abogados están instando a las autoridades a abordar el problema de manera urgente para evitar impactos negativos en los solicitantes.
Public SafetyMcAllen police search for man wanted on domestic violence charges
Las autoridades de McAllen están llevando a cabo una búsqueda activa de un hombre que enfrenta cargos relacionados con violencia doméstica. La policía solicita la colaboración de la comunidad para localizar al sospechoso y garantizar la seguridad de las posibles víctimas.
WeatherWhy the Valley skies are gray: Smoke haze leads to air quality concerns
El humo proveniente de incendios forestales en regiones cercanas ha cubierto los cielos del Valle, causando una neblina que afecta la calidad del aire. Las autoridades locales han emitido advertencias sobre los posibles riesgos para la salud, especialmente para personas con problemas respiratorios. Se recomienda limitar las actividades al aire libre y mantenerse informado sobre las condiciones actuales.
Public SafetyThere nothing to stop us: Rio Grande City barbershop rebuilding after break-in
Una barbería en Rio Grande City está trabajando arduamente para recuperarse después de haber sido víctima de un robo. A pesar de los daños y las pérdidas sufridas, los propietarios han expresado su determinación de seguir adelante y reconstruir su negocio. La comunidad local ha mostrado su apoyo, destacando la resiliencia y el espíritu emprendedor de los dueños en medio de la adversidad.