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Public SafetySuspect Armed with Knife Shot Dead While Climbing Cables of Brooklyn Bridge in NYC
NEW YORK — NYPD officers shot and killed a man armed with a knife on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York after he climbed the cables and threatened emergency responders with the weapon, authorities reported during a press conference on Friday morning. According to Jerry Dowling, deputy chief of the Emergency Service Unit (ESU), officers received a 911 call around 3:30 a.m. about a person walking on the beams on the bridge towards Brooklyn. ESU officers arrived at the scene and attempted to engage the man in dialogue. The deputy chief stated that the two officers tried for nearly an hour to convince the man to come down when they noticed he had a knife. "I want to die," the suspect said, according to authorities. Dowling emphasized that during high-altitude rescues on bridges, officers remain secured to the structure for safety reasons, which significantly limits their mobility. "I want to die. I want you to kill me. I have a bomb. You won't force me to do something bad to the police," the man reportedly told the two ESU officers on the cable. The officers continued to try to persuade him to come down from the cables while repeatedly ordering him to drop the knife. After an hour, police said the man began to descend rapidly down the bridge cable towards the officers. Both officers were positioned below the man, still secured to the bridge and on the same cable. They began to back away, according to authorities, but could not move away as quickly as the man approached. The suspect was shot when he was about 3 feet from the first ESU officer, raising the hand holding the knife towards the officer. At that moment, an ESU officer fired once, hitting the man. The officers brought the man down from the cable and began to assist him. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. A knife was recovered at the scene. Authorities said the entire incident was recorded by police body cameras. NotifyNYC sent an alert around 4:30 a.m. warning of delays on the bridge due to police activity. The bridge was temporarily closed in both directions. On social media, several people reported waking up due to the police response. Chopper 4 footage showed a large emergency operation, with multiple police vehicles and yellow evidence markers scattered across the bridge. Both lanes of the bridge reopened during the mid-morning rush hour. This shooting marks the second deadly incident this week in which NYPD officers opened fire. On Monday, an emotionally disturbed woman armed with two knives randomly attacked several people in Times Square, killing a 32-year-old woman and injuring a 68-year-old man before advancing towards the police, according to authorities. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
NationalMamdani's Next Battleground? Berlin.
Staffers from Germany’s Die Linke party traveled to New York last year to learn from the DSA’s campaign as they try to win a mayor’s race in Berlin.
PoliticsHarlingen tables FluidStack data center drainage request after public pushback
Harlingen city commissioners postponed a decision regarding FluidStack's request to use a city drainage canal for stormwater from a proposed data center. Community members raised concerns during a recent meeting, prompting the commissioners to seek more public input before proceeding. Commissioner Daniel Lopez emphasized the importance of allowing residents to ask questions about the project. Moving forward, any industrial development over one acre seeking to connect to city drainage will require a public hearing. Resident Sandra Gonzalez Gomez expressed frustration, believing the city has already made a decision about the data center's construction. FluidStack has yet to schedule a public open house.
EducationHidalgo County DWI program lets offenders attend STC to clear their record
South Texas College has introduced a program allowing individuals convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) to have their cases dismissed by completing a degree or certification. In collaboration with the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office and the 275th District Court, the initiative aims to enroll 10 offenders, with 10 already participating. Candidates must not have caused fatalities in their cases, and the district attorney will assess eligibility. Upon graduation, STC will assist in job placement, helping to reduce barriers to employment for those with prior convictions. Interested individuals can consult their probation officer or judge for application details.
WeatherWhat to know before taking your boat out this Labor Day weekend
As Labor Day weekend approaches, many families in the Rio Grande Valley are preparing to enjoy boating and fishing. Texas Game Warden Calvin Atkinson emphasizes the importance of safety, advising boaters to check their equipment, including life jackets and fire extinguishers, and to tune up their engines. He also recommends creating a float plan and being mindful of weather conditions. Children under 13 must wear life jackets. Last year, Texas game wardens dealt with seven boating incidents, resulting in two fatalities. Increased patrols will be in effect, and boaters are urged to limit alcohol consumption while operating vessels.
Public SafetyMcAllen man sentenced for leading deadly human smuggling ring
Jose Manuel Silva-Lopez, a 27-year-old from McAllen, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for leading a human smuggling operation that resulted in three deaths, including a teenage driver. His smuggling activities spanned from June 2023 to September 2024, during which he coordinated at least 21 smuggling events. Silva-Lopez recruited drivers via social media, including minors as young as 14, and instructed them to evade law enforcement. The operation led to high-speed chases, with one incident resulting in a crash that killed the driver and two passengers. He remains in custody pending transfer to a federal facility.
PoliticsHidalgo County courthouse set to reopen on Friday
The Hidalgo County Courthouse will reopen to the public on Friday, September 4, after being closed due to a vehicle crash at its entrance. The driver, 49-year-old Jesus Alaniz Jr., is in critical condition and faces a DWI charge. Although the closure slightly impacted the district attorney's caseload, operations will resume as normal. The main entrance remains closed for repairs, but temporary entrances are available from N. Closner Boulevard and S. 12th Avenue. Regular hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Clerk's Office continues to provide marriage licenses at a temporary location in Edinburg.
Public SafetyValley ICE officer charged with lying about shooting turns himself in to feds
Christian Castro, an ICE officer, has turned himself in to federal authorities after being charged with lying about the shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis during a Minneapolis immigration operation in January. Castro was previously released from jail in Texas after Governor Greg Abbott delayed his extradition to Minnesota. The charges against him include false statements and assault related to the incident, where he allegedly shot Sosa-Celis through a door. The case has raised concerns about the conduct of federal officers during immigration enforcement operations, and Sosa-Celis plans to seek damages from the federal government.
EducationBrownsville ISD adapts to Texas special education funding shift
Brownsville ISD is adapting to a new special education funding model in Texas that emphasizes individual student needs rather than service locations. With a reporting deadline approaching, the district has been preparing since spring and summer, applying for state grants to support the transition. Last year, around 7,200 students, or 20% of the district's population, received special education services. The new model categorizes student needs into eight tiers, impacting funding based on the services provided. Special Education Director Adriana Lippa believes this shift will enhance service delivery and potentially increase resources for students, especially as the autism population grows.
WeatherHurricane season peak around the corner as drought conditions continue across Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —The calendar reads September 3, and the Atlantic basin has yet to produce a single hurricane this season. This unusually quiet stretch aligns with the influence of a strong El Niño, which enhances upper‑level wind shear across the Atlantic and suppresses tropical development. If this trend holds, we could be approaching a
Public Safety'First and absolutely last': Mother demands answers after 5-year-old leaves Edinburg Boys & Girls Club unsupervised
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A mother is demanding answers after she says her 5-year-old daughter walked away from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. She was later found outside the facility without shoes. Destiny Esquivel says Wednesday was her daughter Zoe Torres’ first and last day at the Boys & Girls Club’s after-school program.
Public SafetyProsecutors bring terrorism charges against man who allegedly handled ‘disposal of human remains’ for the Gulf Cartel
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man accused of working for the Gulf Cartel pleaded not guilty to federal terrorism charges last week. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas brought terrorism charges against Jose Flores Flores, 21, of Reynosa in mid-August. Flores handled “regional protection and enforcement” and “disposal of human remains”
NationalICE officer charged with lying about shooting turns himself in to feds, AP source says
WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer charged with lying to investigators about the events leading up to the shooting of a Venezuelan man during the Minneapolis immigration crackdown is in federal custody, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Christian Castro turned himself in to authorities after being charged with
Public SafetyMcAllen police seeking vehicle burglary suspect
The McAllen Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to locate 43-year-old Jesus Manuel Treviño, a suspect in two vehicle burglaries that occurred on August 24 in a parking area on the 200 block of Expressway 83. Victims reported that personal belongings were stolen from their cars. Treviño is described as 5'7" tall, weighing around 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and has noticeable tattoos on his face and neck. Authorities encourage anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-8477.
Public SafetyICE Agent Surrenders to Federal Authorities
Christian Castro, an ICE agent previously incarcerated in Cameron County Jail in Brownsville, surrendered to federal authorities on Thursday. He faces charges for providing false statements to investigators regarding a shooting incident in January in Minneapolis, where he shot through a door, injuring Venezuelan Julio César Sosa-Célis. Initially, Castro claimed the victim attacked him with a broom and shovel, but video evidence contradicted this, leading to the dismissal of charges against Sosa-Célis. Castro's surrender follows his release in the Texas Valley, and a judge denied a request to compel Governor Greg Abbott to extradite him to Minnesota. The investigation is ongoing.
PoliticsICE is reportedly hiring new agents without basic evaluations, says a whistleblower
A whistleblower has revealed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been hiring new agents without conducting basic background checks, violating federal standards. The complaint, filed by a former supervisor in ICE's Professional Responsibility Office, highlights delays in background checks while the agency rapidly hired 12,000 agents to support mass deportation efforts under President Trump. Concerns have arisen over the quality of these hires, with some having serious financial issues or prior misconduct. The whistleblower urged an investigation into these hiring practices, citing risks of internal threats and compromised public trust in ICE. The agency has acknowledged some applicants began training before background checks were completed.
Public SafetyGovernor Meets With First Responders, Delivers Update On State Wildfire Response
Governor Greg Abbott visited Palo Pinto and Jack counties to assess the damage caused by the Ross Fire. He served meals to first responders and provided an update on the state's wildfire response efforts. Abbott praised the courage of residents and responders, noting that there have been no reported fatalities or injuries. He emphasized the state's commitment to assist affected families and rebuild communities post-fire. Over 1,300 state responders and 525 pieces of equipment have been deployed to combat the fire, which has threatened homes and prompted evacuations. Texans are encouraged to report damages through the TDEM assessment tool.
NationalMaria Bartiromo Leaves FOX News Media After More Than 12 Years
Maria Bartiromo has departed from FOX News Media after over 12 years with the network, a tenure that included her prominent roles on both FOX Business Network and FOX News Channel. The announcement of her departure was made on September 3, effective immediately, but no reasons were provided. FOX News expressed gratitude for her contributions and wished her well in future endeavors. Her show, 'Mornings with Maria,' aired its final episode the same day, and will be replaced by 'Mornings with FOX Business' featuring rotating anchors. Bartiromo's exit also opens a spot on 'Sunday Morning Futures,' which will be temporarily hosted by former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz.
NationalProposal Could Affect Money Immigrant Families Receive When Filing Taxes
HOUSTON – A proposal from the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could impact the money that some immigrant families receive when they file their taxes. The proposal seeks to restrict four tax credits for DACA recipients, TPS holders, asylum applicants, and individuals with certain non-immigrant visas. These credits are related to children, college education, and adoption, among others. According to estimates mentioned in the proposal, the change could affect up to 700,000 taxpayers nationwide. The IRS estimates that families could collectively stop receiving between $700 million and $2.6 billion. The proposal is not yet final. Taxpayers can submit comments on the proposal until October 4. A hearing is scheduled for October 14, before a decision is made on the measure. To express your opinion, please visit this website.
HealthHidalgo County to Launch Free Narcan Vending Machines Sept. 8 in Edinburg
Hidalgo County Health & Human Services is set to launch a free Narcan vending machine initiative on September 8 at 9 a.m. The kickoff event will take place at the Health & Human Services Administration building, located at 1304 S. 25th Ave. in Edinburg. Narcan, or naloxone, is a medication that can quickly reverse opioid overdoses. The vending machines will offer naloxone at no cost to the public. Representatives from various health organizations will discuss the importance of increasing access to naloxone and demonstrate how residents can use the vending machines to obtain it. Media interviews will follow the event.