Archive · 349 stories · page 9 of 18
PoliticsU.S. to Issue Commemorative Passports Featuring Trump’s Photo for 250th Independence Anniversary
The U.S. Department of State announced Tuesday that it is preparing a limited edition of commemorative passports to celebrate the country’s 250th Independence anniversary. These passports will feature an image of President Donald Trump, making him the first living president to appear on the travel document. The special passport design, including an illustration of Trump with a stern expression, underwent months of consideration before being approved late Monday. Between 25,000 and 30,000 of these passports will be available shortly before July 4th at the Washington, D.C. passport office. This initiative is part of a broader trend of incorporating Trump’s name and image into high-profile tributes, including proposals to feature his signature on new U.S. paper currency and his image on a commemorative gold coin marking the nation’s founding. The commemorative passport will be the default option for applicants visiting the Washington office in person, while standard passports will remain available online or at other locations. "To celebrate the United States commemorating its 250th Independence anniversary in July, the Department of State is preparing to issue a limited number of U.S. passports with a special design to mark this historic occasion," said Tommy Pigott, spokesperson for the Department of State. The limited-edition passport will include Trump’s photo over a gold seal of his signature on an interior page, while the cover will feature the words "United States of America" in gold at the top and "Passport" at the bottom, reversing the standard design. Additionally, the back cover will display a small gold plate with the U.S. flag and the number 250 surrounded by stars. The Bulwark previously reported on the commemorative passports. Currently, the only presidents featured in U.S. passports are depicted in a two-page illustration of Mount Rushmore: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Other representations include the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, along with scenes of the Great Plains, mountains, and islands. Current passports also include quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. and presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Dwight Eisenhower. The addition of Trump’s photo and signature to the passport booklet is the latest move by his advisors to enhance the president’s visibility, including naming the U.S. Institute of Peace building and the Kennedy Center’s performing arts venue after him. Trump has also sparked controversy with plans for a new White House ballroom and a massive arch to be built at one of Washington’s entrances from Virginia.
PoliticsEastland family, DSHS set to testify in 2nd day of legislative hearing on deadly July 4 floods
Tuesday marks the second day of a legislative hearing on the July 2025 floods, which resulted in the death of 25 Camp Mystic campers, two counselors, and the operator of Camp Mystic, Dick Eastland.
Public SafetyUS Consulate Matamoros issues alert on Reynosa criminal roadblocks
REYNOSA, Tamaulipas (ValleyCentral) — The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros issued a security alert on Monday after receiving reports of violent criminal activity, including roadblocks in Reynosa. U.S. government employees have been ordered to avoid the greater Reynosa area. The U.S. Consulate of Matamoros advises the following actions: The state of Tamaulipas, which borders South Texas, remains
CommunityEdinburg Parks and Recreation to Host ‘Senior De Mayo’ Celebration
A festive celebration created with seniors in mind returns to Edinburg! Community members ages 55 and up are invited to join the Parks and Recreation Department for ‘Senior de Mayo’ on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Jose Nieto and Consuelo Alfaro Robledo Center (El Tule).
SportsFIFA considers increasing funds distributed to nations participating in the World Cup
FIFA will begin a series of meetings to discuss a potential increase in the funds distributed among the 48 nations participating in the FIFA World Cup, set to take place this summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the news to TELEMUNDO Digital on Tuesday. 'Ahead of a FIFA Council meeting scheduled in Vancouver, Canada, on April 28, 2026 (this Tuesday), FIFA confirms that it is in discussions with associations worldwide to increase available revenues,' the organization stated in a press release. 'This includes a proposal to raise financial contributions for all teams qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as well as development funds available to the 211 member associations.'
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.