‘Mobile vet’ charged for killing dog, practicing without a license
The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office alleges a 56-year-old McAllen man who operated a mobile veterinarian service and prepared his equipment at a car wash was practicing veterinary medicine without a license and killed a dog as a result of a botched procedure.
myrgv.comFull circle: Rowe’s Robles nabs all-area coach of the year
Listen insteadMcALLEN — The McAllen Rowe Warriors were fresh off back-to-back seasons without earning a postseason berth when Alex Robles took over as head coach in 2018. During Robles’ fourth year at the helm, the Warriors put it all together. After leading the Warriors to a district title and the most wins in program history (32), Robles is the The Monitor’s 2021-22 All-Area Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. “It’s an honor to be recognized for all the hard work that not only I put in, but that the team put in,” Robles said. Going into this fifth season, the bar has been raised for Robles and the Warriors, with postseason appearances becoming the norm.
myrgv.comWatch: McAllen home struck by lightning during storm
A 60-year-old McAllen resident and her daughter had to flee their home after lightning struck the roof of their house early Tuesday morning. Sylvia Cardenas woke up to the loud sound of a lightning strike about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. She thought the sound had come from a nearby area, but didn’t know the damage was closer than she thought. On the roof above her garage was a crack and a sign of fire where lightning had struck. I have to focus on what is right, and I’m fine, my daughter is fine, my cat is fine.
myrgv.comLetters : Women targeted
A highly disturbing trend is happening in Texas along the border and especially in our RGV concerning how women are being harassed, threatened and even criminalized. Egregious acts against women are being perpetrated by individuals as well as politicians and police. 1) In late January, the NationalButterflyCenter in Mission and its female director were targeted and threatened by the We Stand America MAGA event that took place in McAllen. Are StarrCounty officials sending a message to all women in that county that they will face criminal consequences for asserting their bodily autonomy and family privacy issues? They visit and gaslight the border for their own political and financial gain at the expense and even imprisonment of the local women.
myrgv.comSending a message: Mayorkas’ visit to Valley signals Washington’s attempts to toughen up on border
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas visited the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday to deliver a message to migrants planning to head north and to seek input from those preparing to handle the increase — all as anxiety builds over the possible end of a public health policy that bars migrants from seeking asylum at the border next week.
myrgv.comLeading the pack: McHi’s Flores repeats as all-area coach of the year
After leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back district titles and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, Flores is The Monitor’s 2021-22 All-Area Boys Basketball Coach of the Year. I’ve had great groups here in my eight years as the head coach at McAllen High School,” he said. Whether the Bulldogs were in front or trailing during late-game situations, Flores kept his composure, which translated to his players. My father’s a coach, brothers are coaches, my uncle, my cousin — we’re a family of teachers and coaches,” Flores said. “It’s humbling to be a part of it and I’m glad I’m able to coach these guys.”[email protected]
myrgv.comFormer McAllen school aid gets 10 years on child porn charges
A former school aid from McAllen was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for downloading illicit material off the internet, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release Monday. Ramiro Vasquez, 43, pleaded guilty on March 3 to downloading child pornography. Authorities began an investigation in January 2020 over child sexual abuse material being shared on the internet, which led them to Vasquez’s address in McAllen, the release said. The document reads that law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence where they seized multiple electronic devices, one of which was in the process of downloading child pornography. An analysis on the devices resulted in the discovery of 8,601 images and 1,366 videos of child sexual abuse material, according to the USAO.
myrgv.comSouth Texas College begins 4-and-a-half day workweek
McALLEN — South Texas College’s board gave the greenlight to a four-and-a-half day workweek schedule that may become permanent if it proves successful. However, using different schedules with half-hour lunches or a schedule that would end at 6 p.m. would allow employees to leave at noon on Fridays. “The modified work week schedule is a common practice in community colleges and is recognized as a cost reduction measure and an incentive for employees,” the materials said. The idea of a four-and-a-half day workweek for the summer is also apparently popular with STC employees. A survey conducted by the college found that 80% of employees who responded were interested in the schedule.
myrgv.comMcAllen addresses traffic congestion with $3 million improvement project
Drivers in McAllen can expect less congestion along the city’s major arteries after a $3 million improvement project. The city’s traffic department celebrated this week the completion of the 2018 bond project, which studied traffic patterns along the north and south, as well as east and west, corridors. “The last time the city of McAllen made an investment on a traffic study of this magnitude was in spring of 2007,” said Marlen Garza, director of operations for the traffic department. So the city began studying traffic patterns after voters passed a bond to address those issues in 2018, but COVID-19 got in the way. The project also included the installation of 150 new traffic signal cabinets equipped with fiber or Wi-Fi communication.
myrgv.comSuspected drunk driver charged in gruesome McAllen crash that claimed man’s life
A woman is facing an intoxication manslaughter charge for allegedly driving drunk and crashing into another vehicle in McAllen after a night of drinking tequila, according to police. The driver of the other vehicle she struck was killed. Witnesses at the scene told authorities that both vehicles were traveling northbound on the outside lane of North 10th Street. The driver of the Trailblazer was identified as Agustin Molina Uribe, who police said was “burned beyond recognition” as a result of the vehicle catching fire in the crash. Police said in the affidavit that Villarreal, who complained about pain in her wrists, had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and smelled like alcohol.
myrgv.comMcAllen downtown bar operator arrested for sexually assaulting underage woman at bar
McAllen police arrested an Alton man they said sexually assaulted an underage woman at a downtown bar where he works as a bar operator, and police are currently searching for a second bar employee who is also a suspect, according to a news release from police.
myrgv.comThree questions with Susanna Maddrigal: RGV native on loving motherhood, thriving as a professional
Susanna Maddrigal, CEO of MADD Media advertising agency in McAllen, is celebrating her 28th Mother’s Day. I learned it was initially structured to be a panel of only career women who opted not to have children in order to freely pursue their dreams of success. I didn’t realize how many sacrifices motherhood actually demands. Does motherhood demand career sacrifices? NOW THAT YOUR DAUGHTER IS A GROWN WOMAN, AND A SURGEON, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO SEE HER SUCCESS?
myrgv.comMcallen mother gets 30 years in crash that killed daughter
A Cameron County jury has ruled a 31-year-old McAllen mother is guilty of a number of counts related to the 2020 death of her daughter. “It serves to remind us all that driving while intoxicated is a very serious crime. As a result, the defendant received a 30-year sentence and a $26,000.00 fine,” a statement from the DA’s office reads. “Evidence showed that the defendant was heavily intoxicated and was found hiding a nearby private property,” the district attorney’s office stated. “With the help of eye witnesses, the officers were able to conclude that the defendant was driving the vehicle returning from (South Padre Island).”
myrgv.comMcAllen man indicted, accused of importing powerful hallucinogenic drug from Brazil
A McAllen man was indicted Wednesday for allegedly importing a controlled substance from Brazil, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release. Mario Alberto Molina was indicted for importing DMT, dimethyltryptamine, from Brazil and is expected to appear before the U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia Medrano for arraignment. DMT is a powerful hallucinogenic drug with intense effects and is the primary psychoactive ingredient in ayahuasca. The complaint said the package was marked as natural dye for tie-dye purposes and was allegedly addressed to Molina’s residence. Molina is facing up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine if convicted.
myrgv.comStress management offered to Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office
Heidi Balleza-Ruiz, a licensed professional counselor at the STHS behavioral hospital, is one of those individuals who offered a hand, and on Thursday, April 28, led an STHS presentation for the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office about stress management. First, she said, it’s necessary for authorities to identify their personal affinity for law enforcement and community. The counselor also told the sheriff’s office that not all stress is negative in interpretation, and in certain cases can be wielded as a method to provide self-accountability. According to Friedlein, the stresses of law enforcement are not necessarily seen often but very much existent. “It leaves you hopeful that these are going to be tools that help your current officer and your next generation of officers,” Friedlein said.
myrgv.comMcAllen Memorial’s Salazar signs to play tennis at UTRGV
MCALLEN — McAllen Memorial senior Agustin Salazar has been around tennis since birth. Both his older brothers played at McAllen Memorial before ultimately taking their game to the collegiate levels. It was Salazar’s turn to follow in their footsteps by signing a national letter of intent Thursday at McAllen Memorial High School to play tennis at UTRGV next year. I have four or five more years of tennis, so I’m really looking forward to it,” hes aid. “He spends three hours a day at the tennis courts and it’s all he wants to do.
myrgv.comNo flooding reported, but San Benito hit by power outage
The good news was there were no reports of flooding across the Valley. The not-so-good news was there were several power outages, the worst of which occurred in San Benito. “Especially in San Benito, we had a major power outage,” said Tom Hushen, Cameron County Emergency Management Coordinator. Problems persisted in some parts of San Benito into late morning, Hushen said. The prospect of flooding was in the forecast overnight, but Hushen said that proved not to be a problem.
myrgv.comSan Benito hit by power outage; no flooding reported
Unofficial rain totals put Brownsville at around 3 inches of rain, Harlingen at 1.5 inches and McAllen at just under an inch, but no flooding was reported. The worst damage from the storm was the inconvenience of power outages, and San Benito was particularly hard-hit. “Especially in San Benito, we had a major power outage,” said Tom Hushen, Cameron County Emergency Management Coordinator. But problems were persisting in some parts of San Benito into late morning, Hushen said. The prospect of flooding was in the forecast overnight, but Hushen said that proved not to be a problem.
myrgv.comMcAllen police arrest 3 in online solicitation of a minor case
Three arrests have been made in a McAllen police investigation into online solicitation of a minor. Authorities said in a news release Friday that Joseph Banda, 43; Daniel Casarez, 32; and Brandon Jay Escobar, 19, were arrested on the charge of online solicitation of a minor. Although few details have been provided, Hidalgo County jail records show that the charge Banda and Casarez are facing is online solicitation of a minor under 14, while Escobar is facing charges of online solicitation of a minor. Banda was booked Wednesday and released Thursday on a $40,000 bond. Casarez and Escobar were booked Thursday and released Friday — the former on a $20,000 bond and the latter on a $10,000 bond, jail records indicate.
myrgv.comComic Con returns to McAllen, and it’s bringing Chuck Norris and Chandler Riggs
Martial artist and action movie legend Chuck Norris will be in McAllen this weekend along with actors Chandler Riggs, Steven Ogg and Alana Masterson from “The Walking Dead” for the South Texas Comic Con. The seventh annual event kicks off this weekend at the McAllen Convention Center starting at noon Friday and ending Sunday. Pre-sale tickets have ended but attendees can purchase tickets at the door using cash or credit. Prices for tickets were unavailable at the time of writing. Celebrity guests will also include Amy Jo Johnson and David Yost of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” fame, in addition to Riggs, Ogg, Masterson and Norris, as well as many more.
myrgv.comPolice say McAllen man left pet in hot car while shoplifting at Macy’s
A man accused of stealing nearly $600 in goods from Macy’s in McAllen was also charged with animal cruelty last Friday after leaving his dog in a hot car for hours while he was shoplifting, authorities said in an arrest affidavit. One employee at Macy’s, located on 2100 S. 10th St., told the officers that Cornejo advised them once he was detained that he had his dog in his tan Nissan Altima, which was parked outside. The dog was sitting in the rear leather seats. Officers took note that the temperature outside was 92 degrees at the time, the dog didn’t have any water to drink and the rear seats were covered in dog drool, authorities said in the affidavit. Inside the Macy’s, one loss prevention employee told police that Cornejo had assaulted him by grabbing his shirt, pushing and clawing him which caused minor cuts on his hands, according to the report.
myrgv.comMcAllen rolls back mask mandate for buses, airport; Regional Infusion Center in Mission closes
With the number of coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations continuing to decline here, local authorities are starting to roll back pandemic-related precautions and saying goodbye to some state assistance that is no longer needed.
myrgv.comMcAllen housekeeper accused of murder to be arraigned
A 41-year-old McAllen woman who is accused of choking a 71-year-old man to death is set to be arraigned Wednesday. Adriana Dominguez Aleman was charged with murder for the death of Homero Longoria, also of McAllen, earlier this year. The charge stems from an incident that occurred at approximately 3:28 p.m. Jan. 28 at the man’s residence, located at 5908 N. 34th St. in McAllen. According to a probable cause affidavit, Aleman thought Longoria was going to assault her after he allegedly grabbed her chest and pulled her shirt. Longoria had invited Aleman to his residence to talk about a “sickness,” the affidavit said.
myrgv.comMcAllen police officer suspended after DWI arrest
A McAllen police officer has been placed on unpaid suspension after being arrested Saturday on allegations of driving while intoxicated. Lt. Joel Morales of the McAllen Police Department confirmed Saturday that Eric Adam Suarez, who was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety on a DWI charge, is an officer with the department and has been suspended without pay. Hidalgo County Jail records show that Suarez was booked Saturday. Suarez, of Alamo, has since been released on a $1,000 bond. [email protected]
myrgv.comChabad RGV praises McAllen’s Education and Sharing Day recognition
McAllen city officials proclaimed Monday as Education and Sharing Day in the city, a national recognition that Chabad RGV has long been in favor of bringing to the local community. It was first introduced by the U.S. Congress in 1978 in recognition of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, also known as the Rebbe. Every year since then, the sitting president will proclaim Education and Sharing Day, which is observed four days before Passover. “Essentially that impact has come all the way to McAllen, Texas.”Hecht said that one of the main focuses of Chabad RGV is to expand the idea of education and sharing. “I was excited that the city went ahead and accepted this concept here and established it as a day of education and sharing,” Hecht said.
myrgv.comWeird weather: Dry cold fronts driving heat spikes
“As we have a cold front coming in from the northwest, sometimes the air out ahead of it and immediately behind it can get compressed so much that it actually helps heat things up quite a bit.”It requires very dry air, Reese said. “Typically we have a dry line move out ahead of the front, and that also helps heat things up because the drier air is able to heat up faster,” he said. “If you want to see possible record-breaking heat, get a dry cold front, no rain, dry line out ahead of it to help dry things out, and then some compressional heating, and then some really warm temperatures aloft,” he said. Abnormally dry conditions currently begin west of Harlingen toward La Feria, Weslaco and the boundary between Cameron and Hidalgo counties, Reese said. “Once you start getting up west of Edinburg-McAllen, that’s when you start getting into the moderate drought,” Reese said.
myrgv.comWeird weather: Dry cold fronts driving heat spikes
“As we have a cold front coming in from the northwest, sometimes the air out ahead of it and immediately behind it can get compressed so much that it actually helps heat things up quite a bit.”It requires very dry air, Reese said. “Typically we have a dry line move out ahead of the front, and that also helps heat things up because the drier air is able to heat up faster,” he said. “If you want to see possible record-breaking heat, get a dry cold front, no rain, dry line out ahead of it to help dry things out, and then some compressional heating, and then some really warm temperatures aloft,” he said. Abnormally dry conditions currently begin west of Harlingen toward La Feria, Weslaco and the boundary between Cameron and Hidalgo counties, Reese said. “Once you start getting up west of Edinburg-McAllen, that’s when you start getting into the moderate drought,” Reese said.
myrgv.comPolice seek McAllen man wanted for assault, unlawful restraint
The McAllen Police Department on Wednesday asked the public to help find a McAllen man wanted for assault and unlawful restraint. He is 6 feet, 2 inches in height, weighs 170 pounds and has tattoos on his neck, chest and arms. The victim went to the police department to report the assault at about 8:30 p.m. Friday. A news release from police said the assault took place in the 2300 block of North McColl Road. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477.
myrgv.comInternational trade halted at Texas border crossings as truckers protest Greg Abbott’s new inspections
Commercial traffic at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge stopped Monday and a similar protest affected traffic into and out of El Paso. The blockades could impact the flow of produce to restaurants and grocery stores.
Edinburg man faces animal cruelty charge for leaving dog in hot car
McAllen police charged an Edinburg man with animal cruelty over allegations he left his puppy, a Husky breed, inside a vehicle when the temperature outside was 96 degrees. The officer didn’t see water near the dog and said the front and rear passenger side windows were rolled down about an inch. “I observed the dog to be curled under the driver seat in an attempt to get some shade from the sun,” the report stated. Zuniga said he left the water and windows down for the dog, according to the report. “Omar additionally stated ‘I left the doors unlocked for the dog.’ Omar was then explained that the dog is unable to open car doors,” the report stated.
myrgv.comHidalgo County reports another 959 new COVID cases, one death
Hidalgo County reported one COVID-19 related death and 959 new cases of the virus Monday morning. A McAllen man over the age of 70 was the county’s only reported death due to the virus over the weekend. There were also six new cases among students and one new case among staff in county schools, health officials said in a news release Monday. The county reported that there were 40 people in local hospitals with the virus, including 32 adults and eight children. Hidalgo County has administered a total of 1,118,938 COVID-19 tests, and 919,478 of those tests had negative results.
myrgv.comMcAllen Rowe downs Sharyland Pioneer, creates tie atop 31-5A
McALLEN — The McAllen Rowe Warriors lost Game 1 of its two-game series against Sharyland Pioneer by one run Tuesday. The Warriors got some payback Friday by defeating the Diamondbacks 5-3 at Rowe High School in a battle of District 31-5A’s top two teams. Rowe improved their record to 16-5 overall and 7-1 in district, while Pioneer fell to 18-5 and 7-1. The Diamondbacks shift their focus to a two-game series against crosstown rival Sharyland High next week. Game 1 is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Sharyland High, with Game 2 set for 7 p.m. Thursday at Pioneer.
myrgv.comTwo-year study to look at water quality in South Texas colonias, health risks
McALLEN — Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. and the Texas A&M University School of Public Health announced Wednesday a two-year study of arsenic and other toxic contaminants occurring in residential drinking water in Rio Grande Valley colonias.
myrgv.comBeto O’Rourke targets South Texas in bid to win back Democratic voters he’ll need to beat Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022
O’Rourke has ground to make up after his own underwhelming performance with voters there in 2018 when he ran for U.S. Senate — and turning out more Latino voters has long been key to Democratic hopes statewide.
Texas man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice minor through social media
A 27-year-old McAllen man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after admitting he intended to engage in sexual activity with a minor female, Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery announced Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez will run for a different House seat in 2022 after redistricting made his more competitive
Texas lawmakers made Gonzalez’s current 15th Congressional District more competitive for Republicans. The representative now plans to run in the 34th District, which is safer for Democrats.
Houston ranked among the top 5 hottest metros in the country
Affirming what we’ve all guessed at by now, a new report ranked the hottest urban heat islands across the U.S., and unsurprisingly, Houston ranked high -- like the setting most of us crank our A.C.’s at all summer long. This confirmation comes courtesy of Climate Central, a nonprofit news organization that analyzes and reports on climate science.
Man sentenced for attempting to smuggle 23 kilos of meth into TX, told border authorities he was ‘traveling for work’
A 53-year-old U.S. citizen living in Tamaulipas, Mexico, was ordered to federal prison for importing meth into the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery announced Friday in a release.
Decrease seen in Texans showing up for COVID-19 vaccine
MCALLEN, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday that he’s hoping to increase the number of Texans getting COVID-19 vaccines after seeing a drop in people showing up for the shot. “We’re beginning to see a decrease in demand for vaccinations,” Abbott said at a news conference Thursday in border city of McAllen. “Seniors who contract COVID are the people who are most likely to either be hospitalized or lose their life because of COVID,” Abbott said. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3.3 million Texans have completed their vaccinations.
Who goes to State? Region IV Finals Preview
The Regionals finals are upon us and whoever wins these matchups is going to the state tournament. Region IV - 6AIn Region IV - 6A, the Westlake Chaps will match up against San Antonio Clark. This is no surprise that the Greyhounds are in the regional finals and look to join the girl's team at the state tournament. On the other side is Somerset who beat last year's Region IV champion Stafford 57-50. This Somerset team hasn't lost a game in two months and hopes to avenge that early-season defeat.
Kamala Harris visits Houston during Texas campaign swing
Kamala Harris’ trip to Texas on Friday will include three stops across the state, including in the Rio Grande Valley, according to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s campaign. Fort Worth’s Tarrant County was the state’s most populous county that Republican President Donald Trump won in 2016. Harris will be the highest-profile Biden surrogate to come to Texas in the general election yet, following visits in recent weeks by Biden’s wife, Jill Biden, and Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff. Harris’ visit is not the only notable activity by the Biden campaign this week in Texas. Sign up for The Brief, the Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
TribCast: More discrepancies with state coronavirus data and voting issues in the courts
A COVID-19 testing site at the Nomad Shrine Club in McAllen. July 2, 2020. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune(Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) In this week's TribCast, Matthew speaks with Ross, Emma and Shannon about another change in how Texas reports its coronavirus data and the legal fights related to voting that have reached the state Supreme Court.
With 1,000 new coronavirus fatalities in Texas in just 6 days, the state's death count is rising faster
According to state data released Sunday, 5,038 people in Texas have died from the virus. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneTexas reached another grim milestone Sunday when it surpassed 5,000 deaths from the new coronavirus. In doing so, the state reported 1,000 deaths in six days, four days faster than it took to hit that total the previous time. According to state health data released Sunday, 5,038 people in Texas had died from the virus. In the past week alone, state data appears to show new daily infections leveling off, albeit at nearly record highs.
Hidalgo County judge tries slowing coronavirus, but Gov. Greg Abbott has limited his options
McAllen sits in Hidalgo County, whose top official issued an emergency order Monday in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneAs the Rio Grande Valley grapples with an onslaught of coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez is pushing hard for residents to stay at home. In the new Hidalgo County order, only a second violation to the statewide mask order can be punished by a $250, in accordance with the existing state rules. In Hidalgo County on Monday, 524 people tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of infections there to 12,787, according to data released by the county. U.S. Navy teams were deployed Sunday to the Rio Grande Valley, a region that includes Hidalgo County.
2 officers killed in shootout in south Texas border town
(AP) Two police officers were shot and killed Saturday in a South Texas border town after reportedly responding to a disturbance call, authorities said. The McAllen police officers were shot on the south side of the city and transported to an area hospital, said Lt. Christopher Olivarez, spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety. A suspect in the shooting was also shot, though that persons condition was not immediately available. We have lost two brave public servants who sought only to keep peace in our City," McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez told The (McAllen) Monitor. Olivarez said DPS sent troopers to secure the scene after the McAllen Police Department requested their assistance.
Only in Texas: Videos shows horse walking through traffic on 288
HOUSTON This is something you would only see in Texas. A horse was spotted walking along State Highway 288 at McAllen Friday morning. Video from Instagram shows the horse meandering alongside cars just after 11 a.m. Friday. Houston police were dispatched to the scene but it was rectified. It is unknown how long it took to get the horse back to safety or how it got loose in the first place.
How many more are coming? What its like inside hospitals as coronavirus grips Texas Rio Grande Valley
Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneNurses prepare to enter the COVID-19 unit at the DHS Health Center in McAllen. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneHealth care workers at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance prepare to enter the COVID-19 unit by donning personal protection equipment. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneWe're getting more and more and more, and that's the problem, said nurse Apryle Pelshaw. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneLocal officials eye the filling hospitals with trepidation. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneA nurse expressed fear of burning out from the long hours of treating COVID-19 patients.
Texans struggle to find work in the Rio Grande Valley, where unemployment has nearly tripled
And in the Rio Grande Valley, the lack of jobs is even more pronounced. In February, before the pandemic gripped Texas, the Rio Grande Valley's unemployment rate was 6.5%. Salvador Contreras, a professor of border economics at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, said that in Texas, Black and Hispanic workers saw larger declines in employment than white employees. So this clearly had an impact on the number of Mexican visitors into the Rio Grande Valley, Contreras said. So we know that the retail sector is very important to the economy of the Rio Grande Valley.
A Texas man who wielded a chainsaw at protesters has been arrested by police
McALLEN, Texas A man who was seen in a viral twitter video brandishing a chainsaw and yelling racial slurs at protesters is now in custody by police, NBC News and the McAllen Monitor reported. The video of a man with a long-sleeved shirt and jeans carrying a large chainsaw quickly gained over a million views on Twitter. He wielded the chainsaw and yelled racial slurs and profanity at protesters outside a store, McAllen Monitor reported. The tirade continued as he walked towards protesters with the chainsaw as they fled, NBC News reported. McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez told McAllen Monitor that they were able to confirm the identity of the man in the Twitter video.