State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa filed a bill last week that would allow Texas to place the perpetually troubled Agua Special Utility District under court supervision. Senate Bill 1188, which Hinojosa filed on Feb. 24, would create a process for Agua SUD to be placed in receivership, which is a type of court supervision. “When…

Two former UPS drivers pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges Wednesday. Orlando Candelario Almanza, 48, of Edinburg and Fidencio Salinas Jr., 51, of Pharr pleaded not guilty Wednesday afternoon, when they appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano for arraignment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia, who is prosecuting the case, said Almanza…

The city of Peñitas kicked three candidates off the ballot last week after they submitted faulty applications. Peñitas rejected ballot applications filed by former Mayor Servando Ramirez, former City Councilman Rey Mendoza and local gadfly Noe Garza Jr. “Personally, what I feel is: A bunch of idiots are running the city,” Mendoza said. “To me,…

Twenty four nurse’s aides. Six carpenters. Two mechanics. They’re among more than 200 positions the La Joya Independent School District plans to eliminate when the school year ends, according to information La Joya ISD released on Friday. The school board approved a “Staffing Adjustment Plan,” which is designed to cut payroll costs by more than…

The city of Alton wants voters to approve a sales tax swap in May. Under the proposal, Alton would shift a half-cent of city sales tax — about $500,000 a year — from industrial development initiatives to street maintenance. “I say it would be an excellent idea,” said Mayor Salvador Vela. “Because we do need…

The Texas Ethics Commission slapped Agua Special Utility District board President Maribel Diaz with a $500 fine last year after she failed to file a personal financial statement. Members of the utility board are required to file a financial statement with the Ethics Commission every year. The financial statements, which list sources of income, debts…

Faced with an outpouring of concern from parents and withering criticism from teachers, the La Joya Independent School District all but abandoned a plan to shut down two elementary schools on Wednesday. Trustees voted to shut down Leo J. Leo Elementary School and Rosendo Benavides Elementary School in January, when they approved a “staffing adjustment…

After nine years under Texas Education Agency supervision, the Progreso Independent School District is independent again. The Texas Education Agency assigned a management team to Progreso ISD in 2014 after the FBI arrested the school board president, the mayor and two district administrators. Members of the management team, which included two conservators, had the ability…

The city of Peñitas may approve a “review” instead of audits for 2018, 2019 and 2020. Unlike an audit, which is designed to provide the public with a “high level of comfort on the accuracy of financial statements,” according to the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, a review provides only a “basic level” of…

The Franklin All Animal Rescue Team needs to find a new home — and fast. During a hearing on Tuesday, state District Judge Marla Cuellar ordered Jesus Meave, who founded the nonprofit organization, to stop operating from a home in Palmhurst. Cuellar issued an identical order in June 2022, but Meave never moved. More than…