Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against kratom retailers operating under the name Smokey’s Paradise—with locations in Midlothian, TX—for deceptively marketing and selling kratom products containing up to 96% 7-hydroxymitragynine (“7-OH”). Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against kratom retailers operating under the name Smokey’s Paradise—with locations in Midlothian, TX—for deceptively marketing and selling kratom products containing up to 96% 7-hydroxymitragynine (“7-OH”). That is nearly fifty times the legal limit allowed under Texas law. This lawsuit is a part of a sweeping initiative by Attorney General Paxton to crack down on the illegal distribution of kratom products containing addictive alkaloids at levels extremely dangerous to Texans.
Kratom is a psychoactive substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant that produces opioid-like effects and carries serious risks of addiction, respiratory depression, and overdose, particularly when products are adulterated with concentrated or synthetic alkaloids. To protect consumers from these dangers, the Texas Legislature enacted the Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act in 2023, establishing strict potency limits and prohibiting synthetic additives.
Attorney General Paxton’s investigation revealed that the defendants sold kratom products containing illegally high concentrations of 7-OH, a potent opioid more than twenty times stronger than morphine, as well as synthetic alkaloids that are expressly prohibited under Texas law. Laboratory testing confirmed that multiple products sold to Texas consumers contained 7-OH levels ranging from 86% to 96% of total alkaloid content, far exceeding the 2% maximum allowed by the Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act.
“Kratom is addictive and deadly, and I’m suing these companies for knowingly endangering Texans by selling products with nearly 50 times the legal limit of this opioid,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Legislature enacted clear safeguards to protect consumers from deadly kratom products, and my office will aggressively enforce those laws against anyone who puts Texans’ health at risk with these drugs.”
Attorney General Paxton’s lawsuit seeks to end the sale and distribution of these illegal kratom products in Texas, along with civil penalties, costs, and other relief authorized by law under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other statutes.
The Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department is notifying the public of changes to food establishment permit and inspection fees, effective February 9, 2026. Image for illustration purposes
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EDINBURG, Texas – The Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department is notifying the public of changes to food establishment permit and inspection fees, effective February 9, 2026.
The updated fee schedule was approved by the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court on December 10, 2025, and applies to all food establishments, educational institutions, day care centers, nursing homes, foster homes, and other facilities regulated by the County.
The changes reflect the cost of administering the County’s food safety and environmental health programs in accordance with state requirements. Operators of regulated facilities are reminded that a valid permit is required to operate.
Establishment owners are encouraged to review the updated fee schedule and plan accordingly. The full updated fee schedule, effective February 9, 2026, is available on the Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department website.
To receive future updates related to food establishments, including fee changes and regulatory notices, stakeholders are encouraged to subscribe to the HCHD Food Regulation mailing list at: https://www.hchd.org/156/Food-Regulation#signup
For questions regarding the updated fees, please contact the Environmental Health Division at 956-383-0111. For media inquiries, please contact Peter Salinas, Public Health Liaison, at peter.salinas@hchd.org.
Consumers are requesting that their vehicle title transactions or registration renewals be processed and never having their deals done or receiving their titles and registration stickers. Consumers send the information through text to a number provided to them by individuals on the Facebook market. The fraudsters send them a code and request they pay the excessive and phony fees at a local Retail Store. They then ask that they report to a county tax office and report to a certain window where their paperwork is supposed to be ready. They in turn find out that no deal has been done and nothing has been processed. The consumer is then ignored by the phone number that they have been texting with and are left without receiving what they were promised. Image for illustration purposes
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Hidalgo County is warning the public of Social Media Scams involving Motor Vehicle Transactions.
Consumers are requesting that their vehicle title transactions or registration renewals be processed and never having their deals done or receiving their titles and registration stickers. Consumers send the information through text to a number provided to them by individuals on the Facebook market. The fraudsters send them a code and request they pay the excessive and phony fees at a local Retail Store. They then ask that they report to a county tax office and report to a certain window where their paperwork is supposed to be ready. They in turn find out that no deal has been done and nothing has been processed. The consumer is then ignored by the phone number that they have been texting with and are left without receiving what they were promised.
Pablo Villarreal Jr. Stated:
“If it seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Titles are required to be turned over to the County Tax Office before a transfer can be done. Businesses must be a Full Service Deputy, Limited Service Deputy, or licensed title service in order to process motor vehicle transactions in Hidalgo County“.
“Please report these types of scams to your local authorities including the Police Department, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft task force, the Hidalgo County Tax Office, and the Department of Public Safety. It is best to mark the page as a scam on Facebook and report it to Consumer Reports.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Laredo Port of Entry recently apprehended a male U.S. citizen wanted in Louisiana on an outstanding felony warrant for failure appear on an alleged incest charge. Image for illustration purposes
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LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Laredo Port of Entry recently apprehended a male U.S. citizen wanted in Louisiana on an outstanding felony warrant for failure appear on an alleged incest charge.
“Our frontline officers maintain strict vigilance, deal with a variety of situations and encountering travelers wanted on charges of a sexual nature involving one’s own family are among the most heinous scenarios we encounter,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Apprehensions like these perfectly illustrate our efforts to keep our communities safe.”
On Jan. 9, CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred vehicle passenger Francisco Servin, a 60-year-old male U.S. citizen, for a secondary examination. A CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering he was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Once in secondary, CBP officers utilizing biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active arrest warrant out of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in Slidell, Louisiana. Servin has been wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for an original charge dating back to 2021 for alleged incest with a minor. CBP officers transported Servin to Webb County jail for adjudication of the warrant.
Goodwill Industries of South Texas announces the grand opening of its newest Thrift Store and Job Connections Center, located at 824 N. Veterans Blvd. San Juan, TX 78589. Image: Screengrab from Goodwill Industries of South Texas Video for illustration purposes
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SAN JUAN, Texas – Goodwill Industries of South Texas announces the grand opening of its newest Thrift Store and Job Connections Center, located at 824 N. Veterans Blvd. San Juan, TX 78589. The public celebration kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony onThursday, February 12, 2026, at 8:45 AM, and the public is warmly invited to attend.
This new location is more than just a retail space—it’s a gateway to opportunity. Along with providing quality, affordable, gently used goods, the store includes a Job Connections Center offering free employment services, including:
• Job search support
• Resume assistance
• Career counseling
• Job readiness workshops
“This new facility embodies our commitment to transforming lives through the power of work, while also offering an inviting place for the community to shop and give back,” said John Owen, President & CEO of Goodwill South Texas.
Grand Opening Day Perks & Activities:
Be among the first 100 guests on Thursday, February 12th, to receive:
• A free Goodwill shopping bag
• Free coffee, while supplies last
• Free Viper’s tickets to anyone who brings a donation!
An entry into our daily giveaway for a chance to win:
One-of-a-kind signed Viper’s team jersey
Goodwill swag and more!
Visits with “Big Blue” the Goodwill mascot
The Grand Opening Weekend Celebration (February 13–15th) includes:
Daily prize drawings (winners announced on social media)
Free Viper’s tickets to anyone who brings a donation
• Students can earn school service hours with each tall kitchen trash bag full of donations
• Visits with “Big Blue” the Goodwill mascot
Live entertainment
Food and coffee trucks
• Special store promotions
• Free professional workshops
• Live radio remotes
Join us as we celebrate a new chapter of community impact and economic empowerment in San Juan. The proceeds from sales at Goodwill stores directly support programs that empower individuals through education, training, and employment. By shopping or donating at Goodwill, customers play an active role in creating opportunities and making a difference in the lives of community members.Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating this milestone for Goodwill South Texas and the San Juan community.
Want to know more about how the community’s donations and purchases affect and impact our RGV community? Watch this short impact video courtesy of Goodwill Industries of South Texas:
Information source: Goodwill Industries of South Texas
Justin LeClaire will present “Coastal Bird Conservation in Texas,” highlighting the threats facing coastal birds and the long-term conservation efforts working to protect them along the Texas coast. Join Quinta Mazatlán on February 26th for an evening of bird conservation. Courtesy image
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Quinta Mazatlán invites the community to learn about the challenges and conservation efforts shaping the future of Texas’ coastal birds during a special Thursday Night Live presentation, “Coastal Bird Conservation in Texas,” on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Coastal birds in Texas face mounting threats from all sides, including habitat loss, human disturbance, increased predators, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. Iconic waterbird and shorebird species such as Reddish Egret, Black Skimmer, Red Knot, and Piping Plover are increasingly forced into habitats that are smaller, more fragmented, and declining in quality. This presentation will explore how these pressures affect coastal bird populations and highlight over 20 years of research and monitoring conducted by the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program. Attendees will gain insight into the conservation work being done across key sites such as the Laguna Madre, Boca Chica, La Sal del Rey, and other critical coastal habitats, as well as the actions that can help protect these vulnerable species.
The program will be presented by Justin LeClaire, an Avian Conservation Biologist with the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program. LeClaire specializes in managing and monitoring rookery islands in the Laguna Madre for declining colonial nesting waterbirds and tracking shorebird use and productivity at important sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley. In addition to his professional work, he serves as the Field Trip Coordinator for the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival and has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to wildlife research projects, rescues, and eBird reviewing. His deep field experience and long-standing commitment to bird conservation bring valuable perspective to this timely topic.
This program is free with general admission. For more information, call (956) 681-3370 and follow Quinta Mazatlán on social media for updates.
Marine Corps Cpl. Calvin Burke, an intelligence specialist assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, activates a small unmanned aerial system to survey the defensive line for opposing forces during a simulated assault and seizure at Glen Airfield, Queensland, Australia, July 5, 2025. The War Department has undertaken the drone dominance initiative to put more drones into the hands of warfighters. Photo: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola via US Department of War
By C. Todd Lopez / US Department of War
The War Department announced Feb. 3 the selection of 25 vendors who will help the department achieve its goal of getting some 300,000 drones into the force, both quickly and inexpensively, by 2027.
Those companies will compete in the first phase, or “gauntlet,” that makes up the department’s Drone Dominance Program — an acquisition reform effort designed to rapidly field low-cost, unmanned one-way attack drones at scale.
This first gauntlet begins Feb. 18 when program participants will bring unmanned aircraft system prototypes to Fort Benning, Georgia. There, participants will teach military personnel how to use those prototypes, and then military operators will use them to complete various mission scenarios, including an evaluation on their ability to find, lock on and destroy a target.
By the end of the first gauntlet, vendors will be scored on the systems, and up to 12 of the 25 vendors will be invited to produce their drones, at scale, for the department.
As part of the first phase, the selected 12 vendors will produce a total of 30,000 units, at an average price of $5,000 for each, and deliver by July.
Over the course of three additional gauntlets — a total of four in all — the number of vendors will go down from 12 to five, the number of drones ordered will increase from 30,000 to 150,000, and the price per drone will drop from $5,000 to just $2,300.
The Drone Dominance Program will do two things: drive costs down and capabilities up, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in a video posted to social media late last year.
“We will deliver tens of thousands of small drones to our force in 2026, and hundreds of thousands of them by 2027.”
Through the program, funding will allow for the manufacture of some 340,000 small UAS to combat units over the course of two years.
After that, it’s expected that American industry’s interest in building drones, as a result of the program, will have strengthened supply chains and manufacturing capacity to the point that military services will be able to afford to buy the drones they want, in the quantity they want and at a price they want, through regular budgeting.
Last year, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order outlining how the United States would up its drone game in both the commercial and military sectors, including how it would deliver massive amounts of inexpensive, American-made, lethal drones to military units, so they can amplify their own combat capabilities.
Often found behind the scenes, Hernandez is part of a team of four painters with STC’s Facilities Maintenance Department, serving all STC campuses from Rio Grande City to Weslaco. STC image
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By Selene Rodriguez
Juan Gerardo Hernandez carries with him a story of empowerment, self-improvement and dedication that he brings to his job at South Texas College every day.
Often found behind the scenes, Hernandez is part of a team of four painters with STC’s Facilities Maintenance Department, serving all STC campuses from Rio Grande City to Weslaco. His strong work ethic and commitment to constant learning have carried him throughout his life, across two countries and far beyond his job duties.
STC staff member Juan Gerardo Hernandez carries with him a story of empowerment, self-improvement and dedication that he brings to his job every day. STC image
“Every job I’ve been in, I’m always conscious that I’m getting paid to provide a good service, so I’m happy to do it and that’s always been my work ethic,” Hernandez, 61, said. “As part of STC, our main mission is to make sure the campus looks presentable and ready for students, staff and faculty. Knowing I play a part in the bigger picture that leads to student success is something I take a lot of pride in.”
Originally from Coahuila, Mexico, Hernandez’s path was shaped early by responsibility. He became a father at 19 and pursued technical studies while working as an assistant at the same school he graduated from, even teaching classes in his areas of specialization -the industrialization of fruits, vegetables and meat processing.
In the late 1980s, he followed his sisters to the Rio Grande Valley, looking for more opportunities to better support his two children and continue building his skills. He arrived in the United States with a focus on work, learning and providing for his family.
“I came looking for work and for a chance to have a better future,” Hernandez said. “Whatever opportunity I found, I was willing to take it. I started working in labor, picking everything from watermelon and onions to cherries and blueberries, then mowing lawns before moving into restaurant work.”
Hernandez dedicated himself to the restaurant industry for decades, working as a cook and later as a manager. While the work was steady, he felt drawn to expand his skills and pursue opportunities in education.
While working as a custodian with the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) Independent School District, he began taking classes through Region One Education Service Center, an experience that reconnected him with higher education and opened new doors.
“I always wanted to better myself. I wanted to learn more, gain more skills and try to move forward,” Hernandez said. “I took English classes, customer service, cooking and security. I believe all those classes helped me get hired at STC. And because I had started in education, coming to STC felt full circle.”
In 2016, he joined STC as a custodian at the Mid-Valley Campus, where he quickly embraced the position, taking pride in keeping the campus clean and welcoming.
Recognized by his peers and colleagues for his dedication and attention to detail, Hernandez was named Custodian of the Year in 2018, an honor that reflected both his work ethic and his commitment to service.
“Juan Hernandez was always very helpful with faculty and staff, and his demeanor reflected a professional who did his job very well,” said Daniel Montez, STC Mid-Valley Campus administrator. “I found him to be very conscientious and extremely helpful on our campus. He worked well with fellow STC employees and was well liked and respected. He is truly an asset to the college.”
During this time, Hernandez volunteered on painting projects whenever help was needed, an experience that helped him secure a painter position with the college just before 2020. As classes shifted online during the COVID-19 pandemic, he could often be seen painting across multiple STC campuses, helping maintain and refresh spaces.
“If people don’t notice the work and believe the facilities are always nice, I take that as a compliment. It means we’re doing our job right,” Hernandez said. “People often appreciate our work and I’m thankful for that. I enjoy working on big projects, maintaining the school’s new colors and helping build pride on campus.”
Even after stepping into a new role, Hernandez continues to take advantage of learning opportunities. With support from the college’s tuition assistance program for staff, he has taken Culinary Arts and music classes, embracing the experience of being a student again.
“I’ve always enjoyed working in schools,” Hernandez added. “Even when I started back in Mexico, I worked with students and in education and that was always my goal.”
Today, a father of five and a grandfather to 12, Hernandez continues working weekends at a Japanese restaurant and enjoys mowing lawns in his spare time. At STC, he hopes to keep growing both as an employee and a lifelong learner.
“Some of us are signing up for more English classes and I want to find other programs I can join,” Hernandez said. “I’m thankful to be here. You see people smiling and saying how good everything looks, how modern it feels. That means a lot to me. This is a great job. Every day I wake up happy to come to work and do the best that I can.”
The Weslaco Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced the end of Fred Perez’s term as a board member after six years of service to the organization and community.
Appointed in early 2019, Perez brought experience in transportation and logistics as the owner of a fleet of more than 100 semi-trucks, as well as knowledge of real estate development and the aviation industry.
During his tenure, Perez supported the recruitment and approval of 194 economic development projects that created 2,619 jobs and generated more than $301 million in capital investment for the City of Weslaco. He also helped guide the EDC through operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the transition to virtual board meetings and remote operations.
Perez contributed to initiatives that expanded Weslaco’s development capacity, including the continued growth of a 147-acre Class A industrial park that strengthened the city’s position for manufacturing, logistics, and large-scale investment. His work also supported the recruitment of Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, a more than $30 million distribution center expected to create 200 high-paying jobs, and the Sam’s Club project, a $46.5 million investment that added over 200 career opportunities and reinforced Weslaco’s role as a regional retail destination.
“Fred’s influence went beyond projects and numbers,” said Steven Valdez, Executive Director of the Weslaco EDC. “His professionalism and humility earned the respect of everyone who served alongside him, and we are grateful for his years of service.”
Sandra Charlton, Weslaco EDC Board President, added, “Fred has been a steady and thoughtful leader on the EDC board. His contributions have helped move important projects forward, creating jobs and investment that leave a lasting positive impact on our community.”
Perez also served in leadership roles as Vice President and Secretary, providing insight that supported industrial recruitment and major commercial projects.
The City of Weslaco and the Weslaco EDC expressed appreciation for Perez’s dedication, noting that his leadership and commitment helped build a strong foundation for the city’s continued economic growth.
The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco works to strengthen the local economy by attracting new businesses, supporting existing companies, and promoting job creation through strategic development initiatives.
Jesús Salvador González Martínez, Secretary of Economic Development for San Luis Potosí, presents Teclo Garcia with his official designation as the state’s honorary representative in Mission, Texas, in recognition of Garcia’s leadership in strengthening cross-border economic collaboration. Photo by Texas Border Business
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By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza called the event “a very important moment for the City of Mission and our partnership with the State of San Luis Potosí,” describing the state as “an exceptional partner.” She said Teclo’s designation “recognizes his leadership and Mission’s growing role in international economic development” while creating “new pathways and long-term regional prosperity.”
Jesús Salvador González Martínez, Secretary of Economic Development for San Luis Potosí, attended on behalf of Governor Ricardo Gallardo Cardona and described Mission as “un socio comercial estratégico de gran relevancia,” or a strategic trading partner of great importance. He said San Luis Potosí has focused on industrial growth, particularly in the automotive sector, noting the presence of BMW and General Motors, along with hundreds of related companies.
“Ninety percent of what is produced in our state is finished product whose final destination is the United States,” González Martínez said, adding that much of the freight crosses by land through the border region. He called the partnership with Texas and Mission “a strategic alliance” that is already producing results.
Ribbon Cutting. Photo by Texas Border Business
Reading the official designation, the secretary said Garcia was selected “in recognition of his trajectory, binational commitment, and deep knowledge of the region.” The honorary role will serve as “a strategic link to strengthen economic, commercial, educational, and cultural collaboration” and will be symbolic and unpaid.
Garcia expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I’m deeply honored to be designated the honorary representative of the state of San Luis Potosí.” He added that “there are boundless opportunities for business, and we will continue working to strengthen this relationship.”
Calling the honor a collective achievement, Garcia said, “This recognition truly belongs to a team,” and emphasized a shared goal “to create jobs and attract meaningful investment that benefits our regions and strengthens our economic future.”
The ceremony concluded with an exchange of gifts, reflecting what participants described as an ongoing effort to deepen institutional and economic ties between Mission and San Luis Potosí. Shortly afterward, the mayor, the Mission Economic Development Corporation team, and the San Luis Potosí delegation celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open San Luis Potosí’s permanent and modest office at The Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED), a 55,000 square-foot business incubator operated by the Mission EDC and a collaboration space.
