Jorge A. Vela

McAllen

Multimedia Journalist at Nexstar Media Group

Hola! General Assignments Reporter for @lmtnews and a freelancer for @nytimes and have published work @usnews. Love people, traveling, soccer and La Familia!

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Articles

Parishioners at San Juan Basilica react to first U.S. born pope, Leo XIV

6 days ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

SAN JUAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The announcement of the newly elected pope is prompting parishioners to celebrate across the Rio Grande Valley, with many voicing their hopes for the future. Just as mass was about to begin at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, people started checking their phones and cheering when they found out white smoke was coming from the chimney at the Sistine Chapel.
Gun incident at Edinburg North High School raises safety concerns

1 week ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edinburg student is behind bars as federal authorities say he was caught with a gun and ammunition at Edinburg North High School. Community members say they are scared of how easily someone could bring a weapon to campus, but the police say there was never any danger to students. Community members like Melony Hernandez are stunned. Video Player is loading.
Increased number of SpaceX launches gets mixed reactions from locals

1 week ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

BOCA CHICA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It’s been a significant couple of days for Starbase as SpaceX received the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to drastically increase the number of rocket launches on Boca Chica Beach. The FAA report says more SpaceX launches would not pose a major impact on the environment. While many are excited, some worry about what could come next. Andrew Hancock traveled 27 hours from England to see SpaceX.
Trump’s proposed movie tariffs worry local filmmakers

1 week ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — President Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on films produced outside of the United States. Trump claims film incentives from other countries are “a concerted effort by other nations and, therefore, a national security threat.” Local filmmakers say they are confused and worried that tariffs on movies could have a major economic and cultural effect on the country’s film industry.
First reactions to Starbase City incorporation

1 week ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starbase, Texas is a go. Early voting results are in and Cameron County Elections Administrator Remi Garza said, “It’s officially statistically impossible for the measure to fail.”ValleyCentral reporter Jorge Vela was live from Starbase Saturday to bring us the latest. He said there was no celebrations and no car honking, but there was a large voter turnout Saturday with more than one hundred and twenty people casting their ballot.
Hidalgo County voters prepare to head to the polls

1 week ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — May 3rd is Election Day in Hidalgo County, where races are being held in McAllen, San Juan, Sullivan City, and Progreso. Hidalgo County residents like David Martinez are anticipating the big day. “It is just tradition for me,” Martinez said. “Sometimes I vote early, but mostly I wait for the day.”Martinez says it is sad that turnout tends to be lower for local races. He believes these races are the most impactful.
May Day event showcases struggles of local working class

1 week ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It’s the first day of May, and celebrations are happening across the country for International Workers’ Day. The day is known as May Day and is dedicated to honoring the achievements and struggles of the working class. An event was held at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to celebrate workers from every background. Alfredo Calles says the spirit of May Day is alive and well, not just in his hometown in Mexico but also in the United States.
Trump exige a los camioneros dominar el inglés

2 weeks ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

EDINBURG, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — El presidente Donald Trump firmó esta semana una orden ejecutiva que exige que los conductores de camiones comerciales en Estados Unidos sean competentes en inglés. La orden dice que los camioneros deben poder leer y comprender las señales de tráfico, entre otras cosas. Algunos conductores en el Valle del Río Grande están preocupados por el cambio y las escuelas de conducción locales se están preparando.
Trump enforces truck drivers to be proficient in English

2 weeks ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week requiring commercial truck drivers in the U.S. to be proficient in English. The order says truckers should be able to read and understand traffic signs, among other things. Some drivers in the Rio Grande Valley are worried about the change and local driving schools are preparing. Ruben Sanchez is the co-owner of Wise CDL LLC in Edinburg. Wise CDL LLC trains people to become commercial truck drivers.
Trump’s first 100 days impact in the Valley

2 weeks ago | valleycentral.com | Jorge A. Vela

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — April 29th marked the 100th day of President Donald Trump’s second term in office. Many of Trump’s policies have had a direct impact on the Rio Grande Valley whether it be the economy, tariffs or immigration. “I think he’s doing a good job,” said John Meador. “I think some of the things he’s doing we needed done years ago. The border, he’s closed down the border. He’s getting the tariff on imports under control.