Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityEdinburg’s Erica Balli Earns Distinguished HR Excellence Award
Erica Balli, the Director of Human Resources/Civil Service for the City of Edinburg, has received the 2026 Human Resources Professional of the Year Award from the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association (TMHRA). This recognition was awarded during the TMHRA Annual Conference in Round Rock, Texas, on May 6, 2026. Balli has implemented significant initiatives to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the City’s HR operations, improving recruitment and employee relations. Her leadership has fostered trust within the Human Resources Department and ensured fairness in civil service procedures, contributing to a stable workforce and public confidence in employment practices.
CommunityMaria E. Morales Named April Pharr Way Trailblazer
The Pharr City Commission has awarded Maria E. Morales, the Schoolyard Forestry Project Coordinator with the Public Health Department, the Pharr Way Trailblazer Award for April. Public Health Director Elizabeth Diaz presented the award, highlighting Morales' leadership and commitment to community service. Diaz noted that Morales is a vital force behind various public health initiatives in Pharr. Morales expressed gratitude for the recognition and pride in her work for the community, emphasizing her dedication to making a positive impact. The City of Pharr acknowledges her contributions and the difference she makes daily.
CommunityValley trumpet player speaks on journey to Coachella stage
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In this latest episode of Valley Voices, CBS 4's Marco Ramirez brings on NBC 23 Digital Anchor Alejandra Yanez to interview an old friend who is making a name for herself on the national stage. Yamila De La Rosa from Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles joins Marco and Alejandra all the
CommunityMercedes library building outdoor learning space for families
The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library in Mercedes is developing an outdoor learning area designed for families. This new space will feature native plants, a chalkboard, and a water play section, funded through grants and city resources. Library director Marisol Vidales emphasized the importance of outdoor activities for physical development and stress relief for both children and adults. Once completed, the library intends to offer monthly classes for children in this area. The anticipated completion date for the outdoor learning space is June 2026.
CommunityAlton rolls out new signs to protect children with autism from speeding drivers
Alton is introducing new safety signs in a neighborhood to protect children with autism and reduce speeding. Residents have expressed concerns about fast drivers, with Veronica Salinas, a local parent, sharing her fears for her 5-year-old daughter who has autism. A new sign was installed to encourage drivers to slow down, and Salinas hopes it will be effective. This initiative was prompted by a parent’s request regarding speeding issues. Alton's Public Works Director, Mauro Sandoval, noted that over 55 residents have requested signs, particularly near Sylvia Vela Park. Each sign costs $75, which the city will cover.
CommunityAlamo and Hidalgo County team up to fix 1. 5-mile stretch of Moore Road
The city of Alamo is investing $220,000 to reconstruct a 1.5-mile section of Moore Road, which has not been repaired in 30 years. This project is a collaboration with Hidalgo County Precinct One and is set to begin next week, with an expected completion in about a month. Mayor J.R. Garza emphasized the importance of addressing local road conditions, noting the presence of neighborhoods, traffic, and schools in the area. The project will involve a complete reconstruction of the road along with necessary drainage improvements.
CommunityBrownsville targets illegal tire dumping with new city ordinance
Brownsville has enacted a new ordinance aimed at combating illegal tire dumping. Tire shops must now register with the city and display a license number on every used or scrap tire they accept. This measure allows the city to trace illegally dumped tires back to the originating shop. Additionally, the ordinance mandates that tires be stored in enclosed areas to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Public Health Wellness Director Art Rodriguez emphasized the importance of this initiative in managing tire waste. The city will notify tire shops of these regulations before they take effect on October 1, 2026, with fines of up to $2,000 for violations.
CommunityNew Outdoor Fitness Court Opens at Bill Schupp Park
The City of McAllen, in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and the National Fitness Campaign, inaugurated a new outdoor Fitness Court at Bill Schupp Park on May 6, 2026. Mayor Javier Villalobos led the launch by completing 60 pushups, encouraging residents to prioritize their health. The Fitness Court features seven exercise stations designed for users aged 14 and older, allowing for adaptable workouts. Open 24/7, it is the 53rd park in Texas to offer such facilities. City officials emphasized the importance of physical activity in enhancing community health and well-being.
CommunityMcAllen Citizens League’s Strategic Power of McAllen’s International Bridges, May 21st
The McAllen Citizens League (MCL) will wrap up its season on May 21, 2026, with a presentation by Juan Olaguibel, Assistant City Manager and Superintendent of McAllen Bridge Systems. Titled "Where Borders Meet Business: The Power of McAllen’s Bridges," the talk will focus on the economic and geopolitical significance of the city's international bridges in the Rio Grande Valley and U.S.-Mexico relations. McAllen's unique ownership of its bridge system enhances its role in cross-border commerce and tourism. Reservations for the luncheon can be made online or by calling (956) 681-2861, with fees set at $30 for members and $35 for non-members.
CommunityIt's a girl! White House spokesperson gives birth to her second baby
WASHINGTON D.C. – White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt welcomed a baby girl named Viviana, her second child, she announced on Thursday in an Instagram post accompanied by a photo of her holding the baby at home. The little girl, affectionately nicknamed Vivi, was born on May 1 and is 'healthy and doing great,' detailed the spokesperson for President Donald Trump. Leavitt, 28, is married to businessman Nicholas Riccio, 60, with whom she has another child, Niko, born in 2024. 'We are enjoying every moment in this bubble of happiness with our newborn. Thank you to everyone who remembered us in their prayers during my pregnancy; I truly felt them at every stage of this experience. God is good,' Leavitt expressed.
CommunityDr. Fred Farias III joins the McAllen Heritage Center Board of Trustees
Dr. Fred Farias III has been appointed to the Board of Trustees for the McAllen Heritage Center (MHC), as announced by Chairman John M. Kreidler. Farias, an optometrist and educator, has a strong commitment to community service and has held various leadership roles, including positions on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Optometry Board. His dedication to the community has earned him numerous accolades, including the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Presidents Medal of Honor Award. The MHC, located in downtown McAllen, is set to begin construction on a new building later this year.
CommunityMother's Day Gallery: Send your photos to ValleyCentral!
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Mother's Day is this Sunday, and ValleyCentral is celebrating all moms and mother figures for their love and sacrifice. In honor of the upcoming holiday, ValleyCentral is creating a Mother's Day photo gallery. Viewers can submit their favorite photo of mom using the form below for a chance to be featured
CommunityMcAllen Public Utility’s Annual Night Out, May 7th
McAllen Public Utility is set to host its annual Night Out on May 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the McAllen Public Library located at 4001 N. 23rd St. This family-friendly event will feature interactive exhibits, educational displays, and hands-on demonstrations about water treatment and delivery. Attendees can enjoy complimentary food and visit a petting zoo, with free admission for all. It's a great opportunity for residents to learn more about their local utility services while enjoying a fun evening with family.
CommunityNew outdoor fitness court unveiled at McAllen park
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of McAllen debuted a new fitness court on Wednesday. The new outdoor fitness court at Bill Schupp Park, located at 1300 Zinnia Ave W, is the latest effort from the city to help residents stay active. "We're just trying to get the community get engaged at the very end,"
CommunityKate del Castillo Returns as the Iconic Teresa Mendoza in the Fourth Season of 'La Reina del Sur'
Telemundo has announced the start of production for the highly anticipated fourth season of its global hit 'La Reina del Sur,' with international superstar Kate del Castillo (Bad Boys for Life, Ingobernable) reprising her role as the legendary Teresa Mendoza, one of the most iconic characters in Spanish-language television. Returning cast members include Ágata Clares, Alejandro Calva, Antonio Gil, Arturo Ríos, Cuca Escribano, Ed Trucco, Emmanuel Orenday, Isabella Sierra, Kika Edgar, Lincoln Palomeque, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Sofía Lama, and Víctor Rebull, among others. The network also announced that acclaimed Spanish actor Daniel Grao will join the star-studded cast this season, further enhancing the lineup of Telemundo's most successful Súper Serie™. The impressive cast is rounded out by new additions Ariadne Fova, Gustavo Sánchez Parra, Jason Day, Juan Carlos Remolina, Leticia Huijara, Tamara Mazarraza, Tulio Villavicencio, and Xaviani Ponce de León.
CommunityLaguna Madre Water District Clarifies Desalination Projects in the Region
The Laguna Madre Water District (LMWD) issued a statement to clarify recent discussions and media coverage regarding seawater desalination projects in the region. To avoid confusion, the district specified that it is developing an independent project, separate from those proposed by US Desalination and IDE Technologies, which is located in Port Isabel. Both projects will be executed in different locations. The district emphasized that its initiative is part of its own water infrastructure plans and is not connected to the mentioned private developments.
CommunityGladys Porter Zoo offers weekend discount to Brownsville residents
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Gladys Porter Zoo is offering a discount to Brownsville residents this weekend. The discount is a token of appreciation from the zoo to the city for its investment in supporting the facility's vision. "The progress we are seeing today, including the revitalization of our existing habitats and the critical infrastructure grants that
CommunityMiles greet: Sheinbaum welcomes BTS, the South Korean K-pop band, in Mexico
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the K-pop group BTS at Palacio Nacional on Wednesday, greeting around 50,000 fans in attendance. She expressed her joy in meeting one of the most beloved groups among Mexican youth, highlighting the cultural connection between Mexico and South Korea. BTS is set to begin a series of concerts in Mexico starting Thursday. Sheinbaum also encouraged the band to return next year, acknowledging that many fans would miss the current shows due to limited ticket availability. The meeting was facilitated by the Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel, after the Mexican government reached out to South Korea for assistance.
CommunityEntries Due June 7 for Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year Contest
Wildlife in Focus (WIF) has announced the Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year contest, inviting Texans of all ages to participate. The competition, which runs from April 1 to June 7, 2026, encourages submissions of wildlife photographs taken in Texas. With over $3,000 in cash prizes, including $500 for adult category winners and $100 for youth winners, the contest aims to promote ethical wildlife photography. Participants can enter in various categories, and youth entries are free. The initiative seeks to enhance appreciation for Texas wildlife and foster conservation efforts across the state.