City of Edinburg Cultural Arts Announces New ACE Membership Program and Mariachi Guitar Classes

The Edinburg Cultural Arts Department has introduced the ACE Membership Program and announced new Mariachi Guitar classes at the Edinburg ACE Center. The four-week program, led by Manuel Lopez from UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán, is designed for adult beginners and intermediates, featuring eight sessions of instruction. Enrollment is limited to 15 students per session, and all necessary equipment will be provided. Additionally, ACE Memberships are available online, offering various tiers with benefits such as early event access and studio use. For details, visit edinburgarts.com or contact the center at (956) 388-8224.

'Our way to give back to our kids': Cameron County Precinct 4 to host backpack giveaway

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Precinct 4 Commissioner Gus Ruiz is hosting a backpack giveaway for members of the community.  The Annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive will take place on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., or until supplies last. The event will take place at 26623 White Ranch Road in La Feria.   The event is a drive-thru

STC Library Opens Submissions for Art & Memory Conference

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery is calling for submissions for its 6th Annual Art & Memory Conference, focusing on food-themed artwork and recipes. Community members, including artists, students, and faculty, can submit one piece of artwork or recipe by August 12 at 5 p.m. The theme emphasizes the connection between food and personal stories, memories, and experiences, such as farming and shared meals. Submissions should be delivered to the STC Pecan Campus Library, Room F-235. For further details, contact the library at 956-872-3488 or visit their website.

Remembering Joe Karam 1943-2026

Joe Charles Karam, Sr., a beloved figure from McAllen, TX, passed away on April 11, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on April 6, 1943, he was the eldest of six siblings and a graduate of McAllen High School, where he excelled in sports and was well-liked. Karam had a successful career as a pharmaceutical wholesaler and later as a financial advisor, focusing on helping clients with retirement planning. He was an avid outdoorsman and cherished family man, leaving behind his wife Mary Jo, three children, and eight grandchildren. A celebration of his life took place on April 25, 2026, in McAllen.

Brownsville animal shelter to get $4 million HVAC upgrade

The Brownsville Animal Regulation & Care Center (BARRC) is set to receive a significant upgrade to its HVAC system, which was installed in 2004 and has become costly to maintain. BARRC's Director of Internal Services, JP Villarreal, emphasized the need for modernization to enhance ventilation, temperature, humidity control, and overall air quality within the facility. This upgrade is crucial for ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for both staff and animals. The project, which includes the removal of old rooftop units and installation of new piping and a chiller system, will cost nearly $4 million and is expected to begin next month, with completion anticipated by May 2027.

Made in the 956: Voice actor Ethan Gallardo

Ethan Gallardo, a voice actor from the Rio Grande Valley, is gaining recognition in the anime and video game industries. A graduate of PSJA North High School and Texas A&M University, Gallardo has over a decade of experience, primarily working with Crunchyroll. His notable roles include Manuel in My Hero Academia and Señor Pink in One Piece. Gallardo emphasizes the importance of his roots, visiting the Valley annually to reconnect with family and draw inspiration from the community's talent and passion. He has several upcoming projects and continues to represent the 956 region proudly.

Raymondville leaders push to replace closed city pool with splash pad

Rio Grande City welcomes community to 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Rio Grande City is inviting the community to its Memorial Stair Climb event in honor of the first responders who sacrificed their lives on 9/11. The climb is designed to represent the same number of steps that firefighters and other first responders climbed inside the World Trade Center in response to

Mission CISD Back-to-School Bash Draws Huge Crowd

Over 2,000 students, parents, and community members attended the Mission CISD Back-to-School Bash on Monday at the Mission Event Center. This annual event aims to equip families for the 2026-2027 school year by providing essential resources such as school supplies, registration help, health information, and more. Attendees had the chance to meet district staff and learn about various student programs. School starts on August 11, and Mission CISD is eager to welcome students back for another year of academic success. The event was supported by local partners, highlighting the community's commitment to education.

Community Invited to Edinburg PD’s 30th National Night Out, Aug. 4th

The Edinburg Police Department is hosting its 30th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Promenade Park Amphitheater, located at 200 W. McIntyre St. This free community event will feature food, safety demonstrations, and live entertainment, including performances by Leo Garcia & the Rattlers and The Hot Rodz. Attendees can enjoy a carnival, car show, kids’ games, dinosaur rides, and a petting zoo. Free school backpacks and supplies will be distributed while supplies last, promoting community spirit and neighborhood connections.

Edinburg Police Department to hold National Night Out

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As the summer is winding down, the Edinburg Police Department is inviting the community to attend its 30th Annual National Night Out.  The free event is open to the public and takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Edinburg Promenade Park, located at 201 W. McIntyre St., from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  To get the word out,

Annual Community Health Fair Open to All Residents, Aug. 1st

The McAllen Public Library is hosting its Annual Community Health Fair on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 4001 N. 23rd St. This free event aims to connect residents with local healthcare providers and organizations, offering various health screenings including blood glucose, blood pressure, and vision tests. Attendees can also participate in a blood donation drive and enjoy activities for children and teens. Library Director Kate Horan emphasizes the fair's role in promoting accessible preventive care and wellness information for the community. No library card is needed to attend.

Pet of the Week: Spiderman swings into the studio

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A very special superhero swung by our studio on Tuesday.  A fantastically sweet and shy young white and grey kitten who goes by the name Spiderman was brought in by Brownsville Animal Regulation Care Center adoption specialist Jordan Wally as this week's Pet of the Week. Spiderman came into BARCC's care with some health

San Benito invites community to budget session

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of San Benito is inviting the community to attend its budget session "Let's Taco Bout the Budget" on Tuesday. The community is encouraged to share ideas, projects, services and improvements from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Community Building located at 210 E. Heywood St. Cristina Garcia, public

"I have no support": sells corn on the cob to support her children after her husband was detained by ICE

An immigrant mother is facing a challenging time after her husband, Jossain Rodríguez, was detained by ICE agents on July 6 while commuting to work on Highway 90. With her husband currently held at the Karnes detention center, she is left to care for their four children alone. To support her family, she has set up a small stand selling elotes and aguas frescas in west San Antonio. While she receives calls from her husband, their children remain unaware of the true situation, believing their father is simply working far away. She hopes to see him again during his court appearance on July 29.

Edinburg National Night Out will feature backpack and school supply giveaway

The Edinburg Police Department is hosting its 30th annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, at the Promenade Park Amphitheater, located at 201 W. McIntyre St. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature a giveaway of free backpacks and school supplies, available while supplies last. Attendees can also enjoy a car show, a free carnival, a petting zoo, and live music throughout the evening. This community event aims to promote safety and strengthen community ties.

Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard visits Edinburg, honored with proclamation

Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard visited Edinburg on Monday to explore business opportunities. He expressed his appreciation for the city's hospitality, stating, "There's nothing greater than the hospitality of kind people." During his visit to City Hall, Howard was honored with a proclamation declaring July 27 as Terrence Howard Day. He remarked on the warmth and genuine smiles he encountered, emphasizing the welcoming nature of Edinburg. Howard is renowned for his roles in films such as Hustle & Flow, Crash, Iron Man, The Best Man, and Ray.

Terrence Howard of 'Hustle & Flow' honored at Edinburg City Hall

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Edinburg welcomed Academy Award-nominated actor Terrence Howard to City Hall on Monday, honoring the Hollywood actor with a special city proclamation. Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa officially declared July 27 as Terrence Howard Day. "There's nothing greater than the hospitality of kind people," Howard said. "What you guys have

It Takes a Village: Parenthood from the outside

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It Takes A Village is a weekly ValleyCentral+ series that covers all things parenting; from real, honest conversations about daily routines and challenges to funny moments, lessons learned and balancing work and family life.  Some people know they want children someday, some aren't sure and some choose a different path altogether. In