Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityAnnual 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.
CommunityPet 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
CommunitySan 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
Community"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.
CommunityEdinburg 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.
CommunityAcademy 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.
CommunityTerrence 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
CommunityIt 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
CommunityShow off your pup for National Dog Photography Day
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — ValleyCentral wants to see your four-legged companion in honor of National Dog Photography Day. National Dog Photo Day was founded in 2018 to encourage pet owners and pet photographers to capture in-the-moment photos of their dogs and their unique quirks. ValleyCentral is accepting photo submissions of your pups for their special day!
Community'Deeply missed': Lyford mayor announces passing of city commissioner Albert Cavazos
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Lyford Mayor Pablo Morales on Monday announced the passing of Commissioner Albert Cavazos. Morales said Cavazos was a tireless advocate for the community and cared deeply about everyone he served. "Albert loved life and gave everything he had to the people around him," Morales said in a statement. "His compassion, his generosity
CommunityNBC News and Noticias Telemundo Present Exclusive Global 'Concert for Peace' by the Pope
Noticias Telemundo and NBC News will exclusively present the live broadcast in English and Spanish in the United States of the Pope's Concert for Peace on Wednesday, July 29, at 1 p.m. ET. The special will also be streamed live on Noticias Telemundo AHORA and NBC News NOW. The global event, taking place at Borgo Laudato Si’, part of the Papal Residence of Castel Gandolfo on the outskirts of Rome, will feature Andrea Bocelli alongside an interfaith choir of 200 children from conflict-affected regions around the world, in a concert celebrating peace and hope.
CommunityMcAllen’s Premier Wine and Arts Fundraiser Returns September 12th
The McAllen Performing & Cultural Arts Foundation, in collaboration with H-E-B, has announced the return of Noche de Vino on September 12, 2026. This annual fundraiser highlights fine wines, gourmet cuisine, and live entertainment to support performing arts initiatives in the Rio Grande Valley. This year's theme, 'Midnight at the Garden,' promises an elegant evening celebrating the arts. Proceeds will fund cultural programming that enhances community life. An exclusive 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon will also be available for purchase. Tickets and reservations are now on sale, and attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early at nochedevino.net.
CommunityPunch, the monkey who went viral for his stuffed toy, celebrates his first birthday
Punch, a Japanese macaque who gained fame for his plush toy, celebrated his first birthday at the Ichikawa Zoo near Tokyo. Abandoned by his mother at birth, he was raised by zoo staff and given an orangutan plush that became his comfort object. The zoo reported receiving over 2,500 congratulatory cards from around the world, with about 1,000 currently on display. Due to the high turnout despite inclement weather, the zoo plans to extend the exhibition of the cards in two phases, with the second phase starting on August 11. Punch has become a major attraction, boosting zoo attendance significantly.
CommunityDown by the Border launches satellite office at Brownsville Police Department
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Down by the Border, a nonprofit organization, has launched its new Satellite Office at the Brownsville Police Department. The organization supports children with special needs through different programming such as athletic, educational, and community outings. Vice President of Down by the Border, Anyelin Tejeda, said the purpose of the office is
Community'I was speechless': Thousands cheer as SpaceX’s Starship Flight 13 finally launches after delays
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After two scrubbed launch attempts, SpaceX's Starship Flight 13 finally lifted off Friday, rewarding thousands of spectators who waited days to witness the historic test flight. According to SpaceX, the mission achieved all of its primary objectives, including deploying 20 Starlink satellites and completing successful splashdowns of both the
CommunityDiego Rivera Exhibition Opens at IMAS With First U.S. Tour Stop
The International Museum of Art and Science (IMAS) in McAllen will host the exhibition "Diego Rivera: The Promise of a Better Future" from July 25 to October 25, 2026. This marks the first U.S. stop for the exhibition organized by the Diego Rivera Museum in Mexico City. The exhibit delves into Rivera's impact on muralism, architecture, and education, showcasing his commitment to social change. Opening day activities include a lecture by María Teresa Moya and a reception for attendees. General admission is $9 for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors. The exhibition aims to highlight Rivera's artistic legacy and influence.
Community4Ever Family: Arturo, Abigail, Garett and Alanhi
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Every week, CBS4 works to find a forever home for a Rio Grande Valley foster child as part of our “4Ever Family” partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Meet four siblings, two brothers and two sisters, who are ready to meet their matched forever family. Meet Arturo,
Community"The body was not found": Aylín Mujica's heartbreaking account of her son's death
Aylín Mujica shared her heartbreaking experience following the death of her son, Mauro Menéndez, in Barbados due to pneumonia complications. In an emotional interview, she recounted the painful moments leading up to his passing, including witnessing his struggles during a video call while he was in an ambulance. After his death, Mujica and her ex-partner faced a harrowing ordeal trying to locate Mauro's body, which was initially unaccounted for at the hospital. Eventually, they learned it was at a funeral home. Despite her grief, Mujica expressed her determination to remain strong for her family and continue living in honor of her son.
CommunityHarlingen preservation project aims to identify landmarks
Harlingen is launching a preservation project to document its history and identify significant landmarks. City officials are seeking input from residents about their memories and which buildings should be preserved. The initiative will focus on the Parkwood Subdivision, the Downtown Historic District, and the Marine Military Academy area. A previous historic survey identified 55 properties, and consultants aim to engage the community in sharing their stories. Harlingen Downtown Director Alexis Riojas emphasized the importance of connecting with residents and encouraged them to contribute photos and documents to aid the project.