Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityEmpty the Shelters 2026: Palm Valley Animal Society
Palm Valley Animal Society is one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the Rio Grande Valley. With centers in Edinburg, it works on adoptions, rescues, foster homes, and community programs to help more pets find a permanent family. The community can support Palm Valley Animal Society by adopting a pet, becoming a foster home, volunteering, or contributing with monetary and in-kind donations. Adoptions help free up space for the shelter to rescue and care for more animals in need. Monetary contributions cover essential expenses such as veterinary care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, medications, food, and animal welfare programs. In-kind donations help meet the daily needs of the pets in their care while they wait to find a home. Location: Trenton Center, 2501 W Trenton Rd., Edinburg, TX, (956) 686-1141; Laurie P. Andrews Center, 2451 N US Expressway 281, Edinburg, TX, (956) 720-4563. Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 PM to 6 PM. Needs list: Kitten formula, Cosequin for dogs (joint supplement), kitten and cat pate. Make a monetary donation or drop off needed items directly at any of their centers. Make a monetary donation. Click on the following links to visit their website and social media: Website || Facebook || Instagram || TikTok. Dogs for adoption || Cats for adoption.
CommunityEmpty the Shelters 2026: Palm Valley Animal Society
Palm Valley Animal Society is one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the Rio Grande Valley. With centers in Edinburg, it focuses on adoptions, rescues, foster homes, and community programs to help more pets find permanent families. The community can support Palm Valley Animal Society by adopting a pet, becoming a foster home, volunteering, or contributing with monetary and in-kind donations. Adoptions help free up space for the shelter to rescue and care for more animals in need. Monetary contributions cover essential expenses such as veterinary care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, medications, food, and animal welfare programs. In-kind donations help meet the daily needs of the pets in their care while they wait to find a home. Locations include the Trenton Center at 2501 W Trenton Rd., Edinburg, TX, and the Laurie P. Andrews Center at 2451 N US Expressway 281, Edinburg, TX. Both centers operate from Monday to Sunday, 12 PM to 6 PM. A list of needs includes kitten formula, Cosequin for dogs (joint supplement), and wet food for kittens and cats. Donations can be made directly at either center or online through their website and social media channels.
CommunityRichard Moore Outdoor Report: Valley Raptors
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Grande Valley is home to more than a dozen raptors or birds of prey, from tiny screech owls at only some eight inches in length to white-tailed hawks with wingspans exceeding four feet. Lurking in the shadowy depths of South Texas woodlands, a Cooper’s hawk peers intently for avian prey. Sporting subtle blue-gray
CommunitySpaceX Schedules New Launch of Starship
SpaceX has announced a new launch window for its Starship rocket from Starbase in Cameron County, set to last 90 minutes starting at 5:45 PM Central Time. Residents in Cameron County and nearby areas may experience loud noises due to the ignition of the rocket's 33 Raptor engines during the launch. The level of noise experienced will vary based on weather conditions and wind direction. Those interested in following the launch can watch it live on Telemundo 40 and through digital platforms.
CommunityThe Date is Set! Miss Universe Puerto Rico Reveals When the 75th Edition of the Pageant Will Take Place
The 75th edition of Miss Universe Puerto Rico will take place on November 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot. This announcement was made via Instagram, highlighting the event as a celebration of beauty and women's empowerment. The official schedule includes three key events: the National Costume Parade on November 21, the Preliminary Competition on November 22, and the Coronation Night on November 24. These events aim to showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of the contestants from around the world, culminating in the selection of the successor to Mexican Fátima Bosch, crowned in Thailand.
Community4th annual Earth and Space Celebration set in Mercedes
The 4th annual Earth and Space Celebration is set for Saturday, August 1, at the Mercedes Dome, located at 1202 N. Vermont Avenue. This event offers families in the Rio Grande Valley a fun and educational experience before the school year begins. Dr. Samuel Garcia Jr., the event's founder, shared insights on what attendees can expect. The celebration aims to engage the community with activities related to earth and space sciences. For further details, interested individuals can find more information online.
CommunityCommunity aids in planting trees at Harlingen city parks
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Harlingen Parks and Recreation Department hosted a free community tree-planting event on Wednesday as part of its ongoing initiative to improve the quality of life at its city parks. The tree-planting session was held at Pendleton Park, one of several parks where new trees were planted and made possible by
CommunityFood Bank RGV to distribute free produce in Peñitas
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - The Food Bank RGV will be hosting a free mobile produce distribution on Thursday, July 23rd. The one day only event will be held at Faith Fellowship Bible Church in Penitas beginning at 9 AM until supplies last. Participants will need a picture ID and proof of address, with a maximum of two families per
CommunityWeslaco Police Department invites community to Bike Rodeo & Water Wars event
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Weslaco Police Department is inviting the community to a fun-filled bicycle safety rodeo on Saturday at Judge Gilbert Garza Park. Children ages 8-15 will have the opportunity to learn all there is to know about bike safety alongside Weslaco police. The afternoon is scheduled to include a helmet fitting, skills course, explanation of traffic rules, a bike
CommunitySan Juan museum marks one year of teaching Mexican American civil rights history
Museo 956 in San Juan is celebrating its first anniversary, dedicated to educating visitors about Mexican American civil rights history. Co-founder Stephanie Alvarez emphasized the importance of preserving the history tied to the nearby San Juan Hotel, where many Mexican Americans were lynched. The museum operates entirely on volunteer efforts and donations. Its exhibits, developed over a decade, include significant events like La Matanza and highlight local figures who fought against injustice. Volunteers like Sareth Garcia stress the importance of learning this history to avoid repeating past mistakes. Meanwhile, the future of the San Juan Hotel remains uncertain, with city leaders considering its demolition or rehabilitation.
CommunityNew public boat access opens at South Padre Island
South Padre Island has inaugurated its first new public boat access point in three decades, the Marisol Boat Ramp located on Laguna Boulevard. This $3.2 million project, partially funded by federal and state grants, aims to enhance recreational boating opportunities. According to Kristina Boburka, the city's Shoreline Director, the ramp is free for public use and features a fish cleaning station along with an ADA-accessible dock. The facility is open throughout the week, offering residents and visitors improved access to the bay.
CommunityExplosive Announcement: Acuarela Expelled from Operación Triunfo USA
An explosive announcement was made this Wednesday on Operación Triunfo USA. Mexican participant from North Texas, Acuarela Jiménez, was expelled from the competition. According to a post on Telemundo's social media, the 18-year-old violated one of the community rules. Erika Ender, director of La Academia, gathered the students to deliver the news. She informed them that production had notified her that the young woman from Lancaster received a warning for breaching a conduct rule and will not return to Operación Triunfo USA. The director took the opportunity to remind the students to follow the regulations, do things right, and make the correct decisions.
CommunityNew Horizon Health Center Opens Care Closet to Address One of Community’s Top Identified Needs
New Horizon Health Center has launched the Care Closet at 2137 E. 22nd St. in Brownsville to address clothing access issues identified by over 3,000 surveyed patients. This free resource offers clothing for all ages, seasonal wear, professional attire, shoes, accessories, and personal hygiene products, all at no cost to current patients. The initiative aims to improve health and well-being by addressing social needs that impact confidence and quality of life. The center encourages community donations of gently used or new items to keep the Care Closet stocked. It operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CommunityFrom Kany García to Greeicy: Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 Reveals Participating Artists
Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 revealed its first round of headline speakers on Wednesday, which includes Greeicy, Jay Wheeler, Jessi Uribe, Kany García, and Rawayana. Also set to participate are Lola Índigo, Paola Jara, Rainao, Ryan Castro, Trueno, and Zhamira, who will speak in exclusive sessions. 'We are honored to welcome this year's talent as we continue to inspire conversations that drive the industry,' said Mike Van, CEO of Billboard, in a statement. For over three decades, Billboard Latin Music Week has sparked impactful conversations and highlighted moments in Latin music.
CommunityFood Bank RGV to Host FREE Produce Distribution on THURSDAY, July 23, 2026
The Food Bank RGV will hold a FREE Mobile Produce Distribution on Thursday, July 23, 2026, starting at 9 AM at Faith Fellowship Bible Church located at 110 N. Tom Gill Rd. in Penitas. This one-day-only event will continue until supplies last. Participants are asked to bring a picture ID and proof of address, and a maximum of two families per car is allowed. Each family can attend only one Mobile Food Distribution per week, and it is recommended to have the car trunk empty for the distribution.
CommunityMade in the 956: Valley band spread conjunto music across the country
Los Delta Boyz, a band from the Rio Grande Valley, is spreading conjunto music nationwide while proudly representing the 956. Founded in Edcouch-Elsa in 2012 by brothers Javier and Jaime Gonzalez, the band has over a decade of experience and consists of four members. They view conjunto music as a tradition and a way to share their roots. Recently inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame, they express pride in showcasing their unique style and connecting with audiences who appreciate the music of their upbringing. The band emphasizes their commitment to giving back to the Valley community.
CommunityPet of the week: Bernard the kitten
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A very special guest stopped by our studio on Tuesday. Along with Brownsville Animal Regulation Care Center adoption specialist Jordan Wally, anchor Alexia Serrata got to say hello to a very excited furry friend named Bernard. Wally explained that Bernard is a rescue who was found abandoned in an alley but is now living his best life. "He didn't
CommunitySan Benito considering making Market on Robertson a permanent program
The Market on Robertson is set to return to downtown San Benito after a two-month hiatus, with city officials considering making it a permanent fixture. This monthly market, part of a pilot program initiated six months ago, will be evaluated during budget meetings in August and September. City spokesperson Cristina Garcia noted that the commission will analyze attendance, vendor numbers, and community feedback. The upcoming market on August 8, 2026, will feature around 25 vendors, with hopes of reaching 40. Local business owner Julissa Tamez Garcia emphasized the market's role in attracting shoppers to downtown.
CommunityMovie Talk: The massive scale and scope of Christopher Nolan and The Odyssey
DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER NOLAN STARING MATT DAMON, TOM HOLLAND, ANNE HATHAWAY, ROBERT PATTINSON, ZENDAYA, MANY MANY OTHERS ★★★★☆ HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Massive-scale movies have been part of Hollywood's DNA since the beginning. "Lawrence of Arabia." "Gone with the Wind." "Ben-Hur." Just to name a few. They established just how big movies could be, and what they could mean to audiences. These