Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityBoca Chica Defeats 'Cyber Beach' and Preserves Its History
Cameron County experienced moments of intense tension following the proposal to rename the iconic Boca Chica beach as 'Cyber Beach,' an attempt to align the location's name with the region's technological and aerospace boom. However, on July 9, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names halted the initiative, ruling in favor of residents who demanded respect for their roots. For families in South Texas, this coastline is not just a geographical coordinate but a sacred space of tradition and collective memory. Reactions against the modification were swift. Activist Bekha Hinojosa defended the cultural significance of the site, arguing that 'the name Chica carries a strong cultural weight... it is part of our culture here and we must keep it.' Activist Lupita Sánchez pointed to the need to safeguard local sovereignty against external decisions, stating that 'there should be a policy preventing people who are not from the area from having a say in local changes.' Community resistance gained crucial support from County Judge Eddie Treviño, consolidating a united front that forced the federal committee to reject the proposal. The outcome sends a clear message for the future of the area: economic progress and scientific innovation are welcome, but never at the cost of erasing the community's history.
CommunityBoca Chica Will Not Be Renamed 'Cyber Beach'
Cameron County experienced intense tension following the proposal to rename the iconic Boca Chica beach as 'Cyber Beach,' an attempt to align the location's name with the region's technological and aerospace boom. However, on July 9, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names halted the initiative, siding with residents who demanded respect for their roots. For families in South Texas, this coastline is not just a geographical coordinate but a sacred space of tradition and collective memory. Opposition to the name change was swift. Activist Bekha Hinojosa defended the cultural significance of the site, stating that 'the name Chica carries a strong cultural weight... it is part of our culture here and we must keep it.' Activist Lupita Sánchez emphasized the need to protect local sovereignty from external decisions, noting that 'there should be a policy preventing people who are not from the area from having a say in local changes.' Community resistance gained crucial support from County Judge Eddie Treviño, forming a united front that compelled the federal committee to reject the proposal. The outcome clearly establishes a stance for the future of the area: economic progress and scientific innovation are welcome, but never at the cost of erasing the community's history.
CommunityVOTE: Brownsville chef looking for shot in Next Favorite Chef competition
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Brownsville chef participating in the Next Favorite Chef competition is asking for the Rio Grande Valley's support to make it to the next round. Our team spoke with Chef Travis Hartwell, who said each vote he receives is through donations and supports the James Beard Foundation. If he wins, he
CommunityMilitary Highway Water Supply Corporation faces complaints over discolored water
Residents in San Benito are expressing frustration over discolored tap water, which has reportedly been brown for about a year. Stephanie Perez, a local resident, mentioned that the poor water quality has cost her family hundreds of dollars in filters and bottled water. Another resident, 72-year-old Victor Nieto, shared similar concerns, stating that even basic tasks like brushing his teeth have become worrisome. Despite reporting the issue to the Military Highway Water Supply Corporation, he has not received any response. The corporation maintains that their water meets federal and state standards, but residents are still seeking improvements. Public meetings are held monthly for customer feedback.
CommunityForbidden loves, power, and loyalties are put to the test with the return of Lejos de Ti
Telemundo announces the highly anticipated return of the Turkish series Lejos de Ti, which will premiere its second season on Tuesday, July 14 at 10pm/9c. Following a successful first season that captivated audiences with its powerful blend of romance, family conflicts, and suspense, the tension now reaches a new level as love, power, and loyalty clash within the Albora family. Determined to build a future together, Cihan (Ozan Akbaba) and Alya (Sinem Ünsal) challenge family expectations and traditions, unleashing an intense struggle for control. Leading the opposition is Sadakat (Gonca Cilasun), the formidable matriarch of the family, whose determination to preserve her influence drives her to take extreme measures. Meanwhile, Ecmel (Müfit Kayacan) pushes his ruthless agenda, igniting a growing battle for power. The unexpected return of Boran, Alya's husband, whom everyone believed was dead, shatters any hope for peace and threatens the future that Alya and Cihan have fought to build together.
CommunityCity of Pharr Recognizes Jose I. Alvarado for Earning Prestigious Master Code Professional Certification
The Pharr City Commission, led by City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores, honored Jose I. Alvarado for achieving the Master Code Professional certification from the International Code Council. This certification is one of the highest distinctions in the building safety field, signifying exceptional technical knowledge and a commitment to public safety. Alvarado was recognized by Alyn Cervantes, Assistant Director for Building and Code Compliance, for his dedication and expertise. The City of Pharr commends Alvarado for his accomplishment and appreciates his ongoing service to the community, reinforcing its commitment to high standards in building safety and code enforcement.
CommunityPharr Marks 36th Anniversary of ADA with State Proclamation and Accessibility Drive
The Pharr City Commission celebrated the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during a recent meeting, highlighting its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. An official state proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott was presented by the Disability Chamber of Commerce RGV. In addition to this recognition, Pharr has partnered with the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities to conduct training sessions for city staff, aimed at improving services for residents of all abilities. The city also showcased its SAFER Home Program and ongoing initiatives to enhance community accessibility.
CommunityMcAllen Keeps Kids Active, Healthy and Engaged All Summer
The City of McAllen's Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is actively engaging children this summer through a comprehensive youth recreation program. With Summer Session 2 in full swing, kids can participate in various camps and activities, including sports, arts, and skill-building classes. The Summer Activity Guide is highly anticipated, with many programs filling up quickly. Over 110 seasonal employees are involved in leading these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of providing enriching opportunities for youth development. City Manager Isaac J. Tawil highlights that investing in children strengthens families and builds a supportive community. Families can find more information and register for activities online.
CommunityDon't miss the 24/7 livestream of Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos: here's how to watch it
Don't miss the 24/7 livestream of Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos, a new reality show by Telemundo searching for the next music star in the U.S. Over the next few weeks, 20 young talents will live together in an academy, receiving intensive training in singing, acting, and dancing while being filmed around the clock. Viewers can follow their journey through live galas and continuous streaming. The competition, judged by David Bisbal, Ana Bárbara, and Ximena Sariñana, offers a $100,000 cash prize and a chance to join Universal Music Latino. Watch it live or via the Telemundo app, with episodes available on Peacock the next day.
CommunityRoad widening project underway in Alton
A road widening project has commenced in Alton, closing part of FM 494 near Mile 4 East for approximately three months. The Texas Department of Transportation is enhancing the area with new sidewalks, ramps, and traffic signals, extending construction 2,000 feet east from the intersection. The project is slated for completion in October 2026, coinciding with the start of the school year. TxDOT spokesperson Ray Pedraza acknowledged potential impacts on bus routes and traffic to a nearby school, urging drivers to utilize the designated detour or find alternate routes.
CommunityEdinburg museum closes Freddy Gonzalez exhibit for redesign
The Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg will close its Freddy Gonzalez exhibit for redesign, with the last day for visitors being August 2. The exhibit features significant artifacts from Gonzalez's life, including his Medal of Honor and military uniform. After the exhibit closes, the museum staff will preserve the collection while a new gallery is constructed, with plans to reopen the exhibit in early 2027. In the meantime, visitors can access Gonzalez's story through the museum's Digital Collections, which include photographs and letters. The museum is located at 200 North Closner Boulevard. For more details, visit MOSTHistory.org or call 956-383-6911.
CommunityMade in the 956: Edinburg native to perform at world largest arts festival
Kat Lozano, an Edinburg native now living in England, is set to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world's largest arts festival, this August. A graduate of Edinburg North High School in 2003, Lozano pursued a musical theatre degree at Oklahoma City University. After moving to the UK on a student visa, she began her career in voice acting, working with Disney and Ubisoft. Her upcoming cabaret, 'Love Katiuska,' reflects her immigrant experience and connection to the Rio Grande Valley. Lozano encourages aspiring actors to believe in their dreams and emphasizes her lasting bond with her hometown.
CommunityEdinburg animal care, Magic Valley Eletric Co-op save kitten from power box
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — City of Edinburg Animal Care officers and Magic Valley Electric Co-op teamed up to rescue a kitten from 7,500 volts on a power box. According to a social media post from the city of Edinburg, a small black kitten was found trapped inside a high-voltage electrical box on E. Trenton. City of
CommunityWeslaco Police offer free women's self-defense class
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Weslaco Police Department is hosting a free women's self-defense class. The class is taking place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 20, at the Weslaco Police Department, located at 300 S. Bridge Ave. The department hopes the class can help the community learn and empower women through practical self-defense
CommunityStage Comedy in Spanish: Catch It July 18 & 19 at Pharr Community Theater
Pharr Community Theater will present the Spanish-language comedy "Age Is Just a Number" on July 18 and 19, 2026. Directed by Roxana Badillo and written by Pete Romero, the play features a cast including Juan Banda and Consuelo Arellano. Performances will take place at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM each day at 213 W. Newcombe Ave., Pharr, TX. Tickets are $15 at the door, available one hour before each show, with seating limited to 55 attendees per performance. The plot revolves around Zenaida, a young woman whose relationship with an older man leads to unexpected family dynamics and humor. For advance tickets, call 956-651-9057 or 956-445-2452.
CommunityThe successful miniseries 'El Turco' starring Can Yaman premieres today
Today marks the premiere of 'El Turco,' the acclaimed Turkish miniseries featuring international star Can Yaman (Hasan Balaban), Greta Ferro (Gloria), and Will Kemp (Marco), airing at 10 PM/9C as part of Historical July, a special programming night that will showcase three of the summer's most anticipated premieres. 'El Turco' is part of a highly anticipated triple premiere night that also includes the U.S. debut of Operación Triunfo and the return of 'El Señor de los Cielos' for its final season, providing an unprecedented entertainment offering for Hispanic audiences. Before its U.S. premiere, 'El Turco' established itself as an international phenomenon, securing distribution in over 20 territories across Europe, America, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. The production has captivated audiences worldwide with its striking blend of action, romance, and period drama. The miniseries tells the story of Hasan Balaban, a warrior betrayed by his own blood. Wounded and pursued, he finds refuge in a small village where his presence ignites a spark of hope among those living under a brutal king's rule. When Balaban meets Gloria, a brave and determined woman fighting to protect her people, an intense passion arises between them, capable of challenging the pain of the past and the shadows that haunt him. However, Balaban's greatest enemy is not a stranger but Marco, the powerful commander who rules the region... and his own brother. Separated by irreversible decisions and wounds that never healed, Balaban and Marco represent two opposing paths: one guided by honor and the desire for redemption; the other, by ambition and the thirst for power. Amid betrayals, fragile alliances, and adrenaline-fueled battles, 'El Turco' unfolds into an epic tale where love blossoms amidst chaos and where two brothers are destined to confront each other, even at the cost of losing everything. Can Yaman and Greta Ferro star in 'El Turco.' Can Yaman is one of the most recognized Turkish stars globally, known for his leading roles in series like 'Dolunay,' 'Bay Yanlış,' and 'Erkenci Kuş,' the latter earning him a Golden Butterfly Award for Best Romantic Comedy Actor. Born in 1989 in Suadiye, Istanbul, he is an only child and the nephew of football coach Fuat Yaman. He studied law and is fluent in Turkish, Italian, German, English, and Spanish. In 2025, Can Yaman transformed to star in the international series 'Sandokan: The Pirate Prince,' where he plays the legendary pirate known as 'The Tiger of Malaysia.' This ambitious production, available on streaming platforms, features a grand visual display and presents the iconic character battling on the island of Mompracem. His role in 'El Turco' was pivotal in securing this lead, as it is a five-episode series that combines action, romance, and historical drama in an exciting saga about loyalty, sacrifice, family, and the relentless pursuit of justice, which you can enjoy on Telemundo starting July 7. For more information, visit Telemundo.com and follow @Telemundo and @TelemundoSeries on social media using the hashtag #ElTurco.
CommunityToday marks the grand premiere of the new season of El Señor de los Cielos
Today is the highly anticipated premiere of the tenth and final season of El Señor de los Cielos at 9pm/8c. The actors reflect on the legacy of the successful series while showcasing a preview of the new season and expressing gratitude to the fans whose unwavering support has turned El Señor de los Cielos into a global phenomenon. In this season, Aurelio (Amaya) returns more powerful, ambitious, and relentless than ever, determined to regain control of his empire and secure his legacy. After disappearing from his family's radar, he reemerges to reaffirm his dominance, unleashing an unrelenting war against old and new enemies that will test power, loyalty, and survival. But with the DEA closing in, surrounded by increasingly uncertain loyalties and consumed by an insatiable thirst for control, Aurelio faces a path that could cost him everything. The tenth season of El Señor de los Cielos premieres this Tuesday, July 7 at 9pm/8c as part of Telemundo's triple premiere night, which also includes the debut of Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos and the successful miniseries El Turco. Viewers can watch the episodes live on Telemundo or catch up through Peacock. Fans can also join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram using #ESDLCX. For more information, visit nbcumv.com, subscribe to @elsenordeloscielosoficial on YouTube, and follow Telemundo on their social platforms. In addition to Rafael Amaya as Aurelio Casillas, the series features the return of audience favorites, including Carmen Aub as Rutila Casillas and Isabella Castillo as Diana Ahumada. The cast combines beloved figures with new characters, including Roberto Sosa, Maricela González, Robinson Diaz, Sandra Echeverría, Ximena González-Rubio, Leonardo Álvarez, Denia Agalianu, Carlos Corona, Estefanía Hinojosa, José Sedek, Elsy Reyes, Plutarco Haza, Wendy de los Cobos, Nicolás Haza, Aleida Núñez, Michel Chauvet, Carla Carrillo, Marco Tostado, Roberta Burns, Daniel Martínez Campos, Gabriel Nuncio, José Dammert, David Ponce, Fernando Banda, Alejandro Félix, Alejandro Navarrete, and Roberto Valdez, who will elevate the intrigue and high-stakes drama that characterizes this popular series.
CommunityOperación Triunfo United States Premieres Today on Telemundo in Search of the Next Music Star
Telemundo premieres Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos today, a musical competition aimed at discovering the next big star. After extensive auditions across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, 20 diverse contestants were selected to join the academy, where they will receive comprehensive training in singing, acting, and dance. Participants will live together and compete weekly in live galas, showcasing their talents to a jury and audience. The show features actress Natalia Téllez as host and judges David Bisbal, Ana Bárbara, and Ximena Sariñana. Tune in at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT from Monday to Friday and Sunday on Telemundo.
CommunityFood Bank RGV to host free produce distribution pop-up in Mercedes
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is preparing to host a produce distribution pop-up event in Mercedes. Families who need produce are welcome to attend the one-day event on Wednesday, July 8. The event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Mercedes Dome, located at 1202 N. Vermont Ave.