Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityList: 4th of July events happening across the Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Fourth of July is about a week away, so ValleyCentral has gathered a list of festivities happening across the Rio Grande Valley. Here are the Fourth of July events happening near you: Brownsville The 26th Annual Fourth of July Salute to Freedom Celebration's theme is stars, stripes and summer nights.
CommunityMcAllen Invites Residents to Public Open House on June 29th
McAllen residents are invited to a Public Open House on June 29, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Ash Ave W. Mayor Javier Villalobos and city leaders aim to gather community input on future planning and investments for Downtown McAllen. Proposed enhancements include improved public spaces, family-friendly amenities, better accessibility, and a new downtown park. Attendees can engage in interactive activities and provide feedback to shape the recommendations. Everyone is welcome to participate, and no RSVP is necessary.
CommunityGracie Found: The Giraffe That Went Missing in Texas
The giraffe that had been reported missing from a ranch in central Texas has been located. According to the Real County Animal Rescue-Shelter, the giraffe escaped from a ranch in the Leakey area and had been unaccounted for several days. On the morning of June 26, around 7:30 a.m., Vick Jones, with support from Jeff Hill of Concho Aviation, conducted aerial searches and managed to locate Gracie approximately 4 miles south of the Cedar Hollow ranch from which she had escaped.
CommunityThis giraffe went missing and a $5,000 reward was offered for her return: here's how the search ended
The giraffe that had been reported missing from a ranch in central Texas, for which a $5,000 reward was offered, has now been located. According to the Real County Animal Rescue-Shelter, the giraffe escaped from a ranch in the Leakey area and had been unaccounted for for several days. On the morning of June 26, around 7:30 a.m., Vick Jones, with support from Jeff Hill of Concho Aviation, conducted aerial searches and successfully located Gracie approximately 4 miles south of Cedar Hollow Ranch, from where she had escaped.
CommunityMissing emotional support dog from Weslaco funeral home reunited with owners
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An emotional support dog at a Weslaco funeral home who was reported missing earlier this week has been reunited with her owners. Salinas Funeral Home shared the news about its missing Goldendoodle, Misty, on Monday. Misty, who has helped bring comfort to families in need, was last seen over the weekend
CommunityMcAllen Salvation Army unveils new mobile kitchen
The Salvation Army in McAllen has introduced a new mobile kitchen designed to provide meals during emergencies. This Emergency Disaster Services Feeding Unit can prepare up to 10,000 meals when needed. It will be deployed during disasters and other urgent situations. The establishment of this unit was made possible through a $300,000 grant from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, highlighting the community's commitment to supporting those in need during critical times.
CommunityWeslaco H-E-B driver honored during ceremony for hitting 4 million miles
Jose Jaramillo, an H-E-B truck driver from the Rio Grande Valley, has made history by driving 4 million consecutive safe miles, becoming the first driver from the Valley to achieve this milestone. The ceremony took place at the Weslaco Transportation Center, where he was honored with an award from H-E-B and a certificate from the National Trucking Association for his outstanding safety record. Jaramillo expressed gratitude for his family's support and reassured them about his safety. He is set to return to driving on Thursday, continuing his impressive career.
CommunityLos Fresnos drainage project aims to stop flooding on Highway 100
Los Fresnos is initiating a drainage project aimed at alleviating flooding on State Highway 100. The project, located at Resaca Escondida, will connect the resaca to a drainage ditch on West Old Port Road via a new pipe and gate. This system will allow the resaca to retain rainwater during storms, with city crews managing the gate to control water levels afterward. City Manager Mark Milum emphasized the project's importance for residents, noting it will help prevent road closures after storms. Construction is set to start within a month and will take approximately three months, partly funded by a state grant.
CommunityMcAllen Standpipes Transformed into Stunning Works of Art
McAllen has transformed ordinary irrigation standpipes into vibrant public art pieces, showcasing the culture and spirit of the Rio Grande Valley. Through the Keep McAllen Beautiful Public Art Project, these structures now serve as colorful canvases that tell unique stories. Local artists collaborate with community partners to create an outdoor gallery that enhances the city’s beauty. With over 200 standpipes available, residents and visitors can explore this art through an interactive online map, which includes artist biographies and immersive views. This initiative not only beautifies the city but also fosters community pride and engagement.
CommunityTSC to host free movie screening, car show in Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas Southmost College representative Sophie Vega stopped by our NBC 23 studio to spread the word about two free, family-friendly events coming up on the Brownsville campus. Kicking off their summer events is Movie on the Lawn. Join the community as everyone is invited to screenings of both "Hoppers" and "Superman" on Friday, June 26, at
CommunityTSC to host free movie screening, car show in Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas Southmost College representative Sophie Vega stopped by our NBC 23 studio to spread the word about two free, family-friendly events coming up on the Brownsville campus. Kicking off their summer events is Movie on the Lawn. Join the community as everyone is invited to screenings of both "Hoppers" and "Superman" on Friday, June 26, at
CommunityIt Takes a Village: Bonus parents & blended families
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 the balance between work and family life. Each week, host Meteorologist Lexie Walker and a guest will highlight a variety of perspectives, experiences,
Community'Let's do something crazy': Brownsville indie rock band gears up for first festival
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Looking for new music, nostalgia, 2011 Tumblr, and local "indie sleaze" talent all in one location? An indie rock band from Brownsville is gearing up for its first festival that features seven bands. Cannon The Dealers consists of four members: 29-year-old Nicholas Tomayo, vocalist; 29-year-old Luis Seguara, drummer; 29-year-old Tony Olivares, bassist;
CommunityCity of Pharr hosts accessibility and inclusion training
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A training session was held in Pharr on Tuesday to provide city employees with insight into accessibility and best practices for guiding people with disabilities. The training is part of a partnership with the city of Pharr and the Disability Chamber of Commerce Rio Grande Valley. "We really have to be
Community'It is a disgrace': Families frustrated by conditions at Mercedes cemetery
MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Residents in Mercedes are voicing concerns about conditions at a local Catholic cemetery, saying overgrown grass, debris and hidden headstones have made portions of the property difficult to navigate. Families who regularly visit loved ones buried at the cemetery say maintenance issues have persisted for weeks. Some residents declined to speak
CommunityHarlingen children home to celebrate fathers, father figures with festival
Sunny Glen Children's Home in the Rio Grande Valley is hosting its third annual Fatherhood Festival to celebrate fathers and father figures. The event will take place on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Poenisch Counseling Center in San Benito. Craig Keel, the Spiritual Coordinator, shared insights with Channel 5 News about the festivities planned for the community. This festival aims to honor the important role of fathers in the lives of children. For additional details, interested individuals can find more information online.
CommunityWeslaco funeral home searches for missing emotional support dog
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Weslaco funeral home is searching for its missing emotional support dog. Johnny Salinas, owner of Salinas Funeral in Weslaco, and his family are searching for their Goldendoodle, Misty, who was last seen over the weekend near Mile 9-10 North and Mile 5 1/2. Salinas told ValleyCentral that Misty has been part
CommunityTony Aguirre Reflects on Youth Baseball and Community as McAllen Prepares for International Tournament
McAllen City Commissioner Tony Aguirre highlighted the importance of youth sports during a press conference on June 23, announcing the inaugural 2026 PONY Summer Super Series International Tournament of Champions. Scheduled for July 23-26, the tournament will attract teams from the U.S. and Mexico to the McAllen Youth Baseball Complex. Aguirre shared personal baseball memories, emphasizing how such experiences shape young athletes. He invited the community to support the event, which will include an opening ceremony on July 22. Assistant City Manager Elvira Alonzo and Parks Director Denny Meline also spoke, stressing the significance of sports tourism and community engagement.
Community4th of July celebrations to be held for veterans at Harlingen, McAllen VA
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For veterans looking to celebrate the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial, the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is hosting two Valley events to honor the birth of America and those who’ve served. As part of their Freedom 250 campaign, the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will mark the 250th anniversary of America by offering veterans the opportunity to be