Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Community4Ever Family: Mia & Mi Alma
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 two sisters, 12-year-old Serenidad, who prefers to go by Mia, and Mi Alma, who is 6 years old.
CommunityHarlingen Animal Shelter to host microchip clinic for Harlingen pet owners
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Harlingen Animal Shelter is hosting a microchip clinic for Harlingen pet owners on Saturday. The clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Harlingen Animal Shelter, located at 1106 Markowsky Ave, where Harlingen residents can get their pet microchipped for only $10. The shelter asks attendees to
CommunitySend over your dad jokes to ValleyCentral
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The saying is true: laughter is the best medicine. This may be why dad jokes make us feel better. Dad jokes come in many forms; Some are corny, some are cheesy, and some are just flat out bad. But that's okay, we love our dads and dad figures unconditionally. For Father's
CommunityFood Bank Prepares New Food Distribution in Los Fresnos
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is set to hold a free mobile distribution of fruits and vegetables this Friday in Los Fresnos. The event will take place at the Los Fresnos Fire Station from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., or until supplies last. Organizers encourage residents who could benefit from this initiative to come and take advantage of the opportunity to receive fresh produce at no cost.
CommunityJuneteenth 2026: What will be open and closed during the holiday?
Juneteenth will be celebrated on Friday, June 19, 2026, marking the day when the last enslaved individuals in the U.S. learned of their freedom. This federal holiday, established in 2021, has roots in Galveston, Texas, where Union General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in 1865. Celebrations include parades, festivals, and concerts. On this day, U.S. Postal Service offices will be closed, while UPS and FedEx will operate normally. Most banks and federal offices, including the DMV and Social Security Administration, will also be closed, but many private businesses will remain open to honor the holiday.
CommunityNew bus service helps visitors around downtown McAllen at no cost
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A trolley style bus is making its way around McAllen out to help customers make their way around the city's most visited downtown areas at no cost. The downtown circulator is a new service in an effort to help visitors navigate downtown, reduce congestion and uplift local businesses. "This is one
Community'He was like a brother': Palmview mayor remembers Sweeta Ram after Alton family tragedy
PALMVIEW, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A tragedy involving an Alton family is sending shockwaves through both Alton and Palmview, where friends and community leaders are remembering Sweeta Ram as a businessman, friend, and longtime supporter of the community. Hidalgo County investigators say 19-year-old Gaurav Chopra shot and killed his father, mother, and grandmother inside their Alton
Community'Be proud of where you're from and just do big things': Los Fresnos artist Staarz on the rise
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — From using a closet as a soundproof room to getting national attention on a popular TV show, a Rio Grande Valley artist is on the rise and putting the 956 on the map. Staarz, a 25-year-old Los Fresnos native, recently had her cover of "Therefore I Am" by Billie Eilish featured in
CommunityFood Vendor Applications Open for McAllen’s Christmas in the Park 2026
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the City of McAllen are inviting food vendors to apply for the 2026 Christmas in the Park, scheduled for December 4 and 5. The event will run from 5 to 11 p.m. on the first day and from noon to 11 p.m. on the second. Vendors can reserve a 10×10 booth for $450, which is non-refundable. Each booth includes one table and one chair. A Temporary Event Permit must be obtained by November 20, 2026, and a mandatory vendor meeting is set for November 19 at 5:30 p.m. Applications can be submitted via mail, email, or fax.
CommunityBooks, Boo’s & Second Chances, June 20th
On June 20, 2026, J’aime Les Livres in McAllen will host the SummerWeen Storybook & Kitty Spooktacular, a family-friendly event celebrating literacy and animal adoption. This annual tradition, co-hosted with Mija Media House and in collaboration with Palm Valley Animal Society, invites families to enjoy activities like trick-or-treating, face painting, and storytime. Attendees can meet adoptable kittens and receive a free copy of the children's book 'Halloween the Homeless Kitty' by local author Eliza M. Garza with each adoption. The event aims to connect children with stories and the importance of compassion and second chances.
CommunityOperation Christmas RGV Earns 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid
Operation Christmas RGV has received the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the highest recognition for nonprofits. This award signifies that the organization has provided extensive details about its programs, goals, and financial practices, showcasing its commitment to transparency with donors and the community. Emanuel Martinez, the founder, emphasized the importance of integrity and openness in their operations. The organization continues to support families in the Rio Grande Valley through holiday assistance and year-round initiatives. For more information, visit their profile on Candid's website.
CommunityJalisco Breaks Record: Preparing 12.4 Tons of Guacamole, the Largest in the World
GUADALAJARA – The Mexican state of Jalisco set a Guinness World Record on Thursday by preparing 12,646 kilograms of the unmistakable Mexican dish in the municipality of Zapopan, part of the Guadalajara metropolitan area. The previous record was held by the municipality of Tancítaro in the neighboring state of Michoacán, which set a mark of 6,800 kilograms last April. After nearly three hours of preparation, Guinness World Records official judge Alfredo Arista Rueda confirmed that the organizers met the requirements for processes, hygiene, and weight to secure the record. 'I have reviewed all the evidence, and they had a record to beat of 6.8 tons set a few months ago in the state of Michoacán. After reviewing all the evidence and having a confirmed official number, they have just taken the Guinness World Record title,' he said, prompting cheers from the crowd. About 800 culinary students, specialized chefs, and volunteers chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, salt, and nearly two tons of avocado pulp, which they mixed in a large container to create the guacamole.
CommunityHispanic Father of 6 Wins $2 Million Powerball: Here's How He Chose His Numbers
A Hispanic father of six, Benito Colunga Guerrero, won $2 million in the Powerball lottery by using his children's birth dates as his lucky numbers. While leaving a gas station in Indiana, he remembered the Powerball drawing that night and returned to purchase a ticket. The next day, he discovered he had matched all five white balls. Colunga, a contractor specializing in hotel construction, spends most of his time in Indiana but frequently visits Texas to see his children. He plans to use his winnings to build his dream home in Texas, buy an RV, and purchase off-road vehicles for his property.
CommunityHarlingen woman warns of $32 million sweepstakes scam targeting residents
A Harlingen resident, Sue Groves, is alerting the community about a $32 million sweepstakes scam. She received persistent calls and emails from a company named 'American Cashaward,' demanding $5,000 upfront to claim the prize and a new car. Despite the enticing offer, Groves questioned the legitimacy of paying for a prize she hadn't received. Investigations revealed the company's Las Vegas address is fake, and it holds an 'F' rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). BBB President Hilda Martinez noted an increase in similar complaints, emphasizing that legitimate sweepstakes never require payment before awarding a prize.
CommunityAlamo moving forward with groundwater project to boost city drinking water supply
Alamo city officials have approved the next phase of a groundwater project aimed at enhancing the city's drinking water supply. This initiative involves extracting brackish groundwater through wells, which will then undergo treatment via a reverse osmosis system before being integrated into the municipal water supply. Mayor J.R. Garza emphasized the importance of diversifying water sources beyond reliance on the irrigation district. The city will now initiate feasibility, environmental, and engineering studies to prepare for construction. Once completed, the project is projected to deliver between 1.5 million and 2.5 million gallons of water daily, although a timeline has yet to be established.
CommunityBrownsville Girl Scout member working to certify therapy dog for local veteran
Susie Scheiber, a 17-year-old Girl Scout from Brownsville, is training her dog Ash to become a certified therapy dog for a local veteran as part of her Gold Award project. The dog will be donated to a veteran selected through the Brownsville VFW Post. To alleviate any financial burden on the recipient, Scheiber is also fundraising. K9 Trainer Derek Rivera highlighted the benefits of therapy dogs for veterans, stating that they can help recognize emotional triggers. The Gold Award represents the highest achievement for Girl Scouts.
CommunityPharr residents struggle to reach homes amid sewer upgrade on unpaved road
Residents of a southern Pharr neighborhood are facing difficulties accessing their homes due to a sewer upgrade project on East Juarez Avenue. Recent heavy rains have turned the unpaved road into a muddy obstacle, prompting some residents to avoid driving through it. Lydia Gonzalez, a resident for 14 years, has resorted to parking at a nearby church to prevent her car from getting stuck. She expressed frustration over the situation, noting that some neighbors have also struggled. The city plans to add caliche once the road dries, aiming to complete the project by the end of July.
CommunityEstero Llano Grande State Park marks 20 years serving the Rio Grande Valley
Estero Llano Grande State Park is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, having opened in 2006. Located in the Rio Grande Valley, the park spans 230 acres and attracts around 30,000 visitors annually, including 2,000 students on field trips. Weslaco resident Amparo Garza, a frequent visitor, notes significant improvements over the years, such as enhanced walking trails and more shaded areas. Superintendent Javier De Leon, who volunteered before the park opened, highlights its transformation from farmland to a vital habitat for 340 bird species. A series of activities will commemorate the anniversary, with an official ceremony scheduled for November.
CommunityCity of Pharr Communications Department Earns Three TAMIO Awards
The City of Pharr's Communications Department received three awards at the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) Conference in Austin, marking its first participation in the event. Director Kenia Gomez and the City Commission, including Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, celebrated this achievement, which recognizes excellence in municipal communications. The awards highlight the department's dedication to informing and engaging the community, enhancing public awareness, and showcasing Pharr's initiatives and accomplishments. This recognition underscores the department's commitment to effective communication that supports the city's growth and success.