Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityHarlingen Travel Info Center to Reopen June 10th
The TxDOT Travel Information Center located at 2021 West Harrison in Harlingen will reopen on June 10 after a temporary closure for maintenance. This center is one of several across Texas that provides travelers with valuable information about attractions, events, and road conditions. Visitors can access free maps and travel literature, as well as public restrooms and Wi-Fi. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Travel Information Centers, which are staffed by certified travel counselors dedicated to enhancing Texas' tourism economy and supporting local communities.
CommunityWorld Elder Abuse Awareness Day
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva from the Justice Department's Criminal Division issued a crucial reminder. He emphasized that the Justice Department will not contact individuals unexpectedly to request money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Additionally, he warned against any advice to transfer funds for safety reasons, urging the public to remain vigilant against potential scams targeting the elderly.
CommunityRivera Honored with Statewide Ethics Award; Communications Team Earns TAMIO Recognition
Deputy City Manager Michelle Rivera has received the Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award from the Texas City Management Association at their annual conference in Arlington, Texas. This award highlights her over 30 years of public service and commitment to ethical leadership. Additionally, the City of McAllen's Office of Communications earned a Gold Award from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers for a video campaign promoting Nativa Plant Month, which encourages the use of native plants. Both recognitions underscore the city's dedication to effective communication and ethical governance.
CommunityCool off from the heat at Splash-A-Palooza in Pharr
PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Pharr is preparing to cool off from the heat and kick off summer break with its annual Splash-A-Palooza event. The annual event brings in families across the Rio Grande Valley to ring in summer fun with an entire day of family-friendly activities. Splash-A-Palooza 2026 will feature a DJ,
CommunityPalm Valley Animal Society seeks foster heroes for cats, kittens with ringworm
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Palm Valley Animal Society is seeking homes that can foster and help heal cats and kittens affected by ringworm. According to the foster team, the ringworm isolation room is filling up, and space is needed for incoming cats and kittens. The female ages range between 8 and 12 weeks, while
CommunityHarlingen Police to host water gun battle 2: Kids and officers
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Harlingen Police Department has kicked off summer with its "Water Wars 2, Kids vs. Cops," where kids compete with officers in a water battle. The free family-friendly event is taking place on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The water gun battle will take place at the Lon C. Hill Park, located at
CommunityCurvy Zelma Eliminated from the Sixth Season of La Casa de los Famosos
Curvy Zelma was eliminated from the sixth season of La Casa de los Famosos during Monday's live gala, finishing as the eighth finalist. Known for her positivity and body positivity advocacy, she left the show with a smile, despite her family's tears. Curvy, whose real name is Zelma Cherem Elías, had been a part of the 'Guerreros de la Luz' team and faced personal challenges during the season, including the loss of her father. The remaining finalists include Luis Coronel, Josh Martínez, Horacio Pancheri, Celinee Santos, Stefano Piccioni, and Fabio Agostini, with the finale set for June 11.
CommunityMedal of Honor Monday: Army 2nd Lt. Walter D. Ehlers
Army 2nd Lt. Walter D. Ehlers, born on May 7, 1921, in Junction City, Kansas, served in World War II as an infantryman in Europe and North Africa. He enlisted with his brother Roland in 1940, and both participated in the D-Day landings at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Ehlers displayed extraordinary bravery, leading his squad and rescuing a wounded comrade despite being injured himself. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor. After the war, Ehlers worked for the Veterans Administration and returned to Omaha Beach for the 50th anniversary of D-Day. He passed away on February 20, 2014, and is buried in Riverside, California.
CommunityHidalgo County program offers assistance to help pay for funerals, cremation
Hidalgo County's Health and Human Services Department offers a Funeral Assistance Program to help residents cover funeral and cremation costs. Support is provided based on individual circumstances and can include burial or cremation services, a basic container, a two-hour viewing, and transportation. The program offers a minimum of $200 for cremation and can cover up to $12,000 when using Ric Brown Family Funeral Home, a county-contracted provider. Eligibility Specialist Yesenia Guzman emphasized that this assistance helps families during difficult times. Note that the program is not a cash payout or reimbursement, and applicants must meet specific requirements.
CommunityCelebrating Freedom and History with Juneteenth Ceremony and Festival, June 12th
The City of Edinburg is hosting a Juneteenth Ceremony on June 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium. This event will celebrate freedom, history, and unity, featuring moments of reflection, music, and community connection. Following the ceremony, a Juneteenth Celebration will take place at the City Hall Courtyard at 7:30 p.m., showcasing local vendors, community exhibits, festival food, and live Motown music by Memphis Soul. Admission is free, and the event aims to honor the cultural legacy of Juneteenth. For more details, contact the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events Center.
CommunityOperación Triunfo United States is Ready to Make History with Its Grand Premiere on Telemundo
Telemundo is set to launch 'Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos' on July 7 at 7 PM/6C, a musical competition that promises to transform Spanish-language television. Contestants will live in a state-of-the-art academy, receiving intensive training from industry experts. Each week, they will showcase their talent in live galas, judged by a panel including David Bisbal. After a nationwide audition process, a diverse group of young talents will compete for the title, demonstrating their skills in singing, performance, and dance. The show aims to engage audiences on social media using #OperacionTriunfoUSA.
CommunityLa Casa de los Famosos says goodbye in live final gala: everything you need to know
The explosive season finale of La Casa de los Famosos airs live on Thursday, June 11, at 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT on Telemundo. Hosted by Jimena Gállego and Javier Poza, the show culminates after weeks of drama and alliances, featuring special guests and former contestants. The finalists include Fabio Agostini, Josh Martínez, Horacio Pancheri, Celinee Santos, Zelma Cherem, Stefano Piccioni, Luis Coronel, and Yoridan Martínez. The winner will receive a $200,000 cash prize. Voting is open online for residents of the U.S. and Puerto Rico, allowing one vote per day until the deadline.
CommunityGet Ready! Premiere Date Announced for the Tenth Season of El Señor de los Cielos
The countdown begins for the final season of the iconic Telemundo series, El Señor de los Cielos, premiering on Tuesday, July 7, at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT. Since its debut in 2013, the show has captivated audiences and become a staple in Spanish-language television. In this explosive tenth season, Aurelio Casillas, played by Rafael Amaya, returns more powerful and ambitious than ever, ready to reclaim his empire amidst a fierce battle against old and new enemies. The season features a star-studded cast, including returning favorites and new characters, promising high-stakes drama. Fans can engage on social media using #ESDLCX.
CommunityFormer Mission Softball Coach Iris G. Iglesias honored with plaque unveiling
Mission CISD recently unveiled a plaque honoring former Head Softball Coach Iris G. Iglesias, celebrating her significant impact on the school's athletic program. During the ceremony, Iglesias expressed her gratitude, recalling her years spent at Mission High School. Superintendent Dr. Cris King emphasized that the plaque symbolizes Iglesias' lasting legacy in the community. Family, former players, and local residents gathered to honor her contributions, which began when she established the softball program in 1995. Despite retiring in 2014, Iglesias remains fond of her time on the field, with her influence continuing to inspire future generations of athletes.
CommunityKenny is eliminated from La Casa in the last eviction before the grand final
In the latest elimination round of La Casa de los Famosos, Kenny Rodríguez was sent home just five days before the grand finale, marking the first double elimination in the show's history. His departure means that Josh Martínez and Fabio Agostini secured their spots in the final week. Earlier, Verónica del Castillo was eliminated, while Yoridan Martínez and actor Horacio Pancheri joined the final lineup. The finalists for this season include Fabio Agostini, Josh Martínez, Horacio Pancheri, Celinee Santos, Curvy Zelma, Stefano Piccioni, Luis Coronel, and Yoridan Martínez. The winner will be revealed live on June 11 at 7 p.m. ET on Telemundo.
CommunityWATCH LIVE: Sunday Mass, June 7, 2026
On June 7, 2026, the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville will broadcast Sunday Mass live at 11 a.m. The service can be viewed on SOMOS EL VALLE Channel 5.2 and Cable 1240. For those unable to watch the video, alternative options are available. This event is part of the diocese's ongoing efforts to connect with the community and provide spiritual support.
CommunityBig help for small paws: Cat food distribution in the Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Palm Valley Animal Society, with donation with Greater Good Charities, held a cat food community pantry event. The event was held on Saturday morning at the PVAS Trenton location, where Rio Grande Valley cat owners were able to obtain a bag of cat food. "There's a lot of support that needs
CommunityLuis Fonsi Reunites with Mexican Taxi Driver, and They Even Sang Together!
Luis Fonsi returned to Mexico City a month after his encounter with the taxi driver went viral, captivating social media with his reaction upon discovering that the singer was his passenger. The Puerto Rican artist shared that he promised Richy that he would be his driver upon his return. He fulfilled that promise, and the moment was captured on social media. 'I am a man of my word,' the artist stated, also inviting the taxi driver to his acoustic concert at the El Cantoral cultural center in Mexico City, rewarding him with six tickets. A humorous moment occurred when the driver jokingly asked Fonsi to let him sing, turning the car into a stage as they attempted to sing 'No me doy por vencido.'
CommunityWeslaco couple competing in the BBQ World Cup in Las Vegas
Eloy and Debi De Leon, a couple from Weslaco, are set to compete in the inaugural BBQ World Cup in Las Vegas, where they will vie for a $1 million prize. Their journey from a backyard hobby to this prestigious event began after winning Grand Champion at Smokin' On The Rio this year. Known as Los Buzzards, the couple is excited to represent the Rio Grande Valley and emphasize that their participation is about community pride rather than the prize money. They will face over 100 pit masters from around the world next April, showcasing their South Texas flavors.