Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityMcAllen Citizens League’s Strategic Power of McAllen’s International Bridges, May 21st
The McAllen Citizens League (MCL) will wrap up its season on May 21, 2026, with a presentation by Juan Olaguibel, Assistant City Manager and Superintendent of McAllen Bridge Systems. Titled "Where Borders Meet Business: The Power of McAllen’s Bridges," the talk will focus on the economic and geopolitical significance of the city's international bridges in the Rio Grande Valley and U.S.-Mexico relations. McAllen's unique ownership of its bridge system enhances its role in cross-border commerce and tourism. Reservations for the luncheon can be made online or by calling (956) 681-2861, with fees set at $30 for members and $35 for non-members.
CommunityIt's a girl! White House spokesperson gives birth to her second baby
WASHINGTON D.C. – White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt welcomed a baby girl named Viviana, her second child, she announced on Thursday in an Instagram post accompanied by a photo of her holding the baby at home. The little girl, affectionately nicknamed Vivi, was born on May 1 and is 'healthy and doing great,' detailed the spokesperson for President Donald Trump. Leavitt, 28, is married to businessman Nicholas Riccio, 60, with whom she has another child, Niko, born in 2024. 'We are enjoying every moment in this bubble of happiness with our newborn. Thank you to everyone who remembered us in their prayers during my pregnancy; I truly felt them at every stage of this experience. God is good,' Leavitt expressed.
CommunityDr. Fred Farias III joins the McAllen Heritage Center Board of Trustees
Dr. Fred Farias III has been appointed to the Board of Trustees for the McAllen Heritage Center (MHC), as announced by Chairman John M. Kreidler. Farias, an optometrist and educator, has a strong commitment to community service and has held various leadership roles, including positions on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Optometry Board. His dedication to the community has earned him numerous accolades, including the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Presidents Medal of Honor Award. The MHC, located in downtown McAllen, is set to begin construction on a new building later this year.
CommunityMother's Day Gallery: Send your photos to ValleyCentral!
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Mother's Day is this Sunday, and ValleyCentral is celebrating all moms and mother figures for their love and sacrifice. In honor of the upcoming holiday, ValleyCentral is creating a Mother's Day photo gallery. Viewers can submit their favorite photo of mom using the form below for a chance to be featured
CommunityMcAllen Public Utility’s Annual Night Out, May 7th
McAllen Public Utility is set to host its annual Night Out on May 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the McAllen Public Library located at 4001 N. 23rd St. This family-friendly event will feature interactive exhibits, educational displays, and hands-on demonstrations about water treatment and delivery. Attendees can enjoy complimentary food and visit a petting zoo, with free admission for all. It's a great opportunity for residents to learn more about their local utility services while enjoying a fun evening with family.
CommunityNew outdoor fitness court unveiled at McAllen park
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of McAllen debuted a new fitness court on Wednesday. The new outdoor fitness court at Bill Schupp Park, located at 1300 Zinnia Ave W, is the latest effort from the city to help residents stay active. "We're just trying to get the community get engaged at the very end,"
CommunityKate del Castillo Returns as the Iconic Teresa Mendoza in the Fourth Season of 'La Reina del Sur'
Telemundo has announced the start of production for the highly anticipated fourth season of its global hit 'La Reina del Sur,' with international superstar Kate del Castillo (Bad Boys for Life, Ingobernable) reprising her role as the legendary Teresa Mendoza, one of the most iconic characters in Spanish-language television. Returning cast members include Ágata Clares, Alejandro Calva, Antonio Gil, Arturo Ríos, Cuca Escribano, Ed Trucco, Emmanuel Orenday, Isabella Sierra, Kika Edgar, Lincoln Palomeque, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Sofía Lama, and Víctor Rebull, among others. The network also announced that acclaimed Spanish actor Daniel Grao will join the star-studded cast this season, further enhancing the lineup of Telemundo's most successful Súper Serie™. The impressive cast is rounded out by new additions Ariadne Fova, Gustavo Sánchez Parra, Jason Day, Juan Carlos Remolina, Leticia Huijara, Tamara Mazarraza, Tulio Villavicencio, and Xaviani Ponce de León.
CommunityLaguna Madre Water District Clarifies Desalination Projects in the Region
The Laguna Madre Water District (LMWD) issued a statement to clarify recent discussions and media coverage regarding seawater desalination projects in the region. To avoid confusion, the district specified that it is developing an independent project, separate from those proposed by US Desalination and IDE Technologies, which is located in Port Isabel. Both projects will be executed in different locations. The district emphasized that its initiative is part of its own water infrastructure plans and is not connected to the mentioned private developments.
CommunityGladys Porter Zoo offers weekend discount to Brownsville residents
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Gladys Porter Zoo is offering a discount to Brownsville residents this weekend. The discount is a token of appreciation from the zoo to the city for its investment in supporting the facility's vision. "The progress we are seeing today, including the revitalization of our existing habitats and the critical infrastructure grants that
CommunityMiles greet: Sheinbaum welcomes BTS, the South Korean K-pop band, in Mexico
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the K-pop group BTS at Palacio Nacional on Wednesday, greeting around 50,000 fans in attendance. She expressed her joy in meeting one of the most beloved groups among Mexican youth, highlighting the cultural connection between Mexico and South Korea. BTS is set to begin a series of concerts in Mexico starting Thursday. Sheinbaum also encouraged the band to return next year, acknowledging that many fans would miss the current shows due to limited ticket availability. The meeting was facilitated by the Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel, after the Mexican government reached out to South Korea for assistance.
CommunityEntries Due June 7 for Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year Contest
Wildlife in Focus (WIF) has announced the Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year contest, inviting Texans of all ages to participate. The competition, which runs from April 1 to June 7, 2026, encourages submissions of wildlife photographs taken in Texas. With over $3,000 in cash prizes, including $500 for adult category winners and $100 for youth winners, the contest aims to promote ethical wildlife photography. Participants can enter in various categories, and youth entries are free. The initiative seeks to enhance appreciation for Texas wildlife and foster conservation efforts across the state.
CommunityRegister for FREE Children’s Life Jackets, May 16th
The City of Pharr is hosting a free event called Safe Summer Splash on May 16, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Pharr Aquatic Center, located at 1000 S. Fir St. This initiative, in collaboration with the Junior League of McAllen and Driscoll Children’s Hospital, aims to promote water safety for families. Attendees can participate in CPR education, receive free life jackets for children (while supplies last), enjoy sample swim lessons, and take part in various fun activities. Registration is required for participation, and everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.
CommunityNonprofit organizes shoe drive to help children in need
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A nonprofit organization in the Rio Grande Valley is organizing its annual shoe drive to provide children and families in need with new and proper footwear. The Buckner International Rio Grande Valley is now accepting donations for the entire month of May. The nonprofit is looking for new, closed shoes of all
CommunityPremios PLATINO XCARET for Ibero-American Film and Television to Air Live on Universo and Telexitos
Universo and Telexitos have announced the live broadcast of the 13th edition of the Premios PLATINO XCARET, the prestigious ceremony that recognizes the best in Spanish and Portuguese film and television, this Saturday, May 9 at 9 PM/8 PM CT. The event will be rebroadcast on Telemundo at 12:30 AM ET/11:30 PM CT. From the Gran Tlachco Theater in Xcaret Park, Riviera Maya, Mexico, this year's ceremony will be hosted by Carlos Torres and Cayetana Guillén Cuervo. The red carpet, prior to the awards, will be led by Lourdes Stephen from Telemundo alongside Carolina Ramírez, in an evening that will bring together prominent stars and industry figures to honor the best productions and talents of the season. The Premios PLATINO XCARET will feature renowned personalities as presenters of the coveted statuette, including Alfredo Castro, Altair Jarabo, Ana Claudia Talarcón, André Lamoglia, Antonia Zegers, Belén Rueda, Carmen Villalobos, Carolina Kopelioff, Carolina Miranda, Christian Malheiros, Christian Meier, Diego Boneta, Geraldine Bazán, Giba, Javier Sotomayor, Jorge López, José Eduardo Derbez, Juan Alfonso Baptista, Juana Acosta, Ludwika Paleta, Manolo Cardona, Mariela Garriga, Maxi Iglesias, Michel Brown, Paco León, Samantha Siqueiros, Santiago Cabrera, Sara Linares, Sofía Aragón, Stephanie Cayo, and Valeria Mazza. Awards will also be presented by Álvaro Cervantes, winner of the Best Supporting Male Performance award (Sorda), as well as César Troncoso and Andrea Pietra, winners of Best Male and Female Supporting Performance in a Miniseries (El eternauta). During the gala, Guillermo Francella will be honored with the Honor Award for his outstanding career as an actor, comedian, and producer in television, film, and theater in Argentina. The Premios PLATINO XCARET will feature musical performances by Camilo, with one of his major hits live; Manuel Carrasco, who will blend flamenco and pop; and María Becerra, who will perform a pop ballad with urban touches.
CommunityGladys Porter Zoo Announces Low-Cost Admission for Residents This Weekend
Gladys Porter Zoo is hosting a 'Brownsville Appreciation Weekend' from May 8 to 10, offering discounted admission for local residents at $4 per person. Both adults and children must show proof of residency to receive the discount. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the 'Soaring Eagle' zip line, which reaches heights of over 120 feet, and see new species such as the guira cuckoo and a reticulated python. The zoo emphasizes this event as a thank you to the community for its support, which has been vital for modernization and improvements. A special Mother's Day-themed activity will take place on May 10.
CommunityHistorical park to celebrate 180th anniversary of Battle of Palo Alto
The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in Brownsville is set to celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Battle of Palo Alto, the first significant conflict of the Mexican-American War. The event will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities include living history programs, information booths from local organizations, hands-on art projects, and informative talks by Rangers on the battlefield. The park is located at 7200 Paredes Line Rd., and the celebration aims to engage the community in this historic event.
CommunityArt and Memory: Matthew Perry's 'Friends' Items Go Up for Auction
LOS ANGELES — Memorabilia from the series 'Friends,' artwork, and other valuable items from Matthew Perry's estate will be sold at a charity auction benefiting the foundation established in the actor's name shortly after his passing in 2023. The event on June 5, organized by Heritage Auctions, will support the Matthew Perry Foundation, which works to destigmatize addiction and provide support for substance abuse recovery. 'Matthew believed that addiction should be addressed with compassion and science, not stigma and silence,' said Lisa Kasteler Calio, executive director of the foundation, in a statement. 'This auction furthers the Foundation's work to expand access to evidence-based care and combat stigma. It's another way to ensure that no one has to fight this disease alone.'
CommunityTIME Magazine Names Sister Norma Pimentel, Woman of the Year 2026
To celebrate this achievement, a ceremony was held on Monday in McAllen, where community leaders and officials highlighted her impact in the region. Pimentel, who is the director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, has been a key figure in assisting migrants, providing help to thousands of families arriving at the border in search of better opportunities. This is why TIME magazine chose to recognize her humanitarian work in supporting families at the U.S. border. Her efforts have gained international recognition, acknowledged by various global figures, including the late Pope Francis. She is currently considered one of the most influential voices on immigration and humanitarian assistance in the United States.
CommunityEdinburg mayor calls for community support after fatal crash leaves family in crisis
Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa has called for community support following a tragic car accident on Monte Cristo Road that resulted in the death of a young mother and left two of her children critically injured. In a social media video, Ochoa urged residents to assist the family, highlighting the financial burdens of funeral costs and medical expenses. A community food sale is planned for Sunday, May 10, at 8403 Carmen Avila Road, with proceeds going to the family. Meals will be sold for $12, and Ochoa emphasized the importance of coming together, especially on Mother’s Day.