Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Meet Magpie, the South Padre Island dog helping save sea turtles
Lost your wedding ring on South Padre Island? This woman might have found it
I can perform again: McAllen mariachi brothers opening for Kacey Musgraves in sold-out shows
CommunityRichard Moore Outdoor Report: Texas Tortoise
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas tortoises are on the move, and while they may not be moving very fast, they plod steadily along. Recent rains have provided bountiful brows for these hardy denizens of the Chaparral, and they are contentedly munching on fresh green grass carpeting south Texas senderos. The only place in the
CommunityValley Voices: Veteran Females United
HARLINGEN,TX (ValleyCentral) - In the latest episode of Valley Voices, CBS 4's Marco Ramirez sat down with members of Veteran Females United based in the Rio Grande Valley. VFU helps fellow female veterans across the Valley adjust to civilian life after their service. The organization not only provides emotional support to veterans but also offers
CommunityEdinburg Family Struggles to Stay Together After Father's Deportation
After the recent deportation of their father, Alfonso Herrera, who was arrested last week at his home by ICE agents, two of his sons have stepped up to take charge of the family business to support their family. The sons have taken on the responsibility of running the landscaping business their father left behind: 'My dad has everything to do the work... the tractor, the machine, the blower,' explained Edgar Herrera. Despite the challenging circumstances, they are determined to move forward: 'Unfortunately, this happened to us... and now we have to keep my dad's business going,' said Gabriel Herrera. The young men offer services such as lawn mowing, tree trimming, and garden maintenance, and they are committed to honoring existing agreements. 'We’re going to fulfill them... we won’t let anyone down,' added Gabriel. The situation has taken a financial toll on the family, prompting them to reach out to the community for work opportunities: 'We’re not asking for money... we can work,' emphasized Edgar. Both brothers agree that their priority is to support their family and keep alive the legacy their father built. Those interested in hiring their services can contact them at (956) 703-2080.
Community'For me, music is everything': McAllen mariachi brothers grateful to open for Grammy artist
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen mariachi brothers — Antonio and Caleb Gamez-Cuellar — told ValleyCentral they are excited to be opening for American singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves at Texas’s oldest dance hall. The brothers are scheduled to perform opening sets on May 3, May 4, and May 5 at Gruene Hall, located at 1281 Gruene Road in New
CommunityMcAllen, Reynosa celebrate 10 years of collaboration
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A ceremony was held on Tuesday to celebrate 10 years of collaboration between the sister cities of McAllen and Reynosa. First established in 2016, the agreement was created to connect the cities and strengthen both sides of the border. To commemorate a decade of collaboration, the mayors of McAllen and Reynosa signed
CommunityThink Before You Touch: A Guide to Encountering Newborn Animals in the Wild
Warmer weather across Texas means more time outdoors and more encounters with wildlife.
Made in the 956: Annual 5K helps students while honoring beloved Edinburg teacher
Community'We all have a caramelo': Meet Mexico's 4th national dog, the caramel dog
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — This month, the State of Mexico's Environmental Agency officially recognized the perro caramelo, or the caramel dog, as Mexico's fourth representative canine symbol. On April 16, the State of Mexico's Environmental Agency, also known as the PROPAEM, announced on social media that the caramel dog is now the fourth symbolic national dog
CommunityEdinburg Parks and Recreation to Host ‘Senior De Mayo’ Celebration
A festive celebration created with seniors in mind returns to Edinburg! Community members ages 55 and up are invited to join the Parks and Recreation Department for ‘Senior de Mayo’ on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Jose Nieto and Consuelo Alfaro Robledo Center (El Tule).
CommunityTexas Mariachis Previously Detained by ICE to Perform at Country Artist's Concerts
AUSTIN, Texas – Country artist Kacey Musgraves will perform at three concerts starting May 3 alongside three young Mexican mariachis from South Texas who were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last March. Musgraves, who is set to release her new album 'Middle of Nowhere' this Friday, will take the stage at the historic Gruene Hall in New Braunfels on May 3, 4, and 5. Tickets went on sale this morning and are already sold out, according to the venue's official website. Brothers Antonio, Caleb, and Joshua Gámez-Cuéllar were held in two ICE migrant detention centers in Texas, sparking widespread criticism from both Democratic and Republican politicians, as well as activists and members of the South Texas community, where the family has lived since 2023. Antonio and Caleb were part of the award-winning school mariachi group Mariachi McAllen Oro, which earned state-level recognition and led to their acknowledgment in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2025. The family, originally from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, was arrested during a routine ICE appointment and released following a pressure campaign led by Congressmembers Joaquín Castro and Mónica de La Cruz. The Gámez-Cuéllar family entered the U.S. through the CBP One app, a program implemented under Democratic President Joe Biden (2021-2025) that allowed migrants to schedule border appointments to begin their asylum application process.
CommunityMcAllen mariachi brothers to open for Kacey Musgraves at Texas shows
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen mariachi brothers — Antonio, Caleb and Joshua Gamez-Cuellar — are opening for American singer-songwriter Kacy Musgraves next month at Texas' oldest dance hall. The brothers will perform opening sets for the Grammy-award-winning artist on May 3, May 4, and May 5 at Gruene Hall, located at 1281 Gruene Road
Valley group creates second memorial to honor families of murder victims
CommunityUnexpected Twist: Four Powerful Women Join to Shake Up La Casa de los Famosos
La Casa de los Famosos is heating up more than ever with the shocking arrival of four influential women who will surprise the housemates tomorrow, Tuesday, at 7pm/6c on Telemundo. In this new phase of the reality show, the competition enters a decisive stage where every move can change the course of the game. After last week's visit from Maripily Rivera and Salvador Zerboni, Jeni de la Vega, Verónica del Castillo, Lorena Herrera, and Sandra Itzel are now entering the most famous house on Hispanic television. The arrival of these personalities promises to completely shake up the dynamics of the game.
CommunityHarlingen Travel Center temporarily closed for building maintenance
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Travel Information Center in Harlingen is temporarily closed for building maintenance starting Monday, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The center, located at 2021 West Harrison in Harlingen, will be closed through Friday, May 8. According to TxDOT, there will be no public restrooms or WiFi available at the
CommunityMcAllen Expands Wellness Access with New Outdoor Fitness Court Launch
Texas Border Business The City of McAllen, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and NationalFitness Campaign are holding a ribbon cutting launch of the much-anticipated Fitness Court® in McAllen. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Fitness Court® will provide the region withequitable access to free world-class Healthy Infrastructure that allows users to leverage their own body weight
CommunityApplications Open for Teen Court Volunteers
The City of McAllen Teen Court program is now accepting applications for student volunteers, ages 14 and up who live in McAllen, attend a McAllen high school, or reside in surrounding areas.
CommunityHarlingen Travel Information Center Closed April 27th – May 8th
Texas Border Business HARLINGEN, Texas – The TxDOT Travel Information Center, at 2021 West Harrison in Harlingen, will close temporarily from April 27 to May 8, for building maintenance. The TxDOT Travel Information Center is one of several across the state staffed with professional counselors providing current information on points of interest, events, and road conditions