Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityHouston Prepares Fan Fest for World Cup Fans This Summer
Houston is set to host a Fan Fest this summer as part of the World Cup festivities, with seven matches taking place at NRG Stadium, culminating in a knockout game on July 4. While only a fraction of the tournament will be held in the city, fans can enjoy all 34 matches at the free festival in East Downtown. Attractions include a 360-degree immersive experience created by Space Center Houston and a local culture exhibition. Additionally, 34 local artists will perform daily. The event aims to showcase Houston's diversity and hospitality, with nearby restaurants participating in a 'Football Fiesta.'
CommunityHill Country ranch with caves, cliffs and lake will become Texa second-largest state park
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has acquired Silver Lake Ranch, a 54,000-acre property in Kinney and Edwards counties, which will become Silver Lake State Park, the second-largest state park in Texas. This park features a 30-acre spring-fed lake, steep canyons, and rolling hills, located about 150 miles west of San Antonio. The acquisition was funded by the $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund approved in 2023. The Moody Foundation donated nearly 88% of the ranch, while TPWD purchased the remaining portion for $11.85 million. The park is expected to offer diverse wildlife and recreational opportunities when it opens.
CommunityEdinburg resident wins $1M from scratch lottery ticket
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edinburg resident is feeling like a million bucks after winning the $1 million top prize from a scratch lottery ticket, the Texas Lottery announced Wednesday. The scratch ticket, Premier Play, was purchased in TXB 82, a convenience store, located at 780 Carter St., in Asherton. The Texas Lottery said this
CommunityEdinburg PD to Host Teen Police Academy
The Edinburg Police Department is launching the 'Edinburg Teen Police Academy' to build positive relationships with local youth and spark interest in law enforcement careers. This free week-long program is open to Edinburg high school students aged 14-17, including those from public, private, or homeschool backgrounds. Participants will engage in hands-on learning about police functions such as patrol, special operations, and crime scene investigation at the CPL Derek Hernandez Police Training Facility. Two sessions are scheduled: June 8-12 and June 15-19, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Applications are due by June 2, 2026, with limited spots available.
CommunityMcAllen holds annual Memorial Day ceremony
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of McAllen held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans War Memorial of Texas on Monday. The ceremony was held at the Veterans War Memorial of Texas, located at the located at 3129 Galveston Avenue in McAllen. Jesse Rodriguez with Veterans War Memorial told ValleyCentral that Memorial Day is more
CommunityBrownsville unveils plaque honoring Vietnam veterans
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Brownsville, alongside the Warriors United in Arms and Cameron County Veterans office, held an unveiling for a Vietnam Veteran Plaque on Monday. The ceremony was held on Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial Park to honor Vietnam Veterans from Brownsville who sacrificed and were part of United States history.
CommunityHarlingen trumpeter joins nationwide Taps Across America
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Musicians from across the nation participate in a nationwide performance of taps at 3 p.m. every Memorial Day. Harlingen trumpet player Richard Brotzam performed at the Iwo Jima Monument at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen on Monday afternoon. More than 10,000 musicians participate in this annual movement; however, Brotzam has been
CommunityBad Bunny to Voice 'Pizza with Glasses' in Toy Story 5
Disney and Pixar announced new details about 'Toy Story 5' on Tuesday, including a special appearance by Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny in the highly anticipated animated film. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, the singer's real name, will provide a voice cameo in both English and Spanish for Latin America and Spain, portraying the character 'Pizza with Glasses.' The character is part of a small community of forgotten toys in a backyard and will be described as mysterious and 'very cool.' The new installment will reunite characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie, who will face off against 'Lilypad,' a smart tablet trying to help Bonnie make new friends. In addition to Bad Bunny, actor Alan Cumming will also join the English voice cast, voicing an alternate version of Bullseye during a gameplay sequence in the film. 'Toy Story 5' will premiere exclusively in theaters on June 17.
CommunityPSJA ISD’s Health and Safety on Wheels Community Outreach Event, May 27th
The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) will host the Health and Safety on Wheels event on May 27, 2026, at Junior’s Supermarket in Pharr, starting at 9:30 a.m. This free community event, organized in collaboration with the PSJA Police Department, aims to provide valuable health and safety information to attendees. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from PSJA ISD staff and see the Health & Safety Mobile Operations Bus, which serves as a mobile command center during emergencies. For more details, contact Claudia Lemus Campos at 956-586-2111.
CommunityTelemundo Adds More Stars to the Musical Celebration 'The World Cup Is Ours'
Telemundo has announced new stars joining the musical special "El Mundial Es Nuestro," set to air live on June 7 at 9 PM/8c from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Confirmed artists include David Bisbal, Elena Rose, Luis Fonsi, and Yahritza y Su Esencia with Low Clika, along with a special live performance by painter David Garibaldi. The two-hour show, hosted by Jacky Bracamontes and Mauricio Ochmann, promises a vibrant mix of music, culture, and soccer passion. Telemundo will broadcast all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Spanish, marking a historic coverage for U.S. television.
CommunitySpecial ceremony held at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery
On Memorial Day, a special ceremony took place at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission to honor fallen service members. Many attendees gathered to pay their respects. In a poignant tribute, the headstones of those who were killed or are missing in action will be illuminated throughout the night. The cemetery grounds will remain open for visitors for the remainder of the day, allowing the community to reflect and remember the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.
CommunityUnexpected Elimination: This Goodbye in the Final Stretch Impacts Agua y Tierra
In a surprising turn of events on La Casa de los Famosos, Sandra Itzel was eliminated, becoming the fourteenth contestant to leave just 17 days before the finale. Many expected Caeli to be the one eliminated due to her recent controversies, particularly her clashes with Luis Coronel. However, the audience saved Caeli, leading to Sandra Itzel and Verónica del Castillo facing elimination. Verónica, who had a health scare during the show, was ultimately safe, while Sandra Itzel was taken for an interview after her elimination. Other contestants, including Horacio, Yoridan, Kenny, and Fabio, were also saved during this round.
CommunityUTRGV launches Motus tower project to track bird migration in the Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has initiated a Motus Tower project to study bird migration patterns in the region. Researcher Ian Becker, who moved to Brownsville from California, is particularly interested in how drought affects migratory birds. The Motus Tower will allow researchers to capture birds and attach small tracking devices, enabling them to monitor movements within a 10-kilometer radius. UTRGV professor Andrea Contina explained that this data will help understand the impact of environmental changes on migration. The project aims to provide insights into how birds adapt to changing conditions, with results expected soon.
CommunityTSC Honors Fallen Heroes at Flags on the Lawn
Texas Southmost College held its Flags on the Lawn event on May 22, 2026, at Old Fort Brown Cemetery to honor fallen heroes. The ceremony welcomed veterans, active-duty service members, elected officials, and community members, paying tribute to American soldiers buried at the site and all service members who died in active duty. Ernie Aliseda, a retired U.S. Army colonel and associate vice president at the Texas A&M Higher Education Center in McAllen, delivered the keynote address. This event was part of TSC’s Centennial Celebration, supported by H-E-B, marking the college's 100-year anniversary.
CommunityMedal of Honor Monday: Army Pvt. Henry Johnson
Army Pvt. Henry Johnson, born William Henry Johnson on July 15, 1892, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, served in World War I with the 369th New York Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters. In May 1918, while on sentry duty in the Argonne Forest, he and Pvt. Needham Roberts were attacked by German soldiers. Despite sustaining 21 wounds, Johnson fought bravely, rescuing Roberts and inflicting casualties on the enemy. His valor earned him the French Croix de Guerre and, posthumously, the Medal of Honor in 2015. Johnson passed away on July 1, 1929, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
CommunityCemetery clean-up in Weslaco honors fallen service members
In Weslaco, over 50 volunteers gathered on Saturday to clean headstones at the City Cemetery in honor of fallen service members for Memorial Day. Twelve-year-old Sophia Gonzalez participated, inspired by her parents to recognize the significance of the day. Her sister, Athena, reflected on the bravery of those who served, noting the emotional impact of their family activity. Dora Hernandez, who lost her husband, Navy sailor Noe Hernandez, in 2017, shared her commitment to honoring his memory and the sacrifices of others. The event honored 130 individuals, including 18 who were killed in action, fostering community remembrance and respect.
CommunityHarlingen city officials seek community input ahead of revitalization ride-along
Harlingen city officials are inviting residents of District 4 to share their concerns ahead of a revitalization ride-along scheduled for June 20 at 8 a.m. Commissioner Frank Morales and his team will assess areas needing improvement, including code enforcement, drainage, and potholes. Morales emphasized the importance of community input in addressing these issues. Residents can provide feedback via email at pwadmin@harlingentx.gov or fmorales@harlingentx.gov, or by texting 956-264-3631. This initiative aims to enhance the living conditions in the district.
CommunityMemorial Day event honors fallen Edinburg veterans
On Memorial Day, Edinburg held a ceremony to honor 90 fallen soldiers, featuring a musical tribute and a Battlefield Cross presentation by the Edinburg High School JROTC Honor Guard. The event included a 21-gun salute from VFW Post 8788 and the Presentation of Colors by the Marine Corps League of the Rio Grande Valley Detachment 1456. Members of American Legion Post 408 read the names of the fallen heroes. Mayor Omar Ochoa emphasized the importance of remembering these individuals and the sacrifices they made for the nation, underscoring Edinburg's commitment to preserving their legacy.
Community'I haven’t cried in years': SpaceX fans travel across country for 12th Starship launch
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cheers erupted across Isla Blanca Park as SpaceX’s Starship rocket thundered into the sky during the company’s 12th flight test over Memorial Day weekend. Thousands of spectators packed the park for a chance to witness the launch in person, with many traveling hundreds of miles to see what they