Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityHundreds of Fans Bid Farewell to Singer Bonnie Tyler
On Saturday, hundreds of fans gathered in the coastal village of Mumbles, Wales, to bid farewell to the late singer Bonnie Tyler, whose coffin was transported home. The Grammy-nominated pop star, famous for her hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," passed away last month in a Portuguese hospital at the age of 75. Tyler had undergone emergency intestinal surgery in May. Admirers from across the UK lined the streets to pay their respects, leaving floral tributes outside her former home. A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Monday in Swansea before her final journey through Skewen, her hometown.
CommunityHidalgo County judge rallies community leaders to tackle hunger across the Rio Grande Valley
Hidalgo County is addressing food insecurity in the Rio Grande Valley, with Judge Richard Cortez leading the initiative. He is uniting nonprofits, food banks, and health clinics to identify the underlying causes of hunger, as nearly 25% of the Valley's population is affected, according to Feeding America. Cortez emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "We want to find solutions to the problem that we have." A free event titled "Hunger in the RGV: A Call to Action" will be held on September 3, 2026, at the Weslaco South Texas College campus, where attendees can learn more and hear about upcoming changes to SNAP benefits.
Community'Greatest show on Earth': Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey coming to Edinburg
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Ringling Circus Hype Crew stopped by our studios Friday morning to present the "Greatest Show on Earth", which is coming to the Rio Grande Valley next month. The high-energy circus experience is taking place from Sept. 3 through Sept. 6 at the Bert Ogden Arena. Juanita with the Ringling Circus
Community4Ever Family: Jada
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Every week, CBS 4 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 Jada, a 16-year-old girl with a great sense of humor who is comfortable around others. Her social
CommunitySTC Alumna Finds Community and Culture Through Ballet Folklórico
Andrea Arechiga, a South Texas College (STC) alumna, first joined the college in 2019 to participate in Ballet Folklórico. Her passion for dance led her to enroll as a student, where she earned an associate degree in business administration in 2020 and later a bachelor's degree from UTRGV. Arechiga credits STC's folklórico program for connecting her to her culture and community, providing opportunities to perform across Mexico and the U.S. Now working as a financial aid specialist at STC, she aims to further her education with a master’s degree and hopes to return as a professor in the future.
CommunityDuke the Dog Adopted After Nearly 5 Years at a New Jersey Shelter
Duke, a coonhound mix, has finally been adopted after nearly five years at the Humane Society of Ocean City in New Jersey. He arrived at the shelter in the summer of 2021, where he became a beloved resident. The shelter actively sought a suitable family for him, and their efforts paid off. Duke is now thriving in his new home, enjoying affection and even making a new canine friend. The Humane Society expressed their joy over Duke's adoption, stating that his once sad story has turned into a heartwarming tale of companionship and love.
CommunityTexas Hunting, Fishing Licenses on Sale Aug. 15
Texas hunting and fishing licenses for the 2026-27 season will be available for purchase starting August 15, as current licenses expire at the end of August. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) encourages hunters and anglers to renew their licenses, which support various conservation efforts across the state. Licenses can be bought online or at retail locations, with a $5 fee for online purchases. New identity verification rules are in place to prevent residency fraud. Additionally, digital licenses are available, allowing users to access their licenses via mobile devices. Hunters can also enter a Lifetime License Drawing for a chance to win a free lifetime license.
CommunityMovie Talk reviews The End of Oak Street
Written and Directed by David Robert Mitchell Staring Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella ★★★1/2 HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — When was the last time you saw a movie featuring dinosaurs that was not part of the "Jurassic Park" franchise? It is admittedly a bold move to borrow one of the most profitable cinematic franchises' signature attractions, but leave it to a bold filmmaker like David Robert Mitchell
CommunityRichard Moore Outdoor Report: Wonderful Wood Storks
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hundreds of wood storks are migrating through the Rio Grande Valley this summer, taking advantage of receding resacas to forage for fish and other aquatic creatures. Worldwide, there are some 17 species of storks, but the wood stork is North America’s only native species. Standing just over 3 feet with a wingspan
CommunityRegistration now open for City of Edinburg 9/11 Memorial Run
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Registration is now open to participate in the city of Edinburg's annual 9/11 Memorial Run. The event is dedicated to honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11. The run will take place at 7:30 a.m. on September 5th at the Edinburg Fire Station 1, located at
CommunityHistoric Brownsville trail nominated for trail organization's Hall of Fame
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Brownsville is celebrating a big nomination this week. Rails to Trails is a conservancy that recognizes outstanding trails across the country for their history, accessibility, community connection, and overall trail experience. The organization has nominated the city's Historic Battlefield Trail for their 2026 Hall of Fame. The trail is one of three national finalists for the honor
CommunityRegister Now for Edinburg’s 9/11 Remembrance 5K & Walk
Edinburg is hosting its 6th Annual 9/11 Patriot Day of Remembrance 5K Memorial Run on Saturday, September 5, 2026, starting at 7:30 a.m. at Fire Station 1. Registration is open until September 4 at www.ActiveEdinburg.com, with a fee of $20 per participant. The first 300 runners will receive shirts. Packet pickup is scheduled for September 3 and 4 at the Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, a free Honorary Walk will take place on September 11, starting with a remembrance ceremony at 8:45 a.m. and the walk at 9:11 a.m. For details, call (956) 381-5631.
CommunityJosh Hutcherson Advocates for Shelter Pet Adoption: 'A Cause Very Close to My Heart'
Actor Josh Hutcherson is advocating for shelter pet adoption through his partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition for the annual 'Clear the Shelters' campaign. Having volunteered at a Pasadena shelter, he emphasizes the importance of finding homes for animals in need, especially larger dogs who often spend 70% more time in shelters than smaller breeds. The campaign runs from July 15 to September 15, with a focus on adoption throughout August. Hutcherson, who has two rescue dogs, Driver and Manchi, believes in the special bond that can form between pets and their owners. For more information, visit ClearTheShelters.com.
CommunityFirst look at 'Prometheus', a 50-foot bronze statue at Starbase
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — French sculpture group Atelier Missor has revealed the first look of its 50-foot bronze statue of Prometheus being built in Starbase, Texas. Atelier Missor, a French foundry, is a traditional metal-casting workshop that specializes in titanium statues and was founded in 2020 by Massoud (Missagh) Movahhed Ghaleh Nouri and (Massoud) Movahed Ghaleh
CommunityPet of the week: Mariana makes waves
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A very special guest dropped by our studios on Tuesday. Brownsville Animal Regulation Care Center specialist Jorge introduced the world to Mariana, a painfully shy, trembling puppy. Though it took her a while to feel comfortable, Jorge promised that she has a lot of personality once she gets up and going. Mariana is just one of the many pups and kittens waiting for a forever
CommunityEdinburg Fire Department hosts 'Sparky's Back to School Bash'
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Fire Department is inviting children across the Valley to close out their summer with a free end-of-summer celebration on Thursday. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Promenade Park Amphitheater located at 201 W. McIntyre St. 'Sparky's Back-to-School Bash' will feature free food, moon jumps, a screening of 'The SpongeBob Movie:
CommunityPalmview to host National Night Out event
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Palmview Police Department is hosting its annual National Night Out event on Thursday. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the parking lot of the Palmview Parks & Recreation Gym located at 406 Veterans Boulevard. The event promises free school supplies, live music, vendors, community resources, and lots
CommunityHarlingen to celebrate All-America City award with community event
Harlingen is set to host a community event on August 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lozano Plaza to celebrate its recognition as a 2026 All-America City. City leaders accepted the award in Denver on June 28, marking Harlingen as the sole Texas city honored this year in a nationwide competition. The celebration will feature complimentary food, drinks, snow cones, and merchandise while supplies last, along with entertainment including a DJ and laser tag activities.
CommunityMade in the 956: Xavier Garza celebrates Valley storytelling
Xavier Garza, a McAllen native, has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the rich storytelling tradition of the Rio Grande Valley. Influenced by his family's storytelling legacy, Garza emphasizes the uniqueness of Valley culture in his writing. His first book, 'Creepy Creatures and Other Cucuys,' published in 2004, showcases local folklore and took nearly a decade to complete. He has since published several children's books, celebrating the Valley's literary heritage alongside notable authors like Gloria Anzaldua. Now residing in San Antonio, Garza remains connected to his roots, reminding others of the importance of their origins.