The 21st Annual Heroes & Outlaws Benefit Concert will take place on November 6, 2026, at Las Palmas Race Park in Mission, Texas. This year, H-E-B has been named the Presenting Sponsor in collaboration with Friends for Hope, which supports the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic. The concert will feature the Eli Young Band as part of their Keep on Dreaming Tour. Friends for Hope has organized this event for over two decades to raise funds for children and families affected by cancer. Sponsorship opportunities are available until October 20.

The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) celebrated its 31st anniversary with a gala honoring students and community partners. Former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of investing in education and workforce development. He shared his journey from a working-class background to a prominent educational leader, highlighting the significance of bilingualism and biculturalism. VIDA focuses on creating career pathways in high-demand fields like healthcare and STEM, supporting many first-generation college students. The event recognized outstanding students and partners, including Methodist Healthcare Ministries and UnidosUS, for their contributions to the community.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In week 6 of High School Football, Valley Sports Central has nominated three teams for the Team of the Week. The nominees are Mercedes, Brownsville Hanna and Brownsville Pace. Mercedes Mercedes opened district play with a 24-10 win over a Donna team that came in at 4-1. The Tigers held an

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - San Juan police are trying to find out who fatally stabbed a man in shopping center parking lot. Police say they received a 911 call just after 2 a.m. Saturday about a man stabbed on the 1600 block of North Veterans Boulevard. Investigators say 44-year-old Erick Garcia had been stabbed several

Yossi J. Levi, founder of Car Dealership Guy, predicts that by 2029, artificial intelligence agents will negotiate car purchases directly with each other, streamlining the buying process. In this scenario, a consumer's AI agent would communicate with a dealership's AI to discuss vehicle preferences, pricing, and financing details without the need for direct interaction with sales staff. This shift could diminish the role of traditional dealership websites as automated systems take over negotiations. While this represents a significant technological advancement, it remains uncertain whether consumers and dealerships will fully embrace this model in the coming years.

From August to September, the military used a high-energy laser in the Rio Grande Valley to take down at least 11 cartel drones.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Rain chances will be increasing once again as we head through our Saturday. A combination of deep tropical moisture and a weak frontal boundary will combine with the heating of the day to squeeze out some more scattered showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rain is expected with some of the showers. In

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A McAllen man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a 41-year-old San Antonio man in 2017. More than nine years after the fatal shooting, a Hidalgo County jury found Armando Adrian Arebalo, 37, of McAllen, guilty of the murder of Nicholas Anthony Bazan, 41, following a

The McAllen Citizens League (MCL) will host a candidate forum for Texas House District 41 on October 14, featuring Democratic candidate Julio Salinas and Republican candidate Gary Groves. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, located at 1800 South Second Street in McAllen. Carlos Sanchez, a former senior editor at Texas Monthly, will moderate the discussion. This forum comes after Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra announced he would not seek reelection. Reservations are requested by October 9, with fees set at $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man is dead and a teen is in custody following a shooting in Pharr Thursday morning. At about 10:15 a.m., Pharr police say they responded to a family-related disturbance on the 1200 block of East Serenidad Drive. When police arrived, they say they found a 26-year-old man with a gunshot

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver who allegedly refused to stop for Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel is facing charges after leading officers on a chase Thursday morning, according to the Mercedes Police Department. The driver, who was not identified by police, is being charged with evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle, a felony

The man shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Austin earlier this month is set to appear in a federal courtroom Wednesday afternoon.

Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) will host its 5th Annual Tradiciones Mexicanas concert on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM at PSJA Stadium. The event will showcase performances of mariachi, conjunto, and folklórico music and dance by high school students from across the district. This concert aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the community and highlight the talents of PSJA students. Organized by the PSJA Fine Arts Department and the Dual Language Enrichment Department, the event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact 956-586-2111 or 956-586-2110.

The documentary "Los Tejanos: A 500-Year History" has been awarded Best Documentary at the 2026 South Texas International Film Festival in Edinburg. This film explores the rich history of Tejanos in South Texas, beginning in the 1500s and highlighting their cultural contributions and struggles. Directed by Joseph C. Stillman and produced by Jeri Wachter, it features interviews with community members and historians. The film is part of a Texas tour during Hispanic Heritage Month, with upcoming screenings in Laredo on October 15, San Antonio on November 7, and Corpus Christi on November 8. The film has received positive acclaim for its depth and historical accuracy.

The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce has announced that Fiesta Nissan Edinburg and Bert Ogden Nissan McAllen will serve as Presenting Sponsors for the 2026 Avocado Festival. A check presentation ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Fiesta Nissan Edinburg. This festival, taking place on October 10, 2026, will celebrate the region's culture with food, music, and art, attracting thousands of visitors. The event highlights the importance of the produce industry, particularly avocados, with 70% of the nation's supply crossing through Pharr. For more details, contact the Chamber at (956) 420-4240.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and U.S. Vice President JD Vance attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday in Brownsville for a new manufacturing facility by Saronic Technologies at the Port of Brownsville. The event marks the start of construction for Port Alpha, which will focus on developing and manufacturing autonomous vessels for maritime applications. Abbott is scheduled to speak alongside Vance and Saronic's CEO, Dino Mavrookas. Other attendees include Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez Jr. and Nathaniel Moran, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr., and William Kimmitt, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. The ceremony is set for 12:10 p.m. CT, following remarks at 11:45 a.m. CT.

The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) in McAllen is hosting its inaugural Homeschool STEAM Day on October 21, from 10 AM to 1 PM. This event aims to unite homeschool families for interactive learning experiences that explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Activities include presentations on Science on a Sphere, Animal Talks featuring Biozone Ambassador Animals, and hands-on science experiments focused on potential and kinetic energy. Families of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate in these engaging educational opportunities. Advance tickets are available for purchase.

T-MEC Terminal Puerto del Norte in Matamoros has initiated regular operations to receive aluminum trifluoride produced by Orbia, aimed for export to Brazil. The cargo is currently stored at the terminal while awaiting the arrival of a vessel to transport it to the Port of Pecém. The aluminum trifluoride is transported approximately 84 kilometers from Orbia's plant to the terminal. Maintenance dredging is also taking place at the port. The terminal, operated by Mota-Engil México, is designed for various cargo types and is strategically located near the U.S. border and major industrial areas in northeastern Mexico.

DHR Health’s Oncology Institute is organizing a free event called "Walk and Talk with a Doc" on October 1, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. This event is part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and will take place at the DHR Health Heart Institute parking lot, located at 5525 Doctors Drive in Edinburg. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to show support. The event will feature brief presentations from DHR Health physicians, including Dr. Lisa Chapa, Dr. Relindis Azenwi Fru, and Dr. Jason Shumadine Wolff, focusing on prevention and treatment of breast and gynecological cancers, followed by a one-mile community walk.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County Commissioners adopted a budget of more than $400 million for the 2027 fiscal year, including a lower tax rate than the previous fiscal year. On Sept. 22, during a regular meeting, the Commissioners Court adopted the general fund budget, totaling up to $ 439,718,815, with a rainy fund balance

Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near a U.S. airbase in the UK, according to authorities. The Metropolitan Police received a call about three suspicious vehicles heading towards the Fairford base, which is operated by the U.S. under a Cold War agreement. Following the escalation of conflict between the U.S. and Iran, the UK government allowed U.S. forces to use Fairford for missile strikes. A 400-meter cordon was established around the vehicles, leading to the evacuation of about 85 homes. The investigation is ongoing, with local police stating the situation appears contained.

The Trump administration announced the cancellation of nearly $1 billion in spending approved by Congress, targeting immigrant services and diversity initiatives. The Office of Management and Budget justified the cuts by stating that illegal border crossings have decreased significantly. Programs affected include those for refugees, unaccompanied minors, migrant students, and minority entrepreneurs. Senator Susan Collins criticized the move as illegal and a violation of Congress's appropriations powers, noting the lack of consultation. The administration's use of a 'pocket rescission' has drawn legal scrutiny, as Congress has only 45 days to review such cuts. Democrats have condemned the action as theft from the American people.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A McAllen attorney is demanding the footage of a La Grulla crash involving U.S. Border Patrol that hospitalized a family of five be released to the public. The attorney said a young mother who was hospitalized with injuries to her abdomen and uterus after the crash was told three days later that

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office added a new medical tool, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), to patrol vehicles that will help deputies provide immediate care to people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. According to the department, the money from the opioid abatement grant helped purchase 116 AEDs, which are portable devices that analyze

Meatpacking associations in the U.S. are raising alarms over recent ICE raids in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, which have led to employee absences and potential price increases for consumers. The Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and Kansas Livestock Association reported that these operations have delayed the shipment of thousands of cattle, resulting in millions in lost revenue. With beef prices at historic highs, the groups warn that continued immigration enforcement could exacerbate the situation. Local businesses are facing challenges as absenteeism rises, impacting processing plants and animal health, particularly in areas with large Hispanic populations.