Board members, staff and contractor Rolando J. Perez Garcia of REA General Contractors broke ground Thursday on a new two‑story, 4,000‑square‑foot annex for the McAllen Heritage Center. The building will rise on the northeast corner of the center’s campus at Main and Chicago in downtown McAllen, with completion aimed for June 2027. The project is funded through collaborations with the city, local families and donors.

South Texas fortune‑teller Fernie Salinas celebrated the launch of his debut book, *The Joy of Tarot*, with a vibrant party at the historic Cine El Ray in McAllen. The event featured wrestlers, drag queens and community members, while Salinas, a former school principal, described the 300‑plus‑page volume as a love letter that demystifies tarot, offering clear explanations of all 78 cards and practical exercises.

The Monitor’s archive shows that after the September 11, 2001 attacks the Rio Grande Valley saw La Plaza Mall close, McAllen’s bus terminal cancel trips to Mexico, and a surge of drivers at gas stations fearing price hikes. Schools kept classes but dropped after‑school programs, the Bentsen Tower federal courthouse tightened security with U.S. Marshals on alert, and officials reassured residents that fuel prices would stay stable, a key concern for commuters.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Congressman Vicente Gonzalez and U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego visited Harlingen on Thursday to host a lunch for all Veterans. The lunch was held at VFW Post 2410 and served as a token of appreciation to all Veterans. "I should say to all of our family members and service members that served, [...]

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A celebration was held in Harlingen on Thursday to officially unveil the Gloria G. Canales Auditorium. Formerly known as the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, the building was renamed after the late Folklorico dancer and instructor known for her teachings at the Gloria Canales School of Dance. Founded in 1975, the Gloria Canales School [...]

The city of Mercedes has partnered with Compudopt to collect and refurbish used or broken electronics for local residents in need of digital access.

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Edinburg kicks off its 12th Annual South Texas International Film Festival on today, a three-day event showcasing regional talent. The event is happening from Thursday to Saturday and taking place at the Edinburg Arts Culture, and Events (ACE) Center. Opening night will celebrate talent from the Rio Grande [...]

Marco Cantu MISSION – Marco Aurelio Cantu, 72, passed away on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Edinburg. Joshua Colunga EDINBURG – Joshua Colunga, 19, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at his home. Guadalupe Davila EDINBURG – Guadalupe Davila, 54, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, at McAllen Medical Center. Nancy Fears MISSION…

September 11-12 The City of Edinburg hosts the 12th Annual South Texas International Film Festival at the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events Center, 315 W. McIntyre St. This year’s festival spotlights 31 standout independent works. Events range from the red-carpet opening night to a red-carpet awards gala, with a pitch competition and workshops between. Admission…

September 11 – The Mission Fire Department invites the community to the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Mission Central Fire Station, 415 W. Tom Landry St. September 11 – The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2026 Latina Leadership Conference will be held at the Mission Event Center in Mission. Registration…

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Officials of Frontera Fest have announced the festival has been cancelled. According to a news release, the Frontera Festival 2026 has been canceled due to what officials say are "circumstances beyond the control of the promoters." ValleyCentral has spoken with the Frontera Fest President, Louie Guillen, who said, "We tried hard for [...]

Harlingen, Valley Baptist Medical Center‑Harlingen and San Benito will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on Friday with public ceremonies. Harlingen’s Patriot Day service begins at 10 a.m. on the North Tarmac of Valley International Airport, while Valley Baptist will host a 9 a.m. stair‑climb at Medical Arts Pavilion Stairwell #23. Rio Grande Valley residents can attend the free events.

J&S Construction Management, a Valley‑based construction firm, announced a giveaway tied to the Netflix premiere of "Say a Little Prayer," which debuted on September 3. Three winners will receive a $650 staycation package that includes a two‑night stay at a McAllen hotel, a movie‑night snack bundle, a limited‑edition bracelet, a branded blanket and a jewelry box; the promotion is meant to thank the local community.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A local photographer and videographer collaborates with the well-known metal band Walls of Jericho to film their latest music video in Harlingen. Mateo Torres has worked in the rock/metal music industry for nearly 20 years, including with bands such as Close Your Eyes, who were signed to Victory Records, among others, as [...]