Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Harlingen’s new Dark Sky push could change your neighborhood lighting

And on the Harlingen Patch calendar - Frontera Fest: Kevvo & Vale Pintos - Saturday

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Saturday August 29th Patch AM
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What's up Harlingen! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Harlingen's new Dark Sky push could change your neighborhood lighting
  • How CBP uncovered $10 million in meth hidden among leeks
  • Why a Harlingen heart doctor refuses to eat "white" foods

Also on today's calendar: 100 Couples Who Care 2026.

Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 97 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 95, low: 77.
  • Monday: Increasingly windy, with a high of 99 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Harlingen seeks Valley's first Dark Sky Community designation (star-telegram.com) — Harlingen leaders are moving toward becoming the Rio Grande Valley's first certified Dark Sky Community, a change that could gradually alter lighting at homes, businesses, parks, and city buildings. Officials emphasize phased-in, cost-conscious upgrades that cut light pollution, protect wildlife, and may save energy, while promising public review before any new lighting rules are adopted.
   

2. Over 1,000 pounds of meth hidden in leeks shipment: CBP (valleycentral.com) — Harlingen readers are learning that CBP officers recently seized over 1,200 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, worth about $10.7 million, hidden in a shipment of leeks at the Pharr International Bridge. The tractor-trailer from Reynosa was stopped during inspection, the drugs and vehicle were confiscated, and Homeland Security Investigations is now handling the case.
   

3. A Cardiologist's No. 1 Rule for Healthy Eating Is Avoiding This Food: 'I Don't Touch It' (today.com) — A Harlingen-based cardiologist is urging patients to avoid "white" high-starch foods like white bread, rice, flour, pasta, added sugar and excess salt to protect their hearts. Instead, he recommends focusing on whole, minimally processed foods, colorful vegetables, fruits, nuts and lean proteins, plus simple drinks like water, black coffee and unsweetened tea to support long-term heart health and weight control.
   

4. ICE agent charged in Minneapolis shooting released from Texas jail (minnlawyer.com) — An ICE deportation officer based in Harlingen has been released from a Texas jail after a federal judge denied Minnesota's request to keep him in custody in connection with a Minneapolis shooting case. Minnesota officials still seek his extradition on multiple assault charges, while Texas leaders weigh whether he qualifies as a fugitive, raising interstate legal and political tensions.
   

5. Richard Moore Outdoor Report: Magnificent Fall Migration (valleycentral.com) — From Harlingen across the Valley, hummingbird feeders are buzzing as ruby-throated and rufous hummingbirds funnel south during the early stages of fall migration. Despite the heat and drought, residents who keep feeders clean and full can enjoy extended visits from these tiny travelers, along with colorful songbirds like hooded warblers and painted buntings.
   

📸 Around Harlingen

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • These two angels were found abandoned.
    Is there anyone with a big heart who can take them in. Let me know asap plz (Nextdoor W Matz Ave)
  • I see this duck everyday that I go on my walk, run or bike ride.
    It sits pretty much at the same spot morning or evening. Sometimes I see it across the street from this spot, but it's usually in this area on Palm… (Nextdoor Palm Valley)
  • McDonald's Restaurants posted a job opening for Shift Leader in Harlingen. Apply here.
  • PSG Global Solutions posted a job opening for Retail Store Supervisor in Harlingen. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harlingen here.

Ok Harlingen! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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