547 people in Hidalgo County test positive for COVID-19

July 5, 2020

Hidalgo County on Sunday announced that 547 more people had tested positive for the coronavirus — and one person had died.

A woman in her 60s from Pharr died "due to complications from COVID-19," according to a news release from Hidalgo County.

Despite warnings about the coronavirus, South Padre Island beaches packed on Fourth of July weekend

July 5, 2020

Dire warnings from doctors, county judges and health experts apparently didn't impress thousands of people who packed South Padre Island beaches on Saturday.

Cameron County beach accesses were closed, but city beaches remained open.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's statewide mask mandate exempts voting sites and churches

July 5, 2020

Gov. Greg Abbott's new statewide mask mandate comes with several exemptions, including people voting in the primary runoff elections in less than two weeks.

Abbott said during a TV interview Friday afternoon that polling places — as well as churches — were "two exemptions that are based upon constitutional purposes."

Local Hospitals Request ‘CARES’ Act Funds To Handle Current COVID-19 Crisis

July 5, 2020

As local hospitals work to create capacity and struggle with a shortage of staff during the surge in COVID-19 patients, they are turning to the county for additional funds.

The five major hospital systems in Hidalgo County are asking the county to free up some CARES Act money to assist their COVID-19 response plans. 

McAllen grant ensures businesses keep their doors open

July 5, 2020

Liz Galaviz started ProSports Massage Clinic here four years ago, establishing one of the first sports massage clinics in the Rio Grande Valley.

The venture was a success. The business grew quickly over the years, treating amateur athletes at marathons and runs, and professional athletes that play for the RGV Vipers and the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. Her team grew too, and the clinic employed 14 people.