Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How rising power bills are putting Harlingen seniors’ lives in danger

You won't want to miss 100 Couples Who Care 2026 on the Harlingen Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
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Good morning Harlingen! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How rising power bills are putting Harlingen seniors' lives in danger
  • How will new veteran grants change services available in Harlingen?
  • How long will Harlingen's dusty skies and reduced air quality last?

Also on today's calendar: "Play Games, Not Me" - A Speed Dating Event and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Hot; a stray p.m. t-shower, with a high of 97 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Humid with a stray t-storm, temps: high: 95, low: 74.
  • Friday: Hot with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 97 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Texas seniors ration AC overnight as heat, power bills put Rio Grande Valley lives at risk (thecooldown.com) — Harlingen residents are among Rio Grande Valley seniors risking their lives by cutting back on air conditioning as high power bills and extreme heat collide. A local couple's death in a sweltering home underscores how limited aid programs and rising temperatures are leaving many older neighbors dangerously exposed, but the story also points to utility and nonprofit assistance options you can still seek out.
   

• Governor Presents More Than $5.8M in Grants for South Texas Veterans Groups (texasborderbusiness.com) — Harlingen hosted Governor Greg Abbott as he awarded more than $5.8 million in grants to South Texas veterans' organizations, including major funding for the City of Harlingen's housing and financial assistance programs. These Funds for Veterans' Assistance grants will support housing, meals, job training, mental health, and legal help for thousands of veterans and families across the region.
   

• Saharan dust sticks around a bit longer, keeping rain chances low (valleycentral.com) — Harlingen will stay hazy through the end of the week as lingering Saharan dust keeps air quality in the moderate range and rain chances low. Expect slightly cooler days with an easterly wind shift, but plan outdoor time carefully if you're sensitive to dust and changing air quality.
   

📸 Around Harlingen

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Harlingen

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Harlingen Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Good evening neighbors,
    Can anyone tell me what's the best bakery for a birthday cake? My mom is turning 85 and I'd like to get a cake with her photo on it. Thank you in… (Nextdoor Wild Wood)
  • Looking to rehome two kittens!
    Very sweet and docile as well as playful! The orange one is a boy and the white one is a girl! They are about 2-3 months old. They've been inside… (Nextdoor N. Harlingen-Pendleton)
  • Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Team Member 39484 in Harlingen. Apply here.
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Team Member, Day Shift - Unit 504 in Harlingen. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harlingen here.

🗞 Nearby News

Weslaco

  • Children's Bereavement Center hosting Mariposa Gala in Weslaco (valleycentral.com)
  • Weslaco, Texas: Online Discussion Highlights Parents' Concerns Over BGARZA Middle School Bullying (richlandtoday.com)
  • UTRGV Women's soccer dominates Concordia (krgv.com)

Brownsville

  • 'Zero to Full Throttle': Greater Brownsville EDC Chief Outlines $50B Industrial Tech Boom (riograndeguardian.com)

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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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