Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityObama's Favorite Hot Dog Spot Reopens in Washington
WASHINGTON – The historic Ben’s Chili Bowl, Washington’s most iconic hot dog spot and a favorite of former President Barack Obama, reopened this Friday after being closed for several months due to renovations. The reopening was celebrated with a festive event featuring music and balloons, attended by Virginia Ali, the 92-year-old matriarch behind this iconic establishment, and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Ben’s Chili Bowl had been closed for nine months to upgrade its air conditioning system, wiring, stoves, grills, and plumbing, marking its first extended closure in over six decades of history.
CommunityEdinburg’s Conceptos Dance Ensemble Brings History to Life, May8-9
The Edinburg Cultural Arts Division and the City of Edinburg Conceptos Dance Ensemble will present MATICES 2026, a dynamic, high-energy dance concert celebrating folkloric music and dance traditions. Performances are set for May 8 and 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Edinburg Arts, Culture and Events (ACE) Center.
CommunityMcAllen and Reynosa Celebrate a Decade of Unity
Texas Border Business McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos and Reynosa Mayor Carlos Peña, joined by city leaders from both sides of the border, signed a Reaffirmation of Sister City Agreement to commemorate 10 years of binational cooperation. This historic occasion highlights a decade of shared progress and mutual benefit fostered by this enduring partnership. Since its establishment on
CommunityEverybody was seeing me as a monster: Echoes from Brownsville documentary features exclusive interview with John Allen Rubio
El documental 'Ecos de Brownsville' incluye una entrevista exclusiva con John Allen Rubio, quien comparte su perspectiva sobre los eventos que lo llevaron a ser considerado un monstruo por la comunidad. Rubio, condenado por el asesinato de tres niños en 2003, reflexiona sobre su caso y las repercusiones emocionales y sociales que ha enfrentado desde entonces. La producción busca explorar las complejidades del caso y las consecuencias en la ciudad de Brownsville.
CommunityMeet the Channel 5 News team for 5 / 1 Day tomorrow!
Channel 5 News invita a la comunidad a celebrar el Día 5/1 mañana con la oportunidad de conocer a su equipo de noticias. Únase a nosotros para disfrutar de actividades especiales y conocer a los presentadores y reporteros que le traen las noticias diariamente.
CommunityCamp Mystic drops summer reopening plan over outrage by families and Texas lawmakers
Camp Mystic, un campamento de verano popular en Texas, decidió abandonar su plan de reapertura para la próxima temporada tras recibir fuertes críticas de familias y legisladores estatales. La decisión se produce en medio de preocupaciones sobre la seguridad y el bienestar de los asistentes al campamento. Los organizadores del campamento han indicado que evaluarán nuevas opciones para garantizar una experiencia segura y satisfactoria para todos.
CommunityHidalgo County Property Tax Exemption Clinics Starting May 1st
The Hidalgo County Appraisal District will be hosting Property Tax Exemption Clinics throughout Hidalgo County to educate and inform property owners about the various exemptions and other rights available to them under Texas law.
CommunityEdinburg to Honor Local Graduates Entering Military Service with Special Ceremony, May 13th
The City of Edinburg Cultural Arts Department, in partnership with the Veterans Committee, invites graduating high school seniors in Edinburg who have committed to serving in the United States Armed Forces to register for the Military Enlistment Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, at 6 p.m. at the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Event (ACE) Center, located at 315 W. McIntyre St.
CommunitySTC and McAllen Partner on New Sustainability Initiative
Blue recycling bins now line the corridors of South Texas College as part of a new sustainability, recycling pilot program in partnership with the City of McAllen and Keep McAllen Beautiful.
CommunityTreviño and Hinojosa Highlight Workforce Access and Court Barriers at Second Chance Event
Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business McAllen, Texas — Alberto Treviño III, Commissioner Representing Labor at the Texas Workforce Commission, and Hidalgo County Clerk Laura Hinojosa addressed workforce access and systemic barriers during the event “Rebuilding Futures, Advancing Second Chances through Policy, Partnership, and Purpose,” held April 28, 2026, at
CommunityRebuilding Futures Event Highlights Personal Stories and Policy Gaps in Second Chance Efforts
Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business McALLEN, Texas — Community leaders gathered at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom on April 28, 2026, for the event “Rebuilding Futures, Advancing Second Chances through Policy, Partnership, and Purpose,” aimed at addressing barriers faced by individuals impacted by the justice system and identifying pathways
CommunityPastor Milton Gonzalez Calls for Second Chances at Rebuilding Futures Event
Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business McALLEN, Texas — Pastor Milton Luis Gonzalez delivered the keynote address at “Rebuilding Futures, Advancing Second Chances,” an April 28 event hosted by South Texas College and the City of McAllen to promote second chances for people leaving jail or otherwise impacted by the
CommunityLost your wedding ring on South Padre Island? This woman might have found it
Una mujer en South Padre Island ha encontrado un anillo de bodas y está buscando al dueño. Si recientemente perdiste tu anillo en la zona, podría ser el tuyo. Se insta a los residentes y visitantes a compartir esta noticia para ayudar a reunir el anillo con su propietario.
CommunityMeet Magpie, the South Padre Island dog helping save sea turtles
Magpie, un perro residente de South Padre Island, está desempeñando un papel crucial en la conservación de las tortugas marinas. Entrenado para localizar nidos de tortugas, Magpie trabaja junto a biólogos y voluntarios para proteger estas especies en peligro de extinción. Su olfato excepcional permite identificar los nidos con precisión, ayudando a trasladarlos a lugares seguros y garantizar la supervivencia de las crías. Este esfuerzo forma parte de una iniciativa comunitaria para preservar la biodiversidad en la región.
CommunityI can perform again: McAllen mariachi brothers opening for Kacey Musgraves in sold-out shows
Los hermanos mariachi de McAllen están listos para regresar a los escenarios, esta vez como teloneros de la reconocida cantante Kacey Musgraves en una serie de conciertos con entradas agotadas. Este logro marca un importante paso en su carrera musical y destaca el talento local en eventos de gran escala.
CommunityRichard Moore Outdoor Report: Texas Tortoise
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas tortoises are on the move, and while they may not be moving very fast, they plod steadily along. Recent rains have provided bountiful brows for these hardy denizens of the Chaparral, and they are contentedly munching on fresh green grass carpeting south Texas senderos. The only place in the
CommunityValley Voices: Veteran Females United
HARLINGEN,TX (ValleyCentral) - In the latest episode of Valley Voices, CBS 4's Marco Ramirez sat down with members of Veteran Females United based in the Rio Grande Valley. VFU helps fellow female veterans across the Valley adjust to civilian life after their service. The organization not only provides emotional support to veterans but also offers
CommunityEdinburg Family Struggles to Stay Together After Father's Deportation
After the recent deportation of their father, Alfonso Herrera, who was arrested last week at his home by ICE agents, two of his sons have stepped up to take charge of the family business to support their family. The sons have taken on the responsibility of running the landscaping business their father left behind: 'My dad has everything to do the work... the tractor, the machine, the blower,' explained Edgar Herrera. Despite the challenging circumstances, they are determined to move forward: 'Unfortunately, this happened to us... and now we have to keep my dad's business going,' said Gabriel Herrera. The young men offer services such as lawn mowing, tree trimming, and garden maintenance, and they are committed to honoring existing agreements. 'We’re going to fulfill them... we won’t let anyone down,' added Gabriel. The situation has taken a financial toll on the family, prompting them to reach out to the community for work opportunities: 'We’re not asking for money... we can work,' emphasized Edgar. Both brothers agree that their priority is to support their family and keep alive the legacy their father built. Those interested in hiring their services can contact them at (956) 703-2080.
Community'For me, music is everything': McAllen mariachi brothers grateful to open for Grammy artist
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen mariachi brothers — Antonio and Caleb Gamez-Cuellar — told ValleyCentral they are excited to be opening for American singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves at Texas’s oldest dance hall. The brothers are scheduled to perform opening sets on May 3, May 4, and May 5 at Gruene Hall, located at 1281 Gruene Road in New