Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityKRGV Cares Closet campaign underway
The KRGV Cares Closet campaign has officially launched, aiming to support hospitalized children in the region. This initiative is a collaboration between Channel 5 News, South Texas Health System, and Driscoll Children's Hospital. Lucy Lopez from Channel 5 News interviewed Tom Castaneda, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at STHS, to discuss the campaign's objectives and ways to contribute. Donations can be made through the campaign's website, helping to provide comfort and care for children in need during their hospital stays.
CommunityPharr Marks 75th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon
Pharr celebrated its 75th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon on May 7, 2026, uniting local leaders, educators, and residents for a day of prayer and reflection. The event, part of the National Day of Prayer, featured the theme “Glorify God Among the Nations.” Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez emphasized the importance of faith in public service, stating that leadership is about prioritizing the community. U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz shared her experiences in Congress, while keynote speaker Father Derlis Garcia discussed the connection between faith and nation-building. The luncheon included prayers for various sectors, led by community representatives.
CommunityTemporary Shelter Established for Storm Victims in San Benito
In response to severe storms affecting the region, a temporary shelter has been established at the Esencia de Vino Nuevo para las Naciones church in San Benito. This initiative aims to provide immediate support to families impacted by the storms. Church leaders acted quickly to open their doors, ensuring that the shelter will remain available at all times for those in need. The shelter is located at 2691 Business 77 N, San Benito, and is open to anyone who has suffered damage due to the recent weather events.
CommunityFood Bank RGV asking for volunteers, donations for storm victims
The Food Bank RGV is seeking volunteers and donations to assist communities affected by severe weather on Saturday. Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties experienced strong thunderstorms with winds over 70 mph and hail. Two individuals in Cameron County sustained injuries when their mobile home collapsed. In response, the Food Bank RGV is organizing emergency efforts to address urgent needs, requesting monetary donations, non-perishable food, bottled water, and cleaning supplies. They also need volunteers to help pack emergency food boxes on Monday for families impacted by the storms. Interested individuals can sign up or donate via text or online.
CommunityWATCH LIVE: Sunday Mass, May 10, 2026
On May 10, 2026, the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville will broadcast Sunday Mass live at 11 a.m. The event can be viewed on SOMOS EL VALLE Channel 5.2 and Cable 1240. For those unable to watch the video, additional options are available. This live broadcast is part of the diocese's effort to connect with the community and provide spiritual support.
CommunityFood Bank RGV seeks donations, volunteers after storms
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Food Bank RGV is asking for donations and volunteers to help distribute supplies to those affected by the weekend storms that struck the Valley on Saturday. The severe storms caused significant damage in parts of Cameron County, destroying homes, bringing down power lines and leaving thousands without power for several hours. Several people were hospitalized
CommunityMy Mom Will Appear: Viral Campaign by Hispanic Man Seeking His Missing Mother
Sergio Delgado is on a mission to find his mother, Rosalba Velandia Salazar, who disappeared nearly four years ago in Piedecuesta, Colombia. To raise awareness, he has launched a campaign called "Un café para encontrarla," featuring her image on coffee bags. Rosalba was last seen walking towards a toll booth without her phone or money during a difficult time due to a psychiatric diagnosis. With over 111,640 missing persons reported in Colombia, Delgado hopes his initiative will keep her memory alive and encourage conversations about her disappearance. The campaign has gained significant traction on social media, providing support and solidarity from the community.
CommunityMcAllen airport offers World Cup ticket giveaway with round-trip airfare
McAllen International Airport is gearing up for a busy summer, largely due to the World Cup. The airport offers non-stop flights to Houston, Dallas, and Monterrey, all hosting World Cup matches. In a special promotion, Channel 5 News viewers can win two tickets to a game in one of these cities, along with round-trip airfare. Jeremy A. Santoscoy, the airport's Director of Aviation, emphasized the initiative aims to provide fans and travelers with a gateway to this global event. The giveaway ends on Friday, May 29. Interested participants can enter through the provided link.
CommunityTerminal Cancer Patient Reunites with Parents in Mexico After Being Deported
Kevin González, an 18-year-old terminal cancer patient, was reunited with his parents, Isidoro González Avilés and Norma Anabel Ramírez Amaya, in Durango, Mexico, after a harrowing immigration ordeal. His parents were arrested while trying to enter the U.S. without documents to be with their son, who was living in Chicago. A judge expedited their deportation to fulfill Kevin's last wish of being with his family. Despite their initial request for humanitarian visas being denied, they crossed the border and were detained. Kevin, diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, has limited time left, making this reunion especially poignant.
CommunityAnticipation Grows for Young Cancer Patient's Reunion with Parents in Mexico
After a long journey, the parents of Kevin González, a young man with terminal cancer, are just hours away from reuniting with their son. According to the boy's grandmother, they could arrive in Durango, Mexico, in about three hours. Isidoro González Avilés and Norma Anabel Ramírez Amaya had been arrested by immigration authorities in the United States when they attempted to enter without documents to be with their son, who was then living in Chicago.
CommunityLa Villa installing new street lights across the city
La Villa is enhancing its street lighting with a new project costing $8,000, fully funded by the city. Recently, three new streetlights were installed on Canary and Blue Jay lanes, with additional lights planned for Cottonwood Avenue and Highway 107. City officials have been pursuing this initiative for several years, but progress was delayed due to other city improvements. La Villa Administrator Antonio Barco emphasized the importance of gradual upgrades, stating that the new lights will improve safety for residents and those nearby once installed.
CommunityWhole world came crashing down: Edinburg woman grieving husband who died by electrocution
Juliana Dominguez, a 33-year-old woman from Edinburg, is mourning the loss of her husband, Efren Morones, who died from electrocution while working on May 1. The couple, who were together for two years, were expecting their first child, a daughter. Dominguez received the tragic news while at work, describing the moment as her 'whole world came crashing down.' An investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the electrical line that Morones struck while digging. Local officials emphasize the importance of calling 8-1-1 before any digging to avoid such accidents in the future.
CommunityLa Villa has new streetlights up, and more are coming.
La Villa has recently installed three new streetlights on Canary and Blue Jay lanes as part of an $8,000 project funded by the city. Additional lights are planned for Cottonwood Avenue and Highway 107. City officials have been working on this initiative for several years, but progress was delayed due to other improvements. La Villa Administrator Antonio Barco emphasized that the city is making gradual enhancements as budget allows, aiming to increase safety for residents and nearby individuals once the new lights are operational.
CommunityMortal Kombat 2: A follow-up that might finally deliver the fatalities
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — One of Hollywood’s favorite impossible tricks is adapting major IP in a way that satisfies diehard fans while still appealing to general audiences. Video game movies, in particular, rarely strike that balance. RELATED: More Movie Talk episodes can be found here. The "Mortal Kombat" reboot, which hit theaters and HBO Max on the
CommunityUFO files: See pictures the Pentagon released
Five photos from the landing site of NASA's Apollo 12 mission in 1969 were among the images released.
CommunityLeading the Afternoons: Telemundo Ranks as the Most-Watched Hispanic Television Network
Telemundo has emerged as the most-watched Spanish-language television network during weekday afternoons (Monday to Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) among adults aged 18 to 49 so far this year, up to May 1, according to Nielsen, maintaining a 5% lead over its competitors. The network's afternoon block—which includes En Casa con Telemundo, La Mesa Caliente, and Al Rojo Vivo—has outperformed the competition this year, as noted in a statement that also highlights Telemundo's ongoing momentum and strong audience demand for its original and live entertainment programming. By offering four hours of live entertainment, news, lifestyle content, and the day's most talked-about topics, Telemundo's daytime programming connects with Hispanic audiences in the U.S., led by top-tier talent and engaging content throughout the block. The network's evening programming is also set to further boost viewership with upcoming coverage that will highlight entertainment, culture, and celebrations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Community4Ever Family-Abraham
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Every week, CBS4 works to find a forever home for a Rio Grande Valley foster child as part of our “4Ever Family” partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Meet Abraham, a 14-year-old sweet, happy boy who loves socializing. Abraham loves learning and enjoys helping with small tasks,
CommunityEdinburg’s Erica Balli Earns Distinguished HR Excellence Award
Erica Balli, the Director of Human Resources/Civil Service for the City of Edinburg, has received the 2026 Human Resources Professional of the Year Award from the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association (TMHRA). This recognition was awarded during the TMHRA Annual Conference in Round Rock, Texas, on May 6, 2026. Balli has implemented significant initiatives to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the City’s HR operations, improving recruitment and employee relations. Her leadership has fostered trust within the Human Resources Department and ensured fairness in civil service procedures, contributing to a stable workforce and public confidence in employment practices.
CommunityMaria E. Morales Named April Pharr Way Trailblazer
The Pharr City Commission has awarded Maria E. Morales, the Schoolyard Forestry Project Coordinator with the Public Health Department, the Pharr Way Trailblazer Award for April. Public Health Director Elizabeth Diaz presented the award, highlighting Morales' leadership and commitment to community service. Diaz noted that Morales is a vital force behind various public health initiatives in Pharr. Morales expressed gratitude for the recognition and pride in her work for the community, emphasizing her dedication to making a positive impact. The City of Pharr acknowledges her contributions and the difference she makes daily.