Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityNonprofit organizes shoe drive to help children in need
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A nonprofit organization in the Rio Grande Valley is organizing its annual shoe drive to provide children and families in need with new and proper footwear. The Buckner International Rio Grande Valley is now accepting donations for the entire month of May. The nonprofit is looking for new, closed shoes of all
CommunityPremios PLATINO XCARET for Ibero-American Film and Television to Air Live on Universo and Telexitos
Universo and Telexitos have announced the live broadcast of the 13th edition of the Premios PLATINO XCARET, the prestigious ceremony that recognizes the best in Spanish and Portuguese film and television, this Saturday, May 9 at 9 PM/8 PM CT. The event will be rebroadcast on Telemundo at 12:30 AM ET/11:30 PM CT. From the Gran Tlachco Theater in Xcaret Park, Riviera Maya, Mexico, this year's ceremony will be hosted by Carlos Torres and Cayetana Guillén Cuervo. The red carpet, prior to the awards, will be led by Lourdes Stephen from Telemundo alongside Carolina Ramírez, in an evening that will bring together prominent stars and industry figures to honor the best productions and talents of the season. The Premios PLATINO XCARET will feature renowned personalities as presenters of the coveted statuette, including Alfredo Castro, Altair Jarabo, Ana Claudia Talarcón, André Lamoglia, Antonia Zegers, Belén Rueda, Carmen Villalobos, Carolina Kopelioff, Carolina Miranda, Christian Malheiros, Christian Meier, Diego Boneta, Geraldine Bazán, Giba, Javier Sotomayor, Jorge López, José Eduardo Derbez, Juan Alfonso Baptista, Juana Acosta, Ludwika Paleta, Manolo Cardona, Mariela Garriga, Maxi Iglesias, Michel Brown, Paco León, Samantha Siqueiros, Santiago Cabrera, Sara Linares, Sofía Aragón, Stephanie Cayo, and Valeria Mazza. Awards will also be presented by Álvaro Cervantes, winner of the Best Supporting Male Performance award (Sorda), as well as César Troncoso and Andrea Pietra, winners of Best Male and Female Supporting Performance in a Miniseries (El eternauta). During the gala, Guillermo Francella will be honored with the Honor Award for his outstanding career as an actor, comedian, and producer in television, film, and theater in Argentina. The Premios PLATINO XCARET will feature musical performances by Camilo, with one of his major hits live; Manuel Carrasco, who will blend flamenco and pop; and María Becerra, who will perform a pop ballad with urban touches.
CommunityGladys Porter Zoo Announces Low-Cost Admission for Residents This Weekend
Gladys Porter Zoo is hosting a 'Brownsville Appreciation Weekend' from May 8 to 10, offering discounted admission for local residents at $4 per person. Both adults and children must show proof of residency to receive the discount. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the 'Soaring Eagle' zip line, which reaches heights of over 120 feet, and see new species such as the guira cuckoo and a reticulated python. The zoo emphasizes this event as a thank you to the community for its support, which has been vital for modernization and improvements. A special Mother's Day-themed activity will take place on May 10.
CommunityHistorical park to celebrate 180th anniversary of Battle of Palo Alto
The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in Brownsville is set to celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Battle of Palo Alto, the first significant conflict of the Mexican-American War. The event will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities include living history programs, information booths from local organizations, hands-on art projects, and informative talks by Rangers on the battlefield. The park is located at 7200 Paredes Line Rd., and the celebration aims to engage the community in this historic event.
CommunityArt and Memory: Matthew Perry's 'Friends' Items Go Up for Auction
LOS ANGELES — Memorabilia from the series 'Friends,' artwork, and other valuable items from Matthew Perry's estate will be sold at a charity auction benefiting the foundation established in the actor's name shortly after his passing in 2023. The event on June 5, organized by Heritage Auctions, will support the Matthew Perry Foundation, which works to destigmatize addiction and provide support for substance abuse recovery. 'Matthew believed that addiction should be addressed with compassion and science, not stigma and silence,' said Lisa Kasteler Calio, executive director of the foundation, in a statement. 'This auction furthers the Foundation's work to expand access to evidence-based care and combat stigma. It's another way to ensure that no one has to fight this disease alone.'
CommunityTIME Magazine Names Sister Norma Pimentel, Woman of the Year 2026
To celebrate this achievement, a ceremony was held on Monday in McAllen, where community leaders and officials highlighted her impact in the region. Pimentel, who is the director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, has been a key figure in assisting migrants, providing help to thousands of families arriving at the border in search of better opportunities. This is why TIME magazine chose to recognize her humanitarian work in supporting families at the U.S. border. Her efforts have gained international recognition, acknowledged by various global figures, including the late Pope Francis. She is currently considered one of the most influential voices on immigration and humanitarian assistance in the United States.
CommunityEdinburg mayor calls for community support after fatal crash leaves family in crisis
Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa has called for community support following a tragic car accident on Monte Cristo Road that resulted in the death of a young mother and left two of her children critically injured. In a social media video, Ochoa urged residents to assist the family, highlighting the financial burdens of funeral costs and medical expenses. A community food sale is planned for Sunday, May 10, at 8403 Carmen Avila Road, with proceeds going to the family. Meals will be sold for $12, and Ochoa emphasized the importance of coming together, especially on Mother’s Day.
CommunityFrom the RGV to TIME’s Woman of the Year: Sister Norma Pimentel honored in McAllen
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A standing ovation, heartfelt embraces, and an official city proclamation marked a day of recognition for a woman many in the Rio Grande Valley call the heart of their community. Sister Norma Pimentel was honored Monday in McAllen after being named a Time Magazine Woman of the Year, recognizing her decades of
CommunityMcAllen honors Sister Norma Pimentel after TIME Women of the Year recognition
McAllen honored Sister Norma Pimentel at a luncheon for her recognition as one of TIME magazine’s 2026 Women of the Year. The event, held at Koko’s Mexican Restaurant, featured local leaders including Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez and former Mayor Jim Darling, who praised Pimentel's efforts in establishing the Humanitarian Respite Center for migrants. Mayor Pro Tem Seby Haddad read a proclamation declaring May 4, 2026, as Sister Norma Pimentel Day. Pimentel emphasized the importance of community collaboration in her humanitarian work, stating, 'I cannot be who I am without you.'
CommunitySister Norma Pimentel Credits Community for Sustaining Migrant Aid Efforts
During a luncheon at Koko’s Mexican Restaurant in McAllen, community leaders celebrated Sister Norma Pimentel's recognition as one of Time magazine’s 2026 Women of the Year. Julieta Garcia, chair of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, emphasized the importance of community support in sustaining humanitarian efforts. Pimentel credited the collective response of the community for the success of their initiatives, recalling how quickly they mobilized to assist migrants. Both speakers urged continued engagement from the community to address ongoing needs, highlighting the essential role of volunteers and donors in their mission to restore human dignity.
CommunityWhy is Cinco de Mayo Celebrated? The True Origin of This Date
Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in the United States with food, music, and cultural references, but it is not a national holiday in Mexico. The date commemorates Mexico's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by Texan Ignacio Zaragoza. This victory symbolized Mexico's ability to defend its sovereignty. The first celebration in the U.S. occurred in 1863, motivated by fears of French support for the Confederacy during the Civil War. Unlike Mexico's Independence Day on September 16, Cinco de Mayo has become more popular in the U.S., often featuring traditional dishes like mole poblano, not tacos or nachos.
CommunityWho is that older man? Bad Bunny embraces the 'aged body' style
Bad Bunny was nearly unrecognizable on the red carpet at the Met Gala on Monday night, as he fully embraced the theme of the famous fundraising event by showcasing an 'aged body.' The Puerto Rican idol wore a custom black tuxedo from Zara and hyper-realistic prosthetics that made him look about 20 years older on the most important night that merges art with fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bad Bunny's makeup was done by the artist behind Heidi Klum's sculptural look, Mike Marino, according to Vogue.
CommunityLate Edinburg fire chief honored at national memorial in Maryland
The late Edinburg Fire Chief Shawn Snider was commemorated at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Maryland. His name was officially added during a ceremony held over the weekend. Snider, who passed away from cancer three years ago, dedicated his career to the Edinburg Fire Department, joining in 1991 and becoming chief in 1999. He continued to serve in his role despite battling illness.
CommunityMcAllen Officially Recognized as International Destination City
McAllen has been recognized four times as an IFEA International Festival and World Festival and Event City due to its diverse year-round offerings, including festivals, conventions, and food tourism. Mayor Pro Tem Victor “Seby” Haddad declared May 3-9, 2026, as National Travel and Tourism Week, highlighting the sector's importance to the local economy, which supports over 7,200 jobs. In 2025, McAllen hosted 33 conferences generating $7.4 million and 13 sporting events that brought in over $22 million. McAllen International Airport reported over 1 million travelers in 2024, contributing $1.2 billion to the economy and creating over 12,000 jobs annually.
CommunityLegacy in Flight: Three Generations of McCreery Aviation
The May 2026 issue of Texas Border Business highlights the McCreery family's aviation legacy, which began in 1946 after World War II. Bob and Margie McCreery, the current stewards, have transformed a modest flight school into a significant player in the Rio Grande Valley's development. This story emphasizes not just business success but the values of service and resilience passed down through generations. As McCreery Aviation evolved, it became integral to the region's connectivity. The narrative reflects on 80 years of commitment to community and progress, showcasing how the family's journey continues to inspire future generations.
CommunityFrom Beyoncé to Nicole Kidman: Met Gala Guests Will Showcase Fashion as Art
Beyond the museum walls, works of art will come to life this Monday as elite guests, including Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, ascend the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in style, showcasing their creative interpretations of this year's dress code: 'Fashion is Art.' The question of whether fashion is art has long been a topic of discussion among industry experts, and this first Monday in May, the dress code leaves no room for debate. The star-studded fundraising event invites guests to 'express their relationship with fashion as an embodied form of art.' With fashion often inspired by works of art, guests will have plenty of artistic references to draw from. Will they turn to fashion archives or wear custom artistic creations from fashion houses? Archive fashion looks have become a red carpet phenomenon, with style-savvy stars seeking rare pieces from fashion history. Notable collaborations, such as Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dalí in 1937, and Yves Saint Laurent's 1965 designs inspired by Piet Mondrian, highlight the longstanding connection between fashion and art. The Monday carpet also presents an opportunity for celebrities to showcase their own performative art. Previous gala dress codes have honored designers and drawn inspiration from literature. Last year, tailoring art was in the spotlight with the theme 'In Your Own Measure.' The high-profile event raises funds for the museum's Costume Institute, and each year, the gala's dress code references the Costume Institute's spring exhibition. This year's exhibit, 'The Art of the Dress,' will explore 'the centrality of the dressed body.' The relationship between fashion and art has not always been accepted; art historian Nancy Hall-Duncan notes that in the 19th century, art was seen as classic while fashion was viewed as frivolous. When Yves Saint Laurent presented the Met's first fashion exhibition in 1983, it faced harsh criticism. Since then, the museum has hosted numerous fashion exhibitions, inspiring museums worldwide, including the Louvre's first fashion exhibition last year, 'Louvre Couture.' The dress code set by Anna Wintour and the Costume Institute's curator, Andrew Bolton, is the final stamp of approval that fashion is art, Hall-Duncan told The Associated Press. 'Isn't that a giant step?' she expressed. 'It will certainly change perceptions.' How to Watch the Met Gala Carpet and Celebrity Outfits: Didn't score one of the pricey tickets or a spot on the ultra-exclusive guest list? Guest arrivals are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. The Met Gala arrivals will be streamed live on Vogue.com, as well as on the magazine's YouTube and TikTok accounts, starting at 6:00 p.m. ET. Live coverage will also be available on E! from 6:00 p.m. ET to 9:00 p.m. ET. 'New York Live' will present a special edition from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC New York (TV), on the NBC New York News streaming channel, and on the NBC New York app. You can also watch that special on YouTube from Telemundo 47 here.
CommunityTexas Celebrates 75 Years of Faith at Governor’s Prayer Breakfast
Governor Greg Abbott marked the 75th National Day of Prayer at the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Round Rock, Texas. Addressing over 500 attendees, he highlighted the significance of prayer and the presence of God in their lives. Abbott urged Texans to remain faithful and to pray for law enforcement officers who have made sacrifices in their duties. During the event, he proclaimed May 1 as Texas Day of Prayer, encouraging all Texans to unite in faith, recognize God’s glory, and express gratitude for their blessings. Local leaders joined him in this celebration of faith.
CommunityTrokiando Fest 2026: Trucks, talent, and toy drive for community aid
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande Valley organization is hosting "Trokiando Fest", a community event where truck lovers can gather and raise money for children in need. The free event is expected to take place on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Harley Davidson Desperados located at 1201 S Bentsen
CommunityHow to Watch the 2026 Met Gala? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About NYC's Most Anticipated Night
NEW YORK — It’s the first Monday in May. That means it’s time for the Met Gala. This annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art attracts the crème de la crème of actors, socialites, influencers, models, athletes, and even some politicians. This extravagant black-tie gala often leads to the most unusual outfits and accessories. It’s the stage where Rihanna typically makes a very fashionable — and somewhat late — entrance, dazzling everyone with her look; where Jared Leto held a hyper-realistic replica of his own head; and where Katy Perry once showed up dressed as a hamburger and another year sported such enormous angel wings that she had to arrive in a convertible.