The White House Releases Image of Trump as The Mandalorian for Star Wars Day

On Monday, the White House shared an image depicting U.S. President Donald Trump as the hero from the series 'The Mandalorian,' coinciding with May 4th, known as Star Wars Day. The AI-generated image shows Trump in the protagonist's armor, accompanied by Grogu, the popular 'Baby Yoda,' and an American flag. 'In a galaxy that demands strength, America stands ready. This is the way. May the Force be with you,' the White House stated on its social media, referencing the iconic phrase from the universe created by George Lucas. 'The Mandalorian' is a television series set in the Star Wars world on Disney+, taking place about five years after 'Return of the Jedi,' following the adventures of a bounty hunter played by Pedro Pascal. The Disney film 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' starring Pascal, is set to premiere on May 22. May 4th is celebrated by fans of the saga as Star Wars Day due to a pun in English with the classic phrase 'May the Force be with you,' which sounds similar to 'May the 4th be with you.' Trump's White House frequently uses artificial intelligence to create memes intended to praise the president, some of which have been controversial, including one that depicted him as Jesus Christ, which outraged parts of the Catholic community.

Willacy County law enforcement to host torch run for Valley Special Olympics chapter

Law enforcement agencies in Willacy County are organizing a Torch Run to benefit the local chapter of the Special Olympics. The event will take place on Monday at 9 a.m., starting at Pittman Elementary in Raymondville and concluding at the entrance of the Willacy Unit State Prison located on South Buffalo Drive. For additional details, interested individuals can contact Melanie Coreas via email at melanie.coreas@tdcj.texas.gov or call 956-689-4900 ext. 113.

WATCH LIVE: Sunday Mass, May 3, 2026

The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville will broadcast a live Sunday Mass on May 3, 2026. Viewers can tune in to SOMOS EL VALLE Channel 5.2 or Cable 1240 at 11 a.m. for the service. This event offers a chance for the community to participate in worship from home. For those unable to watch the video, additional options are available to access the service.

Valley woman helps couple reunite with lost ring

A couple from the Rio Grande Valley, Eric Torres and Jonathon Rodriguez, were reunited with a lost promise ring thanks to Andrea Wright and her friend, who are dedicated to finding lost wedding rings on South Padre Island. The couple, who have been together for four years, lost the ring during a visit to the island a month ago. On Saturday, they were able to recover it, with Wright noting that two stones were missing from the ring. She currently has four other lost rings and invites anyone who may have lost one to contact her at 215-806-0156.

‘The Salsa Pilot’ Bids Farewell to Spirit Airlines with Emotional Message

Willie Morales, a Puerto Rican pilot for Spirit Airlines, shared a heartfelt message on social media following the announcement that the airline will cease operations starting this Saturday. Known as ‘The Salsa Pilot,’ Morales expressed sadness over the news but highlighted the camaraderie, adventures, and cherished moments he experienced in his career, both with colleagues and passengers. Morales gained fame in 2018 for singing salsa to passengers during a flight to San Juan. ‘I will always treasure every moment, every flight, every coworker, and all my passengers. It was an incredible journey filled with adventures, challenges, joys, and some less fortunate moments,’ he shared. ‘I say goodbye with a bit of sadness because I love my job and loved Spirit Airlines. Spirit was my passion, my dream, my free soul,’ Morales wrote.

Movie Talk takes on fashion and journalism for The Devil Wears Prada 2

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —There is no denying the star power at the center of "The Devil Wears Prada". When the first film premiered in 2006, Anne Hathaway was a rising star who had already shown she could balance buoyant comedy (The Princess Diaries) with serious drama (Brokeback Mountain). Emily Blunt was on a similar upward trajectory, and

Obama'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.

Hidalgo County Offers Free Clinics to Reduce Property Taxes

The Hidalgo County Appraisal District, in collaboration with the Commissioners Court, will host a series of free clinics to guide property owners on property tax exemptions. These clinics aim to help residents lower their tax burden and better understand their rights as property owners. During these events, specialized staff will provide advice on eligibility, rights under Texas law, and assistance with completing applications and addressing questions. The first clinic will take place this Friday, May 1, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Sports Complex in Precinct 2, located at 3600 Eldora Road in Pharr. Authorities have reported additional events scheduled for this month: May 4 – Precinct 1, Weslaco; May 6 – Precinct 4, Edinburg; May 11 – Precinct 3, Mission. The clinics are open to the public and media. Attendees are encouraged to bring a valid Texas ID that matches the property for which they are seeking an exemption.

Mannequins of Different Sizes? The Met Gala Exhibition Makes Space for Diverse Bodies

NEW YORK — On a hot and humid summer day in Brooklyn in 2025, haute couture artist and designer Michaela Stark found herself in a studio surrounded by 175 cameras for a photo shoot unlike any she had done before. Wearing only her signature corset—a garment that shapes and compresses the flesh—Stark stood at the center of a circle as the cameras captured every angle of her body simultaneously. This was part of an intricate process known as photogrammetry. The goal: to scan her body and create a mannequin—three, in fact—to be displayed at one of the world's most prestigious museums: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met). And not just anywhere, but during the Met Gala. 'It was definitely a somewhat unsettling experience,' Stark recalls, describing the moment as 'intimate and vulnerable.' However, she adds with a touch of humor, 'There’s something about being naked on a 40-degree day, wrapped in a corset that hides absolutely nothing, that somehow takes all the discomfort out of the situation.' These mannequins—along with others based on real models, like Stark—will be part of 'Costume Art,' the museum’s upcoming spring exhibition from the Costume Institute, set to debut with the dazzling gala on May 4. According to curator Andrew Bolton, this initiative is part of an effort to incorporate an element of 'body positivity' into an exhibition that examines the representation of the dressed body in art throughout the centuries.

Why the Met Gala Is So Important: The Origins of the 'Party of the Year'

NEW YORK — The highly anticipated Met Gala returns to New York on Monday, May 4. This iconic evening transforms the Metropolitan Museum of Art into the stage for welcoming stars and celebrities from around the world in what many call the 'party of the year.' But how did this tradition, which annually draws fashion and art enthusiasts, begin? With over 70 years of history, the Met Gala is a night where luminaries from industries like film and music walk the museum's red carpet in bold outfits that highlight the event's theme. Here are some intriguing facts you should know. The most awaited night in fashion began in 1948 as a midnight dinner with a $50 entry fee, according to the museum. Created by Eleanor Lambert, a public relations pioneer who also founded New York Fashion Week, the event was dubbed the 'party of the year.' It raised funds to support the Costume Institute and celebrated the opening of its main annual exhibition.

Edinburg’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.

McAllen 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

Everybody was seeing me as a monster: Echoes from Brownsville documentary features exclusive interview with John Allen Rubio

Meet the Channel 5 News team for 5 / 1 Day tomorrow!

'I really need him': McAllen family faces immigration case while infant fights cancer

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A local mother is asking for community support as she navigates both her husband’s ongoing immigration case and her infant daughter’s serious health condition. “I’m like really emotional, and he is the one that keeps me stable, and he has always been there for me,” said Jazmin Alondra Zamarron, the wife of

Camp Mystic drops summer reopening plan over outrage by families and Texas lawmakers

Hidalgo 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.

Edinburg 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.

STC 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.