Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityEchoes From Brownsville: The Rubio Murders, a behind-the-scenes discussion with Rick Diaz
CHANNEL 5 NEWS reporter Stefany Rosales interviewed Rick Diaz, a veteran journalist and former KRGV anchor, about the 2003 Brownsville murders of three children by their father. Diaz reflected on the station's coverage of this tragic event, which remains a significant part of local history. The special segment, titled 'Echoes from Brownsville: The Rubio Murders,' will air on CHANNEL 5 NEWS on Thursday, May 21, at 10:30 p.m. without commercials. Viewers can also watch the trailer for the segment online.
CommunityMade in the 956: Brownsville native writes about Valley life and border culture
Oscar Casares, a Brownsville native and creative writing professor at the University of Texas at Austin, is dedicated to sharing the stories of the Rio Grande Valley and border culture. Casares emphasizes the importance of his upbringing in the Valley, which shaped his identity. He has published works like "Brownsville: Stories" and "Amigoland," drawing inspiration from family narratives. Additionally, he writes for Texas Monthly, focusing on the Valley and its communities. His project, "Pictures From The Border," combines personal postcards and music to portray border town life. Casares aims to continue highlighting Valley culture for years to come.
CommunityOut-of-This-World Surprise: Pedro Pascal Stuns Fans Dressed as Mandalorian at Disneyland
Pedro Pascal surprised lucky fans at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland, California, over the weekend, dressed as the Mandalorian. A video shared on the Star Wars Facebook page captures fans' reactions as 51-year-old Pascal removed his helmet to reveal he was behind the costume while entering Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. 'Now everyone is dying of excitement because they’ve seen my face,' Pascal joked with the enthusiastic crowd. The actor shook hands and smiled for photos. Some fans joked about who was behind the iconic costume, speculating if it was another of Pascal's legendary characters, Reed Richards from 'The Fantastic Four.' Others were less pleased with the surprise, pointing out that not all attendees were die-hard fans of the franchise, but rather 'TikTok influencers.' Someone even speculated it was a 'staged prank,' as one person in the audience was a Star Wars content creator on TikTok. The surprise was part of the promotion for the upcoming film, 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' set to premiere on May 22, featuring Pascal as the Mandalorian.
CommunityMade in the 956: Brownsville native writes about Valley life, border culture
Oscar Casares, a Brownsville native and creative writing professor at the University of Texas at Austin, is dedicated to showcasing the culture and life of the Rio Grande Valley. His works, including 'Brownsville: Stories' and 'Amigoland,' reflect his experiences growing up in the Valley. Casares aims to share local narratives often overlooked in mainstream media, inspired by family storytelling traditions. He has also contributed to Texas Monthly, focusing on border issues. Casares's project 'Pictures From The Border' combines personal essays and music, emphasizing the importance of family and cultural identity in the Valley. He plans to continue sharing these stories.
Community'Once in a lifetime': McAllen woman to appear on Wheel of Fortune
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — From the Rio Grande Valley to taking a spin on the Wheel of Fortune, a McAllen woman is sharing her experience on national TV. Anushi Parikh, a first-generation American from New Jersey, moved to the Valley in 2016. Parikh told ValleyCentral that watching Wheel of Fortune is a family tradition she
CommunityTejano & Classic Hits: Edinburg Kicks Off Summer Concert Series May 30th
Edinburg is set to launch its 2026 Summer Concert Series on Saturday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the Promenade Park Amphitheater. The opening concert will feature The Hot Rodz, known for their classic rock and 80s hits, followed by San Antonio's La Dezz, celebrated for their Tejano music. Headlining the event will be Mike Gonzalez and The Iconiczz, honoring the legacy of Jimmy Gonzalez and Grupo Mazz. The series aims to provide family-friendly entertainment while celebrating local culture. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more details, contact the City of Edinburg Library & Cultural Arts Department.
CommunityEdinburg PD to Host Parent Discussion on Dangers of Social Media, May 20th
The Edinburg Police Department is hosting a community discussion titled "Dangers of Social Media: Protecting Our Kids in a Digital World" on May 20 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Cpl. Derek Hernandez Police Training Facility, located at 1309 N. Doolittle Road. This presentation aims to equip parents and youth with essential tools to navigate online risks associated with social media. Topics include safety settings, recognizing grooming and sextortion schemes, and establishing family tech rules. The event is free and recommended for children aged nine and older. For more information, contact the Edinburg Police Department's Training Division.
CommunityThe final season of El Señor de los Cielos premieres in July; watch a preview
Telemundo has announced the premiere of the highly anticipated tenth and final season of El Señor de los Cielos, set to debut in July. The series will see the return of Aurelio Casillas, played by Rafael Amaya, who is back with even more power and ambition. The cast includes familiar faces like Carmen Aub and Isabella Castillo, promising an explosive conclusion to the iconic franchise. Javier Pons, Telemundo’s Chief Content Officer, emphasized the series' significant impact over the past decade. The new season will explore Aurelio's struggle for power and legacy, featuring high-stakes drama and a mix of beloved and new characters.
CommunityWATCH LIVE: Sunday Mass, May 17, 2026
The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville will broadcast Sunday Mass live on May 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. Viewers can tune in on SOMOS EL VALLE Channel 5.2 or Cable 1240. This event offers an opportunity for the community to participate in the Mass from home. For those unable to watch the video, alternative options may be available. Don't miss this chance to connect with your faith and community.
CommunityPuerto Rican Singer and Sonero Sammy Marrero Passes Away
Sammy Marrero, the renowned Puerto Rican singer and sonero, passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family through a heartfelt social media message. Known for being the voice of the now-defunct La Selecta orchestra for nearly 44 years, Marrero was celebrated for his contributions to salsa music and his dedication to his craft. Born on February 16, 1942, in Coamo, he gained fame through various musical groups before launching a solo career in 2016. Puerto Rico's Governor Jenniffer González Colón and Coamo's Mayor Juan Carlos García expressed their condolences, highlighting his significant impact on Puerto Rican culture.
CommunityDonna musician warns others after he was targeted by fake check scam
Jason Moreno, a musician from Donna and member of the Buck’N Crazy Band, warns others about a scam he encountered while trying to book his band. In April, a person claiming to be from Brownsville contacted him, offering a suspiciously high deposit for a gig. The scammer sent a check for over $4,000 and requested Moreno to cash it, keep his fee, and return the excess via Zelle. After verifying with the bank and discovering the check was fraudulent, Moreno canceled the event. He later shared his experience online, discovering that the same scammer had targeted others in the area. Experts advise checking for scams before sending money.
CommunityKRGVCares Closet raises more than $25, 000 to help hospitalized children
The KRGVCares Closet campaign successfully raised $25,555 to support hospitalized children. The funds will be used to stock closets at Driscoll Children's Hospital and South Texas Health System Children's with toys, aiming to enhance the comfort of young patients during their hospital stays. Channel 5 News expresses gratitude to all donors who contributed to this initiative, helping to bring joy to children in need.
CommunityEchoes from Brownsville: The Rubio Murders, a behind-the-scenes discussion
Channel 5 News has been preparing an exclusive documentary titled 'Echoes from Brownsville: The Rubio Murders,' which revisits a case that has troubled the Rio Grande Valley for many years. In a special behind-the-scenes discussion, reporter Stefany Rosales, photojournalist Alex Ochoa, and field producer Jose Sanchez share insights into their journey to present this compelling story. The documentary will air uninterrupted on Thursday, May 21, at 10:30 p.m. on Channel 5. Viewers can also watch the trailer for a preview of the documentary.
CommunityWatch the Palm Awards this weekend on ValleyCentral+
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — ValleyCentral streamed the eighth annual Palm Awards live from the McAllen Performing Arts Center on Wednesday. If you missed the prestigious event set to spotlight high school theatre students, fear not, we have you covered. If you would like to see the high-energy performances, award presentations and glamorous red carpet experiences
CommunityWatch the Palm Awards this weekend on ValleyCentral+
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — ValleyCentral streamed the eighth annual Palm Awards live from the McAllen Performing Arts Center on Wednesday. If you missed the prestigious event set to spotlight high school theatre students, fear not, we have you covered. If you would like to see the high-energy performances, award presentations and glamorous red carpet experiences
CommunityKRGVCares Closet campaign ends today
Today marks the final day to contribute to the KRGVCares Closet campaign, which aims to provide toys for hospitalized children. Channel 5 News has collaborated with South Texas Health System and Driscoll Children's Hospital in Edinburg to raise funds for this initiative. The campaign seeks to ensure that every child in the hospital receives a toy to enhance their comfort during their stay. Channel 5 reporter Astrid Mendez interviewed Tom Castaneda, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at STHS, about the variety of toys being collected. Donations can be made through the provided link.
CommunityWATCH: The sweet world of strawberries!
The prime season for strawberries runs from late spring to early summer, with peak harvest occurring between mid-May and mid-June. When selecting strawberries, look for those that are firm, bright red, and fragrant, as these characteristics indicate ripeness and flavor. Enjoy the sweetness of this seasonal fruit during its peak time.
CommunityWATCH: Powerful Message About A Mother’s Love
A heartfelt message encourages everyone to express their love and appreciation for their mothers. The reminder emphasizes the dedication and sacrifices that mothers make for their families. It serves as a call to action for individuals to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of maternal love in their lives.
CommunityCameron County celebrates opening of $6.3M Santa Maria Community Park
LA FERIA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday for the opening of the Santa Maria Community Park. The new park at 33034 River Drive in La Feria features numerous amenities, including a basketball court, lighted baseball and soccer field, and volleyball court. The 10.83-acre park also includes a splash pad,