Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
CommunityValley trumpet player speaks on journey to Coachella stage
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In this latest episode of Valley Voices, CBS 4's Marco Ramirez brings on NBC 23 Digital Anchor Alejandra Yanez to interview an old friend who is making a name for herself on the national stage. Yamila De La Rosa from Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles joins Marco and Alejandra all the
CommunityAlton rolls out new signs to protect children with autism from speeding drivers
Alton is introducing new safety signs in a neighborhood to protect children with autism and reduce speeding. Residents have expressed concerns about fast drivers, with Veronica Salinas, a local parent, sharing her fears for her 5-year-old daughter who has autism. A new sign was installed to encourage drivers to slow down, and Salinas hopes it will be effective. This initiative was prompted by a parent’s request regarding speeding issues. Alton's Public Works Director, Mauro Sandoval, noted that over 55 residents have requested signs, particularly near Sylvia Vela Park. Each sign costs $75, which the city will cover.
CommunityAlamo and Hidalgo County team up to fix 1. 5-mile stretch of Moore Road
The city of Alamo is investing $220,000 to reconstruct a 1.5-mile section of Moore Road, which has not been repaired in 30 years. This project is a collaboration with Hidalgo County Precinct One and is set to begin next week, with an expected completion in about a month. Mayor J.R. Garza emphasized the importance of addressing local road conditions, noting the presence of neighborhoods, traffic, and schools in the area. The project will involve a complete reconstruction of the road along with necessary drainage improvements.
CommunityMercedes library building outdoor learning space for families
The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library in Mercedes is developing an outdoor learning area designed for families. This new space will feature native plants, a chalkboard, and a water play section, funded through grants and city resources. Library director Marisol Vidales emphasized the importance of outdoor activities for physical development and stress relief for both children and adults. Once completed, the library intends to offer monthly classes for children in this area. The anticipated completion date for the outdoor learning space is June 2026.
CommunityBrownsville targets illegal tire dumping with new city ordinance
Brownsville has enacted a new ordinance aimed at combating illegal tire dumping. Tire shops must now register with the city and display a license number on every used or scrap tire they accept. This measure allows the city to trace illegally dumped tires back to the originating shop. Additionally, the ordinance mandates that tires be stored in enclosed areas to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Public Health Wellness Director Art Rodriguez emphasized the importance of this initiative in managing tire waste. The city will notify tire shops of these regulations before they take effect on October 1, 2026, with fines of up to $2,000 for violations.