Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
CommunityThe 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.
CommunityWillacy 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.
CommunityValley 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.
CommunityWATCH 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.
Community‘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.
CommunityMovie 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
CommunityObama'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.
CommunityHidalgo 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.