Meet Wilson, a Lbrador-Pittbull mix with the Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The second annual Ruben Vela Festival is coming to Santa Rosa on Saturday, Oct. 17. The free event, taking place at 116 Santa Vista Avenue, features food, a kids zone and a lineup of eight bands, including Orphanage Road, Marlissa Vela, Ruben Vela y Los Muchachos, Reny Roland, Los Garcia Bros, [...]

More than 1,100 volunteers are preparing for the 32nd annual Rio Reforestation event on Oct. 17, 2026, at the Milagro Tract in Pharr to plant native trees grown across the Rio Grande Valley.

SAN JUAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Catholics across the Rio Grande Valley are coming together in prayer for Pope Leo following news of his cancer diagnosis, a development that has left many faithful shocked and concerned about the pontiff’s health. At Mass on Wednesday, parishioners prayed for the pope’s recovery, with his health mentioned three times during [...]

Residents of the Rio Grande Valley are remembering Roy Frank "RJ" Mitte, the 34‑year‑old actor who died Monday at his home in Brownsville. Known for his role on Breaking Bad, Mitte was also a disability advocate who ran "Mitte in Motion" workshops, spoke at the 2023 Disability Chamber of Commerce conference, and spent time supporting families, caregivers and teachers in the community.

Former Raiders punter Leo Araguz, a Harlingen High School alumnus, lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas before kickoff of the Sunday Raiders‑Chiefs game, marking Hispanic Heritage Month. Araguz, who signed with the Raiders late in the 1996 season and played 51 games, also holds the NFL record for most punts in a single game set in 1998.

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez handed a $965,467 check to Raymondville city officials during a Tuesday ceremony, earmarked for safety and renovation work at the city’s parks. The money will fund new restrooms, exercise stations, nature trails, lighting, parking and ADA‑compliant facilities at Pool Park, Pocket Park and Smiley Face Park, a boost that local families hope will improve community recreation.

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Raymondville was awarded nearly $1 million for its citywide park improvement plan. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez presented a $965,467 grant to the city of Raymondville on Tuesday. "Congressman Gonzalez and his staff work very diligently to help us out just about every day," said Raymondville Mayor Gilbert Gonzales. Gonzales says the grant [...]

RGV’s Little Elves, a nonprofit founded in 2019 by Sarah Gutierrez, partners with Rio Grande Valley school districts to find students and families needing clothing, food, hygiene items and other necessities year‑round and during holidays. The nine‑member volunteer board assembles Thanksgiving kits, Christmas blessings and summer bikes for families in the 956 area, and the group depends on community donations.

Boo in the Woods, a Halloween party for children of all ages, will be held in the park at Quinta Mazatlán on Friday, October 23, 2026, and Saturday, October 24, 2026. Marketing supervisor Samantha Gutierrez shared the details with Channel 5 News, noting that tickets can be purchased only online through the provided link.

RGV’s Little Elves, a nonprofit founded in 2019 by Sarah Gutierrez, works with school districts across the Rio Grande Valley to identify and assist families that need food, clothing, hygiene items and other necessities. The organization, run by nine volunteer board members, assembles Thanksgiving meal kits, Christmas blessings and summer bicycles, and it continues to operate year‑round. Gutierrez said the group hopes to keep expanding its support for local families.