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.

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.

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.

The Maria del Pilar Garza Museum in Alamo seeks help identifying players in a historic photo of the Wildcats semi-pro baseball team for an upcoming exhibit.

Breaking Bad actor and philanthropist RJ Mitte has died at age 34 in Brownsville. Tributes pour in from co-stars Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris, and local leaders.

The Salvation Army of Cameron County expands its Angel Tree program to 150 families and calls on community sponsors and volunteer bell ringers.

RGV seniors enrolled in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program must renew their registration by Nov. 3, 2026, to continue receiving monthly food boxes.

Be sure to send in your Pump Patrol submissions by 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at news@krgv.com.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. lifted the temporary closure of Beach Access Nos. 4, 5/E.K. Atwood Park Pavilion, and 6 on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 8:30 a.m., after high tides on Oct. 10 had made the sand unsafe for vehicles and foot traffic. County officials said the accesses are now open, South Padre Island sites stay open, and visitors should check the Flag Advisory System for current surf conditions.

Join us as The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville Presents: Sunday Mass Live, on SOMOS EL VALLE Ch. 5.2, Cable 1240, at 11 a.m.