Tagged News

• Some Valley residents confused as to which parks reopened after state announcement Play Video

  April 21, 2020 7:30 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott ordered the reopening of state parks, but some Rio Grande Valley residents are confused to what parks they're allowed to visit. People are looking to escape from their homes and get some fresh air during the lockdown. With a large amount of parks... more »

• Mission sees jump in permit applications for home improvement projects amid pandemic Play Video

  March 29, 2020 5:47 PM

  MISSION – Curfews and shelter-in-place orders mean more time at home. Which is bringing families together for home improvement projects. The Mission Planning Department is noticing more people are applying for building during recent stay-at-home orders. Officials believe residents forced to stay home are using their time wisely. ... more »

• As confirmed virus cases rise, Cameron County leaders remind public order is in effect Play Video

  March 27, 2020 7:46 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – The entire Rio Grande Valley is under shelter-in-place orders. The Cameron County judge had a message Friday extending to everyone: avoid contact with others. After reports of trespassing at county parks, Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. reminded residents, as coronavirus infections have nearly doubled over the past 48... more »

• Crooks posing as AEP employees targeting Valley customers, businesses Play Video

  March 10, 2020 5:18 PM

  WESLACO – Dozens of residents around the Rio Grande Valley fell victim to a group trying to take their money by threatening to shut off their electricity. The cases are affected AEP Texas customers. Crooks recently contacting Noe Acevedo didn’t come as a shock to him. As a past... more »

• Donna colonia residents advocate for more census participation Play Video

  February 21, 2020 9:21 PM

  DONNA – We’re less than a month away before 2020 census forms are mailed to our homes, and people living in colonias want to make sure they're counted. In the colonias in Donna, which is not only one of the poorest areas in Donna, but also in the nation,... more »

• HUD opens center to provide support services in Brownsville Play Video

  February 12, 2020 7:05 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Brownsville is now officially the third city in Texas to have an EnVision Center. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development traveled to Brownsville to designate the Buena Vida Choice Community Center as the location for the state's third EnVision Center. The center is designed... more »

• Donna neighborhood frustrated over illegal dumping activity Play Video

  January 24, 2020 6:27 PM

  DONNA – Some residents is Donna want changes to the illegal dumping activity in their area. People heading east of FM 493 on Mile 12 will probably come upon a sight residents are tired of. The road’s jurisdiction is split between two entities: the city of Donna and... more »

• Weslaco Fire Official Advises Safety Precautions When Handling Fireworks Play Video

  December 27, 2019 6:28 PM

  WESLACO – Many people are getting ready to celebrate the new year with fireworks, but those fireworks themselves could potentially crash the party. Lieutenant Rich Stubbs from the Weslaco Fire Department says over the years with emergency calls they're had, half are injuries to children are from improper firework... more »

• Edinburg Woman Concerned about Illegal Dumping in Neighborhood Play Video

  December 23, 2019 6:34 PM

  EDINBURG – Some residents are fed up with strangers who use their homes as a dumping site. It's a battle residents on Gastel Circle in Edinburg are constantly fighting. People over filling trash containers and then leaving big items on the side, such as couches, TVs and lots of... more »

• Los Indios Residents, Businesses Concerned over Transmigrantes Backed Up on FM 509 Play Video

  December 16, 2019 6:41 PM

  LOS INDIOS – Homeowners are voicing their concerns over transmigrantes lined up waiting to cross the border in Los Indios. Residents living near FM 509 told CHANNEL 5 NEWS the transmigrantes need a new place to park. They’re parked in front of homes and businesses. A woman says... more »

• Lyford Residents Aid in Combating Crime amid Unmanned Police Station Play Video

  December 4, 2019 7:46 PM

  LYFORD – A Rio Grande Valley community are rallying together to catch an alleged thief on the run. Willacy County sheriff’s deputies say the citizens of Lyford helped point them in the right direction. The city of Lyford may be without a police department, but the citizens are... more »

• Authorities Warn of Phone Crooks Spoofing Port Isabel Police Play Video

  December 4, 2019 5:11 PM

  PORT ISABEL – An emergency number has been cloned in Port Isabel, according to police. Authorities are warning residents about the ploy targeting mostly older people in the community. Crooks reportedly cloned the police department’s number. The callers are reportedly asking residents to buy gift cards or... more »

• Mercedes Residents Weigh In on City Christmas Decor Worth More Than $110K Play Video

  November 26, 2019 10:29 PM

  MERCEDES – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Mercedes. The queen city held a lighting celebration Tuesday night, showing off a Christmas tree that came with a royal price tag of $65,000. The tree attracted a lot of attention even before it arrived in the... more »

• SpaceX Extends Buyout Offer Deadline Again as Homeowners Continue to Fight Play Video

  November 19, 2019 7:01 PM

  BOCA CHICA – Some residents of Boca Chica Village refused to sell their homes, others took the money and ran. All were offered buyouts from SpaceX For the homeowners who live next to SpaceX, their buyout offer deadline was Tuesday and was extended again. Maria Pointer explained to... more »

• Harlingen Residents Join in on Christmas Film as Extras Play Video

  November 19, 2019 6:19 PM

  HARLINGEN – Production for a Christmas film set to be released next year is going on in Downtown Harlingen. The film “Gift of an Angel” highlights immigration issues at the southern U.S. border. It will feature Hollywood celebrities Alyssa Milano and Cristian de la Fuente. Some Valley... more »

• Questions Arise after More Than $100K is Spent on Christmas Decor in Mercedes Play Video

  November 8, 2019 5:32 PM

  MERCEDES – Mercedes city leaders went big on their holiday decorations, but some say it is costing taxpayers too much. They spent more than $100,000 on a Christmas tree and street decorations, but some residents are questioning their priorities. “Having a Christmas tree is a beautiful thing. It... more »

• Internet Provider Upgrading Access to Services for Peñitas Residents

  November 4, 2019 10:45 PM

  PEÑITAS – A local city is bringing attention to their lack of computer accessibility and the internet. The Peñitas Public Library is one of the few places in the city students can go to if they want to go online. Some residents say it should not be like... more »

• Potential Victim Wants Voice Heard in Trial Against Valley Homebuilder Play Video

  October 31, 2019 6:12 PM

  EDINBURG – An indicted Rio Grande Valley homebuilder had his court reset this week. So far, eight victims have filed complaints with the court. Another potential victim says she lost thousands of dollars from a house left unfinished. Irene Sanchez hired Juan Carlos Carranza, owner of Newmark... more »

• Public, Company Discuss New Electric Scooters Coming to Edinburg Play Video

  October 30, 2019 10:41 PM

  EDINBURG – The contract is final. Electric scooters will soon be seen on the streets of Edinburg. During a planning meeting Wednesday, the city and company, Blue Duck, heard from residents. The San Antonio-based company encouraged safety, answered questions and pointed to the record in response to concerns.... more »

• Deadline for Boca Chica Residents to Accept SpaceX Buyout is Today Play Video

  October 17, 2019 11:43 AM

  NEAR BROWNSVILLE – Thursday is the last day SpaceX is offering a buyout for homeowners of Boca Chica Village. The desired property is located right next to the launch site. According to residents, SpaceX sent out a letter to every homeowner offering to buyout their property due to... more »

• McAllen 3-1-1 Offers Residents Access to Customer Service Center Play Video

  October 10, 2019 5:35 PM

  MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley city is upgrading its connection with residents. The city of McAllen says now anyone who lives, works or visits the area can directly dial 3-1-1 from a mobile phone or land line. Callers will be connected to the city’s customer service call... more »

• San Benito Residents Question Safety Due to Road Problems Play Video

  October 3, 2019 6:28 PM

  SAN BENITO – Residents stranded on a road in San Benito are worried they can't get emergency help if they need it. The road is definitely not easy to travel with the amount of bumps and potholes on it. CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke to residents on Railroad Street... more »

• Boca Chica Homeowners Fear Eminent Domain is Next Step near SpaceX Facility Play Video

  September 30, 2019 5:15 PM

  BOCA CHICA VILLAGE – Some homes in Boca Chica Village are boarded up, empty and some sold to SpaceX. Other homeowners are lacing up. Rayford Pointer is trying to find a fair value for his home; he receives letters from SpaceX offering him buyouts three times more than... more »

• SpaceX Founder Expected to Visit Boca Chica Launch Site Play Video

  September 25, 2019 5:27 PM

  BOCA CHICA – SpaceX’s rocket Starship has its nose and crews are gearing up for another visit from founder Elon Musk this Saturday. Also, this Thursday is the deadline for the remaining residents of Boca Chica Village to accept a property buyout offer. SpaceX wants their land and... more »

• SpaceX Offers Buyout to Homeowners Affected by Boca Chica Facility Play Video

  September 18, 2019 5:37 PM

  BOCA CHICA VILLAGE – SpaceX is offering a buyout for homeowners of Boca Chica Village. According to residents, SpaceX sent out a letter this week to every homeowner offering to buyout their property due to the impact the nearby facilities might have on the village. The letter mentioned... more »

• Chaos Erupts at City Commission Meeting in Mercedes Play Video

  September 17, 2019 11:14 PM

  MERCEDES – A city meeting erupted in chaos before it could get started. The potential removal of a city commissioner and the city manager were on the agenda. Dozens showed up for a city meeting in Mercedes on Tuesday night. Officials were unable to let everyone in... more »

• Los Fresnos Man Hopes to Reunite With Missing Dog After Warehouse Rescue Play Video

  September 11, 2019 5:26 PM

  LOS FRESNOS – More than 24 hours after being rescued, hundreds of dogs and a cat are still recovering. As CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported, the animals were rescued Tuesday from a warehouse in Los Fresnos. Some Rio Grande Valley residents are now wondering if their missing pets are... more »

• City Responds to San Benito Neighborhood’s Outcry for Road Improvements Play Video

  September 4, 2019 4:56 PM

  SAN BENITO – Residents in a San Benito neighborhood who filed numerous complaints on road improvements received a response from the city Wednesday. CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported last week about a group of people on Nixon Road. They filed complaints on nuisance, road improvements and the lack of... more »

• La Feria Residents Concerned about Grass Fires near Train Tracks Play Video

  August 29, 2019 6:24 PM

  LA FERIA – Dry conditions continue to cause problems for Rio Grade Valley residents. A train passing through the Harlingen-La Feria area Monday sparked a string of grass fires. "The wheels make a spark on the track and it goes real fast. Before you know it, it's right... more »

• New Criteria for Legal Immigration to Affect Some Residents Play Video

  August 12, 2019 3:49 PM

  MCALLEN – The Trump Administration announced new criteria for those seeking legal immigration status or a change to their current status. The new rule says some depending on public government assistance could be denied the immigration status they seek. Hugo Alberto Gomez is in the process to obtain... more »

• New Partnership with FEMA to Help Flood Victims with Immediate Assistance Play Video

  July 30, 2019 9:07 PM

  LA FERIA - A new partnership with FEMA to help flood victims get emergency assistance is now available. Representatives say they want more people applying for assistance at disaster recovery centers. Tuesday afternoon only about 45 people went to La Villa Youth Center to seek assistance. Maria... more »

• One Month Later: Valley Flood Victims Begin to Rebuild Play Video

  July 24, 2019 3:17 PM

  SANTA ROSA – Wednesday marks the one month anniversary of the June storms. A number of Rio Grande Valley residents are still cleaning up after the flooding. CHANNEL 5 NEWS went back to visit one Santa Rosa man who's still on the road to recovery. A month... more »

• Residents Express Concerns about New McAllen Ordinance Play Video

  July 16, 2019 6:13 PM

  MCALLEN – An ordinance that requires clear visible addresses on houses, businesses and any building inside the city limits is sparking concerns. Anything less than four inches is a violation and residents could get fined. The fine is what concerns resident Lourdes Rios. Her house numbers are... more »

• Email Address Setup for Residents to Report Storm Damage in Harlingen

  July 2, 2019 9:55 AM

  HARLINGEN – City officials are asking residents affected by last week’s floods to gather information regarding the amount of damage. In a Facebook post, the city says it’s important for the city to gather the most accurate information possible to help with the Federal Disaster Declaration. The city... more »

• Cameron Co. Prepares for Spike in Mosquito Population following Flooding Play Video

  June 27, 2019 4:51 PM

  SANTA ROSA – Cameron County is gearing up for an increase in mosquitos as many parts of the county remain underwater. Milagros Caballero, a Santa Rosa resident, says she’s already seeing a rise in mosquitos in her neighborhood. "Yesterday, we were already being attacked by mosquitoes, so we... more »

• Primera Woman Aggravated over Recovery Efforts on Damaged Home Play Video

  June 26, 2019 6:19 PM

  PRIMERA – The streets are slowly drying out, making people anxious to start their recovery process. Sandbags were not enough for a Primera family to stop water from seeping into their home. “Where to put all this trash? I have no idea. It's, like, no help whatsoever. They... more »

• La Villa Family Considers Relocating from Flood Zone Play Video

  June 25, 2019 6:54 PM

  LA VILLA – Memories floated around the Rodriguez family home in La Villa. The entire property was underwater leaving no other choice but to evacuate. “I have seven kids, so I couldn't risk it. If it is material, I can lose it, but not my family. So we... more »

• Neighbors Saving Neighbors: Santa Rosa Residents Rescue Each Other from Floodwaters Play Video

  June 25, 2019 5:44 PM

  SANTA ROSA – The main road leading to Santa Rosa is flooded, cars left alone and homes surrounded by water. Residents found themselves in waist deep floodwaters; some are taking up the challenge to help other neighbors. Fabian Loya and Martin Silva joined forces with other neighbors to... more »

• Starr Co. Residents Seek Answers over Border Wall Rerouting Proposals Play Video

  June 17, 2019 6:06 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – The Starr County Industrial Foundation was tasked with drawing up a new border wall route to limit the amount of negative impact for nearby communities. This task was supposed to be completed at the end of April. Two months have gone by with no... more »

• Address Numbers Now Required on All McAllen Residential, Business Structures

  June 17, 2019 3:50 PM

  MCALLEN – City commissioners in McAllen passed an ordinance requiring all residents and businesses to clearly display address numbers on structures. The new ordinance requires all new structures must include clearly legible numbers, no less than four inches in height. This is in an effort to improve efficiency... more »

• Benefits of Switching to Solar Energy during Summer Season Play Video

  June 6, 2019 4:47 PM

  WESLACO – Residents and businesses of the Rio Grande Valley are searching for alternative energy solutions as temperatures heat up for the summer. Jim Moore is the director of operations at a health clinic in Weslaco; he says the clinic installed solar panels nearly two years ago. “The... more »

• Edinburg Neighborhood Submit Signatures to Improve Drainage Construction Conditions Play Video

  June 6, 2019 4:42 PM

  EDINBURG – More than 20 neighbors are joining forces with signatures seeking answers near Gardenia Street in Edinburg. CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported last month about more than a dozen ditches what were left without caution signs causing neighbors to accidentally drive their cars into them. It’s all part... more »

• Brooks Co. Ranchers Weigh In on Increase of Immigrant Traffic Play Video

  May 20, 2019 9:11 AM

  FALFURRIAS – Border security resources are focused on the Rio Grande Valley; that focus is creating a sense of insecurity among some Brooks County residents. For years, ranchers have seen immigrants use their land to travel north, the only difference now is a decrease in Border Patrol agents. ... more »

• Drainage Project Construction Aggravating Some Edinburg Residents Play Video

  May 17, 2019 6:30 PM

  EDINBURG – The Hidalgo County Drainage District 1 is adding drains to parts of Edinburg. The new system is meant to prevent clogged drains, but residents along Gardenia Street say they’re left with a dangerous ditch and no safety warning. More than 10 similar ditches line the same... more »

• Brownsville to Distribute Sandbags amid Upcoming Hurricane Season

  May 7, 2019 11:34 AM

  BROWNSVILLE – Brownsville residents will be able to pick up sandbags to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Officials are encouraging residents to not wait for a storm hit the area. The city will host a sandbag drive-thru pickup event Friday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 7... more »

• Edinburg Voters to Decide on $220M Bond for School District Play Video

  May 1, 2019 10:09 PM

  EDINBURG – Voters will be heading to the polls this weekend. In Edinburg, voters will decide on a $220 million bond issuance for the city’s school district, which would mean a 4 cent tax increase for Edinburg property owners. This bond is causing debate among residents. Some... more »

• Donna Residents Questioning Emergency Funding Used for Immigration Play Video

  May 1, 2019 9:30 PM

  DONNA – Residents in Donna say the city tends to have flooding issues during hurricane season. Some are wondering why city leaders would use emergency funding to help with the immigration surge . "They need to fix the drainage ditches ahead of time so the water won't build... more »

• Several Programs Assisting Port Isabel Homeowners ahead of Hurricane Season Play Video

  May 1, 2019 5:58 PM

  WESLACO – Hurricane season is one month away. The National Weather Service is asking homeowners to make necessary repairs to their home before the start of the season. The city of Port Isabel is trying to help residents make these repairs through several programs. KRGV’s Cecilia Gutierrez... more »

• Respite Center Relocation Sparks Concerns within Community Play Video

  April 23, 2019 6:31 PM

  MCALLEN – As the city of McAllen prepares to relocate an immigrant respite center, those nearby are voicing their concerns. The city worked with Catholic Charities to select and approve a new spot near the McAllen Bus Station – they believe this spot will work better. The owner... more »

• Mission Residents Uneasy with ‘Unsafe’ Toxic Burn Play Video

  April 12, 2019 5:10 PM

  UPDATE (4/24): The site of an illegal burn in Mission is going to be cleaned up. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality met with a property owner near the burn and spoke about corrective action, including the removal of the trash piles. The case remains under investigation. ... more »

• Man who Works for Repossession Company Speaks Out About Dangers on the Job Play Video

  March 20, 2019 5:30 PM

  WESLACO - A local man who works for a repossession company is speaking out about some of the dangers he’s encountered while doing his job. Ramiro Villareal says he works a dangerous job and always hopes the owners understand. “You go with orders to pick up a vehicle... more »

• 1st Test of SpaceX Starship Prototype Delayed Play Video

  March 20, 2019 12:16 PM

  NEAR BROWNSVILLE – The first test of the SpaceX starship prototype will not go off as originally planned. Residents received notices of road closures near the Boca Chica launch site just days ago. Because the test was postponed today, there’s a chance it could be rescheduled for Thursday... more »

• Road Closures Due to SpaceX Testing in Boca Chica Play Video

  March 19, 2019 4:43 PM

  NEAR BROWNSVILLE – SpaceX is expected to carry out testing at the Boca Chica launch site on Wednesday. The Cameron County judge issued a road closure notice on Tuesday. State Highway 4 and Boca Chica Beach will be closed from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents will... more »

• City, Residents Prepare for Spring Break Traffic Play Video

  March 8, 2019 10:10 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Residents and South Padre Island officials are preparing for the spike in visitors for the spring break vacation. Interim City Manager, Randy Smith, says they're expecting a big crowd to check-in to their hotel rooms on Saturday with possibly some traffic at the causeway. ... more »

• Judge Blocks Order of Removal of Voters under Citizenship Review Play Video

  February 27, 2019 9:59 PM

  WESLACO – A federal judge blocked state authorities from ordering the removal of people under citizenship review on Wednesday. The State Elections Department released an inaccurate list questioning thousands of Texas residents in January. A U.S. District Judge out of San Antonio ruled there is no evidence of... more »

• Weslaco Fire Dept. Warns about Impostor Offering Free Home Inspections Play Video

  February 20, 2019 12:35 PM

  WESLACO – The Weslaco Fire Department is warning residents about an impostor going door-to-door. The department says the person offers a free home inspection to gain access then tries to sell the homeowner a fire alarm or security system. The person is not in uniform and does not... more »

• McAllen Catholic Charities Respite Center Denied Permit Play Video

  February 11, 2019 6:33 PM

  UPDATE (2/11 8 p.m.): McAllen City Commissioners denied a respite center's one year permit to remain in the same location. The deadline for Catholic Charities leaders to find a new respite center is in 90 days. Catholic Charities has served as a place for migrants processed by Border... more »

• City of Edinburg Getting Areas Up to Code to Act on Residents’ Concerns Play Video

  February 5, 2019 6:32 PM

  EDINBURG – The city of Edinburg is getting some areas throughout the city up to code. The city has been going door-to-door to pass out flyers telling residents to avoid certain code violations. Piles of tree branches, trash cluttering empty lots and over-grown grass are just a few... more »

• How Investigators Solve Cases Similar to Recent Hit-and-Run near Palmview Play Video

  January 31, 2019 4:52 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – Authorities continue to investigate a hit-and-run that injured a 9-year-old girl. CHANNEL 5 NEWS looked into how investigators deal with cases similar to this one. "You have to run with any case you get until you no longer have any leads,” explains Rio Grande... more »

• Local Taxpayer Wants Help from Gov't to Prepare Taxes Play Video

  January 29, 2019 3:35 PM

  WESLACO – A local resident wants help from the government to prepare her taxes because of all the changes that have taken place. Maria Luisa Castillo Del Castillo says trying to figure out new tax laws is difficult. She says it would be beneficial for local government to... more »

• Upcoming Census can Create Difficulty for Local Residents Play Video

  January 24, 2019 11:29 PM

  WESLACO – Cameron County clerk says the upcoming census will be unlike any others in the past. The Cameron County clerk, Sylvia Garza Perez says the federal government has decided to digitalize the census. She says that data helps ensure each county receives the federal funds they need.... more »

• Residents in Pharr Concerned over Hazardous Pothole Issue Play Video

  January 21, 2019 6:57 PM

  PHARR – Residents in Pharr are concerned about a pothole at a busy intersection. The pothole is located at the intersection where Sugar and Sioux roads meet in Pharr. A resident called 5 ON YOUR SIDE in hopes to resolve the issue. KRGV’s John Paul Barajas reached... more »

• Victims of June's Floods May Qualify for Tax Deductions Play Video

  January 18, 2019 4:53 PM

  WESLACO – Victims of June’s floods may have some extra deductions available this tax season. The IRS says under the new tax reform, those who didn’t qualify for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or insurance reimbursement may qualify for tax relief. A McAllen resident tells CHANNEL... more »

• Rio Grande City Trolley Gives Tour of Historic Sites Play Video

  January 17, 2019 11:33 AM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – A local tour allows people to see the history of Rio Grande City. The Bessie Three is an air-conditioned trolley, sponsored by Rio Grande City, the Economic Development Corporation and the Main Street Project. On this tour, people see both historic buildings and modern... more »

• Authorities Say Number of Fraudulent Vehicle Purchases From Mexico on the Rise Play Video

  January 15, 2019 4:26 PM

  HIDALGO – Local authorities say the number of fraudulent vehicles purchased and sold in Mexico are on the rise. Hidalgo County Vehicle Fraud Investigators say they are seeing more fraudulent titles coming in from the U.S. ports-of-entry. Chief Investigator Cesar Solis explained that many people who attempt to... more »