Tagged News

• Valley county judges meet to address New World screwworm threat Play Video

  May 18, 2026 9:49 AM

  There are multiple active cases of the New World screwworm in Mexico. It's a parasitic fly that feasts on the wounds of warm-blooded animals, which includes cattle, deer, dogs and cats. Out of the nearly 2,000 active cases in Mexico, 200 are near the border with Texas,... more »

• Holy Family Services Birth Center faces uncertain future after losing federal funding Play Video

  April 22, 2026 8:05 PM

  The Holy Family Services Birth Center just north of Weslaco lost its federal funding and is now relying on community support to stay open. The center received around $40,000 a month in federal funding, according to Sofia Aleman, the center’s communications and public relations manager. That money is... more »

• Texas father among DACA recipients Trump administration now targeting for deportation

  April 22, 2026 11:26 AM

  On a February afternoon, after pumping breast milk, Stephanie Villarreal sent her husband Juan Chavez Velasco to the hospital to drop off the milk at the neonatal intensive care unit for their 12-day-old daughter, who was born 10 weeks prematurely. As Chavez, 35, drove from his home in Weslaco,... more »

• Tax-free weekend gives Valley residents a chance to prepare for hurricane season Play Video

  April 20, 2026 10:15 AM

  Hurricane season is around the corner and next weekend Rio Grande Valley residents will have a chance to get prepared while also saving some money. Some emergency preparation supplies will be tax free. "Well, actually, we've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to think about... more »

• Book donations needed for Weslaco student's little library initiative Play Video

  April 15, 2026 7:28 PM

  A Weslaco teen is collecting 1,000 children's books to stock 16 little libraries outside Weslaco ISD schools. Melanie Chavez is leading the book drive. The libraries will run on an honor system where people can take a book if they leave one behind. More than 250 books have... more »

• Weslaco police search for missing 70-year-old man Play Video

  April 11, 2026 5:29 PM

  The Weslaco Police Department is asking for the public's help in searching for a missing 70-year-old man. Weslaco police said Jose Luis Suarez was last seen on Wednesday, April 8 at around 8 p.m. Suarez is known to suffer from anxiety and depression, and is also diabetic; he is... more »

• City of Weslaco begins road closures ahead of Texas Onion Fest

  March 27, 2026 11:18 AM

  The city of Weslaco is preparing for the Texas Onion Fest with some street closures in the downtown area. The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center posted on Facebook that street closures will begin on Friday at 12 p.m., which may cause some traffic delays. ... more »

• 'He deserves to be home with his family:' Weslaco man detained by ICE despite active DACA status Play Video

  March 20, 2026 12:12 PM

  A Weslaco wife wants her husband released from immigration custody after she says he was detained just days after their baby's birth. Inside the NICU, a newborn fights for her life, and her father cannot be by her side because he's in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. ... more »

• Statues at Weslaco church vandalized with candles Play Video

  March 16, 2026 12:21 PM

  Members of a Weslaco church want others to have more respect for their property. An unknown individual put three candles on some of their statues. The wax from one of the candles spilled, forcing the church to waste time and resources on cleaning it up. Diana Hernandez and... more »

• Man killed in Weslaco two-vehicle crash Play Video

  February 13, 2026 8:51 AM

  The Weslaco Police Department is investigating a two-vehicle crash that killed one man. According to Weslaco police spokesperson Heriberto Caraveo, an officer witnessed the crash at the intersection of Border Avenue and Business 83 while conducting a traffic stop at around 12:02 a.m. Friday. The victim was pronounced... more »

• McAllen High Bulldogs keep perfect record intact & La Feria Lionettes stay undefeated in district play Play Video

  January 30, 2026 10:48 PM

  Highlights from high school Edinburg Vela vs. McAllen High, Weslaco vs. Edinburg North, and Grulla vs. La Feria basketball games. more »

• Residents in Weslaco neighborhood should expect road closures due to drainage project Play Video

  January 23, 2026 11:19 AM

  Weslaco residents who live near or commute through Agostadero Street and Bridge Avenue should expect delays in the next two weeks. City crews will be closing portions of those streets to improve drainage as part of an ongoing project at Mayor Pablo Pena Park. Box culverts will be installed... more »

• Man hospitalized after being struck by vehicle in Weslaco Play Video

  January 19, 2026 1:43 PM

  A man was hospitalized on Sunday night after he was hit by a vehicle in Weslaco, according to Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Sgt. Maria Hernandez. The man was attempting to cross the street when the crash happened, DPS added. Hernandez said the auto-pedestrian crash occurred on... more »

• Solar panel owned by Weslaco resident damaged by stray bullet Play Video

  January 10, 2026 6:46 PM

  A Weslaco resident is pleading for people to report celebratory gunfire after a stray bullet damaged his home. A bullet hit solar panels on his property, costing him hundreds of dollars. "Why does it keep happening? And I know the police can't catch these people because you almost... more »

• Weslaco businessman replaces $700 couple lost at grocery store Play Video

  December 19, 2025 11:34 AM

  A Weslaco businessman wanted to make things right for a couple who lost $700 while grocery shopping. Gilberto Garza presented Terry and Carmen Lashley with a $700 check on Thursday. It was money the couple lost during a recent trip to the grocery store. Turns out, the Lashleys... more »

• Weslaco landowner seeks answers on county subdivision rules Play Video

  December 15, 2025 11:18 PM

  Just outside Weslaco city limits is a property that has been in the family of Leo Rios for nearly 30 years. Rios said after years of maintaining the entire six acres of property, he's ready to sell some of it. “We wanted to go ahead and subdivide the... more »

• Weslaco couple pleads for return of envelope full of money Play Video

  December 15, 2025 11:43 AM

  A Weslaco couple wants whoever picked up their money to return it. They accidentally dropped it while grocery shopping, and lost hundreds of dollars. "It's easy to get distracted when you're doing something important," Weslaco Police Department spokesperson Heriberto Caraveo said. That's what happened to Terry Lashley last... more »

• Weslaco Firefighters Union, city agree on pay raises, new shift schedule Play Video

  December 12, 2025 10:24 AM

  The Weslaco's Firefighters Union and the city have reached an agreement on new job terms. The agreement, signed on Thursday, includes pay raises and expands certification pay. "This is something that gives them the opportunity to spend more time with their family, to get more rest. Of course,... more »

• Weslaco vape shop owner responds to reports of fentanyl-laced cartridges in the area Play Video

  December 10, 2025 4:31 PM

  Fentanyl-laced vape pen cartridges are believed to be circulating in the area and may already be in the hands of teenagers, the Elsa Police Department warned. On Friday, Elsa Police Chief Robert McGinnis said the warning was issued after vape pen cartridges brought to the department tested positive for... more »

• Viral Facebook post helps Valley man receive CDL school scholarship Play Video

  December 6, 2025 1:16 PM

  Strangers came together to help a Rio Grande Valley man pay for trucking school. Roberto Yzaguirre just finished his first week at a CDL school. He's tried going for several years, but it all became a reality last week. A Facebook post showing him in Weslaco went viral... more »

• Suspect hospitalized following robbery turned officer-involved shooting in Weslaco smoke shop Play Video

  December 2, 2025 9:06 AM

  A suspect was shot in both legs during an officer-involved shooting at Vape City in Weslaco. The Weslaco Police Department held a news conference about the shooting on Tuesday. According to Weslaco police spokesperson Heribeto Caraveo, they received a call about two armed male suspects at the... more »

• City of Weslaco preparing for Lighted Christmas Parade Play Video

  December 1, 2025 3:50 PM

  The Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade is one of the biggest Christmas parades in the Rio Grande Valley. The city is preparing for the big event. Weslaco Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barbara Jean and Board Chair Ronda Lewis spoke with Channel 5 News' Dina Herrera Garza about... more »

• Neighbors witness burglary at Weslaco home under construction Play Video

  November 30, 2025 6:38 PM

  A Thanksgiving night robbery has people in a Weslaco neighborhood on high alert. Neighbors in Sienna Drive say their vigilance may have prevented an even bigger loss. "Saw two men walking out with some equipment, and they had a door," neighbor Priscilla Luna said. Luna's family lives... more »

• Weslaco stylist collects more than 250 canned goods for donation Play Video

  November 27, 2025 2:19 PM

  A Weslaco cosmetologist who collected canned goods instead of cash payments for services has gathered more than 250 non-perishable food items. Tessy Camargo donated the goods to the Rock of Ages Church in Pharr. For every 10 canned goods donated, Camargo offered clients a simple style, cut or makeup... more »

• Weslaco city leaders approve creation of new police and fire substation Play Video

  November 26, 2025 7:12 PM

  District 4 in Weslaco is set to see public safety improvements. City leaders approved the creation of a brand-new fire and police substation during last week's commissioner's meeting. The substation will be built along Mile 9 and Westgate Drive. Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said the substation will... more »

• Family speaking out after Christmas decoration stolen from Weslaco-area home Play Video

  November 23, 2025 12:58 PM

  A family from the Weslaco area has a warning for those putting up Christmas decorations: Make sure they’re secure. A family said a five-foot, pre-lit Christmas countdown sign they set up in their front yard that cost $250 was stolen shortly after it was set up last week. ... more »

• Weslaco stylist offering hair, makeup services for food donations Play Video

  November 15, 2025 1:40 PM

  A Weslaco woman is doing what she can to help families keep food on the table. Instead of money, Tessy Camargo is accepting a different kind of payment for her services. "Services in the beauty industry can be very, very expensive," Camargo said. "You can donate what you... more »

• Student detained after threat made against Weslaco ISD middle school

  November 13, 2025 1:53 PM

  A student was detained by police after a verbal terroristic threat was made against Central Middle School, Weslaco ISD announced on Thursday. The district and the Weslaco Police Department conducted the investigation in a reported verbal terroristic threat made against the campus, the district said in a news release.... more »

• H-E-B Feast of Sharing events scheduled throughout the Valley Play Video

  November 9, 2025 6:36 PM

  Thanksgiving was celebrated early Sunday at the McAllen Convention Center. The 35th annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing was held, and 10,000 people were fed with the help of volunteers like Julius Cortez. "It's very good that we can come as a group and give out to a community... more »

• Valley food distributor offers low-cost produce bags Play Video

  November 9, 2025 2:08 PM

  Inflation has local families looking for inexpensive food options. One Rio Grande Valley food distributor is giving families an affordable way to buy produce. Saturday mornings in Weslaco are busy for Omar and Deborah Alvarado, who own Alvarado Produce LLC. They sell bags of produce at $2, $3... more »

• Valley businesses offering free meals to families affected by SNAP cuts Play Video

  November 3, 2025 1:45 PM

  The government shutdown is affecting many families in the Rio Grande Valley who get SNAP benefits. Funding for the federal program has currently run out, but local businesses are stepping up to help families who need an extra hand. Melissa Longoria is a single parent with five children... more »

• ICE visit leaves Weslaco construction workers worried Play Video

  November 1, 2025 12:43 PM

  Immigration-related arrests have happened across the Rio Grande Valley, from businesses to construction sites. Work on new homes in a new subdivision in Weslaco is now at a standstill. "They're not going out to work, so the work is getting a little behind," Construction Foreman Ruben Torres said.... more »

• Funeral services underway for daycare director killed in Donna shooting Play Video

  October 20, 2025 7:16 PM

  Funeral services were held on Monday for the daycare director who was shot and killed last week outside her place of work. A public viewing for 26-year-old Nubia Bravo was held at Salinas Funeral Home in Weslaco. Bravo was identified as the director of Neni's Childcare #2 daycare.... more »

• Weslaco man shares wife's 6-year journey with rare neurological disorder Play Video

  October 20, 2025 11:45 AM

  A Weslaco man is raising awareness after losing his wife to a rare brain disease. Steve Ortiz is keeping the memory of his late wife, Liliana Zapata, alive by sharing her story to encourage others to keep fighting. "For some reason it could've picked me, it could've picked... more »

• 'No Kings' protest held throughout the Valley Play Video

  October 18, 2025 6:35 PM

  Anti-Trump protests occurred across the Rio Grande Valley on Saturday. They're part of an organized nationwide effort known as "No Kings." At least 300 demonstrators showed up in McAllen and about 200 in Harlingen. One Valley veteran says she wanted her voice to be heard. "We do all... more »

• South Texas ISD employee being held without bond on child porn charge Play Video

  October 15, 2025 1:56 PM

  A Weslaco resident and employee at South Texas ISD remains in federal custody following his arrest on a charge of a receipt and distribution of child pornography, federal court records show. Roel Flores Jr. was arrested on Oct. 8 in his Weslaco home following an investigation that began nearly... more »

• 2 in custody following Mercedes police chase involving stolen vehicle Play Video

  October 13, 2025 4:04 PM

  Two people are in custody following a Monday police chase involving a stolen vehicle in Weslaco, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. One of the suspects in custody was behind the wheel of a black Dodge Ram truck that had been reported stolen out of Corpus Christi,... more »

• Records: South Texas ISD employee arrested on child porn charge Play Video

  October 9, 2025 12:33 PM

  A Weslaco resident and employee at South Texas ISD was caught downloading pornographic materials when he was arrested by federal agents on Wednesday, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Channel 5 News. Roel Flores Jr. remains in federal custody following his arrest on a charge of receipt and... more »

• Weslaco forms faith-based emergency response coalition Play Video

  October 7, 2025 10:05 PM

  Nearly two dozen church leaders met with Weslaco city leaders Tuesday for the first meeting of the city’s faith-based coalition. The church leaders met with the Weslaco Office of Emergency Management. “The goal of this new coalition is to unite local church leaders in strengthening our community’s ability... more »

• Heart of the Valley: Weslaco cancer survivor shares her story Play Video

  October 7, 2025 10:12 AM

  A Weslaco mom, who beat breast cancer, says she had no family history of the disease. Erika Galan spends her weekdays in the office, Saturday mornings in the gym, and every second of her life being mom to two little girls. She's also a breast cancer survivor, and... more »

• Classes canceled at Weslaco East High School due to power outage

  October 2, 2025 10:28 PM

  A significant power outage is causing classes to be canceled at Weslaco East High School, the district announced. Classes at the campus are cancelled on Friday, Oct. 3, and will resume on Monday, Oct. 6. While classes are cancelled, staff will still report to the main gymnasium at... more »

• Made in the 956: Weslaco native putting RGV on the map through writing Play Video

  September 30, 2025 11:45 AM

  Living on the border can be a mix of two cultures. One Rio Grande Valley author is sharing his experiences through his writing. One of his books is even a finalist for several awards, putting the Valley on the map in the world of literary arts. Weslaco native... more »

• Investigation underway following three-vehicle crash near Weslaco business Play Video

  September 22, 2025 10:08 PM

  Two people were hospitalized Monday evening following a crash in Weslaco. The three vehicle accident occurred in the property of Texas Food Mart, located at the intersection of Mile 10 North and FM 88. Traffic in the area is being redirected. According to the Weslaco Police Department,... more »

• Mother of Weslaco murder suspect charged in scheme to smuggle drugs into detention center Play Video

  September 19, 2025 7:40 PM

  The 37-year-old mother of a Weslaco murder suspect is now in custody in connection with a scheme to smuggle drugs into the Hidalgo County Detention Center, according to a news release. Emily Cavazos was booked into the Hidalgo County jail Thursday on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity... more »

• An inside look at DPS' crime lab in Weslaco Play Video

  September 19, 2025 10:26 AM

  Law enforcement and crime victims across the Rio Grande Valley rely on the work of the Texas Department of Public Safety's crime lab in Weslaco. Channel 5 News got an inside look at the impact the lab has when it comes to seeking justice. Robert Garcia said he... more »

• Weslaco implementing new Texas law that fines illegal posters and signs Play Video

  September 15, 2025 8:56 PM

  Signs advertising junk removal, internet services, yard sales and homes for sale can be seen around Weslaco in public. The city is now using a state law to punish those who put up the so-called “bandit signs” without permission. House Bill 3611 went into effect on Sept. 1,... more »

• Valley smoke shops weigh in on hemp ban for people under 21 Play Video

  September 12, 2025 12:48 PM

  Rio Grande Valley smoke shops are reacting to a new state rule that stops anyone younger than 21 from buying hemp products. Texas Toke Smoke Shop is getting in line with new rules in the state. "I do have a lot of people that come in, and I... more »

• 2 adults hospitalized following three-vehicle accident in Weslaco Play Video

  September 12, 2025 10:36 AM

  Two adults were transported to a local hospital following a three-vehicle crash in Weslaco. The accident occurred on eastbound Interstate 2 between Victoria Road and Texas Boulevard on Friday morning, according to Weslaco Police Department spokesperson Heribeto Caraveo. All travel lanes were shut down for about three hours... more »

• Flood planning group seeking public input on Valley's flooding issues Play Video

  September 10, 2025 7:09 PM

  The Region 15 Flood Planning Group is hoping to find solutions — and funding — to flooding issues in the Rio Grande Valley. The group was created by the Texas Water Development Board, and Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David Fuentes is part of the group. Fuentes said... more »

• Pedestrian injured following two-vehicle crash near Weslaco Border Patrol Station Play Video

  September 8, 2025 7:59 PM

  A female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle involved in a crash near the Weslaco Border Patrol Station, according to police. The crash happened Monday at around 7 p.m. on the westbound lanes of frontage road near Bridge Avenue. According to the Weslaco Police Department, two vehicles crashed... more »

• Groundbreaking held for new Sam’s Club in Weslaco Play Video

  September 4, 2025 7:20 PM

  A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday for the Weslaco location of a Sam’s Club & Fuel Station. The store will be located at the intersection of Barbee Drive and FM 1015. Weslaco city officials said they’re hoping Sam’s Club will bring more job opportunities to the area. ... more »

• ‘The community will support them’: Customers react after Weslaco’s Sevilla Café catches fire Play Video

  September 2, 2025 8:11 PM

  A popular Weslaco restaurant is closed until further notice after it was damaged in a fire. Customers said they’ve been coming to the Sevilla Café at 241 S. Texas Boulevard for as long as they can remember. They said the café has served generations of families, and they hope... more »

• Weslaco stabbing suspect charged Play Video

  September 2, 2025 10:14 AM

  A man was arrested and charged in connection with a stabbing incident, according to Weslaco Police Department spokesperson Heriberto Caraveo. According to a news release, the victim was able to identify 56-year-old Jesus Garza as the suspect who stabbed him. Caraveo said officers responded to the 1500 block... more »

• Sevilla Café in downtown Weslaco closed after building catches fire Play Video

  September 2, 2025 9:52 AM

  A restaurant in downtown Weslaco caught fire Monday night. The fire occurred at the Sevilla Café, located at 241 South Texas Boulevard. According to Weslaco Fire Chief Antonio Lopez, reports of the fire came in at around 8:20 p.m. and was mostly in the back of the... more »

• Children's Bereavement Center prepares for gala fundraiser in Weslaco Play Video

  August 26, 2025 3:04 PM

  The Children's Bereavement Center of the Rio Grande Valley helps families heal during a very difficult time by offering support. The center's Executive Director Bill Reagan and Administrative Manager Noelynn Llasos speak with Channel 5 News' Dina Herrera Garza on how people can participate in their upcoming gala fundraiser.... more »

• Groundbreaking set for new Weslaco shopping plaza Play Video

  August 21, 2025 10:31 PM

  Weslaco city crews will break ground on a new shopping center on Friday. The incoming Shops at Westgate Plaza will be at the corner of Business 83 and Westgate Drive. The property will be 24,000 square feet, and the shopping strip is expected to bring 140 jobs to the... more »

• Weslaco ISD growing CTE and dual enrollment programs and upgrading campus security Play Video

  August 21, 2025 3:32 PM

  Thousands of Rio Grande Valley school districts have been at school for nearly a week or more, that includes students at Weslaco Independent School District. District leaders said they're trying to give students an edge academically and professionally this school year. They're growing their CTE and dual enrollment... more »

• 4 people arrested in connection with Hidalgo County human smuggling ring Play Video

  August 21, 2025 7:35 AM

  Four people were arrested in connection with the discovery of two stash houses in Edinburg and Donna that housed a total of 24 undocumented immigrants, according to a criminal complaint. The suspects are accused of harboring and transporting the immigrants at residences throughout Hidalgo County, according to a Thursday... more »

• Weslaco police see rise in vehicle thefts Play Video

  August 16, 2025 12:32 PM

  Residents living in northern Weslaco should be aware. Police are keeping an eye on a rise in vehicle thefts in the area. Police say it started in the last couple of weeks from July until now. Eight vehicles have been stolen, the majority of them GMC's and Chevy trucks.... more »

• 2 women arrested in connection with Weslaco auto theft investigation

  August 14, 2025 7:44 PM

  Two women were arrested Thursday in connection with an auto theft investigation, according to the Weslaco Police Department. The women, identified as 18-year-old Lesly Alonso and 19-year-old Kimberly Silva, have since been identified as the persons of interest in several other auto theft cases across Hidalgo County, according to... more »

• Illegal trash burning destroys home, damages 2 others near Elsa Play Video

  August 13, 2025 1:55 PM

  A man illegally burning trash led to his home being destroyed and two others being damaged near Elsa, fire investigators said. Firefighters with the Weslaco and Elsa fire departments responded to the area of Mile 15 North Wednesday at noon to battle the blaze. According to investigators, the... more »

• Active shooter response training held in Weslaco Play Video

  August 12, 2025 10:30 PM

  Law enforcement officers and first responders from across the Rio Grande Valley were in Weslaco training for an active shooter event. “Lord forbid we have any active shooter — but now this makes the RGV a safer and stronger place,” Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Assistant Public Safety... more »

• Human smuggling suspect facing federal charges after wrong-way chase ends in Weslaco Play Video

  August 12, 2025 9:14 AM

  An Indiana driver accused of human smuggling is now in federal custody. Cesar Rafael Leon, 34, made his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday, according to federal court records. He was turned over to the U.S. Marshals following the hearing. The indictment accuses Leon of picking up... more »

• Weslaco police therapy dog dies

  August 6, 2025 10:55 PM

  A beloved K9 officer with the Weslaco Police Department died, according to a news release. Officer Shayne died after his health declined due to a tumor in his abdomen and prostate, the department said. “Shayne served our department and community with unwavering dedication, courage, and loyalty —leaving an... more »

• New Weslaco police officers sworn in Play Video

  August 6, 2025 10:44 PM

  Seven new Weslaco police officers were sworn in on Wednesday. “For the first time in a long time, we are filling all our vacancies,” Weslaco police Chief Robert Flores said. Flores said the Weslaco Police Department will soon hire eight more police officers. The department will be fully... more »

• Bond set for Indiana driver charged in Weslaco human smuggling chase Play Video

  August 6, 2025 10:39 PM

  An Indiana man remains in custody following a Monday police chase that the Texas Department of Public Safety said was human smuggling related, jail records show. Hidalgo County jail records show Cesar Rafael Leon, 34, was booked on Tuesday on multiple charges of human smuggling, evading arrest and aggravated... more »