Community
Community news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
CommunityOne Step Away from the Final: Which Housemate Was Eliminated from La Casa de los Famosos
In the latest episode of Telemundo's reality show, La Casa de los Famosos, Verónica del Castillo was eliminated, becoming the penultimate contestant to leave the house. This marks the first double elimination in the show's history, with only six days remaining until the final. Verónica, who spent 39 days in the house, showed resilience among the four latecomers. Following her elimination, Yoridán returned to the house, greeted warmly by his teammates. The next elimination is scheduled for Sunday, and Horacio was spared after a colorful greyhound race, bringing excitement to the remaining contestants.
CommunitySea Turtle Inc. reports record breaking nesting season at South Padre Island
Sea Turtle Inc. has announced a record-breaking nesting season at South Padre Island, with 150 nests discovered, containing approximately 14,000 eggs. The organization credits its conservation efforts for this success, noting that it takes sea turtles around 12 to 15 years to mature. Dr. Amy Bonka, Chief Conservation Officer, emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts in turtle conservation, as the results are becoming evident. The hatching season is expected to begin as early as next week, following the typical timeline of about a month and a half after the eggs are laid.
CommunityRio Grande Valley community rallies for Sharyland Rattlers baseball team
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland Rattlers baseball team is off to make history at the state championship. The Rattlers will face off against Lucas Lovejoy Friday night in Round Rock. "Everyone has pride here in the RGV," said Alejandro Islas. "I mean, me as a player, I would love to see my community come
CommunityBrownsville Earns Governor’s Community Achievement Award
Brownsville has been awarded the 2026 Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA) by Keep Texas Beautiful, recognizing its exceptional efforts in environmental stewardship and community beautification. The award highlights the city’s strong volunteer engagement, with over 1,200 volunteers participating in 34 cleanup events in 2025, removing more than 51,000 pounds of litter. Initiatives included urban forestry projects and educational partnerships with local schools. Brownsville will receive a commemorative plaque and a $310,000 landscaping project from TxDOT to enhance community spaces. Other award recipients include Eden, San Saba, and Mesquite, among others.
CommunityMovie Talk discusses historic May at the movies
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — May 2026 may ultimately be remembered as a turning point for the theatrical experience—one defined not just by record-breaking box office numbers, but by the rise of unconventional films that connected with audiences in a big way. The momentum began with the unlikely breakout of "Obsession", a microbudget horror film that quickly became one of
CommunityBrownsville Invites Residents to Help Guide New Master Plan
The City of Brownsville is actively seeking public input for its Housing Master Plan, following the first public meeting held on June 3, 2026. Residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate through additional meetings and an online housing survey available on the city's website. The plan aims to address current and future housing needs with innovative policies and strategies. The process will include assessments of existing housing conditions and community engagement to shape actionable recommendations. Upcoming events include tabling at local celebrations and markets to gather further input from residents.
CommunityNonprofit raising child abuse awareness after Raymondville infant death
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande Valley nonprofit is encouraging the Willacy County community to come together to increase child abuse awareness after the tragic loss of an infant in Raymondville. Criminal complaints obtained by Valley Central confirmed earlier reporting that 19-year-old Lydia De Los Santos was charged with manslaughter after allegedly leaving her
CommunityThe Grand Finale of La Casa de los Famosos is Here! Here's How to Watch It Live Coast to Coast
The grand finale of La Casa de los Famosos is set for Thursday, June 11, at 7 PM ET/6 PM CT/4 PM PT on Telemundo. Hosted by Jimena Gállego and Javier Poza, viewers will witness the announcement of the winner who will take home $200,000. The remaining contestants, including Celinee Santos and Horacio Pancheri, are still isolated in the house, with eliminations occurring this week. Voting for the winner will open after the final gala on Sunday, June 7. Fans can watch live on Telemundo's app or catch episodes on Peacock the following day, along with additional content on social media and YouTube.
CommunityNational Donut Day is Here! Here's Where to Find Them for Free or at a Discount
National Donut Day is celebrated on Friday, June 5, honoring the Salvation Army's Donut Lassies who served donuts to soldiers in 1917. Many chains across the U.S., including Krispy Kreme and Dunkin', are offering promotions. At 7-Eleven, members can get glazed donuts for 50 cents each. Bonchon offers a free Korean donut with a $15 purchase. Duck Donuts gives one free classic donut per person, while Dunkin' offers a free donut with any drink purchase. Other participating locations include Gopuff, Honey Dew Donuts, Lidl, Paris Baguette, and Voodoo Doughnut, each with special deals for the day.
CommunityFREE Fishing Day in Texas is June 6th
On June 6th, Texas will celebrate a Free Fishing Day, allowing residents and visitors to fish without a license at any public water body across the state. This event encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors and try fishing, whether they are experienced anglers or newcomers. Participants are reminded to bring their fishing gear and a friend to share the experience. It's a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories on the water. For those looking for the best fishing spots, resources are available to help find ideal locations. Don't miss out on this chance to fish for free all day long!
CommunitySTC President Honored for Outstanding Community Leadership
Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., President of South Texas College, has been awarded the 2026 Futuro RGV Community Leader Award for his innovative contributions to academics and workforce development during his nearly five-year tenure. Solis expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of students, faculty, and community partners. Under his leadership, STC has become the top Hispanic-Serving Institution in the U.S. and a leader in nursing education. The award highlights Solis's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and economic development in the Rio Grande Valley, aligning with Futuro RGV's mission to improve community life.
CommunityArtist Sues FIFA for Painting Over His Work to Promote the 2026 World Cup
The artist who painted a giant mural on a building in downtown Dallas, Texas, featuring life-sized whales, has filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA and others, claiming they illegally painted over his work to promote the upcoming World Cup matches in the city. Artist Wyland asserts that he hand-painted the extensive mural, which covered approximately 17,000 square feet on two walls of the building. The mural remained for nearly three decades before workers began painting over it last month, sparking outrage among residents who admired the mural's large scale and its message of ocean conservation. The World Cup organizing committee in the area stated in a release that, instead of Wyland's mural, a new artwork is planned 'to capture this current historic moment and reflect the energy, unity, and global spirit surrounding the 2026 World Cup.' They added that a portion of Wyland's mural would be preserved.
CommunityHarlingen residents invited to take survey for National Award
Harlingen, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The National Civic League invites residents of Harlingen to take part in a community survey that could help the city achieve national recognition. The city was recently named one of twenty finalists for the 2026 All-American City Award, which honors communities that “demonstrate strong civic health and collaborative problem-solving,” according to a press release. If chosen, Harlingen could receive an economic stimulus to help drive tourism and commerce.
CommunityDavid Bisbal Joins Operación Triunfo USA as Judge of the Music Competition
Telemundo announces the addition of international star David Bisbal as a judge on Operación Triunfo USA, the music competition set to premiere in prime time this July. Twenty-five years after captivating audiences in the first edition of the phenomenon in his native Spain that launched him to stardom, Bisbal returns to Operación Triunfo as a jury member to guide and inspire a new generation of talent. "Returning to the universe of Operación Triunfo after so many years has a very special meaning for me, because it was the place where my career began and changed my life forever," said Bisbal. "It is an honor to be part of this moment, and I am filled with excitement to accompany, motivate, and witness the musical growth of a new generation of talents with big dreams."
CommunityOne by One: Meet the First Finalists of La Casa de los Famosos
The final stage of 'La Casa de los Famosos' has begun, with four contestants securing their spots in the grand finale set for June 11. The reality show, which started on February 17, features 23 celebrities living together 24/7. The current finalists are Luis Coronel, Celinee Santos, Curvy Zelma, and Stefano Piccioni. Only one contestant will win the grand prize of $200,000. Voting is open on Telemundo's website, allowing fans to cast one vote per day for their favorite participant during the voting period.
CommunityFirst responders gather for Blue Mass at San Juan Basilica
SAN JUAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A mass was held at the Basilica in San Juan on Wednesday to honor the service of all first responders and pray for the ones who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The annual tradition, widely known as Blue Mass, was led by Bishop Daniel Flores of
CommunityWhy Alamo’s Historic Transformation is a Must-Read Story
The City of Alamo is undergoing a significant transformation under Mayor J.R. Garza, who took office in late 2023. After decades of stagnation, Alamo is now focusing on infrastructure, public safety, and economic development, with over $100 million in projects currently underway. This revitalization aims to reshape the city’s future through strategic growth and modernization. The efforts are a collective mission involving city commissioners and municipal staff, emphasizing teamwork in advancing essential services and projects. The ongoing changes are expected to have a lasting impact on the community and the broader Rio Grande Valley.
CommunitySouth Padre Island's Isla Blanca Park tops USA Today's best beaches in Texas list
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For the third straight year, Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island has claimed the No. 1 spot on USA Today's best beaches in Texas list. The list is compiled after a panel of travel experts nominates their top picks, and readers cast their vote to decide the winner. Isla Blanca
CommunitySTC’s 17th Annual South Texas Ceramic Showdown, June 10&11
The South Texas College Art Department and Library Art Gallery will host the 17th Annual South Texas Ceramic Showdown on June 10 and 11, themed 'Finding the Right Combination.' Featured artists include Laura Caroline Casas from Youngsville, NC, and Brownsville's Andy Rangel. The event will kick off with a clay demonstration on June 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by opening receptions from 4 to 6 p.m. On June 11, an artist talk will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., with another clay demonstration from noon to 4 p.m. The exhibitions will showcase works from various institutions, highlighting both emerging and experienced artists.