Good morning, McAllen.

A mother in Hidalgo is demanding answers after her 7-month-old son died at Little Explorers Education Center when she dropped him off at 1 p.m. and returned two hours later to find him unresponsive—police are investigating potential negligence and awaiting autopsy results—.

Hector Julian Sustaita, a 37-year-old Edinburg man, pleaded guilty to smuggling 43 kilograms of cocaine — worth over $3 million — into the United States and was sentenced to four years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after being detained at a Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested 55-year-old Pharr man Gonzalo Galvan Beltran for aggravated kidnapping at Hidalgo International Bridge after he arrived from Mexico with an outstanding felony warrant from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office and a sheriff's deputy later took him to jail.

Local pastor Jon Herrin said that Good Friday—a day of solemn remembrance for Jesus’s sacrifice—was marked by a silent service at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in McAllen, and Easter Sunday services will begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Over a thousand churchgoers attended Good Friday services at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in the Rio Grande Valley where they followed the stations of the cross and joined a Veneration of the Cross led by Bishop Daniel Flores.

Basilica Director Father Jorge Gómez said the church saw more visitors this Holy Week — with extra masses on Palm Sunday and nearly opening the balcony for the Mass of the Eucharist.

Funeral services for late Assistant City Manager Joe Vera, who died Wednesday morning at 69, will begin with a public viewing and rosary on Monday, April 21 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center—followed by church services on Tuesday, April 22 at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church—and his interment at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr.

South Texas Health System is offering free glucose screenings throughout April as part of Channel 5 News' Heart of the Valley campaign on diabetes.

Director Tom Castañeda explained screening numbers and advised when to visit a doctor — details that help residents stay informed — while screenings continue.

Bardo Pond Concert in McAllen

7-10 p.m. — The Gremlin — No Refunds — Chicano Batman frontman, Bardo, hits the stage for a night of vibrant music in RGV.

Administrative Professionals’ Day Luncheon

11 AM – 1 PM — McAllen Convention Center — Registration required — Celebrate the vital role of administrative professionals in the workplace.

South Texas Comic Con

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. — McAllen Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 10 years of pop culture with celebrity guests, panels, gaming, and a Cosplay contest.

Noodle Run 5K & 1/2 Mile Fun Run

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Firemen's Park — Registration required — Family-friendly event bringing the community together for an evening run.

South Texas Comic Con

9:00 – 10:30 AM — McAllen Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant world of comics at South Texas Comic Con.

Watermelon Festival & BBQ Cook Off

2-11 p.m. — Alamo Sports Complex — Free entry — Celebrate summer with watermelon-themed activities and BBQ competitions.

Deborah Case Dance Academy Performance

10:00-11:30 a.m. — McAllen Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating dance showcase by the Deborah Case Dance Academy.