Good morning, McAllen.

We Rock The Spectrum is a new gym in McAllen that lets children with autism and special needs play and build confidence.

The gym is open seven days a week—10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—and features swings, zip lines and climbing walls to help kids regulate their senses.

Fifteen-year-old Abby Martinez from McAllen teamed up with Golden Ice Cream to raise money for a center in Matamoros that helps children with autism.

The fundraiser runs until the end of April—each vanilla cone sold will donate part of its sale—to support therapies and teacher training.

A McAllen man, Jaime Garcia, pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm after fleeing on foot during a January traffic stop — he faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible fine when his sentencing is set for July 15.

Senior Luis Zuniga from PSJA Early College High School earned a spot in the Texas A&M Aggie Band after months of hard practice and will attend Texas A&M University in College Station this fall.

Residents can take advantage of a tax-free weekend to stock up on emergency preparation supplies starting at 12:01 a.m. on April 26 and ending April 28 + no limits on qualifying items or an exemption certificate are required, according to the Texas Comptroller’s Office.

On April 22, STHS Children’s hosted a special meet-and-greet with Mickey and Minnie Mouse for pediatric patients in the Children’s Playroom and at bedside to offer a welcome distraction before Disney On Ice at Payne Arena.

The event was organized by the Child Life Department in partnership with Feld Entertainment (the show’s producer) to help the children feel more at ease during their hospital stay.

South Texas Healthy Living TV will air an episode on Parkinson’s Disease that explains early signs like tremors and slow movement while offering tips on managing the condition—tune in on NBC 23 Sunday, April 27 at 9 a.m. for the full discussion and online viewing later.

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.

Zzzahara Concert in McAllen

7-8:30 p.m. — The Gremlin — Tickets available — Experience the Rio Grande Valley debut of LA based alt artist Zzzahara.

La Fragua Dance Studio Recital

4-5:30 p.m. — McAllen Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the charm of Baby Flamenco performed by talented young dancers in vibrant traditional outfits.