Good morning, McAllen.

A Utah couple and their two sons were indicted on federal charges for smuggling crude oil after agents raided the Arroyo Terminals facility in Rio Hondo on April 23.

The indictment claims over 2,800 shipments were smuggled since May 2022—court hearings for the Jensen sons are set for Tuesday, April 29 while the couple were released under conditions.

At the 2025 South Texas Comic Con in McAllen, a man dressed as Ash Ketchum proposed to his girlfriend, who was in Pikachu attire, on the main stage during the cosplay championship; he planned the moment with help from her family (including her brother, the event emcee) using a Pokéball magic trick to ask her to marry him.

Dr. Jesus Campos, interim vice president of information services at South Texas College, spoke at a forum titled 'Smart Cities, Smarter Economy – The Future of Automation in the Rio Grande Valley' held at the Pecan Campus in McAllen.

After the forum ended, he gave an exclusive interview to the Guardian about how automation and artificial intelligence may shape the local economy.

South Texas College hosted a forum on artificial intelligence today at its Pecan Campus in McAllen—experts discussed the future of automation in the Rio Grande Valley.

The event concluded with closing remarks from STC President Dr. Ricardo Solis.

On Saturday, residents filled Las Palmas Community Center for a town hall where Congressman Joaquin Castro and advocates from UnidosUS, LUPE Votes and the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement discussed how federal budget cuts might hurt essential services such as education and healthcare—raising concerns for families, seniors and children.

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.