Good morning, McAllen.

The City of McAllen has opened cooling centers today at the Public Library, Lark Community Center, Las Palmas Community Center and Palmview Community Center to help residents beat the heat as triple-digit temperatures continue to affect the area.

The facilities operate at set hours during the week — officials advise residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor time.

A car crash closed the northbound I-69C ramp near FM 495 — stalling traffic on the connector from McAllen to Edinburg — the Texas Department of Transportation reported.

Sergio Efrain Zamora Jr.—a 45-year-old man from Mission—pleaded not guilty in federal court on May 14 to fraud charges for allegedly forging documents to sell properties without owners' consent, causing $655,000 in losses, and he remains in custody.

A 34-year-old Alamo man, Eusebio Cavazos, was sentenced Wednesday to 5 years in federal prison for smuggling 36 migrants near Sarita and will serve 3 years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said—he pleaded guilty in February after his December 13 arrest when officers found the migrants in his trailer.

South Texas College started an expansion project for its Cooper Center for Performing Arts after a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday morning.

The changes will double the size of the center and add the latest technology for theatre, dance, and music—the project is on track to finish next summer.

McAllen mayor, city commissioners, and the Fire Department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for Fire Station #8 on May 14 in the fast-growing Tres Lagos area.

The new 10,547 square foot station has kitchens, dayrooms, and work areas to support fire operations (housing one fire truck and four firefighters, with room to add another truck and crew) (designed for the expanding community).

Precinct 3 voters approved a tax to fund a new emergency service district so residents get faster ambulance service—Hidalgo County will soon appoint a board to manage hiring and buy equipment—and homeowners will start paying in January 2026.

The county will renew its $70,000 private ambulance contract through 2026 and expects the district to be ready by early 2027.

On Wednesday, Hidalgo County distributed Veteran Parking only signs to South Texas College, UTRGV and the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen as part of Armed Forces Week to honor veterans attending college.

Judge Richard F. Cortez said the signs—small but meaningful gestures—show the county’s appreciation for veterans' service.

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.

South Texas Builders Show

8 AM – 4 PM — McAllen Convention Center — Free admission — Explore the latest in construction with hands-on demos and expert seminars at the Valley's must-attend industry event.

Swan Lake Performance

6:00 – 7:30 PM — McAllen Performing Arts Center — Ticket required for ages 3+ — Experience the enchanting ballet of Swan Lake by Novus Dance.

Object Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML Training

All day — McAllen Flight Academy — $2090 — Enhance your software development skills with expert-led UML training in a collaborative setting.

Taste McAllen

6:30-8 p.m. — McAllen Convention Center — VIP tickets available — Savor a variety of culinary delights in a charming outdoor setting.