Good morning, McAllen.

On Friday, Border Patrol Agent Eric Cespedes—a 17-year veteran stationed out of Harlingen—drowned while rescuing his children from a rip current at South Padre Island, and his family remembers him as a dedicated father who always put his children first.

Two Pharr brothers (aged 17 and 18 when arrested in January 2022) accused of fatally beating and dumping their stepfather in a McAllen field will face a jury on October 27 to answer capital murder and aggravated assault charges after previous trial dates were rescheduled and an ICE hold remains in place.

Two Pharr brothers, Christian and Alejandro Treviño, and friend Juan Eduardo Melendez, accused of the 2022 murder of their stepfather Gabriel Quintanilla after assaults in Pharr and McAllen, will appear in 93rd district court on September 18 for a status hearing to decide a joint trial, with their jury trial scheduled for October 27—court records note ICE holds on the cases.

COSTEP has teamed with regional partners to launch a project for a bi-national auto cluster that will boost the automotive industry and create more high-paying jobs—this plan was discussed at a meeting at the Cambria Hotel where CEO Adam Gonzalez outlined steps to attract investment and coordinate local companies. The project will help local manufacturers register and work together to promote the region’s strengths.

Retired businessman and philanthropist Steven De La Garza donated $20,000 to TSC’s nursing program in Brownsville during a check presentation at the college’s International Technology, Education and Commerce Center—his donation, made in partnership with the Rio Grande Valley Philanthropic Foundation, reinforces his long support for local technical and workforce education.

U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz filed legislation Monday that would update the H-2A visa program to help ease farm labor shortages caused by immigration raids and worker fears; the bill will raise wages, streamline applications, and pilot a program allowing workers to switch jobs within the state—aiming to secure a more stable agriculture workforce.

Hidalgo County saw a 5 to 7% rise in property appraised values that led to 66,476 protests—up over 11,000 from last year—as average home values increased to $182,000 from $163,000, according to Assistant Chief Appraiser Jorge Gonzalez.

Gonzalez advised homeowners to review future notices as protests are now closed (notices are sent in April with deadlines in May).

U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz filed a bill on Monday to update the H-2A visa program for farm workers and to ease labor shortages on farms; the bill will raise wages, let employers post jobs online, and pilot a plan that lets workers switch jobs within one state without reapplying — a change based on the Bracero program —.

Juan Escobar was inducted into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame today — the famed genealogist, Vietnam veteran and former county judge shared his deep knowledge of South Texas history and explained how his family helped found Escobares.

His interview with the Rio Grande Guardian detailed his legacy in local sports and history.

34th Annual Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo

5-10 p.m. — McAllen Convention Center — Adults $20, Seniors $15, Children Free — Explore over 275 exhibits featuring the best in hunting and fishing gear.

Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo

5 AM – 2 PM — McAllen Convention Center — Free & Paid entry — Discover the latest hunting gear and enjoy live music at this annual gathering for sports enthusiasts.

Kung Fu Comedy Night

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Selfies & More Mini Market — Tickets required — Experience a night of laughter from the award-winning Recalled Productions in a vibrant atmosphere.