Good morning, McAllen.

Winter Texans are set to head south soon as local officials note a drop in seasonal visitors from recent RV park closures and ownership changes — the group spends over $1 billion each season boosting the local economy.

Ralph Garcia, COO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, said at a stakeholders meeting that 18 active projects by companies in Mexico, China & Japan will bring $245 million in investments and over 600 jobs, with a $75 million project adding 450 jobs announced later this month.

Texas A&M University Higher Education Center in McAllen will launch a major expansion to match rising enrollment with new facility projects finishing in early October and a groundbreaking in early 2027—efforts that will boost education capacity and create local jobs.

Dr. Ali Esmaeili from South Texas College has been named to a 13-member state working group, directed by Governor Greg Abbott, to design three-year bachelor’s degree programs that lower costs and speed entry into key fields; he is the only border college representative, and recommendations are due by Dec. 31.

An Edcouch-Elsa ISD eighth grader received a $250 HEB shopping spree for school supplies and treats today, thanks to a partnership between Channel 5 News and Communities in Schools.

His family finds relief as his dad is on dialysis, easing new school year costs.

Two Hidalgo County credit unions are back online after a cooling failure at a third-party data center blocked online banking for members over the weekend.

The Edinburg Teachers Credit Union and South Texas Federal Credit Union have restored services and are planning future safeguards.

State Sen. Hinojosa praised the approval of $163.6M in grants and matching funds to modernize canal infrastructure in Hidalgo and Cameron counties; the 17 projects are expected to save 44,188 acre-feet of water annually to help local farms and communities.

Federal Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. denied a request by conservation groups to block a land swap between US Fish and Wildlife and SpaceX.

The deal exchanges 715 acres for 683 acres today and will let SpaceX expand its Massey Test Site (with a new service road to Highway 4).

The Hidalgo County Health Department seeks 100 volunteers for its Medical Reserve Corps to support emergency response operations — only 14 have signed up so far.

Licensed medical workers and community members will receive training to help with vaccines and event planning.

KRGV Sports Director KJ Doyle interviewed UTRGV Head Football Coach Travis Bush after the Vaqueros beat McNeese State University, discussing the win and future season plans.