Good morning, McAllen.

Selena Ramirez—an Edinburg mom—delivered goodie baskets to UTRGV Vaqueros players Wes Thompson and Abram Nichols who live in her apartment complex.

The gesture included snacks, drinks and handwritten notes and brought comfort to the players' mothers as they learned their sons were being cared for.

Today, McAllen was recognized as a 2025 IFEA World Festival & Event City at the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo in Palm Springs — the award honors its vibrant festival calendar and bicultural community, including the renowned McAllen Holiday Parade.

Santiago Berrocal, a 17-year-old senior at South Texas ISD Science Academy, is named Student of the Week for his leadership in sports and community work + he volunteered in Peru with his infectologist father where he helped translate for surgeons and deliver supplies to a children’s shelter. He also earned the AP Scholar Award and completed a summer internship at UTRGV to study cancer cells while planning to become a patent lawyer.

UTRGV students will work with La Joya ISD social workers under a new four-year agreement that gives them hands-on experience to meet their 500-hour graduation requirement—gradually leading them to manage their own clients.

Manuel De Leon, a junior at Edcouch-Elsa ISD, received a $250 back-to-school shopping spree at H-E-B through a partnership between Channel 5 News, H-E-B and Communities in Schools and he is preparing for soccer season while training for a welding license.

The City of McAllen and the McAllen Fire Union signed a new three-year collective bargaining agreement that gives firefighters a 5% pay raise each year—reached after seven bargaining sessions to boost starting pay to competitive levels.

City Manager Isaac J. Tawil said the deal shows the city's strong commitment to public safety.

Palmview received an $875,000 grant from the Texas General Land Office to improve Goodwin Road after a one-mile section flooded during June 2019 storms.

City engineers plan drainage upgrades and construction will start by the end of 2026—repaving, reinforcing, and re-surfacing the road from West Veterans Boulevard to Mile 2 Road.

Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said Gov. Greg Abbott visited Mid-Valley Airport today and announced a $26 million investment to boost the region by improving infrastructure so companies can relocate & support long-term airport plans.

The mayor said this effort will help Weslaco keep up with the fast growth in the Rio Grande Valley.

Diles Que No Me Maten Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — The Gremlin — All ages — Experience the eclectic sounds of the Mexico City band Diles Que No Me Maten live in McAllen this fall.

Anime Fiesta - Friday

12:00 – 1:30 PM — McAllen Convention Center — Entry Fees Apply — Celebrate Japanese animation and pop culture with guests, panels, and cosplay contests.

MS Community Program

10 AM – 3 PM — Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance — Free entry — Engage in informative discussions with MS professionals and fellow warriors about living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Chezile Concert

7-11 p.m. — Cine El Rey — All ages — Rising indie artist Chezile makes his Rio Grande Valley debut with special guest Alex Banin.

Alicia Villarreal Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — McAllen Performing Arts Center — Ticket info available — Experience the electrifying performance of Alicia Villarreal on her Donde Todo Comenzó 2.0 Tour 2025.

12th Annual South Texas Book Festival

11 AM – 5 PM — McAllen Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate books, culture, and imagination with activities and authors for all ages.