Good morning, McAllen.

Rising gas prices have forced local nonprofit Amigos del Valle to reduce weekly transportation rides and dance classes for seniors.

The service, which previously offered three or four pickups a week, now offers only one or two — affecting regular attendees who depend on these events.

Three vendors from the Rio Grande Valley are still waiting for refunds after Frontera Fest in Harlingen was canceled a day before the event began.

The organizer said refunds are processed in order of receipt + one vendor spent $450 on supplies and still has not been reimbursed.

Guest columnist Nestor Lopez urges local leaders to tap the migratory bird season to boost nature tourism and economic growth, citing a 2011 study that estimated $689.5 million in output and over 6,000 jobs (in 2026 dollars).

He calls for a unified regional approach to leverage this unique ecological asset.

UTRGV is hosting a free seminar on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at its Edinburg campus library auditorium — discussing the New World screwworm’s impact on livestock and pets and reviewing past eradication methods — and those needing a parking permit must register online.

Residents in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties will have access to a new homeownership program starting next month — a partnership that offers education on credit building and down payment assistance, with more details to be announced soon.