Good morning, McAllen.

Quinta Mazatlán in McAllen will host the Sticks and Bones Halloween Trail on October 25 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with family-friendly attractions lined up (as explained by event supervisor Samantha Gutierrez).

Ann Williams Cass, who led Proyecto Azteca for nearly 20 years, retired as executive director on Oct 1—her replacement, Oliver de la Garza, will take over while she serves as a consultant through Dec 31.

Families are set to enjoy Fiesta de Palmas at the McAllen Convention Center from Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19 — the event will feature live music, cultural displays, international food and fun activities for all ages.

Brownsville native chef Matthew Broussard turned his culinary skills into social media fame by earning 4.8M TikTok followers and a strong celebrity following—he plans to release a cookbook next summer and open a wood fire Mexican restaurant in the Valley.

Luis Bazan explained that the Pharr International Bridge’s second span will eliminate wait times for trucks when it opens next year.

The $44 million project will add four lanes—doubling capacity—and improve trade efficiency between Mexico and the US, with completion scheduled for early 2026.

PSJA board member Cynthia Gutierrez spoke on a Rio Grande Guardian podcast after board members censured her in June for disruptive actions; she said she will win her legal challenge (her attorney Samuel Reyes was with her).

Mexico must deliver 900,000 acre-feet of water by month-end under the 1944 treaty, and Hidalgo County water advocate Sonny Hinojosa urged adding penalties to the USMCA to hold Mexico accountable—officials expect further discussions in upcoming talks.

Steven Cano (an HIV prevention specialist with Valley AIDS Council) gave remarks at a RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at Nana's Taqueria in Weslaco during the event titled 'Building a Thriving Village - Supporting a Healthy & Engaged Community.' Cameron County Clerk Sylvia Garza Perez (the first woman elected since 1836) served as Mistress of Ceremonies and was interviewed after the event.

South Texas Health System Mammogram Technologist Jessica Munguia said early detection of stage 1 breast cancer leads to a 98% survival rate and urged women over 40 to get yearly mammograms and do monthly self-exams—she added that early screening helps catch abnormal changes before the cancer spreads.

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.

ORION 224 Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Cine El Rey — Tickets available — Experience the captivating sounds of ORION 224 with live performances of their latest hits.

The Jins Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Gremlin — All ages — Canadian garage rockers the Jins are set to rock McAllen alongside special guests.

Snoopy’s Picnic & Pumpkins

4-9 p.m. — Archer Park — Free entry — Enjoy family-friendly activities, a movie screening, and local vendors amidst a festive fall atmosphere.

Rene Vaca in McAllen

8-9:30 p.m. — McAllen Performing Arts Center — Ticket details available — Enjoy an evening of comedy with Rene Vaca in McAllen's premier venue.