Good morning, McAllen.

Fernando De Leon, founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group, was the special guest at VIDA’s 30th Anniversary Gala at the McAllen Convention Center on Oct.

9—he said building businesses is the most moral act because it creates jobs and gives people freedom to pursue their dreams.

Pharr hosted its Start of the Produce Season 2025–26 celebration where Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, said 22 million pounds of fresh produce cross the Pharr International Bridge each day.

He noted the produce from Mexico fuels jobs and supports local businesses across three nations.

Mike Willis — executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association — spoke at an event celebrating Manufacturing Week hosted by the Pharr Economic Development Corporation at the Pharr Research & Development Center, where manufacturing companies met with high school students to explore career opportunities in the sector. The event aimed to spark interest in manufacturing among local youth.

Fiesta de Palmas returns to the McAllen Convention Center for a weekend featuring three nights of concerts, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, and a carnival.

Fox Morning and Univision 48 will broadcast the event live (offering local viewers a chance to enjoy the festivities) for those who cannot attend in person.

Valley View ISD introduced eight electric school buses funded by a $2.7M EPA grant that make it the first district in the Rio Grande Valley to use cleaner buses— they will handle morning pick-ups and afternoon drop-offs and are expected to save up to 25 percent on fuel and maintenance costs over the next 10 years with support from Highland Electric Fleets.

UTRGV surpassed $100 million in annual research expenditures with a 71% growth over recent years—this milestone boosts projects in healthcare, manufacturing, and border innovation that benefit our community.

The university now aims for Carnegie R1 status, which will drive further investments and job opportunities in the Valley.

Rumble strips will be installed on North Cummings Avenue in Mission to slow speeding drivers after residents petitioned for speed bumps and police will increase patrols—a project that will start Monday and be finished in two weeks.

Neighbors said the measure is needed to keep homes, driveways, and play areas safe.

McAllen city leaders have announced a plan to develop a 70-acre, $230 million recreation district with a water attraction on the old Boeye Reservoir site.

The project will create 2,200 jobs and attract 460,000 visitors each year while including luxury condos, hotels & local dining and shopping spots.

Experts from the Texas Animal Health Commission and Prairie View A&M Extension Service will advise livestock and pet owners in Raymondville on the threat of the New World screwworm at the free forum on Tuesday, October 21 at 8:30 a.m. The event will focus on prevention tips and follow with another forum on November 18.

The Pioneer Diamondbacks will host the Roma Gladiators in a critical homecoming high school football game at Richard Thompson Stadium today—each team is set to use distinct strategies as the Diamondbacks rely on fundamentals and resilience while the Gladiators aim to control the clock with their run game to boost their playoff chances.

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.

The Inaugural Heartbeat Gala

6-10 p.m. — Casa De Palmas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham — Individual: $100, Couple: $150, Table of 10: $1,000 — An elegant gala raising funds for healthcare services in the Rio Grande Valley.

Joshua Aaron Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Iglesia Camino del Rey Upper Valley — $0.50 service fee — Experience an uplifting Night of Worship with Joshua Aaron in McAllen, TX.