Good morning, McAllen.

Rey Banda brightens his Weslaco front yard near Bridge Avenue and 18th Street with 90 homemade Christmas displays—a tradition he began in 2000 using wood, cloth, and PVC pipes.

The decorations will shine until 10 p.m. every night.

Catholics celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a special mass held Friday at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle - National Shrine.

Local matachines, led by Nadia Gonzales, honored a family promise and revived tradition — a tribute to faith and culture.

Foreign Trade Zone No. 12 joined RioPlex & COSTEP to boost its global marketing and support regional growth across Hidalgo County.

Mark E. Garcia said the shift moves from sole reliance on local efforts to a broader economic strategy.

Region One Education Service Center expanded its Rural Pathway Excellence Program by adding six districts—Jim Hogg County ISD, Webb ISD, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, San Isidro ISD, Progreso ISD and Santa Maria ISD—raising enrollment from 87 to 899 students and coordinating bus schedules to support career technical education.

Federal funding is frozen for six years at the Catholic Charities migrant shelter in McAllen after a DHS investigation found nearly 250 grant violations.

Sister Norma Pimentel said the organization remains committed to serving migrants while working to meet federal requirements for future support.

Over 100 people visited the state comptroller’s office in McAllen on Thursday to check for unclaimed money from a $10 billion pool that includes $125 million for local residents.

By noon, $20,000 had been claimed, and some found funds tied to family legacies.

City of Donna has approved a $60 million 18-month project to expand the International Bridge to allow fully loaded commercial trucks to cross, funded by a voter bond & EDC support.

City leaders said bids for construction are being accepted today, with construction expected to start as early as April.

Real estate employees from Coldwell Banker surprised two servers at Koko’s Café Uptown with a $550 holiday tip — a gesture meant to boost cheer after a regular meal in McAllen this season.

Volunteer Opportunity at Giving Machines

12 PM – 10 PM — McAllen Food Park — Free entry — Participate in a meaningful service opportunity to spread love and help those in need this Christmas season.

South Pole Illuminating Festival

5:30-7 p.m. — McAllen Convention Center — Free admission for children 6 and under — Experience a magical evening of holiday lights and family fun.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

3:00 – 4:30 PM — McAllen Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting magic of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet with an international cast of dancers.

New Year's Eve Celebration at Nowhere Dining Lounge

Midnight — Nowhere Dining Lounge — $30 and under — Welcome the New Year with sophisticated energy and complimentary champagne at this elegant soirée.