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Three STISD High Schools Named to 2025 AP School Honor Roll 

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Three STISD High Schools Named to 2025 AP School Honor Roll 
College Board has recognized three high schools in South Texas Independent School District (STISD) for outstanding achievement in Advanced Placement coursework, naming them to the 2025 Advanced Placement® (AP®) School Honor Roll. Image courtesy of STISD
College Board has recognized three high schools in South Texas Independent School District (STISD) for outstanding achievement in Advanced Placement coursework, naming them to the 2025 Advanced Placement® (AP®) School Honor Roll. Image courtesy of STISD

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MERCEDES, Texas – College Board has recognized three high schools in South Texas Independent School District (STISD) for outstanding achievement in Advanced Placement coursework, naming them to the 2025 Advanced Placement® (AP®) School Honor Roll.

The honored campuses are South Texas ISD Science Academy (Science Academy) in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Health Professions (Health Professions) in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD Medical Professions (Medical Professions) in Olmito—each recognized for delivering strong academic results while expanding access to rigorous college-level coursework.

The AP School Honor Roll celebrates schools whose AP programs help students succeed academically, earn college credit, and build a strong foundation for college readiness. Schools earn recognition annually across four levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—based on student participation and performance. Schools may also receive the AP Access Award for ensuring AP participation reflects their overall student demographics.

Science Academy earned the highest distinction possible, Platinum, and was also awarded the AP Access Award. At Science Academy, 98 percent of the Class of 2025 took at least one AP Exam during high school, 61 percent earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam, and half took five or more AP Exams.

Health Professions and Medical Professions both earned Gold level distinction for their strong AP participation and performance.

At Health Professions, 100 percent of the Class of 2025 took at least one AP Exam, 46 percent earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one exam, and 27 percent completed five or more AP Exams during high school.

Medical Professions also achieved 100 percent AP participation among the Class of 2025, with 44 percent earning a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam and 48 percent taking five or more AP Exams.

STISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr. praised the campuses for their dedication to student achievement and opportunity. “This recognition is a powerful reflection of the hard work happening every day across our campuses,” Lara said. “Our goal is to ensure every student has access to the academic challenges that prepare them for college and future careers. Seeing our schools achieve at this level—while expanding access and participation—is something our entire district can be proud of.”

STISD is comprised of four magnet high schools – South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg – as well as two middle schools – South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, and one stand-alone virtual campus, South Texas ISD Virtual Academy, which serves students in grades 6-12. All campuses are tuition-free and serve students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties. For more information, call 1-800-21STUDY or visit www.stisd.net.

How The Texas Triangle Is Slowly Turning Into America’s Next Mega-City

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How The Texas Triangle Is Slowly Turning Into America’s Next Mega-City
Image for illustration purposes

The Texas Triangle—anchored by Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio—is rapidly emerging as a mega-region, with a population already exceeding 20 million. Driven by a business-friendly, low-regulation environment, high in-migration, and massive infrastructure projects like I-35 expansion, this area is projected to become a contiguous, massive urban landscape by 2050.

Source: Architales

WATCH: Inside Elon Musk’s New Town in Texas

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WATCH: Inside Elon Musk’s New Town in Texas
Photo by Jenny Hautmann, under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Starbase, formerly Boca Chica Village or Kopernik Shores, is a city in Cameron County, Texas, United States, near the mouth of the Rio Grande. It lies 20 miles (32 km) east of the City of Brownsville on the Boca Chica peninsula, and forms part of the Brownsville–Harlingen–Raymondville and the Matamoros–Brownsville metropolitan areas.

Source: RocaNews

WATCH: EVERY Team USA gold medal from the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

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WATCH: EVERY Team USA gold medal from the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
Image for illustration purposes

Look back on each of Team USA’s 12 gold medal moments from a historic showing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Key winners included Jordan Stolz (men’s 500m, 1,000m speed skating), Mikaela Shiffrin (slalom), Breezy Johnson (downhill), Elana Meyers Taylor (monobob), Alysa Liu (figure skating), the figure skating team, the mixed team aerials squad, and both men’s and women’s ice hockey teams.

Source: Olympics

STC to Introduce New Wastewater Operator Training Program as Part of New RGV initiative

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STC to Introduce New Wastewater Operator Training Program as Part of New RGV initiative
For the first time in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, the RGV Partnership, the North American Development (NAD) Bank and Trust for the Americas are joining forces to address and meet the demands of a shrinking water and wastewater workforce through an initiative called Skills for Sustainability (S4S). STC image
For the first time in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, the RGV Partnership, the North American Development (NAD) Bank and Trust for the Americas are joining forces to address and meet the demands of a shrinking water and wastewater workforce through an initiative called Skills for Sustainability (S4S). STC image

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By Amanda Sotelo

For the first time in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, the RGV Partnership, the North American Development (NAD) Bank and Trust for the Americas are joining forces to address and meet the demands of a shrinking water and wastewater workforce through an initiative called Skills for Sustainability (S4S).

Trust for Americas is an organization that empowers underrepresented individuals with the skills to thrive through employability, entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives, and S4S is its flagship workforce development initiative along the U.S.-Mexico border, first introduced in El Paso and Cuidad Juarez, funded by NADBank and focused on water, energy and waste management sectors.

Leading training efforts for this initiative, STC’s Carlos Margo, Ph.D., dean for Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA), called this initiative a call-to-action because of the increasing demand for a skilled water and wastewater workforce.

As a result, STC is creating a brand-new Level 1 Wastewater Operator Training program, set to begin in October 2026. The course, still in the planning and design phase, will be accredited through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), include 20 contact hours and offer classroom, lab and internship instruction.

“These trainings are essential, highly relevant and provide career pathways for those who complete them,” said Margo. “At STC, our department is all about workforce training, providing classes across the entire Rio Grande Valley from Starr County to Brownsville. We already work with over 150 employers who request our training to reskill and upskill their workforce with instruction tailored to fit their specific needs. Being part of this initiative is one more way we are expanding our reach and enhancing the RGV.”   

As part of Skills for Sustainability, STC will also offer its Heavy Equipment Operator Training program, a 108-hour, comprehensive program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training with dozers, excavators, skid steers and motor graders, including operation, safety and precision techniques.

The S4S initiative set to launch over the next few months has proven successful with 431 graduates and a 90% job placement rate across El Paso and Juarez, helping El Paso Water close its entry-level staffing gap and enabling career advancement for senior staff.

In the RGV, S4S will serve Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr and Cameron Counties, beginning with 19 incumbent workers at McAllen Public Utilities in backhoe safety, environmental stewardship and workforce readiness. It will also train 30 new participants from low-income communities for entry-level water and wastewater roles and TCEQ certification.

Regional Program Manager at Trust for Americas – Washington, D.C., Lourdes Serrano and Project Manager Jorge Marquez expressed their gratitude to all local partners collaborating in this initiative, including the former Texas Workforce Commission Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez, Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley and local economic development corporations, that will provide strategic support and matching funds.

“We’re going to be seeing at least 30-50% of the U.S. water and wastewater workforce retire within the next decade,” said Marquez. “The core model of S4S will include structured needs assessments, close partnerships, tailored curricula and secured hiring commitments to ensure participants have a clear pathway to stable employment. This will strengthen the regional water workforce by expanding proven, demand-driven training into RGV communities, and with our established partnerships, we can make this another successful project.”

From partnership personalization to placement and reporting, S4S is a 10-month project set to run through January 2027. 

For more information on S4S and customized training provided by STC CATA, visit southtexascollege.edu/cata/.

FOREVER K-POP Stops at McAllen Performing Arts Center May 3rd

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FOREVER K-POP Stops at McAllen Performing Arts Center May 3rd
The tour will make a stop at McAllen Performing Arts Center for one show only on May 3 at 3PM Inspired by the worldwide K-Pop phenomenon and the recent smash-hit film KPop Demon Hunters, the production delivers the ultimate K-Pop fan night out, bringing a next-level, fan-powered tribute experience and today's biggest hits to life on stage. Courtesy image
The tour will make a stop at McAllen Performing Arts Center for one show only on May 3 at 3PM Inspired by the worldwide K-Pop phenomenon and the recent smash-hit film KPop Demon Hunters, the production delivers the ultimate K-Pop fan night out, bringing a next-level, fan-powered tribute experience and today’s biggest hits to life on stage. Courtesy image

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McALLEN, TX –  Forever K-Pop – A Celebration Concert (www.ForeverKPopLive.com), a brand-new concert experience set to burst onto stages in more than 30 cities nationwide this spring. The tour will make a stop at McAllen Performing Arts Center for one show only on May 3 at 3PM Inspired by the worldwide K-Pop phenomenon and the recent smash-hit film KPop Demon Hunters, the production delivers the ultimate K-Pop fan night out, bringing a next-level, fan-powered tribute experience and today’s biggest hits to life on stage.

Tickets available on ticketmaster and MPAC box office. Box office 956-681-3900, hours Mon- Thurs 1PM – 5PM, Fri 10AM – 5PM. Tickets and VIP Superfan packages (includes premium tickets, photo opp, merch, and early access to the venue) are on sale now.

Watch the tour announcement video here.

Tickets On Sale Now at ForeverKPopLive.com

Courtesy image

Forever K-Pop – A Celebration Concert fuses live singing and dancing, bold costuming, and cinematic visuals to create a dazzling stage production. The show features a dynamic cast of singers and dancers including Leo Lam (KAI), Ally Choe (SORA), Tuânminh A. Đỗ (JIN), Emily Anne Goes (MINA), Marine Tamada-Wu (LUNA), and Amanda Nawata Neiman as DJ NARI. Under the direction of Dean Elliott and choreography by Antoinette DiPietropolo, the company delivers the precision, athleticism, and electrifying stage presence synonymous with the K-pop genre.

Presented in two exhilarating 45-minute acts, the show captures the pulse of the global K-pop movement while spotlighting iconic moments and breakout anthems including Katseye’s “Debut,” and “Golden” and “Soda Pop” by K-Pop Demon Hunters’ breakout sensations HUNTR/X (Huntrix) and Saja Boys, respectively. Other chart-topping hits in the set list include “Seven” by Jungkook featuring Latto, BTS’ “Butter,” BLACKPINK’s “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du,” NewJeans’ “Supershy,” and Stray Kids’ “Maniac.”

For more information, tour dates, and tickets, visit www.ForeverKPopLive.com and follow @ForeverKpopLiveConcert on Instagram and @ForeverKpopLive on TikTok; #foreverkpoplive.

ABOUT RIGHT ANGLE ENTERTAINMENT (Producers)

Right Angle Entertainment (RAE) specializes in the production, marketing, management and distribution of live theatrical, digital, and concert events. RAE’s proud roster includes: “Wheel of Fortune Live!,” Hasbro’s “Clue: A Walking Mystery” immersive experience, “Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol,” “Ninja Kidz Live,” “Jay Shetty Love Rules – World Tour,” “The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” “The Psychology of Serial Killers,”  “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical,” and London’s close-up magic show “The Magician’s Table”  among many others. www.rightangleentertainment.com

ABOUT MAPLE TREE ENTERTAINMENT (Producers)

Operating in both the U.S. and the UK, Maple Tree Entertainment specializes in putting together unique live shows, primarily in theatres/concert halls worldwide. These include the multi-award winning The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Neighbours – The Celebration Tour, Hollyoaks – The 30th Anniversary Tour, Buddy – The Musical, The Psychology of Serial Killers, The Young Ones – Live In Conversation, The Life & Music of George Michael, An Evening with Richard Dreyfuss and Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience. https://www.mapletreeentertainment.com

Information source: The City of McAllen

Texas DPS Takes Over Full Security Operations at the Alamo

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Texas DPS Takes Over Full Security Operations at the Alamo
“As the former Region Chief for DPS’ Central Texas Region, I know just how important the Alamo is to the people of San Antonio and all Texans,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. Photo: Texas DPS
“As the former Region Chief for DPS’ Central Texas Region, I know just how important the Alamo is to the people of San Antonio and all Texans,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. Photo: Texas DPS

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AUSTIN – On this Alamo Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) joins Texans in commemorating those who courageously fought for Texas’ independence in the 13-day siege at the Battle of the Alamo. Now, 190 years later, DPS is honored to have the responsibility of overseeing the security of the Alamo Complex in San Antonio – helping ensure the historical site remains a solemn place of remembrance and education for Texans and all who visit. 

“As the former Region Chief for DPS’ Central Texas Region, I know just how important the Alamo is to the people of San Antonio and all Texans,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “It is a tremendous honor to oversee the department’s transition in taking over security operations for the Alamo, helping to preserve one of the greatest symbols in Texas history.” 

Under Senate Bill 1, which passed the Texas Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott last year, DPS was directed to oversee security and law enforcement operations for the Alamo and Alamo complex. Beginning in September 2025, members of the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) began patrolling the Alamo, with the department assuming full security responsibilities over the site in December 2025. 

Today, dozens of DPS personnel from various divisions, including the Texas Highway Patrol (THP), Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and Homeland Security Division (HSD), are stationed at the Alamo, and several more commissioned and non-commissioned vacancies will be filled in the coming months. These personnel provide around-the-clock security for all visitors and protect the Alamo grounds from vandalism, trespassing and physical damage. DPS also has one Explosives Detection K-9 assigned to the Alamo Complex, with plans to add a second K-9 soon. 

In addition to providing security within the Alamo Complex itself, DPS Troopers support law enforcement partners in San Antonio by conducting routine patrols in the area surrounding the Alamo. DPS also has a select number of bicycle Troopers at the Alamo, which will bolster the department’s ability to monitor and provide security for events – like Texas Independence Day ceremonial events and the Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony attended by Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, both occurring just this week. 

(HQ 2026-023) Texas DPS

Governor Orders State Health Agencies to Review Cyber Risks in China‑Made Medical Devices

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Governor Orders State Health Agencies to Review Cyber Risks in China‑Made Medical Devices
Governor Abbott released a letter directing state agencies and state-owned medical facilities in Texas to address potential cybersecurity concerns linked to medical equipment manufactured in the People's Republic of China. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Abbott released a letter directing state agencies and state-owned medical facilities in Texas to address potential cybersecurity concerns linked to medical equipment manufactured in the People’s Republic of China. Image for illustration purposes

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AUSTIN – Governor Abbott released a letter directing state agencies and state-owned medical facilities in Texas to address potential cybersecurity concerns linked to medical equipment manufactured in the People’s Republic of China. In his letter, he directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and public university systems to review cybersecurity and procurement policies to protect Texans from data breaches of their medical information.

“Maintaining Texans’ physical security and protecting their personal privacy, especially personal medical data, is of paramount importance,” said Governor Abbott. “I will not let Communist China spy on Texans. State-owned medical facilities must ensure there are safeguards in place to protect Texans’ private medical data and our critical medical infrastructure.”

In January, the Trump Administration’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a series of notices describing security vulnerabilities found in Chinese-manufactured patient monitoring devices. These risks include the ability of unauthorized actors to access protected health information remotely. These notices confirm the warnings of experts who have elevated the proliferation of Chinese-manufactured smart medical devices across our healthcare system as a serious data privacy concern.

Governor Abbott has taken significant action to protect Texans from hostile foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party:

  • Governor Abbott directed technologies be added to the state Prohibited Technology list to protect state government data.
  • Governor Abbott signed the strongest law in American banning hostile foreign adversaries from buying land in Texas.
  • Governor Abbott created the Texas Cyber Command, the largest state-based cybersecurity department in America to protect Texans from foreign and domestic cyber threats.
  • Governor Abbott issued executive orders GA-47, GA-48, and GA-49 to combat Communist China.

McAllen Police Seek Suspect in Ongoing Child Abuse Investigation

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McAllen Police Seek Suspect in Ongoing Child Abuse Investigation
McAllen Police Officers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Victor Manuel Franco. Image courtesy of MPD
McAllen Police Officers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Victor Manuel Franco. Image courtesy of MPD

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McAllen Police Officers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Victor Manuel Franco. McAllen Officers are investigating circumstances, reported on March 02, 2026, that allege Victor Manuel Franco sexually abused a child younger than 14 years of age. The follow up investigation identified multiple acts of sexual abuse against the child for a period from the year 2020 through 2023 and occurred at multiple locations. A magistrate in the McAllen Municipal Court determined probable cause was established to issue a warrant of arrest

for Victor Manuel Franco for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child, a First Degree Felony.

Victor Manuel Franco is described as 47 years of age, approximately 5’ 07” in height, approximately 190 pounds, brown hair, and brown eyes. Victor Manuel Franco has a last known address in McAllen, Texas.

During the course of this investigation, investigators also arrested Yvonne Rodriguez, who has been charged with Failure to Report a Felony a Class A Misdemeanor. Yvonne Rodriguez’ bond was set at $5,000. Yvonne Rodriguez failed to report the sexual abuse of the child.

If you know where Victor Manuel Franco may be located, you are urged to

call McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687- 8477. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-TIPS (956-687-8477). You can remain anonymous. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. You may also submit an anonymous tip through the “P3 Tips” smart phone app.

MXLAN 2026 Set to Bring Three Days of Music, Art, and Culture to McAllen, March 6-8

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MXLAN 2026 Set to Bring Three Days of Music, Art, and Culture to McAllen, March 6-8
MXLAN returns March 6 to 8, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center, bringing together art, music, culture, food, and economic dialogue in a three-day celebration that highlights the spirit and creativity of the region. Courtesy image
MXLAN returns March 6 to 8, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center, bringing together art, music, culture, food, and economic dialogue in a three-day celebration that highlights the spirit and creativity of the region. Courtesy image

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McALLEN, Texas – MXLAN returns March 6 to 8, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center, bringing together art, music, culture, food, and economic dialogue in a three-day celebration that highlights the spirit and creativity of the region. The festival will feature live music, cultural experiences, international participation, and signature events that continue to position McAllen as a destination for binational engagement and Latino arts.

Admission to MXLAN is free and open to the community on Friday for all events, including Pueblo Mágico, the Breakthrough music stage and the evening fireworks show. 
On Saturday and Sunday, admission is free from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., allowing families to enjoy evening activities and community programming. Select experiences may require tickets or separate registration.

“MXLAN brings together the best of our past, present and future,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “Each year, we build on experiences that reflect the energy and creativity of our community, and music remains central to that celebration, with the Breakthrough Stage showcasing emerging Latino artists nightly and the Calenda Street Parade inviting guests to walk, dance and celebrate.” 

Follow the link below for Tickets:

https://mxlan.com/ticket

Pueblo Mágico returns with handmade goods from Mexico and McAllen, while local youth artists bring the La Comunidad Art Project to life. And, Lucha Libre is back with a bold new twist, featuring WhataLucha presented by Whataburger and headlined by legendary luchador Hijo de Santo.

MXLAN 2026 will welcome more than 50 international government officials, including nine high level delegations and two mayor led delegations from Mexico. Visiting partners will participate in Pueblo Mágico throughout the weekend to promote their destinations and strengthen binational ties.

Irapuato, a Sister City since 2000, will bring a ballet folklórico group consisting of five performing couples who will join the Calenda and perform on the community stage, offering festivalgoers an opportunity to experience international artistry firsthand.

A ribbon cutting ceremony led by Mayor Javier Villalobos will take place Friday at 8 p.m. He will be joined by visiting mayors from Mexico, followed by visits to guest city booths for official photos.

“MXLAN is more than a festival. It is a powerful platform for strengthening the bonds we share with our Sister Cities and celebrating the cultural connections that unite us across borders. Their presence, their voices, and their stories are an essential part of what makes MXLAN so meaningful and we are excited and proud to share this experience with our international partners,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos.

Before the evening events, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce will host an economic summit to discuss regional growth and future trends, with a keynote presentation from Emmy-winning journalist John Quiñones. Panels will explore AI, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, healthcare innovation, and binational trade.

2026 Lineup:
• El Gran Baile will transform the exhibit hall into a classic Saturday night dance featuring Milla 22, La Lexxion, and Zenzio.
• MXLAN ROOTS engages festivalgoers with environmental education and stewardship.
• MXLAN LIVE debuts pop-up stages with local and regional artists.
• MXLAN Gran Carnaval brings rides and games for families and thrill-seekers alike.
• Sabor & Spirits returns with unlimited tastings from the region’s top culinary destinations and a new bartender competition. The Saturday night experience will feature unlimited tastings from the region’s top culinary destinations, including Muelle 37, Var 37, Piquin Sabor, El Ultimo Taco, Teddy’s BBQ, Felice, Bubba’s Restaurant, Dave & Buster’s, Casa de la Abuela, Barrio 37, STC Culinary Arts, Iwinngs and more.
• Neon Nights 5K continues to grow, surpassing last year’s record with 1,500 registered runners. Presented by iHeartRadio, the race features a high-energy opening and the Extra Mile Post Race Party.

Follow the link below for the full Schedule of Events:

https://mxlan.com/schedule

MXLAN 2026 sponsors include: McAllen International Airport, H-E-B, Reliant, L&F Distributors, Whataburger, McAllen Shines, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Q7 Sports, and Clark Auto Group. With support from these partners, MXLAN continues to bring culture, art, and community to life. For tickets, visit MXLAN.com and be sure to follow us on social media for giveaways and detailed event information.

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