11 hours ago
A major change has quietly gone into effect at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Previously, identification rules for vehicle registration were less specific, effectively leaving it at the discretion of county tax offices to accept various forms of ID most notably, standard foreign passports.
That local flexibility has now been removed.
Effective immediately, the DMV is enforcing strict, standardized requirements for all vehicle registrations and renewals. This means you can no longer register a car without presenting a specific government issued photo ID, such as a Texas Driver’s License, an unexpired U.S. Passport, a Texas License to Carry, or specific military identification. This shift standardizes the process statewide, preventing local offices from accepting alternative documents that were previously common.
That local flexibility has now been removed.
Effective immediately, the DMV is enforcing strict, standardized requirements for all vehicle registrations and renewals. This means you can no longer register a car without presenting a specific government issued photo ID, such as a Texas Driver’s License, an unexpired U.S. Passport, a Texas License to Carry, or specific military identification. This shift standardizes the process statewide, preventing local offices from accepting alternative documents that were previously common.
18 hours ago
Hidalgo, Texas
Coffee and donuts are coming to the Hidalgo Walmart! 🍩 Dunkin' is set to open its first location in the city. The 690-square-foot Dunkin' Kiosk will be built inside the Walmart store at 3000 S. Jackson Road.
The tenant finish-out is scheduled to begin on March 22, 2026, with an expected completion date of August 6, 2026.
📍 3000 S. Jackson Road, Hidalgo, TX 78577
Coffee and donuts are coming to the Hidalgo Walmart! 🍩 Dunkin' is set to open its first location in the city. The 690-square-foot Dunkin' Kiosk will be built inside the Walmart store at 3000 S. Jackson Road.
The tenant finish-out is scheduled to begin on March 22, 2026, with an expected completion date of August 6, 2026.
📍 3000 S. Jackson Road, Hidalgo, TX 78577
22 hours ago
GET READY TO ROCK THE PARK! 🎸 A major local music event is coming to Gonzalez Park next month, and you won't want to miss the incredible live music.
The Battle of the Bands is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. This is your chance to connect with a great crowd while enjoying a night of local talent!
CALLING ALL VENDORS & BUSINESSES: The event is seeking exceptional local businesses to join the energy! Whether you're selling artisan goods, serving up delicious treats, or running a non-profit, this is a prime chance to connect with the community.
Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your spot now!
📍 34 Tony Gonzalez Drive, Brownsville Texas
Link to Register Your Business Here: https://bit.ly/3ILPdsK]
The Battle of the Bands is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. This is your chance to connect with a great crowd while enjoying a night of local talent!
CALLING ALL VENDORS & BUSINESSES: The event is seeking exceptional local businesses to join the energy! Whether you're selling artisan goods, serving up delicious treats, or running a non-profit, this is a prime chance to connect with the community.
Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your spot now!
📍 34 Tony Gonzalez Drive, Brownsville Texas
Link to Register Your Business Here: https://bit.ly/3ILPdsK]
23 hours ago
McAllen, Texas
The Monitor has found its new home. We have confirmed that the newspaper's new office will be located at the Trenton Crossing Shopping Center (7600 N 10th St) in McAllen.
The move comes after the paper sold its large Nolana headquarters to UTRGV earlier this year. The new location, which is undergoing a finish out, solidifies the paper's shift to a digital first, streamlined operation.
The Monitor has found its new home. We have confirmed that the newspaper's new office will be located at the Trenton Crossing Shopping Center (7600 N 10th St) in McAllen.
The move comes after the paper sold its large Nolana headquarters to UTRGV earlier this year. The new location, which is undergoing a finish out, solidifies the paper's shift to a digital first, streamlined operation.
1 day ago
Brownsville, Texas
Another Ulta is coming to Brownsville! 💄 The beauty retailer is planning its second city location at the Strawberry Square shopping center on Boca Chica Blvd. This one had us really debating on whether it was accurate🤔. The reason being is that this filing is only for a 40-foot facade renovation to upgrade the exterior but it does show it’s for Ulta.
Work on the exterior is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, with an expected completion date of June 1, 2026.
📍 2921 Boca Chica Blvd, Ste 13, Brownsville, TX 78521
Another Ulta is coming to Brownsville! 💄 The beauty retailer is planning its second city location at the Strawberry Square shopping center on Boca Chica Blvd. This one had us really debating on whether it was accurate🤔. The reason being is that this filing is only for a 40-foot facade renovation to upgrade the exterior but it does show it’s for Ulta.
Work on the exterior is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, with an expected completion date of June 1, 2026.
📍 2921 Boca Chica Blvd, Ste 13, Brownsville, TX 78521
1 day ago
Weslaco, Texas
Weslaco Palm Plaza is getting a massive new anchor! 🤠 Cavender's Boot City is officially opening its first location in Weslaco. The new $1.2 million project involves the interior finish-out of a 15,630-square-foot space.
The renovation is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, with an expected completion date of December 31, 2026.
📍 1025 N. Texas Blvd. Ste 9A-9B, Weslaco, TX 78596
Weslaco Palm Plaza is getting a massive new anchor! 🤠 Cavender's Boot City is officially opening its first location in Weslaco. The new $1.2 million project involves the interior finish-out of a 15,630-square-foot space.
The renovation is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026, with an expected completion date of December 31, 2026.
📍 1025 N. Texas Blvd. Ste 9A-9B, Weslaco, TX 78596
2 days ago
The RGV just produced two finalists for the most prestigious Freshman award in the nation!
Two UTRGV football players have been named finalists for the 2025 Jerry Rice Award, which honors the FCS Freshman Player of the Year.
Freshman wide receiver Tony Diaz and freshman linebacker Jaiden Haygood are among only 25 finalists nationwide. This award has previously been won by stars like Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance.
Tony Diaz (WR): Led the Vaqueros with 11 touchdowns and 875 receiving yards.
Jaiden Haygood (LB): Led the team with 102 tackles and had six games with double-figure tackles.
The recipient will be announced on December 3. Let's go, Vaqueros! Show some pride for our local talent!🧡
Two UTRGV football players have been named finalists for the 2025 Jerry Rice Award, which honors the FCS Freshman Player of the Year.
Freshman wide receiver Tony Diaz and freshman linebacker Jaiden Haygood are among only 25 finalists nationwide. This award has previously been won by stars like Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance.
Tony Diaz (WR): Led the Vaqueros with 11 touchdowns and 875 receiving yards.
Jaiden Haygood (LB): Led the team with 102 tackles and had six games with double-figure tackles.
The recipient will be announced on December 3. Let's go, Vaqueros! Show some pride for our local talent!🧡
2 days ago
McAllen, Texas
The Flux Arcade Announces Permanent Closure 💔
The Flux Arcade has announced it will be closing its doors at 2230 W Nolana Ave.
It's tough seeing beloved local businesses shut down. The owners stated, "we wouldn't trade the friendships or memories we've had... for anything in the world!".
Always support local! Show up for the spots you love before they become just a memory.
The Flux Arcade Announces Permanent Closure 💔
The Flux Arcade has announced it will be closing its doors at 2230 W Nolana Ave.
It's tough seeing beloved local businesses shut down. The owners stated, "we wouldn't trade the friendships or memories we've had... for anything in the world!".
Always support local! Show up for the spots you love before they become just a memory.
2 days ago
Weslaco, Texas
Weslaco, get ready to join the brew crew! ☕ 7 Brew Coffee is officially bringing its drive-thru experience to the city for the first time. The new $1.25 million project involves the construction of a 541-square-foot pre-fabricated shop at 905 N. Texas Blvd.
Construction on the new drive-thru only stand is scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026, with an expected completion date of July 31, 2026.
📍 905 N. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, TX 78596
Weslaco, get ready to join the brew crew! ☕ 7 Brew Coffee is officially bringing its drive-thru experience to the city for the first time. The new $1.25 million project involves the construction of a 541-square-foot pre-fabricated shop at 905 N. Texas Blvd.
Construction on the new drive-thru only stand is scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026, with an expected completion date of July 31, 2026.
📍 905 N. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, TX 78596
2 days ago
🔥 RGV CONCERT ALERT! 🔥
Panter Bélico is coming to the Valley next spring! 🎤
🗓️ Saturday, March 21, 2026
🕗 8:00 PM
📍 Payne Arena, Hidalgo, TX
Don't miss out! Tag a friend who needs to go! 👇
🎫 Secure your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.c...
Panter Bélico is coming to the Valley next spring! 🎤
🗓️ Saturday, March 21, 2026
🕗 8:00 PM
📍 Payne Arena, Hidalgo, TX
Don't miss out! Tag a friend who needs to go! 👇
🎫 Secure your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.c...
3 days ago
A few hours ago, the selection committee met and unfortunately, despite a historic 9-3 inaugural season, the Vaqueros were not selected for the 2025 FCS Playoffs.
This result does not diminish the incredible success of the first year of the program! The UTRGV Vaqueros finished with a phenomenal 9-3 overall record and set the standard with a perfect 6-0 home season!
👇🔗 Playoff Bracket Link
This result does not diminish the incredible success of the first year of the program! The UTRGV Vaqueros finished with a phenomenal 9-3 overall record and set the standard with a perfect 6-0 home season!
👇🔗 Playoff Bracket Link
4 days ago
Starbase, Texas
The official details are out on the new centerpiece of Starbase.
SpaceX is moving forward with the $250,000,000 Gigabay manufacturing facility in Cameron County. The official TDLR filing confirms the massive factory will span 700,000 square feet and is scheduled to be completed by the end of December 2026.
CEO Elon Musk has described the facility as a "gigantic Borg cube," designed for building and storing rockets and fulfilling his goal of producing as many as 1,000 Starships per year.
The official details are out on the new centerpiece of Starbase.
SpaceX is moving forward with the $250,000,000 Gigabay manufacturing facility in Cameron County. The official TDLR filing confirms the massive factory will span 700,000 square feet and is scheduled to be completed by the end of December 2026.
CEO Elon Musk has described the facility as a "gigantic Borg cube," designed for building and storing rockets and fulfilling his goal of producing as many as 1,000 Starships per year.
5 days ago
South Padre Island, Texas🥞
The island's only Denny's, located at 1100 Padre Blvd, is scheduled for a major renovation. The project involves a complete interior and exterior remodel of the existing restaurant to freshen up the look.
Work is scheduled to begin on December 18, 2025, with an expected completion date of July 1, 2026.
📍 1100 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597
The island's only Denny's, located at 1100 Padre Blvd, is scheduled for a major renovation. The project involves a complete interior and exterior remodel of the existing restaurant to freshen up the look.
Work is scheduled to begin on December 18, 2025, with an expected completion date of July 1, 2026.
📍 1100 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597
5 days ago
McAllen, Texas ☕
A new Starbucks will soon be opening at 7709 N 10th Street.
And if you’re wondering... yes, this is just a few football fields away from another Starbucks. 🏈☕
📍 7709 N 10th Street, McAllen, Texas
A new Starbucks will soon be opening at 7709 N 10th Street.
And if you’re wondering... yes, this is just a few football fields away from another Starbucks. 🏈☕
📍 7709 N 10th Street, McAllen, Texas
5 days ago
McAllen, Texas
La Plaza Mall is getting a major beauty upgrade! 💄 Ulta Beauty is officially joining the mall's lineup with a new $1.05 million store. The project involves a complete interior build-out of a large 12,011-square-foot space in Suite 48B.
Construction is scheduled to begin on February 2, 2026, with an expected completion date of June 1, 2026.
📍 2200 S. 10th Street, Suite 48B, McAllen, TX 78503
La Plaza Mall is getting a major beauty upgrade! 💄 Ulta Beauty is officially joining the mall's lineup with a new $1.05 million store. The project involves a complete interior build-out of a large 12,011-square-foot space in Suite 48B.
Construction is scheduled to begin on February 2, 2026, with an expected completion date of June 1, 2026.
📍 2200 S. 10th Street, Suite 48B, McAllen, TX 78503
6 days ago
Steve Aoki is officially returning to Clayton’s Beach Bar for Spring Break 2026!
Get ready for a spectacular performance featuring NEW music and that legendary energy only Aoki can bring. ⚡️🎧
🗓️ DATE: Monday, March 16, 2026 📍 VENUE: Clayton's Beach Bar, South Padre Island
This is going to be the biggest party of the season. Do not miss out!
🎫 Secure your tickets now: http://claytonsBeachBar.co...
Get ready for a spectacular performance featuring NEW music and that legendary energy only Aoki can bring. ⚡️🎧
🗓️ DATE: Monday, March 16, 2026 📍 VENUE: Clayton's Beach Bar, South Padre Island
This is going to be the biggest party of the season. Do not miss out!
🎫 Secure your tickets now: http://claytonsBeachBar.co...
7 days ago
Mission, Texas
Mission, get your boots ready! 🤠 The Boot Jack is officially open at its new location. You can now shop their huge selection of western wear at 100 W Interstate Highway 2.
📍 100 W Interstate Highway 2, Mission, TX 78572
📸 Julio Martinez
Mission, get your boots ready! 🤠 The Boot Jack is officially open at its new location. You can now shop their huge selection of western wear at 100 W Interstate Highway 2.
📍 100 W Interstate Highway 2, Mission, TX 78572
📸 Julio Martinez
8 days ago
(E)
Edinburg, Texas
Edinburg, the wait is over! 🍔🍦 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is officially OPENING its first location in the city this Friday. Stop by their new spot at 3100 W Trenton Rd to grab their famous steakburgers and fresh frozen custard.
📍 3100 W Trenton Rd, Edinburg, TX 78539
Edinburg, the wait is over! 🍔🍦 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is officially OPENING its first location in the city this Friday. Stop by their new spot at 3100 W Trenton Rd to grab their famous steakburgers and fresh frozen custard.
📍 3100 W Trenton Rd, Edinburg, TX 78539
8 days ago
A federal court has delivered a major blow to Texas Republicans, blocking the new congressional map for the 2026 midterms. The ruling cited "racial gerrymandering." Governor Abbott has vowed to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, meaning the final shape of the districts will be decided at the highest level.
🔗 https://www.texastribune.o...
🔗 https://www.texastribune.o...
8 days ago
A recent study by Zillow just named McAllen as one of the most affordable places to rent in the entire country.
According to the report, McAllen is one of only two major metro areas in the U.S. where more than 50% of apartments are listed for less than $1,000 a month.
See the report. 🔗⬇️
https://www.zillow.com/res...
According to the report, McAllen is one of only two major metro areas in the U.S. where more than 50% of apartments are listed for less than $1,000 a month.
See the report. 🔗⬇️
https://www.zillow.com/res...
8 days ago
Edinburg, Texas
Get ready for a new spot to play!
Space Monkey Barrcade will open its doors to the public this Friday, November 21st, at 4 p.m. It's located at 1204 E. Canton Rd., across from the AMC theater.
The concept is a "free play" arcade where guests pay one price to play all the games, all day. The venue will also feature a full bar and kitchen.
It will be open to all ages, but please note it will be strictly 18 and over after 9 p.m.
Get ready for a new spot to play!
Space Monkey Barrcade will open its doors to the public this Friday, November 21st, at 4 p.m. It's located at 1204 E. Canton Rd., across from the AMC theater.
The concept is a "free play" arcade where guests pay one price to play all the games, all day. The venue will also feature a full bar and kitchen.
It will be open to all ages, but please note it will be strictly 18 and over after 9 p.m.
9 days ago
Bill Maher's "New Rule" segment this weekend had a warning to Democrats about their future.
Maher's argument: He fears that the win by a new "democratic socialist" mayor in New York will embolden progressives to follow that "socialist" template, which he says is a losing strategy that alienates "normal" voters.
He then held up an image of the 13 "moderates" who won in districts that Trump also carried in 2024. He featured South Texas’s own Congressman Henry Cuellar and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez as the prime examples of this winning strategy.
📷 Real Time With Bill Maher
Maher's argument: He fears that the win by a new "democratic socialist" mayor in New York will embolden progressives to follow that "socialist" template, which he says is a losing strategy that alienates "normal" voters.
He then held up an image of the 13 "moderates" who won in districts that Trump also carried in 2024. He featured South Texas’s own Congressman Henry Cuellar and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez as the prime examples of this winning strategy.
📷 Real Time With Bill Maher
10 days ago
McAllen, Texas
McAllen ISD has issued a district wide notice to staff following a federal court order requiring the immediate removal of all Ten Commandments posters from classroom walls.
The district was recently named a defendant in a federal lawsuit challenging the statewide mandate passed earlier this year. According to the letter sent to staff, a U.S. federal judge directed McAllen ISD to remove all Ten Commandments displays while the case continues.
Staff have been instructed to take down the posters immediately and turn them in to their principals for storage in case future court orders require reinstatement.
McAllen ISD has issued a district wide notice to staff following a federal court order requiring the immediate removal of all Ten Commandments posters from classroom walls.
The district was recently named a defendant in a federal lawsuit challenging the statewide mandate passed earlier this year. According to the letter sent to staff, a U.S. federal judge directed McAllen ISD to remove all Ten Commandments displays while the case continues.
Staff have been instructed to take down the posters immediately and turn them in to their principals for storage in case future court orders require reinstatement.
10 days ago
Brownsville, Texas
$78 MILLION Jackpot Winner! Brownsville has a new multimillionaire!
A single ticket matched all six numbers (7 - 17 - 23 - 28 - 39 - 48) for the colossal $78 Million Lotto Texas drawing on 11/15/2025.
The winning, non-Quick Pick ticket was sold right in Brownsville at:
Gordon's Bait & Tackle
7066 Padre Island Hwy.
Congratulations to the new winner and to Gordon's Bait & Tackle for selling the ticket!
$78 MILLION Jackpot Winner! Brownsville has a new multimillionaire!
A single ticket matched all six numbers (7 - 17 - 23 - 28 - 39 - 48) for the colossal $78 Million Lotto Texas drawing on 11/15/2025.
The winning, non-Quick Pick ticket was sold right in Brownsville at:
Gordon's Bait & Tackle
7066 Padre Island Hwy.
Congratulations to the new winner and to Gordon's Bait & Tackle for selling the ticket!
12 days ago
👾 BROWNSVILLE EVENT ALERT! 👾
Get ready, collectors! Brownsville is getting a new geek culture shop!
Join Cosmic Clash Collectibles for their Grand Opening & Trade Show this Sunday! This is the new spot for Pokémon, One Piece, sports cards (Panini), and more.
🗓️ Sunday, November 16 🕗 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM 📍 2165 Military Rd, Brownsville, TX
The event will feature a trade show with vendors set up in the parking lot. There will also be Raffles held throughout the day!
Best of all? Admission is FREE!
Get ready, collectors! Brownsville is getting a new geek culture shop!
Join Cosmic Clash Collectibles for their Grand Opening & Trade Show this Sunday! This is the new spot for Pokémon, One Piece, sports cards (Panini), and more.
🗓️ Sunday, November 16 🕗 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM 📍 2165 Military Rd, Brownsville, TX
The event will feature a trade show with vendors set up in the parking lot. There will also be Raffles held throughout the day!
Best of all? Admission is FREE!
12 days ago
Teamwork in action 🤝
Over the weekend, the newly formed Starbase Volunteer Fire Department teamed up with Cameron County volunteers to install free smoke alarms for Harlingen residents.
Great to see this kind of collaboration happening in the RGV!
Over the weekend, the newly formed Starbase Volunteer Fire Department teamed up with Cameron County volunteers to install free smoke alarms for Harlingen residents.
Great to see this kind of collaboration happening in the RGV!
12 days ago
McAllen, Texas
The new "Parke at Nolana" shopping center has landed another massive anchor! 🛍️ Academy Sports + Outdoors is officially building a new $6.5 million, 53,561-square-foot store at 3300 W Nolana Ave.
This will be the second Academy location in McAllen and joins a growing list of tenants for the new development, including the RGV's first Bojangles, Ross Dress For Less, Burlington, and Five Below.
Construction on the new retail building is scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026, with a target completion date of July 24, 2026.
📍 3300 W Nolana Ave., Mcallen, TX 78504
The new "Parke at Nolana" shopping center has landed another massive anchor! 🛍️ Academy Sports + Outdoors is officially building a new $6.5 million, 53,561-square-foot store at 3300 W Nolana Ave.
This will be the second Academy location in McAllen and joins a growing list of tenants for the new development, including the RGV's first Bojangles, Ross Dress For Less, Burlington, and Five Below.
Construction on the new retail building is scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026, with a target completion date of July 24, 2026.
📍 3300 W Nolana Ave., Mcallen, TX 78504
12 days ago
A new full service Veterans Hospital could be coming to the RGV.
In honor of Veterans Day, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has introduced the "Sgt. Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Gonzalez Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Act."
The legislation would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a new Veterans hospital right here in the Rio Grande Valley.
If passed, the new facility would be named in honor of RGV hero and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Gonzalez of Edinburg, who was posthumously awarded the nation's highest honor for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War.
In honor of Veterans Day, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has introduced the "Sgt. Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Gonzalez Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Act."
The legislation would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a new Veterans hospital right here in the Rio Grande Valley.
If passed, the new facility would be named in honor of RGV hero and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Alfredo ‘Freddy’ Gonzalez of Edinburg, who was posthumously awarded the nation's highest honor for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War.
13 days ago
Big news for RGV foodies! We can confirm that Layne's Chicken Fingers is officially planning its Rio Grande Valley debut.
A major franchisee, Ricki Oberoi, has signed a 12 UNIT deal, with the very first location planned to open in the RGV by mid-2026.
Oberoi, a veteran operator with nearly 50 Wendy's, noted he was impressed by the brand's quality and the fact that their chicken is halal. This is a huge, multi-store investment for the area!
As always, we will keep an eye on this and let you know as soon as a specific city or address is filed. Where in the RGV do you want to see the first one?
A major franchisee, Ricki Oberoi, has signed a 12 UNIT deal, with the very first location planned to open in the RGV by mid-2026.
Oberoi, a veteran operator with nearly 50 Wendy's, noted he was impressed by the brand's quality and the fact that their chicken is halal. This is a huge, multi-store investment for the area!
As always, we will keep an eye on this and let you know as soon as a specific city or address is filed. Where in the RGV do you want to see the first one?
Sponsored by
Cesar Avendano
8 months ago
