The RGV FTP Alliance (FTPA) is hosting a massive Candidate Forum in McAllen! This is your chance to hear directly from local leaders and candidates about border policy, health access, and the economic future of our region.

The evening kicks off with LIVE MUSIC followed by a no-script, no-filter dialogue with local candidates.

🗓️ Sunday, January 18, 2026 🕓 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Cine El Rey, McAllen, TX (311 S 17th St)

Featured Musical Performances:

Amani

Niccale

Orpheus Bloom

Hypnoticss

🎟️ Admission is FREE, but registration is required! Scan the QR code on the flyer or use the link below to secure your spot.

✨ RGV CONCERT ALERT! ✨

Relive the 90s with the Latin Pop Queen! Fey is bringing her Hits Tour: 30 Aniversario to McAllen to celebrate three decades of hits like “Azúcar amargo” and “Media Naranja.”

Here are the details for this nostalgic night:
🗓️ Thursday, March 19, 2026
🕗 8:00 PM
📍 McAllen Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

Tickets are available now!

Don't miss the chance to see this undisputed classic live!
🎟️ https://www.ticketmaster.c...

🚨 MCLOVIN IS COMING TO THE RGV! 🆔😎

It’s official! South Texas Comic Con just dropped a massive guest announcement. Christopher Mintz-Plasse (aka McLovin from Superbad, Red Mist from Kick-Ass, and Fishlegs from How to Train Your Dragon) will be in McAllen!

🗓️ When: April 24-26, 2026
📍McAllen Convention Center
📸 Appearing: All 3 Days!

McAllen, Texas - Major Updates Coming to Nolana Avenue! 🚗

Traffic on Nolana Avenue is expected to jump to 30,000 vehicles a day soon, prompting the City of McAllen and TxDOT to propose major improvements between Ware Road and 23rd Street. The project aims to reduce congestion and improve safety by widening the road from four to six lanes, installing a raised center median, and adding a sidewalk and shared-use path for pedestrians.

The estimated cost for this project is approximately $10 million, with the city currently working to secure full funding. If approved, construction is tentatively set to begin in August 2027 and will take about 18 months to complete. Public comments are officially open until January 2, 2026, for those wanting to voice their opinions.

Edinburg, Texas - COMING SOON: Claw Haus Arcade 🧸

Claw Haus Arcade is setting up shop on Trenton Rd and will be opening soon!

The official opening date hasn't been dropped yet!

📍 2500 W Trenton Rd Suite 4, Edinburg, TX 78539

Laguna Vista, Texas

Roloff Park is getting a major refresh! 🌳⚽ The Town of Laguna Vista is officially launching a $300,000 improvement project to revitalize its central community hub.

Supported by a Texas Parks & Wildlife grant, this project focuses on inclusivity and youth sports. The biggest addition is a complete overhaul of the soccer field, which will receive major leveling, drainage improvements, and new grass/irrigation to create a proper playing surface.

The scope also includes significant ADA upgrades, such as new accessible trail connections, wheelchair-friendly features for the playground and fitness stations, and renovated restrooms to ensure the park is welcoming to everyone. You can also expect new corrosion-resistant benches and tables designed to withstand the coastal weather.

Construction is scheduled to begin on January 15, 2026, with an expected completion date of December 15, 2026.

📍 122 Fernandez St, Laguna Vista, TX 78578

Brownsville, Texas

Brownsville is getting a premium indoor golf lounge! 🏌️‍♂️⛳ A new business called Hot 9 Golf is currently building out a high-tech simulator facility on W. Alton Gloor.

The project involves the renovation of Suites D & E at 3201 W. Alton Gloor Blvd . The facility will feature Full Swing simulator technology the same tech used by Tiger Woods for indoor practice. The build-out includes two main hitting bays and one private room, along with a lounge area.

Permits were filed on December 11, 2025, and construction is underway. The projected opening date is currently set for February 16, 2026.

📍 3201 W. Alton Gloor Blvd, Suites D & E, Brownsville, TX 78520

California vibes coming to McAllen! 🎸

The Santa Ana based indie-rock band Surely Tempo is bringing their "Dance While You Can" tour to the RGV! If you're a fan of garage rock and big melodic hooks, you don't want to miss this one.

Joining them are local favorites Cannon the Dealers and The Culture!

🗓️ Sunday, January 25, 2026
🕗 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
📍 The Gremlin, McAllen (322 S 16th St)
🎟️ Tickets: $15 (General Admission)
🔗 https://www.tixtree.com/e/...

Pharr, Texas 🏥🏗️

UPDATE: The massive hospital we first reported back in January is finally officially under construction but the timeline has changed!

DHR Health has filed the final permits to begin vertical construction on the newly named DHR Forensic & Behavioral Hospital at 4800 N. Jackson Road.

Early announcements predicted a "Summer 2026" opening. The official state filing now lists a completion date of December 15, 2027, meaning the project is running about 18 months later than originally hoped.

📍 4800 N. Jackson Road, Pharr, TX 78577

After years of shortages that have devastated South Texas agriculture, the USDA just announced that Mexico has agreed to release 202,000 acre-feet of water to the United States starting next week. This deal brings immediate relief with deliveries starting now, while setting a strict deadline of Jan 31, 2026, for a full repayment plan on the "water debt." The administration made its stance clear, stating that if Mexico continues to violate its commitments, the U.S. will impose 5% tariffs on Mexican products.

Get ready, RGV! The 7th Annual 4EVA RGV Toy Drive is happening soon, and it features a huge special guest!

Join the fun and meet WWE Superstar Victoria Gonzalez (AKA Raquel Rodriguez), who will be the guest of honor! Hosted by prolifek.

This is a day of giving back and having fun, featuring:

🎁 FREE Toys

🍔 FREE Food

🎅 FREE Pictures with Santa!

Bring the whole family for this incredible event!

🗓️ Sunday, December 21st, 2025
⏰ Starts at 4:00 PM
📍 216 E I-2 Frontage Rd, Pharr, TX 78577

Elon Musk confirms SpaceX is going public!

The biggest company in the RGV is hitting the stock market. After years of keeping SpaceX private, Elon Musk has officially confirmed a report by Ars Technica’s Eric Berger that the aerospace giant plans to go public.

When asked about the report stating SpaceX is preparing for an IPO, Musk replied simply on X:
"As usual, Eric is accurate."
We went from "No IPO" to "Accurate" in 4 days.

https://arstechnica.com/sp...

McAllen, Texas - The wait for Mexico's favorite fabric store is almost over! 🧵 We have confirmed that the massive new Parisina in McAllen is in its final stages and is set to open within the next two weeks!

The Mexican retail giant, famous for its affordable fabrics, crafts, and home goods, is putting the finishing touches on its first U.S. location at Las Tiendas Shopping Center.

📍 700 E Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503

The Brownsville City Commission voted unanimously to dissolve the LGBTQ+ Task Force.

City Attorney Will Trevino warned the commission that maintaining the Task Force puts the city at "grave risk of losing the $41 million in grants that we receive from the federal government".

To continue advocacy efforts, Commissioners approved the immediate creation of the "One City Committee," a new establishment designed to promote positive "human relations and equitable outcomes and opportunities in all aspects of community life" for all minority communities.

The State of Texas has officially launched a crackdown on local city budgets, and two of the Rio Grande Valley’s largest cities are directly in the crosshairs. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced today that his office is opening an investigation into nearly 1,000 cities across the state to determine if they have been illegally raising property taxes without following proper financial transparency laws.
🔗 https://www.texasattorneyg...

🚨 RGV CONCERT ALERT! 🚨

Get ready for Humbe! He is bringing his tour to the Valley next spring! 🎤

🗓️ Sunday, March 22, 2026
🕗 8:00 PM
📍 McAllen Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS WEEK!

Pre-Sale: Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00 AM CST

General On-Sale: Friday, December 12 at 10:00 AM CST

Set your reminder so you don't miss out! Tag a friend you want to take! 👇

🎟️
https://www.ticketmaster.c...

Edinburg, Texas 🛍️
dd's Discounts is officially bringing its first location to Edinburg at The Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley.

The new $1.2 million project involves a complete interior renovation of the 30,092-square-foot junior anchor space at 313 East Trenton Road.

The renovation is scheduled to begin on February 16, 2026, with an expected completion date of June 16, 2026.

📍 313 East Trenton Road, Edinburg, TX 78539

Mercedes, Texas
The Nike Factory Store at the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets is set to undergo a $400,000 interior renovation.

The project involves a complete refresh of the 15,705 square foot store, including the demolition and reconstruction of the fitting rooms, new high bay lighting, updated carpet and paint, and an extended cashwrap wall to speed up checkout lines.

The renovation is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2026, with an expected completion date of May 22, 2026.

📍 5001 E Expy. 83, Suite 120, Mercedes, TX 78570

McAllen, Texas
BAD BUNNY DANCE NIGHT! 🐰

Get ready to dance off the winter chill! The popular Un Invierno Sin Ti Bad Bunny Dance Party is taking over McAllen!

🗓️ Saturday, January 10, 2026
🕗 Doors open at 9:00 PM (typical club time) 📍 PRESI NIGHTCLUB, McAllen, TX (101 S 17th St)

Come celebrate the music of El Conejo Malo all night long!
Tag your biggest Bad Bunny fan friends! 👇

🎟️ https://posh.vip/e/un-invi...

Governor Abbott wants "Turning Point USA" chapters in every Texas High School. 🏫

A major change could be coming to high school campuses across the Rio Grande Valley. Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have officially announced a partnership with the conservative organization Turning Point USA to launch student chapters in every high school in Texas.

Brownsville, Texas
DHR Health just officially announced they are expanding their Brownsville hospital.

They are adding 14,000 square feet of new space to the existing facility on N. Expressway 77.

What this means for you:

The expansion includes 6 new Emergency Room bays and 6 new surgical suites to handle the growing need in Cameron County.

They are also installing advanced MRI and CT technology right on site.

This project is set to create about 30 new medical jobs and construction will begin as soon as permits are cleared.

Starr County, Texas
After decades of planning, construction is officially set to begin this January on the massive State Loop 195 project in Starr County. This $240 million infrastructure investment serves as a critical relief route for US 83, designed to divert heavy commercial truck traffic away from the congested downtown business districts of Rio Grande City and Roma. Phase One, which carries an estimated cost of $62 million, will focus on connecting FM 755 to FM 3167 (Hospital Road), creating an immediate bypass option for local drivers. Future phases will eventually extend the loop all the way to Loma Blanca Road north of Roma, completing a full 17-mile corridor that promises to drastically improve safety and reduce commute times for residents in the Upper Valley.

📸 TxDOT PHARR

McAllen, Texas
New Spot "Cafe Rico" Permitted for 17th Street

While the city debates the future of the entertainment district, local investors are still betting big on downtown McAllen. We have confirmed that a construction permit has been filed for a new concept called Cafe Rico at 115 S. 17th Street.

Seeing a new "Cafe" concept (instead of just another nightclub) could signal a shift in the district's vibe.

We will keep you posted as construction begins!

Reik is coming to Payne Arena! 🇲🇽💔

Get ready to sing your heart out, 956. Latin pop icons REIK are bringing their 2026 Tour to Hidalgo for one night only!

📅 Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

📍 Venue: Payne Arena (Hidalgo, TX)

🎟️ Tickets: General Public sale starts TODAY (Friday) at 12:00 PM or use presale code CMNFAN.
🔗 https://www.ticketmaster.c...

From "Noviembre Sin Ti" to their new hits, this is going to be the ultimate date night (or heartbreak anthem night) of the spring.

Edinburg, Texas

Delivery is about to get even faster in South Edinburg! 🍕 A new Domino's Pizza is nearing completion at the Hopewell Mall Plaza area!

The 2,130-square-foot location, will be located at 4623 S Alamo Rd.

📍 4623 S Alamo rd, Edinburg, TX 78542

Edinburg, Texas
A new Little Caesars is officially opening on East University Drive! The project, located at 1624 E. University Dr., is nearing completion, and we have confirmed the official opening date is Monday, December 22nd!

The tenant finish out is set to be completed this month, bringing more Hot-N-Ready pizzas to the central Edinburg corridor.

📍 1624 E. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78542

Trump Pardons Laredo Congressman Henry Cuellar, Clears All Federal Charges

In a significant development for South Texas politics, President Donald Trump has issued a pardon for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo), effectively ending the federal bribery and money laundering case against him.

McAllen, Texas
We’ve received a lot of questions about the new medical facility on Pecan & McColl. “Wasn’t it supposed to be MD Anderson?” 🤔

Here is the full breakdown of what just opened in our backyard.

This is the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center a massive $151 million investment owned and operated by UTRGV.

UTRGV officially engaged MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide "advisory services". That means the world’s #1 cancer experts helped design the clinical operations and recruit the doctors.

The doors are open now! The facility has already begun a soft launch for select services. However, it will continue rolling out new departments over the next few months and is scheduled to be fully operational by Q1 2026.

📍 Address: 1400 N. Commerce Center St., McAllen (Between Jackson & McColl)

South Padre Island, Texas
The most spectacular holiday tradition on the coast is happening SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6! 🎄🚤✨

Come to South Padre Island for the annual Lighted Boat Parade & Firework Display! Watch as boats of all shapes and sizes cruise by, decked out in their holiday finest, creating a dazzling display on the Laguna Madre Bay.

🗓️ December 6, 2025 ⏰ Starts at 6:00 PM 📍 Entertainment District (Viewing areas along the bay)

Best part? Viewing is FREE! The fireworks will begin immediately following the parade, lighting up the sky and the bay!

McAllen, Texas
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos issued a blistering statement today following another fatal tragedy involving minors and alcohol on 17th Street. He did not mince words, blaming "negligent operators" for compromising public safety and calling current safeguards "insufficient."

The City is now demanding immediate intervention from the State of Texas. The Mayor stated that McAllen has done everything in its power—revoking permits and filing lawsuits—but is being blocked by state laws from doing more. He is calling on the TABC to intensify enforcement immediately and for the Legislature to finally untie the hands of local cities so they can impose stricter curfews and age limits. "Incremental measures are not enough," he warned. It is time for change.