Enjoy being "Puro 956" while you can... a new area code is coming. 📱

It’s officially 2026, and this might be the last full year that the Rio Grande Valley/Laredo is exclusively "The 956."

According to the latest federal reports (NANPA), the 956 area code is projected to officially exhaust (run out of new numbers) by early 2027.

What this means for us this year: State regulators are expected to announce the new "Overlay" area code sometime in 2026 to prepare for the switch.

If you have a 956 number: You keep it.

After the numbers exhaust you will likely get the new area code (whatever they decide to call it).

If you got a "956" tattoo not sure what to tell you.

There are already threads online predicting the new code could be 449 (unconfirmed!), but we won't know for sure until the state makes the official announcement.

CBP Officers in Laredo intercepted over 67 pounds of undeclared chorizo this week.

CBP Officers & Agriculture specialists with
the Laredo Field office intercepted 67.5 Ibs of chorizo concealed by a U.S. citizen known for agricultural violations. According to CBP, pork from Mexico poses significant risk for introducing foreign animal diseases & severely impacting U.S. agriculture.

McAllen, Texas – We have confirmed the very first construction permit for McAllen’s massive "Boeye Reservoir" redevelopment! 🏗️🌊

While the fancy water amphitheater and hotels are coming later, the project is officially kicking off with a Commercial Center on S. 23rd Street.

This building will serve as the retail "Gateway" to the new district, likely housing the shops and restaurants that will anchor the entrance. While details are still scarce (no official timeline just yet), we are monitoring this closely and will update you as soon as we see more movement.

This is just the beginning of the 70-acre transformation of 23rd & Expressway 83.

📍 1901 S. 23rd St, McAllen, Texas

Mission, Texas

COFFEE WARS: The "Sharyland Showdown" is officially on! ☕🥊 7 Brew Coffee has filed permits to open its first location in Mission, landing right on the busy Shary Road corridor.
This new location will be near the Panda Express.

The $1.25 million project involves the construction of a 541-square-foot drive-thru coffee stand at N. Shary Road.

Construction is scheduled to begin on March 23, 2026, with a target completion date of July 30, 2026.

📍 N. Shary Rd, Mission, TX 78572 (Sharyland Corridor)

McAllen, Texas

FIRST IN THE VALLEY: The wait is finally over. Nordstrom Rack is coming to the RGV! 🛍️👠 Nordstrom Rack has filed permits to open its first-ever store in McAllen, anchoring the Las Tiendas Shopping Center.

The $3,600,000 project involves the major renovation of a 30,561-square-foot retail box at 700 E Expressway 83.

Construction is scheduled to begin on May 7, 2026, with a target completion date of December 7, 2026, aiming for a Holiday 2026 grand opening.

📍 700 E Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503

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.