Harlingen, Texas
HARLINGEN: $31M WATERWORKS DECISION ON THE TABLE WEDNESDAY

The Harlingen City Commission and Harlingen Waterworks are gathering for a 15-minute high-stakes joint meeting this Wednesday to vote on a massive $31 million investment into the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. This funding, spread across several bond series and agreements.

This meeting involves the approval of three distinct series of bonds and funding agreements, totaling $31,681,404:

Series 2026 (WLAF): $8.26 million for system-wide improvements.

Series 2026A (WLAF): $8.305 million for targeted infrastructure upgrades.

Series 2026B (EDAP): $25.116 million, representing the largest portion of the investment for sewer and waterworks expansion.

With a Regular Commission meeting scheduled to start just 15 minutes later, the city has a very narrow window to discuss the three major bond series and funding

Meeting Time: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, @ 5:30 PM.

📍 City Hall, Town Hall Meeting Room (2nd Floor), 118 E. Tyler Avenue, Harlingen, Texas

Rio Grande City, Texas
Back in August 2025, we shared the early permits for 7 Brew Coffee coming to town. Now, the City of Rio Grande City has officially welcomed 7brew and dropped some major updates on the timeline!

Here is the latest confirmed info:

Construction will start February 2, 2026 (New Date!)

The estimated timeline to build is 60 days. (Meaning we could see them open as early as April!)
$1.5 Million into the RGC community

The prefab stand is coming to East U.S. Highway 83, and with a 2-month build time, this location is going to pop up fast.

📸 City of Rio Grande City

San Juan, Texas
New Goodwill Opening in San Juan!

We’ve been watching the renovations at the former Walgreens building, and it’s finally official: Goodwill is opening its doors on Wednesday, February 12th!

Located right behind the H-E-B plus!, this spacious new location will be the perfect spot to hunt for hidden gems. The "Opening Soon" sign is officially up.

📍 824 N Veterans Blvd, San Juan, TX 78589 (Former Walgreens building)

South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island Awarded Historic $200M Coast Guard Project 🇺🇸🚤

The largest single construction project in the 235-year history of the U.S. Coast Guard is happening right here on South Padre Island.

The Coast Guard has officially awarded a $200 Million contract to completely rebuild and expand the SPI station.

This project isn't just an upgrade; it's a recovery. On April 20, 2025, a fire severely damaged the station's boathouse. Despite the destruction, crews were back on patrol the very next day.

Work begins immediately. Completion is set for Summer 2028.

📸 US Coast Guard

McAllen, Texas

The Texas A&M College of Nursing officially launches its inaugural cohort in the Rio Grande Valley today, January 12, with 25 students beginning classes at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen (HECM). This long-awaited expansion offers the same rigorous Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum and "Aggie Ring" available at the main campus, allowing local students to serve their community while staying close to home. The program is anchored by a major infrastructure investment, including the new $49.9 million Nursing Education and Research Building, which features a 10,000-square-foot clinical simulation center to help address the region's critical health care needs.

📸 Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen

Mission, Texas

🌮👑 Eddie’s Tacos (filed as Eddie's Taqueria) has filed permits to build a brand-new ground-up restaurant on Griffin Parkway.

The $1,344,576 project involves the new construction of a 3,251-square-foot standalone restaurant.

Construction is scheduled to begin on January 19, 2026, with a target completion date of August 21, 2026.

📍 1730 W Griffin Pkwy, Mission, TX 78572

IT’S OFFICIAL: The 2026 UTRGV Football Schedule is Here! 🏈

Mark your calendars, RGV! The 2026 schedule just dropped, and it is packed. 🗓️🔥

🚨 THE BIGGEST NEWS: We are taking the 956 to the 210! 🚗💨 Sept 5 vs. UTSA at the Alamodome. Start planning the caravans now!

Harlingen, Texas

After years of planning, Harlingen is officially building its gateway to the Arroyo! 🛶🌊

The City has filed permits to construct the long-awaited McCullough Park Kayak Launch at the intersection of Ed Carey Drive & S. 25th Street.

Construction is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026, with a target completion date of December 31, 2026.

📍 Intersection of S 25th St & Ed Carey Dr, Harlingen, TX 78550

Donna, Texas

DONNA WALMART GETTING A FACELIFT: The Supercenter on Salinas Blvd is about to get a major upgrade! 🛒🏗️ Walmart has filed permits to begin a $2,000,000 renovation of its Donna location.

The project involves a comprehensive refresh of the store at 900 N Salinas Blvd.

Construction is scheduled to begin on April 24, 2026, with a target completion date of July 30, 2026.

📍 900 N Salinas Blvd, Donna, TX 78537

The Top 20 Alcohol Sellers in the RGV for 2025

The numbers are in from the State Comptroller.
We dug into the official 2025 data from the State Comptroller, and we have the results for you.

Twin Peaks McAllen takes the crown as the undisputed King of the 956, selling over $3.4 Million in alcohol alone.

THE TOP 20 LIST:

Twin Peaks (McAllen) — $3.41M

Clayton’s Beach Bar (SPI) — $2.84M

Longboard Bar & Grill (SPI) — $2.59M

Oak Texas Bar & Grill North (McAllen) — $2.58M

Yard House (McAllen) — $2.34M

Hidalgo Arena (Hidalgo) — $2.29M

Howling Rabbits Beer Works (McAllen) — $2.20M

Buffalo Wings & Rings (McAllen) — $2.20M

Tequila Sunset (SPI) — $2.14M

Suerte Bar & Grill Uptown (McAllen) — $2.13M

Oak Texas Bar & Grill South (McAllen) — $2.11M

Margaritaville Beach Resort (SPI) — $1.95M

Quarterdeck (SPI) — $1.90M

Louie's Backyard (SPI) — $1.80M

'76 Bar and Kitchen (McAllen) — $1.75M

Lucky Barrel (Brownsville) — $1.71M

Ojos Locos Sports Cantina (McAllen) — $1.70M

Tipsy Tavern (Harlingen) — $1.68M

Bar Louie (SPI) — $1.66M

Ojos Locos Sports Cantina (Brownsville) — $1.62M

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.

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

✨ 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...

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

🚨 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

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.