Peñitas, Texas

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: HOME DEPOT RISING AT PEÑITAS CROSSING: You can see the progress! 🚧📸 The massive new Home Depot in Peñitas is officially taking shape. The $20.2 million project is moving forward at the new Peñitas Crossing development off Liberty Blvd.

The site is being transformed into a 136,136-square-foot retail destination, featuring a main store of over 108,000 square feet and a massive 28,000-square-foot Garden Center. This location will serve as the anchor for the new retail hub, bringing major hardware convenience to the western express corridor.

Current construction is targeting a completion date of September 24, 2026.

📍 1901 Liberty Blvd, Peñitas, TX 78576

Weslaco, Texas

WESLACO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SET FOR $2.8 MILLION EXPANSION: A major upgrade is coming for Weslaco's youth! 🧒🏀 The City of Weslaco has filed permits for a significant expansion of the Boys & Girls Club Center at 300 N. Airport Drive.

The $2.8 million project involves the ground-up construction of a new 10,755-square-foot expansion building. This isn't just extra classrooms the scope specifically details a dedicated teen center, a new gymnasium, administrative offices, and specialized space for social support and family programs. This addition will sit on the existing campus (Suite B), significantly increasing the capacity and services available to local families.

Construction is scheduled to begin on April 6, 2026, with a target completion date of April 1, 2027.

📍 300 N. Airport Dr., Suite B, Weslaco, TX 78596

🤠 COUNTRY MUSIC ALERT: Randall King is coming to the 956! 🤠

Get ready, RGV! The neo-traditional country star Randall King is bringing his raw, honky-tonk sound to Los Fresnos! Known for modern anthems that feel like '90s classics, this is a show you won't want to miss.

🗓️ Saturday, February 21, 2026
🕤 Concert starts at approximately 9:30 PM 📍 Los Fresnos Rodeo Grounds (500 E Ocean Blvd, Los Fresnos, TX)

🎟️ Concert-Only Tickets: $22.00 (Pre-sale price) Note: This ticket grants access to the arena floor for the performance.
🔗 https://www.etix.com/ticke...

Tag your favorite dancing partner and get your boots ready! 👢✨

Brownsville, Texas

IDEA BROWNSVILLE CAMPUS SET FOR $18 MILLION EXPANSION: A major upgrade is coming to one of Brownsville's established charter campuses! 🏫🚧 IDEA Public Schools has filed permits for "Phase III" of their IDEA Brownsville campus located at 4395 Paredes Line Rd.

The $18 million project involves the construction of a new classroom building and a gymnasium at the existing campus. This "Phase III" expansion creates approximately 27,000 square feet of new educational space, likely designed to support growing enrollment or to add dedicated athletic and academic facilities for their College Prep students.

Construction is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2026, with a target completion date of April 30, 2027.

📍 4395 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville, TX 78526

🚨 CONFIRMED: Bath & Body Works Coming to Edinburg! 🚨

It looks like Edinburg is finally getting its own spot for candles and body care! We’ve spotted two major confirmations that Bath & Body Works is opening at the Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley.

The company has officially posted a job listing for a "Retail Store Manager" specifically for the Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley.

In addition, a construction permit has been filed for an interior remodel of a 3,306 sq. ft. space at the center.

Once we get additional details we will be sure to share them with you. Potential opening date 06/01/2026.

📍 427 E Trenton RD, Edinburg, Texas 78539

Weslaco, Texas

WESTGATE H-E-B SET FOR $4.5 MILLION RENOVATION: The "Westgate H-E-B" is about to get a major upgrade! 🛒🏗️ H-E-B has filed permits for a massive $4.5 million renovation of their store at 310 N Westgate Drive (Store #485 ).

This project is significantly larger than a standard refresh, involving a comprehensive interior remodel of the 61,954-square-foot store. While specific department changes aren't listed, a budget of this size usually brings new flooring, updated refrigeration, expanded "Meal Simple" sections, and a modernized checkout area to bring the older store up to current standards.

Construction is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026, with a target completion date of January 11, 2027.

📍 310 N Westgate Drive, Weslaco, TX 78596

Weslaco, Texas

CONSTRUCTION MOVING FAST ON WESLACO SAM'S CLUB: The dirt is flying at FM 1015 and Barbee Drive as crews make rapid progress on the new Sam’s Club! 🏗️🛒 This massive 168,000-square-foot warehouse represents a $24.5 million total investment into the community. With site work advancing quickly, the project is currently on track to welcome shoppers by late summer 2026. Initial reports have the project timeline completing by August 2026.

📍 FM 1015 & Barbee Drive, Weslaco, TX 78596
📸 Weslaco EDC

Mission, Texas

UPDATE: SIGNS ARE UP FOR BUFFALO WILD WINGS GO! 🍗🛑 It looks like the "Sauce is Boss" is arriving sooner than expected! While the initial permits listed a March start date, signage is already up at the new Buffalo Wild Wings GO location on Griffin Parkway.

This "GO" model is designed specifically for takeout and delivery. The project is taking over a 1,500-square-foot suite in the plaza.

📍 126 East Griffin Parkway, Mission, TX 78572
📸 Mary Rodriguez

Brownsville, Texas

HUEY MAGOO'S CONFIRMS BROWNSVILLE LOCATION: The "Filet Mignon of Chicken" has officially found a home in the Rio Grande Valley! 🍗🥗 After previously announcing a massive 10-store expansion into the RGV, Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders has filed permits for a ground-up location in Brownsville.

This Florida-based concept is famous for using only real tenders from the tenderloin what they identify as the "best 3% of the chicken" ensuring all-natural, preservative-free meals. The menu features their signature tenders, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. This Brownsville site at 7200 Expressway 77 appears to be the first specific location revealed for the Rio Grande Valley.

📍 7200 Expressway 77 North Frontage Rd, Brownsville, TX 78526

✈️🌴 PACK YOUR BAGS: Nonstop Flights from Brownsville to Orlando are Coming! 🎢✨

Get ready, Brownsville! Your next Disney trip just got a whole lot easier (and cheaper)!

Breeze Airways has officially announced they will start offering NONSTOP flights from Brownsville (BRO) to Orlando, FL starting May 15th!

The Details: 🗓️ Starts: May 15, 2026 ✈️ Frequency: Twice a week 💸 Price: Fares starting at just $79 one-way!

Harlingen, Texas

ASHLEY FURNITURE TAKING OVER FORMER CONN'S: 🛋️🏠 Ashley Furniture has filed permits to renovate the large retail box on Dixieland Road, formerly home to Conn's HomePlus.

The $1 million renovation project involves the interior and exterior overhaul of the massive 51,000-square-foot building. This location will likely serve as a new flagship showroom for the area, replacing or supplementing the existing "HomeStore Clearance" on Glasscock Ave.

Construction is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2026, with a target completion date of June 29, 2026.

📍 706 Dixieland Rd, Harlingen, TX 78550

Mission, Texas

BUFFALO WILD WINGS GO LANDING IN MISSION: The saucy takeout concept is setting up shop on Griffin Parkway! 🍗🥡 Buffalo Wild Wings has filed permits to open a new "GO" model location, designed specifically for takeout and delivery orders.

The $500,000 renovation project involves the interior upfit of a 1,500-square-foot space within an existing building.

Construction is scheduled to begin on March 16, 2026, with a target completion date of May 25, 2026.

📍 126 East Griffin Parkway, Mission, TX 78572

Brownsville, Texas

THE GREAT GREEK MEDITERRANEAN GRILL OPENING FIRST RGV LOCATION: The "Live Deliciously" concept is coming to Boca Chica! 🥙🇬🇷 The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has filed permits to open its first Brownsville location, taking over a retail suite in Strawberry Square.

The $200,000 project involves the interior finish-out of a 2,325-square-foot restaurant space (Suite 19).

Construction shows that it started
January 20, 2026, with a target completion date of August 30, 2026.

📍 2921 Boca Chica Blvd, Ste 19, Brownsville, TX 78521

From the 956 to the Super Bowl 🏈

A massive congratulations to Jeremy Springer, a native of Los Fresnos, Texas, who is officially headed to Super Bowl LX!

The New England Patriots just defeated the Denver Broncos today to claim the AFC Championship, and Springer is right there on the sidelines as their Special Teams Coordinator.

Jeremy started his journey playing at Los Fresnos High and UTEP, coached his way through the college ranks, and is now helping lead an NFL team to the biggest game in sports.

Via - Jaime Gonzalez
📸 New England Patriots

🍖 RGV BBQ Legend Named James Beard Semifinalist! 🏆🔥

A huge congratulations to George Watts III of GW's BBQ Catering Co. in San Juan, who has just been named a Semifinalist for the 2026 James Beard Awards (Best Chef: Texas).

The James Beard Awards are the 'Oscars of the Food World.' This year, George is the ONLY chef or restaurant from the entire Rio Grande Valley to make the list, putting San Juan on the national map alongside heavy hitters from Houston and Austin.

📍 Location: GW's BBQ Catering Co. 107 N Nebraska Ave, San Juan, TX

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

CAMERON COUNTY CONFIRMS DATA CENTER NEGOTIATIONS EAST OF AIRPORT

Cameron County officials have officially confirmed they are conducting due diligence for a massive data center project proposed for 1,800 acres east of Valley International Airport. While County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. released a statement emphasizing that no "formal business proposal" or permitting applications have been submitted yet, Cameron County Economic Development Director Ramiro Aleman confirmed in a separate interview that county officials have been in discussions with the developers for several months. The statement also noted that the county has limited legal authority to restrict businesses that comply with state standards, though officials are reviewing environmental studies regarding water and energy consumption.
https://myrgv.com/local-ne...

Two RGV Residents Just Claimed $1 Million Each! 💸

Two separate residents from the Rio Grande Valley have officially claimed $1 MILLION top prizes from the Texas Lottery.

A San Benito resident became an instant millionaire after purchasing a winning 'Instant Millions' ticket.
📍 Sold at: Stooky Mart (1608 E. Business 77, San Benito)

A resident from Rio Grande City also claimed a $1 Million prize, but they struck gold while out of town! Their winning 'Million Dollar Loteria' ticket was purchased in San Antonio.
📍 Sold at: H-E-B Food Store 427 (SW Military Dr, San Antonio)

Both winners chose to remain anonymous

Edinburg, Texas
The Hidalgo County Appraisal District (HCAD) is officially moving operations to a new facility in Edinburg. The district has registered a major construction project to renovate the 62,000-square-foot space at the Edinburg Town Center on Closner Blvd, which locals will recognize as the former Teleperformance location next to the Echo Hotel. The renovation is scheduled to begin this February and aims to be completed by September 2026, marking a significant shift from their current offices on Professional Drive.

📍 1701 S. Closner Blvd, Edinburg, Texas

Starbase, Texas
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is scheduled to deliver his third major "Arsenal of Freedom" speech at SpaceX's Starbase on Monday, January 12, 2026. Hegseth has been using this nationwide tour to promote a "wartime footing" and a move toward rapid, commercial-first defense manufacturing. Tomorrow's visit will see him address the SpaceX workforce and leadership, likely including Elon Musk, to emphasize the facility's critical role in American "peace through strength".

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