Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Education Agency is investigating over 100 teachers for allegedly calling for or inciting violence following the Charlie Kirk assassination.
Abbott stated that those educators will have their teaching certifications suspended and will be ineligible to teach in Texas public schools.

Edinburg, TX
Charlie Kirk mural in Edinburg Texas.

📸 James Hahn

McAllen, Texas
Lights Out in McAllen’s Entertainment District
The City of McAllen cut power to more than a dozen establishments in the Entertainment and Cultural Overlay District for operating without the required certificate of occupancy.
City officials say the move is about safety ensuring exits, wiring, and fire systems meet code. Power will be restored once businesses comply.
Mayor Villalobos emphasized: “We will continue to support responsible operators and keep our vibrant nightlife safe for everyone.”

Brownsville, Texas

Sprouts Farmers Market has a new location coming to 3457 Old Highway 77.
The 31,543-square-foot project includes the new grocery store along with attached space for four additional retail tenants.

Construction is scheduled to begin on May 4, 2026, with an expected completion date of August 9, 2027.

📍 3457 Old Highway 77, Brownsville, TX 78520

Edinburg, Texas

Space Monkey Barrcade, is coming soon to Edinburg, located at 1204 E. Canton Rd. across from the AMC theater.

It will be a free play arcade where guests pay one price to play all day and will feature a full bar and kitchen. The venue will be open to all ages, but will be strictly 18 and over after 9 p.m..

📍 1204 E. Canton Rd., Edinburg, TX

Pharr, Texas
The IKEA store at the Pharr Town Center!
This new location will be one of IKEA's new "small-format" stores, designed to bring the IKEA experience closer to customers in the Rio Grande Valley.

According to IKEA's official announcement, the new Pharr store is slated to open in the Fall of 2025.

📍 500 N Jackson Rd, Pharr, TX 78577

📸 Rick Grimaldo

Starbase, Texas

A new restaurant and bar named Chompy's is being built at 50520 Rio Grande Dr. to serve the growing Starbase community. The project involves the new, ground up construction of a 2,929 square foot building, including a full interior fit out. The estimated cost for the new build is $2,000,000.

Construction is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2025, and is expected to be completed by August 4, 2026.

📍 50520 Rio Grande Dr., Starbase, TX 78521

McAllen, Texas

Get ready for an authentic international experience! Sala De Despecho, an established restaurant and bar concept with locations across Latin America, Spain, and major U.S. cities like Miami, New York, and Las Vegas, is making its Texas debut in McAllen.

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and focus on "música de despecho" (heartbreak music), Sala De Despecho is set to bring a unique cultural and entertainment experience to the Rio Grande Valley.

📍 4037 Expressway 83, Suites 185-190, McAllen, TX 78501

McAllen, Texas

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen located at The District will be opening in October. The grand opening is planned for October 27, 2025.

📍 7701 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78504

Donna, Texas

A new food truck park, the Backyard Eatery, is celebrating its grand opening in Donna this Saturday, September 6th.

Located at 2112 Redskin Ave, the new park will feature a wide variety of food options, including tacos, burgers, Korean corn dogs, coffee, elotes asados, and a snack shop. A full bar will also be on site, serving mixed drinks and other alcoholic beverages. For the opening weekend, the park will also host local vendors.

📍 2112 Redskin Ave, Donna, TX

Former Rep. Mayra Flores has officially launched her bid to return to Congress, announcing she will run in Texas’ 34th Congressional District against incumbent Democrat Vicente Gonzalez in 2026.

Flores, who briefly held the seat after a 2022 special election, said the district is now one of the GOP’s top pickup opportunities following recent redistricting approved by the Texas Legislature. She credited the leadership of President Trump, Governor Greg Abbott, and Texas Republicans for positioning the party to compete in South Texas, adding:
“Now is the time to run with endurance, to fight the good fight, and to complete the work that God has placed before me. By His grace, we will finish it.”

Mayra Flores won’t be the only Republican in the race. Eric D. Flores, an Army veteran and lawyer, has also entered the GOP primary.

The contest is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in Texas, as Republicans continue their push to flip South Texas districts and Democrats fight to hold their ground.

Palmview, Texas
The Palmview Police Department is currently investigating a case of illegal dumping involving a deceased dog. This incident took place on July 7, 2025, on Two Mile Line, specifically between Bentsen Palm Drive and Minnesota Road.

The entire incident was captured on newly installed cameras, which the City of Palmview recently purchased to combat the issue of illegal dumping.

Palmview PD is eager to speak with the two males observed in the photo regarding this incident. Their insights could prove invaluable to the investigation.

Anyone who has information related to this incident is encouraged to reach out to Palmview Crime Stoppers. You can contact them at (956) 584-TIPS (8477). Your assistance could play a pivotal role in resolving this case.

All calls made to the tips line are anonymous and if the information you provide leads to an arrest and conviction, you could earn a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Rio Grande Valley, Texas
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has signed a waiver to ensure the expeditious construction of approximately five miles of new 30 foot tall border wall in Starr and Hidalgo Counties in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector in Texas.

The Secretary’s waiver authority allows DHS to waive any legal requirement, including environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, to ensure the expeditious construction of physical barriers and roads.

McAllen, Texas

Bricks & Minifigs, a retail store specializing in new and used LEGO® products, is opening its first Rio Grande Valley location. The 3,000 square foot space will undergo a full interior renovation that includes building a new mezzanine, with an estimated cost of $180,000.

Construction is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025, and is expected to be completed by November 30, 2025.

📍 4100 N Colonel Rowe (2nd St.), Suite 200, Mcallen, TX 78504

McAllen, Texas
Jorge Lozano H. is bringing his "Libera La Fiera" tour to the McAllen Performing Arts Center on October 24th!
🎤 Prepare for a night of laughter, motivation, and inspiration. You don't want to miss this! Tickets are on sale now!

🎟️ https://www.ticketmaster.c...

Starbase, Texas
SpaceX Scrubs Starship's 10th Test Flight Due to Weather

SpaceX has called off the planned test flight of its massive Starship rocket, designated Flight 10, from its Starbase facility in Texas this evening. The decision to scrub the launch was attributed to unfavorable weather conditions.

This marks the second consecutive day a launch attempt for this mission has been aborted.

Donna, Texas

Get ready for Cheddar's! The popular restaurant is opening its first Donna location on September 8th, 2025.

📍 1510 E Interstate Hwy 2, Donna, TX 78537

Starbase, Texas 🚀
SpaceX is gearing up for Starship Flight 10. It is set to launch Sunday, August 24, 2025. Liftoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m!

McAllen, Texas

Get ready for a new taqueria experience!
From the owners of Muelle 37, a new restaurant named Barrio 37 is opening soon in McAllen.

The restaurant will feature four distinct taquerias under one roof, serving fajita, pastor, carnitas, and carne asada tacos. Aiming for an authentic experience where guests order directly from the taquero, the kitchen will be specially equipped with two Josper grills for the fajita and carne asada, and a Josper shawarma for the carne al pastor.

According to the owners, the goal is for the "vibe, decoration, and food to capture the authentic energy of Mexico's vibrant street taquerias."
Stay tuned for the grand opening announcement!

📍 1300 E Nolana Ave, Suite 300, McAllen, TX 78504

Progreso, Texas

Circle K is building a new convenience store in Progreso, located at the northeast corner of Military Highway 281 and International Boulevard. The project involves the new, ground up construction of a 5,641 square foot store with a quick service restaurant, a large gasoline canopy with six pumps, and a separate diesel canopy with four pumps. The estimated cost is $1,500,000.

Construction is scheduled to begin on December 8, 2025, and is expected to be completed by June 8, 2026.

📍 NEC Military Hwy 281 & International Blvd., Progreso, TX 78579

McAllen, Texas

A new soccer themed restaurant and sports bar, VAR 37, is now open in McAllen. The new spot, which celebrated its grand opening on July 26, is located next to House Wine & Bistro.
Go check them out!

📍 1101 W Business 83, McAllen, TX 78501

The Nutcracker presented by Rio Grande Valley Ballet
Sat • Dec 13, 2025 • 3:00pm
McAllen Performing Arts Center
801 Convention Center Blvd. , McAllen, TX

🎟️ https://www.ticketmaster.c...

McAllen, Texas

Spirit Halloween is now open. 🎃

Hours:
Mon–Fri: 11 AM – 7 PM
Sat: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sun: 12 PM – 6 PM

📍 1801 S 10th St, McAllen, TX 78503

The system off the coast of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas coastline has a medium (50%) chance of becoming a short-lived tropical depression before it moves inland later today.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a broad area of low pressure over the Bay of Campeche with a low chance of formation over the next couple of days. This system is expected to move inland Friday night into Saturday morning over northeastern Mexico or South Texas.

- via National Hurricane Center

Brownsville, Texas

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is creating a new Visual Arts Complex campus at the former Longoria Elementary School. The project involves the extensive renovation of 14 existing buildings and the new construction of two additional buildings to serve as the home for the UTRGV School of Fine Arts. The total estimated cost for the 46,000 square foot project is $21,000,000.

Construction is scheduled to begin on September 22, 2025, and is expected to be completed by August 7, 2026.

📍 2400 E. Van Buren St., Brownsville, TX 78520

McAllen, Texas
Over a year ago we told you Hawaiian Bros would be coming to the RGV!
The first Hawaiian Bros will be coming soon to McAllen!

📍 1100 Trenton Rd McAllen, TX 78504

Mission, Texas
“Its packed!”
Jorge Saldaña sent us this photo of the Whataburger at 201 E Griffin in Mission, Texas.

Whataburger is celebrating its 75th birthday today (11am-8pm) by offering customers 75 cent burgers.

Brownsville, Texas
Brownsville might be getting its very own river walk! 🤩

This will require a partnership between the City of Brownsville and Cameron County for it to come to fruition. If all goes to plan a $500 million dollar investment will transform downtown Brownsville.
Link - https://riograndeguardian....

Mission, Texas

Teriyaki Madness is opening its first Mission location in the new Mission Town Center development. The project involves the interior finish out of a new, 1,500 square foot retail space to create the new restaurant. The estimated cost for the construction is $400,000.

It is expected to be completed by November 15, 2025.

📍 118 E Griffin Pkwy, Mission, TX 78572