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Hi McAllen, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: A 27.6% GDP surge, a spy-themed gala, and Swan Lake with a live orchestra + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Citywide progress and plans: McAllen’s state of the city celebrated 2025 gains, with Mayor Javier Villalobos citing 27.6% GDP growth, $99.9 million in sales tax revenue, and plans for a Lorena Ochoa golf course — get all the details.

Bridging school and workforce: South Texas College’s CATA and La Joya ISD have launched an apprenticeship pipeline, sending local students to Mission for training, certifications, and paid experience with industry partners like Zitro Electric — see how the program works.

Iconic moment’s local roots: Weslaco has broken ground on a $100,000 memorial honoring Marine Cpl. Harlon Block, one of the Iwo Jima flag-raisers, meant to honor veterans and educate future generations in our region — learn more about the memorial.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Enjoy pizza, support Boys & Girls Club
• Paint meaningful art with your son
• Run the Rock the Green 5K
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Burger night, upgraded: When cravings hit, Wallbangers Burger Bar delivers made-from-scratch burgers with house-baked buns, 100% ground chuck, and joyfully overstuffed patties, plus sidewinder fries and an icy craft beer. Consider your weeknight upgraded, taste buds properly spoiled.

Roll into the week: Whether you’re easing back onto wheels or chasing that nostalgic groove, Fantasyland Skate Center brings classic rink vibes, a handy snack bar, and friendly trainers for first-timers. There’s an online waiver, so entry’s smooth… an easy glide for a low-key night.

Curious afternoon, sorted: International Museum of Art & Science nails the sweet spot between hands-on tinkering and gallery wandering, with Insecta: Small Wonders, the new Piñatabstract show, and Science On a Sphere. Unplug, learn a little, and leave as the friend who casually drops the best facts.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 McAllen for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎭 The Book of Will @ UTRGV Albert L. Jeffers Theatre, 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, Texas | Friday (3/6) at 7:30 PM – Think group projects never work? Meet Shakespeare’s ride-or-die editors in The Book of Will, Lauren Gunderson’s funny love letter to theatre, friendship, and keeping the good stuff in print. Ages 13 and up at UTRGV’s Albert L. Jeffers Theatre. No late seating, be early.

🎨 Love and Heroes: Watercolor Workshop @ Kaboom Games – McAllen Tx | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Trade morning cartoons for capes and watercolors at Kaboom Games, a free, beginner-friendly parent-kid superhero watercolor workshop where you paint iconic duos in love on 4×6 prints. Supplies included, frames extra, and yes, you actually have to register, no heroic walk-ins.

🛍 Lucky Girl Market @ Tsunami Sushi | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – Whether you roll your eyes at manifesting, or you’ve got crystals in the glove box, this night market lines up 20-plus local vendors, and photo ops. Swing by Cornerstone Blvd in Edinburg, shop local, soak up that lucky girl energy, and call it self-care.

🕵 26th Annual Evening of Wishes @ Mission Event Center | Saturday (3/7) at 6:00 PM – Suit up for Make-A-Wish RGV’s 26th Annual Evening of Wishes, a glam spy-themed gala where everyone plays secret agent for good. Kids get wishes, you get bragging rights, and you finally wear real shoes, with tables and sponsorships up for grabs.

🌮 MXLAN – Sabor a Mexico 2026 @ McAllen Convention Center | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – MXLAN’s Sabor a Mexico is taking over the West Lawn with big flavors, bigger vibes, and a 21-plus night under the stars. Grab a ticket, get Saturday MXLAN admission free, and call it a two-for-one cultural win. Leave the kiddos, bring your appetite.

🌼 Spring Market Fest @ Allysa’s Acres | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – Head to Allysas Acres in Mission for a spring market with 40+ vendors, food and drinks, and free admission. Petting zoo, kites in the Mission breeze, and dino rides, because why should kids have all the fun. Bring the fam, the pup, and a tote.

🦢 Swan Lake @ McAllen Performing Arts Center | Sunday (3/8) at 6:00 PM – Swan Lake is gliding in with a live orchestra, 50 international dancers, and more hand-sewn sparkle than a quinceañera. Expect Little Swans, the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and zero tutus from us, just blissful goosebumps, date-night cred, and unapologetic applause.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 Pre Karaoke @ Paradise RV Resort – 6:30 PM
• 3/5 Dam Swindle @ CommonSpace – 8:00 PM
• 3/7 Neon Indian @ McAllen Convention Center – 5:00 PM
• 3/7 Circus Vazquez @ Circus Vazquez – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Elías Medina @ McAllen Performing Arts Center – 8:00 PM
• 3/8 Brendan Kinsella Faculty Recital: “Quartet for the End of Time” @ UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, Texas – 3:00 PM
• 3/10 Faculty Showcase Recital @ South Texas College – Cooper Center for the Performing Arts Theater – 7:30 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 McAllen report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 90°F – Low: 72°F – Precip: 2%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Southeast wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 93°F – Low: 74°F – Precip: 11%

Partly sunny. High near 93, with temperatures falling to around 89 in the afternoon. South southeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This 6 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom stunner blends luxury and comfort under one roof. Two bedrooms and two full baths sit in a private wing with separate entrance, perfect for guests or multigenerational living. Set in a gated subdivision for peace of mind, it shines with a backyard oasis and BBQ zone for everyday ease and entertaining in a prime location.

Take a peek inside →