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Hey McAllen, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: An $81.6M shopping center deal, Frida Fest 2026, and Strawberry Fest + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around McAllen protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Growth strategy in focus: CTO Realty Growth acquired a McAllen open-air shopping center for $81.6 million, and the nearly fully leased site includes pad space that could add new shops — see property and funding details.

Funding strategy faces dissent: A new rideshare fee is now in effect at McAllen International Airport to help fund terminal expansion, starting at $1 and phasing up to $3 per ride — see the phased fee schedule.

Lifesaving support for newborns: Pharr Public Health opened a new Breast Milk Donation Site and Wellness Room on March 2, offering easy drop-offs and supplying pasteurized donor milk to hospitals across Texas and nationwide — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Join an instructor-led outdoor workout
• Join the VATA Athletic Trainers Trot 5K
• Young Adventurers decorate and fly kites

🫶 We got your back

Not-sad lunch upgrade: Craving a better desk lunch? Gumbos Deli serves made-to-order ciabattas, bright soups, and legit green juices for a quick, feel-good reset. Slide it into your week without derailing plans or vibes, and leave feeling fed, refreshed, and ready to get back to it.

Make playtime cooler: Whether you’re restocking the kids’ reward stash or indulging your inner eight-year-old, Kool Stuff serves up a bright mix of toys and games for every age. A quick aisle lap can deliver a small joy boost that lasts longer than a sugar rush.

Quiet trails, big exhale: McAllen Nature Center offers an easy in-town reset with shaded thornscrub paths, a butterfly garden, and a small hill with legit views. Looping trails invite a mellow wander as birds handle the playlist, so you can catch your breath and rack up a few peaceful steps.

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

📆 Free events worth checking out

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.

🎵 Music for Spring @ Tip O’ Texas RV Resort (Pharr) | Tuesday (3/10) at 3:00 PM – Spring needs a soundtrack, and apparently it’s free. Music for Spring is popping up with live tunes, fresh air, zero cover, and open to all, the way community concerts should be. Bring a chair, your longest cardigan, and that neighbor who always hums off key.

🎻 Faculty Showcase Recital @ South Texas College – Cooper Center for the Performing Arts Theater | Tuesday (3/10) at 7:30 PM – Want serious talent without the sticker shock? The STC Music Department faculty step out from the classroom for a free recital, serving polished chops, rich repertoire, and the kind of musicianship that reminds you practice still matters. Grown-up night out, zero cover.

🍓 Strawberry Fest @ Bert Ogden Arena (Edinburg) | Saturday (3/14) at 1:00 PM – Out front at Bert Ogden Arena, it’s strawberries everywhere, from local vendors to sugar-laced goodies, plus food, drinks, and shameless photo ops. Free, outdoors, and family friendly, which means you can pretend the kids made you go. Wear red, avoid stains.

🎨 Frida Fest 2026 @ Promenade Park Amphitheater (Edinburg) | Saturday (3/14) at 5:00 PM – Frida Fest is back at Promenade Park Amphitheater, a free, community bash celebrating art, music, and that unmistakable Edinburg flair. Expect live bands, chalk art, a Frida-inspired fashion show, carnival rides, wellness art, and a Kids Zone. Flower crowns encouraged, bold brows optional.

🧶 Women’s 35+ Craft Night @ S 1st St, McAllen, TX 78501, United States | Sunday (3/15) at 4:00 PM – Nothing beats low-stress crafting with grown women who get it, and this free McAllen-area diamond painting meetup with Maricela is exactly that. Women 35+ only, all supplies provided, no experience required, just calm music, good conversation, and sparkly satisfaction. Space is tight, RSVP here: https://luma.com/ys3q4jqb.

🧭 PNC Adventure Day @ International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) | Wednesday (3/18) at 10:00 AM – If your tiny tornadoes need somewhere to channel their chaos, IMAS here in the Valley is throwing a free adventure day with hands-on art, science, and play-based learning, plus local vendors. Built for little ones, especially six-and-under, curiosity is encouraged, messes are not your rug.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 McAllen report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 92°F – Low: 73°F – Precip: 3%

Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Southeast wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South southeast wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 94°F – Low: 63°F – Precip: 14%

Sunny, with a high near 94. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 63. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance? 🚗

Premiums have been climbing across Texas but most folks won’t notice until they’re hit with a higher bill when it’s time to renew.

That’s exactly what happened to me. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, it was out of sight and out of mind. Turns out I was blindly paying way more than everyone else I knew.

If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too – here’s the comparison tool I used.

This house is wild

This 5-bed, 5.5-bath custom home pairs a prime, close-to-everything location with open-concept living. A main-level primary suite adds a sitting area and spa bath, and a second en suite sits nearby. A private-entry in-law suite brings flexibility. Upstairs holds two more en suites and a lounge. Extras include a built-in office, decorative ceilings, and a covered patio and outdoor kitchen.

Take a peek inside →