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Hi Brownsville, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Billions in marine defense work, Starbase coastal funding, and a St. Patrick’s Day murder mystery dinner + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Brownsville 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

Big jobs and investment surge: Billions in marine defense work could be headed to Texas after a Canadian shipbuilder bought Galveston and Port Arthur assets, and Austin’s Saronic eyes a Brownsville site for drone boats — get all the details.

Spotlight on civic dedication: On Feb. 27, Brownsville designated Boards and Commission Day, honoring volunteers with a luncheon at the Events Center, while Mayor John Cowen Jr. celebrated Charro Days and ties with Matamoros — read the full story.

State grants boost Gulf resilience: Elon Musk’s Starbase, Texas, was included in an $84.6 million coastal funding round announced February 26, supporting beach and dune restoration, shoreline projects, and water quality in 14 coastal counties — see how funds will be used.

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.

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:

• Cycle and sculpt, then Texican BBQ
• Celebrate spring at a vibrant festival
• Experience Texas-Mexico border stories onstage
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Cue the stage lights: Rolling into season 62, Camille Playhouse serves up familiar favorites and fresh picks. Anna in the Tropics lands this month, with Heathers auditions close behind… a better swap for another scroll: live laughs, drama, and that cozy, neighbors-on-stage feeling.

Hot dog glow-up: At Space Dog Station, inventive, made-to-order hot dogs and solid burgers deliver quick, no-fuss comfort that lifts a midweek slump. Friendly vibe, fast service, and snappy toppings keep things interesting without the fuss, from classic mustard to spicy heat.

Bookish brain break: Búho is a cozy, indie haven for pressure-free browsing, with new finds, secondhand surprises, and that serendipity you get when your eyes do the scrolling. Búho can steer you to your next favorite chapter, at your pace, no algorithm needed.

\*These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

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 →

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 →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Brownsville 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.

🎸 Ali Musa and more @ Isla Grand Beach Resort (South Padre Island) | Thursday (3/12) at 7:00 PM – Whether you’re dodging tourists or just craving laughs that hit close to home, Ali Musa, Francisco Rincon, and Raymond Orta are bringing sharp, relatable stand-up to the Island. Think real-life stories, zero fluff, solid drinks, and the kind of belly laughs you feel tomorrow.

🤠 Historical Happy Hour: Texas History Month @ Laureles Ranch House Museum | Friday (3/13) at 5:00 PM – Break out your boots and pretend your high school Texas history finally paid off at a happy hour at the Laureles Ranch House. Sip Texas wine and beer, swap tall tales, and maybe snag a Texan-themed raffle basket. Free for BHA members, cheaper if you RSVP.

🎻 Jenuine Cello @ Jackson Street Cork N Craft (Harlingen) | Friday (3/13) at 7:00 PM – Whether you still hum Bach or swear by blues, Jenuine Cello’s looping cello turns Cork-N-Craft on Jackson in Harlingen into a soundscape, monthly. Native Texan Jen Mulhern layers Bach vibes, blues, reggae grooves, and EDM, the kind that pairs dangerously well with another pour.

🧘 Spirit & Wellness Festival @ Whole Life Wellness Center (Harlingen) | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Think your back is fine until you sneeze? For five bucks, spend a day right here with live music, good eats, reiki, massage, crystals, and mini workshops, all family friendly. Kids make art, you try Thai stretching, everyone leaves a little lighter, and smugly hydrated.

🕵 St. Patrick’s Day Murder Mystery Dinner Party @ Eastgate Mobile Home & RV Park (Harlingen) | Sunday (3/15) at 5:00 PM – St. Patrick’s shenanigans turn suspicious at Eastgate as O’Malley’s pub throws a murder mystery dinner for Finneas Flynn, found floating and now fueling neighborly gossip. Expect live music, improv, and accusations from your neighbors; claim a character early, or observe, and get tickets through Eastgate.

🍻 Birds & Beers March @ The Moon Rock (Harlingen) | Wednesday (3/18) at 6:30 PM – March means Birds & Beers in Harlingen, where the bird talk is lively, the pours are cold, and the food trucks handle dinner. Expect patio debates over grackles versus warblers, and friends you definitely recognize. Show up, sip, spot, repeat.

🏍 Texican Bike Night @ Texican BBQ Company (Olmito) | Thursday (3/19) at 6:00 PM – Country vibes, beer, and brisket smoke with a side of engine rumble at Texican BBQ’s Bike Night. No bike? Bring your appetite. Think $15 Estrella buckets, 2 torta combos for $20, raffle tickets for every $5, and 10% off when you check in.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/12 Fresh Breath @ Upper Deck Hotel & Bar (South Padre Island) – 7:00 PM
• 3/13 Tents @ Texican BBQ Company (Olmito) – 6:00 PM
• 3/13 Jenuine Cello @ Jackson Street Cork N Craft (Harlingen) – 7:00 PM
• 3/14 Jamie G and The Adels @ Tropic Winds RV Resort (Harlingen) – 7:00 PM
• 3/14 That Mexican OT and more @ Cameron County Amphitheater (South Padre Island) – 7:00 PM
• 3/15 Russ Baum @ Coral Reef Lounge (South Padre Island) – 5:00 PM
• 3/19 Mike E Winfield @ Isla Grand Beach Resort (South Padre Island) – 8:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Brownsville report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 74°F – Low: 51°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 51. Northeast wind 2 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 82°F – Low: 62°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 82. East southeast wind 1 to 9 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 62. South southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.

This house is wild

This 4-bed, 3-bath Brownsville retreat sits in a friendly waterfront community, pairing tranquility with city convenience. Renovated kitchen and baths bring fresh style, and a sparkling pool elevates downtime. Downtown is just 15 minutes away, with Starbase in 30. Restaurants, shops, and local attractions cluster nearby, creating an easygoing hub for relaxation, fun, and quick commutes.

Take a peek inside →