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Hi Brownsville, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: A $215 million downtown revitalization plan, 12,000+ new jobs forecast, and a candlelight tribute to Bad Bunny + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Texas drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

Momentum builds for change: Brownsville’s downtown revitalization took center stage at a February mixer at Las Ramblas at Market Square, highlighting a $215 million, 15-year plan to add housing and retail and improve walkability — see what’s in the plan.

Preservation meets affordability: A $1.1 million grant from FHLB Dallas and Texas Regional Bank has transformed Brownsville’s 1927 El Jardin Hotel into 44 affordable apartments, preserving its character within the Historic Overlay District — get all the details.

Economic momentum gains steam: Brownsville’s job market could surge, with GBEDC’s Gilberto Salinas predicting 12,000 or more new positions, possibly up to 23,000. A recent report cites $183.7 million already brought in — see the projections and impact.

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.*

Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*

All the crowd favorites:

• Shop vendors at anniversary pop-up market
• Experience Bad Bunny by candlelight in Brownsville
• Compete, eat, and laugh at Texican

💎 This week’s top finds

Clip in, Brownsville! Craving quick vert without leaving town? At Camp RIO, tackle a climbing wall, high ropes, and a breezy zip line that flips “I can’t” to “maybe once more.” A tidy mini-adventure to shake off the week and test your grip.

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.

Soup therapy, unlocked: Rainy week? Head to Pho & Chinese for fragrant pho, Chinese comfort favorites, and playful bubble tea smoothies. These brothy bowls soothe, satisfy, and earn a spot in your weeknight rotation, so your future, less-hungry self can relax.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements — they’re the local spots your fellow readers clicked on most this week.

🫶 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 →

Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →

Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →

Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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.

🧁 Sweet Spring Cups @ Chick-fil-A Morrison Road | Monday (3/16) at 9:00 AM – Family karaoke night where the kids take the mic, and everyone leaves a little braver. Whether your star belts Disney hits or prefers to clap from the crowd, expect big cheers, easy laughs, zero judges, and bragging rights on the drive home.

🐰 Pet Photos with Bunny @ Sunrise Mall | Monday (3/16) at 11:00 AM – Monday errands can wait, your fur kid has a date with the Easter Bunny at Sunrise Mall. Snag a reservation, wrangle the shedding, and score a frame-worthy pic that will outlive the chocolate. Leashes, treats, patience, and your best bribery voice recommended.

🚧 Groundbreaking: Southmost Nature Trail Phase IV @ La Posada Park / Montezuma Cypress Preserve | Wednesday (3/18) at 10:00 AM – Bring your civic pride and that neighbor who loves new sidewalks to the Southmost Nature Trail Phase IV groundbreaking at La Posada Park. City of Brownsville’s turning dirt so we can turn steps into smugness, bike rides, and birding. Golden shovels, genuine progress.

🌿 Si Lantro Festival @ Linear Park | Saturday (3/21) at 9:00 AM – Whether you’re Team Cilantro or swear it tastes like soap, the first Sí Lantro Festival takes over Brownsville Farmers Market with fresh bites and feel-good vibes. Celebrate National Nutrition Month, stock up on greens, swap recipes, and pretend your tote counts as cardio.

🦐 Rotary Shrimp Fest 30th Anniversary @ Casa de Amistad (Harlingen) | Saturday (3/21) at 5:30 PM – Rotary Shrimp Fest turns 30, serving a shrimp feast, a live band, and a silent auction funding projects in Harlingen, North Harlingen, and San Benito. Bring your appetite, your checkbook, and your two-step, the secret sauce is for sale, and volunteers are the secret ingredient.

🧘 Sound Bath in Silks @ Whole Life Wellness Center (Harlingen) | Saturday (3/21) at 6:00 PM – Settle into aerial silks for a deeply mellow sound bath with crystal bowls, gong, chimes, and that ocean drum you forgot you loved. Tapas are involved, WYLD blackberry lemon THC bubbles are optional and 21+, and spots are capped at 10. Register at momoyoga.com/aum-yoga-studio, $40.

🎉 3rd Year Anniversary & Pop-Up Market @ La Cantera Event Venue | Sunday (3/22) at 1:00 PM – Three years in, La Cantera is celebrating with an open house and pop-up market packed with local vendors, tastings, and one-day-only promos. Think browsing without the mall lighting, plus samples you actually want. Got goods or services to show off? Vendors can still sign up.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Brownsville report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 90°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy. Low around 59, with temperatures rising to around 64 overnight. East northeast wind 9 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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Tomorrow – High: 67°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 22%

A slight chance of rain showers before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 17 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. North northeast wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Most popular house this week

Set in coveted Brownsville, this Mediterranean-style 4-bed, 3-bath stunner includes a private mother-in-law quarters and a dedicated office. Porcelain floors, an elegant kitchen, and a new roof pair with a built-in alarm. The primary suite offers a jacuzzi. Outside, a large covered patio and lush palms frame easy entertaining, plus a two-car garage, near top schools and shopping.

Take a peek inside →