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Happy weekend, Fort Bend County! In today’s edition: Alligators on walking trails, a chuckwagon lunch, a Turkish mosaic lamp workshop, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Big names bet on growth: Houston draws energy investment with headquarters moves and expansions. A natural gas giant plans to relocate this year, and a merger and Siemens expansion could bring jobs to Fort Bend — see who’s moving and merging.

Health system growth ahead: VA Houston Healthcare System will invest $30.7 million to build out 49,000 square feet in Rosenberg, with occupancy expected around June 1, 2027, expanding care access for local veterans — get all the details.

Living alongside native wildlife: Alligators are frequenting Katy walking trails, and TPWD says they usually retreat from people, but families in Fort Bend County should closely watch children near bayous and neighborhood water — see what TPWD advises.

Major grid investment ahead: NRG Energy will build a $617 million, 455-megawatt natural gas plant at Greens Bayou in nearby Harris County, expected to power ERCOT in 2028 and bolster reliability and affordability — get all the details.

Old-school smokehouse fix: Since 1957, Dozier’s BBQ & Meat Market has pecan-smoked Texas staples that hit the “grab a plate and a few links for later” mood. Brisket, sausage, and the classics stay simple, nostalgic, and satisfying… just right for a midweek reset.

Practical refreshes that resonate: Thinking of selling in Fort Bend County? A recent Houston guide says clean, bright, move-in ready homes draw more offers. Simple bathroom updates and outdoor areas can boost buyer interest — see which updates add appeal.

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 precious metals are 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.

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.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 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.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 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.

🤠 Chuckwagon Lunch @ Frost Bank Stafford Financial Center | Tuesday (3/3) at 11:30 AM – Take a break from the rodeo dust and swing by the Stafford Financial Center for a chuckwagon lunch. Free brisket, beans, potato salad, peach cobbler, and tea, while it lasts. It’s the Texas food pyramid, served with neighbors, nostalgia, and zero admission.

🐦 Monthly Bird Hike @ Seabourne Creek Park | Wednesday (3/4) at 8:00 AM – If you’ve been meaning to become a morning person, the birds at Seabourne Creek Nature Park will meet you halfway. This free hike happens the first Wednesday at 8 am, all ages welcome, binoculars encouraged, step counts guaranteed. Herons, egrets, and neighborly chit chat included.

🧓 50 Plus Expo @ Stafford Centre | Wednesday (3/4) at 9:00 AM – If you’ve graduated to the good readers and sensible shoes, the 50 Plus Expo at The Stafford Centre is your one-stop tune-up. Free entry, free food and drinks, prizes, games, and straight talk from health, finance, and legal pros, plus plenty of friendly faces.

♨ Ottine Mineral Spa March Venture @ Riverpark West | Thursday (3/5) at 6:30 AM – A day at Ottine Mineral Springs means one thing, you stop clenching your jaw. Soaking pools, sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, hammocks, and fire pits, everything your back has been begging for. Call it a field trip and treat yourself to quiet, restorative, grown-up fun.

🎓 St Laurence Catholic School Fundraiser @ Parry’s Pizza | Thursday (3/5) at 11:00 AM – Whether you’re a St. Laurence parent or just here for excellent crust, Parry’s Pizza in Sugar Land is kicking 20% of your bill to the school when you mention the fundraiser. Dine in or grab it to go. Dinner, charity, and zero dishes.

💡 DIY Art & Craft Workshop: Turkish Mosaic Lamp Making @ Pedalisa Art Studio | Friday (3/6) at 10:00 AM – Skip the usual errands and make a Turkish mosaic lamp in Sugar Land. Pedalisa Art supplies everything, guides you through, and sweetens it with Turkish tea, delight, and baklava. Open daily, family friendly, and you take home a lamp you actually want to dust.

🧺 City of Richmond Farmers & Artisan Market @ Downtown Richmond | Friday (3/6) at 4:00 PM – Whether you shop like a pro or just wander for samples, this First Friday market in historic downtown Richmond delivers farm-fresh goods, artisan finds, food trucks, music, and mellow vibes. Hunt the hidden golden shamrock, win market money, then heroically support small businesses, dogs included.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Fort Bend County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 84°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 1%

Patchy fog before 9am. Mostly sunny. High near 84, with temperatures falling to around 81 in the afternoon. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 83°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 0%

Patchy fog before 9am. Mostly sunny. High near 83, with temperatures falling to around 79 in the afternoon. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Most popular house this week

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