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Hey Galveston, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: Mardi Gras masquerade fundraiser, decades-old third-airport plan scrapped, Yaga’s Chili Quest, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Major investments reshape port plans: Galveston Wharves will celebrate completed phases of the $106 million West Port Cargo Complex, aiming for cargo growth, hundreds of jobs, and traffic relief with an I-45 flyover study — learn more about the expansion.
Big step in coastal defense: The Galveston Engineer District awarded a contract to Orion Government Services to dredge the Colorado River mouth and add shoreline protections at Sargent Beach, addressing one of Texas’ fastest-eroding coasts — see what’s planned here.
Region shifts long-term land vision: Houston City Council voted in December to sell 1,400 acres near Katy for $19.7 million, effectively ending decades of third-airport plans. Waller County envisions parks, flood control and conservation — see what’s planned for the land.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Countdown to coastal revelry: Galveston’s 115th Mardi Gras is around the corner, spanning two weekends of parades, headliner concerts, and the Jolly Jester Jaunt 5k. Little Joe Y La Familia tickets will be sold at the event. Expect big crowds and downtown excitement. Get all the event details.
Island skincare pick-me-up: If your winter skin needs a pep talk, Skinsational Body Products hand-whips body butters, soaps, and scrubs right here, made without sulfates, phthalates, or parabens. Swing by for a sniff test and leave with something your shower caddy will brag about.
Swing without the weather: Quietly tucked away on the island, Vista Golf offers a Trackman-powered simulator to play Pebble Beach, sharpen your swing, or outdrive a friend… no wind, no wait. It’s low-key and private, perfect for sneaking in a focused round this week.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this week
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🌊 TGCIC Coastal Forum @ Texas A&M University at Galveston | Wednesday (1/14) at 7:00 AM – At the TGCIC Coastal Forum, whether you read bond proposals for fun or just want to know who is fixing the dunes and ports, you get the scoop on coastal infrastructure and policies shaping the Texas Coast. Fewer buzzwords, more straight answers, and decent coffee.
💯 100th Anniversary Celebration @ Knapp Flower Shop | Thursday (1/15) at 4:00 PM – Swing by 918 Broadway to toast Knapp Flower Shop’s 100th, the ribbon cutting, and their new digs. Complimentary bites from beloved local caterers, plenty of petals, and the satisfaction of telling a centenarian it still looks sharp.
🤠 Once Upon A Time: The Spaghetti Western Lecture @ The Bryan Museum | Thursday (1/15) at 5:30 PM – If your inner cowboy prefers a lecture hall to a dusty saloon, saddle up for a Spaghetti Western deep dive with San Jacinto College prof and film music historian Jordan Tucker. Expect Morricone lore, squints, and swagger, all for $5 members, $15 non-members.
This weekend
🧒 Kid for a Day @ Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. | Saturday (1/17) at 12:00 AM – Think you’re too grown-up for the Pleasure Pier? Not today. Everyone scores the kid price, $23.99 for an all-day pass, so relive recess by soaring over the Gulf, conquering the Texas Star Flyer, laughing through the carousel, and pretending your knees, and budget, still bounce.
🍻 Yaga’s Chili Quest, Beers & Cheers @ Strand Historic District | Saturday (1/17) at 10:00 AM – This 17th annual chili-and-beer blowout turns the Strand into a spicy stroll, with award-winning bowls from 40 cook teams and 70-plus exclusive pours. Expect Mambo Jazz Kings, a Beerfoot 5K you can jog or justify, cornhole, and a margarita showdown.
🎻 Galveston Symphony Orchestra @ The Grand 1894 Opera House | Sunday (1/18) at 4:00 PM – Think the symphony is all stiff collars and polite clapping? When the Galveston Symphony Orchestra teams up with Ball High’s Dance y Ballet Folklórico, you get bold brass, swirling skirts, and hometown pride. Bring your ears, bring your applause, leave feeling ten years younger.
🎨 Reception for January Featured Artist – Fontaine Jacobs @ Galveston Art League | Sunday (1/18) at 6:00 PM – Think your living room could use a better conversation starter? Meet January’s featured artist, Fontaine Jacobs, at a relaxed reception with good company, sips, and plenty of local color, then leave feeling cultured, smug, and slightly tempted to rearrange everything on your walls.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Galveston report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 60°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 7%
A slight chance of rain showers before 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. North wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 67°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 67. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.
This house is wild
Outside-facing 21st floor 2 to 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath at Palisade Palms with south and west views of sand, surf, Pleasure Pier, and city lights. A large balcony brings waves and stargazing, plus a built-in grill. Inside, 10 foot ceilings pair with solid core doors, stainless appliances, beadboard cabinetry, granite counters, backsplash, and bamboo and tile floors.
Resort perks include an infinity pool above the beach, a fitness center and sauna, courts for pickleball and tennis, a game room, and a covered dog park. A separate kids pool and indoor playroom add the fun. Less than an hour to Houston. 2023 A/C. Offered furnished.
Take a peek inside →
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