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Hello McAllen! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.Â
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Heritage languages supercharge English gains, Sister Norma Pimentel’s big honor, and 1st car show of 2026 + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
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.
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đź“° In the news
Innovative literacy lifts learners: Heritage languages are helping students master English and prepare for jobs, a new article reports, highlighting big gains in Georgia and McAllen ISD’s use of multilingual tools to build belonging — see the strategies and results.
Recognition for a compassionate leader: Sister Norma Pimentel, who leads Catholic Charities RGV, was named one of Time’s Women of the Year. The McAllen leader also appeared on Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020 — read the full story.
Regional innovation gains steam: Mission EDC launched MI2D on March 3, a new tech district in Mission expected to draw companies and create jobs, with projects from Killam Development, UDD, and Grupo Century Recycling — learn who’s planning projects.
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:
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đź’Ž Local business spotlight
Slice of Texas tradition: Reyna’s BBQ & Cocina quietly turns out a legit-tempting pecan pie, gooey, nutty, and not too sweet. It lands perfectly after smoky plates and works midweek or whenever you need something cozy, classic, and Texas. A quiet reward tucked behind the pit’s swagger.
Fresh blooms on standby: Anniversary, apology, or a “my kitchen needs cheering up” moment? Flower Hut makes it easy to grab artfully arranged stems that feel personal without the fuss, perfect for last-minute gestures or that weekly pick‑me‑up you keep meaning to start.
Climb your weekday slump: Craving chalky hands without the road trip? UTRGV University Recreation Climbing Wall brings roped routes and bouldering close to home, with friendly staff and just-right challenges. Shake off weeknight stress, build grip and grit, and leave with a grin… plus a little chalk on everything.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 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 →
What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →
Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Check out my favorite online options →
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📆 Fun for the whole fam
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.
🌿 Walk With A Naturalist @ Quinta Mazatlan | Wednesday (3/11) at 9:00 AM – Quinta Mazatlan is hosting guided walks where a naturalist helps you spot Valley birds, ID plants, and finally call that ‘big brown one’ a chachalaca. Short stroll through the gardens and forest, big payoff for curious locals. Bring curiosity, sensible shoes, and, yes, bug spray.
🎗 Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser @ Mr Gatti’s Pizza | Thursday (3/12) at 4:00 PM – Thursday night at Mr Gatti’s means pizza with a purpose. Bring the crew, eat like teenagers again, and call it community service with extra cheese, because every slice supports McAllen’s Boys & Girls Club. Mention Boys & Girls Club at the door.
🎨 Mommy & Son Paint Night @ Elite Core Restaurant | Friday (3/13) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been meaning to log some real mom-son time, here’s your nudge. Elite Core in Pharr hosts Mommy & Son Paint Night with supplies, aprons, dessert table, photo spot, plus a small gift and boutique discount. Limited spots, minimal mess, maximum memories.
🧓 Abuelitos Night @ Iris Iglesias Softball Complex | Friday (3/13) at 6:00 PM – Think you know real home field advantage? Abuelitos Night at Iris Iglesias puts the Lady Eagles in front of the folks who raised them, with free coffee, pan dulce, and bleachers full of abuelitas y abuelitos, no ceremony, just familia, orgullo, and quality time.
🌴 Spring Break Bash @ Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics – Mission | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – Nothing says Spring Break like Kona Ice and serious orthodontic savings at Rodeo. Swing by for a family bash with coloring sheets, stickers, and no appointment needed, then let the kids sugar up while you pocket $500 off braces. Smiles bigger, costs smaller.
🛍 Rooted In Christ Pop Up Market @ Edinburg Municipal Park | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – Skip the aimless mall loop and hit a pop-up where the merch, the music, and the mission actually align. Local Christian vendors bring apparel, handmade goods, treats, and purpose, plus worship, fellowship, door prizes, and kids’ activities, right here in the Valley.
🚗 1st Car Show of 2026 @ Texas Tops Truck Accessories | Saturday (3/14) at 6:00 PM – South Texas car culture is rolling in with a family-friendly lot full of custom cars, lifted trucks, and clean builds, plus music that actually lets you talk. Think bragging rights, zero burnouts, and a victory lap to Dairy Queen for the good stuff, cones included.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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đź“» McAllen report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 94°F – Low: 63°F – Precip: 4%
Sunny, with a high near 94. West southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 63. North northwest wind 5 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 54. East northeast wind 2 to 9 mph.
This house is wild
Set in Las Villas del Rio, this 4-bed, 4-bath, 2-car home spans 2,240 sq ft with foam insulation and surround sound in every room. Each bedroom has a bath, with a Jack and Jill between two. A sleek kitchen shows modular cabinetry, a grand island, and granite throughout. Outside adds a swim-in-place pool, hot tub, grill, bar, and poolside bath.
Take a peek inside →
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