Hello McAllen! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Country club makeover, a free fantasy double feature, and story time with a shelter dog + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Big plans for the course: Mission's Cimarron Country Club was sold to investors from Texas and Mexico for $3 million. New owners say renovations could exceed $20 million, aiming to boost tourism across the Valley -- see the country club plans.
New training opportunity: Ancora Education announced an Automotive Service Technician program at South Texas Vocational Technical Institute in McAllen, requiring students to sit for ASE exams and the EPA 609 A/C certification -- see the training program.
New aid on wheels: Today in McAllen, The Salvation Army unveils its Emergency Disaster Services mobile feeding unit to bolster response during crises, providing food assistance for affected families, first responders, and vulnerable residents -- get the full details.
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.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Neighborhood nature break: This week, give Bill Schupp Park a low-stress spin, with a loop on the fitness trail, a picnic under real shade, and classic merry-go-rounds that still make the kids squeal, while you grab a breather, catch up with neighbors, and pretend the swings aren't secretly your favorite.
Weekend squad showdown: Craving something more epic than another group chat about dinner, National Laser Tag and Games lets you run tactical missions, hop into VR, try nerf battles and a smokeless gun range, then flex your K/D on the leaderboard. Local stress relief, plus bragging rights for the week.
Upgrade game night: Round up your favorite clue-hunters this week and try Trapped RGV Escape Rooms, where each 60-minute adventure locks in your crew for a private, puzzle-packed mission. Start with Project Omega for an escape room plus motion-simulator ride, then debate who actually solved what on the way home.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎬 The Dark Crystal and The Labyrinth @ Cine El Rey | Thursday (6/25) at 7:00 PM – Cine El Rey is rolling out a free double feature with The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, popcorn included, outside food welcome. Expect peak 80s fantasy, Jim Henson magic, and Bowie swagger, with the smug satisfaction of not having to sneak snacks into your jacket.
🦖 Super Saturdays - Jurassic Experience @ Pharr Memorial Library | Saturday (6/27) at 2:00 PM – Pharr Memorial Library is going full Jurassic for Super Saturdays, thanks to Contacto Animal, balloon magic, and wildlife cameos that beat another lap around the mall. Expect dinosaur digs, hands-on fun, and free entertainment that keeps the kids, and your inner paleontologist, busy.
🎉 Grand Opening of El Numero 1 Ranch Arena @ El Numero Uno 1 Ranch and Arena (Edinburg) | Saturday (6/27) at 2:00 PM – El Numero 1 Ranch Arena is opening the Valley way, with a laid-back trail ride, kids barrel races with prizes, and free food and drinks while they last. Bring ice chests and lawn chairs, skip glass and ATVs, and you ride at your own risk.
🏃 12th For Health 5K @ McAllen International Airport | Saturday (6/27) – Trade your usual loop for the 12th For Health 5K, a run that actually does good for community clinics, student health groups, and public health in the Rio Grande Valley. Jog, stroll, or cheer, then hit the health fair for screenings, swag, and useful tips.
🐶 Story Time with a Shelter Dog @ Vellichor Books and More (Mission) | Sunday (6/28) at 1:30 PM – Need an excuse to read with a dog, and call it community service? Sunday story hour features a Mission Animal Shelter pup or an occasional cat, a children’s read-aloud, and the glow of knowing half the sales support the shelter, free, drop-in, open to all.
🎃 Summerween Party @ McAllen Public Library | Sunday (6/28) at 2:00 PM – Take a break from mowing and celebrate Summerween, bringing that tourist-trap weirdness without the parking headache. Expect clue cracking for the curious, Mabel-worthy crafts for your inner kid, and snacks that taste better when summer pretends to be spooky.
🧸 Squishy Trading @ Chick-fil-A 27th & Nolana | Tuesday (6/30) at 5:00 PM – If your junk drawer is 70 percent pop-its, spinners, cubes, and vaguely sticky squishies, this swap at Chick-fil-A Nolana is your moment to rehome the herd. Trade kindly, agree before you swap, and maybe score the unicorn your kid swears exists.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The McAllen report Weather forecastToday — High: 95°F — Low: 77°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 95. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Southeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 95°F — Low: 79°F — Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 95. Southeast wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 79. Southeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. This house is wildThis 5-bedroom, 4-bath charmer blends character, convenience, and serious flexibility in one standout package. Set among mature trees, it offers a warm, inviting feel with plenty of room for entertaining and everyday living. Just minutes from the expressway, shopping, and dining, it also brings rare commercial potential, subject to zoning approval.
Take a peek inside → |
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