Good morning, Brownsville.

On Tuesday, Mar. 31, a state ban on smokeable hemp forced local shop Oasis CBD to discard about $10,000 in inventory, with owner Jesse Gonzalez saying the loss has impacted sales and forced changes in product offerings.

Hotels across the Valley are preparing for a surge in last-minute reservations for Easter weekend; in McAllen, extra staff will be on standby as bookings are closely monitored to meet rising demand.

Managers plan to call in more help if occupancy increases.

Brownsville native Bryan Aldape credits local music educators for sparking his rise—he now performs with country legends at the Grand Ole Opry and appears on national television while staying true to his Rio Grande Valley roots.

Brownsville issued over 1,500 building permits in 2025, a 40% increase that reflects high demand for housing, industrial, and commercial projects.

City officials say the surge signals a strong job market & expect similar permit levels in 2026.

Guillermo Rico-Leal presented major port projects during a Council for South Texas Economic Progress event today, highlighting the navigation channel deepening to 15.8 m — a public-private venture finishing this year — and plans for a new industrial park and upcoming LNG projects with workforce training.

Grulla Elementary School's Robo Cranes team, formed in January and crowned regional champions, is preparing for the three-day Vex Robotics World Championship in St. Louis starting April 28 (the district covers travel expenses).

Texas Southmost College is upgrading the old U.S. Coast Guard building at South Padre Island into a Workforce Training Center to offer HVAC and plumbing courses that will serve areas in Port Isabel, Laguna Vista, and South Padre Island.

The project awaits funding as the college has applied for a $1 million grant.

Brownsville officials are asking residents to share ideas for a new recreation center to improve local amenities.

The city gathers opinions via an online survey open until the end of April and will host a public meeting at Cabler Park on Saturday, Apr. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.

South Texas Health System Behavioral will host a free virtual seminar titled Let’s Talk Mental Health: Managing Stress on Thursday, April 2 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. via its Facebook page (offering practical techniques to manage stress).

South Texas Health System is donating 14 AEDs to seven Boys-Girls Clubs across the Rio Grande Valley.

A three-hour lifesaving training for about 25 club staff covering CPR and proper AED use will be held today at 702 Cullen Street in Edinburg.

42nd Annual Causeway Run & Walk

7-10 a.m. — Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center — Registration required — Enjoy a scenic run across the iconic Queen Isabella Causeway with stunning coastal views.