Good morning, Brownsville.

Rio Grande Valley veteran Ben Allen Alvarado now shares his Army experiences on YouTube and TikTok, giving viewers a look into military training and life lessons.

He served from 2015 to 2019 and continues to highlight his roots in Los Fresnos and Olmito+

The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville holds a special mass today at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to honor Pope Francis—Bishop Daniel Flore made a statement on his death—during the service.

At Starbase, Booster 14 was prepped for Flight Nine after tests on the Pad A launch tower confirmed full motion of its chopstick arms — the tests included quick disconnect retraction and simulated booster catches.

Booster 17 was rolled to the build site and components like Starship 37 and liquid oxygen pump valves were moved and installed as part of a busy week of hardware upgrades — workers repositioned equipment around Mega Bay and along Highway 4.

Brownsville Mayor John Cowen said it was the best time to lead the city (with more than $40 billion in new projects such as NextDecade’s LNG plant and SpaceX hiring local workers) because these projects bring jobs.

He added that working with local schools (key to a skilled workforce) will help keep growth steady and lead to more project announcements soon.

Early voting begins today in the Rio Grande Valley for municipal elections in Brownsville, McAllen, San Juan, Sullivan City, Progreso, and Harlingen.

Voters at Boca Chica Beach will decide on a proposal (to incorporate SpaceX Starbase) and Cameron County voters will vote on funding for a new multi-purpose arena before election day on May 3.

Residents in Starbase, also known as Boca Chica Village, will vote in less than two weeks on whether to become an incorporated city.

Attorney Robert Drinkard said the new city must set up a tax rate and budget—and may contract with the county for services—as it faces future challenges in establishing its own emergency response and zoning rules.

2025 HSSM 7-on-7 Football Championships

8 AM – 10 PM — Veterans Memorial Early College High School — $416.06 — The premier warm-up tournament for South Texas high schools ahead of the 2025 Texas 7-on-7 Championships!

City of Brownsville - One City Information Fair 2025

5:30-8 p.m. — Brownsville Events Center — Free entry — Connect with city staff and explore various community services available to residents.