Good morning, Brownsville.

An employee at James Pace Early College High School was arrested on May 29 for allegedly sexually assaulting a coworker during a lunch break off-campus — Oscar Rodriguez, 53, faces a charge of sexual assault with a $50,000 bond — and district officials confirmed that no students were involved.

Chairman Esteban Guerra said the Port of Brownsville handled more than 28 million tons of cargo in 2024 during the State of the Port Address on May 29 at the Brownsville Events Center — the highest volume ever recorded.

He also noted major private investments, including an $85 million steel facility and a $200 million marine terminal, that will boost regional job growth and industrial development.

Veterans Memorial Early College High School streamed its graduation through ValleyCentral from Sam’s Stadium—at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29.

Brownsville Independent School District ceremonies began May 29 and will continue through June 3.

Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr. held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 22 for the Greater Brownsville Tech District on FM 511, where the first phase covers 86 acres and includes 13 lots providing 1.3 million square feet of industrial space — a project expected to boost the city’s tax base and create local jobs.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Thursday for the new BCC Village Townhomes on Mayorca Court near Ruben Torres Boulevard, offering nine affordable rental units while 23 more are under construction.

The nearly $10 million project is partly funded by a Texas General Land Office grant and aims to ease a year-and-a-half waitlist for housing vouchers (contact Brownsville Housing Authority for applications).