Good morning, Brownsville.

Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island was named Best Beach in Texas by USA Today’s Ten Best Readers’ Choice Awards late last month — it is the third straight year the park has earned the title through its soft white sands and turquoise waters.

Workforce Solutions released the April 2026 Labor Market Information Report showing lower unemployment in Brownsville & McAllen, with Brownsville at 6.6% and McAllen at 4.4%.

The report noted gains in the professional and business service fields, while the government and leisure sectors lost jobs.

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation has launched BIG LIFT to help local small business owners improve building exteriors with reimbursement grants up to $30,000.

District 1 applications opened June 1 and run through July 10 — future phases will begin in other city districts.

Brownsville ISD will name a new superintendent by the start of the school year in August — the board reviewed applications on May 26 and held town halls to involve community input, while interim Alda T.

Benavides leads the district.

Brownsville ISD will serve free breakfast and lunch to children 18-and-under at 40 sites during summer break - the federally funded program aims to help kids eat well throughout the season.

South Padre Island emergency officials are urging residents and visitors to sign up for the Rave Mobile Safety alert system as hurricane season begins today, providing immediate notifications via text, call, or email for threats like hurricanes and tornadoes.

The USDA announced it sent a suspected New World screwworm sample from South Texas for testing at its National Veterinary Services lab in Ames (results are pending) and local partners are on alert to protect livestock.

On June 3, 2026, USDA confirmed a New World Screwworm case in Zavala County, prompting animal health officials to set up an infested zone and advise local cattle and pet owners to check their animals for signs of infection; Cameron County remains in close contact with state and federal agencies.

House Bill 46 expanded the Texas Compassionate Use Program to offer patients with chronic pain, PTSD, and more regulated access to medical cannabis, increasing licensed operators to 15 and adding telemedicine.

Yet only 11% of Texans know of the program (an 89% awareness gap), showing a need for more outreach.

Local health experts advise residents to rely on certified professionals for guidance on gut health rather than following social media trends.

They stress the importance of balanced diets, proper sleep, hydration and exercise to support overall health.

SPI Beach Parade

9 a.m. — White Cap Circle Beach Access #8 — Free entry — Kick off the Fourth of July with a fun parade on the sand from Beach Access #8 to Beach Access #4.