Good morning, Brownsville.

Brownsville’s Linear Park is hosting a free 2026 FIFA World Cup watch party on Friday at 7 p.m. where Team USA will play Paraguay on a 20-foot screen (food trucks and gear giveaways will add to the community celebration).

South Texas Builders Association will open a trade school in Donna at a local school district building on Hester Avenue, where South Texas College will provide instructors and link students to job opportunities when classes begin in August.

Crews began a monthlong cleanup along San Benito’s Heavin Resaca Trail to remove invasive water hyacinths that threaten wildlife and clog local irrigation canals; officials are testing creative fixes + some trail areas may close during heavy machinery work.

Michael Mireles, in a guest column, warns that local data centers may offer short-term construction jobs but cause water strain, constant noise and lost tax revenue.

Local leaders are urged to secure transparent agreements and require public impact studies before approving further projects in McAllen, Harlingen and Willacy County.

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.