Good morning, Brownsville.

The Brownsville Police Department and Driscoll Health will host the 2025 Back to School Fair on August 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Brownsville Sports Park — families are invited to attend.

Two days after a major explosion occurred at SpaceX on June 18, Brownsville emergency crews staged from a safe zone—handling 123 911 calls amid active flames—and City Manager Helen Ramirez emailed partners detailing plans for a formal after-action review with SpaceX and Starbase.

A man faced federal charges after being arrested on July 1 for trying to smuggle a spider monkey into South Texas at the Donna International Bridge - inspectors found the animal hidden in a backpack under a blanket, and he admitted he planned to sell it to a friend.

Shrimpers at the Port of Brownsville prepare for the commercial season opening July 15 as a new state law requires food service suppliers to label imported shrimp correctly.

Lawmakers passed the measure to protect local fisheries and jobs, and the law takes effect on September 1.

Cameron County is reviewing the 1979 lease with Chapel By The Sea on South Padre Island and says it will not close the chapel.

County Judge Eddie Treviño said the county will meet with church leaders soon—clarifying the lease terms—so the chapel remains open for weddings and other events.

Brownsville mayor John Cowen Jr. said the city ended its contract with McAllen-based SAMES Inc. due to repeated delays in completing the Cannery Public Market interior work—challenges with equipment delivery—and is hiring a new contractor to finish the project in the Mitte Cultural District without a set opening date.

Free Appraisal Event for Precious Metals and Collectibles

10 AM – 3 PM — Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brownsville — Free entry — Get expert evaluations of your valuables without an appointment.

Home to Texas Community Celebration

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Brownsville Events Center — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit in Brownsville with an exciting evening full of fun activities.

Sip & Paint: Paris

6-10 p.m. — JOLIE PETITE — Ticket required — Unleash your creativity with a guided painting session while enjoying wine and charcuterie.