Good morning, Brownsville.

A routine test at Starbase near Boca Chica on Friday, July 10 caused residents to hear loud noise and feel vibrations in the ground near Brownsville.

City leaders confirmed the soundwaves (not an earthquake) were the cause of the disruption.

The Gladys Porter Zoo opened its new VR attraction on Friday + visitors rode in egg-shaped pods for a seven-minute immersive ride featuring films like 'Legend of Lusca' and 'The Great Migration.' The ride cost $7 and has height requirements, drawing local families in Brownsville.

RioPlex has launched a plan to boost prosperity in South Texas and Northern Tamaulipas by uniting public, private and nonprofit partners to attract jobs and investment.

The strategy will grow advanced manufacturing and aerospace to lower poverty and raise quality of life for residents.

The Pharr International Bridge was named the top produce crossing in the U.S. during a ceremony held Thursday — officials noted 70% of all avocados entering the country cross the bridge, and the 110,000 annual shipments could rise with an expansion in November.

IDEA Public Schools launches its Backpacks for Bright Futures initiative today at IDEA Weslaco Academy (providing free school backpacks) by giving essential supplies to 600 children; additional giveaways are set for Edinburg on July 18, La Joya and San Juan on July 25, Palmview on Aug. 1, and Brownsville on Aug. 8.

On Wednesday, Jul. 1, a federal judge restored a $7.5 million grant for Diana Padilla’s HOPE after the USDA cancelled DEI funding, easing stress at her Yahweh Farm in Harlingen.

Padilla plans to use the funds to help local sustainable farming (including training young farmers in the Valley).

The McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge celebrated its 100th birthday on Friday, July 10 at the McAllen Convention Center as mayors and community leaders honored the bridge’s role in connecting families and fueling trade by unveiling a commemorative painting and distributing challenge coins.

On Wednesday, a judge extended a temporary restraining order that lets eight bars on Pablo Kisel Boulevard stay open until July 22; Bar Rio and Vida Loca are working with city officials to meet new safety rules.

The decision follows earlier shutdown notices and appeals about certificates of occupancy.

Boca Chica Beach kept its name after a federal panel voted Thursday against changing it to Cyber Beach.

Local lawmakers will seek tougher rules as nearly 2,800 emails opposed the change.

Moises Arjona Jr., CEO of Unidos Contra La Diabetes, notes that local health guidelines fail to account for Rio Grande Valley residents' struggles with sugar addiction, obesity, and poverty; he urges policymakers to invest in affordable food + patient education.

A new study found that some cats in Rio Grande Valley carry fleas with typhus bacteria (a bacterial infection that can affect people) and health officials now advise pet owners to keep animals on flea medication while reporting stray animals to local control.