Good morning, Brownsville.

Dominga Ledesma, owner of Brittany's Boutique in Lyford, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for her role in a $21 million gambling scheme where customers swapped silver pieces for cash — she must self-surrender on August 15 after pleading guilty to evading reporting requirements.

Downtown Brownsville's former museum on Ringgold Street is being transformed into a new Arts and Cultural Center to showcase local art and host live performances.

The Mitte Cultural District will lease the building for 40 years and invest $2 million — the center is expected to open in up to 18 months.

Shark sightings along South Padre Island have sparked social media concern after last year's Fourth of July attack, but Cameron County Park Rangers say sharks are a natural presence and no recent attacks have occurred.

Officials advise swimmers to stay calm and exit the water slowly if they see a shark — a safety reminder for visitors at the shoreline.

Residents in the Rio Grande Valley affected by the March floods have until July 22 to apply for FEMA assistance online, by phone or in person at disaster recovery centers — in Cameron, Hidalgo, and San Benito — which are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are closed on Sundays.

Rep. Monica De La Cruz introduced the Bracero Program 2.0 Act on July 18 in Mission to reform the H-2A visa program and help local farmers with fair wages and streamlined applications; the bill will also expand work to include indoor farming.

Texas Farm Bureau + Watermelon Association support the act as she names it her top legislative priority for local agriculture.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz announced that Rio Grande Valley farmers affected by water shortages will soon get part of a $280 million state and federal drought relief grant—based on the 1944 Binational Water Treaty.

Nearly 2,000 qualifying farmers will receive checks with $351 per acre—mailed on Wednesday to help pay accumulated water bills.

Edinburg police officer John Olivarez, who served the community for 23 years, is battling large B-cell Lymphoma that spread to his brain and is in intensive care at MD Anderson in Houston (his family and police chief ask for community prayers and support).

The Pony Softball World Series is underway at Municipal Park in Edinburg as young athletes from around the globe compete in its fifth year—drawn by the region’s warm hospitality and strong community spirit.

The series continues through today and will wrap up later this weekend.

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.