Good morning, Brownsville.

VIDA will celebrate its 30th Anniversary Gala on Oct.9 at the McAllen Convention Center with keynote speaker Fernando De Leon and awards given to Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, South Texas Health System, and Edinburg Economic Development Corporation—marking 30 years of community impact. The event will honor its partners and supporters as it reflects on three decades of service.

Cameron County reports that Laith Erickson Varnum, a 52-year-old ex-Port Isabel substitute teacher, faces over two dozen child sex crime charges including possession of child pornography & child indecency, with his trial scheduled to begin November 3rd after his arrest in September.

Authorities warn that the dark web and social media have made illegal online pharmacies more accessible—selling counterfeit medications that mimic legitimate products and pose serious risks to public health.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley celebrates its 10-year anniversary this fall and has earned a 7th national ranking, showing major growth and a commitment to affordability—preparing for its first football season.

Financial aid helps 91 percent of full-time students avoid tuition and reduce debt.

Angie Gonzalez said the PossAble Dream Adult High School in Pharr, which opened on August 26 with 103 student registrations, received strong support from local communities and nonprofits — help that has been vital for the program.

The PossAble Dream Foundation has also opened a school in Brownsville and plans one in Laredo to offer GED and certificate programs for adults.

South Texas College has been named the best two-year Hispanic serving institution in the nation by Washington Monthly using data from 2023 and 2024—95% of its students are Hispanic.

STC President Ricardo Solis said the award gives students a sense of pride, while the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was ranked second.

Tickets for the inaugural UTRGV Vaqueros football game sold out in 15 minutes after being released on Friday at 8 a.m.—showing strong local support—and the team will face Sul Ross State today at 7 p.m. at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium.

Simon Celaya Railroad Gallery Grand Opening

6-8 p.m. — Historic Brownsville Museum — Included with admission — Celebrate the vibrant new Simon Celaya Railroad Gallery with complimentary refreshments and exclusive exhibit tours.