Good morning, Brownsville.

Tim’s Coats’ 43rd annual campaign ended Wednesday night when Channel 5 News viewers donated $42,000 to buy new coats for families in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities will distribute the coats free based on their set criteria.

Crews restored power on Wednesday at Palacio Real Apartments after Sunday's fire injured two and displaced 26 families, while community support brought extra water, clothing+food, and furniture donations to help residents in new units and at drop-off sites.

The Council for South Texas Economic Progress hosted a session at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen to form a Binational Higher Education Advisory Council and launch a questionnaire to map local academic programs.

TSTC supports the project that will guide program updates and strengthen local industry ties.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urged producers to inspect pastures for the invasive pasture mealybug (Helicococcus summervillei) detected across 20 counties including Cameron, where local farms are at risk.

State agencies are coordinating with federal and university partners to combat the threat to grazing lands.

Regional leaders from Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy and Starr counties met in Mission on Wednesday for a luncheon sponsored by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, where they discussed necessary investments in transportation, drainage, healthcare and job creation to support future growth.

Jim Barber & Friends

7 p.m. — River Bend Resort & Golf Club — Tickets available — Experience a night of laughter with the hilarious ventriloquist and comedian Jim Barber.

Brownsville Chief of Police Marathon

6:30 a.m. — TSC ITEC Center — Entry fees vary — Participate in a community-oriented marathon supporting local youth and special needs initiatives.