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SportsWhat is a UFC fight? What you need to know before the event at the White House
U.S. President Donald Trump will celebrate his 80th birthday this Sunday with an unprecedented mixed martial arts (MMA) fight night in the gardens of the White House, drawing global attention to a sport that has seen remarkable growth in recent years. MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a combat sport that combines techniques from boxing, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo, and other disciplines. Unlike professional wrestling, MMA is not scripted, and fighters aim to inflict real damage on their opponents, which can sometimes lead to serious injuries. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the leading MMA organization in the world—akin to the NBA in basketball or the NFL in American football—and is responsible for organizing Trump's birthday event. Founded in the early 1990s, it has transformed mixed martial arts from a niche and often bloody sport into a major entertainment business that attracts millions of viewers. Basic MMA rules dictate that fights take place inside an octagonal cage known as The Octagon, with three five-minute rounds for regular fights and five rounds for main events. There are several ways to end a fight: by knockout (when a fighter is rendered unconscious), by submission, or by judges' decision. Prohibited actions include eye or spine attacks and kicking an opponent's head while they are on the ground, although punches are allowed. The event this Sunday, dubbed UFC Freedom 250 in honor of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, will also serve as Trump's birthday celebration. The night will feature a series of fights, with the most notable being the lightweight bout between undefeated Georgian-Hispanic Ilia Topuria and American Justin Gaethje, as well as the heavyweight match between Brazilian Alex Pereira and Frenchman Ciryl Gane.
Public SafetyThe Other Outcome: 19 Arrested and 11 Police Injured as the World Cup Kicks Off in Mexico
MEXICO CITY – The opening day of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City resulted in 19 arrests for various reasons, as well as 11 police officers injured in clashes with protesters near the stadium where Mexico faced South Africa, authorities reported on Friday. In a statement, the city's Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) highlighted that the special operation for the World Cup opening involved police forces and volunteer groups, who were deployed near the Estadio Ciudad de México (formerly known as Azteca) and in key gathering areas. Prior to Thursday's match, officers arrested four individuals—two men and two women—near the sports venue for carrying 'fake access passes.' In the same area, there were mobilizations and a 'group of masked individuals who threw firecrackers, stones, and other objects at the police,' according to the SSC. 'As a result of these actions, eight people were arrested and presented to the judicial authorities. Additionally, four more individuals were taken before a judge for public disturbance. All were later released,' the statement detailed. Furthermore, 11 police officers were injured, six of whom were transported to hospitals for medical attention due to contusions.
Public SafetyTexas shooting leaves 1 dead and 9 injured as police are in a standoff with a suspect
A shooting in Midland, Texas, on Friday morning resulted in one death and ten injuries. The suspect, 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, had previously shot at police during a chase. After firing at officers and bystanders, he barricaded himself in an abandoned veterinary clinic. Police confirmed Villarreal was found dead inside the building hours later, though the cause of death was not disclosed. Four victims underwent surgery, while five were treated and released. Midland, a city of about 140,000 residents, has a history of gun violence, including a mass shooting in 2019 that left seven dead.
Public SafetyDrivers killed in two-vehicle crash, McAllen police say
A tragic accident in McAllen resulted in the deaths of two individuals early Friday morning. The collision occurred around 5:30 a.m. on the 6400 block of South McColl Road. The victims were identified as 22-year-old Eber Sanchez from Edinburg, who was driving a Chevrolet Silverado, and 41-year-old Cesar Eduardo Martinez Jr., who was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Tahoe. McAllen police are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
Public SafetyMan wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) - Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Trevino is urging the public to be on the lookout for a man wanted on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The man in question is identified at Jesus Estaban Escobar, 39 years old. He is described as being 5`11, 280 lbs. He was last
NationalUSDA Steps Up Support for Ranchers with New Directive to Restore National Forest Grazing
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced a new directive aimed at enhancing support for ranchers by restoring grazing on national forest lands. This initiative is part of the USDA's efforts to implement the Grazing Action Plan and strengthen American ranching. The directive emphasizes the importance of grazing for rural economies and food security, while also addressing bureaucratic challenges that have hindered ranchers. Key actions include expanding access to closed allotments, streamlining permitting processes, and improving communication with ranchers. This move is expected to benefit approximately 23,000 permit holders who depend on public rangelands.
Public SafetyHow to keep your kids safe online this summer break
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With summer break officially underway, children may be spending more time online. Whether they're using the internet for gaming or social media, local law enforcement and government agencies are advising parents to be aware of who their children are talking to and what they're doing online. Common apps parents should be aware
Public SafetyDrivers killed in two-vehicle collision in McAllen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two drivers were killed in an early Friday morning collision, according to the McAllen Police Department. At approximately 5:30 a.m., McAllen police responded to the crash on the 6400 block of South McColl Road. Police say two vehicles were involved in the crash: a Chevrolet Colorado and a Chevrolet Tahoe. Police
HealthFDA Fast-Tracks OTC Generic Pill Nitenpyram to Fight Deadly Screwworm in Pets
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorization for generic Nitenpyram Tablets to treat New World screwworm infestations in pets, including dogs and cats over four weeks old and weighing at least two pounds. This marks the first generic animal drug approved for this purpose. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating this pest. Nitenpyram acts quickly to kill larvae, but does not prevent reinfestation. The tablets are available over the counter in two sizes, and pet owners are advised to consult veterinarians for proper care.
Public SafetyUPDATE: 1 dead, 11 known victims amid Midland shooting
Video Credit: West Texas Oilfield Traffic Updates MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- UPDATE: Mayor Lori Blong has confirmed a total of 11 victims amid an active shooting situation in Midland Friday morning. At least one person has died. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and our officers," she said in a news conference.
WeatherCBS 4, NBC 23 and KGBT 4.1 temporarily off the air due to tower work
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — CBS 4, NBC 23 and KGBT 4.1 are temporarily off the air on Friday as crews conduct tower work. The interruption in programming is expected to happen through 2:30 p.m. But don’t forget you can catch all of our latest coverage on news, weather and sports on ValleyCentral+, an app on
Public SafetyConcrete Mixer Truck Overturns in Weslaco; No Injuries Reported
The truck overturned Friday morning at the intersection of South Milanos and Bald Cypress Street when the commercial vehicle left the roadway and ended up on its side. Authorities reported that the driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, managed to exit before emergency teams arrived. After being evaluated by medical personnel on the scene, it was confirmed that he did not suffer any injuries. During the incident response, firefighters identified a spill of hydraulic fluids and motor oil caused by the overturning. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
NationalKey US Surveillance Program Set to Expire: What It Means for National Security
A key surveillance tool, deemed vital for preventing terrorist attacks and catching foreign spies, is set to expire on Friday after bipartisan efforts in Congress to temporarily extend it failed. This represents a significant disruption for the program known as Section 702, and while President Donald Trump nominates a new national intelligence director who may be more acceptable to both Republicans and Democrats than his first choice, it remains unclear how soon lawmakers—about to enter recess—could reactivate the spying program. However, there may not be an immediate drop-off, as a court order issued in March allowed these government surveillance powers to remain in effect for another year. Section 702 provides broad powers to analyze foreign communications and is part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), granting US intelligence agencies extensive authority to collect and examine communications of foreigners located outside the United States without first obtaining a warrant. US officials consider the law an invaluable national security tool that has helped thwart potential terrorist acts, provided valuable information on ransomware attacks against critical infrastructure, and contributed to the death of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a drone strike in 2022. The law was enacted in 2008 as an effort to codify key aspects of a previous spying program created by the Republican administration of President George W. Bush. Since then, officials from both major parties have warned that without the law, the government will be unable to gather crucial intelligence abroad. The periodic need to reauthorize the law has sparked prolonged debate in Congress long before this year, including discussions about whether additional safeguards are needed to protect the privacy of Americans and their personal data. This is because when the government intercepts communications from foreigners abroad, it also ends up collecting communications from American citizens and others in the United States who are in contact with those surveillance targets. Civil liberties advocates have expressed concern over revelations that, over the years, FBI analysts have improperly accessed the vast repository of intelligence collected through the program to obtain information about Americans, including information related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol assault by a mob of Trump supporters and the 2020 racial justice protests, as well as about state and federal political figures. Some of these advocates have pointed out that the government should be required to obtain a warrant before examining communications collected from Americans. US officials have indicated that a warrant would be legally unnecessary and overly burdensome, and that corrective measures have been implemented to reduce the number of improper queries. Further complicating the debate are the unlikely political alliances it has generated, uniting a coalition of lawmakers skeptical of government surveillance that includes both liberal Democrats concerned about privacy and Republicans who remain wary of the intelligence community due to the investigation into ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 Republican presidential campaign. This time, the impasse is tied to the rejection of Trump's interim intelligence pick, Bill Pulte. Democrats resisted when Trump chose Pulte as acting national intelligence director and refused to support a FISA extension until the nomination was withdrawn. Pulte, a Trump loyalist with no known national security experience, has raised alarms for using his position as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to facilitate questionable investigations of mortgage fraud against individuals perceived by Trump as adversaries. A vote this week in the House of Representatives, which would have temporarily extended the program, failed: 19 Republicans and nearly all Democrats rejected the temporary measure with 198 votes in favor and 218 against. An attempt by the Senate to pass its own versions also failed. Following those votes, Trump announced the nomination of Jay Clayton, a federal prosecutor in Manhattan who previously served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as his permanent choice for national intelligence director. The selection was well-received in the Capitol, but it was not enough to break the deadlock before the scheduled expiration on Friday. Connecticut Representative Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, commented that he has 'known and respected' Clayton for decades and that if he had been chosen a week earlier, 'much pain could have been avoided.' 'His intelligence, temperament, and deep commitment to public service will make him an extraordinary DNI,' Himes stated. Next steps for the surveillance powers provision The Republican senator from Arkansas, Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Iowa senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, warned the Trump administration to prepare 'for a possible significant gap in foreign intelligence collection.' The expiration is likely to be the first significant disruption of Section 702 since its creation over 15 years ago. In 2024, the Senate narrowly exceeded its midnight deadline before voting to pass a bill that was later signed by former Democratic President Joe Biden, causing a brief interruption. Despite the stalemate, an immediate drop in intelligence gathering is not expected as the United States hosts a series of events this summer with potential national security concerns, such as the World Cup and festivities surrounding the 250th anniversary of American Independence. A ruling issued in March by the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court certified the program's renewal for another year, so the authority of Section 702 is expected to remain intact for months. Still, it is conceivable that, without Congressional reauthorization, a telecommunications company or internet service provider could challenge the government's ability to compel it to comply with its surveillance demands.
PoliticsWestern District of Texas Sees Major Influx of New Federal Immigration Cases
Between May 29 and June 4, federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 297 new immigration-related criminal cases, according to U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. The charges target human smugglers and undocumented individuals with prior convictions for various offenses, including DWI, violent crimes, and illegal possession of weapons. This surge in cases is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations. The Western District covers 68 counties, including major cities like San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso, and shares a 660-mile border with Mexico.
NationalAG Paxton Puts $200 Million Price Tag on Potential Big 12 Sanctions Against Texas Tech
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has warned the Big 12 Conference against sanctioning Texas Tech University for complying with a court order. In a letter, Paxton's office stated that such sanctions would violate federal and state laws, potentially exposing the conference to antitrust liability. This follows a temporary injunction from a Texas court allowing Texas Tech to support student-athlete Brendan Sorsby during the 2026 football season. Paxton emphasized that any punitive actions could lead to damages exceeding $200 million due to lost revenues and other financial impacts on Texas Tech.
WeatherAfter hot and humid Friday, rainy days ahead
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Once we push through a hot and humid Friday afternoon, we will move into a new rainy period for a few days. Highs on Friday will range from the upper 90s in Starr County to the lower 90s for much of the eastern portions of the Valley. A stray shower is
Public SafetyAuthorities Search for Man Accused of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor in Cameron County
The Cameron County Sheriff's Office has issued an alert to locate 39-year-old Jesús Esteban Escobar in connection with an alleged case of aggravated sexual assault against a minor. According to information provided by authorities, the case is related to an incident that occurred in the 12000 block of Highway 281, near San Benito. Aggravated sexual assault of a minor is considered a first-degree felony under Texas law. Suspect Description: Escobar is approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 280 pounds. He was last seen wearing dark sweatpants and no shirt. Additionally, he has distinctive physical features, including: tattoos covering much of his body and visible vitiligo on his face and neck. Investigators are asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jesús Esteban Escobar to contact the Cameron County Sheriff's Office at (956) 554-6700 or Crime Stoppers of Cameron County at (956) 350-5551.
Public SafetyGuatemalan Smugglers Plead Guilty in Deadly 2021 Mexico Truck Crash
Two Guatemalan nationals, Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala, 43, and Alberto Marcario Chitic, 32, have pleaded guilty to human smuggling charges linked to a tragic truck crash in Mexico in December 2021. The incident involved a tractor-trailer carrying over 160 illegal immigrants, resulting in more than 50 fatalities, including unaccompanied children, and injuring over 100 others. They admitted to conspiring to transport these individuals from Guatemala through Mexico to the U.S. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, where they could face life in prison and fines up to $250,000. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat human smuggling networks.
PoliticsAG Ken Paxton blocked from suing Democratic donor platform ActBlue
Attorney General Ken Paxton must drop his lawsuit against ActBlue, the political donations platform primarily used by Democratic candidates, a Boston federal judge ruled Thursday in a decision that cited the Texas Republican's “well-known history of filing retaliatory lawsuits.” ActBlue sued Paxton in early May, alleging that the series of investigations and litigation he had
NationalUS and Iran Agree to Draft Deal to End War, Says Pakistan Government
The United States and Iran have agreed to draft an agreement aimed at ending their war in the Middle East, with mediators working with both sides to finalize a pact, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted on Friday. Sharif noted that the two countries have 'agreed on a final text.' He stated that Pakistan, which has taken the lead in mediation efforts, is already working with the warring nations on the next steps. 'Peace has never been closer than it is now,' Sharif wrote in a post on X. The apparent progress in negotiations comes after Iran exchanged fire with the US and Israel for three days this week, threatening to escalate the conflict in the region. So far, there have been no comments from US or Iranian officials regarding Sharif's statement.