Good morning, McAllen.

At 4:22 p.m. Thursday on U.S. 281 near Linn, a Hidalgo County Sheriff deputy sideswiped a box truck — the truck driver died and the deputy sustained minor injuries — while northbound lanes were closed with traffic diverted to Texas Highway 186.

Two men were arrested for their roles in a nationwide auto theft ring that used clone key fobs to steal vehicles, install fake license plates, and change VIN numbers for export to Mexico through Hidalgo and El Paso ports—Noa-Aguila from Pharr has appeared in court while Baez faces money laundering charges in Las Vegas.

Two Cuban nationals, Sadiel Noa-Aguila and Miguel Baez-Echevarria, were arrested on charges of aiding and abetting an auto theft ring that exported stolen vehicles from major airports, with Noa-Aguila appearing in McAllen and Baez set to appear in Las Vegas (the operation reportedly involved schemes to export vehicles into Mexico).

Rio Grande Valley natives Kayla Rodriguez, crowned Miss Rio Grande Valley, and Anyssa Mujica, Miss South Texas, will compete in the Miss Texas pageant this Saturday at 8 p.m. on Somos El Valle — cable 1240; Kayla graduated from Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District while Anyssa is a McAllen Independent School District alumna.

The federal government has designated land along the Rio Grande as a National Defense Area after transferring it from the International Boundary and Water Commission—spanning parts of Cameron and Hidalgo counties.

The zone will let troops detain trespassers and local leaders are asking for discussions with the Department of Defense.

The City of McAllen and Reliant Energy launched three Beat the Heat Cooling Centers on Thursday to give residents safe air-conditioned spaces with water, snacks and activities as well as help with utility bills via a $5,000 donation and 250 fans – the centers at Lark, Las Palmas and Palm View Community Centers have set hours, with some sites closed on Sundays – additional details are available for those needing extra billing assistance.

Sober Santa PDASH 5K & Fun Run

7 AM – 5 PM — Firemen's Park — Registration required — Celebrate Christmas in July with a fun 5K run and festive activities.

34th Annual Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo

5-10 p.m. — McAllen Convention Center — Adults $20, Seniors $15, Children Free — Explore over 275 exhibits featuring the best in hunting and fishing gear.

Texas Hunters & Sportsman’s Expo

5 AM – 2 PM — McAllen Convention Center — Free & Paid entry — Discover the latest hunting gear and enjoy live music at this annual gathering for sports enthusiasts.

Kung Fu Comedy Night

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Selfies & More Mini Market — Tickets required — Experience a night of laughter from the award-winning Recalled Productions in a vibrant atmosphere.