Good morning, Laredo.

Fifteen-year-old Alejandra Gonzalez from Laredo is hosting a donation drive for families hurt by Kerrville floods—she collects toiletries, water and canned food and plans to either deliver the items herself or work with a partner organization from July 7 to July 11.

Today at 10 a.m., the Haynes Recreation Center opened a new gym for people with disabilities to celebrate Parks and Rec Month, plus city officials said the facility supports Laredo’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and recreation for all residents.

A 17-year-old man, Bryan Alexander Gutierrez, pleaded guilty in June to a 2022 armed robbery on the 3400 block of North Arkansas Avenue after an anonymous tip and was sentenced to four years in jail on July 7 by the 111th District Court.

Laredo Little Theatre will present the youth musical Beetlejuice, Jr. from July 15 to 20 and July 22 to 23.

The production features 33 cast members with director Gigi Caballero de Flores guiding rehearsals since May — actors Giovani Niño and first-time community theatre performer Valeria Herrera lead the show.

Laredo high school students will attend the Kazen Fellowship networking mixer on July 9 at the TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. where they will build soft skills and leadership by interacting with peers and local professionals—students will receive conversation starter cards to ease their introductions under the guidance of Judge Diana Saldaña and Adrian Zapata.

Laredo agencies including BORTAC and BORSTAR from the Border Patrol and the Fire Department are working with federal and state partners to support rescue efforts in flood-hit Kerrville after the July 4th floods.

The coordinated operation — which involves EMTF and TDEM — is set to continue for 2–3 weeks to help affected residents.

Armored vehicles and troops arrived in Laredo yesterday—supporting active military plans at the border—while officials prepare further security measures.

An armored unit from the Stryker Brigade Combat Team has been stationed beneath the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge today to support border operations along the Rio Grande—Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino said the move is meant to secure our border.

In June, officials reported that 100 soldiers and 10 Stryker vehicles were deployed as illegal crossings decreased, though some residents still remain concerned about safety.

In June, the Laredo Fire Department responded to 3,400 calls (including 2,253 emergency medical calls, 275 traffic accidents, 44 fire incidents, 107 activated fire alarms, 31 hazardous materials responses and 702 inspections) as reported on social media.

21st Annual Sister Cities Festival

11 AM – 8 PM — Sames Auto Arena — Free entry — Explore the vibrant cultures of Latin America and Mexico through 205 booths at this festive celebration.

21st Annual Sister Cities Festival

11 AM – 7 PM — Sames Auto Arena — Free entry — Celebrate Latin American culture with 205 booths and vibrant festivities at Laredo's Sister Cities Festival.

Myke's Purpose 5k Run & Health Fair

8 AM – 12 PM — North Central Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a community-focused event promoting health and wellness through a fun 5K run and resource fair.

Downpour of Opportunities Job Fair

10 AM – 1 PM — Workforce Solutions for South Texas — Free entry — Connect with local employers seeking candidates in various roles.