Good morning, Laredo.

Eddie Millan from the Parks and Recreation Department said the Sister Cities Festival will add its first 5K run on Sunday, July 13, at Sames Auto Arena beginning at 7 a.m. — the event will offer free T-shirts to the first 100 registrants and unique medals to all finishers, including a special race section for athletes with disabilities.

The South Texas Food Bank is helping flood victims in Kerr County by loading trailers with supplies—such as diapers, baby bottles, and bottled root beer—and partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank for relief efforts.

The food bank has sent a full trailer load of 24 pallets and will deliver more support in the coming days.

Local nonprofit Myke’s Purpose will host a 5k run or walk in August to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and will feature a health fair with informational booths and prizes.

The event takes place at North Central Park (10202 International Blvd) on Saturday, August 2 at 8 a.m.

The Laredo Police Department reported that a patrol unit was involved in an accident near Downtown Laredo in the Siete Viejo area on July 8 (around 5:49 p.m.), and the officer involved is in stable condition.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol are using the Texas Hold’em initiative to combat human smuggling in Laredo—targeting tractor-trailers used for illegal crossings—and have revoked over 1,000 commercial driver’s licenses in the effort.

On July 8th, DPS and Border Patrol launched the Texas Hold'em initiative to tackle human smuggling along the border+the agencies teamed up in a coordinated effort to address illegal cross-border activity.

Texas A&M International University’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking will host a healthcare conference on Tuesday, July 22, at the TAMIU Student Center Ballroom to help local providers learn strategies for identifying and responding to trafficking — the event features six sessions and a mixed-reality simulation with breakfast and lunch provided.

The Border Patrol’s Laredo Sector released a video today that shows an Army Stryker battalion with about 100 soldiers and 10 vehicles—moving through town to help secure the border.

The video shows the Department of Defense working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection—boosting security on the southern border.

Border Patrol released a video on July 8 that shows a Stryker battalion arriving in Laredo—officials have not provided further details.

Construction began today for a new parking lot at the intersection of Zaragoza St. and Santa Ursula Ave. in Downtown Laredo that will offer nine spaces including two designated for handicapped drivers to serve visitors to American Legion Post 59, Border Heritage Museum, and Webb County Heritage Foundation offices — county officials say it will be completed by the end of October.

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.