Good morning, Laredo.

Fifteen female Laredo police officers volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on National Women’s Police Day to build a shed in Cielito Lindo — starting with only a cement slab — and they plan to repeat similar projects in the future.

An emergency closure is underway at the central railroad crossing near Santa Isabel Avenue (Washington Street and Vidaurri Avenue) as crews from Canadian Pacific Kansas City begin replacing worn tracks; the work will take about five days, so drivers should plan alternate routes.

Federal rules set to begin Oct.

1 will shift SNAP paperwork and 75% of its costs onto states, causing delays for benefit payments that have already impacted more than 650,000 Texans. Laredo residents are watching closely+ local food assistance programs may face disruptions as the new measures roll out.

New COVID-19 and flu vaccines arrived in Laredo ahead of the respiratory illness season and are available at the Health Department clinic at 2800 Cedar Ave. The COVID-19 vaccine costs just over $200 for those paying out of pocket while the flu shot is free for uninsured individuals.

Laredo’s fire and police departments are competing in the annual ‘Battle of the Badges’ blood drive; the fire department accepts donations today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its headquarters (Del Mar Boulevard) and the police department will collect donations tomorrow during the same hours.

Football Fever: Heat Check recapped Week 3 non-district football in South Texas, highlighting Cigarroa’s win over Martin & Alexander’s home victory over San Benito.

The episode also featured a Coaches Corner with Edwin Garcia, and Nixon senior running back Diego Hernandez was named Player of the Week.