Good morning, Laredo.

Laredo Medical Center will host Frontline Family Fest this Saturday, Oct.

24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Buena Vista Emergency Room (4019 Cuatro Vientos Road) to honor first responders with food, fun activities and the chance to meet emergency crews before National First Responders Day.

The TAMIU Alumni Association has launched Pack the Pantry to collect food and hygiene items for Dusty’s Food Pantry at TAMIU from Oct.

19 until Nov. 14 — the drive ends with a community day event on Nov. 14 at Pla-Mor Entertainment for friendly student contests.

Guests at the Laredo DoubleTree are still waiting to reclaim their belongings after a hotel fire, as investigators have not yet cleared the building and owner Jiger Patel said the decision will come once work stabilizes the site (insurance claims remain the only option).

Borcher’s Elementary music teacher Mayra Trevino, who has taught for 22 years, was named Teacher of the Month for October and will receive a gift basket with local business gift cards, a custom T-shirt, tumbler, and $250 from the Joey Tellez Law Firm.

Laredo Police Department brought music and smart choice lessons to United ISD students on Wednesday, Oct.

21 using McGruff the Crime Dog. Students danced while learning about drug dangers and making better decisions at the UISD auditorium.

The City of Laredo Utilities Department began repairing a water main on E.

Lyon St. on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 5:50 a.m. along the 2800 block, causing low water pressure for nearby residents as crews worked to complete repairs within 8 to 12 hours.

Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino said ATF agents are in Laredo to assess damage at the DoubleTree hotel after a fire as local fire and police crews work to determine the cause; an excavator was seen moving within the barricaded area.

Local officials say a children's hospital is needed to boost healthcare for young residents, though plans for constructing it remain unclear.

The call is part of an ongoing discussion about improving local health services.

TAMIU hosts Wicked Wellness Week 2026 from Monday, Oct.

26 to Friday, Oct. 30 to offer flu vaccines (with free t-shirts provided), an alcohol awareness session, NARCAN training, a blood drive, student health presentations, and a family Halloween Fest across campus.

Local officials say Laredo needs a children’s hospital as a non-binding ballot measure will ask voters for input.

A task force — set to address funding and staffing challenges — is in the works to outline the next steps.