Good morning, Laredo.

The City and Council Member Vanessa Perez will host the 5th Annual Grinchmas at Fasken Recreation Center (15201 Cerralvo Drive) on Friday, Dec.

12 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with free family-friendly activities like cookies, a North Pole train ride, and holiday photos.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, the Laredo Philharmonic will perform Sounds of the Season at 3 p.m. at the LISD Performing Arts Complex on 2400 San Bernardo Ave; admission is $30 + free for students with valid ID.

The concert will feature traditional holiday music and enforce a clear bag policy.

Laredo Public Libraries has announced the children’s edition of the Laredo Book Festival, which will feature interactive sessions for kids at its downtown branch.

The event is expected to spark local interest in reading.

TAMIU will hold its record-setting Fall Commencement ceremonies Thursday, Dec.

11 at Sames Auto Arena; 1,297 candidates — including six doctoral graduates — will receive degrees at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. sessions with José Angel Moreno delivering the address.

Texas A&M International University in north Laredo received an unrestricted $38 million gift from Yield Giving, MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropic vehicle.

University leaders will begin reviewing the gift’s impact on student success and share their plans by mid-Spring.

On Dec. 4, TAMIU celebrated hands-on learning at its LEARN Expo where students shared work from research projects, internships, and service opportunities.

Winners were announced (including Clarissa Lara and Leticia Arredondo) by volunteer faculty as part of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan.

Christina Perez, a longtime third-grade teacher at Bruni Elementary with 24 years in the classroom, was honored as Teacher of the Month after a colleague nominated her for her supportive teaching style — the award includes a $250 gift card, gift basket, and commemorative items.

Anna Hernandez, an El Metro driver for 32 years, told city council on Monday, Dec.

1 that union members struck last month after scheduling changes eliminated consecutive days off and raised pay concerns. Negotiations later brought a pay increase and restored consecutive days off.

Laredo city officials will host a bulky waste collection event to help residents dispose of large items safely; details on the event date and drop-off locations will be announced soon.

The Laredo Buzz Basketball Team will face veteran playoff contender Trifecta tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. at Haynes Recreation Center on Clark Blvd (both teams aim to secure a top playoff spot).

Sounds of the Season

3-7 p.m. — Fine and Performing Arts Center — Free entry — Experience a festive celebration with seasonal music in a beautiful venue.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Laredo

4:30-9 p.m. — On the Rocks Tavern — 25% off until Nov 22nd — Embrace the holiday spirit with festive drinks and quirky sweaters on this fun pub crawl.

Double Feature: Lethal Weapon & Back to School

7-11:30 p.m. — Sunset Drive-In Cinema — $25 per car — Enjoy a nostalgic night of action and comedy classics under the Texas stars.

Double Feature: Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas & Santa Clause The Movie

7 PM — Sunset Drive-In Cinema — $25 per car — Enjoy a nostalgic evening under the stars with classic holiday films.

Scrooged Screening at Sunset Drive-In

7-11:30 p.m. — Sunset Drive-In Cinema — Price Per Car $25 — Enjoy a modern twist on a Christmas classic under the Texas stars.

Drive-In Movie Night: The Holiday

7-11:30 p.m. — Sunset Drive-In Cinema — $25 per car — Enjoy a heartwarming romantic comedy under the stars with family and friends.