Laredo Living 365

08/25/2026

Webb County Commissioners Approve 90-Day Burn Ban

This morning, Webb County Commissioners Court approved a 90-day burn ban order for all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Webb County commencing August 24, 2026.

A violation of this order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00.

08/24/2026

🚨Laredo Approves Additional AC Units for Hamilton Senior Apartments

Laredo city leaders have approved funding for additional portable air-conditioning units at the Hamilton Senior Apartments as officials work to address ongoing cooling and health concerns at the downtown senior living facility. The decision comes after Mayor Victor Trevino visited the complex and found temperatures inside some apartments reaching the upper 80s and low 90s.

Existing portable air-conditioning units have helped cool some apartments, but officials said they are not always enough for larger, two-bedroom units. The issue has become particularly concerning as Laredo experiences another stretch of extreme summer heat, with temperatures repeatedly surpassing 105 degrees. Trevino said residents should not be forced to remain in a single room because that is the only area being adequately cooled.

The situation is especially concerning because many Hamilton residents are older adults, including some with medical conditions that can make them more vulnerable to extreme heat. City Manager Joseph Neeb said the city is pursuing both immediate and long-term solutions, despite Laredo not currently owning the Hamilton building. The facility’s aging HVAC system requires specially manufactured parts, while a cooling tower replacement remains scheduled for September.

Beyond the air-conditioning problems, officials are also dealing with aging elevators and concerns involving the facility’s water and sewer infrastructure. Neeb said the city could commit roughly $5 million toward health and safety improvements. Since the city does not own the property, officials are also developing a reimbursement resolution that could allow taxpayer-funded improvements to be recovered depending on the building’s future ownership.

Community Development staff are conducting wellness checks twice a week at all 163 apartments, going door to door to assess residents’ conditions. Officials are also continuing to investigate sewer odors reported at the facility. A $10 million renovation proposal for Hamilton was rejected by Laredo voters as part of the city’s unsuccessful May 2025 bond referendum, but city officials say the facility’s problems remain and require attention.

08/24/2026

🚨Nine Laredo Families Sue UISD Over Alleged Abuse of Special Needs Students

Nine Laredo families have filed a civil lawsuit against United Independent School District, three former employees and former Nye Elementary School Principal Cynthia Caballero, alleging that special education students were subjected to abuse and that school officials failed to properly respond to reports of misconduct. The lawsuit, filed Aug. 19, claims Caballero was aware of allegations involving a teacher as early as January but did not immediately report them to authorities.

The lawsuit comes after the May arrests of special education teacher Laura Sillas and aides Patricia Lopez and Martha Ramirez. Lopez faces 10 felony charges of injury to a child, elderly individual or disabled individual with intentional bodily injury, while Sillas faces three similar charges along with a charge of tampering with a government record. Ramirez faces one felony injury-to-a-child charge. All three have been accused of wrongdoing and have not been convicted.

According to the lawsuit, surveillance cameras were installed inside the classroom in February after Caballero allegedly learned of concerns that a teacher was striking students. The lawsuit claims the cameras captured additional incidents over approximately two months and alleges that the three employees witnessed misconduct involving students but failed to report it. Parents contend their children experienced emotional and behavioral problems following the alleged incidents, including disrupted sleep and difficulties with their regular therapies.

Houston attorney Tony Buzbee and his law firm are representing the nine families. The lawsuit invokes Chapter 118 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a law that took effect in 2025 and allows certain lawsuits against public school districts involving gross negligence, reckless conduct or intentional misconduct related to the hiring, supervision or employment of school personnel who fail to report suspected abuse. The families are seeking more than $50 million in damages, or the maximum amount permitted under applicable law.

Caballero has not been charged in connection with the allegations and the Texas Education Agency has not placed her credentials under review, according to the report. She resigned from her position, while UISD has implemented new leadership at Nye Elementary. The district previously said it was reviewing its procedures and working to reinforce expectations while providing additional training and support to staff. UISD declined to comment on the newly filed lawsuit.

08/24/2026

🗳️Make sure to vote in our 2026 LAREDO MAYOR POLL — ANONYMOUS EARLY VOTER POLL.

What is your opinion? Vote now: Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Alyssa Cigarroa, J.D. Gonzalez, Jorge Alberto Garza, Alfonso “Poncho” Casso

08/24/2026

$950,000 In Federal Funding Announced For San Agustín Plaza Improvements

San Agustín Plaza is set to receive $950,000 in federal funding for historic preservation and infrastructure upgrades, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced Monday.

The funding comes through the Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding program and will be used for several improvements throughout the historic downtown plaza. Planned work includes electrical and exterior lighting upgrades, updated plumbing for public restrooms, water fountains and irrigation systems, as well as ADA-compliant walkways and additional shade structures.

The project is intended to maintain the historic character of San Agustín Plaza while making the area safer, more accessible and better equipped for public use.

Officials expect the improvements to benefit community events and visitors while supporting downtown businesses, tourism and economic activity in the area.

08/24/2026

🚨Laredo Fire and Police Contract Negotiations Continue Amid Pay and Staffing Concerns

Contract negotiations between the City of Laredo and the unions representing police officers and firefighters remain unresolved as city officials prepare the upcoming budget. The talks have become increasingly contentious, with union representatives raising concerns about delays, staffing shortages and the potential loss of employees to other agencies.

The Laredo Police Officers Association has warned that officers could leave for state and federal agencies offering more competitive compensation. Police union officials said negotiations that were expected to begin earlier in the year were delayed, while some scheduled bargaining sessions were later canceled. The union has argued that the delays are making it more difficult for the city to retain experienced officers.

Firefighters have expressed similar concerns. Laredo Firefighters Association President David Gonzalez said the union reached a tentative agreement with the city in July, but City Manager Joseph Neeb later withdrew the agreement. Gonzalez characterized the decision as bad-faith bargaining, while Neeb denied that the city had acted improperly during negotiations.

A city-commissioned compensation study has also become a central part of the discussion. The study found that Laredo’s police and fire departments rank outside the top 15 in Texas for compensation and recommended measures including increased bilingual pay, higher starting salaries and retention bonuses. City officials and council members have acknowledged the need to address the departments’ competitiveness while also considering the financial impact on the city’s budget.

The City Council has directed both sides to continue working toward an agreement, while efforts to make approval of the city budget contingent on reaching contracts were withdrawn. The council has continued discussing the negotiations in closed session, including at its Aug. 17 meeting. With the city’s budget process moving forward, officials and union representatives remain under pressure to reach agreements that address employee compensation and retention while remaining financially sustainable.

08/22/2026

🚨Lake Casa Blanca Water Levels Remain Low as Officials Urge Boaters to Use Caution

Water levels at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park remain low, prompting park officials to remind boaters and other visitors to exercise caution while using the lake. Measurements taken Aug. 13 showed water depths ranging from approximately 3 feet to 11.5 feet across different areas of the lake.

The shallowest portions are located primarily near the northern end of the lake, where depths can reach around 3 feet. Near the fishing pier, officials measured approximately 6.3 feet of water, while depths near the Lake Casa Blanca Dam ranged from about 6.5 feet to 11.3 feet.

Despite the declining water levels, boating remains available at the park. Officials confirmed that the main boat ramp remains open and the boat dock is still operational, allowing visitors to continue using the lake for recreational activities.

However, park officials are advising boaters to be particularly careful when approaching the dock because the water level continues to fall. The changing conditions can create additional shallow areas and increase the risk of boats encountering submerged obstacles.

Lake Casa Blanca has experienced varying water depths throughout the year. In June, park officials similarly warned visitors about shallow sections and tree stumps in the water, noting that conditions can change quickly.

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park continues to offer boating, fishing and other outdoor activities, but visitors are encouraged to remain aware of current water conditions and use caution while on the lake.

08/22/2026

🗳️Let Your Voices Be Heard. Vote in our 2026 LAREDO MAYOR POLL — ANONYMOUS EARLY VOTER POLL.

What is your opinion? Vote now: Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Alyssa Cigarroa, J.D. Gonzalez, Jorge Alberto Garza, Alfonso “Poncho” Casso

08/21/2026

Laredo Sets Dec. 5 Special Election for District 8 City Council Seat

Laredo voters in District 8 will head to the polls Dec. 5 for a special election to select a new council member for the City Council seat being vacated by Alyssa Cigarroa.

The Laredo City Council approved the Dec. 5 election date during a special meeting following days of discussion over when the race should be held.

The vacancy was created after Cigarroa announced that she would run for mayor. Her decision triggered the need for a special election to determine who will serve the remainder of her term.

The city had previously considered holding the District 8 election alongside the Nov. 3 election. That proposal was ultimately tabled after concerns were raised that prospective candidates would only have a short period of time to file.

Under the newly established schedule, candidates for the District 8 seat will be able to file from Sept. 5 through Oct. 5, giving potential candidates a full month to enter the race.

City officials had previously said state law and the city charter limited the available timeline for filling the vacancy. The city had to fill the vacancy within 120 days, making Dec. 5 the deadline for the special election.

The decision to hold a separate December election is expected to cost more than adding the race to the November ballot. Earlier estimates placed the cost of a standalone election between roughly $16,000 and $80,000, with the City Manager estimating the final expense could be around $60,000.

The District 8 special election will be separate from Laredo’s regularly scheduled Nov. 3 municipal election, which includes races for mayor, municipal court judge and other City Council districts.

District 8 voters will ultimately choose Cigarroa’s successor once the special election is held Dec. 5.

08/21/2026

Laredo Identifies Rio Grande Compound Behind Unusual Water Taste And Odor

The City of Laredo identified 2-methylisoborneol, or MIB, as the cause of recent earthy or musty tastes and odors in the city’s drinking water.

The naturally occurring compound was found in untreated Rio Grande water. Officials said it is an aesthetic issue and does not pose a health risk. Laredo’s water continues to meet state and federal drinking-water standards.

Officials said warm temperatures and seasonal river conditions can increase MIB levels. The taste and odor should improve as conditions change, though some residents may notice them longer because water can remain in storage tanks and distribution lines.

The city is monitoring the water system, adjusting treatment as needed, and considering activated-carbon treatment for future events. Residents can continue using Laredo’s tap water normally.