LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo is in its second day of a budget workshop, reviewing how to allocate a proposed $900 million budget for the coming year, an increase from last year’s figures. The new budget addresses public safety, community health, and water quality.

Significant funds are being allocated to the police and fire departments, as well as public works. The police department will see an added $9 million from the proposed $28 million increase. District 3 Council Member Melissa Cigarroa highlighted the importance of city funding in addition to grants: “Technology is dynamic. We’ve seen it. AI is on the horizon and drone technology. Some of that technology is presented in the form of programs that will help our police use their manpower more wisely, and give them more eyes across the city and I think in the end it will mean safer communities.”

The fire department will receive an additional $4.4 million, which District 4 Council Member Alberto Torres says will help purchase essential equipment, including more ambulances. Torres also noted the city’s efforts to address concerns about aging water infrastructure: “We have pending projects with federal ARPA monies that were allocated to the city to ensure that we also make those infrastructure utility upgrades, but yes, we do have a utility budget where there have been financial increases to ensure that all those main breaks are addressed adequately.”

The proposed general fund budget includes roughly $136 million for utilities infrastructure, one of the largest allocations. Cigarroa also mentioned plans for street repairs: “We are floating a bond that will allow us to invest more in the paving of streets and the discussion last night focused on trying to direct some of those dollars specifically to the downtown area.”

The city may grant $1.5 million to the Downtown TIRZ to complete projects and make repairs. Torres emphasized that the goal is to pass a balanced budget without increasing the tax rate, with approximately $34 million allocated for capital improvements.

The second budget workshop began Thursday, August 8, at 2:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers. Updates on the workshop will be covered in KGNS Late Edition.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department is asking for help to find and identify two people involved in a 2-on-1 assault that happened on July 19.

According to police, the assault took place at 5301 San Dario Avenue in the parking lot of a shopping center. At one point, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and aimed it at the victim, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police say.

Anyone who knows who these suspects are should call Laredo Police at (956) 795-2800 or Laredo Crime Stoppers at 727-TIPS. All calls will be kept anonymous.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department reported an oil spill on International Boulevard and San Dario Avenue Thursday shortly before noon.

According to police, officers are in the area directing traffic.

The oil spill was reported on International Boulevard.

Drivers are asked to proceed with caution, no closures have been reported at this time. noon

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A Texas favorite is turning 74.

August 8 is National Whataburger Day, and we couldn’t celebrate without our favorite fast-food chain joining in on the momentous occasion. Kristelle Lozano and Janet Gonzalez from Whataburger, along with the iconic Whataguy, joined us to mark this special day.

National Whataburger Day has a rich history—on August 8, 1950, founder Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas. On Thursday, the beloved Texas staple celebrates 74 years of serving delicious burgers and other Whataburger classics.

Kristelle and Janet shared what makes Whataburger an enduring favorite, even as it expands to over 16 states. They believe customer service is a key ingredient in their success and hinted at some exciting new menu offerings.

To celebrate, Whataburger is even offering a free birthday shake only on Thursday exclusively available through their mobile app!

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A 22-year-old man has died following a rollover accident early Wednesday morning, August 7, near Cuatro Vientos and the Highway 359 interchange.

Laredo police officers found a black vehicle at the scene. The driver, identified as the 22-year-old man, was found unresponsive and taken to Laredo Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

Joe Baeza with the Laredo Police Department said an eyewitness reported seeing the vehicle traveling at a high speed, though this has not been confirmed. “There was construction further down the road where he was traveling,” Baeza said. “Those eyewitness accounts helped us understand that speeding may have been involved.”

The investigation into the accident is ongoing.

Below is the original story:

The Laredo Police Department announced Wednesday that the 22-year-old man involved in a rollover crash early Wednesday morning, August 7, has died from his injuries. Next of kin are being notified.

The crash happened around 1:42 a.m. at Cuatro Vientos and Highway 359. The driver was in a black Honda Civic, which rolled over. Emergency crews found him unresponsive but with a pulse and breathing. He was taken to Laredo Medical Center in critical condition where he later died.

The accident is still under investigation.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - With the school year approaching, parents must ensure their children meet vaccination requirements. Both Laredo ISD and United ISD officials spoke about what parents need to know.

In Texas, students must show proof of vaccination before attending any school or childcare facility. For those seeking exemptions, “there is some paperwork that needs to be filed through the state,” said Margarita Pena, LISD Health Services. “Parents can call the school nurse for the website and phone number to inquire about that paperwork.”

Required vaccines include tetanus, polio, measles, varicella, and flu shots. Both districts also recommend meningitis and papillomavirus vaccines. United ISD requires tuberculosis (TB) testing, while Laredo ISD does not. Irene Rosales, UISD Health Services, explained, “It’s not a vaccine; it’s a screening tool. If a student tests positive, it means they’ve been in contact with TB, not that they have the disease. They may need treatment or observation.”

Both districts recommend COVID testing before school.

If immunizations are done in Mexico, they are not accepted. Students must be vaccinated in the U.S. If parents don’t show their child’s vaccination card or exemption form to the school nurse, they will not be allowed on campus.

For more information, contact UISD at (956) 473-6264 or LISD at (956) 273-1252.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A man was arrested in Laredo for child sex charges, Laredo police say.

Ricardo Contreras, 32, was arrested on Tuesday, August 6, and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child.

Details are limited due to the sensitive nature of the case. Contreras is being held at Webb County Jail with a $65,000 bond.

Child Protective Services has been notified, as required.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Federal agents arrested Michael Arciola on August 4, 2024, after finding an outstanding warrant during a Border Patrol checkpoint inspection in west Laredo.

Arciola was driving a red Hyundai when he approached the Laredo west checkpoint. The warrant, issued in New York, included charges of aggravated sexual abuse, attempted sodomy, and escape.

The U.S. Border Patrol shared details about the arrest on their social media. Arciola was taken into custody and will face further legal proceedings.