Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 hour ago

Local veterans urge revision to Hazelwood Act language to include siblings Members and veterans at the meeting discussed reintroducing a legislative change to the Hazelwood Act (referred to as Senate bill 1338) to allow siblings of deceased service members to inherit unused tuition benefits; advocates said the measure must clear the state education committee before advancing.

Veterans in Laredo are rallying to amend the Hazelwood Act, aiming to ensure that siblings of fallen service members can access vital tuition benefits.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #LegislativeReform #CitizenPortal #LaredoVeterans #CivicEngagement #EducationBenefits

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 hour ago

Laredo veterans committee names liaison to work with city on proposed community center The Laredo Veterans Committee voted by voice to nominate Ricardo Guijano as the committee’s liaison to the City of Laredo to help identify sites for a proposed veterans community center and to coordinate site visits and input from veterans organizations.

The Laredo Veterans Committee has officially nominated Ricardo Guijano to spearhead the exciting new initiative for a veterans community center, promising crucial support and collaboration for local heroes.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #VeteransResources #CitizenPortal #LaredoVeterans

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 hour ago

Local veterans press issue of deported veterans, promote documentary screening At the meeting, veterans promoted the documentary 'America in Exile' and testified about veterans who have been deported; organizers invited committee members to arrange follow-up conversations with the film’s director and community volunteers offered other support such as RV repairs and care.

Veterans are calling for action against the deportation of their comrades, urging a spotlight on their struggles through the documentary "America in Exile."

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #LaredoVeterans #VeteranOutreach #CommunitySupport

Citizen Portal News Texas

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2 days ago

Laredo council presses staff on health-plan deficit as freestanding ERs and specialty drugs drive costs City officials heard a detailed presentation from HR and consultants showing a projected $6M operational-year deficit and a larger multi-year shortfall for the city's self-funded health plan. Council asked for alternatives to a proposed 24% contribution-plus-plan-design package and directed staff to return with additional options and advocacy steps.

Laredo's health insurance program is teetering on a $12.8 million deficit, prompting urgent calls for innovative solutions from city officials.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #BudgetAccountability #LaredoHealthPlan #HealthcareCosts #PublicPolicy

Citizen Portal News Texas

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2 days ago

Laredo council begins budget cycle, flags constrained revenues and $40
3050M in proposed CIP debt City leaders used a March 25 workshop to outline a fiscal picture driven by rising personnel and benefit costs, lower-than-expected sales-tax and bridge-toll revenue, and a proposed capital program that staff said could use $40
3050 million in bonds depending on priorities and grant availability.

Laredo's city council faces tough decisions as rising costs and constrained revenues threaten vital services and ambitious capital projects.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CapitalImprovements #CitizenPortal #LaredoBudget #RevenueChallenges #FiscalResponsibility

Citizen Portal News Texas

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3 days ago

Board hears updates on leases, demolition and master plan; members propose parking-garage idea Staff updated the advisory board on property leasing and demolition (Bartlett/Hillside), an aerodynamic FBO lease under review, vacant Olympus Gym and new park-and-ride short-term lease rules; a board member proposed exploring a multi-story parking garage to support the planned convention center and events.

Exciting changes are underway at the airport, from demolition projects to innovative lease agreements, paving the way for future development and enhanced services!

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #PublicSafety #PropertyDevelopment #LaredoAirport

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3 days ago

Border free-trade program growth cited; national backlog slowing approvals, board hears An agency official told the advisory board that the airport's FTC/FTZ program now lists 65 operators with 76 sites (62 active), reported a backlog at the national office and said job-count figures are being adjusted upward from last year's 323 to more than 500 currently, with an estimate of about 550 by month end.

The Rio International Airport's foreign-trade program is booming with over 500 jobs created, but a national backlog is slowing down approvals—what does this mean for the future?

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #JobCreation #TradePolicy #LaredoForeignTrade #EconomicGrowth

Citizen Portal News Texas

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3 days ago

Developer outlines progress and timeline for Coveset windfield housing project near Laredo Dr. Roland Ortiz of Killam Development told the board on July 2 that construction across multiple phases of the Coveset windfield project is underway, with Phase 8 under construction, a planned September 2026 delivery, donated land for Laredo College, and a developer goal to put about 300 lots into production each year.

Coveset windfield development is rapidly advancing with homes under construction, a planned hike-and-bike trail, and a significant donation to Laredo College—get ready for a booming community by 2026!

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #InfrastructureImprovements #CitizenPortal #LaredoHousing

Citizen Portal News Texas

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3 days ago

Laredo police report dozens of suicide attempts and several deaths; committee urges better tracking and outreach At a March 25 Suicide Prevention Committee meeting, Sergeant Ediberto Abalos reported an internal tally covering Feb. 26–March 25 that lists 13 attempted suicides and two deaths; he also referenced a separate count of five suicides in 2026. The committee endorsed centralized tracking, heat‑map analysis and expanded outreach.

Recent data reveals a troubling rise in suicide attempts and deaths in Laredo, prompting urgent calls for improved tracking and outreach efforts.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #DataDrivenOutreach #CitizenPortal #CrisisIntervention #LaredoSuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness

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3 days ago

Laredo public health reports surge in 988 calls and eyes SAMHSA grant worth up to $2M over five years Dr. Monique, the city’s community health administrator, reported an 82.1% increase in answered 988 calls and a 74.2% increase in total calls year‑over‑year (pending final counts). She also outlined a SAMHSA funding opportunity due April 20 that could provide up to $400,000 annually for suicide‑related systems work.

Laredo's community health team has reported a staggering 82.1% surge in answered 988 calls, highlighting an urgent need for mental health support and a potential $2M grant to enhance services.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LaredoHealth #CrisisResponse

Citizen Portal News Texas

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2 weeks ago

El Metro outlines tech upgrades, ADA stops and route optimizations; council seeks more neighborhood outreach El Metro presented plans for a cashless-fare system (with continued cash options), ADA bus-stop upgrades, paratransit tech modernization and targeted route adjustments projected to save about $300,000 annually; council asked staff for more outreach and the underlying efficiency study before approving service changes.

El Metro is transforming Laredo's transit with a cashless-fare system and targeted service upgrades projected to save $300,000 annually, but will it meet the community's needs?

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #LaredoTransit #CitizenPortal #PublicTransport #AccessibilityInitiatives

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2 weeks ago

Council awards $11.15 million contract to replace aging water mains City council approved awarding RFB2026-045 (pipe-bursting/horizontal directional drilling) to Murphy Pipeline Contractor for $11,153,320 to continue phased water-infrastructure replacement; staff said phase one is nearing completion and phase two is planned.

Laredo City Council has just approved a whopping $11.15 million contract to overhaul aging water mains, kicking off the second phase of a massive infrastructure upgrade!

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LaredoWaterInfrastructure #InfrastructureDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Texas

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2 weeks ago

Laredo residents press council for independent studies and transparency on proposed border wall and buoy system Residents and local experts told Laredo city council the proposed border wall and river buoys could increase flood risk, trap debris and threaten the city's drinking water; the council voted to hear public comments before an executive session and to seek additional technical data.

Laredo residents are demanding transparency and independent studies on a proposed border wall and buoy system, fearing it could jeopardize their drinking water and increase flood risks.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #EnvironmentalReview #CommunityTransparency #FloodRisk #LaredoResidents

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3 weeks ago

Central Laredo district adopts four-year voluntary moratorium on foreclosures in delinquency policy The Central Laredo Municipal Management District unanimously approved a delinquency collection and enforcement policy that includes a four-year voluntary moratorium on initiating foreclosures, while preserving the district's lien, allowing liens and payment plans, and setting post-moratorium safeguards including a 2-year minimum delinquency threshold and a required two-thirds vote for any future foreclosure action.

The Central Laredo Municipal Management District has just approved a groundbreaking four-year moratorium on foreclosures, paving the way for new collection strategies while safeguarding property owners.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #FinancialResponsibility #CitizenPortal

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1 month ago

Suicide-prevention committee approves city-hosted website and plans school-focused 988 outreach Laredo’s Suicide Prevention Committee voted to host its 988/awareness website under the city domain, discussed naming (SPC/SPAC), and organized school PSAs, student activities and mental-health resource distribution including 'mental-health boxes.'

Laredo's Suicide Prevention Committee is launching a city-hosted website and creative outreach efforts to empower students and promote mental health awareness in schools.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthEngagement #CitizenPortal #LaredoSuicidePrevention

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 month ago

Laredo committee reviews two recent deaths and several suicide attempts; police urge coordination with schools Laredo’s Suicide Prevention Committee reviewed police reports covering two recent deaths and several attempts between Feb. 5–21, 2026, and discussed improved school-counselor notification and follow-up for affected students and families.

The Laredo Suicide Prevention Committee is sounding the alarm after a series of tragic deaths and suicide attempts, calling for urgent action to better connect school counselors with struggling students.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #SchoolCounseling #CitizenPortal #CrisisIntervention

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 month ago

Laredo MPO adopts revised transit asset‑management targets after Metro updates The Laredo MPO Policy Committee on Feb. 18 approved Resolution MPO 2026‑04 adopting revised Transit Asset Management targets submitted by El Metro, changes staff said reflect new buses the transit agency purchased and must be incorporated into the MPO planning documents.

The Laredo MPO just took a major step forward by adopting updated transit asset management targets, thanks to the recent addition of new buses!

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #LaredoTransit #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #PublicTransit #TransportationImprovement

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1 month ago

Laredo engineers warn Union Pacific review could delay Calton Road grade separation until 2027 City engineers and consultant Arcadis told the MPO Policy Committee that Union Pacific’s permitting and resubmittal process can add up to a year of review, potentially delaying Calton Road grade‑separation construction until 2027; Fletcher Lane realignment was reported awarded at $4.4M with six‑month construction once started.

City engineers warn that delays in Union Pacific's review process could push the Calton Road grade-separation project all the way to 2027!

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #TransportationSafety #InfrastructureDevelopment #LaredoEngineering #LegislativeAdvocacy

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1 month ago

RMA says design funding reaches 51.3% as it prepares BUILD grant for I‑35 overpass RMA reported it has secured roughly 51.3% of the estimated design costs (including $900,000 from the MPO, $950,000 from the RMA and $500,000 pledged by TxDOT) and expects to submit a BUILD grant application next week for an I‑35 overpass; officials hope for a decision by June.

The Regional Mobility Authority is making strides with a new I-35 overpass, securing over half the funding needed and gearing up for a crucial grant application!

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #GrantFunding #CommunityCoordination #InfrastructureDevelopment

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1 month ago

Laredo staff present rate study proposing phased toll increases to fund bridge expansions and technology upgrades City staff told the Port-of-Entry committee that Laredo needs roughly $63 million in additional bridge revenue over four years to fund planned expansions and system upgrades, proposing phased increases and a 3% annual cost-of-living adjustment; industry members pressed staff for clearer vehicle-origin data and alternate scenarios, and the committee asked staff to return with more detail and a workshop before council review.

Laredo's bridge system generated over $89 million last year, but city officials warn they need an additional $63 million to fund vital expansions—what's at stake?

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment #TransportationFunding

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 month ago

Laredo hires water-quality firm; city shortlisted for $43M lead-service-line project and weighs costly secondary-source options City staff told the advisory committee it has engaged Corallo Engineering to assess plant operations, expects chlorine-dioxide units in March, and reported the city’s $43 million TWDB lead-service-line request has been shortlisted; staff also described groundwater and tertiary-reuse options and warned about cost and affordability trade-offs.

Laredo is making waves in water quality with a $43 million lead service-line project and innovative new sources—transformations are on the horizon!

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #LaredoWaterQuality #InfrastructureInvestment #WaterSustainability

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 month ago

Laredo public-health partners report drop in opioid deaths, continue naloxone distribution and outreach Laredo Public Health reported declines in opioid-related deaths and described ongoing harm-reduction work including naloxone distribution, wound-care outreach for people experiencing homelessness, and an overdose-referral partnership with fire and police.

Laredo is witnessing a significant decline in opioid-related deaths thanks to innovative harm-reduction strategies like naloxone distribution and targeted outreach.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #OpioidPrevention #CitizenPortal #HarmReduction #LaredoPublicHealth #CommunityOutreach

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 month ago

Laredo public‑health partners expand outreach: wound‑care kits, naloxone distribution and survivor referrals Public‑health partners in Laredo described a sharp multi‑year drop in opioid deaths, new wound‑care street outreach and a planned overdose‑survivor referral workflow; the committee also approved creating an official social‑media page to distribute PSAs and materials.

Laredo's public-health coalition reports a groundbreaking start to 2026 with zero opioid-related deaths and innovative outreach strategies to support those in need.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #OpioidPrevention #CitizenPortal #HarmReduction #LaredoPublicHealth #CommunityOutreach

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 month ago

DEA tells Laredo partners it seized more than $1 million and emphasized school outreach on fentanyl DEA representatives described the Fentanyl Free America campaign to the coalition, reported more than $1 million in regional seizures including nearly 9,000 fentanyl pills, and outlined age‑appropriate school presentations aimed at younger children.

The DEA's recent campaign in Laredo seized over $1 million in illegal drugs while educating young students about the dangers of fentanyl, highlighting a crucial blend of enforcement and prevention.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LaredoSchools #SubstanceAbuse

Citizen Portal News Texas

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1 month ago

Local chapter of 220.org outlines free PTSD-healing program and two upcoming community events Jesus Rivas introduced 220.org (branded '22 0') and described a free traumatic-healing coaching program for veterans, first responders and families; organizers announced an April 18 event, a March 28 awareness course, and a May 23 run, and described symbolic elements intended to honor veterans lost to suicide.

A new Texas hub is offering free traumatic-healing support for veterans and first responders, paired with community events to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CitizenPortal #LaredoVeterans #CommunitySupport #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness

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2 months ago

Airport board forwards FAA‑approved noise compatibility program to city council The Laredo International Airport advisory board voted to recommend the FAA‑approved Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) to the mayor and City Council for adoption and implementation, noting FAA acceptance of the airport’s noise exposure maps and a record of approval for the revised NCP; adoption would allow pursuit of federal mitigation grants.

The Laredo International Airport advisory board has taken a significant step towards reducing noise pollution by recommending a new federal-approved Noise Compatibility Program to the City Council.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CommunityInvolvement #EnvironmentalPlanning

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2 months ago

Laredo suicide-prevention committee hears January report showing multiple youth attempts, one local fatality The committee reviewed January crisis-call statistics and case details, including several adolescent attempts and a Jan. 27 death in Laredo; police urged better emergency-detention paperwork and offered training to school resource officers.

A troubling report reveals a spike in youth suicide attempts in Laredo, highlighting the urgent need for better prevention strategies and emergency protocols.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #YouthSafetyInitiatives #MentalHealthAwareness #LaredoSuicidePrevention #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Laredo coalition approves Narcan outreach, expands access and pursues referral tracking The Laredo Drug and Alcohol Coalition approved a plan to produce short social-media videos and expand Narcan (naloxone) access through dispensers and outreach, and discussed a referral-tracking pilot for people revived with Narcan; the motion to proceed passed with no nays recorded.

Laredo's Drug and Alcohol Coalition is launching a groundbreaking outreach campaign to make naloxone easily accessible and reduce overdose deaths in our community!

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CommunityOutreach #PublicHealth #SubstanceAbuse #CitizenPortal #LaredoNarcan

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2 months ago

TIRZ board accepts AEP sectional reroute to energize new lines despite private-sign clearance issue The board voted to accept an AEP-proposed sectional reroute near the Convent/Zaragoza intersection to energize new utility lines. AEP reported it lacks authority to remove a private sign post that conflicts with its clearance requirements; the plan may require an additional pole and infrastructure changes.

The TIRZ board has approved a crucial reroute by AEP to energize new utility lines, but a pesky private sign may complicate downtown improvements!

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #UrbanImprovement #UtilityEnergy #LaredoUtility #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

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3 months ago

Laredo police present 2025 suicide-response figures; committee asks for precinct-level data At a July 17 Laredo Suicide Prevention Committee meeting, police presented year‑to‑date suicide and attempted‑suicide response figures and a precinct heat map; committee members requested precinct‑by‑precinct numeric counts to guide outreach and resources.

Laredo's Suicide Prevention Committee is demanding clearer, precinct-level data after police reported 85 attempted suicides this year, highlighting the urgent need for targeted outreach and support.

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#LaredoWebbCounty #TX #CrisisIntervention #CommunityOutreach