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How to manage back-to-school costs

( InvestigateTV ) — Families with K-12 students spent about $858 in 2025 on back-to-school items including electronics, clothing, shoes and school supplies, according to a new LendingTree analysis . Matt Schulz, a consumer finance analyst at LendingTree, said the total represents...

KGNS — SitewideAug 21, 2026

Ellie-Vated Conversations with certified interpreter for the deaf; Monica Hamilton

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Welcome back to another edition of Ellie-Vated Conversations. This week, in the studio, Monica Hamilton stopped by. Hamilton is an active certified interpreter for the deaf and works at Cigarroa High School. Hamilton has been at Cigarroa High School for 12 y...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 21, 2026

Laredo airman surprises sister at school

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A Laredo middle schooler got a surprise at school when her sister, an Air Force airman, walked into her classroom. Tori Alvarado was sitting in class at Lamar Middle School when her sister, Air Force Airman First Class Alexandrea Alvarado, walked through the...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 21, 2026

Vaccine exemptions rise as Laredo districts follow state guidelines

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Parents in the U.S. are opting out of providing their children certain vaccines for non-medical reasons, according to the CDC. The CDC says more than 4% of kindergartners had a vaccine exemption this school year, up from last year. Both Laredo school distric...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 19, 2026

AHEC 988 5K, mental health wellness fair planned for Sept. 5

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially when the message is simple: You are not alone. Miguel Rangel and the Rev. Cruz Torres of the Area Health Education Center shared details on the upcoming second 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 5K...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 18, 2026

Toros take on Rattlers in Scrimmage Opener

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Gateway City got it’s first taste of high school football Friday with the only scrimmage of the evening coming down at Aranda field. Cigarroa was our only team that didn’t play in the spring. Instead taking the chance for an extra week of fall practice a...

KGNS — SitewideAug 17, 2026

Youth pilot program draws 1,000+ applicants, federal funding possible

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A free youth pilot program that launched in April drew more than 1,000 applications — far exceeding the 50 organizers expected — and may soon receive millions in federal dollars to expand into local high schools. Victor Trevino, the program’s director and a ...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 17, 2026

Bulldogs Looking to Show 2025 was a Fluke

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - We roll along with our high school football previews by heading up north to Alexander as the Bulldogs are looking to get back on track The 2025 season turned into a disaster for Alexander, a rash of injuries on both sides of the ball took it’s toll as the te...

KGNS — SitewideAug 16, 2026

Trailblazing teacher who taught during segregation turns 100

LARGO, Md. (Gray DC) - Barbara Ross turned 100 years old, and a ballroom full of guests traveled to Largo, Md. Saturday to mark the occasion for the trailblazing educator who taught during and after the era of school segregation. Ross was born in 1926 and lived for many years in ...

KGNS — SitewideAug 15, 2026

LISD, UISD earn ‘A’ ratings from TEA after 2-year pause

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Both United ISD and Laredo ISD earned overall “A” ratings on the Texas Education Agency ’s latest academic performance report, each scoring exactly 90 out of 100 total performance points. The ratings mark the first time TEA report cards have been released si...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 15, 2026

Laredo to hold 5th annual memorial walk honoring Marine killed in Kabul evacuation

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The fifth annual memorial walk honoring Marine Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza is scheduled for Saturday morning, with participants stepping off at 8 a.m. at LBJ High School. Espinoza, a 20-year-old Laredo native and LBJ High School alumnus, was killed dur...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 14, 2026

Back-to-school makeup tips: Less is more for teens

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Makeup artist Ramiro Banda says teenagers do not need much product to achieve a polished look — and most of what they do need can be found at a local drugstore. Banda, along with model Kassandra Lopez, demonstrated a back-to-school makeup routine and said sk...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 14, 2026

UISD pursues $30M loan as enrollment drop tightens district budget

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - United Independent School District is moving forward with plans to apply for a $30 million loan as it works through a budget deficit driven by declining student enrollment and rising costs, district leaders said. Officials said the loan is intended to manage...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 14, 2026

Three teens in custody after 17-year-old killed while waiting for school bus

GAFFNEY, S.C. ( WHNS /Gray News) - Three suspects are in custody following a shooting at a bus stop in South Carolina that left a 17-year-old dead. Cherokee County Sheriff Mueller said three people were involved in the death of 17-year-old Jomiltron Sentell Fair Jr. , who was sho...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

UISD restores Communities in Schools program at 5 campuses

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - United ISD is bringing back its Communities in Schools (CIS) program this year, but at fewer campuses than before. Trustees approved a plan to restore CIS at five campuses, down from the original 15. The move reduces the district’s cost from $400,000 to $115...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 13, 2026

Stray cat survives 800-mile ride under car from New Jersey to Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. ( ANF /Gray News) — A stray cat survived more than 11 hours tucked underneath a college student’s car during a nearly 800-mile trip, traveling from New Jersey to Georgia without the driver’s knowledge. University of Georgia student Jadyn Sawyer had just returned to ca...

KGNS — SitewideAug 13, 2026

Laredo Dermatologist shares teen skincare advice as back-to-school season begins

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A local dermatologist is urging teenagers to simplify their skincare routines and seek professional care early, warning that social media trends and over-the-counter products are not a substitute for personalized treatment. Dr. Adam Swigost of Sonterra Derma...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 13, 2026

Laredo Center for the Arts hosts teen photography exhibit

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Center for the Arts and the public libraries are inviting the community to attend a teen photography workshop exhibit. Students in fifth through 12th grade will display their work at the Laredo Center for the Arts. The exhibit runs Thursday, Aug. ...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 13, 2026

UISD campuses open doors to thousands of Laredo students

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - United Independent School District officially began the 2026-27 school year Wednesday, Aug. 12, with more than 50 campuses welcoming students back to class. The district expects more than 38,000 students to be enrolled across all campuses this year. Official...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 12, 2026

UISD trustees to revisit Communities in Schools contract amid budget shortfall

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - United ISD trustees are set to review the district’s Communities in Schools contract Thursday evening, Aug. 12, as the district works to close a budget gap. Communities in Schools (CIS) provides support services to identified at-risk students and their famil...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 12, 2026

Craft Corner: Back to school keychains

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Wednesday marked the first day of school for UISD students. All elementary to high school students are back in the classroom. For this edition of craft corner, Gaby Mangual demonstrated how to make a custom keychain that can fit on any backpack! Since all st...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 12, 2026

UISD welcomes 38,000 students, enhanced safety measures

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - United ISD campuses opened Wednesday, Aug. 12, for the first day of the 2026-27 school year, with the district projecting enrollment of more than 38,000 students. Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz spoke to reporters at Ruiz Elementary School, saying staff spen...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 12, 2026

Group delivers Ten Commandments posters to Copperas Cove ISD under state law

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A Texas advocacy group is holding a press conference Wednesday to announce the delivery of Ten Commandments posters to classrooms in the Copperas Cove Independent School District. The event, organized by Texas Values, is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Copperas...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 12, 2026

UISD back to school: new CTE tracks, STEM expansion, and hybrid learning option

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - United Independent School District is heading into the new school year with expanded academic offerings for students at multiple grade levels. UISD staff attended learning summits over the summer in preparation for the changes taking effect this fall. High s...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 11, 2026

St. Augustine schools begin first full day of classes

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Tuesday, Aug. 11, marks the first full day of school for students at St. Augustine Elementary, Middle and High School, one day after the Diocese of Laredo’s Catholic schools kicked off the new year with a half-day Monday, Aug 10. St. Augustine High School Pr...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 11, 2026

Laredo animal shelter to get new surgical center with federal funding

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Nearly $950,000 in federal funding is headed to the Laredo Animal Care Services ( LACS ) facility, secured by Congressman Henry Cuellar. The money will be used to build a new surgical center on the campus of the existing shelter. The facility will include fi...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 10, 2026

LISD students return to class with safety as top priority

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Nearly 19,000 Laredo ISD students returned to classrooms Monday, Aug. 10, as district officials made safety their top priority for the new school year. With thousands of students back on campuses, LISD Superintendent Guillermo Pro said the focus is on a secu...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 10, 2026

LISD students return to class as district emphasizes safety, academic goals

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo ISD students returned to classrooms as district leaders said safety and academic improvement are the top priorities for the new school year. Superintendent Guillermo Pro spoke from Sanchez Ochoa Elementary School on the first day of school, Monday, Au...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 10, 2026

Tedde Moore, who played teacher in ‘A Christmas Story,’ dies at 79

(Gray News) - Tedde Moore, who is best known for playing Ralphie Parker’s teacher in “A Christmas Story,” has died. Moore, who was 79, died Wednesday in Ontario, according to a post on her Facebook page. “On Wednesday August 5, under sunny skies overlooking Fairy Lake, Tedde pass...

KGNS — SitewideAug 10, 2026

Laredo-area schools return to class this week

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Several Laredo-area school districts and private schools are set to begin the 2026-2027 school year this week, with first days spread across Monday through Wednesday. Webb Consolidated ISD was the first to return, beginning classes Friday, Aug. 7. Monday and...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 9, 2026

Texas tax-free weekend underway in Laredo

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Texas Tax-Free Weekend is underway, offering shoppers a chance to save on back-to-school purchases through Sunday night. The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo kicked off the weekend with a Back-to-School Bash Saturday, August 8, featuring free backpacks, live music a...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 8, 2026

LISD urges drivers to slow down as school year begins

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo Independent School District officials are urging parents, guardians and drivers to allow extra travel time and follow traffic laws as the new school year begins Monday, Aug. 10. District officials said they want the school year to start safely, encour...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 7, 2026

HOLA! Art, Coffee, and Cinema

LAREDO, Tex. (Hola Laredo) - This week, we’re exploring the Casa de Cambios art installation and helping you secure the best back-to-school mattress sales for a perfect night’s sleep. We’ll also grab a delicious local brew at Frappy’s Coffee Bar , get a sneak peek at the Fronterr...

KGNS — SitewideAug 7, 2026

Ellie-Vated Conversations: LISD Executive Director of Communication Veronica Castillon

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - School is officially back in session! The Laredo Independent School District (LISD) is back to school on Monday, August 10. Veronica Castillon has worked with the district for 33 years and hold the title of Executive Director for Communications. With her exp...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 7, 2026

Laredo ISD freshman schedule pickup, first day bell times

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Friday marks the final day of schedule pickup week for Laredo Independent School District students. Freshman students can pick up their schedules at their respective campus locations. School begins Monday. Bell times are as follows: Elementary: 7:45 a.m. Mid...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 7, 2026

LISD offers free breakfast, lunch and snacks to all students

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - As part of the back-to-school focus here in town, we are diving into the food local students eat. For Laredo Independent School District (LISD), that means providing breakfast, lunch and a snack every school day. LISD Director of Child Nutrition Program Robe...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 7, 2026

Hebbronville Looking to Bounce Back in ‘26

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - We continue rolling through our high school football previews and tonight it’s about the guys to our east in Hebbronville, where they are looking to bounce back after a rough 2025 season. For the first time in over a decade the Hebbronville Longhorns ended t...

KGNS — SitewideAug 7, 2026

Laredo Main Street farmer’s market adds back-to-school theme, teacher giveaway

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo Main Street is putting a back-to-school spin on its monthly farmer’s market, set for Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Outlet Shops of Laredo. The market takes place the third Saturday of every month. This month’s event will feature the organizati...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 6, 2026

UISD counselor shares back-to-school tips on routines, time management

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - With United ISD set to begin the new school year on Aug. 12, the district’s director of guidance and counseling is urging parents and students to start building routines this week. Melissa Ramirez said the transition back to school can bring stress and anxie...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 6, 2026

Texas tax-free weekend offers back-to-school savings

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Texas’ annual tax-free weekend begins Friday, Aug. 7, and runs through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9, giving back-to-school shoppers a window to save on qualifying purchases. The Texas Comptroller says the exemption applies to most clothing, shoes, school supplies...

KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local NewsAug 6, 2026