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safety

House fire closes streets near Springfield Ave. in Laredo

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A house fire broke out in the 5800 block of Springfield Avenue at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, according to the Laredo Fire Department. Flames and smoke were coming from the living room, and the fire spread into the attic before being extinguished, the Laredo Pol...

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

safety

Fire reported on open lot in south Laredo

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A fire that broke out Friday, August 14, on a warehouse lot near Highway 59 in the Remington area has been extinguished. Investigators have not yet determined a cause, fire officials said. The Laredo Fire Department responded around 8 p.m. to reports of the ...

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

safety

Laredo police, fire unions warn of officer departures amid stalled contract talks

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Unions representing Laredo police officers and firefighters appeared before a special city council meeting Friday, Aug. 14, warning that stalled contract negotiations could drive officers and firefighters out of the department. Sgt. Heriberto Avalos, preside...

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

schools

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

News

Has your vehicle been searched by Flock cameras? Here’s how to check

(Gray News) - A website is allowing drivers to see if Flock surveillance cameras have searched for their vehicle. HaveIBeenFlocked allows users to type their license plate number into a search bar to run through a series of “audit logs” within the Flock system, according to the w...

KGNS — SitewideAug 15, 2026

safety

Laredo crash involving tractor-trailer closes two lanes

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) -A crash involving a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer is blocking two southbound lanes near FM 1472 Road and Pellegrino Court, according to the Laredo Police Department. Heavy traffic is being reported in the area as of Friday, Aug. 14. For more headlines, c...

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

safety

Man training to be deputy arrested on child sex charge, sheriff’s department says

COLUMBIA, S.C. ( WIS /Gray News) - A man who was training to become a sheriff’s deputy in Richland County has found himself on the other side of the law. According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, 38-year-old Kenneth Edmonds has been arrested and charged with criminal...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

safety

LPD cites hundreds in school zones as students return to class

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department is warning drivers to slow down in school zones after issuing hundreds of citations during the first week of school. The Laredo Police Department’s traffic unit handed out 328 citations in Laredo ISD and United ISD school zones. ...

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

Local

Border crossings drop since Trump took office, CBP data shows

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - New data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows a significant drop in border crossings since President Donald Trump took office. In the Laredo sector, Border Patrol agents working between the ports of entry recorded nearly 10% fewer encounters year o...

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

safety

Funeral procession crash in Laredo injures motorcycle escort

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Update: The owner of the funeral procession company has since disputed the police department’s initial report, saying the escort was never in critical condition. A motorcycle escort was struck during a funeral procession near the intersection of Hillside and...

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

News

Luigi Mangione pleads guilty to federal stalking charges

NEW YORK (Gray Media) - Luigi Mangione, the 28-year-old accused in the high-profile 2024 killing of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges in a Manhattan courtroom on Friday. “Violence is not a legitimate instrument to promote any p...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

News

American missionary freed after nine months held captive in Niger

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - A North Carolina-based mission organization, SIM, announced Friday that American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after nine months in captivity in Niger. SIM said Rideout was kidnapped from outside his home in Niamey, the capital of Niger, in Oct...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

government

King announces re-election bid for Laredo City Council District 6

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - District 6 City Council Member Dr. Tyler King announced his campaign for re-election. King said he is asking District 6 residents for the chance to continue work he began four years ago. “Four years ago, I ran because I believed District 6 deserved a represe...

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

safety

Kentucky woman faces felony charges in connection to WWII Memorial vandalism

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - A Kentucky woman faces felony charges after U.S. Park Police arrested her Friday in connection with the vandalism of the World War II Memorial in Washington. Melissa Farris, 40, of Elizabethtown, Ky.,is accused of spray-painting the phrase “clean hands – di...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

Local

Laredo city leaders to meet on Hamilton Senior Apartments AC outage

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Dozens of seniors living at the Hamilton Senior Apartments have been without central air conditioning for months, according to city officials. The city has distributed window units and fans to residents as a temporary measure. A permanent repair requires cus...

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

Local

Laredo capital murder case heads toward plea deal or trial Monday

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A man charged with capital murder in the March 2025 death of a 20-year-old woman will either accept a plea deal or face a jury beginning Monday, Aug. 17. Fernando Machado is charged with the capital murder of Frida Castillo, who was killed inside a Laredo ho...

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

business

HOLA! Treasures, Local Businesses & Art

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - his week we uncover stunning jewelry finds, recap the vibrant Caminarte art walk, and we sit down with licensed professional Lidia Ovideo Torres on athlete mental health, and celebrate the grand opening of Laredo Medical Weight Loss. For more headlines, clic...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

business

Almost 23,000 car seats are under recall. Here’s what you should know

(Gray News) - Evenflo is recalling Revolve 180 Litemax NXT car seats manufactured until March 31, 2025, due to calibration issues. The recall was announced on Aug. 6 and applies to just under 23,000 models. According to the company, the level indicator may be miscalibrated in vio...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

safety

Man accused of urinating on people during Morgan Wallen concert arrested, police say

BALTIMORE (Gray News) – A man in North Carolina was arrested Wednesday after police say he urinated on concertgoers, including an 8-year-old girl, during a Morgan Wallen show at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore last month. Jayson Reed, 33, faces four counts of second-degree assault,...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

safety

Semitruck carrying sea lions crashes on interstate

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. ( KMOV /Gray News) - One person was hurt when a semitruck carrying sea lions crashed in Missouri. The crash happened around 3 a.m. Aug. 13, on Interstate 70 in Boone County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Troopers said a semitruck carrying three...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

Local

Ellie-Vated Conversations with Alexander Director of Bands Ricardo Fuentes

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - It is almost that time of year! When football teams hit the field and marching bands are in the stands and performing halftime shows. Over at Alexander, Ricardo Fuentes, the director of bands, took the time to give an insight look for what to expect this mar...

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

schools

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

business

Spirit Halloween’s parent company to acquire Hot Topic

(Gray News) - Spirit Halloween’s parent company announced it was acquiring the popular retail store Hot Topic. Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc. announced it had reached an agreement with the private equity firm Sycamore Partners to purchase Hot Topic, Inc. and its brands: Hot Topic,...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

schools

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

safety

Laredo police hosting ‘Fill a Trunk’ donation drive for animal shelter

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo police are hosting a “Fill a Laredo Police Trunk” donation drive to collect supplies for the Laredo Animal Care Services shelter. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the HEB Plus. Officers will be on site to collect donation...

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

News

Man accused of capturing endangered turtles faces more than 100 charges

WINSTON COUNTY, Ala. ( WBRC /Gray News) — An Iowa man is facing more than 100 charges in Alabama in connection with a case that involved a critically endangered species native only to the state. According to court records, Aiden Throndson was charged with 20 counts of violating t...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

safety

6-year-old girl dies after being left in hot daycare van, family says

CORDOVA, Tenn. ( WMC /Gray News) – A 6-year-old girl died after being left behind in a hot daycare van, family members said. Officers with the Memphis Police Department found Winter Jones unresponsive at Kid University just after 3:15 p.m. The girl’s family said she was taken to ...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

safety

LFD to host informational sessions for prospective firefighters

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Fire Department is hosting a series of informational sessions for those interested in careers as firefighters or paramedics. The sessions, beginning Aug. 14, will cover the fire academy, eligibility requirements, the application process and what i...

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

Local

Hot days ahead

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Another hot and humid day with highs in the 90s to 100s. Moderate to Extreme risk of heat-related impacts through next week, with peak heat indices 108 to 112. Breezy to windy southeasterly winds day and night. Gusting 24-28 mph. A slight chance 10% of isola...

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

safety

73-year-old dies after rock crashes through Jeep roof on national parks trip

KANSAS CITY, Mo. ( KCTV /Gray News) - Friends and family are expected to gather Friday to celebrate the life of a 73-year-old Missouri man who was killed when a rock broke through the roof of a Jeep at Glacier National Park last month. Rex Schowengerdt and his wife, Chris, drove ...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

safety

Former deputy turned himself in on multiple child sex crime charges, sheriff says

MADISON COUNTY, Texas ( KBTX /Gray News) - A former deputy in Texas turned himself in on multiple felony charges, including the sexual assault of a child. According to Madison County Sheriff Bobby Adams, 24-year-old Jerry Reyes turned himself in Thursday to the Burleson County Sh...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

News

Deputy and his K-9 partner track down endangered patient who ran away from hospital

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. ( WECT /Gray News) - A North Carolina sheriff’s deputy and his K-9 partner were recognized for tracking down an endangered patient who fled a hospital over the weekend. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office honored Sgt. John Smith and K-9 Tango for their wo...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

Local

Cowboys banking on Downs to play big role in 2026

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Dallas Cowboys are looking to first-round draft pick Caleb Downs to be a key part of their defensive rebuild in 2026. Downs, a safety, played college football at both Alabama and Ohio State, where he worked under several of the sport’s most recognized de...

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

Local

Wolves Look To Continue Building Winning Culture This Season

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - After a couple of years of not having much success on the gridiron the Johnson Wolves finally made it back to the promised land of the playoffs last season before bowing out against Cibolo Steele. It all started with the change of mindset that the kids under...

KGNS — SitewideAug 14, 2026

schools

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

schools

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

Local

Some Clouds Friday, Heat Continues

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A weak disturbance will move across south Texas during Friday. Only a marginal amount of moisture will be available to this system, limiting our shower chances. A few lucky spots could have a shower pass through. Drier air will return from the lower Mississi...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 13, 2026

parks

Bee stings at Laredo park prompt city response

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Parents are raising concerns after children were stung repeatedly by bees during baseball games at Independence Hills Park in early August. The city has since responded with new measures, though some parents say more needs to be done. Bees disrupt games, sen...

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

safety

Security guard charged after stabbing truck driver during delivery altercation

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A security guard was arrested after stabbing a truck driver during an altercation at a business on the city’s north side, according to the Laredo Police Department. Officers responded to the 15200 block of Fatima Drive at 10:23 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, af...

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

schools

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

Local

Laredo bridge system to enforce new trade tag policy

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The city of Laredo is notifying the commercial trucking industry of a policy change at the bridge system that starts Monday, Aug. 17. Under the new policy, southbound commercial truck drivers without credit on their trade tag will no longer be required to ma...

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

safety

Laredo man wanted on 7 felony warrants including child sexual assault charges

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department is seeking the public’s help locating a 21-year-old man wanted on seven pending felony arrest warrants, including charges of child sexual assault. Oswaldo Isai Urbina, 21, faces the following charges: Sexual assault of a child — ...

KGNS — Top NewsAug 13, 2026