24/7 Laredo

🚨Federal Judge Blocks SNAP Restrictions on Soda, Candy Purchases

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from allowing states to ban SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase soda, candy, and other sugary products.

In a ruling issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson found that the U.S. Department of Agriculture exceeded its legal authority when it approved waivers restricting certain food purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The lawsuit was brought by SNAP recipients in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

The waivers were part of the administration's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, which aimed to limit the purchase of sugary products with federal food assistance benefits. Similar waivers had been approved for more than 20 states.

Jackson's ruling focused on federal law, not the health policy debate itself. The court concluded that Congress, not the USDA, has the authority to change which foods qualify for SNAP benefits.

The USDA has defended the restrictions as an effort to promote healthier eating and reduce chronic disease, but has not announced whether it will appeal the decision.

SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, provides food assistance to millions of Americans and generally allows benefits to be used for most food products intended for home consumption.

🚨Laredo Mother Charged After Five Children and Dog Found in Hot Vehicle With Open Alcohol Container, Police Say

Five children, including one with special needs, were found in concerning conditions outside a Laredo hardware store after police received a report that several of them were selling candy while their mother was asleep inside a vehicle.

According to the Laredo Police Department, officers responded at approximately 4:55 p.m. June 22 to a hardware store in the 5900 block of San Bernardo Avenue.

Officers located 27-year-old Casey Lynn Carolina Hernandez asleep inside a Mitsubishi Outlander. Police reported finding an open alcoholic beverage container inside the vehicle, along with two children. Three additional children were outside the vehicle selling candy.

Authorities identified the children as ages 4, 8, 10, 12, and 12. Investigators determined that two of the children were Hernandez's children, while the other three were her nieces and nephews.

Police also observed that the vehicle's air conditioning was not working and that the children appeared to be sweating heavily. A pit bull was also found inside the vehicle.

Paramedics responded to evaluate the children, while Child Protective Services was notified. The children were later released to a relative, and Animal Control took custody of the dog.

Hernandez was arrested and charged with three counts of Abandoning or Endangering a Child and one count of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals.

(Individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.)

LAREDO👋 Estas pagando mucho dinero 💸 en tu aseguranza? Fair Bridge Insurance te puede ayudar a pagar menos este 2026 en tus seguros de auto 🚗🚛🚙🛻

✅ No cobros extra para iniciar o renovar
✅ Asistencia con reclamos
✅ Servicio amable y profesional
✅ Aseguramos todo Texas
✅ Seguros reconocidos y económicos
✅ Coberturas Liability / Full Coverage
✅ Servicio de grúa y carro de renta
✅ Oficina local en Laredo
✅ Pólizas de 1, 3, 6 meses
✅ Autos comerciales
✅ No se ocupa licencia
✅ Cotizaciones gratis

Contamos con una gran selección de aseguranzas. Ahorrar es fácil solo llama o manda mensaje📲 956-634-7884 Muchas Gracias!

🚨Fake Google Street View Vehicle Used in Smuggling Attempt, Border Patrol Says

A vehicle disguised to resemble a Google Street View car was stopped by Border Patrol agents near Cotulla during an alleged human smuggling attempt, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Authorities said the vehicle was carrying individuals who were in the country illegally. All occupants are pending deportation proceedings, while the driver faces federal alien smuggling charges.

According to a statement shared by U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector, the disguise was an apparent attempt to avoid detection, but agents were able to identify the scheme and stop the vehicle.

Do you know what types of compensation could be available after an accident under Texas law?

🔎 Wawi Tijerina Law is here to help you and your family find out what you could be entitled to! ⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️

Depending on the circumstances, damages that may be recovered can include 🩺 Medical Expenses, 💸 Lost Wages, and 🧠 Physical and Emotional Impact of an Injury

Contact our office at Wawi Tijerina Law today to learn more!
📞 (956) 489-1300 | 🖥️ wawitijerinalaw.com
📍 1000 Washington St, Ste 3 - Laredo, Texas


Sponsored Advertisement

🚨District 6 Brush & Bulky Item Collection Scheduled for June 26

The City of Laredo Solid Waste Department will conduct its Brush & Bulky Item Collection for District 6 on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Residents within the designated District 6 collection area can place unwanted furniture, mattresses, appliances, and other bulky household items out for pickup.

✅ Active residential accounts only
✅ Place items at the curb by 7:00 a.m.
✅ Keep items clear of streets, sidewalks, and other obstructions

Residents seeking collection area information can find additional details through the City of Laredo's website or official page.

📞 For more information, call 3-1-1 or (956) 796-1098.

🎓📚 United ISD Students Experience College Life Through Prestigious Spanish Summer Academy

Twenty-one outstanding United ISD students are spending this week at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), taking part in an intensive residential Spanish Summer Academy that is helping them take significant steps toward their academic futures.

The program serves as the highly anticipated summer component of the Early Birds Spanish Minor Academy (EBSMA), a groundbreaking partnership between United ISD and UTSA. Through this unique opportunity, select students from the Class of 2027 are working toward earning a Spanish minor while still enrolled in high school—an achievement that sets them apart as they prepare for college and beyond.

Representing both United High School and Alexander High School, these high-achieving students recently completed the dual credit course Spanish 3063 and are now living on the UTSA campus in Guadalupe Hall, gaining firsthand experience of university life. Throughout the week, participants are immersed in advanced translation and interpretation coursework, challenging themselves academically while expanding their language and cultural competencies.

Beyond the classroom, students are also taking part in a variety of cultural, recreational, and team-building activities designed to create a well-rounded college experience. From friendly athletic competitions and campus events to dedicated study sessions at the UTSA Library, the academy offers valuable opportunities for growth, collaboration, and leadership.

The week-long experience will conclude on June 26 with a final examination and a formal Closing Ceremony, where students will receive academy diplomas and celebrate the successful completion of an unforgettable academic journey.

Programs like EBSMA continue to showcase United ISD’s commitment to providing innovative opportunities that prepare students for success at the collegiate level and beyond. Congratulations to these remarkable students for embracing this challenge and representing their schools with excellence!

🏆🥇 Bulldog Nation Celebrates a National Champion!

Alexander High School has a national champion to celebrate.

Oscar Alvarado III, a rising sophomore and standout multi-sport athlete, captured the Freshman Division Shot Put title at the 2026 Nike Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, earning the title of National Champion against some of the top young athletes in the country.

Oscar delivered a remarkable performance, recording a personal-best throw of 53 feet, 3 inches and breaking the meet record not once, but twice on his way to the championship. His achievement reflects countless hours of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Representing Alexander High School, Laredo, and Bulldog Nation on the national stage, Oscar has already established himself as one of the area’s brightest young track and field stars. As he continues to develop his talents, the future looks incredibly promising for this rising Bulldog.

Congratulations to Oscar Alvarado III on an incredible accomplishment and a well-earned national title. Bulldog Nation has plenty to be proud of!

🎓🐻 Leadership Spotlight: Dr. Sophia Lorraine Vasquez Scruggs Named Principal of Veterans Memorial Elementary!

Veterans Memorial Elementary School is welcoming a familiar and dedicated leader to the helm as Dr. Sophia Lorraine Vasquez Scruggs has officially been promoted to Principal of the Mighty Bears!

Dr. Scruggs’ journey is a true testament to dedication, growth, and service. From her beginnings as a paraprofessional to becoming a classroom teacher and later an administrator, she has spent years building a strong foundation in education while making a lasting impact on students and families along the way.

What makes this achievement even more special is her deep connection to the community she now leads. Having started her teaching career within the same feeder pattern, Dr. Scruggs describes this new role as a meaningful full-circle moment. She shared that she feels a tremendous sense of pride and responsibility to the students, families, and staff members who helped shape her professional journey.

As she steps into the principalship, Dr. Scruggs is focused on building upon the school’s strong foundation by empowering educators, fostering student growth through data-driven instruction, and strengthening partnerships with parents and the community. Her vision includes creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive campus culture where every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

The Veterans Memorial Elementary community has much to look forward to under her leadership. Congratulations to Dr. Scruggs on this well-deserved promotion, and best wishes as she begins this exciting new chapter leading the Mighty Bears!

💚🎓 Student’s Advocacy Brings $2,500 Donation to Palomino Pantry

A Laredo College student is helping make a difference for fellow Palominos.

Thanks to a $2,500 donation from KEDPLASMA, the Palomino Pantry received food, hygiene products, and other essential items to support students in need. The contribution was made possible through the efforts of Kimberly Ramirez, an LC welding student who advocated for the pantry after seeing firsthand how it helps students—including one of her own friends.

Kimberly’s initiative highlights the impact one student can have on their community. Her efforts helped connect valuable resources to a program that continues to support student success across campus.

Led by the Office of Student Life, the Palomino Pantry has now raised more than $100,000 over the past year, providing critical assistance to students as they pursue their educational goals.

A big thank you to KEDPLASMA and Kimberly Ramirez for helping strengthen the Palomino community.