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Hello Laredo! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Free CDL program for high schoolers, spring break travel safety update, and major rail project funding + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Laredo protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Meeting local workforce needs: United ISD and Laredo College have partnered to offer a free CDL program for local high schoolers, with a class training on simulators and expected to earn licenses by May — get all the details.

Mexico travel safety update: Ahead of spring break, the Mexican Consulate in Laredo says major tourist areas remain safe, with Vallarta and Guadalajara airports open, and urges visitors to follow basic safety practices — get all the details.

Major infrastructure boost announced: Laredo received over $58 million for the Santa Maria rail grade separation project to remove at-grade crossings and ease congestion. It was the largest single award from $160 million statewide — get all the details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Understand Medicare options with confidence
• Walk and run to fight MS
• Earn volunteer hours at MOS Library
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Flowers that land right: For birthdays, apologies, or just-because moments, Garza’s Floral & Gift Shop delivers fresh stems and thoughtful designs with same-day saves that feel personal, not cookie-cutter. Share your colors or favorite blooms, and they’ll craft something spot-on, often as soon as this week.

Try a midweek climb: Between the elevated ropes course, zip line, and legit rock wall, Pla-Mor Entertainment is ideal for burning energy and grinning like a kid again. Grab a couple friends, conquer a few climbs, and call it cross-training for life… loud, local, and delightfully unserious.

Pie plans, solved: Whether you crave classic or creamy, the pie lineup at Cakeland Central hits the spot: pecan, coconut cream, apple crumb, cherry, and more, all baked fresh for midweek morale. Treat yourself now and save a slice for tomorrow; future you will definitely be grateful.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Check out my favorite online options →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎤 Community Talent Stage @ North Central Park | Wednesday (3/11) at 1:00 PM – Nothing beats hometown talent at the Kite Festival, so bring your solo, your crew, or that cousin who swears he’s stage-ready. Keep it PG, 25-minute sets, waiver required. Want in? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/K5Yd7sbxbEWL7MY97, then let Laredo cheer.

✨ Light Up The Night @ Imaginarium of South Texas | Wednesday (3/11) at 6:00 PM – Free admission for all from 6 to 9 as AEP Texas lights up the night, and for once they are picking up the tab. Expect glow, easygoing crowds, and a reason to linger outside with a coffee, the neighbors, or both.

🏆 Solar Cup Youth Tournament @ PEG Energy Stadium | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 AM – Solar Cup brings 7v7 youth soccer to brand-new PEG Energy Stadium, giving Laredo parents an excuse to pack chairs, coolers, and sunscreen. Texas sanctioned, U8 to U14, boys and girls, three-game minimum over two days. Expect goals, grass stains, and sideline wisdom, just register fast.

🐰 Easter Bunny Fest @ The Outlet Shoppes | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Easter Bunny Fest at The Outlet Shoppes is kid paradise, minus the meltdown. Snag eggs with surprises, score gift baskets for the first 100 kids if you beat the stroller stampede, nab free pics with the Bunny, plus toys, prizes, music, and games. Bring caffeine.

🎉 Spring Break Bash @ Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – Spring Break without the airport shuffle sounds lovely. Rodeo is hosting a family bash with Kona Ice, coloring sheets, stickers, and kid joy, plus $500 off braces, so you can upgrade smiles and celebrate with shaved ice. No appointment, just wander in.

🙋 Teen Volunteer Program @ Sophie Christen McKendrick, Francisco Ochoa, and Fernando A. Salinas Branch Library | Wednesday (3/18) at 5:30 PM – If your teen needs service hours and you need the living room back, send them to MOS Branch Library’s teen volunteer program. Incoming 5th to 12th graders volunteer, make arts and crafts, catch movie parties, and play games, leaving with hours and fewer eye rolls.

🥋 Texas Elite Fighter Martial Arts Championship @ Laredo Firefighters Reception Hall | Saturday (3/28) at 9:00 AM – Hit the Laredo Fire Fighters Reception Hall for a legit martial arts showdown with forms, weapons, and point sparring, no backyard belts here. From tiny tornadoes to black belts, Grand Champion glory is up for grabs. Register early, claim a spot, or claim a seat.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Laredo report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 92°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 25%

A chance of rain showers before 7am. Sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 87. West northwest wind 8 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Clear, with a low around 61. North wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 51°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny, with a high near 77. North wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 51. East wind around 6 mph.

This house is wild

This beautifully maintained Lakeside-area gem in Laredo delivers an airy open-concept layout with generous living spaces and a kitchen made for entertaining. The private primary suite adds comfort, while additional bedrooms flex for guests, work, or hobbies. A welcoming backyard sets the scene for evening hangouts. Close to schools, shopping, dining, and major roadways for everyday ease.

Take a peek inside →