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It’s Friday, Laredo! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Record trade tops $353.94B, Easter Bunny Fest freebies, and Mike E. Winfield stand-up + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

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

North American supply chains deepen: Port Laredo recorded $353.94 billion in 2025 trade, a 4.4% jump. With more than 97% linked to Mexico, the port strengthens Laredo’s standing as the Western Hemisphere’s leading land port — see which sectors drove growth.

Cost-saving service shakeup: Laredo City Manager Joe Neeb presented an efficiency study recommending department consolidations, including Traffic Operations, Animal Care, and the Police Department, with cross-training emphasized and changes expected in coming months — read the full story.

Aid for everyday necessities: Webb County Community Action Agency is offering free diapers and feminine hygiene products, available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for WIC or SNAP participants in Webb County — see who qualifies and when.

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

Backyard color, delivered: Whether your porch craves a pop of color or your garden needs personality, El Mercado Imports, Arts & Crafts brings metal yard art, blown glass, and rustic wall pieces that make spaces feel fun again. From bright hues to gleaming glass, these finds add charm, shine, and a wink.

Beat the Laredo sun: Whether your patio is melting or the loungers are sizzling, Laredo Shades designs and installs custom canopies and awnings made in Laredo. Family owned and BBB A+ rated, they build sturdy, good-looking coverings that cool hot spots, so weeknights outside feel easy again.

Craving coastal comfort: La Roca Seafood & Italian Restaurant nails weeknight cravings with shrimp cocktails, Enchiladas del Mar, and crisp Atlantic salmon, plus a sushi wildcard if you’re adventurous. It’s easy, cozy, and reliably tasty… perfect for those “I can’t cook tonight” moods.

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 →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

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.

🏆 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.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 Palomazo Norteno @ Sames Auto Arena – 8:00 PM
• 3/13 Emo Fest @ Hal’s Restaurant Bar – 9:00 PM
• 3/14 Taken By Tides and more @ Hal’s Restaurant Bar – 6:00 PM
• 3/20 Sammy Arriaga @ K.A.C Entertainment – 7:00 PM
• 3/20 Stand-Up Comedy: Mike E. Winfield @ Average Joe’s – 7:00 PM
• 3/21 Jamboozie Music Festival 2026 @ San Augustin Plaza – 5:00 PM
• 3/21 Karaoke Night @ Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – 7:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Laredo report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 85°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 85. Heat index values as high as 82. South southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 9 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 95°F – Low: 67°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 95. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Southeast wind around 12 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

This house is wild

This 4-bed, 4-bath custom home with a 2-car garage sits in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by lush landscaping. High ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and smart lighting pair with surround sound for lively gatherings. Solar screens and a sprinkler system add ease, plus walk-in closets. Balconies overlook a private backyard and a large veranda-style stone patio off the kitchen and family room.

Take a peek inside →

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