Good morning, Laredo.

On Thursday, July 2, a Laredo faith community gathered in North Laredo to pray and collect food, medical supplies and rescue equipment for victims of an earthquake in Venezuela.

Laredo will mark its 250th U.S. Independence Day celebration tomorrow, July 4, at El Portal Plaza with local festivities planned to honor the historic milestone.

The Cigarroa family’s annual Fourth of July celebration will take place at Tres Laredos Park tomorrow with Solido performing at 7:30 p.m. and Los Palominos at 9:15 p.m. + fireworks will light up the Rio Grande at 11 p.m.

Local leaders warn that uncertain USMCA rules could hurt jobs + cross-border trade in the area.

They say a lack of clear guidelines may challenge local businesses and workers.

TAMIU faculty scholarship is featured in the May-August issue of Revista de Literatura Mexicana Contemporánea as part of a dossier prepared by Dr. José Cardona-López.

The collection includes seven articles from the Department of Humanities that highlight academic research.

On Thursday, July 2, the TAMIU Banking Academy received a $25,000 gift from the Texas Bankers Association to enhance student professional development & industry engagement.

The donation reinforces a strong local partnership that boosts career training opportunities in banking.

The City of Laredo said that Lyon tanks are refilling slower than expected after a break in the water main.

Water pressure is stable in West, Central and South areas, though Highway 359 still experiences low pressure, likely because of extreme heat + higher water use.

City of Laredo Utilities fixed a break on a 36-inch water line (affecting several neighborhoods) on July 1 and crews continue working on restoring normal water service as the Lyon Tanks refill.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is urging parents to watch their children near water indoors & outdoors ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, after 44 water-related child fatalities were reported this year, including four in South Texas.

The Laredo Public Health Department launched its free Arts and Crafts for Mental Health series on Thursday, July 2 at the Fernando Salinas Community Center; the weekly sessions help adults reduce stress through interactive projects and will run every Thursday in July.

Suicide deaths in Laredo dropped 25% in June, with police reporting one fatality compared to 12 last year even as calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline increased 45% according to the city’s health department (outreach efforts were credited for the improvement).

Sister Cities Festival Volunteer Opportunity

10 AM - 8 PM — Sames Auto Arena — Volunteer positions available — Help create an awesome experience at the Sister Cities Festival.

Comedy Night at Hal's

8-10:30 p.m. — Hal's Restaurant Bar — Check venue for admission details — Experience an evening filled with Spanish comedy and great drinks in a lively atmosphere.

Live Stand-Up Comedy: Richard Villa at AJs

7-9:30 p.m. — Average Joes — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Richard Villa in a top comedy showcase.