LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - Senator Ted Cruz held a townhall meeting in downtown Laredo to discuss several issues including commerce, border security and economic growth.

The most highlighted topics were the importance of trade in the community, and the proposed 4/5 bridge.

Cruz said the presidential permit has not been signed; however, the president has 180 days to sign the permit; if not, the permit gets granted automatically.

Senator Cruz said that once the permit is approved, it will help further trade and bring more jobs to the community.

“That’s going to have a huge economic impact on South Texas and all of Texas. Every year Texas and Mexico do over 8.2 billion dollars in trade that is enormous commerce,” said Senator Cruz. “The World Trade Bridge right is eight lanes, the proposal is to expand to 18 lanes. The 4/5 bridge is going to give another avenue to come in. You put Brownsville and Eagle Pass all of that benefits, the farmers in Texas, ranchers in Texas, small business in Texas manufacturers in Texas. It benefits Texas consumers and I’ll tell you what it also does, it benefits the whole country.”

He adds legislation has passed to expand and make improvements to highway 22, 69 and 2.

Having these infrastructure improvements will result in tractor trailers being able to travel from point a to point b in the U.S.

Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino and Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina also participated on the panel with Senator Cruz.

AThe three vowed they would continue working together.

LAREDO, TX (KGNS) - After a recent string of deadly crashes along Loop 20, some of which have involved motorcycles, the Texas Department of Transportation is urging residents to practice driver safety in order to avoid becoming a victim.

One of the most important piece of advice they share is that drivers must always be aware of their surroundings, and avoid distractions such as mobile devices when operating a motor vehicle.

“Drivers and motorcyclists alike need to do their part to, to make sure that they do everything in their power, behind the wheel, to try to save lives because motorcycles are not protected like people in vehicles,” said Raul Leal. “We need to be more careful around them.  We need to remember that they’re around us all the time.”

Drivers must also remember to follow the posted speed limit.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - People with outstanding warrants or traffic violations will have a chance to clear their record, no questions asked starting next week.

Starting on Monday, Feb. 26, Municipal Court Judge Jesus “Chuy” Dominguez will hold a Warrant Forgiveness Amnesty program.

This will be the fifth time the program takes place at the Laredo Municipal Court.

The program includes all pending cases, arrest warrants, capias pro-fines, DPS Omni holds and cases submitted to Linebarger collections.

Judge Dominguez assures that no one will be arrested as long as they make an appearance in court and attempt to make arrangements on their pending cases.

“If you don’t have the resources, you need to come to court to tell us, like that we can go through the exercise of the ability to pay and then we’ll put you on a special program, so you’ll be able to finish your cases,” said Judge Dominguez. “Just because you do not have money is not an excuse to show up.”

The program will start on Feb. 26 and will end on Mar. 22.

Municipal Court clerks are available to help the public with any information they may need.

Those interested can stop by the court located at 4610 Maher Avenue.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - Authorities need your help locating a man wanted for aggravated assault.

Mario Lugo Alvarez, 60, has a pending arrest warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon from a case that was reported on Jan. 27, 2024.

He is roughly five feet, seven to eight inches, weighs between 200 to 220 pounds and has brown eyes.

If you have any information regarding his location, you are urged to call Laredo Crime Stoppers at 956-727-TIPS.

All calls will remain anonymous and you may qualify for a cash reward.

EAGLE PASS, TX. (KGNS) - Federal agents seize what they are calling is the largest meth bust.

The seizure happened on Sunday, Feb. 18 at the Camion Real International Bridge after a CBP officer referred a trailer to secondary inspection.

The driver was hauling a shipment of drying agent for piglets at the time of the inspection.

Agents searched the trailer and found 13,100 pounds of meth within the trailer.

The drugs had an estimated street value of 117.1 million dollars.

CBP officers seized the drugs, and the case was turned over to Homeland Security.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - The Laredo Chapter of Veteran’s Affairs is holding a town hall meeting to highlight some of the benefits available to former military members.

One of the topics set to be discussed will be the availability of remote services veterans could access without having to leave their home.

The town hall meeting will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.

Organizers will be available to answer any questions veterans may have until 7:30 p.m. at the VA clinic located at 4602 North Bartlett Avenue.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - Laredo College is inviting the community to a fun family outing taking place this weekend.

This Saturday, Feb. 24 LC will be hosting its annual Family Fun Fest at the Fort McIntosh Campus.

This is an annual event that coincides with all the WBCA Festivities and every year it gets bigger and better.

There will be plenty of games, activities, and entertainment for the whole family.

Organizers say it’s a great event to help promote higher education among the youth.

The LC Fun Fest will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.