LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - As temperatures soar, so do electricity bills in Texas, with the state ranking third in the nation for the highest energy costs. The strain is evident in Laredo, where many households are feeling the financial pressure.

According to data from LendingTree and the U.S. Census Bureau, the average Texas household spends over $200 on electricity each month, placing the Lone Star State among the top three states with the highest energy costs. This rising expense has become a growing burden for many, especially in Webb County.

Tony Ramos, a local energy consumer, shared his experience: “On average, we’re paying anywhere between $250, and $300, but I have seen it slightly go up. We’ve been paying for a good while now, but we notice energy rates go up as you renew contracts.”

Ramos is not alone. Many in Webb County are struggling to keep up with their utility bills. But there is hope for those who need assistance.

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), managed by the Webb County Community Action Agency, is helping low-income families tackle overdue bills while promoting energy conservation to reduce future costs.

“Those people that qualify, we help them to go and pay some of their monthly bills or assist in paying some of their monthly bills,” said Adolfo Gutierrez, the Community Social Services Manager at the agency.

To qualify for the program, applicants must fall below the federal 150% poverty line. For example, individuals must make $22,000 or less annually, and a two-person household must earn $30,000 or less.

Gutierrez emphasized, “Just like any of the programs we do, we require proof of income, their last three energy bills, their last three light bills, and proof of residency, obviously, and of course, proof of income, which is mainly what we require.”

Officials encourage anyone facing difficulties to reach out to their utility provider or local agencies like CEAP for assistance. Those interested in applying for the program can click here.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - United Independent School District (UISD) is working to stop vaping in schools, a growing problem in Laredo and across the country.

Vape detectors were added to some campuses earlier this year. Recently, students at United South High School’s Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council created an anti-vaping video. The video shows the dangers of vaping and the devices being used.

This school year, UISD has reported 25 cases of students vaping. The youngest student caught was in 5th grade.

To help their classmates, students plan to start a peer support group to understand why so many are vaping.

“Using vaping as an escape for their mental health—any sort of stress—students think that is the way to escape things,” said Iris Gabriela Rosas, a student involved in the effort. “It’s not our job, but it’s a task we are trying to tackle to help those around us.”

UISD started a vaping task force in 2023 and is working with parents and staff to stop vaping among students.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Both Laredo school districts have released important updates regarding the holiday break.

United Independent School District (UISD) Schedule:

As the school year winds down, UISD has some key reminders for parents:

• No backpacks needed for students on the last two days of school (Tuesday and Wednesday, December 17 and 18).

• Tuesday, December 17 is a full day of classes.

• Wednesday, December 18 will be a half-day for all students, with the following release times:

  • Elementary Schools & United Middle 6th Graders: 11:45 AM

  • STEP Academy & Residential Facilities: 12:00 PM

  • Middle Schools: 12:15 PM

  • 9th Grade Campuses: 12:30 PM

  • High Schools: 12:45 PM

Laredo Independent School District (LISD) Schedule:

For LISD parents, here are important holiday break details:

• Friday, December 20 is an early release day with the following schedule:

  • Elementary Schools: 1:00 PM

  • Middle Schools: 1:30 PM

  • High Schools, Magnet, and Specialty Schools: 1:45 PM

• Holiday Break: All LISD campuses and administrative offices will be closed from Monday, December 23, 2024, to Friday, January 10, 2025.

• Classes Resume: Regular schedules will resume on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Make sure to mark your calendars and enjoy the holidays!

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Multiple people, including minors, were arrested following a shooting over the weekend near a park in Central Laredo.

Laredo Police believe it was a suspected robbery that involved drugs.

Felix Flores lives near Three Points Park, but on Sunday, December 15, he said he heard what sounded like six gunshots.

Noting, “I was sitting down watching the Dallas Cowboys and I heard some shots and the car just went speeding away, and then suddenly all of the police came by.“

At around 2:30 p.m., Laredo Police received a call about shots fired near the 2200 block of Cortez St., right next to the park.

Flores added, “They were playing basketball there and doing a carne asada where the families get together, then everybody took off because they heard shots.“

Officers arrived and found several cars that were believed to be damaged by the gunfire, as well as the guns that were allegedly used.

Investigator Joe Baeza with Laredo Police mentioned, “They extended their search a bit and were successful in locating three firearms that were hidden in the back somewhere.”

Baeza added that the Anti-Gang Unit took over the investigation and was able to find seven people who were allegedly tied to the case.

Adding, “They were able to determine that this case was a drug rip in which they were able to rob other people who were dealing or selling drugs. This confrontation ended in the discharge of firearm weapons, again, luckily nobody got hurt.“

Police arrested 17-year-old Cesar Humberto Jimenez, 19-year-old Angel Castillo-Maldonado, 20-year-old Jerry Rogelio Flores, 18-year-old Jesus Flores as well as three minors who are facing charges of engaging in organized crime and possession of a controlled substance.

According to Baeza, they were able to recover drugs, a handful of vape pens, marijuana and mushrooms.

In an area where a lot of families and kids gather outside, Flores asks for more police presence in the neighborhood.

Adding, “We told them to come over and watch the neighborhood or something because it’s kind of dangerous for the families, they could hit somebody, you never know.”

As of this evening, four of the suspects involved remain at the Webb County Jail.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - On Sunday, December 15, Laredo Police responded to a crash at the intersection of Mcpherson and Calle del Norte.

The accident involved a 2021 silver Nissan Titan pickup truck that rear-ended a Laredo Fire Department suburban that was stopped at a red light in the southbound lanes by the 6000 block of McPherson Rd.

The driver of the truck was identified as 50-year-old Roberto Garcia Jr.

According to Laredo Police, Garcia showed signs of intoxication.

He was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.

No injuries were reported.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A man faces charges after crashing into a Laredo Police Department unit over the weekend.

31-year-old Jacob Luan was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.

The crash was reported on Saturday, December 14, at around 2:20 a.m. at the 6500 block of Arena Boulevard.

According to Laredo Police, Luan was leaving a bar in his Hyundai Sonata when he drove on the wrong side of the road.

Luan then allegedly crashed into a marked Laredo Police Unit.

During questioning, police say he was showing signs of being drunk.

Luan was then taken to the Webb County Jail.

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Rick Garza won the runoff election for the Laredo City Council District 4 seat, beating Tannya Benavides by 91 votes.

The Webb County Election Office released the unofficial results on Saturday, December 14, showing Garza with 933 votes and Benavides with 842.

Garza celebrated his win at a watch party in central Laredo. He said he is ready to start working with other council members.

“The first thing I am going to do is get to know my colleagues on a one-on-one basis. We need unity, teamwork, and a complete effort from the city and the council,” Garza said. “Then we take on the projects we have [...] like water infrastructure.” He mentioned that things take time, but that he will work together with other councilmembers for the city and its residents.

Garza said that during his campaign, people in District 4 asked for more transparency and accountability. He also plans to focus on water lines, street lights, and road repairs during his time in office.