Good morning, Corpus Christi.

Community members are rallying around Peewee’s Pet Adoption founder Ernie Cochran + she remains critically ill after battling stage 4 cancer.

Cinergy Entertainment has delayed construction on its $45 million southside entertainment center as it redesigns the project (reducing theaters, expanding the arcade floor, and possibly adding an indoor go-kart track sooner) and will share a new timeline once plans are finalized.

At Woodroe Petty Elementary's 2026 Spelling Bee, fifth grader Ezra Maldonado claimed the top prize, followed by fifth grader Liam Valdez and third grader Joel Flores securing second and third places respectively (the event showcased local student talent).

Over 500 local students attended a maritime career expo at the Ortiz Center where G and H Towing showcased high-paying job and internship opportunities.

Organizers hope the event will inspire students to build future careers in the local maritime industry.

Local nurseries advise watering plants before a predicted freeze to help keep roots warm, saying proper watering insulates plants.

Experts from Gill's Garden Center & Padre Palms also recommend wrapping sensitive palms with blankets if needed.

Corpus Christi Fire Department now uses QWAKE helmet technology that employs built-in infrared cameras to help firefighters see through heavy smoke and darkness.

Assistant fire chief David Zarate said the breakthrough, used by only 20 fire departments worldwide, will be installed in every station soon.

TxDOT crews are pretreating bridges, overpasses and direct connectors today and Friday in the Coastal Bend district to ready roads for freezing rain and low temperatures expected this weekend.

Emergency operations will start Saturday, with barricades set at key ramps for added safety.

The city is revisiting plans for a desalination plant at the Barney Davis Power Plant in Flour Bluff amid rising water needs.

City officials say that moving forward will require funding approvals and permits (a process that could take two to four years) before construction begins.

The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation will host a luncheon on Friday, Jan.

30 at 11:30 a.m. at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel to honor his healthcare legacy and raise funds for local programs — keynote speaker Dr. Nelly Garcia Blow will discuss his lasting impact on patient care.

Vintage Pictures with Special Guests

8 p.m. — House of Rock — $11.15 — Experience a high-energy night of genre-blending music featuring El Dusty and headliner Vintage Pictures.

The Max Live at Rockit’s Whiskey Bar

9 PM — Rockit’s Whiskey Bar & Saloon — No cover — Experience a night of energetic music with The Max, featuring a blend of rock, pop, and dance hits.

UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders Basketball

7-9 p.m. — Dugan Wellness Center — $69.43 — Catch an exciting basketball clash between local teams at the Dugan Wellness Center.

Open Mic Night

6:30 p.m. — House of Rock — Free entry — An unforgettable night of music, comedy, and creativity featuring local talents.

Incarnate Word Cardinals vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders Women's Basketball

1-9 p.m. — Hilliard Center — Tickets available — Watch the Islanders battle it out on the court in a thrilling basketball matchup.

Chris Duarte Live at House of Rock

6 PM — House of Rock — General Admission & Table Seating Available — Experience an electrifying night of blues-rock with celebrated guitarist Chris Duarte.

Kate Watson Concert

9 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse - Downtown — $15+ — Enjoy a night of live music with the talented Kate Watson at a popular local venue.

Incarnate Word Cardinals vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders Basketball

7-10 p.m. — Dugan Wellness Center — $69.43 — Catch the local college teams battling it out on the court for basketball excitement.

Open Mic Night

6:30 p.m. — House of Rock — Free entry — Showcase your talent at a night filled with music, comedy, and creativity.

Jo Koy Live Comedy Show

8-10 PM — 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with one of today's top stand-up comedians who shares laughter through family-inspired stories.