Good morning, Corpus Christi.

Dr. Melissa Draper, who served as Corpus Christi’s city veterinarian for 12 years, has accepted a part-time role with People Assisting Animal Control to work at a high-volume clinic and support community programs.

Her departure from city services will occur on Friday, April 4—while PAAC prepares a new facility on Bear Lane and launches a $6 million capital campaign.

Corpus Christi water bills will rise by at least $9 a month beginning in 2029 due to the Harbor Desalination Plant Project — residential rates will see roughly a 25% increase while one industrial user will pay over $400,000 more monthly.

City officials and council members compared the jump to past water projects and defended the rate structure under Public Utility Commission rules.

Del Mar College will host a Hospitality Career Fair on April 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Culinary Arts Building at the Oso Creek Campus to address a local worker shortage in tourism and hospitality—over 20 local businesses are set to participate.

Corpus Christi ISD approved a legal services contract to join a federal lawsuit against social media companies pending approval by the Texas attorney general and will only pay legal fees if a judgment or settlement is reached—joining hundreds of other schools addressing concerns over social media's impact on youth mental health. The lawsuit claims that these companies have created an addictive environment that harms students and disrupts learning.

Corpus Christi ISD has covered the cost of Advanced Placement exams for students who meet free or reduced lunch requirements, saving families nearly $100 per test.

The school board approved over 3,500 exams Monday as officials said the program led to 1,000 additional tests taken each year — giving students a chance to earn college credit without extra fees.

More than one year after House Bill 8 took effect, Texas community colleges changed their funding to depend on graduation and credit transfers—measures that include free tuition and expanded dual credit programs.

Del Mar College in Corpus Christi will offer free tuition this fall for local graduates and adult learners, further improving student support.

On Monday night, adjustments to the Mary Rhodes Pipeline added 20 million gallons a day to Corpus Christi water supply.

The extra water traveled 100 miles from Lake Texana to the O.N. Stevens Treatment Plant and helps ease pressure off Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon, officials said.

On Tuesday, the City Council approved $92,387 to purchase a new arson investigation vehicle for the Corpus Christi Fire Department.

The vehicle will include a K-9 unit and evidence storage with a temperature monitoring system - funding came from the Criminal Justice Grant Program.

The local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers sued Corpus Christi ISD over its wage survey for construction work—union officials say the informal survey does not meet state law while the district defends its data.

An appeals court sent the case back to trial to review the process as union and district offer different settlements.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the city accepted a $190,000 grant (from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission) to upgrade the WIC facility at 1702 Horne Road.

The $180,000 renovations include new ceiling tiles, vents, a PA system, improved restrooms, hurricane-impact windows and updated signage (to boost customer experience) while $10,000 will fund nutrition education items; work begins in April and is expected to finish in September.

XCESS Live Concert

7-11 p.m. | House of Rock | $10 | Enjoy a night of live music featuring XCESS and special guests DREAM STEREO, RAUL AYALA, and RAZCAT!

Michael Burtts Live Concert

7-11 p.m. | Brewster Street Icehouse - Southside | Free admission | Enjoy an evening of live music from Michael Burtts in a vibrant setting.

Six Gun Sound: A Tribute to Bad Company

9 PM - 1 AM | Brewster Street Icehouse - Downtown | Cost info not provided | Experience the high-energy performance of Houston's premier Bad Company tribute band.

Open Mic Night at House of Rock

6:30 PM — House of Rock — Free entry — An exciting evening of music, comedy, and creativity awaits at the Open Mic Night hosted by Mattman.

Texas SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference

April 2-5 — American Bank Center — Cost varies — Explore leadership and skill development at this state conference for Texas students.

Alley Catz – Free Show!

8 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse — Free entry — Enjoy a lively night with free entertainment in downtown Corpus Christi.

Michael Burtts Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse - Southside — Free Admission — Enjoy a night of live music with Michael Burtts at a popular Corpus Christi venue.

2nd Annual Rock In2 Inclusion Benefit Concert

6-10 p.m. — House of Rock — $10 — Rock out for a purpose while supporting children with special needs in inclusive environments.

A Taste of Ireland: The Irish Music & Dance Sensation

4-8 p.m. — Selena Auditorium — Check event page for ticket info — Experience the rhythm, wit, and heartwarming stories of Ireland through exceptional music and dance.

Open Mic Night at House of Rock

6:30 p.m. — House of Rock — Free entry — A night of music, comedy, and creativity awaits, showcasing local talents from acoustic to stand-up.