Good morning, Corpus Christi.

Today, Corpus Christi celebrates Earth Day with H-E-B offering free reusable bags and a chance to win a Texas State Parks Pass while federal student loan collections resume May 5 and residents must update their Real IDs by May 7.

A Memorial Mass for Pope Francis is set for tomorrow at Corpus Christi Cathedral with a novena beginning at 6:30 p.m.—the city also earned its first Coast Guard City designation in Texas and CCRTA has reserved accessible viewing at the Buc Days Parade until 3 p.m. Friday.

Mathis High School softball coach Briana Cruz was arrested for assault causing bodily injury in an on-field scuffle during the UIL 3A District 29 championship game on April 15 — she turned herself in on April 16 at 4:44 a.m. on a warrant filed by Taft ISD Police and posted a $3,500 bond, according to Sheriff Oscar Rivera.

School bonds for Flour Bluff ISD, Gregory-Portland ISD, Ingleside ISD and Agua Dulce ISD are on the ballot in the May election—voters will be able to cast early ballots for these bonds.

On April 22, H-E-B gave away 274,000 free reusable bags at its Texas locations as part of its Earth Day celebration—each bag features a design inspired by a Galveston Island State Park postcard and was available beginning at 8 a.m. while supplies lasted.

Thousands with defaulted student loans in the Coastal Bend will face mandatory collections starting May 5—wage garnishing, offsetting tax refunds or other federal benefits may be used to recover the debt.

The end of a pandemic pause means many borrowers must adjust their budgets as repayment begins.

Corpus Christi was officially designated as a Coast Guard City—this title honors its ongoing maritime support and connection with the US Coast Guard.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi may install groundwater monitoring wells in several county parks—LaBonte Park, Hazel Bazemore Park, and Bishop Park—to monitor water levels and quality in rural areas, while county commissioners will vote on the partnership on April 24.

Early voting is underway for Coastal Bend races—only registered voters in their district may vote—for local school and city positions in Nueces, San Patricio, and Aransas counties.

Voters may visit sites such as the Nueces County Courthouse—901 Leopard St. in Corpus Christi—to cast ballots from April 22 to 29, with election day on May 3.

Flour Bluff Hornets inched closer to a playoff spot by winning 10 to 0 in six innings against Gregory-Portland Tuesday— they now must beat King Friday as district 29 5A baseball standings grow clearer.

Ray clinched its playoff berth with a 13 to 3 win over Moody and on the softball side Calallen beat Veterans Memorial 4 to 1 in a late tune-up game— setting both teams up for postseason play Friday.

Texas SandFest

7 p.m. — Texas SandFest — Cost varies — Experience stunning sand sculptures and live music at the largest sand sculpture competition in the USA.

The Emo Night Tour: Corpus Christi

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. — House of Rock — $17-$25 — Experience a nostalgic night with your favorite emo anthems from the past.

BucDays Parade Lunch Celebration

11 a.m. — House of Rock — Lunch available — Enjoy a lively meal while the BucDays Parade rolls through downtown.

Billy Snipes Live Performance

1-7 p.m. — Pier 99 Restaurant — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a captivating performance by the multi-talented recording artist Billy Snipes.

Open Mic Night

6:30 PM — House of Rock — Free entry — An exciting night of music, comedy, and creativity awaits at this local open mic event.

September Morning

7-11 p.m. — House of Rock — $25 — Celebrate COLD's milestones with live performances and local talent.

David Lewis Live Performance

9-11 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse - Downtown — $10+ service charges — Enjoy a night of live music with David Lewis in downtown Corpus Christi.

Louie Mandel Acoustic Set at Art Walk

6 PM — House of Rock — Free entry — Enjoy an acoustic performance by Louie Mandel on the side stage during Art Walk.

The Meza Band Performance

7-10 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse - Southside — Cost not specified — Enjoy a night of live music by The Meza Band at a popular local venue.

Mike Pinto Concert

7 PM — House of Rock — $20 to $150 — Enjoy a night of music with Mike Pinto and special guest Sonny Salinas in celebration of the venue's anniversary.