Good morning, Corpus Christi.

Construction crews update Saratoga Boulevard as national brands transform southside retail, with Crumbl Cookie open at Shops at La Palmera, Dutch Bros set for September, and a nearly complete Yard House drawing regional shoppers (fastest-growing corridor).

Some residents still seek more affordable grocery options.

Corpus Christi teachers received a surprise $1,500 gift card from Mardel's to prepare their classrooms for fall, courtesy of the Hooks and Reliant Energy initiative.

Corpus Christi ISD is adjusting school bell schedules at select schools starting Tuesday, Aug.

11 — some start 20 minutes later or earlier — to ease a critical bus driver shortage and reduce commute times. The changes follow community feedback and include pending after-care updates.

Texas A&M Kingsville launches its College of Nursing and Health Professions on Sept.

1 to expand rural healthcare access in South Texas (offering Bachelor and RN-BSN programs for fall applicants). The new college gives local students a chance to earn a nursing degree close to home.

City officials remain cautiously optimistic as floodwaters from recent storms may ease drought restrictions.

City Council could begin discussions—set between the end of the month and mid-August—to shift from Stage 3 to Stage 2, which would allow residents to water lawns once every other week.

Corpus Christi has shifted its community water sessions from emergency planning to long-term water supply measures — progress on new projects has delayed a Level 1 declaration until 2027.

The city will hold its next meeting on Aug. 6 to discuss plans that residents say clear up confusion.

After a local family lost their 9-month-old dog, trainer Kacie Hodges of Pawdre Smart Training advises pet owners to verify references, share vet information, and inspect training facilities (including camera feeds and GPS collars) before drop-off.

The Sunrise Mall site remains unsafe as demolition stalls amid unresolved code violations while owners work on easement agreements and rezoning for apartments.

Neighbors say the exposed steel makes the area look unsafe.

Corpus Christi native Andrew Body was named to the Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List on Wednesday, July 15 in Birmingham as he prepares to lead Alabama State this season — he stays focused on his team and credits family and prayer for keeping him grounded.

Nearly two dozen Corpus Christi-area high school track athletes are finalists for Apple Dental Center Boys Track Athlete of the Year, and readers may vote today as part of the Caller-Times Athlete of the Week program to select the winner.

Book Signing with Stanley Livingstone

6 p.m. — Schanen Estates Elementary — Free entry — Watch the award-winning local author sign his new romantic thriller, 'Your Story Told by Another'.

Back-to-School Basketball Camp

10 a.m. – 8 p.m. — YWCA Corpus Christi — $89 (early bird for members) — Sharpen basketball skills and confidence at this two-day camp for youth athletes.

NB Ridaz Concert

7 p.m. — House of Rock — Ticket prices vary — Experience the smooth sounds of NB Ridaz in an energetic live performance.

Bingo Loco at Brewster Street Ice House

7 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fun twist on bingo with entertainment and prizes at Bingo Loco.

Balling by the Beach Back-to-School Basketball Tournament

10 a.m. — YWCA Corpus Christi — Registration required — Youth basketball teams from South Texas come together for a spirited competition by the beach.

Tulsa Drillers vs. Corpus Christi Hooks

6:35-7:35 p.m. — Whataburger Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling minor league baseball action as the Drillers take on the Hooks.

Ella Langley: The Dandelion Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Hilliard Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch Ella Langley live with special guests Kaitlin Butts and Gabriella Rose in an unforgettable night of music.