Good morning, Corpus Christi.

Coastal Bend families volunteered for a grassroots cleanup at JFK Memorial Causeway near North Padre Island, organized by Over the Bridge Future Fishers to promote a long-term solution for a cleaner area (with plans for after-school fishing clubs).

Butter's BBQ in Sinton has removed brisket from its everyday menu due to rising beef costs and now features beef cheek (with pork belly burnt ends and chicken halves) as its new focus; brisket remains available by pre-order as the refreshed menu rolls out this week.

The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas will host its third annual Veterans Homecoming Powwow in Corpus Christi, with Native American dances, music and Department of Veterans Affairs booths to support veteran mental health; the free event welcomes all locals, including veterans and military (all tribal affiliations are welcome).

Del Mar College received a donated bucket truck to support its lineworker training program, which will help students gain practical skills on campus.

Corpus Christi ISD's annual Halftime Showcase will be held on Sept.

26 at Buc Stadium (1 Battlin Buc Blvd), featuring high school bands and drill teams with a special guest from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Admission is free and door open at 5:30 p.m.

Robert Driscoll, Jr. STEM Academy dismissed students early Monday due to AC issues; buses began at 10:45 a.m. and students waiting after 11 a.m. were moved to the cafeteria, marking the second campus affected this month (Robstown Early College High School experienced a similar shutdown three weeks ago).

TxDOT is hosting free car seat safety checks at district offices for Child Passenger Safety Week from Sept.

20 to 26 and urges parents to schedule an inspection at LoveMyCarSeat.org to help reduce common car seat mistakes.

Corpus Christi Water crews are working 24 hours a day to repair a leak in the Mary Rhodes Pipeline near Highway 77 and State Route 238 — repairs are slowed by an active gas line in the trench while alternative water sources maintain supply.

Healthcare professionals gathered last Saturday in Corpus Christi for the South Texas Bone and Joint Orthopedic Trauma Conference — hosted by Corpus Christi Medical Center at TAMU-CC’s University Center Anchor Ballroom — where former Cowboys star Dat Nguyen served as keynote speaker and discussed trauma care topics.

Corpus Christi water smells earthy because organic matter from the Nueces River entered the supply; officials say treatment processes keep it safe to drink and expect odor levels to drop soon (upgrades from past years helped maintain quality).