Good morning, Corpus Christi.

Families are invited to join the Westside Business Association’s 42nd annual Navidad de los Niños today at the Antonio Garcia Arts and Education Center (2021 Agnes Street) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event includes Santa photos, 100+ bike giveaways, food, music, and toys.

On Friday, Dec. 5, Nueces Electric linemen took 15 Ben Bolt Elementary students on a holiday shopping trip (funded by $7,000 raised through their annual program) to provide essential gifts and brighten the season.

Lake Corpus Christi State Park in Mathis is hosting its sixth annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru today from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.—campers who decorate with lights receive two free nights of camping while park staff highlight the venue's year-round appeal despite low water levels.

Santa Claus delivered new shoes, socks and essential items to 150 students from T.G.

Allen and Oak Park Elementary at Flint Hills Resources during his 30th annual Shoes for Kids event - the initiative partners with Communities in Schools to help underserved children this holiday season.

Constellation Energy will divest Calpine's interest in the Gregory Power Plant as part of an antitrust settlement addressing market competition concerns.

The facility (a natural gas combined cycle plant) located northeast of Corpus Christi will serve ERCOT as required by the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas Attorney General.

Coastal Christmas ice skating returns at the Hilliard Center with sessions on six days in December, giving families a fun escape from the heat.

Admission is $15.29 with skate rental or $11.03 if bringing your own.

On Friday, educators at Solomon M.

Coles High School received unexpected classroom grants from the Corpus Christi Education Foundation, totaling over $169K across 85 awards to boost supplies and safety for struggling students (including STEM enhancements).

House Bill 8 replaces the STAAR test with a three-part system starting in 2027–2028 — Corpus Christi educators worry it may reduce teaching time and force schedule adjustments.

A Rockport workshop showed how new oyster farms and local support are driving growth and helping restore Texas bays (experts say wild reefs are in decline).

Corpus Christi officials are reviewing plans for the proposed Inner Harbor desalination project as the year ends, with environmental studies and community input (including local expert feedback) guiding next steps.

Nueces County lifted its burn ban Thursday afternoon in unincorporated areas to allow outdoor campfires, and fire officials warn that dry grass & high winds remain a risk; residents are urged to follow safety guidelines while outdoor burning in city limits stays prohibited.

The Texas Comptroller’s Office announced today that the HUB program now called VET HUB will be limited to veteran-owned businesses with a 20% disability rating, causing confusion among local contractors consulting with Del Mar College’s APEX Accelerator.

Businesses are advised to contact state lawmakers for guidance.

The Texas comptroller changed HUB program rules that led local small businesses to call Del Mar’s APEX Accelerator (a community hub) in large numbers.

Local owners warn of legal challenges as they react to the new rules.

South Texas trail riders have paused events today due to an EHV-1 outbreak that has closed arenas and threatened competitions.

Local leaders advise biosecurity & extra precautions to keep both horses and riders safe.

Python for Scientists Training Class

N/A — December 8-12 — Contractors Safety Council of the Coastal Bend, Inc. — $2250 — Gain hands-on Python programming skills for scientific applications.

Open Mic Night

6:30-9:30 p.m. — House of Rock — Free entry — A night of music, comedy, and creativity for performers and audiences alike.

Teenage BottleRocket with Fea Band Rodeo Boys

6-7:30 p.m. — House of Rock — $24.65 — Experience the energetic rock sounds of Teenage BottleRocket and their special guests.

Chiodos Concert

5:30-9 p.m. — Concrete Street Amphitheater — GA Tickets from $37 — Experience a night of energetic music from Chiodos in a lively outdoor venue.

Dance Scene In The Dark

9-11 p.m. — Rockit's Whiskey Bar & Saloon — No cover — Experience a high-energy performance of eclectic hits from Rock to R&B in a vibrant atmosphere.

Upon A Burning Body Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — House of Rock — $30.15 to $31.65 — Experience a night of intense performances featuring Upon A Burning Body and more.

Benefit Concert for Jesse “Sacs” Gomez

5-11 p.m. — House of Rock — $11.15 to $53.15 — A heartfelt gathering to support a local music legend battling cancer.

Open Mic Night at House of Rock

6:30-9:30 p.m. — House of Rock — Free entry — Experience a night of diverse performances including music, comedy, and creativity in a welcoming atmosphere.

David's 1st Annual Neon Christmas

7:00 – 9:30 PM — Brewster Street Icehouse - Downtown — $15 — Experience a Honky Tonk Christmas Party and Concert with special guest Mark Berry.

Ice Hockey Match: Corpus Christi IceRays vs. Oklahoma Warriors

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Hilliard Center — Tickets from $10, Kids 12 and under free — Watch the local IceRays battle it out on the ice in an exciting match-up.