Good morning, Corpus Christi.

The 17th annual Coastal Bend Day of Giving raised over $4.5M for 63 local nonprofits (a record amount for community support), marking a major milestone in local giving.

Corpus Christi is set for a busy 2026 with the Texas State Aquarium planning a children’s indoor playground (soft opening in April), the $28.5 million Bob Hall Pier reconstruction reopening early next year, expansive park upgrades, new water supply, and local elections in November.

Corpus Christi Fish for Life held its 6th Annual Life Holiday Celebration on Thursday, Dec.

18 at John F. Kennedy Elementary to support 16 Westside families by giving each a $100 H-E-B gift card and offering craft activities and gifts to 50 West Oso ISD students (funded by local donations).

The Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery will hold unaccompanied veteran burial ceremonies (full military honors) today for three Texas veterans.

Services start at 10:00 a.m. with DTG3/PO3 John C. Bowers, 11:00 a.m. with Specialist 4 Mark Lee Moore, and 1:00 p.m. with Chief Petty Officer David Alan Dunn.

Julian Galloway, a 10-year-old who inspired local fundraisers for childhood brain cancer, died Wednesday at 1:26 p.m. in Corpus Christi after a long battle with the disease; his parents & family will finalize funeral plans after Christmas.

The Caller-Times Children’s Christmas Appeal will accept donations until Christmas Eve to help local children and families, with $23,456 raised as of Dec.

17. You can donate online + text 'ChristmasAppeal' to 41444 + mail a form from the print edition to United Way of the Coastal Bend.

Residents along Alvin Drive said a sidewalk leak had left water standing for years despite reports to the city, and crews moved in after 3NEWS raised concerns.

Nate's Next Kid Up, led by 12-year-old Nate Gonzales, surprised nearly 500 students at Oak Park Elementary with holiday gifts — bringing joy to children facing tough times; additional gifts for foster kids are planned.

Corpus Christi Independent School District is asking for an extension from the state to delay mandatory teacher certifications under House Bill 2 until the 2029‑2030 school year — the district says it needs more time to adjust its teacher pipeline for core subjects.

Texas EMS Academy and Premier High School have partnered to offer hands-on firefighter and EMT training for high school students, giving them a pathway to begin careers after graduation.

Flu cases in Nueces County spiked from 179 to 478 in one week, and officials warn that a severe variant (sub-clade K) may be circulating ahead of holiday gatherings, urging residents to follow good hygiene practices.

Driftmas Bash V & Hero Garage Toy Drive

10 AM – 6 PM — Drift Corpus — $85 Driver, $100 Co-Driver — Enjoy a day of drifting fun while supporting a toy drive for local kids.

Coastal Christmas 2025

12-4 p.m. — Hilliard Center — Free entry — Enjoy a magical skating experience with festive holiday music and cheer.

Open Mic Night

6:30-9:30 p.m. — House of Rock — Open for all — Showcase your talent in music, comedy, and creativity.

Young Klassics Concert

9 PM — Rockit's Whiskey Bar & Saloon — No Cover — Enjoy electrifying cover performances of glam, alt rock, and pop hits all night long.

Trisum Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse - Southside — Free Admission — Enjoy a vibrant night of live music with Trisum.

Corpus Christi Marathon

7 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Bayfront Park — Registration fees apply — Experience a competitive marathon on a flat, scenic course in beautiful Corpus Christi.

Nicholls State Colonels vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders Men's Basketball

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hilliard Center — Ticket information available — Catch the thrilling action as the Islanders battle on the court.

Open Mic Night

6:30-9:30 p.m. — House of Rock — Free entry — Showcase your creativity with music, comedy, and more at an unforgettable open mic night.

New Orleans Privateers at Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders Men's Basketball

7 a.m. — Hilliard Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the Islanders in action as they face off against the Privateers in an exciting basketball showdown.

Nathan Allen Concert

7-11 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse - Southside — Ticket info not provided — Experience classic country sounds from Nathan Allen, echoing legends of the genre.