Good morning, Corpus Christi.

A local nonprofit (Esperanza de Tejas) is giving Christmas gifts to all 400 W.B.

Travis Elementary students during the holiday break amid discussions by CCISD over potential school closures. The move aims to bring joy to students facing uncertain times.

The IceRays are hosting a toy drive for Nate’s Next Kid Up— including a teddy bear toss at tonight’s game against Oklahoma.

Corpus Christi native Rafael Velez serves as a hospital corpsman for the U.S. Navy in Virginia Beach, crediting his hometown work ethic with success in boot camp and training.

The proud father says he cherishes every chance to serve and thanks family and mentors+ for their support.

Halo Flight broke ground on its new headquarters today in Corpus Christi to boost emergency response (after saving thousands in South Texas for over 40 years).

Families, veterans, and service members gathered in Corpus Christi to honor three unaccompanied veterans, ensuring none were laid to rest alone.

Saucy Mama's, formerly Sam and Louie's, has rebranded with a focus on homemade sauces and dough while its owner works to restore its DoorDash and Google Business pages after unexpected digital account closures.

The pizzeria remains open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Park-Dale Plaza on South Staples Street.

Nearly 159 million Americans plan last-minute Christmas shopping today, and Corpus Christi police will deploy extra officers at areas like La Palmera Mall and Moore Plaza to help keep shoppers safe (per a national Holiday Initiative report).

Many shoppers are expected to continue buying after the holiday.

Historic photos and videos show downtown Corpus Christi’s Christmas magic from crowded sidewalks + Peppermint Lane to cherished holiday traditions in decades past.

Locals can revisit warm memories as the season unfolds.

Kingsville ISD received an F grade after scoring 59 out of 100 in state testing released Thursday, making it the only local district to fall below standards.

Other districts earned higher marks as public hearings and report cards are expected soon.

Some parents said that a change in the meeting format at Fannin Elementary, where questions are now submitted on comment cards rather than spoken aloud, limited their input on the proposed school closures as CCISD addresses a $27 million shortfall; district leaders said they will compile the feedback for the board, which will decide on closures Jan. 12.

The Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District approved permits Tuesday for 12 new municipal wells along the Nueces River to help meet water needs amid drought conditions — the city must now implement a well-field monitoring program within 60 days to address concerns from rural residents.

Southside residents saw city crews repair a two-year sidewalk water leak this afternoon (after repeated repairs proved ineffective) and bring relief to local walkers.

The fix follows persistent concerns over murky water that had troubled the neighborhood for too long.

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.

The Groove 2.0 Dance Night

9 p.m. — Rockit's Whiskey Bar & Saloon — No cover — Hit the dance floor with The Groove 2.0 delivering the best of the '70s, '80s, and '90s funk sounds.