CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx — Good morning, Coastal Bend!
Anchors Bryan and Michelle Hofmann here with KRIS 6 News Sunrise. We hope you’re having a good start to the day.
As we continue into the weekend, we’re bringing you the latest updates on state hearings, local leadership changes, and community conversations happening right here in Corpus Christi.
Here’s a look at today’s top stories.
Texas Flood Hearing
- Texas House committee holds hearing today on disaster preparedness
- Focus is on deadly Fourth of July flooding that killed more than 130 people
- Parents of victims call for stronger safety standards at summer camps
The Texas House Committee will hold a hearing today on disaster preparedness, focusing on the deadly flooding over the Fourth of July that resulted in more than 130 deaths, including young girls at Camp Mystic.
During a Senate hearing earlier this week, the girls’ parents testified, calling the deaths preventable and saying the flood plan was destined to fail. They asked lawmakers to raise safety standards at summer camps.
Redistricting Bill
- Texas Senate committee advances redistricting bill to full Senate
- Proposal would create five new GOP-leaning congressional districts
- Bill expected to head to Governor Abbott’s desk once approved
The Texas Senate committee has advanced the GOP redistricting bill ahead of a full Senate vote.
On Thursday, the committee voted to move House Bill 4 forward. The controversial Republican-backed proposal would redraw the state’s congressional map and produce five new GOP-leaning districts, which are partially currently held by Democrats. Once approved by the Republican majority in the full Senate, the bill will head to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for signature.
CDC Layoffs
- About 600 CDC employees notified of permanent layoffs this week
- Comes after earlier terminations were partially overturned by a federal judge
- HHS says staff reductions will improve efficiency at the CDC
Around 600 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees were notified of permanent layoffs this week. About 2,400 workers were initially terminated in April, but a federal judge ordered hundreds to be reinstated. The Department of Health and Human Services has said the reduction in employees is intended to "make the CDC more efficient."
Menendez Brothers
- Lyle Menendez faces parole board today after nearly 30 years in prison
- His brother Erik was denied parole on Thursday, with another chance in three years
- Even if granted, parole would require governor’s approval
Lyle Menendez is scheduled to appear before a parole board today to plead his case for release.
Lyle and his brother Erik were convicted of killing their parents and have spent nearly 30 years in prison. Erik was denied parole Thursday but will have another opportunity in three years. The brothers were originally sentenced to life without parole but had their sentences reduced last year, making them eligible. Even if one or both paroles are granted, the decision still requires the governor’s approval.
Beeville Police Chief
- Beeville police chief Kevin Behr terminated by the city
- Decision follows misconduct complaint submitted to city officials
- Beeville PD says operations and public safety remain a top priority
The city of Beeville has terminated Police Chief Kevin Behr. In a statement, the city said the decision follows a complaint of misconduct.
Officials assured residents that the police department’s operations will continue as normal and reaffirmed their commitment to public safety and community well-being.
Harte Library Town Hall
- Corpus Christi and Flour Bluff ISD hosting town hall on library hours
- Meeting will take place Monday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Janet F. Harte Library
- City leaders and school officials will hear community feedback
The city of Corpus Christi, along with Flour Bluff ISD, will host a town hall next week to discuss the hours of the Janet F. Harte Library. The meeting is set for Monday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the library. City Councilwoman Kaylynn Paxon, City Manager Peter Zanoni, and the Flour Bluff ISD superintendent will be on hand to hear community feedback and concerns about changes to library hours.
Thank you for joining us here at KRIS 6 News Sunrise. We appreciate you starting your day with us and staying connected with the latest news.
As always, stay safe, stay curious, and stay kind.
Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you bright and early Monday morning.
-Bryan and Michelle Hofmann
