CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx — Good morning, Coastal Bend!
Bryan and Michelle Hofmann here, your KRIS 6 News Sunrise anchors. We’re heading into Friday with a mix of big national headlines and impactful local stories. From high-level political maneuvering over redistricting to updates on projects shaping our neighborhoods. We’ll take you from Texas’ political standoff to the Smithsonian’s latest review, and right back here at home with development updates, park renovations, and community budget talks. Let’s dive into what’s making news today.
Eric Holder on Redistricting
- Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder will speak with House Democrats today about GOP redistricting efforts nationwide.
- The call follows Texas Democrats’ walkout over the state’s mid-decade redistricting and gerrymandering push.
- Holder has long advocated for nonpartisan redistricting.
Former US Attorney General Eric Holder is expected to hold a phone call with House Democrats today to discuss Republican redistricting efforts happening across the country.
The call comes as democrats here in Texas continue their walkout in protest over the state GOP's highly unusual mid-decade redistricting efforts.
Holder has long supported nonpartisan redistricting efforts.
However, in the wake of Texas's decision to redraw the congressional maps, Holder and other democrats are now considering redrawing maps in blue states to stave off republican efforts.
Texas Redistricting Passes in Senate
- Texas Senate passed the GOP-backed redistricting bill Tuesday.
- The 19–2 vote could give Republicans up to five more U.S. House seats.
- The bill can’t advance without a quorum in the Texas House, where Democrats remain absent.
On Tuesday the Texas senate passed the GOP-backed redistricting bill.
The 19 to 2 vote approved new congressional maps that could strip up to five more u-s house seats from Democrats and give them to Republicans.
But without a quorum in the Texas House, where democrats remain out of state, the maps can't advance to the governor's desk.
If house democrats don't return by Friday, the current session will end, and Abbott says a new one will begin immediately.
Smithsonian Review
- The White House is reviewing Smithsonian exhibits to align with a directive to highlight American exceptionalism.
- The review covers public content, curatorial processes, and use of collections.
- Smithsonian includes 21 museums and the National Zoo.
The White House has begun reviewing exhibits and public materials at the Smithsonian Institution in line with President Trump’s directive to promote “American exceptionalism” and avoid politically divisive narratives.
The Smithsonian’s network includes 21 museums and the National Zoo, all of which will be reviewed for content, curatorial approach, and how collections are presented to the public.
This comes just days after the museum restored reference and information on President Trump's two impeachments, as well as artifacts from the proceedings. Similar exhibits are in place for the other two Presidents who were impeached.
Barisi Village TIRZ 6
- Corpus Christi City Council approved the Barisi Village TIRZ 6 project financing plan Tuesday.
- Some council members want a firm start date and in-person update from developer Jeff Blackard.
- The project, pitched in 2012, would transform the old Pharaoh Valley Country Club into an Italian-style destination.
The Barisi Village “TIRZ 6 Project” took a step forward Tuesday as City Council approved its financing plan.
The development, proposed by Jeff Blackard more than a decade ago, would transform the old Pharaoh Valley Country Club into an Italian-style village complete with housing, retail, dining, a hotel, and a golf course.
While supportive, some council members expressed frustration that no firm start date has been provided.
Harbor Bridge Mitigation Project
- J.E. Construction Services will handle renovations in several neighborhoods.
- Sites include Ben Garza Park, Dr. H.J. Williams Memorial Park, T.C. Ayers Park, and the North Beach Trailhead.
- New amenities: amphitheater with paved seating, food truck court, and vendor space.
Neighborhoods near the Harbor Bridge will soon see major improvements as part of the bridge mitigation project.
JE Construction Services will handle renovations to Ben Garza Park, Dr. H.J. Williams Memorial Park, TC Ayers Park, and the North Beach Trailhead.
In addition, an amphitheater with paved seating, a food truck court, and vendor spaces will be built. The upgrades are expected to be completed by September 2026.
Community Input Session
- District 4 budget input session tonight from 6–7 p.m. at Ethel Eyerly Senior Center.
- District 5 session tomorrow at the CCPD Police Training Academy.
- City leaders, including the city manager and district council member, will answer residents’ questions.
Residents have a chance to share their priorities for the City of Corpus Christi’s 2026 budget this week.
Tonight’s session for District 4 will be held at the Ethel Eyerly Senior Center from 6 to 7 p.m. Tomorrow’s meeting for District 5 will take place at the CCPD Police Training Academy.
The city manager and district council members will be on hand to answer questions.
Thank you for joining us this morning! We appreciate you starting your day with us, and we’re here to keep you informed about the stories shaping our community.
As always, stay safe, stay curious, and stay kind.
We'll see you tomorrow.
-Bryan & Michelle Hofmann.
