CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx — Hey Coastal Bend, good morning!
Anchors Bryan and Michelle Hofmann here with KRIS 6 News. We know mornings can be hectic, from packing lunches to catching that first cup of coffee, so we’re here to keep your day running smoothly with the news you need.
From free park access to major construction closures around Corpus Christi, here are the top stories we’re following for Monday, August 4.
Free entrance to national parks Monday
- Free entry to all U.S. national parks on August 4
- Honors the 5th anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- Law signed by President Trump in 2020
If you're a fan of the outdoors, this weekend might be the perfect time to plan a park trip. The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at all national parks on Monday, August 4 in celebration of the Great American Outdoors Act’s 5th anniversary.
The law, signed in 2020, has helped fund major infrastructure and campground improvements at popular parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite.
Texas tax-free weekend starts Friday
- Runs from Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10
- Applies to most back-to-school items under $100
- Layaway purchases also included
Parents and students — mark your calendars! Texas’ annual tax-free weekend starts this Friday and runs through Sunday.
School supplies, clothing, shoes, and backpacks priced under $100 are all eligible. The savings add up to about $8 per $100 spent — a welcome break for back-to-school shoppers. Items placed on layaway also qualify.
City opens cooling centers amid summer heat
- Cooling centers open at public libraries and senior centers
- Free CCRTA transportation available to nearby centers
As the heat continues across the Coastal Bend, the City of Corpus Christi is opening cooling centers to help residents stay safe.
All public libraries and senior centers will be open for relief, and CCRTA is offering free rides to the nearest available location. If you or someone you know needs a break from the heat, these resources are available throughout the week.
Border Patrol agent memorial unveiled in Kingsville
- Ceremony honors Javier Vega Jr., killed in 2014
- Held at the Kingsville Border Patrol station at 8 a.m.
A memorial for fallen U.S. Border Patrol agent Javier Vega Jr. will be unveiled this morning at the Kingsville Border Patrol Station.
Vega was shot and killed on August 13, 2014, near Santa Monica, Texas, while trying to stop a robbery while fishing with his family. The ceremony begins at 8 a.m. at 2422 E. Carlos Truan Boulevard.
West Broadway Street closure begins today
- Closure between Port Avenue and Lexington Avenue
- Crews will be installing a new waterline tie-in
- Local access for residents and businesses maintained
Drivers in the Corpus Christi area should prepare for a closure along West Broadway Street starting today. The section between Port Avenue and Lexington Avenue will be closed for waterline work through Wednesday.
Detour signs will be posted, and motorists are advised to use alternate routes. Local access will be maintained for those who live or work in the area.
Ocean Drive construction project begins
- Eastbound lanes closed between Country Club Drive and Ennis Joslin
- Stop signs will control intersections during the project
- Work expected to last 30 days, weather permitting
Utility work along Ocean Drive kicks off this week and could affect your commute.
Eastbound lanes between Country Club Drive and Ennis Joslin Road will be closed to through traffic. Stop signs will manage intersections in the area, and local access will still be available. The project is expected to continue for 30 days, depending on weather conditions.
And here's a bonus one for you folks. Keep in mind, new developments will most likely happen today, so stay up to date right on on KRIS 6!
Texas Democrats leave Capitol over redistricting fight
- Democratic state reps leave Austin to block redistricting vote
- GOP says current maps are unconstitutional and racially gerrymandered
- Democrats say the new maps racially gerrymander even further
- Gov. Abbott threatens to vacate absent members' seats
A dramatic development at the Texas State Capitol, as Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives have left the state in an effort to block Republican-led redistricting efforts.
Democrats say the proposed changes to the state’s congressional map could cost their party up to five U.S. House seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
GOP leaders argue redistricting is necessary, claiming current district lines are unconstitutional and racially gerrymandered. This comes after President Trump called for Texas to find at least 5 new seats so Republicans can maintain the majority. The Texas House cannot move forward without a quorum.
Governor Greg Abbott has responded by saying he may attempt to remove the absent lawmakers from office and consider their seats vacant if they do not return. Texas State Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu responded with a sharp statement, saying simply: “Come and take it.”
Thanks for starting your day with KRIS 6 News Sunrise.
As always, stay safe, stay curious, and stay kind.
We’ll see you back here tomorrow.
-Bryan & Michelle Hofmann
