CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx — Good morning and happy Friday, Coastal Bend. It is Fri-yay, and Anchors Bryan and Michelle Hofmann are waking up with you on KRIS 6 News Sunrise.
As we settle into the first workweek of the new year, we are tracking major health headlines, a federal court appearance tied to a New Year’s Eve terror plot, rising health insurance costs for millions of Americans, changes to national park access, a college football bowl game in Texas, and a celestial double feature lighting up the night sky.
Here is what you need to know this morning.
U.S. measles cases reach highest level in decades
- CDC reports more than 2,000 measles cases nationwide
- Highest annual total since 1992
- Health officials urge vaccinations and good hygiene
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the United States has surpassed 2,000 measles cases for the first time in more than 30 years. The last time the country saw numbers this high was in 1992. Ongoing outbreaks, including one in South Carolina, continue to add dozens of cases each week. Here in the Coastal Bend, health officials report 478 flu cases and 2,015 flu-like cases so far. Experts continue to recommend staying up to date on vaccinations and practicing healthy hygiene habits.
Court appearance expected in New Year’s Eve attack plot
- One suspect set for arraignment today
- Group accused of planning attacks on New Year’s Eve parties
- Federal arrests made during alleged rehearsal of plot
One of four people charged with planning attacks on New Year’s Eve celebrations in Southern California is expected to appear in court today. Federal authorities arrested the suspects last month in the Mojave Desert east of Los Angeles, saying they were rehearsing their plan. According to court documents, the suspects are from the Los Angeles area and are members of an offshoot group that promotes decolonization, tribal sovereignty, and opposition to capitalism.
ACA subsidies expire with the new year
- Millions may see higher health insurance premiums
- Enhanced subsidies were created during the pandemic
- Lawmakers debating whether to extend them
Millions of Americans are now facing higher health insurance costs after enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired with the new year. The additional subsidies were enacted during the pandemic and were not extended by lawmakers. The issue has been the focus of intense debate on Capitol Hill. The House is expected to vote later this month on a proposal to extend the subsidies for three years, but the plan faces significant challenges in the Senate.
Changes coming to national park access
- America the Beautiful passes now offered digitally
- New pricing structure for foreign tourists
- Additional fees at some of the most visited parks
If visiting a national park is on your 2026 to-do list, there are some changes to know about. America the Beautiful annual passes are now available in a digital format and feature updated graphics honoring the nation’s landscapes and heritage. U.S. residents will continue to pay $80 for the annual pass, while foreign tourists will now pay $250. Visitors without a pass will be charged a $100 fee plus standard entrance fees at 11 of the most visited national parks.
Armed Forces Bowl kicks off in Fort Worth
- Rice faces Texas State at noon Central
- Game airs Friday on ESPN
- Event honors military members and families
Football fans can catch the Armed Forces Bowl today in Fort Worth. Rice and Texas State face off at noon Central on ESPN. Rice earned its bowl appearance after Kansas State and Notre Dame opted out of postseason play. The Armed Forces Bowl honors members of the military and their families and traditionally includes flyovers, military bands, and other patriotic displays.
Supermoon and meteor shower light up the sky
- First supermoon of the year appears tonight
- Moon will look larger and brighter than usual
- Quadrantid meteor shower peaks overnight
Skywatchers are in for a treat tonight. The first supermoon of the year will appear, occurring when the full moon is closer to Earth in its orbit, making it appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter. At the same time, the Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to peak Friday night into early Saturday morning. According to the American Meteor Society, viewers could see up to 25 meteors per hour, though the bright moon may limit visibility.
Thank you for waking up with the Hofmanns.
As always, stay safe, stay curious and stay kind.
We will see you bright and early tomorrow morning.
-Bryan and Michelle Hofmann
