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Coastal Bend Press, Corpus Christi, TX (2026)

03/02/2026

7 Brew opens new coffee location in Calallen

Coffee lovers in the Calallen area have a new stop for specialty drinks as 7 Brew officially opened a new location Monday at 13933 Northwest Blvd.

The drive-thru coffee stand brings a variety of specialty drinks to an area that has had limited retail options for quick coffee stops, offering a convenient option for residents, commuters, and nearby communities including Robstown, Banquete, Orange Grove, and Odem.

To celebrate the opening, the location will host a grand opening “Swag Day” on Saturday, March 7. Customers who purchase a large drink that day will receive a free 7 Brew shirt and a limited-edition keychain while supplies last.

Store manager Sean Willimon said the company has received strong support from the community since opening.

“We’re really happy to be in the Calallen community,” Willimon said. “Everyone from surrounding towns has been incredibly supportive. Saturday’s Swag Day is going to be bonkers, and we hope to see everyone come out.”

For customers visiting for the first time, Willimon recommends trying one of the brand’s most popular drinks, the Iced Blondie.

The new location continues 7 Brew’s expansion across the Coastal Bend, giving North Corpus Christi residents another option for quick coffee, energy drinks, and specialty beverages.

Coastal Bend Press
Your Daily Coastal Bend Brief

03/02/2026

Mr. Gatti’s Pizza opens new family entertainment spot in Portland

PORTLAND, Texas — A new destination for pizza and family fun has officially opened in Portland.

Mr. Gatti’s Pizza welcomed its first guests Monday, bringing a mix of dining, arcade games, and party spaces designed for families, kids, and groups looking for entertainment.

The restaurant offers a menu of classic pizzas, a fresh salad bar, and a selection of desserts. Guests can also enjoy a large game room filled with arcade-style attractions including claw machines, skee-ball, basketball hoops, and even Connect Four.

In addition to food and games, the Portland location features a self-serve tap wall offering several beer options along with wine selections for adult guests.

The restaurant also includes private party rooms available for birthday parties and group celebrations, with reservations offering dedicated space for about 90 minutes.

The new location combines food, games, and entertainment into one space, giving families in the Portland area a new place to gather, celebrate, and spend time together.

Coastal Bend Press
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03/01/2026

Classic Cartoons Arrive on Tubi in Major Free Streaming Expansion

Cartoon fans have a reason to celebrate. The free streaming platform Tubi is expanding its library with dozens of classic animated series starting March 1, bringing a wave of nostalgic favorites back to screens.

Tubi, an ad-supported streaming service founded in 2014, announced the addition of a large collection of animated shows from across multiple decades. The platform says the move is part of its effort to offer one of the largest free entertainment libraries available online.

Among the most recognizable titles joining the lineup are:

• Powerpuff Girls
• Teen Titans
• Animaniacs
• Dexter’s Laboratory
• Ed, Edd ‘n Eddy
• Courage the Cowardly Dog
• Justice League
• Pinky and the Brain
• Ben 10
• The Batman

The expansion also includes numerous Hanna-Barbera classics, superhero cartoons, and Cartoon Network favorites that helped define childhood for many viewers.

Additional titles being added include series like Tiny Toon Adventures, Tom & Jerry, Scooby-Doo shows, Captain Planet, Jonny Quest, and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.

Tubi says more animated content will continue rolling out in the coming weeks.

The company describes the move as an effort to combine nostalgia for longtime fans with new discovery for younger viewers, offering decades of animation in one place without requiring a subscription.

Because Tubi is free and supported by advertisements, viewers can watch the expanded catalog simply by creating a free account.

Coastal Bend Press
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03/01/2026

Cruise Lines Reroute Puerto Vallarta Stops Following Cartel Violence Concerns

PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — Several cruise lines have begun adjusting travel itineraries to avoid Puerto Vallarta after recent cartel-related violence raised safety concerns in the region.

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed it is temporarily rerouting a number of sailings away from the popular Mexican port while security conditions continue to be monitored.

The changes follow the reported killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Authorities say the operation triggered multiple days of unrest across parts of the country.

In a statement, Carnival said cruise tourism across Mexico is still operating normally in most areas, but the company made the decision to bypass Puerto Vallarta on select sailings for the next few weeks as a precaution.

Ships impacted by the itinerary changes include:
• Carnival Panorama
• Zuiderdam
• Royal Princess
• Island Princess
• Ruby Princess

Guests affected by the adjustments are being contacted directly by cruise operators and travel advisers. Cruise lines have not yet announced the alternate ports that will replace Puerto Vallarta stops.

The change affects multiple cruise companies because Carnival Corporation also owns Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. Norwegian Cruise Line has reportedly canceled visits to the port as well.

Despite the temporary changes, cruises departing from Los Angeles with Puerto Vallarta on the itinerary are still available for booking beginning in mid-March.

Authorities in Mexico say the violence following the cartel leader’s death included road blockades and vehicles being set on fire across several states. Officials report at least 70 people were killed during the unrest.

The United States has since lifted a temporary shelter-in-place advisory that had been issued for U.S. citizens in parts of Mexico.

Cruise lines say they will continue monitoring conditions before resuming normal port visits.

Coastal Bend Press
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03/01/2026

📚 Kaffie Middle School Celebrates Texas Public Schools Week

Students at Kaffie Middle School in Corpus Christi are celebrating Texas Public Schools Week from March 2–6, 2026 with themed spirit days throughout the week.

The school is encouraging students to participate by wearing themed outfits each day to show school pride and celebrate public education in Texas.

Spirit Week Schedule

🔵 Monday — Kaffie Day
Students are encouraged to wear blue and green or Dolphin pride gear to show school spirit.

🎓 Tuesday — College Day
Students can wear their favorite Texas college shirt while celebrating future goals and higher education.

🤠 Wednesday — Made in Texas Day
Students may wear a Texas company shirt or their favorite Texas sports team jersey.

⭐ Thursday — Texas Day
Students are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to celebrate the Lone Star State.

🎉 Friday — No School
Students will have the day off to close out the week.

Texas Public Schools Week is celebrated across the state each year to recognize the role public schools play in educating students and strengthening communities.

Coastal Bend Press
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03/01/2026

Austin Bar Shooting Leaves 2 Victims Dead, 14 Injured; Suspect Also Dead

A late-night shooting in downtown Austin left two victims dead and at least 14 others injured early Sunday morning, according to local authorities.

Austin police say officers responded to reports of an active shooter around 1:39 a.m. at Buford’s Beer Garden, a popular bar in the city’s entertainment district.

When officers arrived, they encountered a man armed with a gun. Police say officers fired their weapons during the confrontation, killing the suspect at the scene.

Emergency responders reported that three people were found dead, including the suspected gunman. Fourteen additional people were transported to area hospitals. Officials say three of the victims are in critical condition, while others suffered various injuries.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers and paramedics arrived quickly and immediately began providing medical aid to those injured.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson credited first responders for their rapid actions.

Officials say the quick response likely prevented the situation from becoming even more deadly.

Authorities are continuing to investigate what led up to the shooting. The identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been released.

More information is expected as the investigation continues.

Coastal Bend Press
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03/01/2026

Three U.S. Service Members Killed in Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM Says

Three U.S. service members have been killed and several others seriously wounded during military operations connected to Operation Epic Fury, according to an update from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

In a statement released Sunday morning, officials confirmed that three service members were killed in action and five others were seriously wounded. Several additional personnel sustained minor injuries, including shrapnel wounds and concussions, but are expected to return to duty.

CENTCOM said the situation remains active as military operations continue in the region.

Out of respect for the families involved, officials said the identities of the fallen service members will not be released until at least 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

Military leaders described the situation as fluid, adding that response efforts are ongoing.

Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Coastal Bend Press
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02/27/2026

U.S. Energy Secretary Highlights South Texas Role in U.S. Energy Industry During Coastal Bend Visit

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited the Coastal Bend on Friday, emphasizing the critical role South Texas plays in the nation’s energy production and export infrastructure.

Wright, the 17th U.S. Secretary of Energy, spent part of the morning meeting with residents and workers in Portland ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the region. The stop followed a tour of Cheniere Energy facilities on Thursday, where Wright met with employees and signed an order intended to help support the company’s ongoing expansion.

During the visit, Wright discussed the importance of the Port of Corpus Christi and surrounding energy operations, describing the region as a major gateway for American energy.

He referred to South Texas as a “beachhead” for U.S. energy dominance, noting the area’s growing influence in global oil and natural gas markets.

Officials say the Port of Corpus Christi continues to play a major role in international energy trade and has become the largest U.S. port by total revenue tonnage, driven largely by petroleum and liquefied natural gas exports.

Wright also addressed challenges facing the region, including ongoing water supply concerns and the need for continued investment in technology and infrastructure to support future growth.

His visit comes just ahead of President Trump’s third trip to Corpus Christi, as federal officials highlight the Coastal Bend’s role in the nation’s energy strategy.

Coastal Bend Press
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02/27/2026

Supporters gather in Corpus Christi ahead of presidential visit

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Supporters of former President Donald Trump gathered Wednesday morning at Waters Edge Park ahead of his expected visit to Corpus Christi.

Dozens of people arrived early, forming what participants called a “Trump Train,” with vehicles decorated in flags and campaign signs.

After gathering at the park along the bayfront, the group traveled together through the city, eventually making their way toward Brewster Street Icehouse in the downtown area.

Trump is expected to visit Corpus Christi this week, drawing attention from supporters and opponents across the Coastal Bend.

Local officials have said presidential visits typically bring increased security and traffic adjustments throughout the city.

More details about the visit and related events are expected to be released as the week progresses.

Coastal Bend Press
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02/27/2026

Texas Oyster Round Up Returns to Corpus Christi This Weekend

Corpus Christi is set to welcome oyster farmers, chefs, and coastal conservation advocates as the Texas Oyster Round Up returns this Saturday.

Hosted by the Texas Surf Conservancy, the fourth annual event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on February 28 at WaterStreet Restaurants in downtown Corpus Christi. Organizers say this year’s festival will feature the largest gathering of Texas oyster farms yet, with more than 10 participating operations from across the coast.

From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., guests can participate in a tasting experience highlighting farm-raised oysters grown in Texas waters. Oyster aquaculture has expanded in recent years as a sustainable alternative that supports coastal economies while helping reduce pressure on natural reef harvests.

Educational panels and guest speakers are also part of the afternoon lineup. Experts including Dr. Bill Walton of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Dr. Lindsay Glass Campbell of Texas Parks and Wildlife are expected to discuss oyster mariculture, habitat restoration, and the environmental role oysters play in coastal ecosystems.

Chef demonstrations, live music, and children’s activities are planned throughout the event, creating a family-friendly atmosphere designed to connect the public with local growers and conservation efforts.

The Sink Your Shucks shell recycling initiative will be onsite collecting used oyster shells. Those shells will later be returned to bays and estuaries to help rebuild reef habitats and support future oyster growth.

An evening after-party at the Executive Surf Club will feature live performances by Molly McDonald, Michael Burtts, and Django Walker.

Organizers say proceeds and donations from the event support ongoing efforts to protect marine habitats and promote sustainable oyster farming along the Texas Gulf Coast.

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