Author: Arwen Scafidi

Community

Breaking down the Corpus Christi water crisis: What each stage means for you

Arwen Scafidi

Corpus Christi will likely reach a Level 1 water emergency by September 2026, according to city officials. As a result, the city is now enforcing severe water restrictions Restrictions include a ban on all outdoor watering, prohibiting home vehicle washing (commercial car washes are exempt), and limiting other activities that have higher-level water usage. The city began enforcing these restrictions once it declared the water crisis at Stage 3 in December 2024. Non-compliance citations were being issued starting in January and the Stage 3 water drought status has remained in place since.   During a city council workshop presentation April…

Community, Entertainment, Music

A family band with country roots: Texas Bloodline brings, family, community, and music together on stage

Arwen Scafidi

In South Texas, live country music continues to play an important role in shaping local culture and bringing people together. From Corpus Christi to surrounding areas across the Coastal Bend, local bands create spaces where people can gather, relax and connect through familiar songs and shared experiences. Among those contributing to the local music scene is Texas Bloodline, a family band whose connection goes beyond the music they perform. Texas Bloodline consists of lead singer Jesse Lopez, lead guitarist Eric Lopez, drummer Jesse Ryan Lopez and bassist Sam Allred, a close family friend. Together, the group performs a mix of…

Column, Community

Covering President Trump as a student journalist

Arwen Scafidi

After a stunned moment, I realized I had been struck by a full water bottle thrown from a group of protesters shouting behind a line of Texas state troopers.  The bottle hit the outer corner of my eye as I exited the Port of Corpus Christi following President Donald J. Trump’s visit, bringing an abrupt and unexpected end to an afternoon marked by heightened security, political tension and one of the most surreal reporting experiences I have had so far as a student journalist. The chants had been growing louder as attendees began leaving the venue. Protesters gathered along the…

Community

Inclusive Easter egg hunt encourages accessible celebrations

Arwen Scafidi

Families in the Coastal Bend have the chance to celebrate Easter in an environment intentionally designed to be welcoming, supportive and inclusive. The first annual Inclusive Easter Egg Hunt & Party aims to provide children of all abilities with a space where they can participate comfortably and enjoy the holiday alongside their families and community. The event is hosted by the South Texas Neurodiversity Association in partnership with Choice Living Community and will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at Choice Living Community, 3875 S. Staples St., Building 4. Created by a group of local mothers and community advocates,…

Community, Sports

Buc Days Rodeo returns in April

Arwen Scafidi

The Buc Days Rodeo is officially set to return to the Coastal Bend from April 30 through May 10 bringing back one of Corpus Christi’s longest-standing traditions and largest annual events. The 11-day celebration not only includes the rodeo competitions – but also carnival attractions, the Buc Days Parade, and youth agriculture showcases. The rodeo is scheduled to take place inside the former American Bank Center, now renamed the Hilliard Center, where attendees can expect events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. The festival will also have other attractions to attend such as performances by well-known musicians,…

Opinions

Pop-up Art Walk calls for measured expectations from patrons

Arwen Scafidi

February’s Artwalk in downtown Corpus Christi felt noticeably different this month, and many people in the community took to social media to talk about it. Unlike the normally crowded, street-closing festivities locals associate with ArtWalk, this version kept roads open and vendors spread out in different areas across sidewalks and smaller sections of downtown Corpus Christi. The result of this was a calmer, less-crowded atmosphere that left some attendees confused, and in some cases, disappointed. In a local Facebook community group, multiple residents shared that the event felt more scattered than usual. One parent mentioned she was excited to bring…