Jonathan Munson
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Assistant News Director at @kiii3news. I also really like guitars.
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Articles by Jonathan Munson
3NEWS Meteorologist Kristin Walla is saying farewell to the Coastal Bend Original
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After more than four years of providing crucial weather coverage to the Coastal Bend, Meteorologist Kristin Walla is saying farewell. She will soon be joining the weather team at KVUE, our sister station in Austin. Kristin joined the 3NEWS team in December of 2021 as our weekend evening meteorologist.
Carly Smith named 3NEWS Chief Meteorologist
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — KIII 3NEWS is excited to announce the promotion of Carly Smith to Chief Meteorologist. Smith joined 3NEWS as a meteorologist in 2022 and quickly earned the trust of Coastal Bend residents by delivering clear, accurate, and accessible forecasts that keep the community safe and informed. Known for breaking down not just the forecast but the science behind the weather, Smith will now lead the Weather Impact Team and advance KIII’s weather strategy on-air and online.
Former Gov. Rick Perry says people with their 'panties in a wad' about Trump tariffs should give it time Original
KENEDY, Texas — Former Texas Governor Rick Perry suggested a wait-and-see approach to those concerned about President Donald Trump's tariff plans Wednesday during a ribbon-cutting event in Kenedy County. "I know there's a lot of people with, frankly, their panties in a wad about what's going on. I understand that. Give it a little time. See how it works out," Perry said.
Suspect fleeing traffic stop is shot by police at southside apartment complex
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A man who ran from Corpus Christi police after a traffic stop Saturday was shot and hospitalized during his attempted escape. According to Corpus Christi Police Chief Mike Markle, officers attempted to make the traffic stop at around 10:45 p.m. at the HEB on Saratoga. The suspect fled to the Summit Apartments across the street while being pursued by police.
Nueces County Joint Election Results: Voters elected 3 to Appraisal District board, decide on school bonds
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Results are in for the May 4 Nueces County Joint Election, with three new members of the Nueces County Appraisal District board elected. Typically, county appraisal boards have been appointed positions, but a new law passed in Texas last November as a part of Proposition 2 now provides for three elected positions. Of the 11 candidates who ran for the three At-Large positions on the Nueces County Appraisal District board, James Magill was elected in Place 1, John M.
Monitor Street shooting | Parents of juvenile murder suspect arrested
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The parents of a juvenile suspect in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old Ray High School student have been arrested for hindering the murder investigation, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department. Police said Cristal and Rodrigo Juarez were both arrested Tuesday by the CCPD Gang Unit. They were charged with hindering the apprehension of their 16-year-old son who is accused of shooting 15-year-old Andrew Garza Jr. on Monday, Feb.
Uptown funk causes concern Wednesday afternoon
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A city of Corpus Christi Solid Waste Truck is being blamed for a strong gas odor spread throughout the city. City officials tell 3NEWS that’s because the truck was leaking a chemical known as mercaptan into the garbage compartment. The chemical is added to natural gas to give it a smell. The smell was first reported in the Lamar Park area just after 3:30 p.m. City crews later caught up with it around 4:15, and sent the truck back to the solid waste department for inspection.
Man Found Passed Out in Restaurant Drive-Thru Arrested
A 25-year old man who was arrested just before 2 a.m. Wednesday after he was found passed out in his vehicle at a restaurant drive-thru in the 6800 block of SPID is facing a state jail felony charge. According to police, they found methamphetamine while impounding his vehicle. When officers arrived to the restaurant, they found a 25-year old man asleep in his vehicle. After making contact with him, they determined he was intoxicated, arrested him and impounded the vehicle.
Who has the worst streets: Calallen or the Southside?
It's time for the final round of Driving You Crazy! Thursday, Sharpsburg Road in Calallen and Aaron Drive on Corpus Christi's southside are going head-to-head to determine which street is the best of the worst. Sharpsburg Road is filled -- literally -- with temporary pothole fixes up and down the street. Aaron Drive is a bumpy ride, with exposed potholes in the area closest to Saratoga Boulevard.
Aransas Pass mayor Gomez wins re-election bid
San Patricio/Nueces counties City of Aransas Pass Mayor Ram Gomez-594 Jason Followell-261 Council Member Place 1 Carrie Scruggs-475 Hector Rios-389 Council Member Place 3 Joe Dominquez-489 Eric Kindervater-368 Aransas Pass ISD Trustee, Place 3 Gloria Heyward-333 Olivia Hill-495 Trustee, Place 4 Delfino Flores-697 Trustee, Place 6 Kori De Los Santos-165 Terry Stansberry-443 Frank Guzman-213 City of Bishop Mayor Tem Miller-107 Javier Carrillo-99 Clint Latimer-67 Noel Barrera Lopez-282 Council...
Work on new Harbor Bridge's main span will resume Thursday, TxDOT says
Harbor Bridge The estimated completion date of the new Harbor Bridge is 2025. Author: Jonathan Munson Published: 12:42 PM CST December 14, 2022 Updated: 1:56 PM CST December 14, 2022 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Work on the main span of the new Harbor Bridge will resume Thursday, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Corpus Christi woman found not guilty in nursing student's 2018 murder
News Thelma Villarreal's defense team said the shooting was done in self defense. Author: Jonathan Munson Published: 3:50 PM CST December 8, 2022 Updated: 3:51 PM CST December 8, 2022 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Nueces County jury found Thelma Villarreal not guilty in the 2018 shooting homicide of 21-year-old Alexandra Winfree. Trial began Wednesday in Judge Missy Medary's 347th District Court and resumed Thursday morning, with witnesses giving testimony along with Villarreal herself.
Opening day for Corpus Christi's Cheesecake Factory pushed back two days
Local News With seating for 277, including climate-controlled patio dining, the approximately 8,400-square-foot restaurant will be open Dec. 22. Author: Jonathan Munson Published: 11:20 AM CST December 8, 2022 Updated: 11:20 AM CST December 8, 2022 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The grand opening date for Corpus Christi's new Cheesecake Factory location has been pushed back two days from Dec. 20 to Dec. 22, according to representatives from La Palmera Mall.
New Harbor Bridge makes safety progress as some work resumes, developer says
Harbor Bridge Developers are working with TxDOT to resolve four remaining safety concerns with the bridge's new design. Author: Brandon Schaff, Jonathan Munson Published: 3:38 PM CDT October 28, 2022 Updated: 3:43 PM CDT October 28, 2022 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — One of the five safety concerns that halted construction on the new Harbor Bridge's main span has been resolved, according to representatives from Flatiron-Dragados, LLC, and the Texas Department of Transportation.
Former IT director pleads guilty to using Port of Corpus Christi funds to buy laptops, sell them for personal profit
Local News 162 Apple computers were purchased during the former IT director's time at the Port, but investigators say he turned around and sold them to a reseller in New York. Author: Jonathan Munson Published: 11:47 AM CDT April 27, 2022 Updated: 11:47 AM CDT April 27, 2022 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A former IT director for the Port of Corpus Christi is facing up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to purchasing computers on behalf of the Port and then selling them for personal profit.
Megadeth pays visit to USS Lexington ahead of Corpus Christi concert
Megadeath is appearing with Lamb of God for what's being called the Metal Tour of the Year with special guests Trivium and In Flames. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — One of the most famous names in heavy metal music paid a visit Thursday to the USS Lexington Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. Megadeth took a tour of the Blue Ghost, the longest serving Essex Class aircraft carrier of World War II, ahead of their concert Thursday night at the American Bank Center.
Trial begins for man accused of causing accident that killed Corpus Christi police officer
27-year-old Brandon Portillo faces one charge of intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer, and two counts intoxication assault of a peace officer. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Editor's Note: The video accompanying this story aired Wednesday, April 14, before the trial began. Opening arguments in the trial of Brandon Portillo, the man accused of causing the accident that killed a Corpus Christi police officer in 2020, began Thursday morning in the 94th District Court.
Walmart murder suspect found competent at time of 2020 stabbing Original
Billy Ferguson was charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 2020 killing of 18-year-old Gabe Cooley. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Billy Ferguson, the man accused of stabbing and killing 18-year-old Gabe Cooley in the middle of a Calallen Walmart in 2020, appeared in court Thursday to revisit the topic of his mental competency at the time of the stabbing.
Lauro Cavazos, Kingsville native and first Hispanic to serve on Cabinet, dies at 95 years old
Turcotte Piper Mortuary in Kingsville, Texas, is in the process of making arrangements to bring Cavazos' body back to South Texas for funeral services. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Lauro Cavazos, the first Hispanic to hold a Cabinet post in the U.S., died Tuesday in Concord, Mass. He was 95 years old. Cavazos, was born in Kingsville, Texas, in 1927 and went on to become president of Texas Tech University from 1980-88. On Aug.
Former Nueces County assistant medical examiner arrested for tampering with government records
Dr. Sandra Lyden faces charges of tampering with government records with the intent to defraud or harm another person, a state jail felony. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Editor's Note: The above video is from a previous story on the topic. Dr. Sandra Lyden, a former Nueces County assistant medical examiner who was fired back in January for practicing without a license, was arrested Monday afternoon.
Amanda Noverr pleads guilty, sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in New Hampshire couple's murder
It was back in 2019 when the bodies of James and Michelle Butler were found buried in a shallow grave on Padre Island. KLEBERG COUNTY, Texas — Editor's Note: The video accompanying this story aired on 3News back in November of 2021. Amanda Noverr, one of the two people accused in the killings of a New Hampshire couple on Padre Island back in 2019, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, according to Kleberg County District Attorney John Hubert.
New City-operated Health District approved by Nueces County Commissioners in 4-1 vote
Effective Tuesday, March 1, the City of Corpus Christi will take full management authority of the existing Health District. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After months of back and forth negotiations between the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County, commissioners made a final vote on Monday to decide the future of the City-County Public Health District. Effective Tuesday, March 1, the City of Corpus Christi will take full management authority of the existing Health District.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will have remote instruction Friday due to winter weather
The Island University issued a Code Blue weather update Thursday ahead of expected freezing conditions. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Island University issued a Code Blue on Thursday ahead of the winter storm making its way to the Coastal Bend. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi took to social media with the statement around 3 p.m. stating that they are shifting to remote work and online instruction on Friday.
Man shot after attacking two CCPD officers with a knife during family violence incident on New Year's Eve
Two officers suffered stabbing and laceration injuries. A third officer at the scene drew his weapon and fired, striking the suspect. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two Corpus Christi police officers are recovering from injuries after they were attacked by a man with a knife while responding to a family violence call on New Year's Eve. The man who police say attacked them was shot by a third officer at the scene and is also recovering in an area hospital.
$1 million lawsuit filed against woman who pulled gun on driver in parking lot dispute
The victim, who had her 6-month-old child and two friends in the vehicle with her, caught the incident on camera. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A $1 million lawsuit has been filed against the woman arrested back in November for pulling a gun on a driver and her passengers in the parking lot of the H-E-B grocery store in Annaville, Texas. It was Nov. 24 when police said 60-year-old Rossie Dennis parked behind the victim, blocking her into a parking space, and got out of her vehicle.
Omicron dominant strain in U.S. but why there are still no reported case in Nueces County
The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District has warned residents to remain vigilant, saying it's only a matter of time before omicron is here. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The omicron variant of COVID-19 is now the dominant version of coronavirus in the U.S., according to federal health officials; yet Nueces County has still not officially seen even its first case.
$1 million lawsuit filed against woman who pulled gun on driver in parking lot dispute
The victim, who had her 6-month-old child and two friends in the vehicle with her, caught the incident on camera. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Editor's Note: The video accompanying this story aired Dec. 1, 2021. A $1 million lawsuit has been filed against the woman arrested back in November for pulling a gun on a driver and her passengers in the parking lot of the H-E-B grocery store in Annaville, Texas. It was Nov.
City of Corpus Christi to rebuild 43 neighborhood streets in 2022
City Council approved nearly $20 million in funding Tuesday for next year's phase of the Residential Street Rebuild Program. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi's City Council approved $20 million in funding for 43 neighborhood streets to be rebuilt in fiscal year 2022. It's part of the City's Residential Street Rebuild Program.
Two arrested for capital murder in connection with game room shooting on Weber Road
CCPD detectives were able to identify and secure warrants for the arrest of two suspects, 25-year-old Vanessa Salas and 25-year-old Jean Martinez. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Editor's Note: The above video aired Monday, July 26. Two people have been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that happened early Sunday morning outside of a game room on Weber Road, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department. The shooting happened just after 4 a.m. Sunday, July 25.
West Nile virus detected in three mosquito pools within Corpus Christi city limits
The mosquito pools are located in the 400 block of Bartlett Street, the 3300 block of Longview, and the 1000 block of Bobalo. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi's Vector Control program announced Thursday the detection of West Nile virus in three mosquito pools within city limits. The mosquito pools are located in the 400 block of Bartlett Street, the 3300 block of Longview, and the 1000 block of Bobalo.
Corpus Christi International Airport sees increase in travelers this June, just shy of pre-COVID numbers
Local News More than 30,000 passengers boarded planes and took off from the CCIA this June, and officials say the recovery has outpaced the national average. Author: Jonathan Munson Published: 1:53 PM CDT July 26, 2021 Updated: 1:57 PM CDT July 26, 2021 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — This summer has been busy for the Corpus Christi International Airport. On Monday, CCIA officials reported the month of June was just six-percent short of pre-COVID-19 travel levels in June of 2019.
City of Corpus Christi, TAAF cancel opening ceremonies for Games of Texas
The opening ceremony was scheduled for Friday, July 30, but the ceremony was anticipated to attract an estimated 10,000 people in a concentrated area. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Due to an uptick in local and state confirmed COVID-19 cases, the City of Corpus Christi and the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, along with local partner agencies, reviewed the COVID-19 protocols for the Summer Games of Texas 2021. The Games of Texas is set to run from July 29-Aug. 1.
First case of COVID-19 Delta variant confirmed in Nueces County
The City-County Health District is currently conducting contract tracing to limit further transmission of the virus. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District reported Friday evening that it has received confirmation of the first known case of the COVID-19 Delta variant in the area. Mayo Clinic Laboratories confirmed the case. The patient is reportedly a female healthcare worker between 30-40 years of age.
Nueces County Vector Control announces positive West Nile Detection in area mosquito pool
The positive test occurred at a trap located at 3140-A County Road 49A in Corpus Christi, Texas. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Nueces County Vector Control reported Friday their first positive detection of West Nile Virus in a Corpus Christi area mosquito pool. The positive test occurred at a trap located at 3140-A County Road 49A in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Mike Markle to return as Corpus Christi Chief of Police, mayor says
Markle announced his retirement at the end of March this year, saying that he was taking a job in the private sector. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo announced via Facebook Monday afternoon that former Police Chief Mike Markle, who retired back in April, will be returning to the lead the Corpus Christi Police Department. Markle announced his retirement at the end of March this year, saying that he was taking a job in the private sector.
City to shut off water to Flour Bluff at 3 p.m. Wednesday in order to isolate broken water main
The service will be off for about three to four hours as crews work to isolate the broken water main. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The City of Corpus Christi put out word Wednesday afternoon that they will be shutting off water to Flour Bluff for a few hours starting at 3 p.m. in order to locate the broken water main responsible for the citywide disruptions. According to the City, water crews have narrowed their search down to three water mains that deliver water to Flour Bluff.
Warming centers available in Corpus Christi during this weekend's freezing weather
Seven locations have been designated by the City of Corpus Christi as warming centers for those in need. Doors open at noon Friday. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Note: The video that accompanies this story aired on 3News Thursday evening prior to the City of Corpus Christi announcing specific warming locations. The City of Corpus Christi announced Friday morning that several senior centers and libraries will be opened to the public to help keep them warm during this weekend's arctic blast.
Driscoll Children's Hospital, City of Corpus Christi team up to distribute 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines at American Bank Center Thursday
NUECES COUNTY, Texas — The City of Corpus Christi has teamed up with Driscoll Children's Hospital to host the Coastal Bend's next Mega Vaccine Clinic this Thursday. According to Driscoll Children's Hospital officials, 1,000 Pfizer vaccines will be distributed this week at an appointment-only COVID-19 vaccine clinic that will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. Thursday at the American Bank Center. Those seeking who qualify can make an appointment online or via telephone.
Goliad ISD to begin Thanksgiving break early amidst concerns of rising COVID-19 numbers in surrounding communities
For students in Goliad ISD, Thanksgiving break will begin Tuesday, Nov. 17, and will continue through Sunday, Nov. 29. GOLIAD, Texas — Citing outbreaks of COVID-19 in communities around the Coastal Bend, Goliad Independent School District administrators have made the decision to kick off their Thanksgiving break early this year. Superintendent Stacy Ackley released a letter notifying parents that this year's Thanksgiving break will begin Tuesday, Nov. 17, and will continue through Sunday, Nov. 29.
League of Women Voters-Corpus Christi Candidate Forums & Voters Guide
3News has partnered with the League of Women Voters-Corpus Christi to help make sure the community has the information they need before hitting the polls. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Over the past several weeks, the League of Women Voters-Corpus Christi chapter have been working tirelessly to provide Coastal Bend voters with the resources and information they need to participate in the 2020 election.
Four-month-old tiger found in duffel bag at U.S.-Mexico border
The cub was taken to Brownsville, Texas, and turned over to the Gladys Porter Zoo. BROWNSVILLE, Texas (Kiii News) — U.S. Border Patrol agents working near the Rio Grande had a strange encounter Monday -- one that ultimately led them to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. Three undocumented immigrants were observed attempting to enter the U.S. illegally and agents responded. The three immigrants were carrying a black duffel bag, which they abandoned as they fled back into Mexico.
Nueces County Judge: Bars will reopen in Nueces County
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales tells 3News that bars will be allowed to reopen in Nueces County. Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order which will allow bars to reopen at 50-percent capacity, per County Judges approval, beginning Oct. 14.
City of Corpus Christi approves $1 billion budget for fiscal year 2020-21
Included in the budget is almost $80 million in street maintenance and reconstruction, plus another $61 million in improvements that will be voted on in November. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The City of Corpus Christi announced Tuesday that they have approved an operating and capital budget of $1 billion for fiscal year 2020-21, which begins Oct. 1.
CCISD reports four confirmed COVID-19 cases among staff since start of in-person learning
So far, the district has not reported any positive cases among students since the start of in-person learning. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As of Thursday morning, the Corpus Christi Independent School District has reported a total of four positive COVID-19 tests among their staff since the start of face-to-face instruction on Tuesday. So far, the district has not reported any positive cases among students since the start of in-person learning.
Police stepping up enforcement at Bishop City Park due to increase in criminal mischief cases
City park curfew runs from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 should not be in any public places between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. BISHOP, Texas — The Bishop Police Department put out word on social media Tuesday evening that, effective immediately, their officers will be cracking down on city parks' and juvenile curfew laws.
CCPD remembers Sgt. Joseph Daniel Bock on 33rd anniversary of his end of watch
On this day in 1987, Corpus Christi Police Department Sgt. Joseph Daniel Bock was killed in the line of duty while serving and protecting. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — On this day in 1987, Corpus Christi Police Department Sgt. Joseph Daniel Bock was killed in the line of duty while serving and protecting. Sgt. Bock was the ninth CCPD officer ever to be killed in the line of duty. According to CCPD, Sgt. Bock was trying to stop a speeding vehicle but the driver refused.
More than $100 million in lawsuits filed against company involved in Corpus Christi pipeline explosion
The surviving family members of Martinez and Espinoza are each asking for at least $50 million in damages. Delgado is seeking at least $10 million. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The last two bodies of the four men killed during the explosion at the port back on Friday have been recovered. At the same time, their families, along with one surviving crew member, have filed lawsuits against the dredging vessel’s owner, Houston based Orion Marine Group for a total of $110 million.
More than $100 million in lawsuits filed against company involved in Corpus Christi pipeline explosion
According to Attorney Tony Buzbee, two of the lawsuits, those filed on behalf of Martinez and Espinoza, seek $50 million from Orion. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Orion Marine Construction, Inc., the dredging company reportedly responsible for Friday's pipeline explosion in Corpus Christi.
CCISD releases 2020 Return to School plan, read it here
Corpus Christi Independent School District released their back-to-school reopening plans for the 2020-21 school year. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Thanking parents for their patience in an announcement Friday, the Corpus Christi Independent School District released their back-to-school reopening plans for the 2020-21 school year. They remind parents that the situation remains fluid and plans could change as COVID-19 continues to be monitored in our area.
Gov. Abbott waives STAAR testing promotion requirements for students in grades five, eight due to COVID-19
Abbott's announcement said the traditional A-F rating system will remain in place, with some adjustments due. AUSTIN, Texas — Texas students in grades five and eight will not have to worry about STAAR testing when it comes to being promoted to the next grade this upcoming school year. It's part of the state's COVID-19 respnse. Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday that he is waiving the grade promotion requirement.
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