A downtown Corpus Christi hotel at the center of a political scandal is now open for business.The Homewood Suites by Hilton on North Chaparral Street received $2 million in Type-B sales tax funds in 2024 the first time such pub lic funds had ever been used to subsidize a hotel in Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi hotel at center of political scandal opens downtownA competing developer alleged an altered FEMA press release was used to secure the money.No criminal charges were filed. But a citizen petition accusing Mayor Paulette Guajardo of misconduct tied to the award led the city council to begin formal removal proceedings.A four-day removal trial is now scheduled to begin July 22nd.For the latest local news updates, click here, or download the KRIS 6 News App. ...read more read less