Have your say: Visit Bend seeks 4 new board members for tourism & sustainability

KTVZ on January 13, 2026

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Visit Bend is looking for community members who want to help shape the city’s future in tourism, recreation, and sustainability. The city’s nonprofit destination marketing organization plays a key role in promoting Bend while prioritizing environmental, social, and economic health.​

The tourism organization is currently accepting applications for four open seats on its board of directors. The new members will serve three-year terms beginning in March, and the deadline to apply is January 30.

Visit Bend is seeking applicants with ties to the city’s visitor economy — including those working in tourism, hospitality, outdoor recreation, or related industries — as well as individuals whose work supports the group’s mission of environmental and economic stewardship.​

Those interested in applying can send an email to boardinquiry@visitbend.com with a brief bio and a statement explaining why they’d like to serve. More information about the board positions and Visit Bend’s initiatives is available at their website.

About Visit Bend

Visit Bend is the destination marketing and management organization under contract with the City of Bend, funded primarily through citywide transient room tax collections. Its work focuses on attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and reinvesting tourism dollars into community assets, with an emphasis on sustainability and respect for Bend’s natural resources.

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Families want answers after more than 100 skeletons found in home

CNN Newsource on January 13, 2026

By John Paul

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    YEADON, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — The Yeadon police chief says families across the country are reaching out in fear that their loved ones’ remains may be among more than 100 skeletons authorities say were recovered from the home and storage unit of a Lancaster County man.

“It’s a shock. It’s a shock you have to tell someone their family member is gone,” Yeadon Police Chief Henry Giammarco said.

Giammarco said he spent much of the weekend responding to more than 60 messages from people with relatives buried at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Some callers reached out from as far away as Hawaii and California, worried that the remains of their family members may have been taken.

“We’re answering phone calls, we’re answering emails because that’s their loved one. That’s important,” Giammarco said. “As I said before, rest in peace is rest in peace.”

Police say Jonathan Gerlach broke into mausoleums and underground crypts on the Yeadon side of Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Last week, investigators revealed that more than 100 skeletons, in various states of decay, were found in Gerlach’s basement and a storage unit. They believe he was selling the remains online.

“To feel violated is putting it, is just the beginning of the feelings,” said former Philadelphia Police Captain Drew Techner.

Techner said he learned from Action News that the mausoleum of his relative, Francis Charlton, had been broken into. Charlton was the son of a Philadelphia City Councilman and operated a coal company before his death in 1908.

“My family has been buried in the cemetery for over 100 years,” Techner said.

He said mausoleums can be difficult to secure and have long been targets for criminals. As a police captain, he recalls investigating similar incidents two decades ago.

“I knew about 20 years ago these mausoleums were being broken into for the intent of burglaries,” he said. “As a former police captain in the city of Philadelphia, I knew what their motive was: it was to go in there and get valuables. But this takes it to a whole new level.”

Gerlach’s preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for Jan. 20, has been postponed. He faces more than 500 charges.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Human Trafficking Has No Place in Texas — and Houston Is Standing Guard

CNN Newsource on January 13, 2026

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    January 13, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Human trafficking is one of the most urgent human rights crises of our time—hidden in plain sight, fueled by exploitation, and sustained by silence. This January, as Texas observes Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the message is unmistakable: freedom is non-negotiable, and communities like Houston are drawing a firm line against abuse.

Led by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the state is elevating prevention, education, and survivor support through coordinated programs that place people—especially the most vulnerable—at the center. A statewide proclamation from Greg Abbott reinforces the urgency, calling on Texans to recognize trafficking for what it is: a crime that robs individuals of liberty and undermines public safety.

A Crime That Touches Every Community

Human trafficking includes sexual exploitation and forced labor, and it does not discriminate by age, gender, or background. In a global hub like Houston—home to major ports, highways, and a world-class medical corridor—prevention requires vigilance, coordination, and compassion. Traffickers depend on invisibility; communities defeat trafficking by making it visible.

Health Care Providers on the Front Lines

One of Texas’ most effective strategies focuses on health care professionals, who often encounter survivors while exploitation is ongoing. HHSC emphasizes awareness training so providers can identify warning signs and respond appropriately—without judgment, fear, or delay. Compassionate care can be the first safe doorway out of harm.

HEART: Turning Awareness into Action

A cornerstone of this effort is HEART—Hearing, Evaluating, Activating, Resourcing, and Training. This free training equips health care workers to recognize indicators of trafficking and take survivor-centered steps toward help. The results are tangible: more than 109,000 Texas health care providers completed HEART training between September 2024 and August 2025, dramatically expanding the state’s capacity to intervene early and effectively.

Connecting Survivors to Support

The HHSC Human Trafficking Resource Center anchors statewide prevention by funding initiatives, offering specialized training, and connecting survivors to critical services—from emergency shelter and counseling to legal advocacy. Texas also participates in the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force, a coalition of more than 50 organizations working together to educate the public, identify victims, strengthen prosecutions, and recommend policies that close gaps traffickers exploit.

How Texans Can Help—Every Day

Prevention isn’t limited to professionals. Texans can report suspicious activity through iWatchTexas, support survivor services by purchasing the “Stop Human Trafficking” specialty license plate, and stay informed about the signs of trafficking. Small actions, multiplied across millions of residents, create powerful deterrence.

Houston’s Leadership Moment

Houston’s strength has always been its people—diverse, resilient, and ready to protect one another. Ending trafficking means believing survivors, asking hard questions, and refusing to look away. Awareness opens eyes; action saves lives.

If You Suspect Trafficking

Call 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 (TTY: 711) Text: 233733 Online Chat: National Human Trafficking Hotline

Houston Style Magazine Takeaway: Human trafficking has no place in Texas. With education, accountability, and compassion—powered by community leadership—Houston is proving that freedom is a right worth defending, every day, for everyone.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

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Viral video turns 11-year-old Eagles fan into online sensation

CNN Newsource on January 13, 2026

By Briana Smith

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    BLUE BELL, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — An 11-year-old Eagles fan from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, has become a social media sensation after a video of his passionate reaction to the team’s wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers spread widely online with more than 18 million views.

The clip shows Sam Salvo expressing frustration after Sunday night’s game.

“I want AJ Brown packing his bags and going somewhere else that is not here,” he says in the video.

He adds, “I want Kevin Patullo flipping burgers at the local McDonald’s or something. Whenever he’s an offensive coordinator, it’s like he’s flipping burgers. One side, he’s cooking. The other half, he’s completely raw.”

Salvo said the Eagles’ loss was disappointing, but the attention that followed has been exciting.

“This is a dream come true. I never thought this would happen,” he said.

Known to his family as “Slammin’ Sam,” Salvo describes himself as a devoted Eagles fan.

“This is my room, guys. I have my football jerseys over here,” he said while showing off his collection. He added that his love for the team goes back years.

“Well, since I was a tiny boy. I was so small when I first started watching the Eagles. I love the Eagles so much,” he said.

Despite the defeat, Salvo said he walked away with a memorable message.

“I heard something at the game that really made me think about my life: ‘Win or lose, we’re the bleeping Birds baby.'”

His father, Paul Salvo, said the phrase came from a fan sitting behind them.

“He learned that from the guy behind him; shoutout to that guy,” said Paul

He added that his son’s personality shines both on and off camera.

“Sam is hilarious. This is how he is in real life all the time. He says ridiculous things. He does ridiculous things, but in his heart, he’s a really good kid. I love hanging out with him, and he’s the best.”

His younger sister, Marina, said the attention feels fitting.

“Sam loves football, and I feel like all that football talk has finally done him something good,” she said.

Salvo said he hopes to stay in the spotlight and has dreams of working in sports someday.

“That would be my second or third option. If I couldn’t make pro tennis, then I would try to be a sportscaster or something,” he said. For now, he has his sights set on one show in particular: “Yeah, the show with Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce on it.”

His mother, Zuzana Salvo, said the family is enjoying the moment. “We’re just riding the wave,” she said.

“I look at it like he’s an 11-year-old kid, let’s let him have fun. Let’s let him enjoy the moment, and make sure his grades stay good, and let’s make sure he’s playing good tennis. I’m just excited for him,” said Paul.

Salvo now has an Instagram account managed by his parents and is working on launching a YouTube channel.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Fort Bend’s Future on the Ballot: A County Judge Race That Reflects a County on the Rise

CNN Newsource on January 13, 2026

By Burt Levine

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    January 13, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Fort Bend County has never been shy about growth—or about redefining what the future of Texas leadership looks like. Now approaching the one-million-resident milestone, this nationally recognized hub of diversity, education, and economic momentum is witnessing a County Judge race as dynamic and multifaceted as the community itself. With Early Voting beginning Tuesday, February 17, 2026, ahead of the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Super Tuesday Primary, voters are preparing to choose among 10 accomplished, highly educated, and culturally diverse candidates vying for one of the most influential local offices in Texas.

While statewide contests for U.S. Senate, Governor, and Attorney General dominate headlines, seasoned civic observers know the real day-to-day impact of government is felt closest to home. The Fort Bend County Judge presides over Commissioners Court and plays a central role in public safety, infrastructure, flood control, economic development, criminal justice, and quality of life—issues that shape neighborhoods long after national campaign signs come down.

A Field That Mirrors Fort Bend’s Demographics—and Ambition

The incumbent, KP George, made history in 2018 as the first Indian-American County Judge in Texas, bringing experience from his service as a Fort Bend ISD School Board Trustee. His leadership now faces a broad and energetic slate of challengers, each bringing a distinct background and vision.

Among them is Kenneth Omoruyi, a Nigerian-American CPA emphasizing fiscal discipline and accountability, and Daniel Wong, a Chinese-American professional engineer who underscores infrastructure resilience and public service. Daryl Aaron, a U.S. Army veteran and attorney from Rosenberg, brings a leadership-through-service narrative, while Melissa Wilson, a construction company CEO, stands poised to become the first Black and first woman County Judge should she prevail.

The race continues with Christian Becerra, a twice-elected countywide District Judge whose family’s civil-rights legacy in Rosenberg spans more than a century. He is joined by Rachelle Carter, a Sugar Land Municipal Judge known for courtroom experience and community engagement.

Adding further depth are Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary, a former Missouri City Council Member and Houston Community College Trustee with a strong education and workforce focus; Dexter McCoy, a first-term Fort Bend County Commissioner whose career began in President Barack Obama’s White House and who many consider a frontrunner; and Eddie Sajjad, an Indian-American entrepreneur known for innovative Get-Out-The-Vote technology and long-standing local Democratic activism.

A County Built on Education, Opportunity, and Ownership

This unprecedented field reflects Fort Bend County’s remarkable profile. According to the most recent U.S. Census estimates, the county’s population of roughly 958,000 residents is among the most diverse in America—27.9% White, 25% Hispanic, 23.2% Asian, and 22.8% African American. Homeownership stands at an impressive 77.5%, digital connectivity exceeds 94%, and nearly half of residents over 25 hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Add to that tens of thousands of minority- and women-owned businesses, and you have a community deeply invested in smart governance and inclusive growth.

Key Dates Every Voter Should Know

Last day to register to vote: Monday, February 2, 2026 Early Voting begins: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Primary Election Day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Last day to apply for Ballot by Mail: Friday, February 20, 2026 Runoff Election (if needed): Tuesday, May 28, 2026

Why This Race Matters—Now More Than Ever

In Fort Bend County, the County Judge’s race isn’t just crowded—it’s consequential. It represents a community confident enough to debate ideas vigorously, diverse enough to offer multiple paths forward, and engaged enough to show up at the polls. For Houston-area readers, this election underscores a broader truth: local leadership is where progress becomes personal.

As Fort Bend County charts its next chapter, voters hold the pen. The choice they make this spring will help define how one of America’s most successful counties continues to grow—fairly, boldly, and together.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
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Cadillac Nears Formula 1 Debut with Special Edition Testing Livery

CNN Newsource on January 13, 2026

By Lisa Valadez

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    January 13, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 is gaining momentum as the brand prepares to debut as the Cadillac Formula 1 Team at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8. The move marks a significant milestone for both Cadillac and American motorsport on the global stage.

General Motors recently unveiled the team’s Special Edition testing livery at its new global headquarters in Detroit, signaling the next phase of Cadillac’s journey to the Formula 1 grid. The livery will be used during the all team Shakedown Week in Barcelona from January 26 through January 30, ahead of the official race livery reveal on February 8.

Developed through a collaboration between GM Global Design and the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, the testing livery features a monochrome, precision driven design inspired by a modern interpretation of the Cadillac crest. As with traditional Formula 1 testing liveries, the look is designed to disguise aerodynamic details while maintaining a strong brand identity through clean lines, geometric patterns, and a premium finish.

A replica Formula 1 car wearing the Barcelona Shakedown livery was also displayed as part of GM’s headquarters opening week and will remain on view at the Detroit Auto Show through January 25.

The reveal in Detroit ties Cadillac’s Formula 1 ambitions to its roots, with GM’s new headquarters located near the brand’s original home. With testing set to begin in Spain and the season opener fast approaching, Cadillac’s Formula 1 debut represents a defining moment as the brand brings its design heritage and performance ambitions to the pinnacle of global motorsport. More info: Cadillac.com

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
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Detroit Auto Show 2026 Charity Preview: Where Motown, Mobility, and Meaning Collide

CNN Newsource on January 13, 2026

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    January 13, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Detroit has always known how to throw a party—with purpose. And in 2026, the Motor City’s most glamorous night returns in unforgettable style as the Detroit Auto Show launches its milestone season with the iconic Charity Preview, a black-tie celebration that blends world-class entertainment, cutting-edge automotive innovation, and decades of heartfelt philanthropy.

For Houston Style Magazine readers who appreciate culture with a cause, this is one winter event worth circling in bold.

A Headliner That Bridges Generations

Taking center stage for the 2026 Charity Preview is international superstar Robin Thicke, whose smooth vocals and chart-topping hits promise to transform Huntington Place into a Motown-meets-modern-soul experience. Known for seamlessly blending contemporary R&B with classic influences, Thicke’s performance will resonate across generations—much like Detroit itself.

A five-time GRAMMY® Award nominee and diamond-selling artist, Thicke’s résumé reads like a soundtrack to pop and R&B history. From early collaborations with Michael Jackson and Usher to his own platinum-selling catalog, his presence adds global star power to a night rooted deeply in community impact.

Detroit Legends Bring the City’s Energy Home

Because no Detroit celebration is complete without hometown icons, the entertainment lineup proudly features legendary rapper Trick Trick, delivering a moment that’s unmistakably only in Detroit. His raw authenticity and cultural influence will add edge, pride, and unpredictability to the evening.

Setting the tone from the moment doors open is Detroit native DJ Rimarkable (Maria “Ri Ri” Garcia), whose signature remix style will keep the night moving with a soundtrack inspired by the city’s past, present, and future.

Guiding the celebration as Master of Ceremonies is none other than Jalen Rose—Fab Five legend, broadcaster, and founder of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. His commitment to education and youth empowerment makes him the perfect steward for an evening dedicated to children and community.

Fifty Years of Giving Back—And Still Going Strong

Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview is more than a glamorous gala—it’s one of the most successful philanthropic automotive events in the world. Since its founding in 1976, the Charity Preview has raised more than $125 million for children’s charities across Southeast Michigan.

Proceeds from the 2026 event will benefit six vital organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit PAL, The Children’s Center, The Children’s Foundation, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, and University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital—ensuring the night’s impact lasts long after the final encore.

First Look at the Future of Mobility

Beyond the music and martinis, Charity Preview guests enjoy exclusive first access to the auto show floor—where the world’s most innovative vehicles debut. From next-generation EVs to immersive mobility experiences, attendees can see, touch, and even ride in the cars shaping tomorrow.

As Detroit Auto Show Executive Director Sam Klemet notes, the evening uniquely reflects Detroit’s ability to unite automotive excellence, cultural pride, and community impact—a formula Houston knows well.

Event Details at a Glance – Charity Preview Friday, January 16, 2026 • 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Huntington Place | Detroit • Tickets: $400 individual | $700 per pair Available at detroitautoshow.com

Why Houston Is Watching Detroit

From Houston to Detroit, cities built on innovation understand the power of industry paired with intention. The Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview isn’t just a night out—it’s a reminder that progress moves fastest when culture, creativity, and community drive together.

Black tie. Big heart. Bold future.

For tickets, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments, visit detroitautoshow.com and follow the Detroit Auto Show on social media.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

High-tech beanie helps to soothe NICU babies

CNN Newsource on January 13, 2026

By Christie Ileto

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    PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — In the NICU, every sound matters. A high-tech beanie called the Sonura Beanie is helping turn down the noise and turn up the calm.

It was created by Sophie Ishiwari and Gabby Daltoso, and it mimics the sounds of the womb. Their idea won Penn’s 2023 President’s Innovation Prize, awarding them $100,000 to pursue the project.

Sewn inside the Sonura Beanie is a medical device being tested at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. It blocks harmful noises in the hospital environment and also delivers audio messages recorded by their parents.

“We did a ton of trial and error,” said Penn students Ishiwari and Daltoso.

“We’re measuring early signs of decreased stress. So that means decreased heart rate, decreased respiratory rate, making sure they’re, you know, just calm in general, increased oxygen saturation. These are early indicators. In the future, we want to measure growth, like how if they’re able to feed faster, those are our future indications,” the students added.

The pair have tested the device on six babies in the NICU, including Pamela Collins’ son, John, who was born at 20 weeks, weighing just 1 pound, 14 ounces.

“I wasn’t there the first time, but the nurses were there, and when I got there, they told me that he was laughing. I really believe he was,” Collins said.

Collins, who lives in Mount Pocono, can’t always be in Philadelphia with her son. So she, her husband and daughter have recorded stories and even a Brazilian song to tell John how loved he is.

“It’s been incredible to see the reaction from six parents. I cannot imagine what it will feel like when it’s hundreds, even thousands of parents we’re able to help,” Ishiwari and Daltoso said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Texas Southern University Becomes First Texas HBCU to Earn Prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

CNN Newsource on January 13, 2026

By Lisa Valadez

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    January 13, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Texas Southern University has achieved a historic milestone, earning the nationally recognized Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a prestigious designation that highlights universities where community engagement is deeply embedded in research, teaching, service, and institutional practice.

Fewer than 10% of the nearly 4,000 degree-granting institutions in the United States hold the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, placing Texas Southern among an elite group of universities committed to public purpose. The university is the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Texas to receive the honor, joining a select category of research-active institutions that also maintain a strong mission-driven focus.

“This designation affirms Texas Southern University’s longstanding commitment to advancing education, research excellence, and societal impact through meaningful community partnerships,” said President J.W. Crawford III. “It reflects the work of faculty, students, staff, and community partners who have collaboratively shaped research, teaching, service, and outreach to address real-world challenges and improve outcomes locally and beyond.”

Unlike Carnegie research classifications, which emphasize research expenditures and doctoral output, the Community Engagement Classification evaluates how universities work with communities through mutually beneficial and reciprocal partnerships. The elective designation requires a rigorous application process, including extensive qualitative and quantitative evidence showing that community engagement is institutionalized, assessed, and sustained.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carl B. Goodman emphasized the impact of these partnerships: “Community engagement at Texas Southern University facilitates reciprocal partnerships that shape teaching, research, and institutional practice. These collaborations add value to the community and affirm our commitment to academic excellence grounded in shared purpose and public impact.”

Texas Southern’s commitment to community engagement is evident across its academic programs:

Culturally Responsive Educators: The College of Education partners with PreK–12 schools to prepare teachers who gain hands-on classroom experience while supporting local schools and families.

Mental Health Access and Workforce Development: In collaboration with Mental Health America of Greater Houston, faculty and students help connect residents to mental health services and host internship fairs for future counseling professionals.

Community-Focused Health Education: Doctor of Pharmacy students participate in service-learning projects that support health initiatives across diverse Houston communities.

Public Service and Professional Practice: Master of Public Administration students complete internships with government and nonprofit agencies, contributing to community development, policy analysis, and program evaluation.

Social Work Internships: Senior social work students complete 450 hours of supervised fieldwork across 16 Houston ZIP codes, expanding access to social services.

Arts, Culture, and Community Storytelling: The English Department partners with organizations like Kindred Stories to host literary events that engage students and the public, amplifying diverse voices.

This recognition further distinguishes Texas Southern as a research-active institution with a mission-driven focus. Combined with its Carnegie R2 (Doctoral University with High Research Activity) status, the university now holds a rare dual designation that positions it as a leader among HBCUs nationwide.

Nationally, the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is increasingly seen as a marker of readiness for federal agencies, foundations, and philanthropic organizations focused on social impact. For Texas Southern, the designation strengthens opportunities for community-engaged research funding while aligning research growth with its institutional mission. More infor: TSU.edu

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
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AARP Texas Opens Applications for 2026 Community Challenge Grants

CNN Newsource on January 13, 2026

By Lisa Valadez

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    January 13, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Texas communities, including those across the Greater Houston region, have a new opportunity to fund projects that make neighborhoods more livable for residents of all ages. AARP Texas is now accepting applications for its 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant Program, with a deadline of March 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time.

The annual program supports quick-turnaround projects designed to improve everyday life through enhancements to public spaces, transportation options, housing, digital access, and community resilience. Grants are part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which focuses on creating environments that are especially supportive of adults age 50 and older—while benefiting people of all generations.

Now in its tenth year, the Community Challenge will award more than $8 million nationwide in 2026. Since 2017, AARP has invested $24.3 million in more than 2,100 projects across the U.S. In Texas alone, nearly $705,000 has been awarded through 57 grants, including 12 projects funded in 2025.

“Through the Community Challenge grant program, AARP Texas works closely with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to improve the quality of life for people of all ages, especially Texans 50 and older,” said Lisa Rodriguez, AARP Texas director. “We’ve seen quick turn-around projects lead to very tangible and long-lasting improvements.”

Three Grant Opportunities Available

For 2026, applicants may apply under one of three categories:

Flagship Grants: Support improvements to public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars up to $15,000. Capacity-Building Microgrants: Provide $2,500 along with expert guidance, webinars, and cohort learning for projects focused on walkability, bikeability, home modifications, and disaster preparedness. Demonstration Grants: Fund scalable, replicable projects, with 2026 priorities including pedestrian safety, broadband expansion, and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, up to $25,000.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations Local and state government entities Other organizations considered on a case-by-case basis

All projects must align with AARP’s mission to support people age 50 and older and be completed by December 15, 2026.

Houston-area nonprofits, municipalities, and community groups are encouraged to apply and bring innovative ideas forward that can make lasting local impact.

Applications and full program details are available at: AARP.org/CommunityChallenge

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
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