Pikes Peak rangers offering affordable snowshoe tours for the first time

Bradley Davis

CASCADE, Colo. (KRDO) – For the first time, Pikes Peak Rangers are offering guided snowshoe tours all season long to encourage guests to explore America’s Mountain for only $10 extra on top of the park entrance fee.

The 3-hour tours are only $20, or $10 for children. Guests can explore the rest of the mountain after the tour (assuming you still have the energy!). The Tour includes snowshoes, poles and a ranger to guide you safely along your trek.

The typical retail cost to rent snowshoes for a day is $15 to $20. Commercial guided tours cost much, much more.

Rangers said they hope this new program will encourage more residents and tourists to experience Pikes Peak in a whole new way. The tour is beginner-friendly. Children are welcome, and they have kids’ snowshoes available.

The guided tours are every Saturday. Participants meet at the Pikes Peak Gateway to pick up snowshoes and poles before driving up to mile marker 11.5, around 10,600 feet up.

Every Saturday this month is currently sold out, but rangers have not posted their April tours. When those dates are posted, you can buy tickets here. Rangers said this is a program they are excited to continue for the winters to come.

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Building the Dream Team for Homeownership: Houston’s Spring 360 Workshop Empowers Future Buyers

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    March 10, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — For generations, homeownership has represented more than just property—it symbolizes stability, legacy, and the promise of opportunity. In Houston, a city celebrated for its diversity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit, the path to owning a home is becoming clearer thanks to the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department’s “Spring 360 Road to Homeownership” series.

Designed to guide aspiring homeowners through every stage of the process, the four-part educational series continues this month with its highly anticipated second installment: “Session Two: Building the Perfect Team.” The interactive workshop will take place Thursday, March 19, 2026, 6:00 PM–7:30 PM CT, offering Houstonians practical tools and insider knowledge to confidently navigate the home-buying journey.

A Smarter Path to Homeownership

Buying a home is often the largest financial decision families make, and the process can feel overwhelming without the right support system. That’s precisely where the Spring 360 initiative shines. Developed to empower first-time buyers, the program walks participants through key milestones—from improving credit to understanding property maintenance and long-term investment strategies.

Session Two focuses on one of the most critical factors for success: assembling a trusted team of professionals.

Future homeowners will learn how to identify and work with essential experts including:

Experienced real estate agents and brokers Mortgage lenders and loan officers Property inspectors and appraisers Insurance professionals and housing advisors Each plays a vital role in ensuring buyers make informed decisions while avoiding costly pitfalls.

Expert Guidance from Houston Professionals

Leading the workshop is Lisa Diaz, Realtor, an experienced housing professional who understands both the technical and personal aspects of buying a home. Diaz will guide participants through practical strategies for selecting reliable professionals who will advocate for their interests and help streamline the buying process.

“Homeownership isn’t something anyone should tackle alone,” housing experts often remind new buyers. “The right team transforms a complicated process into a confident and exciting journey.”

Participants will gain insights into what questions to ask potential team members, how to evaluate credentials, and how to build partnerships that lead to long-term success.

Interactive Learning for Houston Residents

Unlike traditional lectures, the Spring 360 sessions are designed to be interactive and community-driven. The workshop will be held live, allowing participants to ask personalized questions and receive tailored guidance about their unique financial and housing goals.

For many Houston families—especially first-time buyers—this kind of direct access to experts can make a powerful difference.

Houston’s housing market continues to evolve as the region grows, attracting new residents and investment while maintaining its reputation as one of America’s most accessible major housing markets. Programs like Spring 360 ensure local residents remain equipped to seize these opportunities.

Turning Dreams into Doorsteps

Beyond the practical advice, the Spring 360 Road to Homeownership series reflects Houston’s broader commitment to economic empowerment and community stability. Homeownership strengthens neighborhoods, builds generational wealth, and helps families plant deeper roots in the communities they love.

For Houstonians ready to take the next step toward owning their own piece of the city, this workshop could be the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Event Details

Spring 360 Road to Homeownership – Session Two: Building the Perfect Team Thursday, March 19, 2026, 6:00 PM–7:30 PM CT Lead Presenter: Lisa Diaz, Realtor

Participants can Register to Attend: houstontx.gov/housing

As Houston continues to grow and thrive, initiatives like Spring 360 ensure that the dream of homeownership remains within reach—one informed step, and one strong team, at a time.

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

Houston Takes Flight: “Unity in Flight” Air & STEM Expo Inspires the Next Generation of Aviation Leaders

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    March 10, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston’s reputation as a city of innovation, opportunity, and boundless ambition soared to new heights with the successful launch of the Houston: Unity in Flight – Air & STEM Expo, an inspiring event that brought aviation dreams within reach for hundreds of young Houstonians and their families.

Hosted in collaboration with Signature Aviation, the inaugural event transformed an airport environment into an immersive learning experience—opening the doors of aviation, science, and technology to communities that too often stand outside the runway of opportunity. From the moment families arrived, the message was clear: Houston’s future belongs to everyone willing to dream big enough to reach the skies.

A Community United by Opportunity

The day’s success was made possible by a remarkable coalition of sponsors, volunteers, educators, and industry professionals who came together with a shared mission—expanding awareness of aviation careers and STEM pathways.

Organizers extended heartfelt gratitude to Signature Aviation leadership and employees, whose hospitality and support helped make the event possible. Their team provided access to facilities, assisted with logistics, and delivered first-class service throughout the day, ensuring that every young attendee felt welcomed and inspired.

Additional sponsors—including Pepsi Bottling Group (Conroe, Texas), Sam’s Club Store #08244, Bridging the Gap Occupational Therapy, and the World Youth Foundation—played vital roles in helping the event reach hundreds of families from across Greater Houston.

For many of the attendees, the experience was unforgettable.

Young people from Houston’s Fifth Ward, Third Ward, Acres Homes, South Park, local churches, homeschool communities, and foster homes stepped onto airport grounds—some for the very first time. What they discovered was more than airplanes and runways. They encountered possibility.

Children met pilots, spoke with aviation entrepreneurs, explored aircraft up close, and learned how an airport operates through the coordinated work of dispatchers, mechanics, logistics managers, and aviation professionals.

In short, they saw the vast ecosystem that powers the aviation industry.

Aviation Education Takes Creative Flight

One of the most unique educational highlights of the event was the introduction of the Aviation Careers Coloring Book, created by Texas author Kenneth Morris.

Morris, whose passion for aviation began during his service in the U.S. Navy—where he trained to fly aircraft on nighttime submarine detection missions—designed the book to expose children to the many careers that keep aviation moving.

While most people are familiar with pilots and air traffic controllers, Morris emphasizes that the industry depends on a far broader network of professionals.

“People hear about pilots and mechanics,” Morris explained, “but aviation also includes dispatchers, logistics managers, customer service specialists, and many other roles that keep everything running smoothly.”

The coloring book features photographs and descriptions of various aviation careers, allowing children—and their parents—to learn about these opportunities in an engaging and accessible way.

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

A Century of Community: Heights Neighborhood Library Celebrates 100 Years in Houston

By Francis Page Jr

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    March 10, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a city known for bold growth and constant reinvention, reaching a 100-year milestone is something truly special. This March, the beloved Houston Public Library Heights Neighborhood Library celebrates a full century of service, literacy, and community connection—proving that some of Houston’s most powerful stories are written not just in books, but in the lives of the people who walk through library doors every day.

For generations of Houstonians, the Heights Neighborhood Library has been far more than a building filled with books. It has been a gathering place for young dreamers, curious minds, lifelong learners, and neighbors seeking knowledge and connection. Now, the historic library is inviting the community to come together once again to celebrate its remarkable legacy.

A Centennial Celebration for the Heights

The Heights 100th Anniversary Celebration promises an afternoon of fun,

reflection, and discovery for families across Houston.

Event Details

Heights 100th Anniversary Celebration Heights Neighborhood Library 1302 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008

Saturday, March 14, 2026 • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CT

This free, family-friendly event will feature historical exhibits, engaging activities for children, and opportunities for longtime residents and newcomers alike to rediscover the library’s lasting impact on the community.

Visitors can expect:

Fascinating historical displays highlighting the library’s past Interactive activities for families and children A special Heights History Presentation exploring the library’s evolution A festive Birthday Storytime for young readers Games, crafts, and food trucks Community storytelling celebrating the Heights neighborhood

A Century of Learning and Community

Since opening its doors in the early 20th century, the Heights Neighborhood Library has served as a cornerstone of intellectual life in one of Houston’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

What began as a modest neighborhood library has grown into a dynamic hub offering a wide range of resources—from traditional book collections to digital technology, research support, educational programs, and cultural events.

According to Library Director Sandy Gaw, the milestone represents more than a moment in time.

“For 100 years, Heights Neighborhood Library has been a gathering place for curiosity, creativity, and community,” Gaw shared. “This centennial isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating those who shaped this space and welcoming the next generation of readers, learners, and neighbors who will carry its legacy forward.”

That legacy has touched countless lives. Students have discovered their love of reading here. Families have attended story hours that sparked imaginations. Researchers have explored Houston’s history through carefully preserved archives.

In many ways, the library mirrors the story of Houston itself: diverse, welcoming, and always evolving.

Libraries: The Heartbeat of a Thriving City

The celebration also highlights the larger mission of the Houston Public Library system, which serves more than 2.3 million residents across the City of Houston.

The system includes:

44 public service locations Six Regional Libraries 28 neighborhood and express branches Three History Research Centers Four TECHLink centers A Mobile Express outreach unit Partnerships like the satellite location at Children’s Museum Houston Together, these resources ensure equitable access to education, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for every Houstonian.

In an increasingly digital world, libraries remain vital spaces where knowledge is shared freely and communities grow stronger together.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

As the Heights Neighborhood Library celebrates its centennial, the event is also a reminder of how powerful public spaces can be when they are rooted in service and community.

For the Heights neighborhood, the library has been a place where children first discover the magic of stories, where neighbors gather for ideas and inspiration, and where history lives on in every carefully preserved document and photograph.

One hundred years later, the mission remains the same: to empower minds, connect communities, and open doors to opportunity.

And if the past century is any indication, the Heights Neighborhood Library is just getting started.

Learn More

For more information about the centennial celebration and upcoming programs, visit: houstonlibrary.org

For Houstonians who cherish history, community, and the power of knowledge, the Heights Neighborhood Library’s 100th anniversary is not just a celebration—it’s a reminder that the best chapters of our city’s story are still being written.

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

Officials dispute Illinois woman’s claim she was held 30 hours at airport, sent to Wisconsin jail

By Derrick Rose

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    DODGE COUNTY, Wisconsin (WISN) — If not for a family friend with a public profile, Sunny Naqvi, a U.S. citizen, fears her story of being at a Chicago airport for 30 hours before being sent to an immigration facility in Wisconsin may not have been told.

That friend, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, is not mincing words, sharing Naqvi’s account.

“They have been lying from the very start of this. I don’t think they want to own up to the fact that, once again, they have illegally detained American citizens without due process,” Morrison said Monday.

Morrison is calling for transparency and accountability for what he and Naqvi said happened late last week at O’Hare International Airport.

After returning from a trip, Naqvi, according to Morrison, said immigration officials detained her at the airport for 30 hours before transferring her to an immigration facility in Broadview, Illinois and eventually to the only facility in Wisconsin where immigration detainees are held: the Dodge County Jail.

“I had been in communication with congressional offices and immigration attorneys,” Morrison said. “People had been reaching out to [Customs and Border Protection] at O’Hare. They had been reaching out to the U.S. Attorney General’s Office. The story kept changing.

Morrison said Naqvi finally left the Dodge County facility at 5 a.m. Saturday.

“In the cold at 5 in the morning, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen, young girl. She walked to a nearby gas station and hitchhiked to a Holiday Inn, several miles away from the detention facility for refuge before her sister was able to get to her,” Morrison said.

But local and federal officials dispute the claims.

“At this time, these allegations do not appear to be accurate,” Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt said in an emailed statement. “The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has no record of the individual referenced ever being booked, detained, or released from the Dodge County Jail.”

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson called the claims “blatantly false,” writing in their own emailed statement, “Ms. Naqvi departed CBP within 90 minutes of her arrival to the United States. Ms. Naqvi was not taken into custody or transferred to ICE for detention,” Harry Fones told Chicago ABC affiliate WLS.

Naqvi did not answer a phone call Monday night. Her sister, Sara Afzal, spoke during a news conference with Morrison at the Broadview facility over the weekend.

“The cops were lying to our faces,” Afzal said. “We were asking them, ‘Hey, her location is here. We were in contact with her,’ and they kept being like, ‘I don’t know what to tell you.'”

Morrison shared several images he said were screenshots of where Naqvi’s phone “pinged” throughout the ordeal. One appears to show her at the Broadview facility. Others appear to show her at the Dodge County Jail and the hotel in Beaver Dam.

“It sounds like they are trying to create a cover-up. They are seeking not to have any accountability whatsoever. And I think this is terrifying and concerning to us all,” Morrison said. “We need transparency of the facts of what actually occurred. We need accountability for everyone who took part in this moment. But we need investigations by our Congress, and we need action and legislation to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.”

Department of Homeland Security Statement

The passenger’s claims are blatantly false. Summer Sundas ‘Sunny” Naqvi, arrived at O’Hare at 10:21 a.m. on March 5, 2026. CBP officers referred her to Secondary, for additional inspection based on law enforcement checks and conducted a baggage exam. Ms. Naqvi departed CBP within 90 minutes of her arrival to the United States. Ms. Naqvi was not taken into custody or transferred to ICE for detention.

CBP did NOT transfer any individuals to Broadview or perform any phone detentions from her flight on Thursday, March 5th.

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt Statement

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is aware of allegations made this past weekend claiming that a woman identified as Summer “Sunny” Sunday Naqvi was transported to the Dodge County Jail by immigration officials and booked into custody during the overnight hours of March 6 into March 7, 2026. It has also been alleged that the Sheriff’s Office subsequently released her from the facility after her arrival.

At this time, these allegations do not appear to be accurate. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has no record of the individual referenced ever being booked, detained, or released from the Dodge County Jail. Jail logs confirm that no female inmates or detainees from the federal government were admitted or released during the timeframe in which these events were alleged to have occurred.

The Sheriff’s Office takes any allegation involving jail operations seriously. We have been and will continue to review the circumstances surrounding this claim to ensure a complete understanding of what occurred. We encourage anyone who believes they have evidence related to this matter to provide that information—along with any available electronic metadata—to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office so it can be properly evaluated.

Because no booking of Ms. Naqvi ever took place, the Sheriff’s Office does not have contact information for her; however, we are asking that she contact us so we may speak with her regarding the allegation and obtain evidence of the incident from her. We are also asking that the unknown individual who reportedly picked her up in the Juneau area and drove her to the Holiday Inn contact the Sheriff’s Office to provide a statement.

Other investigative measures are under way and this incident remains under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office does not speak on behalf of other law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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.

Traffic restrictions end for project at popular Colorado Springs park but safety concerns remain

Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Rampart Park visitors share their opinions on the narrow park entrance, which was narrowed by a drainage project completed by a city crew at the end of February.

Work began a month ago to install and bury an underground stormwater pipe in part of an open drainage channel; a heavy flow during a rainstorm last summer eroded part of a retaining wall along the channel and under a new housing development.

The project created a tight squeeze for drivers traveling on and off the narrow, downhill road leading to a popular dog park and walking areas behind Rampart High School.

Exiting drivers were required to yield to oncoming drivers, which often wasn’t easy because of speeding traffic on Lexington Drive and the lack of a dedicated traffic controller at the entrance.

“I did have one instance where I was trying to come out, and a truck had been trying to come in at the same time,” Rebecca Henry, a park visitor, recalled. “They ended up having to back out a little bit — which was definitely sketchy with how fast people come down Lexington. As for how the drainage work looks, I don’t know that I’ve really paid all that much attention. All I’ve noticed is that the trucks are gone, and I can see both ways.”

While park visitors and neighbors who spoke with KRDO13’s The Road Warrior said that they understand and agree with the need for the drainage project, they also confessed to some lingering concerns.

Among them: The park entrance is still too narrow and should be widened; the entire channel, not just the segment under the new homes, should be covered; fencing should be placed along the uncovered channel to keep kids and pets out; and speed enforcement should happen on Lexington Drive, in front of the park entrance.

“I guess I hadn’t thought that far ahead,” said neighbor David Fenell. “But as good of a job as they’ve done so far, if the water comes rushing down and starts tearing up the rest of the drainage ditch, something’s going to have to be done to accommodate that extra water.”

Another neighbor, Ward Ballard, expressed his concerns about safety in the area.

“It seems like somebody could fall in there, easily,” he said, referring to the open channel segment. “And I walk along there with my dog. So, yeah — that is a concern, is it a safety hazard? And it could be.”

Ballard listed speeding on Lexington as another reason to worry.

“I’m just recovering from being in a crash a few weeks ago,” he revealed. “I was hit by a drunk driver. Traffic is just going too fast there.”

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Pedestrian killed after being hit on I-84 in Minidoka County

Curtis Jackson

HEYBURN, Idaho (KIFI) — A pedestrian was killed late Monday night, March 9, 2026, after being hit by a pickup on Interstate 84 near Heyburn.

Idaho State Police said the crash happened around 10:30 p.m. near mile marker 207. Troopers reported a 44‑year‑old man from Sebring, Florida, was walking east in the westbound lanes when he stepped into traffic.

A white 2013 Ram 2500, driven by a 22‑year‑old woman from Jerome with a 21‑year‑old passenger from Declo, struck the man. He died at the scene.

The two people in the pickup were not hurt and were both wearing seatbelts.

The westbound lanes of I‑84 were blocked for about two and a half hours during the investigation.

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Man charged with terrorism threats after reported bomb scare at Iowa courthouse

By KCCI staff

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    ADEL, Iowa (KCCI) — A Dallas County man is facing felony charges after authorities say he made a bomb threat against the Dallas County Courthouse earlier this year.

Ryan Van Gorp is charged with two counts of threat of terrorism, a Class D felony under Iowa law.

According to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified early Feb. 6, about a tip submitted to the FBI through an online reporting system claiming two men had placed explosive devices throughout the courthouse and planned to detonate them at 9 a.m. that day. Investigators later learned a voicemail with the same threat had also been left for an executive assistant with the State Court Administration.

Security measures were implemented at the courthouse, including a search by an explosives-detection K-9. No explosive devices were found.

Through search warrants, detectives seized a cellphone belonging to Van Gorp that was used to submit the online tip. A forensic review also showed a record of the voicemail and other evidence related to the investigation.

Van Gorp was arrested Feb. 9 on an unrelated warrant. Authorities said he had been scheduled to be sentenced in two Dallas County court cases the same day the threat was reported.

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.

Students build moon-like lab to test robots for future missions

By La’Tasha Givens

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Inside a lab on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus, students are taking the first steps toward the moon without ever leaving Atlanta.

A team of aerospace engineering students is using a specialized research facility designed to mimic the lunar surface, allowing them to test robots and technology that could one day support astronauts during future moon missions.

The facility, known as the Aerospace Robotics Lab, is built to recreate the harsh environment astronauts face on the moon. The lab’s surface is covered with about seven tons of mineral rocks to simulate lunar soil, while bright lighting replicates the intense glare of sunlight on the moon.

“Our goal is to actually make sure this is close enough to cast the autonomy in robotics. So we have simulated it to do that,” said Professor Yashwanth Nakka, who leads the project.

Students are developing rovers and humanoid robots that can explore the moon’s surface without constant human control. Researchers say these machines could map terrain, identify landing zones, and search for resources such as water, all critical steps before astronauts return.

“Coming back to the moon, there is going to be a whole lot of new research that needs to be done, and it all has to be autonomous,” said aerospace engineering student Kurt Gugelev-Shapiro. “Before, astronauts could only explore a few miles at a time.”

These robots could operate for years and gather far more information.

Researchers are also studying how robots walk and move in lunar conditions to better understand how astronauts might navigate the terrain.

The lab opened only a few months ago and will serve as a testing ground for robotics research related to space exploration, as well as applications on Earth such as search-and-rescue operations and autonomous navigation.

Georgia Tech officials say the research reflects the growing importance of aerospace technology in the state. According to state data, aerospace products are Georgia’s top export, generating more than $16 billion in 2025 and supporting hundreds of companies across the industry.

Students involved in the project say the work brings them one step closer to a dream many of them have had since childhood: helping humanity return to the moon.

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.

Mobile home fire in Socorro

Joseph Montero

SOCORRO, Texas (KVIA)- Fire crews in Socorro responded to a mobile home fire early Tuesday morning.

The fire happened near Jo Way and Supima Road just off of Horizon Blvd.

ABC-7 has reached out to the City of Socorro for more information.

This is a developing story and we will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.

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