College of the Desert announces reaffirmation of accreditation through 2031

KESQ on June 25, 2026

City News Service

PALM DESERT (CNS) – College of the Desert has received full reaffirmation of accreditation through 2031, it was announced today.

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges re-accredited COD after the college implemented policy updates over the past year, including governance training and enhanced evaluation processes, officials said.

“This outcome reflects the dedication and commitment of our entire college community,” Val Martinez Garcia, superintendent/president of COD, said in a statement.

The reaffirmation comes during a transitional period for the college, including the expansion of workforce education programs and construction of a new Palm Springs campus set to open in 2027.

“The board took the commission’s recommendations seriously and committed itself to strengthening governance practices and continuous improvement,” Board of Trustees Chair Ron Oden said in a statement. “This reaffirmation reflects the progress we have made together and reinforces confidence in the college’s future.”

College of the Desert serves more than 20,000 students annually throughout the Coachella Valley.

Click here to follow the original article.

El Paso nonprofits receive grants to boost healthcare, food access

KVIA on June 25, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Three El Paso nonprofits earned money to improve access to healthcare, nutrition and preventive services across the region. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas said it awarded grants to improve health outcomes in the state.

El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger and ProAction (Immunize El Paso) earned some of BCBSTX’s grants.

BCBSTX said border communities like El Paso face obstacles to accessing healthcare and food. These local programs help address those gaps by taking care of local neighborhoods.

BCBS said the El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation supports pediatric diabetes management programs in English and Spanish. It also has a teaching kitchen so families can build healthy habits to take home.

El Pasoans Fighting Hunger expanded its emergency food distribution program, which feeds 1,500 people every day, according to the BCBSTX. It offers food through its market, mobile distribution, partner pantries and home delivery for seniors.

ProAction helps underserved communities get vaccines, BCBSTX said. It’s expected to give 40,000 immunizations for people across the Borderplex region.

Click here to follow the original article.

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson teaches families to swim safely at Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld

KVIA on June 25, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

ANTHONY, Texas (KVIA) — Wet ‘N’ Wild Water World has hosted Borderland families to splash around and cool off, but the park will also hosted the 17th Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) Thursday.

The City of El Paso’s Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Drowning Prevention Coalition of El Paso to host the the massive swimming lesson. It’s an effort to teach hundreds of kids and grownups basic swimming safety.

WLSL started in 2011 and taught more than 3,000 swimmers since its debut, Wet ‘N’ Wild said.

It’s not just a local effort, though.

Chandra Edwards-Cottingham, the water park’s president, said WLSL is part of the World Water Park Association and involves people around the globe.

“As summer heats up and families plan their 4th of July activities, this free lesson gives them access to critical water safety skills right when they need them the most.” Edwards-Cottingham said.

According to Wet ‘N’ Wild, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. The July 4th weekend constantly sees a rise in water-related accidents, the water park said.

However, it said swim lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88 percent.

At the WLSL, swimmers learn basic skills like floating, kicking and even opening their eyes underwater, the water park said.

“Kids who learn how to swim by the third grade have a skill that will last them a lifetime,” Edwards-Cottingham said.

She said even teaching a baby how to turn so their belly faces up in the water is a vital skill.

For the WLSL, Edwards-Cottingham said children as little as 3 years old can participate in the free lesson.

The lessons don’t apply to just swimming. Since last year’s event, parents have been learning how to help someone who’s been submerged under water with CPR, according to Edwards-Cottingham.

Sergio Quintero, who registered his daughter for the WLSL, said the lessons not only help children understand the importance of being safe in the pool, but it also gives them an opportunity to spend time outside.

Quintero’s daughter told ABC-7 she was “ready to get in there” and was excited to take her first WLSL lesson.

Click here to follow the original article.

DAP Health encourages HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day

KESQ on June 25, 2026

Timothy Foster

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — With National HIV Testing Day approaching on Saturday, June 27, DAP Health is urging Coachella Valley residents to know their HIV status and take advantage of free, confidential testing available across the region.

Health experts say early detection remains one of the most important tools in preventing the spread of HIV and ensuring patients can access life-saving treatment or prevention options like PrEP.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with HIV each year. Officials say many of those individuals may have been living with the virus for years without knowing it.

“People think that HIV is over because it’s such a manageable disease now, it’s not a death sentence anymore,” said Daniel Vaillancourt of DAP Health. “But around the country, about 40,000 people every year find out that they’re HIV positive. It’s all about testing because if you’re negative, you can get on PrEP. If you’re positive, you can get into treatment.”

Health leaders say modern testing is quick and accessible, often delivering results in about 20 minutes. They also emphasize that treatment today can allow people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives and reduce transmission risk when properly managed.

DAP Health says testing will be available at its sexual wellness clinics and through community outreach events throughout the weekend. The organization is encouraging anyone who is sexually active to get tested, regardless of age, gender, or background.

Officials say the goal of National HIV Testing Day is to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and remind the public that knowing your status is a key step in protecting both personal and community health.

More information: https://daphealth.org

Click here to follow the original article.

Judge Lina Hidalgo To Distribute 250 World Cup Tickets to Harris County Kids

CNN Newsource on June 25, 2026

By Houston Style Magazine Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    June 25, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Harris County, TX, June 25, 2026, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced today that she will donate 250 World Cup tickets to Harris County kids with the help of trusted nonprofit partners including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, and Harris County Precinct 1 community partners.

The tickets will give kids from every precinct across Harris County a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a World Cup match, experience the culture of the different teams, and be a part of a historic moment in their community.

“Having the World Cup in Harris County has been a dream come true for me. It never occurred to me that the World Cup would come to my town, let alone that I would be in a position where I could help other folks have this experience, too. I wish I’d been able to purchase even more tickets, but what I was able to do was commit $41,250 of my campaign funds for around 250 kids to go to attend the Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia World Cup match tomorrow at Houston Stadium. This has been a really beautiful effort with the private sector, nonprofits, and government coming together so quickly to support kids. We are going to see a game that the whole world loves, and we can’t wait!” said Judge Hidalgo. photo

Judge Hidalgo distributed 95 tickets to Interfaith Ministries, 65 tickets to the Boys & Girls Club and Harris County Precinct 1 community partners. The majority of the Interfaith Ministries recipients are children from refugee families. Harris County Precinct 1 community partners include organizations that service multiple areas in Harris County, and the Boys & Girls Club recipients include kids from Spring Branch to the Heights.

For more information on Judge Hidalgo: cjo.harriscountytx.gov

For more information on Interfaith Ministries: imgh.org

For more information on FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston: fwc26houston.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.

Kierra Lee
KIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM
4096658446

Local Venezuelans react to earthquake as county officials address concerns along San Andreas Fault

KESQ on June 25, 2026

Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Local Venezuelans are closely monitoring conditions in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday, prompting concern for loved ones.

The earthquakes were part of a series of notable seismic events reported that same day, including quakes in Japan and Northern California, renewing conversations about earthquake preparedness and highlighting the ever-present seismic threat facing Southern California.

In response to increased public interest and concern, officials with the Riverside County Emergency Management Department are visiting the San Andreas Fault to discuss earthquake readiness.

County officials emphasize that while earthquakes cannot be predicted, residents can take steps now to prepare for a major seismic event. Emergency managers encouraged families to create communication plans, secure heavy furniture, and assemble emergency supply kits with enough food, water, and medication to last several days.

Stay with News Channel 3.

Click here to follow the original article.

Remembrance Tree honors fallen Veterans at Arizona State Veterans Home

KYMA on June 25, 2026

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s called the Remembrance Tree, and it holds a special meaning for local fallen Veterans.

The Remembrance Tree memorial represents the lives, service, and memories of the Veterans who once lived at the Arizona State Veterans Home.

Shanen Aranmor, owner of Weld Like a Girl, said, “The tree was built by Veterans, sons of Veterans, and granddaughters of Veterans. There was no one who worked on this tree that wasn’t somehow involved in the military.”

The tree was welded together with Veterans’ dog tags and other symbols of honor and service incorporated into the memorial.

Aranmor described one of her favorite parts of the project, saying, “One of my favorite things is a copper thread that goes up through the tree and branches off into all six branches of the military into a smaller branch, because we are all working together for the same thing.”

Each name attached to the respective branch of service the veteran served in belongs to someone who served our country and became a resident at the Veterans Home.

Scott Reynolds, a Marine Corps Veteran, said he is proud to be part of the project.

“I’m proud they let me come in and help out, and to see people have it mean something to them—that other people aren’t forgetting about them when they come to live here,” he explained.

The Remembrance Tree stands as a beautiful reminder of those who have served our country and fought for our freedom.

Click here to follow the original article.

World Cup fever boosts soccer jersey sales for El Paso shops

KVIA on June 25, 2026

Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Some Borderland businesses continue to experience a boom amid the ongoing World Cup. Many soccer fans have been on the hunt for soccer jerseys representing their favorite team.

ABC-7 spoke with VI Sports in Downtown El Paso, a sporting goods and sportswear store in the heart of the city. An employee said the response has been overwhelming.

“We didn’t expect this to be this high demand. Yeah. So it’s kind of shocking,” Jae Yi said.

He said while the store did predict a large spike in customers, they were still stunned. Yi said during the World Cup, the store has seen two to three times more the number of customers coming in.

“It’s been amazing,” he added.

However, the soccer fever has also resulted in the store selling out of some items prematurely. Yi said that while the store prepared ahead of time and ordered a larger shipment than they normally would, they still ran out of fan favorites.

Yi said they had a few Mexico jerseys left in limited sizes. He noted that USA jerseys sold out within five hours.

He explained that nearby stores are facing the same issue.

He estimates the store ordered close to 1,000 Mexico jerseys and a couple of hundred U.S. jerseys. He’s been on the hunt to restock, but hasn’t been successful.

“We’ve been trying, but then no one has it. So vendors they don’t have any leftovers or anything like that. So we’re just calling everyone every day, and see if they have any. It doesn’t seem like they have it anymore,” Yi said.

He said each customer is spending anywhere between $25-50.

ABC-7 asked him which teams have the most passionate fans.

Yi said, “Mexico fans are by far. They have greater numbers, and they have a greater passion.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Palm Springs Fire Dept. welcomes new engine with historic push in ceremony

KESQ on June 25, 2026

Kiera Seapy

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Fire Department welcomed its new engine with a historic push-in ceremony. On Thursday morning, firefighters, city leaders, and community members will gather at Palm Springs Fire Station to “push in” a new fire engine as it officially enters service.

This tradition dates back to back to the 1800s, with horse-drawn fire equipment. When returning to the station, the horses could not easily back the wagons into the narrow station bays. It continues today as a way to honor generations of firefighters who came before them.

Captain Ronald Skyberg, the Public Information Officer and Captain for the Palm Springs Fire Department explained how the city is “going to get a fire engine that doesn’t have any mechanical issues that is running smoothly, efficiently, and what it’s going to do is it’s going to provide a resources, a resource that is always available”.

This new fire engine will also help firefighters respond very quickly and reliably to different emergencies. Such as medical emergencies, structure firers, and other calls throughout the city.

Fire Chief Paul Alvarado from the Palm Springs Fire Department said how “here in Palm Springs we’re very progressive, are always leaning forward, but we’ll never forget the past.”

Palm Springs Fire officials explained how today also is about the people they serve, the community. Their mission remains the same to serve the community and keep all of their residents safe.

Click here to follow the original article.

Horizon Lands at Avenida Houston: A Free, Dreamy Downtown Escape Where Art Gently Rocks the Soul

CNN Newsource on June 25, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    June 25, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Downtown Houston is about to get a little softer, a little dreamier, and—dare we say—a whole lot more “sit down and breathe” fabulous.

This summer, the Plaza at Avenida Houston will welcome Horizon, a new interactive art installation designed to transform the city’s bustling entertainment campus into a calming, imaginative escape. Opening July 4, 2026, and running through September 7, 2026, the free public experience invites visitors to step inside a glowing, egg-shaped dome, take a seat, gently rock, and activate a custom blend of light and sound.

Yes, Houston, this is art you can sit in. And in a city that moves fast, builds big, and celebrates loudly, Horizon arrives with a simple but powerful invitation: slow down.

Created by artist Olivier Landreville in collaboration with sound and light designer Serge Maheu, Horizon blends sculpture, movement, sensory technology, and public imagination into one serene urban experience. Six dome-like structures will be placed along the Plaza at Avenida Houston, located between the George R. Brown Convention Center and Discovery Green Park. Together, they will create a playful pathway of pause—one that encourages Houstonians, convention visitors, families, downtown workers, and weekend wanderers to reconnect with wonder.

photo

The experience is beautifully simple. Visitors enter the dome, settle into the interior chair, and begin to rock gently. That motion activates a poetic response of light and sound, creating a personal moment that feels part meditation pod, part futuristic porch swing, and part Houston-sized daydream. It is the kind of installation that makes children curious, adults nostalgic, and Instagram feeds instantly more interesting.

For Houston First Corporation, the arrival of Horizon continues a thoughtful commitment to making world-class cultural experiences accessible in public spaces. HFC, which operates the George R. Brown Convention Center and promotes Houston as a premier national and global destination, is again partnering with Creos and Init, two internationally recognized creative companies known for bringing interactive installations to cities around the world.

That partnership matters. Public art has a unique way of turning everyday places into shared community experiences. It does not require a ticket, a tuxedo, or an art-history degree. It simply asks people to show up, participate, and feel something. In that spirit, Horizon becomes more than a seasonal attraction. It becomes a civic gesture—an open invitation for Houston to gather, relax, reflect, and play.

And the location could not be better. Avenida Houston already sits at the crossroads of tourism, dining, sports, conventions, green space, and downtown energy. With Discovery Green next door and the George R. Brown Convention Center anchoring the campus, the Plaza is one of Houston’s most visible front porches. Adding Horizon gives visitors another reason to linger before dinner, after a convention session, during a family outing, or while exploring the heart of the city. photo

For Houston Style Magazine readers, this installation also reflects something deeper about Houston’s creative identity. Our city is not merely a place of business, medicine, energy, food, and sports. Houston is a city of imagination. It is a place where culture does not sit behind velvet ropes—it spills onto sidewalks, plazas, parks, murals, stages, and neighborhoods.

Best of all, Horizon is free to experience, making it an inclusive summer destination for residents and visitors alike. From Fourth of July celebrations through Labor Day weekend, Houstonians can step into this glowing retreat and let art do what art does best: surprise us, soothe us, and remind us that beauty belongs in public.

So, this summer, when the downtown heat starts acting brand new and your calendar feels louder than a marching band on parade, head to Avenida Houston. Find a dome. Take a seat. Rock gently. Let the lights rise. Let the sound surround you.

Houston’s horizon is glowing—and it is inviting everyone in. Event Details What: Horizon Interactive Art Installation When: July 4, 2026 – September 7, 2026 Where: The Plaza at Avenida Houston, between George R. Brown Convention Center and Discovery Green Park Cost: Free and open to the public More Information: Visit Houston First Corporation at houstonfirst.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.

Kierra Lee
KIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM
4096658446