Local city garden wins national award for plant education in native desert climate

KRDO on July 21, 2026

Bradley Davis

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Water Wise Demonstration Garden maintained by Colorado Springs Utilities won a top national award for its leading example of how to grow a beautiful native landscape in an arid desert climate.

It won the “Garden Excellence Award” from The American Public Garden Association, the group’s top national award.

The local demonstration garden is packed with native plant species and stays green all summer long with one watering per week for the majority of the flora. It features model landscaped plots for homeowners to see all the different ways they can landscape their front yards with native and water-friendly plants.

The garden is open to the public for self-guided tours. Staff is on site from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions.

The public is invited to celebrate the garden’s national achievement on August 1 for “Coffee and Conservation” at 8 a.m. for cake and a free tour.

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Vandals wreck Habitat for Humanity home days before family was set to move in

CNN Newsource on July 21, 2026

By A.J. Nwoko

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    PETERSBURG, Virginia (WTVR) — Vandals severely damaged a Habitat for Humanity home under renovation in Petersburg over the weekend, putting a family of five’s planned August 1 move-in date in jeopardy.

Tri-Cities Habitat for Humanity Vice President Bob Hodge said the vandalism happened sometime Saturday afternoon, but the organization did not learn about it until Sunday morning. They have since contacted Petersburg police to investigate.

“Nothing was necessarily taken, but there was a lot of things that were broken and vandalized,” Hodge said.

The home is on St. Mark Street in Petersburg’s Fifth Ward.

Every window on the first floor was busted. The kitchen cabinets were completely gutted. Doors were torn from hinges or kicked in, and on the second level, a broomstick was shoved through a wall.

A nearby Ring doorbell camera captured potential suspects who appear to be young children. Hodge urged parents to stay aware of their children’s whereabouts.

“Keep track of your kids, know what they’re doing, know who they’re running with,” Hodge said.

Tri-Cities Habitat Board Member John Jarrhet said the destruction is difficult to witness.

“I hate to see good work go down the drain,” Jarrhet said.

Habitat says the father of the family planning on moving into the home went to visit the property late Monday afternoon and was devastated by its current condition. The nonprofit says he and his children are in fear of their safety and want Petersburg Police to conduct increased patrols within the neighborhood and throughout the Fifth Ward to deter the vandals from coming back.

Former Virginia State Senator and Petersburg City Council candidate Joe Morrisey was on site Monday with his children to help with the cleanup. Morrisey said the damage extends well beyond the physical structure.

“The margin that Habitat has to operate is razor thin, and for a group of folk to come and vandalize it is heartbreaking,” Morrisey said. “And now because of the extensive vandalism they won’t be able to [move in], and that’s also collateral damage.”

Hodge said the organization must now take stock of the full scope of repairs needed. A spokeperson for the Tri Cities Habitat says the home serves temporary house is used for families who are eligible for the Habitat program, but are still waiting on their permanent home to be built.

The nonprofit says the 15-year-old house serves as a manageable transition for families in need to prepare for the eventual responsibility of their own home. Hodge said the damage is estimated to be several tens of thousand of dollars.

“We’ll have to fall back and do a complete assessment of what’s necessary to fix it up,” Hodge said.

Tri-Cities Habitat says the home was already undergoing renovation to get it ready for the next family, but the damage caused by the vandals nearly erased all the progress made over the past several weeks.

The organization says it is scraping together resources as quickly as possible to restore the home to a livable condition. Both Hodge and Jarrhet are calling on the community for support.

“Any donations would be appreciated,” Hodge said. “It’s a setback to them and it’s a setback to us that it’s happened and we hope it doesn’t happen again.”

“We could use some manpower,” Jarrhet said. “We’re trying to provide decent housing for our low-income residents. This is a setback… and I hope we can make a rebound.”

Anyone willing to donate time, materials, or funds is asked to email kparker.habitat@gmail.com.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTVR verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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.

Cal Fire focuses on rapid response to Northern California fires, plans air attacks within 20 minutes

CNN Newsource on July 21, 2026

By Esteban Reynoso

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    MCCLELLAN PARK, California (KCRA) — With fires breaking out across Northern California, Cal Fire says it is prepared to respond quickly to protect lives and homes.

“The smaller we can stop it, the better. If we throw large amounts of resources and we’re able to stop it at one acre or less, that is good,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Robert Foxworthy, a public information officer.

Foxworthy explained that the agency’s strategy is to respond fast and hit fires hard to contain them as quickly as possible.

“Try and overwhelm those fires and get them contained, and that forward progress stopped as fast as possible,” Foxworthy said.

Last year, Cal Fire responded to approximately 8,000 fires.

“I can guarantee you most folks only know a few of the largest ones that occur, and that’s throwing resources at every fire start,” Foxworthy said.

At McClellan Air Base, Cal Fire reloads and dispatches aircraft to fight fires from above. The agency strategically positions its aircraft to ensure they can respond quickly when needed.

“They make it anywhere in the state within 20 minutes of dispatch, and that’s what happened at the Miners Fire,” Foxworthy said.

On Sunday, Cal Fire laid a fire retardant line on the Miners Fire in El Dorado County. Neighbors reported that it took Cal Fire roughly 15 minutes to attack the flames from above.

Cal Fire reminds residents to follow evacuation warnings and orders during fires so crews can focus on fighting the flames.

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I-80 fully reopens 16 hours after 12-vehicle crash including big rigs in California

CNN Newsource on July 21, 2026

By Jonathan Ayestas, Andres Valle, Daniel Macht

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    PLACER COUNTY, California (KCRA) — Interstate 80 in Placer County is fully reopened 16 hours after a massive crash involving 10 vehicles and two big rigs, officials said Tuesday.

The crash happened around 1:50 p.m. Monday at westbound I-80 at Drum Forebay Road, the California Highway Patrol said. There were at least two people with major injuries and multiple others with minor injuries.

CHP said there was also a significant diesel leak because of the crash, further delaying the reopening as crews were seen cleaning up the roadway. Westbound traffic was turned around at Nyack into the evening.

Throughout the day, crews were focused on vehicle recovery, cleaning up scattered debris and hazardous materials work.

One lane reopened Monday evening, and at 6:12 a.m. Tuesday, Caltrans said all lanes had reopened.

Preliminary reports indicate that a big rig during the crash went off the road and over an embankment.

The cause of the crash is not known, and the ages and genders of those injured are not known.

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Security measures in place as the Boone County Fair kicks off

KMIZ on July 21, 2026

Jazsmin Halliburton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department, Columbia Fire Department, and Boone County Office of Emergency Management will work together to ensure security policies are in place ahead of the first day of the Boone County Fair.

The Boone County Fair begins Tuesday at 5 p.m. and runs daily until 10 p.m., ending July 25, located at 5212 Okland Gravel Rd. in Columbia. Fairgoers must be aware of the security policies in place to ensure safety.

Boone County Fair manager, Jessie Kempf said they plan to utilize the same safety measures as last year because that system worked well for the fair.

“Everything is pretty much the same as we had last year. Our safety protocols are very standard,” Kempf said. “We didn’t have many incidents last year, so we just rolled with the same plan.”

No backpacks or large bags will be allowed into the fairgrounds. Only the following bags will be permitted:

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches.

Guests may use a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag.

Small clutch bags cannot be larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches with or without a handle or strap.

All alcohol, illegal drugs or paraphernalia will be confiscated.

Loitering in the parking lot will not be permitted and loiterers will be asked to leave the premises.

No reentry will be allowed into the fairgrounds.

Weapons, facemasks, and face coverings are strictly prohibited.

The weapons detection system used by Columbia Public Schools will be at the entrances of the fairgrounds.

The procedure for entering the fair with the weapons detection device is simple and non-invasive, according to Kempf.

“You’ll pay, walk a few feet, walk through the weapons detection. It’s non-intrusive,” Kempf said. “And then if there is a further search that’s needed, then you can do that.”

In the event of an emergency, there are prepared procedures for multiple different hazards such as:

Active shooter/gun shots

Bomb threats

Fire/explosion

Tornadoes

Lost person

Trespassing

Kempf said most of these procedures have not happened, but in place to prepare all staff in the event one of them does.

“We have not had any issues with that,” Kempf said. “But they’re there in place. If we ever would need something like that. Boone County Emergency Management does a great job to make sure that we’re all safe,” Kempf said.

The Columbia Police Department will be patrolling throughout the fairgrounds, while The Columbia Fire Department will be on-site to provide fire protection and emergency medical services. The Boone County Office of Emergency Management will handle all incidents and act as the proper authority when Fair personnel are not available or if an incident is escalated.

Portable camera trailers will be placed throughout the fairgrounds, including drones that will be used for aerial surveillance. Overnight security will be placed at livestock barns for the safety and security of youth exhibitors and their animals, according to the Boone County Fair Safety Plan. There will also be a central command on the grounds with emergency personnel at all times.

ABC 17 spoke with personnel of the City of Columbia who were inspecting the fair rides and other activities to ensure they were up to safety codes.

The safety inception report was requested by ABC 17, but it has not been provided.

Kempf said, at the time, she had not received word about the inspection but had not faced problems ride inspection before.

“We haven’t run into any issues in the past, so we kind of get everything tied up and buttoned up before they leave,” Kempf said.

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Milton unearths 100-year-old U.S. flag

CNN Newsource on July 21, 2026

By Bella Ferak

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    MILTON, Wis. (WISC) — MILTON, Wis. — Historians at the former Milton College recently made a remarkable discovery when they opened a box containing a 100-year-old American flag with a handwritten letter attached.

The flag, which arrived at the college in 1926, was sent by Joseph Dutton, an alumnus who wanted to express his gratitude for the education he received there.

According to Doug Welch, lead historical preservationist at Milton College Preservation Society, the flag originated from a leper colony in Hawaii during the Civil War era. Dutton attended Milton College in the 1850s and served in the military.

“In 1926, this flag, this very flag here, 100 years ago, shows up at Milton College with a letter from Dutton saying, you know, ‘This is an appreciation of the education I received here.’ When I saw the flag and saw the note, my jaw dropped. It was like, ‘Holy smokes, this is a big deal,'” Welch said.

During the 1850s, Milton College distinguished itself as an educational pioneer. The institution championed women’s education and abolitionism—causes it embraced even before the University of Wisconsin-Madison took similar stances. It’s said renowned abolitionist Sojourner Truth once spoke on campus.

Welch emphasizes that the flag represents far more than patriotic decoration or a simple historical artifact.

“This is really kind of a symbol of Milton College down through the years, and – going back to Joseph Goodrich – and its commitment to education, women’s education, fighting [for] abolitionism, fighting to save the Union,” Welch explained.

The flag’s journey to preservation was not guaranteed. When Milton College closed its doors in 1982, local banks took control of the campus and auctioned off most of its contents. However, this significant flag managed to survive the dispersal of the college’s assets, preserving a tangible connection to the institution’s storied past.

Now, the flag is framed and displayed in the college’s main hall, where visitors can view it at the Milton College Preservation Society. For those interested in Civil War history, educational heritage, or the stories of individuals who fought to preserve the Union, the flag offers a window into a transformative period in American history.

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Houston Turns Out—and Turns Up the Heat—for James Talarico

CNN Newsource on July 21, 2026

By Burt Levine

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    July 21, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston’s Sunday heat was relentless, but so was the political energy surrounding State Rep. James Talarico as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate moved through three community-centered stops. From Dr. Letitia Plummer’s Harris County Judge campaign relaunch in Midtown to a packed town hall at Kingdom Builders Center in southwest Houston and a faith-community gathering at Community of Faith in north Houston, Talarico came prepared to do more listening than lecturing.

That distinction mattered. Many Black Houston voters supported Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett during the Democratic primary, and they were not interested in being treated as a dependable voting bloc whose support could simply be penciled in. Talarico acknowledged that frustration directly, telling attendees that the Democratic Party has too often assumed Black voters would automatically fall in line. His message was clear: trust must be earned, relationships must be maintained and political promises must arrive with receipts.

Talarico backed that pledge with a proposed $25 million investment in Black voter outreach—an amount he described as the largest commitment of its kind in modern Texas political history. He promised sustained engagement through community powerhouse Houston Style Magazine and other Black media, churches, historically Black colleges and universities, neighborhood leaders and local organizations. At Kingdom Builders, voters pressed him on voting rights, Black farmers, public education, immigration, maternal health, campaign staffing and support for Black candidates down the ballot. Some questions came wrapped in encouragement; others arrived with enough heat to compete with the Houston pavement. Talarico stayed, listened and repeatedly began his responses with “Thank you.”

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Congressman Christian Menefee introduced his longtime friend while reminding the audience that democracy is strongest when candidates face difficult questions instead of avoiding them. State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons and Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum also helped welcome Talarico, while other elected officials attended in support. Simmons offered the day’s most memorable political seasoning, describing the nominee as a faith-driven fighter ready for the contest ahead.

Talarico’s biography fits naturally into his education-centered message. A former San Antonio middle-school teacher, he was first elected to the Texas House in 2018 and has built much of his legislative identity around public schools, affordable childcare and reducing healthcare costs. His Houston remarks emphasized strong neighborhood schools, lower household expenses and government that responds to working families rather than simply campaigning at them.

The numbers explain why national observers are watching. A June University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll placed Republican nominee Ken Paxton at 43 percent and Talarico at 42 percent—well within the survey’s margin of error. Federal Election Commission filings show Talarico reported approximately $68.6 million in receipts through June 30, with about $21.5 million remaining in cash. Fundraising, however, is not the same as votes, and Texas history provides a flashing caution sign: Lloyd Bentsen was the last Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Texas, winning in 1988, while Democrats last won statewide office in 1994.

That history is exactly why Houston mattered. Talarico did not ask voters merely to oppose Paxton; he asked them to believe in a different direction for Texas. Whether that appeal becomes a history-making coalition will depend on organization, turnout and continued accountability long after Sunday’s microphones are packed away.

Early voting runs October 19 through October 30, followed by Election Day on Tuesday, November 3. The campaign calendar is tightening, the political temperature is rising, and Houston has made one thing unmistakably clear: no candidate should expect the Black vote without first showing up, listening closely and earning it.

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

TSU Welcomes the Class of 2030 with Historic New Student Pinning Ceremony

CNN Newsource on July 21, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    July 21, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Texas Southern University’s newest ‘Tigers’ are about to receive more than a pin. They are receiving a public promise that they belong to a proud academic family built to educate leaders, strengthen communities and change history.

On Saturday, August 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Texas Southern University will welcome the Class of 2030 during its New Student Pinning Ceremony at Sawyer Auditorium. TSU alumni are invited to volunteer and personally pin incoming freshmen, creating a memorable bridge between those beginning their Tiger journey and those already carrying the university’s legacy into the world.

That bridge matters. Founded in 1927, Texas Southern University grew from Houston Colored Junior College into one of America’s leading historically Black universities. Today, TSU remains deeply rooted in Houston’s historic Third Ward while preparing students to become engaged citizens, professionals and creative leaders locally, nationally and globally. In other words, the pin may be small, but the history behind it is heavyweight.

TSU’s alumni roll reads like a Houston history lesson with extra swagger. Its graduates include trailblazing public servants such as Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland, along with leaders across business, education, entertainment and civic life. The pinning ceremony places the Class of 2030 into that continuing story—not as spectators waiting in the wings, but as the next generation expected to study hard, serve boldly and leave the institution stronger.

Adding even more Tiger pride to the ceremony will be keynote speaker Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk and the county’s chief election official. Hudspeth is a TSU communications alumna and the first African American woman to serve as Harris County Clerk. She leads an office serving the state’s largest county, which surpassed 5 million residents in the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2025 population estimate.

Hudspeth’s story is especially fitting for a ceremony centered on beginnings. Her public-service journey started as a Mickey Leland Congressional intern before she joined the Harris County Clerk’s Office. During nearly two decades there, she advanced through numerous responsibilities, including public affairs, voter outreach, communications and chief deputy, before voters elected her county clerk in 2020.

Her climb was not a quick elevator ride; it was the staircase—one responsibility, one lesson and one earned opportunity at a time. That is a timely message for freshmen who may arrive at TSU with enormous dreams but without every detail mapped out.

Hudspeth’s career demonstrates that preparation, persistence and service can turn an entry-level opportunity into historic leadership.

As chief election official, Hudspeth carries responsibilities tied to public trust, access and the orderly administration of democracy. Her presence also reflects TSU’s long-standing role in producing graduates who do more than earn credentials. Tigers enter courtrooms, classrooms, boardrooms, newsrooms, laboratories and public office ready to make their communities stronger.

The alumni volunteers will be equally important. By placing a pin on a new student, graduates are saying: “We see you. We welcome you. We expect you to succeed.” For first-generation students, students arriving from outside Houston or anyone feeling those familiar first-day butterflies, that personal welcome can transform a large campus into a genuine community.

Houston Style Magazine readers and Houston-area TSU alumni are encouraged to show up in maroon-and-gray spirit and help the Class of 2030 begin boldly. The ceremony offers a meaningful opportunity to give back without writing a speech, chairing a committee or sitting through a three-hour meeting. Sometimes service is as simple—and as powerful—as placing a pin, offering encouragement and reminding a young Tiger that generations are cheering them forward.

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More information on Texas Southern University: TSU.edu Event Details Saturday, August 15, 2026 • 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Sawyer Auditorium • Texas Southern University 3100 Cleburne Street • Houston, Texas 77004

Volunteer registration: Register to help pin the Class of 2030

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

Thunderstorms on Tuesday to continue pattern of wet weather

KIFI on July 21, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

Storms on this Tuesday will remain scattered and sporadic as we continue to experience monsoonal moisture driving through the area from the South. Local heavy rainfall could be expected this afternoon, with wind gusts climbing up to 25 mph in the late afternoon and slightly cooler temperatures.

The storm pattern from this weekend continues to cover our region with high-sitting clouds over Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming this early Tuesday morning. Daily chances for showers and storms increase toward Wednesday as monsoonal moisture pushes through from the Southwest. Expect these isolated storms to pop up mainly over the east and southeast highlands, with a few that creep into the Snake River Plain later this afternoon.

Temperatures today will be slightly cooler, with numbers dropping below the average and what we observed yesterday. Mid 90s across the lower elevations into the afternoon hours, with lows dropping into the lower 60s and 50s. Winds will stay generally 20- 25 mph after 4 pm.

Storm chances pick up across the region on Wednesday, with temperatures cooling into the 80s and wind gusts jumping up to 50 mph. Lightning chances will also increase, meaning a wildfire watch will most likely follow in its wake. As the monsoonal moisture wraps its ridge around our region tomorrow, most of these isolated rain showers and storms will begin to leave, meaning the rest of the week will start to dry up. Expect this day to be the heaviest with storms.

Expect temperatures to start climbing back up by Thursday, with more sunshine heading towards the weekend. By Thursday, a majority of the major storm system will be sitting East of the Montana mountain divide.

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Woman shares ‘horrific’ experience with Cyclosporiasis

CNN Newsource on July 21, 2026

By Alexis Mathews

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    FRANKLIN, Kentucky (WLKY) — Jessica Mallard of Simpson County, Kentucky, fell seriously ill with Cyclosporiasis during the Fourth of July holiday.

“We don’t have any deadly cases, but I can tell you I feel like I’m dying,” Mallard said.

She was admitted to the hospital with explosive diarrhea, fatigue, and unbearable stomach pain before being diagnosed as one of more than 100 confirmed cases of the parasitic illness in Kentucky.

“I don’t know if you’ve ever had a child, but it’s worse than labor. It like somebody was ripping my stomach into two pieces,” Mallard said. “I couldn’t even barely get in the shower. I had a total of nine IVs.”

Her husband, Christopher, stayed by her bedside throughout the antagonizing ordeal.

He admits he was terrified.

“Just seeing her in that much pain and, you know, after 18 years of marriage, I was just like, what is going on?” he said.

After spending 10 days in two separate hospitals, Mallard was able to return home this past weekend. While she continues to experience lingering symptoms and is unable to go back to work at the moment, she also remains uncertain about what caused her illness.

“I never switched up. I never eat anything different. It’s the same salad,” Mallard said.

Mallard had consumed Marketside bagged salad with lettuce from Taylor Farms, a Mexican grower currently under investigation by the FDA as a potential source of contamination in the Cyclosporiasis outbreak.

The agency stated that its investigation is ongoing despite a false positive test result on Taylor Farms’ products. A voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce and salad mix from the company remains in effect.

Dr. Monalisa Tailor, a primary care doctor at Norton Healthcare, addressed concerns about salad safety.

“You can still eat a salad,” she said, while emphasizing the importance of washing fruits and vegetables.

Taylor also encouraged shoppers to consider local farmers markets for fresh food options, explaining that smaller-scale farming practices reduce the risk of exposure to parasites.

“They don’t get this exposure to this type of parasite because there’s less people managing and tending those areas,” said Dr. Tailor. “It’s not a commercial garden, so they’re watering everything on their own, and that helps significantly reduce the risk for an organism like this. Sometimes, some of the berries can also be a risk for this. So your raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, if you do have some of those that are ones that you picked up from the grocery store, maybe this is a good opportunity to turn them into jam or some other baked item. Because if you heat something up, that actually ruins your risk of Cyclospora and takes it away.”

Dr. Tailor also debunked the myth around Cyclosporiasis being a source of weight loss.

“Your likelihood of becoming dehydrated is really, really high given how hot it is outside right now and I don’t want someone to end up in the hospital just for IV fluids,” she said. “So, no, you don’t want to get this, it’s not the quick thing to help you lose the weight. It is a quick way to end up really dehydrated, feel dizzy, lightheaded.”

The Mallards have started a GoFundMe amid this unexpected health journey.

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.