Month: July 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    July 14, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston’s future leaders are not waiting for someone to hand them the keys to tomorrow—they are already building the door, programming the lock and preparing the business pitch.

The World Youth Foundation, Inc. will spotlight that youthful determination during a powerful two-day celebration of education, entrepreneurship, community service and achievement on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026.

The weekend begins Saturday with the World Youth Foundation Back-to-School Jam from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center, 4410 Reed Road, Houston, Texas 77051. Students and families will be welcomed into a lively community environment featuring educational resources, school-readiness information, food, music, games, entertainment, giveaways and prizes.

It is part school-supply celebration, part community resource fair and completely focused on helping young Houstonians enter the 2026–2027 school year prepared, encouraged and confident.

Families will have opportunities to connect with community organizations and programs addressing education, health, workforce development and family support. For parents balancing growing school-supply lists with growing household expenses, the event represents more than a festive Saturday outing. It is a reminder that Houston’s community institutions are willing to stand beside families and help students cross the starting line ready to learn.

The celebration moves downtown on Sunday, August 2, for the Jewel McGowan Seeds of Gratitude Awards Celebration and World Youth Foundation Annual Fundraiser at the Cullen Theater inside the Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Avenue. The VIP reception begins at 2 p.m., followed by the main program at 3 p.m. The Wortham Theater Center has served as one of Houston’s premier cultural landmarks since opening in 1987, making it a fitting stage for honoring the city’s next generation of innovators. photo

This year’s theme, “GRIT • GROWTH • GREATNESS,” captures the journey of young people who have turned challenges into motivation and ideas into action.

Guests will see presentations, exhibits and demonstrations from students participating in the Youth Innovative Incubator Program, STEM Innovation Incubator Pathways, workforce-readiness programs and leadership-development initiatives. WYF’s programming combines emerging technology, STEAM education, literacy, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and career preparation to help young people develop practical skills beyond the traditional classroom.

One of the afternoon’s most anticipated attractions will be the Youth Market. Young entrepreneurs will display and sell original products, explain their marketing strategies and deliver business pitches to guests. In other words, do not be surprised if Sunday’s student vendor becomes Monday’s chief executive.

The Jewel McGowan Seeds of Gratitude Awards will also recognize six distinguished community leaders for excellence in education, workforce development and training, entrepreneurship, leadership, mentoring, creativity and innovation.

“Our purpose is simple yet profound—we work to remove barriers to success so every young person has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential,” said Karen Levingston-Franklin, chairman and CEO of the World Youth Foundation.

Founded in April 1991, WYF has spent more than 35 years creating pathways for youth and families. The organization reports serving more than 85,000 people through educational enrichment, mentoring, leadership training, workforce preparation and entrepreneurship programs. Its current initiatives serve young people ages 4 to 24 while expanding opportunities in artificial intelligence, STEAM, literacy and civic engagement.

Sponsors and partners supporting the weekend include the City of Houston, Houston First Corporation, H-E-B, PPG Global LLC, TXPOST/OST CARES and numerous community organizations.

Houston Style Magazine is proud to serve as an Official Media Sponsor of the World Youth Foundation’s inspiring weekend of youth achievement, education, entrepreneurship, and community celebration. Through this partnership, Houston Style Magazine continues its longstanding commitment to spotlighting organizations that strengthen families, expand opportunities, and invest in the next generation of Houston leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

More Information: World Youth Foundation Back2School Jam 2026

EVENT DETAILS World Youth Foundation Back-to-School Jam Saturday, August 1, 2026 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center 4410 Reed Road Houston, Texas 77051

Jewel McGowan Seeds of Gratitude Awards Celebration and Annual Fundraiser Sunday, August 2, 2026 Cullen Theater at the Wortham Theater Center 501 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002

VIP Reception: 2 p.m. Main Program: 3 p.m.

Theme: GRIT • GROWTH • GREATNESS

Vendor and sponsorship opportunities remain available.

Media and event information: Eva Pickens Pickenseva@worldyouthfoundation.org 713-470-7917

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
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By Krista Tatschl

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    PARKVILLE, Missouri (KMBC) — Vision loss isn’t stopping these kids and teenagers from taking leaps of faith this summer.

Alphapointe hosts various events throughout the year to teach young people with visual impairments new skills. After a coding camp helped teens, many without sight, learn how to build websites, campers are taking on new challenges this week.

The feat they faced on Monday? A 40-foot climb.

“I finally was able to make it to the top of the rock wall, because the year before, I was so close, but I looked down,” and fear took over, said Aaliyah Green, an Alphapointe camper. “Last year, I powered through … I’m really short, so I had to, like, climb all the way up there to ring the bell, and I did it, and I was really happy.”

All of the thrill-seekers, many returning for another year of Alphapointe’s Adventure Camp, have a spectrum of sight, from slight to none.

They all know how to navigate with expandable canes and courage, but the skills they learn at camp don’t necessarily come from everyday tasks.

With the help of trained experts, and the support of their peers, the campers take on new experiences, like ziplining, horseback riding and a ropes course.

“There has never been a time where I felt like they weren’t making progress. They’ve always made progress,” said Rich Yamamoto, a camp guide. “They leave this place, or any other camp, more confident than they did coming in.”

And when it comes to finding pure fun, anyone can see — Alphapointe’s Adventure Camp is the place.

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.

By Marcus McIntosh

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    AMES, Iowa (KCCI) — Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard announced Monday morning that a groundbreaking for CyTown is planned for September, marking a major step forward for the long-anticipated development near Jack Trice Stadium.

The project is designed to bring together retail, commercial, food and beverage, and residential space in what university leaders say will help complete the area surrounding Iowa State’s athletics district.

Chris Jorgensen, Iowa State’s senior associate athletic director, said the project has been years in the making since plans were first unveiled in 2022.

“It has taken a long time because it’s a complicated project that has taken a lot of steps along the way,” Jorgensen said.

Now, with a groundbreaking date set, Jorgensen said the momentum is energizing those who have worked to move the project forward.

“It’s very exciting for everybody that’s been working on the project,” he said. “I think it will be very exciting for all of our fans, students, alums and faculty that will get to enjoy CyTown.”

One major piece of the development is already taking shape. Construction is underway on a three-story, 78,000-square-foot McFarland Clinic building, which will serve as one of the anchor components of the broader CyTown project.

Jenni Talbott, chief operating officer for McFarland Clinic, said seeing the clinic rise after years of planning has been rewarding.

“We’d seen this on paper for many years,” Talbott said. “Now, to see it up and coming, we’re really excited.”

Talbott said the clinic remains on schedule to open in 2027, and she is looking ahead to the rest of CyTown opening the following year.

“We’re really excited and interested to see what other tenants are coming into town, who our neighbors will be,” she 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.

By Mariana La Roche

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    MILWAUKEE (WISN) — New video shows the moment a black pickup truck went flying over Interstate 43 North near the Hale Interchange over Layton Avenue in Greenfield.

The crash happened about 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 10.

Video obtained by WISN 12 News obtained from the Department of Transportation camera network shows the truck in the passing lane when a driver to the right tries to merge. That driver quickly retreats and goes back into the middle lane and in the same moment, the pickup loses control and crosses all lanes on the interstate. From there, the truck hits another guardrail, which sends it plummeting down into the marsh.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office says the driver survived.

The MCSO told 12 News the man did not need to be rescued from the wreckage and was able to free himself from his truck. Greenfield firefighters responded to the crash and the man was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries by a Greendale ambulance.

WISN 12 News talked to a man who saw the crash aftermath on Friday who described seeing the pick up truck being dragged out of the mud by a tow truck and being put on a flatbed. Video from News Chopper 12 shows the roof and front windshield of the car with damage.

“It was just covered with mud,” Chuck Zemen said.

“I was wondering if someone was hurt or something you know,” he 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.

By Tyler Tripod

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    OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (KOCO) — An Oklahoma City youth volleyball team celebrated its national championship victory, a triumph that carried profound emotional meaning after a season marked by challenges and loss.

Most championship teams undergo hardships—an injury, a bad loss or even a player leaving.

Peak Volleyball’s 13U team faced those obstacles, but they also endured the devastating loss of one of their biggest fans, Marty Proper.

“He loved this team,” said Lisa Polcovich, the team’s coach.

But what Marty loved more than the team was one of its players—his daughter Tess.

“He loved watching his daughter play, and he was saying to everybody, ‘This is the best day of my life that I got to see this team and these girls, and my daughter win a national qualifier,’” Polcovich said.

But when the team was on their way home, tragedy struck.

“That morning, we all get home. Everybody’s tired, and we get the news. Marty was at work, suffered a heart attack and passed away,” Polcovich said.

Marty’s family said it was unimaginable.

“It was the most difficult time in our lives, and it happened so quickly and abruptly,” said Rachel Proper, Tess’s mother.

While theY struggled with the loss, Polcovich knew the team could help.

“There’s actually a little more to the story,” Polcovich said.

She explained that Tess wasn’t alone in her grief.

“We also have another player who lost her dad a couple of years ago,” Polcovich said. “I lost my father when I was 13.”

That shared experience helped Tess feel like she wasn’t alone.

“It felt like I could talk to her about things and that I related to her in other ways,” Tess said.

Polcovich said she feels she was put in the right place at the right time.

“I just felt God has put these young women in my life because I’ve experienced something like this, and they’re going through it,” she said.

While Marty’s family began their next chapter, they wanted to honor him and his love of volleyball. So, they turned to a well-known comment of his for inspiration.

“He used to tease all the time that Peak was going to need a trophy case because our team was going to bring home so much hardware,” Rachel said.

His family donated a trophy case to the team in his honor, giving his daughter and her team a mission.

“I wanted to honor him by playing for and playing for something bigger than myself,” Tess said.

As the team battled through a demanding season, they qualified for the national tournament. Polcovich said when it mattered most, the team’s true colors were revealed.

“They are team players. They want the best for each other, and that was what was the game changer is that they unified just at the right time,” Polcovich said.

That unity led to a national championship victory.

With that, Tess was able to prove her father right, bringing home the hardware that will rest in his trophy case.

“They donated the trophy case, and now we’re able to put that national championship in there in his honor, in his family’s honor and his daughter’s honor,” Polcovich said. “It couldn’t mean more to us.”

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.

By Pattrik Perez

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    SEMINOLE COUNTY, Florida (WESH) — A Central Florida man accused of posing as a licensed nurse was arrested again, this time in connection with working at a Lake Mary rehabilitation facility last summer.

Joseph Kinney, 56, faced a Seminole County judge this week on a charge of unlicensed practice of a health care profession, a third-degree felony.

Lake Mary police say Kinney worked as a registered nurse at Aviata at Lake Mary, a rehab and nursing facility on North Sun Drive, from June 24 to Aug. 11, 2025. Investigators say Kinney’s nursing license was revoked in 2022, but he was working under someone else’s name and license.

WESH 2 reached out to Aviata for comment but did not receive a response.

According to a capias request from Lake Mary police, a sergeant with the department recognized Kinney from a news story about his arrest in Volusia County last September and realized he had been the nurse caring for her relative at the Lake Mary facility.

The sergeant told investigators she observed Kinney practicing nursing, including reviewing her relative’s medical chart, when she visited in August 2025. While Lake Mary police wrapped up their investigation in October 2025, the State Attorney’s Office in Seminole County didn’t issue a warrant until January 2026.

A spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Office said the three-month gap was likely due to the nature of the case: “a nonviolent licensure violation with no arrest yet.”

Kinney was arrested July 1 in Volusia County on the warrant and was brought to Seminole County this week.

The new arrest comes just days after court records show Kinney resolved his Volusia County cases. He was accused last September of applying for nursing jobs using another person’s ID and license and was hired at facilities in Seminole and Orange counties.

On June 30, Kinney entered a plea of no contest in Volusia County to two counts of unlicensed practice of a health care profession and one count each of possession of a Schedule IV substance and possession of a fraudulent driver’s license.

He was placed on five years of probation with adjudication withheld. Conditions of his probation include that he is not allowed to work in any health care position or job, must complete a mental health evaluation and follow recommended treatment, and must submit proof of current work or any jobs he is applying for.

Willa Hill, executive director of the Florida Nurses Association, said the case raises concerns about patient safety and whether current hiring safeguards are strong enough.

“We’re always concerned when this happens because we feel like it’s sort of a stain on the profession,” Hill said. “We need to make sure and pay attention to this because it is a public safety issue. … I think that we have some safeguards in place, but it seems like we need to look again at how this is being done.”

Kinney has bonded out of jail. He is due back in court at the end of August.

The American Nurses Association sent WESH 2 the following statement:

Patients and communities deserve to know the nurse providing their care has met rigorous education and clinical requirements and has earned, and maintains, a valid nursing license. Licensure exists to protect the public. It confirms that an individual has the preparation, demonstrated competence, and ethical foundation required to deliver safe, high-quality care, and it provides clear accountability through state boards of nursing.

When someone falsely claims to be a licensed nurse, they can put patient health and safety at risk. Nursing care requires critical thinking, sound clinical judgment, and the ability to recognize and respond to rapidly changing conditions. An unlicensed individual likely lacks essential training, thereby creating dangerous gaps in assessment, medication safety, infection prevention, and the appropriate escalation of care. Healthcare organizations typically use multiple safeguards to verify licensure, including primary-source verification through state boards of nursing and national databases, credentialing and privileging processes, ongoing monitoring and re-verification, and internal audits. These systems are vital, and the American Nurses Association (ANA) strongly supports continued vigilance and improvements to prevent fraud.

Further, ANA supports the work of law enforcement and regulators to investigate credentialing fraud and hold accountable anyone who undermines the nursing profession and endangers patients.

Nursing’s impact is felt in every community, every day, and for 24 consecutive years, nurses have been ranked in a Gallup poll of the American public as the most trusted healthcare profession. That trust is earned through education, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to ethical, patient-centered care.

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.