Students to stage free ‘Shrek the Musical’ at Coronado High School

KVIA on July 9, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Independent School District students are producing a full-scale theatrical production of “Shrek the Musical.” They’ll perform on stage July 15-18 at Coronado High School.

EPISD said its Fine Arts department has been working on the play and will showcase student work in acting, music, stage building, costume making and other theatrical skills.

“Fine Arts gives students the opportunity to discover their passions, build confidence, and develop skillsthat last a lifetime,” said Phillip Barraza, Senior Director of EPISD’s Fine Arts.

Performances are free, according to EPISD. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the musical starts at 7 p.m. EPISD said students will perform July 15-18 at Coronado High School.

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Missouri Realtors host ‘Protect Your Power’ rally in Columbia against ballot amendments

KMIZ on July 9, 2026

Sutton Parker

COLUMBIA Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Realtors Association hosted a “Protect Your Power: Vote No” rally in Columbia on Thursday.

The rally is in opposition to Amendments 4 and 5 that will be on the Aug. 4 ballot. Amendment 4 would increase the required number of votes needed for a citizen petition to pass. While Amendment 5 seeks to eliminate Missouri’s income tax and expand sales taxes.

The Missouri Realtors Association argues Amendment 5 would allow politicians to bypass critical tax protections—including the Hancock Amendment, which guarantees voters a say on major tax hikes.

The group helped pass those original tax protections back in 2010 and 2016. They warn if this new amendment passes, those safeguards could be ignored, potentially opening the door to new taxes on buying and selling homes.

Derek Schriewer, with the association, expressed concern over the legislative actions.

“So the legislature is simultaneously seeking to inhibit our ability to utilize initiative petition, which Missouri Realtors has used to benefit Missourians across the state,” he said

Matthew Becker, treasurer-elect for Missouri Realtors, says the purpose of the rally was to spread the word.

“So the purpose of this meeting today is to get the message out to our membership, to get them excited about the upcoming election,” he said

When it comes to the opposition of Amendment 4, Becker said that if approved by voters, it would shift voting power.

“So, Amendment 4 is taking away the power of one person, one vote and that is what we have stood on for the last 118 years. And it puts more value on your zip code than it actually does on your vote,” he said.

When asked about the group’s opposition to Amendment 5, he said the group believes it would put too much power into lawmakers’ hands.

“Amendment 5 is just clear-cut. it is a blank check to our legislature over the next five years. there is no way we should allow them to make the decisions they want to make over the next five years with how they tax and what they tax,” he adds.

Republican Rep. John Martin, who represents parts of Boone County, said he completely disagrees.

“It is not a blank check because, No. 1, it has to be balanced. And so it’s not just a tax on everything. I think it’s a good way to, instead of taxing what people, you know, taxing what they’re here with their earnings, put it more of a personal choice, more of a consumption tax, which is more of a fair tax,” he said.

On Amendment 4, Martian says a higher voting threshold is necessary to protect the state’s constitution.

“I very much support Amendment 4, because it will be protecting our constitution. Amendment 4 does not change the ability of people to petition and sign petitions; it is just that we need a much higher threshold to change such a foundational document as our Constitution,” he said.

Martin also added Gov. Mike Kehoe has stated if approved by voters, there would be no taxation on real estate.

Records show Missouri Realtors just put $1 million toward Missourians for Fair Governance, its committee opposing Amendment 4.

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The People’s Clerk Opens the Door to the World: Beverley McGrew Walker Hosts Fort Bend County Passport Fair

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    July 9, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Fort Bend County families, business travelers, students, dreamers, cruisers, mission-trip planners, wedding guests, and everybody who suddenly remembered that “international getaway” requires more than matching luggage—mark your calendars. Beverley McGrew Walker, Fort Bend County District Clerk affectionately known as “The People’s Clerk,” is hosting a special Passport Fair on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Cottage House in the Veranda Community, 23323 Pearl Glen Dr., Richmond, TX 77469.

This community-centered event is designed to make applying for a U.S. passport easier, more convenient, and less intimidating for residents across one of Texas’ fastest-growing and most beautifully diverse counties. In other words, before you can say “bonjour,” “hola,” “ciao,” or “where is my boarding pass?” Walker’s office is making sure Fort Bend County is ready for the runway.

“The Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office continues to offer passport application services to the greater Fort Bend County community,” said District Clerk Walker. “As the Fort Bend County District Clerk for the last seven years, making it easier to obtain a passport and improving the jury selection process has always been a labor of love.”

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That labor of love is more than a slogan. It reflects the kind of public service that meets people where they are—especially working parents, busy professionals, seniors, students, and families who may not have time during the traditional workweek to navigate passport paperwork. A Saturday Passport Fair is government with its sleeves rolled up, clipboard ready, and community first.

Walker’s leadership carries historic weight. A licensed Texas attorney and longtime public servant, she is serving her second term as Fort Bend County District Clerk. Her background includes public education, law, civic leadership, community outreach, and a trailblazing chapter as the first African American woman to serve on the Houston City Council. She has also been recognized for a lifetime commitment to volunteer service—proof that public service is not just what she does, it is who she is.

Fort Bend County itself is a powerful backdrop for this passport push. With an estimated 975,191 residents as of July 1, 2025, and a population that has grown more than 18 percent since 2020, Fort Bend is not simply expanding—it is connecting. Its families, entrepreneurs, students, veterans, professionals, and first-generation Americans represent a global community with local roots. A passport, then, is not just a document. It is a bridge to family, commerce, education, culture, opportunity, and sometimes a much-needed beach chair.

Appointments for the Passport Fair are limited and can be made by visiting fbctx.gov/passports. Residents are encouraged to schedule quickly and check back periodically if appointment slots are filled, as cancellations may open additional times.

Applicants should come prepared. All applicants must appear in person, including minors. Children under age 16 must appear with both parents. If one parent is unavailable, the applicant must bring a completed DS-3053 Statement of Consent form or a notarized authorization letter from the absent parent, along with a copy of that parent’s identification, front and back.

Current U.S. passport processing times listed by Fort Bend County are 4–6 weeks for routine service and 2–3 weeks for expedited service, which requires an additional $60. Passport photos will be available on-site for $15. Applicants should also note that payments are separated: passport application fees must be paid by check or money order to the U.S. Department of State, while acceptance fees are paid to the local acceptance facility. Cash will not be accepted at this fair.

For first-time adult applicants age 16 and older, the U.S. Department of State currently lists the passport book fee at $130, passport card at $30, and book-and-card combination at $160, plus the $35 facility acceptance fee. For children under 16, the passport book is listed at $100, the card at $15, and book-and-card combination at $115, plus the $35 acceptance fee.

Walker said it best: “There is no higher calling than serving the public.” And on July 25, that calling comes with forms, photos, family logistics, friendly guidance, and a reminder that good government can still feel personal.

For Fort Bend County, this Passport Fair is more than a convenience. It is a community invitation to move boldly, travel wisely, and prepare for the world—one stamped booklet at a time. Passport Fair – Event Details: What: Fort Bend County District Clerk Passport Fair Host: Beverley McGrew Walker, Fort Bend County District Clerk When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Where: The Cottage House in Veranda, 23323 Pearl Glen Dr., Richmond, TX 77469 Appointments: fbctx.gov/passports Questions: Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office, 281-341-4515

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

Cabazon man accused of beating dog in viral video speaks to News Channel 3; Two dogs removed from property

KESQ on July 9, 2026

Garrett Hottle

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) UPDATE at 7/9/2026— Riverside County Animal Services removed two dogs from a property in Cabazon on Thursday, July 9, with assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, as part of an ongoing animal cruelty investigation.

The action follows the circulation of a social media video that appeared to show an individual repeatedly striking and throwing a dog, prompting an investigation by the department.

The two dogs are currently being cared for during a court-mandated 14-day confiscation hold. Officials said the animals will not be available for adoption or placement while the investigation remains active.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are asking anyone with additional information to contact Riverside County Animal Services directly.

No additional details have been released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.

Photos of the dogs from Riverside County Dept of Animal Services

Original story

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) The man seen punching a dog and throwing it to the ground in a video that spread rapidly across social media this week is speaking out exclusively to News Channel 3 and he says he will not apologize.

Craig D’Allessandro confirmed he is the man in the video, recorded at what he says is one his commercial properties in Cabazon.

In an interview Thursday, he admitted to hitting the dog and throwing it, calling it the first and only time he has ever put his hands on one of his animals.

“What happened was it was probably irrational, but not out of any kind of hate for my dogs,” D’Allessandro said. “That was the first and the only time I’ve ever put a hand on my dogs.”

Riverside County animal control officers are actively investigating the incident. No arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed.

D’Allessandro claims the confrontation began the day before the video was recorded, when one of his dogs escaped his yard and killed a neighbor’s animal across the street. He said he paid the neighbor for the loss and what the world saw in the video was him disciplining the dog.

“That dog wasn’t hurt physically. My hand was. But that dog’s pride was hurt,” he said.

He repeatedly refused to apologize for his actions.

“I acted irrationally that one time. And I may regret it, but I don’t apologize for it, and I will not,” he said.

During the interview, D’Allessandro showed News Channel 3 his two dogs, Bruno and Brody. Brody, the younger of the two, is the dog seen in the video.

D’Allessandro also told News Channel 3 he has received contact notices from Riverside County Animal Services and is refusing to respond to them.

“I’m still not going to contact you,” he said, addressing the county directly. “This is not me making contact with you, Riverside County.”

News Channel 3 has reviewed the video, which opens with a viewer discretion warning and appears to show D’Allessandro grabbing the dog, striking it multiple times and throwing it to the ground as a second dog stands nearby.

At this time, News Channel 3 has not obtained permission to show the video on air or online.

Veronica Perez, a spokesperson for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, confirmed the investigation to News Channel 3 on Wednesday.

“We are aware of the video and our Animal Control Officers are actively investigating the incident,” Perez said. “We will provide an update when more information is available.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office also acknowledged the video in a statement posted to social media, saying it is “aware of the video circulating on social media of a man causing harm to a dog.”

“We understand the video has generated community concern, and we want you to know that Animal Control officers are actively investigating this incident,” the statement read.

News Channel 3 has reached out to Riverside County Animal Services for an update on the investigation, and are waiting to hear back.

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HCC Students Bring “Emerging Visions” to Redbud Arts Center Houston City College Artists Step Into the Spotlight at Juried Collegiate Exhibition

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Houston Style Magazine Staff

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    July 9, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston’s next wave of visual storytellers is not waiting politely in the wings. They are framing the shot, mixing the colors, bending the medium, and stepping confidently onto the gallery wall. Beginning Saturday, July 11, Redbud Arts Center in the Houston Heights will open “Emerging Visions: A Celebration of Collegiate Talent,” a juried collegiate exhibition showcasing promising student artists from across the Greater Houston area.

The exhibition opens with a public reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will remain on view through Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in Redbud’s West Gallery. Admission to the reception is free, making this a perfect opportunity for Houston families, collectors, educators, art lovers, and curious weekend wanderers to support the creative leaders of tomorrow—before everyone else starts bragging that they “discovered them first.”

Seven current and former Houston City College (HCC) students were selected for the exhibition, placing their work alongside student artists from institutions including the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston Christian University, Texas Southern University, Sam Houston State University, Glassell School of Art, Lone Star College and San Jacinto College.

Among the featured HCC artists is recent graduate Diana Quijada, whose inkjet print, “Orca at White Oak Music Hall,” captures a live performance from the venue’s second floor. Rather than simply focusing on the crowd or the spotlight, Quijada’s image reveals what many concertgoers rarely notice: the wires, music sheets, stage architecture, and behind-the-scenes structure that help transform sound into spectacle.

“I wanted to capture the stage presence that the audience down below rarely sees, such as the wires and music sheets,” Quijada said.

Also representing HCC are student artists whose works span graphite, mixed media, oil, metal print, photography and more. Redbud’s posted exhibition selections include HCC artists Michael Cortez with “Limbo,” Bea Dumadag with “Voyeuristic Intention,” Alice Gunn with “Alice’s Dead!!?!&…,” Aaron Herrera with “Interference,” and Michael Mallory with “Meteor Over Bristlecone Pine.” Several works are listed for sale, giving Houstonians a chance to do more than admire young talent—they can invest in it.

View/Buy Available Artwork: Emerging Visions 2026 at Redbud Arts Center

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Redbud Arts Center Executive Director and Curator Tanja Peterson said the exhibition was created to give emerging artists a meaningful professional platform. The show will be juried by Clare Elliott, a Houston-based independent curator and fine art appraiser. Awards include a 2027 East Gallery exhibition for first place, $300 for second place, $200 for third place, and honorable mentions. Winners will be announced during the opening reception.

For students, the experience is bigger than a single night. It is an introduction to the expectations of the professional art world: submitting work, preparing pieces for presentation, facing outside critique, and learning how to stand beside one’s creative voice with confidence.

Corey Ackelmire, HCC studio/art instructor and program coordinator, said juried exhibitions help students grow beyond the classroom. “It teaches them to prepare their work for presentation to an outside juror who they have not had any interaction with before,” Ackelmire said. “This is an expert in the field who is evaluating their work and is determining that theirs is of quality to be on exhibition. It’s a strong résumé builder and a valuable experience.”

Houston City College continues to serve as a creative launchpad for students seeking affordable, accessible pathways into art, design, photography, digital media and professional creative careers. In a city powered by culture, entrepreneurship and imagination, HCC students are proving that Houston’s art future is already in motion—and it looks beautifully bold.

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Event Details What: “Emerging Visions: A Celebration of Collegiate Talent” When: Opening Reception, Saturday, July 11, 2026, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Exhibition Dates: July 11 – Aug. 29, 2026 Where: Redbud Arts Center, West Gallery, 303 E. 11th Street, Houston, TX 77008 Admission: Free View/Buy Artwork: redbudartscenter.com/emerging-visions-2026 More on HCC Art Programs: hccs.edu

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

Kierra Lee
KIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM
4096658446

Tyler Robinson hearing Day 4: Court expected to play critical roommate video interview

KIFI on July 9, 2026

News Team

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — The high-profile preliminary hearing for 23-year-old Tyler Robinson is scheduled to resume in a Utah courtroom today, where a judge will ultimately determine if there is sufficient evidence for him to stand trial for the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Thursday’s hearing has now ended. You can watch the recorded proceedings in the video player above.

According to CNN, Utah prosecutors are expected to play portions of a videotaped statement by Robinson’s roommate today. Court documents identify the roommate as Robinson’s romantic partner, making them a pivotal witness in the state’s case. Messages sent between the pair on the day of the shooting allegedly contain a confession from Robinson.

RELATED: Read texts police say Kirk shooting suspect and former roommate exchanged, which prosecutors could use as key evidence

On Wednesday, day three of the hearing, Judge Tony Graf ruled that 20 minutes of the 37-minute interview can be played in court. This decision followed a request from Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, to have the interview played in its entirety, according to CNN.

While the defense and prosecution debated which portions of the tape should be admitted, Jeffrey Neiman, the attorney representing the Kirk family, advocated for full.

“The Kirk family believes strongly that if the evidence is being admitted in this preliminary hearing, it should be made public for the world to see. No redactions,” Neiman told the court. “This court has tools at its exposure, uh tools at its disposal to make sure the defendant receives a fair trial. You’ll use them if you find that you need to. That’s it, Your Honor. To not be transparent here. To not be open, to not let the world see what happened, will create doubt and distrust in the judicial system. And that’s not what anybody wants. That’s not what any of us believe should happen here. And we’d ask the court to consider the position of the family in making its ultimate decision.”

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Dozens hurt after MTA bus crashes into several cars and FedEx building in Maryland: “Like a war scene”

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Adam Thompson, Bryant Reed

Click here for updates on this story

    Pikesville, Maryland (WJZ) — More than 30 people were hurt, one of them critically, after an MTA bus crashed into several cars and then slammed into a building in Pikesville, Maryland on Wednesday evening. There’s no word yet on what caused the crash.

It happened just before 6 p.m. on Reisterstown Road, spanning several blocks between Old Court Road and McHenry Avenue.

“The bus took out one, two, three, four, five, six, seven cars, took out the telephone pole and then took out the business where it sits,” a witness told CBS News Baltimore.

Baltimore County Fire Chief Joseph Dixon said the bus hit 11 vehicles before crashing into a FedEx building. Some were heavily damaged, including one car that flipped onto its roof.

“It’s more like a war scene,” Dixon told CBS News Baltimore. “An event like this, when we have what we call a mass casualty, overwhelms.”

The Baltimore County Police Department later said 36 people were taken to the hospital, including the bus driver who suffered life-threatening injuries. Several people were taken away on stretchers, and power lines were also brought down in the crash.

Daisy Flores, who works at a nearby pizza shop, said they rushed out to help the crash victims.

“A pretty sad scene to see,” she said. “We were offering them water and to see if they needed any help, but they were in shock, so they couldn’t talk or say anything.”

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said his team is closely monitoring the crash, while staying connected with Baltimore County officials to provide support.

“Dawn and I are keeping everyone impacted in our hearts and prayers,” Moore said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for our first responders who acted with speed and skill to ensure the safety of our neighbors.”

“My prayers are with everyone affected, especially the victims and their loved ones,” said Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones.

“I am grateful to all the first responders for their swift & immediate response that undoubtedly saved lives,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen said in a statement. “We are praying for a speedy recovery for all those involved.”

Reisterstown Road was completely back open early Thursday morning.

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.

Ask the Mayor: Bend’s Melanie Kebler responds to questions about Transportation GO Bond, Firewise initiatives, and more

KTVZ on July 9, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From concerns regarding the voter-passed 2020 Transportation GO Bond to reports of illegal firework use over the 4th of July weekend, KTVZ asked Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler your pressing questions.

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Kebler at any time as part of our exclusive monthly segment and have your question featured on next months live visit to the studio. Just click here.

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Hero runs into flames to save man from burning truck in Wisconsin

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Maurice Savage

Click here for updates on this story

    LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) — A 21-year-old man is being called a hero after pulling a man out of a burning pick-up truck on Saturday.

Kieran McKinney had just pulled up to his residence at 10th and Tyler in Lacrosse on the Fourth of July, when he saw a pickup truck engulfed in flames. Bystanders were screaming for help. McKinney was told there was a man trapped inside the vehicle. A woman was yelling for someone to help.

“She was yelling, help, help, help. And I didn’t even have an inkling that someone could be in the truck” McKinney said.

Without a second thought, McKinney ran to the truck and into the flames to help save the man.

“I need to get this guy out of the truck, so I run around. The flames are coming up onto his torso and onto his face,” McKinney said. “I couldn’t tell if he was conscious, I couldn’t tell exactly where he was at in that moment. But the fire wasn’t pushing up onto his legs yet, so I was able to scoot him over, grab him by his legs and pull him out of the vehicle.”

McKinney’s mother, Jennifer McKinney, said she was not surprised her son took this risk.

“It totally checks out that Kieran would do that because he is a brave, selfless person who thinks of others before he thinks of himself. So it didn’t surprise me,” Jennifer McKinney said.

The man McKinney pulled from the burning car was 26-year-old Cody Krueger. Following the incident, Krueger was flown to the burn unit in Madison in severe critical condition. Krueger suffered third-degree burns on 25% of his body.

Krueger’s family has set up a GoFundMe.

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.

California teen develops drone rescue system to help first responders

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Bella Barbosa

Click here for updates on this story

    GRASS VALLEY, California (KHSL) — At just 18-years-old, Lev Weisswasser is working to build a drone rescue system to help first responders during emergencies.

“I’m going to try to do something exceptional,” Weisswasser said.

Weisswasser has always had big dreams, inspired by Iron Man when he was a child to build gadgets, even attempting to code and build his own jetpack at the age of 10.

“This is my first gyroscope that I built when I was 10,” Weisswasser said. “I keep this as like knowledge that I used to be Iron Man,” he joked.

In his senior year of high school, Weisswasser juggled five AP classes, his involvement in school leadership, and working as a whitewater kayak guide.

Now when he isn’t taking calls from NASA or other industry leaders, he spends his free time in his family’s garage working on drones.

In January, Weisswasser decided to take his passion for drones to the next level, taking another step towards fulfilling a lifelong dream of using drones to help people. Weisswasser says the death of a close friend and mentor in a kayaking accident motivated him to build an autonomous drone rescue system called Winter.

Weisswasser said he thinks Winter could be a tool for EMS to improve response times in difficult to reach areas.

As a kayak guide, Weisswasser says he has seen multiple incidents where the assistance of a drone like Winter would have been crucial.

“Its perfect purpose is to go in the hard-to-reach places,” Weisswasser said.

The software for Winter has been fully developed and tested through a simulator, but he is still working to get the funds necessary to build a prototype of the drone, which will be four times as large as the drone he showed Action News Now.

Using thermal imaging, Weisswasser says Winter can identify a person, and once it is built, it can carry and deliver anything from water to even an AED to first responders or people in remote locations at risk of having a medical emergency.

Weisswasser will be heading to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall, where he says he is excited to continue his passion for aerospace engineering.

For more information about how you can support Weisswasser in building Winter, click here.

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.