Month: July 2026

By Kaylee Harter

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    DENVER (KMGH) — A Denver nightclub has been ordered to cease operations and close immediately after a shooting on its premises early Monday left one dead and eight injured.

In the Wednesday order suspending the business’s liquor and entertainment licenses, Denver licensing officials said the license-holder for Ultra Lounge at E. Hampden Avenue “willfully and deliberately allowed circumstances to exist which have resulted in multiple violent incidents.”

Those circumstances, Licensing and Consumer Protection Executive Director Molly Duplechian wrote, include hiring unlicensed security guards and “not taking proper precautionary measures to prevent violence,” as well as failing to be properly licensed.

The person who now claims to own the club, Ultra Lounge East at 9755 E. Hampden Avenue, is not the same person who owns the building and holds its licenses, according to Duplechian. The order alleges that Dol Bhattarai, who previously operated Yak and Yeti out of the building, sold or subleased the premises to Dionte Wilkins without properly transferring the licenses.

According to Duplechian, Wilkins has indicated on social media he owned and operated the club for more than a year, meaning he is “running a nightclub serving alcohol without having properly applied and not having been vetted to confirm that he is allowed to hold a liquor license.”

“The Department has received information indicating that Mr. Wilkins may not be eligible for a liquor license due to his criminal history, and that he has intentionally and deliberately tried to circumvent the licensing process and mislead the department by characterizing himself as a manager and not an owner,” Duplechian wrote in the order.

Neither Bhattarai nor Wilkins responded to request for comment by the time of publication.

Bhattarai told Denver7’s media partners at the Denver Post he owned the building and had leased it to Wilkins about a year ago.

“We were trying to switch the liquor license to his name, but it was taking a long time,” Bhattarai told the Denver Post. “It should have been changed by now. I don’t know what happened. I am surprised.”

The order also alleges that the business has been serving food and providing hookah without proper food and tobacco licensing.

This week’s shooting happened just after midnight, and police found a total of 66 shell cases inside the premises and on the patio from 45 mm and 9 mm caliber guns, according to the order.

No arrests have been made, but police have said they believe at least two groups of people were involved.

“A witness reported that security was lax during the evening of July 19 and early morning of July 20 and that security did not check for weapons before patrons entered the property,” the order states.

In addition to Monday’s fatal shooting, the order also cites two other recent violent incidents on the club’s premises.

In March, a man was beaten in the parking lot of the club and was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the order. The person accused of beating the victim has been charged with second-degree murder, the document states.

“Officers on scene attempted to gather additional information from Respondent’s staff, but the staff were uncooperative and declined to provide information,” Duplechian wrote in the order.

In April, the order alleges, unlicensed security guards peppersprayed and punched a customer in the face who “indicated he had a firearm” and attempted to fight security. The customer was taken to the hospital with “potentially serious injuries,” according to the order.

Bhattarai will have the chance to argue his case as to why the licenses should not be suspended or revoked on Sept. 11, according to a separate order.

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 Owen Skornik-Hayes

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    PUEBLO, Colorado (KOAA) — Cows, goats, dogs and poultry fill the Cedar Ranch Homestead. When the Aspen Acres Fire threatened that life, one woman made a call, and her neighbors answered.

Jen Way watched flames come over the ridge and quickly realized she had a problem.

“My truck’s down. Our Ford over there, unfortunately, the engine needs replaced. I said, ‘I need a truck because that fire’s coming for me and I don’t have any way to get these cows out,'” said Way.

She called her neighbors, Jennifer and Tyler Frenia, who drove more than an hour, arriving not with one truck, but with four vehicles and trailers.

Together, they loaded bulls and goats into trailers and dogs into trucks.

“Once we got them here in the corner, just keep the panel behind them and just kind of wait them out, you know, eventually they came towards the hay and towards the feed,” said Jennifer Frenia.

Tyler Frenia said staying calm was the key.

“What I can control is how effectively I can get everything out of here by being calm,” said Tyler Frenia.

For Way, knowing every animal would make it out was overwhelming.

“To know that not a single life on my property was going to have to stay behind. There aren’t words,” said Way. “They drove towards the apocalypse to just save my animals,” she said.

For the Frenias, the effort was simply the right thing to do.

“It costs you absolutely nothing to be kind, zero at all,” said Tyler Frenia.

It’s been more than a week since residents returned to Colorado City following the Aspen Acres Fire, but the experience forged a bond that goes beyond neighborly kindness.

“It’s strange because, like, we were friends before all this, but you know, hanging out was rare and few. Now, like this brought us together, and this is like my best friend now. It’s crazy. Just like a little bit of positive came out of all this. We really got to know each other,” said Jennifer Frenia.

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 Gianella Ghiglino

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    SANTA BARBARA, California (KSBY) — For the Genet family, dropping off their one-year-old dog Bruce at daycare was part of their regular routine. They say Bruce had been going to Camp Canine in Santa Barbara since he was a puppy and was a familiar face at the facility.

“Thank you to everyone for all the kind words and caring about our Bruce,” said Alison Genet, Bruce’s owner’s mother.

The family says they were never notified that Bruce had drowned. They say they learned what happened when they arrived to pick him up last Thursday and were handed his body in a storage bin.

“We haven’t heard from Camp Canine since we were informed of Bruce’s death. There has been no offer of help or private apology,” Genet said.

The incident has sparked protests, including one outside the facility Wednesday morning, as community members called for accountability.

“It’s very emotional because the dog was handed over in a bin. They trusted them. This is a place where you trust your animals are safe. We’re paying for a service. We’re paying for you to take care of them,” said protester Courtney Frederick.

While many are demanding answers, others say it is important to wait for the investigation before reaching conclusions.

“I don’t feel greatly about hate or hateful text messages. I can say how I would feel if that was my dog, but I also think there is a difference between making a mistake and something happening maliciously,” said Camp Canine client Jackie Andrade.

Camp Canine owner Jayne Sigman invited me inside the facility on Wednesday. I was not allowed to bring a camera, but I saw the pool area where Bruce reportedly died. The pool is located behind a fenced-off area and can only be accessed by walking up a set of stairs.

The business is currently closed for daycare services but remains open for boarding.

Sigman declined a request for an interview but provided a statement, saying, “This has been devastating for us all. We are rethinking and reevaluating everything, with the safety of the dogs in our care being our top priority. Exact changes have not been determined but will be soon.”

The circumstances surrounding Bruce’s death remain under investigation by the Santa Barbara Police Department.

The Genet family says they are still searching for answers and want accountability for what happened to their dog.

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 Austin Grabish

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    SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — An Airbnb host is warning property owners to fight back after squatters took over a home on her ranch and demanded $30,000 to leave, prompting her to hire a company that specializes in removing squatters.

“The whole situation just crushed me. I reached a point where I had no idea what to do and felt extremely helpless and beyond frustrated,” said Grace Young in an interview on her property in unincorporated El Cajon.

Young said the nightmare started in June after an Airbnb guest, who she says broke house rules by having several unapproved visitors, bringing dogs and violating the sound curfew, checked out after being booted from the online vacation rental platform.

The day after the guest left her home, Young said three squatters moved in and damaged her home during their takeover.

“They manufactured some narrative that they had had the right to be in the home because an Airbnb guest had given them that permission, had rented to them,” she said.

Young called the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office for help and said the response she got floored her.

“A junior officer came over. I was on the speakerphone and said, ‘OK, well, we’re letting them go. It’s a civil matter.’”

After deputies left, Young said the squatters put up notices in the windows of Young’s home titled Notice of Tenant Rights and Requirement for Lawful Entry and demanded $30,000 to leave.

“Dear Grace Young, please be advised that as of our continuous occupancy of the property … since early April 2026, we have established legal tenancy under California law. Because our stay has exceeded 30 consecutive days, we are no longer considered transient guests or short-term lodgers. We are now legally classified as month-to-month tenants and are protected by California landlord-tenant laws,” the notice said.

The letter went on to tell Young she couldn’t legally force the squatters to vacate the premises or lock them out.

“A landlord must follow the formal, legal eviction process to remove a tenant, which requires proper written notice (typically a 30-day or 60-day notice),” the notice said.

Feeling like she had nowhere to turn while also losing rental income, Young then hired the Squatter Squad, which specializes in removing squatters.

“Ninety percent of our squatters have the most entitled attitude and they were basically telling her, ‘We know our rights,’” said Kimrey Kotchick, who runs the company with founder Lando Thomas.

Kotchick said he believes the Airbnb guest who was kicked out of Young’s home gave the code to the rental to the squatters who moved in.

“I think it was retaliation against Grace because he was mad at her for kicking him out.”

The professional squatter removers told Team 10 they get several calls a day from desperate homeowners in Southern California.

“We’ve had other cases in San Diego where a senior had to leave his property for medical reasons. He’s in his 80s, he’s gonna be in the hospital for about a month and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, squatters swooped right into his home. His Porsche is missing. All of his belongings were being sold at a yard sale by the squatters.”

Being told “it’s a civil matter” is what happens 95% of the time when homeowners call police, Thomas said.

“When you have law enforcement show up and you’ve got the property owner and the unlawful occupant /squatter going back and forth, law enforcement will say, ‘I can’t be the judge and jury. This has to go to civil court.’”

He said property owners can protect themselves by keeping a notarized copy of their deed, installing solar-powered security cameras and never letting their homes appear vacant.

“They will drive around when the weeds start to grow up and the lights are off. There’s telltale signs.”

After being hired by Young, the Squatter Squad, which works with a professional bounty hunter, put together a plan to get the trespassers out.

They gathered notarized documents, court records and other evidence and had Young return to the sheriff’s office to ask for help. This time it worked.

Twenty days after they moved in, detectives arrested the two remaining squatters Kevin Barlow and Amanda Hopkins on charges of burglary related to utility theft. Court records reviewed by Team 10 show both have multiple detainer cases on their records. Neither returned requests for comment.

“I think that Captain Navarro and his team did an excellent job. In less than a business day, they put a plan together, came up with a search warrant, and had feet on the ground out here. Ten or 11 officers.”

Team 10 asked Airbnb to respond to Young’s concerns and to tell us what it does to protect hosts from squatters and if there’s a way for hosts to recoup costs for lost rent and damages.

The company’s spokesperson Ruthie Kongo responded by telling us when Young’s property was occupied by the trespassers, it was not operating as an Airbnb reservation.

“The squatters were in no way associated with Airbnb,” she said in an email.

Back at her ranch, Young said she’s increased security and said she hopes other property owners can learn from her experience.

“We’ve got to begin to switch it, turn the dial, to where every time a situation like this happens, it doesn’t just go, ‘Civil court, it’s going to take you months and years, too bad for you,’ and go on to the next.”

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 Michael Chen

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    SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Video captured by a park employee shows a firefighter flight medic at the end of a helicopter rope, just before a dramatic rescue at Mission Trails Regional Park.

The footage, shot just before 9:30 Monday morning, shows the medic attached to a helicopter rope, flying along a ridge before landing near an injured rock climber.

About 30 minutes before the video was recorded, a female climber had fallen approximately 15 feet during a climb, landing on a ledge. Fire crews were dispatched quickly, though it has not been confirmed whether she was the one who called 911.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Oscar Saucedo said the location made a standard ground response difficult.

“She was in a weird position. Our crews couldn’t get in there quickly,” Saucedo said.

That hard-to-access location meant the fastest way to reach the climber was to put the medic on the rope. In the video, the medic can be seen waving his arms as wind sends dirt flying.

“That’s the helicopter, hovering, causing wind force,” Saucedo said.

Saucedo described how the medic used hand signals to communicate with the helicopter crew.

“The rescue medic is doing hand signals, with the fire captain on the helicopter, to get himself safely down to the patient,” Saucedo said.

The park employee who recorded the video said after the medic landed, she stopped recording as the medic disappeared around a boulder. Rangers, fire crews and the medic then worked together to get the climber off the ledge.

“We set up a rope system, a safety and main line to her. Then safely put her on the trail,” Saucedo said.

The climber was then airlifted out. Her injuries are unknown.

Rescues at the park are not uncommon, particularly in warm weather.

“During hot weather, it’s common to see these open space rescues,” Saucedo said.

In this case, Saucedo acknowledged the operation carried real risk.

“There’s always a risk with the medic, and helicopter in that situation. The wind could shift and cause issues, but these are well-trained crews, been together for a long time,” Saucedo said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KGTV 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.

By Justin White

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    COLLEGE TOWN, Florida (WTXL) — Florida’s new student-athlete heart screening requirement is now law statewide. One Leon County gymnast’s story is a powerful reminder of why early detection matters.

Florida’s new requirement for heart screenings before student athletes can compete is now officially in effect statewide — and one Leon County teenager’s story illustrates exactly why supporters say the law could save lives.

Aubrey Boyd, a competitive gymnast who trained nearly 5 hours a day, had no idea anything was wrong.

“I had no symptoms. I wasn’t feeling fatigue like any of that I wasn’t sick. I wasn’t losing my energy more so I just had like no way of me, knowing that it could’ve happened without the test,” Boyd said.

One heart screening changed everything. Doctors discovered two hidden heart conditions that placed her at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest. She was admitted to the ICU and underwent two procedures. Today, she has a clean bill of health.

Her mother, Ginger Boyd, said the timing of the discovery was critical.

“Had her condition not been caught when it was based on the amount of activity that she was engaged in she would’ve begun to lose heart functioning and capacity over time and according to the physician who actually did her ablation it’s likely that she would’ve passed out somewhere and ended up in the emergency room and that’s how she would’ve found out about the condition,” Ginger Boyd said.

Aubrey Boyd said the experience gave her a new perspective on what the screenings actually mean.

“Before I had taken the test, I like thought it was just a normal test that the school screenings that you have at school, but after I had gone to the hospital, gotten the surgery, and was healed. I realized how much that had saved my life, and it just like saved my heart and further issues down the road,” Boyd said.

The screenings take only a few minutes, are painless, and can detect heart abnormalities that traditional sports physicals often miss. Amanda Dibley, screening site director for the nonprofit Who We Play For, said 1 in 300 youth have an undetected or underlying heart condition.

Patrica Stadler, a nurse and member of Transformation Church, explained what the screenings can reveal that a standard checkup cannot.

“EKG is going to find the electrical components of the heart so we can be low in the safety thinking that, well, listen to my heart. I went to the doctor. This is more detailed,” Stadler said.

Who We Play For has pushed for expanded screenings across Florida, and Dibley said the new state law is a milestone for the organization.

“We are very grateful for the Second Chance Act just so we can keep our children’s hearts safe and that parents and children can feel confident and safe that when their child is out there playing on the field or in the court or participating in whatever they do, they can know that their child is safe,” Dibley said.

As the statewide screening requirement takes effect, organizations like Who We Play For hope more families will understand that one appointment could make all the difference before the season ever begins.

Free community heart screenings will be held in Leon County on July 29 and again on Aug. 1 ahead of the upcoming school year.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTXL 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.

By Will Thomas

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    ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina (WTKR) — Burned material, damaged house siding, shattered glass and a broken front door are just some of the damage you can still see from a shed fire at Carl and Media Witten’s home Friday night on W. Church Street in Elizabeth City.

The Witten’s were fast asleep in their home as their shed burned and the flames threatened to spread to the house. The heroics of two neighbors made sure they woke up and got out safely.

“Five minutes more, we could have lost the entire house. I just thank God, thank Tony and Chris,” said Carl Witten.

Tony Winslow lives just a street over and happened to be driving by to meet some friends when he saw the shed on fire at the Witten’s home and immediately sprang into action by calling 911 and banging on the front door.

“I was pretty nervous for them. The main thing, I just wanted to make sure everybody was okay, or at least try to get them out the house,” said Winslow.

Chris Goodrich lives across the street and heard the commotion. Knowing the Witten’s personally, he met up with Tony to see what was going on.

“I noticed that the whole entire backyard was glowing. I threw on a pair of shorts, unfortunately, I didn’t throw on a pair of shoes. As soon as you step off the side porch, you can feel the heat from the fire, the flames are hitting the house, and you can see like the siding and stuff starting to melt and fall off,” said Goodrich.

Knocking and ringing the doorbell wasn’t working. That’s when Chris and Tony started kicking the front door.

“I started trying to kick in the door, and as soon as he saw me kicking it, he joined in. We just were taking turns kicking it. It’s a lot harder to kick a door in than than you think,” said Goodrich.

“We both kicked the door so we can actually help them, get everybody out the house safely. So I do thank God for Chris, though, and I’m glad everybody was okay,” said Winslow.

Kicking the door open is what worked and woke up the Witten’s.

“Neither one of us woke up until they crashed through the front door, and the noise of the glass breaking and the door being busted open is what woke me up. I came running down the stairs, and they said, ‘The house is on fire! Get out! Get out!’,”, said Carl Witten.

Fire crews arrived shortly after and put out the fire.

“Chris and Tony, they’re our heroes,” said Media Witten.

The Wittens had spoken to Chris, who lives across the street, since that night, especially because he also got nine stitches from cutting his toe on glass from the door. But Wednesday was the first time they’d seen Tony since that night.

“He stuck out his hand for a handshake, and I said, ‘Oh no! After what you did for us, I need a hug’,” said Carl Witten.

“Really grateful that he was okay,” said Winslow.

For Tony and Chris, they’re thankful everything turned out OK and just hope that someone else out there would do the same thing for them in a time of need.

“I just did the same thing I would hope anybody else would do for me. Tony, him alerting everybody and drawing attention to the fire, I think that’s the big savior moment,” said Goodrich.

“If it was me on the other hand, I would want somebody to help me or my family out. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” said Winslow.

For the Witten’s, what Tony and Chris did shows exactly the people they are.

“It just really says something to me about their character. It’s just another one of those things that I know that God had them in that place for us,” said Media Witten.

A heroic moment that the Witten’s will never forget. The two also want to thank the Elizabeth City Fire Department for its quick response to putting out the fire that ended up saving their home.

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 Jessica Davis

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    SUFFOLK, Virginia (WTKR) — For the first time since his release from immigration detention, Victor Alfredo Perez Martin is speaking out about his July 6 arrest, his time in custody, and what comes next in his immigration case.

Video of Perez Martin being detained by ICE near Sentara BelleHarbour Outpatient Campus on July 6 has been viewed thousands of times online. ICE called it a targeted enforcement operation. A federal judge ordered Perez Martin released July 16.

Speaking through a translator, Perez Martin said he, his brother, and a coworker were driving to work when they were pulled over.

“When they put me on the floor they pushed my face into the ground and then another guy came and put his knee on top of me. Then I had difficult breathing and I felt that I was being suffocated and that’s when I try to push myself up,” Perez Martin said.

ICE says Perez Martin was processed in Norfolk. His attorney says he was held at the Farmville Detention Center for nine days.

Perez Martin said he was able to speak with his family while there. Although medical care was offered after his arrest, he said he declined at first because he was scared. When the pain worsened the next day, he said he was told he would go to the hospital in shackles.

“What sense does it make to go to the hospital when they are going to keep me in shackles. It’s just going to keep the shackles tight. I decided don’t take me there just give me the medication to relieve the pain,” Perez Martin said.

Rather than accept voluntary departure, Perez Martin chose to fight his case. He said the cost and danger of returning to the U.S. played a major role in that decision.

“The situation to return back to that country is a little complicated. I came here five years ago and it cost me $14,000 and nowadays it’s more difficult and dangerous to come back here,” Perez Martin said.

He said a conversation with his father reinforced his decision to stay and fight.

“He told me, ‘If you can, try to fight so you can get out, because the situation back here is very hard. Where are we going to get that kind of money again?'” Perez Martin said.

When asked what he wants people to take away from the video of his arrest, Perez Martin said he is asking for any form of help.

“I have to pay for a lawyer I have to pay for the bond and with the economy you have to have security, the rent, your documents, and food,” Perez Martin said.

His next court date is July 27.

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 Ja Nai Wright

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    ELKRIDGE, Maryland (WMAR) — Shaye Tillett of Elkridge has been waiting more than three years for a kidney transplant. Thursday, July 23rd, she gets one.

Tillett was diagnosed with Turner syndrome as a baby and, a few years ago, received a second diagnosis: polycystic kidney disease. Finding a donor proved difficult because of her rare blood type, O negative.

“I actually found out a few weeks ago that one of my medications was actually something that had affected my, my kidneys as well,” Tillett said.

In April, her family received the news they had been waiting for. A donor had been found, and Tillett’s surgery was scheduled for July 23.

The donor remains anonymous.

“The person is still anonymous. I do not know who they are. I am very excited, excited about all that’s coming up,” Tillett said.

Despite not knowing — and possibly never knowing — who is giving her a kidney, Tillett said she is deeply grateful.

“I really am. I’m grateful that they took the time to do this and they’re being able, they’re able to take, not just take the time to do it, but also changed my life,” Tillett said.

The months leading up to the surgery have brought a mix of emotions and preparation. Tillett has kept up with lab work and blood work related to her Turner syndrome diagnosis and has also focused on her mental health ahead of the procedure.

“With my mom, knowing that she’s been through the same thing, I’ve always, I’ve been asking her questions,” Tillett said.

She said the support she has received has meant everything.

“I was blessed, to be honest. I was very blessed to hear that people were not just keeping me in their prayers, but wanting to help and do anything they can to help me,” Tillett said.

Tillett said she hopes her story can encourage others who may be facing a similar situation.

“Never lose hope. Keep that faith, never lose hope and always always remember that you have people by your side,” Tillett said.

Tillett is expected to be released from the hospital four days after her surgery and will be on bed rest for two months.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WMAR 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.

By Conor McGill

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    LOOMIS, California (KOVR) — While many kids spend their summer vacation in front of a screen, 9-year-old Richard Andino is spending his days in the garden.

The young entrepreneur carefully checks what’s ready to harvest before preparing for another day of selling fresh vegetables to customers.

“These are ready to be picked,” Richard said while harvesting his latest crop.

What started as a simple school lesson about growing plants has blossomed into a successful small business.

Richard began with just two planter boxes, a handful of vegetables and plenty of curiosity.

“I always loved vegetables. Then I thought… I wanted to sell them,” he said.

Three years later, those two planter boxes have expanded into a garden nearly three times the original size.

“Every year the garden just got bigger,” Richard said.

Richard first sold his produce from a stand in front of his home. Today, he’s a regular vendor at the Loomis Farmers Market after his family formed an LLC and completed the county approval process required to sell there.

The money he earns helps pay for summer activities like Sky Zone and Sunsplash. Once he reaches his savings goal, he donates the rest of his harvest to members of the community.

For Richard, however, the biggest reward isn’t the money.

It’s spending time outdoors.

“Screens I’m not a big fan of. I’d rather just… I don’t know… play outside,” he said.

His mother, Kabryna Andino, says that preference developed after Richard experienced frequent migraines as a young child.

“In kindergarten he started having really bad migraines from being inside and watching too many screens,” she said.

Richard’s story comes as pediatricians continue to study how increased screen time affects children’s health.

Dr. Amanda Mitchell, a pediatrician with Kaiser Roseville, says excessive screen time can impact children’s sleep, mood and behavior.

“We’re finding that it changes children’s sleep quality, which then can change their mood and change their behaviors,” Mitchell said.

Still, she says technology doesn’t have to define today’s generation.

“Children have developed in this era, and they’re overcoming and becoming who they’re supposed to be. Technology is there, and it helps them, but it does not define them,” Mitchell said.

For Richard, that’s clear every day he spends tending his garden, talking with customers and growing something he built himself.

He also has advice for other young people who dream of starting a business.

“When you want to run a business, you’re going to have to go through challenges. Don’t give up on them. Just do them, and you’ll succeed,” Richard said.

At just 9 years old, Richard’s biggest harvest isn’t just vegetables, it’s inspiration.

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.