Philadelphia Eagles exercise 5th-year options for Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith

CNN Newsource on April 28, 2026

By Tom Ignudo

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    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — The Philadelphia Eagles exercised the fifth-year options for Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith on Monday, the team announced. The former Georgia Bulldogs are now under contract through the 2027 season.

The deadline for the Birds to exercise Smith and Carter’s fifth-year options on their rookie contracts was on May 1. Carter will earn $27.1 million in 2027, while Smith is set to receive $13.7 million, according to Spotrac.

Carter and Smith were both first-round picks by the Eagles in the 2023 NFL draft out of Georgia, where they won back-to-back national championships. They each played pivotal roles on Philadelphia’s defense en route to the franchise’s second Super Bowl title in 2024.

Carter, who was picked 9th overall in the 2023 NFL draft, earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2024 and has been named to the Pro Bowl twice, including in 2025.

Last season, Carter dealt with injuries to both of his shoulders and played in 11 games. He had 33 tackles, 29 pressures, 12 quarterback hits and three sacks.

Nolan Smith, the 30th overall pick in the 2025 draft, also dealt with an injury in the 2025 season. He reinjured his triceps, an injury he played through and had surgery on after the team’s Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

In 11 games last season, Smith had 31 tackles and three sacks. Smith owns the franchise record for the most sacks in a single postseason with four in the season the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX.

Earlier this offseason, the Eagles signed fellow former Georgia Bulldog Jordan Davis to a three-year contract extension after he had a career year in 2025.

The Birds primarily focused on offense in the 2026 NFL draft, but they added a key piece to their pass rush when they acquired edge rusher Jonathan Greenard in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings.

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.

Nuclear medicine being called new frontier in cancer care: “A new era”

CNN Newsource on April 28, 2026

By Stephanie Stahl

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    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Nuclear medicine is being called a new frontier in cancer care, and new research shows potential new uses for it in treating gastric and pancreatic cancers.

Nuclear medicine that uses radioactive material is becoming much more popular, and doctors say it can be a lifesaver.

Lori Canzanese is used to getting shots of radioactive material at Penn Medicine.

“When you hear nuclear medicine or radioactive, it can feel pretty ominous,” Canzanese said, “but the actual treatment was pretty calm.”

The 54-year-old mother of two was diagnosed with advanced neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer 10 years ago.

“It was overwhelming when I got that diagnosis,” Canzanese said.

After surgery, Penn’s Department of Nuclear Medicine took over Canzanese’s care. First, with advanced imaging to pinpoint the tumors, and then radioactive material to destroy cancer cells.

“After each treatment, I was considered hot with radiation,” Canzanese said, “and so I had to be in isolation for three days.”

Dr. Phil Mulugeta said Canzanese’s tumors were significantly reduced.

“Nuclear medicine is in a new era,” Mulugeta said. “We can individually pick what kind of radioactive medication is the best for each individual patient.”

Mulugeta says several important research advances are expanding the horizons of nuclear medicine.

“[Nuclear] is a scary word, but there’s no need to be afraid,” Mulugeta said. “These are special kinds of radioactive molecules. No patient has ever been harmed.”

Canzanese says the routine scans at Penn show her tumors are stable, giving her quality time with her family. She’s working to help others with the annual Run for the Stripes, an event at the zoo that raises money and awareness for neuroendocrine tumors.

“I feel fortunate that this treatment was available,” Canzanese said.

Doctors say nuclear medicine can also be helpful in treating prostate and thyroid cancer.

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.

Inside Atlanta’s Apex Museum, Gen Z interns help bring history to life for a new generation

CNN Newsource on April 28, 2026

By La’Tasha Givens

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    ATLANTA, Georgia (WUPA) — The Apex Museum, Atlanta’s oldest African American museum, is buzzing with a new energy from a group of Gen Z interns.

One of them is Kyler Hendricks, a Georgia State University student who spends her days suited in white gloves as she cleans, catalogs, and captures photos for the museum’s digital archive.

One of the standout exhibits where Hendricks works is the Yates and Milton drugstore, a replica of one of the first Black-owned pharmacies in Georgia. Originally located on Auburn Avenue, the exhibit is filled with authentic artifacts not modern props.

Hendricks points out decades-old medical records and prescription pads that belonged to prominent local families, including the King family.

She explains that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his relatives were frequent visitors to the original store, which functioned much like a modern-day CVS or Walgreens by providing a wide variety of essential goods to the community.

Kendricks gives us a tour of the exhibit.

“This one actually specifically was on Auburn Avenue. Everything that you see in here is authentic. These are not props that we got from like Temu or Amazon. She then shows decades-old medical records and a prescription pad. “These are medical records and some of them we did have to give back to the families, like for example, the King family,” she said.

Apex Museum co-founder Dan Moore Jr. expresses great pride in the program.

“Each intern follows a specific track tailored to their scholastic abilities and career goals.”

Under Moore’s direction, interns like Hendricks are learning the intricate work of curating exhibits, such as the Invention Corridor. This hands-on experience allows students to cultivate new skills while deepening their understanding of the past.

The partnership is also proving beneficial for the museum’s outreach efforts, as the interns help translate historical milestones for a younger audience.

Moore highlights how the museum connects the technology of today, such as TikTok, Instagram, and video games, to the work of pioneers like Dr. Valerie Thomas. By explaining how Thomas’s work with concave mirror transmitters laid the foundation for modern 3D technology and gaming, the museum makes historical achievements feel relevant to the “Oculus” generation.

While this year’s cohort includes a diverse mixture of future archivists, conservators, anthropologists, researchers, and archaeologists, they all start with the same foundational task.

Regardless of their final career path, every intern’s first assignment is learning to be a docent, mastering the art of guiding visitors on a tour.

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Fire Chief seeks kidney donor as genetic disease worsens, highlighting disparities for Black patients

CNN Newsource on April 28, 2026

By Rashad Williams

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    DOUGLAS COUNTY, Georgia (WUPA) — Douglas County Fire Chief Miles Allen has spent decades answering emergency calls—now, he’s making one of his own.

At 57 years old, Allen wears many titles: firefighter, Air Force veteran, husband, and father. But today, he’s also a patient fighting for his life.

“Tomorrow’s not promised,” Allen said. “But it’s very important for me to be around for my family.”

After more than 20 years living in Douglas County — and stepping into the role of fire chief in 2023 — Allen is now facing a deeply personal battle.

Years ago, a routine checkup following knee surgery led to a life-changing diagnosis: polycystic kidney disease, or PKD—a genetic condition that runs in his family.

“My nephrologist recognized that I had cysts on my kidney… and that I had polycystic kidney disease,” Allen said. “My family members have it — cousins, uncles, aunts. It’s something that my family has to deal with.”

Over time, those cysts have enlarged, slowly limiting his kidney function. Now, doctors say he’s nearing a critical point.

Allen faces two options: begin dialysis or find a living kidney donor.

A transplant—especially from a living donor—could significantly extend his life. But time is running out.

“Fighting fire has always been in my blood,” Allen said. “But as you get older, you can’t do the things the young kids do… It’s a blessing to know that you can give to someone to extend their life.”

His story also reflects a broader health crisis.

Christin Cerda with the National Kidney Foundation says PKD can be especially aggressive in Black patients.

“Black patients with PKD often experience faster disease progression, leading to earlier kidney failure—and higher mortality rates,” Cerda said.

Nationally, the numbers are stark.

Roughly a dozen people die each day in the U.S. while waiting for a kidney transplant. Tens of thousands more remain on the waiting list—many growing too sick before a match is found.

Black Americans are disproportionately affected, making up nearly a third of transplant waitlists despite representing a much smaller share of the population—and they are far more likely to experience kidney failure.

Chief Allen is currently registered on two donor lists—through Piedmont Hospital and the National Kidney Registry—hoping someone will step forward.

For now, the man who has spent a lifetime saving others is asking for the chance to keep living—for his family, and for the future he once wasn’t sure he’d have.

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Texas Southern University Soars Higher with Historic Houston Spaceport Ribbon Cutting

CNN Newsource on April 27, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    April 27, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston reached new heights—again. In a city globally synonymous with space exploration and innovation, Texas Southern University (TSU) boldly expanded its footprint with the grand opening of its new aviation facility at the Houston Spaceport, marking a transformative moment not just for the university, but for the future of diverse talent in aerospace.

With a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, TSU officially unveiled its cutting-edge Texas Southern University at Houston Spaceport campus—a 20,000-square-foot aviation hub designed to prepare the next generation of pilots, engineers, and aviation leaders.

This milestone partnership between TSU, the City of Houston, and Houston Airports signals a powerful commitment to innovation, workforce development, and equitable access to high-demand careers in aviation and aerospace.

A Facility Built for the Future

At the heart of the new campus is a sleek, modern hangar housing TSU’s impressive fleet of 12 Cirrus SR20 aircraft, acquired in 2025. These industry-standard training aircraft position TSU students for real-world readiness from day one.

The facility also includes:

4,500 square feet of office and classroom space, enabling immersive, on-site instruction An 8,000-gallon fuel tank, delivering operational independence and saving the program hundreds of thousands annually Infrastructure to support TSU’s newly approved aerospace engineering program, further expanding academic pathways This is not just a building—it’s a launchpad.

Leadership That Lifts

The ribbon-cutting brought together a powerhouse of leadership and vision, including:

Vice Admiral James W. Crawford III, TSU President James Benham, TSU Board of Regents Chairman Dr. Terence Fontaine, Executive Director of TSU Aviation Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Council Member, District D Chris Hollins, Houston City Controller Scott Hill, Houston Airports Deputy Director of Infrastructure Captain Xavier Samuels, United Airlines and TSU Aviation Advisory Board Chairman Together, they underscored a shared mission: ensuring that students—especially those from historically underserved communities—have direct pathways into high-growth, high-paying industries.

Houston’s Legacy Meets TSU’s Vision

Strategically located at 1775 Hutchinson Drive, just behind the Lone Star Flight Museum, the new TSU facility places students at the epicenter of Houston’s aviation and aerospace ecosystem.

And the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

With Houston continuing to expand its global influence in aviation, space travel, and advanced technology, TSU is ensuring its students are not just participants—but leaders—in shaping that future.

Empowering the Next Generation

Founded in 1927, Texas Southern University has long stood as a pillar of access, opportunity, and excellence. As a special-purpose institution dedicated to urban programming and research, TSU continues to evolve—meeting the moment with bold investments like this one.

The Houston Spaceport campus reflects a powerful truth: Talent is everywhere—but opportunity must be intentional.

With this new facility, TSU is not only training pilots—it’s cultivating innovators, engineers, and trailblazers who will carry Houston’s legacy forward across skies, industries, and generations.

Final Approach: A Bold Takeoff for Houston

As jets lift off from Houston Spaceport, so too will the ambitions of TSU students—fueled by access, excellence, and vision.

In a city that once put a man on the moon, Texas Southern University is ensuring that the future of flight looks more inclusive, more innovative, and more Houston than ever before.

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.

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ExxonMobil Houston Giving Campaign Sets Record $16 Million for Greater Houston Nonprofits

CNN Newsource on April 27, 2026

By Lisa Valadez

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    April 27, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — The ExxonMobil Houston Giving Campaign has raised a record $16 million to support nonprofits across Greater Houston, marking the highest total in more than 60 years of organized corporate giving. The result reflects a $2.6 million increase from the previous year and includes contributions from employees, retirees, the ExxonMobil Foundation, and company-sponsored fundraising events.

A majority of the funds, $13.3 million, will go to the United Way of Greater Houston to support programs focused on education, workforce development, and essential services for families. The investment is intended to strengthen long-term economic mobility while also addressing immediate needs such as housing stability, food access, and financial assistance for households facing hardship.

United Way leadership noted that the campaign arrives during a period of increased demand for social services across the region, with many families navigating higher costs of living and ongoing economic pressure. The organization described the ExxonMobil campaign as one of its largest and most consistent sources of workplace giving, with broad participation from across the company’s Houston-area workforce.

An additional $1.3 million from the campaign will fund ExxonMobil Foundation initiatives, including STEM scholarships, college readiness programming, and summer learning opportunities through Teen Engineering and Tech Center programs. These efforts are designed to expand access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and to support students preparing for postsecondary education and technical careers.

Another $1.4 million was distributed to 768 local nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Food banks received the largest share of employee-directed donations, reflecting continued concern about food insecurity across the Greater Houston area.

Company leadership emphasized that the campaign is driven by employee and retiree participation and represents a long-standing commitment to community investment in the company’s hometown. The effort continues ExxonMobil’s broader philanthropic focus on education, basic needs, and strengthening local nonprofit capacity.

The record-setting total underscores the scale of corporate giving in Houston and the role major employers play in supporting regional social service networks, particularly at a time when nonprofits report sustained demand across multiple service areas.

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.

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Houston’s Jazz Future Takes Center Stage: LUCÍA Set to Dazzle at the Eldorado Ballroom

CNN Newsource on April 27, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    April 27, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston, get ready—because the next global voice of jazz is about to step into one of the city’s most legendary venues. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM CT, the iconic Eldorado Ballroom will host an unforgettable evening as DACAMERA presents its Rising Jazz Stars series featuring the sensational LUCÍA.

LUCÍA A Voice That Transcends Borders

At just 23 years old, LUCÍA (Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso) is already turning heads across the global music scene. Hailing from Veracruz, Mexico, her sound is a captivating fusion of jazz, Latin heritage, and contemporary pop sensibilities. Her musical roots run deep—she began performing at the age of two in her family’s son jarocho ensemble, laying the foundation for a career that now feels destined for greatness.

Her accolades speak volumes. LUCÍA made history as the first Mexican artist to win the internationally acclaimed Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, cementing her status as one of the most exciting emerging artists in jazz today. Her debut album showcases a fearless artistry, blending timeless standards like “What a Difference a Day Makes” with Spanish classics such as “La Llorona”, and even fresh interpretations of modern hits by Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo.

Where Legacy Meets What’s Next

The setting for this performance is no coincidence. The Eldorado Ballroom, nestled in the heart of Third Ward, stands as a beacon of Houston’s rich cultural and musical legacy. Once graced by jazz greats, it now welcomes a new generation of artists who are redefining the genre for today’s audiences.

DACAMERA’s Rising Jazz Stars series—launched in November 2024—has quickly become a must-attend cultural experience. Designed to spotlight the brightest emerging talents from across the nation, the series offers an intimate, club-style atmosphere that brings audiences closer to the music—and the moment.

Music for Everyone: A Community-Centered Experience

In true Houston spirit, this event is built on accessibility and community. With DACAMERA’s “Choose What You Pay” ticket model, guests can attend at a price point that works for them, while supporting the organization’s mission to deliver world-class musical experiences to all. A suggested contribution of $50 helps sustain programming and ensures these transformative performances remain within reach for diverse audiences.

A Stellar Ensemble

LUCÍA will be joined by an exceptional trio of musicians:

Fabian Almazan on piano Hamish Smith on bass Julian Miltenberger on drums Together, they promise an evening of rhythm, improvisation, and emotional depth that will resonate long after the final encore.

Don’t Miss the Moment

For Houston Style Magazine readers who appreciate culture, community, and cutting-edge artistry, this is more than a concert—it’s a front-row seat to the future of jazz.

Event Details

What: DACAMERA at the Eldorado: Rising Jazz Stars featuring LUCÍA When: Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM CT Where: Eldorado Ballroom, Houston, TX Tickets: Choose What You Pay (Suggested: $50) More Info: Call 713-524-5050 or email boxoffice@dacamera.com Stay Connected: Text DACAMERA to 346-440-4545 for updates

Be there before the world catches on. Experience LUCÍA—live, luminous, and unforgettable.

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.

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A Galaxy Reinvented: “The Mandalorian & Grogu” Brings 1920s Grit to Star Wars’ Newest World

CNN Newsource on April 27, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    April 27, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — The Force is about to meet fedora-era firepower—and Houston Style Magazine readers, this is the cinematic moment you didn’t know you were waiting for.

As anticipation builds for the theatrical debut of The Mandalorian & Grogu, set to open Friday, May 22, 2026, the legendary Star Wars universe is boldly expanding in a way that feels both nostalgic and strikingly new. This time, it’s not just about galaxies far, far away—it’s about mood, grit, and a daring creative swing inspired by the golden age of gangster cinema.

Welcome to Shakari: Where Star Wars Meets Scorsese

Enter Shakari—a rain-soaked, crime-ridden planet inspired by Prohibition-era Chicago and the cinematic stylings of Martin Scorsese. Designed by production visionary Andrew L. Jones, this new world brings a noir edge to the Star Wars galaxy.

Think shadowy alleys, neon reflections on wet pavement, and a city that never sees sunlight. It’s a bold departure from icy tundras like Hoth or gleaming cityscapes like Coruscant—Shakari feels alive, dangerous, and deliciously cinematic.

Even more intriguing? A mysterious Ardennian character—connected to the species seen in Solo: A Star Wars Story—is rumored to operate a food truck on this gritty world, blending humor and world-building in classic Star Wars fashion.

A Powerhouse Creative Team

Helmed by Jon Favreau and co-written with Dave Filoni, the film continues the beloved journey of Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, alongside everyone’s favorite Force-sensitive companion, Grogu.

The cast also features:

Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt And elevating the emotional depth? A sweeping score by Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson.

With a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes, this cinematic chapter promises both action and atmosphere in equal measure.

Blasters, But Make It 1920s

In true Star Wars fashion, innovation meets nostalgia. The film introduces a new class of blaster inspired by the iconic Tommy gun—reimagined with futuristic flair. It’s this fusion of old-world design and sci-fi imagination that keeps the franchise culturally relevant and visually exciting.

Box Office Buzz: A Strong Opening on the Horizon

Industry projections suggest a $90M–$100M three-day opening, with potential to climb even higher over the Memorial Day holiday stretch. For context, that would surpass the opening of Solo while positioning the film for long-term success.

With a reported $166M production budget, analysts estimate profitability within the $332M–$415M global range—a target that feels well within reach given the franchise’s global fanbase and the film’s family-friendly appeal.

Why This Matters for Houston—and Beyond

For Houston’s vibrant, culture-savvy audience, The Mandalorian & Grogu represents more than just another blockbuster—it’s a signal that storytelling is evolving. It’s about blending eras, genres, and artistic influences to create something fresh, bold, and unforgettable.

From the streets of Shakari to theaters across Houston, this film invites audiences to experience Star Wars through a new lens—one that’s darker, richer, and undeniably stylish.

Final Take

As the countdown to May 22 begins, one thing is clear: The Mandalorian & Grogu isn’t just expanding the galaxy—it’s redefining it.

And if Shakari is any indication, the future of Star Wars looks less like a distant fantasy… and more like a cinematic masterpiece dripping in rain, rhythm, and rebellion.

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.

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Therapy dog Aka supports Hawaii Life Flight’s first responders

CNN Newsource on April 27, 2026

By Kayli Pascal-Martinez

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    HONOLULU (KITV) — Celebrating National Therapy Animal Day, Hawaii Life Flight recognizes the significant contribution of a special four-legged team member who assists first responders in managing job-related stress.

National Therapy Animal Day is on April 30, and Hawaii Life Flight is celebrating Aka, a certified therapy dog who supports first responders across the islands. She provides comfort and connection that helps air medical teams manage the mental and emotional demands of their work.

“Aka has an incredible way of bringing smiles wherever she goes. She adores meeting new people, and you can see how much she genuinely loves connecting with everyone she encounters,” said Amanda Scott, Aka’s handler, flight nurse and Hawaii Life Flight Waimea base manager.

Aka is a 2-year-old bernedoodle who has been part of the Global Medical Response (GMR) Therapy Dog Team for two years. SHe’s named for the Hawaiian phrase ‘ho’o mino’aka,’ meaning ‘to make people smile or bring happiness.’

“Therapy animals like Aka offer something uniquely powerful, an uncomplicated moment of calm, joy, and human connection in the middle of demanding, high-stress work. She has an amazing ability to lift spirits, ease tension, and remind our crews that they’re supported and appreciated. We’re incredibly thankful for the positive energy and quiet strength Aka shares with everyone she meets,” added Scott.

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Affordable housing opens for single parents pursuing college degrees

CNN Newsource on April 27, 2026

By Jane Caffrey

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    PHOENIX (KNXV) — A Valley nonprofit is tackling two of the biggest obstacles facing single parents — housing and education — at the same time.

Phoenix Scholar House officially opened its doors on Thursday. It is the first community of its kind in Arizona. The affordable housing is built specifically for single parents pursuing a college degree.

Residents get more than just a roof over their heads. Childcare, education support, and career development are all part of the package. The community is designed to help parents stay in school without having to choose between their kids and their future.

Sierra Chavez-Fiore, a mom of three, is already living there. The full-time nursing student and part-time worker says the stability has changed everything.

“It definitely helps give me that peace of mind, and live stress-free I guess… so I can focus on my school, right? Because my school is very important. I am in a fast-paced program, and so, like, just knowing, like, we’re safe here, and we have a good home,” Chavez-Fiore said.

The project is a partnership between nonprofit Save the Family and Brinshore Development. They call this a blueprint and say they hope to replicate it across Arizona.

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.