Author: CNN Newsource

By Kate Devine

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    RENO, Kan. (KAKE) — A Reno County teenager is calling on Kansas leaders to expand youth mental health resources after new survey data showed local students are struggling at rates higher than the statewide average.

Christian Buckwalter, an incoming freshman at Buhler High School, said his advocacy is fueled by both personal experience and conversations with classmates who have struggled with their mental health.

“I’ve dealt with mental health by starting a campaign at Prairie Hills Middle School last year, helping build more mental health resources for Buhler and working with Rise Up Reno to better understand how mental health affects our youth in Kansas,” Buckwalter said.

His efforts come as the 2026 Kansas Communities That Care Youth Survey found that 38.4% of Reno County students reported feeling so sad or hopeless for at least two weeks during the past year that they stopped doing some of their usual activities. The statewide average was 30.4%.

The survey is administered every two years to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 and is used by communities across Kansas to identify youth risk factors and guide prevention efforts.

Buckwalter said those numbers reflect what he has seen while talking with students in his school district.

“I talked to a lot of people at my school while I was running this campaign, and there’s a lot of stigma because people don’t really feel comfortable talking about mental health. It just isn’t something that’s talked about very much,” he said.

Buckwalter said he has contacted Gov. Laura Kelly, both of Kansas’ U.S. senators and his state representative, urging them to prioritize youth mental health funding.

“I’ve reached out to Governor Laura Kelly, both of our Kansas senators and the Reno County representative for Kansas,” Buckwalter said. “I’m hoping they can put more funding into mental health.”

He said one of his biggest concerns is that some students who need help either do not know where to turn or are afraid to ask for it.

Buckwalter said his passion for advocacy began after experiencing his own struggles with anxiety and depression in middle school.

“Starting around sixth grade through eighth grade, I dealt with anxiety and depression, and I avoided a lot at school,” he said. “Now I’m in Rise Up Reno’s youth leadership program, which teaches students how to be advocates.”

He also said losing a friend and hearing from classmates who had harmed themselves reinforced the need to speak out.

“I was in seventh grade when I found out one of my friends had died from what was most likely mental health-related reasons,” Buckwalter said. “I’ve also had people reach out to me who had hurt themselves because of mental health struggles.”

Buckwalter said he hopes sharing his own experiences will encourage other young people to seek help rather than suffer in silence.

“I feel like the most important thing is that it’s better to tell someone than not tell anyone and let it build up inside of you,” he said.

Kansas currently funds the Mental Health Intervention Team program, which partners schools with community mental health providers to connect students with behavioral health services. Buckwalter said he hopes the state continues investing in and expanding access to mental health resources for young people.

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 Marly Gatewood

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    CLAREMORE, Okla. (KJRH) — Tulsa’s She Brews Coffee Roasters & Transition Program expanded in Claremore.

2 News Oklahoma met the new manager, Tamra Bissell. She told 2 News she spent 3 years behind bars and struggled with addiction.

“I know me coming into recovery, and coming into a program to change my life, I’ve had to do it with different people, places, and things, and you have to be strong,” Bissell said.

Through this expansion, the non-profit said it’s been able to help more women. The goal is always been to equip and empower women transitioning out of incarceration.

“We are now able to employ every woman that comes into our transitional homes,” Bissell said. “Due to the increase in the size of the building and the job training programs we can offer now.”

Bissell earned several promotions because of her good spirit and people skills. She’s also been the team trainer for all of the She Brew locations supporting Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Claremore, Oklahoma.

Francois Cardinal is the Board Chair of She Brews Coffee Roasters and Transition Program.

“Tamra, you could say, is the shining example of someone who has taken this second chance and has completely turned her life around, a true transformation, and is now leading the other women in our program through this transformation process, modeling the transformation journey and outcome for them as a leader in our program. You won’t find anyone more committed to our mission.”

“I didn’t know my potential, you know, at all,” Bissell said. “When somebody is telling you that you can do this, you don’t see it. So, for my leaders and this community to see something in me that I couldn’t see in myself, and giving me the opportunity and telling me to just say yes and they’ll show me how to do it; is just a blessing.”

Bissell said getting the title ‘manager’ isn’t what mattered most, but getting the opportunity to take her life in a new direction.

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 Brooke Chau

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    FORT PIERCE, Florida (WPTV) — A Fort Pierce pizza shop known for giving back is creating an even bigger space to inspire young readers.

Big Apple Pizza owner Scott Van Duzer is expanding the restaurant’s free book program by transforming its outdoor patio into a dedicated reading room where children can pick up a book any time they visit.

For years, Van Duzer has kept shelves of free books inside the restaurant, inviting children to take one home at no cost. He said seeing kids light up when they discover a new book has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program.

“The books are there so when the kids come in the store they’re easily available,” Van Duzer said. “They’ll come in and they’re excited they can take whatever they want home.”

As more children have stopped by to pick up books, the collection has continued to grow. Van Duzer said the restaurant has simply run out of space inside, prompting the decision to turn the outdoor patio into a permanent reading room.

“We have so many books and we are trying to keep ahead of the game that we have turned our porch into what’s going to be the reading room,” Van Duzer said. “So now anytime a child stops by they can get a book free of charge no questions asked.”

The goal, he said, is to make books easy to access and help encourage a lifelong love of reading. Whether a family comes in for pizza or simply stops by for a book, every child is welcome to take one home.

For Van Duzer, giving back has always been part of the restaurant’s mission. He said that commitment comes from the example his mother set while he was growing up.

“I didn’t have a lot,” Van Duzer said. “My mom was pretty instrumental in my life so she just said if you can give back, give back. We live that every day.”

Construction on the new reading room is underway and is expected to be completed later this fall.

Until then, children can continue picking up free books inside Big Apple Pizza, where the message remains the same: every child is welcome to take a book home, no questions asked.

Big Apple Pizza is located at 2311 S 35th St, Fort Pierce FL 34981.

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 Katrina Markel

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    COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (KMTV) — FFA and 4-H members at WestFair gave youth with special needs the opportunity to meet and care for fair animals through a program called Bacon Buddies.

Traci Black and her son, Taylor, started Bacon Buddies after seeing the program at the Iowa State Fair.

“And he says, ‘Mom, we have to do this,'” Traci Black said.

Taylor was one of several teens mentoring young people with disabilities during the Bacon Buddies event on Sunday.

“I think it’s really good because they’re getting to learn something new they’ve never done before,” Taylor Black said.

Participants received tips on feeding, grooming and handling the animals from their mentors.

Caitlin Greiner: “Some tips I give them is how to feed them, how much they eat a day.”

Taylor Black: “They do bark like dogs when they’re cranky.”

Lilley Casson: “Making sure they stay clean and have a clean area to lay down in.”

Taylor Jensen: “They will bite. Don’t put your fingers and stuff by their mouth.”

After bathing, grooming and practice walking the hogs, participants took a turn in the show ring. Gavin Smith was excited about earning a purple ribbon.

“My pig’s name was Pineapple. It’s a lot to ask but all I gotta say is he did great,” Smith said.

His mentors — Addie and Axel — said Gavin showed talent for working with hogs.

“He just has a natural way with them and really likes them,” Addie said.

For the mentors, the experience was just as meaningful.

Taylor Jensen: “It feels like, very rewarding.”

Caitlin Greiner: “I’m glad I get the opportunity to teach someone who to do it because they normally don’t get these opportunities.”

Traci Black: “I think it’s therapeutic for both the Buddy and the Mentor.”

Smith enjoyed the attention from the audience.

“Fans come out here to support us all. It gives us great confidence,” he said.

Bacon Buddies will be at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 15 and will return to Westfair next year.

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

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    POSTVILLE, Iowa (KWWL) — A large fire damaged the AgriStar Meat & Poultry plant in Postville early this morning, prompting a response from fire crews across the region.

The flames broke out around 4 a.m. 16 crews from Northeast Iowa spent nearly 13 hours trying to extinguish the blaze.

According to the Postville mayor, Agri-Star is the largest employer in the community. The plant appeared to be closed, and KWWL was asked to leave the property. People in Postville are being asked to conserve water after the amount it took to put out the flames.

The mayor is hoping to see people come together to help with recovery efforts. “We’re gonna start to see some helping hands, you know, as far as, there’s lots of organizations,” the mayor said.

A smoke advisory was issued in Fayette County. A warning of possible visibility and air quality issues in the Clermont area was reported, and the smoke continued southwest throughout the day.

Officials say no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Agri-Star’s corporate office has not yet responded to requests for comment or information about how long the plant might be closed.

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 Erik Waxler

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Florida (WFTS) — While most teenagers are just getting comfortable behind the wheel of a car, 17-year-old Jake Giber is building flight hours in the cockpit of his own airplane.

The New Port Richey teenager recently flew solo in his Piper Cherokee 140 to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the world’s largest aviation gathering, achieving a dream he’s had since he was a young child.

“My first flight was two or three, and I cried,” Jake said.

His love of aviation started early, thanks in large part to his grandfather, Herb Giber.

“He was a mechanic and a pilot, so either we were building stuff or flying,” Jake said.

Jake’s mother remembers just how quickly he developed a passion for flying.

“Before he was four, he could land the airplane,” Kelly said.

That passion never faded. Jake earned his private pilot’s license before getting his driver’s license and purchased his first airplane before buying his first car.

“This is the Cherokee 140. I nicknamed it the Dragon,” he said.

One of his proudest achievements came on his 17th birthday.

“Probably one of my biggest accomplishments is getting my private pilot’s license on my 17th birthday,” Jake said. “I like to think I was the youngest pilot in America for a little bit there.”

Since then, he’s continued building experience, flying throughout the Southeast.

“I’ve flown to Miami, Alabama, now to Wisconsin, Tennessee, Georgia. All over the Southeast. It’s wonderful,” he said.

Jake hopes to one day become a commercial airline pilot.

His mother is already looking forward to that day.

“I am just waiting for the day to board the plane and be able to say that’s my son,” Kelly said.

Jake’s family lives in Hidden Lake Airport, a residential aviation community in New Port Richey where homes have direct access to the runway. He says growing up surrounded by experienced pilots has given him not only easy access to flying, but also mentors who continue to encourage him.

“People push me to do better. Be all I can,” Jake 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 Victoria Rodriguez

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    OWYHEE COUNTY, Idaho (KIVI) — The Big Grass Fire continues to burn across Owyhee County, leaving behind destroyed homes, dead livestock, and thousands of scorched acres as local leaders work to bring in additional resources.

The fire, which started near the Idaho-Oregon border, has grown into one of the largest wildfires in the region, threatening ranches and communities southwest of Silver City.

Idaho News 6 traveled into the burn area with Owyhee County Sheriff Larry Kendrick and Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue, where blackened hillsides, active flames and dead livestock illustrated the devastation left behind.

Sheriff Kendrick said more than 100 cattle have been killed, multiple homes have been destroyed, and ranchers continue working around the clock to protect what remains.

“It’s our lives. There’s no other way to put it,” said local rancher Dave Smith.

Smith has lived in the area for 45 years and, like many ranchers, has spent the past several days fighting the fire himself to protect his home, livestock and neighboring ranches.

He said local ranchers are doing everything they can, but they cannot continue battling the fire alone.

“Someone needs to get some stuff in the air and get in front of this,” Smith said, calling for additional aerial firefighting resources.

While traveling through the burn area, Idaho News 6 witnessed just how quickly conditions can change. Thick smoke and intense heat surrounded crews as Smith jumped into action to contain a hotspot before it could spread.

As the fire continued growing, Kendrick said he began calling neighboring agencies and state leaders, warning the situation had become critical.

“But above anything else, we don’t want the loss of life. If we don’t get help… people were going to die,” Kendrick said.

One of those calls went to Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue.

Donahue said he contacted the Governor’s Office, federal officials and the Bureau of Land Management, urging them to send additional firefighting resources to Owyhee County.

“They’re trying to bring firefighters in from Australia, from New Zealand. They’re mobilizing military who have been trained in fire suppression. They’re working with the state of Idaho. So I’m promised that help is on the way. But as we all know, time is of the essence,” Donahue said.

Chris Johnstone, another longtime rancher who has been helping fight the fire, said the blaze spread rapidly after crossing the river from Oregon into Idaho.

“We’ve been fighting it. It’s hard to fight because you can’t really get in front of it most days — wind, timber and terrain,” Johnstone said.

He said volunteer firefighters and local ranchers have been stretched to their limits.

“When we need help, it’s nice to get it, but we haven’t had it here yet,” Johnstone said.

During an emergency meeting Monday morning, the Owyhee County Board of Commissioners approved $30,000 for firefighting efforts and said it is seeking additional assistance from the State of Idaho to help protect Silver City and other threatened communities.

Both sheriffs say conversations with state and federal officials are beginning to bring additional resources into the area, but they stress that conditions remain dangerous and that every hour matters as crews work to protect lives, homes and ranches.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KIVI 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.