Category: CNN Regional

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 10, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — When you see a sleek all-electric shuttle zipping through Houston’s Second Ward, Third Ward, Downtown, Near Northside, or the Heights, you’re not just witnessing a ride—you’re witnessing history in the making. Evolve Houston, a membership-based nonprofit founded in 2019 by CenterPoint Energy, the City of Houston, Shell, NRG Energy, and the University of Houston, is reshaping the way our city thinks about transportation and clean air for all Houstonians.

From Pilot to Powerhouse: The Community Connector

What began in June 2023 with only two electric vehicles has now grown into a fleet of 19, serving thousands of riders monthly. Known as the Community Connector, this all-electric microtransit service is more than just free rides—it’s a lifeline. Nearly half of all trips (46%) start or end at or near METRO transit stations, bridging vital gaps for seniors, families, and low-income residents.

The collaboration with Houston METRO has been instrumental. When Evolve shared trip data showing how heavily riders connected to METRO bus stops and rail stations, METRO immediately saw the potential. By mid-2024, METRO began directly funding the City of Houston to continue and expand the program, ensuring it aligned with the METRONow strategy of creating seamless, first-and-last-mile solutions.

“Partnerships like this are the future of Houston transit,” said Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, Chair of the METRO Board of Directors. “By connecting Evolve’s Community Connector with our bus and rail system, we’re not just providing rides—we’re creating freedom of movement for Houstonians who need it most.”

Fueling Houston’s Clean Transportation Future

Transportation accounts for nearly half (47%) of Houston’s greenhouse gas emissions. Evolve Houston is on a mission to change that. Through its Community Grant Program, Evolve invests directly into underserved communities, funding projects that expand access to electric mobility, reduce emissions, and foster economic opportunity. Applications for the next round of grants open on September 15th, furthering Houston’s path toward an inclusive, sustainable future.

“Our grants are about more than clean transportation,” explained Casey Brown, CEO of Evolve Houston. “They’re about ensuring every Houstonian—no matter their zip code—has access to mobility that improves their quality of life.”

Casey Brown: From Football Fields to Future Thinking

Evolve Houston’s leader, Casey Brown, brings a story as compelling as the mission he champions. A former quarterback turned physicist, Brown’s career journey spans Halliburton in North Dakota, an MBA from Rice University, and an executive role in the energy sector before leading Evolve’s rebrand in 2022.

“Community college and football were foundational for me,” Brown reflected. “They instilled the problem-solving mindset and confidence I bring to every challenge. Now at Evolve Houston, I’m honored to work alongside a team of problem-solvers committed to positioning Houston as a leader in the global energy transition.”

Brown believes Houston is uniquely positioned to stay at the forefront of global energy innovation, leveraging skills from the hydrocarbon era into a cleaner, more resilient economy.

Innovation Backed by Partnerships

Evolve’s success thrives because of bold partnerships with the City of Houston, Houston METRO, and private contractors. METRO’s funding support transformed the Community Connector from a grassroots pilot into a sustainable, multi-zone pilot service that not only complements METRO’s existing bus and rail routes but also amplifies their accessibility.

“Houston is a city that embraces innovation,” said Meredith Johnson, Executive Vice President of Communications of Houston METRO. “Working with Evolve allows us to expand mobility options, reduce emissions, and serve our neighborhoods in smarter, more inclusive ways.”

Brown agreed, adding: “We could not have done this without METRO and the City. They saw the vision and had the courage to test it, innovate it, and expand it.”

Why It Matters

The Community Connector isn’t just a pilot project; it’s a promise—a promise that Houston can be a global leader in mobility equity, clean energy, and community-driven solutions.

Or, as one rider from the Third Ward recently said: “This ride means freedom for me. Freedom to move, freedom to connect, and freedom to breathe cleaner air.”

With Evolve Houston and Houston METRO working hand-in-hand, the city’s transportation future is not just electric—it’s unstoppable.

Please note: 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.

Jo-Carolyn Goode
editorial@stylemagazine.com
7133205611

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 10, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston City College – Northwest (formerly Houston Community College Northwest) is more than just a campus—it’s a living testament to Houston’s forward-thinking spirit, serving as a launchpad for dreams, innovation, and community growth. As one of six colleges in the Houston City College District, the Northwest campuses empower students across Alief, Katy, Spring Branch, and parts of HISD, creating an educational hub that balances affordability, accessibility, and excellence.

A Legacy of Accessible Education

For over 30 years under the visionary leadership of Dr. Zachary Hodges, HCC Northwest has transformed lives with a philosophy rooted in opportunity. The college offers associate degrees that seamlessly transfer to universities and certificate programs tailored to Houston’s fast-evolving industries, ensuring that students not only learn but are prepared to thrive. Its mission has always been simple yet profound: to provide accessible, high-quality education that aligns with community needs and workforce demands.

Centers of Excellence: Where Innovation Meets Aspiration

Northwest is home to two standout Centers of Excellence that underscore Houston’s reputation as a city of builders and creators:

Engineering Center of Excellence – In collaboration with Texas A&M, University of Houston, and UT Tyler, this academy equips students with cutting-edge skills to design, problem-solve, and innovate for tomorrow’s economy.

Media, Visual & Performing Arts Center of Excellence – A creative hub where aspiring artists, designers, and performers find the tools and mentorship needed to transform passion into profession.

At the Katy campus, the Agricultural Sciences Academy—in partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University—brings agricultural innovation into focus, blending tradition with modern sustainability practices to prepare future leaders in agri-science.

Education That Works for Houston

In true Houston fashion, HCC Northwest is a place where practicality meets possibility. Whether it’s career placement services, academic advising, or specialized programs like the VAST Academy for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the college emphasizes inclusivity and student success. The result? A diverse and dynamic student body whose graduates fuel Houston’s economy while uplifting their communities.

As Dr. Hodges proudly shares, “At Northwest, teaching and learning come first, but so does your success as a student. We are not just shaping scholars—we are shaping Houstonians who will make an impact.”

A Hub for the Community

Northwest is not an isolated campus; it is a community connector. By embedding itself within Alief, Katy, and Spring Branch, HCC Northwest has become a vital partner for families, employers, and local leaders. Its presence ensures that quality education is never out of reach, whether you are a first-generation college student, a professional seeking new skills, or an artist chasing your vision.

Why Houston Style Magazine Supports HCC Northwest

Houston thrives when its people thrive. Institutions like Houston City College – Northwest provide the foundation for equitable growth, preparing generations of innovators, educators, and leaders. With its blend of academic rigor, workforce training, and holistic support, HCC Northwest continues to prove that education is not just about classrooms—it’s about building futures.

As Houston looks ahead to new challenges and opportunities, one thing is certain: HCC Northwest will remain a beacon of progress, helping our city rise, learn, and lead.

Quick Facts about Houston City College – Northwest

Founded: Part of the Houston City College District, serving West Houston.

President: Dr. Zachary Hodges (over 30 years of leadership).

Communities Served: Alief, Katy, Spring Branch, and HISD areas.

Centers of Excellence: Engineering, Media, Visual & Performing Arts, Agricultural Sciences.

Special Programs: VAST Academy, career placement, financial aid support.

Website: Houston City College – Northwest

Please note: 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 Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 11, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — HOUSTON, TX (Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 10:00 AM CT) – In a moment that will be remembered as a turning point for Houston’s healthcare education pipeline, Houston City College (HCC) Coleman College for Health Sciences and the American College of Education (ACE) officially inked a partnership designed to catapult students from bachelor’s programs straight into graduate and doctoral studies—all at an unprecedented level of affordability.

Inside the heart of the Texas Medical Center, leaders gathered at HCC Coleman for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony, a symbolic handshake between two institutions with one shared mission: empowering Houston’s future healthcare leaders today.

Education with Momentum

Imagine graduating with your Bachelor of Applied Science in Healthcare Management from HCC and already having 12 graduate credits in your pocket—credits that transfer seamlessly into ACE’s master’s program in Healthcare Administration. That’s more than momentum; it’s a fast-track rocket toward career advancement.

Better yet, students can complete their entire master’s program for under $9,000, positioning it as one of the most affordable graduate-level opportunities in the nation. And because ACE’s programs are 100% online, students won’t have to choose between work, family, or advancing their education—they can have it all.

“This partnership reflects our mission to support our students beyond graduation,” shared Dr. Lutricia Harrison, DNP, president of HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences. “By building strategic pathways with institutions like ACE, we help our students achieve long-term career success through advanced education, upward mobility, and skills designed for today’s evolving healthcare industry.”

Leaders Speak Out

The excitement was echoed by Geordie Hyland, MBA, president and CEO of ACE:

“We believe HCC students will embrace this master’s pathway because it allows them to work, attend college, and finish faster. And for those with bigger dreams, ACE also provides a stackable route to a doctorate degree in Leadership or Public Health Education.”

Also in attendance were Stephanie Nellons-Paige, ACE trustee member and wife of former HISD Superintendent and U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige, alongside HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., whose leadership continues to elevate Houston City College into a national model for innovation in higher education.

A Future That Scales Up

Here’s where the story gets even more powerful: those 18 credits earned during the master’s program can be applied directly to ACE’s doctoral tracks, reducing both time and cost for ambitious students who want to rise to the very top.

This isn’t just about earning degrees. This is about producing the next generation of healthcare executives, hospital administrators, and public health leaders who will shape policy and patient care across Houston, Texas, and beyond.

Community Meets Ceremony

The signing ceremony wasn’t simply a formality—it was a celebration of Houston’s investment in its own. With the Texas Medical Center as the backdrop, the agreement underscored HCC’s role as Houston’s healthcare education powerhouse and ACE’s mission to make graduate-level education accessible and affordable.

The message was clear: when Houston educates boldly, Houston leads globally.

For more details about the HCC-ACE partnership, call 713-718-7366 or visit hccs.edu/Coleman.

Please note: 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.

Jo-Carolyn Goode
editorial@stylemagazine.com
7133205611

By Felix Cortez

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    HOLLISTER, California (KSBW) — San Benito County supervisors in Hollister are taking action to prevent future thefts after two former library employees embezzled more than $330,000 from the local library, a crime uncovered when Amazon sought reimbursement for outstanding invoices.

Kollin Kosmicki, a San Benito County supervisor, said, “We need to figure it out. And this is all about transparency and this is all about making sure this never happens again.”

The supervisors voted unanimously to hire a third-party auditor to investigate how the embezzlement occurred.

Kosmicki added, “You can’t sugarcoat this sort of thing. There clearly was neglect involved. And from a management perspective, we need to figure out who missed what. We need to figure out what processes need to be fixed.”

Some county supervisors had been requesting the external audit for more than a year, but were advised by legal counsel to wait until the criminal cases against the two women, Erin Baxter and Mary Alvarez, concluded.

Joe Paul Gonzalez, San Benito County Auditor-Controller, opposes the external audit, which could cost $50,000, stating, “It’s a shame that we’re going to be spending more money on an additional audit because the auditor’s office has done a very comprehensive job of documenting that what took place in that fraud.”

Kosmicki defended the decision, saying, “When you’re talking about public money and the amount of public money that was stolen in such a disgraceful way, it’s our duty as a credible organization. Any credible organization would do what we’re doing.”

The county auditor attributed the oversight failure to the previous library director, citing a dereliction of duties.

Gonzalez said, “In this case, this was a case where management basically neglected their duty of care. They were not present. They did not supervise, you know, the employees in their organization. They did not verify that the invoices for payment were true and correct.”

Since the embezzlement was uncovered, the county auditor has established a global Amazon account for the county, allowing the auditor’s office to monitor every Amazon transaction from each department.

Additionally, the auditor’s office now publishes a monthly intra-office newsletter focusing on checks and balances.

The county will soon send out a notice requesting proposals for the external audit to further investigate the embezzlement case.

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By WDJT News Staff

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    RACINE, Wisconsin (WDJT) — A small plane crashed into Lake Michigan, approximately 12 miles off the coast of Racine Thursday afternoon, Sept. 11.

According to Mitchell International Airport, the Cirrus SR22 aircraft left MKE heading to Michigan around 12:17 p.m. and encountered a problem in flight. The plane ended up in Lake Michigan, about 20 miles east of Bender Park, around 12:37 p.m.

Three people were recovered from the crash, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

A Traverse City helicopter and a U.S. Coast Guard boat helped with the recovery.

The Racine Police Department is responding to the scene.

Please note: 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.