Category: CNN Regional

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    December 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston took center stage this morning as Airbnb announced its largest-ever investment in the Houston community—a transformative commitment of more than $1 million designed to strengthen neighborhoods, expand sustainable infrastructure, and open new pathways for youth soccer ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™. Held at the Columbia Tap Rail-Trail & Blodgett Street, the announcement underscored Houston’s growing global relevance as a World Cup host and community innovator.

Surrounded by city and county leaders, community champions, and FIFA Legend DaMarcus Beasley, Airbnb introduced its ambitious Host City Impact Program initiatives with a clear message: Houston deserves investments that last long after the final match.

A Major Milestone for Houston’s World Cup Legacy

The $1M+ commitment marks the largest Houston investment in Airbnb’s history and reinforces the company’s pledge to ensure that major global events leave meaningful, lasting benefits for local residents. Today’s announcement centered on two cornerstone efforts:

The Green Corridor – A 14-Mile Sustainability Loop for Houston

A highlight of the Impact Houston 26 sustainability pillar, the Green Corridor will create a connected mobility network linking key World Cup venues from EaDo to NRG Stadium. This 14-mile loop will offer shaded pathways, water stations, native plantings, interactive wayfinding, and biodiversity education. Designed for both residents and global visitors, the project promotes walkability, heat relief, connectivity, and environmental resilience. Long after fans depart, the Green Corridor will remain a gift to Houstonians, enriching daily life and elevating green public spaces.

Grow the Game – Expanding Soccer Access for Houston Youth

A citywide initiative committed to opening doors for children of all backgrounds, Grow the Game will use Airbnb’s investment to renovate fields, provide free and low-cost soccer clinics, supply uniforms and equipment, and build certification pathways for coaches and referees. Hundreds of young Houstonians will have access to year-round opportunities to learn, compete, and thrive through the world’s most beloved sport.

Key Voices Celebrate a New Chapter for Houston

From civic leaders to world-class athletes, the message was unified: the World Cup is about people, pride, and progress.

Laura Spanjian, Airbnb’s Director of Global Policy, emphasized both economic impact and community benefit. “Airbnb guests alone are projected to generate $372 million in GDP next summer,” she said. “Our investment ensures that this momentum directly strengthens Houston neighborhoods.”

Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee, called the partnership “a generational opportunity” to uplift the city.

Councilmember Julian Ramirez highlighted the citywide impact: “The Green Corridor and Grow the Game initiatives make Houston more accessible, more connected, and more equitable.”

Jerry Davis, Former Vice Mayor Pro-Tem, noted the investment’s long-term effects on youth and neighborhood vitality.

DaMarcus Beasley, former USMNT and Houston Dynamo standout, added heart to the moment: “Every soccer dream starts with access. Today brings that dream closer for Houston’s kids.”

Kimberly Phipps-Nichol of Friends of Columbia Tap Trail celebrated the recognition of the historic trail as a vital mobility lifeline for World Cup travel.

A Houston Legacy That Extends Beyond 2026

Houston Style Magazine readers, today’s announcement proves what Houstonians already know: our city isn’t just hosting the world—we’re preparing for a brighter, greener, more connected future. With Airbnb’s historic investment, Houston’s World Cup legacy will be measured not only in matches played, but in communities strengthened and opportunities created for generations.

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Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
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By Francis Page, Jr.

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    December 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — For more than a century, Mardi Gras! Galveston has stood as one of Texas’ most vibrant cultural traditions—an island celebration where history, music, pageantry, and Gulf Coast flavor collide in spectacular fashion. Now, as the festival prepares to launch its 115th anniversary season from Friday, February 6 through Tuesday, February 17, 2026, organizers are turning up the volume with double the entertainment, double the energy, and a renewed commitment to preserving the rich legacy of Mardi Gras on the Texas coast.

This year’s theme is simple: bigger beats, brighter colors, and a bolder lineup than ever before.

Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, is raising the bar for 2026 with a high-powered slate of performers including Logan Ryan, Wade Bowen, Gym Class Heroes, and Houston’s own Lil’ Keke—a lineup designed to bring together fans of country, rock, pop, hip-hop, and Texas culture under one glittering Gulf Coast sky.

“Mardi Gras! Galveston has grown into one of the most diverse and exciting music celebrations in the entire state,” said organizer Mike Dean, noting that more than 3 million beads, 20+ parades, iconic balcony parties, and nonstop live entertainment make this festival a true regional powerhouse.

A Texas-Sized Opening Weekend

The festivities kick off on Friday, February 6, when red dirt country sensation Logan Ryan transforms The Strand into a beachside honky-tonk. With storytelling hits like “Signed, Love Wynonna,” “Tecovas,” and “Cigarettes and Alcohol,” Ryan’s coastal country sound is set to electrify the night and set the tone for an unforgettable opening weekend.

The excitement continues on Saturday, February 7, with Texas country mainstay Wade Bowen, known for his soulful Americana roots and dynamic stage presence. Bowen’s ability to captivate audiences with both high-energy anthems and heartfelt ballads ensures a standout performance tailor-made for Texas music lovers.

National Acts Ignite Week Two

As week two unfolds, Mardi Gras! Galveston pivots to national-charting talent beginning Thursday, February 13, when multi-platinum group Gym Class Heroes hit the stage. Their signature fusion of pop, rock, and hip-hop promises a lively, genre-blending performance perfect for Mardi Gras crowds ready to dance.

Then on Friday, February 14, Houston takes center stage as Lil’ Keke—a pioneering figure of the city’s legendary Screwed Up Click—brings his smooth Southern flow and defining Houston sound to the island. His Valentine’s Day performance is expected to draw one of the festival’s largest and most enthusiastic audiences.

Electric Mardi Gras Returns With Star DJs

For fans of nightlife and dance culture, Electric Mardi Gras returns with nationally recognized DJs straight from New York and Los Angeles.

Four Color Zack, a world champion turntablist, headlines on February 7 at 10 PM, bringing razor-sharp technical skill and unmatched energy. Angie Vee, one of L.A.’s most sought-after party DJs, takes the stage on February 13, infusing the island with a West Coast house-party vibe. More regional performers, stage schedules, and special appearances will be announced soon, further expanding the entertainment landscape.

A Festival That Honors Tradition While Embracing the Future

Houston Style Magazine readers, from family-friendly parades and dazzling costumes to balcony parties, marching bands, gourmet food, and unforgettable concerts, Mardi Gras! Galveston continues to honor its roots while evolving into a modern cultural experience tailored to visitors across generations.

Celebrating Mardi Gras in Galveston means celebrating vibrancy, diversity, and the enduring spirit of the Gulf Coast.

Discounted ticket packages are available now for a limited time. For tickets, parade maps, performer lineup updates, and full event details, visit MardiGrasGalveston.com.

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Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
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By Francis Page, Jr.

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    December 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Texas Southern University, one of America’s most storied and influential Historically Black Colleges and Universities, has officially stepped onto an even larger global stage. With the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Black Empowerment Council (NBEC), TSU has unlocked a historic gateway to international academic partnerships, leadership exchanges, cultural diplomacy, and cutting-edge innovation opportunities that will elevate the next generation of Texas Southern scholars.

For an institution that has shaped leaders since 1927—from lawyers who fought landmark civil rights battles to scientists and creatives shaping today’s modern world—this agreement signals more than a collaboration. It signals a moment. A declaration that Houston’s HBCU powerhouse is ready to guide its students into the global future.

“Our mission is manifold,” said TSU President J.W. Crawford III, reflecting the University’s bold commitment. “We’re here to empower our students, faculty, staff, and community. This partnership connects TSU to academic exchanges, cultural dialogues, and leadership pipelines reaching from Houston to Israel and far beyond. It affirms the global significance of historically Black institutions.”

And significance is exactly the point.

This MOU draws a vibrant bridge between Texas Southern and NBEC—a national organization dedicated to strengthening Black communities through leadership, global engagement, and strategic partnerships. Together, the two institutions are weaving a new academic and cultural horizon that expands opportunity far beyond the traditional classroom.

NBEC Founder and President Darius Jones captured the gravity of this moment elegantly: “This partnership widens a world that young people will be able to step into—giving them access and networks that can’t be replicated on campus alone. And it strengthens the long-standing ties between Black and Jewish communities, whose shared history includes some of America’s most meaningful civil rights victories. At a time when rhetoric can divide, this collaboration reminds us what’s still possible when we build together.”

A Partnership Rooted in Legacy, Aiming for Global Leadership

Under the agreement, Texas Southern and NBEC will co-develop transformative initiatives designed to prepare TSU students to become global competitors and community-centered innovators.

Key Areas of Collaboration Include:

1. Global Academic Pathways & Innovation Hubs

Joint academic programs, international research collaborations, exchange opportunities, and innovation ecosystems tied to NBEC’s global partner network—opening new avenues in fields such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, fintech, and sustainable agriculture.

2. Strengthening Black-Jewish Alliances

Cultural diplomacy efforts, leadership forums, and historical dialogues that uplift the shared legacy—and future—of collaboration between Black and Jewish communities.

3. Expanding International Engagement for TSU Students & Faculty

Delegations, exchange programs, and global convenings—particularly through NBEC’s partnerships with Israeli universities—position TSU as a premier HBCU for international scholarship and innovation.

A Global Vision Rooted in Houston’s Core

As a special-purpose institution dedicated to urban programming, research, and access for underserved communities, Texas Southern University continues to honor its 98-year legacy while boldly reshaping what an HBCU can offer in the 21st century. This MOU is both a reflection of TSU’s past excellence and a catalyst for its global future.

For Houston—the most diverse city in America and a flourishing international hub—this partnership signals yet another example of how our institutions are shaping the world, not simply responding to it.

Texas Southern University is not just participating in the global conversation. It is leading it.

And for students dreaming boldly, innovating bravely, and preparing to change the world—this MOU is the door opening wide. More info: TSU.edu

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Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
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By Francis Page, Jr.

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    December 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — As the Lone Star State slips into its shimmering holiday glow, one destination is rising above the rest—Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, the boutique luxury retreat redefining winter enchantment in one of America’s most storied cities. Perched stylishly above the River Walk and infused with modern elegance, Thompson San Antonio is transforming December into a month-long celebration of community, culinary brilliance, and festive wonder that travelers from Houston—and far beyond—won’t want to miss.

This year, the property unveils its “12 Days of Thompson” celebration, a curated holiday programming series that blends heartfelt giving, local artistry, delicious seasonal moments, and warm family traditions. Paired with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve rooftop celebration at The Moon’s Daughter, Thompson San Antonio is positioning itself as one of Texas’ premier holiday getaways.

Whether you’re escaping Houston for a romantic weekend, rallying friends for a winter adventure, or looking for a stylish destination to welcome 2026 in grand fashion, Thompson San Antonio is delivering holiday magic with sophistication and soul.

A December to Remember: 12 Days of Thompson

Thompson San Antonio has built a reputation for pairing luxury hospitality with cultural charm, and December’s experience lineup elevates that ethos beautifully. This year’s 12 Days of Thompson (December 6–25) offers something for every type of holiday reveler.

Highlights Include:

Day 4 – S’mores & Sundown (Dec. 12) Roast, relax, and revel in an evening of cozy poolside s’mores under the stars.

Day 5 – Carols & Cheer (Dec. 13) A lobby filled with Christmas carols, nostalgia, and seasonal warmth.

Day 6 – Lattes & Letters to Santa (Dec. 14) Send Santa your wishes and enjoy latte perks when you tag @themoonsdaughters.

Day 7 – Holiday Relaxation Station (Dec. 15) A complimentary 10-minute chair massage melts away holiday stress—self-care season is here.

Day 8 – Tinsel & Tasting (Dec. 19) Guests are welcomed with a festive complimentary holiday cocktail.

Day 9 – A Very Jazzy Holiday (Dec. 20) Smooth live jazz in the lobby sets the tone for a sophisticated seasonal soirée.

Day 10 – Polaroids & Peppermint (Dec. 21) Strike a pose by the Christmas tree and leave with a keepsake Polaroid.

Day 11 – Holiday Hot Cocoa (Dec. 24) Rich, decadent hot chocolate served in the lobby—perfect for warming the spirit.

Day 12 – Cookies & Milk (Dec. 25) Santa’s favorite duo awaits guests at check-in—a charming finale to the series.

A Celestial Start to 2026: The Moon’s Daughter NYE Celebration

For those looking to greet the new year in unforgettable style, Thompson San Antonio is delivering a skyline spectacle.

On Wednesday, December 31st, The Moon’s Daughter Rooftop Bar hosts its Midnight Mirage NYE celebration—an elevated evening complete with:

Front-row views of San Antonio’s firework displays, High-energy music and dancing, Tarot readings, A live tattoo artist, A celestial-themed rooftop ambiance and Admission starting at $299

For an elevated culinary experience, guests may also reserve the NYE Prix Fixe Dinner crafted by Executive Chef Dave Arciniega—an artful menu priced at $99 per person and designed to launch an unforgettable final night of 2025.

So, Houston Style Magazine readers pack your winter weekend bags, polish your holiday sparkle, and get ready to ring in the season—and the New Year—with a touch of Thompson style.

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Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

By Todd Feurer

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    CICERO, Illinois (WBBM) — A man has been charged with setting a fire in the apartment building where he lived to cover up the shooting death of his roommate last month in Cicero, Illinois.

Police said, around 9:15 p.m. on Nov. 3, police and firefighters responded to reports of an explosion and fire in a three-story apartment building the 1800 block of South 51st Avenue.

During a search of the building, firefighters found 29-year-old Jesus Nunez dead of a gunshot wound to the head on the first floor. Several other people who live in the building were evacuated, but no other injuries were reported.

An autopsy later determined Nunez was shot before the fire was set.

An investigation determined his roommate, 37-year-old Naman Alfredo Vazquez, used an accelerant to set a mattress on fire to cover up Nunez’s death, according to police and Cook County prosecutors.

Vazquez later fled to New Mexico, and was arrested during a traffic stop on Nov. 4, police said.

Prosecutors later obtained an arrest warrant for Vazquez, who has been charged with aggravated arson and concealment of a homicide. He has not been charged with Nunez’s murder, but police said the investigation remains open.

Vazquez was extradited from New Mexico on Friday, and at his first court appearance on Sunday, a Cook County judge ordered him held in jail while he awaits trial.

Vazquez was due back in court on Tuesday.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By Adam Harrington

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    AURORA, Illinois (WBBM) — A man was charged with impersonating a police officer and other counts after a chain of events that led to gunfire from real police officers in Aurora, Illinois.

Dustin Legat, 48, was charged with false impersonation of a peace officer and possessing oscillating, flashing blue lights, both felonies. He was also charged with misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct.

Aurora police said at 9:33 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, their officers responded to a 911 call about an incident in the area of Jackson and East Benton streets. The caller said another driver was following him, had displayed a gun, and had claimed to be law enforcement in an effort to try to pull him over.

The real police located the two vehicles at 4th Avenue and South State Street, and found the driver who was pretending to be an officer outside his vehicle, police said.

During the altercation, a real police officer fired a gun once and struck the alleged impersonator’s car, police said. No one was hit, and no injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, police found the man now identified as Legat had no affiliation with any law enforcement agency, and he was taken into custody.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By Carter Williams, KSL

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    KANAB, Utah (KSL) — State officials are offering a $3,000 reward as they continue to investigate who stole a human skull from a protected ancient burial site in southern Utah.

The investigation began in January, after archaeologists were alerted by a person concerned about a Facebook post photo depicting a person posing with human remains. It was passed around to various government agencies to determine its location and jurisdiction before experts were able to determine that the remains were on land managed by the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration east of Kanab in Kane County, said Joel Boomgarden, the trust’s lead archaeologist.

The agency traveled to the site and found that the skull had been removed from the remains at the site. It’s unclear if anything else was taken from the site, which was found to be an ancient burial in the 1990s.

The trust lands administration announced information about the theft on Monday, adding that it’s offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible in the case.

“(Land vandalism cases) come up from time to time. … Sometimes it’s malicious; sometimes it’s just people loving the site to death, they start visiting the site and things just start to deteriorate. But this one clearly seems to (have) a malicious intent,” Boomgarden told KSL. “I don’t understand what causes a person to do this sort of thing. It’s beyond me.”

Trust officials declined to share photos or the exact location on Monday to dissuade further damage to the site.

Boomgarden’s team is currently working on a formal redocumentation of the site in the wake of the theft. It’s unclear how old the remains are, but Boomgarden points out that Kanab is home to plenty of “basketmaker era archaeology” dating back thousands of years.

“It’s an important site. I mean, all these sites are important,” he said. “Any time you have human remains, it’s a sensitive site.”

Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Utah Attorney General’s Office at 801-538-5113 or send an email with information to aginvestcomplaints@agutah.gov. The office says it will respect requests to remain anonymous.

The incident comes after another land vandalism case in Kane County, which made headlines last year. A Washington County woman was arrested in connection with the defacement of an ancient petroglyph near the confluence of Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch.

She was ordered to pay nearly $15,000 in fines and restitution, and write an apology letter to all “relevant stakeholder tribes” in the area as part of her sentence handed down last month, after pleading guilty in the case.

State archaeologists and local tribes said that the incident underscored the growing problem of land vandalism on sacred Native American sites.

“It takes away that tangible connection for people to realize that Southern Paiute people have been on this landscape for eons,” said Autumn Gillard, cultural resource manager for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, last year. “It’s an erasure of us.”

The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by KSL’s editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By Melissa Luck

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    COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (KXLY) — Six inmates who experienced symptoms of a fentanyl overdose were taken to the hospital, then returned to the Kootenai County Jail.

Now, one of them is charged with bringing the drug into the facility.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded Saturday evening to two inmates having a medical emergency.

The deputies quickly identified fentanyl overdose symptoms and administered Narcan, reviving both inmates.

Shortly after, other inmates started experiencing the same symptoms – six in all.

The inmates were taken to the hospital and received treatment, then returned to the jail.

Deputies searching the jail found trace amounts of fentanyl.

Raymond D. Spezzi, who was one of the initial inmates treated, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance inside a correctional facility.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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