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San Antonio Native KyleighNikkels Announces Release ofDolphin Summer on Major TVODEdwards Aquifer Flirts With Stage 5 Water RestrictionsPlatforms July 15th.A ctress/Producer and proud San Antonio native Kyleigh Nikkels is excited to announce the worldwide release including major movie theaters around the world its available nowon demandDolphin Summer, a heartwarming familyadventure film, now available on top TVOD platforms including Amazon Prime, DirecTV, FandangoAtHome, and iNDemand (Cox, Charter, Comcast, Spectrum, TimeWarner).Directed by critically acclaimed Robin Conly, PG-rated family friendly film stars Nikkels along side Luke Campanella, Nova Chez, Sol Literas, Miriam Spumpkin, and viral comedian Scott Henry. Set in the Bahamas and filmed at the San Antonio Aquarium, Dolphin Summer follows teenagers Sarah and Michael, who score a dream internship at a marine sanctuary. When they discover a corrupt plan to shut it down, they must team up with a rescued dolphin to save their summer—and the sanctuary’s animals.“I grew up in San Antonio, and getting to film at my local aquarium made this story even more special,” says Nikkels. “It’s a feel- good summer movie that brings adventure, heart, and a love for marine life. It’s the perfect summer movie night pick, inspiring for all ages!”Human Trafficking SeriesHuman Trafficking BecomesFirst-Degree FelonyBWy Lou Dugganater levels in the EdwardsAquifer hit historic lows on May23rd, prompting the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) to implement increased restrictions on the amount of water permit holders could withdraw from the aquifer. The Authority moved their Critical Period Management (CPM) rating from State 4 to Stage 5 due to declining aquifer conditions. Water levels had not been that low since June 1990, the Authority stated. The last time the aquifer recorded lower water levels was in 1956, during theworst drought in the state’s history.The Authority is a groundwater conservation district that manages, enhances, and protects the Edwards Aquifer, a major groundwater system serving 2.5 million people across 8 counties including Uvalde, Medina, Bexar, and parts of Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal,The EAA returned to Stage 4 on May 29 after “slightly improved” conditions fell back within Stage 4 parameters. CPM Stage 4 mandates permit holders to reduce groundwater withdrawal by 40%, based on the number of days the CPM is in effect for the indicated stage reduction. Stage 5 is the highest critical period management stage, calling for a 44% reduction. The U.S. Drought Monitor map shows most of the Edwards region under“exceptional drought” conditions.The EAA does not regulate the general public but instead regulates Edwards well owners with water permits authorizing their right to pump from the Aquifer. The Authority does not enforce lawn watering activities or other general water restrictions aside from Edwards Aquifer water withdrawals. Municipalities and other water providers regulate other water restrictions.T he 89th Texas Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 1212, which increases penalties for human trafficking. Previously, most cases were classified as second-degree felonies, carrying sentences of two to 20 years. The new law makes any conduct constituting human trafficking a first-degree felony, meaning offenders could face up to 99 years in prison. The new penalty becomeseffective on Sept. 1, 2025.A person commits an offense if thatperson knowingly (1) traffics another person with the intent that the trafficked person engage in forced labor or services; (2) receives a benefit from participating in a venture that involves trafficking activity, including by receiving labor or services the person knows are forced labor or services; (3) trafficking another person and, through force, fraud, or coercion, causes the trafficked person to engage in criminal activity; (4) receives a benefit from participating in a venture that involves trafficking or engages in sexual conduct with a person trafficked; (5) traffics a child or disabled individual with the intent thatthe trafficked child or disabled individual engage in forced labor or services; (6) receives a benefit from participating in a venture that involves a trafficking activity, including by receiving labor or services the person knows are forced labor or services; (7) traffics a child or disabled individual and by any means causes the trafficked child or disabled individual to engage in, or become the victim of criminal activity; or (8) receives a benefit from participating in a venture that involves a trafficking activity or engages in sexual conduct with a child or disabled individual trafficked in a manner described within Senate Bill 1212.Help put a stop to these predators. If you or a family member are a victim of the above criminal situations or see and suspect human trafficking in progress, call 911. If it is not a life-threatening situation, call non-emergency SAPD at 210-207-7273. In Comal County, anonymous tips about human trafficking can be submitted to Comal County Crime Stoppers: 830-620- 8477 or 1-800-640-8422.McKenna Foundation’s ChooseKindness Campaign, is proud to honor Rosa as our recipient of the Choose Kindness Award for July 2025.With a heart deeply rooted in compassion, Rosa is a tireless advocate for those in need within our community. She is resourceful, determined, and driven by a genuine desire to serve others—often stepping in to help the people many of us never see.Whether delivering food and clothing to families facing hardship or driving someone to a last-minute appointment, Rosa shows up. Her background in nursing allows her to provide not only transportation but also care and comfort in moments of crisis.But Rosa doesn’t stop there—she’s a connector. She links people with resources, solutions, and one another, often becoming the bridge between someone in need and the support that can make all the difference.Rosa, recipient of the Choose Kindness Award for July 2025If there’s a barrier, Rosa doesn’t take “no” for an answer. She finds a way. Always.Her quiet strength and relentless kindness are a powerful reminder that choosing kindness can be as simple—and as extraordinary—as showing up for your neighbor.To learn more about the Choose Kindness campaign and/or to nominate someone, visit https://mckenna.org/choosekindness/ How will you CHOOSE KINDNESS today?Currently Nikkels is producing with her SA film crew MachinaCinema for the popular ReelShort app. Download the app to enjoy her latest mini-drama films, and follow her journey on Instagram: @ kyleighnikkels (https://www.instagram. com/kyleighnikkels).and Hays counties.TSubmitted By The Hope Centerhe Hope Center, inspired by theBy Lou DugganChoose Kindness10www.bsbhighlights.comJuly 2025