Comcast Empowers Houston’s Youth: A $25,000 Boost for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Cybersecurity Mentorship Program Building Digital Confidence, One Mentorship at a Time

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    October 14, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a city that never stops innovating, Comcast and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston (BBBS Greater Houston) are lighting the way toward a safer, smarter digital future. With a $25,000 grant from Comcast, the two organizations are joining forces to launch Digital Tech Connect – Cybersecurity Mentorship for Bigs and Littles in Fort Bend County. This groundbreaking initiative will blend mentorship with modern tech education, giving young Houstonians the skills and awareness they need to navigate an increasingly digital world — safely, responsibly, and confidently. For eight weeks, mentors (“Bigs”) and mentees (“Littles”) will connect through both on-campus and virtual sessions exploring real-world lessons on password protection, phishing awareness, online privacy, and digital footprints. The program will even culminate with a creative capstone project — where participants design and present their own digital safety campaigns, complete with podcasts, PSAs, and multimedia storytelling.

A Future-Focused Approach to Mentorship Pierce Bush, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, calls this program “mentorship meeting the future.” “By pairing mentors and mentees in structured sessions that blend technology education with trusted relationships, we’re giving young people both the knowledge and the support system they need to navigate the digital world,” said Bush. “It’s exactly the kind of innovation our community needs.” The program’s design is as forward-thinking as it is heart-centered — empowering students with access to laptops or tablets, hands-on workshops, and even a special presentation by Crime Stoppers to reinforce digital vigilance in daily life.

Comcast’s Commitment to Connection and Equity Melinda Little, Vice President of External Affairs for Comcast Texas, emphasizes that this initiative is about more than just technology — it’s about opportunity. “Our investment in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and community impact. By helping mentors guide children through foundational lessons in cybersecurity, we’re preparing them to succeed. This partnership is about building a smarter, safer tomorrow for Houston’s youth.” said Little. The grant is part of Comcast’s Project UP, a $1 billion commitment to connect people to the internet, expand digital literacy, and advance economic mobility in communities nationwide.

Legacy of Empowerment Founded in 1950, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston has spent over seven decades igniting the power and potential of youth through mentorship. As part of BBBS Lone Star, the nation’s largest affiliate, the organization serves thousands of children annually — transforming lives through one-on-one connections that inspire resilience and achievement. With Comcast’s support, the agency is now bridging the gap between mentorship and the modern tech landscape — ensuring that today’s Littles grow into tomorrow’s leaders, ready to protect, create, and thrive in a connected world.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston Houston Style Magazine readers, as part of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters network, BBBS Greater Houston builds meaningful, professionally supported mentorships that empower youth to reach their full potential. With a track record of measurable impact and community trust, the organization stands as a cornerstone of Houston’s youth development ecosystem.

Discover ways to volunteer or support at: bbstx.org Learn more at: comcastcorporation.com.

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.

Texas Southern University President J.W. Crawford III Charts Bold Path Forward Ahead of 98th Homecoming Celebration

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    October 14, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Texas Southern University is preparing to celebrate its 98th Homecoming with renewed purpose and Tiger pride as President J.W. Crawford III delivers the State of the University Address on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The annual address will set the tone for an exhilarating Homecoming weekend, blending history, progress, and vision as the university inches closer to its monumental centennial in 2027. A Season of Ascent and Acceleration Now in his second year at the helm, President Crawford has steered Texas Southern through a season of transformative growth. “We’re not just preparing students for today—we’re positioning them to lead tomorrow,” Crawford said in anticipation of the upcoming address. His leadership has ushered in groundbreaking investments, campus enhancements, and community partnerships that continue to elevate TSU’s national profile. Among the university’s most notable accomplishments is a major expansion of its Aviation Science Management Program, highlighted by the purchase and delivery of 12 Cirrus SR20 aircraft. The acquisition, Crawford noted, is “a defining moment in TSU’s continued ascent as a leading institution in aviation education.” This milestone places Texas Southern in rare company among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with advanced flight training fleets, strengthening its ties to Houston’s booming aerospace industry.

Leading with Purpose in Education and Health Under Crawford’s direction, Texas Southern has reaffirmed its leadership role in K–12 education. Through enhanced partnerships with local school districts—most notably Houston ISD—TSU is shaping education policy, mentoring young educators, and developing innovative pipelines that bridge public education and higher learning. Further extending its community reach, the university forged a landmark partnership with Legacy Community Health, a federally qualified health center headquartered in Houston. This alliance focuses on improving access to healthcare in underserved neighborhoods while providing TSU students with experiential learning, career pathways, and a front-row seat to addressing health disparities across the Gulf South.

Road to 100: A Centennial Vision Looking toward its 100th anniversary, Texas Southern University has launched the “Road to 100” fundraising campaign—a bold initiative that reimagines what a modern HBCU can be. The campaign will transform campus infrastructure, enhance academic programs, support world-class faculty, and empower students through scholarships, mentorship, and innovation hubs designed for the next century of excellence. “The Road to 100 is not just about buildings or dollars—it’s about legacy,” Crawford shared. “It’s about ensuring that the next generation of TSU Tigers inherit a campus that inspires greatness and honors the giants who paved the way.” Homecoming 2025: Honoring the Legacy, Igniting the Future This year’s Homecoming theme, “Honoring the Legacy, Igniting the Future,” captures the momentum reverberating through the campus. As alumni return home to celebrate nearly a century of achievement, TSU stands proudly as a cornerstone of academic empowerment, cultural expression, and civic leadership. Houston Style Magazine salutes President J.W. Crawford III and the entire Texas Southern University family for continuing to shape the future with excellence, equity, and enduring Tiger pride.

Friday, October 17, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. | Roderick Paige Education Building, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004 Media representatives are invited to attend the State of the University Address at the Roderick Paige Education Building, with parking available in the President’s Circle (Hannah Hall). More at: TSU.edu

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.

Lisa Valadez
lisa@stylemagazine.com
713-748-6300

World War II veteran celebrates 102nd birthday

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Lauren Minor

Click here for updates on this story

    ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WCPO) — A World War II veteran is celebrating a big milestone Monday surrounded by friends, family and other veterans.

Private First Class Hank Marchand is turning 102 years old.

Marchand served from 1944 to 1946. He was just 19 years old when he joined the military. He said his time in the service introduced him to a lot of wonderful people and gave him memories that have lasted a lifetime.

This year, staff at The Ashton at Anderson, where he is currently a resident, teamed up with a group of Kentucky veterans to surprise him with a birthday celebration. His nephew and family even traveled from Michigan to join the festivities.

“I never thought I would be 102, but I am and I’m grateful to God for it,” Marchand said.

His wife of 62 years, Carol Ann, passed away last November. Family members and friends from his church have kept the tradition of celebrating his birthday going, helping organize a party for him the past three years.

Marchand shared his advice for living a long and meaningful life:

“Be good with people. Everybody you meet, be friendly with them, and above all, believe in God, and the God you were taught,” he said.

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.

Miniature cows bring joy to memory care residents

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By De’Jah Gross

Click here for updates on this story

    WEST CHESTER, Ohio (WCPO) — Miniature fluffy cows rolled through the courtyard at Liberty Place, an Anthem Memory Care Community in West Chester, on Monday afternoon, bringing smiles and memories to residents.

The special visitors from Boots N’ Mini Moos provided more than entertainment; they offered therapeutic benefits for people living with cognitive impairment.

“It’s very soothing to them; they’ve grown up with pets, lived on farms, so even just having an animal around, even if they can’t have it themselves now to take care of every day, just having them come in and visit makes them smile,” said Amy Snow, Life Engagement Director for Liberty Place.

For 88-year-old Mary Lou Ullrich, meeting cows Laney and Darla brought back fond memories of farm life.

“I grew up on a farm with my parents until I was about a freshman in high school, and then we moved to a small town,” said Ullrich.

She remembered collecting eggs from chickens and brushing horses during her childhood. While interacting with the miniature cows, she smiled from ear to ear.

“They’re beautiful – they have their own little way of life and I think that’s interesting to watch,” Ullrich said.

Snow said evidence shows animals provide significant benefits for those with cognitive impairment. The cow visit even drew out residents who typically don’t participate in activities.

“There’s a couple of residents who come out who don’t usually come at all; when they see the animals, they come out. It’s good to see them get out and do a little more. They see the animals, and it makes them happy,” said Snow.

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.

Dog sparks house fire from chewing on lithium-ion battery device

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Heidi Kirk

Click here for updates on this story

    North Carolina (WRAL) — Video shared with WRAL News shows the moment a lithium-ion battery caught fire inside a home, feet away from a dog.

The dog, Colton, set off the fire after chewing on a battery-powered device.

His owner, David Sasser, a firefighter for the Chapel Hill Fire Department, said he received an alert from his security system about the fire.

“[My] heart sank. I had no idea what was going on. I had no clue what it could possibly be and came home to find that the rug had burned up,” he said.

Sasser said his family wasn’t home when it happened, but they were nearby and responded quickly.

“Thankfully, it pretty much fizzled out because of the rug and because we were home so quickly,” he said. “[The rug] was the only thing we lost.”

WRAL has reported on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries before.

Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos said the batteries have become a more common fire hazard over time.

“What we are really concerned about as a fire department is how they are disposed of at the end of their life,” he said. “If not, it can lead to some very bad circumstances.”

Though generally safe, they can spark fires when damaged, overcharged, improperly stored, or disposed of incorrectly.

“When you’re done charging them, you have to really pay attention and unplug them. You have to make sure you store them where they can’t get broken or cracked or chewed on by a dog, and then when you’re done with them, they have to be disposed of in a specific way.”

In Raleigh, these batteries have been linked to about a dozen fires over the past year. In Durham, two trash trucks caught fire after lithium batteries were improperly thrown away.

Sasser said this close call with Colton is a reminder to use his experience to help others stay safe.

“We learned to be really aware of things in our home and to operate them safely,” he said.

Wake, Durham, and Orange counties offer locations where batteries and other dangerous items can be discarded safely.

Here’s how you can reduce battery-related fires in your home:

Charge devices safely, using only the charger provided and keeping devices on hard, non-flammable surfaces. Buy certified products with safety listings such as UL, ETL or CSA. Never overcharge devices or leave them charging overnight.

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.

Caught on cam: Deer burst into North Carolina home

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Elizabeth Holmes

Click here for updates on this story

    FUQUAY-VARINA, North Carolina (WRAL) — Gavin Edwards got a crashing introduction to one of his neighbors Wednesday when a deer crashed through the storm door of his Fuquay-Varina home.

Edwards, who moved to the Tar Heel state from Los Angeles in 2022, said “This is so North Carolina.”

His doorbell camera captured the break-in.

“The stag came first,” he said. “In one head butt … shattered my storm door and busted in the front door. The doe jumped over his shoulder and ran inside.”

Edwards, who works from home, was just waking up when he heard the crash.

“It sounded like somebody basically dumped all the plates and dishes in my kitchen on the floor. It was a huge crash,” he said.

Edwards came eye to eye with the animal in his living room. “It was really tall,” he said. “The deer came in, went through the kitchen, walked through the living room, stared me down and then bolted out the front door.”

No one was injured, and Edwards’ landlord was able to quickly repair the damage. “I’ve got a really good management company,” he said. “He actually had the door jamb repaired by the end of the day, so we’re able to close our front door.

“The storm door is pretty much toast, so we’ll probably wait another week before we get that replaced.”

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.

Fond du Lac farmer wins giant pumpkin competition with 2,491-pound gourd

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Jay Sirkin

Click here for updates on this story

    STILLWATER, Minnesota (WGBA) — A Wisconsin farmer has taken the top prize in a global pumpkin competition.

Fond du Lac farmer Jim Ford won the giant pumpkin weigh-off this weekend at the Stillwater Harvest Fest in Minnesota.

Ford’s pumpkin weighed in at a whopping 2,491 pounds, according to a post from the fest on Sunday. As for how he’s able to grow huge pumpkins, Ford said in an interview with NBC 26 that the key is to grow it early and keep it healthy.

“It’s just like a little baby,” Ford said. “We don’t want them too hot. We don’t want them too cold. We want them just right.”

The world record for the heaviest pumpkin is 2,819 pounds, which was recently set by twin brothers in England.

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.

Vegas Golden Knights fan beats cancer, and the team helps check off her bucket list

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Hailey Gravitt

Click here for updates on this story

    LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — An 83-year-old Vegas Golden Knights super fan has completed her bucket list.

After beating Stage 4 colon cancer, Sherry Hernandez set out to make a bucket list fit not for a king — but a Vegas Golden Knight.

Decked out in glitter and gold, Hernandez had three items on her bucket list:

Beat cancer Get the dream seats at a Golden Knights game Receive a puck or stick from the team

“My doctor said, ‘Sherry, you’re in for the fight of your life’…and he was right,” Hernandez said.

Now cancer-free, Hernandez said she’s living proof that sometimes the biggest wins aren’t scored in the arena.

“I had a second chance to live, so I took advantage of all the treatment. The chemo was ugly, but we made it through,” Hernandez said.

With her cancer battle won, the Golden Knights stepped in to help with an epic assist. When they saw Hernandez’s list for themselves in T-Mobile Arena, the team knew what they had to do.

“They tapped on the glass, and then they handed me a puck, and I couldn’t believe it!” Hernandez said.

But the team wasn’t finished. A Golden Knights executive approached with one final surprise: a stick from player Jack Eichel.

Hernandez’s niece Irene Wandke tells me every game at T-Mobile Arena is rowdy, but getting her aunt’s bucket list completed was “the cherry on top.”

“It was so awesome. We made so many memories of her together, and this was just one more way to do something for Sherry, who does something for everyone,” Wandke said.

Hernandez praised the Golden Knights for their community involvement.

“They give back. Everywhere you go…you see them supporting some event, some charity. They are just awesome,” Hernandez said.

When I asked her if she could add anything to her bucket list, Hernandez said the only thing she wants now is to meet Jack Eichel.

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.

Entrepreneur turns Puerto Rican culture into fashion at Ito-Brand

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Jorge Torres

Click here for updates on this story

    TEMPE, Arizona (KNXV) — Inside a colorful storefront in Culdesac Tempe, culture and creativity are stitched into every design.

Ito-Brand is Arizona’s only Puerto Rican fashion shop, and it’s run by a 21-year-old college student with big dreams.

Adrian Rodriguez Rivera, founder of Ito-Brand and a full-time student at Arizona State University, started the brand as a side project in high school. Today, it has grown into a fast-rising business and a cultural hub for Boricuas in the Valley.

“This is the only Puerto Rican clothing store in Arizona,” Rodriguez Rivera said. “Every design, while it may be subtle, is inspired by Puerto Rico.”

Rodriguez Rivera designs everything himself, from the prints to the production.

“I source my blanks, I talk to my printers, and do all the design proof. Everything,” he said. “It’s gnarly, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

His clothing lines, featuring T-shirts, tanks, and shorts, pull inspiration from the island’s tropical plants, wildlife, and culture. One of his standout pieces is a shirt featuring a photograph of Old San Juan, taken by his father.

“In Puerto Rico, you can say mi viejo to refer to your dad,” he explained. “My dad took that picture, and we wanted a shirt that represents what inspires the brand, and the person who helped me start it.”

For Rodriguez Rivera, Ito-Brand is personal. Growing up in Arizona, he says he was ridiculed for his heritage.

“I grew up feeling like I shouldn’t talk about my culture. I was even bullied for it,” he said. “Starting this brand was like saying, ‘I’m going to wear this on my chest because this is who I am.’”

That message has resonated deeply with his customers, many of whom share emotional moments in his store.

“People talk to me like I’m their nephew,” he said. “They tell me how grateful they are to see Puerto Rican culture represented here.”

Every purchase at Ito-Brand also gives back. Rodriguez Rivera donates a portion of the proceeds to causes close to his heart, including hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico and wildlife preservation.

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.

Federal agents fire tear gas during standoff with crowd in East Side, Chicago, then drive away

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Sara Tenenbaum, Chris Tye, Sara Machi

Click here for updates on this story

    CHICAGO (WBBM) — Federal agents fired tear gas to disperse a crowd during a tense standoff on Chicago’s far South Side Tuesday afternoon, before driving away from the confrontation.

The incident happened near 105h and Avenue N in the city’s East Side neighborhood, near the Indiana border.

State Senator Robert Peters, who represents Illinois’ 13th District and is running for Congress in this district, initially posted about the developing situation around 11:30 a.m., writing, “All eyes on the East Side right now! ICE cannot just come into our communities and wreak havoc like this. My staff are on the ground and we will update residents as the situation evolves.”

“I’m in Springfield but my staff are on site at 105th and Avenue N. ICE behavior is unacceptable,” he posted a little less than half an hour later. “And if we know one thing about East Siders, it’s that they don’t tolerate this kind of b——t.”

What exactly led to the incident was not immediately clear, though there appeared to be an aftermath of a car crash in the area where the agents and crowd were gathered. CBS Skywatch was over the scene as agents appeared to take at least one person into custody, handcuffing them.

As of 12:30 p.m., there appeared to be a crowd of about 50 to 75 people and a couple dozen officers. Several high-ranking Chicago police officers, identifiable by their white shirts, were also at the scene.

Around 12:40 p.m. the agents deployed some sort of chemical agent or smoke bomb, sending the crowd scattering and giving the federal agents an opportunity to leave the area. CBS News Chicago reporter Sara Machi had just arrived at the scene and said the canisters that were deployed appeared to be tear gas, and the dispersal of the agent downwind and throughout the crowd sent most people scattering from the area.

Chicago police remained at the scene, without the gas masks that federal agents had equipped before firing the tear gas, continuing to disperse the crowd after the tear gas was fired. Machi said she saw people throwing up, spitting and trying to get pepper spray and tear gas out of their eyes in the aftermath.

She said people gathered at a nearby AutoZone, providing eye rinse, towels and water. Machi said there were at least 10 people in the building alone.

Former Chicago police superintendent Garry McCarthy told CBS News Chicago that based on the uniforms the agents are wearing, which are full camouflage, he thinks they are likely Customs and Border Protection agents. He also said that based on what he’s seen today and in recent weeks, he doesn’t think the federal agents are appropriately trained in crowd control, especially compared to Chicago police.

“There’s a lot of problems I’m seeing from the way that federal authorities are handling this, and it was a different story when you saw the Illinois State Police come into Broadview, along with the Cook County Sheriff’s officers,” McCarthy said. “They were very controlled, they were in a line, they were not scattered all over the place, yo didn’t see pepper balls being fired and tear gas being thrown. They have a lot to learn, let’s put it that way, and they should be relying on local police to do that.”

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has said tear gas deployed by federal agents in other situations have affected CPD officers.

State Senator Elgie Sims, who represents Illinois’ 17th District, which encompasses East Side, released a statement saying, “I am monitoring the situation between federal agents and bystanders in my district. Using a chemical agent to disperse a crowd is unjust. No person should be targeted by the color of their skin and no group should be attacked for standing up for what is right. Let me be clear: Now is not the time for hate and divisiveness. Now is the time to stand united as a community and to protect our neighbors.”

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.