Sister of accused killer calls for mental health reform after their mother’s murder

CNN Newsource on October 28, 2025

By Bella Line

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    CAPE CORAL, Florida (WFTX) — It’s been a little more than a month since Cape Coral Police said 28-year-old Devin Johnson stabbed his mom in their home 100 times. Now his sister, Renee Caney, is speaking only with Fox 4’s Bella Line about Devin’s history with mental health.

Renee Caney discovered her mother’s body in September and said the traumatic scene will stay with her forever.

“You don’t want to believe that your brother did something of that magnitude,” Caney said. “I was the daughter that found her, and I’ll never unsee what I saw that day. For how violent it was, how could you do that to your own mother?”

A cross now sits at the front door of Rosemary Johnson’s home as a memorial to the woman Caney describes as “sweet and loving and caring.”

Caney said her brother wasn’t always troubled and describes him as “sweet and innocent” growing up, before he “spiraled” in recent years.

Court documents reveal the family had been dealing with escalating issues. In March, records show that Rosemary filed a petition for a restraining order against her son, writing “I am staying at my daughters because I don’t feel safe around him.”

The paperwork also said Devin Johnson has schizophrenia and was receiving treatment at SalusCare. Caney told detectives her brother had previously been Baker Acted.

“We have a huge crisis in this country with mental illness, and there’s just something needs to be done about it,” Caney said.

Despite the tragedy, Caney said she hopes her brother will receive mental health treatment rather than a potential life sentence in prison, which is he facing.

“He’s not going to get the help that he needs in a prison,” she said. “He’ll get the help that he needs in a mental facility.”

Johnson is expected back in court on Dec. 2.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WFTX verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Girl Scout saves father’s life thanks to first aid training, receives Medal of Honor

CNN Newsource on October 28, 2025

By Robert Boyd

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Florida (WFTS) — It’s one of the most prestigious honors a Girl Scout can receive, the Medal of Honor. This year, 25 of them were awarded nationwide, and one recipient was an 11-year-old living right here in Tampa Bay.

Maggie Lewandowski never realized how happy she would be to be doing homework with her father. In June 2024, she almost lost him forever.

“I just woke up to him calling my name, and I went to his bedroom, and he looked like he was really sick, so he needed me to get him a glass of water and his phone,” said Maggie.

Maggie would soon find out that her father, Greg, was suffering a stroke inside their Land O’ Lakes home.

“Then we called 911 together, we both answered the questions that they needed to know, and I did everything that they told me to, including unlocking the door and eventually leading the paramedics to his room,” said Maggie.

“She said she was the calm one, I was a little upset and frantic, not knowing what was going on,” said Greg.

Because of Maggie’s quick actions, her dad made it to the hospital in time and is now back home on the road to recovery.

“Just the ability for her to come to action when I needed her most,” said Greg. “It’s pretty humbling to have your daughter take care of you when you are used to taking care of her, but she came through.”

When asked how Maggie was able to stay so cool under such pressure, she immediately pointed to her Girl Scout First Aid Badge, which she received just a few weeks before the emergency.

“I just feel like Girl Scouts gave me like a lot of discipline to stay calm and not have a panic attack,” said Maggie. “I’m really proud, but I’m also just really happy that my dad is OK.”

Earlier this year, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida recognized Maggie’s heroic actions with the Medal of Honor.

“The highest award that you can get in all of Girl Scouts, and they only gave out 25 this year in the whole country,” said Maggie.

“She is so deserving, this is such a disciplined and responsible kid right here, so I’m very proud of her, love this girl,” said Greg.

This father and daughter hope to be a voice in the community for Girl Scouts everywhere.

“I feel like every badge that you earn, you learn a new skill that will help you push through life,” said Maggie. “And you can even save a life.”

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LA County nonprofits step in to help struggling Long Beach food pantry

CNN Newsource on October 28, 2025

By Jasmine Viel

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — Los Angeles County nonprofits are banding together to help food pantries facing shortages amid the continuing government shutdown.

One of the organizations facing shortages is the Long Beach Community Table. Before the shutdown, it typically served 5,000 people a week. However, in October, they’ve been helping 7,000 individuals every week while also facing a decrease in food donations.

“The refrigerators are usually filled to the gills,” Executive Director Kristen Cox said. “They’re about a third full … This table is empty. All of these tables would normally have three layers of boxes and usually have boxes underneath.”

Cox believes demand on food pantries like hers will only increase if funding for CalFresh benefits ends due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“My guess is, if things keep going in this direction, we’ll be up to 10,000 by the end of the year,” Cox said. “I feel like everybody knows we are headed to even tougher times. More people are coming in. More people are taking food, trying to store it up.”

Long Beach Community Table received help from the nonprofit Food Forward on Monday, which also helps people experiencing food insecurity.

“We’ve anticipated this for a while,” said Nkemdilim Nwosu, spokesperson for Food Forward. “We are preparing to ramp up so we will be able to donate to our hunger-relief partners.”

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank also said it will send another food delivery to Cox’s organization. She hopes her food pantry can continue its work for the community.

“We pull together in tough times,” Cox said.

Long Beach Community Table has open hours for free food Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 3311 E 59th St., Long Beach, CA 90805. Delivery is available pending application, and weekend food pickup is available at eight additional locations.

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Legacy Community Health’s Frank Billingsley Golf Classic Marks 15th Anniversary with Record-Breaking $500,000 Raised for Student Health Programs

CNN Newsource on October 27, 2025

By Francias Page, Jr.

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    October 27, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — On Monday, October 13, 2025, at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas, Legacy Community Health hosted the 15th Annual Frank Billingsley Golf Classic—a day that blended sunshine, camaraderie, and community impact into one unforgettable event. The sold-out tournament, led by beloved Houston meteorologist and longtime Legacy supporter Frank Billingsley, celebrated fifteen years of generosity and purpose by raising a record-breaking $500,000 to support student health care programs across the Houston area. The cool autumn weather provided the perfect backdrop as golfers gathered early for breakfast tacos, kolaches, and backpack coolers filled with Legacy-branded swag before heading out to play the pristine Pecan and Cypress courses. Sponsor tents dotted the fairways, offering giveaways, refreshments, and friendly encouragement, adding to the event’s lively and philanthropic spirit. Presented by Equitable, Hawkins Laakso, and Pinnacle Environmental Services, the tournament was more than a competition—it was a mission in motion. Each swing, drive, and putt helped support Legacy’s School-Based Health Care Program, which provides primary and behavioral health services directly to students at 39 KIPP, YES Prep, and Galena Park ISD campuses. This essential initiative ensures children can access quality health care without ever leaving their schools, helping them stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn.

After the final scores were tallied, golfers and guests gathered for a lively luncheon filled with laughter, camaraderie, and celebration. Emcee Johnny Bravo kept the energy high as the live auction and raffle brought spirited bidding wars that pushed the fundraising total to an unprecedented half-million dollars—the highest in the event’s fifteen-year history. The top foursomes were recognized for their standout performances, while every participant shared in the satisfaction of supporting Houston’s youth. Fifteen years in, the Frank Billingsley Golf Classic continues to embody the best of Houston’s community spirit—uniting generosity, goodwill, and fun for a cause that matters. Though the only celebrity on the greens was the ever-charming Billingsley himself, the true stars were the sponsors, volunteers, and golfers whose efforts will help expand Legacy’s reach across even more campuses next year. For more than four decades, Legacy Community Health has been a cornerstone of care in the Texas Gulf Coast region, operating 64 locations that provide comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral, and specialty services. As the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Texas and a United Way-affiliated agency since 1990, Legacy continues to innovate and deliver compassionate, judgment-free care to all—regardless of ability to pay. Learn more or support Legacy’s mission at legacycommunityhealth.org

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Houston City College Expands Pathways to Pharmacy Careers with New North Forest Campus Program

CNN Newsource on October 27, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    October 27, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — In another bold stride toward accessible, high-demand workforce training, Houston City College (HCC) has announced the expansion of its Pharmacy Technician Retail Certificate Program to the HCC–North Forest campus beginning Spring 2026. The move extends a legacy of healthcare excellence pioneered by HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences, the only HCC campus dedicated exclusively to health professions within the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. Empowering Houston’s Future Health Workforce HCC’s one-semester Pharmacy Technician Retail Certificate offers an accelerated route into the healthcare industry, providing students with the skills needed to succeed in Houston’s ever-growing medical marketplace. Designed for anyone with a high school diploma or GED, the program offers a quick and affordable entry point into a field that continues to expand as the city’s population—and its need for healthcare professionals—grows. “It’s an attractive option for anyone looking to start a healthcare career,” said Janet Peña, HCC Pharmacy Technician Program Director. “The demand for pharmacy technicians continues to grow, especially as the population ages. It’s also a great option for those who want to work in healthcare without providing direct patient care.” A Smart Investment in a Stable Career According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level pharmacy technicians can earn a minimum starting salary of $33,000 annually, with higher wages in the Houston region. Peña emphasized that because the program is offered through HCC, students enjoy an affordable tuition model and access to financial aid—making the certificate an investment that quickly pays off. Expanding Access Across Houston The expansion to HCC–North Forest follows the program’s successful debut at HCC Eastside in Spring 2025, which served students south of Interstate 610. Now, residents of northeast Houston will enjoy the same opportunity to train for a healthcare career close to home. “People of all ages want a credential that offers immediate employment and a livable wage,” said Dr. Jeff Gricar, Dean of Health Sciences at HCC Coleman College. “But they also need programs that fit their lives—close to work, close to home, and flexible. That’s exactly why we’re opening the North Forest site.” A Pathway to Lifelong Learning The Pharmacy Technician Retail Certificate is more than just a job credential—it’s the start of a career ladder in healthcare. Many graduates go on to earn Level II certifications, associate degrees, and even bachelor’s degrees in healthcare fields, building on their initial success. “Once they start working, most of our students return to continue their education,” Gricar added. “This program creates a foundation that grows with their ambitions.” Join Houston’s Healthcare Revolution For Houstonians eager to join one of the fastest-growing sectors in the city, this program offers a golden opportunity to begin a career in healthcare without the burden of years-long schooling. Learn more or apply today: WEB: hccs.edu/PharmacyTech • Call: 713-718-7665 • Email: co.PharmacyTech@hccs.edu

About HCC Coleman College Located in the Texas Medical Center, HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences offers more than 20 health-focused certificate and degree programs, including a Bachelor of Applied Technology. Since 1999, the college has set the gold standard for allied health education in Houston. hccs.edu/Coleman About Houston City College HCC is one of the largest singly accredited, open-admission community colleges in the nation, with 14 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite locations serving Greater Houston. Through workforce training, associate and bachelor’s degrees, and continuing education, HCC prepares individuals to thrive in an increasingly global and technological society. hccs.edu

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Two Legacies, One Vision: TDECU and Smart Financial Credit Union Announce Intent to Merge

CNN Newsource on October 27, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    October 27, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a bold move that underscores Houston’s spirit of collaboration and community, TDECU, the city’s largest credit union, and Smart Financial Credit Union, one of Houston’s oldest, have announced their intent to merge—uniting two financial legacies under one visionary banner: Two Legacies, One Vision.

Pending regulatory approval and a member vote by Smart Financial, the merger is anticipated to finalize by the first quarter of 2026, creating a powerhouse with nearly $6 billion in assets and more than 460,000 members across Texas.

Stronger Together: Building a Financial Future for Houston

The combined organization will operate 48 branches statewide, led by TDECU President and CEO Isaac Johnson, with Smart Financial CEO LeAnn Kaczynski serving as Chief Integration Officer during the transition. Together, they aim to ensure a seamless integration—one that strengthens the financial well-being of members, employees, and the communities both credit unions proudly serve.

“This partnership isn’t just about growing—it’s about affirming what it means to be a credit union in today’s world,” said Johnson. “By building a stronger, more resilient organization, we’re expanding access to opportunity, deepening community investment, and creating greater prosperity for our members.”

Kaczynski echoed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the shared values behind the merger:

“Leading Smart Financial has been one of the greatest honors of my career. This partnership wasn’t born overnight—it’s the result of years of conversations and shared purpose. Together, TDECU and Smart Financial can create something extraordinary for the communities we serve.”

A Merger Rooted in Community and Purpose

Both credit unions have long histories of giving back. TDECU’s Cares Foundation champions education and innovation through partnerships with the University of Houston, Houston Texans, and Buc-ee’s, while Smart Financial’s philanthropic arm supports organizations like the Houston Children’s Charity and manages naming rights for the Smart Financial Centre, one of the region’s premier entertainment venues.

This merger is more than a financial alignment—it’s a fusion of missions centered on people helping people. The strengthened partnership will amplify outreach efforts, expand financial literacy programs, and create new community initiatives designed to uplift Houstonians and Texans alike.

“As we look ahead, our shared mission remains clear,” said Johnson. “We’re building something enduring—for our members, for our employees, and for the communities we call home.”

Business as Usual—With a Vision for More

For now, members of both institutions can continue banking as usual with no changes to their accounts or services. The transition process will be transparent, with updates shared throughout the coming months as both organizations finalize the details of this exciting merger.

For more information, visit tdecu.org or smartcu.org.

About Smart Financial Credit Union

Founded in 1934 by Houston ISD educators, Smart Financial Credit Union has grown to serve more than 60,000 members with over $800 million in assets across 13 branches in Greater Houston. Known for exceptional member service, Smart Financial offers checking, savings, mortgage, and consumer loan products, along with insurance options through Smart Insurance Group. Follow Smart Financial on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

About TDECU

Established in 1955, TDECU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than 399,000 members and $4.9 billion in assets. With over 30 Member Centers across Texas, TDECU offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, including deposits, loans, digital banking, wealth management, and insurance through its subsidiaries. Members also enjoy access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide. Learn more at tdecu.org or call (800) 839-1154.

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Harris Health Shines Light on Hope: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025

CNN Newsource on October 27, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    October 27, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — When Ava H. discovered a benign (noncancerous) tumor nearly a decade ago, she never imagined that years later she would face the words no woman wants to hear: “You have breast cancer.” With no family history and no symptoms beyond that routine check, her diagnosis in December 2012 revealed both stage 0 and stage 2b cancer in her left breast.

Determined to fight back, Ava underwent a left breast mastectomy and began chemotherapy at Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital in May 2013. Her journey was long, but her spirit never faltered. Today, Ava stands not only as a survivor but as an advocate—traveling more, living fully, and inspiring others to prioritize early detection and regular screenings.

“You don’t think it can happen to you—until it does,” Ava shared. “That’s why I speak up now. Early detection truly saves lives.”

Harris Health’s Lifesaving Mission

This October, Harris Health System proudly observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025 with a community-driven campaign focused on education, empowerment, and early detection. Through a robust lineup of free screenings, educational outreach, and survivor stories, Harris Health continues to be a beacon of hope for countless women and families across Harris County.

Their monthlong awareness initiative combined clinical access with community action, ensuring that every woman—regardless of zip code or income—has the chance to take control of her health.

Harris Health’s Community Impact

Free Screenings: In partnership with Harris County Public Health (HCPH), Harris Health offered free breast cancer screenings at multiple clinics, including Humble, Southeast, Antoine, East, and Northeast Harris County Precinct 2 Access2Health Smart Pods™, as well as through a mobile health unit.

Education & Awareness: Harris Health launched educational campaigns with interactive quizzes, breast health resources, and workshops to empower women with knowledge about the importance of early detection.

Community Events: The health system hosted community health fairs, fitness challenges, and the annual 5K Run/Walk for Awareness, uniting survivors, families, and healthcare heroes in the spirit of solidarity.

Inspiring Stories: Across social media, Harris Health amplified real survivor stories—like Ava’s—to remind women everywhere that breast cancer doesn’t define you but fighting it can inspire others to act.

Collaborative Partnerships: By working with local health departments, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations, Harris Health extended its reach to Houston’s most underserved communities, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to receive timely, compassionate care.

Key Message: Early Detection Saves Lives

The campaign underscored a powerful truth: early detection is the key to survival. Women over 40 are encouraged to schedule their annual mammograms and talk to their healthcare providers about screening options.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just about pink ribbons—it’s about prevention, access, and community care. It’s about celebrating survivors like Ava, supporting those still in treatment, and remembering those we’ve lost.

Join the Movement

Harris Health invites Houstonians to continue spreading awareness year-round—because breast health is not just a month-long conversation, it’s a lifelong commitment.

Let’s stand together, Houston. Get screened. Stay informed. Be an advocate for someone you love.

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Francis Page Jr
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Nearly 2,000-pound pumpkin crushes car in spectacular finale to 35-year journey

CNN Newsource on October 27, 2025

By Spencer Burt

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    PLEASANT GROVE, Utah (KSTU) — What do you do if you have an old, broken-down car and a pumpkin that weighs more than it? The answer is simple: you get a crane and see what happens when you drop the latter onto the former.

In the video above, some of you may recognize the car from a FOX 13 News story earlier this year. Millville resident Alan Gebert has been driving his 1991 Geo Metro for nearly 35 years, and his wife’s video about his loyalty to the compact coupe went viral.

Gebert, who grows giant pumpkins, had had an idea: if the Metro stopped running, he’d drop one of them onto the car — and that’s exactly what he did.

“It’s just something that we’ve talked, me and my wife have talked about for a long time, that this would be the best way for it to go, and it happened, so it’s been kind of fun,” Gebert said.

Before dropping the pumpkin nearly 14 stories onto his car at Hee Haw Farms in Pleasant Grove, Gebert entered it into the Utah Giant Pumpkin Festival weigh-off, where it came in first place at 1,917 pounds. Safe to say, the Geo Metro was no match.

And believe it or not, that wasn’t the only instance of giant pumpkin vs. car on Saturday in northern Utah.

The North Logan Pumpkin Toss, organized by Utah State University’s engineering program, added a competitive element and drew an impressive crowd. Competitors launched pumpkins with trebuchets they built themselves. There was a distance competition and a contest to see who could hit the targets (old pianos, trampolines, and more broken-down cars).

Then at the end, they dropped a 750-pound pumpkin onto a minivan. The gigantic gourd clipped the edge of the roof, caving it in a few inches — although the ratio of car-to-pumpkin mass may have had something to do with the difference in damage.

Just before that, to hype up the crowd, USU mascot “Big Blue” did some pre-damage by jumping onto the windshield.

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Meet Utah County’s Headless Horsewoman

CNN Newsource on October 27, 2025

By Marc Blaine

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    EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah (KSTU) — There are perks to being the Headless Horseman of Eagle Mountain.

With no head, you work anonymously. You get to ride a horse, and then there’s the young fan base.

“He says, ‘Mom, do you think we’ll see the Headless Horseman trick or treating?’” said Lisa Miller.

And oh yes, the special connections made along the way during Halloween time. Lisa Miller was referring to her 9-year-old son Daniel, who first met the Headless Horseman at the age of three when Daniel wasn’t speaking due to a genetic disorder. A few years later, thanks to therapy, he began putting full sentences together and at Halloween, made that request to see the Headless Horseman again.

“And I was like, ‘Whoa, you remember that?’ He was nonverbal then, but he remembered it, so it was a really neat experience, and I was so grateful,” said Miller.

As for half a dozen years passing prior to this year’s reunion, Daniel was low-key about his excitement but indicated we shouldn’t be alarmed about the horseman’s well-being when asked about the fact that the person on the horse had no head.

“They’ll be probably fine,” said Daniel.

It turns out that the horseman is a woman. Tiffany Ulmer, who also teams up with other Headless Horsemen, agreed to break out of character for us for a few minutes to talk about becoming a part of the Miller family’s story.

“It’s really great to hear. I get stories sent from parents. It was exciting to see the kid that’s grown up looking for the Headless Horseman,” said Ulmer.

Whether it’s touching a family’s life, or just heading down a trail, Ulmer’s goal as the Headless Horseman of Eagle Mountain is to scare a smile onto your face.

“It’s just to bring some fun, cheer, it brightens people’s days when you have someone waving at you,” she said.

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DOCUMENTS: Teacher and wife accused of torturing adopted children

CNN Newsource on October 27, 2025

By Sam Hoyle

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    BAKERSFIELD, California (KERO) — A Boron Junior-High School teacher and his wife face multiple felony charges after allegedly subjecting their adopted children to severe abuse, including withholding food, denying bathroom access and physical violence, according to Kern County Sheriff’s investigators.

Matthew and Brittany James were arrested earlier this month in North Edwards on charges including torture, conspiracy, child abuse, assault, and false imprisonment.

The investigation began Oct. 14 when staff at Boron Elementary contacted law enforcement about possible child abuse involving one of the couple’s adopted children. When deputies responded, they observed multiple injuries on a 9-year-old child, according to the offense report. Two older siblings attend Boron Junior-Senior High School.

The 9-year-old told deputies Matthew James tied him up with duct tape, denied him food and water, and beat him. The child said James made him lie face down and dropped a 50-pound bag of concrete on his back. Another child told deputies the 9-year-old was forced to urinate on himself.

A forensic report documented numerous skin abnormalities on one child, including bruising and abrasions to the neck, face, arms, legs, bac,k and buttocks. The child told investigators that Brittany James hit him in his private parts. Another child described being strangled until he “could not breathe.”

When deputies interviewed Matthew James at the high school, he denied some allegations made by the children and told deputies, “I’m guilty until proven innocent” and “I don’t have a leg to stand on,” according to the report.

Brittany James denied the allegations during her interview with deputies, called the child a liar, and said they joked about needing to tie up the child’s hands so they wouldn’t steal, but never actually did, according to the report.

Kyle Humphrey, attorney for Matthew James, spoke with media following their arraignment on Tuesday, disputed the allegations, and said the couple did not abuse the children.

Matthew and Brittany James are being held without bail. They are scheduled to return to court for a bail review hearing Oct. 30.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KERO’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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