On the Ground, In the Community: A Ten-Year Journey with METRO’s Street Team

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By Kaila Contreras-Aradillas

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    December 04, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — For ten years, the METRO Street Team has been one of the most trusted, consistent faces riders encounter across the Houston region. Long before the first morning buses rolled out or service updates hit inboxes, the Street Team was already in the field—meeting riders where they are, offering guidance, comfort, and clarity through some of METRO’s biggest moments.

What began as a small group of energetic summer interns has grown into a decade-strong program woven into the fabric of METRO’s customer service mission. And today, as the Street Team marks its 10-year anniversary, their story stands as a testament to dedication, resilience, and community connection.

A Team Built for Change

In 2015, METRO implemented one of the most significant service changes in its history: the New Bus Network. To help riders navigate the new system, the agency needed a real-time, face-to-face way to communicate changes.

Tanya McWashington, Chief Administration Officer, and one of the few who helped kick-start the Street Team, remembers the urgency to get this new program started.

“The magnitude of this service change required a more direct, attention-grabbing approach. We needed people to really pay attention,” McWashington said. “Their presence provided not only information but reassurance during a time of significant transition.”

From the start, the Street Team set the tone for what customer-first support looks like. In the heat of summer, team members arrived at 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., to hand out service-change materials directly to riders and stayed into the evening to support late-shift workers.

A Different Kind of Customer Engagement

Unlike traditional Public Engagement staff, who focus on relationship-building, the Street Team provides immediate, real-time support across the system—on buses, at shelters, at transit centers, and anywhere riders need them.

Kayona Bastian, Public Engagement Project Manager and Street Team Manager, said the Street Team’s presence is especially needed to provide that human connection.

“They offer that personal touch with our riders. They make riders feel seen and valued… ensuring METRO hears the community’s voice directly,” Bastian said. “Their presence shows that METRO isn’t just about buses and trains—it’s about people, relationships, and shared journeys.”

Becoming Part of METRO’s Culture

Though part-time, Street Team members are fully embedded into METRO’s outreach efforts. Training, team building, and agency communication ensure they remain aligned and informed.

Former Street Team member—and now Public Engagement Manager—Wilfredo Santamaria still considers his Street Team experience foundational.

“At the time, I was looking for a job—even if it was temporary—so I didn’t think I’d be at METRO longer than a few months. And here I am 10 years later,” Santamaria said.

Frontline Through Houston’s Big Moments

Over the past decade, the Street Team has represented METRO in some of Houston’s largest events:

Super Bowl LI NCAA Men’s Final Four (2016 & 2023) Multiple World Series events and parades Major cultural celebrations and downtown festivals During emergencies, their role becomes especially critical. During the pandemic, members distributed service updates from inside personal vehicles at Park & Ride lots to ensure healthcare workers received accurate, up-to-date information.

“Whether it’s service changes or weather emergencies, Street Team members provide immediate support that strengthens the community’s confidence in METRO,” Bastian said.

The People Behind the Program

The Street Team’s strength lies in its people—students, retirees, bilingual communicators, full-time professionals, and former operators. Their diversity enables them to connect authentically with Houston’s riders.

Current member Keonte Sowunmi, a finance student at Houston City College, has been with the Street Team for a year. He says the experience changed his understanding of METRO and of his community needs.

The Street Team became more than just a part-time job for Sowunmi, it became a mentorship.

“I would likely be lost without the guidance provided by the team,” Sowunmi admitted. “Every conversation I’ve had has been filled with wisdom. I feel comfortable asking for advice and receiving support in return.”

And that support has shaped his future goals.

“I believe I’ve been given an opportunity,” Sowunmi said. “And it’s up to me to make the most of it. I’m grateful for this chance.”

A Decade of Service, A Future of Possibility

Ten years in, the METRO Street Team is more than a group of part-time employees—it’s a symbol of METRO’s commitment to meeting riders where they are, listening to their needs, and helping them navigate a growing and evolving transit system.

The Street Team has helped Houston move forward for a decade. And their story is only just beginning.

“I hope the Street Team continues to be a source of insight for our riders and the community,” Santamaria said. “I hope to see it become a model for other entities looking for effective strategies to engage with the community.” More info, go to: RideMetro.org

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Francis Page, Jr
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NICU baby’s fighting spirit inspires family through medical challenges

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By Waleed Alamleh

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    WYOMING, Michigan (WXMI) — Rashell and Brian Hallam welcomed their baby Axel to the world back in June, but their joy came with overwhelming challenges. What started as a normal pregnancy took a dramatic turn during Rashell’s third trimester.

“We found out we were pregnant shortly after Christmas,” Rashell said.

In December 2024, the Hallam’s were excited about adding a second boy to their family. But by June, during Rashell’s third trimester, something felt wrong.

“I was just constantly tired and I wasn’t ill, but I felt ill all the time, and I could eat, but then it was like, all of a sudden, I had no energy,” Rashell said.

Her doctor determined she needed to stay in the hospital until she reached 34 weeks of pregnancy or Axel’s due date of September. The situation created additional stress for the family.

“We both had a job, so we were both working, and we both, we only have one vehicle, so that was a big issue, too,” Brian said.

The complications continued to escalate. Within hours, medical staff delivered news the Hasllams were not expecting.

“A nurse comes in and says, your baby’s not really having reactions,” Rashell said. “You and your babys heart rate is getting worse, and now he’s starting to suffocate. And I had maybe 10 to 15 minutes to call our family.”

Rashell was told she would have to deliver Axel three months before his due date. A conversation the couple wasn’t prepared.

“You have to promise me that you’re going to, you’re going to be able to take care of our kids,” Brian said. “It broke my heart really like because she’s my rock.”

The emergency C-section was successful, but not without its scares.

“I didn’t hear him, and that, right there, was terrifying,” Rashell said. “Then he made a squeak, and Brain and the doctor were like, he’s breathing, but he has to get a tube down his throat.”

Axel was born June 2 at just 1 pound and 7 ounces, facing numerous medical challenges.

“He had probably two IVs at all times. He was having countless blood transfusions. He had really bad jaundice, and his bilirubin was insane,” Rashell said.

The main diagnosis was NEC, or Necrotizing Enterocolitis, a potentially life-threatening disease that causes holes in the intestinal wall.

“So his little belly was expanding, and he wasn’t able to go to the bathroom correctly,” Rashell said.

Axel continues fighting this condition in the NICU, at Helen Devos Childrens Hospital, his family by his side through it all. But not able to hold him.

“You can’t hug him, you can’t kiss him, you can’t hold him, you can’t move him like the only thing you can do is touch his hand, touch his foot.” Rashell said.

Watching their son struggle has taken a toll on both parents as they juggle family responsibilities and work.

“There were times that I drove up there twice a day because I would get a phone call that he’s not breathing right. And I’d be damned if my baby has something happened and I’m not there,” Brian said.

Despite the challenges, the Hallams draw strength from their baby’s resilience.

“Like this little one year old, if he can smile through all this, all of us should be able to live it, live with like through prosperity,” Rashell said.

The Hallams hope Axel continues to recover. He has surgery planned in the coming months, the family has created a GoFundMe to help with the medical expenses.

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

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

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Woman seeks answers after dog shot on walk

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By Corey Howard

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    SANDOVAL COUNTY, New Mexico (KOAT) — A Rio Rancho woman is seeking answers after her dog was shot five times on a trail near her home, with the shooter still at large. Nicole Tatum, who regularly walks the trails with her three dogs, said she won’t be returning after the incident.

Ringo, a two-year-old Doberman mix, was found by Tatum about a year ago on a trail near Rio Rancho. “He’s just a sweet, and he just wants to cuddle all the time and be happy,” Tatum said.

The shooting occurred this past weekend, shaking Ringo’s world. Tatum was walking her dogs when a red Jeep appeared. “And he kind of like pauses and slows down, which I don’t understand. And then he drives off. Obviously, the dogs are going to follow. If you slow down and pause, they’re going to have intrigue. And then, he drove right over the hill, right out of my eyesight, and then I hear bam, bam, bam, bam, bam, bam,” Tatum said.

Tatum heard six shots, and two of her dogs were hit, with Ringo’s injuries being life-threatening. “Two of those rounds went through his body. And then a different round had a major artery that goes between the ribs. So, he was bleeding out. If I didn’t get him to the vet, he wouldn’t have made it,” she said.

While operating on Ringo, the vet discovered something unusual about the bullets. “Her husband is a marksman, and so is one of the vet techs… she’s seen gun bullets. She’s seen a .22 in a body, and she’s like, there’s patterns that happen when that goes through tissue, and she’s like, the patterns aren’t there,” Tatum said, indicating a suspected homemade bullet.

Wednesday afternoon was the first time Tatum and Ringo returned to the trail since the shooting. “I haven’t been back since. I don’t feel comfortable walking out there right now,” she said.

The situation took place over a hill near the trail, and investigators are still looking into the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. Tatum said both of her dogs are recovering well.

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Do “I Love Mayor Keller” sweatshirts violate Albuquerque election code?

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By T.J. Wilham, Jason McNabb

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    ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — The distribution of “I Love Mayor Keller” sweatshirts to the homeless in Albuquerque has sparked controversy and questions about potential election law violations just days before the mayoral election.

Under the city’s election code, anyone spending more than $250 to support a candidate must report it, but so far, no one has claimed responsibility for purchasing the sweatshirts, and each campaign is pointing fingers at the other.

The sweatshirts have become popular on the streets, with one recipient saying, “they’re very nice, comfy and warm, you know. That’s a good gift.” Another added, “I like it ’cause it’s cold and I mean, it keeps me warm.” However, the source of the funding remains a mystery. “We really don’t know much about these sweatshirts, who’s behind it, whether it was a simple joke or whether there are other nefarious reasons behind them,” said a local observer.

The issue has become contentious, with homelessness and crime being top concerns for voters. Mayor Tim Keller implied that supporters of his opponent, Darren White, are behind the distribution, calling it “disgraceful.” Meanwhile, the Republican Party accused Keller of using the homeless as political pawns.

Some homeless individuals believe Keller is responsible, with one saying, “Tim Keller is actually for homeless people, which I am now currently homeless. So, you know, I kinda do support that, you know what I mean? And then it’s like kinda like a you know, a good gesture that he sent out some some hoodies, you know, for kinda keep you warm.”

Paul Gessing of the taxpayer watchdog group Rio Grande Foundation posted about the sweatshirts on his blog, stating, “I am aware of the individual who passed the shirts out, yes.” He added, “I can’t tell you because they don’t want to be notified or made public as somebody who’s doing this kind of I guess you would call a guerrilla marketing or guerrilla campaign tactics.”

Gessing said the person who paid for the shirts is not a Keller supporter and did it to highlight the city’s failure to address the homeless crisis. “Personally, I think it’s brilliant. I think it’s a very interesting technique to highlight an issue and put it in front of the media, in front of average New Mexicans, Albuquerqueans specifically, who may be going to the polls and make sure that they’re aware of this real problem,” he said.

However, whoever is behind the distribution might be violating the city’s election code. “Basically, city law is pretty clear. If a group or an individual supports or opposes a candidate, they have to file or register with the city clerk. Assuming that they spend more than $250,” said KOAT political expert Brian Sanderoff.

He believes the sweatshirts are politically motivated and could fall under election law, noting, “Think about how close this is to the election. If this had happened after the election, probably no one would think twice about this. But here we are, right before an election, and these sweatshirts that say I love Tim Keller given out to homeless people are all around town.”

To determine if the sweatshirts meet the $250 threshold, Todd Martinez of Fully Promoted, who makes similar sweatshirts in bulk, was consulted.

“At at our shop, if we did twenty-four with a similar print like this, you’d be at about twenty-two to twenty-three dollars per hoodie. So a little over five hundred, five hundred twenty bucks to do a job of twenty-four,” he replied.

Martinez said he is not aware of who made the shirts and would have turned the business away if approached, stating, “Whatever your stance is on the mayor, I just think it’s a little bit of a demeaning way to hand them out.”

The city clerk’s office stated that if a complaint is launched, an investigation would be initiated to determine if the distribution is connected to a campaign, and the city’s ethics commission could impose a $500 fine.

Sanderoff noted, “it’s possible that after the fact, if we find out who’s behind it, that city government, ethics commission or the like, someone might file a complaint and some people might be held accountable after the fact.”

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

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7 hospitalized after eating potentially lethal mushrooms

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By Jacquelyn Quinones

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    SALINAS, California (KSBW) — Seven people were hospitalized in Monterey County after consuming wild white cap mushrooms, which health officials warn can lead to severe poisoning, liver failure, and even death.

Dr. Kimberly Moulton, an emergency medicine physician at Salinas Valley Health, said, “In this case with these mushrooms, I would say one bite can kill.”

He explained that the hospital treated seven patients over the weekend who had ingested the mushrooms, noting the limited treatment options available.

“There’s no antidote to these poisonings; we have protocols that we can use to try to treat it, we can use medications, procedures, the sickest patients may end up needing a liver transplant,” Moulton said.

Hospital staff emphasized that washing, cooking, and preparing the mushrooms do not neutralize the toxins.

“Typically, these mushrooms are the amanita type of mushroom, and they contain a toxin called amatoxin, which is really the dangerous, lethal toxin that causes the poisoning,” Moulton said.

These poisonous mushrooms grow in certain parts of California year-round but are most commonly found during fall, late winter, and spring.

Moulton explained that symptoms of mushroom poisoning can be delayed, saying, “Some people may consume a small amount and not have any symptoms, but some people do develop symptoms, typically when these more serious mushroom poisoning the symptoms actually present in pretty much delayed fashion, so the mushrooms may be consumed and we don’t see any symptoms for 6 to 12, sometimes even longer hours.”

The County of Monterey Health Department advises the public to consume only commercially produced mushrooms.

“Public health recommends that individuals only eat mushrooms that are produced by commercial providers, which include mushrooms you can only buy in grocery stores,” Edward Moreno, County of Monterey Public Health Director, said.

Some of the patients from the weekend are recovering, while a few remain hospitalized and may require liver transplants.

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

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‘Shots fired, officer down’: Broadcastify audio provides more insight into shooting that injured 3 officers

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By Beth Carlson

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    OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — Three Omaha police officers were injured in a shooting at a south Omaha gas station, but the incident started hours before at a north Omaha grocery store.

Detectives tracked the vehicle to the QuikTrip, and the suspect allegedly went into the bathroom.

According to Omaha police, officers tried to get him out of the bathroom, and that was when the gunfire broke out. One officer was injured during this initial shooting.

There was a civilian in the bathroom at the time, and officers were able to get him out safely.

OPD said after the initial exchange, police retreated outside the bathroom door. That was when he exited the bathroom and allegedly opened fire, injuring a second officer.

Officials said officers returned fire, killing the suspect.

A third officer was injured by shrapnel.

According to OPD, the incident was captured on body-worn camera.

OPD’s officer involved investigations team is being assisted by Nebraska State Patrol, Bellevue police and Papillion police.

The officers have all been placed on paid critical incident leave, which is department policy.

They will be interviewed at a later time.

KETV obtained radio traffic from Broadcastify.

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Man saws into game machine at laundromat, steals over $11,000

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By Rob McCartney

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    OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — A masked man broke into a game machine at a laundromat near 60th and Ames, stealing over $11,000 in cash.

The incident happened on the night of Nov. 10.

The suspect was seen on video sitting at the machine, looking at his phone and surveying the area before acting.

When the laundromat was mostly empty, the man pulled an electric saw from his pants and cut open the front of the machine, allowing him to access the cash box.

He then removed the cash box, picked up his saw and a piece of clothing, and quickly left the scene.

The suspect is described as fairly tall, wearing a blue jacket, red shorts over blue pants or jeans, and a black mask.

The gaming company said he caused about $5,000 in damage to the machine and stole more than $11,000 from the cash box.

Investigators said the suspect may not have an address and could be staying at the Sienna Francis House.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP or online here.

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Mayor proposes ban on ‘gas station drugs’ sold at shops

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By Nick Sloan

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is pushing for a citywide crackdown on the unregulated “gas station drugs” sold at convenience stores and vape shops.

Lucas this week introduced an ordinance which would prohibit the sale of products such as kratom, Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC edibles, synthetic cannabinoids, and nitrous oxide canisters that are currently legal to sell but not overseen by federal health regulators.

“Unregulated gas station drugs are substances that are sold with virtually no oversight or accountability,” Lucas said. “The products are marketed as legal alternatives but often just as dangerous as controlled substances and have no place on our shelves when they contribute to addiction, overdoses, and neighborhood instability, particularly impacting our children.”

City officials say the Kansas City Health Department recently investigated a deadly overdose in which kratom was found in the victim’s system.

Kratom, along with hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8 and Delta-9, has not been approved for any medical use by the Food and Drug Administration.

Public Safety Director Lace Cline said the products are often linked not only to health harms but also disorder around the businesses that sell them.

Violations could lead to fines of $750 to $1,000 per day and could cost business owners their licenses.

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Parents arrested, accused of ‘severe pattern of neglect’ after child’s death

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By Jacob Freeman

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    SALT LAKE CITY (KSL, KSL TV) — A man and woman were arrested in Cache County after their 18-month-old child died of malnutrition and dehydration in March, authorities announced on Thursday.

The Cache County Sheriff’s Office identified the parents as Mitchell and Carrie Murray and said their child died at a residence in Nibley on March 19. The sheriff’s office said the investigation began immediately afterward.

“Follow-up investigative steps conducted by the Cache County Sheriff’s Office identified a severe pattern of neglect leading up to the infant’s death,” the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities were able to use data from baby monitors and surveillance cameras to reconstruct a timeline of the four days leading up to the child’s death. The sheriff’s office said for those 96 hours, “the total time another human being was identified as being present with the child was 49 minutes and 15 seconds.”

Investigators also found that the child was out of the crib for a combined six hours and 15 minutes, and had only six diaper changes during that time.

“The findings of the medical examiner confirmed that the infant died due to complications arising from malnutrition and dehydration,” the sheriff’s office said. “Based on these facts and the medical findings, Mitchell and Carrie Murray were taken into custody.”

Police documents say Carrie Murray works as a nurse, and Mitchell Murray said he works from home and takes care of the children during the day — there was also a 4-year-old child in the home.

Lt. Mikelshan Bartschi with the Cache County Sheriff’s Office said the Murrays cooperated with the investigation. He said the video of the child’s room was difficult for detectives to watch.

“Watching the video was a very tough task for the detective who was charged with that. It carries a burden, right? To watch a child sit there and be zipped back into its crib for that extensive amount of time,” Bartschi said.

The lieutenant said it was difficult for investigators to understand why the child was left in those conditions.

“My job is to be that impartial fact finder, and that’s our role, and this is one of those that I think a lot of us are going to struggle with ‘why’ for a long time,” Bartschi said. “And all we have to say to that is what the parents had said, and they didn’t view what they had done as necessarily wrong, or as a problem.”

Police documents said the child was primarily fed waffles, and Carrie Murray reportedly told investigators that the child “had only eaten baby food once or twice.”

The documents also said that when investigators asked Carrie Murray why she thought the child had died, she guessed SIDS, although that typically only affects infants under a year old. Then, according to the documents, she said “it was just her time, I guess.”

The Murrays were both booked into the Cache County Jail on accusations of child abuse and homicide.

Contributing: Adam Small, KSL NewsRadio

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‘You got her?’: Bodycam shows dramatic rescue of 4-year-old from fire

CNN Newsource on December 4, 2025

By Mariana La Roche, James Stratton

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    RACINE COUNTY, Wisconsin (WISN) — The Racine County sheriff’s office has released body camera footage showing the dramatic rescue of a 4-year-old girl from a burning home. The rescue happened at a house fire in the village of Raymond.

The video shows deputies rushing into the smoke-filled house. A deputy can be heard asking, “You got her?” Another deputy responds, “Got her. Come here,” as the child is carried out of the home.

While the child was rescued, 38-year-old Jenna Zuehlke and a family dog died in the fire. Zuehlke is the child’s mother, according to sheriff’s deputies. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A friend tells WISN 12 News Zuehlke was living at the home, on 108th street near Five Mile road, temporarily with another friend.

“They were displaced,” said Rebecca Kostrzewski Tuesday. “They didn’t have anywhere to go, as far as what she told me. So, she was letting them stay in the basement until they could get back on their feet.”

Racine County deputies say the woman who let Zuehlke and her kids stay at the home left the scene during the fire, but deputies arrested her nearby. Court records show she was taken into custody on an unrelated warrant from a previous drug charge. The woman, who WISN 12 News is not naming, will likely go before a judge Thursday, according to the Racine County District Attorney.

Racine County Deputies say the fire does not appear to be criminal. They have not yet determined a cause.

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