Woman accused of poisoning baby with antifreeze leaves jail on bond

CNN Newsource on October 15, 2025

By Emma Romano , Michael Hoffman

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    OKEECHOBEE, Florida (WFTX) — An Okeechobee woman is facing attempted murder charges after police say she poisoned an 11-month-old child with antifreeze while babysitting in February.

Investigators say 59-year-old Anna Adamo was arrested in Georgia early this month and extradited to Florida. The baby survived, but investigators say they don’t know the extent of long-term damage.

WPTV’s Michael Hoffman was face-to-face with the accused as she was released from jail hours ago.

It was in February, behind the fence of a gated community in Okeechobee, where investigators say Adamo was babysitting an 11-month-old baby. When the child was picked up to be brought home, the parents noticed something was off.

Medical tests confirmed the worst: the baby had been poisoned with the toxic component found in antifreeze. The child went into critical condition and cardiac arrest for 10 minutes before medical providers could resuscitate the young baby.

The child is alive and recovering, but investigators say the extent of long-term injuries remains unknown.

“I was not surprised,” said Aiden, Adamo’s 23-year-old son.

He calls his mother cold, cruel and “even a monster.”

Aiden says he always felt singled out by his mother growing up, telling me he dreaded the time he had to be around her and used school as a safe space. He left the house at 15 after he said his parents had terminated their parental rights.

“That’s just unthinkable that somebody would do that,” Aiden said.

The details of the case, Aiden says, are shocking but not surprising. He says he wants to see her in prison.

“She should be in prison. I am glad that there is something in place to prevent her from watching children until she’s convicted,” Aiden said.

“The judicial process exists for a reason. And I’m just hoping that with everybody coming up on with all this evidence being brought to light, that she is convicted appropriately in prison what she deserves,” he said.

Investigators say Adamo was accused of similar crimes 11 years ago, but the charges were dropped.

Adamo is facing multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder.

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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FROM BAD HAIRCUTS TO BARBERSHOP OWNER: Barber turns haircut trauma into business

CNN Newsource on October 15, 2025

By Victoria Quevedo

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    IMMOKALEE, Florida (WFTX) — Every person who sits in Junior Velasquez’s barber chair has a story, and so does the person behind it.

The 31-year-old owner of Limitless Barbershop in Immokalee turned childhood embarrassment over bad haircuts into a thriving business and a mission to give back to his community.

Looking back at yearbook pictures can bring mixed feelings. For Velasquez, those memories are filled with questionable haircuts by his mom that left him feeling self-conscious.

“It was not a funny like, it wasn’t like a cute picture, but I was like, you know, I’ll laugh about it in the beginning, it bothered me because it was like, it was a bad haircut,” Velasquez said.

At 17 years old, he vowed to be in control of his own head of hair. So he decided to learn the craft of the cut.

“It just started as just wanting to learn how to cut hair, to really in reality, to save money,” Velasquez said.

Velasquez started small, carrying a chair from neighbor to neighbor with an extension cord and a milk bucket for his tools. Now he owns his own barbershop, and the name reflects his philosophy.

“Limitless is pretty much in the name you know, be limitless. Don’t allow your struggles, the you know, the difficulties that you endure in life, to stop you from anything,” Velasquez said.

He doesn’t want anyone else to be limited either. Velasquez remembers receiving a $200 scholarship that helped him buy his first professional clippers. So this past May, he awarded his first scholarship to a graduate pursuing his same passion.

“My mission, giving back. I mean, making a difference, allowing planting those positive seeds into kids like myself when I was a kid… a haircut changes everything. You know it could be having a bad day. You have an amazing experience, especially a good haircut, changes your whole world,” Velasquez said.

Despite people who doubted him, Velasquez never gave up. His message to young people in Immokalee is simple.

“If you dream it and you really want it, you push yourself,” Velasquez said.

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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Hereford House case: Man sentenced to 11 years for food tampering, child exploitation

CNN Newsource on October 15, 2025

By Nick Sloan

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    OLATHE, Kansas (KMBC) — A man who admitted to contaminating food at a Johnson County restaurant and possessing child sexual abuse material has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.

A judge sentenced Jace Christian Hanson on Thursday to 136 months in prison, the maximum allowed by law in his case.

Hanson pleaded guilty earlier this year to 33 charges, including food tampering, 22 counts of criminal threat, one count of criminal damage, and 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Hanson was initially arrested in June 2024 after federal agents received a tip that he had posted videos online showing himself urinating on food and rubbing it on his genitals while working at the Hereford House restaurant in Leawood.

Leawood police later uncovered more evidence, leading to the additional criminal threat and child exploitation charges.

Following his arrest, multiple lawsuits were filed against the restaurant, and police said they received hundreds of tips and complaints related to the case.

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Retired teacher receives book from former student 40 years later

CNN Newsource on October 15, 2025

By Carmela Karcher

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    LODI, California (KMAX, KOVR) — When retired Lodi teacher Rod Woznick picked up his mail, he received a package he wasn’t expecting.

That’s when he took a closer look at the sender’s name.

“I saw the name Brent Gentner, which kind of hit me,” Woznick explained. “I wasn’t quite sure, so I opened it, and that’s when I was surprised to see a book that he had basically borrowed 40 years ago.”

Inside was a geometry book Woznick used to hand out to students, along with a handwritten note.

“The note said, ‘Rod, I found this book which belongs to you. Thank you for letting me borrow it for the last 40 years. Sincerely, Brent Gentner,’ ” Woznick continued. “I was more shocked when I read the note, saying ‘I’ve had it for 40 years’ because you don’t realize how long the time has gone since you had contact with that person.”

So why did Gentner still have this book, and why did he send it back after all these years? CBS Sacramento asked him.

“I was kind of a nerd back then. I was interested in math and science and that kind of stuff. He had books students could check out,” Gentner said. “Eventually, I moved out to Florida. I moved all my stuff here, and it was still in boxes.”

Gentner eventually went through the boxes and found the book with Rod Woznick’s name printed on the first page.

“I was like, you know, I wonder if I mail it to him, what would happen?” Gentner shared. “I just thought it’d be kind of funny like, 40 years later!”

Even after all this time, Gentner still considered Woznick as one of his favorite teachers.

“He cared about his students,” he said. “He really knew what was going on with his students and if they were having a bad day or good day or whatever. He was great.”

A little book helped bring the student and teacher back together.

“It kind of makes you appreciate that a lot of things that you’ve done with kids in class, most of it is memories, but maybe there might be something that they have kept over the years,” Woznick said.

Gentner is now a software and electrical engineer in Florida.

Woznick hadn’t been able to get in touch with his former student to properly thank him for the, albeit, late return. CBS Sacramento was able to get them back in touch with one another, 40 years later.

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Record Attendance at 11th Annual Girls in Aviation Day at Lone Star Flight Museum

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Lisa Valadez

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    October 14, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — A record-breaking 675 aspiring aviators and STEM enthusiasts attended Girls in Aviation Day at the Lone Star Flight Museum on Saturday, September 20, in Houston. The event welcomed 391 young participants ages 8 to 17, accompanied by nearly 300 family members, scout leaders, and group chaperones for a day filled with hands-on activities, demonstrations, and tours of more than 15 personal, military, and historic aircraft.

Girls in Aviation Day, launched by Women in Aviation International in 2015, aims to inspire girls to pursue careers in aviation and STEM fields. The Lone Star Flight Museum has hosted the event for eight consecutive years. Attendees experienced drone training, STEM carts, flight simulators, and STEM-focused exhibits, while a career and college fair highlighted opportunities from 25 aerospace companies, schools, and organizations.

The day also featured a luncheon and panel discussion with female leaders in STEM and aerospace, including Captain Michelle Boeding of United Airlines, Maria “Majo” Perdomo Cuevas of Million Air, Sarah Duggleby of Venus Aerospace, and Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, former NASA astronaut and aerospace engineering professor at Texas A&M University. The panel was moderated by Shelly Lesikar deZevallos, president of West Houston Airport and chair of the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Advisory Committee.

The event was made possible by presenting sponsor ExxonMobil, along with supporting sponsors including ConocoPhillips, Houston Airports, Million Air, Universal Technical Institute, and others, underscoring the community’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders in STEM and aviation.

The Lone Star Flight Museum is a 501(c)(3) aviation museum and STEM learning center located at Ellington Airport. Home to rare and historic aircraft, the museum offers interactive exhibits, flight experiences, and educational programs designed to engage youth in science, technology, engineering, and math. LSFM is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., with tickets starting at $12. More information is available at lonestarflight.org.

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Inspiring Global Change from Houston: The Youth Executive Leadership Program (YELP)

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    October 14, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a world that’s increasingly connected yet divided by opportunity, one Houston-area student is proving that leadership truly knows no borders. Meet Mihika, a bright and determined high school student from Cypress, Texas, who founded the Youth Executive Leadership Program (YELP) — an ambitious nonprofit that’s empowering young leaders across continents to rise, lead, and uplift others through education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

A Vision Born from Purpose

At just a high school age, Mihika has already mentored more than 250 students across Ethiopia and Nepal through YELP’s international workshops in Coding, Entrepreneurship, and English. Locally, YELP has engaged over 110 Houston-area students as peer mentors — connecting local passion with global purpose.

“Through YELP, we’re proving that leadership and compassion can travel further than borders ever could,” Mihika shared. “Our mission is to educate youth and empower them to become the next generation of changemakers.”

Houston Students Leading the Global Stage

What began as a small leadership club in the Houston suburbs has evolved into a vibrant youth-led movement with a far-reaching global footprint. YELP’s student team — composed of motivated young leaders from high schools across Greater Houston — focuses on public speaking, leadership development, and entrepreneurship to prepare the next wave of innovators and problem-solvers.

Their belief is simple yet profound: When young people are given the tools to lead, they can change the world.

In a global landscape where 72 million children remain without access to education and over 3 billion people live below the poverty line, YELP’s mission resonates with urgency and optimism. “If we can empower even a fraction of those children with knowledge,” Mihika adds, “we can unlock an entire generation’s potential to rise out of poverty.”

Aligning with the United Nations’ Global Goals

YELP proudly aligns with Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education. The organization’s workshops and summits — held both in-person and virtually — focus on developing vocational skills, leadership confidence, and entrepreneurial thinking.

These young leaders don’t just dream of success; they design it. Through global mentorship programs, YELP participants learn how to apply real-world problem-solving skills to challenges facing their communities — from educational inequality to youth unemployment.

Empowering the Next Generation of Global Citizens

The YELP model emphasizes that leadership is not reserved for the privileged — it’s cultivated through purpose and action. By nurturing self-confidence, communication skills, and global awareness, YELP equips young minds to lead not just in classrooms, but in communities and companies around the world.

The organization’s workshops, student-led summits, and international collaborations are paving pathways to a future where every child, regardless of zip code or country, has the opportunity to lead.

How Houston Can Help

YELP is calling on Houston’s philanthropic and business communities to support its global mission. Whether through partnerships, sponsorships, or student volunteers, Houston has an opportunity to amplify this youth-powered movement for change.

If your organization is passionate about education, youth empowerment, or global leadership, YELP invites you to connect and collaborate. Together, Houston can help expand access to education and leadership opportunities worldwide — one student at a time.

Get Involved

Visit youthexecutivelead.org or follow @yelp.cw and @youthexecutiveleadership on Instagram to learn more, volunteer, or become a YELP representative.

Houston Style Magazine celebrates Houston’s young visionaries like Mihika — the future voices of leadership who remind us that change doesn’t wait for age or permission. It begins with passion, purpose, and the courage to make a difference.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston Celebrates 75 Years at Gala, Raises $600,000 for Mentorship Programs

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Lisa Valadez

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    October 14, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — On Saturday, October 4, more than 500 supporters gathered at The Revaire to celebrate a legacy of mentorship and raise critical funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston. The organization’s 75th Anniversary Gala — An Evening for Potential — raised an estimated $600,000, directly supporting efforts to match over 700 local youth currently waiting for mentors.

The gala served as both a celebration of past accomplishments and a call to action for the future. Attendees enjoyed high-energy performances by The Spazmatics, participated in silent and live auctions, and watched a program highlighting real stories of mentorship and the lasting impact of these relationships.

Founded in 1950, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston has connected thousands of young people with mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. Research shows that youth paired with mentors are more likely to succeed academically, avoid risky behaviors, and envision brighter futures.

The funds raised at the gala will help expand the organization’s capacity to recruit, train, and support mentors, aiming to reduce the current waiting list of youth in the coming year. Additionally, the money will support program innovation, family engagement, and retention initiatives to ensure long-term success for mentoring relationships.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. For 75 years, the organization has been a cornerstone of youth development in the Houston area, matching caring adult mentors with children who need a trusted ally. More information, including how to volunteer or donate, is available at bbbstx.org.

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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.

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    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.

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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.

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    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

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

World War II veteran celebrates 102nd birthday

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2025

By Lauren Minor

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    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.

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