• NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
  • Posts
  • Issue #515: Horse Fall to Half-Marathon: USF Prof’s Journey | AI Food Additive App | Charity Scam Tips | Andrade Boosts USF Volleyball

Issue #515: Horse Fall to Half-Marathon: USF Prof’s Journey | AI Food Additive App | Charity Scam Tips | Andrade Boosts USF Volleyball

12/5/2025

Author

Ted Grellner
05 Dec

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Over the years I’ve come to appreciate just how many stories people carry around without ever sharing them. I learned this the hard way when I lost my dad to cancer at 15. He wasn’t someone who talked much about his past, and I was too young to know what questions to ask.

Later in life, I discovered how rich and colorful the lives of other relatives were, and it made me realize how easily family history disappears if no one helps draw it out.

That’s part of the reason I’ve been working quietly on something new — a simple, guided way for families to capture memories and stories before they fade. I’ll share more about it in a Special Edition on Monday, but if this topic already resonates with you, you can take a look here:
https://thinkgigllc.thrivecart.com/heirloom-stories/

Now — onto today’s stories…

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
SUBSCRIBE (& Access Past Issues):
Share with your friends here —> https://www.NTWCLP.com

NOTE to New Subscribers:
— If Gmail cuts off your newsletter, click “Read Online” in UR corner
— Despite minimizing sources that require a 3rd party subscription to read, we’ll use stories from these sources that are very informative: ($) businessinsider.com, tampabay.com 

In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.

Local News

— USF Professor Survives Horse Fall, Plans Half-Marathon Comeback


Of Interest

— Scan Smart: AI App Explains Food Additives Instantly

Crime

— When Giving Turns Risky: How to Spot a Fake Charity

Sports

— From Brazil to Brilliance: Andrade Powers USF Volleyball Revival

Our NT|WC Live Events Calendar:


https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event or click the image below:
Problems submitting? Email me by replying to your newsletter

USF Professor Survives Horse Fall, Plans Half-Marathon Comeback

USF professor Buvin Unhelker is recovering after a near-fatal horse fall in the mountains of Cody, Wyoming, that left him with serious spinal injuries in September. The fall crushed his C6, C7, and T5–T9 vertebrae, causing immense pain and immobility.

Ten rescuers carried him down the mountain before he was flown to Florida, where Dr. Eric Sundberg performed life-saving spinal surgery, inserting metal hardware into Unhelker’s back.

Despite the severity of the accident, Unhelker made a remarkable recovery. Just four weeks post-op, he was off all medications and walking two miles daily. He has since returned to thank the doctors, ICU staff, and rescuers who helped save his life.

Now cleared to run a half-marathon in May, Unhelker said, “I feel extremely wonderful, very healthy.”

Dr. Sundberg added, “To see someone do really well… it just makes my day.”

Scan Smart: AI App Explains Food Additives Instantly

A new iPhone app called “Food Additive Lens” is helping consumers decode ingredient lists with the power of on-device AI—even without internet access. Developed by IAFNS summer research assistant Yihang Feng, the app scans food labels in grocery aisles and delivers instant, evidence-based explanations about food additives.

Using a Three-Agent AI System, the app classifies the food, identifies additives, and provides plain-language explanations without labeling them as “good” or “bad.” It pulls from FDA and USDA databases, including over 4,000 FDA-approved additives and 10,000 branded food products, offering users both consumer-friendly and regulatory definitions.

The app is designed to combat misinformation about food additives spread through social media by providing trusted scientific data at the point of purchase. It’s also a powerful tool for health professionals needing fast, reliable ingredient info.

Available for iPhone 14 and newer, the app showcases how AI can bridge the gap between science and consumer understanding.

When Giving Turns Risky: How to Spot a
Fake Charity

FBI Birmingham is alerting the public to a rise in charity fraud, especially during the holiday season, when people are more inclined to give. These scams often exploit disasters—such as hurricanes or wildfires—by posing as legitimate charities, diverting funds away from real aid efforts.

Scammers use email, social media, crowdfunding platforms, and even cold calls to reach potential donors. To stay safe, the FBI urges the public to verify charities before donating and to be wary of pressure tactics or unfamiliar names.

Key tips include:
• Give only to organizations you know and trust
• Beware of lookalike names or suspicious websites
• Avoid donations via cash, gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
• Check links before clicking and confirm sites use ".org"

If you suspect fraud report online at ic3.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

From Brazil to Brilliance: Andrade Powers USF Volleyball Revival

Maria Clara Andrade, a standout outside hitter for USF Volleyball, has chosen loyalty over the transfer portal—and now leads the Bulls into their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2002.

After earning back-to-back American Conference Player of the Year honors, Andrade could’ve transferred. Instead, she stayed, inspired by her father’s advice: “Maria, this is about honor.” That decision led her to the sport’s biggest stage.

USF (17-12) faces defending national champion Penn State (18-12) in the first round Friday in Austin, Texas. Penn State, with eight national titles, has never lost an opening-round match.

A native of Brazil, Andrade overcame language barriers and personal hardship—including the death of her brother—to become one of USF’s most decorated athletes. Her emotional leadership and growth on and off the court have defined her career.

Read More: gousfbulls.com — impressive athlete

Reader Comments

“Best local newsletter!”
“Love seeing all the community events in one place. The calendar is getting crowded. ”“Always has good info and to the point.”
“Read this in the am. I like the new restaurants feature so I know when things will open. ”
“Keep up on the great information.”
“Good local coverage. Great job.”
“I’m not big on reading. But your news is short and right to the point! Very informative and quick and easy to read!”
“Good mix and balance of interesting, newsworthy and entertaining content.”
“Happy to read something other than politics. Great job.”
“This is my daily morning read. Great info. ”
“Love the attention grabbing topics that encompass what’s going on now as well as future implications. Great job. ”
“I get Information here that I might otherwise miss.”
“I love this newsletter, the type of information without the useless fillers.”

Any suggestions are always welcomed - Thanks

What Did You Think of This Issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

—> Comments are welcomed after voting

If you enjoy starting your day with these short daily news summaries, please refer your friends: