A Curated Life: Andy Moran’s Collection Illuminates the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    October 6, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts has positioned itself as a cultural heartbeat for Greater Houston with the opening of its highly anticipated fall exhibition, A Curated Life: Selections from the Collection of Andy Moran. Running through Saturday, January 10, 2026, this showcase is more than an exhibition—it is a love story between art, history, and community. A Legacy Rooted in Love and Vision Andy Moran and his late wife, Mary Lou Chester, first crossed paths at Texas Southern University on the steps of Hannah Hall. She was an artist, he a business student. Together, they crafted a marriage—and later, a collection—that would redefine how African American art is celebrated in Houston. After their 1971 marriage and move to Wall Street, the Moran’s began collecting works that reflected not only their shared passion but also their commitment to uplifting voices often overlooked in the mainstream art world. Even after Mary Lou’s passing in 2004, Andy continued their journey, acquiring pieces that honored her influence and amplified the stories of Black artists. His private collection became a vibrant archive of artists connected to TSU, Houston, and beyond—each canvas, photograph, and sculpture breathing with history and pride. The Artists and Their Stories The exhibition at the Pearl brings together 50 masterful works from Moran’s private collection. Visitors will encounter the genius of Dr. John Biggers, the visionary power of Kermit Oliver, the cultural narratives of Carroll Simms, and the evocative photography of Earlie Hudnall, Jr. The list continues with Joseph A. Moran, Edsel Cramer, Julian Joseph Kyle, Linda Hinojos, Jade Cooper, and Oliver Parsons—artists whose works transcend walls and speak directly to Houston’s richly diverse community. This lineup represents more than names; it represents Houston’s artistic lineage—students mentored by legends, creators embedding social commentary into brushstrokes, and innovators building bridges between academia, culture, and everyday life. The Maker’s Muse Joins the Conversation Running alongside Moran’s exhibition is The Maker’s Muse: Contemporary Photography from the Artists of the American Society of Photographers in the Cole Gallery. Together, the two shows create a powerful dialogue: one highlighting Houston’s African American art movement, the other spotlighting cutting-edge photographic innovation. More Than an Exhibit—A Cultural Experience The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, affectionately known as “The Pearl,” has made this exhibition free to the public. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM CT, the museum invites art lovers, students, families, and lifelong learners to experience a living narrative of art as a connector of generations. Donations and memberships are encouraged, ensuring the Pearl continues its mission of art, education, and community. A private reception for Patron Members, held on Friday, September 19, 2025, allowed guests to engage directly with Andy Moran as he reflected on the personal journey behind his collection. The evening revealed that this exhibition is not merely about paintings and sculptures—it is about resilience, memory, and cultural pride. Why It Matters Now In a time when Houston defines itself as a global city of creativity and diversity, Moran’s collection underscores a critical truth: art is not an accessory; it is a legacy. A Curated Life bridges Houston’s past with its present, ensuring that pioneering contributions of African American artists are not only remembered but celebrated with reverence. Visit the Exhibition A Curated Life: Selections from the Collection of Andy Moran 📍 Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts 6815 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379 📅 Now through Saturday, January 10, 2026 🕙 Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM CT 🎟 Admission: FREE For more information, memberships, or donations, visit pearlmfa.org or call (281) 376-6322. ✨ At Houston Style Magazine, we proudly celebrate Andy Moran’s enduring legacy and the Pearl’s ongoing role as a cultural cornerstone. This exhibition is a reminder that art is not just what hangs on a wall—it’s the heartbeat of a community.

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

Authorities release video in connection with cold case in Manchester

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Katherine Underwood

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    MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (WMUR) — The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office is hoping newly released surveillance video will help lead to more information in a cold case homicide.

The video, released for the first time to the public on Sunday, shows Lynne Brennan at Bunny’s Superette on Webster Street in Manchester on the afternoon of Oct. 4, 2010. Five days later, Brennan was found dead in her home on North River Road.

Investigators said the 53-year-old mother of three lived alone when she was killed. They never revealed her cause of death.

News 9 spoke with Brennan’s sister, Lisa Post, in 2018. At the time, she said, “Why would anyone want to take her life? She was a good person.” Post went on to say, “it’s unbearable sometimes and you know as the years go by you try to find ways to cope and live with it, but it’s always there, ever present.”

In a statement released Sunday, Post also said, “It has been 15 years since Lynne was murdered. Not knowing who did this to my sister weighs heavily on our whole family. We need answers, and we need peace.”

Manchester’s police chief said any detail, no matter how small it may seem, could be critical in solving the case.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Christopher Knowles said in a statement, in part, “The passage of time only strengthens our resolve… We believe there are people who have information that could be the missing piece in this case.”

Anyone with information about Brennan’s homicide is urged to email the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit at coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov or call 603-271-2663. Tips can be made anonymously.

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100 cows reported safe after barn fire

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By WGAL Web Staff

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    MANOR TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (WGAL) — Emergency dispatch says crews were called to a barn fire in Lancaster County Sunday morning.

When crews arrived around 7 a.m., there was heavy smoke and flames.

The fire was in the 3200 block of Blue Rock Road, near Donnerville Road in Manor Township.

Blue Rock Regional Fire District Fire Commissioner Duane Hagelgans says a nearby silo was also damaged by the fire.

He added that no injuries were reported and no livestock was affected.

In a post on Facebook, Meadow Lane Dairy said their feed room burned down, but their bank barn and the 100 cows inside it were saved.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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DNA leads to arrest in 1994 cold case homicide of Linda Lester, police say

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Greg Ng, David Collins

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    TOWSON, Maryland (WBAL) — Detectives arrested the estranged husband of a woman at the center of a 1994 cold case homicide, Baltimore County police announced Friday.

Linda May Lester, 31, was last seen alive on Oct. 11, 1994, when she left work as a 911 dispatcher in Towson and headed to the Randallstown house of her estranged husband, Donald Lester, to pick up her 2-year-old child, county police said. The victim’s sister reported her missing the next day.

Court documents indicate a friend usually followed Linda Lester to Donald Lester’s house because he had a violent temper and was abusive. On the day of Linda Lester’s disappearance, the friend was delayed, documents state.

At the time, Donald and Linda Lester were going through a divorce and living in separate homes, police said. Authorities said Donald Lester had a life insurance policy on her and got a big payout after Linda Lester’s death.

Police said detectives questioned Donald Lester after Linda Lester’s disappearance, but that it was forensic evidence collected from the victim that led to charges.

On Thursday, detectives arrested Donald Lester, 68, on a first-degree murder charge based on advancements in DNA technology and the evidence collected at the time, police said Friday. Material found under Linda Lester’s fingernails linked Donald Lester to her death.

“This progress would not have been possible if not for the diligent work done decades ago by detectives,” said Joy Lepola-Stewart, a spokesperson for Baltimore County police.

Linda Lester’s body was found alongside Interstate 70 just south of the Howard County line. The medical examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled her manner of death a homicide.

Donald Lester remained held without bond Friday at the Baltimore County Detention Center.

His attorney argued during the bail review hearing for home detention, saying it isn’t shocking that DNA could have been found because they had a kid together, who is now 33 years old.

“For 31 years, Mr. Lester has maintained his innocence. The charging document does nothing to change that,” said Hunter Pruette, Donald Lester’s attorney.

Police said Linda Lester’s throat had been cut, she was strangled and there was evidence of blunt-force trauma to her head, which had been covered with a plastic trash bag. Marks on Linda Lester’s arms indicated self-defense wounds.

Police also said Donald Lester had abrasions on his nose and a burn on his left arm, but couldn’t explain why.

Family members, including the couple’s daughter, left the courthouse crying after attending the hearing to support Donald Lester.

“I think the family is distraught,” Pruette said. “But they are strong, and they are going to do well, and they are going to stay strong. They’ve got his complete support.”

Police arrested Donald Lester on Sept. 30. His next court appearance — unless he’s indicted — is Nov. 7.

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Food banks face increased demand amid government shutdown

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Jacquelyn Quinones

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    WATSONVILLE, California (KSBW) — The ongoing government shutdown is causing increased strain on vulnerable populations in Watsonville, where food banks are experiencing a surge in demand and anxiety.

Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves approximately 70,000 people monthly, has been receiving a high volume of calls since the shutdown announcement.

“It’s just causing a lot of uncertainty in the community, so obviously, federal workers don’t know when their next paycheck is coming,” Mary Casey, Chief People and Culture Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank, said. “So many people rely on benefit programs that are potentially in jeopardy depending on how long things go on so there’s just a lot of disruption and anxiety in the community.”

Second Harvest Food Bank is committed to supporting the community during this challenging time.

“We’re just here for people, we’ll have people who can walk them through but we just want everyone to know that we have food,” Casey said.

At Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, which serves roughly 100 meals during lunchtime, there is also concern about the potential effects of the shutdown.

“The underserved communities are already potentially worried about where they are going to get their next meal whether they need to make a choice between paying their electricity bill or food or medical expenses,” said Ashley Bridges, executive director at Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes.

The shutdown is expected to put many patrons of Loaves and Fishes on edge if it continues.

One patron, Myra Echevarria, shared their concerns, saying, “It’s going to create quite a bit of an impact on my financial status. I really can’t afford groceries.”

Another patron, Miguel Quezada, expressed fear about the situation, stating, “Honestly, it’s very scary just because there’s not that many jobs, either I’m on disability, I got injured at work.”

Second Harvest Food Bank encourages the public to call their hotline for any food assistance questions.

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Youngest pilot at Balloon Fiesta inspired by family tradition

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Sasha Lenninger

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    Albuquerque, New Mexico (KOAT) — More than 500 pilots are expected to participate in the Balloon Fiesta, with 59 joining for the first time.

One of those first-timers was 20-year-old Marissa Vereb. She received her license in October last year in Albuquerque outside the airfield. Vereb has been involved in ballooning for as long as she can remember, with her father showing her the ropes. “Burn flame flame flame hold your redline down,” her father instructed.

Vereb remembers growing up watching her dad attend balloon tethers and waking up early to go ballooning, inspiring her to start flight training as a sophomore in high school.

“I didn’t have enough time to fly consistently with school and all my other activities. Once I graduated high school, I got to fly a lot more,” Vereb said.

Now, she is helping bring younger pilots into the sport.

“We’re always talking about how to keep it going and just getting new pilots involved, and I myself am trying to get my friends involved,” Vereb said. “I can just try to reel them in and take them for flights and start teaching them, and it gets people really hooked and they want to come out and crew and be part of it, and I can’t wait for the community to grow even more,” she said.

Vereb will fly her first-ever Balloon Fiesta with the Aerostar balloon named Mini Bob. Her advice to anyone thinking about becoming a pilot is to stay determined and consistent no matter what, because it’s worth it.

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First responders credit VTRANS employees with saving cardiac arrest victim’s life

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By James Maloney

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    SAINT JOHNSBURY, Vermont (WPTZ) — A Northeast Kingdom man is lucky to be alive after collapsing from cardiac arrest in August. This week, he finally got the chance to thank the people who saved him.

Bob Fenoff, 67, was working on a wall in his office when he said he suddenly blacked out and collapsed. Fenoff’s office is connected to the garage, which he leases to VTRANS.

“I just lost consciousness and that was it. Ended up on the floor,” Fenoff said.

Two VTRANS employees, Noah Royer and John McClure, immediately jumped into action. They dialed 911 and began performing CPR — skills they had learned through mandatory workplace training.

“Even though it doesn’t train you for moments like that, it gives you the basics,” Royer said. “Fight or flight takes over from there.”

First responders arrived minutes later. Paramedics used a defibrillator to restart Fenoff’s heart. He spent two weeks in a coma before waking up and is now expected to make a full recovery.

“If it had not been for the brave and immediate actions of Noah Royer and John McClure, I do not think that Mr. Fenoff would be standing in front of us today,” Keith Feddersen, a paramedic with CALEX Ambulance, said.

Fenoff and his wife, Kathy, say they can’t express enough gratitude for the lifesaving efforts.

“I’d thank you a hundred times — can’t thank you enough,” Kathy said.

First responders hope Fenoff’s story will inspire others to learn CPR and AED use.

“Getting certified is vitally important,” Capt. Phil Hawthorne of the St. Johnsbury Fire Department said. “This case really proves it.”

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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are the Tigers a top-15 college football team?

KMIZ on October 6, 2025

Matthew Sanders

The Missouri Tigers had a great weekend without lifting a finger.

The Tigers were on bye, but still hopped five spots in the AP Top 25 rankings thanks to chaos above them to land at No. 14. Mizzou is undefeated at 5-0 on the season, including a conference win over South Carolina, and the Tigers’ running attack is vaunted. As is quarterback Beau Pribula.

But Mizzou, famously, always has its doubters, especially in the “just means more” SEC.

A major test is coming up Saturday, when Alabama comes to Columbia.

Do you think these Tigers are a top-15 team at this point in the season?

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‘It was really scary’: Montgomery woman thankful to be alive after caught in mass shooting

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Ayron Lewallen, Taylor Lang

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    MONTGOMERY, Alabama (WVTM) — It was supposed to be a fun night out for Keauna Lambert on Saturday. She told WVTM 13 she left the house to go see her favorite social media influencer, but she never thought she would be caught in the middle of a deadly shootout with so much bloodshed.

Two people are dead, including a teen, and a dozen other people are injured following a mass shooting in downtown Montgomery late Saturday night.

Montgomery police said it happened near Bibb Street and Commerce Street around 11:30 p.m., when two groups started shooting at each other in the middle of a crowd.

What we know

Jeremiah Morris, 17, and Shalanda Williams, 43, were killed in the shooting. Police believe they are Montgomery residents. Police believe one of the people shot was targeted. When the gunfire started, others in the crowd pulled out guns and started shooting. Thousands of people were in the city this weekend for the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic, the Alabama National Fair and Alabama State University’s homecoming game. The city stood firmly in its belief that the shooting was not related to these events. There is a reward of at least $50,000 for information that leads to an arrest. If you have any information, call Alabama CrimeStoppers at 334-215-7867. Lambert said she was looking forward to a night out in the downtown Montgomery entertainment district, but she didn’t even have a chance to get out of her car before the chaos unfolded. She said she heard what she believes is 100 shots fired.

“I’m just glad I’m here,” Lambert said. “I’m glad my friends are safe. I’m glad it wasn’t more people than it was because it was just really scary. It felt like I was in a movie.”

Because of what happened, Lambert said she’s reconsidering going out again. She said that was her first time going out in Montgomery and hates that it could be her last.

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Inmate captured after being mistakenly released, deputies say

CNN Newsource on October 6, 2025

By Zach Rainey

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    BUNCOMBE COUNTY, North Carolina (WYFF) — An inmate in Buncombe County, North Carolina, has been captured after he was mistakenly released, according to the sheriff.

On Thursday, Joseph Shustek was mistakenly released from the Buncombe County Detention Facility.

Authorities said Shustek had been found guilty of assaulting a woman on Sept. 11, 2024, and was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon on Sept. 18, 2025.

On Friday, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office announced Shustek’s capture.

The sheriff’s office released the following statement along with the release:

“On behalf of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, we want to extend our sincerest and most profound apology for the erroneous release of inmate Joseph Shustek on October 2nd, 2025.

“This was a serious institutional failure, and we take full responsibility for this procedural error. We understand that this mistake has caused fear and distress for the community, and particularly for the victim(s) of this individual. There are no words that can adequately express our regret for the pain this has caused. The systems in place to prevent such an event failed, and for that, we are truly sorry.

“Our Sheriff’s Office dedicated every available resource to re-apprehend Joseph Shustek and can say that he is now back in the custody of the Sheriff. We are in the process of thoroughly reviewing the procedures that led to this failure and are implementing immediate changes to ensure it never happens again. We would like to thank the District Attorney’s Office for promptly notifying us of the erroneous release and for communicating with the most recent victim to address their immediate safety concerns.”

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