Honoring the past, readying the future: Republicans host Lincoln Day Celebration

KIFI on March 16, 2026

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bonneville and Bingham County GOP honored long-time, former state legislator Dean Mortimer, who served for 14 years in Idaho’s Legislature, at the annual Lincoln Day dinner Saturday.

Mortimer received the “Bonneville County Republican Party Public Service Award.”

Idaho Sen. Dave Lent shared an original poem, “The Measure of a Good Man,” in tribute to Mortimer.

“In quiet ways a life is knownNot by noise and power shown,But steady work from year to year,A faithful voice that others hear.

“He walked the halls where our laws are madeYet never sought the grand parade.With careful thought and patient hand,He served the people of this land.”

(You can see the full poem at the end of this article.)

“I think that ultimately what this event tonight showed is that we have the ability to come together as Republicans under Reagan’s big tent, and that’s what we have emphasized,” said Michael Colson, Chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee. “That’s what we have promised to the voters that we were going to bring in more Republicans to Bonneville County to support the kind of conservative policies and principles that have made our state and our county great.”

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke delivered the keynote address.

“Why is Idaho the best place to live, work and to raise a family?” he asked. “It’s because we always have paid attention to the fundamentals of government. We’ve always lived within the taxpayers’ means. We’ve always defended the Constitution. We’ve always supported the law enforcement and first responders in our community.”

But Rep. Mike Simpson acknowledged the complexity and discord present in politics as well.

“Yes, there’s arguments. There’s debates and fights – not fistfights – but there’s fights and all that kind of stuff. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. “I would not want a government that was too easy, because a government that can do things easily – even if it’s something that makes sense – can do bad things easily.”

Overall, the event focused on commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and readying for the future.

The Bonneville County GOP will be holding multiple forums for the public to meet and learn the positions of candidates who are interested in running, Colson said.

Idaho’s primary elections are May 19.

Tribute to Former Idaho State Senator Dean Mortimer

The Measure of a Good Man

In quiet ways a life is knownNot by noise and power shown,But steady work from year to yearA faithful voice that others hear.

He walked the halls where our laws are madeYet never sought the grand parade.With careful thought and patient handHe served the people of this land.

Consistency is his wayThe same in word from day to dayNot swayed by winds that quickly turnBut guided by the truths he has learned.

His faith in God is clean and clear,A compass held both far and near.In moments calm and under strainsIt is the ground on which he remains.

At home, his truest place of pride,Where love and laughter does resideHis heart belongs first and always thereTo the wife with whom eternity he shares.

Through every season – side by side  Her steady love – his truest guide,A partnership built firm and trueIn quiet strength that always grew.

A father’s care, a grandfather’s graceWarm kindness written upon his faceFor family is his greatest workThe place from which no man should shirk.

He measures success not by acclaimNor by a spotlight on his nameBut by the lives he helped to riseNew doors opened to clearer skies.

Dean believes that helping others growIs the richest work a man can know.To lift a friend, encourage a startAnd plant good courage and mend a heart.

A Scout leader who showed the wayThrough campfire light and break of day,Not just in words, but life displayedThe Oath and Law – more than just Scouts he made.

And yes with humor, warm and plain,He loves his cheese without refrainA simple joy, a shared delightAt family tables late at night.

So let the record show it’s trueA life of service carried throughSteady in purpose – strong, yet kind,The measure of a faithful mind.

For some build towers – tall and grandAnd some leave quiet marks upon the land,But those like Dean, who served with heart and care,Leave something more precious, More precious everywhere.  

– Senator Dave Lent  

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Strong winds cause power outages across Mid-Missouri

KMIZ on March 15, 2026

Euphenie Andre

BOONVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

Strong winds moving through Mid-Missouri Sunday led to scattered power outages across counties.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for central Missouri through Monday afternoon, warning residents about potentially hazardous wind conditions.

According to the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, at around 4:13 p.m., 813 customers were without power across Mid-Missouri. This dropped to around 300 customers by 6 p.m.

In Boone County, outages reached a high of 58 customers without power at 2 p.m. Service was restored around 5:30 p.m., but outages increased again to 63 customers by 6 p.m.

Moniteau County saw outages increase from 75 on Sunday afternoon to 145 by 6 p.m., while Texas County reported the largest outage, with more than 915 customers without power at one point Sunday.

ABC 17 Stormtrack Chief Meteorologist Jessica Hafner reported wind gusts reached 40 to 50 miles per hour at times Sunday, with sustained winds around 20 to 30 miles per hour. The winds are also expected to push temperatures down into the teens by Monday morning.

In Cooper County, about 625 residents were without power for several hours during the day. According to William Johnson with the Cooper County Fire Protection District, a tree that fell along Highway 179 brought down power lines and temporarily blocked the southbound lane.

“When a road is closed for down powerlines it usually means crews or dealing with both electrical hazards and blocked access.” Johnson said.

Some residents said outages caused by strong winds are not uncommon.

It’s really windy out here. Not much to block it you almost blow away when you walk out your back door,” Boonville resident Paige Nichols said.

Nichold added power outages sometimes take hours to restore.

“Sometimes it could last up to eight hours. Just kind of hit or miss on how fast they get the power back up,”

By 5 p.m., the roadway had been cleared and power was restored to all customers in Cooper County.

“Be aware of your surroundings and current weather conditions. With damaged areas or road blockages due to downed trees and powerlines avoid those areas entirely if at all possible. Let the cruise work without extra traffic or interference.” Johnson said.

The Cooper County Fire Protection District is advising residents to take precautions during outages. Officials recommend using flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk. They also advise residents to unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges when electricity returns.

Additionally, officials said residents should keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help preserve food until power is restored.

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Santa Maria Police arrest three after various crimes

KEYT on March 15, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Maria Police arrested two people on Friday and another on Saturday for various crimes.

SMPD officers arrested the first person after a report of someone armed with a knife who threatened a victim at the Azure Apartment complex just after 5:00 p.m. Friday.

The suspect left the building, and SMPD detectives found them two hours later, before they tried violently resisting and fighting officers.

SMPD officers used a taser to take them into custody with a restraint. One SMPD officer suffered injuries during the struggle and was released from Marian Hospital after evaluation.

The suspect’s recent violent criminal activity led to a bail increase request and approval.

The second arrest happened just before 9:30 p.m. Friday at the 400 block West Taylor Street due to a residential burglary.

A landlord called for a tenant who’d left for work, and had money stolen from him inside the home by a family member, according to the SMPD.

The SMPD then found the suspect in Santa Maria and arrested the 28-year-old for the residential burglary charge.

The third SMPD arrest came just before 7:00 p.m. Saturday where officers arrested someone armed that stole a dog.

The suspect tried to flee on foot and shouted that he had a handgun before SMPD officers eventually took him into custody without incident.

SMPD officers found no weapon in the search and noone was injured from the incident.

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Inmate passes away at SLO County Jail

KEYT on March 15, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – An inmate died at the San Luis Obispo County Jail just before 9:00 p.m. during medication dispersal Saturday night, according to the SLO County Sheriff’s Office.

Custody and nursing staff tried to revive Trenidad Castilleja, 48 from San Luis Obispo, using CPR until paramedics arrived, according to the SLOCSO.

Castilleja remained unresponsive and paramedics pronounced him dead around 9:00 p.m. after identification, according to the SLOCSO.

Castilleja has received more than 24 bookings into the SLO County Jail since 1998, the most recent on Dec. 18, 2024, according to SLOCSO.

Castilleja awaited sentencing on a third case after his previous two resolved cases involved bookings into custody.

A cause of death is unknown at this time until an autopsy can be performed, though no foul play is suspected, according to the SLOCSO.

Next of kin has been notified and no further information is available at this time, according to the SLOCSO.

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Car crashes into Santa Maria building causing damage

KEYT on March 15, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A 20-year-old driver crashed their car into a parked car at the 400 block of South Broadway, then into a building due to wide tires just after 7:00 p.m. Friday, according to Santa Maria Police.

The crash caused no injuries due to the empty building at the time of the incident, and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, according to Santa Maria Police.

SMPD officers note that changes to the car and driver inexperience led to the crash.

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Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson reflects on Idaho roots and Hollywood career during Idaho Falls visit

KIFI on March 15, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Broadway and film star Cheyenne Jackson recently returned to eastern Idaho, bringing his nationally touring show “Mid-Life Torso Tour” to the Colonial Theatre in Idaho Falls. But long before the bright lights of Broadway and Hollywood, Jackson’s story began in the small towns of northern Idaho.

From growing up in rural communities to appearing in the Oscar-nominated film “United 93”, Jackson’s career has taken him across the country and onto some of the entertainment industry’s biggest stages — all while maintaining a deep connection to the Gem State. Ahead of the 2026 Oscars, Local News 8’s Danielle Mullenix sat down with Jackson to discuss his time on the set of “United 93” and his journey from Idaho to the Academy Awards.

In conversation with actor Cheyenne Jackson at the Local News 8 Newsroom

Small-Town Beginnings in Idaho

Jackson spent much of his childhood in Oldtown, Idaho, growing up in a modest environment that helped shape both his work ethic and his creativity.

“We lived out in the woods. We had no running water and an outhouse,” Jackson recalled. “I grew up singing in the church, and my mom raised my brothers and me to enjoy music.”

He says one pivotal moment came during high school when a teacher introduced him to Broadway.

Jackson’s French teacher organized an exciting school trip by bus to Spokane, where they would witness a touring production of “Les Misérables” at the Spokane Opera House. As he sat next to his classmates in the beautifully ornate theatre, the air filled with anticipation, and Jackson found himself lost in thought, imagining the thrill of a life illuminated by the stage spotlight and the shimmering allure of the big screen.

“I didn’t know what Broadway was,” Jackson said. “That was the first time I realized you could do that for a living.”

Building a Broadway Career

After high school and several side jobs, Jackson moved to Seattle to pursue a career in performing. By the age of twenty-seven, Jackson had built a strong resume of theatre credits in Washington and decided it was time to make a one-way flight to New York City. It wasn’t long before he found success on Broadway.

He went on to appear in several well-known stage productions, including Xanadu, All Shook Up, and Finian’s Rainbow, among many others. Fresh off a run from the Tony-winning production Oh, Mary!, Jackson decided to take his musical talents on the road in his current “Mid-Life Torso Tour”.

XanaduCredit Photo: Peter Lueders/Paul Kolnik Studio

Jackson’s stage presence eventually opened doors in television and film, helping him build a career spanning multiple entertainment genres.

A Breakout Film Role in “United 93”

After achieving success on Broadway, Jackson made his way onto film studio lots, where he began his early film and television career. One of his notable roles was in “United 93,” the critically acclaimed 2006 film that dramatizes the events aboard one of the hijacked planes during the September 11 attacks.

“United 93” film poster, nominated for Best Director and Best Film Editing at the 2007 Academy Awards

Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film was praised for its emotional realism and powerful storytelling. Jackson reflected on the film’s 20th anniversary and how its impact resonated during the shooting process.

“That was my first major movie,” Jackson said. “The takes were about 15 minutes long, and it was incredibly daunting and heartbreaking.”

Rather than impersonating the real passengers, Jackson said the cast approached the film with a sense of responsibility to honor the real people involved.

“It wasn’t about trying to do an impersonation,” he explained. “It was the duty that we all felt because we were playing real people.”

The film ultimately earned an Academy Award nomination for Greengrass’ direction.

Even now, Jackson says he still enjoys watching the Academy Awards — something that reminds him of his childhood in Idaho.

“I love the Oscars,” he said. “It reminds me of being a kid sitting there with my parents watching. It’s one moment where we all kind of come together.”

Advice for Future Academy Award Actors

For aspiring actors and performers growing up in small towns, Jackson says the most important thing is to stay open to opportunity.

“Take every opportunity that comes to you,” he said. “I didn’t go to college, but I learned by doing. Watch every person, stay inspired by their work, and absorb their creativity through osmosis. Be the sponge.”

Jackson’s journey from rural Idaho to Broadway stages and Hollywood screens serves as a reminder that big dreams can grow even in the quietest corners of the Gem State.

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Housing projects revitalize former schools in Mid-Missouri

KMIZ on March 15, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Three former schools in Mid-Missouri are expected to see their classrooms filled again through adaptive reuse projects that focus on restoring historic buildings for new uses, specifically housing.

“I love old buildings,” said Sandy Hisle, co-owner of Marshall Tower Realty. “New construction is beautiful, and it’s super energy efficient and all of that, old buildings, they just have that character.”

Hisle is no stranger to restoring properties. Previous projects included the Tower Realty office, a former 1930s car dealership, and the Tower Extended Stay Suites, a 1950s motel. Now she’s turning her attention to the former Benton Elementary School.

Hisle’s project is not the only former school being reimagined in Mid-Missouri. The Carver School apartments in Fulton have already been completed, while the Tannehill Apartments in Moberly are expected to finish soon.

Adaptive reuse projects have been on the uptick nationally, with RentCafe reporting nearly 25,000 apartments added through adaptive reuse projects in 2024.

Doug Ressler, senior analyst and manager of business intelligence at Yardi Matrix, expects the number of adaptive reuse projects to increase as underused office spaces tied to hybrid and remote work meet growing housing needs.

The Benton school on South Ellsworth Avenue in Marshall was built in 1922 and was used as a school until it closed in May 2025, after a new school was built. Marshall Tower Realty purchased the property that summer.

The project is expected to create 17 apartments and turn the cafeteria space into a rentable commercial kitchen. Hisle predicts the project will cost $60,000 a unit, not including the overall building infrastructure.

“The walls are basically built where each one has a block and brick walls that go all the way to the ceiling,” Hisle said. “This building was built to be here a long time.”

The Tannehill Apartments on North Johnson Street in Moberly is a 1930s-era school building that housed Moberly junior high and high school classes. It was last used in 1977. The project is overseen by ND Consulting Group and the Northeast Community Action Corporation, which used public money to finance construction in 2020.

The project initially was expected to cost around $14 million, later upped to $22 million. The apartments are set to open on March 19 with 40 affordable housing units for residents 55 and older.

The Carver School Apartments hosted a grand opening in December 2025. The building is located on Westminster Avenue in Fulton, and was a partnership between MACO Management Company, Inc. and the George Washington Carver School Cultural Center Board. It was built in 1937 as an all-Black school until it was integrated by the Fulton Board of Education in 1970.

The school was last used for Fulton Public Schools’ sixth-grade class, closing in 1982. MACO was contacted about the project by the board in 2018, and closed on financing and bought the property in 2024. 

The construction cost around $8 million. The completed building has 33 affordable housing units, also focused on seniors.

“It seems like the school buildings work a little better.” said MACO Management Company President Jason Maddox. “Just because of the similarity in size.”

After a property is picked and purchased for renovations, work can begin. Projects often see delays in the permit and funding process, though.

Both the Tannehill apartments and Carver school apartments rode out delays in funding. The Tannehill apartments shifted through various plans for around 20 years before partnering with ND Consulting Group in 2020. The developers were later able to secure a $2.6 million home loan from the Missouri Housing Development Commission, and roughly $10.5 million in federal and state low-income housing tax credits and investments from Midwest Housing Equity Group and Monarch Private Capital.

The Carver school was put on pause in 2019 due to the pandemic. The search for funding started in 2021, with the project getting two tax credit applications rejected. Developers later landed $8.2 million in federal housing credits, $3.7 million in state housing credits and $766,000 in federal historic tax credits.

The permit process typically comes after the project’s architects and structural and project engineers come in to review the structure and plan out what’s needed for construction. This includes taking note of any existing damage and plumbing and electric components of the building.

According to Maddox, in some cases, assessments from MACO’s engineers and builders find that renovating a building can cost as much as new construction.

“Maybe it doesn’t make sense if you can build something brand new, but when you consider the historic element that value is worth something,” Maddox said. “So while the dollars sometimes can get very large and doing these conversions, there’s always a value to preserving that piece of history.”

The plans are then brought to city officials, who also often inspect the properties throughout the construction process.

“These are both in residential areas, typical of the old schools that were situated amongst people’s neighborhoods and that presents some initial challenges,” Marshall City Administrator JD Kehrman said. “They often have to be either rezoned or, in the case of Marshall’s code, the Planning and Zoning Commission was able to issue what’s called a special use permit to allow these old buildings to be converted into residential apartments.”

The Benton project is in the permit approval process with Hisle hoping to start construction in April or May.

All three housing projects began with renovation and preservation in mind, though the need for housing remains significant across Mid-Missouri.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports Missouri is short more than 127,000 affordable rental homes.

“There’s a great demand here for rental property, and so the opportunity for somebody to rent space in a converted old building like that, it’s not just aesthetically appealing, but it also fills a much-needed gap in the housing,” Kehrman said.

Households are considered severely cost-burdened if they spend more than 50% of their gross monthly income on housing-related expenses. In 2024, the Missouri Housing Development Commission found that more than 9% of renters in Saline and Callaway counties fall into that category. This rate jumps to over 17% in Randolph County.

“We’ve been working on multiple different projects for housing. Marshall has not had a lot of new construction in the last several years,” Hisle said. “We’re in a major need for housing.”

In a 2023 housing study of Callaway County, Central Missouri Community Action found that available housing in Fulton was low. The average time a house is on the market is between five and six months. Fulton saw homes being on the market for an average of 2.8 months in 2022.

The report also found that rental rates have increased over the last decade by between 23% and nearly 50%. They also found that energy costs in the city of Fulton are 18% higher than the national average for renters.

Thomas Mustain, who recently moved into the Carver Apartments, agrees that finding affordable housing is difficult.

“At times it has, yeah, a lot of places are $800 to $900 a month, and plus you know down payments, that’s kind of high for me,” Mustain said.

Mustain saod neighbors he spoke with are satisfied with the units.

“Everything is just lining up what we’re going to be needing, washer and dryer,” Mustain said, “The rental price is very reasonable compared to most places, that’s number one right there, and we can have our dogs too.”

Both the Tannehill and Carver school apartments are accepting new leases.

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H-E-B’s “Quest for Texas Best” Returns in 2026: A Texas-Sized Opportunity for Entrepreneurs

CNN Newsource on March 15, 2026

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    March 12, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Everything is bigger in Texas, and when it comes to supporting small businesses, few companies embody that spirit more powerfully than H-E-B—a treasured Houston Style Magazine partner and a beloved Texas institution. In 2026, the grocery giant is once again inviting entrepreneurs, innovators, and homegrown creators across the Lone Star State to step into the spotlight with the launch of the 13th Annual “Quest for Texas Best” competition, a statewide search for the most exciting Texas-made products.

For more than a decade, this flagship initiative from H-E-B Supplier Diversity has helped transform bold ideas from kitchen tables and small workshops into products featured on shelves across Texas. Now, the next wave of entrepreneurs has their chance to shine.

A Texas Tradition of Opportunity

Beginning Wednesday, March 11, 2026, through Tuesday, April 22, 2026, Texans can submit their locally made food or product innovations for consideration in the 2026 competition. The prize? Not only bragging rights but a share of $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to see their products distributed in H-E-B stores statewide.

For emerging entrepreneurs—especially small and diverse business owners—this competition has become one of the most powerful launchpads in the state’s retail ecosystem.

Through its Supplier Diversity program, H-E-B has long championed small businesses, recognizing that thriving local companies help strengthen communities, create jobs, and reflect the cultural richness of Texas itself.

“Supporting Texas entrepreneurs isn’t just good business—it’s part of who we are,” the company has often emphasized through its initiatives. And Houston Style Magazine readers know firsthand how impactful those opportunities can be for local innovators.

A Launchpad for Small and Diverse Businesses

Each year, the Quest for Texas Best competition attracts hundreds of applicants—from family-owned food startups and artisan snack brands to creative beverage makers and specialty product developers.

Participants move through several stages of judging where H-E-B experts evaluate:

Product quality and uniqueness Readiness for retail distribution Brand story and packaging Market potential Finalists receive valuable exposure and mentorship from industry professionals, giving them insights into how to scale their businesses successfully.

For many past winners, the competition has proven transformational—helping local brands move from small production runs to statewide retail distribution almost overnight.

Information Sessions to Help Entrepreneurs Prepare

To help prospective participants learn more about the competition and how to submit winning entries, H-E-B will host four virtual informational sessions throughout March and April.

2026 Quest for Texas Best Information Sessions

• Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — 1:00 PM–2:30 PM CT • Wednesday, April 8, 2026 — 10:00 AM–11:30 AM CT • Wednesday, April 15, 2026 — 10:00 AM–11:30 AM CT • Tuesday, April 21, 2026 — 1:00 PM–2:30 PM CT

These sessions provide valuable insights into eligibility requirements, product submission guidelines, and strategies for success in the competition.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating or exploring supplier opportunities can learn more at: supplier.heb.com/diversity

Houston Style Magazine Salutes a Trusted Partner

For decades, H-E-B has been more than a grocery store—it has been a community champion across Texas, investing in neighborhoods, supporting small businesses, and helping entrepreneurs turn dreams into thriving enterprises.

That commitment aligns perfectly with the mission of Houston Style Magazine, which has proudly served Houston readers since 1989, highlighting opportunity, innovation, and economic empowerment throughout the region.

As Texas continues to grow as a national hub for entrepreneurship, initiatives like Quest for Texas Best remind us that the next great Texas brand may already be brewing in someone’s kitchen—or being crafted in a small business right here in Houston.

And thanks to visionary programs like this one, those innovators now have a pathway from local inspiration to statewide recognition.

Texas entrepreneurs, your moment has arrived.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page Jr.
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

Houston’s Maternal Health Wake-Up Call: How Legacy Community Health Is Helping Black Mothers Be Seen, Heard, and Protected

CNN Newsource on March 15, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    March 12, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston is a city that prides itself on big medicine, big innovation, and an even bigger heart. But when it comes to maternal health, especially for Black women, Harris County is facing a crisis that is far too serious to sugarcoat. Public health data show Harris County’s Black maternal mortality rate reached 83.4 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births from 2016 to 2020, with Black infants in the county also experiencing the highest infant mortality rate at 11.66 per 1,000 births. Harris County’s own Maternal Health Bill of Rights says the county’s maternal death rate has remained above the national average since 2016.

Nationally, the picture is troubling too. The CDC reports that in 2023, Black women had a maternal mortality rate of 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, far above White, Hispanic, and Asian women. Texas health officials have also continued to warn that most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, reinforcing a painful truth: too many mothers are being lost not because solutions do not exist, but because access, continuity, and equitable care still do not reach everyone who needs them.

That is exactly why this conversation matters in Houston right now. The Black maternal health crisis is not just a policy debate, a hospital statistic, or a conference panel topic. It is about families. It is about whether a mother gets to come home safely. It is about whether a baby gets a healthy beginning. And it is about whether a world-class medical city can deliver world-class outcomes for the very women who have too often been overlooked.

Dr. Erica Giwa, Medical Director of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Legacy Community Health, put it plainly in comments provided for this story: “The reality is devastating. In Harris County, Black mothers experience the highest maternal mortality rate in the country, and the majority of those deaths are preventable. These aren’t just numbers — they’re families changed forever.”

She does not stop there. “Our role is to catch problems earlier, act faster, and remove every barrier that keeps Black mothers from safe, respectful, and responsive care.”

That mission is central to Legacy Community Health, which says it is the number one federally qualified health center in Texas by patient count, the third largest in the nation, and the top FQHC in the United States for prenatal care by patient volume. Legacy also says it served nearly 200,000 patients last year and operates 63 clinics across the Texas Gulf Coast region, while its broader website now says more than 250,000 Texans choose Legacy for care. The organization’s January 22, 2026 maternal health announcement emphasized that its maternal care strategy begins with immediate access and stays focused on support from pregnancy confirmation through postpartum care.

In other words, Legacy is not waiting for women to “figure it out” on their own. The system starts with free walk-in pregnancy testing, same-day next steps, and help connecting patients to coverage support. That early entry matters because delays in care can turn manageable conditions into dangerous emergencies, especially in a state where Texas has documented persistent disparities in maternal death and severe maternal morbidity.

Dr. Giwa is upfront about why disparities have persisted for so long: “Because the problem isn’t Black mothers — it’s the system around them.” She adds, “Too often their symptoms are overlooked, their pain is minimized, and their concerns aren’t acted on quickly enough.”

That is where Legacy’s Prenatal Navigation program comes in, and frankly, Houston could use more of this kind of practical compassion. Navigators help patients move from pregnancy confirmation to prenatal appointments, postpartum follow-up, and even pediatric care. They assist with scheduling, bilingual support, transportation barriers, childcare challenges, work conflicts, and access to community resources. Legacy says this model is designed to provide continuity, not confusion.

As Dr. Giwa explains, “Prenatal navigation is one of the most powerful tools we have.” She continues: “From the very first day, sometimes even the first pregnancy test, we assign a navigator who stays with the patient through pregnancy, postpartum, and into pediatric care.”

For mothers at higher risk, Legacy is also pairing people-powered care with tech-enabled monitoring through Delfina Care. According to Legacy’s 2026 release, the platform offers remote monitoring for blood pressure, glucose, and weight, along with virtual classes and 24/7 doula support. Legacy reports partner outcomes that include 48% fewer preterm births, 68% fewer NICU admissions, 44% fewer hypertensive disorders, and 58% fewer gestational diabetes cases. Those are not just impressive numbers; they point to what can happen when care leaves the clinic and stays connected to the patient’s everyday life.

That kind of vigilance matters because conditions like hypertension and preeclampsia remain major clinical drivers of maternal morbidity and mortality. Legacy’s educational materials emphasize the growing dangers of high blood pressure and preeclampsia, while Texas and Harris County data continue to show that Black women face disproportionate risks tied to hypertension, preterm birth, and related complications.

Dr. Giwa underscores that urgency: “We are especially vigilant about high blood pressure and preeclampsia, because they remain leading causes of preventable maternal death.” She adds, “We don’t wait for problems to escalate.”

Just as important is what happens after the baby arrives. The postpartum period, sometimes called the fourth trimester, is one of the most overlooked and dangerous chapters in maternal health. Legacy says its model includes blood pressure monitoring, depression screening, lactation support, pediatric follow-up, and continuity through its Ob2Pedi and perinatal navigation efforts.

Dr. Giwa’s warning should be printed in bold across every waiting room in America: “The postpartum period is one of the riskiest and most overlooked stages of maternal health.” She adds, “We stay close during the fourth trimester because too many mothers are lost after delivery, not during it.”

And yet, even in the face of such sobering realities, this is not a story about despair. It is a story about doing something. It is a story about culturally responsive care, earlier intervention, and systems built to listen instead of dismiss. It is a story about Houston organizations stepping up where the need is greatest. Harris County’s Maternal Health Bill of Rights now openly affirms that families deserve dignified, fair, respectful care before, during, and after pregnancy. Legacy’s work shows what that promise can look like in practice.

Dr. Giwa offers the message Black mothers need to hear most: “You deserve to feel safe, heard, and respected in every part of your care.” And perhaps the most hopeful line of all is this one: “Maternal deaths are preventable — and we know the solutions.”

For Houston families, that hope comes with an action step. Legacy Community Health offers prenatal and OB/GYN services, free walk-in pregnancy testing, and appointment support through its systemwide maternal health programs. Readers can contact Legacy at (832) 548-5000 and find care information through Legacy’s OB/GYN and maternity services.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page Jr.
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

Woman injured in drive-by shooting at Aurora bus stop

CNN Newsource on March 15, 2026

By Christa Swanson

Click here for updates on this story

    AURORA, Colorado (KCNC) — A woman was hospitalized Sunday after she was wounded in a drive-by shooting in Aurora while sitting at a bus stop.

The Aurora Police Department said the woman was sitting at the stop located in the 9600 block of East Colfax Avenue around 5:30 a.m. when an unknown vehicle pulled up in front of her. Police say someone in the vehicle pulled out a gun and fired at her, striking the woman in the leg.

She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, APD said her wounds do not appear to be life-threatening.

No one else was injured in the shooting.

Authorities said the case is being investigated by the Gun Violence Suppression Team. So far, no suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made.

The APD urged anyone with information on this shooting to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.

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