The Obama Presidential Center Expands Its Public Art Legacy — A Monument to Memory, Movement, and the Power of “We”

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    February 16, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Chicago’s South Side is preparing for a cultural renaissance that will echo across the globe. With the Obama Presidential Center set to open in June 2026, a new chapter in American civic life is unfolding—one where art, history, and community converge with bold intention.

The Obama Foundation has announced five new major artist commissions that will expand the Center’s already groundbreaking public art program. Visionary artists Mark Bradford, Tyanna J. Buie, Jay Heikes, Carrie Mae Weems, and the collaborative duo Sam Kirk + Dorian Sylvain will each create site-specific works that deepen the Center’s mission: to inspire civic engagement and celebrate collective identity through creative expression.

For readers of Houston Style Magazine, this moment resonates deeply. The rise of a world-class presidential center anchored in art is not simply a Chicago story—it is a national affirmation of culture as power, creativity as activism, and public space as sacred ground.

A 19.3-Acre Vision of Possibility

Situated in historic Jackson Park, the 19.3-acre campus will include:

A state-of-the-art museum A public library A fruit and vegetable garden An athletic center Expansive outdoor gathering spaces The Center represents more than a tribute to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama—it embodies their belief that ordinary people, working together, can achieve extraordinary change.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, captured the spirit best: public art helps us tell our stories and see one another more clearly. And at this Center, storytelling becomes a living, breathing experience.

Meet the New Artistic Voices

Mark Bradford — City of the Big Shoulders

A towering, three-story installation in the Museum’s Our Story Atrium, Bradford’s monumental work maps Chicago as both landscape and lived memory. Known for his layered abstract compositions using commercial materials, Bradford compresses history into texture—examining power, survival, and hope through visual fragmentation.

Tyanna J. Buie — Be the Change!

Rooted in her South Side upbringing, Buie’s large-scale ink and screen-printed installation in the Forum Building draws from imagery tied to President Obama’s historic election. Inspired by her own experience at the Bud Billiken Parade, her work pulses with themes of civic participation, hope, and generational progress.

Jay Heikes — Quintessence

Seven-pointed bronze stars installed along an exterior courtyard wall reflect evolving American identity. As sunlight shifts throughout the day, so too does the viewer’s perspective—inviting contemplation on regeneration and collective belonging.

Carrie Mae Weems — The Cool Blue Wind

This luminous photographic collage, printed on metallic paper with blue overlays, merges imagery of President Obama’s victory with the improvisational freedom of jazz. Accompanied by original music, the installation becomes a multisensory tribute to democracy, memory, and movement.

Sam Kirk + Dorian Sylvain — Pass It Forward

Located in the Center’s athletic facility, this vibrant mural celebrates the cultural heartbeat of Chicago’s South Side. Through color, pattern, and narrative imagery, the piece honors neighborhood legacy while imagining a future shaped by the next generation.

A Global Destination for Free Public Art

These new commissions join works by a distinguished roster of artists—including Lindsay Adams, Nekisha Durrett, Theaster Gates, Maya Lin, Julie Mehretu, Alison Saar, Kiki Smith, and a collaboration between Nick Cave and Marie Watt—cementing the Obama Presidential Center as a global hub for accessible public art.

Dr. Louise Bernard, Founding Director of the Museum, emphasizes that these works engage the South Side not just as subject, but as source. They reflect the energy, complexity, and resilience of community life.

And perhaps most powerfully, they extend the spirit that once transformed the White House into “The People’s House”—a space open to diverse voices, disciplines, and dreams.

Why This Matters to Houston

Houston knows something about cultural crossroads. From Third Ward to Acres Homes, from mural corridors to museum districts, we understand how art anchors identity. The Obama Presidential Center’s investment in free, community-centered public art signals something larger: a recommitment to democracy not just as policy—but as participation.

For young visitors—especially young Black and Brown students—the Center will stand as proof that leadership and creativity are not distant ideals. They are living possibilities.

When the Obama Presidential Center opens its doors in June 2026, it will not simply unveil a museum. It will unveil a movement—one that reminds us that art is democracy’s mirror, and that the power of “Yes We Can” still lives boldly in brushstroke, bronze, and blue-toned light.

For Houston Style Magazine readers, that’s a story worth celebrating.

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@gmail.com
7139275444

Branford Marsalis Reimagines Belonging at The Wortham: A Historic Jazz Moment for Houston

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    February 16, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston’s cultural calendar is about to strike a powerful chord.

On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM, the internationally acclaimed Branford Marsalis brings his signature fire, finesse, and fearless improvisation to the Wortham Theater Center, performing in the intimate Cullen Theater as part of the celebrated chamber music and jazz presenter Da Camera of Houston.

The occasion? A bold reimagining of Belonging, the 1974 masterpiece by jazz icon Keith Jarrett—an album long regarded as one of the most transcendent quartet recordings in modern jazz history.

For Houston’s vibrant arts community, this is more than a concert. It’s a historic conversation across generations.

Revisiting a Jazz Landmark

Released in 1974, Belonging marked the debut of Jarrett’s European Quartet and became a defining statement in post-bop lyricism and improvisational freedom. The album fused sweeping melodic architecture with subtle emotional undercurrents—an achievement that still inspires musicians five decades later.

Marsalis, a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist whose career spans jazz, classical, film scoring, and Broadway, approaches this material not as imitation, but as interpretation. Known for his disciplined musicianship and fearless individuality, Marsalis honors the spirit of Jarrett’s work while allowing his own quartet’s chemistry to breathe new life into the compositions.

In true Houston fashion, this performance promises both reverence and reinvention.

Da Camera’s Continued Commitment to Artistic Excellence

For decades, Da Camera of Houston has positioned the city at the intersection of chamber music and jazz innovation. By curating intimate performances in world-class venues, the organization has created a platform where legends and rising stars connect directly with audiences.

Hosting Marsalis at the Wortham underscores Da Camera’s dedication to presenting transformative musical experiences. The Cullen Theater—renowned for its acoustics and close-up atmosphere—will allow every note, every pause, and every improvised flourish to resonate deeply.

For Houston Style Magazine readers who champion culture, creativity, and community impact, this event reflects exactly why Houston remains one of America’s most dynamic arts cities.

Why This Night Matters for Houston

Houston’s jazz lineage runs deep—from neighborhood jam sessions to global stages. Bringing an artist of Marsalis’ caliber to reinterpret a milestone recording elevates the city’s artistic profile while inviting audiences into a shared, reflective experience.

In a time when digital playlists dominate, live jazz remains a powerful reminder of collective energy—of musicians and audience members breathing in rhythm together. This performance celebrates legacy while affirming the future of improvisational music.

For longtime jazz aficionados, it’s an opportunity to revisit a beloved recording through a new lens. For younger listeners, it’s an invitation to discover why Belonging continues to influence artists worldwide.

Event Details:

Branford Marsalis: Reimagining Belonging Sunday, February 22, 2026 • 5:00 PM Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center • Houston, Texas

Tickets and additional details are available at: dacamera.com

Houston has always been a city that understands rhythm—whether in its music, its diversity, or its unstoppable momentum. On February 22, that rhythm will echo through the Wortham as Branford Marsalis and Da Camera deliver an unforgettable chapter in the city’s cultural story.

For Houston Style Magazine readers who believe art should challenge, inspire, and unite—this is your Sunday soundtrack.

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@gmail.com
7139275444

Love in Action: Harris County Leaders Deliver Hope Through Meals on Wheels

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By Francis Page Jr

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    February 16, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a city known for its heart, Valentine’s Day arrived with more than roses and chocolate. It arrived with compassion on wheels.

On Friday, February 14, 2026, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia joined Interfaith Ministries President and CEO Sheroo Mukhtiar to personally deliver meals to homebound seniors through Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s beloved Meals on Wheels program.

It wasn’t a photo opportunity. It was a reminder. The mission was simple — but powerful.

“What better way to show love to the community ahead of Valentine’s Day than by delivering meals to folks in need.”

Those words from Judge Hidalgo captured the spirit of the day. While many Houstonians exchanged flowers and cards, county leaders delivered something just as meaningful: nourishment, reassurance, and connection.

Why Meals on Wheels Matters More Than Ever in Houston

As Houston families navigate rising grocery costs, housing pressures, and lingering economic uncertainty, one sobering statistic stands out: according to a 2025 report from the Kinder Institute, more than 2 in 5 households in Harris County face food insecurity—nearly three times the national average.

For seniors living alone on fixed incomes, those numbers aren’t abstract. They’re daily realities.

“What better way to show love to the community ahead of Valentine’s Day than by delivering meals to folks in need,” Judge Hidalgo shared. “With inflation, food insecurity and costs of living still high, the work that Meals on Wheels does is important now more than ever.”

And the numbers behind that work are staggering.

1,385,654 meals delivered in 2025 More than 6,000 seniors served across Harris County 80,724 pounds of pet food distributed through the Animeals program

Yes, pet food. Because in many households, a senior’s cat or dog is family—and companionship is as essential as nutrition.

More Than a Meal: It’s a Wellness Check, a Smile, a Lifeline

Meals on Wheels in Houston is about far more than nutrition. Each knock on the door is a wellness check. A friendly face. A few minutes of conversation that can mean everything to someone who may not see another person that day.

Under the leadership of Sheroo Mukhtiar, Interfaith Ministries continues to expand its reach, ensuring that seniors can age with dignity, safety, and connection. In a county of nearly five million residents—the third-largest in the nation—this work is both massive and deeply personal.

Congresswoman Garcia’s participation underscored a bipartisan truth: caring for seniors is not political. It is moral. It is communal. It is Houston at its best.

A Call to Action for Houston

Houston Style Magazine readers know this city thrives when we show up for one another. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every act counts.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with food benefits, Harris County residents can explore SNAP resources through the Harris County Community Services Department: cjo.harriscountytx.gov

And if you’re looking for a meaningful way to serve in 2026, consider volunteering with Meals on Wheels through Interfaith Ministries. A few hours of your time could change someone’s entire week.

Leadership in Service

As Harris County’s chief executive and Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Judge Hidalgo oversees a $5 billion county budget alongside four precinct commissioners. Yet on this February Friday, leadership looked less like policy and more like presence—walking up driveways, carrying insulated bags, and delivering warmth in more ways than one.

Because in Houston, love isn’t just spoken.

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@gmail.com
7139275444

Fetus found at water treatment plant in South Carolina

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By Stephanie Moore

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    SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WYFF) — A fetus found at a water treatment plant in South Carolina on Friday was stillborn, according to new information released Monday by the Sumter County Coroner’s Office.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said a 911 call came in about 11:30 a.m. Friday about the fetus being found by workers at the plant on Edgehill Road.

The fetus was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina.

Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker said Monday that the autopsy showed the fetus was male and between 13 to 15 weeks.

Baker said it was determined that there was no trauma to the fetus and it was stillborn.

According to Baker, this is not a legal death because the fetus was premature and never took a breath.

Baker said the race of the fetus is unknown at this time because the fetus sat in the sewer chemicals for at least a day.

The next step in the investigation is for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to test tissue samples in hopes of determining race and finding the mother.

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.

College Hill couple demands accountability after police shoot dog during 911 call

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By Jay Shakur

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    CINCINNATI (WCPO) — A College Hill couple is seeking answers and wants accountability after Cincinnati police shot their dog in the head during a response to an alleged burglary call at their home.

Alicia Wheeler-Stevens called 911 on Tuesday Feb. 10 when she thought someone was breaking into her home on West North Bend Road. When officers arrived, one of her dogs escaped from the house, prompting police to open fire.

police shoot dog during 911 call Alicia Wheeler’s Dog .jpg Photo by: provided Alicia and William Wheeler’s dog By: Jay Shakur Posted 11:47 AM, Feb 14, 2026 CINCINNATI — A College Hill couple is seeking answers and wants accountability after Cincinnati police shot their dog in the head during a response to an alleged burglary call at their home.

Alicia Wheeler-Stevens called 911 on Tuesday Feb. 10 when she thought someone was breaking into her home on West North Bend Road. When officers arrived, one of her dogs escaped from the house, prompting police to open fire.

“I thought that I heard this door open and shut. I was in my living room, which is on the other end of the house,” Wheeler-Stevens told WCPO. “The next thing I know, I heard a gunshot. They shot him in his head.”

Wheeler-Stevens said she watched in horror as her dog, Max, bled on the ground after being shot.

“That’s something I’ll have to live with for the rest of my life,” she said.

Her husband, William Stevens, said he arrived to find police cars blocking the street and officers with guns drawn.

“I walk into the side of the house, grab my dog. They told me not to go in. I’m going in anyway — you shot my dog.” Stevens said. “So I get him, put him on the leash. He’s bleeding profusely. I mean, he’s bleeding so bad my car is full of blood.”

Stevens rushed Max to an emergency veterinarian, where doctors found metal fragments in the dog’s head. Max is now recovering at home, but the couple said veterinary bills have reached approximately $3,000, and the dog may require additional surgery.

Stevens questioned why five officers couldn’t subdue one dog without using deadly force.

“You shoot him instead of (Tasing) him? I don’t understand that.” Stevens said. “And then we don’t get an apology or nothing. I believe they need to pay for all my vet bills, which is totally about $3,000 as of this moment.”

The couple said police left the scene without apologizing or providing a written report about the incident. They have had no contact from Cincinnati police since the shooting.

Ken Kober, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Queen City Lodge 69, said such situations are tragic but sometimes unavoidable.

“These officers walk into these dangerous situations,” Kober said. “They have a right to defend themselves, whether it’s from somebody that’s armed with a weapon, or, in this case, a dog that may be aggressing upon them. If they believe that they’re going to be bit, they have the right to defend themselves.”

Kober, who spent eight years as a canine handler, said officers’ comfort levels with dogs vary and that some situations develop too quickly for alternative responses.

“It depends on whether the officers are even aware that an animal’s involved,” he said. “You could have no idea that there’s an animal involved until you’re on the porch knocking on a door and somebody’s let a dog go.”

To prevent similar incidents, Kober recommends that people calling 911 inform dispatchers if they have pets, especially dogs that might be aggressive.

“If you can contain that dog, whether you put it in your bathroom, put it in a cage, do something like that, it could prevent tragedies like this from happening,” Kober said.

The Stevens family is now also warning other pet owners to secure their animals before calling 911.

“Be cautious when you call 911, make sure you put your dogs in a room so they don’t get shot,” Stevens said. “They’re like your kids.”

Wheeler-Stevens, who recently underwent spinal surgery, said the trauma has affected both her and her pet.

“I believe my dog’s gonna be traumatized the rest of his life,” she said.

The couple now wants Cincinnati police to pay their veterinary bills and hold the officer who shot their dog accountable.

CPD did not respond to requests for comment or body camera footage from the incident.

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.

Missing UC Berkeley student found deceased in nearby lake, authorities say

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By KGO Staff

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    BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) — Authorities have recovered the body of a missing 22-year-old UC Berkeley student.

Saketh Sreenivasaiah was reported missing on February 10. His body was found by county dive teams at Lake Anza.

Sreenivasaiah was an international student from India.

The Daily Californian, UC Berkeley’s student newspaper, reports the Indian consulate and local police have been in contact with the student’s family.

According to his LinkedIn, he was working toward his master’s degree in the chemical and biomolecular engineering department.

The student paper also reports his roommate was concerned about his recent depressive behavior right before he went missing.

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.

Home survives Evangeline Parish tornado

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By Anthony Council

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    LOUISIANA (KATC) — From the front, the Crooked Creek house shows little sign of the powerful storm that moved through the area overnight. The front door remains intact, the roof is still in place, and wooden barriers continue to stand.

Behind the home, however, the damage tells a different story.

For the Heflin family, the fact that their house is still standing is nothing short of a blessing.

The home, which has been in the Heflin family for more than 47 years, survived another major test late Tuesday night when a powerful storm tore through the backyard, leaving a path of destruction just feet from the structure.

For Eudora Heflin and her family of five, the night is now a vivid memory—one they say they will never forget.

“We were in the bathroom, and we hadn’t even lost electricity,” Heflin said. “Then all at once the lights went out, the back doors flew open, and everything happened so fast. I was screaming and crying. I could hear things slamming from one side to the other.”

Outside, the storm left widespread damage across the property. Trees near the family’s pond were knocked down, a chicken coop was blown over, and debris was scattered throughout the yard.

“This was everything this morning before we picked up anything,” Heflin said while showing photos of the damage. “There was stuff scattered everywhere—trees near the dog pens, fencing bent and crushed, and damage around the pool area.”

Getting home during the storm proved difficult for Lucas Gicker and Heflin’s husband, who were traveling in a truck as severe weather moved through the area.

“After we dropped off the trailer, we couldn’t get it back,” Gicker said. “That’s when everything went down. I was trying to get home to my dog, but I couldn’t even make it that far. I just saw stuff flying across my window.”

Despite the damage left behind, Heflin said she is thankful the house itself was not touched.

“It’s a lot tore up,” Heflin said. “But the surrounding things can be replaced. We’re just thankful to still have a house in general.”

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.

Man on violent rampage breaks into Midtown steakhouse, hotel and 7-Eleven

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By Kemberly Richardson

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    MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — A 36-year-old man is facing serious charges after a camera captured him breaking into a steakhouse in Manhattan, police said.

He then continued his destructive rampage in a hotel and then a 7-Eleven, according to investigators.

Custom-made doors at Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse on 9th Avenue in Midtown were boarded up on Sunday after being destroyed.

“I thought he kicked it in, but this was more damage than anything we anticipated,” said General Manager Muhammed Yaseen.

Yaseen says there are tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Security cameras caught the suspect, identified by police as Jonathan Jones, breaking into the restaurant around 2:30 a.m. He used one of the eatery’s barriers out front.

“He picked up one of those and weaponized that stuff, and he was using that since it was metal pieces,” Yaseen said.

Once inside, Yaseen says the man headed right to the bar, grabbed a bottle of gin, took a swig and tossed it, shattering a glass shelf.

“No one got hurt, thank god, that’s a good thing, no one was hurt,” Yaseen adds.

Jones then left, and police say he headed to 8th Avenue just off 28th Street to a hotel where he allegedly punched an employee in the face and snatched a fire extinguisher.

He then moved again, entering the 7-Eleven next door and discharging the fire extinguisher.

The staff at Uncle Jack’s say it took them hours to clean up the mess on one of the busiest days of the year. They were unable to handle all the reservations due to this.

“It kind of distracted us from the real job we wanted to do – get the kitchen ready, get the staff ready,” said Yaseen.

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.

Heart monitor helps Nashville woman find answers after mysterious stroke

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By Kim Rafferty

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    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — I woke up the next morning and knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know how critical that really was for another day or so.

DeShawn McClain went to work unaware of what had happened to her body overnight.

“I missed a morning meeting which I never miss and I sent an email that didn’t make any sense,” McClain said.

Tired and confused, McClain says she could not form a sentence. When an ambulance arrived, she says paramedics quickly knew what happened, rushing her to a Nashville emergency room. But doctors couldn’t figure out why.

“There wasn’t anything that indicated that I was at risk of having another stroke or even having a stroke the first time,” McClain said.

McClain says it took about a year of determination to recover from her stroke in 2024.

“Learning to walk, learning to use my left side of my body, I did a lot of speech therapy,” McClain said.

Not knowing what was happening with her heart, McClain got a LINQ ICM heart monitor. Two years later, she says it brought clarity. The device monitors the heart continuously, sharing heart data with McClain’s doctors.

The device is designed to detect intermittent abnormal heart rhythm episodes like atrial fibrillation, which is a major risk factor for stroke. An unexplained stroke requires further testing, and long-term cardiac monitoring can unlock answers.

“I got the device in May of last year and since then I have gotten back seven or eight reports, all of them have been clear,” McClain said.

Now raising awareness during Heart Month, she says her journey taught her how to advocate for herself and live healthier.

“My diet’s a lot healthier, all the things that doctors say to do, I say go ahead and do those because that will save you a lot of trouble down the road,” McClain said.

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

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.

Woman found dead after camper fire at Fond du Lac County campground

CNN Newsource on February 16, 2026

By WGBA Staff

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    FOND DU LAC (WGBA) — A 35-year-old woman was found dead after a camper fire at Breezy Hill Campground in Fond du Lac County; four others escaped with non-life-threatening injuries

The sheriff’s office received multiple 911 calls just before 11 a.m. reporting the fire at N4177 Cearns Lane. An adult male and three children safely exited the camper, but the woman was still inside when first responders arrived.

Deputies, along with personnel from the Eden Fire Department and City of Fond du Lac Fire Rescue, responded to the scene. The woman was found inside the camper and pronounced dead at the scene while fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

The fire appeared to have originated in the kitchen area and was quickly brought under control by fire personnel.

The male and three children received medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries sustained from the fire. The American Red Cross also assisted at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of the fire and the woman’s manner of death have not yet been determined.

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.