Former President Barack Obama, right, shares a laugh with former first lady Michelle Obama, left, on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago.
Former President Barack Obama formally opened his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday with a call to defend democracy. He and Michelle Obama spoke as three other former presidents and their first ladies joined the Obama family on stage in an extraordinary event featuring politicians, A-list celebrities, athletes and other internationally known figures. Obama voiced his support for character, honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion and sense of duty, praising both Democrats and Republicans for their values. President Donald Trump was conspicuous both in his physical absence and by not being mentioned by any of the speakers or performers. Stevie Wonder closed the show with a rousing rendition of “Higher Ground."
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT SATURDAY
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR THE SIERRA FRONT...
* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 420 Northern Sierra Front
including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe,
Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties.
* Winds...West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
* Humidity...Afternoon minimums of 12 to 20 percent.
* Duration...2 to 5 hours Friday with 3 to 8 hours Saturday.
* Impacts...The combination of gusty winds and dry fuels can
cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first
responders can contain them.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry
vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.
Follow local fire restrictions. Check weather.gov/reno for
updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.
&&
...LAKE WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT SATURDAY FOR
WASHOE LAKE...
* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph for
Washoe Lake.
* WHERE...Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area.
* WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to
capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions
improve.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds may briefly subside tonight before
increasing again early Saturday morning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Check lake conditions before heading out and be prepared for a
sudden increase in winds and wave heights. Consider postponing
boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.
&&