57Governor Abbott Secures Extension Of Federally-Supported COVID-19 Testing Sites In Texas
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the federal government has granted his request to extend operations of Community Based Testing Sites across Texas. The federal government will maintain support for the program while surging resources to Dallas and Houston in order to support testing needs within the community.
FIRST CLASS STUDENTS: UH College of Medicine Selects Inaugural Class
Maya Fontenot was gifted with a natural aptitude for science and math, but her passion for medi- cine and activism started as a child in southwest Houston. Though she grew up middle class, Fontenot recalls frequent visits to the county hospital with aunts and uncles who struggled with poverty... and their health. Those eye-opening and alarming experiences gave her a glimpse into the challenges “a poor person seeking medical care” can face.
Mayor Turner Names Task Force To Review HPD Policies and Pratices
This week, Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed 45 members to his Task Force on Policing Reform to explore best practices and procedures in operating the Houston Police Department.
Mayor Turner Police ReformTask Force Members
The 45-Houstonians Named to the Mayor Sylvester Turner Police Reform Task Force
Chair – Laurence “Larry” Payne Director of Strategic Partnerships, Civic Engagement and Critical Conversations for the Houston Public Librar
T.E.A. Delays Health Guidelines For Reopening Schools
Draft Documents Show Few Mandatory Safety Measures
Texas public schools will be required to provide in-person instruction for students this fall, but state education officials have delayed releasing final public health guidelines for keeping them safe on campuses during the pandemic.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Announces New COVID-19 Health and Safety Requirements for Businesses
As hospital admissions for COVID-19 continue to climb across the county, to- day, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order requiring businesses to generate, post, and implement health and safety policies which include, at a minimum, a requirement that workers, customers or visitors wear face cover- ings. The order takes effect at 12:01 am on Monday, June 22, 2020.√
Bubba Wallace Responds to FBI Findings: ‘Whether Tied In 2019, or Whatever, It Was A Noose
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace says he’s “pissed” members of the public are now questioning his in- tegrity after the FBI said a noose found in his garage stall this week was there before his team moved in.
#NNPA BLACKPRESS Racial Divide of Coronavirus Is Real, So Are Innovations That Can Help
News about the novel coronavirus, which has now claimed over 100,000 American lives, is all around us. A subtext told in this reporting is the painful story of the pandemic’s devastating effect on people of color.
Local Arts Organization Pioneers Virtual Programming, Reaches and Highlights Artists of Color
The pandemic forced many organizations to start adopting online tools and platforms to continue functioning, but few groups have pioneered such a wealth of quality programming that intentionally reaches and highlights artists of color as Fresh Arts. Immediately responding to news that Houston would be following work from home guidelines, on March 17, Fresh Arts launched the first of what has become many virtual program offerings aimed at amplifying efforts by and supporting diverse members of the creative community. The ongoing interviews, workshops and conversations provide connectivity, skill-building, promotion and resiliency to local artists and arts organizations.
Stay Safe This Summer at a Texas State Park by Using These Six Heat Hacks
Last year, as temperatures soared into the triple digits in Texas, 48 Texas State Parks handled 129 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Now that the summer has officially begun and temperatures are steadily climbing, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is sharing their top six heat hacks for staying safe in the outdoors.
Subcommittee to Hold Briefing on First Amendment Violations at Black Lives Matter Protests
On Monday, June 29, at 10:00 a.m., Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, will hold a remote briefing on how the violent treatment of protestors and journalists across the country by federal and local law enforcement have violated the First Amendment.
Texas’ Hispanic population grew by 2 million in the past decade, on pace to be largest share of state by 2021
New U.S. census estimates show the gap between Hispanic and white populations in the state continues to narrow.
Texas’ Hispanic population has grown by more than 2 million since 2010, according to new population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau, and the state's demographer now predicts that Hispanics will be the state's largest population group by mid-2021.
COVID-19 highlights long-term inequities in some communities
Just as the coronavirus pandemic strains states and the nation, it also has stressed the resources of neighborhoods and individuals
Houston Symphony Returns to the Stage w/ Livestream Series
The Houston Symphony announces its return to the stage with the concert series Live from Jones Hall—a new hour-long livestream from Jones Hall at 8 p.m. each Saturday night in July and Saturday, Aug. 1. This series will introduce audiences to diverse and engaging programs, and it will offer an intimate concert experience. The concerts will feature Symphony musicians in solo and small ensemble roles and in repertoire not often showcased on our programs, highlighting different sections of the orchestra. Each livestream performance is available via a private link to ticket holders.
METRO Board Approves Requiring Facial Coverings on System
Enhanced Safety Measures Allow Fare Collection to Resume
METRO is continuing to expand its public service efforts requiring all riders, employees, contractors and visitors wear a face covering unless impracticable due to a medical condition. The health and safety rule unanimously approved today by METRO's Board of Directors extends to METRO vehicles, facilities and transit centers.
New Poll Shows Broad Consensus Across North Texas for Wearing Masks
Six out of 10 said wearing masks and social distancing should be required until a vaccine is widely available
A new poll commissioned by the non-partisan, non-profit group Texas 2036 shows broad support across North Texas for wearing masks to fight COVID-19.
Flood Control District Monitoring Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
The Harris County Flood Control District is monitoring severe weather through the region. Overnight heavy and persistent rainfall occurred over far western Harris County into northern Fort Bend County where rain totals of 5-8 inches have fallen overnight from Jersey Village to Katy and resulted in significant street flooding and rises on area creeks and bayous.
Aviation Institution on Maintenance Host STEM Summer Camp
Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s Jet Tech STEM Camp will provide participants a preview into the school’s FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician program.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) will be offering a glimpse into the world of aircraft maintenance through its annual Jet Tech Summer Aviation Maintenance Camp at select campuses.
Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Expanding Hospital Capacity
Order Suspends Elective Surgeries in Four Texas Counties
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order to ensure hospital bed availability for COVID-19 patients as Texas faces an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The Governor’s order suspends elective surgeries at hospitals in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties.
Introducing Alewya: UK-Based Ethiopian-Egyptian Producer & Singer Shares Debut Single, Out Now via Because London Records
Welcome to the transcendent sounds of multidisciplinary artist Alewya.
Pentagon Nominee’s Record on Race and Segregation Draws Scathing Rebukes from Civil Rights Groups
Anthony Tata’s Self-Serving Apologies Don’t Excuse Long, Thorough History of Bigotry
Today, a diverse coalition of more than 50 civil rights, faith, education and labor groups have come out in opposition to the nomination of Anthony Tata for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy because of his long record of bigotry. Additionally, the North Carolina NAACP released a scathing statement of opposition documenting mismanagement, racial hostility, and efforts to resegregate schools when Tata was the schools superintendent of Wake County, NC.
Music Tourism Convention postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19
Music Tourism Convention postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19
The fifth edition of the Music Tourism Convention, originally scheduled for this September in Cleveland, Mississippi, has been postponed until 2021.
Governor Abbott Announces Temporary Pause Of Additional Reopening Phases
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Businesses that are permitted to open under the previous phases can continue to operate at the designated occupancy levels and under the minimum standard health protocols provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Fresh Bus produce delivery ends this week, Thursday deliveries canceled due to weather
The Fresh Bus produce delivery program will come to an end this week as the grant provided by the Texas Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program has concluded.
A unique website gives fine artists and art lovers the opportunity to help families in desperate need
PostandPaint.com is a win for artists, homeowners and most importantly for the needy
The worldwide pandemic has changed our lives. “I felt badly for the many artists who abruptly lost their sales venues,” says business owner Robin Kocina, whose husband Lonny is an artist as well as her business partner. As a nonprofit board member, Kocina is also keenly aware that charitable organizations around the world are pleading for funds. Meanwhile, she observed that Americans have become more focused on home and making memories with family, a trend she wants to nurture and support.
Launching Tomorrow: Dominique Cosmetics & Jade Marie Join Forces
Beauty creators and good friends Christen Dominique and Jade Marie have teamed up to create the summer’s most hydrating, skin-care inspired Dominique Cosmetics x JadeyWadey180 collection. This new collection features an Ultra Hydrating Complexion Primer and Ultra Hydrating Fine Mist for the ultimate drink of water for skin.
Communities that Work Together, Win Together (An Independence Day Reminder)
Freedom, independence, self-sufficiency: these are great and glorious concepts. We celebrate them this time of year, whether we process it that way or not, because they're so deeply engrained in our image of America. We see ourselves as a nation of rugged individualists: seizing the bull by the horns, charting our own course, walking alone into the forest with an axe slung over our shoulder.
Becky G Joins First-Ever Virtual Latin Grammy in the Schools Program Bringing Together 20 Schools Interntionally
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Ford Motor Company Fund join forces to offer a new virtual educational program
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund, announced a new virtual Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ educational program featuring a conversation and performance with singer-songwriter Becky G. Set for June 30, at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT, the event can be watched on the Latin GRAMMYs™ YouTube Channel and will also include a virtual Q&A moderated by Chiquinquirá Delgado, the host of Univision’s “Mira Quién Baila,” with music students from 20 schools that have previously participated in and benefited from Latin GRAMMY In The Schools programs.
Turkey Leg Hut Expands Menu with Launch of New Florentine Turkey Leg
The Turkey Leg Hut (TLH) is expanding their menu with the launch of a new Florentine Turkey Leg on Friday, June 26, 2020!
Honda and Historically Black Colleges and Universities Join Together to Combat the Pandemic
Funds from canceled Honda Campus All-Star Challenge program redirected to support HBCU communities
At the end of March, nearly 250 students and coaches from 48 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were set to travel to California to compete for the national championship title in the 31st annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America's premier academic competition for HBCUs. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Honda made the difficult decision to cancel the HCASC National Championship Tournament for 2020, reallocating funds from the program to partner with HBCUs and support their local communities.
Harris on Police Reform: “This Movement Will Not Be Deterred”
U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) on Wednesday joined Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in a press conference following Senate Republicans’ failed attempt to proceed with the hollow GOP policing bill. Harris applauded her Democratic colleagues for not falling for Republicans’ empty legislation and called on Congress to pass a real, substantive solution— the Justice in Policing Act. Harris stressed that the movement against police brutality has been around for generations and will continue until meaningful legislation is passed.
Aldine Census Mural Brings the Importance of the Census to Life Through Words and Pages
Unifying. Diverse. Inclusive. Three things that books, libraries and Census 2020 have in common.
Why Black Wealth Matters in White America
… and what blacks must learn to survive this new economy
The general population, otherwise known as the 99%, have a love/hate relationship with wealth. They resent those who have it, but spend their lives attempting to get it for themselves, all the while self-sabotaging that effort in ways that are avoidable if they knew the rules of the rich. Yes, the rich have rules.
The Texas Renaissance Festival Announces Launch of Weekly Podcast
TRF Partners with The Houston Pod for Podcast Production
The Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) has announced a partnership with The Houston Pod for the production of their inaugural podcast, “Hear ye, Hear ye – A Texas Style Renaissance Podcast” that will launch on Wednesday, July 15 at 5 p.m. CST. The weekly podcast will be hosted by the King of the Festival, and will feature artisans, vendors, performers, and TRF managers providing an insider’s look into the production of the festival.
New Study Finds Twice as Many Activists Worldwide Think Breaking the Law is Justified
Most people only see more socio-political gridlock ahead, with an increasing number seeing revolutions on the horizon. Change through the system is just not happening, and things are bound to get worse. Impact investing and ESG are popular, but have failed to produce significant results.
NALEO Educational Fund Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision on DACA Program
Amid decision, Congress must still act on providing permanent pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other immigrants
The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund released a statement from CEO Arturo Vargas on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to prevent the Trump Administration from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program before following adequate administrative procedures:
Rap Luminary Freddie Gibbs Partners with Warner Records
History in the making as Warner Records announces that one of the most influential and exalted rappers of this era, Freddie Gibbs, partners with its renowned label. The critically acclaimed storyteller will unveil his first release under the newly minted deal very soon.
CLORINDA ANTINORI Italian Shoes is Now Open in the River Oaks Shopping Center in Houston, Texas
Weingarten Realty (NYSE: WRI) announced that Clorinda Antinori Italian Shoes has opened a 1,362 SF retail store at River Oaks Shopping Center in Houston, Texas. This is the brand’s first retail store in Texas..
Class of 2020 Survey: Half of Graduating Seniors Change Plans for After High School Due to COVID-19
Changes Include Delaying Start of College, Working for Money, and Switching Career Plans, According to Research by JA and PMIEF
Roughly half (49%) of Class of 2020 graduating seniors say their plans for after high school have changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey by Junior Achievement (JA) and the PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF). Of those whose plans have changed, more than a third (36%) say they will now work, nearly as many (32%) expect to delay their start date for college, and almost a fifth (16%) changed the career path they wish to pursue. The survey of 1,000 U.S. teens graduating high school in 2020 was conducted by Wakefield Research for JA and PMIEF in support of new educational initiatives by the two organizations.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Statement on Supreme Court’s Ruling to Uphold DACA Program
I am heartened that the Supreme Court has decided to uphold the DACA program today. The over 30,000-plus DACA beneficiaries in Harris County are a vital part of our community, and this decision ensures that they can remain where they have built their homes and livelihoods.
Legendary Singer-Songwriter BRIAN MCKNIGHT Kicks Off His "EXODUS" Album Release With A LIVE Performance on BILLBOARD LIVE (AT HOME) Performance Series
Performance will benefit the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and The Charlie Teo Foundation
"EXODUS" will be globally available for release next Friday, June 26th, via the SRG ILS Group/UMG label imprint. The album is available for pre-orders now at EXODUS by BRIAN MCKNIGHT. With the pre-sale download, fans are now able to exclusively download and stream the new song, "BAD" .
Social Security Unveils Redesigned Retirement Benefits Portal at socialsecurity.gov
The Social Security Administration announced the first of several steps the agency is taking to improve the public’s experience on its website. The newly redesigned retirement benefits portal, at www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/retirement, will help millions of people prepare for and apply for retirement.
Rebuilding Your Team? Why Recruiting A Diverse Workforce Is Just The Beginning
As businesses reopen after the COVID-19 shutdown, some managers may have trouble reassembling the same team of employees.
Court TV Announces Original News Special Exploring the Relationship Between the Criminal Justice System and African Americans
Black and Blue – A Court TV Special Premieres Mon. June 22 at 8pm ET, To be Simulcast Across All Katz Networks
Court TV, the multi-platform network devoted to live, gavel-to-gavel coverage, in-depth legal reporting and expert analysis of the nation's most important and compelling trials, announced today an original news special that will take a deep dive into the criminal justice system's history and relationship with African Americans.
Macy's Launches Capsule Collection With Danielle Bernstein
The perfect summer pieces for every wardrobe are available today on macys.com
Following the red-hot success of her Spring 2020 collection, world-renowned fashion influencer Danielle Bernstein, the face behind popular fashion blog WeWoreWhat, launches her latest line at Macy’s, just in time for summer.
Legacy to Host HIV Testing Fair for National HIV Testing Day on June 27
Saturday, June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. To honor the observance and to help people get tested, know their HIV status, and get linked to care and treatment, Legacy Community Health will be offering free HIV testing to the general public at three Houston locations.
From Corvette To COVID-19 Response: How 3D Printing Transforms Technology for General Motors
Additive manufacturing allowed GM to pivot from making vehicles to COVID-19 medical devices and supplies in days, not months
General Motors typically relies on 3D printing to help launch new vehicles, such as the first-ever mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the same technology played a critical role in helping the team transition from making vehicles to medical devices in a matter of days.
RCI Oilfield Services 2nd Annual SCOOTERS FROM SCOOTER Continues Commitment to Raise Funds For Challenged Children to Receive Adaptive Sports Wheelchairs
On the heels of another successful Charity Jackpot at the Tejas Rodeo Company, Tyler Pearson and Kyle Irwin, along with RCI Oilfield Services, are again supporting Watering Seeds Organization (WSO) with the Scooters From Scooter campaign. With this partnership, Watering Seeds has been able to provide adaptive sports wheelchairs to challenged children so they can live healthier, more active, and productive lifestyles.
We Stand Together: Finding a Better Way to End Racial Inequity Starts Today
Ed Tech Leader K12 Inc. to Invest $10 Million in Scholarships, Provide Free Curriculum, and Create National Forum on Race in Education
In the midst of protests across the country driven by the death of unarmed Black Americans George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, K12 Inc.—the nation’s leading provider of online and blended education—is committing to a series of initiatives that support racial and socioeconomic equity and inclusion in and through education.
Immediate challenges shouldn’t stop Texas from planning for the future
Texas wouldn’t trade places with any other state. That’s important to remember during a historic pandemic and downturn in oil prices. Even in the face of these challenges, Texas has the people, resources and drive to bounce back and ensure that future generations of Texans enjoy economic prosperity.