57How Small Changes Can Make A Big Impact On Your Retirement Planning
Statistics related to retirement can be downright discouraging. About 45 percent of Americans say they worry every day or almost every day about saving enough money to retire, according to the Pew Research Center. Meanwhile, 28% of Americans in their 60s and 37 percent in their 50s have less than $50,000 in retirement savings, according to a TD Ameritrade survey.
Mask Distribution, Groceries and FREE lunch for you and your family
No contact pick up mask distribution, groceries and lunch:
ESSENCE.com
Longest-Running Black Media Platform Marks 50-Year Legacy of Evolution and Innovation in Black Culture with Special Collector’s Edition Issue; – - Iconic Supermodel Naomi Campbell Graces 50th Anniversary May/June Issue in First-Ever Self-Shot Cover; Talks to ESSENCE about Turning 50 and Self-Isolation During the COVID-19 Crisis
Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and Mayor Sylvester Turner Unveil #WeRead Initiative
Virtual read aloud initiative encourages children and families to read during closure of schools due to coronavirus
Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation (Foundation) joined forces to launch #WeRead, a focused effort in response to the need for high-quality, digital learning content to support at-home and distance education amidst school and library closures
Beyonce's BeyGood Teams Up With Ms. Tina Knowles Lawson to Support COVID-19 Mobile Testing Relief In #IDidMyPart Campaign in Houston, Texas
Campaign Created to Start a Movement to Encourage Black Communities to Prioritize Health in the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic
#IDIDMYPART Mobile Testing Relief Scheduled for Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th, In Houston, Texas
U.S. Census Bureau Suspends Field Operations Until June 2020
The U.S. Census Bureau is adapting or delaying some of our operations to protect the health and safety of our staff and the public and make sure we get the same population counted another way.
Protecting Your Financial Health in These Uncertain Times
With expected delays in bill payments, unprecedented layoffs, hiring freezes and related hardships, many Americans are facing new financial challenges.
Mortgage Relief and COVID-19 Scams: What You Need to Know
Unfortunately, during times of hardship, families are often targeted by fraud artists attempting to take advantage of those needing assistance. The COVID-19 crisis is no exception, with many scammers pretending to extend a critical lifeline to struggling homeowners through so-called “foreclosure rescue fraud.”
To Stop the Coronavirus, Continue Animal Research
Scientists are working on dozens of potential treatments and vaccines for the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. Virtually all of them have one thing in common -- they're the product of animal research.
Comcast Extends Comprehensive COVID-19 Response Policies to June 30
Continues Commitment to No Disconnects or Late Fees, Keeping Business and Outdoor Xfinity WiFi Hotspots Open Nationally for Free, Giving Customers Unlimited Data, and 60 Days of Free Access for Low-Income Families through Internet Essentials
Ten Ways to Create a WOW Culture...Even in a Crisis
Coronavirus has upended workplaces everywhere, but that doesn't mean dropping the ball on your culture-building efforts. Deb Boelkes shares techniques for engaging employees and giving them what the
Deb Boelkes has built a career helping companies create cultures that "wow" their people—cultures where leaders motivate and inspire employees, fill them with purpose, challenge them, and help them thrive. That's all well and good in times of prosperity. But what about in times of fear and uncertainty? As the pandemic keeps employees remotely located, furloughed, and (in the cases of essential employees) working in fear, is it possible to keep a WOW culture going?
EXPANDED Emergency Boarding Grants Help Pet Owners Affected by COVID-19
RedRover’s Grants Help Those Hospitalized OR At-Home Recovering
During times of crisis, it’s more important than ever to preserve the bonds that matter most, such as those that bind pets and their humans. As the number of people affected by COVID-19 continues to rise, RedRover is providing needed resources to ensure that people can still care for the animals they love during this crisis.
OneUnited Bank, Largest Black Owned Bank, Launches SBA Paycheck Protection Program
$30 Billion of 2nd Round of PPP Allocated to Community Lenders
OneUnited Bank, the largest Black owned bank in the country, is proud to announce the launch of its Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). OneUnited Bank, a Preferred SBA 7(a) lender, is offering PPP loans to its existing and new customers on a nationwide basis through its state-of-the-art online and mobile banking platform. OneUnited has unique access to $30 billion of stimulus funding that was allocated to Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) as part of the second round of PPP.
Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration For Six Texas Counties Following Severe Weather
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a disaster declaration for six Texas counties as a result of severe weather sustained across the Lone Star State last week. The Governor has authorized the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions to aid in response efforts.
With COVID-19 Shining a Light on African-American Medical Care, Vision Films is Proud to Present 'The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital'
Available on DVD and VOD on May 12, 2020
COVID-19 has hit the United States harder than any other health crisis ever before, and it has become impossible to ignore the fact that the African-American community has been particularly vulnerable. The disparity between the medical treatment that this community receives, as opposed to others, has never been more evident than it has been during this time and is a major cause for concern.
"Oprah's Supersoul Conversations" Podcast to Feature All-New One-On-One Interviews With Oprah And Dr. Alan Lightman, Eckhart Tolle and Bishop T.D. Jakes
Interviews Will Also Stream on “Super Soul Sunday” Facebook Page
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announces “Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations” podcast will feature all-new interviews with Professor of Humanities at MIT Dr. Alan Lightman, spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle, and Bishop T.D. Jakes as they offer encouragement and inspiration during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Insurance Claims Must Be Paid Promptly
COVID-19 insurance coverage articles written over the past several weeks are a mixed bag — some articles paint an optimistic picture, where coverage is a possibility or a certainty, whereas others make coverage sound as unlikely as returning to the office before May Day.
Harris Health’s Hosp itals Use iPads to Connect with Patients, Save PPE
It’s a difficult time to be hospitalized. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitation at hospitals around the country, including Harris Health System’s Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson hospitals, have been severely restricted leaving many patients feeling lonely and afraid as they fight through their illness and/or injury. In response, Harris Health is using iPads to connect with patients, patient families and save personal protective equipment (PPE).
Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Alison Leland and 2 U.S. Congress Members Unveil Statue of late Congressman Mickey Leland in Hermann Park
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Alison Leland and two U.S. Congress members on Saturday, April 25 unveiled a statue honoring the late Congressman Mickey Leland, a global humanitarian who devoted his life to helping others.
PVAMU announces extension of P/NP grade selection deadline
On March 24, President Simmons and I announced a temporary change in grading policy for Spring 2020. The University would allow a Pass/Not Pass (P/NP) grading option for undergraduate courses. At the time, a set of Grading Policy FAQs was established to help students make an informed decision, and the deadline for selection was originally set for noon on Tuesday, April 28, before the Final Exam period began.
PVAMU alumna shares experience working as NICU nurse during COVID-19
COVID-19 has impacted our entire world, and medical professionals are experiencing it most. As a nurse in a level 4 NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), COVID-19 is ever-present. Though the virus doesn’t impact my unit as much as other units, we’ve still had to deal with the occasional “rule-out” baby.
UH Psychology Professor Rheeda Walker Featured in ‘Call to Unite’
Walker Joins Oprah Winfrey, Questlove, Deepak Chopra and More in 24-hour Global Relief Livestream
University of Houston psychology professor Rheeda Walker will share her mental health expertise with the world during a 24-hour global livestream event starting Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Central Time. The “Call to Unite” will ask citizens worldwide to celebrate their shared humanity and stand together during the COVID-19 crisis.
Hidden symmetry found in chemical kinetic equations
Rice University discovery has implications for drug design, genetics, more
Rice University researchers have discovered a hidden symmetry in the chemical kinetic equations scientists have long used to model and study many of the chemical processes essential for life.
Evolution Academy Charter Schools and the 1Million Project Foundation Announce Collaboration to Connect Texas Students in the 2019-2020 School Year
Students Will Receive a Free Device and 10GB of Free Wireless Service per Month
The 1Million Project Foundation and Evolution Academy Charter School System announced today that nearly 800 high school students who don't already have access to the internet at home will receive free wireless devices and 10GB of high-speed wireless data access per month.
Is Pain Or Procrastination Stopping Your Workout Plan? 6 Tips To Reach Your Goals
With everyone spending more time at home, a lot of people are making new exercise resolutions to try and stay in shape. But for many people, their resolve to get in shape fizzles before the snow melts.
Millennial Alumni Kicks Fundraising Up a Notch with Virtual Day Party
This past weekend, a group of young alumni raised over $4,300 during their first of a short series of virtual day parties in efforts to support student scholarships at Bethune-Cookman University. The young alumni group known as WHOE was established in 2016 by 2012 graduates Jeremy Mercer and Damian Thompson to create a lane for the young alumni of B-CU who wanted to provide an elevated homecoming experience for them and their peers.
CLEAT to take Legal Action on behalf of COVID-19 Survivor Families
The State’s largest law enforcement union announced today that it will seek to legally enforce Line of Duty Death benefits for all Texas law enforcement personnel.
Grassroots coalition launches The Big Send effort to send 10 million letters encouraging voters to cast their ballots in the 2020 November elections
Volunteers will write and stockpile 10 million handwritten letters to send to voters before Election Day as part of a Get Out The Vote effort
The Big Send, a major volunteer campaign that aims to send 10 million handwritten letters in October asking voters to cast their ballot in the 2020 elections, will launch today with a coalition of support from grassroots organizations spearheaded by Vote Forward. To meet the goal of 10 million letters, Vote Forward has teamed up with Swing Left, Indivisible, Women’s March Foundation, Stand Up America, genEquality, People for the American Way, Democracy in Color, J Street, and Daily Kos, to strengthen our democracy, improve civic participation, and increase voter turnout in November.
Harris Announces Legislation to Establish Task Force to Combat Racial and Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19
U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) on Thursday announced the COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force Act, legislation to bring together health care and other policy experts, community-based organizations, and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial leaders to confront the racial and ethnic disparities of the coronavirus pandemic head on. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the urgent need to address long-standing inequities in our health care system.
Rice to offer minor in entrepreneurship
New program will help students succeed in a world where entrepreneurial capabilities are critical
Rice University, which has the No. 1 graduate entrepreneurship program in the U.S., will now offer an undergraduate minor in entrepreneurship.
Federal Grill Shepherd Drive to Open May 1st Lunch & Dinner Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Matt Brice, owner of The Federal American Grill, 510 Shepherd Drive (77007) and the newly opened 8731 Katy Freeway, Suite 150 (77024) will re-open the Shepherd Drive location on Friday, May 1 at 11AM serving lunch and dinner.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Stores to Reopen in Arizona and Texas on May 3rd
Tommy Bahama Outlets Also Scheduled to Reopen in Select States
Tommy Bahama has announced it will begin to strategically reopen its retail and restaurant locations across the country. Starting on May 3rd, Tommy Bahama restaurants at the Woodlands and Legacy West in Texas and Kierland Commons in Arizona will begin to offer take-out service.
Another 5,000 masks distributed by Houston Councilman Greg Travis
It is critical these masks are distributed to the most vulnerable residents in District G - this includes the elderly, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and those who cannot afford to purchase masks for themselves or their family. To that end, I will not be haphazardly distributing our limited supply of face masks.
Far from immune, rural areas face unique COVID-19 challenges
Since late last year, COVID-19 has been overwhelming health care facilities in urban areas around the world, causing more than 12,200 confirmed deaths so far in New York City alone.
EPA Grant to Texas Department of Agriculture Will Support Pesticide Safety
Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a grant to the Texas Department of Agriculture for $73,056. The funds will be used to support a variety of pesticide training and inspection programs. EPA is providing the funding as a multipurpose grant under a cooperative agreement.
U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo Appointed for a Second Term
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden has appointed Joy Harjo to serve a second term as the nation’s 23rd Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2020-2021. During her second term, Harjo will launch a new Library of Congress collection and online map featuring Native poets and poetry.
Woodlands Doctors Take Extra Precautions to Safely Re-Open for Patients by Appointment
Doctors Jeffery Pruski, D.C., and Edward Nash, M.D., are taking extra precautions as Texas begins to reopen the economy and they start to open their doors again to patients at 3R Regenerative Repair & Relief (3R) in The Woodlands, Texas.
Star-Studded Music Video Released For "I Am America", The Theme Anthem To HBO's Acclaimed New Unscripted Series We're Here
To celebrate the debut of HBO's acclaimed new unscripted series We're Here, a star-studded music video has been released for Shea Diamond's brand new single "I Am America." Co-written with superstar songwriter & activist Justin Tranter and produced by Eren Cannata, the song serves as the empowering theme anthem for We're Here starring Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O'Hara and Shangela Laquifa Wadley. Glowing reviews for the series have poured in since it's premiere last week:
Tulsa Organizations Announce Campaign to Memorialize Tulsa Race Massacre
The Black Wall Street Memorial committee and Tulsa Community Remembrance Coalition are launching the “10,000 Brick Campaign” throughout May to build a memorial to Black Wall Street in honor of those lynched during the 1921 Race Massacre.
HISD hosts mass food distribution at NRG on Saturday
25 new campus sites also announced for week of May 4
Food distribution efforts led by the Houston Independent School District in partnership with the Houston Food Bank will continue this Saturday at NRG Stadium and next week at 25 campus sites throughout the district.
Downtown District and Buffalo Bayou Partnership Present Virtual Blanket Bingo in May
Traditionally held at Market Square Park, the Downtown District brings back its popular Blanket Bingo series with a virtual twist in light of COVID-19. The free events, hosted by John Mills-McCoin, will take place on Saturday, May 9 and Thursday, May 21. Houstonians are invited to take out their blankets at home, log on to bingomaker.com and play for the chance to win a $50 gift card to a selection of Downtown Houston restaurants.
The Father of Juneteenth, Al Edwards, Has Died at 83
Mayor Sylvester announced earlier today that former state rep. Al Edwards died at the age of 83.
Be A Neighbor Campaign Sounds the Alarm on 6.5M Weekly Volunteer Shortage
Issues Urgent Call-to-Action to Close the #VolunteerGap
Today Be A Neighbor Campaign released new data showing a nationwide shortage of 6.5 million volunteers and issued an urgent call-to-action to close the #VolunteerGap.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Supports Sarah’s House Donation to Aid Area Women, Children
The Bay Area Houston Alumnae Chapter (BAHA) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently donated $1,000 to Sarah's House to further the organization's mission to provide safe harbor to women and children who are in immediate need of food, clothing, shelter, safety, and stability.
Welcome Nominated For Best Student Video by the 24th Annual Webby Awards
Serena Dykman and Dynamant Pictures announced today that short drama WELCOME has been nominated for Best Student Video in the 24th Annual Webby Awards. Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet.
SBA determined to get money to smallest of local small businesses
SBA is determined to get critical funds to the smallest of small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program. The Agency began accepting applications for the newest round of funding on Monday, April 27. In 24 hours, SBA approved 475,000 loans for $52 billion dollars, more than seven times the number of loans the Agency normally processes during an entire year, and nearly twice the dollar amount.
Visit San Antonio Provides “Virtual San Antonio” Resources
Visit San Antonio, the city’s official tourism marketing organization, continues to expand “Virtual San Antonio,” a robust site full of San Antonio virtual tours, educational resources, DIY demonstrations, stories of local heroes, cool downloadable tools, and more. As many people “armchair” travel from home, there’s time to dream about the next vacation, the family getaway, the joy and freedom of future travel.
METROLift Takes to the Road to Make Thousands of Grocery Deliveries
This weekend, about 2000 families will get a special delivery, courtesy of the city of Houston's Food Access Program. The free grocery delivery program, led by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, has already helped more than 700 families as we fight COVID-19.
Live/Viva Greater Eastwood – A Livable Centers Study
The East End District is developing its third Livable Centers study for the Greater Eastwood area,“Live/Viva Greater Eastwood.” The study aims to enhance livability with a focus on connecting the places people want to go, providing options for how they get there, facilitating future employment and housing opportunities, and creating great public spaces. The plan will help build on the great neighborhoods, history, and vibrant community that exists today.
Sprouts Farmers Market Expands Grocery Pickup to Texas
Healthy grocer now offers curbside pickup at 30 additional stores
Sprouts Farmers Market has expanded grocery pickup to 30 of its locations in Texas as an added convenience for families looking to shop for healthy products without entering the store during this incredible time of need.