57HP partners with the Global Business Coalition for Education and Comp-U-Dopt to provide equipment to students in Houston and Dallas
7,600 computers and monitor units to be distributed to marginalized students to enable remote learning in response to COVID-19.
HP Inc. announced that it is partnering with the Global Business Coalition for Education and Comp-U-Dopt to provide equipment to students affected by school closures due to COVID-19 in Houston, Chicago, and Dallas.
Local Home Remodeling Businesses Introduce Innovative Methods to Work with Homeowners
Window World Provides Remodeling Solutions for Homeowners Forced to Stay Home During Pandemic
Many local homeowners are stuck inside, staring at their homes’ flaws. Homeowners are trying unusual and outside-the-box solutions to renovate their homes in the middle of a pandemic.
U.S. News & World Report names all 23 Harmony Public Schools high schools to list of America’s Top High Schools
U.S. News & World Report has named all 23 Texas high schools in the Harmony Public Schools system among its top high schools in America in its highly-anticipated annual rankings of U.S. public schools.
Victory for Elderly & Vulnerable Patients: ERs Now Able to Serve Medicare, Medicaid-Insured
Freestanding ERs gain CMS recognition after a decade of requests
In response to notification by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) that freestanding ERs are now officially recognized healthcare providers eligible for reimbursement for treating Medicare and Medicaid patients, the National Association of Freestanding Emergency Centers (NAFEC) issued the following statement:
TX Restaurant Relief Fund Receives $1 Million Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Donation will support independent restaurateurs and their employees, and feed Texas’ COVID-19 healthcare workers and First Responders
Today, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) gifted a $1,000,000 grant to the Texas Restaurant Association’s TX Restaurant Relief Fund, an initiative of the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation (TRAEF). Established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TX Restaurant Relief Fund provides immediate financial support to Texas’ independent restauranteurs and their employees.
Social Response: UH Graduate College of Social Work Launches Mask Drive
When a crisis hits Houston, Holly Davies looks for opportunities to volunteer on the front lines. During the devastating “Tax Day” and “Memorial Day” floods in 2016, and Hurricane Harvey the following year, she managed thousands of volunteers from around the world to provide food, shelter and financial assistance to victims. But with her energy so focused on helping others, Davies acknowledged it was easy to overlook her own needs.
Texas Beverage Association Marks 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
The Texas Beverage Association (TBA) celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day through continued protection of our natural resources and applauds the tireless commitment of sustainability, sanitation and supply chain workers who are showing up to work every day to provide critical services and keep families nourished during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anonymous $450,000 Donation Provides All Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park 2020 Artists with Cash Grant
Save the date for Bayou City Art Festival Downtown: Saturday & Sunday, October 10-11, 2020
The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), the producer of Bayou City Art Festival, has announced that an anonymous donor has donated $450,000 that will provide all 300 2020 Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park artists with a cash grant for $1500 each. In addition, all artists confirmed for the Memorial Park festival that was canceled due to the Coronavirus have been invited to exhibit in the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown on Saturday-Sunday, October 10-11, 2020.
Texas A&M-Texarkana expert fights ignorance about coronavirus
Dr. Benjamin Neuman answers questions from journalists – and children – from around the world
The coronavirus behind the current pandemic is scary, but ignorance about it is even scarier.
HISD partners with Houston Food Bank for second mass food distribution site on Saturday at NRG
The Houston Independent School District is partnering with the Houston Food Bank to organize a second mass food distribution site on Saturday, April 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at NRG Stadium.
Mayor Turner Appoints Office of Business Opportunity Director
Houston City Council approves appointee
Today, Houston City Council confirmed Marsha E. Murray as Director of the Office of Business Opportunity. She has filled the role as Interim Director since September 2019. Murray previously served as Deputy Director of OBO from 2012-2019.
Representatives Al Green and Sylvia Garcia Urge Governor Abbott and FEMA to Expand Mobile Coronavirus Testing Sites for Vulnerable Communities in Texas
Representatives Al Green (TX-09) and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) led two congressional letters urging Governor Abbott and FEMA to expand mobile coronavirus testing sites for hard-hit communities in Texas. As the state prepares itself for its projected peak in COVID-19 cases, it is important that we are doing everything possible to save lives in communities of color that have been disproportionately affected by the virus.
Energy-Efficient Windows Help Reduce Carbon Emissions, Study Finds
Decarbonization to fight climate change can take many forms, from clean renewable energy like solar and wind, to more efficient or all-electric vehicles. A less discussed but important piece of the sustainability puzzle is windows.
New York Times Chooses Controversy Over Truth in Promoting Revisionist History
1619 Project, Debunked by Historians for Calling American Independence a Conspiracy to Protect Slavery, Continues to Be Marketed to Schoolchildren
Instead of renouncing the debunked 1619 Project, New York TimesPublisher A.G. Sulzberger today patted himself on the back for sparking debate with a revisionist history that has been distributed to schools nationwide.
Council Member Abbie Kamin Launches Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative
Today, Council Member Kamin joined Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, and several nonprofit and corporate partners to launch a city-wide domestic violence awareness initiative. This initiative is in response to the increase in reports of domestic violence in Houston, as many victims are homebound with their abusers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Abbott Prepares State Resources As Severe Weather Threatens Parts Of Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has placed numerous resources on standby across the state in anticipation of severe weather expected to impact parts of Central, North, and East Texas on Wednesday.
How Muslims are preparing for Ramadan amid COVID-19
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Muslims around the world are preparing for the holy month of Ramadan. Craig Considine, a lecturer in sociology at Rice and a scholar of Islam, is available to discuss how the faithful will observe while social distancing and dealing with the pandemic.
Texas Company HumanN Donates $50,000 of Products To Healthcare and Essential Workers
HumanN launches We Are All HumanN to give healthcare and essential workers access to healthy energy enhancing products for free
HumanN, an Austin-based functional food and supplement company, has launched We Are All HumanN, donating $50,000 worth of SuperBeets and Neo40 products to healthcare workers and those on the frontlines fighting COVID-19 around the country as a thank you for all the hard work they are doing. The supplements are being donated to help support overall energy levels of these heroes.
Social Security Combined Trust Funds Projection Remains the Same Says Board of Trustees
Projections in 2020 Report Do Not Reflect the Potential Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2035, the same as projected last year, with 79 percent of benefits payable at that time.
NCBCP's Black Youth Vote to Motivate and Encourage Generation Z and Millennials to 'Own' Their Power and Be Counted in 2020 Census
Embracing the Theme 'Count Black Youth-The Power is in Our Hands' National Black Youth Vote Will Join Forces with National & State-Based Partner Organizations to Get out the Black Youth Count on April 27 - May 1, 2020
Having Tooth Pain During Covid-19? Here's When to Call Your Dentist
One of the many consequences of the coronavirus pandemic involves the limitations imposed on dental work.
Action Needed for Social Security Beneficiaries with Dependents and Who Do Not File Tax Returns to Receive $500 Per Child Payment
“Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who don’t file tax returns will start receiving their automatic Economic Impact Payments directly from the Treasury Department soon. People receiving benefits who did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes, and have qualifying children under age 17, however, should not wait for their automatic $1,200 individual payment.
COVID-19 Response Plans for Connecting More Residents, Businesses at the State and Community Level
Connected Nation (CN) is providing a new resource for state and community leaders that will help them identify immediate and simple solutions for connecting more residents and businesses during COVID-19 quarantines.
Austin nonprofit Interfaith Action of Central Texas presents 'Courage to Hope,' a virtual fundraiser and celebration of community, May 12
‘Courage to Hope’ to be live streamed via Zoom; the uplifting evening will honor Cookie Ruiz (Executive Director of Ballet Austin), The City of Austin and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and will feature a live performance by Jimmie Dale Gilmo
McDonald’s Celebrates Healthcare Workers & First Responders with Free Thank You Meals
Frontline heroes can enjoy free meals at participating U.S. McDonald’s restaurants
In appreciation for the healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are committed to our health and safety, McDonald’s will offer free Thank You Meals*, between Wednesday, April 22 and Tuesday, May 5, as a token of appreciation for their selfless service.
Tune In: Aspire TV's "My Brother, My Friend" Film Block
Independent Film Series, In Partnership with Damn Write Originals, Airs Every Tuesday at 8pm ET on Aspire TV
Tomorrow night, Aspire TV, in partnership with Damn Write Originals, will present the third installment of its new weekly independent film series, the 2020 Urban Indie Film Block. The network’s 2020 programming block features the best of urban short films by up and coming filmmakers, and presents passionate stories that touch upon a variety of themes and genres including romance, friendship, drama, human connection, comedy, action and sci-fi.
Legacy Community Health Now Offering Online Vision Appointments for Existing Patients
Legacy vision specialists available via telehealth for limited services
Legacy Community Health now offers remote vision appointments via telehealth – which Legacy is calling TeleVision – for a limited list of services during the COVID-19 pandemic. While in-person vision exams are not possible at this time, existing patients can video- or teleconference with a vision specialist about eye irritation, swelling or discomfort, or other eye-related issues that may arise and can help avoid a visit to the emergency room.
Judge KP George Announces Program for PPE Donations for COVID-19
County Judge KP George announced Monday guidelines for a program to coordinate donations of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) with the most needed recipients to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. The purpose of the Fort Bend program is streamline the donation processes and ensure needed supplies get to the appropriate entities in a timely and orderly manner.
Harris Health Sees Virtual Care Success in the Midst of Coronavirus Response
As the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease wreaks havoc on our community and healthcare system, telemedicine and virtual care have quickly become important tools to safely treat patients and contain the spread of infection at hospitals and health centers. In response, Harris Health System has conducted nearly 20,000 virtual visits since mid-March using its enhanced Virtual Care Program.
Rice awards first COVID-19 research grants
Diagnostics, detection, better masks and voter safety among initial targets
The Rice University COVID-19 Research Fund Oversight and Review Committee announced it will support projects to develop affordable diagnostic tools, seals to maximize the efficiency of surgical masks, a system to identify signs of the coronavirus in Houston wastewater and methods to ensure voter safety this fall.
CAIR-Houston Trump’s ‘Divisive and Insulting’ Attempt to Target American Muslims During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, condemned President Trump’s promotion of a notorious anti-Muslim bigot’s tweet questioning whether U.S. mosques will be treated differently during the upcoming month of Ramadan than churches were treated during Easter amid the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
Governor Abbott, Texas National Guard Announce COVID-19 Mobile Testing Sites
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas National Guard will be mobilizing more than 1,200 personnel as part of COVID-19 mobile testing teams (MTT). The 45 member teams will be mobilized in various parts of the state providing greater access to medical testing. The areas for these MTTs will be identified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) with the first two of the 25 teams deployed to Fredericksburg and Floresville, Texas. The remaining 23 teams will be deployed to additional locations based on assessments made by DSHS.
Fifth Circuit allows Texas to once again enforce ban on elective procedures against chemical abortions
As part of an ongoing legal battle, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has once again rebuked a lower federal district court, allowing Texas to enforce a ban on elective medical procedures against chemical abortions as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. This ruling effectively prohibits 98.5% of elective abortions in Texas until further notice in an effort to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) and hospital capacity to respond to the coronavirus.
HISD, Houston Food Bank distribute over 280,000 pounds of food Saturday at NRG
When HISD Nutrition Services Senior Operations Manager Keith Lewis drove up to NRG Stadium Saturday for the massive food distribution effort, he wasn’t nervous. He was excited.
Young readers are invited to follow the adventures of ‘Frances The Magical Fairy and the Baby Gosling’
Tom Nelson sets a new marketing push for his 2019 children's book
Multi-published author Tom Nelson launches a new press campaign for “Frances the Magical Fairy and the Baby Gosling” (published by iUniverse), the second volume of a children’s book series that follows the adventures of a magical fairy who spends her life providing magic to help those in need of help.
New memoir follows the lives of an American family in South America during the 1960s
Ginny Tschanz announces the publication of ‘Under the Condor’s Wing’
The adventures of an American family in South America are recounted through their letters written during the 1960s in the new memoir “Under the Condor’s Wing: A Memoir of South America” (published by Lulu) by Ginny Tschanz. The memoir is the portrait of a marriage in which husband and wife adapt differently to extreme changes in culture, language and geography.
FIREDISC® Donates Cookers in Support of Katy, Texas, Fire Departments
During the difficult times our country is currently facing, firefighters continue to risk their lives and health in order to provide the communities they serve with primary fire and emergency medical services. From Thursday, April 16 through Monday, April 20, Griff and Hunter Jaggard, co-founders of FIREDISC® Cookers, visited fire stations in their hometown of Katy, Texas, to deliver brand-new cookers for the crews to enjoy.
Burrell Communications Group Launches New "Black is Human" Campaign to Address the Disparity of COVID-19 Impact on the African American Community
"For Jason" PSA Honors Detroit Transit Hero Whose Life Was Cut Short Due to COVID-19 Complications
In response to the devastating impact COVID-19 continues to have on the African American community, Burrell Communications Group will release a video PSA entitled "For Jason" as part of its "Black is Human" initiative. The PSA pays tribute to Detroit Transit Authority veteran, Jason Hargrove, who died in late March from COVID-19 complications after posting an impassioned plea for public safety via (Facebook) social media.
Beyond Walls Gospel Radio (BWGR) Station Launches New Interactive Website for Listeners to Connect with Christian Music and Sermons During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Offers a Platform for Pastors and Artists to Gain Worldwide Exposure
In this scary and uncertain time, people are trapped at home practicing social distancing due to the new COVID-19 aka coronavirus pandemic. In most parts of the world, citizens are not able to attend their church services in a physical building. Not being able to worship, connect and interact with other church members can cause anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Sekou Andrews Adds Independent Music Awards To List Of Accolades
GRAMMY® award-nominated and renowned poet SEKOU ANDREWS adds two (2) nominations to his growing list of awards from Independent Music Awards for the inspirational "BE VOICEFUL," which receives a nomination for "Best Spoken Word Song," and for his EP SEKOU ANDREWS & THE STRING THEORY, which snags a nod for "Best Spoken Word Album." Sekou joins a list of luminary nominees, including Lucinda Williams, Steven Van Zandt, and more.
11-Year- Old African-American Girl Publishes Self-Illustrated Activity Book aimed to Instill Confidence in Young Girls
Little Black Pearls For Little Black Girls, Activity Book Now Available for Purchase on Amazon
Your Hair is a SuperPower and you should love and celebrate it. So shares 11-year-old author, illustrator, YouTuber and motivational sensation Kennedy Jordan Turner. This pearl of wisdom is just one of the featured parts of Turner’s new book: Little Black Pearls for Little Black Girls which she illustrated herself and is now available for order on Amazon.
Houston Diamond Buyer Providing Quick Cash to Bridge Financial Gap
The Coronavirus/COVID-19 has Americans bracing for impact as the repercussions of “non-essential” businesses temporarily closing their physical doors are being felt where it hurts the most – the wallet. Diamond Buyers company is helping people get quick cash by offering high market prices to those selling fine jewelry.
D.L. Hughley and Friends to Headline First-Ever Virtual Comedy Show, ‘CEEK VR presents The Laugh Experience’
Comedy’s biggest names come together for a first-of-its-kind, livestream comedy festival, “CEEK VR presents: The Laugh Experience.” The star-studded series kicks off and will be live streamed online and in VR on Friday, May 1st, at 9:00 p.m. EST exclusively on CEEK.com and on the CEEK VR app (available in the App Store and Google Play) with sets from D.L. Hughley, Chris Spencer and more. To create an account, visit www.ceek.com to register.
'Mind-blowing carnage in US oil prices makes little sense,' says Baker Institute expert
Prices for U.S. crude oil for May delivery turned negative Monday — something that has never happened since oil futures began trading in 1983.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott Deploys “Strike Force” To Restart And Revitalize The Lone Star State
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is bringing public and private sector experts together to get the Lone Star State up and running again in a carefully calculated manner. He issued three executive orders on Friday to put Texas on track for a full recovery from the economic and social impacts of COVID-19, creating an advisory “Strike Force” and setting a timeline to begin lifting social distancing restrictions.
Atlanta Public Schools Partners with I’m a Father F1rst to Deliver Free “Meals of Love” to Families in Need During COVID-19 Pandemic
Even though school is not in session, the lessons and love continue with an impactful collaboration between the Atlanta Public Schools and local nonprofit I’m a Father F1rst: The organizations are partnering to ensure families have access to nutritious chef-prepared meals. More than 500 students and family members in the Douglass and Washington High School districts have enjoyed food delivery since schools closed due to the pandemic in March.
Ahead of Ramadan, Muslim Advocates Calls for Mosques to Protect Themselves from Digital Hate
Group Offers Guidance and Training to Safeguard Video Conferences
In advance of Ramadan and after an epidemic of digital attacks on Muslim gatherings, Muslim Advocates is calling on mosques and American Muslim organizations around the country to enact protocols to protect their constituents. The organization has released a fact sheet on best practices for protecting digital events and is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, April 22 at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT, entitled “Keeping Your Virtual Events Free from Hate in Ramadan.”
Humble ISD Teams Up with Harris County Public Library to Modernize Reading and Literacy Through eBooks and Audiobooks
Shared goal to promote digital learning in the community
In this mobile age, technology has become increasingly valuable in supporting new generations of lifelong learners and readers. Now, Humble ISD and Harris County Public Library (HCPL) have formed an innovative new partnership using eBooks and digital audiobooks to modernize access to reading materials for students. This unique collaboration strives to promote literacy and digital learning by providing unprecedented access to both the schools’ and HCPL’s digital reading resources in one app. The combination of convenience, ease of reading on-the-go, and the inherent popularity of technology inspires students to learn anytime, anywhere.
Free Enterprise Project Introduces First-Ever Investor Toolkit
"Investor Value Voter Guide" Advises Conservative and Religious Investors How to Vote on 2020 Corporate Proxy Initiatives
Texas Democratic Party Launches RegisterTexas.com, Allows Texans the Ease and Access to Register to Vote During the Time of Coronavirus
Today, the Texas Democratic Party unveiled RegisterTexas.com -- a new, expansive online platform to help Texans register to vote in the safety of their own home during the time of coronavirus.