57Rep. Coleman on Health Coverage for Unemployed Texans
Today, Representative Garnet F. Coleman released the following statement regarding the health insurance coverage for a million recently unemployed Texans:
Discover Tried and True Practices Focused On Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Adolescent Health
The Texas Campaign are taking our 2020 Symposium programming online! Each month, from May through December, The Texas Campaign will be presenting content related to a specific theme. The Texas Campaign hope you will join us on this virtual learning journey.
“Project 100” Launches to Provide $1,000 Direct Digital Payments to 100,000 Families Hard Hit by COVID Crisis
Backed by Stacey Abrams, Andrew Yang, Leading Philanthropists, Nation’s Largest Private Direct Cash Payments Effort Launches;Over $55M of $100M Already Raised: [anchor funders] Schusterman Family Foundation, Blue Meridian Partners; [seed funders] Flourish Ventures, Google.org; Flu Lab, Wend Collective, Blue Haven Initiative, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, among others;Also backed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ariana Grande, Halsey, Patrick Adams, Camilla Luddington, Tony Hale, Chris Meloni, Carrie Preston, Kevin Alejandro, Andra Day, Sundar Pichai, NBA Cares, the Players Coalition and David Sze & Seth Rosenberg from Greylock
Ready for a trip to South Africa? Take a Break with us today...
RainbowMe Kids are providing 15 minutes of entertainment while you take a break! Join RainbowMe Kids on a trip to South Africa to learn about the Xhosa folklore tale of Demane and Demanzana.
HISD to broadcast virtual town hall meeting for students pursuing college
On Tuesday, April 28, the Houston Independent School District will broadcast a virtual town hall meeting to assist students pursuing postsecondary education options during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Launches Emergency COVID-19 Response Fund
Kroger and The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation aim to direct $10 million to local, state and national relief organizations
The Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation has committed more than $6 million to date to nonprofit partners addressing urgent COVID-19 response efforts, including:
The Center for Pursuit receives grant from Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund to assist clients in need
Joint effort between United Way of Greater Houston and Greater Houston Community Foundation
The Center for Pursuit, Houston’s largest not-for-profit organization serving adults with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD), has received a grant from the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund, a joint effort by United Way of Greater Houston and the Greater Houston Community Foundation. The first round of the fund will distribute $1.5 million among 30 nonprofit organizations with constituents who need urgent access to food and emergency financial assistance due to COVID-19.
13 Year Old Accomplished Day Trader provides Key Tips to Fiscally survive in a tanking market!
Mr.Christon “The Truth” Jones is a 13 year old accomplished day trader, entrepreneur and an international speaker. Truth has spoken in 3 continents as a Certified Les Brown Speaker, while also writing “3” international best-selling books. As a child prodigy, Truth continues to excel at youth sports as he is also an MVP for All American Youth Football.
Organizing and Town Halls
Upcoming events include sessions on "COVID and the Class of 2020 - Black Students' Transitions to College and Work" (New America Indianapolis, Apr. 21) and “Under the Blacklight Part Five” (African American Policy Forum, Apr. 22) on ways to protect the most vulnerable populations).
The COVID-19 Racial Divide
As more states release racial demographic information (29 states so far according to The Atlantic), newly released studies show that 31% of Black adults are very concerned about getting COVID-19 compared to 18% of White adults (Pew Research Study conducted April 7 – April 12, 2020). See this Associated Press chart of 24 states and the District of Columbia showing the disproportionate effect on Black communities in each jurisdiction.
Political Studies & COVID-19
Last Wednesday, the Joint Center hosted an online briefing on accessible vote-by-mail and safe in-person voting for Black communities. The session explored safeguards to ensure an accessible vote-by-mail system that does not dilute Black votes (e.g., prepaid postage, a postmark deadline of Election Day, the ability for third parties to collect and return sealed ballots, and quick notification of and ability to remedy any signature matching issues—see this Brennan Center brief showing vote-by-mail racial disparities without these safeguards). Participants also discussed the need to maintain sanitized and uncrowded in-person polling places for those who choose not to vote-by-mail.
Economic Studies & COVID-19
Last week 5.2 million workers filed for unemployment in a single week (CNN), bringing the total number of filings near 22 million in the past four weeks. This was more than five times worse than the worst 4-week stretch of the Great Recession.
Interim COVID-19 Stimulus This Week, Larger Bill Possible Later
Right now, Members of Congress and the Trump Administration continue to negotiate a $450 billion “interim” COVID-19 bill that could be passed this week. The new bill could provide an additional funds for the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and nonprofits (the program ran out of funds last Thursday). House and Senate Democrats are pushing to direct some of the funds to minority-owned and rural businesses, and to add more for hospitals and enhanced COVID-19 testing capacity. The interim bill is smaller than the $2 trillion CARES Act signed in late March. For more, see the New York Times, CNN & Politico.
Deepwater Horizon: BP’s SECOND Blowout–The Secret History
Greg Palast reporting for Channel 4 (UK)
Ten years ago, April 20, 11 men on the Deepwater Horizon were incinerated when the BP/Transocean oil rig blew out and exploded.
New App Designed to Help Keep Employees Safe When They Return to Work Is Seeking Beta Testers.
With pressure building to reopen the country, employers want to protect their workers from the coronavirus, alleviate return-to-work anxiety, and mitigate the risk of legal liability. Howard Tiersky
There's a nationwide outcry to reopen the country and put people back to work. And yet, even as owners and employees alike long for life to get back to some semblance of normal, there's plenty of anxiety to go around. No employee wants to get sick. Certainly, no company owner wants to put their people at risk—nor do they want to be held liable if an employee does get sick.
The Hidden Pre-Existing Condition
With over 750,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States, state and local officials are beginning to acknowledge who is most impacted by the virus. For those of us who work to promote affordable housing and energy efficiency, it came as no surprise to learn that African-Americans are the hardest hit in this pandemic.
AAMBC Literary Awards premieres April 22 digitally on YouTube Live hosted by Tamika Newhouse and Chanel Hudson
On April 22, 2020, Founder and Creator of the AAMBC Literary Awards, Tamika Newhouse will host the annual celebration digitally alongside Chanel Hudson, a prominent media personality. The virtual event is slated to take place on April 22, 2020, at 7 pm and will stream from the AAMBC Awards “YouTube” channel. Since it’s inception in 2009, the AAMBC Awards is one of the few award shows that celebrates and honors African American literary writers, screenwriters and those in the publishing industry.
Communities Foundation of Texas receives $1 Million donation from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to aid COVID-19 Relief Efforts across Texas
Funding will help pay for personal protective equipment and childcare costs for first responders and assist with services for senior adults
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in support of Texas community foundations and nonprofits, Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) today announced a $1 million donation from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) to help with COVID-19 relief efforts through their newly created Collaborative Grant Fund.
Congressman Al Green Introduced H.R. 6475 and H.R. 6476 to Speed the Delivery of Relief Funds to Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus
On Friday, April 10, 2020, Congressman Al Green introduced two bills – H.R. 6475 and H.R. 6476 – to help speed the delivery of emergency funds to small businesses, their employees, and the self-employed. He released the following statement:
METRO Bus Operator, METROLift Contract Driver Test Positive for COVID-19
METRO has received confirmation a bus operator and a Yellow Cab contractor who drove for METROLift have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases to 11 METRO employees and two contractors. The Authority continues to track positive test results among its workforce of more than 4200. We are also conducting temperature checks of all employees before they begin their workday.
Congressman Al Green and Fort Bend County’s Ninth Congressional District Elected Officials Hosted PPE Donation Drive
On Thursday, April 16, 2020, Congressman Al Green, Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford, and Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella hosted a personal protective equipment (PPE) donation drive. They released the following statement:
MCTX Call to Action: Residents Encouraged to Serve On Boards, Committees and Commissions; Apply Online @ www.missouricitytx.gov
City Council and staff value input and feedback from citizens and are seeking applicants for all boards, committees and commissions. When serving, residents will have a unique opportunity to participate in the governing process and to provide ideas and suggestions on public policy.
2nd grade students at KIPP Sharp write thank you letters to health care workers
Second graders at KIPP SHARP wanted to spread some joy and positivity to our heath care workers. They wrote letters of appreciation to the hardworking doctors and nurses at LBJ Hospital. See pictures of the doctors and nurses with the students letters below.
COVID-19 and Community Updates
The City of Houston made another huge stride this week and doubled our daily testing capacity from 1,000 to 2,000 individuals. This means that now the City is testing anyone who wishes to be tested. You or your family member can call 832-393-4220 where you will be provided a unique identification code and directions on where to go.
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.
Houston Sailor participates in cleaning stations aboard U.S. Navy warship
Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Ricardo Trevino, from Houston, scrubs a door handle with HTH (bleach) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island personnel conduct a deep cleaning of the ship with HTH multiple times a day as part of coronavirus mitigation measures to ensure the health of the crew. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ethan Jaymes Morrow)
Social Distancing Shouldn’t Lead to Social Isolation
Even in the best of times, social isolation is a significant problem. In Texas, more than 1.5 million people over the age of 50 live alone and are at higher risk of social isolation, which is now magnified by the “social distancing” requirements across the country.
Harris, Booker, Colleagues Demand DOJ Provide Training to Combat Racial Profiling During COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Cory A. Booker (D-NJ) on Friday led a letter to Attorney General William Barr and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray demanding racial profiling training for all law enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter comes after reports of African American men being targeted by law enforcement based on the CDC’s guidance to wear face coverings.
The National Basketball Wives Association & Morgan Stanley Team Up To Donate 15,000 Books To Underserved Students With Virtual Party With A Purpose
The National Basketball Wives Association (NBWA) and Morgan Stanley have partnered together to donate more than 15,000 books to 5,000 students in under-resourced areas that have been impacted by current shelter in place orders. NBWA organized the "Spread Love Fest," a virtual 'party with a purpose' that tapped hip-hop artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, MC LYTE, to host and DJ the experience on Instagram Live, Friday, April 17th from 8-10 p.m. ET. The initiative is tied to the NBWA's "Books & Ball" program which works with the nonprofit First Book to close the gap on educational inequities.
Court Orders Release of Individual From Immigration Detention Due to COVID-19 Concerns
A United States District Court today granted the ACLU of Texas’ request to release a person who is highly vulnerable to serious illness and death from novel coronavirus, held at the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas.
Reynolds Statement on Re-opening Texas
"I find it premature and irresponsible of Governor Abbott to even consider re-opening our state up at this time in this unprecedented public health crisis. The medical community is reporting that Texas is still 2 to 4 weeks away from peaking in COVID-19 cases, and we are currently rapidly rising daily in new cases and deaths. In order for it to be safe for Texans to go back to work, several items need to happen:
Highest Criminal Court in Texas issues warrant for Harris County career criminal released on $500 bail
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the state’s highest criminal court, took the rare step on Friday of issuing an arrest warrant for a Houston fugitive and setting his bail at $100,000 after hearing that he was released on a $500 bail by a Harris County magistrate
HISD to stay closed for remainder of 2019-2020 school year
In accordance with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement today for all Texas schools, the Houston Independent School District will stay closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
Congressman Al Green Joined HISD Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan and Houston Food Bank at NRG Stadium for Mass Food Distribution
On Saturday, April 18, 2020, Congressman Al Green joined Houston Independent School District (HISD) Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan in distributing free curbside meals to students and families. Congressman Green released the following statement:
AboutThatCar.com 2020 Lexus RX 350L AWD
Let us start with the upside of the 2020 Lexus RX 350L AWD. It is a luxury crossover in every sense of the word.
General Motors and DTE Energy are Making Michigan a Clean Energy Powerhouse
General Motors and DTE Energy are working together to accelerate Michigan’s transition to renewable energy with a deal to source 500,000 megawatt hours of solar energy as part of DTE’s MIGreenPower program. This follows an initial investment of 300,000 MWh of wind energy purchased by GM in February 2019, bringing the total amount to more than 800,000 MWh, or the amount of electricity consumed by more than 100,000 homes in an average year.*
How To Protect Retirement Savings In These Uncertain Times
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing millions of Americans to worry about their retirement savings and investments. Stocks are riding a roller coaster and the recent $2 trillion stimulus bill passed by Congress potentially means larger tax bills down the road to help pay for it.
COVID Money Tracker Launches to Enhance Transparency April 20, 2020
Congress has already approved more than $2 trillion in fiscal measures to deal with the unprecedented economic and public health crisis caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, while the Federal Reserve has announced trillions of dollars in loans and other extraordinary measures, and it is extremely likely further action will be taken.
636,800 Houston Workers Directly Impacted by COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has led to an unprecedented economic shutdown as thousands of “nonessential” businesses have closed their doors. The crisis disproportionately affects the 21.3% of American workers in retail, leisure, and hospitality who not only face lack of work, but also suffer from long-standing, below-average wages. According to the latest annual data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for workers in the retail trade and leisure and hospitality sectors was just $19.70 and $16.55 in 2019, compared to $28 per hour across all workers.
Back To Her Roots...Loni Love Quarantine Talent Show Attracts Over 20,000 Viewers with Guest Judge Jonathan McReynolds
In 2003, Loni Love competed as a finalist on "Star Search" an opportunity that brought major attention to her comedic chops as a stand-up talent. This past weekend, Love went back to her roots and garnered over 20,000 viewers who tuned in for the first-ever Loni Love Quarantine Talent Show.
SNL Star Michael Che Pays Rent For His Grandmother’s Entire Building After She Passes From Covid-19
“Saturday Night Live” star and writer Michael Che has turned his grief into action to help others.
How Businesses Can Pivot While Slowed Or Closed During Difficult Times
With businesses across the U.S. having closed temporarily or reduced services due to the coronavirus pandemic, company leaders are trying to find ways to stay afloat until the crisis passes – and figure out how to move forward into an uncertain future.
The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency Extends Online Virtual Programs and Hosts Virtual “Doc Talk”
The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency, a nonprofit providing Houston-area women and girls with the tools needed to be advocates for their health, is extending its series of online programs and is taking its regularly scheduled Doc Talk presentation online on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Noon.
New ACLU Report: Black People Still Almost Three Times More Likely to Get Arrested for Marijuana in Texas
A Tale of Two Countries: Racially Targeted Arrests in the Era of Marijuana Reform Details Millions of Racially Targeted Marijuana Arrests Made Between 2010 – 2018
The American Civil Liberties Union today released a new report that showed Black people are 2.6 times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession in Texas. While Blacks and whites use marijuana at nearly equal rates, the ACLU’s report, A Tale of Two Countries: Racially Targeted Arrests in the Era of Marijuana Reform, shows the racial disparity that exists with arrests related to the possession of marijuana.
Texas State Parks Reopen for Day-Use
Texas State Parks will begin reopening for day-use only April 20 as part of a broader effort to begin reopening the state of Texas. Per Governor Abbott’s direction, new restrictions in effect include requiring visitors to wear face coverings and maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party, and prohibiting the gathering of groups larger than five.
17.7% of Texas Residents Are Uninsured
Efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 depend on the nation’s ability to provide testing and treatment for all Americans, even the 28.5 million who lack health insurance. As the number of coronavirus cases rise, issues surrounding access to healthcare and insurance have reached new levels of importance. Unfortunately, after sharp declines in the number of Americans without health insurance following the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, the uninsured rate rose for the first time in 2018.
Riley Lanez Releases New Track "Foul Play"
"Rileyy’s haunting vocals are used as a vehicle of expression for her past and present, giving listeners something to relate to." – Respect Magazine
Long Time Radio/TV Personality Brent Hatley Launches Twitch TV Channel
Long time radio-TV personality and producer Brent Hatley (SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, Cox Media Group, Beasley Broadcasting, Sun Broadcast Group) launches his channel at 3 PM Eastern/12 PM Pacific today. The Brent Hatley Show will air Monday through Friday from 3 PM Eastern/12 PM Pacific to 6 PM Eastern/3 PM Pacific.
East End Houston Business Leaders Unite to Provide Support to USO Troops
Large Donation of Hand Sanitizers and Face Masks to Fight COVID-19
The Houston East End Chamber of Commerce will hold a press conference to announce and present the donation of a large number of hand sanitizers and face masks for 2,000 USO troops, who are stationed across three highly populated areas of Louisiana and Texas.
Moleculin Announces Agreement with ImQuest Biosciences to Expand Coronavirus Testing
Follows discovery that active compound in WP1122 reduces in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 by 100%
Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company with a broad portfolio of drug candidates, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with ImQuest Biosciences to expand in vitro and in vivo testing of WP1122, Moleculin's lead drug candidate for the treatment of COVID-19.