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Once a Conservationist, always a Conservationist
Celebrating National Volunteer Week April 19-25, 2020
This week is National Volunteer Week! The Texas USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is proud to honor Earth Team Volunteer Fred Allison in Wheeler for all of his contributions to Helping People Help the Land.
Analysis From CAP and NAACP Highlights Need To Preserve In-Person Voting Options as States Expand Vote by Mail
As states move to expand voting by mail, a new joint publication from the Center for American Progress and the NAACP shows that in-person voting options must be preserved as well in order to prevent the disenfranchisement of millions of Americans.
HISD announces new food distribution sites for week of April 20
The Houston Independent School District is extending its food distribution program through the week of April 20 and announces 25 new food distribution sites throughout the district.
How Christian Business Owners Should Lead In A Time Of Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the leadership capacity of business owners and CEOs across the nation and world, and that’s perhaps especially true for those whose spiritual lives are fully integrated with their business lives.
Texas' leading medical cannabis business Compassionate Cultivation maintains statewide delivery during COVID-19 pandemic
Compassionate Cultivation continues to deliver needed medication to patients across the state safely and effectively during this time of crisis
Compassionate Cultivation, Texas’ leading medical cannabis provider, maintains its ongoing dedication to its patients statewide by providing them with needed medication during the current pandemic. Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Compassionate Cultivation has been deemed an essential business by the State of Texas, and as Texas’ shelter in place ordinance went into effect at the end of March, the company implemented every possible measure to safely supply patients with their treatments, serving families in need and keeping their patients and employees healthy.
Rockville Pulmonary Care Physician Says More Actions Need to Be Taken to Protect African Americans Against the Coronavirus, "Or Multiple Deaths Will Continue to Occur"
Rockville pulmonary and critical care medicine consultant and physician said more actions need to be taken immediately to protect African Americans against the coronavirus "or multiple deaths will continue to occur."
NAACP, Minority Financial Institutions Call for Equity in Congressional Response to COVID-19
Pre-existing structural inequities exacerbated the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. As has been thoroughly documented, the public health effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on people of color have been disproportionate and severe. The economic effects are similarly devastating.
President Cuomo? 28/1 from 40/1 to Move into White House
Donald Trump Still Holds All the Aces as the 10/11 Favourite
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has seen his profile rise significantly during the Coronavirus crisis and now the 62-year old is being backed to replace Donald Trump as President of the United States of America.
Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar Endorses Joe Biden
Today, Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:
Rep. Coleman to File Bill to Re-establish and Improve Texas’ Health Disparities Office
Today, Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston) announced that he will be introducing legislation next session to re-establish and improve Texas’ health disparities office:
Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Establishing Strike Force To Open Texas
Directs Select Services To Reopen, Closes Schools For Remainder Of Academic Year
Governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference where he issued three new Executive Orders to begin the process of reopening the state of Texas while revising hospital capacity and certain social distancing guidelines. Within the orders, select activities and services that pose minimal to no threat of spreading COVID-19 are allowed to reopen using a "Retail-To-Go" model, certain restrictions on surgeries have been loosened, and schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.
Keep Louisiana Beautiful Announces Love the Boot at Home
Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) announces the launch of Love the Boot at Home and Love the Boot Week, April 20-26, a statewide media and social media campaign focused on eco-friendly activities that individuals and families can do while practicing social distancing. KLB, Visit Lake Charles, Phillips 66, Pick It Up Calcasieu and Team Green encourage Southwest Louisiana citizens to show their love for the community by cleaning and beautifying their personal spaces at home and posting videos or photographs using #LovetheBoot.
Blue Star Contemporary Receives $25,000 Grant from COVID-19 Response Fund
Blue Star Contemporary (BSC), San Antonio’s first and longest running contemporary art non-profit, has received a $25,000 grant from San Antonio’s COVID-19 Response Fund. The community-driven fund is jointly managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation and the United Way of San Antonio. The fund is comprised of nearly 30 caring businesses, donor advised funds, philanthropic foundations, and government entities.
Campari partners with mobile-led platform EdApp in a joint initiative to educate the Southeast Asian hospitality industry through COVID-19
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the hospitality industry has been hit incredibly hard resulting in a near-global lockdown.
Patients should fear partnership between the FDA and anti-research "watchdog"
FDA regulators have approved over 600 new medicines since the turn of the century. And more treatments are on the way. Scientists are currently developing over 7,000 experimental drugs.
West Lake Houston Bridge Final Repairs Scheduled
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood and Lake Houston area residents aware Houston Public Works will conduct a bridge repair project on the West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge beginning Monday, April 27. The project consists of replacing fourteen bearing pads. The cost of the project is $307,400 and will be funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. The contractor for the project is ISI Contracting, Inc. The work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, May 20, weather permitting.
Cleo TV Series Up A Plant-Based On Just Eats with Chef JJ Featuring DJ Influencers Angel and Dren
CLEO TV is serving up a plant-based feast with plenty of spice on the next episode of JUST EATS WITH CHEF JJ this Saturday, April 18 at 12 P.M. ET/11C. Chef JJ is joined by New York's twin DJ Influencers Angel and Dren to talk about good music and how to make delicious vegan food in a breeze. On the menu this week is a Vegan Chili so delicious you won't even miss the meat. Chef JJ also cooks up Curry Lime Cauliflower - a deep-fried side dish bursting with flavor. Following the meal, the boisterous trio raise a glass to this healthy cuisine to the tunes of "The Uptown Yellow" and "The Midnight Cocktail."
Kierra Sheard Releases Self-Titled Album 'Kierra'
Today, GRAMMY® and Stellar Award-winning artist, actress and entrepreneur, Kierra Sheard, released her highly anticipated album KIERRA (Karew Entertainment / RCA Inspiration). Marking her sixth studio album and first project with RCA Inspiration. KIERRA includes the songstress’ latest single “It Keeps Happening,” and the popular anthem “Don’t Judge Me,” featuring Missy Elliott. Also, the album is accompanied by the release of a new video for another single, the atmosphere moving, “Something Has To Break (Live)” featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard. The video will debut exclusively via YouTube Premiere today at 1pm EST.
Beef on the Brazos
Take home the cash or take home the cows! Beef on the Brazos is a unique opportunity for a chance to own a herd of cattle. Until June 30, $50 raffle tickets are available and only 2000 will be sold to win twenty F1 Braford heifers with an estimated value near $20,000, subject to market price at the time of the sale.
Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas Releases Free Resource to Help Teens Understand Financial Impact of COVID-19
Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas is releasing a free resource for teens titled Making Sense: Understanding the Financial Impact of COVID-19. The guide is designed to answer teens’ questions about the economic implications of COVID-19, including “Why are some store shelves empty?”, “Why are some people losing their jobs?” and “Are we going into a recession, or even a depression?” The guide is available at JA.org/MakingSense.
African American Leaders at Forefront of “Earth Day Live,” A Digital Mobilization to Demand Action on COVID and Climate
Guests Include Stacey Abrams, Rev. William J. Barber II, Sharon Carpenter and Mustafa Santiago Ali
This Earth Day, a generation of young people will come together online, via live stream, to call for a just recovery from COVID-19 in line with science and justice. Leaders of the youth climate movement will share their vision of how we can move through this time of upheaval and emerge better prepared to make the massive economic, social and policy changes needed to recover from COVID-19 and confront climate destruction.
HISD partners with Houston Food Bank for mass food distribution site on Saturday at NRG
The Houston Independent School District is partnering with the Houston Food Bank to organize a mass food distribution site from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday in the parking lot of NRG Stadium.
Houston Community College Creates Community Partnership to Address Protective Gear Shortages in Houston
Houston Community College (HCC) announced that San Jacinto College, University of Houston at Sugar Land, Fort Bend County Judge’s Office, TX/RX Labs, Alief ISD and Houston ISD have joined efforts to help address personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages for local area medical professionals and first responders in the fight against COVID-19. The collaborative effort – known as H-Force – will be a comprehensive community partnership platform bringing together members’ resources, technologies and expertise to address the Houston area’s growing needs amidst this global crisis.
Texas Public Utility COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program
What is the PUC doing to help Texans experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19?
On March 26th, the Public Utility Commission of Texas responded to the governor’s declaration of emergency with a plan to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Texas utility customers who are experiencing genuine economic hardship as a result of the pandemic.
‘Do Not Wait’ How to Apply for Harris County’s Small Business Loan Program
Commissioner Adrian Garcia Announces Details
Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia announced details Thursday on how small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for a 0% interest or potentially-forgivable loan from a $10 million county-funded program.
Kroger Houston Expands Partnership with Local Restaurants
Kroger Houston Division announced additional dates as part of their partnership with several local restaurants in an effort to support local businesses.
Houston Health Department Expands COVID-19 Test Sites to Anyone Wanting to Get Tested
Testing Capacity Doubled to 1,000 per day
The Houston Health Department’s two COVID-19 drive-thru sites will broaden testing to anyone wanting to get a test and double their daily testing capacity to 1,000 on Tuesday.
Fort Bend County Expands COVID-19 Testing Sites to All Residents
Available Tests, Free To All, No Screening for Symptons
County Judge KP George announced publicly on Tuesday that the Fort Bend County testing site for COVID-19 is now open to all residents -- whether or not they are experiencing symptoms from the novel coronavirus. The Judge announced the expansion in the open session of the Commissioner’s Court.
Do Your Part to Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse
With many Americans asked to stay at home to help curb the impact of COVID-19, there’s a higher risk of potential prescription drug abuse or prescription drugs accidentally falling into the wrong hands, like those of children.
Are You Quarantined With An Abuser?
Harris County District Attorney’s Office Remains Ready to Respond to Domestic Violence
I hope this message finds you and yours healthy and safe. The lack of certainty during these times has a way of making every day a little more challenging, and the close quarters we share may cause frustration. It’s in times like these that we need to find our patience and, for everyone’s sake, remain calm.
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:
Coronavirus and the New American Economy
A person wearing a suit and tie Description automatically generatedThe face of the American economy is forever changed by this Coronavirus pandemic. In three weeks-time we've witnessed financially viable companies go into rapid freefall by the millions, starting with employees and trickling rapidly. Small to mid-sized businesses are laying off in record numbers, and there is no clear end in sight.
2020 Jay-Z Scholarship Continues Despite COVID-19
Rapper turned entrepreneur Jay-Z has decided to continue his annual scholarship program despite the coronavirus pandemic. His Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund helps students advance their education by giving them the resources they need to enroll in college, pay the tuition, and successfully finish college on time.
METRO Salutes Frontline Workers by Sounding the Horn
METRO will join a national coordinated day of action to honor transportation workers and the Authority will go a step further by also honoring our region's health care workers and first responders.
The Rise, Fall and Rise of the Interactive Display Market
A month ago, 13 countries had complete school closures, affecting 19% of enrolled learners and placing an emphasis on the concern for adequate supply. As the peak of the crisis in China was just after Chinese New Year, vendors had plenty of inventory to cover the annual common shortage around that time, leading to limited shortages. Now manufacturers in China, which accounts for 90% of the global interactive display market, are gradually returning to work. As a result, the product is shipping and some vendors report that they have had little change in supply.
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan Applauds Mail-in Ballot Decision
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan applauded the decision by District Judge Tim Sulak to issue a temporary injunction allowing all voters at risk of contracting the coronavirus if they vote in person to ask for a mail-in ballot.
Insurance Companies Deny Business Claims During COVID 19 Pandemic
As the spread of COVID-19 decimates the nation’s restaurant industry, business owners have pored over their insurance policies with hopes of discovering a safety net, only to learn that insurers are unwilling to payout coverage for losses tied to the pandemic. Through court battles and lobbying, restaurateurs are hoping to lock insurance firms into agreements that will provide the industry’s policyholders with cash payments needed to ensure their businesses can reopen when the pandemic settles.
Critically Acclaimed Soul Songstress Gaidaa to Host Instagram Live Performance On Afropunk Today
Today, Netherlands-based Sudanese singer, songwriter, and artist Gaidaa will hop on Afropunk’s Instagram Live at 10AM PST/ 1PM EST / 7PM GMT+2 for a special live performance in support of #RonaRelief. As she’s known for powerhouse performances, you don’t want to miss this one. The rising star also joins the ranks of other recent guests, including Zeroh, Darkovibes, Keiyaa, and more. Be sure to tune in!
Texas CRNAs: Assisting States Hit Hardest By COVID-19
Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TxANA) and Texas CRNAs Answer the Call of States Overrun by the Pandemic
Texas Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the many health care professionals on the ground in cities like New York City which are currently being hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. CRNAs have the responsibilities of administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during elective surgeries and procedures, but many have stepped up to assume different roles during the pandemic.
Growing conditions peachy for Texas fruit growers
Texas’ peach crop looks good amid improved growing conditions despite warmer-than-normal weather that impacted tree chill hours, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.
National Comedy Center Launches Online Platform featuring Exhibit Content Never Seen Outside Museum
Exclusive Museum Content Now Available for Viewing at Home
The National Comedy Center, the nation’s official cultural institution and non-profit museum dedicated to comedy as an art form, announced today that it has launched a new online content platform featuring exclusive content directly from its interactive comedy exhibits, as an extension of the museum during its temporary closure.
HISD announces new food distribution sites for week of April 13
The Houston Independent School District will continue food distribution efforts at 25 sites throughout the district during the week of Monday, April 13.
The Long-Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on LCD Demand
COVID-19 first created the question ‘will there be enough LCD panels?’ before the more pertinent: ‘will there be any demand?!’
How Businesses Can Weather COVID-19: Start With Empathy To Employees
Major U.S. businesses are adjusting operations, laying off employees or reducing hours in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston offers guidance for youth and parents during COVID-19 health crisis
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCGH) seeks to serve as a community resource to provide guidance for parents and children who may be struggling with a higher degree of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could include food insecurity, job losses and just plain “cabin fever.” When kids are in a Club setting at BGCGH, part of the job of staff and volunteers is to recognize signs of stress in children and help them learn coping skills so they can lead a happy, productive life.
Harris Health System—University of Houston Collaboration Fills Emergency Need for Face Shields in Hospitals Caring for Coronavirus Patients
With supply companies unable to fulfill emergency requests for medical face shields, and with a need to assure this critical resource for staff in its hospitals, Harris Health System reached out to an unlikely partner for help—the University of Houston.
Faith in Action National and International Join Immigrant Rights Groups Calling for Migrant and Refugee Protection during the COVID-19 Pandemic
In a statement today to elected leaders, Faith in Action and the Hope Border Institute have partnered with grassroots and religious organizations in Mexico and Central America to demand urgent protections for migrants across the region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
James Harden Teams Up With Kroger to Feed Five Thousand Local Families in Underserved Communities
In response to the COVID-19 impact on Houston’s most vulnerable communities, Houston Rockets star James Harden has teamed up with Kroger to provide a weeks’ worth of groceries to six hundred families each week for eight consecutive weeks, benefitting five thousand Houston-area families.
Judge Signals Texas Democratic Party Will Win Lawsuit Allowing All Eligible Voters the Opportunity to Request a Mail-In Ballot
Today, Judge Tim Sulak of the Travis County District Court signaled that the Texas Democratic Party will win its lawsuit against the State of Texas demanding that all eligible voters who believe their health will be compromised under the threat of the coronavirus be able to cast a mail-in ballot in the upcoming runoff elections.
Local Government Entities are Eligible to Apply for Federal Funding
The Texas Comptroller’s Office is urging eligible local governments to apply for federal funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.