57METRO Office Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19
An office worker assigned to the METRO administration building has tested positive for COVID-19 (the coronavirus). The employee was last on the job March 20 and had no interaction with the public.
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Gas Turbine System Technician (Electrical) 2nd Class Carina Valle, from Houston, operates an integrated computer assessment system during maintenance aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).
Statement from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments for Beneficiaries
“I want to provide an update to people who receive benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Texas A&M System starts TV Series on COVID-19 Fight
Chancellor John Sharp will host, conduct interviews with experts
Scientists and other experts from throughout The Texas A&M University System will speak with Chancellor John Sharp about their roles in the fight against COVID-19 on a new television series beginning 7 p.m. Thursday.
Fueled Fashion & Art Gala Showcases Houston’s Energy Industry
Fueled Fashion & Art Gala Tentatively Rescheduled to December 1, 2020
To limit exposure to the COVID-19 virus, The Fueled Fashion & Art Gala is tentatively rescheduled to December 1, 2020. We will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate further information as it develops.
Houston Ballet Cancels the Remainder of Its 2019-2020 Season
Houston Ballet announces its cancellation of the rest of its 2019-2020 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Performances effected include the rescheduled dates for Forged in Houston (May 21-31), Romeo & Juliet (June 4-14) and From Houston to the World, which was in the works to be rescheduled later in the season. Additionally, its community performances at Miller Outdoor Theater and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and much-anticipated tour to Spain this summer have also been canceled.
As The Coronavirus Spreads, Farmers Still Fight Other Livestock Viruses
The coronavirus has impacted enormous numbers of people, but the disease is suspected to have started in animals.
New Emergency Boarding Grants Help Pet Owners Affected by COVID-19
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.
Amazing Race Winner Offers Tips and Cash Incentive for Stay-At Home Workouts
During our “new normal,” we are forced to workout from home and find new ways to stay active and physically strong. Houston-native, Uchenna Agu, a former Amazing Race winner and All American at the University of Oregon, offers an Olympic caliber workout to take your fitness to Champion & Legends status. As a fifty-five-year-old elite athlete that can still dunk a basketball, Agu offers five essential workout moves to help us make our time at home an opportunity to get in the best shape of our life.
Allstate Providing $600 Million to Auto Customers, Free ID Protection for U.S. Residents
U.S. residents can also receive free Allstate Identity Protection for the year
Allstate (NYSE: ALL) is providing a Shelter-in-Place Payback to help its personal auto insurance customers in these challenging times. Allstate is also offering free identity protection to all Americans.
Rice Business Launches Deferred Enrollment Program
Program to benefit graduating seniors seeking an MBA
Rice Business has launched a deferred enrollment program that enables undergraduates to gain admission to Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business’ MBA program and obtain career experience before they attend.
SBA Clarifies Eligibility of Faith-Based Organizations to Participate in Paycheck Protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Programs
SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza today announced that SBA issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress, signed into law by President Trump, and implemented by the Paycheck Protection Act Interim Final Rule.
How To Take Fear Out Of The Workplace
Fear. Uncertainty. A growing sense of panic every time the president delivers a national address about the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus.
New Resource Launched to Help Essential Workers Find Child Care
Collaborative for Children, Workforce Solutions, City of Houston and Harris County join forces with other community partners to provide much needed child care support during health crisis
Collaborative for Children and Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the City of Houston and Harris County, has launched a resource dedicated to helping essential workers find quality child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The easy-to-use portal launched today at 8 a.m.
Your Book Is Worthy of Recognition
Have you written a book, had it published, and want to bring more attention to it? We have an avenue that might be of interest to you: The International Latino Book Awards are the largest Latino book and cultural awards in the world. The Awards celebrates books by and about Latinos written in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The Awards are produced by Empowering Latino Futures/Latino Literacy Now, a 501c3 nonprofit organization I co-founded with Kirk Whisler in 1997.
Comcast Partners To Make FREE Educational Content Available
Comcast has teamed with Common Sense Media to make free educational content available.
Community Resources
Area Resources, Phone Numbers and Websites To Help Our Readers Navigate our Coronavirus Pandemic
As always, our 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is here answering the call from our neighbors in need. 211 provides information about community resources and connects people to basic needs assistance and other social services, for which demand is likely to increase. You can also search the 211 database online here. 211 is not the number to call for emergencies or if someone suspects they have COVID-19. Those concerned about or affected by COVID-19 should follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines.
H-E-B Launches Take and Bake Dishes with Underbelly Hospitality Starting Thursday, April 2nd, a New Ready To Cook – Oven Ready Dishes to Go By Georgia James Meat Market
Beginning today, April 2, select H-E-B stores are selling Underbelly Hospitality Take and Bake dishes. Look for the dishes near the entrance of each store.
Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction with Dr. Sanjay Qupta
As global cases of the novel coronavirus near the staggering milestone of 1 million, spreading to almost every country and territory, the World Health Organization chief says he is “deeply concerned” about the “near exponential growth” of the pandemic.
Houston ISD Relaunches Grab and Go Meals Program On Monday, April 6, 2020
The Houston Independent School District is relaunching its Grab and Go Curbside Meals Program on Monday, April 6, 2020.
Congress Members Green and Chu Send Letter to Trump Condemning Anti-Asian Discrimination
On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Congressman Al Green and several of his congressional colleagues sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump condemning anti-Asian discrimination and violence linked to COVID-19. Congressman Green, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chairwoman Judy Chu (CA-27), and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA- 07) released the following statement:
Governor Greg Abbott, Mandating A Self-Quarantine for Out-Of-State Arrivals
The Governor issued a proclamation regarding his prior Executive Order mandating a self-quarantine for individuals arriving from the New York Tri-State Area and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Beyond the Rhetoric 86: COVID-19 is Scary
Our son, Harry, came to our home to bring us fresh fruit – red apples, bright yellow bananas – and rustic wheat bread. Thomas brought huge boxes of Gatorade and sparkling water. That’s not unusual. But the circumstances had changed. We met outdoors in the driveway, we stood 6 feet apart. We didn’t hug or kiss. We called out “I love you” above the noise of the wind.
How Your Team Colors Lift Spirits In These Trying Times
Fashion has always been a powerful way to express ourselves, and the colors we wear, psychologists say, reflect our personality.
Oprah's $10 Million COVID Donation
Oprah Winfrey is Donating $10 Million to Support Those Facing Food Insecurity Due to the COVID19 Pandemic
Laurene Powell Jobs and @Apple to launch America's Food Fund to help feed local communities. I was struck by the work these organizations are doing and while everyone's priority right now is to stay safer at home, I know there are many of us looking for ways to help.
Houston Has the 10th Fewest Healthcare Workers Per Capita
The coronavirus outbreak has called into question the nation’s preparedness to respond to and mitigate health crises. As the number of presumptive and confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to increase, hospitals across the country face shortages of equipment, personnel, and beds. While the pandemic is highlighting shortcomings of the U.S. healthcare system overall, it is also evident that some parts of the country are better staffed with healthcare workers than others.
Texas Has the 9th Fewest Healthcare Workers Per Capita
The coronavirus outbreak has called into question the nation’s preparedness to respond to and mitigate health crises. As the number of presumptive and confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to increase, hospitals across the country face shortages of equipment, personnel, and beds. While the pandemic is highlighting shortcomings of the U.S. healthcare system overall, it is also evident that some parts of the country are better staffed with healthcare workers than others.
Sponsor a Meal for the Emergency First Responders
Amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, you can now give back to the hard working first responders who are tireless working around the clock and send them a meal through The Bougainvilleas, 12126 Westheimer Rd, Houston, Texas 77077. The First Responders Appreciation Meal it's an opportunity for companies to support, encourage and say Thank You.
Aggie Veterinary labs cobble together 2,000 COVID-19 sampling kits
FDA-compliant swab kits to be donated to hospitals across the state
More than 2,000 COVID-19 sampling kits will soon be on their way to hospitals across the state, thanks to Aggie innovation and ingenuity.
Beastie Boys Story - A Live Documentary Experience Directed by Spike Jonze
Beastie Boys Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz tell you an intimate, personal story of their band and 40 years of friendship in this live documentary experience directed by their longtime friend and collaborator, and their former grandfather, filmmaker Spike Jonze. "Beastie Boys Story" is set to premiere on the heels of the 26th anniversary of the release of Beastie Boys' No. 1 charting 1994 album, "Ill Communication."
Governor Abbott, TDHCA Take Initial Action To Secure Financial Housing Assistance
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) have taken initial action to provide tenant-based rental assistance for Texans experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The Governor has waived statutes relating to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) HOME Investments Partnership program which would allow Texas greater flexibility to use program funds to help certain Texans pay their rent. In addition, TDHCA has sent a letter to HUD requesting federal waivers to allow greater flexibility to Texas to reprogram these funds for that purpose. If these waivers are granted, Texas will reprogram these funds to provide financial housing assistance to certain Texans enduring economic hardships related to COVID-19.
Essential Service Keeps Rolling with METRO's Vigilant Response
METRO continues to support local public health officials' response to COVID-19 and assist in hopefully reducing its spread. The efforts include modifying service to connect essential workers to their jobs, instituting rear-boarding for most passengers and encouraging social distancing.
More Adults Are Getting Braces; Here’s The Clear Way To Your Best Smile
About 4 million Americans wear braces, but braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Adults account for over 1 million orthodontic patients in the U.S., according to the American Association of Orthodontics.
USDA Seeks Public Comment on More Revised Conservation Practice Standards
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to 49 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. The proposed revisions posted this week with the public comment period closing April 23, 2020.
Celebrate Easter with The Rustic’s Holiday Meal Kit To-Go
Ready to Cook and Ready to Eat meals available for pickup April 10-12
While Easter may look a little different this year with current shelter-in-place mandates, that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate the holiday. Houstonians can enjoy The Rustic's Easter Meal Kit at home by pre-ordering its new Ready to Cook and Ready to Eat meals.
Digital Rally Unites Renters, Homeowners, and Lawmakers in Call for Immediate Legislative Relief from Economic/Health Crisis
Uniting Across Differences: With Millions of People Out of Work and Rent Due for the first time since COVID-19 Struck, Digital Rally & National Day of Action Uplifts Demands to #CancelRent #CancelMort
Today tenants, homeowners, organizers, houseless families, Grammy-nominated musician Ana Tijoux, and City Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas, who authored the strongest eviction moratorium in California, will gather at 2pm ET for a national digital rally. They are calling for an immediate cancellation of rent, mortgages, and utility payments and a guarantee of homes for all under the banner of the Beyond Recovery campaign.
GM Reports First-Quarter U.S. Sales
General Motors (NYSE: GM) announced today that it delivered 618,335 vehicles in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of about 7 percent compared to a year ago. The industry experienced significant declines in March due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Given 2% chance of survival, 'Batman' came to the rescue
"Hey, look, it's Lazarus, back from the dead." Steve Seeram was confused. Regaining consciousness, he recalled being diagnosed with a blocked artery and being prepared to undergo a routine non-invasive procedure to implant three stents. Doctors had said he'd be home the next day.
NATA, NBAA Highlight Unique Challenges For General Aviation Businesses In Applying for CARES Act Relief
Today, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, seeking additional guidance on the loan and grant provisions for air carriers, including certain general aviation operators, enacted as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
Sinners Wanted Makes Its Cable Television Premiere On TV One This Sunday, April 5 at 4 P.M./3C
The Award-Winning Film Stars Lamman Rucker, Clifton Powell, Traci Braxton, Kenneth Wayne, Ashley Rios and More
April 1, 2020 – TV One spreads a message of grace this Easter season with the cable-television premiere SINNERS WANTED on Palm Sunday, April 5 at 4 P.M. ET/3C, with encore airings on Saturday, April 11 at 12 P.M. EST/11C and Easter Sunday, April 12 at 4 P.M. EST/3C. The star-studded cast ensemble includes Lamman Rucker, Traci Braxton, Clifton Powell, Kenneth Wayne, Ashley Rios, Roland Martin, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Joseph Curtis Calendar, Hope Blackstock, Tiana Melvina Woods and Nasir Rhamim.
Coronavirus update 4
First, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo yesterday extended the "Stay Home, Work Safe" Order until April 30. The order requires everyone to remain at home unless they are conducting essential business such as grocery shopping, going to the pharmacy, picking up food or going to work at businesses that are deemed essential.
Stars Lil' Wayne, Angie Stone and DJ Khaled Reflect on Betty Wright's Legacy on the Next Episode Of TV One's UNSUNG on Sunday, April 5 At 10 P.M. ET/9C
TV One's award-winning documentary series UNSUNG shines a spotlight on the story of 70s R&B music queen, Betty Wright, this Sunday, April 5 at 10 p.m. ET/9C.
Governor Abbott Announces Federal Stimulus Package To Help Texans Affected By COVID-19
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement regarding the recently passed $2 trillion federal stimulus package intended to relieve the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special focus on unemployed workers and the state’s hardest-hit businesses.
COVID-19 Updates: Stay-Home Work-Safe Order Extended
Tuesday, March 31 County Judge Hidalgo extended the Stay-Home Work-Safe order through midnight April 30. If you need additional clarification or information on this order, please email stayhome@co.hctx.net or visit the County's FAQ page.
It’s CENSUS DAY!
All MCTX Residents Urged to Participate In 2020 Census Survey; www.2020census.gov
It’s Census Day 2020 and we’re asking the community to do its part in shaping the future of the “Show Me City”. Residents now have an opportunity to participate in the nationwide program that only takes place once every 10 years as required by the U.S. Constitution.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston launches ON DEMAND Club Experience to fill in the gap for at-home learning
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCGH) has launched ON DEMAND Club Experience, a virtual platform providing innovative, at-home learning for Club members to help fill the educational gap and associated learning loss during the COVID-19 outbreak. This initiative allows children and teens under Houston’s current stay-at-home order to participate in online activities from BGCGH’s four core program areas – Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character and Citizenship, and Workforce Readiness.
COVID-19 a Double Disaster for Attorneys Hit with a $250,000 Judgment for Challenging Fort Bend ISD’s Illegal Truancy Court
Can the public trust Fort Bend ISD after it criminalized poor and black students for absences in an illegal truancy court and then ruthlessly pursued a $250,000 judgment against attorneys who exposed them?
Construction Scheduled for Ramada Drive Safe Sidewalk Project
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin is pleased to announce, in an effort to provide increased pedestrian mobility as well as safety, Houston Public Works will be making repairs to the sidewalk on the northern side of Ramada Drive from El Camino Real to Diana Lane. Mayor Pro Tem Martin has allocated $53,250.00 from his Council District Service Funds for the sidewalk repairs.
5th Circuit Halts Elective Abortions in TX Pending Appeal as Lawmakers Fight COVID-19
Pro-life Leaders Urge Public Officials to Protect Vulnerable Lives Put at Risk by the Abortion Industry’s Radical Agenda
Today the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed temporary enforcement of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s order stopping elective procedures, including abortions, pending appeal. The order is part of the state’s efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Birds of Prey and the Emancipation of One Harley Quinn Arrives Onto 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD On May 12
4K Blu-ray Disc features Dolby VisionTM HDR and HDR10+TM
“Birds of Prey and the Fabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” arrives on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD on May 12. Margot Robbie (“Bombshell,” “Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood,” “I, Tonya”) reprises her role as the endearingly daring ne’er-do-well Harley Quinn in DC’s “Birds of Prey and the Fabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn.”