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Harris County Will Pay You $100 To Get Your First Dose Of The COVID-19 Vaccine
Residents who receive their First dose of the COVID-19 vaccine through HCPH will receive a $100 cash card
In an effort to improve vaccination rates and better protect the residents of Harris County from COVID-19, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will provide $100 cash cards to residents receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at an HCPH vaccination site. In order to receive the $100 cash card, residents will have to sign a waiver prior to the vaccination and remain in the post-vaccination waiting area at an HCPH vaccination site for the 15-to-30 minutes recommended.
Human Rights Campaign Announces Launch of First Ever National In-Home HIV Testing Kit Program
Today, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with Us Helping Us, launched the United States’ first national in-home HIV testing program centered around reaching communities disproportionately impacted by HIV—Black and Latinx gay, bisexual men and transgender women of color. Also, for the first time in its history, HRC will be providing a direct-to-door service to the LGBTQ+ community by pledging to administer a minimum of 5,000 free in-home testing kits for HIV over one year.
Human Rights Campaign Announces Launch of First Ever National In-Home HIV Testing Kit Program
Today, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with Us Helping Us, launched the United States’ first national in-home HIV testing program centered around reaching communities disproportionately impacted by HIV—Black and Latinx gay, bisexual men and transgender women of color. Also, for the first time in its history, HRC will be providing a direct-to-door service to the LGBTQ+ community by pledging to administer a minimum of 5,000 free in-home testing kits for HIV over one year.
Infant Formula Linked to Dangerous Condition Affecting Premature Babies
Did your baby have NEC after drinking Similac or Enfamil baby formula?
You may be entitled to significant compensation for your pain & suffering. Infant formula significantly increases a premature baby's risk for developing Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Which causes inflammation leading to intestinal tissue damage and tissue death. If the intestinal infection causes bowel perforation, the bacteria can pass into the baby’s bloodstream leading to even more severe complications. Claims are already being filed nationwide on behalf of families affected by NEC. Find out if you qualify!
9-Year Old Won First Place in Art Competition
She's telling the story of America with her art!
Gabrielle Faisal, 9, won first place in the White House Historical Association’s National Student Art Competition by telling the story of African-Americans in her drawing.
Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program Has Now Connected Nearly 1 Million Texans Over the Past 10 Years
Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest, most comprehensive, and most successful high-speed Internet adoption program for low-income households. Since the program launched in 2011, many improvements have been made to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Facebook Unveils #BuyBlackSummit to Help Promote Black Entrpreneurs
Facebook announced the Facebook Elevate #BuyBlack Summit—a one day virtual event designed to accelerate and equip Black business owners with the tools needed to thrive in an economy that has been dramatically shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic, while also celebrating and spotlighting Black creators.
New Rick James Documentary, ‘Bitchin’: the Sound and Fury
If you’ve been burning with “fire and desire” to see the life and career of Rick James played out on the small screen, then boy, have I got some good news for you!
Mayor Turner launches the Bethune Empowerment Center
On Saturday, August 7, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the official launch of the Bethune Empowerment Center in Acres Home and its first tenant, Communities for Better Health.
Documentary About Steph Curry's Rise to Superstardom Has the Perfect Title
Underrated will chronicle Curry’s historic rise to prominence during his stint a Davidson
Steph Curry might be a household name now, but before he single-handedly revolutionized the game of basketball he was a three-star recruit out of high school who was ignored by almost every powerhouse school in the NCAA. He would eventually find a home at Davidson—a school with a student body of only 1,700 at the time—after his father’s alma mater, Virginia Tech, only offered him a spot as a walk-on. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Warrants Served To Texas Democrats, But Holdout Continues
Officers of the Texas House of Representatives delivered civil arrest warrants for more than 50 absent Democrats on Wednesday as frustrated Republicans ratcheted up efforts to end a standoff over a sweeping elections bill that stretched into its 31st day.
Foodventures Outside of Houston
If you are not quite ready to hit the airport, I would love to invite you to explore the great city of Houston and its surrounding areas for an amazing foodventure. Driving up I-45 North, about an hour outside The Woodlands, is the beautiful town of Trinity. As we were driving, we saw a sign that said, “SHRIMP & BACON TACOS” and we had to make a U-turn.
Austin ISD joining Dallas in defying Greg Abbott's ban on schools requiring masks
The third wave of COVID-19 in Texas continues to tax the state’s health care systems as 10,000 COVID-19 sufferers have been hospitalized for the first time since early February, state health officials reported.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Private Luncheon for Twenty Pearls
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® is still celebrating the release of their nationwide Twenty Pearls documentary that tells
Former CDC official warns schools may close down more this year than last due to Delta variant
Schools across the United States may be “forced to shut down” more than last year amid the surging Delta variant impacting infection rates and hospitalisations, a former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official has warned.
Texas House speaker signs Arrest warrants for 52 Democrats
Republicans in Texas are increasing pressure on Democratic lawmakers to return to the state’s Legislature, threatening they may be arrested if they fail to go back to the GOP-led chamber. State lawmakers voted 80–12 to give law enforcement the authority to track down and force absent Democrats to return to the House of Representatives. Shortly thereafter, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan signed civil arrest warrants for 52 Democrats. The warrants will be delivered to the House sergeant at arms Wednesday morning for service. The lawmakers wouldn’t face criminal charges and could just be taken to the House chamber. “People aren’t going to jail, but they got to come back to work,” Republican state Rep. Mayes Middleton said.
Mayor Turner Joins Family of 36th President & Community Leaders to Dedicate Monuments to Lyndon B Johnson and Apollo I Memorial
Mayor Sylvester Turner today accepted on behalf of the City of Houston a statue dedicated to America’s 36th President Lyndon Baines Johnson and an additional Memorial to the astronauts who perished in testing the Apollo I module in 1967.
Houston Public Works Earn Multiple Awards for Street & Water Projects
Houston Public Works earns multiple awards for projects designed to improve the community through equitable infrastructure.
Black Media Shut Out of COVID 19 Vaccination Advertising By Biden Administration
The Biden administration has “shut out” scores of Blackowned media firms from engaging in one of the nation’s biggest public health advertising campaigns: Encouraging Black Americans, the population hardest hit by COVID-19, to get vaccinated. As the pandemic has called attention to disparities in healthcare, a growing number of Black business owners say they have exposed inequities in such firms gaining access to federal advertising dollars for COVID-19 vaccination awareness efforts for Black communities.
Superintendent: HISD will require masks for students and staff on the first day of school
Houston ISD announced the district will implement a mask mandate for the 2021-2022 school year. According to HISD Superintendent Millard House II, the board will support mandating masks at the beginning of the school year. House voiced his concerns about students wearing masks as the number of COVID-19 cases rises due to the delta variant.
Mayor Sylvester Turner Appoints Michael Heckman Chief Executive Officer of Houston First Corporation
Heckman Served in Interim Role Since August 2020
Houston First Corporation, the official destination marketing organization for Houston, today announced that Michael Heckman has been named Chief Executive Officer.
City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department Launches HTX Collects Mobile App
The Houston Solid Waste Management Department has launched HTX Collects, a mobile app that will allow residents to stay better connected with the City’s waste and recycling collection programs.
New Custom Built Houston Fire Department Ladder 28 In Service
A new custom built ladder truck has been placed into service at Fire Station 28 in southwest Houston.
Mayor Turner launches the Bethune Empowerment Center revitalization project with Communities for Better Health as its first tenant
On Saturday, August 7, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the official launch of the Bethune Empowerment Center in Acres Home and its first tenant, Communities for Better Health.
Governor Abbott Takes Action To Mitigate Rise In COVID-19 Cases In Texas
New Actions Will Increase Health Care Facility Staffing & Capacity, Expand Antibody Infusion Centers, Increase Vaccine Availability
Governor Greg Abbott today announced a series of actions the State of Texas is taking to mitigate the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will be utilizing staffing agencies to provide medical personnel from out-of-state to Texas health care facilities to assist in COVID-19 operations. The Governor has also sent a letter to the Texas Hospital Association asking hospitals to voluntarily postpone elective medical procedures, for which a delay will not result in loss of life or the deterioration of a patient's condition, in order to increase hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients.
20 Texans Named Quest for Texas Best Finalists
2021 Competition Heads into Final Judging Round
More than 800 Texans threw their hats into the ring submitting more than 1,200 products ready for the 2021 Quest for Texas Best. From books, beignets, and bottled water, to syrups, sausage and seasonings, H-E-B’s Business Development and Sourcing Managers reviewed a host of products for potential placement on H-E-B store shelves.
WORKFAITH AIMS TO HIRE HOUSTON AT THE iWORK HOUSTON HIRING EXPO
The iWork Hiring Expo Presented by Houston's First Baptist Church Downtown, is an in-person hiring event designed to provide hope, build community, and connect job seekers with long-term employment.
Congressman Al Green Hosts Annual Green Light to Healthy Living Health Fair
On Thursday, August 12, 2021, Congressman Al Green – in conjunction with Westbury High School and Community Health Choice – will host a drive-thru health fair and back-to-school kickoff.
DON’T BREATHE 2 New Vignettes
Genre: Horror Thriller Rating: This film is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for the following reasons: strong bloody violence, gruesome images, and language. Credits not final.
Discovery+ OWN Order New Documentary Series 'Justice, USA' From Award-Winning Executive Producers Common, Marshall Goldberg and Mike Tollin/MSM
Discovery+ Original Series is an In-depth and Unflinching Look at the U.S. Criminal Justice System
discovery+ and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today a straight-to-series order for the new documentary series “Justice, USA” from Academy®, GRAMMY® and Emmy® Award winning artist and activist Common, Humanitas Prize finalist Marshall Goldberg (“Life Goes On”), and Emmy® award-winning executive producer Mike Tollin (“The Last Dance”), with Think Common Entertainment’s Tamara Brown also executive producing. OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will oversee production for discovery+. “Justice, USA” is produced by MSM. Executive producers are Common, Tamara Brown, Marshall Goldberg, and Mike Tollin. Randy Ferrell serves as showrunner on the series. Slated to premiere in 2022 on discovery+, “Justice, USA” is a comprehensive insider 360-degree view of the criminal justice system.
HISD 2021-2022 Back to School 'Ready, Set, Go Plan"
As the As we prepare for the 2021-2022 school year, HISD will provide in-person learning five days per week for all students during the 2021-2022 school year. Virtual learning will not be offered.
Denzel Washington continues to fulfill his $1 million commitment to an HBCU debate team
In 2007, the actor starred in “The Great Debaters,” portraying Melvin B. Tolson, a legendary debate team coach at Wiley College in the 1930s. During Tolson’s time, he helped break barriers, integrating collegiate debates and guiding the Wiley debate team on a 10-year undefeated winning streak. The year the film debuted, Washington made a $1 million commitment to ensure the debate team at Wiley college would continue to succeed and keep the scholarly tradition alive and kicking.
Houston's Raevyn Rogers Leans On Faith
When Houston’s Raevyn Rogers helped give her mother a birthday to remember until the end of time.
Fort Bend County Ups COVID Threat Level As School Year Approaches And Delta Variant Surges
Even though Fort Bend County has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate of all Texas counties, Fort Bend County Judge KP George announced Tuesday that the Delta variant of the coronavirus has caused local virus metrics to spike enough for him to raise the county’s COVID threat level from yellow to orange, asking all county residents to minimize contact with others and imploring folks to mask up and get vaccinated if they haven’t already.
Office of Business Opportunity, KIPP Texas Begin Contractor Diversity Initiative
Representatives from the City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) and KIPP Texas Public Schools are working together to advance contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) in Houston and across Texas.
Rihanna has officially hit billionaire status!
The singer, born Robyn Fenty, didn’t just rise to the top as an entertainer, but over the past few years she’s become quite the businesswoman thanks to Fenty Beauty — the cosmetics company made to make “women everywhere (feel) included.”
Mayor Turner Announces "Super Saturday Vaccination Day"
As the city of Houston intensifies its push for vaccinations, Mayor Sylvester Turner is shifting focus on getting kids the shot too.
HISD Superintendent House Says Delta's Rapid Spread Hasn't Yet Altered Plans For In-Person Classes
As the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus silently swarms throughout the Lone Star State, the pandemic in Texas has taken an undeniable turn for the worse in recent weeks. With hospitalizations for the deadly disease rising to heights not seen in months and new daily case counts rapidly increasing, a new surge is clearly underway propelled largely by younger, unvaccinated residents falling ill to the virus.
Invoking the spirit of Selma, Texas activists begin 27-mile march
When the Rev. Dr. William Barber speaks, his listeners lean in. His large frame bent forward, the lilt in his voice easily fills the space between them as he preaches on racial and economic equality and justice.
One Innocent Man: Houstonian Keith Washington Released After 13 Years in Prison
Keith Washington left a Maryland prison on June 23 and reunited with his wife and daughters after more than 13 years apart. His release comes about a month after a judge agreed to reduce Washington’s excessive original sentence.
Comcast Celebrates Grand Opening of Xfinity Customer Service Center
Comcast recently unveiled its new Xfinity Store in Houston with a special community celebration at a brand new location.
AAUW Resources for Black Women’s Equal Pay Day
Tuesday, August 3 marks Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, the approximate date in 2021 when the average Black woman working full-time year-round finally catches up to what the average non-Hispanic white man earned in 2020.
Martin Luther King III and March On For Voting Rights Respond to the House Oversight Hearing on The Assault on Voting Rights in Texas
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hearing with Texas state representatives who have come to D.C. to raise awareness about the latest restrictive voting legislation under consideration in Texas. The hearing included members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the Mexican American Legislative Conference and the Texas House Select Committee on Constitutional Rights and Remedies.
Why Children Need the COVID-19 Vaccine
Valerie Borum Smith, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a pediatrician at St. Paul Children's Services in Tyler, Texas, and is a member of the Texas Medical Association COVID-19 taskforce.
Good news for parents—children who are 12 years and older can now get the COVID-19 vaccine, and it couldn’t come at a better time. While children are less likely to develop severe illness from COVID-19, they are still at risk. Families deserve the chance to get back to an active life without the constant worries. The vaccine is the best shot at a normal life, protected from Covid.
Paramount + Announces A Stacked Team of New and Legacy Players Joining "The Game"
Adriyan Rae, Vaughn Hebron and Analisa Velez to Star with Legacy Cast Members Brittany Daniel and Pooch Hall Making Special Appearances
Paramount+, the streaming service from ViacomCBS, today announced several new cast members joining the service’s revival of the groundbreaking series THE GAME, including Adriyan Rae (“Chicago Fire”) as Brittany Pitts, the daughter of Jason and Kelly Pitts; Vaughn Hebron (“Tyler Perry’s The Oval”) as Jamison Fields, an undrafted free agent; and Analisa Velez (“Sneaky Pete”) as Raquel Navarro, Brittany’s best friend. Legacy players Brittany Daniel (“Cheaper by the Dozen”) and Pooch Hall (“Ray Donovan”) will make special appearances, reprising their roles as Kelly Pitts and Derwin Davis, respectively. The 10-episode first season of the new series will stream exclusively on Paramount+.
Department of Education Announces $3.2 Billion in Additional HEERF Funds to Support Students
This morning, the Department of Education (ED) announced the release of $3.2 billion in additional emergency grants under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The purpose of these funds is to help historic and under-resourced institutions develop programs that expand opportunity for all students, including those aimed at engaging disconnected students, expanding mental health services and improving retention rates.
Houston First, Mayor Turner Welcomes City Hospitality Members for Inaugural Meeting
Today Houston First Corporation (HFC), along with the Hotel Lodging Association of Greater Houston, brought the city’s hospitality industry together to host the first meeting in a series called “Destination Strategies & Insights.” These meetings will provide hoteliers and stakeholders a platform for open discussion to strengthen communication within the industry.
Saweetie Taps in for a New Collab with McDonald's USA, Unveiling her Signature Order
The Saweetie Meal Will Arrive at Participating U.S. Restaurants on Aug. 9
Summer is about to get icy as McDonald's and platinum artist Saweetie team up to bring her favorite order to fans nationwide.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis Announces Changes to Leadership at Hester House
Daisy Stiner Retiring as Executive Director of Hester House; Dr. Marlon A. Smith Named Interim Director
Today, Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis and the Board of Directors of Julia C. Hester House announced leadership changes at the historic Fifth Ward community center. For 78 years, Hester House has provided a variety of services to the Fifth Ward community, including youth development, senior services, social services and workforce development.