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State Rep. Suleman Lalani On Pending Bills in the Texas State Legislature
State Representative Suleman Lalani gives his opinion on the bill in front of the state Senate. He is the one of the first Muslim Americans to be elected into the Texas House.
State Rep. Penny Morales Shaw On Pending Bills in the Texas State Legislature
State Representative Penny Morales Shaw shares her views on the bills before the state Senate. She is an attorney in Houston, Texas, where she represents the 148th District in the Texas House of Representatives, which includes parts of Spring Branch, Garden Oaks / Oak Forest, Carverdale, and Cypress-Fairbanks.
State Rep. Gene Wu On Pending Bills in the Texas State Legislature
State Representative Gene Wu gives his thoughts on bills facing the Senate. He serves the people of District 137 which encompasses parts of Southwest Houston.
Spotlight On Educator of the Year Nominees Herring, Eagleton
As Teacher Appreciation Month continues, Harris County Department of Education recognizes the exceptional, passionate dedication of its educators. This week, we highlight two teachers who were nominated as the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year and Educational Aide of the Year.
Hire Houston Youth Job and Resource Fairs Return
The initiative aims to provide 20,000 jobs to Houston youth
Mayor Sylvester Turner’s annual Hire Houston Youth (HHY) city-wide hiring initiative returns this year featuring an online job board and a series of hiring events to provide 20,000 summer jobs and internships for local youth ages 16 to 24. Positions are available from The City of Houston and 537 diverse employers, including McDonald’s, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Calpine, HP, Amazon, United Airlines, etc. Thanks to the support of the National League of Cities, the program has now placed an added emphasis on STEM related opportunities. Starting immediately, applicants can visit hirehoustonyouth.org to register, access the job board, and find additional resources from local organizations.
Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition Organizes Critical Event Opposing Harmful State Actions Against Communities of Color
The Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, with the support of Congressman Al Green, is organizing a Civil Rights Town Hall on May 13th, 2023, at 1 pm at FountainLife Center, located at 14083 S. Main St. Houston, TX 77035.
New HHS Analysis: Congressional Republicans’ Medicaid Red Tape Would Jeopardize Health Coverage and Access to Care for 21 Million Americans If Implemented
Studies show work reporting requirements reduce enrollment, limit access to care, but don’t increase employment
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released new analysis showing that approximately 21 million Americans’ health coverage and access to care would be jeopardized if the draconian Medicaid work reporting requirements proposed by Congressional Republicans were implemented.
Survey finds room for more than 500 new trees in Houston neighborhood’s battle against urban heat
A community that has been identified as the hottest neighborhood in Houston could support more than 500 additional trees in public spaces, according to a recent street-by-street analysis conducted by Texas A&M Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy in Texas.
Houston Achieves a One-Year 17% Decrease in Street Homelessness
Results for the greater Houston area’s annual Homeless Count and Survey were released today, revealing a remarkable, one-year 17 percent decrease in street homelessness from January 2022 to January 2023. The reduction is one of the biggest in the city’s history and the largest since Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017.
A New Era of Healthcare Begins at Newly Renovated Quentin Mease Health Center
A new era of healthcare begins this month at Harris Health Quentin Mease Health Center, a newly remodeled specialty facility in Third Ward. The facility, formerly a Harris Health community hospital with outpatient clinics, will house the relocation of HIV and infectious disease services from Harris Health Thomas Street Health Center and chronic dialysis care from Harris Health Riverside Dialysis Center.
FBCSO Investigators Identify Two Suspects Wanted for Murder
Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office investigators identified two suspects, Treylon Charles Beloney, 18, and Tyrone Hudson, 19, wanted for murder.
Community Market in Second Ward Improves Fresh Food Access for Families on Food Assistance
New e-commerce platform aims to be a catalyst for better health outcomes in the area
SNAP/EBT dependent families in the Second Ward can now access their benefits online thanks to a new service launched by Little Red Box Grocery (LRB), a community market located in East End Houston. The new feature also allows SNAP recipients to double every dollar spent on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables when using the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program with in-store purchases.
The Collective opens its May exhibition at Cypress art studio “Now Collaboration” features Jo El Mercer and Ezra Hezekiah
The Community Artists’ Collective opens its May exhibition, “Now Collaboration,” at the Province 8 Art Studio, 17037 FM Road 529 in Cypress on Saturday, May 13, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Tourism Generates Economic Impact of $17B and 120K Jobs for Houston
Houston First Corporation to ‘Move Travel Forward’ in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week
Houston First Corporation will spotlight the essential role travel and tourism play in driving growth and innovation as part of National Travel and Tourism Week. Now in its 40th year, the annual industry tradition takes place May 7-13 and was established by the U.S. Travel Association to celebrate the value travel brings to local economies, businesses, and individuals. This year, Houston joins other industry leaders in highlighting how integral travel is to every industry through the theme #TravelForward.
HCC celebrates new student ‘Eagle Market’ food pantry in partnership with Houston Food Bank
Helping alleviate food insecurity
Supporting students’ holistic needs and helping to quell food insecurity, Houston Community College (HCC) will hold a ribbon cutting for the HCC Southeast Eagle Market on May 10, 2023.
Houston Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2017 Murder in Humble
A Houston gang member was sentenced to life in prison this week for a 2017 murder, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
The Collective opens its May exhibition at Cypress art studio “Now Collaboration” features Jo El Mercer and Ezra Hezekiah
The Community Artists’ Collective opens its May exhibition, “Now Collaboration,” at the Province 8 Art Studio, 17037 FM Road 529 in Cypress on Saturday, May 13, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Preserving and Sharing Lost Latino Treasure
Arte Público Press Program Receives NEH Challenge Grant
Arte Público Press’ long-term project to locate, preserve and disseminate the written legacy of Latinos in the United States from the Colonial Period to 1980, the Recovering the US Hispanic Literary Heritage Program, has received a $500,000 challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to raise funds to improve the digital infrastructure of its US Latino Digital Humanities Center (USLDH).
Houston Achieves a One-Year 17% Decrease in Street Homelessness
Results for the greater Houston area’s annual Homeless Count and Survey were released today, revealing a remarkable, one-year 17 percent decrease in street homelessness from January 2022 to January 2023. The reduction is one of the biggest in the city’s history and the largest since Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017.
Large-scale Nuclear Training Exercise to Take Place in Houston
From May 1-5, 2023, a large-scale, multi-agency nuclear incident training exercise will take place in the southeast Houston and Harris County area. The training exercise will not pose any risk to area residents; the public does not need to be alarmed by training-related activity, including the presence of military personnel and aircraft, and people in protective equipment.
Houston Man Who Killed Two, Injured Third Sentenced to 49 Years in Prison
A Houston man who killed two men and injured a third man in separate shootings beginning in 2014 was sentenced to 49 years in prison for each case in a plea agreement this week, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
Houston Parks and Recreation Department's Brock Park to Reopen as Adventure Park
Park to become a multi-use facility focused on adventure sports.
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) will host the grand reopening of Brock Park on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from noon to 3 p.m. Brock Park is located at 8201 John Ralston, Houston, TX 77078 in northeast Houston. The new Brock Park has been reimagined as an adventure park, featuring amenities like a ropes course, Ninja Warrior course, a kayak/canoe launch, nature-based programming, and enhanced site security. The park is the first of its kind in the City of Houston.
JINYA Ramen Bar Celebrates Grand Opening in Spring Branch
Acclaimed Japanese ramen restaurant to open ninth restaurant in Houston area on May 10
Houston, you DON’T have a ramen problem, thanks to JINYA Ramen Bar. The acclaimed Japanese restaurant – famous for its bold noodles that are cooked with thick, rich broth – is celebrating a ninth location in Space City with a grand opening in Spring Branch on May 10.
Ion’s Second Annual Activation Festival
From May 17-19, Ion will be hosting its second annual Activation Festival and we’d love to extend an invitation for you to join us at an event and meet its speakers.
Ahmad Goree Named New Leader of Dallas Southern Pride
More than 10K people expected to attend the 2023 Juneteenth Unity Weekend Celebration event June 15-20 in Dallas
Dallas Southern Pride (DSP), the premier organization hosting pride events throughout the Dallas metroplex, announced today that Ahmad Goree, former director of public affairs, will assume the role of chief operations officer and director of engagement of Dallas Southern Pride, effective immediately. Goree succeeds the late Kirk Myers-Hill, who was president of Dallas Southern Pride, and a beloved member of the community whose contributions will be greatly missed.
The Extraordinary Muva Taraji P. Henson is Letting it All Out on HelloBeautiful’s Latest Cover
The Award-Winning Actress is representing for all the mothers in our Mother’s Day Cover as she gives us the real in navigating motherhood’s up and down, her role in Abbott Elementary, and putting her
“We need each other. We ain't shit without each other. This world is against us. We are at the bottom of every pay grade, everywhere you go, the Black woman is the last to be thought about. We don't have time to compete with each other, to go against each other, to fight with each other.” Taraji P. Henson
Turner discusses Houston's new transportation paradigm
Mayor Sylvester Turner discusses the mobility paradigm shift during his administration
Mayor Sylvester Turner delivered his eighth and final "State of Mobility" speech today in front of a sold-out crowd at the annual Transportation Advocacy Group (TAG) luncheon. The mayor showcased Houston as a safe, pedestrian-friendly, multimodal transportation city well-positioned for the future.
Employee of the Month Hicham Al-Hazbari: Winning the Lottery of a Lifetime
Courage is required when you leave life to chance, and Hicham Al-Hazbari certainly possesses it. As Harris County Department of Education’s May Employee of the Month, he personifies the phrase “luck of the draw,” having found a new home and passion-filled career.
Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee Statement on Bill To Overturn Harris County Election Results
The Texas Legislature advanced Senate Bill 1993, which would allow the Secretary of State to order a redo of elections in Harris County. If passed, this law would apply to only Harris County, home to more than 4.7 million people.
Harris County Teens Recognized in HCDE's Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremonies
Beaming smiles and proud parents poured into the Wortham Theater Center this week for the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards regional award ceremonies sponsored by Harris County Department of Education.
In First One Hundred Days, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones is Moving Precinct 4 Forward
Innovative policies and community-based engagement are building the foundation to advance opportunity and justice for all residents
In the first 100 days, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones led the passage of a holistic justice and safety package, positioned the Precinct to significantly increase infrastructure investments, and traveled across the Precinct engaging with residents and building community partnerships.
University of Houston to Announce Major Gift to Strengthen Nursing Education, Address Nursing Shortage
Celebration Event on May 8 at 10 a.m. at UH at Sugar Land
The University of Houston will announce a multimillion-dollar gift to its College of Nursing that will help bolster the nursing workforce amid a significant labor shortage in the profession. The college will officially be renamed in honor of the donors.
Congressman Al Green Secures $1,550,000 in Federal Funding for the City of Houston Sunnyside Park
On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Congressman Al Green will present a symbolic check in the amount of $1,550,000 to the City of Houston for the Sunnyside Park Community Center.
Over 80 groups tell federal regulators Key Bank broke $16.5Billion Promise
Cross-country redlining aided wealthy white communities while excluding Black areas
For much of Black America, the availability of affordable and accessible full-bank services has historically been an irritating issue for consumers and small businesses alike.
The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund Presents Tacos Over Texas
Tacos Over Texas, celebrates three of Mama Ninfa’s favorite things: good food, good music and good friends while raising money for The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund. The day-long festival includes Taco Tasting Competition, Food Trucks, DJ Willie from Mega101FM-KLOL, shop local Artisan merchandise vendors. raffle/auction, ballet folklorico, and photo opportunity with the Astros World Series Championship Trophy!
President’s Lecture Series: A Conversation on Building a Holistic Approach to Student Success
The final installment of the University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) President’s Lecture Series of the 2022-23 academic year: “A Conversation on Building a Holistic Approach to Student Success” with Dr. Harrison Keller, Commissioner, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and UHD President Loren J. Blanchard.
The Best of Everything
Regional Premiere Adapted by Julie Kramer Based on the bestseller by Rona Jaffe
Main Street Theater (MST) is producing Julie Kramer’s adaptation of Rona Jaffe’s 1958 bestseller, The Best of Everything, about ambitious secretaries in the big city.
Bring Family Back to the Dinner Table With Booker's Soul Food Starters
Chef Booker gets mealtime started with soul food shortcuts so good, Soul Food Sunday will be back in no time
Nobody knows good soul food like Chef Claude Booker – well, except some of our grandmas. But in today’s world, not everyone has the time to put love into a good homecooked meal. You know, the kind of comforting soul food that gets each member of the family excited to sit down for supper. That’s why husband-and-wife team Claude and Crystal Booker decided to transform their cherished family recipes into pantry-ready starter kits that make it easy to bring together the heart and soul of every family through food.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Announces Show in Houston (Aug. 24) and Dallas (Aug. 25)
Register for Ticketmaster Verified Fan Starting Now In North America Through Sunday, May 7 at 11:59 PM ET at verifiedfan.ticketmaster.com/50cent2023
Today, EMMY® and GRAMMY® award-winning multi hyphenate, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, announced that he will embark on a global tour in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of his game-changing debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Produced by Live Nation and presented by Sire Spirits, The Final Lap Tour will make stops across North America and Europe, including Toyota Center in Houston, TX, on Thursday, August 24, and Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, TX, on Friday, August 25, 2023.
White House and WHIAANHPI Kick Off Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Festivities with History-Making Forum
Vice President Kamala Harris, federal leaders, artists, and trailblazers celebrate community and progress at national event in Washington, DC; Gathering is one of the largest AA and NHPI Heritage Mont
Forum draws more than 1,300 community members, influencers, elected officials, and advocates to address critical priorities; Attendees from over two dozen states and U.S. territories join in-person.
Department of Neighborhoods Announces Complete Communities University Spring 2023 Graduates
28 residents complete leadership training with focus on civic engagement strategies
The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is proud to announce the Complete Communities University (CCU) Class of Spring 2023 graduation. Twenty-eight aspiring community leaders from neighborhoods throughout the city received certificates of course completion at a graduation ceremony held on May 3, 2023, at City Hall. The program featured a keynote address by Mayor Sylvester Turner and remarks by Shannon Buggs, Director of the Mayor's Office of Complete Communities, and TaKasha Francis, DON Director.
Great Things Are Happening at the Ensemble Theatre
The Ensemble Theatre is celebrating their 46th Anniversary Season not only celebrates the genius of African American voices of the past and the present but also offers plays that explore controversial subjects facing our communities.
Houston Equity Fund offering $8 million in grant funding for minority-owned small businesses
The online application portal for “Open for Business” grants worth up to $100,000 will be open from May 15-31.
Minority-owned small businesses and nonprofits in the Houston area can apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding later this month. A total of $8 million is available this year during the second phase of the "Open for Business" grant program, which is funded by Wells Fargo and administered by the Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity. An online application portal for grant money is scheduled to be open from 5 a.m. May 15 through 11:59 p.m. May 31, with eligible businesses and nonprofits competing to receive awards ranging from $5,000-$100,000 apiece.
Houston Achieves a One-Year 17% Decrease in Street Homelessness
Results for the greater Houston area’s annual Homeless Count and Survey were released today, revealing a remarkable, one-year 17 percent decrease in street homelessness from January 2022 to January 2023. The reduction is one of the biggest in the city’s history and the largest since Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017.
TSU Aviation Program Reaching New Heights with Approval of Training Facility at Houston Spaceport
Houston City Council approves agreement allowing Houston Airports to develop a 2-acre site into an aeronautical hub to be used by Texas Southern University
Houston Airports continues to invest in aviation by supporting the next generation of aeronautical professionals with an innovative learning environment.
Take Extra Precautions to Avoid Drowning Accidents
More children between the ages of 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause of death
Summer is just around the corner! Swimming and splashing around in the pool, lake or beach is a great way to keep cool in Houston’s summer heat. However, if precautions are not taken, a young child can drown quickly and silently. In observance of National Water Safety Month this May, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) reminds you to take extra precautions to prevent your children from drowning accidents.
HCDE hosts ceremonies to honor Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recipients
More than 2,800 Harris County teen artists and writers in grades 7-12 will be recognized during two regional Scholastic Art & Writing Award ceremonies at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Wortham Theater Center sponsored by Harris County Department of Education.
H-E-B announces 2023 Excellence in Education Award winners
On Sunday, April 30, H-E-B announced statewide winners for the 21st annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards during an awards ceremony at the La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio. During the ceremony, $430,000 in cash awards and grants were awarded to eight educators, two school districts, one early childhood school and a public-school board for being among the best in Texas. The program has awarded more than $13 million in cash and grants to Texas teachers and schools since 2002.
Studio Visit with Sherry Tseng Hill
Join VAA for behind-the-scenes tour of working studio
Join Visual Arts Alliance Saturday, May 6, at 11:00 a.m. for an in-personstudio visit with Sherry Tseng Hill in advance of her exhibition opening at Moody Gallery. RSVP to jaymesearl2014@gmail.com to receive further instructions for meeting at the studio.
Duckworth, Ruiz Named 2022-2023 HCDE Educators of the Year
Academic and Behavior School East was a source of pride this week as Harris County Department of Education leaders surprised LaToya Duckworth, the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year, and Martha Ruiz, the Educational Aide of the Year, both of whom are staff members at the school, with their well-deserved recognitions.