Stories for March 2019

Friday, March 29

Tease photo

Breaking: How HIV Is Being Used to ‘Cure’ Sickle Cell Disease

60 Minutes recently reported on a gene therapy trial that may be a cure for patients living with the bone-crushing pain of sickle cell disease. Gene therapy locates and fixes the genes responsible for different diseases.

Tease photo

Brenda's is Serving 24 Hours a Day

What a relief it was to find out that another eating establishment which featured tacos, nachos, soups, and tortas has opened its doors less than a mile from where I shop, work, and live. Since July of 2018, Brenda's Taqueria opened a location at 12550 Southwest Freeway in Stafford, Texas. In fact, this is the fourth location in the Greater Houston Area.

Tease photo

HBCU Spotlight: Jarvis Christian College, Southwestern Christian College, and Texas College

As we end Historically Black Colleges and Universities Awareness Month, we conclude by taking a look at our last three HBCUs in Texas.

Tease photo

“Black is the Body: Stories From My Grandmother’s Time, My Mother’s Time, and Mine” by Emily Bernard

Your mother dealt with things you can’t imagine. It was a different time when she was your age, with societal issues you’d never tolerate and rules you wouldn’t abide. Same with your grandma: scrapbooks, history books and museums are the only places you’ll see what she lived. So what will your children know?

Tease photo

No Doubt: James Harden Is On Pace to Win His Second NBA-MVP Award

There was a pretty big game on Wednesday night between the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks. It was a showdown between two of the hottest teams in the NBA. The Bucks have the best record in the Eastern Conference and the Rockets are in a dogfight for third in the West behind Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. But that’s not why there was a sold-out crowd at the Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin.

Tease photo

Weighing In On the Healthcare Debate: Hot Button Issue of 2020 Election

About fifteen years ago, I became painfully aware of how crucial the healthcare topic is. After all, something is not on top of your priority list until it hits you close at home right. Before being diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, I viewed health insurance as something all Americans had for those “just in case something happens moments.” I only really used my health insurance for check-ups and prescriptions for antibiotics for common viruses and bacteria. I thanked God that I never really had anything too serious growing up. As the saying goes, we are all one moment from a tragedy or sickness.

Tease photo

The Return of the Poll Tax in Florida?

Until 2018, Florida -- the state vital to the presidential victories of George Bush and Donald Trump -- deprived one in 10 voters, and 2 in 10 African Americans, of the right to vote with a constitutional provision banning felons from voting, even after they had fulfilled their sentences.

Tease photo

Inside Kamala Harris' Plan to Raise Teacher Salaries

Over the weekend in Houston, Sen. Kamala Harris unveiled her first major policy proposal as a presidential candidate, pledging to boost teacher pay.

Thursday, March 28

Tease photo

Seek Refuge at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

Plan your next sanctuary escape to the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, Arizona's AAA Four Diamond Luxury Resort nestled on the tranquil northern slope of Camelback Mountain.

Tease photo

Council Member Dwight Boykins Addresses City Council Vote on his Proposal to Fully Fund the Implementation of Pay Parity

Yesterday, I was the only member of City Council to vote for my proposed policy solution that would have created a permanent funding source to immediately and fully fund pay parity for firefighters as approved by the voters on November 6, 2018.

Tease photo

$62 Billion in Education Cuts Proposed, Key College Aid Could be Slashed By

Every budget defines priorities and values. To put it another way, what’s really important in life gets supported financially. For many families, having a home, food, and utilities usually rank pretty high. Then there are other budgetary concerns like saving for college or having a ‘rainy day’ fund to cover less frequent costs that can be much higher than the size of the next pay check.

Tease photo

Executive Trainer, Professor, and Global Speaker, Orobosa Owie hosts her first Power of Your Presence Brunch

A Girl from Brooklyn Passionately Leading New and Seasoned Professionals to be Their Best Selves and Live Their Best Lives

With the January 15th Orobosa Owie released of her first book and added published author to her list of titles. The book was entitled Be Bold, Be Confident, Be You: A Motivational Guidebook in Shattering the Fear Ceiling shares the seven steps of self-mastery, guiding readers to successfully move toward personal and professional fulfillment. In celebration of the book and in connection with International Women’s Month Orobosa launched the Power of Your Presence brunch series.

Tease photo

SSLW & Partners Announce 2019 Scholarship Recipients News Release With Photos

Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) and their Phenomenal Partners Celebrate “30 for 30” Honoring Fort Bend Countywide School Districts 2019 High School Scholarship Recipients - Heroes and Sheroes at “ sold out” luncheon , Saturday, April 27, 11am.

Tease photo

5 Tips to Successfully Bring a New Pet into Your Home

Bringing home a puppy or kitten can lead to a lot of excitement. However, discussing issues that may arise and preparing in advance for a new pet’s arrival can help make for a smooth transition.

Tease photo

Rice's Veterans Business Battle Invites 20 Entrepreneurs to Compete for Prize Money and Investments

Twenty veteran-owned companies from across the country will pitch their business ideas at the 2019Veterans Business Battle at Rice University.

Tuesday, March 26

Tease photo

Attorney for brothers involved in the Jussie Smollett case says they were 'betrayed' by the celebrity

Two brothers who authorities said took part in a staged attack on actor Jussie Smollett were "betrayed" by the celebrity, their attorney told CNN on Monday.

Tease photo

Jordan Peele might have made a secret cameo in 'Us'

Jordan Peele may be having fun with "Us," but we are here for it. The writer, producer and director of the new horror film told Fandango he made secret cameos in "Us" and "Get Out."

Tease photo

All charges against Jussie Smollett have been dropped

All charges against actor Jussie Smollett -- who had been accused of staging a hate crime and filing a false police report about it -- have been dropped, prosecutors and his attorneys said Tuesday

Tease photo

Alanis Morissette is pregnant

You oughta know that Alanis Morissette is expecting again.

Tease photo

Inside Kamala Harris' plan to raise teacher salaries

Over the weekend in Houston, Sen. Kamala Harris unveiled her first major policy proposal as a presidential candidate, pledging to boost teacher pay.

Tease photo

Uber is buying its Middle East rival Careem for $3.1 billion

Uber is buying the biggest ride-hailing app in the Middle East. In the biggest tech deal the region has ever seen, Uber is paying $3.1 billion for Careem with a mixture of cash and securities that will convert into Uber shares when the company goes public.

Tease photo

Now it's up to voters to give the verdict on Trump's presidency

The results of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, even in the brief summary released by Attorney General William Barr, vastly reduce the legal risks to President Donald Trump while raising the political stakes in the 2020 election.

Tease photo

Trump rollbacks leave more than 100,000 people waiting on student loan relief

It's been five months since a federal court ordered Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to give defrauded student loan borrowers relief, but more than 100,000 people are still waiting to hear whether their debt will be canceled.

Tease photo

Samsung's profit warning will worry other smartphone makers

Samsung is warning investors that 2019 is off to an even gloomier start than it feared.

Tease photo

Dramatic drone footage reveals Cyclone Idai's devastating power

It has been nearly two weeks since Tropical Cyclone Idai ripped through Mozambique, razing buildings and submerging entire towns and villages -- but even now the human toll is yet to be fully understood.

Tease photo

Future of the Bush dynasty: Service? Yes. White House? Maybe

The Bush family might just be the only one in the United States where an inside joke includes some friendly ribbing about the possibility of becoming the leader of the free world.

Tease photo

A boxer kissed the female reporter interviewing him. He says they're friends. She says it was embarrassing

Kubrat Pulev, the 37-year-old Bulgarian heavyweight champion who knocked out Bogdan Dinu in Costa Mesa, California, over the weekend was so "elated" after his victory, he decided to kiss the female reporter who interviewed him afterward.

Tease photo

Justin Bieber stepping away from music because of 'deep rooted issues'

Justin Bieber is focusing on his mental health right now, not music.

Tease photo

Women inventors, long overlooked, are churning out more patents than ever

If you've used Wi-Fi, windshield wipers or a dishwasher -- and who hasn't? -- you have a woman to thank.

Tease photo

Exercise could reduce period pain, study suggests

Exercising can reduce symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, according to a global study.

Tease photo

Retailers want to go cashless. But opponents say that's discriminatory

Retailers and restaurants say eliminating cash at their stores makes them more efficient. But opponents argue that cashless stores exclude millions of Americans without bank accounts.

Tease photo

7 days. 3 suicides. 1 tragic connection

In the span of a week, three suicides have devastated two communities that already shared a tragic connection. Two were young survivors of the massacre at the school in Parkland, Florida, and one was a parent of a child who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. The two communities are facing a new facet of grief after three people connected to the shootings took their own lives in a matter of days.

Tease photo

Four of five inmates who escaped from a North Carolina jail have been captured, sheriff's office says

Four of five inmates who escaped Monday night from North Carolina's Nash County jail have been captured, according to the sheriff's office.

Tease photo

Kate Steinle's parents can't sue 'sanctuary city' for failing to tell ICE about shooter's release

The parents of Kate Steinle, who was shot and killed in July 2015 by an undocumented immigrant, cannot sue San Francisco for refusing to tell immigration officials of the shooter's release from local custody a few months before the killing, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.

Tease photo

Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has announced his retirement from the sport, posting the news on Twitter.

Nearly a year before his letter Sunday telling lawmakers he did not believe President Donald Trump committed obstruction of justice, Attorney General William Barr authored a memo saying he thought the obstruction investigation was "fatally misconceived."

Tease photo

Controversial mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor announces his retirement

Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has announced his retirement from the sport, posting the news on Twitter.

Tease photo

Lyft's latest driver perks: bank accounts and car repairs

Lyft continues to look for new ways to lure drivers to its platform. The ride-sharing company said Tuesday it will open its own repair shops nationwide, offering deep discounts on things like flat tire fixes, brake work and oil changes, and provide free bank accounts in a bid to attract and retain drivers.

Tease photo

Raheem Sterling and Gareth Southgate want action on racist abuse in Montenegro

"It's 2019. I think there should be a real punishment for this." England star Raheem Sterling has called on football's authorities to do more to tackle racism after he and his teammates were subjected to racist abuse during England's 5-1 Euro 2020 qualifying win in Montenegro.

Tease photo

Trump savors Mueller victory, but opens new 2020 front with Obamacare fight

A shock push by the Trump administration to invalidate the whole of Obamacare appeared to hand Democrats a major opening even as the President celebrated the end of the Mueller investigation.

Tease photo

Donald Trump just made sure health care will decide the 2020 election

Just 24 hours removed from arguably his best day as President, Donald Trump picked a political fight he cannot win.

Tease photo

House Democratic leaders to unveil health bill, minus Medicare for All

The House Democrats' divide over health care will be on full display Tuesday, when leaders plan to fulfill their midterm election promise by rolling out comprehensive legislation to strengthen the Affordable Care Act.

Tease photo

Apple just made one of its boldest bets ever. It will have to do a lot more

Apple badly needs something to sell other than the iPhone. How badly? It just made its splashiest, most star-studded announcement ever and didn't bring up the iPhone.

Tease photo

Europe just passed sweeping new copyright rules that Big Tech hates

Europe is changing the internet again. Lawmakers have approved a sweeping overhaul of copyright rules, dealing a blow to major tech companies that argued the changes will be costly and limit free expression.

Monday, March 25

Tease photo

Statement from Senator Borris Miles on HISD Superintendent Search

"I commend the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for stepping in to take drastic, but necessary measures regarding Houston Independent School District's (HISD) superintendent search and for putting the students' interests first.

Tease photo

About that 'Us' ending...

If you are reading this story without having seen Jordan Peele's latest film "Us," then you have only yourself to blame.

Deer Park's mayor says progress is being made after the chemical fire. But some residents aren't so sure

The Houston Ship Channel remained closed Monday because of oil and pollutants that leaked into the waterway during last week's chemical fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company in Deer Park, Texas, a Coast Guard official told reporters.

Tease photo

Mueller told Justice Dept. three weeks ago he wouldn't reach a conclusion on obstruction

Roughly three weeks ago the special counsel's team told Attorney General Bill Barr and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein that Robert Mueller would not be reaching a conclusion on whether President Donald Trump obstructed justice, according to a source familiar with the meeting.

Tease photo

Houston police sergeant arrested in death of his wife

A Houston police sergeant has been arrested in connection with the death of his wife, authorities said.

Tease photo

Nike triumphs in Michael Jordan Jumpman logo lawsuit

Nike has prevailed in a lawsuit over the "Jumpman" logo for its Air Jordan brand.

Tease photo

Oprah unveils documentary projects, book club for Apple

O, yes, they went there. To close out its big original content announcement on Monday in Cupertino, California, Apple brought Oprah Winfrey to the stage to make three announcements, one that will essentially put the talk show queen back in the interviewer's chair and those conversations into the pockets of millions of Apple users.

Tease photo

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Statement on the Ongoing ITC Deer Park Fire

Jackson Lee—“Given what has transpired, there is no doubt that a federal investigation needs to proceed. Representatives of the facility’s parent company need to be in Houston, on the ground, on-site. All means must be utilized to protect surrounding communities who are continuously being impacted. I will join the congressional representative of the area and other colleagues to work as a congressional delegation to ensure a full federal review and a full federal investigation of this matter.”

Tease photo

AboutThatCar.com: 2019 Ford Edge

I was really impressed by the 2019 Ford Edge. In a phrase, it has grown. I’m not talking about its size which looks about the same. I’m talking about stature and equipment and perception. I always thought the Ford Edge was a poor-man’s Ford Explorer but not anymore.

Tease photo

NAACP Calls for Full Release of Mueller Report, Barr Summary Not Enough

Robert Mueller stated, "While this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime [of obstruction of justice], it also does not exonerate him.” Yet that is exactly what William Barr has tried to do. It is even more imperative that we have full access to the Mueller report and evidentiary basis to learn the facts surrounding Donald Trump’s actions and potential attacks on the integrity of our democracy.

Tease photo

Texas Democratic Executive Committeeman Emeritus Rodney Griffin Endorses Senator Kamala Harris for President

Rodney Griffin Texas Democratic Executive Committeeman Emeritus, endorses Senator Kamala Harris for president. Senator Harris made her first Texas visit since her announcement, Saturday in Houston.

Tease photo

Texas Southern University investor rating elevated to ‘positive’

Second rating upgrade since 2017 affirmed by Moody’s Investors Services

Texas Southern University received its second consecutive financial rating upgrade since 2017 when Moody’s Investors Service revised its outlook from “stable” to “positive” and affirmed the university’s revenue financing system bonds within the Baa3 rating category.

Tease photo

Paying a Debt to Society?

After Incarceration, Former Prisoners Face a Tough Journey Home to Find Work, Reunite with Family and Begin Again

Try to imagine what freedom must be like for many prisoners who've been released after serving sentences of 10, 15 or 20 years behind bars.

Tease photo

Macy’s Partners with Becca's Closet and Enhances Prom with Bold Accessories

Shoppers still looking for the perfect dress? Macy’s has stylish looks from two-piece gowns to head-to-toe sequins available in all sizes and price points. Complete any prom look with the perfect finishing touches. Macy’s has a curated collection of prom accessories that will compliment any style including statement necklaces and earrings, hair clips, handbags and more.

Tease photo

James Harden Named Western Conference Player of the Week

Today, the NBA announced that Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Monday, March 18 through Sunday, March 24 (Week 22). It is Harden’s fourth Player of the Week award of the season and the 22nd of his career, all coming as a Rocket.

Fashion and Fellowship Bring the Faithful to the 2019 Audrey H. Lawson IMPACT Awards

Church folks are known are stepping high wearing their Sunday’s Best for the Lord on His day. Well, the family and friends of the Wheeler Avenue Inner City Visions Women’s Guild prove that Sunday’s Best can make a Saturday appearance, as well as the fashions, were fierce at the annual the 2019 Audrey H. Lawson IMPACT Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show. For 56 years blessings have poured out of this organization to provide scholarships for college students, help for the homeless, housing for the elderly, and other philanthropic projects following the ideals and heart of visionary founder Audrey H. Lawson.

Friday, March 22

Tease photo

“I’m Not Really a Waitress” by Suzi Weiss-Fischmann

You’d get it right someday. At about the second week of starting a business, that may’ve been your thought. Rookie mistakes had been made, long nights were spent, but you still had confidence to hang in there. Says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann in “I’m Not Really a Waitress,” success takes time and lots of learning.

Tease photo

New Bill Could Allow SNAP Benefits to Be Used for Fast Food

There is a new bill working its way through the Statehouse to allow people to use food stamps to buy fast food. Right now, you can only use that money to buy groceries at a store or farmer’s market but if this bill is signed into law, you could order a burger at the nearest fast food joint.

Tease photo

Puzzling Number Of Men Tied To Ferguson Protests Have Died

Two young men were found dead inside torched cars. Three others died of apparent suicides. Another collapsed on a bus, his death ruled an overdose

Tease photo

Comcast Formally Launches Afro and Cleo, Two New Black-Centric Networks

During a star-studded evening complete with a red-carpet entry at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., Comcast formally announced the addition of two television networks that highlights the company’s commitment to diversity.

Tease photo

Diversity And Inclusion Activist Thelma Scott Inspires At-Risk Students To Finish High School And Attend College

SAFE Diversity Communities is creating a difference through the entire city of Houston by decreasing drop-out and suicide rates. The organization focuses on supporting students with "Unique Abilities” in high school to assist them in completing and finishing their education.

Tease photo

GM to Invest $300 Million, Add 400 Jobs at Michigan Plant for New Chevrolet Electric Vehicle

Company also announces total new investment commitment of $1.8 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations across six states, adding a total of 700 new jobs

General Motors is investing $300 million in its Orion Township, Michigan, assembly plant to produce a new Chevrolet electric vehicle that will bring 400 new jobs to the Orion plant. Today’s announcement is part of GM’s new commitment to invest a total of $1.8 billion in its United States manufacturing operations, creating 700 new jobs and supporting 28,000 jobs across six states.

Tease photo

Mike Trout Agrees to a $430 Million Dollar Extension With the Angels

A few weeks after Bryce Harper signed a 13-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, Mike Trout has since raised the stake by resigning with the Los Angeles Angels.

Tease photo

Black, Hispanics Drivers in Austin More Likely to be Searched

A racial profiling report released by Austin police shows that Black and Hispanic drivers pulled over in traffic stops were more than twice as likely to be searched than their White counterparts. The report, reflecting data for 2018, shows officers searched 6 percent of white drivers but 17 percent of Black motorists and 14 percent of Hispanic ones

Tease photo

Bronx Students Protesting for Change Declare Victory After Three-Day Lockout

According to bronx.news12.com, after days of students protesting for change at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in Bronx, NY, their lockout of administration has ended in victory.

Tease photo

New School Curriculum Requires Students to 'Rent' Their Desk with Pretend Money

A new money-management curriculum at an elementary school in Washington has left parents concerned. This curriculum requires its students to 'rent' their desks and 'buy' bathroom passes using classroom currency.

Tease photo

Houston Texans Surprise United Airlines Passengers and Employees at George Bush International Airport Terminal

United Airlines passengers and employees receive surprise visit from the Texans

The off-season in the NFL is normally a time for rest, family time and workouts to get prepared for a rigorous schedule that begins with training camp in July and runs through the end of the year. But for Texans cornerback Jonathan Joseph, linebacker Dylan Cole, and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, it was work as usual. Just not their regular day jobs. Along with their mascot Toro and cheerleaders, the players teamed up with United Airlines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for a meet and greet with airline personnel and customers.

Tease photo

Gucci and Dapper Dan Announce $5M Changemakers Initiative Aimed at Diversity and Inclusion

Since being under fire for its balaclava sweater that resembled blackface, luxury brand Gucci is attempting to redeem itself. According to harpersbazaar.com, the Italian fashion house has announced a new global program and scholarship fund called Gucci Changemakers that will promote diversity and inclusion throughout the company with a multi-step action plan.

Tease photo

Fifth Ward’s Julia C. Hester House Celebrates 75th Jubilee

One of the most historically significant institutions in Houston’s Fifth Ward is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a community jubilee festival on Saturday, March 23rd.

Tease photo

Gene Therapy Shows Promise Against Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell trait is an inherited blood disorder that affects 1 million to 3 million Americans with 8 to 10 percent of them being Black. The disease is caused by a single mutation in one gene and mainly occurs in people of African descent which causes agonizing pain, strokes and early death. However, recent advances in gene therapy may eventually lead to a cure for sickle cell disease.

Tease photo

Aiming to Diversify Workforce, Goldman Sachs Sets Targets for Latino, Black Hires

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is setting targets for hiring minority groups for the first time as it ramps up efforts to diversify its workforce, according to a memo sent by top executives to employees.

Tease photo

HBCU Spotlight: St. Phillip’s College and Paul Quinn College

We continue our series highlighting the Historical Black Colleges and Universities in Texas. This week we spotlight St. Phillip’s College and Paul Quinn College.

Tease photo

The iFly Experience: Fly Like a Dragon

Stand tall. Arch your back. Bend your legs. And let your body go. Allow the high-speed air to lift your body as your flight instructor guides your body through swoops, turns, circles, up and down through a vertical wind tunnel. Nothing but you and the wind as you weightlessly float above the safety net. iFly Houston is giving exhilarating experiences in flight travel in a fun, safe environment with amazing, knowledgeable instructors for folks from 3 to 103. It is fun that won't break your back or your bank.

Tease photo

H-E-B’s Bringing the Smells of the Rodeo to Your Kitchen

Your dishes can now smell like the rodeo but in a good way, thanks to H-E-B. With the Houston Rodeo wrapping up and the Austin Rodeo just getting started, Texas’ top retailer is now selling a trio of rodeo-inspired dish soaps for a limited time.

Tease photo

Keep Cool On the Grill

Refreshing, dairy-infused dishes for warm days

Keep your kitchen cool and comfortable with grilled meals that banish the heat to the outdoors. Crisp, fresh greens and a perfect blend of spices and savory ingredients make each of these refreshing dishes perfect solutions for toasty days.

Tease photo

Democrats Are Taking Reparations Seriously -- And That's a Big Deal

There is now a bright, and important, marker in the reparations debate. In 1988, Jesse Jackson made reparations part of his campaign platform.

Tease photo

Kamala Harris to Visit a Critical County in First Texas Visit

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is making her first campaign trip to Texas this week, heading straight to a county Republicans are worried about protecting in 2020.

Tease photo

Houston Municipal Courts Kick Off Amnesty Program

ABC13 reports if you have a warrant for failure to appear at Houston Municipal Court, there's a way out.

Tease photo

Mayor Turner to Implement Prop B for Houston Firefighters, Warns of Layoffs

KHOU is reporting that Mayor Sylvester Turner announced he is finally giving Houston firefighters the raise they have been fighting for.

Tease photo

Wendy Williams Announces She’s Been Getting Treatment for Addiction

Wendy Williams has revealed that she is now getting round-the-clock help to deal with addiction issues.

Tease photo

Kristoff St. John Died of Heart Disease, Coroner Says

Actor Kristoff St. John, who appeared on the CBS daytime soap opera "The Young & the Restless," died of heart disease, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner.

Tease photo

Songs By Jay-Z Being Added To Recording Registry

Songs performed by Jay-Z, Cyndi Lauper and a Robert F. Kennedy speech are among 25 recordings being inducted to the National Recording Registry.

Tease photo

Mother Gives Birth to Sextuplets in Houston

A woman gave birth to six babies at the Woman's Hospital of Texas the hospital announced in a statement. Two sets of twin boys and one set of twin girls were born between 4:50 a.m. and 4:59 a.m., according to the hospital.

Tease photo

Great Run Comes to an End

Prairie View A&M loses to Fairleigh Dickinson in the first game of the 2019 NCAA tournament

As I stepped on the illustrious campus of Prairie View A&M University in the fall of 1997, I will never forget that sense of pride and family atmosphere I felt run through my body. It was like the spirits of the “Unknown 8” (The first known class of the Alta Vista Agriculture & Mechanical College for Colored Youth who enrolled and began their studies March 11, 1878) was walking with me. Until you have been on the first state supported college in Texas for African Americans and the second oldest public institution of higher education in the state, you won’t know the jubilation of screaming out, “Who Ya Rooting For” at all sporting events.

Tease photo

Now Is the Time for Citizens of Conscience to Act

Racism is not natural. Babies -- black, brown, white -- explore the world and each other with wonder, not hate. Racism has to be taught. It is learned behavior. To assume that a person is inherently superior or inferior to another based upon race is unnatural and ungodly. Racism is used for political manipulation and economic exploitation. In a land founded on the belief that all men are created equal, slavery could not be justified without a racism that depicted slaves as sub-human.

Thursday, March 21

Tease photo

Let's Tax About It

Tax refunds are being issued, so, what's next? Team Style Mag sits down with top industry experts Jacqueline Muhammad, EA (CEO of Society of Wealth LLC) and Shani Curry St.Vil (Personal Finance Expert and creator of Purse Empowerment) as they give us tips on how to invest your tax return.

Tease photo

Texas Lawmakers Weigh Raising Minimum Age for Tobacco Use to 21

A proposed law would make it harder for Texas teens to buy tobacco. Senate Bill 21 would raise the minimum age for tobacco use from 18 to 21.

Tease photo

Swing into Spring

5 ideas for updating your space

While spring naturally means it’s time for a refresh for many homeowners, it doesn’t mean you’re limited only to a cleaning party. Take advantage of the season by using it as an opportunity to upgrade different areas of your home for reasons ranging from energy efficiency and convenience to ease of living and safety.

Tease photo

A Huge Fire at a Texas Chemical Plant Is Out, 4 Days After It Started

A fire that burned over four days at a petrochemical plant in suburban Houston was finally extinguished Wednesday. "As of 3 a.m. today the firefighting crews on the scene of the ITC Tank Farm Fire are reporting that all tank fires have been extinguished," Intercontinental Terminals Company said in a news release.

Tuesday, March 19

Tease photo

New Music: Houston-Based Hip-Hop Duo Drops Major Heat In Their First Collaborative Single "Kei$ha"

Houston-based hip-hop collective G. M. S. releases "Ke$hia" a track off their forthcoming album. The hit single is available on all major platforms.

Tease photo

A Defining Moment In History For Black Women ...

New Accelerator and Venture Capital Fund Forming to Help African-American Women Close The Wealth Gap In America – Through Entrepreneurship - Starting This Fall

Startup & THRIVE! is the new social impact accelerator and emerging venture capital fund, that is planning to host its first, Startup & THRIVE! Wealth Building Week this Fall in Philadelphia from September 16 – 21, 2019. The 6-day event aims to help African-American women founders get on the path to prosperity, gain access to the venture capital pipeline, get their businesses off-the-ground and THRIVING and close the wealth gap in America –through entrepreneurship.

Tease photo

Texas Legends Set the Houston Rodeo Record Strait... By Breaking It

George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, & Lyle Lovett Close Out the Houston Rodeo

George Strait, accompanied by special guests Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett, closed the 2019 Houston Rodeo with a record-breaking set. George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, and Lyle Lovett now hold the NRG Stadium attendance record for concert-only performances. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo confirmed 80,108 fans attended the concert, breaking the previous record from 2013, which was also set by Strait and his openers Martina McBride and Randy Rogers Band, with 80,020 fans.

Tease photo

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker ’78 will be Rice University’s 2019 commencement speaker

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker ’78 will deliver the 2019 commencement address at Rice University May 11.

Tease photo

Match Day: Adtalem Medical Schools Driving Diversity, Addressing Doctor Shortfall in US

Matching 946 students, Adtalem institutions educate significant number of primary care and minority physicians

As the United States faces a shortage of an estimated 120,000 physicians by 2030, tens of thousands of medical students across the nation and abroad last week learned where and how they’ll be helping to address the problem. Match Day, as it’s known, now carries increased significance as medical school students match with residencies and fellowships in the US.

Tease photo

Will Self-Driving Cars Help or Harm Our Communities?

In cities like Washington, D.C., the arrival of self-driving vehicles has the potential to profoundly change how we get around. But whether those changes are for the better or the worse depends on the choices we make today, before these vehicles become widely available.

Tease photo

Tim Tebow Foundation’s Celebrity Gala & Golf Classic Next Weekend

The Tim Tebow Foundation is hosting its 9th Annual Celebrity Gala & Golf Classic next Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, home of THE PLAYERS Championship.

Tease photo

TONIGHT: City Council Member Dave Martin to Host CIP Town Hall Meeting for Clear Lake/Southeast Houston Residents

City Council Member Dave Martin will host a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Town Hall meeting tonight, March 19, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., in the Special Events Building at Space Center Houston, 1601 East Nasa Parkway, Houston, Texas, 77058.

Tease photo

Vanjess Shares Music Video for "Honeywheat"

Today, VanJess uncover the music video for their new single “Honeywheat.”

Tease photo

Houston First to Co-host UH March Madness Watch Party at Avenida Houston

Watch No. 11th ranked Houston Cougars ignite the first round of the NCAA tournament in H-town style

Houston First Corporation (HFC) will co-host a watch party for Houstonians to cheer on the American Athletic Conference champions and No. 11 ranked Houston Cougars as they compete in the first round of The Dance. The third seed Cougars enter the Men’s Division I NCAA Tournament with the highest ranking since the glory days of Phi Slama Jama (think 1982-84) and are expected to advance their 31-3 record.

Tease photo

Trump administration wants to put a limit on student loan borrowing

The Trump administration urged Congress Monday to put a cap on student loan borrowing, one of several proposals for updating the Higher Education Act.

Tease photo

Rosenstein staying on at Justice Department 'a little longer' than anticipated

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is planning to stay on at the Justice Department "a little longer" than originally anticipated, according to a Justice official familiar with his thinking.

Tease photo

Five takeaways from Elizabeth Warren's CNN town hall

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has a plan -- for just about everything.

Tease photo

Mueller was allowed to review years of Cohen emails from time he worked under Trump

Special counsel Robert Mueller's investigators were allowed by a federal judge to review years of Michael Cohen's emails and other online data from the time he worked under Donald Trump, according to newly unsealed warrants used in his case in Manhattan federal court.

Tease photo

Pro-Trump group launching ads supporting Meadows, Jordan

Two top congressional allies of Donald Trump will get support from a key group backing the President as the 2020 campaign gets underway.

Tease photo

Cyclone survivors clinging to rooftops in Mozambique as they await rescue, aid officials say

People in cyclone-hit areas of Mozambique are clinging desperately to rooftops in areas virtually submerged by flood water, awaiting aid and rescue, the charity Save the Children has said.

Tease photo

Elizabeth Warren just had her best moment of the 2020 campaign

It's been a bit of a rough start for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren's 2020 presidential campaign.

Tease photo

40% of people with HIV transmit most new infections in the US, a new analysis says. Here's the plan to stop the spread

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday detailed its new initiative to reduce new human immunodeficiency virus infections in the United States by at least 90% over 10 years.

Tease photo

Historic floods that killed 4 and displaced hundreds force 74 Nebraska cities to issue emergency declarations

The major flooding that left at least four dead in Nebraska and Iowa over the past week is slowly receding in some areas, but rivers likely will be flooded for days more, and additional rain and melting snow are expected to make flooding worse in other parts of the Plains and Midwest.

Tease photo

Apple announces faster, smarter iMacs

Apple is on a product launch spree ahead of its spring press event. The company announced on Tuesday its iMac line is getting a refresh after nearly 14 months.

Tease photo

Supreme Court says government can detain immigrants with past criminal records even years after their release from custody

The Supreme Court held on Tuesday that the government can detain -- without a bond hearing -- immigrants with past criminal records, even if years have passed since they were released from criminal custody

Tease photo

'Toy Story 4' takes fans on an adventure to save a new character

Your favorite gang of toys is back, and the latest adventure looks like the most action-packed yet.

Tease photo

Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan joins board of Fox Corporation

Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan is joining the board of the newly slimmed-down Fox Corporation, the parent company of Fox News.

Tease photo

Trump declared an (unpopular) national emergency -- and lost no public support

CNN's latest poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating hitting 43% with voters and 42% with all adults. That's not great, but it matches other recent polling that illustrates the President's approval rating is clearly up after crevassing during the government shutdown in January.

Tease photo

Schools to reopen as Texas chemical plant fire keeps burning. Some health officials are not convinced that it's safe

The fierce fire sending towering black clouds into the air near suburban Houston intensified overnight because of a temporary dip in water pressure, according to the owners of the chemical plant where the blaze is burning

Tease photo

State Department bars press corps from Pompeo briefing, won't release list of attendees

The State Department on Monday said it would not be distributing a transcript or list of attendees from a briefing call with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held that evening -- a call from which the department's press corps was excluded and only "faith-based media" allowed.

Monday, March 18

Tease photo

40% of people with HIV transmit most new infections in the US, a new analysis says. Here's the plan to stop the spread

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday detailed its new initiative to reduce new human immunodeficiency virus infections in the United States by at least 90% over 10 years.

Tease photo

By the numbers: Beto O'Rourke's launch is one of the best yet

Former US Rep. Beto O'Rourke's campaign is off to a fast start.

Bail set at $1M for man, former pimp accused of killing mother of his child

The man accused of killing Noelani Robinson’s mother appeared in court Sunday.

Tease photo

Supreme Court takes on racial gerrymander claim in Virginia

The Supreme Court dove into the issue of racial gerrymandering Monday as the justices reviewed a lower court opinion that struck down Virginia district maps as a violation of the Constitution.

Tease photo

Things to do in Malibu, L.A.'s best beach town

Driving California's Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, in and around Los Angeles is a real challenge -- expanding and contracting lanes, speeding sports cars, blinding sunsets, occasional bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Tease photo

What Facebook, Twitter and YouTube can do now to stop terrorism and hate online

The attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand bring into sharp relief a troubling pattern of global white nationalist terrorism against Muslims. The New Zealand assailant's 87-page manifesto is replete with white supremacist propaganda that was shared across the internet. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are now left scrambling to stop the spread of this hateful rhetoric as it continues to get shared across their platforms.

Tease photo

Remember when 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' made us listen to each other

"The Oprah Winfrey Show" used to air at 4 p.m. every day on my local station in South Texas.

Friday, March 15

Tease photo

“You Can’t Go Wrong Doing Right: How a Child of Poverty Rose to the White House and Helped Change the World” by Robert J. Brown

Do unto others. Three words that are a shorthand reminder to be nice and treat people in the manner that you’d want to be treated. Do unto others and make life smoother. Be good, and be of service because, as Robert J. Brown reminds readers, “You Can’t Do Wrong Doing Right.”

Tease photo

Save a Dollar and Drop a Pound Or Two

How would you like to save some money AND lose a few pounds at the same time? Just as change can add up to $20, $30 and $50 dollars, eating in between meals can add up to calories that add up to 10, 20 or 30 pounds!

Tease photo

Swing into Spring

5 ideas for updating your space

While spring naturally means it’s time for a refresh for many homeowners, it doesn’t mean you’re limited only to a cleaning party. Take advantage of the season by using it as an opportunity to upgrade different areas of your home for reasons ranging from energy efficiency and convenience to ease of living and safety.

Tease photo

Bucket List Travel Destinations for 2019

Taking time to go on vacation or to just unplug from everyday life can be beneficial, and there’s certainly no lack of options when it comes to choosing an ideal vacation spot. The options for experiencing an amazing vacation are so plentiful, such as exploring a cruise port, eating and drinking your way around a city or simply visiting a new destination, you may find yourself struggling to narrow down the choices.

Tease photo

Black Actors Call Out Hollywood For Lack Of Black Hairstylists

Over the past few years, Hollywood has been embroiled in a discussion about diversity.

Tease photo

HBCUs Spotlight: Huston-Tillotson University and Wiley College

HBCUs in Texas contribute $1.3 billion to Texas’ economy according to uncf.org. That alone lets one know how vital they are to our society. This week we look into the history of Huston-Tillotson University and Wiley College for HBCU Awareness Month.

Tease photo

Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Manuel Helps to Provide Free Swim Lessons for Every Student at LeBron James’ I Promise School

Olympic champion Simone Manuel paid a visit to NBA superstar LeBron James‘ new school in Akron, Ohio. She spoke as an ambassador for the USA Swimming Foundation, which will provide free swim lessons to every student at a camp in June 2019, according to Manuel’s Instagram post

Tease photo

State Leaders to Debate Nixing Daylight Saving Time in Texas

State lawmakers will debate the merits of daylight saving time in a legislative hearing.

Tease photo

How to Create a Smoky Cubano Sandwich

For flavor fans, there is nearly no better combo than the complementary tastes in a Cubano sandwich. Complete with layers of roast pork, ham, soft swiss cheese, mustard and topped with tangy pickles, all the flavors and textures play in concert.

Tease photo

Blacks, Hispanics Breathe More Pollution Than They Make

African-Americans and Hispanics breathe in far more deadly air pollution than they are responsible for making, a new study said. A study looked at who is exposed to fine particle pollution — responsible for about 100,000 American deaths a year — and how much different races are responsible for the pollution based on their buying, driving and living habits.

Tease photo

A Return to Diplomacy in Venezuela Needed

The United States is pushing for an overthrow of the government of Venezuela. The Trump administration has denounced Nicolas Maduro as a "dictator," dismissing the 2018 election, which the opposition boycotted. Instead of a good neighbor policy or a policy of nonintervention, the Trump administration has set out intentionally to overthrow the regime.

Tease photo

Michael B. Jordan On Protecting His Center

Close your eyes. Clear your mind. Take a really deep breath in. How calming is that? For some that quick exercise is all that is needed to recharge or do a little mini escape from the craziness of the day. That exercise is a way of reminding yourself to not stress and calm down.

Thursday, March 14

Tease photo

N'Tune Is Bringing An Experience To Remember To A Spot Near You

Houston, there is a hot new band collective on the scene performing at your favorite popular wine bars to bringing in special occasions on an upbeat. The N'Tune band plays Top 40 to the "Down Home Blues" from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Tease photo

From $600 to Six Figures, Award-Winning Lash Stylist And CEO Mysti Brown Plans To Host Other Beauty Bosses To Success

On March 30, 2019, Award-Winning Lash Stylist Mysti Brown will host emerging beauty entrepreneur's with a highly lucrative skill in a $445 billion industry.

Tease photo

Michael Jackson 'innocent' adverts to be removed from London buses

London's transport authority says it will remove bus adverts proclaiming that the late pop legend Michael Jackson was innocent over child sexual abuse claims.

Tease photo

Coca-Cola promised to help fix recycling. Here's how it plans to deliver

Early last year, Coca-Cola set an ambitious goal for itself: Collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells by 2030.

Tease photo

Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty to charges that he staged a hoax

Actor Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty in court Thursday to accusations that he staged a hate crime and filed a false police report.

Tease photo

A number of things to know on Pi Day

If you've been using Pi Day as an excuse to just eat pie, you're doing it wrong.

Tease photo

Facebook, Instagram Suffer Outages

Facebook says it is aware of outages on its platforms including Facebook, Messenger and Instagram and is working to resolve the issue.

Tease photo

Walgreens and CVS Are 2019's Stock Market Losers

This has been a brutal year for the big drug store companies. Walgreens' stock is down more than 10% this year, making it the worst performer in the Dow

Tease photo

Boeing Stock Woes Worsen After the United States Grounds 737 Max Jets

The bad news for Boeing investors arrived on Wednesday. The United States joined other countries and grounded its 737 Max planes. Shares of Boeing, which had lost about 11%, or more than $28 billion in value, before the announcement, fell another 3% immediately after President Donald Trump announced the move from the White House.

Tease photo

At South by Southwest, H-E-B Throws a Dinner in Disguise

South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, has become a mecca for influencers and innovation in all industries, and now we can add Texas favorite H-E-B to the list.

Tease photo

5th-grade Class Holds Mock Slave Auction Selling Black Students

A fifth-grade teacher accused of holding a mock slave auction in which white students bid on black students has been placed on indefinite leave.

Tease photo

Houston Rep. Al Green Will Push Another Impeachment Vote

Rep. Al Green has already forced two votes aimed at impeaching President Donald Trump.

Tease photo

Up to 400 Firefighters Could Be Laid Off in Mayor's Plan to Fund Prop B

KPRC reports up to 400 Houston firefighters could be laid off in order to implement the pay raises for Proposition B, according to the mayor’s office and several City Council members.

Tease photo

Murder Charges Filed Against Houston Gang Member Suspected Of Killing Lamar High School Student

Houston Public Media reports that Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced murder charges against a man accused of killing 18-year-old student De’Lindsey Mack near Lamar High School last November.

Tease photo

Harris County Settles DOJ Lawsuit Over Polling Locations That Violate the Americans With Disabilities Act

Harris County has been facing a lawsuit by the U.S. Justice Department over polling stations that don’t comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Now, the federal government is dropping the suit under a settlement with the county.

Tease photo

Measles Cases For 2019 Up To 10 In Texas

There are 10 measles cases in the state so far this year, one more than Texas saw all last year, according to a news release from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Tease photo

Reduced Waits for Driver’s Licenses, Raises for State Workers in Texas

Shorter waits for driver’s licenses and money to put a new state mental hospital for Dallas back on the drawing board were among highlights of a two-year state budget that won tentative approval from a House panel.

Tease photo

UT Men’s Head Tennis Coach On Administrative Leave After Bribery Allegations

The University of Texas at Austin has placed Michael Center, its head coach for men’s tennis, on administrative leave after FBI documents revealed that he allegedly took a $100,000 bribe in 2015 to help a student gain admission to UT-Austin by adding him as a recruit to the tennis team.

Tease photo

Manafort Request for Leniency Met With a Final Sentence: 7.5 Years

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was sentenced Wednesday to a total of 7.5 years in federal prison for financial crimes stemming from twin cases from the special counsel's office.

Tease photo

'Us' Scares Up Screams and Applause at SXSW Premiere

Jordan Peele is up to his old tricks. The director of "Get Out" was in Austin, Texas on Friday to premiere his latest horror and psychological thriller, "Us." The film, which opened the SXSW film festival, premiered to a packed house at the Paramount Theatre.

Tease photo

Tax Season Tips to Avoid Scammers and Robocalls

It’s tax season. The time of year when phone scammers get particularly aggressive trying to trick you out of your hard-earned money. And scam calls and robocalls are a growing problem for everyone. Here are a few tricks to help you dodge scammers and give you peace of mind.

Tease photo

What We Know So Far in the College Admissions Cheating Scandal

The massive college admissions scam, thought to be the biggest ever prosecuted in the United States, is a harsh reminder that wealthy families can cheat their way to even greater privilege. And some say this scandal is just the tip of the iceberg. Here's what we know so far in this developing case:

Tease photo

Macy’s Unveils Remarkable Spring Fashion to Redefine Beautiful

Seek style inspiration online at Macy’s Presents The Edit, curated by Macy’s Fashion Office

This spring, Macy’s is celebrating beauty in all its forms, expanding and redefining the word through a deeply personal campaign and fresh fashion assortment that speaks to individuality. The seasonal transition encourages a new outlook on self-expression, encompassing fashion, beauty and home at Macy’s. Inspired by the sea with hues of blue and white, the combination creates a feeling of coastal cool, while an elevated palette of pastels and metallic add an air of sophistication.

Tease photo

Michael Buble Leans in with Love and Laughter

Michael Buble’s first order of business when we began our conversation was to immediately put me at ease around his enormous celebrity. The multi-Grammy and multi-Juno Award (Canada’s answer to the Grammy awards) winning singer who sells out the world’s largest stadiums, has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide, and singlehandedly made us re-visit our love affair with the great American songbook, set out to calm my excitable sensibilities with his seamless charm and wit.

Tease photo

Streak Busters: Golden State Halts the Rockets Win Streak at Nine Games

It’s not often that a game that starts at 8:30 pm in the middle of the week will get so much attention, but then again this was no ordinary game. The Golden State Warriors were in town to take on a Houston Rockets team that has seemed to have their number this season. The reigning champs had lost three in a row to the Rockets coming into this game with Houston defeating them in Oracle 118-112 last month without James Harden, who was out with a sore neck and flu-like symptoms.

Wednesday, March 13

Tease photo

Law student, scholar and politician's family among victims in Ethiopian Airlines crash

Grief and sorrow know no borders, but Sunday's Ethiopian Airline crash is truly an international tragedy.

Tease photo

Democrats go to war with big everything

An emerging sub theme of the 2020 primary so far is that Democrats want to take a wrecking ball to some institutions of the US economy.

Tease photo

Yes, I will keep listening to Michael Jackson

I believe Wade Robson and James Safechuck. Not because I believe all accusers of sexual molestation should be believed; I don't. Not because I believe that "Leaving Neverland," the HBO documentary by Dan Reed in which both men accuse Michael Jackson of sexually molesting them, answers all the points made by the dead singer's family in his defense; it doesn't.

Tease photo

No link between diet and dementia? Not so fast

When it comes to diet and dementia, the research can seem like a mixed bag. Certain diets, like the Mediterranean diet, have sometimes been associated with better cognitive outcomes, but some studies have found no link between what people eat and their risk of dementia -- like one published Tuesday in the medical journal JAMA.

Tease photo

TPG executive Bill McGlashan placed on leave after he's charged in college admissions scheme

William McGlashan, an executive at private equity firm TPG who leads its social impact investing efforts, has been placed on indefinite leave after he was charged in a nationwide scheme to get students into elite colleges.

Tease photo

A winemaker, a test proctor and a CEO -- These are the people involved in the alleged scam

Dozens of parents, including famous actresses, college coaches and a winemaker were charged in an alleged conspiracy to get students into top colleges, according to a federal criminal complaint.

Tease photo

Can a 'fertility diet' really help you conceive? In some cases, yes

When it comes to diets, there are many varieties from which to choose: weight loss, plans to lower cholesterol and manage diabetes, and foods to fuel endurance athletes. Now, there's a diet that claims it can boost a woman's chances of having a baby.

Tease photo

Who is Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei?

As he spent decades building one of the biggest tech companies on the planet, Ren Zhengfei kept a low public profile.

Tease photo

Howard Schultz to unveil how he'd run country should he become president

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, who has been publicly mulling an independent presidential run, is set to offer a glimpse of what his presidency would look like should he run and win in 2020, according to prepared remarks for a Wednesday speech obtained by CNN.

Tease photo

Favorite TV moms embroiled in alleged college admissions scandal

Two top actresses who rose to fame playing popular TV moms now find themselves at the center of an alleged college admissions scam that reads like a Hollywood plot.

Tease photo

The college admissions scandal is all about inequality, too

Of course there's a way to buy your way into college, thought everyone who ever wondered how an admissions board separates one kid from another.

Tease photo

Cheat. Bribe. Lie. Here's how the college admissions scam allegedly worked

The college admissions scheme revealed Tuesday is the largest of its kind ever prosecuted, federal prosecutors said, and features 50 defendants across six states, millions of dollars in illegally funneled funds and a handful of the country's most selective universities.

Tease photo

Where your kid goes to college doesn't matter as much as you think

Before you "help" your kid get into an Ivy League school through various methods of chicanery, take a very deep breath and consider why it's so important to you that they get into an elite school.

Tease photo

More than a third of American Catholics question membership in the church after sex abuse crisis, poll says

As a clergy sexual abuse scandal throws the Catholic Church into deep crisis on several continents, more than a third of American Catholics say they have questioned whether to remain in the church, according to a new Gallup poll.

Tease photo

Manafort sentencing highlights Russia probe looming over Trump

Paul Manafort's final date with his legal destiny on Wednesday -- barring a presidential pardon -- is sure to show why impeachment talk will not be quelled by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's fresh attempts to tamp it down.

Manafort sentenced to additional 43 months in prison

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort ordered to serve an additional 43 months in prison.

Tease photo

'Full House' actress surrenders to feds in alleged college admissions scheme

"Full House" actress Lori Loughlin surrendered Wednesday morning to federal authorities in Los Angeles, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said, as fallout from the college admissions scandal continues to spread.

Monday, March 11

Tease photo

Council Member Dwight Boykins Expresses Disappointment Over Houston's Loss of Democratic National Convention

Council Member Dwight Boykins released the following statement about the decision by the Democratic National Committee not to bring its 2020 national convention to Houston.

Tease photo

Matching Donors

MatchingDonors is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and the nation’s largest living organ donor organization finding and registering living organ donors for people needing organ transplants in the United States.

Tease photo

Mariah's Restaurant Now Offering Online Ordering for Delivery to Home or Office

Mariah's restaurant, an institution in historic downtown Bowling Green, is now offering an online ordering special.

By taking advantage of this new online ordering offer, Mariah's patrons can get one free appetizer with any order, with the purchase of at least one entree. To receive the promotion, customers must enter the code "delivery."

Tease photo

NAACP Joins NABJ in Criticism of CNN’s Lack of Diversity in Leadership Positions

Civil Rights Group Voices Concerns over Diversity Failure to CNN

The nation’s foremost civil rights organization issued the following response to CNN President Jeff Zucker’s refusal to address the lack of diversity in leadership positions:

Tease photo

Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) Celebrates 30 Years of HBCU Academic Excellence

Top students from 48 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will compete for the national HCASC championship title and institutional grants from Honda

Celebrating its 30th year as the nation's premier academic competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) will culminate the year-round program on April 16 when a new champion is crowned. The top quiz bowl teams from 48 HBCUs will travel to Los Angeles for the HCASC National Championship Tournament, April 13-17, on the Honda campus in Torrance, California.

Tease photo

2020 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury Priced from $53,690

All-new three-row crossover challenges segment with high levels of standard tech, safety and driver assistance features and refinement

Cadillac’s first-ever XT6 will offer one of the segment’s strongest rosters of standard features and safety and driver assistance technologies, with a starting price of $53,690 (including destination charge)1, for the Premium Luxury FWD model.

Tease photo

ExxonMobil to Pay Civil Penalty and Take Remedial Measures to Resolve Clean Air Act Violations Stemming from Deadly Fire at Texas Refinery

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice announced a settlement with ExxonMobil Oil Corporation (ExxonMobil) today to resolve federal Clean Air Act claims arising from a 2013 fire at the company’s oil refinery in Beaumont, Texas that killed two employees and injured ten others. In a complaint filed today with the settlement, the United States alleges that the company violated Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act, which requires measures to prevent accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances that can have serious public health and environmental consequences.

Tease photo

Buffalo Wings & Rings Launches Menu for Lent for Lenten Season Beginning March 6

Elevated Sports Restaurant Brings Back Popular Meat-Free Menu

As many across the country are preparing to observe the Lenten season by abstaining from meat on Fridays, Cincinnati-based elevated sports restaurant Buffalo Wings & Rings is once again providing guests with a variety of delicious meat-free options. Beginning on March 6 through the end of Lent on April 18, Buffalo Wings & Rings is bringing back its popular Lent menu which features seafood and vegetarian dishes at all participating U.S. locations.

Tease photo

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) Honored at Annual NALEO Edward R. Roybal Legacy Gala

Yesterday, over a hundred national leaders and lawmakers joined together with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the nation’s leading Latino leadership foundation, in honoring Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia the Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service.

Tease photo

Nelly, TLC and Flo Rida Announce Summer Amphitheater Tour

Music icons Nelly, TLC, and Flo Rida have announced they will be hitting the road together for an epic tour across North America. The Billboard chart-topping hitmakers will join forces to bring a show like no other to outdoor amphitheater stages all summer long. Fans can expect an incredible, non-stop party with each artist delivering hit after hit all night long.

Tease photo

Statement on Milwaukee chosen to host the DNC 2020

The Harris County Democratic Party is incredibly disappointed that Houston was not chosen to host the Democratic National Convention in 2020.

Tease photo

Benedict College Receives ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation

The American Council on Education (ACE) announced today that Benedict College in South Carolina is a recipient of the 2019 ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation. Presented at ACE2019, ACE’s 101st Annual Meeting, the award will be accepted by President Roslyn Clark Artis on behalf of Benedict College. The University of South Florida (USF) is the only other recipient of this award.

Tease photo

8th Annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff

The 8th Annual Kosher Chili Cookoff gathered the Houston Jewish community as well as our neighbors at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, regardless of affiliation. 30 local organizations and businesses fired up the competition with their unique kosher chili recipes each vying for bragging rights to the best kosher chili in Houston. Over 2000 attendees were able to eat as much chili as they could consume.

Tease photo

Statement From Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee On the 2020 Democratic National Convention

The City of Houston put forward a stupendous effort and a great proposal – we should all get ready for the 2024 Democratic National Convention

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee who advocated strongly for the 2020 Democratic National Convention to be in Houston, Texas applauds the stupendous work led by Mayor Sylvester Turner to bring the Convention to Houston.

Tease photo

Council Member Dwight Boykins Explains the Reasons Behind his Decision to Tag Agenda Items at City Council

"At City Council, a "Tag" is a procedural matter that allows any Council Member to delay an agenda item to allow more time to discuss that specific item or to engage in a broader public policy debate of importance to all Houstonians and the future of our city.

Tease photo

Beyond the Rhetoric: Meet National Black Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta

The NBCC is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States and the Black Diaspora. NBCC provides resources to support the development of startups and established minority & women owned businesses.

Tease photo

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Offers her Deepest Sympathies to the Families of Those Lost in the Crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 – Calls for Security Hearing on this Aviation Equipment

Jackson Lee—“This is the second recent suspicious crash of a 737 Max 8 model. In October, Lion Air Flight No. 610 crashed shortly after take-off, killing all 189 on board. Out of a concern for security, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, calls for hearings following the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.”

Tease photo

George Osborne: Saudi and Russian investors don't control London's Evening Standard

A former UK Treasury boss who re-invented himself as an influential editor says that Saudi and Russian investors won't be allowed to interfere with coverage at his newspaper.

Tease photo

Algerian President Bouteflika pulls candidacy for fifth term

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has announced that he will not seek a fifth term in office, after weeks of protests surrounding his candidacy.

Tease photo

Elizabeth Warren declines to say if she supports financial compensation as a form of reparations

Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Friday declined to say whether she would support monetary compensation as a form of reparations for African-Americans whose ancestors were slaves, further highlighting the deeply complicated and sensitive nature of an issue that is increasingly becoming politically salient in the 2020 Democratic primary.

Tease photo

Policewoman killed by colleague 'playing' with gun

A police officer in Paris died after her colleague shot her in the head, in what police union leader Christophe Crepin called "a tragedy due to a mistake in handling a loaded firearm."

Tease photo

White House rejects Cummings' request to interview former official

The White House is rejecting House Oversight Chairman Elijah Cummings' request to interview a former White House official who now represents the Trump Organization, the latest skirmish between the Trump administration and the House Democrats investigating President Donald Trump and his administration.

Tease photo

Beto O'Rourke eyes Iowa visit as 2020 announcement looms

Former US Rep. Beto O'Rourke could be headed to Iowa as early as this weekend, CNN has learned.

Tease photo

The city trying to make better bagels than NYC

A search for the best pulled pork barbecue or biscuits and gravy are fine reasons to hop a flight to North Carolina, but if you're looking for a great New York-style bagel? Bless your heart.

Tease photo

Trump is cool with making Daylight Saving Time permanent but Congress needs to OK

After losing an hour of executive time to "springing forward" his clock an hour over the weekend, President Donald Trump voiced his support Monday to eliminate states' legal requirement of "falling back" an hour each year.

Tease photo

Woman charged with Kim Jong Nam's killing freed in shock ruling

The Indonesian woman accused of using a deadly nerve agent to kill Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, returned home Monday after Malaysian prosecutors withdrew the charge against her.

Tease photo

Smoking during pregnancy doubles risk of sudden death for baby, study says

Smoking even one cigarette a day during pregnancy can double the chance of sudden unexpected death for your baby, according to a new study analyzing over 20 million births, including over 19,000 unexpected infant deaths.

Tease photo

California police identify girl's body found in duffel bag as 9-year-old

California police have identified the girl whose body was found inside a duffel bag near an equestrian trail last week.

Tease photo

Olympic cyclist Kelly Catlin dies at 23

Olympic cyclist Kelly Catlin died late last week, USA cycling confirmed Sunday. She was 23.

Tease photo

Why grounding 737 MAX jets is a big deal for Boeing

The 737 MAX is Boeing's most important plane, and China is Boeing's most important market. That's why China's decision to ground all Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets operated by its airlines is so significant.

Tease photo

Boeing crisis escalates as countries ground 737 MAX jets

China, Indonesia and several airlines around the world have grounded the 737 MAX 8 after a second crash involving the best-selling Boeing aircraft in less than five months.

Tease photo

Winklevoss twins on their bitcoin bet: 'Money is the oldest social network'

For years, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss were known for the company they didn't launch: Facebook. Now, the pair hope to be known for their bet on cryptocurrency, which they liken to a different kind of social network.

Tease photo

It's not just measles: Tetanus, mumps and other vaccine-preventable diseases are still in the US

She walked into the emergency room with an infant in her arms. "My baby, please help my baby," she said between sobs. I followed her into the room and asked what her baby's name was and whether I could hold her.

Tease photo

He couldn't hack it as a drug-sniffing dog. Now he's conservation's best friend

Let's face it: All dogs like to smell poop. But this dog smells something else, too -- opportunity.

Tease photo

Trump 2020 budget projects big deficits despite spending cuts

President Donald Trump delivered a 2020 budget to Democrats on Monday that cuts spending across the board yet still isn't projected to balance for 15 years, even with ambitious economic growth forecasts.

Tease photo

The bull market turns 10 years old

The longest bull market in American history was dealt a scary brush with death late last year. But it survived, narrowly, and it's now been alive for a decade.

Tease photo

UN staff and humanitarian workers among victims of Ethiopian Airlines crash

The ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday was packed with humanitarian workers and international experts, many of whom were bound for a major United Nations environmental summit in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Tease photo

Democrats pick Milwaukee for 2020 national convention site

The Democratic National Committee has chosen Milwaukee as the site of the Democratic National Convention in July 2020, the committee announced Monday after sources confirmed the pick to CNN.

Tease photo

'Players aren't safe': Is British football returning to dark days of hooliganism?

With three flashpoints in as many days, Britain's football authorities are facing questions as to whether they are doing enough over the issue of player safety and their approach to hooliganism

Tease photo

'The Case Against Adnan Syed' extends 'Serial' mystery

The hunt for another true-crime sensation has been pretty unrelenting since "Making a Murderer," but HBO cheats a bit with "The Case Against Adnan Syed," essentially a sequel to "Serial," the hugely popular 2014 audio documentary.

Tease photo

Boeing 737 black box found as planes grounded after Ethiopian Airlines crash

Two flight data recorders from Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET302 have been found, as airlines around the world ground Boeing 737 MAX 8s like the one which crashed Sunday, killing all 157 people on board.

Boeing stock falls sharply as crisis mounts over 737 MAX crashes

The tragic Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sunday is raising doubts on Wall Street about Boeing.

Tease photo

Miami Herald: Founder of spa linked to Kraft charges brought Chinese businesspeople to Trump fundraiser

The former owner of a massage parlor tied to a recent high-profile prostitution case arranged for Chinese businesspeople to attend a fundraiser for President Donald Trump, The Miami Herald reported.

Tease photo

Justin Bieber asks fans for prayers and reveals he's been 'struggling'

The pop star, who has been open about his struggles with depression, took to Instagram over the weekend with a candid post about the difficult time he's going through.

Tease photo

Tucker Carlson refuses to apologize for his misogynistic remarks

In the same week that Fox News is holding a big event for advertisers to promote its news brand, the network is battling multiple controversies about offensive remarks made by its right-wing hosts.

Tease photo

READ: Trump's 2020 budget proposal

President Donald Trump delivered a 2020 budget to Congress on Monday that cuts spending across the board yet still isn't projected to balance for 15 years, even with ambitious economic growth forecasts. The President's blueprint also revisits the political fight over border wall funding that triggered this past winter's partial government shutdown.

Tease photo

Jennifer Lopez and A-Rod are engaged. She autographed a poster for him 20 years ago

Jenny from the block got a rock. "She said yes," Alex Rodriguez gushed on Instagram as he posted the picture of a very large diamond on the left hand of presumably Jennifer Lopez, who posted the s

Tease photo

R. Kelly leaves jail after posting bail, saying, 'We're going to straighten all this stuff out'

R. Kelly, the singer facing multiple legal cases including charges of sexually abusing teens, bailed out of Chicago's Cook County Jail for the second time in less than a month late Saturday morning and made a brief statement about his intent to rise above his legal troubles.

Friday, March 8

Tease photo

Exxon Brings in Microsoft's Cloud Platform to Fire Up Shale Oil Output

ExxonMobil is turning to Microsoft's cloud technology to help it safely capitalize on America's fast-moving shale oil boom. The world's largest publicly traded oil company announced a digital partnership with Microsoft on Friday that could become a model for the energy industry.

Tease photo

Cardi B Breaks Garth Brook’s Record On Black Heritage Day And Her Presence Spoke to Houston’s Diversity In A Profound Way

On Friday, March 1, 2019, around 5:00 pm lines began to grow at the entrance gate into the NRG Stadium, and it was pretty evident Bardi Gang was there in full effect.

Tease photo

Mayor Turner Announces Houston to Host African American Mayors Association Conference

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner made an exciting announcement today that the African American Mayors Association will hold its national conference in Houston.

Tease photo

“Inventing Victoria” by Tonya Bolden

You can be anything you want to be! That’s what you were told, growing up: you could do anything, try everything, and be anybody you wanted to be, if you tried. Set your sights on something, and it was yours – so in the new novel “Inventing Victoria” by Tonya Bolden, a young girl wants a better life.

Tease photo

Capital One Bank Now Accepting Applications for the 2019 ‘Getting Down to Business’ Program

Successful free training program designed to help Houston small businesses grow and thrive for 10 Years

Capital One Bank is continuing to help small businesses thrive and grow by bringing back and accepting applications for its Getting Down to Business (GDTB) small business development program in Houston.

Tease photo

Women's International Day Highlight: A Keeper of Bees, A Conversation With Nikki Jackson Of Beyond Fostering, Inc.

It's Women's International Day and there is one woman in Houston who's making sure the future is steady beaming bright. Beyond Fostering, Inc. Founder Nikki Jackson shares briefly with us about her experiences and thoughts on her journey as a super mentor.

Tease photo

Oprah Might Lose $50M In Weight Watchers Stock Plunge

Oprah Winfrey stands to see the value of her investment in Weight Watchers shrink after the company said it hasn’t signed up as many subscribers as it hoped this winter and expects its profits to suffer.

Tease photo

Nearly 200 People in Texas Immigration Detention Facilities Have Contracted Mumps

Nearly 200 people at immigration detention facilities across Texas have contracted mumps since October, officials say. The 186 patients range from 13 to 66 years old, the Texas Department of State Health Services said Tuesday.

Tease photo

Janice Freeman, Contestant of ‘The Voice,’ Dies at 33

Another young sister seems to have died too soon. Janice Freeman, who was a contestant on the NBC singing competition show “The Voice” in 2017, has died. She was only 33 years old.

Tease photo

New Multi-Million Dollar Ride to open in 2019 at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island is adding a new multi-million dollar set of slides that are more than the first of its kind – they are out of this world. Infinity Racers, which will open in June of 2019, is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides. At a whopping eight stories tall and as long as two space stations, Infinity Racers delivers a fun, only one in the world, water slide experience. Both of the racing slides are nearly fully enclosed the entire time (except for the loading and splash zones) with multi-colored fiberglass that creates unique lighting effects inside each slide.

Tease photo

A City and Party that Looks Like America

Here’s some good news. The Democratic Party that is now emerging from the catastrophe of the Trump presidency looks like America. It is energized by a coalition of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, fair-minded Anglos and new young voters. Democratic values are grounded in the American dream – opportunity for all, respect for hard work, protecting workers rights, civil rights and human rights, and restoring the pathway to education and economic reward that each person deserves no matter their background.

Tease photo

Fight the Cold with Better-for-You Comfort Foods

Few things go together quite like cold weather and comfort foods. However, those hearty dishes that are typically craved on blustery days are usually not classified as “healthy.”

Tease photo

350,000 Visitors Per Day Expected in Houston During Spring Break

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said that planning and patience are key to those visiting the city during spring break next week. Turner said that most of Houston’s attractions that are frequented by spring breakers are all within a 5-mile radius, and that can cause some traffic and parking headaches.

Tease photo

HBCUs Spotlight: Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University

Today’s African Americans are living out loud the educational dreams of their ancestors. Segregation for far too long denied so many African Americans even the opportunity to learn. And to now be able to attend any college that one wants is just a dream that those back then never could have realized.

Tease photo

Meet Houston’s Female Power Producers

Power. What does it mean to have it? How would you use it? Power is more than having beefed up muscle arms of steel. Power is about making what you can’t see visible. Power is being able to inspire another person through your influence.

Tease photo

Clear the Launching Pad

The Rockets have taken off since the All-Star break by winning six in a row

Don’t look now, but the Houston Rockets have quietly put together a quiet six-game winning streak. Their second longest streak this season. With all the attention focused on James Harden’s 30-point plus game coming to an end against the Atlanta Hawks, the Rockets have just gone about their business by making up ground in the Western Conference. They are currently in third place in the playoff standings and that means a lot from a team that was in 14th place earlier in the season.

Tease photo

State Representative Proposes Paying $95 Million In Reparations To Descendants Of Sugar Land 95

State Representative Ron Reynolds has filed legislation proposing that Texas pays $95 million in reparations to the descendants of 95 African American prison inmates who were forced to work in a Sugar Land plantation while they were serving their time in the 19th century.

Tease photo

New Bill Proposes Separation of Law School From TSU

Texas Southern University alums and supporters are raising concerns on both sides of a major issue that calls for the separation of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law as an independent entity from the university. It is a new bill, HB 2383, proposed by State Representative Harold Dutton.

Tease photo

Cardi B Sets Records at Rodeo Houston

Over 75,000 paid to see rapper and entertainer Cardi B setting a record for the first time Rodeo Houston performer. Reports claim that Cardi took the lead from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo favorite Garth Brooks by just three people.

Tease photo

AKAs Close Out Black History Month by Presenting $1.6M to HBCUs

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., in partnership with the Educational Advancement Foundation, closed out Black History Month by awarding $50,000 to 31 historically Black colleges and universities that are benefactors of the newly formed AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund

Tease photo

Michelle Obama Surprises Worthing High School Students and More

Students at Worthing High School had a surprise meeting with Michelle Obama. The former first lady was in Houston Saturday as part of her book tour.

Tease photo

Democrat Christina Morales wins Texas House seat formerly held by Alvarado

Democrat Christina Morales has handily won the special election runoff to fill the former Texas House seat of state Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston.

Tease photo

The Trump Tax Return Fight Is Coming Back In a Major Way

One day after announcing a broad inquiry into President Trump's political and personal life, House Democrats began to offer some hints as to how they plan to pry Trump's most closely held secret from him.

Tease photo

Selma, the Birthplace of Modern Democracy in America

This weekend, political leaders from across the country gathered in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate "Bloody Sunday," the 1965 march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge where peaceful demonstrators, attempting to cross the bridge, were violently driven back by Alabama State Troopers, Dallas County Sheriff's deputies and a horse-mounted posse wielding billy clubs and water hoses to savage the crowd. The horrors played on TV sets across the country generated a national outrage that provided the final impetus for passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Tease photo

Houston Ranked No. 2 As Most Stressed City In Texas

It's not hard to fathom that Houston was ranked No. 2 as one of the most stressed cities in Texas if you ever drove through its traffic. BabylonHealth released its list after analyzing Twitter content to find out where people are most likely tweet about stress, anxiety and frustration.

Thursday, March 7

Tease photo

2 in 5,000: Pasadena ISD’s Sam Rayburn High School Artists Earn American Visions Nominations

It is an incredible honor to be named an American Visions nominee, especially with over 5,000 Harris County Department of Education Scholastic Art entries this year. However, Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena Independent School District is honored to have two students who were nominated for this prestigious art award.

Tease photo

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Introduces Legislation to fight the Illicit Tobacco Trade

Jackson Lee—“The illicit trade in tobacco underpins some of the gravest transnational threats to the United States and our allies. Illicit tobacco trafficking is not a victimless offense; it facilitates other, more heinous crimes including money laundering and trafficking in weapons, drugs, antiquities, diamonds, counterfeit goods, and—worst of all—human beings. The Combatting the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products Act (CITTPA) would improve the U.S. Government’s ability to identify and deter those engaging in the trade of illicit tobacco.”Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released this statement on the introduction of the Combating the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products Act (CITTPA) in the House of Representatives: “The illicit trade in tobacco underpins some of the gravest transnational threats to the United States and our allies. Illicit tobacco trafficking is not a victimless offense; it facilitates other, more heinous crimes including money laundering and trafficking in weapons, drugs, antiquities, diamonds, counterfeit goods, and—worst of all—human beings. “More than one out of every ten cigarettes smoked worldwide—11.6 percent of global consumption—is illicit. This is big business, and without intervention, it shows no signs of stopping. The Combatting the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products Act will give the United States better information and tools to combat this dangerous activity. “The Combatting the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products Act (CITTPA) would improve the U.S. Government’s ability to identify and deter those engaging in the trade of illicit tobacco. The bill would provide better information on countries involved with the illicit tobacco trade by requiring the U.S. Secretary of State to report annually on which countries are determined to be a major source of illicit tobacco products or their components and identify which foreign governments are actively engaged and knowingly profiting from this illicit trade. “CITTPA enables the United States to deter countries involved in the illicit tobacco trade and better assist U.S. allies by granting the U.S. Secretary of State the ability to withhold U.S. foreign assistance from those countries knowingly profiting from the illicit trade in tobacco or its activities. In countries where the government is working to stop illicit tobacco trafficking efforts, the Secretary of State would be able to provide assistance for law enforcement training and investigation. I am also pleased that this bill is bipartisan as it enjoys the support of Representative Richard Hudson, who joins this bill as an original co-sponsor. “Additionally, CITTPA helps the United States target individuals assisting in the illicit tobacco trade by authorizing the President of the United States to impose economic sanctions and travel restrictions on any foreign individual found to be engaged in the illicit tobacco trade and requires the president to submit a list of those individuals to Congress.”

Tease photo

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Statement on the Introduction of the Violence Against Women Act of 2019

Jackson Lee: “The effort to pass VAWA represents a commitment to saving lives and recognizing how long we have been suffering and how far we have come. This iteration of VAWA also speaks to the indignities and harms suffered by Native American women who, either through tribal custom, legal strictures or station in life, were not contemplated by past efforts to pass VAWA. And, we cannot forget the victims of domestic violence like Brittany Smith, who was 23 years old and was gunned down last year in Houston, by her boyfriend and San Diego-based Marine; nor can we forget Charlene Caldwell, a mother and grandmother beaten to death last year by a baseball bat at the hands of her boyfriend in Houston. Sadly, their story is representative is too many others.”

Tease photo

A Better Bail Bond & Local Bondsmen File Lawsuit Against Harris County Democratic Judges! It’s More Than Business, It’s About Our Community!

One of Houston’s leading bail bond companies, A Better Bail Bond has partnered with several local bail bond companies to fight to restore bail for misdemeanors. In January 2019, Harris County Criminal Court at Law judges voted to adopt a new bond rule granting most misdemeanor arrestees a personal recognizance bond, or “PR bond, releasing them on the spot without posting bail. This rule will not benefit the community as it will increase crime, become a safety issue, and will not hold criminals accountable for their actions.

Tease photo

House Chair Waters leads charge to return consumer protection to CFPB

Payday loan regulation supported by lawmakers and more than 50 advocates

On March 7, the House Financial Services Committee, chaired by Congresswoman Maxine Waters marked the first time that the new Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) appeared for a hearing in this capacity. Entitled, Putting Consumers First? A Semi-Annual Review of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,” the session is the first of two mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Financial Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Twice a year, CFPB’s Director must report to each chamber of Congress.

Tease photo

Houston Grand Opera announces contract extension with Local 51 union members

The company and International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees reach agreement through fiscal year 2022

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is proud to announce an agreement with the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE), Local 51, extending the union’s contract through July 31, 2022. This new multiyear collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covers fiscal years 2019 through fiscal year 2022.

Tease photo

Midtown Houston Commits to Mobility by Expanding Houston BCycle’s Network

New Bike Share Station at Midtown Park is Eighth in the District and 89th Across Houston

Midtown Houston has just added a 13-dock Houston BCycle station to the Northeast corner of Midtown Park. Already the most walkable neighborhood in Houston according to Walk Score, Midtown’s addition of an eighth Houston BCycle station represents its continued commitment to mobility for residents and visitors alike. (See full map of stations here).

Tease photo

Harris County Now Largest in the Country to Implement Countywide Polling Place Program

Today, Texas Secretary of State David Whitley approved Harris County as one of six Texas counties with a population of more than 100,000 to participate in the Countywide Polling Place Program. With over 2 million registered voters, this makes Harris County the largest county in the country to implement this program. The state program allows eligible counties to establish non-precinct based Election Day Voting Centers.

Wednesday, March 6

Tease photo

Mayor Sylvester Turner Launches Re-Election Campaign

Mayor Sylvester Turner launched his re-election campaign today by unveiling a new website, opening a campaign headquarters and inviting supporters to join him at the Union Station lobby in Minute Maid Park on March 30 for a kickoff.

Michael Jackson's music dropped by radio stations in New Zealand, Canada following HBO documentary

Radio stations in New Zealand and Canada have dropped Michael Jackson from their playlists, following new accusations of abuse by the late pop star in the documentary "Leaving Neverland."

Tease photo

What we learned from the R. Kelly interview Part 1

The first portion of Gayle King's exclusive interview with singer R. Kelly aired on "CBS This Morning" Wednesday and it was explosive.

Tease photo

Democrat Christina Morales Wins Texas House Seat Formerly Held by Alvarado

Democrat Christina Morales has handily won the special election runoff to fill the former Texas House seat of state Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston.

Tuesday, March 5

Tease photo

NAACP Calls for Justice in Stephon Clark Case

Joins Sacramento Branch in Condemning DA’s Failure to Charge Police Officers in Murder of Stephon Clark

The nation’s foremost civil rights organization joins its NAACP Sacramento Branch in condemning Sacramento District Attorney Marie Schubert's decision to not charge Sacramento Police officers Terrence Mercadel and Jared Robinet with murder for the killing of 22 year old Stephon Clark –an unarmed father and husband.

Tease photo

T.J.Maxx to Open in Houston

T.J.Maxx, one of the nation’s leading off-price retailers with more than 1,200 stores currently operating in 49 states and Puerto Rico, will be relocating to Champion Forest on March 14, 2019. From fashion and accessories to jewelry, home, beauty, pet products, toys and more, shoppers can expect to find something for the entire family at the latest T.J.Maxx store

Tease photo

Media Arts Center San Diego’s 26th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival

Celebrating 26 Years of the Latino Experience Through Film

March 14 - 24, 2019 marks the 26th Annual of Media Arts Center San Diego’s San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF). The festival will take place once again at the AMC 18 Fashion Valley theaters and Digital Gym CINEMA in North Park.

Tease photo

Houston Arts Alliance Builds New Disaster Resilience Resources for Artists and Nonprofits in the Wake of Hurricane Harvey

Nearing the two year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) has launched a new Disaster Resilience website for local artists and nonprofits. The website features a comprehensive, self-guided curriculum about everything an artist or arts nonprofit needs to know before the next disaster hits.

Tease photo

Sugar Land Native Selects U.S. Navy Ship

Navy Midshipman Samuel Quach, from Sugar Land, Texas, participated in the 2019 spring Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) ship selection draft as a future member of the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community.

Tease photo

Small Business Owners, Stop Overpaying on Taxes! Nine Often-Overlooked Ways to Legally Keep More Revenue for Yourself

Eric Tyson, MBA, author of the new book Small Business Taxes for Dummies®, Second Edition, shares some great tax breaks you may not be using to your advantage.

If you're a small business owner, you know: The quest for revenue is never-ending. That means, besides chasing new customers, you're also scouring your expenses to see where you might make cuts. Eric Tyson's suggestion? Focus on minimizing one of the biggest (and sneakiest) expenses you face. Taxes.

Tease photo

Rep. Reynolds files Sugarland 95 Legislation

In 2018, the discovery of an unmarked burial ground at the former Imperial State Prison Farm site in Sugar Land drew national attention to an abhorrent chapter in history. Archaeologists at the site found the skeletal remains of 95 victims of the convict leasing system, which was used after the Civil War to replicate the oppression that existed under slavery. Although the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibited involuntary servitude, it created an exemption for people convicted of crimes. Southern states, including Texas, took advantage by enacting "Black Codes," laws that applied only to African Americans, who could be prosecuted criminally for such offenses as loitering, breaking curfew, or not carrying proof of employment.

Tease photo

Daycare Workers Accused of Ripping Toddler’s Braid From Her Head

The parents of Ariana Reddick, a 3-year old girl from Illinois, are outraged after a daycare worker allegedly pulled a braid from their daughter, ripping it from her head. They have since filed a police report against the center and talked to the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services.

Tease photo

AT&T and Brotherhood Crusade Launch BELIEVE Los Angeles to Increase Number of Diverse Filmmakers

AT&T recently announced it is deepening its commitment to Brotherhood Crusade in Los Angeles – a 50-year old grassroots organization with a vision of improving quality of life and meeting the unmet needs of low-income, underserved, under-represented and disenfranchised individuals in South LA – through a $150,000 contribution to the organization’s new Media Collective.

Tease photo

24-Year Old Entrepreneur Who Launched $5 Million Tech Startup Opens Office in Downtown Montgomery, Alabama

There’s a new mobile service in town and they call Alabama home. Tesix Wireless, which launched just December 2018, hopes to attract millennial customers nationwide who are looking for a transparent and simpler mobile service. With plans for personal use and solo-entrepreneurs, plans will start at just $40 a month and the service is counting on low priced, uncapped and fee-less monthly options to attract new customers.

Tease photo

Formula E to make London return with 'one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor' track

Formula E plans to stage a race in 2020 that will feature an indoor section as the sport returns to London.

Tease photo

Starbucks' newest drink is made with egg-white powder

Starbucks just unveiled its latest coffee drink: The cloud macchiato, made with egg-white powder.

Tease photo

Have House Democrats lurched left? Not those from swing seats

Support for a government takeover of health care is Exhibit A in the charge by President Donald Trump and other Republicans that the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives has lurched to the left.

Tease photo

Trump says he joked about wanting Russian help in 2016. The facts tell a different story.

President Donald Trump recently claimed he was joking when he asked the Russians to hack Hillary Clinton's emails during the 2016 campaign. But court filings and public comments show some members of Trump's team were quite serious about accepting help from the Russians in 2016.

Tease photo

Tornadoes in the Southeast are getting worse -- and they're often the deadliest

In recent years, scientists have noticed an increased frequency of tornadoes in the Southeast, carving a deadly path in what's called Dixie Alley.

Tease photo

A moment of silence at Chanel's first show without Karl Lagerfeld

French fashion house Chanel paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, its late creative director, at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday morning.

Tease photo

National Security Agency halts surveillance program

The National Security Agency has stopped using a surveillance program in recent months that relied on bulk data collected from US domestic phone records, according to a Republican congressional official.

Tease photo

Sen. Jeff Merkley announces he will not run for president

Sen. Jeff Merkley announced Tuesday that he is not running for President, telling supporters in a video that he will remain in the Senate after mulling a presidential bid for months.

Tease photo

The Trump-Bernie voters from 2016 are nearly non-existent now

A unique voting group from the 2016 election -- voters who backed independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders but were willing to vote for Donald Trump -- seems to be non-existent in the early days of the latest presidential contest.

Tease photo

A devastating fire burned a church down. Not a single Bible was touched by the flames

When firefighters arrived at Freedom Ministries Church in Grandview, West Virginia they were left stunned by what they saw.

Tease photo

Dow fell 207 points but ended off the lows of the day

Stocks went into reverse just before lunchtime on Wall Street Monday. But nobody could figure out why.

Tease photo

Spotify just added a million new users in under a week

Spotify may have waited a year to launch in India, but it took less than a week to sign up its first million users in the country.

Tease photo

Abu Dhabi startup is using AI to transform how kids learn

No books, no whiteboards, no markers or pens. That's the new reality for many classrooms across Abu Dhabi, where a company is using artificial intelligence to create a new learning experience.

Tease photo

Trump investigations will test a key bipartisan friendship on the Hill

One of the more interesting revelations to come out of last week's nationally-televised hearing with President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen (and there were many) was that a top Democrat and Republican lawmaker are actually close friends.

Tease photo

Dollar Shave Club founder: We want to be known for much more than razors

Think of it as Dollar Shave Club 2.0. Over the last two years, the company has transformed from a monthly razor subscription service to a one stop shop for men, offering a line of toiletries as well as lifestyle and wellness content for men.

Tease photo

Was Luke Perry too young for a stroke? No, they can happen at any age

The death of Luke Perry, after the actor suffered what his publicist said was a massive stroke, is evidence that the disease can affect people of any age, the American Heart Association said.

Tease photo

'Jews to the gas': The anti-Semitism shaming Dutch soccer

It takes less than a minute to walk from Amsterdam's beautiful Portuguese Synagogue to the "De Dokwerker" statue.

Tease photo

'We lost children, mothers, fathers, neighbors and friends,' Alabama's governor says after tornadoes

Lashawn Wilson sat crammed between her 72-year-old mother, her son and her husband in the bathroom of her mom's home.

Tease photo

How many Senate Republicans are going to rebel against Trump's border emergency?

The cake appears baked on the privileged resolution of disapproval about President Donald Trump's use of a national emergency declaration to secure the money he wants to build a border wall on the southern border.

Tease photo

Wall Street Journal: Cohen's lawyer discussed possible pardon with Trump lawyers

The possibility of getting a presidential pardon for Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former fixer who is going to jail after arranging hush money payments to protect Trump's presidential campaign, was discussed last year between Cohen's attorney and lawyers for the President, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

Tease photo

Oprah Winfrey revisits Michael Jackson accusations with 'After Neverland'

Oprah Winfrey conducted a sympathetic interview with Wade Robson and James Safechuck, whose allegations of sexual abuse by Michael Jackson provide the foundation of "Leaving Neverland," the stunning four-hour HBO documentary that concluded Monday night.

Tease photo

'Where is Stephon's justice?' Tension remains after more than 80 arrested in Sacramento protest

Dozens of protesters bearing bearing photos of Stephon Clark and Black Lives Matter signs were arrested Monday night in a show of disobedience against the decision to not file charges against the police officers who killed Clark.

Tease photo

Tornado survivor says she missed the onslaught 'by minutes.' Not 'one chance' we would have survived

Jessica Chandler and her four children weren't home when a tornado tore through their Alabama neighborhood on Sunday and destroyed their house.

Tease photo

A father, a charismatic leader, an entrepreneur. These are the Americans killed in the Kenya helicopter crash

Hope Forti says her husband was many things -- but most importantly, a father.

Tease photo

Target had its best year since 2005

Target capped off its best year in more than a decade with a strong holiday shopping season.

Tease photo

The Band Of The Hawk Featuring Sage Majesty Drops A Fresh New Single, "F. A. M." In Anticipation Of Their Forthcoming Album 'Family Ties'

There's a new wave of hip-hop nostalgia in Houston and the influence comes heavily from a time-warp in the Boom Bap era of the '90s.The Band of the Hawk featuring Sage Majesty drops some heat in their new single "F.A.M."

Monday, March 4

Tease photo

Kevin Spacey's defense casts wide net for cell phone records in pretrial hearing

Kevin Spacey's sex abuse case returned to a Massachusetts court Monday as his defense team worked to obtain cell phone records and other evidence from the actor's accuser.

Tease photo

Washington Post: Virginia children say state's first lady did not single out black students when she handed out cotton on slave cottage tour

First lady of Virginia Pam Northam "did not focus on black students" when she handed cotton to African-American children on a tour of the governor's mansion and asked them to imagine being slaves in the fields, according to several students who participated in the tour and their parents who spoke to The Washington Post.

Tease photo

Chipotle introduces vegan and vegetarian bowls

After targeting keto and paleo dieters, Chipotle is courting vegetarians. The fast casual chain on Monday expanded its new line of diet-based bowls to include vegan and vegetarian options. "Lifestyle bowls" launched earlier this year with Whole30 and double protein meals in addition to the keto and paleo bowls.

Tease photo

New York City and Boston close schools as snowstorm slams Northeast

A storm dumped several inches of snow across the Northeast overnight Sunday into Monday, closing schools in New York City and Boston and leaving a slushy mess for the morning commute.

Tease photo

House Democrats announce broad probe into allegations of obstruction of justice

House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler on Monday announced a sweeping investigation into President Donald Trump's campaign, businesses, transition and administration, a probe that would lay the groundwork for Democrats if they choose to pursue impeachment proceedings against the President.

Tease photo

This teen defied his mom and got vaccinated. This week, he'll testify to Congress about need for vaccines

Ethan Lindenberger will testify Tuesday in front of a Senate committee on preventable disease outbreaks and the misinformation that causes them.

Tease photo

Southwest Airlines offers introductory Hawaii flights for as low as $49

Paradise is within your grasp, especially if you live in California.

Tease photo

Stephon Clark's family announces ‘legacy weekend’ one year after his death

Stephon Clark's family announced they plan to hold a legacy weekend celebration of Clark's life beginning March 15 and ending March 18, the anniversary of his death.

Tease photo

Report: Trump asked Gary Cohn to block AT&T-Time Warner merger

A new report about the close relationship between Fox News and President Donald Trump says the President personally asked a top White House aide to make sure the Justice Department stopped AT&T from purchasing Time Warner.

Tease photo

Hollywood pays tribute to Luke Perry: 'My heart is broken.'

With a career that took off in a famous zipcode and was bookended all-too-soon in a town called Riverdale, Luke Perry had an acting career that spanned decades and touched multiple generations of television viewers.

Tease photo

Fast food once again served White House sports event with Trump

The grand mahogany table of the White House State Dining Room was set with white roses, fine china, silver platters stacked with Big Macs and pouches of fried chicken sandwiches, and bowls of extra sauce.

Tease photo

What we learned from 'Leaving Neverland' Part I

The first part of the two part HBO documentary aired Sunday night and delivered some bombshell allegations.

Tease photo

Luke Perry, star of 'Beverly Hills 90210' and 'Riverdale,' dead at 52

Luke Perry, who played the beloved Dylan McKay on the hit coming-of-age series "Beverly Hills 90210," has died.

Tease photo

New Face Of Radio, The New Amazing 102.5 FM’s Own Amanda Sapp

“I wanna be the change I wanna see..” - Amanda Sapp, Radio Host/TV Personality/Event Host

Sunday, March 3

Tease photo

Escape to Charleston's Wild Dunes Resort for an Unforgettable Spring Break

Wild Dunes Resort’s Spring Break packages and programming offer families and groups chance to connect with the Lowcountry.

Saturday, March 2

Tease photo

Lovell's Food For Thought - Cultural Differences Need To Be Factored Into Scientific Health Discovery

Racial & Cultural Differences Matter

The more things change the more they remain the same. Who you are and the experiences you have determine the solutions you develop to address the problems you face." Give the lack of researchers of color, you should be able to see what the problem is. Although the numbers have increased, the percentage have remained the same. Therefore you have insight to both the problem and the solution to the problem. Unfortunately, we have continued to fail at solving this problem and therefore we continue to fail in making any significant reduction in health inequities.

Friday, March 1

Tease photo

“Brown White Black: An American Family at the Intersection of Race, Gender, Sexuality, and Religion” by Nishta Mehra

Column A or Column B? Truth is, you don’t fit in either. You’re unique, from your toes to your hair, inside and out. People can try to categorize you, but it just won’t work. As you’ll see in the new book “Brown White Black” by Nishta J. Mehra, there’s a lot to learn.

Tease photo

Fulfill Your Family’s Nutrition Mission

Eating healthy as a family starts with a plan involving nutritious ingredients, and one of the easiest ways to incorporate them is through meal prepping. By organizing recipes and the ingredients you’ll need to make them ahead of time, you’re saving time in the kitchen and helping ensure your family members won’t go off-course.

Tease photo

Oscars Finally Getting It Right

Stand up and give the Oscars a round of applause. Kudos to the Oscars first off for one of if not the shortest show with no hosts. It was time out for all the not so funny, unnecessary bits and outfit changes that drugged out shows in the past.

Tease photo

Judge Lina Hidalgo Commits to Harris County

Lina Hidalgo’s strikingly small figure and bright-eyed Latina looks caused political handicappers to dismiss her at 27-years-old for most of 2018. However, that happens no more around Harris County, where in her second month as the top elected official in America’s third largest county, Harris County Judge Hidalgo oversees a $4.1 billion budget that employs more than 17,000 people.

Tease photo

Not Every Soul Mate Is A Lover

What do you, we, as human beings need more than anything? We need to feel loved. We need to feel the warmth of knowing someone cares whether or not we make it home from work if it’s raining too hard. We want to be able to share our day with someone just to breathe better before we go to sleep. Whether you’re a Christian or a non-believer it’s hard to imagine a life in which love isn’t a pivotal part of what you believe in.

Tease photo

Democrats divided on new Medicare for all bill

Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood was a kid in a swimming class when her heart began to race. She was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, which has since shaped her life in every way, from her preference for caffeine-free diet Coke to her career starting out as a registered nurse.

Tease photo

A New Place Of Worship In Humble, TX Hosts A 3-Day Mega Celebration With Major Giveaways & More

Kingdom Builders Ministries Worldwide in Humble, TX is kicking off the weekend with a community 'Resource & Job Fair' from 10:00am-2:00pm. All events March 1st-3rd are FREE and open to the general public.

Tease photo

Commissioners Court Appoints Genesis E. Draper to County Criminal Court at Law No. 12 Judge

Based on the motion from Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Commissioners Court on Tuesday appointed Genesis E. Draper – an assistant public defender in the Harris County Public Defender’s Office – to fill the judicial vacancy at Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 12.

Tease photo

Our Democracy Depends On a Free and Fair Vote

In North Carolina, the State Board of Elections has thrown out the election results in its 9th congressional district for fraudulent activity -- probably the first time in U.S. history this has happened. The fraud was committed by a campaign, not by voters, and by a Republican, not a Democrat. For years, Republicans have campaigned for voting restrictions claiming, as Donald Trump has repeatedly, that voter fraud is widespread. In fact, it's not ineligible voters distorted election results, but rather the fraudulent efforts of an embattled Republican Party to rig the rules that has led to election irregularities.