2nd grade students at KIPP Sharp write thank you letters to health care workers
Second graders at KIPP SHARP wanted to spread some joy and positivity to our heath care workers. They wrote letters of appreciation to the hardworking doctors and nurses at LBJ Hospital. See pictures of the doctors and nurses with the students letters below.
COVID-19 and Community Updates
The City of Houston made another huge stride this week and doubled our daily testing capacity from 1,000 to 2,000 individuals. This means that now the City is testing anyone who wishes to be tested. You or your family member can call 832-393-4220 where you will be provided a unique identification code and directions on where to go.
Beyond Walls Gospel Radio (BWGR) Station Launches New Interactive Website for Listeners to Connect with Christian Music and Sermons During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Offers a Platform for Pastors and Artists to Gain Worldwide Exposure
In this scary and uncertain time, people are trapped at home practicing social distancing due to the new COVID-19 aka coronavirus pandemic. In most parts of the world, citizens are not able to attend their church services in a physical building. Not being able to worship, connect and interact with other church members can cause anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Houston Sailor participates in cleaning stations aboard U.S. Navy warship
Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Ricardo Trevino, from Houston, scrubs a door handle with HTH (bleach) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island personnel conduct a deep cleaning of the ship with HTH multiple times a day as part of coronavirus mitigation measures to ensure the health of the crew. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ethan Jaymes Morrow)
Social Distancing Shouldn’t Lead to Social Isolation
Even in the best of times, social isolation is a significant problem. In Texas, more than 1.5 million people over the age of 50 live alone and are at higher risk of social isolation, which is now magnified by the “social distancing” requirements across the country.
Harris, Booker, Colleagues Demand DOJ Provide Training to Combat Racial Profiling During COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Cory A. Booker (D-NJ) on Friday led a letter to Attorney General William Barr and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray demanding racial profiling training for all law enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter comes after reports of African American men being targeted by law enforcement based on the CDC’s guidance to wear face coverings.
The National Basketball Wives Association & Morgan Stanley Team Up To Donate 15,000 Books To Underserved Students With Virtual Party With A Purpose
The National Basketball Wives Association (NBWA) and Morgan Stanley have partnered together to donate more than 15,000 books to 5,000 students in under-resourced areas that have been impacted by current shelter in place orders. NBWA organized the "Spread Love Fest," a virtual 'party with a purpose' that tapped hip-hop artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, MC LYTE, to host and DJ the experience on Instagram Live, Friday, April 17th from 8-10 p.m. ET. The initiative is tied to the NBWA's "Books & Ball" program which works with the nonprofit First Book to close the gap on educational inequities.
Court Orders Release of Individual From Immigration Detention Due to COVID-19 Concerns
A United States District Court today granted the ACLU of Texas’ request to release a person who is highly vulnerable to serious illness and death from novel coronavirus, held at the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas.
Reynolds Statement on Re-opening Texas
"I find it premature and irresponsible of Governor Abbott to even consider re-opening our state up at this time in this unprecedented public health crisis. The medical community is reporting that Texas is still 2 to 4 weeks away from peaking in COVID-19 cases, and we are currently rapidly rising daily in new cases and deaths. In order for it to be safe for Texans to go back to work, several items need to happen:
Highest Criminal Court in Texas issues warrant for Harris County career criminal released on $500 bail
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the state’s highest criminal court, took the rare step on Friday of issuing an arrest warrant for a Houston fugitive and setting his bail at $100,000 after hearing that he was released on a $500 bail by a Harris County magistrate
HISD to stay closed for remainder of 2019-2020 school year
In accordance with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement today for all Texas schools, the Houston Independent School District will stay closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
Congressman Al Green Joined HISD Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan and Houston Food Bank at NRG Stadium for Mass Food Distribution
On Saturday, April 18, 2020, Congressman Al Green joined Houston Independent School District (HISD) Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan in distributing free curbside meals to students and families. Congressman Green released the following statement:
AboutThatCar.com 2020 Lexus RX 350L AWD
Let us start with the upside of the 2020 Lexus RX 350L AWD. It is a luxury crossover in every sense of the word.
General Motors and DTE Energy are Making Michigan a Clean Energy Powerhouse
General Motors and DTE Energy are working together to accelerate Michigan’s transition to renewable energy with a deal to source 500,000 megawatt hours of solar energy as part of DTE’s MIGreenPower program. This follows an initial investment of 300,000 MWh of wind energy purchased by GM in February 2019, bringing the total amount to more than 800,000 MWh, or the amount of electricity consumed by more than 100,000 homes in an average year.*
How To Protect Retirement Savings In These Uncertain Times
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing millions of Americans to worry about their retirement savings and investments. Stocks are riding a roller coaster and the recent $2 trillion stimulus bill passed by Congress potentially means larger tax bills down the road to help pay for it.
COVID Money Tracker Launches to Enhance Transparency April 20, 2020
Congress has already approved more than $2 trillion in fiscal measures to deal with the unprecedented economic and public health crisis caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, while the Federal Reserve has announced trillions of dollars in loans and other extraordinary measures, and it is extremely likely further action will be taken.
636,800 Houston Workers Directly Impacted by COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has led to an unprecedented economic shutdown as thousands of “nonessential” businesses have closed their doors. The crisis disproportionately affects the 21.3% of American workers in retail, leisure, and hospitality who not only face lack of work, but also suffer from long-standing, below-average wages. According to the latest annual data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for workers in the retail trade and leisure and hospitality sectors was just $19.70 and $16.55 in 2019, compared to $28 per hour across all workers.
Back To Her Roots...Loni Love Quarantine Talent Show Attracts Over 20,000 Viewers with Guest Judge Jonathan McReynolds
In 2003, Loni Love competed as a finalist on "Star Search" an opportunity that brought major attention to her comedic chops as a stand-up talent. This past weekend, Love went back to her roots and garnered over 20,000 viewers who tuned in for the first-ever Loni Love Quarantine Talent Show.
SNL Star Michael Che Pays Rent For His Grandmother’s Entire Building After She Passes From Covid-19
“Saturday Night Live” star and writer Michael Che has turned his grief into action to help others.
How Businesses Can Pivot While Slowed Or Closed During Difficult Times
With businesses across the U.S. having closed temporarily or reduced services due to the coronavirus pandemic, company leaders are trying to find ways to stay afloat until the crisis passes – and figure out how to move forward into an uncertain future.
