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HGO Announces the Appointment of Miah Im as Studio Music Director

The organization welcomes Im to the prestigious young artist training program

Houston Grand Opera is proud to announce the appointment of HGO Studio Music Director Miah Im.

County Attorney Vince Ryan files brief seeking vote by mail clarity

Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan yesterday asked an appeals court for an order clarifying that the County can proceed with vote by mail applications for the July 14th primary runoff.

Governor Abbott Directs TDEM, DSHS, HHSC To Test All Nursing Home Residents, Staff In Texas

Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to test 100% of residents and staff in Texas nursing homes. The Governor instructed HHSC, TDEM, and DSHS to develop and implement a plan based on the guidance of Vice President Mike Pence and Doctor Deborah Birx.

What's Needed to Build Pandemic Resilience and Move to Reopening? Small Biz Weighs In

Certain foundations and safeguards must be place, a liability shield is not one of them

In a virtual press call yesterday, small businesses from across the country shared what they need to have in place to even think about the next phase of reopening. From a public health plan that includes adequate testing, to industry specific safety standards, to the child care and paid leave infrastructure to support their employees, small businesses are being forced to consider reopening sooner than is safe because their government leaders have quit the fight.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and every year the goal is to fight the stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949, reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. According to Mental Health of America (https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month), while 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. Mental Health Awareness Week is May 18th through May 24th.

Teaching and Learning Center Provides New Frontier Using Online Educator Development Platforms

During the pandemic, gaining professional development hours is next to the last thing on educators’ minds. Teachers are tasked with posting online lessons and grades. They’re meeting with students, parents and administrators on Zoom. Educators are coping with teaching their own children.

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School Districts, Institutions Look to Co-ops like Choice Partners for COVID-19 Solutions

As the manufacturer of hand sanitizer and distributor of industrial disinfectants, Choice Partners vendor Buckeye Cleaning is operating on a 24/7 schedule. During the past six weeks, the company sold 20,000 cases of hand sanitizer, 8,000 dispensers on stands and is currently manufacturing 10,000 cases for the Houston market.

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College Graduates: Looking for a New Career? Consider Teaching

Harris County Department of Education is recruiting college graduates for a fast-track, alternative certification program which has a proven track record for success. Online and onsite classes make the program convenient, and flexible payment plans provide affordability. Small classes allow students to gain experience from veteran educators who operate the program.

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Prenatal supplement may increase blood pressure at high doses

Women who take high-dose folic acid supplements from pre-pregnancy through mid-pregnancy might increase their risk for potentially dangerous high blood pressure, according to new research.

Governor Abbott, TDEM Apply For FEMA Assistance Funds To Support Texas Food Banks

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Category B assistance funding to provide financial support to Texas' network of food banks. If approved, this funding will provide nearly $70 million for Texas' network of 21 food banks and will allow food banks to work with their supply chain networks to shore up supplies and provide more nutritional support to those in need.

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Nicholas Johnson Earns Top Academic Spot as Valedictorian of Princeton’s Class of 2020

Nicholas Johnson from Montreal, Canada, has been named valedictorian of Princeton’s Class of 2020, according to princeton.edu. becoming the first black person to earn that academic honor since Princeton was founded in 1746.

An Update from Council Member Davis

A Rent Relief Program has been sponsored by BakerRipley and the City of Houston. Landlords apply starting May 7th at houstonrentassistanc .org or call 832-390-2018

Groundbreaking ASIAN AMERICANS Documentary Highlights Historical Fight For Education Equality, Asian American Groups Focus On Similarities To African American Fight For Equitable Education

Documentary Series Premieres May 11th and 12th During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

A new five-part documentary series, ASIAN AMERICANS, is set to air on May 11th and 12th on PBS stations nationwide. Asian Americans Advancing Justice, an affiliation of five civil rights organizations, is promoting the documentary as the most comprehensive look at Asian Americans in history and remarks on the similarities in the fight for education equality between communities of color.

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Waldemar Park will be closed beginning May 11, 2020 until January 2021 for exciting new improvements

Waldemar Park is long overdue for an upgrade and after years of preparation, planning, and designing, those much needed improvements are finally getting underway! I have contributed over $150,000 to this project from District G's Council District Service Funds. The residents deserve a first rate park and I am excited I could help make this park a first rate recreation area.

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Congressman Al Green Honors the Life and Legacy of the Honorable Al Edwards

On Friday, May 8, 2020, Congressman Al Green reflected fondly on the life and legacy of former State Representative and Father of the Juneteenth Holiday, the Honorable Al Edwards. Congressman Al Green released the following statement:

METRO Bus Operator Tests Positive for COVID-19

METRO received confirmation a bus operator has tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases to 17 METRO employees and two contractors. Seven had no contact with the public. METRO tracks and reports all positive cases among its workforce of more than 4200. We are also conducting temperature checks of employees before they begin their workday.

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Harris County Clerk Resigns Due to Personal Reasons

Harris County Clerk Diane Trautman has issued her letter of resignation to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and members of Commissioners Court, to be effective May 31, 2020.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Statement on the Resignation of Harris County Clerk Diane Trautman

Dr. Diane Trautman has been a dedicated public servant who has been committed to engaging voters and increasing their ability to have their voices heard. While I regret to see her step away from the County Clerk’s office, I respect her decision to protect her health during this pandemic.

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AboutThatCar.com: 2020 Nissan Sentra SR

We did not get as much seat time in the 2020 Nissan Sentra as we would have liked thanks to the lock-down brought about by the coronavirus.

Free Wi-Fi for Low-Income Families in The Historic Westside

SoulCity.us announced today that a sponsorship from Anthem Medicaid Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Anthem Foundation will help bring free internet to school children and vulnerable families in Historic West Las Vegas. A press conference is scheduled for June 5, 2020 at 10:00AM.