Commissioner Rodney Ellis Supports Harris County’s Decision to Close Parks on Easter Weekend
Decision Necessary to Stop Spread of COVID-19 During One of Busiest Weekends for Parks
To stop the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19, Harris County has taken a precautionary measure to close its parks during the Easter weekend.
HISD to Launch HISD @ H.O.M.E. Hotline to Support Distance Learning
The Houston Independent School District will be launching the HISD @ H.O.M.E. Hotline starting Monday, April 13, to provide timely answers to questions from students and parents about distance learning.
Lockdown A-list Fitness: Celebs make a fortune on TikTok from their dance and workout videos
While self-isolating it is important to keep our spirits up and our bodies moving. Celebrities know this too and they have found a new way of entertaining their fans – via TikTok, generating the A-listers thousands of views.
Governor Abbott Announces Emergency Waiver Of Federal Match Requirement For Victims Services Grant Recipients
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will provide a one-time emergency waiver of the federally required cash or in-kind match contribution required for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant funds. This waiver follows an unprecedented match waiver process recently initiated for states by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime and Office on Violence Against Women.
Houston Community College Creates Community Partnership to Address Protective Gear Shortages in Houston
Houston Community College (HCC) announced that San Jacinto College, University of Houston at Sugar Land, Fort Bend County Judge’s Office, TX/RX Labs, Alief ISD and Houston ISD have joined efforts to help address personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages for local area medical professionals and first responders in the fight against COVID-19.
Pastor, Author And Social Media Celeb Aims To Change Futures––Especially For Women With Difficult Pasts
It's always a good time to celebrate the many successes and accomplishments of women who have made an impact on the world. But let us not forget the many women who look inward, wondering what history or legacy they might be creating. For many, a troubled past can make it difficult to discover the paths to success that lie ahead; after all, you can't change history. Fortunately, pastor and author Jameliah Young (formerly Young-Mitchell) has a solution to help those with difficult pasts discover their bright futures.
An Update from Council Member Davis
Reminder that the deadline for the 2020 census has been extended! Please fill it out here! It is important to fill it out for the City of Houston to receive the proper funding in the coming years! If you are unable to fill it out online, call 844-330-2020 for English or call 844-468-2020 for Spanish!
Lawsuit Against ICE to Release Medically Vulnerable People from Texas Detention Facility
The ACLU of Texas, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, and the national ACLU today sued U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and DHS officials on behalf of four immigrants detained in Conroe, Texas at the Montgomery Processing Center (MPC). The lawsuit demands that ICE comply with the Fifth Amendment and release the plaintiffs, all of whom are highly vulnerable to serious illness and death from the COVID-19 global pandemic. The suit follows news of an employee at the center who tested positive for the virus on March 23.
Governor Abbott, HHS Announce Federal Approval Of Emergency SNAP Benefits
Over $168 million in emergency benefits for all SNAP recipients in Texas
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) will provide more than $168 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits to help Texans during the COVID-19 response.
Remote Learning Resources for Texas Parents
As we are in unprecedented times with the COVID-19 public health crisis, our state and local leaders are trying to make the best decisions to protect and assist as many Texans as possible. As you are aware, Governor Abbott closed all schools in Texas, and now parents have the monumental task of schooling their children at home.
METRO Active in Fight Against Spread of COVID-19
METRO is playing an active role in supporting city and county leaders as well as public health officials in the fight against COVID-19 (the coronavirus). From transporting one-third of Texas Medical Center employees to work to providing relief buses for health care workers at COVID-19 testing sites, METRO continues to adapt for the health and safety of our community.
Houston Symphony extends performance cancellations
The Houston Symphony announced that it is extending its concert cancellations, canceling all previously scheduled concerts and community activities through the months of May and June 2020 in order to protect the health of audiences, musicians, and staff.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi Joins NAACP and BET Virtual Town Hall on the Impact of COVID-19 on African Americans
The NAACP in partnership with BET is hosting a four-part virtual town hall series, “Unmasked: A COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Series”. The first part of the series kicks-off on Wednesday, April 8, at 8 PM ET/ 5 PM PT, and will focus on the health, emotional, economic toll, congressional response and how activists can apply pressure to ensure legislation is equitable.
Lifetime Greenlights New Series - Married at First Sight: Couples' Cam
Lifetime greenlights new Married at First Sight spin-off series, Married at First Sight: Couples' Cam, a self-shot series following the highs, lows, humor, drama and domestic life of fan favorite Married at First Sight couples from ten seasons on the air. Following the couples ongoing stories in real time, in the completely raw and self-shot show, the couples invite viewers into their homes via mounted cameras, diary cams and virtual group chats.
TWC Cautions Claimants Regarding Fraudulent Calls
Houston’s sports and civic venues will join forces Thursday evening to turn the city blue as part of the global #LightItBlue movement to support the men and women on the front lines of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Human Rights Campaign President on Senator Bernie Sanders’ Tremendous Advocacy
After a strong campaign that expanded the national debate on many important topics, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders withdrew from the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary. In response, Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David issued the following statement:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Update
The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Treasury have begun releasing the information that will guide the programs created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
PFAW Responds to Sanders' Exit from the Democratic Presidential Primary
In response to reports that Sen. Bernie Sanders will exit the Democratic presidential primary, PFAW President Michael Keegan released the following statement:
Congressman Al Green Joined HISD Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan and Unsung Heroes at Sterling HS Food Distribution
On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Congressman Al Green joined Houston Independent School District (HISD) Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan and the unsung heroes in distributing free curbside meals to students and families.
Mayor Turner Appoints New Director of Communications
Mayor Sylvester Turner has appointed Mary Benton as the new Director of Communications effective immediately. Benton brings valuable years of experience in media relations, strategic communications, crisis communications, and social media strategy.
