All results / Stories

Tease photo

METRO Delivers Essential Trips, Modifies Service, Adds More Cleaning

"Stay Home, Work Safe" Order Reduces Ridership

Beginning Monday, March 30, METRO is making more adjustments to its bus and rail schedules to continue to provide the highest level of service possible. The modified schedule will maintain service throughout the region with some possible delays. All Park & Ride routes, except those serving the Texas Medical Center, are suspended.

Governor Abbott Removes Licensing Barriers For Advance Practice Registered Nurses

Governor Greg Abbott has waived certain regulations allowing for an expedited licensing reactivation process for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) in Texas.

Congressman Al Green Disburses PPE from Local Dentist to Fort Bend County Officials

On Saturday, March 28, 2020, Congressman Al Green distributed gloves, wipes, and surgical masks provided by a local dental office to Fort Bend County officials, who have been combatting COVID-19 with an insufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Congressman Green released the following statement:

‘Because We Care’ Packages To Be Distributed to HCDE Head Start Families March 27

Some 400 care packages for Harris County Department of Education Head Start families have been assembled and will be distributed by HCDE staff. The program called “Because We Care” provides food items meeting healthy food guidelines selected by nutrition staff at HCDE Head Start during the COVID-19, stay-at-home order.

Houston Couple Leaves $9,400 Tip at Restaurant to Help Staff Get Through Coronavirus Shutdown

The staff at a popular Houston restaurant got a $9,400 tip from some regular customers who wanted to help them get by during the coronavirus shutdown.

Tease photo

Census 2020: Yes, I’m In

In the wake of seeing if we have a temperature with a prolonged cough, trying to find water and supplies and ensuring we are wearing masks in public, something may have slipped your mind, the 2020 Census. Earlier this month residents across the country received an invitation to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. It is the population count that occurs every 10 years that counts every living person in the country.

KIPP-Texas Houston Free Food Distribution sites for anyone 19 yrs old and under

While our school campuses are closed, KIPP Texas is doing everything possible to ensure individuals 19 years old and under will continue to receive the breakfast and lunch they would otherwise receive had they been at school. Almost 90 percent of our students qualify for free or reduced price lunch.

The Community Artists' Collective: An Updated message regarding COVID-19

We are paying very close attention to the news and announcements surrounding the COVID - 19 outbreak.

Tease photo

Cotonavirus Testing Continues at the United Memorial Medical Center Despite Testing Shortages As Reported Across the Nation

“As a senior Member of the Homeland Security Committee, I am well aware of the critical importance of continued access to COVID-19 testing. Although shortages are reported nationally, the United Memorial Medical Center COVID-19 testing site in the 18th Congressional District remains active and testing will continue as scheduled. Monday-Thursday 8 am - 8 pm, Friday 8 am -6 pm.”

Houston educators 3D print COVID-19 face shields for health workers

Each masks costs about $1 to manufacture; could help address medical supply shortage

The COVID-19 outbreak has put the heroics of countless educators on display across the country. However, one team of educators in southwest Houston have found a way to use their unique talents and the school’s cutting-edge classroom technology to help address a critical need during the COVID-19 crisis.

Governor Abbott Requests Major Disaster Declaration from White House

Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to President Trump requesting a presidential declaration of a major disaster in Texas based on the continued impact of COVID-19. This action follows on the heels of a series of proactive measures, including declaring a state of disaster for all 254 Texas counties on March 13, 2020.

Governor Abbott Announces Distribution Of Federal Funding For COVID-19 Response

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas has received $36.9 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the state's initial allotment of funding from the first emergency coronavirus bill passed by Congress.

The NAACP Host Black Census Week to Ensure Complete Count for Black Populations

The NAACP is focused on ensuring a full and accurate count amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic through their Black Census Week efforts. The week will consist of various activities to ensure communities of color, specifically Black populations, are informed about the Census and fill it out in its entirety.

Tease photo

Harriet Tubman Goes To Congress

Gwendolyn Briley-Strand, world-renowned actress, outside of Senator Tom Carper Office (D-DE) in Washington, D.C.

In commemoration of Harriet Tubman Day on March 10, internationally renowned actress, Gwendolyn Briley-Strand, brought Harriet Tubman to the Halls of Congress, and she brought some passengers with her. Local 1-2 of Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, Worcester County NAACP Branch, and HR 1242 Resilience Project were present to encourage Congress to introduce legislation to rename Virginia Inside Passage to the Harriet Tubman Waterway.

Tease photo

Official Statement On the Passing of Country Music Hall of Fame Member Kenny Rogers

Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Rogers passed away Friday, March 20, 2020. He was 81. Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

19/20 Season Updates: Performances and Events Postponed or Cancelled

Following recommendations from Harris County and the CDC to limit large gatherings and slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), SPA performances through May 15, 2020 are postponed or cancelled, affecting the programs listed below.

Community Resources: Area Resources, Phone Numbers and Websites To Help Our Readers Navigate our Coronavirus Pandemic

As always, our 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is here answering the call from our neighbors in need. 211 provides information about community resources and connects people to basic needs assistance and other social services, for which demand is likely to increase. You can also search the 211 database online here. 211 is not the number to call for emergencies or if someone suspects they have COVID-19. Those concerned about or affected by COVID-19 should follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines.

Tease photo

Rep. Garnet Coleman Calls For Emergency Limited Health Coverage Hwith 1135 Medicaid Waver

Today, Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston) is calling for limited health coverage for testing, care, and treatment of the coronavirus during this time of disaster to be included in Texas’ 1135 Medicaid Waiver request to the Federal government.

Tease photo

Mayor Turner Announces Changes to Operating Procedures for City of Houston Bars, Nightclubs and Restaurants Houston Health Department Broadens COVID-19 Social Distancing Guidance for All Houstonians

Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and local health officials Monday afternoon to announce new measures to help contain and mitigate COVID-19.

Tease photo

Houston City Council Votes to Extend the Emergency Health Declaration Related to COVID-19 Indefinitely

In a special called meeting Tuesday morning, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston City Council members voted to indefinitely extend the proclamation of a local state of disaster due to a public health disaster for the City of Houston.