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Governor Abbott Temporarily Allows For Appearance Before Notary Public Via Videoconference For Real-Estate Instruments

Governor Greg Abbott has suspended a statute concerning appearance before a notary public to acknowledge real-estate instruments such as mortgages. This suspension temporarily allows for appearance before a notary public via videoconference when executing such documents, avoiding the need for in-person contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conditions that will apply whenever this suspension is invoked can be found here.

Black Fret donates $25,000 to HAAM + accelerates release of $250,000 in grants in response to COVID-19

Austin-based music nonprofit pays Austin and Seattle bands $24,000 for performances the week of March 15 and accelerates the release of $250,000 in grants

For Houstonians… You Can Take Away Their Work, You Might Even Take Away Some Freedoms, but You Can’t Take Away Their Barbecue

And Grant Pinkerton is Here to Make Sure of It

For many in the Houston Heights area, Pinkerton’s Barbecue is an institution. Life before COVID-19 was good. Business was booming. Each and every morning, the pit masters came in early to cook all the food for the day, and then customers would simply go through the line, order their brisket, ribs, sausage, or chicken, based on what was available and watch their meat get cut right in front of them. That’s it. No food made to order. And, when it was gone, it was gone.

Texas Has 4th Highest Identity Theft Rate in the U.S.

Coronavirus-related scams have proliferated in recent weeks. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), some businesses have already been reprimanded for misleading claims around coronavirus treatments and cures. But not all scams are related to false advertising.

New Poll: Nearly a Third are Delaying or Avoiding Medical Care Due to COVID-19 Concerns

With some waiting rooms nearly empty, emergency physicians are seeing a worrisome trend play out across the country. Nearly a third of American adults (29 percent) say that they have delayed or avoided medical care because they are concerned about contracting COVID-19, according to a new poll from Morning Consult and the American College of Emergency Physicians.

As some Americans head back to work, psychologists offer tips on proper social distancing

As some states reopen for business amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a Rice University psychologist and his colleagues have developed a chart of evidence-based tips on how to properly social distance.

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City Council Member Edward Pollard Free Masks Giveaway

City Council Member Edward Pollard and his staff, along with more than a dozen volunteers, gave away 12,000 disposable face masks on Tuesday, April 28, to Houston residents is support of the Harris County order requiring residents to wear masks or face coverings when outside the home. Hundreds of cars began lining up at 6:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the PlazAmericas Mall, located at 7500 Bellaire Blvd. to receive the masks. Council Member Pollard also used this opportunity to encourage residents to complete their Census forms.

New memoir inspires readers with a true story of faith in times of war

Zac Miller marks his publishing debut with the release of ‘Faith in War the Soldiers Bible’

From the jungles of Vietnam in 1965 to the mountains of Afghanistan in 2019, a pocket Bible was passed from soldier to soldier over the course of 50-plus years and carried off to war in the hopes that God would be watching over them. Zac Miller invites readers to witness their journey within the pages of “Faith in War the Soldiers Bible” (published by Xlibris).

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Help Sustain Beauty and Grooming Services Providers On The World's Largest Tip Day

A group of Chicago business owners has come together to launch a way for people to provide financial support and show their appreciation for their beauty and grooming services providers with The World's Largest Tip Day on Friday, May 1. The day is focused on generating much-needed assistance for barbers, hair stylists, nail technicians, aestheticians and other providers, while encouraging consumers to stay home and stay safe, even as some barber shops, hair salons and spas are scheduled to reopen.

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International Philanthropist & Disabilities Advocate Lisa A. Thomas Featured in Photo Memoir By Celebrity Photographer Bruce Bell

Bell Releases “In Search of the Authentic Lisa A. Thomas” Photo Book

World renown philanthropist Lisa A. Thomas is the featured subject of celebrity photojournalist Bruce Bell’s new photographic timeline, In Search of the Authentic Lisa A. Thomas. Bruce Bell of Bruce Bell Media (BBM) has been in the photography business since 2002. His work is a favorite in the Houston African community.

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Setting the Standard

Texans Offensive Lineman Laremy Tunsil Wants To Be Example For Younger Players

After signing a three-year $66 million contract extension last week with the Houston Texans, offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil became the highest paid player at his position in the NFL. Did the money play a major factor in him getting the deal done? Yes. But Tunsil had another strong motive on why he wanted to set the market for offensive lineman.

Council Member for District J Edward Pollard to Distribute 12,000 Free Masks in District J

In support of the Harris County order requiring residents ages 10 and older to wear masks or face coverings when outside the home, City Council Member for District J Edward Pollard’s office will be distributing up to 12,000 disposable masks to the public.

Virtual Student Leadership Program accepting applications from HISD high school students, alumni

The Houston Independent School District will employ 100 interns who are alumni or currently enrolled to remotely tutor students in need through the district’s new Virtual Student Leadership Program.

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Beyoncé ‘s BeyGOOD Foundation Pledges $6 Million to Mental Health Organizations Supporting Essential Workers During Covid-19 Crisis

Beyoncé has been lending her time to several Covid-19 relief efforts. She appeared on the Disney Family Singalong to support Feeding America and health-care workers, appeared in a fun hat on the Global Citizen broadcast and used her platform to speak about how African Americans are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Best Unkept Secret

Texans Sign Undrafted Free Agent Scottie Phillips

The Houston Texans signed undrafted free agent running back Scottie Phillips at the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Ole Miss standout will be a steal if he can contribute on special teams while learning the Tim Kelly led offense.

NAACP Houston Condemns CM Kubosh Reference of Rosa Parks

Recent statements by Houston City Councilmember Michael Kubosh have deeply grieved the hearts and offended many African Americans. Others who are sensitive to the history of African Americans in this country are also disturbed. Even though 1619 is often given as the date of arrival of the first African slaves in what is now the United States of America, history tells us there were actually African slaves in this country as early as the 1500’s. No matter which one of these dates you believe to be true, we do know that the American slaves from Africa and their descendants remained in bondage in this country for over 200 years.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, City of Houston, Councilman Robert Gallegos with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and UMMC Officially Announces the Opening of a Sixth Coronavirus Testing Site

Mayor Sylvester Turner, City of Houston, Councilman Robert Gallegos with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Senior Member of the Homeland Security Committee and UMMC will officially announce the launch of the sixth UMMC COVID-19 drive through testing site.

Harris County Attorney Ryan Supports County Clerk’s Request for Mail Ballot Funding

Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan supports the County Clerk’s request for additional funding for vote by mail efforts, citing a recent court ruling amid public health concerns.

Grifols Houston-Area Biomat USA Plasma Donor Centers Now Accepting Donations from People Who Have Recovered from COVID-19

Potential donors can call 866-END-CV19 to learn more about donating their convalescent plasma to produce a hyperimmune globulin medicine for potentially treating COVID-19

New CEO brings ‘passion and commitment’ to Pathways

Pathways Youth & Family Services, a non-profit organization providing a wide array of social-services programs to communities across Texas, has named Tina Amberboy as its new CEO.