Supreme Court to Hear Case of Sergio Hernandez
The Supreme Court will hear the case involving the shooting death of 15-year old Sergio Hernandez by U.S. border patrol agent Jesus Mesa in 2010. Hernandez was on the Mexican side of the border when he was killed. The Hernandez family sued Mesa for damages and the Supreme Court will decide if foreigners can sue for damages under the U.S. Constitution.
Pflugerville Pens Deal with Typhoon Texas to Open Water Park
After weeks of negotiation, a deal has been struck between the Pflugerville City Council, the city’s economic development arm and Typhoon Texas to have the company operate the water park previously run by Hawaiian Falls.
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is Open for Business
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations – the hotly anticipated whiskey bar with American comfort food from Newport Beach, Calif. – opened this month.
First Latina in Space Ellen Ochoa to Be Inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame
The first-ever Latina in space will be inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in May. The mexicana joined NASA as a research engineer at Ames Research Center in 1988
Turner, Cormier and Peavy Lend Voice History Makers Project
We know the history that Sylvester Turner, Rufus Cormier, and John W. Peavy Jr. have made in our area and beyond.
‘Dancing with the Star’ Cast Includes Local Native Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles
A familiar face to Houstonians joins this year’s cast of Dancing with the Stars. Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles will join The A-Team star Mr. T, The Bachelor Nick Viall, Glee's Heather Morris and Saturday Night Live alum Chris Kattan.
Google Pledges $11.5M to Organizations that Fight Racial Bias in Criminal Justice System
Google is handing out $11.5 million in grants to organizations combating racial disparities in the criminal justice system, double what it has given so far. And, in keeping with a company built on information, the latest wave of grants target organizations that crunch data to pinpoint problems and propose solutions. In addition to the grant of $5 million, Google engineers will put their time and skills to work on improving the center’s national database.
DNA Tests Find Subway Chicken Only 50 Percent Meat, Canadian Media Report
A Canadian investigative consumer program ordered DNA analysis of several fast-food chicken sandwiches and concluded that Subway chicken was only half meat — with the other half soy.
Taco Enthusiast Wants to Make Tacos the Official State Food of Texas
The official state dish of Texas is listed as chili by the Texas State Library, but one man is looking to swap that classic dish for a South-of-the-Border staple.
Remembering the Life of Kelvin Keith Belcher, MD
Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Kelvin Keith Belcher, MD has reached his eternal life with the Lord joining him on February 18, 2017.
Barack Obama Named Recipient of 2017 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award
Former President Barack Obama was named the 2017 winner of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award on Thursday for carrying on his fellow Democrat’s legacy.
Justice Department Softens on Texas Voter ID Law
The US Department of Justice has dropped its long-standing opposition to a key aspect of Texas' voter ID law.
Texas Could Lose Millions Of Tax Dollars If It Stalls Medical Marijuana
The Texas Compassionate Use Act was signed into law on June 1, 2015, by Governor Greg Abbott. However, it appears the state might not implement the medical marijuana program it passed and could walk away from millions in potential tax revenues.
Rutgers University Launches Black and Latino Tech Initiative
Rutgers University’s Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development will hold its Black and Latino Tech Initiative Launch (BLT). The free event offers black and Hispanic tech entrepreneurs valuable advice on preparing their businesses for an accelerator program as well as on-site networking opportunities with venture capitalists and accelerators.
New App Celebrates Black Fraternity and Sorority Life — Divine 9 Emojis, a 300+ Sticker Pack
Sometimes words are not enough, and that’s why there are stickers. The Divine 9 Emojis app, released this week for iMessage, is a 300+ sticker pack capturing the quintessential expressions of Black Fraternity and Sorority life.
Entertainment Industry Leaders Partner with MPAC to Cultivate Opportunities in Television in Houston
MPAC welcomes representatives from WeTV, TVOne, Warner Bros. Worldwide Television, Will Packer Television, some of television’s most popular shows, along with local journalists and other major players
Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC) welcomed aspiring media leaders, including local high school students and teachers, on February 17th for a two-day TV Forum examining television broadcast and digital content from development to distribution. The event, which is free for high schoolers, is part of the organization’s “It’s a Wrap” education program, and was held at the University of Houston. It is designed to empower individuals who aspire to work in the television industry, giving them access to knowledge, skills, invaluable contacts and greater confidence.
Award-Winning Actress & Producer Tangi Miller Makes Her Directorial Debut at the Pan African Film Festival
Television, film actress and producer, Tangi Miller, makes her directorial debut with her new film, ‘Diva Diaries’, in which she also produces and co-stars, at the Pan African Film Festival 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Muslims Make Wu Tang Movie in China to Get the World’s Attention
Widely known as “Chinese Tupac” or “The One Man BET in China” actor, screenplay writer and director Tsalta Baptiste has released another timeless movie trailer that Chinese audiences can expect the rest of the world to talk about yet once again. In 2016, Baptiste was covered in 60+ publications from 11 different countries including Rolling Stones Italy, Maxim Magazine and NY Times. His 2016 film Until the End of Time showcased global uniqueness from a young Black American male’s perspective while living abroad, a glimpse into a world that many were not prepared for and it soon became a viral sensation.
Natural Hair the Movie is an Answer to Chris Rock’s ‘Good Hair’
Grind Over Matter Films is currently in production on a new documentary film entitled Natural Hair the Movie. “People say to us, when we talk about our movie, that it reminds them of Chris Rock’s movie Good Hair. Even though we like his movie, this film is different because it provides a solution to where Good Hair left off,” says Reginald Titus Jr., the Director and Executive Producer of Natural Hair the Movie. “We respect the fact that Chris Rock was able to get the conversation started.”
MUSC to Spend $52 Million With Small, Women and Minority-Owned Businesses in Construction of New Children’s Hospital
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is on track to spend $52 million in contracts with small, women and minority-owned business enterprises (SWMBEs) during construction of the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion. When construction on the estimated $385 million project is completed and the doors open in 2019, the structure will be among the most well-equipped and technologically advanced facilities in the nation.
5 Ways How Manicures Can Lead to Nasty and Potentially Deadly Infections
What woman doesn't like to get her nails done? Manicures and pedicures are a luxury enjoyed by millions of women. But here's something you need to know before you indulge; manicures and pedicures can leave you with fungus, warts and infections. YUCK!
City-Wide Excitement for Texas' Greatest Tradition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
It’s Houston’s favorite time of year — it's Rodeo time! Thousands gathered downtown Tuesday, Feb. 28, for Rodeo Roundup in celebration of agriculture and Western heritage as Mayor Sylvester Turner officially declared March 3, 2017, Go Texan Day.
Shemar Moore Returning to CBS in 'S.W.A.T.' Reboot
Criminal Minds” alum Shemar Moore is coming back to CBS to star in and co-produce the network’s reboot of “S.W.A.T.,” reports Variety.
President Donald J. Trump Signs H.R. 255, and H.R. 321 and H.J.Res. 40,
On Tuesday, February 28, 2017, the President signed into law:
Governor Abbott Statement On Senate Vote Calling For A Convention Of States
Governor Greg Abbott today released the following statement after the Texas Senate passed a resolution calling for an Article V Convention of States (SB 21), one of Governor Abbott’s emergency legislative priorities:
TWC Announces $1.5 Million in Funding for Pilot Program to Support Foster Youth
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking education partners for a pilot program to help increase the number of Texas foster youth who graduate from high school. TWC announced the availability of $1.5 million in funding for the Foster Youth Dropout Recovery and High School Completion pilot program that will help current and former 16- to 25-year-old foster youth earn a high school diploma or its equivalent, with the opportunity to gain workforce skills and a pathway to employment or postsecondary education.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Releases Statement On Trump Speech to Joint Session of Congress
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Releases Statement On Trump Speech to Joint Session of Congress
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Offers Prayers And Support For Houston Police Following The Shooting Of Two Officers
Jackson Lee: “I am deeply saddened by news of this tragic shooting and pray for the officers and their families along with all the men and women who wear the badge at this trying time.”
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center Grand Opening Events March 11 and 12
Man driving toward exit ramp on highway, signs marked Poughkeepsie and Tightening of Chest, Shortness of Breath, This Exit
Music Industry Insider Shanti Das Works on Health Awareness in Atlanta
Music-industry veteran Shanti Das grew up in an Atlanta neighborhood considered a food desert — heavy on fast-food restaurants and limited on access to grocery stores with fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy food choices.
Pipeline Populism: Complete, Build
President Donald Trump is about to give the U.S. economy a power-up. He just approved the long delayed construction of two megaprojects, Keystone XL and the Dakota Access pipelines.
Governor Abbott Reappoints Bunin And Hase To Governing Board Of The Indigent Defense Commission
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Alex Bunin and Don Hase to the Governing Board of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission for terms set to expire February 1, 2019. The commission provides financial and technical support to counties to develop and maintain quality, cost-effective indigent defense systems.
District D NEXT GENeration Advisory Council BETA CLASS Application Open
District D NEXT GENeration Advisory Council is a leadership development program comprised of 15 committed young leaders who either live, work, or have close ties to Houston City Council District D. These young leaders are selected to have input in improving the quality of life with the District, while acting as ambassadors and leaders for service in the community.
Statement from Senator Borris Miles Regarding Injured HPD Officers
"Our hearts go out to the two officers, Officer Ronny Cortez and Jose Muñoz, that were injured today in Southwest Houston. As a former police officer, I know too well the sacrifices they make to safeguard our community. Today, these officers were called out to protect those they served, and the attacks committed against them are unconscionable. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these officers and I wish them a speedy recovery."
Children’s Art Contest Celebrates Mental Health and Seeks Entries
Art sparks the brains of children and young people. In fact, it improves their mental health. Children 5-14 years old are invited to show their creativity and their own understanding of mental health by entering the 2017 #HTXMentalHealth Children’s Art Contest themed, “How I Feel About Myself.”
Depeche Mode Announce North American Leg of the Global Spirit Tour
As promised, Depeche Mode continues to roll out their Global Spirit Tour, with the second leg bringing their stunning live show to fans across North America this fall.
Shaw University’s President in Historic Summit Between HBCU Leaders and Congressional Members
Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy of Shaw University, one of the nation’s youngest college presidents, was recently part of an important summit organized by Senator Tim Scott, the first African-American senator from South Carolina, and Representative Mark Walker, a North Carolina Republican.
Mayor Turner Lauds Houston Permitting Center for Improved Customer Service
Performance Metrics Show Permitting Process Improvements Working
The Houston Permitting Center’s continuous process improvements are working based on performance metrics for building plan reviews for the first two months of this year.
TSU President Joins Collegiate Leadership at White House
Dr. Austin Lane participates in session seeking support for HBCUs
Texas Southern University President Dr. Austin A. Lane was among 64 presidents and chancellors of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who attended the White House Domestic Policy Council listening session in Washington, DC. The gathering – dubbed the ‘HBCU Fly-In’ – was held amid reports of an executive order to move the initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities out of the Department of Education and into the White House.
President Trump is Rebuilding America's National Security
President Donald J. Trump has taken action to ensure the safety and security of the United States homeland, its borders, and its people. · President Trump has proposed increasing the military’s budget by $54 billion so that it can begin to rebuild.
RNC Statement On President Trump’s Joint Address To Congress
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released the following statement at the conclusion of President Donald Trump’s first joint address to Congress:
Cummings Statement on President Trump’s Address to Joint Session of Congress
Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress:
Congressman Gene Green Responds to President Trump’s Address to Congress
Congressman Gene Green (TX-29) released the following statement following President Trump’s address to joint session of Congress:
Rep. Al Green Statement on His Refusal to Attend the Joint Session of Congress
“Although my desire was to attend tonight’s Joint Session of Congress, I cannot in good conscience do so given the action taken one day ago by the now Trump Justice Department to withdraw its longstanding claim that the Texas Voter ID law intentionally discriminated against minorities. My action is more than a refusal to attend the joint session, i
Luis Coronel Special Guest for the U.S. Leg of Prince Royce's "Five World Tour"
Following a slew of accomplishments with his latest single, Regional Mexican music star, LUIS CORONEL, announces he will be a special guest in the U.S. leg of Prince Royce’s FIVE WORLD TOUR. The tour kicks off in Laredo, Texas on June 29, and will visit 21 cities across the United States, including Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix and Washington DC, among others. Tickets go on sale this Friday on livenation.com and ticketmaster.com.
New Book the Innovation Mentality, Disrupts the Status Quo to Reinvent the Way America Leads
Value diversity and inclusion, embrace differences and create alignment, maximize potential and achieve significance... These are the things organizations say they must do to innovate, attract top talent, and compete in America’s uncertain, multigenerational, multicultural marketplaces. But most organizations have no idea how to do this sustainably, if at all. The new book The Innovation Mentality: Six Strategies to Disrupt the Status Quo and Reinvent the Way We Work by Glenn Llopis offers a new solution.
MARCH 20TH MARKS “THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR™” DAY Celebrate The Famous Caterpillar’s Metamorphosis by Transforming your Infant Nursery into a Toddler Bedroom
The World of Eric Carle, the award winning publishing franchise with 136 million books sold, promotes the joys of playful learning through timeless stories and vibrant artwork featuring Very Hungry Caterpillar and Friends. The brand’s centerpiece, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, is a global best seller that is beloved by parents, caregivers, educators, and children and a staple in homes, schools and libraries. In celebration of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day (March 20, 2017), Eric Carle’s beloved character will leap from the pages into the homes of children, parents, grandparents and teachers with SCS Direct's “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Musical Night Light and Soother as well as “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Travel Soother and Star Projector.
Are You RODEO READY?!
Sunday, March 12th, Houston Shopping Tours is kicking off tourism season with an exclusive shopping party for all of you fabulous rodeo goers! The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo brings thousands of visitors to the city from all over the world to witness the largest rodeo event in the U.S. This means one thing... You've got to look good!
Chance The Rapper Will Join Diana Ross, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Solange and Many More on the ESSENCE Festival Mainstage!
Chance The Rapper's Essence Festival® debut will round out the full performance lineup for the festival concert series of more than 40 acts, including new additions: Mystikal, Mia X, Silkk the Shocker, BJ the Chicago Kid, Daley, Elle Varner, Emily Estefan, Gallant, Kelly Price, Leela James and Rhonda Ross. The full weekend concert lineup is as follows:
Space Center Houston’s Cosmic Spring Break Lineup Offers Incredible Experience
Touch a rare Mars meteorite, see where astronauts train, engineer a robot or have lunch with an astronaut during Space Center Houston’s Cosmic Spring Break, presented by the city of Webster March 11-19.
