Mayor Turner Issues Statement on Immigration
"I know there are a lot of families and children who are afraid and worried right now about what might happen to them. I want them to know that Houston is, and always has been, a welcoming city, where we value and appreciate diversity. HPD is not the Immigration and Naturalization Service. We don’t profile, and we are not going to start profiling people to determine whether they are here illegally. It hasn’t happened under previous mayors, and it will not happen under my administration."
Governor Abbott Announces Grant Funding For Dallas Law Enforcement
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Homeland Security Grants Division (HSGD) within the Office of the Governor has awarded the City of Dallas more than $1 million dollars in grant funds to be used for personal protective equipment including ballistic helmets and bullet proof vests. The grant comes in the aftermath of the deadly attack on Dallas peace officers last July and is in addition to an earlier grant of $616,000 awarded in November that was also used for equipment and protective gear.
President Trump Releases National School Choice Week Proclamation
The foundation of a good life begins with a great education. Today, too many of our children are stuck in schools that do not provide this opportunity.
Entrepreneur Launches Unique Party Supply Company That Caters to Black and Hispanic Children
KIESSE LLC, founded by entrepreneur Linda Kiedi, is a company dedicated to the provision of unique party supplies to African American and Hispanic kids. The company, born out of an urgency to meet needs often overlooked by bigger companies, has recently announced its new range of products and services. Birthed in September 2015, they do much more than provide party supplies; They believe in creating an atmosphere of love, self-confidence and boosting general ethnicity acceptance irrespective of backgrounds. KIESSE LLC, founded by entrepreneur Linda Kiedi, is a company dedicated to the provision of unique party supplies to African American and Hispanic kids. The company, born out of an urgency to meet needs often overlooked by bigger companies, has recently announced its new range of products and services. Birthed in September 2015, they do much more than provide party supplies; They believe in creating an atmosphere of love, self-confidence and boosting general ethnicity acceptance irrespective of backgrounds.
New Web Site Encourages and Helps African Americans to Create and Make Money From Their Own Afrocentric Mobile Apps
Savvier Health, LLC has been granted a license to offer the same easy–to-use subscription-based app creation platform that has been used by tens of thousands of people around the world to successfully publish hundreds of thousands of apps. Their system uses a simple what-you-see-is-what-you-get format to allow subscribers to easily exchange standard text and pictures with their own in hundreds of ready-to-publish app templates. With this system, even the average high school student can churn out multiple apps each month and make money for college in his spare time.
Syd Premieres New Song "Body," The Internet Announces "The Internet Presents the Internet Tour"
Syd's Solo Album Fin Out February 3rd, 2017
THE INTERNET's frontwoman and producer Syd has released a new song from her forthcoming solo album, entitled Fin, which will come out on Columbia Records on February 3rd, 2017. The song, called "Body," premiered today as Zane Lowe's World Record on Beats 1; it can be heard HERE.
Equitbit Development Corp. ICO Launch Party and Private Sale
Event in Washington, D.C. to Highlight Upcoming Initial Coin Offering
Equibit Development Corporation, creator of the Equibit blockchain and blockchain applications for the global securities industry, said it will celebrate the pending launch of its initial coin offering at The Loft at 600 F in Washington, DC on Jan. 31.
Houston Symphony Announces Addition of Onstage Seating for Sold-Out Yo-Yo Ma Performance
The Houston Symphony announced today the addition of onstage seating for the sold-out, one-night-only concert featuring superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017. Led by Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada, the program includes Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, a masterpiece written during the time the composer spent in America, and Gershwin’s jazz-influenced An American in Paris.
Garcia on the Go January 2017
Making every day count January 2017 - Session Begins
I hope that you had a wonderful New Year, and that you are as excited as I am for this year's Texas Legislative Session
Houston Entrepreneurs Organization, Jim McVaugh, McVaugh Custom Homes is Texas’ Only Residential Builder to Win the Industry’s Highest Honor, a Gold Award.
The Royal Oaks Courtyard Villa’s serve as Houston's premiere modern, guard-gated, luxury single-family development. The Courtyard Villas is Texas’ first ever fully LEED certified community and is a combination of the latest and greatest in modern home building. Located just 6.5 miles from the Galleria, this community offers the ultimate in luxury and affordability.
Blacks Experience More Family Member Deaths Than Whites, On Average
African-Americans are more likely than whites to experience the loss of a parent during childhood and more likely to be exposed to multiple family member deaths by mid-life, according to a study by the Population Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin.
Houston Hosts Trade Delegation from Cuba
A delegation of Cuban representatives from various organizations involved in port activities is in Houston as part of a multi-city U.S. tour focused primarily on visiting ports. The visit comes just four months after Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Greater Houston Partnership led a trade delegation to Cuba.
Kitchen Throwdown: The Ultimate battle between 2 All-pro NFL Player
Succulent, Aromatic, Smoky, Sensational, and Yummy, definitely not words synonymous with America's football frenzy and Super Bowl craze but one local firm; Boom Media and Image Consulting, is looking to change the game one pigskin at a time! We've watched our favorite NFL players hit the field during the season to battle for gridiron glory and now two All-Pro NFL players will have one last chance to make a game changing play in the inaugural culinary showdown known as "Kitchen Throwdown". This culinary battle will be held at the Conservatory Underground Beer Garden and Food Hall located at 1010 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002 on Wednesday, February 1st from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Dr. Oz Show Introduces 'Faithful Fridays' Featuring DeVon Franklin
Weekly Segment in February Explores Importance of Faith for Health, Happiness and Well-Being DoctorOz.com
Focused on the balance of “body, mind and spirit,” renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and award-winning media personality Dr. Oz launches Faithful Fridays, a new weekly segment through February on his hit TV show, featuring New York Times best-selling author, Hollywood producer and preacher DeVon Franklin.
Broadway-Bound and Award-winning Titles Highlight Theatre Under the Stars 2017-18 Season
Building upon the artistic acclaim of the of 2016-17 Season and reaffirming the commitment to bring “more theatre to more people”, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) announced today a dynamic 2017-18 Season; celebrating the prismatic and perennial impact of musical theatre.
Black History Matters! Celebrate Black History With a Reflection on the 100 Years Leading Up to Barack Obama Winning the Presidency
At the end of the historic tenure of a black president and the recent resurgence of “white supremacy,” there is no better time to reflect and remember the journey of black people in America over the last century. It has become evident that a large part of the United States wants to go back to the “good old days” and reverse the progress that has been made in this country. This heightens the importance of knowing the history to combat those who seek to rewrite it. George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
How Obama Made $20 Million Dollars in 8 Years -- Book Deals, Speaking Engagements, and More!
Barack Obama served his last day as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. Although his annual salary was only $400,000 a year, during his presidency, he made $20 million dollars. But how?
NFL, American Heart Association and Discovery Education Host Virtual Field Trip Live From Super Bowl LI
Free Virtual Class to be Live-Streamed in Classrooms Nationwide
The NFL and American Heart Association, together with Discovery Education, will host the first-ever AHA-NFL PLAY 60 Challenge Virtual Field Trip (VFT) live from Houston on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 12 PM CT during the NFL Experience Driven by Genesis. The free virtual class will be live-streamed in classrooms across the country, reaching thousands of students. Houston Texans players WHITNEY MERCILUS and CHRISTIAN COVINGTON and the American Heart Association’s MERCEDES CARNETHON, Ph.D. will teach students the science behind cardio and strength exercises that NFL players use to stay fit and active.
Astros to Host Public Rally for Bagwell Monday
The Houston Astros will give their fans the opportunity to salute new Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell with a public rally on Monday at 6 p.m. in the Union Station Lobby at Minute Maid Park. The rally is open to the public with no admission charge.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Participates In Women’s March on Washington and Stands in Solidarity with Marchers In Houston, Austin, Dallas and Around the Nation
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House of Representatives and Founder and Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus, released the following statement in solidarity and support of the millions of participants in Women’s Marches taking place in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and other cities in Texas, across the nation, and around the world:
Congressman Al Green Speaks at Houston Women’s March
On Saturday, January 21, 2017, Congressman Al Green (TX-9) was proud to join the Houston Women’s March to support patriotic citizenship and equal rights for all. He addressed the thousands at the beginning of the Houston Women’s March with a rousing speech, then joined the marchers as they journeyed to the steps of City Hall. He later highlighted the importance of our diverse communities in the political process when he spoke on the steps of City Hall.
Largest March in Texas History - Over 50,000 Attended Women's March on Austin
On Saturday, Jan. 21, one day after the presidential inauguration, participants from all over Texas gathered at the Texas State Capitol for the largest march in the state's history. Over 50,000 people peacefully marched for protection of human rights, equality, safety and healthcare for all.
Keegan-Michael Key to Host NFL Honors at Wortham Theater Center in Houston
Annual Awards Show to Take Place at Wortham Theater Center in Houston on Eve of Super Bowl LI
KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY, Emmy-award winning actor, writer and creator, will take the stage as host of NFL HONORS on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Wortham Theater Center in Houston. The two-hour primetime awards special recognizing the NFL's best players, performances and plays from the 2016 season will air nationally at 8 PM ET/PT on FOX.
Jim Parsons Buys Out Hidden Figures Screening in Houston This Sunday!
Houstonian Jim Parsons, star of The Big Bang Theory and currently featured in the film HIDDEN FIGURES, has joined his fellow HIDDEN FIGURES cast mates in buying out a screening of the movie and offering those tickets free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis to families in need.
Dan Rather Keynote Speaker at Red Cross “Wrapped in Red” Luncheon
Legendary journalist plans to share Red Cross experience at March 23 event
The American Red Cross of the Texas Gulf Coast announced today that broadcast journalism icon Dan Rather will offer the keynote address at its Wrapped in Red Luncheon, to be held on Thursday, March 23, at 12 p.m. at Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar, Houston, Texas
METRORail Green Line Completion and Harrisburg Overpass Opening Community Celebration
East End neighbors and community stakeholders are invited to enjoy a free afternoon of fellowship, music and local barbecue to commemorate the completion of the final stops of the METRORail Green Line and opening of the Harrisburg Overpass. Regular service along the line, stretching from Magnolia Park Transit Center in the East End to downtown's Theater District Station, began last week. Building the overpass allowed METRO to add two additional stops along the Green Line that first began operations in May 2015.
Good Housekeeping Names Toyota Prius Two Eco ‘Best New Hybrid’
Good Housekeeping this week announced the winners of its Best New Car Awards for 2017, and selected the 2016 Toyota Prius Two Eco as the Best New Hybrid. The Awards appear in the February issue, on newsstands January 17.
Greater Houston Black Chamber Launches Buy Black Directory
The Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce will launch a Buy Black directory of black-owned small businesses Tuesday in an effort to boost sales for its members.
Statement from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Regarding the 58th Inauguration
As a person of faith, I wish President-elect Donald Trump nothing but the best as he becomes the Commander-in- Chief of our nation.
Mayor Turner Issues Statement on the Passing of Prominent Environmentalist Terry Hershey
Mayor Sylvester Turner is among those offering condolences on the passing of Terry Hershey, a well-known Houston environmentalist who was the force behind the movement to halt the planned straightening of Buffalo Bayou for flood control in the 1960s.
Latina Woman Showing Beauty in Her Battle With Cancer
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Latina makeup instagrammer Amanda Ramirez as she battles cancer. T
Pre- Super Bowl Live Music Experience: ft. MAJOR. & Montina Coope
MAJOR. and Montina Cooper have done what so many aspiring Houston artists dream about; they have made it big! With more than 8 million views on YouTube of his hit single, “Why I Love You” and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding New Artist, MAJOR. is one of the hottest new artist’s in music.
Jordan Sparks, Rob Riley, Pastor John Gray, Israel Houghton, Adrienne Bailon & More Join Houston's Mega Pastor for The Big Game Relationship Conference!
Pastor Terrance H. Johnson, founder and senior pastor of Higher Dimension Church, and his wife, First Lady Torsha Johnson are presenting to Houston on February 4, 2017, The Answer Conference during “The Big Game”. Pastor and First Lady J have used their platform to provide open, honest, and transparent information to navigate singles into healthy relationships and assist couples in nurturing marriages that last.
Top Musical Talent Featured on FOX's Upcoming 'Shot Fired' TV Series
FOX Networks have announced their plans for Shots Fired, a highly anticipated new TV event series, set to premiere om Marc 22nd. Shots Fired featuring Sanaa Lathan (The Perfect Guy), Stephen James (Race) as well as Academy Award winners Helen Hunt and Richard Dreyfuss, exposes the depths of police shootings in racially charged environments. The series, created by Reggie Rock Bythewood (Notorious, Beyond the Lights) and Gina Prince-Bythewood (Beyond the Lights, Love & Basketball, Secret Life of Bees), is expected to be one of the most talked about in TV history and will stimulate conversation across the nation.
JPMorgan Chase Settles Federal Mortgage Discrimination Suit for $55 Million
JPMorgan Chase said Wednesday that it had agreed to settle a federal lawsuit accusing the bank of working with mortgage brokers who discriminated against minority borrowers for years by charging them $1,000 more than white customers.
Shakira Receives Humanitarian Award and Urges the World to Advocate for Children
Your favorite Colombian has added yet another achievement to her growing resume. Shakira received a humanitarian award at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Hispanic Dems Warn Latinos Will Be Hit Hard By Obamacare Repeal
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) warn that repealing ObamaCare without an appropriate replacement would disproportionately hurt Latino families.
Mayor Turner is Committed to Improving the Lives of Low Income Families
Housing and Urban Development letter of findings regarding the Houston Housing Authority project on Fountain View in the Galleria area. He has a strong belief that all communities can provide for children whether there are wealthy or economically challenged.
Houston Women Prepare to March on Washington
Houston women are getting in formation – all in the name of girl power. They are joining hundreds of thousand of women who are making their way to the capitol for the Women’s March on Washington.
Texas Planned Parenthood Asks Judge to Block Medicaid Funding Cut
The leaders of Texas Planned Parenthood asked a federal judge on Tuesday to block the state's bid to halt Medicaid funding for the healthcare group, which has long been targeted by Republicans for providing abortions.
SXSW Music Wristbands Go On Sale Tuesday
Austin residents will have a chance to buy wristbands for the South by Southwest Music Festival as they go on sale Tuesday.
Charges Dropped Against Model Blac Chyna From Arrest at Austin Airport
Travis County district attorney’s office has dismissed public intoxication and drug possession charges against the model and celebrity gossip fixture Blac Chyna from her arrest at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in January 2016.
Former Austin County Tax Collector Arrested
The former Tax Assessor-Collector for Austin County has been charged with theft. 39-year old Marcus Pena, 39, was arrested this (Tuesday) morning on a charge of first-degree felony theft by a public servant. Pena lost his reelection bid in 2016.
Facebook Founder Zuckerberg Volunteers in Dallas Neighborhood
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify this week in Dallas in a $2 billion copyright infringement and intellectual property lawsuit over Facebook’s virtual reality headset system.
Houston ISD Students Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. at Annual Oratory Competition
Crespo Elementary fourth grader Nhedrick Jabier beat out eleven other fourth- and fifth-grade HISD students to win first place at the 21st Annual Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition
Trump Cabinet Will Be First in Decades Without a Hispanic Member
Donald Trump's Cabinet is poised to become the first since 1988 without any Hispanic officials — a huge as reports indicate disappointment for members of the nation's second-largest ethnic group.
Bagwell Voted into Baseball Hall of Fame
Former Astros All-Star Earns Baseball’s Highest Honor After Stellar Career
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum officially announced today that former Astros All-Star first baseman Jeff Bagwell will be a part of the Hall’s Class of 2017. Bagwell earned his place in baseball history in what in what was his seventh season on the ballot.
City of Houston Flood Update - Barricades, Roadways and Rescues
The City of Houston is advising residents to avoid travel if possible today. The City expects significant street flooding to persist throughout the day. Area waterways continue to swell and multiple underpasses remain underwater.
Commuters Asked to Use METROAlerts for Route Information and Service Updates
METRO bus, rail and HOV operations are coping with road closures caused by high water in many areas of the city including the southwest, neartown and downtown areas. Although service is operational riders are told to anticipate impacts with their afternoon trips. Please plan accordingly. The best option for service updates is available through sign up at METROAlerts on ridemetro.org.
‘Collateral’ Lethality May Offer New Therapeutic Approach for Cancers of the Pancreas, Stomach and Colon
Cancer cells often delete genes that normally suppress tumor formation. These deletions also may extend to neighboring genes, an event known as “collateral lethality,” which may create new options for development of therapies for several cancers.

