Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Texas Southern University Acting President Kenneth Huewitt on Thursday participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a $10.4 million Cleburne Street construction project that will improve safety, mobility and drainage in the Third Ward community.
“I cannot say enough about how thankful we are to have a Harris County Commissioner who is willing to partner with the City of Houston to improve streets and sidewalks near Texas Southern University and in one of my Complete Communities. Every community deserves to be a safe and attractive place to live, work, play, study and worship,” said Mayor Turner.
The Cleburne improvements between Ennis and Scott are part of $30 million Commissioner Ellis pledged last year to invest in reconstructing Cleburne and five other streets in the TSU-University of Houston corridor. The projects will improve safe mobility for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders. In addition, drainage improvements will help reduce street flooding during heavy-rain events. Also included will be lighting for safety and landscaping features to beautify the areas. “We dubbed this project the University Corridor,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Well Cleburne will be the official corridor because it connects TSU, UH, Metro rail on Scott and everything in between including Yates High School and Cuney Homes. The Cleburne redevelopment will enhance this beautiful campus and improve the quality of life for students, staff, visitors and the surrounding neighborhood. This is a needed investment in Third Ward.”
On the Cleburne project, Precinct One will contribute a little over $9.5 million and the city will pay $813,027.
“Cleburne Street represents the front door to Texas Southern University,” said TSU Acting President Huewitt. “It also links three historic Third Ward educational institutions – TSU, University of Houston and Yates High School. It is critical that this street reflects the hope that education brings to so many. The improvements resulting from this project will go a long way to not only improve mobility for this community, but also give Cleburne Street a much-needed facelift.”
At a news conference at a pedestrian entrance to TSU campus at Cleburne and Tierwester, Commissioner Ellis, Mayor Turner and Acting President Huewitt outlined the Cleburne project and expanded on its benefits to the university and the neighborhoods. They were joined by Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston Public Works Director Carol Ellinger Haddock,Yates High School principal Tiffany Guillory and two TSU students who worked on the project as interns.
TSU Phase I improvements to Cleburne between Ennis and Scott streets consist of reconstruction of concrete curb and gutter roadway with 8- to 10-foot sidewalks for people walking or biking. It also includes a drainage system, waterline and streetscape enhancements like new street lighting, irrigation system and trees. The improvements will help reduce flooding in the area and will represent a major investment in the Third Ward community.
Work has started on the portion of Cleburne between Ennis and Tierwester and is expected to take 12 months to complete. A contract for the section between Tierwester and Scott is expected to be awarded later this year and completed in seven months.
Other streets slated for improvements near TSU are Blodgett (Scott to Ennis); Tierwester (Blodgett to Rosewood) and Rosewood (Tierwester to Scott). The streets near UH are Cullen (North MacGregor Way and Interstate 45); and Wheeler (Cullen to Scott).
Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg released his plan to make college more fair and affordable, while also better-preparing Americans for success in the 21st century. Our higher education system is not fully delivering on its potential to be an engine of economic mobility and American prosperity. Americans owe over $1.5 trillion in federal student loan debt, employers say graduates don’t have the skills needed for workplace success and students from the top 25% wealthiest families attain 50% of all college degrees. As president, Mike will prioritize improving our education system so that it works for everyone by making college more affordable, leveling the playing field across race and income, and equipping students for good careers and greater economic mobility.
Mike’s plan stands in stark contrast to proposed rollbacks by the Trump administration that would deepen equity gaps and weaken student loan protections. The Trump administration is proposing drastic cuts to student aid programs, underfunding workforce development programs, and continues to protect predatory for-profit colleges and universities that in many ways resemble Trump University, the massive scam the president himself used to run.
“Education is the key to unlocking opportunity — I learned that firsthand. Growing up, I attended public schools and took out loans to attend college, where I worked at a campus parking lot. As mayor of New York City and through my foundation, I’ve worked to help many more attend and graduate from college — by making it more accessible and affordable, and by supporting education leaders that are doing great work in our schools,” said Mike Bloomberg. “As president, I will make college more affordable, so that no student ever forgoes college because of cost. I will make federal funding of universities – including HBCUs – more equitable. And I will make the application process fairer, by working to end legacy preference in admissions, so that genes no longer take precedence over grades. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to get a high-quality education – and I know we can deliver it.”
Mike believes that no one should be denied access to higher education because of its cost. His plan will increase college affordability by boosting Pell grants up to $13,000, and by making two-year public college tuition-free for all and debt-free for the lowest-income students. Mike’s plan will also make four-year public college tuition and debt-free for the lowest-income students while tackling the student loan crisis to ensure no one has to pay back more than they can afford.
Mike will combat the inequality in our current system to make sure all students receive the opportunities they deserve. He will call for an end to legacy-based preferences in admissions and provide support for low-income and middle-class students to attend institutions with strong completion and economic mobility rates. Mike will also work to combat the unacceptable underfunding of America’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). He will significantly expand investments in HBCUs, tripling direct federal Title III funding and making substantial investments to help modernize their infrastructure and prepare graduates for careers in STEM fields.
And with two-thirds of today’s jobs already requiring some form of post-secondary education, Mike won’t just boost enrollment rates, he will make sure that students graduate with credentials and skills that prepare them for good jobs and careers. Mike’s plan will help 70% of Americans complete post-secondary degrees or quality credentials within a decade and have the skills needed to earn a family wage.
Americans need quality, affordable post-secondary education to get ahead and thrive. The well-being of our country and communities depends on a diverse, prepared talent pool to build our future, solve problems, and keep our economy growing. Mike’s plan promises that all Americans who would like to pursue higher education can do so.
HOW MIKE WILL GET IT DONE
Mike’s higher education plan is grounded in evidence about what works and in his success as both the Mayor of New York City and a leading education philanthropist. As Mayor, Mike took over a struggling school system and turned it into a national model of reform. He also backed the City University of New York’s pioneering CUNY ASAP program, which provides targeted advising and financial support to help at-risk students complete their degrees. As a philanthropist, Mike has led nationalefforts to increase the number of lower-income students enrolled in top colleges. And as a private citizen, Mike has invested more than any American in opening up post-secondary education to our students and helping them excel.
As president, Mike will:
1. MAKE COLLEGE AFFORDABLE: Double the maximum Pell Grant, make two-year college tuition-free for all and reform federal student loans so no one has to pay back more than they can afford.
Mike will expand Pell grants to help students cover the full cost of college. Mike will expand access and degrees for low-and moderate-income students by increasing the size of maximum Pell grants to $12,690 and removing current barriers for access to Pell Grants for DREAMers and formerly incarcerated students. Supplemental Pell aid would also be provided for institutions graduating large shares of low- and moderate-income students.
Mike will launch a federal-state funding partnership to boost states’ investments. Mike will provide a 2:1 federal match to states that commit to tuition-free two-year public or technical college, supporting funding for low-income students beyond tuition and fees — including books, meals, transportation and child care and make 4-year public college and universities tuition and debt-free for the lowest-income students. Mike’s plan will also expand funding to reduce the cost of textbooks and materials.
Mike will reform the federal student loan system so no one pays more than they can afford. Mike’s plan automatically enrolls all new and existing undergraduate borrowers in income-driven loan programs where they pay back what they can afford – capping repayment at 5% of monthly discretionary income, down from 10% today, on federal student loans up to $57,000. After 20 years, loans would be forgiven tax-free for borrowers with household income under $250,000. Mike will also help relieve existing student debt by providing targeted relief to borrowers who struggle the most and fix the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to extend debt relief to qualifying current public servants.
2. MAKE COLLEGE FAIR: End legacy admissions preferences and expand support for HBCUs and MSIs.
Mike will end admissions legacy preferences and improve fairness to the college-admissions process. He will call for an end to giving children of alumni advantages in the admissions process and support legislation to require institutions receiving federal aid to make public admission rates for legacy and non-legacy admittance along with enrollment and completion rates by race, income and legacy.
Increase completion rates for low- and middle-income students by helping more of them attend selective colleges with high graduation rates. Mike will expand federal support for quality advising and retention programs to help guide low-income students through cumbersome college-admissions and financial-aid application process. This plan will reward selective schools with high or substantially increased low-income and middle-class enrollment and completion — and publicize the best and worst performers.
Mike will expand direct investments into HBCUs, MSIs, and other institutions serving students from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented groups. Mike’s plan will triple federal Title III funding for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and prioritize building and modernizing HBCU facilities. Mike’s plan also boosts funding to HBCU medical schools to increase the number of physicians of color and triples funding in Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) – including Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).
3. MAKE COLLEGE COUNT: Help students complete degrees and equip them to succeed.
Mike will invest in plans and evidence-based strategies to boost college completion rates. Mike’s plan will incentivize states to increase degree and credential completion and equip graduates with skills needed for good-paying jobs while closing gaps for low-income students and underrepresented minorities. His federal-state partnership will also fund evidence-based strategies to help students graduate ready for success — informed by the successful and replicated CUNY ASAP and Georgia State models. Mike will also combat food insecurity by facilitating SNAP benefits and covering all meals for low-income students through expanded Pell grants and federal and state funding.
Mike will help working adults enroll in strong programs and get better jobs. Mike will encourage programs to re-enroll and graduate adults who have some college but no degree and pilot a system of Career Security Accounts, career advisors and grants to help part-time learners and working adults pay for quality training programs and move into in-demand jobs.
Mike will strengthen career-training programs so all students have the skills required for good-paying jobs. Mike will help build and upgrade programs and facilities at community and technical colleges working with employers to prepare students for in-demand careers and help enroll one million students annually in work-based degree and credential programs by 2030. His plan to modernize community colleges’ career programs will ensure they are fully accessible to students with disabilities.
Promote transparency by focusing the higher education system on student outcomes. Mike will work with Congress to enact and then implement the College Transparency Act to provide useful, accurate information to students and families by measuring and fairly reporting on student outcomes and improvements across institutions and programs.
Enact the Obama-era policy to ensure career programs lead to “gainful employment” and hold predatory for-profit institutions accountable when taking advantage of students and families.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES:
Gina Raimondo, Governor of Rhode Island and Campaign National Co-Chair “Economic experts agree the most important thing we can do to strengthen our economy is to have a more educated workforce. Mike Bloomberg understands this, and he has a plan to make sure everyone has access to affordable higher education. Tuition-free community college is one of the lowest-cost, highest-impact investments Rhode Island has ever made. Mike’s plan would allow more states to follow suit and ensure that all students are prepared for in-demand careers. We need bold leadership to ensure everyone has the opportunity for a good job and economic security, and I’m glad Mike is leading the way.”
Bev Perdue, Former Governor, North Carolina “Learning doesn’t stop after high school or college. It continues throughout our lives. We need to make it easier for all Americans to be lifelong learners. Whether that’s on the job, after work, or between careers, we need a variety of programs that can accommodate all kinds of learners at every stage of life. Mike Bloomberg knows that the key to better wages is often industry-recognized credentials, and I applaud him for making sure that it’s never too late to earn them. Mike is a lifelong learner himself, and I can’t imagine someone better qualified to revamp the way we think about education than him.”
Dr. Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College “Mike Bloomberg’s plan is forward-thinking and innovative. It is also rational and achievable. His higher education proposal rightly focuses on making college more affordable – but also more valuable. He believes in acknowledging that families are concerned about what their students and graduates will earn. Therefore, it only makes sense that he is a strong advocate for making paid, work-based learning experiences available to all students in the form of apprenticeships, internships, and more. I also strongly support his proposal that we double available Pell grants. It’s good to see a plan that makes education from all sectors more available to students.”
Dr. David Thomas, President of Morehouse College “One of the biggest barriers to higher education is the price tag. Doubling the Pell grant program is an effective way to take down this obstacle for low-income and first-generation students. Pell grants work. They make college possible for so many intelligent young people. And, when these students graduate, they’re not crippled by debts they can’t pay back. They can accept jobs in their chosen professions and they can make valuable contributions to society — on their own terms.”
Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University “Higher education can open many doors, but it can also be very expensive. For low-income students, this hurdle sometimes closes the door altogether. I support doubling the Pell grant program — it’s good for all students — and makes it possible to learn without being hamstrung by insurmountable debt. And, income-based loan repayment makes a lot of sense, too. These policies are smart and well help so many students achieve their educational goals and future careers.”
Mark Becker, President of Georgia State University “I am pleased to see that Mike Bloomberg’s higher education policy reflects specific proven programs that Georgia State and the University Innovation Alliance have demonstrated level the playing field for all students and make significant inroads on the college dropout crisis.”
Cordy A. McJunkins, Collegepoint alum and advisor “CollegePoint has helped so many students like myself go to schools we never thought we could attend. I’m excited to see that Mike Bloomberg is proposing to spread these ideas as president so even more students can access the opportunities they deserve.”
Malika Franklin, CUNY ASAP graduate “A higher education degree can open doors for you. It did for me. I graduated from the CUNY ASAP program, a program that helps students earn an associate degree in three years and supports us with access to advisors, career counseling, tutoring, tuition waivers, and financial assistance. I’m now getting my master’s degree at Baruch in higher education and I wouldn’t be here without programs like ASAP. Mike Bloomberg values higher education and believes we need more programs like ASAP. I agree. I have a job because of this program and my degrees have truly changed my life and the opportunities available to me.”
Quien piense que para una mujer latina es más difícil triunfar en los Estados Unidos y peor si estás entrada en edad, está erróneo y seguramente no vió el Super Bowl 2020, el evento deportivo más grande y más visto en la televisión estadounidense y con el escenario más apetecido por todos los artistas del mundo. Este año la oportunidad para presentar su show en el intermedio del famoso juego de futbol americano, fue para Shakira y JLO; féminas, latinas y ambas mayores de 40 años.
Las dos empezaron desde cero y son ejemplo de que cuando trabajas con pasión, disciplina y le pones tu sello de autenticidad a todo lo que haces, no importa el género, edad o raíces, puedes triunfar donde sea, o si no que lo digan los medios de comunicación quienes aseguran que este espectáculo de medio tiempo del Super Bowl a manos de Shakira y JLO ha sido uno de los más impresionantes de la historia, junto con el que realizó en 1993 la estrella y leyenda Michael Jackson.
Y con esto quiero que recuerdes que cuando creas que tu sueño es imposible de cumplirse, Shakira y JLO pudieron hacer la presentación más relevante de sus carreras después de sus 40 años, lo que nos demuestra que los sueños no tienen edad, además cuando te digan que para los latinos es más difícil sobresalir, ten presente que Shakira es colombiana y JLO es puertorriqueña.
Gabriel: How do you think you are handling this job differently than your predecessors?
Kim Ogg: My 30 years of experience as prosecutor, victim’s rights advocate and defense attorney give me a unique perspective. I understood where the system was unfair and biased, and I immediately started fixing the situation with a common sense approach: It started with a culture change that required dismissing many of the prosecutors who had been unfairly administering justice. We concentrate now on prosecuting predators rather than people charged with low-level, non-violent offenders.
Gabriel: What experiences in your life best prepared you to be the District Attorney?
Kim Ogg: In 1962, my mother was kidnapped by a serial rapist. That trauma is the foundation for my dedication to helping crime victims. Heading up Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office were important roles in which I have served our community as policy maker and program director. My years as a trial attorney, both as prosecutor and defense counsel) gave me the courtroom experience required by the job of District Attorney. In truth, I rely on every skill I have acquired during my varied 32 year long career.
In my second term I will continue my policies of diversion for minor offenders and prosecution of domestic violence, organized crime, human trafficking and heinous violence. My expansion of pre-trial diversion and U-visas, and my reinstatement of bilingual pay for employees, advanced the interests of more Hispanics than any previous district attorney. My increased hiring of Latinos by 125% and selection of well-respected Latino lawyers for my leadership team reflect my life-long commitment to equality and fairness.
I have the name recognition and historic voter support needed to defeat the Republican nominee in November 2020.
Gabriel: How is the diversity of Harris County a factor in how your office hires prosecutors or handles cases?
Kim Ogg: I have diversified leadership and made hiring equality a priority. We have increased African American attorney hiring by 91% and Latino attorney hiring by 125% since 2015. This has been accomplished through policies and practices emphasizing the importance of varied perspectives. Unlike any other administration in the history of the District Attorney’s Office, we recruit from a variety of law schools around the nation and from all three law schools in Houston. As an employer of more than 800 Harris County employees, my administration began offering bilingual pay in early 2018 without a budget increase. We now have approximately 125 participants. Further, we have important leaders in our office like former Houston City Councilwoman Graciela Saenz, Special Crimes Bureau Chief Ruben Perez, Hon. David Mendoza and Mexican-American Bar Association of Houston President Patty Fernandez.
In my second term, I will continue hiring and staffing all levels of law enforcement with diversified staff. This means expanding the colleges we hire from and creating an environment of inclusivity to better represent our diverse constituents.
Gabriel: How do you think the new bail reform plan will work? Do you think any tweaks will have to be made in the next year or two?
Kim Ogg: The final decision on bail is made by judges and magistrates. I was one of the first major proponents for reforming the bail system and still am. I disagree with parts of the recent decree in the final bail settlement because they create some public safety concerns.
The point of bail reform is to keep poor and indigent non-violent offenders out of jail, and we are succeeding with that. My office has kept tens of thousands of low-level drug and mentally ill offenders out of jail and away from the bail bond system.
But we must refine the tools we use to determine if accused violent offenders should be released from jail before trial. We see recent cases of violent crimes like the killing of Nassau Bay PD Sgt. Kaila Sullivan by a domestic abuser out on bail. We must make people’s safety the number one priority of criminal justice reform.
Gabriel: What do you think the public often misunderstands about the DA’s office and what do you do?
Kim Ogg: The DA’s office is no place for theories and experimentation, not when lives are on the line. Each case involves a victim, a criminal defendant and the expenditure of taxpayer resources. How the DA manages more than 100,000 cases per year, 800 employees, the public’s expectations, and the ethics and operational challenges inherent to prosecution, are all considerations best undertaken by a person with vast experience in law, business, public service and life….and that’s me.
About Kim Ogg
Harris County District Attorney Kim K. Ogg is a native Houstonian licensed by the State Bar of Texas in 1987 and recognized as a specialist in Criminal Law by the Board of Legal Specialization since 1992. Upon taking office, she promised a new era of criminal justice by insuring a just process for the victim, the accused, and the community in every case. She has focused her prosecutors on public safety by prioritizing disposition of crimes against people and property.
Kim’s legal career began in 1987 as a line prosecutor for the Harris County D.A. While serving as a Chief Felony Prosecutor, she was appointed Houston’s first Anti-Gang Task Force Director in 1994. From 1999 – 2006, Kim served as the Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Houston. In 2006, Kim transitioned to private legal practice and became the managing partner of her own law firm.
Kim now brings her strong track record of public service and thirty years of criminal justice experience to the position of Harris County D.A. During the first six months of her Administration, she has successfully advanced major drug policy and bail reform, diversified the leadership of the District Attorney’s Office and effected legislative reform on behalf of crime victims.
EDUCATION
• South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas, Juris Doctor, 1986
• The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, 1981
AWARDS
• South Texas College of Law Public Service Award, 2011
• National Organization of Victims Assistance (NOVA), Allied Professional Award, 2009
• Buffalo Bayou Partnership Honoree, 2008
• National Parents of Murdered Children, Father Ken Czellinger Professional Award, 2007
• Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice Crime Victim Clearinghouse, “Steve Chaney Distinguished Service Award” Winner, 2006
• Houston Police Department, Chief of Police Commendation, 2000
• Foundation for the Improvement of Justice, National Award Winner, 1998
• Texas Youth Commission Annual Award, Statewide Award Winner, 1996
PUBLICATIONS
• Featured on the front page of the Texas Lawyer, August 31, 2015 for winning a discrimination/retaliation case on behalf of a Houston Police Officer against the City of Houston Police Dept.
• Authored Texas Gangs: The Legal Handbook, published by the Texas District & County Attorney’s Assn. in 2000.
Kansas City rallied to defeat the San Francisco 49ers, 3120, at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night to win Super Bowl LIV and secure the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy in 50 years.
Trailing by 10 points with just under nine minutes remaining, Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes led Kansas City to 14 unanswered points to take the lead with a little over two minutes left in the game.
Mahomes first found tight end Travis Kelce for a one-yard touchdown to narrow the deficit before slinging a five-yard score to tailback Damien Williams for the Chiefs’ first lead since midway through the second quarter.
It was then up to the defense to protect the advantage, and facing a fourth-and-10 at midfield, defensive end Frank Clark sacked 49ers’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to effectively secure the victory. The Chiefs took back over offensively, and Williams found the end zone yet again on a third-down, 38-yard touchdown scamper to seal it.
The Chiefs are Super Bowl Champions for the first time in a half-century behind Mahomes, who was named MVP post-game, as the 24-year-old became the second-youngest starting quarterback to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in NFL history.
It was an absolutely thrilling finish to an incredibly evenly matched contest. San Francisco put together an impressive drive on the game’s opening possession, marching down the field through a series of big plays that included a 32-yard rush by wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who nearly broke free for a score before Chiefs’ safety Tyrann Mathieu tore across the field for the touchdown-saving tackle.
The Chiefs later held just inside the red zone, forcing San Francisco to settle for a field goal and rewarding Mathieu’s effort with what later proved to be a massive stop.
Kansas City then answered with an outstanding series of its own, stringing together a 15-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard, go-ahead touchdown scramble by Mahomes to push the Chiefs in front.
The 15-play series was tied for the second-longest drive in terms of plays engineered by Kansas City this season, leading to the Chiefs’ first lead of the night.
The Chiefs then immediately proceeded to come up with a big play on the other side of the ball following Mahomes’ score, as defensive tackles Chris Jones and Mike Pennel brought immense pressure on 49ers’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to force an errant throw into the arms of cornerback Bashaud Breeland for the interception.
Kicker Harrison Butker connected on a 31-yard field goal to turn the takeaway into points a short while later, extending the Chiefs’ advantage. San Francisco knotted things up, however, with a seven-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 15-yard scoring strike from Garoppolo to fullback Kyle Juszczyk to tie the game.
The 49ers then took the lead following the break, as kicker Robbie Gould nailed a 42-yard field goal to push San Francisco ahead for the first time since the opening minutes of the first quarter, before extending their advantage further with a one-yard touchdown plunge by tailback Raheem Mostert on the 49ers’ next drive.
Kansas City moved into 49ers’ territory on its ensuing drive, but cornerback Tarvarius Moore picked off Mahomes just outside the red zone to stall the series. The Chiefs held defensively, forcing San Francisco to punt and flipping possession back over to Kansas City with just under nine minutes remaining in regulation, setting up a 44-yard connection between Mahomes and wide receiver Tyreek Hill on third-and-15 to move the chains.
The Chiefs then completed the drive three plays later, as Mahomes hit tight end Travis Kelce for a one-yard touchdown to bring Kansas City within three.
Momentum now building on their side, the Chiefs held defensively on the 49ers’ next possession to force a punt and again turn possession back over to Mahomes, who found wide receiver Sammy Watkins for a 38-yard completion downfield. Kansas City had the lead three plays later, as Williams dove for the pylon on third down to push the Chiefs in front.
Clark sacked Garoppolo on the 49ers’ ensuing possession and Williams found the end zone yet again soon after, securing the league title for Kansas City.
The Chiefs moved to 5-0 this season – and 3-0 in the playoffs – when trailing by double-digits, making Mahomes the first starting quarterback in NFL history to overcome three double-digit comebacks in a single postseason.
It all helped Head Coach Andy Reid hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in his legendary career as Kansas City tallied its second world championship in franchise history.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the fight to end this modern-day slavery has a strong partner in the Texas oil and natural gas industry.
Many in our industry united earlier this month to shine a light on the global human trafficking epidemic through the Energy Empowers Freedom tour, which brought an interactive mobile museum across Houston to share the stories of victims and educate oil and gas employees as well as the community on how they can help eradicate these crimes. With stops at the Port of Houston, Marathon Oil, Seadrill, Shell, Weatherford, and Chevron, the tour launched by the Oil & Gas Trafficking Awareness Group (OGTAG) was a significant step by the industry to work together and be part of the solution. See below for news coverage of the Energy Empowers Freedom tour:
The 45 Houston-based energy companies that comprise OGTAG have worked collaboratively with local officials, law enforcement, non-profits, and the community to end human trafficking and support victims. For more information on OGTAG and its work, visit https://ogtag.org/.
Collaborations like the one with OGTAG and Truckers Against Trafficking are amplifying the oil and natural gas industry’s efforts to play a meaningful role in ending human trafficking. The two organizations recently released a trailer for their “Empowering Freedom” training video in an effort to mobilize the energy industry to recognize and respond to human trafficking. Learn more about the effort by visiting https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/.
TXOGA encourages all its members to learn the signs of human trafficking and report suspicious activity by calling 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Signs may include:
A person has no personal possessions and is constantly being monitored;
A person is living and working onsite without the ability to leave;
There is visible verbal or physical abuse by a supervisor; and
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan met with the Crosby Area Retired Teachers’ Association at the Riley Chambers Community Center on Jan. 8.
County Attorney Ryan visited the group of retired teachers to discuss the work of the County Attorney’s Office. He discussed the role and responsibilities of the office. The Harris County Attorney’s Office is the largest County Attorney’s Office in Texas employing 115 attorneys and about the same number of support personnel.
Ryan said the Harris County Attorney represents the people of Harris County by and through its elected and appointed officials. The Office is known throughout the state for its work in taking action against companies that harm the environment and illegal enterprises that negatively impact neighborhoods.
About one-third of the Office is devoted to filing cases to protect children and the elderly. “This was a great group of individuals who have served our community, educating generations of our students over the years,” said County Attorney Ryan. “It was a pleasure to share with them the details of what we do, and all the areas of civil law that we deal with.”
The Crosby Area Retired Teachers’ Association is a local unit of the Texas Retired Teachers’ Association, which advocates improved benefits for all education retirees and promotes the well-being of its members. The unit has 30 members that meet every second Wednesday of the month. President Cheryl Stephens shared her appreciation for the visit and insight from County Attorney Ryan.
“County Attorney Ryan’s speech was very resourceful and informative,” said Stephens. “We were so pleased to hear about how you handle adult and child protective services. This information is greatly needed.”
The presentation was part of the County Attorney’s Community Outreach program which covers topics such as environmental protection, living wills and advanced directives, getting rid of bad businesses, elder financial exploitation, voters’ rights, and open carry laws.
“We provide programs to civic clubs, community groups, and professional organization,” said Debbie Tyler-Dillard, Community Outreach Director. “We always welcome opportunities to speak to groups interested in what we do here at the County Attorney’s Office.”
For more information on the Harris County Attorney’s Office Community Outreach program visit https://www.harriscountycao.org/community-outreach.
La superestrella multi-platino Prince Royce es #1 en la radio tropical con su sencillo “Morir Solo” según el listado de Billboard Tropical Airplay.
La bachata fue escrita por Prince Royce y Yonathan “Mickey” Then; producida por D’lesly “Dice” Lora y co-producida por Prince Royce. Su videoclip se grabó en Samaná, República
Dominicana bajo la dirección de Fernando Lugo. Para escuchar y/o descargar la canción visite https://smarturl.it/PRMorirSolo y para ver el video oficial vaya a: https://smarturl.it/PRMorirSolo/youtube
“Morir Solo” se desprende del sexto álbum del cantante, ALTER EGO que se estrena este viernes, 7 de febrero y es el único álbum doble inédito lanzado por un artista latino en más de una década. ALTER EGO ya está disponible para pre-ordenar y/o pre-guardar haciendo clic AQUÍ.
Además, un exclusivo paquete de pre-orden que incluye artículos de merchandising estará disponible en cantidades limitadas durante el período de pre-orden sólo en www.princeroyce.com.
“Este es el trabajo discográfico que desde hace años le quería dar a mis fans, uno que expone quien soy como cantante y compositor expresado como nunca antes y en un mismo álbum ALTER EGO compuesto por dos discos, Génesis y Enigma”, expresó Royce.
ALTER EGO expone de manera extraordinaria tanto en lo musical como en la letra de las canciones las diferentes facetas del versátil cantautor. Podemos apreciar al sexy y romántico interprete de bachata con su voz melodiosa y exuberante que hemos llegado a conocer y amar; y a la vez disfrutar de su otra fascinante faceta que desde hace un tiempo hemos estado conociendo – su ALTER EGO. Este álbum doble contiene registros vocales que enamoran en distintos géneros y sabores; desde bachata romántica y de calle, hasta R&B, pop, un poco de rap y beats más urbanos.
ALTER EGO encapsula dos años de trabajo creativo y expresión musical que culmina en un fantástico laberinto de romance en sus diferentes formas de expresión. El álbum está compuesto por “Génesis” y “Enigma”.
En “Génesis” Royce amplía el sonido y las influencias que dieron inicio a su carrera, esta vez con conceptos y letras más maduras, y a la vez experimenta con elementos más tradicionales que cambian las canciones con interesantes colaboraciones. En “Enigma”, Royce se sumerge en distintos mundos musicales con los cuales experimenta, se arriesga y evoluciona creando música más artística, innovadora y sin censura. El resultado es una obra maestra que representa lo mejor de esos dos mundos – una aventura musical resumida en un poderoso doble álbum (en español con algo de inglés) destinado a convertirse en un clásico. Todas las canciones del álbum vendrán acompañadas de un componente visual que se irán lanzando en el canal de YouTube del artista.
La superestrella global Becky G es finalista en tres categorías de Premios Billboard 2020 según anunció Telemundo esta tarde.
Sus categorías incluyen:
• Artista del Año, Redes Sociales • “Hot Latin Songs”, Artista del Año, Femenina
• “Top Latin Albums”, Artista del Año, Femenina
Los ganadores se darán a conocer en una de las ceremonias de premios de la música latina de mayor trayectoria y prestigio.
Premios Billboard 2020 será producido y transmitido en vivo por Telemundo el jueves 23 de abril desde el Mandalay Bay Events Center en Las Vegas.
Acerca de Becky G
La joven cantante, compositora y actriz Becky G nació para estar en tarima y su carrera multifacética promete convertirla en una figura icónica. Los logros de la estrella de veintidós años de edad incluyen dos éxitos #1 en el listado Latin Airplay de Billboard (“Mayores” y “Sin Pijama”), un papel protagónico en “Power Rangers” y de estrella invitada en la serie ganadora del premio Emmy, “Empire”.
Ha ganado dos Latin American Music Awards 2018 por Artista Femenina Favorita y por Canción Urbana Favorita (por “Mayores”) y fue galardonada con el premio Diamond Play Button de parte de YouTube por haber sobrepasado 10 millones de suscriptores en la plataforma digital. Becky G ha participado en giras junto a Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, J Balvin y Jason Derulo y ha grabado colaboraciones con Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, Maluma, Bad Bunny, ZAYN, Natti Natasha, Anitta y CNCO, entre otros.
La joven fue honrada con el premio Evolución Extraordinaria en los Latin American Music Awards 2019 por el éxito fenomenal que ha logrado a su corta edad.
En noviembre del 2019 Becky lanzó su álbum debut MALA SANTA, que fue certificado 8X Platino en EE.UU, Platino en España y Oro en México. Haz clic AQUÍ para escuchar y/o descargar el álbum.
