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PORT HOUSTON LAUNCHES BUSINESS EQUITY DIVISION

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PORT HOUSTON LAUNCHES BUSINESS EQUITY DIVISION

Port Houston has announced its new MWBE Business Equity Program and Initiative, receiving praise and support from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis, Adrian Garcia, and other community and business leaders at Thursday’s official announcement that the newly-formed Houston’s Business Equity Division will lead this effort.

Port Houston has created this new division to create greater equity for minority and women-owned business enterprises participating in its procurement and contracting processes. “I am proud that the new division will elevate the profile of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Port Houston,” said Executive Director Roger Guenther.

“I assure you that it will have the organizational support and leadership needed to produce meaningful and sustainable long-term change.”

Mayor Turner and other elected officials described the new program as “historic.” Each also emphasized the potential of the program for minority and women-owned and small businesses, to sustain and grow their businesses through access, education, and opportunities – economic impacts helping families, and the community as well.

“The new Business Equity division will report directly to me,” said Executive Director Guenther. “It will include Port Houston’s successful Small Business Program and will champion the new MWBE initiatives and DEI efforts.”

Guenther added that as Port Houston addresses DEI, it considers this new business equity program as “forward-looking,” and a “public declaration,” capturing the initiative and vision for DEI at Port Houston.

This new initiative also includes the Port Commission’s June adoption of a DEI Position Statement, reorganization in March of the Port Commission’s Procurement and Small Business Development Task Force as the Business Equity Committee, adoption of a new MWBE Development Policy in April, with an aggressive 30% aspirational goal for participation, and the creation of a strategic marketing plan for outreach about the new MWBE program to the community.

Source: porthouston.com

DART Discount GoPass Tap Card Supports Riders in Need

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DART Discount GoPass Tap Card Supports Riders in Need

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Discount GoPass® Tap Card provides riders using any one of nine support assistance programs with a 50% discount on the regular price of a DART pass.

All of DART, Half the Fare. Discount GoPass® Tap card

DART launched the pilot program to ensure riders who qualify have access to jobs, health care, and educational opportunities, reducing social and economic inequalities by making mobility financially feasible to more people.

All new and current DART riders who participate in any of the following programs are now eligible for DART services at half the fare:

  • CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program),
  • TANF (Texas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families),
  • CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program),
  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program),
  • Housing Choice Vouchers,
  • DHA Housing Solutions for North Texas Program,
  • Medicaid,
  • Medicare,
  • Texas WIC (Texas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children).

Online registration is available at DART.org/TapForHalf. Discount Tap Cards can be used on any DART bus or light rail, including Trinity Railway Express (TRE) between EBJ Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Station.

Source: dart.org

Shell Invests in the Whale Development in the Gulf of Mexico

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Shell Invests in the Whale Development in the Gulf of Mexico

Shell Offshore Inc., a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, today announces the final investment decision (FID) for Whale, a deep-water development in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico that features a 99% replicated hull and an 80% replication of the topsides from our Vito project.

“Whale is the latest demonstration of our focus on simplification, replication, and capital projects with shorter cycle times to drive greater value from our advantaged positions,” said Wael Sawan, Shell Upstream Director. “We are building on more than 40 years of deep-water expertise to deliver competitive projects that yield high-margin barrels so that we are able to meet the energy demands of today while generating the cash required to help fund the development of the energy of the future.”

The whale will be the second Shell-operated deep-water development in the Gulf of Mexico to employ a simplified, cost-efficient host design. With this development approach, Shell anticipates an internal rate of return estimated to be greater than 25%. Our Whale development will feature energy-efficient gas turbines and compression systems. This development will be the latest addition to our Gulf of Mexico portfolio where our production is among the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity in the world for producing oil.

The Whale development, owned by Shell Offshore Inc. (60% operator) and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (40%), is expected to reach peak production of approximately 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) and currently has an estimated, recoverable resource volume of 490 million boe. The whale will be Shell’s 12th deep-water host in the Gulf of Mexico and is currently scheduled to begin production in 2024.

Shell’s Powering Progress strategy to thrive through the energy transition includes increasing investment in lower-carbon energy solutions while continuing to pursue the most energy-efficient and highest-return Upstream investments.

Source: www.shell.com

Governor Abbott Orders Texas National Guard To Assist Texas Department Of Public Safety In Making Arrests Related To Border Crisis

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Governor Abbott Orders Texas National Guard To Assist Texas Department Of Public Safety In Making Arrests Related To Border Crisis
Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Major General Tracy R. Norris, Adjutant General of the Texas National Guard, ordering guardsmen to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with arresting individuals for state charges related to the border crisis.

During the Governor’s Border Security Summit in Del Rio in mid-June, the Governor announced that individuals who commit criminal trespass or other state offenses will be subject to arrest and confinement. This order builds upon the Governor’s disaster declaration that directs DPS to enforce all federal and state criminal laws including criminal trespassing, smuggling, and human trafficking.

“To respond to this disaster and secure the rule of law at our Southern border, more manpower is needed—in addition to the troopers from DPS and soldiers from the Texas National Guard I have already deployed there—and DPS needs help in arresting those who are violating state law,” reads the letter. “By virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, I hereby order that the Texas National Guard assist DPS in enforcing Texas law by arresting lawbreakers at the border.”

Source: gov.texas.gov

Cierre en importante autopista este fin de semana

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Cierre en importante autopista este fin de semana

El Departamento de Transporte de Texas anunció que este fin de semana habrá un cierre mayor en la autopista I-69, conocida como Southwest Freeway en dirección norte a la altura de la I-610 West Loop.

De acuerdo con TXDoT, el carril hacia el norte de esta autopista estará cerrada desde las 9 pm de esta noche hasta la mañana del lunes 26 de julio. La razón es la construcción de los trabajos del proyecto de intercambiador entre estas dos importantes arterias viales.

Así pues, prepárate para buscar alternativas si conduces con regularidad en esta vía al suroeste del área metropolitana de Houston.

Summer 2021 Fashion Trends

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Summer 2021 Fashion Trends

After a year of being cooped up at home, we’ve never been so ready to show off our outfits. Taking cues from our favorite stars, there is a slew of fun summer 2021 fashion trends to incorporate into your closet to freshen up your threads.

From frills and ruffles to menswear-inspired tailoring to slides and pastels, these trends will rule this summer. Among the stars who have worn ruffles recently are Lizzo (at the Grammy Awards in Balmain); Bridgerton’s Kathryn Drysdale (in a gown by Jenny Packham for the SAG Awards) and Bella Hadid (who posted a photo to her IG wearing a ruffled Junya Watanabe top), while Rihanna was recently spotted out in Los Angeles wearing the pastel trend, pairing a pale blue Maisie Wilen outfit with a vintage light-pink-and-blue Chanel jacket.

To help you sport these styles, we’ve rounded up the top picks for the best summer 2021 fashion trends. Make room in your closet now …

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission.

The trend to Try: Ruffles and Smocking

1. Loveshackfancy Prezia Floral Cotton Top

It’s all about the details: Frills and ruffles will make even the most basic piece stand out, like this ruffled and smocked top by Loveshackfancy (the brand has been spotted on stars including Heidi Klum and Yara Shahidi). Smocking on the bodice and ruffled straps transform the staple into a showstopper. The sunny yellow floral print is another great summer 2021 fashion trend. It can easily be dressed up or down, going from picnic in the park with denim shorts to cocktail hour with a sleek skirt.

Loveshackfancy Prezia Floral Top

2. BB Dakota Under The Sun Dress

If subtlety is more your style, this BB Dakota dress is the perfect way to wear the summer 2021 ruffles fashion trend. Just a touch of ruffles on the straps is all you need to work the look. Since the maxi dress is tiered, you get two trends in one. Breezy yet beautiful, this comfy but elegant dress will be in heavy rotation this summer.

BB Dakota Under the Sun Dress

3. Free People One Maia Smocked Bandeau

Whether you wear it solo or underneath an open blouse, this Free People smocked bandeau adds a vintage-inspired touch to summer looks. Available in a variety of floral-print colors, this sweetheart neckline piece has removable straps and a ruched cinch-tie front. (Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez are a few stars who are often spotted in the bohemian label.)

 

Free People Smocked Bandeau Top

The trend to Try: Menswear-Inspired Tailoring

4. Rails Alyssa Top

After many days spent in sweatsuits, tailored essentials are making a welcome return, with a twinge of menswear inspiration. This breezy button-down shirt by Rails is a great take on the classic piece. The stripes give it a fun borrowed-from-the-boys touch.

Rails Linen Striped Button-Down Shirt

5. Sugar Lips Women’s Double Button Blazer

Essentially the double-breasted blazer of your dreams, this versatile jacket can easily go from work to the weekend. Its slightly oversized fit and back slit detail make for a flattering cut. It comes in black, navy, and a pretty lavender that is spot on for spring and summer.

Sugar Lips blazer

The trend to Try: Utilitarian Touches

6. The Kooples Shirt-Style Button-Down Dress

Military details always make for a stylish staple. The Kooples brings its French aesthetic to the tradition with this button-down dress with a twist. The quarter-length puffed sleeves add a dash of whimsy to an otherwise serious style, minus the flirty hemline.

The Kooples shirt Dress

7. The Drop Faux Leather Long Shirt Jacket

Who doesn’t love a good twofer? Doubling as a shirt or a jacket, this faux-leather piece by The Drop elevates the army basic. Between the classic cut and neutral hue, this piece is sure to go the distance.

The Drop Faux Leather Jacket

The trend to Try: Pretty Pastels

8. Astr the label Sleeveless Lace Fit & Flare Midi Dress

One of the biggest summer 2021 fashion trends is pastels — and it’s also one of the easiest to wear. There’s a pastel hue out there that works for everyone. This Astr the label lace dress comes in a slew of shades, making it tempting to buy a few. The perfect dress for summer weddings, all it needs is a pair of strappy heels and dainty jewelry for the night.

ASTR midi dress

9. H&M Conscious Linen-Blend Dress

This breezy wildflower-print dress from H&M’s Conscious collection makes the perfect eco-minded summer staple, thanks to the adjustable spaghetti straps and airy woven fabric made from a linen and organic cotton blend.

H&M Wildflower Print Linen Blend Conscious Dress

The trend to Try: Crisp Cotton Poplin

10. French Connection Besima Belted Cotton Poplin Dress

For those hot summer days when you want to feel cool but look put together, this lightweight poplin dress by French Connection is the answer. Made from lightweight poplin, its short puffed sleeves, belted waist, and front-button closure check off so many boxes when it comes to summer 2021 fashion trends.

French Connection Besima Belted Cotton Poplin Dress

These are the best, worst states to start a business in 2021

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These are the best, worst states to start a business in 2021

Only about one in every five startups survives beyond its first year in business, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the COVID-19 pandemic has likely made success even more difficult to achieve.

These 10 states, however, have proven to be the best for starting a business after more than a year of COVID-19 based on 28 relevant metrics reviewed by WalletHub in three broader categories, including business environment, access to resources, and business costs:

  1. Texas
  2. Georgia
  3. California
  4. Florida
  5. Idaho
  6. Utah
  7. Colorado
  8. North Dakota
  9. North Carolina
  10. Massachusetts

The worst cities to start a small business based on those same three factors, starting from the bottom, are:

  1. New Jersey
  2. Connecticut
  3. Rhode Island
  4. West Virginia
  5. Wyoming
  6. Alaska
  7. Missouri
  8. Pennsylvania
  9. Delaware
  10. Virginia

Interestingly, Virginia ranked No. 1 on CNBC’s list of best states to start a business, followed by North Carolina, based on 85 metrics in 10 broader categories based on competitiveness, including the cost of doing business; infrastructure; life, health, and inclusion; workforce; economy; business friendliness; access to capital; technology and innovation; education; and cost of living.

Russ McBride, assistant professor at the University of California Merced’s department of the management of complex systems, noted in an interview with WalletHub that corporate tax rates are a “significant factor especially for less mature businesses that have the opportunity to move to lower corporate tax areas like Puerto Rico, Florida, or Texas.”

He added that states “will see a shift to increased manufacturing for the first time in a long while” while “startup ‘drain’ from Silicon Valley, Boston, and [New York City] will continue to Utah, Florida, Colorado, Texas, and [Nevada].”

Martha (Marty) Mattare, associate professor at Frostburg State University’s department of management, said states can encourage entrepreneurs to start a business in their states by cutting “red tape.”

“Provide ‘instant’ approvals; assist with location, space development, assist with employee recruitment; tax and other incentives help; easy loans; essentially financial and people resources,” she said in a statement to WalletHub.

Source: www.foxbusiness.com

Reportes corporativos dan ‘un respiro’ a Wall Street y cierra la semana en verde

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Reportes corporativos dan ‘un respiro’ a Wall Street y cierra la semana en verde

El mercado parece estar superando las preocupaciones que había sobre el crecimiento económico.

En una semana caótica que llevó a los índices a fuertes caídas en la primera sesión de la jornada, los mercados de capitales se despidieron de la semana en máximos históricos, ante buenos reportes corporativos trimestrales y superando las preocupaciones sobre el crecimiento económico derivados de las variantes del COVID.

El Promedio Industrial Dow Jones subió 0.68 por ciento, a 35 mil 61 puntos, mientras que el índice S&P 500 avanzó 1.04 por ciento, a las 4 mil 413 unidades, y el Nasdaq ganó 1.04 por ciento, a los 14 mil 836 puntos.

El sector de servicios de comunicación encabezó las ganancias en Wall Street.

La temporada de reportes corporativos está permitiendo a los inversionistas ver más allá de la incertidumbre con resultados que han superado expectativas, como fue el caso de Twitter, Snap, American Express y Honeywell.

“Mercados accionarios positivos, rendimiento de los bonos gubernamentales con pocos cambios y el dólar registrando ganancias ante buenos reportes corporativos, expectativas de que el repunte de COVID-19 resulte en menores restricciones y continuidad de estímulos”, destacaron analistas de Banorte.

Analistas de Monex agregaron que “los mercados evalúan la recuperación en los resultados de algunas empresas respecto al 2020 (algunos mantienen ingresos similares previos a la pandemia), además posibles medidas ante el ritmo de contagios de Delta”.

Los PMI preliminares de julio en la Eurozona se ubicó en 60.6 puntos, marcando un máximo en 21 años, impulsado por el PMI de servicios, que mostró un avance mensual de 2.1 unidades a 60.4 puntos, un máximo no visto en 15 años.

En el mercado energético los precios de las principales mezclas de petróleo oscilaron entre pérdidas y ganancias, con el WTI cotizando cerca de 71.95 dólares por barril, en medio de preocupación en torno a la demanda, ante la nueva ola de coronavirus. En Filipinas, se reimpusieron algunas medidas de confinamiento ante la propagación de la variante Delta. Asimismo, en Singapur se pospusieron las celebraciones del día de su independencia del 9 al 21 de agosto, ante un resurgimiento en los casos.

En contraste con EU, los mercados accionarios en México, que frenaban tres días de ganancias, arañaron los positivos sobre el cierre, aunque con movimientos marginales en sesión que tuvo disponibles cifras de ventas minoristas.

El Índice de Precios y Cotizaciones (IPC) avanzó 0.06 por ciento, a 50 mil 270 puntos. En tanto, el FTSE BIVA subió 0.01 por ciento, a mil 30 unidades.

En el balance semanal las referencias mexicanas ganaron 0.21 por ciento y 0.15 por ciento respectivamente.

En cuanto a datos económicos, se publicaron las ventas al menudeo las cuales registraron un crecimiento de 0.6 por ciento a tasa mensual en mayo, en su comparación anual el alza fue de 29.6 por ciento. En tanto que los ingresos por servicios no financieros lo hicieron en 0.5 por ciento mensual y de manera anual escalaron 26.3 por ciento.

Should COVID-positive students stay at home from school?

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Should COVID-positive students stay at home from school?

Some parents have questions and concerns about the Conroe Independent School District’s plan for students to return to class for the upcoming school year.

During Tuesday’s board meeting, an administrator said students who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate but the district would not prohibit them from coming in either.

“Our hope is that people use personal responsibility to do what’s right,” the administrator said.

On Wednesday, a school district spokeswoman said COVID-19 is not currently on a state list of illnesses in which students must be kept out of class though it’s reached out to the Department of State Health Services for any updates.

On Thursday, DSHS said the agency is in the process of adding COVID-19 to the list and pointed out the rule doesn’t stop districts from keeping students away for other conditions not already on the list.

“I just think it’s kind of common sense, parents,” said parent Jessica Hill. “Keep your kids at home if they’re sick. Don’t give it to other kids.”

At one point on Thursday, a district spokeswoman said in an email that students who are COVID positive will be excluded from attendance until they meet the criteria to end isolation and then later wrote: “COVID-19 positive students should stay home until they have met the criteria to end isolation. We continue to work with our health authorities and are confident a solution will be in place by the start of the school year so we can enforce that.”

The district will likely have to make sure the plan is clear for parents by the beginning of the school year.

“Once again, we’re talking about a new variant that is affecting children,” said parent Chad Taulman.

Skeeter Hubert, president of the board of trustees, said this is an evolving situation that could change before the school year begins as the district speaks with health officials.

Source: www.click2houston.com

Harris County to provide $1,500 payments to 20,000 families in urgent need due to COVID-19

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Harris County to provide $1,500 payments to 20,000 families in urgent need due to COVID-19

Harris County is seeking to help 20,000 families who need help staying afloat due to COVID-19.

The Harris County Recovery Assistance will provide one-time payments of $1,500 to families whose financial situation has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to a press release. The $30 million relief fund will accept applications from July 28 through Aug. 11.

Officials noted that the current ban on evictions is set to expire on July 31.

According to the release, families can apply to this fund without cooperation from a landlord since the money can be used for any type of urgent expense such as housing, groceries, utilities, healthcare, childcare, transportation, etc.

The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and is administered by Catholic Charities, per the release.

To qualify for the program, applicants must live within Harris County (inside or outside City of Houston limits), be 18 years or older, must have experienced pandemic-related economic hardship, must not exceed the maximum financial threshold (a member of the household must receive public assistance, or the total household income must be less than 60% of the HUD Area Median Family Income), per the release. Also, due to federal requirements, at least one adult member of the household must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, refugee, or another qualified noncitizen.

All qualifying households within Harris County are encouraged to apply at HarrisCountyRelief.org. Officials said households will be selected randomly, and the funding will be distributed by late fall, per the release.

If an applicant needs help with the application process, due to technological or language barriers, five community-based organizations have been tapped to assist, such as Hope Disaster Recovery, Humble Area Assistance Ministries, East Harris County Empowerment Council, Memorial Assistance Ministries, and YMCA of Greater Houston.

Beginning July 28, people may call 832-345-6289 on Monday­ to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“How we respond to the most vulnerable in our community will be the key to our region’s economic recovery,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “Over the past year, millions of families in Harris County have relied on cash infusions – from federal stimulus payments to local relief programs – to stay housed, clothed, and healthy. As other protections expire, these direct payments will serve as a vital bridge to permanent recovery from this pandemic.”

Source: www.click2houston.com

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