Don’t miss your chance to hear the story of Houston’s most beloved new broadcaster, directly from the man himself, in a newly released audio book.
Dave Ward’s daily welcome, “Good evening, friends,” resonates for millions of Houstonians and provided a comforting presence in our homes for decades. Today, we can welcome his voice back with the release of his new audio book Good Evening, Friends: A Broadcaster Shares His Life, read by Ward and produced by Gow Media.
The book, co-written with Jim McGrath and with a foreword by President George H. W. Bush, touches on the people, places, and events that make Houston so special, including the rise of the U.S. space program. And thanks to being read by Ward himself, the 13-hour journey also offers an added layer of emotion not normally found in an audiobook.
What: Houston Grand Opera’s Opening Night for Young Professionals (ONYP) is partnering with the Houston SPCA for this year’s summer happy hour, which will offer puppy operas: Pupperas! On Sept. 10, young professionals can play with adoptable dogs from the Houston SPCA, named after some of opera’s most memorable characters, while mingling with ONYP members. Guests are also welcome to bring their own furry friends and are encouraged to dress their pups in “bone-afide” opera costumes.
Happy hour drink specials will be available.
Who: As one of the largest young professional arts groups in the country, ONYP is the new generation of opera supporters. Events are hosted year-round to support HGO and raise support for the performing arts. ONYP subscribers will also enjoy tickets to opening night of all seven operas of the 2019-20 season, starting with Rigoletto on Oct. 18.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Bungalow Heights
1919 Beall St, Houston, Texas 77008
Tariff: This event is free and open to the public. You do not have to be a current ONYP member to attend.
Guests can suit up alongside their favorite Super Heroes at the Avengers Campus, beginning in 2020 at Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort. The campus will feature the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature Spider-Man, along with other heroic encounters. (Disney)
La próxima generación de narración inmersiva llega a Disneyland Resort en 2020 cuando el muy anticipado Avengers Campus se estrene en Disney California Adventure Park y el completamente nuevo desfile “Magic Happens” debute en Disneyland Park. Después, en 2022, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway se abrirá como la primera atracción de paseo principal con temática de Mickey en Disneyland.
Los más recientes detalles de estas nueva adiciones fueron reveladas en D23 Expo 2019 por el Presidente de Parques, Experiencias y Productos Disney Bob Chapek. Los anuncios revelaron las nuevas formas en que los visitantes serán protagonistas de sus historias favoritas, a partir de 2020.
Avengers Campus viene a Disney California Adventure
Los visitantes podrán ponerse sus trajes junto con sus Superhéroes favoritos en Avengers Campus, a partir de 2020 en el parque Disney California Adventure. Las instalaciones fueron creadas por los Avengers para reclutar a la próxima generación de Superhéroes.
“De cierta forma, estos nuevos campus son como los mismos Avengers: un grupo de individuos diferentes que se ha unido con el mismo propósito”, dijo Scot Drake, ejecutivo creativo, Marvel Global Portfolio, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Esta colección de sitios singulares—cada uno dedicado a una disciplina diferente—se ha unido para impulsar la próxima generación de héroes.”
Avengers Campus contará con la primera atracción de paseo de Disney Spider-Man. Los visitantes entrarán a la atracción en la primera dirección clave del campus, Worldwide Engineering Brigade (Brigada de Ingeniería Mundial) – también conocida como “WEB”.
Durante una evento de puertas abiertas en WEB, inventores en ciernes invitarán a visitantes a participar en una prueba de su invención más reciente: el vehículo “Web Slinger” (lanza telarañas). Esta nueva aventura les permitirá a visitantes lanzar telarañas como Spider-Man, y les dará una probadita de lo que se siente tener verdaderos súper poderes para ayudar a Spider-Man a colectar Spider-Bots que están fuera de control.
Avengers Campus también contará con Pym Test Kitchen (cocina de pruebas). De la misma forma que Ant-Man y The Wasp usan las “Partículas Pym” para engrandecer y reducir casi cualquier cosa, Pym Technologies está usando las últimas innovaciones para expandir y reducir comida en este restaurante.
Los visitantes también tendrán encuentros heroicos por todo el campus, incluso con Ant-Man y The Wasp, Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy, Superhéroes de Wakanda y Asgard, y Iron Man.
Mientras los Superhéroes continúan reuniéndose, uno de los edificios icónicos del parque Disney California Adventure será Avengers Headquarters, la sede de los Avengers. Este edificio, que se abrirá en la fase dos, será la futura entrada de una nueva atracción donde los visitantes abordarán un Quinjet y volarán a lado de los Avengers en una épica aventura a Wakanda y más allá. Los visitantes se unirán a los Avengers en una batalla para salvar el mundo de unos de los villanos más poderosos que jamás hayan enfrentado. Las obras ya están en marcha en un nuevo e innovador sistema de movimiento para esta atracción.
Desfile ‘Magic Happens’, nuevo en Disneyland
Programado para estrenarse en la primavera de 2020, el nuevo desfile “Magic Happens” cobrará vida con una pista sonora llena de energía y una nueva canción producida en asociación con el cantautor Todrick Hall. Para celebrar los impresionantes momentos de magia que están al centro de muchas de las historias de Disney, el desfile diurno tendrá asombrosas carrozas, hermosos vestuarios y adorados personajes de Disney de películas como “Moana”, “Coco”, “Sleeping Beauty” y más – todos guiados por Mickey Mouse y sus amigos.
Al recorrer Main Street, U.S.A. en Disneyland, el desfile “Magic Happens” les recordará a visitantes que no necesitan alas para volar, que las estrellas fugaces se hicieron para deseos y que la magia no termina a la medianoche. Entre lo más destacado:
En su wa‘a (o canoa), Moana navega en la cresta de una hermosa ola, inspirada en hermosas esculturas de madera koa con paneles LED, ofreciendo una deslumbrante mirada a la magia que tiene el mar.Para celebrar la magia que ocurre cuando Miguel toca la guitarra de Ernesto de la Cruz, una espectacular carroza inspirada en la película de Disney y Pixar, “Coco”, hace puente entre la Tierra de los vivos y la Tierra de los muertos con brillantes flores de cempasúchil. Fantásticos alebrijes, los guías espirituales, se unen a la procesión al igual que Dante, el perro de Miguel.
El majestuoso gran final del desfile “Magic Happens” celebra momentos mágicos de los clásicos cuentos de Disney, incluso al trío de hadas de “Sleeping Beauty” que transforman el vestido de la Princesa Aurora de color rosa a azul una y otra vez.
Además, el desfile cuenta con más carrozas y personajes de alta energía que combinan la canción original de Todrick Hall con clásicas canciones de Disney con un estilo nuevo y contemporáneo.
Primera atracción de paseo con Mickey Mouse y Minnie Mouse
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, que llega a Disneyland en 2022, llevará a visitantes de viaje por el alocado e impredecible mundo de las caricaturas de “Mickey Mouse” del Disney Channel que han sido galardonadas con el Emmy®.
La acción se lleva a cabo en El CapiTOON Theater en Mickey’s Toontown, donde Mickey y Minnie van a estrenar su caricatura más reciente titulada, “Perfect Picnic” (día de campo perfecto). Antes de entrar al cine, visitantes verán una exhibición especial creada por la Toontown Hysterical Society de vestuarios y artículos del mundo de las caricaturas.
Una vez dentro del mundo de las caricaturas de Mickey y Minnie, visitantes abordarán un tren del que Goofy es ingeniero. Después, un momento mágico tras otro lleva a una desenfrenada aventura llena de sorprendentes giros y vueltas. Con una historia original y un adorable tema musical, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway usa lo último en tecnologías y fabulosos efectos visuales para transformar el mundo de las caricaturas en una increíble experiencia de inmersión multidimensional.
Con tantas experiencias excepcionales preparadas para el Disneyland Resort y Parques, Experiencias y Productos Disney, lo mejor está por venir.
MIAMI, Florida (30 de agosto de 2019). El ídolo global de la música latina MALUMAestrena hoy el video de “No Se Me Quita” junto a la superestrella internacional Ricky Martin. Esta segunda colaboración juntos es el cuarto lanzamiento del nuevo álbum de Maluma 11:11 que recientemente debutó en el #1 del listado Top Latin Albums de Billboard. Con “HP”, “11PM” e “Instinto Natural” (feat. Sech), Maluma ha sobrepasado mil millones de visualizaciones y “HP” llegó al #1 del listado Latin Airplay de Billboard, marcando su decimotercer #1 en la radio de Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico en tan sólo cuatro años.
El rodaje del videoclip de “No Se Me Quita” se llevó a cabo en Miami y estuvo a cargo del director venezolano Nuno Gomes quien también dirigió “HP”, “11PM” e “Instinto Natural”. Para ver el video de “No Se Me Quita” visite: https://smarturl.it/NoSeMeQuitaPara descargar o escuchar 11:11 visite: http://smarturl.it/Maluma1111
“No Se Me Quita” ha sobrepasado 17.8 millones de streams a través del mundo. En anticipación del estreno del video, desde el viernes pasado la canción está en los playlists de Spotify más populares “Baila Reggaetón”, “Radar Latino”, “Latin Pop VIP”, “Exitos USA” y “Viral Latino” entre otros.
En una semana Maluma regresa en concierto a Estados Unidos, Canadá y Puerto Rico. Los boletos para la gira norteamericana del MALUMA 11:11 World Tour están disponibles a través de www.ticketmaster.com y www.axs.com (para algunas localidades), www.altitudetickets.com (Denver) y www.ticketpop.com (Puerto Rico). Las fechas del MALUMA 11:11 World Tour por Norteamérica son: viernes, 6 de sept. 2019 San Diego, CA Pechanga Arena (Valley View) sábado, 7 de sept. 2019 Los Angeles, CA The Forum domingo, 8 de sept. 2019 Los Angeles, CA The Forum jueves, 12 de sept. 2019 Seattle, WA WAMU Theater sábado, 14 de sept, 2019 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Events Center domingo, 15 de sept. 2019 San Jose, CA SAP Center jueves, 19 de sept. 2019 Laredo, TX Sames Auto Arena sábado, 21 de sept. 2019 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Arena domingo, 22 de sept. 2019 El Paso, TX Don Haskins Center jueves, 26 de sept, 2019 Edinburg-McAllen, TX Bert Ogden Arena vienes, 27 de sept, 2019 Houston, TX Toyota Center sábado, 28 de sept, 2019 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center domingo, 29 de sept, 2019 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center jueves, 3 de oct, 2019 Boston, MA Agganis Arena viernes, 4 de oct, 2019 New York, NY Madison Square Garden domingo, 6 de oct, 2019 Toronto, CAN CAA Centre jueves, 10 de oct, 2019 Orlando, FL Amway Center viernes, 11 de oct, 2019 Miami, FL AmericanAirlines Arena domingo, 13 de oct, 2019 Washington DC EagleBank Arena viernes, 18 de oct, 2019 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena domingo, 20 de oct, 2019 Denver, CO Pepsi Center sábado, 9 de nov, 2019 San Juan, PR Coliseo de Puerto Rico
Big changes are underway as METRO’s Northwest Transit Center enters its next phase of a complete renovation. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, the platform serving the transit center’s bus routes will close and stops will be moved.
During construction, stops for all Northwest Transit Center routes will be relocated to several areas including a new temporary platform and along Old Katy Rd. Please see route location map below. f
Since last week, METRO’s Street Team has been on-site at the Northwest Transit Center to assist customers, providing maps and answering customer questions. The team will continue outreach efforts on:
Tuesday, Sept. 3, from 5 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 5 a.m. – 7 p.m.
FREE shuttles will continue to transport riders to and from shelter stops along Old Katy Rd. during construction. Due to limitations on space, however, shuttles will not enter the temporary platform area. Patrons needing to access this area will be served by Shelter Stop #7 (see map). Shuttles are available weekdays only from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Pedestrian paths have also been designated to better accommodate customers traveling to and from temporary locations. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, a police officer will be on duty weekdays from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. to assist pedestrians crossing Old Katy Rd.
The Northwest Transit Center is a vital connection hub for the region’s transit system. The grant-funded project at the 30-year-old facility includes improvements and amenities such as:
Increasing the number of bus bays from 12 to 20 for more capacity.
Universal accessibility improvements including new Bluetooth® bus bay beacons, braille signage, and level crosswalks.
Improved HOV lane connectivity to I-10 and US-290, including accommodations for two-way HOV traffic.
A new METRO RideStore where customers can purchase fare products or speak with a customer service agent.
Connectivity to a bike path and bike storage facilities.
Upgraded lighting and surveillance to enhance safety and security.
Fully-accessible public restrooms.
More parking with a total of 256 spaces for Park & Riders.
For the latest construction news and maps please visit our website
MIAMI, Florida (30 de agosto de 2019). La superestrella latina multi-platino Prince Royce estrena hoy su nuevo sencillo y video “Morir Solo”. La bachata fue escrita por Prince Royce y Yonathan “Mickey” Then; producida por D’lesly “Dice” Lora y co-producida por Prince Royce.
El videoclip de “Morir Solo” se grabó en Samaná, República Dominicana bajo la dirección de Fernando Lugo. La provincia de Samaná es un paraíso natural donde se mezclan playas, montañas y bosques. El video se grabo en varios puntos que son emblemáticos del destino como la Avenida de la Marina con sus casitas de colores y el Puente Brug y también en locaciones remotas como en varias playas paradisiacas. El video cuenta con la participación especial de la actriz y comunicadora dominicana Karina Larrauri.
“Samaná resultó ser el lugar perfecto para grabar el video de ‘Morir Solo’ – nada mejor que una bachata romántica en un paraíso dominicano”, expresó Royce.
“Morir Solo” es la cuarta canción del próximo álbum del artista, titulado Alter Ego.Cada uno de los sencillos anteriores ha sido certificado multi-platino y cuenta con millones de reproducciones. El primer sencillo fue el tema urbano “El Clavo” (y su remix feat. Maluma), seguido por “Adicto”, una bachata junto a Marc Anthony y hace dos meses se estrenó “Cúrame” feat. Manuel Turizo, tema que ya ha sido certificado Doble Platino en los Estados Unidos y cuenta con más de 175 millones de reproducciones en plataformas digitales. “Cúrame” llegó al #5 en el listado Global YouTube de todos los videos musicales a nivel mundial y permaneció en el Top 5 del Global Viral chart de YouTube durante 7 semanas, alcanzando la posición #3.
Acerca de Prince Royce: En los últimos 8 años, el galardonado cantante y compositor multi-platino Prince Royce se ha convertido en una auténtica superestrella, con 17 número unos en la radio, 22 Premios Billboard de la Música Latina, 19 Premios lo Nuestro, 19 Premios Juventud, 6 Latin AMAs y 12 nominaciones al Latin GRAMMY.
La superestrella tiene una fanaticada masiva con más de 55 millones de seguidores en las redes sociales y ha llenado conciertos a capacidad en muchas de las sedes más prestigiosas de América Latina y los Estados Unidos. En febrero 2019 Prince Royce hizo historia convirtiéndose en el primer y único artista tropical que se presenta en el Houston Rodeo en el Estadio NRG donde atrajo a más de 55,000 personas a su concierto.
Su mas reciente producción discográfica, FIVE, fue lanzada en febrero de 2017 y es el quinto álbum de Royce. El disco debutó #1 en la lista de álbumes Latinos de Billboard y le valió a Royce las ventas más altas de la primera semana de cualquier álbum latino en los dos años anteriores al lanzamiento. El álbum ha sido certificado Multi-Platino por la RIAA en los Estados Unidos y cuenta con múltiples certificaciones internacionales. La producción también fue incluida en la codiciada lista de los “Mejores 10 Álbumes del Año” de la revista Billboard y Royce fue nombrado como uno de los “Mejores Artistas Latinos” del 2017.
Algunas de sus colaboraciones incluyen: Shakira, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Becky G, Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, Thalia, Maná, Daddy Yankee, Anitta, Ludacris, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Farruko, y Maluma, entre otros. Prince Royce también ha comenzado a ganar territorio en su carrera como actor y co-protagonizó como Pedro en la transmisión musical de Fox Live “The Passion” en 2016 y como parte del elenco de la exitosa serie de Hulu, “East Los High”. En el 2018, Royce tuvo una participación especialcomo estrella invitada en la película televisa de Disney, “Elena of Avalor: Song of the Sirenas”, en la que interpretó el personaje del Principe Marzel.
El 9 de agosto de 2018 fue proclamado el “Día de Prince Royce” en la ciudad de Nueva York por el Alcalde Bill de Blasio, por sus aportes a la sociedad y por ser un ejemplo a seguir para la juventud. Ha ingresado al Bronx Hall of Fame con una calle que lleva su nombre y corrió en el mundialmente conocido Maratón de la Ciudad de Nueva York para recaudar fondos y crear conciencia sobre la importancia de la educación en escuelas públicas y sobre enfermedades del riñón.
HOUSTON (August 30, 2019) –Houston Community College (HCC) is helping to cure cancer and the local job market with its Histologic Technician Program. Instructor Dr. Min He of HCC’s Coleman College for Health Sciences says that half of her students have found jobs before they graduate from the program that plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of cancer.
“There’s a very high demand for these jobs, even at the entry level position, particularly in the Houston area,” said Dr. He, stating that the college is located in the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical center.
Histologic Technicians (HT), also known as Histotechs, are critical in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients, especially patients with cancer. “Histotechs use instruments to process, embed, and section tissue onto slides, using chemicals and dyes to perform tests to demonstrate pathological changes,” said Dr. He.
Within just five semesters, a graduate can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree and is eligible to be certified by the American Society of the Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) as a Histologic Technician.
Dr. He says that today’s Histotechs are employed in diverse medical settings, ranging from hospitals, reference, research, forensic, or physician’s office laboratories. Other employment opportunities include working in medical supply industries or as medical instrument technicians. Consequently, graduates must have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
“All of that pays off,” said Dr. He, who adds that students can earn $20 to $25 per hour immediately after graduating, which she reminds could just be a couple of years after graduating from high school.
“They can also earn while they learn,” said Dr. He. For example, since many of her students begin working within the medical center, while still studying at HCC, they are more likely to find jobs there.
She adds that, since M.D. Anderson is also one of the world’s largest cancer centers, some of her students receive offers for full-time positions there before they graduate.
“Histological diagnosis is important in detecting cancer,” Dr. He said. “M.D. Anderson hires a lot of our graduates.”
For more information about these classes at Coleman College for Health Sciences, visit hccs.edu/HistologicTech
Closer to Chile than it is to Buenos Aires, Bariloche — officially San Carlos de Bariloche — is like a world unto itself. Not for nothing has it emerged as one of Argentina’s most sought-after destinations, with skiing, chocolate, and Swiss architecture being just a few of the attractions drawing visitors year-round. There’s truly something for everyone in Bariloche, which is why so few who visit ever want to leave.
WHEN TO GO July – August Bariloche is especially gorgeous in its winter, when snow covers the mountains and skiers gather in droves to leave their mark on the fresh powder. Even if you aren’t particularly outdoorsy, the views are so striking that bundling up and braving the crowds is well worth it — especially if you’ve never experienced winter in the southern hemisphere.
DISCOVERIES Life, Uh, Finds a Way Jurassic Park may not be real, but at least Parque Nahuelito is. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this prehistoric adventure, especially as the 30-plus dinosaur replicas on display are noted for their realism — many are as large as their ancient counterparts, while the rest are to scale.
In addition to the tyrannosaurus rex, velociraptor, and other familiar creatures, the park also has life-size dinosaur bones and other artifacts on hand to both educate and entertain.
The Thunder Up There Choosing just one of Bariloche’s outdoor destinations is no easy feat, but Cerro Tronador rises above the rest — literally. At 11,660 feet, the volcanic mountain (whose name means thunderer) dwarfs the nearby peaks of Nahuel Huapi Park and offers awe-inspiring views in every direction. Its eight glaciers are melting due to climate change, so make haste — like many natural wonders, Tronador won’t last forever in its current form. (That said, don’t limit yourself if you’re outdoorsy: Circuito Chico, Cerro Otto, and Isla Victoria are all must-sees as well.)
Cabinet of Curiosities You may not think that a museum featuring taxidermied animals, dioramas, and stratigraphy displays is your thing, but how can you know if you don’t give it a try? Centro Cívico’s Museo de la Patagonia is as odd as some of its exhibits, to be sure, but it’s also hugely fascinating. With collections on everything from aboriginal history and the Conquest of the Desert to prehistory and the museum’s namesake, it’s a vital thread in Bariloche’s cultural fabric. And for another museum experience that’ll show you why Bariloche lives up to its nickname as the chocolate capital of Argentina, mosey over to the Museo del Chocolate.
A Slice of Switzerland There’s quaint, and then there’s Colonia Suiza. The area’s first European settlement, it still looks much the same as when it was founded in the late 18th century and today offers curanto — a traditional food whose preparation is a ritual unto itself that visitors can observe. Among the other charming reasons to visit: views of Lake Morano, an artisan market, and fresh empanadas.
WHAT TO EAT Raise the Steaks Unless you’re a vegetarian, you’ve no excuse not to eat at a parrilla (steakhouse) at least once during your time in Argentina. Alto el Fuego is the region’s crème de la crème, a small space with big flavors: ribeyes so large you’ll have trouble finishing without help, thick fries, and chorizo all abound. Those in search of something as adventurous as Bariloche itself will gravitate toward Refugio Roca Negra, a cozy spot to indulge in pizza and wine after braving the outdoors.
STAY HERE Llao Llao Living Bariloche isn’t the cheapest destination in the world, but those who splurge on Llao Llao Hotel are glad they did so. A five-star resort and spa with every amenity you can think of and even some you can’t — an 18-hole golf course, solarium, vanishing-edge swimming pools — it’s nestled between Cerro Lopez and Cerro Tronador, but the view of Nuahel Huapi lake is even more breathtaking. For something more economical, consider Hotel Tres Reyes. It’s more conveniently located (15 minutes from the airport, a few hundred feet from the city mall) and offers its own lakeside views, not to mention complimentary drinks upon check-in and regional pastries at the breakfast buffet.
This stir-fry boasts energy-boosting B vitamins from broccoli, red bell pepper and Swiss chard. Get even more zeal from the iron-containing shiitake mushrooms and shrimp.
Ingredients
STIR-FRY
1 cup brown rice1 tbsp coconut oil2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms1½ cups finely chopped broccoli1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper2 cups chopped Swiss chard1 cup sliced green onions1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
MARINADE & SHRIMP
1 tsp lime zest + 6 tbsp fresh lime juice3 cloves garlic, minced1 tsp chile powder½ tsp each sea salt and ground black pepper1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. Meanwhile, in a container or resealable bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, in a blender, blend all sauce ingredients until combined and smooth.
4. Prepare stir-fry: In a large skillet on medium, heat oil. Add mushrooms and broccoli and stir-fry until tender, 10 minutes. Drain shrimp and discard marinade. Add shrimp and bell pepper to skillet and stir-fry until shrimp is opaque, 3 to 5 minutes. Add chard, onions and sauce; stir-fry until chard is wilted, 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Divide rice among 4 plates and top with stir-fry and cilantro.
The Tony Buzbee for Mayor campaign has commissioned a months-long, thorough investigation of the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO).
Many of the findings from this investigation have been the subject of past press releases and have revealed that corruption and deficiencies run deep at the OBO, especially with respect to the MWBE program. Despite the fact that she is still listed on the City’s OBO website as the director, reports have revealed that Carlecia Wright resigned in late July amidst increasing questions about her behavior as director. The City has refused to release Wright’s expense and travel reports, a move that is typical of this administration’s complete lack of transparency. Documents also show that a number of companies appealed to Wright regarding their “graduation” from the MWBE program and she sided with those companies, overturning their graduations. Interestingly enough, the companies that had their appeals granted were all friends and donors of Mayor Sylvester Turner, including Miles Insurance Agency (Boris Miles), McConnell & Jones (Thomas Jones), and ChaseSource (Anthony “Tony” Chase). All three are allies of the mayor and have made millions on contracts with the city. These individuals do not run “disadvantaged” businesses.
They receive contract after contract with the city, while small, women and minority owned businesses are shut out, because they didn’t give campaign donations or host fundraisers for the mayor.
“The deeper we get into our investigation, the more proof we uncover that makes it clear that the MWBE program is being used by Turner to take care of his friends and campaign donors. One example: Tony Chase is a professor at the University of Houston Law Center. He works downtown in the Chase Tower. His business repeatedly takes advantage of the MWBE program, but by no credible definition is it disadvantaged.
Instead, Chase’s business enjoys millions in revenues yearly. Why is his business still in the MWBE program? Because he is close friends with the mayor and threw the mayor a fundraiser at his River Oaks home. The MWBE program, like most of the processes in the city, doesn’t work. The program is not being used to provide real jobs and opportunities to the many MWBE firms in Houston.
I applaud Controller Brown for adding OBO to his list of planned audits for next year and have no doubt that the results will prove catastrophic for Turner. I will continue to point out Turner’s corruption, taking down the pay-toplay system that runs our city peg by peg until this city works for everyone. I’m not taking a salary. I won’t take campaign donations.
And I will not be stopped,” Buzbee stated. Buzbee will present more revelations at a live press conference on Friday, August 23rd (media advisory to follow). He will also present his plan to ensure that
OBO operates transparently and in a manner such that tax dollars spent are being re-invested back into the community. He will also provide extensive documentation regarding business received from the city given to various individuals and entities with close ties to the mayor.
