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Harris County Public Health director relieved of duty after investigation into $6 million contract

ABC13 Houston
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Harris County Public Health director relieved of duty after investigation into $6 million contract

Harris County, Texas (KTRK) — ABC13 has learned that officials have fired the top leader of Harris County Public Health.

Barbie Robinson was relieved of duty on Friday after questions were raised in a Houston Chronicle report about her department hiring a California for-profit company that she reportedly had ties to.

In 2021, DEMA Consulting & Management was hired by Harris County to run two COVID-related projects shortly after Robinson was hired.

By the end of that year, the company would beat out The Harris Center, a state agency dedicated to mental health services, by a fraction of a point to run a new program involving 911.

ABC13’s partners at the Houston Chronicle are raising questions about how a California company landed a $6 million contract with Harris County. Emails obtained by the Chronicle suggested conflicts of interest, including communications before the contract was ever formally awarded.

The report said DEMA seemingly believed they’d been picked for the 911 diversion project before the deal was complete. The timing of the contracts and Robinson’s California connections raised concerns.

A spokesperson for the county said DEMA was not a factor in her dismissal.

Following her termination, DEMA released a statement saying in part, “Despite factually untrue rumors to the contrary, DEMA does not and never had any knowledge of the inner workings of Harris County Public Health.”

Former Harris Center director Shaukat Zakaria spoke to ABC13 on Wednesday and said he was surprised they lost the contract because they put in a lower bid.

“It was odd that a for-profit agency was awarded the contract over a county agency they controlled,” Zakaria explained. “We were all stunned when the email came out that the contract had been awarded, even though it hadn’t. It was our first clue that something was going on. That was one of the reasons I decided to resign after working on the board for eight years.”

Harris County Administrator Diana Ramirez sent ABC13 the following statement on Friday regarding Robinson’s firing:

“Today, I made the difficult decision to dismiss Barbie Robinson from her role as Executive Director of Harris County Public Health. We remain committed to the health and well-being of our community. To ensure continuity of leadership, Deputy County Administrator Leah Barton will step in as Interim Executive Director of Harris County Public Health. We are launching a national search immediately to find a new Executive Director who will continue to drive our mission forward. Our focus remains on serving the people of Harris County in alignment with our countywide goals and guiding principles. I appreciate the hard work of our Harris County Public Health team and their continued commitment during this transition.”

ABC13 could not reach Robinson for comment.

NHL star hit, killed by alleged drunk driver night before sister’s wedding

Que Onda Editorial
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NHL star hit, killed by alleged drunk driver night before sister’s wedding

Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed Thursday night while riding bikes, struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, according to police in New Jersey.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the NHL team said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player but, more significantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were cycling in Salem County, “close to the fog line of the roadway,” when they were hit from behind by a driver trying to pass another car, according to New Jersey State Police.

The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, had been attempting to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV in front of him in the northbound lanes. Higgins moved to the southbound lanes and passed the sedan, police said. He was trying to re-enter the northbound lane “when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass” the cyclists, police reported.

Higgins then allegedly tried to pass the SUV on the right, and that’s when he struck the brothers, according to police.

Higgins, who told police he had about five or six beers before the crash, failed a field sobriety test, according to the probable cause affidavit. He admitted that his drinking “contributed to his impatience and reckless driving,” the affidavit stated. Higgins is charged with two counts of death by auto, according to police.

Johnny Gaudreau leaves behind his wife and two children. Matthew Gaudreau is survived by his wife, who is pregnant. The brothers also leave behind their parents and two sisters. The Gaudreau brothers’ deaths occurred the night before their sister, Katie, was set to get married, according to their former coaches.

Johnny Gaudreau, a winger, won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the best player in college hockey. He was also a finalist for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s best rookie, in 2014-15, and was named to the All-Star Game in 2015. He played nine seasons for the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets for the 2022-23 season. He had 12 goals and 48 assists last season.

“Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice,” the Blue Jackets said. “He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played—from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”

Both brothers played hockey at Boston College.

“It’s shocking,” BC hockey coach Greg Brown said at a news conference Friday. “It’s almost unimaginable to lose them both.”

“The things they could do on the ice were magical. But beyond their talent, they were tremendous teammates,” the coach recalled. “They lit up the room when they walked in.”

“People talk about Johnny as an Olympic player, a world-class talent—but beyond that, he was someone who elevated the level of practice just by being there,” retired BC hockey coach Jerry York added. “Johnny was well-respected by all—the students, the teachers, and certainly by Greg and me. If you asked us to name our favorite players, both of those boys would be among them.”

Before attending BC, the brothers played hockey at Gloucester Catholic High School in their native New Jersey. Matthew Gaudreau later returned to the high school as a hockey coach, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said.

“To every member of the Gaudreau family, please know that the people of New Jersey grieve with you,” Murphy said in a statement.

“Johnny and Matt were incredible hockey players and students, but even more amazing human beings,” Gloucester Catholic High School Principal Thomas Iacovone Jr. said in a statement. “Their loss will be felt forever by the entire Gloucester Catholic community and by me personally. I will continue to pray for them and their families during this unimaginable tragedy.”

The brothers’ uncle wrote in a statement, “Last night, we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two uncles, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends—but truly, two amazing humans.”

The driver made an initial court appearance via Zoom on Friday. He spoke briefly to say he understood the charges and would be hiring his own attorney. His detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 5.

City of Houston expects to complete first pass of trash pickup from Hurricane Beryl this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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City of Houston expects to complete first pass of trash pickup from Hurricane Beryl this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Nearly two months after Hurricane Beryl, phase one of the debris cleanup is scheduled to wrap up, according to the Houston Solid Waste Management Department.

ABC13 was in the Acres Homes neighborhood near Stuebner Airline and W. Rittenhouse, which is still being marked as still in the first phases of storm cleanup.

RELATED: Unusual situation leaves one single street out of Beryl debris removal in NE Houston

Piles of tree limbs and branches could still be seen in the streets.

According to waste management team, since the storm hit, more than 2 million cubic yards of debris has been collected.

Damage assessment was completed in various areas of Houston to see where the most debris had landed. In several neighborhoods, debris littered the streets for days to the point where drivers were unable to leave the area.

A month later, a Kingwood neighborhood looked as if the storm had hit that same day, still leaving residents frustrated and confused.

RELATED: One month since Hurricane Beryl, a Kingwood neighborhood still looks like the day after the storm

Saturday, according to officials, phase two begins, and the city will make a second sweep to collect any leftover piles of debris.

Officials are asking residents to pile any remaining and storm related trash on the curb, and separate bulk waste and construction garbage, as every road will be checked.

State Fair of Texas is sued by Attorney General Ken Paxton over new rule banning guns on premises

Que Onda Editorial
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State Fair of Texas is sued by Attorney General Ken Paxton over new rule banning guns on premises
FILE – Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, surround Big Tex as storm clouds move in above, Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

DALLAS, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to block a ban on firearms at the State Fair of Texas, one of the state’s biggest annual celebrations.

Fair organizers earlier this month announced a ban on guns after a shooting last year on the 277-acre (112-hectare) fairgrounds in the heart of Dallas. The move drew swift criticism from Republican state lawmakers, who have proudly expanded gun rights in recent years. Paxton, a Republican, threatened to sue if the ban was not repealed.

SEE ALSO: Texas House Republicans petition State Fair to rescind gun ban

Paxton said Texas allows gun owners to carry firearms in places owned or leased by government entities unless otherwise prohibited by law. Fair Park is owned by the City of Dallas, which contracts with the State Fair of Texas for the management of the annual fair.

Paxton called the the ban an illegal restriction on gun owners’ rights. Texas allows people to carry a handgun without a license, background check or training.

“Neither the City of Dallas nor the State Fair of Texas can infringe on Texans’ right to self-defense,” Paxton said.

SEE ALSO: Off-duty deputy and firefighter among 3 shot by gunman at fair in Amarillo

In a statement, the city government of Dallas said it is “aware of the lawsuit filed by the State of Texas and disagrees with the allegations against the City and interim city manager. The City was not involved in the State Fair of Texas’ announcement of its enhanced weapons policy. The State Fair of Texas is a private event operated and controlled by a private, non-profit entity and not the City.”

State fair officials did not immediately respond to email requests for comment.

The fair, which reopens in September and lasts for nearly a month, dates back to 1886. In addition to a maze of midway games, car shows and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel – one of the tallest in the U.S. – the fairgrounds are also home to the annual college football rivalry between the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma.

19-year-old woman allegedly carjacks 81-year-old before leading police on a short chase

ABC13 Houston
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19-year-old woman allegedly carjacks 81-year-old before leading police on a short chase

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A 19-year-old woman is in jail after police say she beat up and carjacked an 81-year-old man, before leading police on a chase in the stolen car.

Police said the victim was waiting for his wife outside the CVS at Westheimer and Woodland Park just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday when Keyanna Washington approached and sat down in the seat next to him.

Washington is accused of ordering him to drive her somewhere and telling him she had a gun.

When the victim refused, police say she began assaulting him.

He finally surrendered his car, and police say she drove off in it.

A short time later, officers say they spotted her driving on the South Loop near Braeswood and pursed her at high speeds into Meyerland.

According to police, she eventually stopped when she got a flat tire, but then tried running on foot before they were able to arrest her.

Washington’s bond was set at $75,000 during her court appearance on Thursday.

She’s already out on bond for allegedly stealing her stepfather’s car on July 14.

Poisonous fireworms wash ashore on Texas coastline ahead of Labor Day weekend, officials warn

ABC13 Houston
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Poisonous fireworms wash ashore on Texas coastline ahead of Labor Day weekend, officials warn

Ahead of Labor Day weekend, officials are warning those headed to Texas’ beaches about fireworms.

If you come across one, officials advise you to avoid touching it. Their sting leaves a burning sensation that can last for hours, and their venom can make you feel sick or dizzy.

According to scientists, several of them have washed up on beaches near Corpus Christi and Port Aransas.

A researcher from the Harte Research Institute found one attached to a log along the coast.

Fireworms move around by hitching rides on logs. They feast on gooseneck barnacles.

If one of these worms leaves its poisonous spike in your skin, you are recommended to use adhesive tape to remove it.

We’ll be dodging rain showers through the holiday weekend

Que Onda Editorial
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We’ll be dodging rain showers through the holiday weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A low pressure disturbance just offshore from Galveston will continue to swing scattered showers through Southeast Texas over the long holiday weekend.

We’re starting the day off in the mid-70s with scattered showers, especially near the coast. Temperatures will warm to near 90, allowing for heavy showers and a few thunderstorm to pop up in the late afternoon hours. Your chance of getting rain is 40%, and most showers should move through quickly from the north and northeast, keeping rain totals generally less than 1/4 of an inch. Rain chances will be higher near the coast, especially from Galveston to the Texas-Louisiana border.

SEE ALSO: 13 Alert Radar network expands to College Station with new radar at Texas A&M University

What is the weather outlook for Sunday and Labor Day?

The low pressure over the Gulf of Mexico should start pushing pack toward the upper Texas coastline on Sunday, boosting rain chances to 60%. It is then predicted to move closer to Matagorda Bay by Labor Day, which would put most of Southeast Texas in a very moist tropical flow. That will push the rain chances up to 80%. Have a backup plan in case any day turns into a washout, and at a minimum, know where you could go to seek shelter from a heavy thunderstorm. Of course, when thunder roars, go indoors! Temperatures will remain in check with lows in the mid-70s and highs generally in the upper 80s. Where it rains heavily, temperatures will stay stuck in the 70s.

Are there any cool fronts on the horizon?

We actually see signs that front may enter Southeast Texas toward the end of next week, which would push the tropical moisture into the Gulf of Mexico and drop our rain chances to less than 20%. As the air dries out, highs will again top the 90 degree mark, but lows will push closer to 70 degrees. If the front comes in stronger than expected, we could even get some morning lows in the 60s!

What are you tracking in the tropics?

In addition to the low pressure over the Gulf, we are also monitoring two tropical waves in the Atlantic, one of which has a 40% chance for development over the next 7 days. This wave in the central Atlantic could end up as a named storm in the Gulf of Mexico during the 2nd week of September and bears watching. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for the latest on what’s happening in the tropics.

Mauricio Dubon’s 2 Run Single Wins Thursday Night’s Game Against Kansas City

Que Onda Editorial
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Mauricio Dubon’s 2 Run Single Wins Thursday Night’s Game Against Kansas City

Alex Bregman got ejected in the 4th inning after a wrong call was issued by Alex Tosi, the umpire. After a pitch was delivered miles outside of the strike zone, Bregman, understandably frustrated, walked off home plate and said a few words under his breath to Tosi, who ended up ejecting Bregman from the game, unfairly.

Bregman attempted to walk back towards the umpire, before Astros’ manager Joe Espada interrupted the situation. Bregman was on fire up until this situation abruptly chilled him out.

Tosi indeed made a mistake, an unnecessary one, and this is an accurate observation because Tosi labeled this same exact same call a ball when Astros RHP Hunter Brown was pitching against Maikel Garcia on a 2-2 count at the top of the 5th. Joe Espada questioned Tosi’s call, understandably making Bregman’s reaction justifiable.

RHP Hunter Brown did a phenomenal job on his 26th birthday, allowing only a single in the first inning by Michael Massey and another single by Maikel Garcia in the 2nd inning. A huge improvement from his last meet with the Royals on April 11 this year.  A flawless job, and to no surprise, 

“Once I got through the first inning, that was awesome. I was very thankful. That was a birthday gift, in itself,” states Brown who was followed by Bryan Abreu who gave up a 3 run RBI, afterwards Ryan Pressly finally returned from an almost 3 week injury, and impressively earned a scoreless 8th inning. The fireman Josh Hader closed the game and cut off the royal stove after pitching a perfect last inning. 

Jason Heyward, released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a tremendous debut with the Astros after a 2 run double RBI in the 5th inning, 

“What an opportunity to be apart of a group that stays grinding,” states proudly Heyward after an outstanding win. In the 8th, the Astros took over from a 3-2 deficit. Yainer Diaz brought Jose Altuve home to tie the game after hitting a grounder. 

With the fire rising in all the hearts of Astros fans and Astros dugout, Jeremy Pena came in clutch to fall to an out right at home plate. The Kansas City Royals suffered with 2 players who ended up getting injured in the 8th as well. Vinnie Pasquantino and Lucas Erceg both received hand injuries. 

Erceg attempted to catch the Diaz grounder with his bear hand, which ended up hurting him, and as he threw the ball to Pasquantino, Diaz collided with the hand of Pasquantino, injuring the first baseman. 

Mauricio Dubon won the game with a heavy 2 run single off John Schreiber, who was relieving Lucas Erceg, and this catapulted the Astros up 6-3 to start the series off right. 
RHP Hunter Brown did a phenomenal job on his 26th birthday, allowing only a single in the first inning by Michael Massey and another single by Maikel Garcia in the 2nd inning. A huge improvement from his last meet with the Royals on April 11 this year.  A flawless job, and to no surprise, 

“Once I got through the first inning, that was awesome. I was very thankful. That was a birthday gift, in itself,” states Brown who was followed by Bryan Abreu who gave up a 3 run RBI, afterwards Ryan Pressly finally returned from an almost 3 week injury, and impressively earned a scoreless 8th inning. The fireman Josh Hader closed the game and cut off the royal stove after pitching a perfect last inning. 

Jason Heyward, released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a tremendous debut with the Astros after a 2 run double RBI in the 5th inning, 

“What an opportunity to be apart of a group that stays grinding,” states proudly Heyward after an outstanding win. In the 8th, the Astros took over from a 3-2 deficit. Yainer Diaz brought Jose Altuve home to tie the game after hitting a grounder. 

With the fire rising in all the hearts of Astros fans and Astros dugout, Jeremy Pena came in clutch to fall to an out right at home plate. The Kansas City Royals suffered with 2 players who ended up getting injured in the 8th as well. Vinnie Pasquantino and Lucas Erceg both received hand injuries. 

Erceg attempted to catch the Diaz grounder with his bear hand, which ended up hurting him, and as he threw the ball to Pasquantino, Diaz collided with the hand of Pasquantino, injuring the first baseman. 

Mauricio Dubon won the game with a heavy 2 run single off John Schreiber, who was relieving Lucas Erceg, and this catapulted the Astros up 6-3 to start the series off right.

Fort Bend County commissioners approve raises up to 26% for elected officials

ABC13 Houston
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Fort Bend County commissioners approve raises up to 26% for elected officials

RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) — Fort Bend County elected officials are about to get a big bump in pay.

Although an item from Tuesday’s Fort Bend County Commissioners Court was discussed for only a minute, the discussion is lasting longer in the community.

I think it’s not fair. The regular working people don’t get that kind of raise.

Richmond resident Karen Jahn

Commissioners approved salaries for next year’s elected officials. They include big raises for themselves.

Budgets from the last 15 years show next year’s raises are some of the largest in recent history.

“It hurts my feelings, honestly, a little bit because I was trying to go to a 50-cent raise at my last job, and that was way too much. I was asking for way too much,” Sugar Land resident Bethany Skinner said.

Most county elected officials will make between 9% and 26% more money.

Here are some of the highest pay jumps:

  • The county attorney’s salary is set to increase from $164,507 to $207,312.
  • The sheriff’s salary will increase from $164,507 to $196,699.
  • The county judge’s salary will increase from $164,507 to $187,945.
  • The county commissioners’ salaries will increase from $156,673 to $170,919.

The item wasn’t unanimous. Commissioner Andy Meyers voted against it.

I couldn’t find any justification for it, and if I can’t justify it, I can’t explain it to my constituents to the point they understand it.

Commissioner Andy Meyers

Commissioners who approved it say an audit was done looking at county pay compared to other counties in Texas.

They say the audit showed they were well below. Therefore, they decided to approve raises for county employees, including elected officials, to make their pay average compared to others.

However, Meyers said not all counties govern the same way.

“They’re not doing the same job,” Meyers explained. “So, they shouldn’t be paid the same, in my opinion.”

County leaders who supported the raises said they would not increase taxes. They plan to reevaluate them in the future to see if they’re still in line with other counties.

“When people look at a 2% raise or a little bit more, but I think anything over 10% is just too much,” Jahn said.

“Definitely don’t like that,” Skinner said. “I would rather it go to more programs for the people.”

They’re raises some neighbors say they don’t mind to see, just not as much.

What you need to know about ‘sloth fever’ after 21 cases confirmed among US travelers

ABC13 Houston
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What you need to know about ‘sloth fever’ after 21 cases confirmed among US travelers

Health officials are warning Americans about a rare insect-borne virus that has infected several travelers.

As of August 16, there have been 21 cases of Oropouche virus disease, sometimes called “sloth fever,” detected among U.S. travelers returning from Cuba, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is urging clinicians and public health offices to be aware of the virus, test for suspected cases, and for travelers to protect themselves from insect bites.

What is ‘Sloth Fever’?

Oropouche virus is an arthropod-borne virus, meaning it is spread to people by the bite of infected arthropods, a group of insects. The virus is mainly spread to humans by infected Culicoides paraensis, a species of biting midges, although it can also be transmitted by certain mosquito species, according to the CDC.

The virus is sometimes called “sloth fever” because scientists first found it in a three-toed sloth, and the virus naturally lives in sloths, non-human primates, and birds. Dr. Chantal Vogels, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health, explained that this nickname likely stems from the role of sloths as hosts in the virus’s natural transmission cycle.

Oropouche virus is endemic to the Amazon basin, including Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. It was first discovered in a human in 1955, in a febrile forest worker in a village in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, mentioned concerns about the virus spreading to Cuba and possibly elsewhere in the Caribbean, with imported cases already seen in the U.S. He noted that there is a possibility it could establish itself in the southern U.S., particularly in Gulf Coast states.

What Are the Symptoms?

The incubation period of Oropouche virus disease is three to 10 days and presents symptoms similar to other diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Common symptoms include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain, typically lasting about two to seven days before disappearing.

Patients may also experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, rash, sensitivity to light, dizziness, and pain behind the eyes. Dr. Michael Angarone, an infectious diseases specialist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, pointed out that about a week after initial symptoms, more than 50% of people may experience a recurrence of symptoms, which will last for another five to seven days before subsiding again.

How Is It Treated?

To diagnose Oropouche virus disease, a healthcare provider will need to order laboratory tests. There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Oropouche virus disease. Treatment mainly involves managing symptoms, including getting rest, preventing dehydration, and taking over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen, according to the CDC.

The CDC advises against taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs until dengue can be ruled out to lower the risk of bleeding.

How Do I Prevent the Virus?

The best prevention method is to avoid bites from midges or mosquitoes. The CDC recommends using insect repellent, installing tight-fitting screens on windows and doors, wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants, and using a fan when outdoors. Currently, there is no evidence of local transmission in the U.S.; all cases have been travel-related.

Dr. Vogels emphasized that travelers should be alert, especially if traveling to areas where there is ongoing transmission. If symptoms appear upon returning to the U.S., they should seek medical attention.

There have also been recent reports of possible vertical transmission, where a pregnant person passes the infection to their baby in utero. This infection may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal deaths and congenital malformations. While this has been demonstrated in South America, it is also being investigated in cases from Cuba. Dr. Angarone mentioned that descriptions of fetal demise, miscarriage, or premature labor, and congenital abnormalities have been reported, though not yet confirmed to be caused by the virus.

Experts recommend that travelers, especially those who are older or immunocompromised, take extra precautions to prevent infection. Pregnant individuals should reconsider nonessential travel to countries with an Oropouche virus Level 2 Travel Health Notice, as advised by the CDC.

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