The Houston Dynamo face the LA Galaxy on Thursday in their final group game of the MLS is Back Tournament on Thursday. With a victory, Houston can secure a top-three finish and vie for a spot as one of the four best third-place teams.
Houston will be tasked to reach the second round without forward Alberth Elis who received a red card at the end of Houston’s 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers on Saturday. Elis scored Houston’s only goal of the game from the penalty spot late in the second half. Houston will look to forwards like Niko Hansen, Nico Lemoine and Tommy McNamara for a spark against the Galaxy.
Thursday’s match will be the second meeting with the Galaxy this season after both clubs met in the season opener in front of a sold-out crowd at BBVA Stadium. The Galaxy took the lead in the first half courtesy of a solo effort from Cristian Pavon. Dynamo defender Zarek Valentin found forward Mauro Manotas in the second half for the equalizer. Manotas can make his 150th appearance for the club in all competitions for the Dynamo on Thursday and he sits just seven goals shy of the all-time club record for goals scored in the regular season.
The Dynamo backline will keep an eye on Pavon who has five goals and nine assists in 15 games for the Galaxy since joining the club last November.
The Galaxy enter Thursday’s game with back-to-back losses after they fell to LAFC 6-2 on Saturday. Los Angeles is missing two key pieces as Javier “Chicharito” Hernanadez withdrew from the tournament due to a calf injury and Jonathan Dos Santos recovers from hernia surgery. The Galaxy will also be without Aleksandar Katai after both parties mutually agreed to part ways in June.
The Galaxy are currently winless in their first four games of the year after they opened the season in Houston and fell to the Vancouver Whitecaps at home prior to the suspension of league play due to the pandemic. The Galaxy will look to veterans like Joe Corona and Sebastian Lleget for a spark as they aim to turnaround their rocky start.
The knockout round of the MLS is Back Tournament will begin on July 25 and run through July 28. The winner of Group F is scheduled to play on July 28. The group runner up will play on July 27 and should a third-place team from Group F qualify, that team will play on July 26.
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today issued the following statement after Tesla announced the construction of Gigafactory Texas in southeast Travis County—an electric vehicle manufacturing facility that will create at least 5,000 new jobs and generate over $1 billion in capital investment.
“Tesla is one of the most exciting and innovative companies in the world, and we are proud to welcome its team to the State of Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas has the best workforce in the nation and we’ve built an economic environment that allows companies like Tesla to innovate and succeed. Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas will keep the Texas economy the strongest in the nation and will create thousands of jobs for hard-working Texans. I look forward to the tremendous benefits that Tesla’s investment will bring to Central Texas and to the entire state.”
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas will allocate an additional $118 million in federal funding to support higher education in Texas, including $93 million to help students continue or restart their progress toward earning a post-secondary credential or degree.
The funding announced today follows the $57 million that Governor Abbott and legislative leaders recently allocated to offset potential cuts to state financial aid programs. This combined investment to post-secondary students and institutions, totaling $175 million, comes from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law by President Trump.
“One of the best ways to accelerate our economic recovery is to make strategic investments in our future workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “These federal funds will provide targeted assistance to keep students enrolled or help them re-enroll in higher education so they can pursue new professional and economic opportunities for themselves and their families. By investing in our students and institutions, we will make our workforce and our economy even stronger.”
The funding announced today includes:
*$46.5 million in targeted financial aid for upskilling and reskilling displaced workers in high-demand fields, including workers who have earned some college credit but no credential, allowing new paths into the workforce with higher earning potential. *$46.5 million in emergency student support so students whose families have been severely financially impacted by COVID-19 can stay enrolled in higher education. *$15 million for strategic education and workforce data infrastructure to provide timely, actionable intelligence to students, institutions, employers, and policymakers; scale and expand existing technologies and tools that support college and career advising; and help students stay on track to earn high-value credentials. *$10 million to improve the quality of online learning by strengthening distance education course offerings and bolstering institutions’ capabilities to use data to support student success. This will include funds to develop Open Educational Resource course materials that significantly reduce costs to students.
“In today’s economy, we know jobs increasingly follow skills,” said Commissioner of Texas Higher Education Harrison Keller. “These strategic investments in our students and institutions will keep more students on track to enter the workforce with the credentials and education that tomorrow’s economy will demand. I applaud Governor Abbott for his leadership and the collaborative work of Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Bonnen, and the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Finance, Appropriations, and House and Senate Higher Education Committees for their commitment to Texas students and higher education.”
“This $118 million in federal funds is a strategic investment in Texas’ higher ed students and our future workforce. It comes at a critical time and will pay big dividends as we move forward on a full economic recovery,” said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
“Equipping Texas’ higher education students with the resources they need to continue toward earning their degree or credentials is one of the most important tools we have in returning our economy to its former heights,” said Speaker Dennis Bonnen. “These strategic investments in the future success of our students will go a long way in making our economy and workforce more resilient in the future, and I am proud to join other state leaders in announcing this vital effort.”
“We cannot allow COVID-19 to disrupt higher education and slow down the growth of a skilled work force, which this economy needs to get back on track. By providing financial support and investing in a virtual infrastructure, we are helping students overcome the challenges caused by this pandemic and achieve their goals,” said Senator Jane Nelson.
“Education is the great equalizer and allows for anyone to achieve their dreams. We know the value of a post secondary credential and these actions by the Governor represent a smart investment in the future of our state. This pandemic has created real barriers for many seeking to advance themselves through higher education, but these investments will help reduce those barriers and allow for the hardest hit populations to continue their education,” said Senator Juan Hinojosa.
“It is important to invest in our current workforce and future. These funds will aid our students and workers that are being impacted by COVID-19,” said Representative Oscar Longoria.
“Our past has proven that investing in the education of our students, our future workforce, is paramount to ensuring the stability and strength of Texas’ economy through a downturn. I’m thankful that Governor Abbott recognizes the importance of this investment and am proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure this necessary funding,” said Representative Giovanni Capriglione.
Project assisted by students from University of Houston Sales Excellence Institute as part of summer ServeHOU “internships” sponsored by 3M
HOUSTON … Houstonians can get a piece of wearable art with a limited-edition Houston t-shirt created in collaboration with Houston Astro Alex Bregman, Houston rappers Paul Wall and Bun B, Houston Food Bank and students at University of Houston.
Early in the pandemic, Alex Bregman and fiancé Reagan Howard began supporting Houston Food Bank with their FEEDHOU initiative with the goal of raising $1 million to help feed the growing need for food assistance caused by COVID. The goal was reached and exceeded, and a new goal of $2 million was set. To help Bregman round homeplate to that goal, students from Bauer College’s Program for Excellence in Selling at the University of Houston engaged Houston Food Bank to create a sellable item as part of a summer internship program sponsored by 3M to help local nonprofits.
Many of the 150 undergraduate students within the Program for Excellence in Selling at the University of Houston lost sales internships this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales Excellence Institute (SEI) corporate partner 3M provided a monetary grant that has given SEI the ability to scholarship 20 students as “interns” over the summer. Shortly after, Andy and Barbara Gessner, long-time donors of the Program for Excellence in Selling, provided additional funding that allowed SEI to scholarship an additional five students.
UH created the “serveHOU Initiative” with these funds, providing $3,000 scholarships to 25 Program for Excellence in Selling students over the summer as they partnered with five local Houston nonprofits in an effort to support their fundraising strategies. The students are “interning” with SEI, and program professors are supporting and engaging the students through a rigorous curriculum that includes an education in project management, leadership, nonprofit fundraising strategies, and digital sales. The students were split into teams of five, and tasked with analyzing the Houston nonprofit community and identifying the 5 best nonprofits to support. Nonprofits selected were Houston Food Bank, Elijah Rising, Kids Meals, Inc., A 2nd Cup, and Hope Village.
Each team created an engagement strategy that focused on increasing financial support through fundraising or selling products/solutions for their nonprofit. The students are collaborating to implement these specific strategies, with the support of the institute staff and professors. Each team meets regularly with the nonprofit leadership to review the strategy and gain exposure within the nonprofit ecosystem. At the end of the summer, each team will prepare a presentation for 3M that will detail their experience, unique successes, and key takeaways.
A team of five students from Bauer College’s Program for Excellence in Selling at the University of Houston brought together Houston community leaders and Houston Food Bank supporters Bregman, Paul Wall and Bun B to collaborate on a limited-edition t-shirt for sale through the Houston Food Bank website and local retailers. The artwork was created by Mike Frost, a well-known Houston photographer and graphic designer, and local sneaker and streetwear retailer Active Athlete provided funding for the production of the shirts.
The shirt is a District Perfect Blend Tee made from the softest 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester with shoulder-to-shoulder taping, 1×1 rib neck and tear-away label. 1X1 rib knit neck. It is available in black or white, and men’s and women’s cut.
Cost of the shirt is $25 plus shipping. The shirt officially went on sale on July 13, 2020 (713 Day – the date corresponding with Houston’s main area code), and will be available until the limited supply runs out.
About SEI:
For over 24 years, the Stephen Stagner Sales Excellence Institute at the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston has made a difference in the world of ideas, in the lives of our students, and in our college, university, and communities by solving problems related to Research, Executive Education, and Recruiting. Through these pillars, we are able to offer the expertise of executive professors with real-world experience and Ph.D. research professors who are today’s leading, most widely published authors in the sales discipline.
About 3M (3MGives):
3M improves lives and builds sustainable communities through social investments and thoughtful engagement of 3Mers worldwide. Through both corporate giving and the 3M Foundation, we support initiatives that impact communities and provide solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
About Andy and Barbara Gessner:
Gessner, a native Houstonian with a street named after his family, and a professed “peddler,” joined Industrial Air Tool (IAT) in 1979. IAT was founded in 1966 to repair pneumatic tools for the oil and chemical industries. Today, IAT is an industrial distributor carrying over 20,000 different items in inventory and representing 700 manufacturers’ products. Gessner has actively managed the company through many industry cycles and through various equity partners. He has been involved with buying and selling the company several times.
Barbara, originally from Ohio, is a graduate of Texas Woman’s University. While raising their daughter, Barbara was an active school and community volunteer and supported Andy in his career. They are the proud grandparents of two grandchildren.
About Houston Food Bank
Houston Food Bank’s mission is to provide food for better lives. Last year we provided access to 104 million nutritious meals in 18 counties in southeast Texas through our 1,500 community partners which includes food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers and schools. We have a strong focus on healthy foods and fresh produce. In addition to distributing food, we provide services and connections to programs that address the root causes of hunger and are aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability, including nutrition education, job training, health management and help with securing state-funded assistance. We are a resource for individuals and families in times of hardship. We are a solution to food waste, working with grocery stores and growers to rescue food before it reaches landfills. In collaboration with our community, we advocate for policy change and promote dialogue on ways to increase access to food and to improve the lives of those we serve. Houston Food Bank works alongside our partner food banks in Montgomery County, Galveston Country, and Brazos Valley. Houston Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.
Commemorate the Astros historic 2019 run with the official American League Championship Fan Collection available now at the Astros Union Station Team Store or online. From key rings and paper weights to a unique line of jewelry, the Fan Collection has exactly what you need to remember the Astros 2019 season.
The Astros Team Store, located in Union Station, is open Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am to 2:00pm. For a list of safety procedures, click below.
Astros Fan Cutouts Don’t miss your opportunity to catch a game – Virtually! For a $100 donation to the Astros Foundation and a smiling photo of yourself, we will find your cutout a seat in the outfield! At the end of the season, you can keep your MLB Authenticated Cutout and will get an ALCS Champs Replica Ring as well. Visit astros.com/cutoutsto get your cutout today!
Experience a Different Side of the Destination LAS VEGAS (JULY 22, 2020)
Beyond the neon lights of Las Vegas, a diverse landscape that offers both adventure and social distancing awaits. From hiking in picturesque canyons and kayaking down rivers to zooming though the desert in an ATV, the options – and excitement – are endless. Water Fun for Everyone An easy day trip from Las Vegas, watersports abound at Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and the Colorado River. The first and largest national recreation area in the United States, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers boating, jet skiing, and rafting. Vegas Water Sports at Lake Mead specializes in watersport activities and rentals, including wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing. Boaters and jet skiers on Lake Mead will get a glimpse of the world-renowned Hoover Dam. Named one of the Seven Wonders of the Industrial World, the dam generates about 4 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power each year for use in Nevada, Arizona and California. Lake Las Vegas provides family fun with a 40,000-square-foot floating Aqua Park. The lake’s water sports complex also offers standup paddle boarding, flyboard experiences and kayaking. For those looking for an adventure on the river, Laughlin is nestled along the banks of the Colorado River and offers an ideal location to experience a wide variety of water activities, and Vegas Glass Kayaks gives three guided tours of the Black Canyon including half day, full day and nighttime tours. Hit the (Dirt) Road Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. With 2,000 climbing routes, Red Rock Canyon is known as one of the premier climbing destinations in the United States. This natural conservation area also offers a 13-mile scenic drive, picnic areas, cycling, hiking and 26 different hikes and trails. More than 60 miles of maintained trails wind through Mount Charleston in the scenic Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest just north of Las Vegas. Most trails start at over 6,000 ft. in elevation, with some culminating at the 11,916 ft. Charleston Peak. Spanning 40,000 acres, Valley of Fire State Park is world-renowned for its bright red Aztec sandstone and petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years. Hikers visiting Nevada’s first state park can choose from 11 trails that range in length and difficulty, but all offer spectacular views. Find excitement – and a little Wild West history – underground. The Eldorado Canyon Mine Tour is a guided adventure into the Techatticup Mine, which operated from 1861 to 1942 and is the richest and oldest gold mine in Southern Nevada. For visitors looking to experience the great outdoors from the comfort of a vehicle, Pink Jeep Tours allow passengers to experience an off-road adventure to a variety of destinations, including Valley of Fire, Grand Canyon, Death Valley and Hoover Dam. With a large fleet of custom off-road vehicles including dune buggies, ATVs and UTVs, Sun Buggy Fun Rentals offers guided and non-guided tour options, as well as a high-speed chases spanning more than 15,000 acres of desert landscape. Just minutes from the Strip, a different kind of playground awaits. Dig This Las Vegas is a full-size bulldozer and excavator site that allows customers to take control of heavy equipment and move mountains of dirt, stack monster rocks, dig huge holes, crush cars, and much more. The Instagrammable Outdoors A creative expression of human presence in the desert, Seven Magic Mountainspunctuates the Mojave with a poetic burst of form and color. Located just ten miles south of Las Vegas off of Interstate 15, Seven Magic Mountains is a public art installation comprised of seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders standing more than thirty feet high. From the road to the rails, Rail Explorers in Boulder City offers three exciting tours – a 4-mile daytime ride, a sunset tour, and an evening lantern ride – that combines pedal-powered explorers and a ride on an historic train. Go “Fore” It Get into the swing of things and hit the green at any (or all) of these unique Vegas golf courses. Originally built in 2005 on the footprint of the historic Desert Inn Hotel course, the Tom Fazio-designed Wynn Golf Club was renovated and reopened in fall 2019 with eight new and 10 revamped holes. Redesigned amenities also include a new 6,500-square-foot practice putting green and netted full-swing warm-up area. For golfers looking for dramatic elevation changes, and stunning views of desert landscape, the renowned Wolf Creek Golf Club in Mesquite is a bucket list experience. An hour and a half north of Las Vegas, this challenging 18-hole course offers unique viewpoints of green fairways meandering through red rock canyons. The Sky’s the Limit Take to the skies and get a bird’s eye view of Southern Nevada from a helicopter or zipline. Maverick Helicopters, Sundance Helicopters and Papillon offer high-flying adventure featuring breathtaking views of the Strip, the Grand Canyon, Red Rock and Hoover Dam. Tours span from 15-minute flights over the Las Vegas Strip, to half and full-day adventures to the scenic landmarks of the Southwest. Those looking for an outdoor adventure along the Strip can strap into a harness and go ziplining. Located 12 stories above the LINQ Promenade + Experience, Fly LINQ Ziplinegives guests the option of taking off from a seated, lie-flat or backwards experience. Adding even more fun, up to 10 people can fly at the same time. For a uniquely Downtown Las Vegas experience, thrill seekers can experience Slotzilla – the high-flying zipline and zoomline experience – with views of Fremont Street below and the largest video screen in the world, Viva Vision, playing overhead.
ABOUT THE LVCVAThe Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center. With nearly 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 12 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA’s mission centers on attracting leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.visitlasvegas.com.
Mayor Announces that program will continue helping Houstonians Repair Harvey-Damaged Homes.
HOUSTON – In a significant victory for Houstonians with homes damaged during Harvey, Mayor Sylvester Turner today announced that the City of Houston won a temporary injunction to stop the Texas General Land Office and GLO Commissioner George P. Bush from removing over $1.2 billion in Hurricane Harvey disaster relief from the City.
The injunction will remain in place until final resolution of the dispute is decided at trial.
“We are pleased that the Judge acted quickly to protect Houstonians,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “The ruling today stops the GLO from taking actions that would have harmed our city’s most vulnerable populations affected by Harvey, including low income, disabled individuals and people of color, who are protected by the Fair Housing Act through the City’s programs.”
The lawsuit arose in connection with funding that was specifically directed to the City of Houston by the United States Housing and Urban Development Department. The City and GLO entered into a contract providing that the City would administer the relief funds to its citizens.
Despite the City’s significant progress in managing the program and being on-track to meet the contract’s deadline for the expenditure of the funds, the GLO advised that it planned to take over the funds and eliminate City programs that are helping City residents. The GLO proposed to replace only some of the City’s programs with its own.
Earlier this month, the City filed a lawsuit in Travis County asking the Court to stop the GLO from taking actions with HUD to give GLO control over the funds. The City presented evidence that GLO’s actions would have resulted in the loss of millions of dollars in housing projects slated to be constructed by the City.
The GLO’s new plan for the funds violated the law by disregarding the City’s community-informed and HUD-approved needs-based prioritization of seniors, disabled individuals, and families with children. Instead, the GLO’s program would have spent the money on a first-come, first-serve basis that would risk leaving the neediest people behind once the GLO spent the money.
“I am grateful the judge saw through the politics of GLO’s actions and focused on the people of Houston, because they are the true winners in today’s decision,” Mayor Turner said.
The Court’s granting of the temporary injunction prevents GLO from taking further actions to try to take away the City’s funding while the case proceeds to resolution at trial.
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today held virtual meetings with mayors, county judges, emergency managers, hospital executives, state legislators, and other local officials from Cameron and Hidalgo Counties to discuss the unified efforts to combat COVID-19 in these communities. The Governor and local leaders discussed the ongoing needs of the Valley and the ways the State of Texas can continue to assist these communities as they fight to protect public health and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Governor also discussed the assets and resources that have been deployed to the Valley and asked for feedback on other needs. Additionally, the Governor and local leaders discussed the expansion of hospital capacity and staffing needs. Governor Abbott also agreed to support Hidalgo County’s efforts to contract with a hotel to provide more beds for recovering COVID-19 patients.
“Our ongoing collaboration with local officials in the Rio Grande Valley is critical to effectively combating COVID-19 and keeping these communities safe,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas will continue to provide the support and resources that Valley leaders need to protect public health and mitigate the spread of this virus. By continuing to work together, we will overcome this challenge.”
Governor Abbott’s Chief of Staff Luis Saenz and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief (TDEM) Nim Kidd attended these meetings in person. Following the virtual meeting with Cameron County and Hidalgo County leadership, Saenz continued to visit with local elected officials, and Chief Kidd visited with local emergency management and hospital personnel to discuss their ongoing needs.
Substantial resources have already been provided to the Rio Grande Valley with more on the way. On Sunday, Governor Abbott announced that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has deployed five U.S. Navy teams to four locations in South and Southwest Texas to help combat the spread of COVID-19. One U.S. Navy Acute Care Team is providing support at the Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen and four U.S. Navy Rural Rapid Response Teams are supporting hospitals in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Rio Grande City. The DOD has also deployed a U.S. Army Urban Augmentation Medical Task Force to provide medical and support professionals needed in Rio Grande Valley Hospitals. Previously, the Governor increased hospital capacity in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties by suspending elective surgeries.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has fulfilled several State of Texas Assistance Requests for ventilators, hospital staffing, nursing home staffing, testing teams, epidemiology staff, lab staff, test collection kits and supplies, ambulance strike teams, oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, morgue trailers, assorted medical supplies and various types of personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, numerous cases of Remdesivir have been sent to the Rio Grande Valley.
TDEM has distributed PPE to Cameron and Hidalgo Counties as well. These distributions include over 3 million surgical masks, over 1.4 million pairs of medical gloves, over 280,000 face shields, over 2.1 million n95 masks, and more.
HOUSTON, July 19, 2020 – Today Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, welcomes back guests to a new enhanced guest experience with new safety measures and new exhibits. Registration is also open for the center’s Explorer Camps and Space Center U® education programs. “We are ready to welcome back everyone to a safe and sanitized environment,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of the science and space exploration learning center. “We have reopened with limited capacity in center and have increased health and safety measures based on CDC, state and local guidelines to offer a safe and welcoming experience for everyone.” With health and safety top of mind, Space Center Houston’s educating youth with new Clean Room experiences offered through its Space Center U® and Explorer Campprograms this summer. Inspired by NASA missions, the nonprofit offers Clean Room experiences for ages 6-18 to learn how NASA prepares for a mission in an immersive way while maintaining health and safety. Youth will take part in educational activities, tour inspiring Space Center Houston exhibits, watch live presentations and films; and go behind the scenes at NASA Johnson Space Center. Register today at spacecenter.org/education. Experience the museum and education programs with limited capacity to allow everyone to follow social distancing and sanitation practices. There are top things to know before you go. *All guests, including members, must have a timed admission tickets to enable staggered, capacity-limited guest entry to the museum. *Face coverings are required for employees and guests ages two and older. *Experience new live shows in open spaces; a new “Apollo 13: Failure is not an option” exhibit summarizing the mission as it unfolded; the new permanent outdoor exhibit, a flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. *A new themed guest journey experience, plus a one-directional flow through galleries. *Ample space allows for social distancing throughout your visit, including the center’s queuing and Zero-G Diner. *Download the free Space Center Houston mobile app to select a new NASA Tram Tour virtual boarding pass to board the tram tour during your visit. The NASA Tram Tour takes guests behind the scenes at NASA Johnson Space Center. *A new concierge at the entrance is ready to support guest entry. For a complete list of the reopening procedures, guests are encouraged to review the center’s Know Before You Go Guide for tips on planning a visit and a list of what to bring and what to not bring.
The center’s 250,000 square-foot facility offers ample space for social distancing with access to get up close to actual spacecraft and hardware used for historic missions. Guests will experience the new permanent outdoor exhibit, a flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It is the only Falcon 9 on public display outside of SpaceX’s headquarters and is the same type of rocket that was used in the Demo-2 mission, marking the first time since 2011 that astronauts launched from American soil. Guests can also take a tour of the spacious Independence Plaza exhibit, the only place you can walk inside a shuttle replica mounted on top of the historic shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905. The nonprofit has new protocols in place including social distancing practices; special hours for vulnerable populations from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays; a new touchless entry with self-scan turnstiles; increased hand sanitizer stations; Plexiglass shields at ticket counters; enhanced daily cleaning; and a deep sanitize to all surfaces is conducted center-wide nightly. For timed admission tickets to Space Center Houston, visit spacecenter.org. Parking fees will be waived for a limited time. Become a Space Center Houston member and experience exclusive perks including a 20 percent discount at the gift shop through the end of July, monthly member mornings and more. Ticket prices range from $24.95 for children (ages 4-11) to $29.95 for adults (12 and older) with discounts for seniors and members of the military. All Space Center Houston experiences are subject to change while the center continues to monitor state and local health and safety guidelines for reopening.
Las solicitudes nacionales para la muestra alternativa ya están abiertas a escritores y actores Latinx los cuales serán juzgados por un panel de celebridades que incluye a la nominada al Oscar Adriana Barraza, los actores Nicholas González, Adam Rodríguez, y la escritora y productora Vanessa Ramos, entre otros
Los Ángeles, CA. – Nosotros, la organización nacional sin fines de lucro más antigua del National Latinx Arts Avocacy www.nosotrosorg.com, presenta el Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam. Este concurso muestra el talento de escritores y actores Latinx emergentes y les brinda la oportunidad de ser asesorados por los principales ejecutivos de la industria del entretenimiento. Ya Tu Sabes es parte de una celebración de un año que consta de programas y eventos que conmemoran los 50 años de servicio de Nosotros a la comunidad artística Latinx.
Los miembros de la junta ejecutiva de Nosotros, Natalia Ochoa y JM Longoria, desarrollaron el slam de monólogos en respuesta a un estudio reciente que encontró que la voz Latinx estaba sustancialmente subrepresentada en la industria cinematográfica, tanto delante como detrás de cámaras. Nosotros reconoce que existe una grave desconexión entre la comunidad Latinx y la representación, a menudo negativa, de la gente Latinx en el cine y la televisión.
Este año, la organización se ha asociado con NBC, quien ayudará a seleccionar a los finalistas y premiará a los participantes con reuniones con directores de casting, ejecutivos creativos y escritores y productores de series de alto nivel de la cadena de televisión.
También por primera vez, un panel de embajadores seleccionará a los 12 escritores y 12 actores finalistas para interpretar monólogos originales en el Teatro Ricardo Montalbán en el corazón de Hollywood frente a profesionales de la industria el 21 de Octubre 2020. Entre ellos se encuentran Jandiz Cardoso, Directora General de Inclusión y Desarrollo de Talento de NBC, la nominada al Oscar Adriana Barraza (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, Babel), Melissa Barrera (In The Heights, Vida), el escritor Rafael Casal (Blindspotting), Audrey Esparza (Blindspot), el escritor Eugene Garcia-Cross (Indebted), Nicholas Gonzalez (The Good Doctor), Jon Huertas (This is Us, Castle), la escritora y productora Vanessa Ramos (The Kenan Show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) y Adam Rodriguez (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels), entre otros.
“Nosotros siempre ha estado a la vanguardia cerrando la brecha entre la comunidad de actores Latinx, las cadenas de TV y los estudios. Decidimos entonces crear fuerza en números de excelente talento Latinx y ejecutarlo de una manera divertida, accesible y social, por lo que introdujimos el Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam. Debido a programas como este, muchos de nuestros miembros y participantes han recibido oportunidades increíbles en cadenas de TV y estudios” – afirma Joel M. Gonzales, Presidente de la Junta Directiva y Director Ejecutivo de Nosotros.
Las inscripciones de escritores están actualmente abiertas a través de FilmFreeway.com. Nosotros busca monólogos originales de 90 segundos que reflejen representaciones positivas de personajes latinos en varios géneros. Pueden participar tanto escritores Latinx establecidos como emergentes de todo el mundo.
Una vez que se hayan seleccionado los mejores monólogos, Nosotros abrirá las solicitudes en línea para los actores Latinx el 3 de agosto. Para obtener información más detallada sobre este programa y para conocer más sobre el proceso de inscripción, visite: https://nosotrosorg.com/program/ya-tu-sabes/
