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CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY
The Ion Accelerator Hub Demo Day
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New Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan Approved for Fiscal Year 2023
In the coming fiscal year beginning in September, the Railroad Commission will continue its strong work to improve transparency and build upon efforts that protect public safety and the environment in its oversight of the oil and gas industry.
Commissioners on Tuesday approved the Fiscal Year 2023 Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan, which outlines strategic priorities and provides statistical data highlighting the agency’s enforcement efforts, including violations cited by rule.
Among new information in next year’s plan is an expansion of statistical data to include the previous fiscal year for progress and comparison purposes.
The plan explains RRC’s inspection processes and enforcement procedures and affirms the agency’s commitment to inspecting every oil and gas facility at least once every five years.
“Texas’ oil and gas industry has become increasingly more important to maintain economic stability in the nation during global conflicts,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive Director. “The RRC is also committed to ensuring any expansion of oil and gas in the state is done responsibly in a manner protective of Texans and the environment, which the Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan helps to ensure.”
Plugging orphaned wells is a critical component of the RRC’s mission to protect public safety and the environment. The State Managed Plugging Program, which has exceeded legislative goals for five consecutive years, has the goal to plug another 1,000 orphaned wells in fiscal year 2023 using state appropriations funded with revenue from the oil and gas industry. FY 23 will also include an infusion of federal infrastructure funding that should result in the plugging of up to an additional 800 orphaned wells.
In the next fiscal year, the RRC will deploy knowledge from its strategic analysis of flaring data. The resulting study will evaluate additional measures the agency can take on flaring and clarify any data discrepancies. Findings, including any recommendations for regulatory or statutory changes, will be shared with the Legislature and the public.
The agency is continuing to update its computing systems, which will result in more information being available online. Also, in the interest of transparency, the agency plans to provide more information via its social media channels demonstrating what oil and gas inspectors do, including how potential violations are cited.
Buses Replace DART Light Rail between SMU/Mockingbird and Walnut Hill Stations: June 23-26
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will operate shuttle buses instead of light rail vehicles between SMU/Mockingbird Station and Walnut Hill Station beginning on Thursday, June 23 through the end of service on Sunday, June 26. Regularly scheduled light rail service will resume on Monday, June 27.
During this time, DART will conduct concrete repairs on the elevated station at Park Lane Station and replace a section of rail north of SMU/Mockingbird Station.
Shuttle buses will be operated by a third-party charter bus company and will not be DART branded. Passengers should look for charter buses at the red “Rail Disruption” bus stop signs located near each station to board a shuttle bus. Shuttle buses will provide service to each affected station.
These repair projects will impact Red and Orange Line passengers:
- Red Line passengers will transfer to shuttle buses between SMU/Mockingbird Station and Walnut Hill Station.
- Orange Line trains will only operate between DFW Airport Station and Pearl/Arts District Station. Northbound Orange Line passengers should board a Red Line or Blue Line train at Pearl/Arts District Station to SMU/Mockingbird Station, and transfer to a shuttle bus to continue to their destination.
- DART Rail Schedules for June 23-26, 2022:
(PDF files open in a new window)- Red Line Weekday to Parker Road Station (June 23-24, 2022)
- Red Line Weekday to Westmoreland Station (June 23-24, 2022)
- Red Line Weekend to Parker Road Station (June 25-26, 2022)
- Red Line Weekend to Westmoreland Station (June 25-26, 2022)
- Orange Line Weekday to Buckner Station (June 23-24, 2022)
- Orange Line Weekday to DFW Airport Station (June 23-24, 2022)
- Orange Line Weekend to Buckner Station (June 25-26, 2022)
- Orange Line Weekend to DFW Airport Station (June 25-26, 2022)
- No changes to Blue Line or Green Line schedules
Shell plc first quarter 2022 Euro and GBP equivalent dividend payments
The Board of Shell plc (“Shell”) today announced the pounds sterling and euro equivalent dividend payments in respect of the first quarter 2022 interim dividend, which was announced on May 5, 2022 at US$0.25 per ordinary share.
Shareholders have been able to elect to receive their dividends in US dollars, euros or pounds sterling. Holders of ordinary shares who have validly submitted US dollars, euros or pounds sterling currency elections by June 7, 2022 will be entitled to a dividend of US$0.25, €0.2346 or 20.01p per ordinary share, respectively.
Absent any valid election to the contrary, persons holding their ordinary shares through Euroclear Nederland will receive their dividends in euros at the euro rate per ordinary share shown above. Absent any valid election to the contrary, shareholders (both holding in certificated and uncertificated form (CREST members)) and persons holding their shares through the Shell Corporate Nominee will receive their dividends in pounds sterling, at the pound sterling rate per ordinary share shown above.
Euro and pounds sterling dividends payable in cash have been converted from US dollars based on an average of market exchange rates over the three dealing days from June 8 to June 10, 2022.
This dividend will be payable on June 27, 2022 to those members whose names were on the Register of Members on May 20, 2022.
Governor Abbott Statement On Relocation Of Caterpillar’s Global Headquarters To Texas
“Caterpillar’s global headquarters relocation is a major win for the people of North Texas and the entire state, now making Texas home to 54 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters. I am proud to welcome Caterpillar’s headquarters to Texas and am excited for the economic opportunities this will create for Texans. Businesses of all sizes and people from all backgrounds can grow and succeed in the Lone Star State because we champion a world-class economic environment fueled by the lowest business operating costs in the nation, a reasonable regulatory environment, and a lower cost of living coupled with an exceptional quality of life. Caterpillar’s relocation to Irving is a testament to the boundless opportunity Texas has to offer, and I look forward to working alongside this global leader as we keep the American Dream a reality for every Texan.”
With 2021 sales and revenues of $51 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. Caterpillar has had a presence in Texas since the 1960s and will begin transitioning its headquarters to Irving this year.
Last month, Governor Abbott announced that Texas now leads the nation as home to the most Fortune 500 companies in the 2022 Fortune 500 list, with 53 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters. With Caterpillar’s announced relocation, Texas will now be home to a total of 54 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters. Since Governor Abbott took office in 2015, Texas has attracted 250 new corporate headquarters, with more announced last year than any other year.
Mayor Turner’s Statement on the 11th Street Safety Improvements Project
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CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY
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Alley Theatre Announces the Cast & Creative Team of Cult Classic Clue
Alley Theatre kicks off its season with the return of the beloved Summer Chills series.
The Tony Award®-winning Alley Theatre announces the cast and creative team of its 76th season kick-off production – Clue, with screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. Clue is based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture and the Hasbro board game. This production runs July 22 – August 28, 2022 in the Hubbard Theatre and is directed by Alley’s Associate Producer & Casting Director Brandon Weinbrenner.
It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a dinner party. Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget… if they make it out alive. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult movie and the classic board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
“It is hard to believe the last Summer Chills at the Alley was Murder on the Orient Express in the summer of 2019! It was my first show, and it was so exciting to see the Hubbard full of Houstonians who love this tradition,” shares Alley Artistic Director Rob Melrose. “Growing up, my favorite board game to play with my family was CLUE. Then I saw the movie in the theatres when it first came out with a bunch of my friends. When it was in the movie theatre, you only got to experience one of the three possible endings, whereas in our production, you get to see all three!
“Growing up in the 80s, CLUE was a mainstay of my most frequented VHS viewing collection,” shares director Brandon Weinbrenner. “This production promises to lift up the very best comedic work the Alley’s Resident Acting Company and Houston acting community collaborators have to offer. A whodunnit is afoot at Boddy Manor and it’s up to Plum, Peacock, Mustard, Scarlet, Green, White, and our Summer Chills audience to solve the mystery. Summer Chills is back!”
The cast of Clue includes Alley’s Resident Acting Company members Elizabeth Bunch as Mrs. White, Dylan Godwin as Wadsworth, Shawn Hamilton as The Unexpected Cop/ Chief of Police, Chris Hutchison as Mr. Boddy/ The Motorist/ Back Up Cop, Melissa Molano as The Cook/ Singing Telegram Girl/ Back Up Cop, Melissa Pritchett as Yvette, David Rainey as Colonel Mustard, Christopher Salazar as Mr. Green, and Todd Waite as Professor Plum.
Rounding out the cast is Michelle Elaine (Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Sense and Sensibility) as Miss Scarlet, Susan Koozin (Murder on the Orient Express) as Mrs. Peacock and understudies Alan Brincks (The Supreme Leader) and Mai Le (High School Play: A Nostalgia Fest).
The creative team of Clue includes Scenic Designer Tim Mackabee, Costume Designer Ásta Bennie Hostetter, Lighting Designer Jason Lynch, Sound Designer Palmer Hefferan, Fight Director & Intimacy Coordinator Adam Noble, Stage Manager Kristen Larson, and Assistant Stage Manager Rebeca R.D. Hamlin.
Clue is by special arrangement with The Araca Group, Work Light Productions, and Michael Barra/Lively McCabe Entertainment.
PRESS NIGHT: Wednesday, July 27 at 7:30pm. Invitations will be sent at a later date.
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION: From August 29 through September 11, a paid digital version of Clue filmed live at the Alley, will be available for viewing. Guests who have purchased an in-person ticket and do not feel comfortable attending in-person may transfer their ticket before the start of their ticketed performance to a digital ticket. Digital tickets are $20 and can be purchased at alleytheatre.org. Limited digital tickets will be available for purchase.
SPONSORS: The Alley Theatre is supported by the 2022-23 Season sponsor United Airlines, the official airline of the Alley Theatre.
TICKETS: Tickets to Clue are now on sale and start at $28. Discounted tickets are available for military, seniors, and any student or educator, regardless of age, with a valid student ID for designated performances. Tickets can be ordered online (alleytheatre.org) or by phone (713.220.5700).
Houston Parks Board Celebrates Groundbreaking of Final Brays Bayou Greenway Trail Segment
Houston Parks Board, City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Harris County Precinct 3, Harris County Precinct 4, and other key project partners today celebrated the start of construction on a new 7.67-mile segment of Brays Bayou Greenway. Connecting Braeburn Glen Park to Archbishop Fiorenza Park, this is the longest Bayou Greenway segment built to date by Houston Parks Board and will complete the 35-mile Brays Bayou Greenway.
“Brays Bayou sweeps across our city, linking iconic institutions such as the University of Houston and the Texas Medical Center,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Equitable access to greenspace is critically important, and I am enthusiastic to have Brays Bayou Greenway ultimately connect communities past Beltway 8 to the bayou’s end.”
The new greenway segment begins on the north side of Brays Bayou at Braeburn Glen Boulevard before crossing a new 12-foot-wide hike-and-bike bridge parallel to Highway 59. The greenway will then cross under Highway 59 and continue along the bayou’s south side to Beltway 8. After passing under Beltway 8, the greenway will link into the existing trail network in Harris County Precinct 4’s Arthur Storey Park.
“Bayou Greenways is all about connecting people to parks and connecting parks to one another. When construction is complete on this new segment of greenway, trail users will be able to traverse the entirety of Brays Bayou Greenway,” said Beth White, President and CEO for Houston Parks Board. “Thank you to our partners in helping make our vision for Houston a reality.”
From Arthur Storey Park, the greenway will connect into existing Westchase Management District trail and continue on the bayou’s north side until reaching Mike Driscoll Park. There, the greenway will traverse to the south side of the bayou until reaching existing trail network within Archbishop Fiorenza Park at Eldridge Parkway.
“This project is all about making Houston a better city,” said Kenneth Allen, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “When this section of Brays Bayou Greenway is complete, hikers and bikers will have even more opportunities to explore areas of Houston they may not ever have explored before. Thank you to the Houston Parks Board and all of our partners on this transformative project.”
Notable new features of Brays Bayou Greenway include:
- Connection into City of Houston’s Braeburn Glen Park and three Harris County Precinct 4 parks: Arthur Storey Park, Mike Driscoll Park, and Archbishop Fiorenza Park
- Street-level connections to Braeburn Glen Boulevard, Boone Road, Belle Park Drive, High Star Drive, S. Dairy Ashford Road, and Synott Road
- A trail connection to the Club Creek Detention Basin trails and new Club Creek Park, developed by the Southwest Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20
- Five acres of newly acquired greenspace, including 1.46 acres adjacent to Wilcrest Drive and 3.6 acres adjacent to Ashford Point Drive
- Safety lights under Highway 59
- Native trees, procured from Trees for Houston
- Interpretive and directional signage
- Benches, trash cans, and recycling containers
The project cost including design, land acquisition, and construction is $20.5 million. Precinct 4 provided a commitment of $1.8 million, and Precinct 3 committed $1.5 million. The project was originally located in Precinct 3 at the start of planning but is now located in Precinct 4 following redistricting of the precincts in 2021.
“Bayou Greenways is an important infrastructure project for Harris County, and it’s wonderful to have this vast network of greenspace extend through Precinct 4,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle. “Safer neighborhoods are a priority for my constituents and, through this off-road trail, they and their neighbors will be able to walk, jog, or bike safely to – and between – several of our favorite parks.”
As part of its $50 million transformational gift to Bayou Greenway, the Kinder Foundation contributed $5,139,500.00 towards design, land acquisition, and construction management of this new segment of Brays Bayou Greenway.
“Bayou Greenways is creating greenspace in communities with few to no parks, and the Kinder Foundation shares Houston Parks Board’ vision of parks for everyone. We are proud to support the completion of Brays Bayou Greenway in connecting neighborhoods across our great city,” states Nancy Kinder, President and CEO.
Construction is expected to conclude in the fall of 2023. Residents should be mindful of the active construction sites along Brays Bayou as well as all intersections and connecting streets. Pedestrians and cyclists should not enter areas surrounded by orange construction fencing.
Following construction, Houston Parks Board will continue ongoing maintenance of Brays Bayou Greenway, which includes weekly trash pickup, bi-weekly mowing of grass along the concrete trail, upkeep of the trail and amenities, and any necessary flood cleanup.
Brays Bayou Greenway is one of nine bayous being transformed as part of Bayou Greenways, a public-private partnership between the nonprofit Houston Parks Board, the City of Houston, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. The initiative is implemented in close collaboration with the Harris County Flood Control District, which manages the county’s bayous and creeks for drainage and flood risk reduction. Bayou Greenways will transform 3,000 acres of underutilized land along nine major waterways and create a 150-mile network of connected parks and trails along Houston’s major waterways.
Thanks to Kinder Foundation’s visionary leadership and transformational gift, as well as the extraordinary generosity of the Hildebrand Foundation, Houston Endowment, The Brown Foundation Inc. and many other Houstonians, Houston Parks Board has surpassed its goal of assembling more than $225 million to invest in Bayou Greenways. The fundraising journey began in 2012 when Houston voters resoundingly approved a bond to provide $100 million in funds to the Bayou Greenways initiative. Houston Parks Board has since more than matched this number through a $125 million capital campaign.