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City of Houston and IKE Smart City Launch Innovative Interactive Digital Kiosks

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City of Houston and IKE Smart City Launch Innovative Interactive Digital Kiosks

HOUSTON – In partnership with IKE Smart City, the City of Houston unveiled the first in a series of digital interactive, wayfinding kiosks called IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience) at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, February 7, 2022, adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center on the corner of Walker Street and Avenida De Las Americas. With Mayor Sylvester Turner, Councilmembers, and many other City stakeholders in attendance, the event marks the launch of a City-wide initiative to build smart city infrastructure that enhances the pedestrian experience for residents and visitors, while adding vibrancy to Houston’s urban landscape.

The City of Houston released an RFP (Request For Proposal) for Interactive Digital Kiosks in March of 2020 and selected IKE Smart City as the vendor in March of 2021, which was later approved by City Council in May. Post approval, IKE Smart City worked collaboratively with the City of Houston, Houston First, neighborhood groups, and adjacent property owners on location selection, kiosk branding, and on-screen content. Installation will occur in phases of 25 kiosks throughout several neighborhoods including Downtown, Uptown, Midtown, Montrose, Museum District, Texas Medical Center, Greater Third Ward, EaDo, Upper Kirby, and more. Further, at least 10% of all IKE kiosks will be located in underserved neighborhoods, as defined by the City, including Gulfton, Sunnyside and others.

IKE puts innovative technology in commercial, pedestrian-oriented areas to offer advanced wayfinding capabilities through smart city technology. Each kiosk serves as a free Wi-Fi hotspot up to 75’ and is geo-located, displaying informational listings based on what’s in the immediate proximity to the kiosk. The kiosks have dual-sided digital touchscreens and are fully ADA-compliant, complete with an engaging suite of interactive applications that drive discovery of area businesses and other local points of interest, promote diverse mobility solutions, and improve equity with 24/7 access to resources. IKE is multilingual and includes detailed content listings of local area restaurants, shops, businesses, cultural institutions, events, jobs, and civic resources. Additionally, the kiosks provide access to social services information such as homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs, and food support.

“The City of Houston has so much to offer, and the IKE digital kiosks will be an exciting new amenity to help guide people in various directions to enjoy events, restaurants, and much more,” said Mayor Turner. “These kiosks are one of the many ways Houston is moving forward with creating more walkable spaces that make for a safer and more pleasant experience.”

WATCH:  View the mayor’s remarks at today’s ribbon cutting celebration.
IKE’s advanced wayfinding features are designed to turn information into action. Using real-time, aggregated public transit data, IKE provides users access to easy-to-use multimodal trip-planning features to navigate from point A to point B via public transit, bike share, scooters, ride-hailing, and walking. Such capabilities reinforce the City’s commitment to sustainable, equitable, and accessible transportation services and resources.

IKE also serves as a widespread communication platform. IKE allots space for community messaging that is relevant to the City and local communities while also disseminating critical public safety information in a highly visible way. Through a real-time feed from the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), the kiosks immediately display emergency messaging such as severe weather warnings, AMBER Alerts, active shooter events, fire warnings, and other information provided by over 1,000 authorities certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

IKE Smart City shares the City’s commitment to placemaking and beautification to transform the pedestrian experience. IKE kiosk designs balance a clean and appealing aesthetic with an inviting and engaging user experience. The kiosks will provide a cohesive wayfinding system throughout the City while reflecting the City’s diversity with unique branding and on-screen content for each neighborhood.

“We are excited to partner with the City of Houston, one of the largest and most diverse cities in the country. IKE will further activate the pedestrian experience providing widespread connectivity and equal access to information to all communities,” said Pete Scantland, CEO of IKE Smart City. “We look forward to serving Houston’s residents and visitors through IKE.”
IKE Smart City is proud to support the production and presentation of public art through IKE’s ongoing programming mix. The kiosks will regularly exhibit new projects by local and international artists in collaboration with some of Houston’s most recognized cultural organizations. Allison Glenn, critically acclaimed curator recognized for her powerful work in merging art and public spaces, is leading a launch project that features the commissioned works of Houston-based artists Bria Lauren and Karen Navarro.
Selections from Bria Lauren’s ongoing body of work celebrate women of the South Side, Houston, to center and amplify their voices and the voices of Black women across generations who have been impacted by structural inequity, generational narratives, and respectability politics. The works by Karen Navarro are part of two different ongoing series, “América Utópica,” a demographic portrait of America based on 2043 census prediction, and “The Constructed Self,” a collection of unconventional portraits, united by themes of identity, diversity, and the complexities of representation for historically marginalized identities.

IKE has also partnered with Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) to promote their exhibitions and feature art from their permanent collection and exhibition program. Other exciting partnerships are in development, including a collaboration with the University of Houston’s student-run publication, Gulf Coast: A Journal of Literature and Fine Arts.

The kiosk project was led by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development with support from the Office of Innovation.

Houston Texans hire Lovie Smith as head coach

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Houston Texans hire Lovie Smith as head coach

The Houston Texans have hired Lovie Smith as their next head coach, the team announced Monday.

Smith was the Texans’ associate head coach and defensive coordinator this past season.

“[Smith] is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL and an established leader,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said in a statement released by the team. “A proven winner, Lovie has shown the ability to develop players both on and off the field for years. We had numerous discussions with countless coaches, executives, and players, and what revealed itself is that Lovie has both the leadership and people skills it takes to lead us forward. We both understand how much work is in front of us, but we embrace the responsibility and look forward to continuing to build a program that can have sustained success.”

Smith replaces David Culley, who was fired by the Texans in mid-January, less than one year after he was hired. Under Smith, Houston’s defense ranked 23rd in Football Outsiders’ defense-adjusted value over average but had 25 takeaways in 2021.

“I’m humbled to be the next head coach of the Houston Texans and incredibly excited to continue to work with Nick,” Smith said in a statement. “I have so many friends, family, teammates and coaches to thank for supporting me and helping me continue to do what I love, which is teaching and developing players. I understand the responsibility I have to this organization and this city to develop a championship-level program. I’m ready to get to work and build it together.”

Smith was previously an NFL head coach with the Chicago Bears (2004 to 2012) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014 to 2015). He joined Culley’s staff after being fired after five seasons as head coach at the University of Illinois.

Smith has an 89-87 record as an NFL head coach and was the 2005 AP Coach of the Year.

Smith, who is Black, joins the Miami Dolphins‘ Mike McDaniel, New York Jets‘ Robert Saleh, Pittsburgh Steelers‘ Mike Tomlin and Washington Commanders‘ Ron Rivera as the league’s only minority head coaches.

The Texans’ selection of Smith and the Dolphins’ hiring of McDaniel came after former Miami head coach Brian Flores filed a racial-discrimination lawsuit against the NFL, Dolphins, New York Giants and Denver Broncos last week over the interview processes in New York and Denver and his firing by Miami.

Seven of the nine head-coach openings this hiring cycle have been or are expected to be filled by white candidates.

The attorneys for Flores, who interviewed twice and was a finalist for the Texans’ job, released a statement after the announcement of Smith’s hiring.

“Mr. Flores is happy to hear that the Texans have hired a Black head coach, Lovie Smith, as Mr. Flores’ goal in bringing his case is to provide real opportunities for Black and minority candidates to be considered for coaching and executive positions within the NFL,” Douglas H. Wigdor and John Elefterakis said. “However, we would be remiss not to mention that Mr. Flores was one of three finalists for the Texans’ head coach position and, after a great interview and mutual interest, it is obvious that the only reason Mr. Flores was not selected was his decision to stand up against racial inequality across the NFL.”

The Texans will not receive compensatory draft picks through the Smith hire. Under the league’s Rooney Rule, teams receive two third-round picks for developing a minority assistant who is hired for a head-coaching job. However, because Smith is not leaving for another team and has not been on Houston’s staff for two years, the Texans will not receive compensation.

Houston also announced it has promoted Pep Hamilton from quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator, and that it has retained Frank Ross as special teams coordinator.

“The last couple of seasons have been disappointing, but I believe in the vision Nick Caserio has for our football team moving forward and I see the pieces coming together,” Texans chair and chief executive officer Cal McNair said in a statement. “Our goal here is to create an environment that’s conducive to winning on a day-to-day basis and compete for championships. I’ve had an extreme amount of respect for Lovie for years now and that only grew with the work he did last season and throughout this process.”

Caserio decided to move on from Culley after the Texans won four games — the same number the team did in 2020 under interim coach Romeo Crennel — and did it without quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson was on the Texans’ active roster but was a healthy scratch for all 17 games. Watson, who requested a trade in January 2021, is facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions.

Even without trading Watson, the Texans have their highest draft pick since they drafted Jadeveon Clowney with the No. 1 pick in 2014. Houston’s 4-13 record in 2021 netted the team the No. 3 pick, its first pick in the first round since 2019.

Houston interviewed seven candidates for its opening at head coach: Smith, Flores, former NFL quarterback Josh McCown, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, and former Steelers wide receiver and current Florida Atlantic receivers coach Hines Ward.

Cattle Industry Convention Surpasses 6,000 and Represents Houston’s Largest B2B Event Since Early 2020

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Cattle Industry Convention Surpasses 6,000 and Represents Houston’s Largest B2B Event Since Early 2020

HOUSTON (February 7, 2022) – They’re here and they’re making history in Houston. Houston First Corporation is pleased to share exciting news that the Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show is the largest Business to Business meeting to be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center since the worldwide pandemic started in 2020. With more than 6,200 attendees, sponsors and exhibitors from across the country, this is a milestone for the city. This is also the group’s first time meeting in Houston.

 

“We are so proud that Houston was selected as the site for the Cattle Industry Convention this year to successfully come together and get down to business,” said Michael Heckman, Houston First CEO. “CattleCon22 kicks off a strong year of conventions for our city after all the pandemic-related disruptions to the meetings industry. There is nothing like collaborating, sharing ideas and doing business face-to-face, especially in a city that is so highly respected as a meetings destination. We can’t wait for NCBA’s second visit to Houston when it returns in 2029.”

 

NCBA represents more than 175,000 cattle producers and feeders and the annual Cattle Convention provides an important opportunity for those attending to network, make deals, get cutting-edge information, and have fun exploring the meeting destination.

 

CattleCon22 was in Houston February 1-3, 2022.

Free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing available at dozens of Houston Health Department-affiliated sites week of February 7, 2022

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Free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing available at dozens of Houston Health Department-affiliated sites week of February 7, 2022

The Houston Health Department is announcing the schedule for sites offering free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing during the week of February 7, 2022. More than 20 sites offering vaccinations and more than 30 testing sites are on the schedule for the week.

Vaccination and testing at health department-affiliated sites does not require proof of residency, citizenship, or insurance.

Site locations, schedules, and appointment information is available at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

Fixed Vaccination Sites

The department’s new vaccination incentive program will award 12 people $1,000 gift cards and provide $50 gift cards to hundreds of additional people.

People who get their first dose or booster shot at eligible health department vaccination sites between January 29 and March 10, 2022, will be entered into drawings for $1,000 gift cards. Two $1,000 winners will be selected on Fridays starting February 4 for a total of 12 winners over six weeks.

Any dose of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available at the department’s fixed sites, located at:

Health center and multi-service center vaccination sites close at 11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.

Pop-up Vaccination Sites

The department and its partner agencies will offer Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations at a pop-up site located at:

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for ages 18 and up and Pfizer is authorized for ages 5 and up.

In-Home Vaccination

Free in-home COVID-19 vaccination is available to qualifying older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans.

People may call 832-393-4301 to about qualify for the program.

Testing Sites

The department and its partner agencies offer dozens of free COVID-19 testing sites across the city.

A list of testing sites and schedules is available at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

The CDC recommends people who have symptoms and most people who had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with confirmed COVID-19 be tested for COVID-19 infection.

Vaccination and testing site schedules may shift during the week to meet community need. Find the latest information at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220.

WANTED: Suspect who used victim information to withdraw money from victim’s bank account

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WANTED: Suspect who used victim information to withdraw money from victim’s bank account

Crime Stoppers and Memorial Villages Police Department need the public’s assistance identifying the suspect responsible for a Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information.

On Friday, October 22, 2021, the unknown male suspect fraudulently used the victim’s identifying information at a business in the 10700 block of the North Freeway, Houston, Texas. During the incident, the suspect used the victim’s identifying information to obtain data from the victim’s cellular telephone. The suspect left the scene in a tan color Dodge Charger with a black tail band stripe. On October 23, 2021, at approximately 10:16 am, the same suspect was observed on surveillance video at a financial institution in the 900 block of E. Little York Rd, Houston, Texas. Using the victim’s identifying information, the suspect withdrew money from the victim’s account.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
Report a Tip Now!

Who killed Juan Villalobos?

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Who killed Juan Villalobos?

Crime Stoppers and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division need the public’s assistance identifying the suspect responsible for a Hit and Run – Failure to Stop and Render Aid – Fatality.

On Saturday, December 11, 2021, at approximately 3:15 am, the victim was struck by a vehicle in the 8800 block of Ella Blvd. in Harris County, Texas. During the incident, the victim was traveling northbound on a bicycle when they were struck by the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect fled the scene without rendering aid to the victim, who died as a result of the injuries sustained during the incident.

Based on vehicle debris located on the scene, the suspect vehicle is believed to be a 2015 – 2019 Dodge Charger with fog light damage.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
VICTIM: JUAN VILLALOBOS
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South Pacific OPENS TUESDAY! 🏝

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South Pacific OPENS TUESDAY! 🏝

City of Houston Endorses “Baby Day 2022” To Provide Free Early Childhood Education Resources

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City of Houston Endorses “Baby Day 2022” To Provide Free Early Childhood Education Resources

 
HOUSTON – Today, the City of Houston announced a partnership with statewide nonprofit First3Years by endorsing their upcoming virtual event, Baby Day, and formally proclaiming February 12, 2022 as Baby Day in Houston. The fourth annual celebration will be a week-long event from February 6 – 12, 2022 designed to connect parents and caregivers to critical early learning resources and experiences that will ultimately impact the lives and futures of Texan children ages zero to three. This announcement comes only a day after the City of Houston announced three new 10-year lease agreements between several partners and Bezos Academy to open four tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools in the Houston area beginning in fall 2022.

“Houston is proud to be a city keenly focused on the healthy development of infants and toddlers. By supporting the education and growth of our youngest residents through equal access to quality resources, we are furthering the future of our entire community,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Early childhood education greatly impacts the trajectory of a child’s future. Baby Day is providing the next generation of Texan leaders with the tools to succeed, making Houston an even stronger city. I support this endeavor by encouraging my constituents to utilize and promote Baby Day with their colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones. It is up to us to come together as a community to champion the growth of our future leaders.”

City of Houston is working to make Houston the first UNICEF-designated Child-Friendly City in the U.S. While there are multiple components to this, none is more critical than early childhood education and development. As a result, the City of Houston will champion and endorse Baby Day 2022 to ensure children across Houston receive the education and enrichment needed to grow and flourish. New to Baby Day’s programming this year, professional caregivers can also earn free continuing education units to ensure local caregivers are supported in their professional endeavors.

Baby Day is offering its free programming online with a full week of educational activities planned for children, parents, professional caregivers, and family members across the state and beyond. Registration is free and activities will be hosted by more than 110 Texas-based organizations, with many activities hosted by Houston-based organizations specifically. Live and on-demand baby and toddler events include music, art, yoga, reading, dance, educational sessions, continuing education opportunities for professional caregivers, and more, all designed to support the healthy development of infants and toddlers. Baby Day activities will be live streamed and on-demand and will be part of Baby Day’s online library of content that can be accessed year-round.

To learn more about Baby Day 2022, register for the event, and utilize Baby Day’s free library of resources, visit https://babyday.us/events/.

CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY

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CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY

 
HOUSTON – In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help locating the following individuals that have active Felony and/or Misdemeanor Warrants.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of the suspects featured. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
The following individuals all have active warrants as of Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 5:30 pm.
Coleman, LaRonda
B/F       10/28/70         5’02 / 180 LBS             BRO / BRO
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 2321680
Last known location:  Spring, TX
Hernandez, Rodolfo Marchan
W/M    03/13/69         5’11 / 175 LBS             BRO / BLK
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 2336984, 2336985
Last known location: Crosby, TX
Holt, Caleb Bryant
W/M    10/04/93                     6’02 / 155 LBS             BLU / BRO
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 1505496
Last known location:  Houston, TX
Hunter, Jerry Ann
B/F       09/09/54         5’07 / 162 LBS             BRO / BLK
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 2309221
Last known location:  Crosby, TX
Jiminez, Sam David
W/M    11/12/46                     5’06 / 170 LBS             BRO / BLK
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 2299678, 2299677, 2299676
Last known location: Houston, TX
Jones, Adarius Edric
B/M     01/28/99                     5’05 / 150 LBS             BRO / BLK
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 2392938, 2392937
Last known location:  Pearland, TX
Love Jr., Siddney
B/M     01/01/54         5’06 / 130 LBS             BRO/ BLK
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 2378568, 2378566, 2378565, 2378569
Last known location: Houston, TX
McCluskey, Michael Eugene
W/M   07/20/72                      5’05 / 200 LBS             BLU / BRO
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 1509839
Last known location:  La Porte, TX
Nguyen, Duong
A/M     12/30/55         5’09 / 135 LBS             BRO / BLK
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 2297386
Last known location: Houston, TX
Taylor, LaRue
B/M     12/13/52                     5’11 / 140 LBS             BRO / BLK
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Warrant #: 2265354
Last known location:  Houston, TX
Report a Tip Now!

WANTED: Fugitive responsible for Murder

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WANTED: Fugitive responsible for Murder

 

Crime Stoppers and the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division need the public’s assistance locating fugitive Ayriana Hamler, who is wanted for Murder.

On Saturday, January 8, 2022, at approximately 12:14 a.m., fugitive Ayriana Hamler was involved in a shooting in the 9700 block of Bissonnet St. in Houston, Texas. During the incident, the fugitive shot and killed the victim then fled the location in an unknown direction of travel.

Fugitive Ayriana Hamler is a black female, 26 years old, approximately 5’08”, 200 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
FUGITIVE: AYRIANA HAMLER
Report a Tip Now!

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