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CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY
HISD to hold board meeting next week to vote on mask mandate
Houston Independent School District, the largest public school district in Texas, will hold a board meeting next week to discuss a possible mask mandate and COVID-19 protocols, according to the superintendent, Millard House II.
House said the HISD board will meet next Thursday, August 12 to discuss a mask mandate that will require all students and staff to wear a mask while on campus or on a school bus.
If approved, the mandate would go against Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order, which prevents governments and schools from mandating facial coverings. Abbott has previously said that local governments attempting to impose mask mandates could be fined up to $1,000.
Tonight’s announcement comes after the superintendent initially said he would not challenge the governor’s order. But now, House says he’s concerned with the rise of COVID cases and Harris County reverting back to the highest threat on Thursday.
The announcement also comes after TEA issued new guidelines on the COVID-19 safety protocols for the new school year. Among the new guidelines, TEA said school districts are not allowed to mandate masks.
Source: ww.click2houston.com
Texas to be first state to make buying sex a felony
A new Texas law will make buying sex a state felony instead of a misdemeanor. The new law takes effect September 1 and is part of a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at further cracking down on human trafficking.
“We know the demand is the driving force behind human trafficking,” said State Rep. Senfronia Thompson/(D) District 141, primary author of the bill. “If we can curb or stamp out the demand end of it, then when can save the lives of numerous persons.”
According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Thompson’s bill makes Texas the first in the country to charge so-called “Johns” with a state jail felony. A second conviction under this law would enhance the charge to a third-degree felony.
Victim advocates have long argued there was an imbalance in the way our criminal justice system dealt with the crime of prostitution.
“It can be that we’re existing in a criminal justice system that sees survivors more than their traffickers or the buyers,” said Aly Jacobs, director of counseling and advocacy at the Houston Area Women’s Center.
Thompson also says many prostitutes are victims of human trafficking who are forced into the sex trade. She said those who are rescued need intense help.
“You’re going to have to give them some kind of therapy, some kind of mental health treatment. You’re going to have to get them in a position to where they can go and get a job,” said Thompson.
A University of Texas study shows taxpayers spend roughly $6.6 billion a year dealing with the consequences of sex trafficking of minors. Houston police vice division, Lt. A. Merritt, said years ago the department began targeting buyers as much as sellers and is hopeful tougher penalties will finally make an impact.
“It’s going to hold those buyers more accountable in order for us to do what we need to do to solve the issue,” said Merritt. “Not only will that jeopardize their livelihood, but that’s also going to jeopardize their freedom as well as their reputation.”
House Bill 1540 passed the House and Senate in May and was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June. Among several other measures, the bill also enhances penalties for those who try to recruit victims from shelters and certain residential treatment facilities.
Source: www.click2houston.com
Mayor Turner, Houston-area school districts push to get families, children ages 12 and above vaccinated before going back to school
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and representatives from the Houston Health Department and several education leaders from different Houston-area school districts announced the “Super Saturday Vaccination Day” initiative Wednesday.
The initiative is a collaboration between the City of Houston, the Houston Health Department, Harris County Public Health, and several Houston-area school districts to get families and children ages 12 and above vaccinated before going back to school.
“Fourteen HISD campuses will take part in the mayor’s Super Saturday Vaccination Day initiative this month,” said Houston Independent School District Superintendent Millard House. “Increasing vaccination rates among our communities will help ease the worries of our families as their children return to school. For some of them, it will be the first time inside a school building in 18 months. Rest assured, HISD is planning for a safe return. We are doing everything we can to protect our students and staff, but we need your help. The best way you can do that is by getting vaccinated.”
“Super Saturday Vaccination Days” will start on Saturday, August 7, and will take place every Saturday in August in different school campuses throughout the Houston region.
Here is a list of campuses participating in the effort:
Saturday, August 7
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AAMA Sanchez Charter School, 6001 Gulf Fwy., 77023 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Alief Center for Talent Development, 14411 Westheimer Rd., 77082 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Bush Elementary, 9730 Stroud Dr., 77036 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Crosby High School, 333 Red Summit Dr,, 77532 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Deady Middle School, 2500 Broadway St., 77012 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Dogan Elementary, 4202 Liberty Rd., 77026 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Kashmere High School, 6900 Wileyvale Rd., 77028 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Merrell Center, 6301 S. Stadium Ln., 77494 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
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M.O. Campbell Education Building, 1865 Aldine Bender, 77032 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
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North Shore Senior High School, 353 Castlegory Dr., 77049 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, August 14
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Audrey Lawson Middle School, 14000 Stancliff St., 77045 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Genoa Elementary, 12900 Almeda Genoa Rd., 77034 TBD
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Hollibrook Elementary, 3602 Hollister Rd., 77080 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Huffman Elementary, 24403 E Lake Houston Pkwy., 77336 TBD
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Meadow Wood Elementary, 14230 Memorial Dr., 77079 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Pine Shadows Elementary, 9900 Neuens Rd., 77080 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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ProVision Academy, 4590 Wilmington, 77051 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Spring Branch Elementary, 1700 Campbell Rd., 77080 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Stevenson Middle School, 9595 Winkler Dr., 77017 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Worthing High School, 9215 Scott St., 77051 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, August 21
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Energized For Excellence Academy, 6201 Bissonet St., 77081 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Yates High School, 3650 Alabama St., 77004 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Washington High School, 4204 Yale St., 77018 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Worthing High School, 9215 Scott St., 77051 10 a.m.-1p.m.
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Bruce Elementary School, 510 Jensen Dr., 77020 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
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Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 500 Clay St., 77002 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Hollibrook Elementary, 3602 Hollister Rd., 77080 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Pine Shadows Elementary, 9900 Neuens Rd., 77080 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Spring Branch Elementary, 1700 Campbell Rd., 77080 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Meadow Wood Elementary, 14230 Memorial Dr., 77079 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, August 28
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Edison Middle School, 6901 Avenue I, 77011 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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The Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Rd., 77433 TBD
Source: www.click2houston.com
Local mask mandates pop up in defiance of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order banning COVID-19 restrictions
Local mask mandates are popping back up across Texas — even as Gov. Greg Abbott has stressed that local officials who try to enforce restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 will be penalized.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is the most recent to defy the governor’s order. He announced Monday that the city’s nearly 22,000 city employees will be required to mask up inside city buildings where social distancing is not doable, such as bathrooms, elevators, and conference rooms.
“The mayor has a right and responsibility to ask city employees to wear face coverings indoors to help stop the virus from spreading,” Mary Benton, a Turner spokesperson, said to the Houston Chronicle. “With the rise in the delta variant cases and high numbers of unvaccinated individuals, Mayor Turner is doing what is necessary to keep [city] employees healthy.”
The seven-day average of new daily cases in Harris County is 1,761 as of Tuesday, compared with 59 cases in the first week of July.
Statewide, cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 have been skyrocketing. This week, hospitalizations for people with the virus hit more than 7,300 — which is roughly the number of people hospitalized a year ago when Abbott first implemented a statewide mask mandate.
Abbott’s July executive order says “no government entity, including a county, city, school district and public health authority” and “any public or private entity that is receiving or will receive public funds” can enforce mask or vaccine mandates. Offenses could lead to fines of up to $1,000. Private businesses, however, still have the right to require customers and employees to wear masks.
President Joe Biden called Abbott’s ban on masks and vaccine mandates “the most extreme” of its kind across the country in a statement Tuesday, noting that six other states have imposed similar restrictions.
Abbott’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Last month, as the conditions worsened in Texas hospitals, Abbott stressed that he was not budging on his executive order and said: “that the path forward relies on personal responsibility rather than government mandates.”
A handful of courthouses have also implemented mask mandates, arguing that Abbott’s executive order doesn’t affect the judicial branch of government.
A Dallas administrative court judge ordered that everyone inside Dallas County’s courthouses — the George Allen Courthouse, the Frank Crowley courthouse, and the Henry Wade building — must be masked. This came as Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins announced Tuesday that the county has increased its coronavirus threat level to red, the highest level of threat in its assessment system.
“People are required to come to court,” Jenkins said. “You may have a jury summons, you may have been subpoenaed as a witness, you may need to be there as part of your job — and it’s important that we keep those people safe.”
Additionally, Jenkins required attendees of a Tuesday meeting of the commissioner’s court to wear masks, and commissioner J.J. Koch, a Republican, refused and was escorted out of the room.
“We have to always remember that the enemy in COVID is not one another, it’s the virus,” Jenkins said. “And if people are going to be required to come to court, it’s my job to keep them safe.”
A judge in Williamson County also is requiring visitors and employees entering the Williamson County Justice Center to wear masks as the county recently entered its red COVID-19 risk level.
Last week, Austin Mayor Steve Adler urged City Manager Spencer Cronk to enforce a vaccination requirement for city employees. Adler said if he could, he would impose a citywide mask mandate.
“But the legal question of whether or not a local health authority or local officials have the ability to adopt valid and enforceable rules for their local communities is something that seems to be an open question under Texas law,” Adler told KXAN-TV.
Austin is in Stage 4 of its risk-based guidelines, urging everyone — including those who are vaccinated — to wear masks indoors.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Travis County and Austin officials in March for imposing a local mask mandate despite Abbott’s order which prohibited such requirements at the time. A district judge denied Paxton’s request to immediately block the local mandates, and the lawsuit fizzled out after both parties agreed to dismiss the case after the local order expired and Abbott issued a new executive order.
“No one wants there to be litigation,” Adler said. “I would just hope that the governor would take a look at the same data here from the same doctors we’re hearing from and know how important it is for people to get vaccinated.”
The seven-day average of hospitalizations in Texas at the beginning of July was 1,705. That number has since jumped to 5,926.
In the same time period, the seven-day average for new daily cases has increased ninefold, leaping from 813 cases to 7,558.
Source: www.click2houston.com
Raízen IPO aims to accelerate growth of Shell’s renewable energy joint venture in Brazil
Shell Brazil Holding B.V. (Shell), a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, today marks the start of trading in shares of Raízen S.A. (Raízen), the renewable energy joint venture between Shell and Brazilian energy company Cosan, on the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3), following the successful execution of an initial public offering (IPO).
“Shell is committed to Raízen as we grow our renewable energy business and our presence in Brazil and Argentina,” said Huibert Vigeveno, Shell’s Downstream Director. “This IPO should help Raízen to grow faster, enabling it to deliver more and cleaner energy to our customers. We believe this IPO is the best way to fund the strategy and provide consistent returns on investment for the joint venture partners and new investors alike.”
Raízen is a global leader in the production of first- and second-generation biofuel from sugar cane1. It is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy, as shown by the recent agreement to acquire Biosev and the integration of Shell’s lubricants business in Brazil into Raízen (both subject to deal completion), and the investment decision to expand Raízen’s second-generation biofuels production capacity. Growing Raízen will also contribute to Shell’s target to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050, in step with society.
The Shell-branded retail sites and lubricants business in Brazil and Argentina will continue to be managed by Raízen.
1 Raízen produces first generation ethanol from sugar cane, and it is also the only company in the world to produce second generation ethanol on a commercial scale, reusing bagasse, the fibrous by-product of sugar cane production. Second-generation biofuels such as these are Shell’s primary focus for investment and scaling up biofuels availability. Further information on Raízen’s biofuels production is available on the Raízen website.
Notes to editors
- Under the IPO, 810,811,000 preference shares have been made available to investors, at a price of R$7.40. The IPO has raised R$6.0bn (USD $1.15bn) to fund Raízen’s growth programme.
- Following the IPO, and subject to an over-allotment option being exercised and completion of the Biosev acquisition, Shell and Cosan’s equity stake in Raizen will be around 43.5% each, although both will continue to hold 50% of the ordinary voting stock.
- Raízen was formed in 2011 as a joint venture between Shell and Brazilian energy company Cosan. It is an integrated energy company and leading producer of sugar cane, ethanol and bioenergy in Brazil. It has 26 production units, 860,000 hectares of cultivated agricultural land, a network of more than 7,300 Shell retail stations, 1,300 Shell Select convenience stores and more than 4,000 business customers in Brazil and Argentina. In its most recent financial year, 2020-21, Raízen produced around 2.5 billion litres of ethanol (excluding second generation cellulosic ethanol production – see below).
- In February 2021, Raízen announced an agreement to acquire Biosev, a leading ethanol producer in Brazil (subject to deal completion). In May 2021, agreement was reached to extend the Retail Brand Licence Agreement between Shell and Raízen, under which retail sites operated by Raízen carry the Shell brand and sell Shell fuels, by 13 more years with options to extend. And in June 2021, agreement was reached for Raízen to acquire Shell’s lubricants business in Brazil (subject to deal completion), and an investment decision was taken on a new second-generation biofuels plant which is due to begin production in 2023 and will add 82 million litres of cellulosic ethanol production capacity per year to Raízen’s current 38 million litres.
- The São Paulo Stock Exchange, now known as B3 (Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão) is one of the largest exchanges in the Americas. Over 350 companies are listed on the exchange, with a total market capitalization of around $1.08 trillion. B3 is a listed company (B3SA3) and serves as the main integrator for several indexes in the Brazilian Stock Market (Ibovespa, IBrX-50, IBrX, Itag).
Source: www.shell.com
US Department of Labor kicks off national Safe
The U.S. Department of Labor encourages the nation’s employers to commit to workplace safety and health and join its Occupational Safety and Health Administration in observing Safe + Sound Week, Aug. 9-15, 2021.
A nationwide event that recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs, Safe + Sound Week also offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe.
“Each year, millions of workers suffer job-related injuries or illnesses, and thousands die in work-related incidents. These incidents hurt workers and their families, and harm businesses as well,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health James Frederick. “Most importantly, effective safety and health programs save lives and prevent injuries. They also help businesses improve safety and health compliance and avoid the many costs associated with workplace safety and health incidents.”
In 2020, more than 3,400 businesses helped raise awareness about workers’ safety and health. Successful safety and health programs can identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, and can increase worker satisfaction, improve productivity and reduce costs associated with workplace injuries.
Participating in Safe + Sound Week is simple. Organizations of any size or in any industry looking for an opportunity to show their commitment to safety can participate. Visit the Safe + Sound website for more information, resources, and tools to help plan and promote safety events.
Source: www.osha.gov
Governor Abbott Announces Second Special Session Date & Agenda
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation announcing that he will convene a second special legislative session at 12:00 p.m. on August 7, 2021. The proclamation identifies 17 agenda items for the second Special Session.
“The Texas Legislature achieved a great deal during the 87th Legislative Session, and they have a responsibility to finish the work that was started,” said Governor Abbott. “I will continue to call special session after special session to reform our broken bail system, uphold election integrity, and pass other important items that Texans demand and deserve. Passing these Special Session agenda items will chart a course towards a stronger and brighter future for the Lone Star State.”
Agenda items for the second Special Session will include:
BAIL REFORM: Legislation reforming the bail system in Texas to protect the public from accused criminals who may be released on bail.
ELECTION INTEGRITY: Legislation strengthening the integrity of elections in Texas.
FEDERAL RELIEF APPROPRIATIONS: Legislation providing appropriations from unappropriated available revenues for COVID-19-related healthcare expenses, such as those listed below, taking into consideration the approximately $10.5 billion in funds received by local governments intended to be used on COVID-19 from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021(ARPA), Pub. L. No. 117-2:
- healthcare staffing needs, including physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals;
- establishing, staffing, and operating alternative care sites;
- supporting the operations of nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities;
- vaccine administration;
- testing sites;
- supplies and equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators; and
- standing up and operating infusion centers.
EDUCATION: Legislation providing strategies for public-school education in prekindergarten through twelfth grade during the COVID-19 pandemic, which ensures:
- students receive a high-quality education and progress in their learning;
- in-person learning is available for any student whose parent wants it;
- the wearing of face coverings is not mandatory; and
- COVID-19 vaccinations are always voluntary.
BORDER SECURITY: Legislation enhancing criminal laws or providing funding from unappropriated available revenues to support law-enforcement agencies, counties, and other strategies as part of Texas’ comprehensive border security plan.
SOCIAL MEDIA CENSORSHIP: Legislation safeguarding the freedom of speech by protecting social-media and email users from being censored based on the user’s expressed viewpoints, including by providing a legal remedy for those wrongfully excluded from a platform.
ARTICLE X FUNDING: Legislation providing appropriations from unappropriated available revenues to the Legislature and legislative agencies in Article X of the General Appropriations Act.
FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION: Legislation similar to Senate Bill 1109 from the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, requiring schools to provide appropriate education to middle- and high-school students about dating violence, domestic violence, and child abuse, but that recognizes the right of parents to opt their children out of the instruction.
YOUTH SPORTS: Legislation identical to Senate Bill 29 as passed by the Texas Senate in the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, disallowing a student from competing in University Interscholastic League athletic competitions designated for the sex opposite to the student’s sex at birth.
ABORTION-INDUCING DRUGS: Legislation similar to Senate Bill 394 from the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, which prohibits people from providing abortion-inducing drugs by mail or delivery service, strengthens the laws applicable to the reporting of abortions and abortion complications, and ensures that no abortion-inducing drugs arc provided unless there is voluntary and informed consent.
THIRTEENTH CHECK: Legislation similar to House Bill 3507 from the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, relating to a “thirteenth check” or one-time supplemental payment of benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
CRITICAL RACE THEORY: Legislation similar to House Bill 3979 concerning critical race theory as originally passed by the Texas Senate in the 87th Legislature, Regular Session.
APPROPRIATIONS: Legislation providing appropriations from unappropriated available revenues for the following purposes:
- property-tax relief;
- enhanced protection for the safety of children in Texas’ foster-care system by attracting and retaining private providers for the system; and
- to better safeguard the state from potential cybersecurity threats.
PRIMARY ELECTIONS: Legislation modifying the filing periods and related election dates, including any runoffs, for primary elections held in Texas in 2022.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE: Legislation reforming the laws governing radioactive waste to protect the safety of Texans, including by further limiting the ability to store and transport high-level radioactive materials in this state.
EMPLOYMENT: Legislation shielding private employers and employees from political subdivision rules, regulations, ordinances, and other actions that require any terms of employment that exceed or conflict with federal or state law relating to any form of employment leave, hiring practices, employment benefits, or scheduling practices.
STATE LEGISLATURE: Legislation relating to legislative quorum requirements.
Source: gov.texas.gov
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El Condado Harris eleva el codificado de colores de acuerdo al nivel de amenaza COVID-19 del condado a ‘Severo’
Hoy, la juez del Condado Harris, Lina Hidalgo, actualizó el nivel de amenaza pública de COVID-19 del condado de Significativo (naranja, Nivel 2) a Severo (rojo, Nivel 1).
El nivel 1 indica un nivel “severo y descontrolado” de COVID-19, lo que significa que los brotes están empeorando, la capacidad de rastreo de contactos está limitado o excedido y es probable que aumente la atención médica. La elevación al nivel de amenaza 1, el más alto del sistema, se produce cuando una variedad de datos demuestra tendencias alarmantes y que pueden agobiar al sistema de salud local.
Se aconseja a los residentes que usen cubrebocas en situaciones adecuadas y que se vacunen. Para obtener información sobre las vacunas y las pruebas para el COVID-19, visite www.readyharris.org.
HCOHSEM proporcionará actualizaciones a través de las redes sociales y Ready Harris Alerts según sea necesario.