Inside Playoff Fan Central, an interactive fan experience ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship
The three-day, free family-friendly event will include games, band performances, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history.
Sheila Jackson Lee faces short deadline to decide her political future after losing Houstonโs mayoral election
After being defeated in the runoff election for Houston Mayor by State Senator John Whitmire, Sheila Jackson Lee has until Monday at 6 p.m. to file for reelection to Congress if she wants to run again.
Mad Hatta to help host โBack 2 School Summitโ at George R. Brown Convention Center for Houston area students
The World Youth Foundation is holding a free Back 2 School Summit Sunday, July 23, at The George R. Brown Convention Center. The event will be hosted by the Madd Hatta, Houstonโs legendary radio personality and music executive.
โHorrific and evil crimeโ: NRA says organization will reflect on mass shootings ahead of annual meeting in Houston
As the discussion on gun laws are once again at the center of attention following another deadly mass shooting in America, many people were questioning if the National Rifle Association would cancel its annual meeting in Houston.
How to help and get help as the winter storm causes power outages across Texas
City officials, local outreach teams and other organizations are providing warming shelters and support for people seeking help. Houston:Lakewood Church, the Gallery Furniture store and multiple other warming shelters have opened in the area. Homeless outreach teams from the sheriffโs office, police department, and homeless outreach groups have worked to provide rides to the warming centers. If people need help outside of those hours, they can leave a voicemail or email homelessoutreach@sanantonio.gov. DFW:Dallas opened the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center as a warming center, where people will be provided with a chair, table and light snacks.
LIST: Warming shelters open in Houston area
Several warming shelters have opened in and around the Houston area because of the arctic blast. AdLakewood ChurchLakewood Church is open as a warming center. League CityWeโve opened a warming center at the Hometown Heroes Recreation Center. McGuire Dent Recreation CenterThe City of Galveston is reopening a warming center at the McGuire Dent Recreation Center beginning Wednesday, February 17 at 6 p.m. If you need a warming center, please use the Harris County and Houston centers along with this northside center.
GRB to open as โwarming centerโ for those without heat, experiencing homelessness amid winter storm
HOUSTON โ The George R. Brown Convention Center will open its door Sunday afternoon for those looking to escaping the winter weather. The GRB will begin accepting people beginning at 2 p.m. with the capacity to house up to 500 people if needed. Pets will also be allowed but will be kept in a separate area, according to officials. โBARC is here to set up some kennel space and have food and some basic care items for the people that come through our shelters with pets. Theyโll be here to manage the area so the pets can you the facility and relieve themselves,โ Rayne said.
NRA declares bankruptcy, plans to incorporate in Texas
The NRA's bankruptcy filing listed between $100 million and $500 million in assets and between $100 million and $500 million in liabilities. Sea Girt LLC made a separate bankruptcy filing Friday, listing fewer than $100,000 in liabilities. In an interview, NRA board member Charles Cotton made clear that the bankruptcy filing was motivated by litigation and regulatory scrutiny in what he called โcorrupt New Yorkโ โ not financial concerns. Going forward, the NRA said a committee will study opportunities to relocate segments of its operations to Texas and elsewhere. The NRA sued the Oklahoma-based company in 2019, alleging it was being overbilled and said in Friday's bankruptcy filing that the debt it is owed is disputed.
Organizations in Houston prepare for holiday season
HOUSTON โ Itโs a Thanksgiving meal for those in need but like much of 2020, the 42nd Annual Super Feast will look different this year. of food for the holiday season. A 'Turkey Food Drive" will be held at George R. Brown from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m to help benefit Super Feast. They are asking volunteers to pick up the phone and give seniors a ring on the Thanksgiving holiday. The Thanksgiving Parade in Houston has also been reimagined because of COVID-19.
City of Houston sending last load of Hurricane Laura supplies to Lake Charles; trucks to depart Friday morning
HOUSTON โ Volunteers spent Thursday sorting and boxing the final round of recovery supplies donated at the George R. Brown Convention Center to ship to Lake Charles, Louisiana. Mayor Turner formed the Houston Paying it Forward Hurricane Laura support drive in partnership with The Mayorโs Health Equity Response (H.E.R.) Task Force volunteers spent two weeks collecting critically needed supplies to help storm survivors recover. โAfter Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, people from all over the country sent us supplies,โ Community Relations Director and H.E.R. โMayor Turner has given us an opportunity to pay it forward by organizing donation drives after major storms hit other areas of the country.
LIST: Here is where you can drop off donations for Hurricane Laura survivors in Texas and Louisiana
HOUSTON โ By Wednesday evening, employees at Gallery Furniture had packed a second truck of bottled water, diapers, toilet paper and other must-haves filled for those affected by Hurricane Laura in Texas and Louisiana. The North Freeway location serves as a drop-off location for the Houstonโs Hurricane Laura Relief Fund. โThe products will be on the way to Lake Charles, Cameron and Orange starting tomorrow,โ said Jim โMattress Mackโ McIngvale. Donation sites at the George R. Brown Convention Center and Gallery Furniture will be open from 9 a.m. โ 4 p.m.Kroger Stores have collection boxes at each of its locations. George R. Brown Convention CenterGround-level, Hall D off Chartres Street and Walker Street1001 Avenida de las Americas DriveHouston, Texas 77010Gallery Furniture6006 North FreewayHouston, Texas 77076A-Rocket Moving & Storage3401 Corder StreetHouston, TX, 77021Requested supplies
Texas mayors warn pandemics effects on city budgets will linger for years
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas TribuneThe mayors of Texas' most populous cities described painful budget cuts with shortfalls of tens of millions of dollars stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. But they said they're worried that future budgets could be just as difficult to balance for years to come. The temporary closure of businesses and high levels of unemployment due to the pandemic have caused sales tax revenues which make up a significant portion of cities' budgets to plummet. Turner said the city took a hit of about $162 million but was able to avoid furloughing or permanently letting go of its employees. We suspended about $200 million worth of expenses in the middle of the fiscal year that we knew would help with the fund balance moving forward, he said.
Federal judge rules Texas GOP can host in-person convention in Houston
HOUSTON A federal district judge ruled Friday that the Texas Republican Party can host an in-person convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center, according to attorney Jared Woodfill. Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston First canceled the contract with the Texas GOP, citing health concerns amid the coronavirus. After much debate, the Texas GOP moved its convention online Thursday. The Texas GOP is currently discussing whether or not to resume plans for an in-person convention in Houston. Upon receiving a written order from the federal judge, the City of Houston and Houston First will appeal.This is a developing story.
Houstons International Quilt Show cancels massive event at GRB
HOUSTON Organizers have canceled The International Quilt Festival, which was to be held in Houston on October 29 through November 1 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Karey Bresenhan, founder and director emeritus of the event, shared the cancellation with greatest regret Wednesday. In fact, Quilts, Inc. has had to cancel Spring Quilt Market in Pittsburgh and postpone the reintroduction of our Summer Quilt Festival in Long Beach. The Houston Quilt Festival 2021 is scheduled for October 28-31. A virtual quilt festival is also planned, but a date has not yet been announced.
Texas Supreme Court rejects first GOP lawsuit over convention cancellation
HOUSTON The Texas Supreme Court rejected the first of two lawsuits filed by Republicans over the cancellation of the partys in-person convention that was scheduled to happen in Houston this week. In the decision issued Monday, seven of the nine justices said parts of the lawsuit filed by members of the Republican Party against Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, the city and the Houston First Corporation have merit. However, the justices said the court does not have jurisdiction to force Houston First, which oversees the George R. Brown Convention Center where the partys convention was to be held, to allow the convention to take place. A second lawsuit filed by the Texas Republican Party against the same parties is set to be heard in a Houston courtroom Monday morning. The lawsuits came after Turner ordered Houston First to cancel the convention, citing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
โWill continue unimpeded': Texas GOP leaders cry foul after Houston cancels in-person convention at GRB
HOUSTON โ Swift and scathing reactions are pouring in from Republican party leaders around Texas after the city of Houston canceled the Texas GOP convention that was slated to take place next week at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Instead, he waited until the eve of the Convention to inflict the greatest disruption.โTurnerโs actions Wednesday come after weeks of back-and-forth with the Texas GOP and as coronavirus cases continue to surge in Texas and in Houston and Harris County. The Houston mayor previously sent a letter to both Gov. โIt has just come to my attention that the city of Houston has canceled the Republican Party convention. โPolitical stunt'Officials with the Harris County GOP called Turnerโs move โhypocritical,โ in a tweet soon after the announcement was made.
Health experts weigh risk between indoor conventions and protests amid GOP convention cancelation
HOUSTON As the city of Houston moves to cancel the states GOP convention, city leaders and health experts are calling it the right move as others are considering it controversial. When youre in an indoor event like a conference, it requires ancillary support. So you are involuntarily including other people in order to facilitate that event, thats the difference, he said. Dr. David Persse with the Houston Health Authority said the risk level is higher for an indoor event. When its an indoor event, its clearly a different environment.
Texas GOP searches for relocation options to hold in-person convention after Houston cancels
MONTGOMERY, Texas On Wednesday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner sent shockwaves across the state when he canceled the GOPs state convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough offered to help, saying his county could hold the convention. Dickey said theyre looking at several relocation options for their convention including, Montgomery County. Hotels and different venues have been contacted, according to Montgomery County officials. I think thats fantastic, said Montgomery County resident Paul Renberg.
โOpen for businessโ: Montgomery County Judge invites Texas GOP to hold in-person convention after Houston cancels
HOUSTON โ Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, a Republican, invited the Republican Party of Texas to hold its in-person convention in the county after Houston officials canceled the event slated for next week at George R. Brown Convention Center. In response, Keough invited the party to hold its convention in Montgomery County in a video he posted on Facebook. โIt has just come to my attention that the city of Houston has canceled the Republican Party convention. With Houston cancelling the Republican Party Convention I have offered Montgomery County as an alternative host for the upcoming convention. Jason Millsaps, the Chief of Staff for Montgomery County Judge Mark J. Keough, says the Texas GOP is aware of the county judgeโs offer and has been in contact with hotels and venues in Montgomery County.
Houston officials scrap Texas GOPs in-person convention at GRB due to virus
HOUSTON Houston officials on Wednesday canceled the Texas Republican Partys in-person convention, saying the spread of the coronavirus made it impossible to hold the event as scheduled. Greg Abbott, the states top Republican, had publicly deferred to state party leaders who last week voted by a 2-to-1 margin to go forward with an in-person event. But even Patrick, who is chairman of Trumps reelection campaign in Texas, expressed misgivings about his party pressing forward with the convention. The Texas Medical Center, a consortium of Houston hospitals, has moved into surge capacity for its intensive-care beds. Texas Democrats held an online convention in June, and national Democrats plan to hold an almost entirely virtual convention in August.
Chairman says Texas GOP State Convention to continue as in-person event at GRB despite Turners plea
HOUSTON The Texas GOP Convention planned at the George R. Brown Convention Center between July 16-18 will continue as planned, according to the Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey. Dickeys statement Monday came after Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called for the Texas GOPs executive committee to cancel the in-person event that is expected to see roughly 6,000 attendees. Turner asked that the event either be made virtual or that certain health protocols be put in place. Turners request for the convention to go virtual comes as Houston continues to be a hotspot for coronavirus in Texas. Last Thursday, the 64-member executive committee, which serves as the governing body of the state party, voted 40-20 to move forward with the in-person event.
Texas GOP convention will happen in person but Republican leaders will speak via video
James Dickey, Texas GOP Chairman is seen on a large video screen during the final afternoon of the 2018 Texas GOP Convention in San Antonio. Robin Jerstad for The Texas TribuneThe Republican Party of Texas is moving forward with its controversial in-person convention during the coronavirus pandemic but elected officials including Gov. As the state has seen a surge in coronavirus cases, calls have been growing over the past week for the party to cancel its event. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday asked the State Republican Executive Committee to cancel the gathering and warning that health inspectors would have the authority to shut down the event if certain guidelines are not followed. Shortly before Whatley made the announcement, Abbott was noncommittal in a TV interview when asked if he'd attend the convention in person.
Texas GOP will proceed with in-person state convention in Houston this month
The trade show floor at the 2018 Texas Republican Convention in San Antonio. Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneThe Texas GOP's executive committee voted Thursday night to proceed with plans to hold the partys in-person convention in Houston later this month. The State Republican Executive Committee, a 64-member body that serves as the governing board of the state party, voted 40-20 to approve the resolution supporting the in-person gathering. The convention, scheduled for July 16-18, will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, where roughly 6,000 people are expected to attend. Over the past week, demands have mounted for the party to cancel plans for an in-person convention, with some Republicans stating they would not attend such an event due to safety concerns.
Houston, we have a science guy: Bill Nye in town to attend space conference
HOUSTON โ Bill Nye is attending America's commercial space conference and expositionโ SpaceCom, in Houston. The science guy was present at the convention on Nov. 20 when he discussed LightSail 2 with the world's largest independent space interest group The Planetary Society which he serves as CEO. At SpaceCom conference in Houston. @exploreplanets pic.twitter.com/VdJp85P1a8 โ Bill Nye (@BillNye) November 20, 2019The conference requires registration to attend, which can be completed online. The expo is free to attend but does not include participation in keynotes, general sessions and roundtable discussion with featured speakers.
Boeing Starliner simulator offers glimpse into future space transit
The Starliner is Boeingโs answer to putting Americans back in the business of launching U.S. astronauts to the International Space Station. Our forward velocity (is) with this rocker switch on top ... so clicking that forward will increase your forward speed," Nelson said. Boeing hopes do it for half that. That could include a private customer visiting the International Space Station for research. Boeing hopes to launch sometime in the middle of 2018.