FIFTH WARD

During a Friday visit, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said his agency is “prepared to act” to force accelerated cleanups in historically polluted Houston neighborhoods.

Residents of the Fifth Ward neighborhood that is designated as a “cancer cluster” said their fight for justice was galvanized Friday with a visit from a top administrator from the federal government.

A Houston woman filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad and the City of Houston over her nephew’s death from leukemia.

A $30-billion, five-year nationwide plan to bring more economic opportunity to diverse communities will help Houstonians has taken shape in Fifth Ward and at two area universities.

A Spring couple is trying to figure out who stole their car from Hobby Airport.

The Environmental Protection Agency has given United Pacific Railroad until the end of the month to respond to a request for an action plan regarding the cleanup of a contaminated site in Houston’s Fifth Ward, which is believed to be the source of a cancer cluster.

A new exhibit in Houston's Fifth Ward is an homage to—and a critique of—one of the country's first racially integrated art shows.

Musical legends Ray Charles, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin often performed at the hottest nightclub in Houston’s 5th Ward. Club Matinee was known as “the Cotton Club of the South” by musical legends and area residents alike.

Houston police are investigating after a 13-year-old was shot in Houston’s Fifth Ward area.

Daniel Brundidge, a then 4-year-old Houston non-verbal child with autism, became viral in 2019 after his mom caught him humming to the Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ hit song “Old Town Road.”

The decision is expected to disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous and Latinx people, as well as seniors living on fixed incomes.

Residents suspect a “gumbo” of chemicals from a nearby rail yard is to blame for the heightened cancer risk.

A giant tree fell onto a family’s home in Fifth Ward Thursday afternoon, according to the Houston Fire Department.

In the last 12 months, the Houston Food Bank has distributed more food than any other year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Houston Food Bank has distributed a record 272 million pounds of food since the pandemic first hit Houston in March 2020 — an 86% jump from the 12 month period leading up to COVID-19. A spokesperson for the Houston Food Bank said demand is more than they’ve ever seen before, even exceeding the year following Hurricane Harvey. “For food banks, the pandemic brought new challenges and has tested us in ways we've never been tested before,” read a statement from Houston Food Bank CEO Brian Greene. Even with ramped up food distribution, volunteer Amatullah Contractor said there are still communities left behind, including those who live in food deserts.

Residents said they’re having to borrow water or use bottled water to bathe, cook and flush toilets since their pipes burst. Theresa Anderson has been without water since last week’s winter storm hit the Houston area. “I’m sitting here and I’m just trying to get somebody to go get me some water right now because I can’t pack it,” Anderson said at a Fifth Ward water drive on Thursday. Blinda Whaley is another local resident whose water has been out for more than a week due to burst pipes. She was also at the Fifth Ward water drive Thursday.

HOUSTON – Daisy Stiner has spent her career trying to bring support and relief to underserved communities. Established in 1943, the Hester House is one of the oldest community outreach centers in Houston. “It started out as a hub, a meeting place for community residents,” Stiner said. Ad“To family members who are unemployed, we have our referral services where they can get the services they need to provide stability to their families,” Stiner said. “We are proud to be a part of that and to be a beacon to the community,” Stiner said.

HOUSTON – If it takes a village to raise a child, the Center for Urban Transformation in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward is part of the new “village” headquarters. We are teammates, and we enjoy the work we’re doing,” said Henry Clemons, pastor at the nearly century-old Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in the Fifth Ward and one of the “village” leaders. Pleasant Hill Ministries, the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, Houston Habitat for Humanity, Legacy Community Health and the Berg and Androphy law firm founded and sit on the Board of Directors for CUT. ”It’s not enough to deal with them in the courtroom and get them out of a particular legal system,” Clemons said. Those partners include: Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, Houston Food Bank, Houston Furniture Bank and Salvation Army; Houston Public Library, Camp Cardiac, Workforce Solutions, Harris County Dispute Resolution Center; The Harris County DA’s Office, Legacy Community Health, Big Brothers Big Sisters, several churches and many others.

A state investigation revealed another cancer cluster in Northeast Houston last month, but the news only confirmed what residents already knew. It's like the whole street died from cancer,” Edwards said. Residents have filed multiple lawsuits against Union Pacific, and negotiations over managing the waste are ongoing with state environmental officials. Shortly after the report was publicized, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a statement requesting that Union Pacific fulfill these demands. The Houston Health Department's most recent sampling of locations above the groundwater plume took place late last year.

In 2020, a state health and human services report found higher rates of lung, esophagus and throat cancer among adults in the area. Now, a new report released earlier in January shows children sickened with Leukemia at nearly five times the expected rate. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is calling on Union Pacific and state agencies to get involved and care for these families. Both cancer clusters are near legacy creosote contamination at a facility now owned by Union Pacific. “I am requesting that Union Pacific help to relocate affected residents and create a buffer between contaminated areas and homes in the neighborhood.

Nearly 13 months after a cancer cluster was detected in northeast Houston, a new cancer cluster has emerged in Houston's historically black Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods. Mayor Sylvester Turner voiced his concerns about the cancer cluster Wednesday, demanding accountability from the neighboring railroad company. Owned by Union Pacific, Englewood Rail Yard is situated right next to the Kashmere Gardens neighborhood. "This is a further demonstration that the Fifth Ward is an environmental justice community in dire need of resources to address health inequities. This might look like more medical clinics, targeted health screenings, and further studies into the cause of this cancer cluster,” Lone Star Legal Aid Staff attorney Rodrigo Cantu said.

Nearly 13 months after a cancer cluster was detected in northeast Houston, a new cancer cluster has emerged in Houston's historically black Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods. Mayor Sylvester Turner voiced his concerns about the cancer cluster Wednesday, demanding accountability from the neighboring railroad company. Owned by Union Pacific, Englewood Rail Yard is situated right next to the Kashmere Gardens neighborhood. "This is a further demonstration that the Fifth Ward is an environmental justice community in dire need of resources to address health inequities. This might look like more medical clinics, targeted health screenings, and further studies into the cause of this cancer cluster,” Lone Star Legal Aid Staff attorney Rodrigo Cantu said.

Lucille’s 1913, a non-profit run by Lucille’s chef-owner Chris Williams, will donate thousands of meals at food drives in Fort Bend County and Houston’s Fifth Ward on Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, according to a release. At 11 a.m., Lucille’s 1913 will host two Food Distribution Drives in partnership with Fort Bend County. At 2 p.m., Lucille’s 1913 will distribute an additional 1,000 meals at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1510 Pannell St. in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Those who wish to pick up a meal at the Fifth Ward food drive must register and reserve their meal in advance on Eventbrite. Williams founded Lucille’s 1913 last year in response to the emerging coronavirus pandemic.

Kroger pharmacists conducting COVID-19 tests at a testing site in the Fifth Ward in Houston on June 27, 2020. Here are a few of my columns from the long, long months of COVID-19, from the government responses to the human toll. But more are issuing advisories as the new coronavirus pandemic spreads in Texas. Muted holidays in Texas, as pandemic threatens and vaccines raise hopesVaccines and antibody therapies raise hopes of combatting the coronavirus. COVID-19 vaccines are coming to Texas, along with a ranking of who’s most essentialGreat news: The COVID-19 vaccines are coming.

HOUSTON – A young mother from Houston’s Fifth Ward is angry and concerned for her children and others after she says she witnessed a teacher at Jefferson Elementary School physically abusing her 5-year-old autistic son just as she arrived to pick him up for school. Worst of all, she said it appeared her son was having trouble breathing. “It was as if he was gasping for air, it was as if he was having trouble breathing,” Renee said. Houston Independent School District released the following written statement:“Allegations of improper handling of a student have been made against a staff member at Jefferson Elementary School. Please know that HISD places great value on our students, and their safety and well-being are of the utmost importance.”

To help achieve a transformation of the Buffalo Bayou Park’s east sector, local nonprofit Houston Endowment has granted $10 million to Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) for the project to take place over the next 20 years. The grant dedicated towards the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan will fund the addition of new bayou parks and trails, dynamic recreational and cultural destinations, as well as bikeways and “green fingers” into surrounding neighborhoods, according to a news release. In addition to extending the western network of Buffalo Bayou parks, trails and open space, the master plan will also create a connection between the Fifth Ward and Greater East End neighborhoods to the bayou and to each other, the release said. “The grant from Houston Endowment is another exciting step forward in the creation of a more equitable city for all Houstonians,” Turner said. “We are grateful to both Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Houston Endowment not only for their inclusive vision of a better Houston, but their commitment to making it a reality.”

HOUSTON – Several members of the Fifth Ward community gathered to seek the public’s help finding the killer of a well-liked store clerk. It’s not safe for you in Fifth Ward. The image was captured by cameras at the A-to-Z Food Mart. The image was captured by cameras at the A-to-Z Food Mart. (KPRC)A shrine was set-up in front of the A-to-Z Food Mart to keep Lawrence’s memory alive and serve as a reminder a killer is on the loose.

HOUSTON – More than 500,000 Houstonians are living in “food deserts”-- parts of town where fresh, nutritious food are not immediately accessible. Thursday afternoon, Mattie Sterling took a virtual gardening class on Zoom, hosted by the Julia C. Hester House. The Hester House provided participants with fertilizer, soil and vegetable plants. A spokesperson for the Hester House said they’re trying to help neighbors be self-sufficient in areas that don’t have grocery stores. “You can just walk outdoors, pick it, clean it up and put it on.”The Hester House plans to have more of these classes.

HOUSTON – The Urban Movie Channel’s “5th Ward: The Series” is a show based on fictional characters living in Houston’s Fifth Ward -- which is one of the city’s 6 historic wards. Mya as Mina in 5th Ward: The Series (Urban Movie Channel)Carter, who is a native Houstonian is proud of showcase the city to the rest of the country and work with local talent. Most of those people are from Houston or maybe even from the Fifth Ward neighborhood. You can stream Season 1 and 2 of “5th Ward: The Series'” here. And to see the trailer for “5th Ward: The Series,” watch the video below.

Get the 411 about ‘5th Ward: The Series,’ a drama set and filmed in Houston | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: September 30, 2020, 3:51 pmThe Urban Movie Channel's "5th Ward: The Series" is a show based on fictional characters living in Houston’s Fifth Ward -- which is one of the city's 6 historic wards. Greg Carter -- who created, wrote and produced the show -- and veteran actor Reginald T. Dorsey, shared details about this production that just wrapped its second season and was filmed in Houston.

HOUSTON – The Third and Fifth wards of Houston have been designated cultural districts by the state. “I am so excited to see the State recognize the Fifth Ward community for its rich history and heritage while also acknowledging its continued commitment to arts and culture,” Harrison Guy, Director of Arts & Culture at the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, said in a written statement. “These neighborhoods have created, nurtured and celebrated arts and culture over generations,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a written statement. The other five are the Arts District Houston, the East End Cultural District, the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District, the Museum District and the Theater District. For more information about Houston’s cultural program, go to houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs.

HOUSTON – The president of Prairie View A&M University, Dr. Ruth Simmons, has gifted the Fifth Ward community with a major boost in an effort to help a non-profit founded 77 years ago. Simmons presented the Julia C. Hester House, a long-standing community center in the Fifth Ward area, a donation in the amount of $100,000 on Saturday. Simmons said the gift will help the organization continue to serve residents with a variety of programs, including child development, education, community swim classes, senior services and meal distributions. “My siblings and I owe a great deal to Julia C. Hester House," Simmons said. “We were both surprised and elated with gratitude when we received the news of this thoughtful donation.

Woman shot in possible domestic dispute at Fifth Ward Taco Bell, police sayThe Taco Bell at the corner of Lockwood Drive and Farmer Street in Houston is seen on Google Maps Street View in June 2017. The Taco Bell at the corner of Lockwood Drive and Farmer Street in Houston is seen on Google Maps Street View in June 2017. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Woman shot in possible domestic dispute at Fifth Ward Taco Bell, police say 1 / 1 Back to GalleryA person was shot during a possible domestic dispute Friday morning at an east Houston Taco Bell, according to police. The victim, identified by METRO Transit Authority police as a woman, was shot around 8:50 a.m. at the fast-food restaurant on Lockwood near the East Freeway. The victim ran from the fast-food restaurant to Metros nearby Denver Harbor Transit Center for help, according to Houston police.

HOUSTON – A would-be thief is injured after police said a homeowner opened fire when he caught the man trying to break into his home in northeast Houston. The incident happened around 1:30 a.m. Thursday at a home on Capron Street and Rawley Street in the Fifth Ward, authorities said. Police said the homeowner heard a noise, and when he went to investigate, he saw a hand reaching in near where the AC unit is. At that time the suspect runs around, confronts him and shots were fired.”Detectives said the would-be thief was shot once in the back. I have an 11-year-old.”Buzby has this message for the would-be thief she says that violated her neighborhood: “Go to work, go to school get your own, you can’t take other people’s things and not expect to receive some kind of consequences for it."

Sunday on Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) talks about the challenge of finding answers for the community. Jackson Lee said that while she is back in her district, she is still connected to the House effort in Washington. Baylor St. Luke’s trains to identify human trafficking victimsKimberly Williams, Baylor St. Luke's Project Coordinator, Human Trafficking Initiative (KPRC)A recent study estimated that tens of thousands of victims of human trafficking are in Southeast Texas. Kimberly Williams is the project coordinator for the Human Trafficking Initiative at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and said they are often on the front lines of the human trafficking battle. Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall airs Sundays at 10:30 a.m.More informationU.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, (D) 18th Congressional DistrictKimberly Williams, Human Trafficking Project Coordinator, Baylor, St. Luke’s Medical Center

Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich to speak on cancer cluster in Fifth Ward at town hallActivist Erin Brockovich at a rally for PG&E accountability in Sacramento, Calif. Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019. Brockovich will speak at a town hall in Houston regarding a cancer cluster found in a north Houston neighborhood Tuesday night. The town hall, hosted by Jackson Lee and U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston), will focus on relief for the community affected by the contamination. Union Pacific said in a statement that the company will also have a representative present. The town hall will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Wheatley High School Auditorium at 4801 Providence St.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Just east of downtown, you'll find one of Houston's oldest neighborhoods.But are those who live in the historic Fifth Ward at an elevated risk of getting cancer? "Hey, as long as I've been living, it's been going on," explained resident Lacy Vann. "Can you imagine how many billions of dollars they've made doing this? "Houston Health Department crews and volunteers are going door-to-door, educating residents and collecting health information.It's a response to a new state report that identified the area as a cancer cluster.At least 110 homes in the Fifth Ward were built on top of soil contaminated by a cancer causing chemical, once used at a nearby railroad. "The specific cancers that we're looking at are ones that are identified to be caused by the kinds of chemicals that are in the groundwater under their homes," said Lauren Hopkins, the Chief Environmental Science Officer at the Houston Health Department.Union Pacific Railroad owns the rail yard, and officials said they are working with the state health department.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Just east of downtown, you'll find one of Houston's oldest neighborhoods.But are those who live in the historic Fifth Ward at an elevated risk of getting cancer? "Hey, as long as I've been living, it's been going on," explained resident Lacy Vann. "Can you imagine how many billions of dollars they've made doing this? "Houston Health Department crews and volunteers are going door-to-door, educating residents and collecting health information.It's a response to a new state report that identified the area as a cancer cluster.At least 110 homes in the Fifth Ward were built on top of soil contaminated by a cancer causing chemical, once used at a nearby railroad. "The specific cancers that we're looking at are ones that are identified to be caused by the kinds of chemicals that are in the groundwater under their homes," said Lauren Hopkins, the Chief Environmental Science Officer at the Houston Health Department.Union Pacific Railroad owns the rail yard, and officials said they are working with the state health department.

Why the Survey Matters“We know that the contaminants in the groundwater plume are carcinogenic and we know that this community has a cancer cluster—that means elevated cancer cases—and the TCEQ actually requested the cancer cluster analysis,” Dr. Lauren Hopkins, the Houston Health Department’s Chief Environmental Science Officer, said. Hopkins said they know that there is a carcinogenic chemical plume contaminating underground water underneath approximately 110 homes in Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens. A Community in ActionThe study sparked a fiery response from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, as well as Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the Houston Health Department and community groups. IMPACT Greater Houston and the Houston Health Department informed residents about the community meetings on January 13 and February 10, when the Houston Health Department plans to release the results of Saturday’s survey. Jackson-Lee is also working with the state and federal officials and planning a large-scale stakeholder meeting on January 21 in the Fifth Ward at 7 p.m.

Suspect fires at Houston police officers before barricading himself inside home in Fifth WardA man fired at Houston police officers responding to a report of a person with a gun in the 2200 block of Lockwood near the Fifth Ward, according to police. A man fired at Houston police officers responding to a report of a person with a gun in the 2200 block of Lockwood near the Fifth Ward, according to police. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Suspect fires at Houston police officers before barricading himself inside home in Fifth Ward 1 / 1 Back to GalleryA man was holed up inside a Fifth Ward home early Thursday after shooting at two Houston police officers responding to a suspicious person call, according to Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo. The officers, who were unscathed, fired back at the suspect before he fled into the home, Acevedo said during a news briefing on the scene. The officers were called to a report of a suspicious person, possibly armed with a gun, at 10:22 p.m. Wednesday in the 1400 block of Lockwood.

HOUSTON – A section of Interstate 10 East Freeway that was closed Tuesday morning after an 18-wheeler hit a bridge in Houston’s Fifth Ward has reopened. The crash was reported about 3:30 a.m. on the westbound side of the freeway near Waco Street. By 7:40 a.m., all westbound lanes had reopened to traffic. Posted by KPRC2 / Click2Houston on Tuesday, December 17, 2019Houston police said the big rig hit the bridge causing concrete and debris from the damage to fall onto the freeway. Officials from the Texas Department of Transportation conducted an inspection of the bridge before reopening the area to traffic.

HOUSTON – A report conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed a cancer cluster in northeast Houston. Significantly higher than normal diagnoses of the deadly disease were found among residents of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods, the study confirmed. The report analyzed data from the Texas Cancer Registry over a 17-year period, from 2000 to 2016. “Our neighborhood is contaminated from Union Pacific,” Edwards insisted. Cantu represents Impact Fifth Ward and its push for answers about creosote cleanup and cancer.

Shooting NE of downtown injures 3, Houston police sayPhoto: Houston Chronicle Photo: Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Shooting NE of downtown injures 3, Houston police say 1 / 1 Back to GalleryA shooting in the Fifth Ward sent two men to the hospital and injured a woman, Houston police said. The incident occurred at 3500 Liberty Road, northeast of Downtown, and several blocks east of Interstate-69, according to an HPD tweet shortly before 9:30. This is a developing story and will be updated.

As it turned out, the closest officers were around the corner. "When they arrived, they saw a man in a wheelchair, bleeding from his face," she said. A man and woman also had superficial wounds from the buckshot. "Victorian said when officers approached, they gave him verbal commands. "The officers administered first-aid until paramedics arrived," said Victorian.

As it turned out, the closest officers were around the corner. "When they arrived, they saw a man in a wheelchair, bleeding from his face," she said. A man and woman also had superficial wounds from the buckshot. "Victorian said when officers approached, they gave him verbal commands. "The officers administered first-aid until paramedics arrived," said Victorian.

Police: Man's body found inside car in Houston's 5th Ward had been there for daysPolice discovered the mans body inside the abandoned vehicle at Providence and Amboy streets on Tuesday, July 30 2019. Police discovered the mans body inside the abandoned vehicle at Providence and Amboy streets on Tuesday, July 30 2019. Photo: OnScene.TV Photo: OnScene.TV Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Police: Man's body found inside car in Houston's 5th Ward had been there for days 1 / 8 Back to GalleryHouston police believe the body of a man found in a car in the Fifth Ward had likely been there for several days. Police discovered the man's body inside the abandoned vehicle at Providence and Amboy streets after they received a report that a car had been left there for days, said Lt. Larry Crowson. BODY FOUND: Body of woman found in Houston parking lot, officials suspect foul playNo other information about the man was readily available.

A juvenile justice diversion program based in Fifth Ward with $200,000 in backing from the Harris County District Attorney. The newly created Center for Urban Transformation, a Fifth Ward community-based organization, announced the juvenile justice diversion program Monday as its first major initiative. The center joined with the Harris County District District Attorneys Office to create the diversion program. Kathy Payton, president of the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, said the program isnt about being soft on crime but about getting to the root of community issues. Its about treating kids in Fifth Ward who get into altercations the same as you treat kids in River Oaks.

Houston resident escapes as fire severely damages Fifth Ward-area homeHouston firefighters extinguish a blaze early Monday, July 1, at a home in the 700 block of Gregg Street. The sole resident escaped with no injuries. Houston firefighters extinguish a blaze early Monday, July 1, at a home in the 700 block of Gregg Street. Photo: OnScene TV Photo: OnScene TV Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close Houston resident escapes as fire severely damages Fifth Ward-area home 1 / 23 Back to GalleryA resident escaped from a home that caught fire early Monday in the Fifth Ward area, according to authorities. Houston Fire Department officials said they arrived at the home just after midnight in the 700 block of Gregg Street.