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John Sammon News
Abbott: COVID seven-day positivity rate has declined 'for two straight weeks'
By John Sammon | Aug 27, 2021
Though he himself recently tested positive for COVID-19, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) claimed the virus is winding down while new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the Pfizer vaccine could render his ban on mandatory vaccinations obsolete.
New cruise ship terminal in Galveston could take city 'from fourth to third in U.S. in passengers, revenue'
By John Sammon | Aug 17, 2021
Groundbreaking for a new cruise terminal in the Texas Port of Galveston took place on Aug. 14, and state officials said the expansion would make the city more of a major cruising destination.
'Running a small business is a huge challenge': Harris County approves $30 million for small businesses
By John Sammon | Aug 12, 2021
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced on Aug. 10 a new infusion of cash totaling $30 million to help small business in Texas during the hard times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
'The Delta variant is far more transmissible': COVID-19 cases soar in Houston
By John Sammon | Jul 29, 2021
It seems that people who refuse to get a COVID-19 vaccination in Texas communities like Houston are fueling a new upsurge in cases, causing health officials to raise the threat level from the second lowest tier (yellow) to the second highest (orange) on July 22.
'A great step in the fight to prevent, cure cancer': University of Texas researcher receives grant to study tumors
By John Sammon | Jul 23, 2021
Claudio E. Tatsui, a researcher and MD at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, has been named a recipient of grant funding for his work in the study and treatment of cancerous spinal tumors.
Turner tours Lucky Land, a 'hidden gem' in Houston
By John Sammon | Jul 18, 2021
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner recently toured Lucky Land, a theme park with an Asian theme, and praised the park’s attractions, calling it a “gem” among the city’s attractions.
Abbott: 'Democrats must get back to the job they were elected to do'
By John Sammon | Jul 16, 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) took state Democrats to task chastising them for journeying to Washington D.C. on July 12 in an attempt to avoid approval of what they contend is restrictive voter registration proposed by Republicans – by running out the clock in the current special legislative session.
'Get vaccinated': Houston Astros, Methodist Church offer free baseball tickets to those who get COVID-19 vaccination on June 15
By John Sammon | Jun 14, 2021
The Houston Astros baseball team in partnership with the Methodist Church of Houston are offering two free baseball tickets if you get a COVID-19 coronavirus vaccination on June 15.
'Insulting': Turner, Houston city officials question denial of storm compensation from Hurricane Harvey
By John Sammon | Jun 14, 2021
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and city officials are angry at a denial of storm compensation from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 that flooded the city and are asking the federal government to override a state agency decision.
Harris County Commissioners hold 'first in-person meeting' since start of pandemic
By John Sammon | Jun 10, 2021
The Harris County Commission held its first in-person meeting in Houston in over a year, a sign that the COVID-19 pandemic is easing.
'Largest single-day sporting event in Houston' welcomes in-person event in 2022
By John Sammon | Jun 4, 2021
The Chevron Houston Marathon, one of the city’s biggest yearly events attracting thousands of people, will be back on track for the 2022 event after the closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Clear Creek ISD superintendent Williams: 'Next year it will look more like a pre-pandemic school year'
By John Sammon | May 30, 2021
Dr. Eric Williams, new superintendent of the Clear Creek Independent School District (ISD) in League City, Texas, said during an interview that getting back to a post COVID-19 pandemic curriculum this year is a big first step in his tenure.
'It changed my life': Plummer recalls agony of struggling with COVID-19, isolation
By John Sammon | May 28, 2021
Houston City Councilwoman Letitia Plummer recalled the agonies of getting the COVID-19 virus last year, but added that the worst part was how the illness isolated her from other people.
Middleton: HB 764 'eliminates unnecessary STARR tests, gives more flexibility to school districts regarding standardized tests'
By John Sammon | May 15, 2021
Texas State Rep. Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville) indicated a bill approved by the Legislature on May 7 that cuts funding for state-imposed testing of students saves residents money and removes an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.
Turner: Houston has 'made strides to build ecosystem' as city is named No. 2 technology hub in U.S.
By John Sammon | May 14, 2021
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the City of Houston is on its way to becoming one of the technology hubs in the U.S. thanks to a migration of highly skilled workers attracted by its job market.
Lee concerned that U.S. troop pullout will negate 'progress that has been made'
By John Sammon | May 13, 2021
Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) expressed concern in a tweet that if U.S. troops pull out of Afghanistan, the safety and social gains made by Afghan women will be put in jeopardy.
Turner eyes progress toward 'a renewed sense of international climate cooperation'
By John Sammon | May 11, 2021
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was one of 19 mayors of major cities around the world to participate in a virtual discussion on May 10 with Secretary of State John Kerry on how to deal with global climate change.
Abbott: Funding will 'ensure that Texas public schools have the necessary resources to help students recover from learning loss'
By John Sammon | Apr 29, 2021
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX), Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and State House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) announced additional funding will be made available to help Texas schools get back on their feet after the COVID-19 pandemic.