Karen Kidd News


Shared Hope International human trafficking scores put 'greater emphasis on laws that protect victims and survivors,' advocacy group CEO says

Most U.S. states are still failing an international anti-human trafficking grading system but an updated methodology is giving states credit for anti-trafficking laws.


National FBI operation rescues more than 200 human trafficking victims, 3 in Houston

Dozens of child victims of sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation, including three in Houston, were found nationwide during the first half of August, according to FBI announcements.


'Logical to expand here': Gig-work company Jitjatjo now in Houston

Houston is a natural fit for Jitjatjo, the mobile marketplace for real-time temporary employment in the hospitality sector, company CEO and Co-Founder Tim Chatfield said during an interview with the Houston Daily


VFuels: New refinery promotes energy ties with Angola

A Houston-based oil and gas engineering company last week played host to company and elected officials from around the world to show off a modular factory that is headed to Angola to help promote energy independence.


'Greatest benefit to humankind': Fletcher nominates two Houston scientists for Nobel Peace Prize following COVID-19 vaccine development

Houston Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher nominated two local scientists for their efforts to fight the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic because of their "greatest benefit to humankind," she said in a news release.


Houston-based Buckeye Partners' solar 'Project Parker' in central Texas will grow company's renewables portfolio, VP says

A Houston-based petroleum distributor's recent announcement that it will build a 270-megawatt solar project in central Texas is strategic, a company executive said in a news release.


'We emphasize learning by doing': Rice University students discover new wasp

The recently announced discovery of a new wasp species by biologists on the campus at Rice University received a most appropriate name, the team's lead said in a news release.


'Texas is never, ever turning blue': Trump hints at possible presidential run at rally in Conroe

Former President Donald Trump apparently believes that endorsing local GOP candidates and hinting at pardons for Jan. 6 insurrectionists will win votes from his vision of red-or-dead Texas – should he run again in 2024.


'He was very much loved': Funeral scheduled for Harris County deputy killed during traffic stop

Harris County Precinct 5 Corporal Charles Galloway, killed during traffic stop in Houston early Sunday, Jan. 23, will be laid to rest next week, according to an area news report.


Hobby Airport's recently announced 5-star rating - first in North America - 'well deserved,' Houston Mayor Turner says

Houston's Hobby Airport's recently announced recognition as a 5-star airport really makes the city stand out, Mayor Sylvester Turner told a local news outlet.


'It was just something we really wanted': Brothers raise $55,000 for Houston Ronald McDonald House to encourage outdoor sports and play

One of two Houston-area siblings and football players who've raised more than $50,000 for the Ronald McDonald House in Houston said God had a hand in their successful fundraising goal.


Harris County reaches COVID-19 threat level red, 'a severe and uncontrolled level of COVID-19'

Harris County is now back to its highest COVID-19 threat level, level 1 or level red, as the omicron continues to pick up steam and residents are urged to return to very cautious social behavior.


Colleagues honor Worrell: 'Thank you for your kind words on the telecast'

Colleagues of the Houston Rockets' former longtime play-by-play announcer Bill Worrell, honored during a recent game with the Dallas Mavericks, provided tributes on social media.


'He sought to build bridges': Turner remembers Desmond Tutu

The passing of the South African cleric who fought against that nation's systematic segregation policies leaves the world with many lessons, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a social media post.


Texas Tower gives pandemic workers 'something great for them to come back to,' developer says

Texas Tower, the new 47-story office building in downtown Houston that opened last week, is a hit with its tenants, a director of one of its developers told a Houston-area newspaper.


'Our hearts are broken': Texas A&M mourns loss of cross-country, track & field runner with 'bright future'

The death of a promising freshman Texas A&M cross-country and track & field runner in an automobile crash last weekend is a terrible loss, Head Coach Pat Henry said in a news release.


Hidalgo encourages residents to 'get vaccinated and boosted' after county's first omicron death reported

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo took to social media on the same day as the county's first death from the COVID-19 omicron variant to urge others to protect themselves against a similar fate.


'I love Trump': Trump makes appearance in Houston

Former President Donald Trump has the support of at least one Harris County man.


'Showing these kids we love them': Houston social groups, motorcycle clubs provide Thanksgiving dinner for children of gunned down family members

More than 20 social groups and motorcycle clubs have joined in an effort to provide Thanksgiving dinner for three children, whose parents and 6-year-old sister were killed in their apartment last summer, a Houston-area news station recently reported.


Houston-based Israel to the Southwest consulate reports meeting with Turner: 'Excited for boundless new opportunities'

Houston-based Israel to the Southwest United States Consul General recently met with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, according to consulate social media posts.