Valerie Bonk News


Houston ranked most 'diverse city in America' in WalletHub study

According to a WalletHub study, Houston is the most diverse city in America.



'Pink Champagne Women's Retreat' by Houston event planner to kick-off Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A three-day event by Houston event planner Helena Paschal will be held at the Hilton Post Oak with the goal of promoting connections, learning and laughter as a growth opportunity to reduce stress, according to a press release.


'Puzzling, inflated and wrong': Houston Housing Director McCasland terminated for alleging contract awarding bias

Hours after alleging Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner awarded a major contract to a favored contractor, housing director Tom McCasland was fired.


Abbott 'urges' locals to complete self-reporting damage form from Nicholas

Texans who suffered damage from Tropical Storm Nicholas are encouraged to complete a form stating what damages they suffered.


'We are not yet in the clear': Abbott urges residents to stay alert after Tropical Storm Nicholas

Tropical Storm Nicholas brought heavy rain to the area and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wants residents to stay alert and take caution as there are still safety issues on local roads.


Houston to receive additional Treasury Department funding to reach 'struggling tenants, landlords'

Additional rental assistance could be coming to Houston as the city is on a shortlist of those that will get extra Treasury Department funding, according to Politico.


'Remember the importance of embracing our diversity': Abbott celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as several events are held throughout September and October.


U.S. District Court judge rules 'against' blocking new Texas abortion law

The Texas Attorney General is praising a U.S. District Court judge on his move to rule against the Department of Justice blocking a new Texas abortion law.


'Open borders are not a solution': McCaul speaks out against Biden's border policies

A U.S. Congressman from Houston is speaking out against President Joe Biden's border policies.


Patrick on Portland boycotting Texas over abortion law: 'A complete joke'

A new Texas abortion law permits private citizens to file lawsuits against abortion providers and anyone else who helps a woman obtain an abortion, including anyone who gives a ride to a clinic or provides financial support, according to an NPR News article.


'No excuses': FDA fully approves Pfizer vaccine

The Pfizer vaccine has become the first coronavirus vaccine to be fully approved by the Food and Drug Association.


Turner launches donation drive for Haiti to 'pay it forward'

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner launched a donation drive for Haiti after the Caribbean island suffered recent natural disasters.


Abbott 'tests negative' about a week after contracting COVID-19

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said that he is now testing negative for the coronavirus about a week after he tested positive.


DePelchin Children’s Center’s 'All Dads Succeed' program helps fathers navigate parenthood

The DePelchin Children's Center has a new program for the area that helps dads find their way.


'Our friendship has set a strong foundation': Turner celebrates 60 years of sister city relationship with Taipei

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is celebrating 60 years since the beginning of Houston's Sister City relationship with Taipei.


Hernandez 'proud' to join Democrats who fled to D.C. seeking lack of quorum for election bill vote

State Rep. Ana Hernandez (D-Houston) has joined the Democrats in Washington, D.C., who fled Texas to achieve a lack of a quorum for an upcoming vote on election bills.


Houston Police 'welcome' addition of 3 Harris County judges approved by commissioners court to relieve busy dockets

Three new visiting judges have been approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court to help with a backlog of court cases.


'One of the deadliest drugs': Abbott signs anti-fentanyl bill

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 768 into law at the Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters, which increases criminal penalties for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl in Texas, according to a press release.


'Get to work': Phelan charters plane, demands Democratic lawmakers head back to Texas from Washington, D.C.

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) said a plane is ready for lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to head back to Texas after they were trying to throw a vote in Republican voting restriction bills.