Mayor Turner’s “$95,000-a-year internship” story: Is KPRC 2 News trying to meddle with the City Election?

With the city elections less than a month away, the current recycling of “The Sylvester Turner “$95,000-a-year internship” story segment with no new information is becoming unprofessionally redundant and may signify election meddling.

The timeline trailing KPRC 2 News segments on how an intern recommended by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner earns $95,000 a year suggests there might be hidden or perhaps abnormal motives. But the story is substantial and admirably investigative. KPRC 2 reporters had penetrated Mayor Turner’s business and fished out a breaking news report, that an entry-level local government job which he recommendation carries abnormal salary earnings of $95,000 a year.

In the middle of this storm is a 31-year-Marvin Agumagu who was offered a position in an airport’s Executive Internship Program in rather a suspicious manner, raising concerns about why he was given the salary of a senior staff analyst, $95,000 a year with benefits whereas the average internship makes about $22,000 annually.

Meticulously, KPRC 2 News might have invested more resources in this story than their coverage of Hurricane Harvey.

But Mayor Turner defended his actions explaining that Mr. Agumagu’s salary was appropriate based on his education and experience. For instance, noted Turner in a statement made available to the media, “He has three advanced degrees, including a bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree and a law degree. He also has experience in international relations and governmental affairs which is an asset for the City of Houston’s 5-star international airports.”

Apparently, Mayor Turner’s explanation was not enough for KPRC 2 News. They had run this same story over three times with different headlines, teasers, powerful promos, and ambiguous story riders. Meticulously, they might have invested more resources in this story than their coverage of Hurricane Harvey.

This sarcastic sub-headline caught my attention, “How much would you pay someone to fetch coffee and make photocopies? $10,000 a year? $20,000 a year?” But KPRC 2 News knew that this was not just a basic internship position. As the Mayor’s camp noted, “The official job title for the Executive Intern is Senior Staff Analyst (Executive Level) with a pay grade of 28. The Department Director chose the job title and pay grade and the Human Resource Department determined both were consistent with the specified duties and responsibilities of the position.”

One of Mayor Turner’s major opposition in the upcoming City general election, Tony Buzbee (Left) has already called for a full investigation into the issue. Currently, the Buzbee campaign has infiltrated the networks with advertisements created off of KPRC 2 News’ consistent bashing of Mayor Turner (right)..

But for the records, approval was done under the City of Houston’s Administrative policy. According to the Mayor, “The process is routine, and I have signed 122 of these reclassifications for each of the 23 city departments since taking office in January 2016.”

Yet KPRC 2 News remained adamant in its story segments, recycling the same content and rewording every sentence to fake freshness. In fact, they have indirectly fed Mayor Turner’s election opponents with both campaign talking points and advertisement catchphrases.

For example, One of Mayor Turner’s major opposition in the upcoming City general election, Tony Buzbee has already called for a full investigation into the issue. According to Buzbee “The mayor claims he can’t find the money to pay for police, fire, and floods, but based on three emails, he can hire an intern for 95K a year plus benefits.” Currently, the Buzbee campaign has infiltrated the networks will advertisements created off of KPRC 2 News’ consistent bashing of Mayor Turner.

KPRC 2 has indirectly fed Mayor Turner’s election opponents with both campaign talking points and advertisement catchphrases.

Nevertheless, Mayor Turner is not new to such media campaign machinations. Recall Turner v. Dolcefino when in November 1991, KTRK Channel 13 ran a news story about Turner during a close mayoral race. Turner lost that election and ended up in a very lengthy libel lawsuit with both the TV station and their reporter.

Mayor Turner (left) has consistently led in the polls. In a recent poll of 501 registered voters that Houston Public Media commissioned together with KHOU, Mayor Turner led his rivals with than a third of respondents (36.5%). Tony Buzbe (right) trails with 22%.

So it could be said that Mayor Turner again might be under the mainstream media bombardment and as we can see, this trend increases as the polls draw closer. Just two weeks ago, KTRK-TV ran another investigative story linking a rapport between Mayor Turner and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic to a breakfast meeting, campaign donations, and city insurance contract.

It is not a coincidence that all these are coming less than one month when Houston voters will decide the next mayor for another four-year tenure. Mayor Turner has consistently led in the polls. In a recent poll of 501 registered voters that Houston Public Media commissioned together with KHOU, Mayor Turner led his rivals with than a third of respondents.

At this point, if there are substantial updates in this story, let viewers know if not, KPRC 2 News should wrap it up or shut up

With the city elections less than a month away, the current recycling of Turner’s “$95,000-a-year internship” story segment with no new information is becoming unprofessionally redundant and may signify election meddling. If there are substantial updates in this story, let viewers know, if not KPRC 2 News should wrap it up or shut up.

♦ Anthony Ogbo, PhD, Adjunct Professor at the Texas Southern University is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015) and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

Grace International Church hosts VOGUE Women’s Conference 2019

From left: Dr. Jasmin (Jazz) Sculark; Dr. Dennis and Aity Inyang and hosts, Drs. Ayo and Alice Ajim.

International Guardian – HOUSTON, TX – Grace International Church on Bellaire, Houston has announced the 2019 V.O.G.U.E (Vessels of Glory Unto Excellence) Women’s Conference tagged “Prepared for Good Works”, a theme derived from 2 Timothy 2:21. The events start Friday, October 18th and will run till Sunday, October 20th. All the programs will be held at the Grace International Church on 15401 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77083. Program times are: Friday (7pm), Sat (10am: Registration at 9am with “Breakfast for a Queen”), Sun (9am and 11am).

VOGUE Women’s Conference is a free annual symposium. Guests and participants come from several parts of the country to learn and share biblical messages; receive the anointing and experience God’s involvement in their endeavors. The theme for instance would explore the accuracy of biblical understanding about how the man of God may “be complete, equipped for every good work.” The program will be hosted by Grace Int’l Church overseers, Drs. Ayo and Alice Ajim, and will also feature as guest speakers, Dr. Jasmin Sculark and Dr. Dennis and Aity Inyang.

Dr. Jasmin (Jazz) Sculark is founder and President of The Daughter of Thunder and Senior Pastor of Victory Grace Center Bowie, MD, a native of island of Trinidad. She is a globally recognized pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, Author and Philanthropist.

Dr. Dennis Inyang is the Presiding Pastor of Sure Word Assembly, Lagos. His wife, remarkably gifted Gospel music Artiste – Aity is a multilingual singer, worship leader, and prolific songwriter who has performed on big stages across the globe ministering alongside gospel music greats like the legendary Rev. Shirley Caesar, Ron Kenoly, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Alvin Slaughter and Hope Davies, and others.

The primary focus of Grace International Church is to share the love and joy of Christ worldwide. As a platform, Grace is a thriving and vibrant congregation set to worship God and experience a life of peace and abundance. The VOGUE Women’s Conference coincides with the Church values and expression of faith – a reflection of the principles of the Doctrine of Christ.

For more information about The VOGUE Women’s Conference, please call or stop by: 15401 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX 77083 Phone: (281) 564-7223. Email: info@graceint.org; or you may visit their Website: www.graceint.org/

Concerns as TSU’s band director Clarence Gibson resigns

School explains “He was immediately placed on administrative leave and has since resigned“

Band members former and current said Gibson (pictured) served as a mentor and a father-figure to all his students. They said the last several days without him haven’t been the same.

Members of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band are questioning why their head band director, Clarence Gibson, was suddenly asked to resign with no explanation, Houston’s Fox 26 reports.

The news comes just days before TSU’s homecoming next weekend.

“We all deserve answers, We all deserve some sort of reasoning why he’s no longer here,” said former TSU drum major, Giovandre St. Cyr.

Band members former and current said Gibson served as a mentor and a father-figure to all his students. They said the last several days without him haven’t been the same.

“It feels very different. It feels like mama no longer coming home or dad no longer coming home, It’s just the kids at home now and now we gotta make the house stand up,” St.Cyr said.

“Even though this is my last year of marching, it wouldn’t feel the same without him being here. Even once I come back as an alum, it wouldn’t be the same without him,” said TSU base drummer, Gianni Bailey.

“He just created a rapport with the students to where we can get to know him personally,” said adjunct professor and TSU band alum, Brittany Paul.

To reinstate his position, Paul created a petition that garnered hundreds of signatures within hours. The petition now has nearly 1200 signatures as of Thursday night.

The petition also suggests the reason why Gibson may no longer have his position at TSU.

“He was giving a speech to the band about making right choices and he shared a story about his past where he had gotten in trouble, It later had gotten dismissed. But he was using that anecdote to tell the students to make right choices and learn from my mistakes. From what I was told, someone went back to the administration and reported that story to them and that’s where we are right now,” Paul said.

In a statement, TSU said, “We were made aware of allegations concerning our interim band director. He was immediately placed on administrative leave and has since resigned. It is TSU’s policy to not comment on personnel matters. TSU is committed to both the privacy and the safety of our students, faculty and staff.”

FOX 26 also spoke to Gibson on the phone. He declined to comment on the matter for now, but said he’s currently out of town and is considering legal action.

Students are reportedly upset by the loss of their director and have created a petition to bring Professor Gibson back to the university that already has about 2,000 signatures.

Downtown Houston on standstill for official Nigeria’s Independence celebration – spectacular photos and videos

Grand Marshal of the Nigerian Cultural Parade **Sheila Jackson Lee**, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 18th congressional district prepares to lead the procession.

International Guardian – Houston, TX. It was Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 18th congressional district who mounted a convertible sports car to lead as the Grand Marshal, the Nigerian Cultural Parade yesterday (September 27, 2019) at Houston’s downtown. Hon. Jackson Lee led a mile thread of other parade participants from various school organizations, businesses including various sponsors and cultural groups representing various organizations in Houston.

Asa Festival USA @ the 2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade

Egungun Masquerade @ the 2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade

Ross Sterling High School Raider Band @ the 2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade

Greater Owerri Community @ 2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade

The night before this event (Friday, September 27, 2019), the City of Houston honored Nigeria’s Independence Day by illuminating both the City Hall and major Highway bridges “green-white-green”. This was the first time such an honor would be accorded to Nigeria by Houston–the fourth largest city in the United States.

**Otu-Umuokpu Anambra, USA Association** @ the 2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade

**SHAPE Community Center** (celebrating 50 years), one of the longest standing African-American organization highlighting African culture at the parade.

Attendees queue for Nigerian food at the WAZOBIA. Wazobia African Market, the Largest African Store in Texas is a title sponsor of the event.

October is officially Nigeria’s Independence month. This country, the most populous in Africa, gained independence from Great Britain in October 1, 1960. Celebrating Nigeria’s 59th Independence in a city – one of most diverse in the United States, stands to promote and advance the cultural, civic and social welfare of this community. Studies show that Nigerians are the single largest contemporary African immigrant group in the United States. In addition, the city of Houston is home to the highest population of Nigerians outside of the country. But the whole idea was not to Africanize the great City of Houston. Nope. Downtown Houston endorsed the parade platform as a city event – thus allowing the Nigerian community to showcase, share, as well as educate the population on the greatness of her art and culture. For those who did not visit last year’s parade, September 28th, 2019 will offer a greater perspective of this community.

The parade started at 10.30 AM and was preceded by other cultural events which lasted the whole day. Attendees had access to various vendor booths and enjoy special Nigerian cuisine by the title sponsor, Wazobia African Market, the Largest African Store in Texas.

ALSO…

Houston City Hall, Highway bridges to be illuminated in green to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence

Houston and outskirts gear up for Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade

Houston City Hall, Highway bridges to be illuminated in green to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence

The City Hall in Downtown. The eve of the Nigerian Cultural Parade, the City of Houston will be honoring Nigeria’s Independence Day by illuminating both the City Hall and major Highway bridges green-white-green.

This will be the first time such an honor would be accorded to Nigeria by Houston–the fourth largest city in the United States

By Anthony Obi Ogbo (International Guardian News – Houston, TX)

One of the facilitators of the Nigerian Cultural Parade, Linda Anukwuem walked out from the Houston City Hall two days ago with some good news. On Friday, September 27, 2019, the eve of the most awaited Nigerian Cultural Parade, the City of Houston will be honoring Nigeria’s Independence Day by illuminating both the City Hall and major Highway bridges “green-white-green”. This will be the first time such an honor would be accorded to Nigeria by Houston–the fourth largest city in the United States.

This might not be a surprise if the social, political, and economic significance of these people in the City of Houston is placed in the right context. For instance, information from the U.S. Department of State indicates that Greater Houston has the largest Nigerian expatriate population in the United States, bragging an estimated 150,000 residents scattered in all facets of the economy.

The next day, September 28th, Houston will join Nigerians all over downtown to mark this country’s national day and showcase a rich people and culture, International Guardian gathered. October is officially Nigeria’s Independence month because this country, the most populous in Africa, gained independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960.

Thus, celebrating Nigeria’s 59th Independence in a city–one of the most diverse in the United States, stands to promote and advance the cultural, civic and social welfare of this community. Studies show that Nigerians are the single largest contemporary African immigrant group in the United States. In addition, the city of Houston is home to the highest population of Nigerians outside of the country.

The Bridge across Highway 59. On Friday, September 27, 2019, the eve of the most awaited Nigerian Cultural Parade, the City of Houston will be honoring Nigeria’s Independence Day by illuminating both the City Hall and major Highway bridges green.

In an interview last month about the Nigerian Parade, Ms. Anukwuem told International Guardian that “Nigerians are known for their extravagant flair and this event should be no different. So, along the parade route, there will be various cultural groups, associations, and schools marching to showcase their group and display their culture through song, dance, and fashion. Also, attendees will be entertained with special dance presentations from specific groups.”

Currently, a preview of the Nigeria Masquerade Exhibition is in progress at City Hall leading up to the annual parade. According to Ms. Anukwuem “this Exhibition be held all through celebration from September 30 – October 2 at the A.D. Players Theater in the Galleria area.”

The amazing all green-white-green illuminations will appear at dusk, reflecting all the highway bridges. Noted Anukwuem, “We want Houstonians to share with us, our colors, our passion, and our rich culture.”

After an amazing 2018 colorful parade showcasing the Nigerian Culture, Houstonians are desperately looking forward to a 2019 replication at the same location–the Root Memorial Square Park near the Toyota Center. Ms. Anukwuem said that the “Green-White” illumination vigil on the sunset of September 27 will signal the beginning of this great celebration.

Celebrating Nigeria’s 59th Independence in a city–one of the most diverse in the United States, stands to promote and advance the cultural, civic and social welfare of this community. See MORE ON PARADE >>>

Downtown Houston endorsed the parade platform as a city event–thus allowing the Nigerian community to showcase, share, as well as educate the population on the greatness of her art and culture. Ms. Anukwuem said “First-timers would see a street-wide celebration highlighting this West African country in a unique way. Vendor booths representing various businesses displaying artifact, costume jewelry, fashion, cookery, and even books will be on site.”

The last parade was a blast. Downtown wore a distinctive look as a procession of cultural groups decorated in different traditional attires and costumes strolled the streets in utter astonishment, sending onlookers bananas with stunning displays.

■ The parade will start promptly at 10 AM but the Festival ground is open at 9:00 AM. Guests are encouraged to come wearing traditional attires. Information for group registrations can be found at nigeriaculturalparade.com. or call 832-452-7784.

Kennedy Space Center making preparations for Hurricane Dorian

As Hurricane Dorian approaches, preparations are underway at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center for the imminent storm.

The National Hurricane Center said Dorian could strike the Florida Peninsula as a Category 4 Hurricane for a Sunday night landfall.

In the meantime, the space center is preparing to close Monday, with a team of 100 to 120 people staying behind to monitor the storm’s effects and conduct a safety inspection once it passes.

Those staying at KSC will stay at the Launch Control Center, which is certified to handle a Category 5 hurricane.

On Wednesday, KSC had its Crawler Transporter 2 vehicle to Launch Pad 39B where it began transporting the Mobile Launcher there early Friday morning back to the Vehicle Assembly Building.

“The Mobile Launcher and Crawler Transporter 2 that will be used for the Artemis program are buttoned up inside the Vehicle Assembly Building,” according to KSC’s press release.

It had been at the pad undergoing hardware testing and checks for NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return American astronauts to the moon by 2024.

Moving at about one mile per hour, it takes about eight hours for the crawler to get to the pad from the VAB.

NASA teams, using the historic crawler-transporter, slowly move the mobile launcher from Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to pad 39B on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. The mobile launcher will eventually host the agency's Space Launch System rocket.

Buy PhotoNASA teams, using the historic crawler-transporter, slowly move the mobile launcher from Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building to pad 39B on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. The mobile launcher will eventually host the agency’s Space Launch System rocket. Emre Kelly / FLORIDA TODAYBuy PhotoFullscreen6 PhotosPhotos: NASA’s crawler-transporter on the move at Kennedy Space Center

“This was done for shuttle numerous times so this is nothing new,” Crawler Project Manager John Giles told FLORIDA TODAY.

This is the first time the crawler transports a vehicle in preparation of a hurricane since the shuttle days, Giles said.

If Dorian does hit the Space Coast, “(the crawler) will stay in the VAB underneath the Mobile Launcher and as soon as it’s safe, we’ll bring it back out to the pad,” he said.

According to KSC, the VAB is built to withstand winds around 125 mph.

Kennedy Space Center’s Crawler Transporter 2 vehicle heads to pad 39B in preparation for Tropical Storm Dorian. (Photo: ANTONIA JARAMILLO / FLORIDA TODAY)

The visitor complex, meanwhile, anticipates to close Sunday and stay that way for the duration of the storm, visitor complex spokeswoman Rebecca Shireman said.

“On Saturday, August 31, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be open during regular hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.” according to the visitor complex’s press release. “Kennedy Space Center Bus Tours to the Apollo/Saturn V Center will be available until 2:30 p.m. Special interest tours will not be available.”

As of now, Shireman said the visitor complex is preparing for the storm by storing away loose items such as umbrellas, banners and so forth. The rockets displayed at the rocket garden do not need extra safekeeping since they are made to withstand high winds.

Although the storm’s path remains uncertain, people in Puerto Rico and Florida are already prepping for Dorian. USA TODAY

Both the space center and the 45th Space Wing, which commands Patrick Air Force Base and the Air Force Station, entered a Hurricane Condition IV (HURCON IV) Thursday morning in preparation for Dorian.

“HURCON IV indicates surface winds in excess of 50 knots (58 mph) could arrive in the area of Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station within 48 hours,” according to the wing’s press release.

The wing leadership has initiated a “recall” notification of all base personnel, which entails contacting everyone at the station and on base to get the status of where they are and teams will begin disconnecting electrical power to non-essential facilities. The wing also encourages all personnel and residents to take action for the possible arrival of Dorian.

“These actions include the potential for evacuation of the base and all barrier islands,” according to the release. “Wing leadership is coordinating preparation and response operations with Brevard County and NASA emergency management operations centers.”

The 45th Medical Group is curtailing services in preparation for the storm and all appointments will be deferred until normal operations resume.

“Other facilities on base, such as the commissary, Base Exchange, Child Development Center, Youth Center and Riverside Dining Facility are open,” according to the release.

Hurricane Dorian expected to hit Bahamas as ‘devastating’ storm, then shift toward Carolinas

“Homes, houses, structures can be replaced,” the prime minister of the Bahamas said Saturday as he urged people to evacuate areas at risk. “Lives cannot be replaced.”

Hurricane Dorian strengthened and shifted slightly early Saturday, setting it on course to potentially miss a direct hit with Florida and make landfall in the Carolinas.

The Bahamas, meanwhile, braced for the powerful Category 4 storm to move near or directly over parts of the country from early Sunday to Monday, prompting officials there to urge residents to evacuate areas most at risk.

“Homes, houses, structures can be replaced,” the prime minister of the Bahamas said Saturday. “Lives cannot be replaced.”

Tourists vacationing in the Bahamas were sent to government shelters set up in schools, churches and other buildings offering protection from the storm as residents evacuated.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis warned residents of his state to remain vigilant, cautioning that the hurricane could change course again and bring dangerous storm surges and flooding even if it does not make landfall there.

“As you’re looking at these forecasts, a bump in one direction or the other could have really significant ramifications in terms of impact,” the governor said at a Saturday morning news conference.

Dorian’s maximum sustained winds increased to nearly 150 miles per hour with even higher gusts, which brings it close to a Category 5 storm, defined as having winds 157 miles per hour or higher.

The northwestern Bahamas are expected to start feeling the effects of the hurricane as early as 2 a.m. Sunday, officials said.

“On its present track, it’s expected that the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama will be seriously impacted by Hurricane Dorian on Sunday, Sunday night and into Monday,” said Jeffrey Simmons of the country’s meteorology agency. “This is a very strong and dangerous hurricane.”

About 73,000 people and 21,000 homes are at risk, with a potential storm surge of 10 to 15 feet, the country’s prime minister, Hubert Minnis said.

To put that into perspective, Minnis said, “I am 6-foot-1, surges will be two to three times my height.”

“Heavy rains, capable of life-threatening flash floods are expected over portions of the Bahamas and coastal sections of the southeastern United States this weekend through much of next week,” the National Hurricane Center said Saturday.

Authorities said they closed airports in the Abaco Islands, Grand Bahama and Bimini, but Lynden Pindling International Airport in the capital of Nassau would remain open.

Image: Hurricane Dorian — A man constructs storm shutters before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian on the Great Abaco island town of Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, Aug. 31, 2019.Dante Carrer / Reuters

Dorian strengthened to a potentially devastating Category 4 storm Friday evening as it continued to churn in the Atlantic Ocean on course to the southeastern United States early next week.

Police: 21 People Shot, 5 Killed in Mass Shooting in Odessa and Midland, Texas

At least 21 people were shot and five killed in a mass shooting in and around the cities of Odessa and Midland, Texas, Saturday afternoon.

Police later confirmed that the shooter, a white man in his mid-30s, had been killed by officers at the Cinergy movie theater in Odessa.

The shootings sent the two neighboring west Texas cities into chaos as police hunted for the gunman. Businesses and hospitals went into lockdown. The gunman apparently switched vehicles, hijacking a USPS mail van during his rampage, leaving police to initially report that there were two shooters roaming the area. They later clarified that there was only one gunman.

Here’s what we know so far.

What happened in Midland and Odessa?

Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke said that the incident began when the suspect was pulled over for a traffic stop by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper about 3:15 p.m. Central Time. The suspect shot the trooper and fled in a gold-colored Honda.

The traffic stop happened on Interstate 20, the highway that connects Midland and Odessa. At least one other person was shot on I-20, police said.

Gerke said the gunman then shot multiple people on 42nd Street in Odessa.

At some point, the gunman hijacked a U.S. Postal Service van. Gerke said the believes the postal employee is among the victims.

In this image made from video provided by Dustin Fawcett, police officers guard a street in Odessa, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. Dustin Fawcett—AP

Midland and Odessa (cities of about 140,000 and 100,000 people, respectively), are about 20 miles apart, connected by Interstate 20. They are about 240 miles east of El Paso, where a gunman targeting Hispanic victims killed 22 people at a Walmart on Aug. 3.

“This was a joint effort by a multitude of departments to find this animal and bring him to justice,” Gerke said at a later press conference.

How did people respond to the mass shooting?

Multiple businesses, offices and dorms at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin were put on lockdown during the shooting, according to local news station CBS 7. Music City Mall in Odessa, Texas was closed during the shooting, with CBS 7 reporting a chaotic scene as police worked to clear the area.

About 5:30 p.m., anchors at CBS 7 in Odessa were told “we’ve gotta go” and left a live shot following reports of people running through the Music City Mall, where the TV news studios are located. The anchors left the live shot, but continued to broadcast off screen. They later returned on air, but were told once again that they had to evacuate after multiple officers enter the studio. CBS 7 reported officers were going store-to-store in the mall, clearing the building.

Midlands Police Department had initially reported that a Home Depot store had been the site of one of the shootings, although the company said in a statement to TIME that none of its stores had been the site of a shooting.

Reached at 6:45 p.m. EST, Madison Tate, director of marketing and community relations at the Odessa Regional Medical Center, could not confirm whether patients had been sent to their hospital but said the hospital was on lockdown along with the rest of the city.

Police and sheriff's deputies surround the area behind the Cinergy movie theater in Odessa, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, after reports of gunfire. — Police and sheriff’s deputies surround the area behind the Cinergy movie theater in Odessa, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, after reports of gunfire. Tim Fischer—Midland Reporter-Telegram/AP

Who is the mass shooter in Midland and Odessa?

The shooter has not yet been identified, although Gerke said that he is a white man in his mid-30s.

The El Paso department/branch of the FBI said just before 6:30 p.m. Central that “it is too soon to know motive or the identity of the suspect.”

It is too soon to know motive or the identity of the suspect.
— FBI El Paso (@FBIElPaso) August 31, 2019

Police had initially said the shooter or shooters were believed to be shooting people from two separate vehicles — a hijacked U.S. Postal Service van and a small “gold/white” Toyota truck, according to the Midland Police Department. Police later said the two vehicles were associated with the same person.

.@MidlandTxPD there is no longer an active shooter situation. Stay clear of the area while law enforcement resources contain the scene. #midlandodessashooting
— FBI El Paso (@FBIElPaso) August 31, 2019

Gerke said police have since received additional unverified reports about an active shooter, “which is to be expected because our citizens are a little jumpy after this,” but noted these reports were not confirmed. He added that “once this individual was taken out of the picture, there have been no more victims.”

Police declined to comment on the type of weapon used during the shooting, though earlier statements had cited a rifle.

Who are the victims?

There 21 shooting victims, Gerke said. As of 7:30 p.m. Central, it is unclear whether the five people who were killed are included in that number.

Russell Tippin, CEO and president of the Medical Center Health System, confirmed that 14 victims were inside Medical Center Hospital but did not note the ages or conditions of any patients.

A local news station, NewsWest9, has reported that one of the victims is a 17-month-old baby, who was transported to the hospital after being shot in the face.

The suspect injured police from three different agencies–– officers from the Odessa Police Department and Midland Police Department, and a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper.

How are politicians responding to the shooting in Midland and Odessa?

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement that he and the First Lady were “heartbroken over this senseless and cowardly attack.” He thanked first responders for their quick action.

“I want to remind all Texans that we will not allow the Lone Star State to be overrun by hatred and violence,” Abbott said. “We will unite, as Texans always do, to respond to this tragedy.”

President Donald Trump said on Twitter that Attorney General William Barr had briefed him on the shooting, and that the FBI and law enforcement are “fully engaged.”

Attorney General for Texas, Ken Paxton, said in a statement that he was “horrified to see such a senseless act terrorize the fine people of the Permian basin” and thanked first responders for their response.

Former Texas congressman and 2020 Presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke, whose hometown of El Paso was devastated by the Aug. 3 mass shooting, spoke out about gun control measures from the campaign trail in Virginia.

“We don’t know how many have been shot. We don’t know how many people have been killed, the condition of those who have survived. Do not yet know what the motivation is, do not yet know the firearms that were used or how they acquired them. We do know this is f—-d up,” O’Rourke said.

“We do know this has to stop in this county. There is no reason that we have to accept this as our fortune, as our future, as our fate.”

Upcoming Houston City Elections (Part 4) – the Heart, Smarts and Courage Route

Candidates who run on nothing will have nothing to stand on to govern if they are elected

This year’s city elections are around the corner and this is the time for all candidates to reveal themselves. They should not afraid to let us know who they are. I have always maintained that those who run on nothing will have nothing to stand on to govern if they are elected.

This is one of my series of articles on the upcoming Houston City Elections. The aim is to share knowledge and thoughts with both the candidates and voters regarding crucial issues and interests.

Harvey Recovery

A candidate for City Controller or City Council cannot be afraid to tell us -The voters what they plan to do to help Houstonians who were hurt by Harvey. It has been two years and all the people, in our City, who were impacted by Harvey have still not been helped. That is a failure to focus and prioritize.

Helping our neighbors recover from Harvey is a moral issue. Houston Strong must be more than just a slogan. What the people did during the storm must be the baseline, not the high-water mark, compared to what the city, state and county must do.

Which at-large council candidate will make helping Houstonians recover from Harvey their top priority?

City Employees

Which candidates will make paying all city employees fairly their priority? There is no “city services” without city employees-municipal, police and fire.

Modernizing City Government

Which candidates are going to make modernizing city government their priority? Which candidates have the heart, stamina and courage to review all city programs and policies and tell us which are obsolete and are no longer needed, which need to be updated and modernized and what new policies and programs are necessary for the new needs of Houstonians now (and in the years ahead) as the emerging new economy impacts and undermines the City’s old economy revenue streams?

Finance & Budgeting

Which candidate or candidates are going to focus on becoming experts on city finances and the city budget so they can protect the taxpayers interest regardless of whether or not the City Controller is utilizing the authority granted to them under the City Charter to protect city taxpayers and ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability at City Hall.

It’s clear that there needs to be another set of fiscal checks and balances at City Hall when it comes to contracts awarded without Council approval, airport expenditures, affordable housing funds, Harvey Recovery Funding, ReBuild Houston drainage fee expenditures, water and sewer funding and managing the city debt (General Fund and Enterprise Funds including Pension Bonds, Houston First and the Tax Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs) all across the city).

TIRZs and Special Districts’ funds are also taxpayers money that is supposed to be used to help improve Houston and not just to award contracts. Which candidate is prepared to take on this oversight responsibility? This will take political courage and fearless confidence as well as a lot of studying and hard work.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Which candidates are going to focus on transportation and infrastructure? We need more than just potholes fixed. We need streets rebuilt, transportation construction better coordinated and we need a Metro champion on Council to speak up and speak out for those in our City (and region) who need public transportation.

Metro

Metro does not exist to simply help reduce congestion. Metro exists because it is a life line for those, in our community, who don’t have a vehicle to connect them to jobs, healthcare and quality, affordable food for themselves and their families.

Metro is a quality of life institution and infrastructure.

We need Metro Next (and beyond) so that TxDOT can stop destroying Houston neighborhoods to build highways to the suburbs that make both air quality and flooding worse in city neighborhoods – an even bigger threat to the public’s health, safety and welfare.

We need Council Members who will stand up to TxDOT to protect the lives and property of Houstonians; homeowners, renters, the homeless and business owners and entrepreneurs.

Houston is a great city but to be an even greater world class city, our region must have regional rail and be connected to the rest of the state by rail as well as by roads and airports.

It’s time for the newly elected members of Congress from the Houston area to step up and help deliver the funding we need for regional commuter, light and high-speed rail.

Housing, Gentrification & Revitalization

Which candidates will lead the way on addressing homelessness, hunger and poverty in our City? Which candidates will become experts on housing and community development such that they can lead the effort on the issue of gentrification and putting together the coalitions and public/private/non-profit partnerships needed to build at least 25,000 single family affordable homes a year for the next four years and beyond? Houston needs more housing for working class Houstonians inside the 610 Loop. We also need to better utilize federal funds and the Land Assembly Redevelopment Authority (LARA) and affordable housing funds from our TIRZs to help the working class and low-income residents of our historic neighborhoods remain in their homes.

We not only have to build more new housing in our City, we also have to help residential homeowners repair and fix up their older homes and show them how they can pass it from one generation to the next as a source of generational wealth. Doing this would help reduce the number of dangerous buildings and weeded lots in our neighborhoods and reduce the city’s expenses for mowing lots and boarding up dangerous buildings.

Quality of Life

Finally, who will be the newest champion of public safety, green spaces and quality of life on Council?

Building a great city includes but is much bigger than just a great economy and jobs. Those are the starting points and building blocks. A truly smart city is more than just technology; its safety, accountability of police officers, trees and green spaces, bike lanes, a comprehensive public transportation system, quality of life, a living prevailing wage, great public schools, modern infrastructure, environmental justice, resiliency, heart, sustainability and broadly inclusive and shared prosperity.

Who Are You?

Candidates, who are you? Don’t be afraid to let us know. If you run on nothing, you will have nothing to stand on to govern if you are elected.

Thank you and God Bless Houston. For constructive dialogue, you may contact me directly >>>

Hon. Robinson is the former Chairman, City of Houston Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee; Former Vice Chairman, Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Council (H-GAC TPC) and Associate Professor of Public Administration, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Texas Southern University.

With the city elections less than a month away, the current recycling of “The Sylvester Turner “$95,000-a-year internship” story segment with no new information is becoming unprofessionally redundant and may signify election meddling.

School explains “He was immediately placed on administrative leave and has since resigned“

Houston City Hall, Highway bridges to be illuminated in green to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence

Houston and outskirts gear up for Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade

This will be the first time such an honor would be accorded to Nigeria by Houston–the fourth largest city in the United States

By Anthony Obi Ogbo (International Guardian News – Houston, TX)

“Homes, houses, structures can be replaced,” the prime minister of the Bahamas said Saturday as he urged people to evacuate areas at risk. “Lives cannot be replaced.”

What happened in Midland and Odessa?

How did people respond to the mass shooting?

Who is the mass shooter in Midland and Odessa?

Who are the victims?

How are politicians responding to the shooting in Midland and Odessa?

Candidates who run on nothing will have nothing to stand on to govern if they are elected

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