07.30.2026_Defender-e-FULL

To thePOINT DN

Acar remains lodged on the northbound Southwest Freewayat Beltway8 West afterplunging from an elevated HOVlane on July 22,2026,one of twodramatic Houstonhighway crashesduring TxDOT’sOperation Slowdown enforcement period. Courtesy: IeshaJones/ Instagram.

Message from the Reporter

Is OperationSlowdowneffective?

Twovehicles went airborne over Houstonfreewaysonback-to-backdayslast week,and both incidents occurred during TxDOT’sowncampaigntostopit.“OperationSlowdown,”thestate’sannualspeed-enforcementpush,runsJuly18throughAug.2 thisyear,addingextrapatrolsafterspeeding contributedto1,247deathsandmorethan 150,000crashesacrossTexasin2025alone.

On July 22, adriverlostcontrol on the elevatedHOVlanealongnorthboundInterstate69atBeltway8West,struckthebarrier,andfellontothe main lanesbelow.Three womenwerehospitalizedand are expectedtosurvive,thanksinparttobystanderswho used sledgehammersand theirbarehands to pull them from the wreckage.Lessthan24hourslater,two18-wheelerscollided oneastboundInterstate10attheGrandParkwayinterchange. Onetruck’s trailerwas left dangling offthe overpass while thecabcrashedontothefeederroadbelow,spillingfueland sendingtwo people to thehospital.

Bothcrashesshutdownmajorfreewaysforhoursduring rushperiods.Thatshouldtellussomething.Athemedcampaignandafewmorepatrolcarsarenotgoingtofixaculture wherecutting acrossthree lanesat85mph feelsnormal. Houston needsengineering fixesand real consequences. Becauseafter thecampaignisover, then what?

Ryan Cooglerchooses thenextBlack Panther Marvel finallyansweredits biggestlingering question at Comic-Con Whotakes up themantleafter Chadwick Boseman? DirectorRyanCoogler introducedDavid Jonsson, knownfor HBO’s“Industry,” “Alien:Romulus”and “The Long Walk,” as theactor whowill play an adultT’ChallaII in “Black Panther3,” setfor Dec. 15, 2028. Jonssoncalledit “anhonorandaprivilege”tojointhefranchise.Thecasting newsshouldhavebeenacelebration.Instead,asliceofsocial mediaturneditintoa referendum on Jonsson’snationality, questioningwhyaBritishactorwaschosentocarryonastory builtaroundBoseman,anAmericanwhodiedin2020after aprivate battle with coloncancer Wakandaisfiction.ItisCoogler’s vision of an African

nationthatwasnevercolonized,builtwith actors from across thediaspora, because that is thepoint.Letitia Wright is British. WinstonDukeisTrinidadian. Lupita Nyong’oisKenyan-Mexican. Coogler has always cast globallybecause Blackness is notlimited to asinglenationality.Second-guessinghis decisionafter twofilms thatreshapedwhatasuperheromoviecould be is giving secondhand embarrassment. RyanCooglerknowswhatheisdoing,and he hasn’t disappointed us so far.

Trumpjoked abouta fourth term

It wasnot that funny.

AttherecentrescheduledWhiteHouseCorrespondents’ Associationdinner, PresidentDonaldTrump pulled ared “Trump2028”hatfrombehindthepodiumandannounced, asabit,his“intentiontorunforafourthterm.”Theroom,by mostaccounts,wentquiet.TheConstitution’s22ndAmendment limitsany presidenttotwo electedterms,and Trump has previously suggestedthathis countshouldinclude his disputed 2020 loss.

Historians andlegal scholars continue cataloging what they call theunprecedented erosionofdemocraticnorms underthisadministration,fromtwoimpeachmentstoafelonyconvictiontoopenquestioningofthepeacefultransfer ofpower.SupporterscallitTrumpbeingTrump.Criticssee apresidentwho keepstesting howfar abit cangobeforeit stopsbeingone

TheoathtopreserveandprotecttheConstitutionisnota punchline.Usingthepowerofthefederalgovernmentagainst criticsisnotapunchline.Ahatisnotjustahatwhentheman wearingithasspentadecadeblurringthelinebetweenperformanceandintent.Therearemanyunprecedentedthings happeninginhispresidency.Afourthtermisn’twhatIever want to see.

On TheWeb

•Trump shellgamebiggest griftinworld history.

•Why ignoranceofBlack-Asian alliances matters.

•Top 5reasons “The Polygamist”ismust-see TV

News DN

Black homeownership

Sees record high decline in

ByTannistha Sinha

Harris County experienced its sharpest one-year pullback from homeownership in a decade in 2024. The decline landed disproportionatelyonBlackfamilies,according to the Kinder Institute for Urban Research’s newly released State of Housing in Harris County and Houston report

Roughly 19,000 fewer county households owned their homes in 2024 than the year before, while nearly 30,000 more became renters. That drove the county’s homeowner-occupied ratedownfrom55.2% to 53.8%, the steepest single-year decline since2014,andthebiggestlossofowner-occupied households since 2010.

CourtneyJohnsonRose,theformerpresident of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and a real estate broker,saidthedeclineinBlackhomeownership in Harris County reflects a combination of rising housing costs, economic pressures, income disparities, and the burden of student loan debt on younger Black buyers

“Allofthesethingsgoingupmakethecost of being a homeowner even higher,” Rose said.“Inadditiontothat,mostofourhousing stock is older homes. The cost of maintenanceishigherforowningahomebecause you’re dealing with an older property The costofgasandfoodgoesup,butyourincome has not gone up at that same pace.”

Blackhomeownership onthedecline

Black and Hispanic residents bore the brunt of the shift.

• Harris County had 7,750 fewer Black householdsand7,100fewerHispanichouseholdslivinginanowner-occupiedproperty

• Houston lost 11,300 Black owner-occupiedhouseholds,withmodestgainselsewhere in the county

•MoreBlack(5,000)andHispanichouseholds shifted to renting, particularly Hispanic families (26,000)

RoseidentifiedBlackmillennialsasaparticularly affected group, noting that debtto-income ratios, rather than poor credit or lack of a down payment, are often the primaryreasonBlackapplicantsaredenied mortgages.

“When you look at loan debt amongst Black millennials, as the cost of housing increases with student loan debt, it makes

Harris County

it that much harder to qualify to be able to purchase,” she added.

Yearsofrisingcostsfinally catchup

Although home prices themselves held fairly steady in 2024, researchers and real estate professionals point to an accumulation of expenses that has been building for years.

In five years (2019-2024), the county’s median home sale price climbed by almost $100,000, while 30-year mortgage rates jumped 3%.

Median residential property taxes also increased (from about $3,800 to $4,400) over this period

Insurance and tax bills rose sharply as well, with median annual homeowners’ insurance premiums increasing

The compounding costs have hit historicallyBlackneighborhoodsespeciallyhard

Communities such as Acres Homes, South Acres/Crestmont Park, and East Little York/Homestead, areas with large concentrations of Black homeowners, saw someofthefastesthome-pricegrowthinthe countybetween2020and2025,withtypical increases of $75,000 to $125,000.

As property values in these neighborhoodsrose,sodidthetaxbillstiedtothem.

DRESS CODE DEBATE

By ReShonda Tate

A sweeping update to student behavioral standards at Tuskegee University has ignited a fiery debateacrosscampusandonline, as incoming and returning students react to new restrictions banning bonnets, du-rags, sleepwear,andrevealingattireinpublic campus spaces.

The policy shift, announced aheadofthe2026–2027academic year by Tuskegee President Dr Mark A. Brown, outlines clear boundaries for student attire Under the updated guidelines, students are prohibited from wearingbedroomshoes,bonnets, and du-rags inside classrooms anddiningfacilities.Additionally, “revealing clothing” is banned in academic buildings, dining spaces, and official university functions such as Convocation

The guidelines also require students to bring a business suit and professional footwear to campus, mandating professional dress for official university events, business meetings, and career development opportunities. Faculty members have been authorized to enforce the standards in their classrooms

Workforce preparation vs. College autonomy

In a message addressed to students and families, Brown framed the policy changes as a crucial step toward post-graduation success rather than an attempt to micromanage student life. The updates come as Tuskegee prepares to welcome its largest freshman class in over three decades, marked by what the administration calls a

“Renaissance Era” for the historic Historically Black University (HBCU).

“The goal here is not meant to restrict students from enjoying the Tuskegee Experience, but to prepare them with a solid foundationfortheworkforcetheywill enter once they leave Tuskegee,” Brown stated

The policy updates extend beyond attire The administration is also tightening classroom operations by implementing stricter attendance tracking and mandating that students keep mobile phones powered off during lectures unless explicitly permitted by faculty

A divided response

The announcement quickly sparked reaction across social media platforms and within the

wider HBCU community

MichaelDavis,presidentoftheHouston Black Real Estate Association and founder of Michael G. Davis & Associates, argues that declining Black homeownershipisnot a matter of choice for Black Harris County residents.

“There is not an institutiondesignedto dealwiththegapsthat are preventing Black people from getting over the finish line, when it comes to sustainable homeownership,” Davis said

Many Black families have missed out on theinstitutionalknowledgeaboutproperty taxes and insurance costs that have historically been passed down, Davis explained, also citing mistrust of existing financial institutions as a major barrier

“What’s happening now economically andthepoliticalenvironmentswe’redealing with,that’simpactingalotofBlackpeople,” Davis said

Supporters, including several alumni and educators, welcomed the policy as a return to traditionalstandardsofdisciplineand professional pride Many argued thatlearninghowtopresentoneself in public spaces is a core element of the HBCU mission.

“I wholeheartedly support this idea,” wrote Ron Stewart, a 1979 Tuskegee graduate and professor, in a public comment. “Heaven knows it is long overdue!” Other proponents noted that setting expectations early helps prevent young graduates from facing implicitbiasorunprofessionalism tags in competitive career fields.

Critics and current students raised concerns over equity, financial burden, and the evolving nature of workplace culture.

On TikTok and X (formerly

Twitter), several incoming freshmen expressed confusion, with some noting they had already completed back-to-school shopping prior to receiving the notification. Others pointed out the financial hardship of acquiring formal professional suits, urging the university to launch clothing closetsorfinancialassistanceprograms to support students from lower-income backgrounds.

Cultural commentators and students also questioned the ban on protective hair gear like bonnets and du-rags. Critics argue that regulating hair protection during casual campus hours reflects outdated notions of “respectability politics,” particularlyatatimewhenmanymodern corporateworkplaceshaveshifted toward remote, hybrid, or business-casual environments.

Supreme Court ruling puts Houston Black diaspora at risk

ByLauraOnyeneho

AlandmarkSupremeCourtrulinghanded down on June 25 is sending shockwaves through Houston’s Haitian community, and advocatessaytheconsequenceswillbefeltfar beyondthatcommunity

In a 6-3 decision in Mullin v. Doe, the court’s conservative majority ruled that the president has virtually unchecked authority torevokeTemporaryProtectedStatus(TPS), therebyeliminatingjudicialreviewofTPSterminations The ruling clears the way for the Trump administration to immediately strip protectionsfromapproximately350,000Haitian nationals and 6,000 Syrians, and sets a legal precedent that threatens TPS holders from13countries,includingEthiopia,Somalia,Cameroon,andSouthSudan,allofwhich haveactiveHoustondiasporacommunities

Texas has 147,080 TPS holders, the second-highest number in the nation, and the Houstonmetroareasitsatthecenterofwhat advocatesarecallingahumanitariancrisisin themaking.

WhatisTPSandwhyitmatters

Congress created Temporary Protected Status in 1990 as a humanitarian lifeline for nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinaryconditions Itgrantsrecipientsthelegal righttoliveandworkintheUnitedStatesfor renewable18-monthperiods.

For Haitians, TPS was first granted after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. In the 16 years since, many TPS holders have built careers, purchased homes, and raised U.S.bornchildren.

The economic stakes are significant. AccordingtoresearchbyFWD.usandPrincetonUniversity,200,000HaitianTPSholders currentlycontributeanestimated$5.9billion annually to the U.S. economy and pay more than $1.5 billion in combined federal, state, andlocaltaxes.

The Penn Wharton Budget Model estimatesthatTPSworkersacrossallnationalities generate $35.9 billion in annual GDP, with Texasaccountingfor$4.3billionofthattotal.

Roughly 50,000 U.S. citizen children have at leastoneHaitianTPSparent;analystsproject that25,000ofthosechildrenwouldbepushed

carefully and deliberately amid uncertainty She wants them to make level-headed decisions and to fact-check any news they consumeonthisissue.

ForHaitianTPSholders,the32-daywindow followingrecentcourtactionsmarkedthefinal phase-outoflegalprotectionsandworkauthorizations,leadingtoexpiration,riskofjobloss, andexposuretodeportation

Dupuy also flagged legislative activity in other states. Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton has introduced the TPS Relief Act, which would restore judicial review and directlycountertheSupremeCourt’sdecision. Separately,theHousepassedH.R.1689,which would extend TPS protections for Haitians through 2029, though the Senate has not yet actedonthemeasure.

Whatcomesnext?

intopovertyifTPSprotectionsarerevoked.

Despitethat,theSupremeCourt’smajority, writtenbyJusticeSamuelAlito,heldthatTPS operatesentirelyatthepresident’sdiscretion andisnotsubjecttojudicialoversight.Justice Elena Kagan, writing in dissent, argued the ruling violated the Equal Protection Clause ofthe14thAmendment.

Houstoncommunityresponds

The Defender Network held a roundtable discussionwiththreeleadersofHoustonHaitiansUnited:Co-founderandViceChairman JamesPierre,CommunityAffairsAdvisorand Public Relations Specialist Dorothy Dupuy, and Board of Directors member Richard Alexandre, days after the ruling The decisionstruckatthecore ofwhatHaitianshave builtinthiscountry.

“We’re hearing a lot of rhetoric that is swarming around this issue, saying that Haitian people are not contributing to this country, which is absolutely the wrong statement, that is very untrue,” Pierre said “Haitianmigrantswhocomeherehavecontributed.Theyareintheworkforce.Theyare doingjobsthatotherswouldnotwanttodo.”

Pierre, who was on the ground during the 2021 Del Rio migrant crisis and watched thousands of Haitian families make grueling journeys to reach the U.S., said the ruling will reverberate through Houston’s economy and the broader community that relied on TPS holders to fill critical laborgaps.

“It’s going to hit the business owners,” Pierresaid “It’sgoing tohitalotofthecommunities that were probably failing until the TPS members wouldcometotheU.S. andfillthosejobs.”

Alexandrehasseen the Haitian community grow and deepen its roots in Houston overthedecades.

“Toseethatwearetakingthesestepsbackward It’s painful,” Alexandre said “People alwayssaythere’snoracismhere,andracism is over, but look at the rhetoric we’re seeing rightnow.”

Dupuy urged the community to move

PierresaidthatHoustonHaitiansUnitedis focused on ensuring that community membersknowtheirrightsandtheresourcesavailabletothem.HecalledonHouston’snewcity leadershiptostepupinconcreteways.

“Iwouldchallengethemtoreachouttous, workwithus,getincontactwithustoseehow we can help them combat what’s going on in Washington,”hesaid,“Sothatourneighbors and friends from TPS nations can stay here andcontributeandbecomeworkingbenefits oftheHoustoncommunity.”

Evenifdeportationsproceed,Dupuyraised alogisticalrealitythathasgonelargelyunaddressed in national coverage. There is currently no straightforward way to get there. CommercialflightstoPort-au-Prince,Haiti’s capitalandmostpopulouscity,arebanned

The collapse of Spirit Airlines, the most affordable carrier serving Cap-Haïtien, the country’s second-largest city, has eliminated a critical, budget-friendly travel option that manyinthediasporareliedon TheremainingdomesticcarrierinHaiti,SunriseAirways, chargesfaressoprohibitivethatsomepeople areresortingtohelicoptersjusttoreachtheir homeregions.

Alexandre closed with a message that cut totheheartofwhatisatstake.

“Wewanttocontributetoourfamiliesand communities without fear,” he said “We just wanttheleaderstodotherightthing.”

NEWTEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

J’Maine Chubb

Focuses on institution’s financial health,

By Tannistha Sinha

Texas Southern University’s new CFO, J’Maine Chubb, is pivoting the institution’s financial operations toward the long-term visionoftheuniversity’sAscend2030plan While navigating the technical rebuild required to resolve recent audit findings, Chubbframeshistenureasastrategicmission Hewantstomodernizetheuniversity’s fiscalhealthandensuresustainablesupport for its ambitious growth and student-centered initiatives.

Withalittleover60daysonthejob,working with a team of 45, Chubb says, “We’re makingtherightinformeddecisionsregardingthefuture ThatmeansIneedtoputthe past behind us.”

Pointing to two decades of airport and infrastructure CFO experience at Via MetropolitanTransit(SanAntonio),TravelWifi, theHoustonAirportSystem,andtheGreater Toronto Airports Authority, among others, Chubbsaidhefeelscomfortabletacklingthe challenges of the job.

“All of the concerns that I see within this organizationarejustrelatedtoexcellence excellenceinwhatyoudo,”Chubbsaid “I’m accustomed to performing in excellence AndI’veledorganizationswherewe’vebeen continuallyawardedforfinancialreporting. We’vehadverystrongprocurementcompliance within these organizations. And so I didn’t see something that was insurmountable AndIthoughtthatIwastherightperson to come and fix it.”

University President J.W. Crawford III said Chubb’s private-sector experience will be valuable to the position

“As you look at Mr Chubb’s 20 years of deep experience in the corporate sector, he has demonstrated the ability to adapt himself to the mission,” Crawford said. “It is incumbent upon the University to operate like a business He will bring a disciplined

And so I didn’t see something that was insurmountable. And I thought that I was the right person to come and fix it.”

J’MAINE CHUBB

future

financial mindset to the institution that I believe will be extremely valuable.”

Fixingstateauditconcerns

TSU has been grappling with an audit sinceDecember2025,whentheTexasState Auditor’sOfficereleasedareportidentifying “significant weaknesses” in TSU’s financial processes.

The report stated that TSU repeatedly bypassed procurement safeguards, had untraceableassetsworthroughly$3.2million, failedtoprovidetimelyandaccuratefinancial informationtotheOfficeoftheComptroller ofPublicAccounts,andsubmittedunaudited financial data to the state containing major errors,amongotherdiscrepancies

The audit triggered increased scrutiny from state leaders. Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick ordered restrictions on certain university spending, while state officials launched investigations into the university’sfinancialmanagementpractices.

University officials have acknowledged theaudit’sfindingsandcommittedtoimplementingcorrectivemeasures Crawfordpreviously attributed many of the deficiencies

to long-standing staffing shortages, noting thatmorethan200positionsincriticalareas suchasprocurementandinformationtechnology had been lost over the years.

TSUhassincelaunchedabroadremediationeffortthatincludesreviewingfinancial policies, implementing new procurement systems,andstrengtheninginternalcontrols

The university says it is making progress through “Operation Tiger Reset,” a campus-wideinitiativeaimedataddressingaudit findings and strengthening accountability and financial oversight.

As the institution continues working throughauditrecommendationsandheightenedstateoversight,ChubbwillplayacentralroleinguidingTSU’sfinancialrecovery

Chubb says he wants to tackle the audit head-on as his top priority

“When you look at the state audit, we’re feverishly working to make sure that we’re incomplianceandweremainincompliance with that audit,” Chubb said Referring to his goals for the first 180 days, Chubb said staying in compliance withthestateauditisonlythestartingpoint.

“I’m looking personally to move beyond

that,” he said, describing plans for a complianceframeworkbuiltaroundcontinuous monitoring “Somepeoplewillsayreal-time auditing.”

ThefutureofTSU

Chubb described himself repeatedly as a “strategicCFO,”someonewhosefocusisless on relitigating the past than on positioning TSU’sfinanceoperationstosupportitslongrange Ascend 2030 plan

“Youcan’ttalkaboutnewbuildings,new football stadiums, new soccer fields, and things like that without looking into the future,” Chubb said “I want to make sure that we have the right capability in place to support our capital committee within the organization.”

Tokeephimselfaccountable,Chubbplans tocreatea“CFOscorecard”andbelievesthe realtestiswhetherthefinancedivisionsupports student outcomes

“If you look at Ascend 2030, it’s mostly about the projects that are contained there, the initiatives,” Chubb said “They’re really all about student success. You can tie them backtostudentsuccessonewayoranother.”

InFocus DN

By Aswad Walker

Anthony Collier has an impressive educationa and professional resume for someone his age.

AHouston-bornpoliticalmoverandshaker the Texas Southern University (TSU) alum has servedastheNationalUrbanLeague’sdirector ofcrimina justiceinNewYorkandcurrently serves as the elections director for the Harris County Democratic Party.

But behind the degrees and professional accoladesisastorythatissilent,long-brewing and eternally painful Collier is part of a family with a loved one who has simply vanished. His uncle, Michae Collier has been missing since 2015.

Pivotalfiguregonesilent

To Anthony, the elder Michael Collier was more than just a name on a missing person’s flyer; he was a foundational pillar

“He played a pivotal roleinmylife,”Anthony recalls. “I’m a first-generation college student.

When I was a small child,hewouldtakeme tothelibrarynearLakewood Park and encourage me to read. He would get comic books andalsothetapes,sowe can listen along and learn how to read.”

EvenduringperiodsofMichael’sincarceration heremainedapresentfigure,signingup for programs to send bikes and books to his family He was a man who saw more for his nephew than he did for himself

The disappearance happened during the summerafterAnthony’sfreshmanyearatTSU.

“From my understanding, it was a Sunday morning,” Anthony says. “He told his childhoodfriend,BigMo thathewasgoingtothe store. And then he just never came back and nobody saw him again.”

Thetollofthe‘Invisible’

The impact on the Collier family has been profound Under Texas law, a person cannot bedeclareddeaduntiltheyhavebeenmissing for seven consecutive years. However, when someoneusedMichael’scardin2018,the ega clock reset, delaying any closure until 2025. Beyond the lega hurdles the family faced the crushing feeling that their loved one was invisible to the system

“My family didn’t feel like they were being taken seriously,” Anthony explains. “They felt like no one really cared about my uncle because he didn’t have a college degree or a steadyjob.Theyfeltlike[theauthorities]just saw him as just another unimportant Black man. ”

Thisexperienceisbackedbysoberingdata

While Black people make up approximately 14% of the U.S. population, they comprise nearly 38% of missing persons cases. Despite thisoverrepresentation,mediacoverageisdisproportionately scarce

Black and missing in Houston Inv sible

Research shows that while white children make up 54% of missing cases, they receive 88% of media mentions Conversely Black children make up 35% of cases but receive only 7% of coverage

“Theimplicationsofthisareliterallylifeand death,”saidKylePope editorandpublisherof the Columbia Journalism Review

This phenomenon, often called “Missing White Woman Syndrome,” results in cases involving people of color being handled with less urgency and lower-quality media focus.

Ataleoftworesponses

In2024 Anthonyattemptedtousehisprofessiona standingtorevisithisuncle’scase,butthe leadshadgrowncold However,whenhiscousin Vicky’sson,Noah,wentmissing,Anthonyutilizedhisconnectionstoreachthen-HPDchief TroyFinner Theresponsewasimmediate,and Noahwasreunitedwithhismother Whilegrateful,thedisparityhauntshim. “Ijustwishthatatthetime,therecouldhave beenmoredonetotrytofindmyunclebackin 2015,”Anthonysays “Ididn’thavetheconnectionsthen...butitshouldn’tbelikethat Everyone has value. Everyone’s life should matter whethertheyhaveaPh.D orifthey’vebeenin andoutofthecriminaljusticesystem.”

Expertadvice: Actfastandsmart

For families facing a disappearance, local expertsemphasizethatspeedisthemostcritical factor.

Sergeant Melissa Barajas of the Harris CountySheriff’sOffice(HCSO)MissingPersonsUnitdebunksacommonmyth “Iknow there’s been a rumor that we need to wait 48 hoursor24hoursbeforereportingthatapersonismissing.No doit as soon as possible.”

Ms. Me Turnquist, CEOoftheTexasCenter for the Missing, agrees.

“There is no 24-hour waiting period in the state of Texas,” she says. Turnquist notes that regarding missing persons cases, law enforcement is often overwhelmed.

“Our two largest agencies last year had over 11,000 missing persons cases with just 27investigators.So [share]anythingtomake your family member rise to a higher leve of concern, ”saidTurnquist.“AndIsaythatwith great love and respect because everybody we careabout,webelieveisimportant,ofcourse

I know there’s been a rumor that we need to wait 48 hours or 24 hours before reporting that a person is missing. No, do it as soon as possible.”

SERGEANT MELISSA BARAJAS HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

“But when law enforcement is in a triage mode, they need to know Is your loved one battling dementia? Is your loved one diagnosedwithautism?Isyourlovedonebattling depression?Hasyourlovedonestartedanew medication?Arethereanydevelopmenta disabilities of that individual? Have they had a brain injury? Do they have a problem with drugs or alcohol?”

Turnquist says each of those data points, which many believe are unimportant, may actually escalate the case’s priority

Missing Persons Reported in 2025-2026

Ma’Kenzi Reshae Knowles (17): Last seen April 26, 2026, in Houston.

Hope [Last Name Unknown]: Last seen April 28, 2026 in Houston.

Kaleb [Last Name Unknown]: Last seen March 19, 2026, in Houston.

DanielleJones (16): Last seen March 13, 2026 in Houston.

Jahvarri [Last Name Unknown]: Last seen January 6, 2026, in Houston.

Savontae Coleman (14): Last seen Jan 29 2026, in Houston.

DionneWilliams (35): Reported missing from Fifth Ward in August 2024; found deceased in 2025.

Malia Faye Ryan Clardy(17): Missing from Houston since February 23, 2026

Kymarie: Last seen on March 9, 2026, in Houston

Jazyah (15) and Lar’ryDaniels (12): Reported missing in March 2026 from the Houston area Jazyah was last seen on March 3 at Cypress Falls High School, and Lar’ry was last seen on March 19 on Copper Grove Boulevard.

Debra“Dawn”Moore (14): Last seen July 20, 2025, near Clear Lake Road in East Harris County.

Sources:HPD,HCSO and Click2Houston

The‘Don’ts’ofmissing person cases:

Don’t create personal flyers: Experts strongly advise against putting personal phone numbers on flyers “Bad actors will liewithin30secondsofseeingaflyer,saying ‘Pay me a ransom,’” Turnquist warns.

Don’twaitfor“perfect”info:Providewhateveryouhave—currentphotos,medicaldiagnoses,orevensocialmediahandles—tohelp investigators build a profile.

Resources and hope

Thoughthesubjectoffamiliesdealingwith amissinglovedoneisheavy,AnthonyCollier relishes the chance to share his uncle’s story.

For those currently searching, the message is clear: do not give up Reach out to city council members, state representatives, and loca organizations. “Youarenotinthisalone,”Anthonyadded.

Resources forfamilies

Texas Center for the Missing: centerforthemissing.org

Harris County Sheriff’s Office

713-221-6000 (Non-emergency) / Project Lifesaver & Project Guardian

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: missingkids.org / 1-800-THE-LOST Anthony Collier (Advocate): Instagram, @praesescollier/LinkedIn AnthonyCollier

“IwantanopportunitytohonormyUncle Mikefortheinvestmentheputintome,”said Anthony.“Andit’simportantforustogetthe wordoutthatBlackpeoplearegoingmissing, and not enough is being done.”

Learn more about individuals who are currently missing.

EmancipationPark Unveilsnew performancestage

ByTannistha Sinha

Apermanent home forBlack cultural celebrationhas arrivedinHouston’s Third Ward.After servingasthe heartbeatof Houston’sJuneteenthtraditionssince1872, Emancipation Park nowhas anew performancestage

TheEmancipationParkConservancy (EPC) announcedthatconstructionofthe stageiscomplete.Itissituatedatthesoutheast corner of theparknearElgin Street. Formallydedicatedduringthepark’sannual Juneteenthcelebrations,communityleaders hope it will anchor generationsofcultural expressionfor yearstocome.

“Thecompletionofthisnewstagemarks an importantmilestone forEmancipation Park andthe community we serve,”said CoreyWilson, presidentand CEO of EPC. “EmancipationParkisrootedincultureand community,andourresponsibilityasstewards is to honorthatlegacy whileensuring theparkcontinuestothriveforgenerations tocome.Thisnewstagecreatesapermanent space forculturalexpressionand community celebration.”

The stage

Thestage,which is more than 5,000 square feet, is designedtoserve thepark’s growingroleasahub forartsand cultural programming.

Thefeaturesinclude an outdoorperformance area,green room facilities, climate-controlledstorage,andanaudiovisual technologyroomfor lightingand sound management

TheKinderFoundation,aHouston-based philanthropicorganization that supports projects across theGreater Houstonarea, provided$7.5 millionfor thestage.The foundationgifteda$2milliongrantin2012 torenovatethepark’spoolhouseandshade structuresand,in2017,committedanother $1milliontothepark’sconservancy,matchinga$250,000 challenge grantby H-E-B

It represents apartofan$18.5 million renovation projectthatwillalsoinclude upgrades to thepark’s11,000-square-foot Cultural Center,whichwill be remodeled into an exhibition space

“EmancipationParkisone of Houston’s most significantparks, andKinderFoundation is proudtocontinueinvesting in its future,” said NancyKinder, president and CEO of theKinder Foundation.“Thisnew stagehonorsthe park’s powerful legacy whilecreatingnew opportunities forarts, culture, andcommunity gatherings.”

HoustonParks andRecreationDepartment DirectorKennethAllen emphasizes thecriticalroleprivate investment playsin

sustainingpublic spaces.

“EmancipationParkisatreasured asset inHouston’sparksystemandaplacedeeply lovedbygenerationsofHoustonians,” said KennethAllen,directorofthe Houston Parksand Recreation Department.“Private investment in public parksisessential to helping thesespaces thrive,and this supportreflects thesharedcommitmentto preserving Emancipation Park’s legacy and strengtheningits role as oneofthe city’s most meaningful public spaces. ”

Significance ofthe park

The newstage is thelatestenhancement to aparkwitha storiedhistory

Emancipation Park wasestablished in 1872 by formerly enslaved individualswho purchased a10-acre plot of land for$800, making it theoldestpublicparkinTexas

John “Jack” HenryYates (1828-1897) wasa keyleaderinthe endeavor

Yatescreated thepublic park forBlack people to gather andmark“thejubilation of theend of slaveryinthe Confederacy.” Itservedastheonlypublicparkandswimming poolinHouston open to African Americans until the1950s.

Afteryearsofunderfundingledtosignificantdisrepair,the park underwent a$33.6 millionrenovationcompleted in 2017 that restored itslandscape andmodernizedits facilities.

The newstage is part of EPC’s broader aimtocementthepark’srolewithinthecity’s historic ThirdWard.

“Bringingthisprojecttofruitionhasbeen atremendoushonor anda definingmilestoneforEmancipationParkConservancy,” said RamonManning, whoisEPC board

chair.“Thisstagereflectsyearsofplanning, partnership,andinvestmentinthefutureof oneofHouston’smosthistoricallysignificant greenspaces. ”

Profile DN

Juli McShay

Empowers communitythrough civic ed

ByAswadWalker

ForJuliMcShay, civiceducation goes beyond electionsand government.It’sabout giving people theknowledge andconfidence tohelpshapetheircommunities

TheLakeland, Florida,nativehas spent decadespreparingforthatmission.Agraduate ofPineyWoodsCountryLifeSchool,Talladega College,MilesLawSchool,andTexasSouthern University,McShayhas builtacareerinlaw, publicservice,andeducation.

Sincereturning to Houstonin2015, the self-described “southernsocialite”and professor hasbecomealeadingvoice forcivic engagement.Asfounderandexecutivedirector of theHouston Civics andLeadership CampaignSchool, she’sworking to ensure more BlackHoustoniansunderstandnotonlyhow governmentworks,buthowtoinfluenceit

Serviceoverstatus

McShaydescribesherselffirstasawoman ofthepeople.

“Professionally, I’maprofessor.But at my core,I’m aservant leader,”saidMcShay. “I believe ourstrengthisnot forour status but forservice.”

Shebringsthatphilosophy into theclassroomandontosocialmedia

“I’m theprettyprofessor of Pretty Petty Politics,”she said.“WhileI’m goingoff,I’m educating.”

Preparingtomorrow’sleaders

McShay launched theHouston Civics and LeadershipCampaignSchoolafterthedeathof formerHoustonMayorandU.S.Congressman SylvesterTurner.

“Wehavetodosomethingsowehavepeoplereadytorunforoffice,”sherecalledtelling HoustonMayor ProTem Martha CastexTatumduringTurner’srepass.

FoundedinNovember2025,the school trains future candidates, campaign workers, andresidentsseekingabetterunderstanding ofpolitics,voting,andgovernment

“Our missionistoequip ourcommunity withleaders,”McShaysaid.“Myfavoritepart isdoingcivicsinthecommunity.”

Itsfirstcohorthasalreadyseensuccess,with BrandonTaylorandJustinBoydelectedtothe StateDemocraticExecutiveCommittee

“Wedon’tendorsecandidates,”McShaysaid, “butwe’reveryproudofthosetwo.”

LessonsfromtheSouth

HavinglivedthroughouttheSouth,McShay says theexperience reinforcedher faithin Blackcommunities.

“It’staughtmetheresilience. theendurance

Professionally,I’m aprofessor.But at my core,I’m a servantleader. Ibelieve our strength is notfor our status butfor service.”

McSHAY

ofourpeople,”shesaid.

Shealsostressedthe importance of theBlackvote.

“MoreBlack Americansliveinthe Souththananywhereelse,”she said “We’renotgoingtobedismissedbecause everybodydependsonBlackvoters.”

Candidates,she added, must earn Blacksupport

“You have to show us whoyou are, notjustwhoyouropponentis.”

Builtonafoundation ofservice

McShay creditsher parents, Yvonne andthe late Aubrey McShay,for instillinghervalues.Abigpartoftheirimpact wasbeingopentoteenagerJuliMcShay when sherequested to attend Piney WoodsCountryLifeSchool,considered thenation’spremierBlackboardingschool. “Myparentsgavemethatfoundation,”she said.“PineyWoodswasthatnextbrick.” Shelaterearneddegreesinpublicadministrationand lawwhile gainingexperience in county andmunicipalgovernment, education,andpublicpolicy.

“Iknowgovernmentfromtheinsideout,” shesaid. “Whenthe lawisn’t working, we havetochangethelaw.”

Lookingahead

McShaycontinuesexpandingtheschool’s workthroughciviceducation,voterengagement,andleadershipdevelopment.OnAug. 1, theorganizationwill host the It’s On Us SummitatTexasSouthernUniversity’sSchool of Public Affairs. Inspired by theKarmelo Anthonycase, theevent will bringtogether parentsandstudentsingrades5-12toexplore howelections,publicpolicy,andthecriminal justicesystemintersect.

“It’sonustoeducate ourcommunity,” McShaysaid

Sheencouragesresidents to supportcivic educationorganizations,buildstrongercoalitions, andmakevotingasourceofneighborhoodpride

“Let’s compete,”she said.“Let’ssee which areacanturnoutthemostvoters.”

EyesonMcShay

Houstoncivic leaderspraiseMcShay’s impact

“JuliMcShayexemplifiesthehigheststandardsofcivicleadership,”saidAnnieJohnson Benifield,founderofHoustonVotingInitiative.“Shehasconsistentlyusedherplatform toinformthepublicandelevatecommunities toooftenoverlooked.”

Sports DN

Houston Texans predictions

By Terrance Harris

WiththeTexanstrainingcampunderway andwiththeregularseasonjustaroundthe corner,it’snaturallyaboutthattimetostart looking at the 2026 schedule and gauging howthehometeammightfarethisseason.

Havingsolidifiedthedefensewhileadding needed pieces on the offensive line, this feels like the season the Texans could finally break through their second-round playoff ceiling and, dare we say, reach the Super Bowl

But before we go too far, let’s break down the regular season, which includes fourprime-timegames,aWeek6matchup in London, and a treacherous late-season stretch where they will play four late-season cold-weather games. So, it could be interesting.

HereisalookattheTexans’regular-season schedule and a prediction of how they willcomeout.Ihavethemgoing13-4,winning the AFC South, and earning a firstround playoff bye. How do you see the season going for the Texans? All

GAME 1

Texans vs Buffalo Bills

When: Sun, Sept. 13, noon

Where: NRG

Win or loss: WIN

Briefly speaking: Josh Allen and the Bills are always a tough opponent, especially out the gate

GAME 2

Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals

When: Sun, Sept. 20, noon

Where: NRG

Win or loss: WIN

Briefly speaking: The Texans’ defense will wreak havoc on Joe Burrow and the offense, and C.J. Stroud and the offense will take another step forward in this win.

GAME 3

Indianapolis Colts vs.Texans

When: Sun, Sept. 27, noon

Where: Indianapolis

Win or loss: WIN

Briefly speaking: Daniel Jones got off to a fast start with the Colts last season but that won’t be the case against the Texans’ defense this season.

GAME 4

Texans vs Dallas Cowboys

When: Sun, Oct. 4, noon

Where: NRG

Win or loss: WIN

Briefly speaking: This is the showdown all of Houston looks forward to

GAME5

TennesseeTitansvs.Texans

When: Sun,Oct.11,noon

Where: NRG

Win orloss: WIN

Brieflyspeaking:TheTitanswill eventuallybecome a force in the AFC South,but this isn’t theyear

GAME6

Texansvs JacksonvilleJaguars

When: Sun,Oct.18,8:30 a.m.

Where: London

Win orloss: LOSS

Brieflyspeaking:This onewill be tough forboth teams,playingwhat is essentiallyan earlymorning game in thisventure across the pond.

GAME7

Texansvs NewYorkGiants

When: Sun,Oct.25,noon

Where: NRG

Win orloss: WIN

Brieflyspeaking:TheTexans have to be careful not to alreadybe in bye-weekmodewith theweekoff coming up

GAME8

LosAngelesChargersvs.Texans

When: Sun,Nov.8,3:05 p.m.

Where: LosAngeles

Win orloss: WIN

Brieflyspeaking: Coming offthe bye weekshould invigorate theTexans, but going against the Chargers on the road is a tough task.

GAME9

ClevelandBrownsvs.Texans

When: Sun,Nov.15,noon

Where: Cleveland

Win orloss: LOSS

Brieflyspeaking: DeshaunWatson will get anothercrackat his former team and this time itwill be more friendlyand understanding confines GAME10

Texansvs.IndianapolisColts

When:Thu,Nov.19,7:15 p.m.

Where: NRG

Win orloss: WIN

Brieflyspeaking: Returning home for the first time in almost a monthwill be exactlywhat theTexans need

GAME11

Texansvs.BaltimoreRavens

When: Sun,Nov.29,noon

Where: NRG

Win orloss: WIN

Brieflyspeaking: LookforC.J.Stroud and theTexans to change their fortunes against LamarJackson and the Ravens.

GAME12

PittsburghSteelersvs.Texans

When: Sun,Oct.Dec.6,7:20 p.m.

Where: Pittsburgh

Win orloss: WIN

Brieflyspeaking:The Steelers and Aaron Rodgerswill be looking for paybackfrom last season’s playoff letdown to theTexans.

GAME13

WashingtonCommandersvs.Texans

When: Sun,Dec.12,noon

Where:Washington,DC

Win orloss: WIN

Brieflyspeaking: In a grueling

season-ending schedule in potentiallycoldweather,this is a must-win fortheTexans.

GAME14

Texansvs.JacksonvilleJaguars

When: Sun,Dec.20,noon

Where: NRG

Win orloss: WIN

Brieflyspeaking: In a game that is full ofhugeAFC South implications, theTexanswill hold on towin this showdown

GAME15

PhiladelphiaEaglesvs.Texans

When:Thurs,Dec.24,7:15 p.m.

Where: Philadelphia

Win orloss: LOSS

Brieflyspeaking:TheTexanswill face ChannelViewproductJalen Hurts, but don’t expect Hurts to given any hometown favors

GAME16

GreenBayPackersvs.Texans

When: Mon,Jan.4,7:15 p.m.

Where: Green Bay

Win orloss: LOSS

Brieflyspeaking:At a frozen Lambeau Field,thiswill be nearly impossible fortheTexans in front of an MNFaudience.

GAME17

Texansvs TennesseeTitans

When:TBD (FlexGame)

Where: NRG

Win orloss: WIN

Brieflyspeaking: Don’t expect the Texans to rest theirstarters in this critical regular-season finale.

Sports DN

CharlesTreyBrown Embraces Aldine High School Challenge

By Jimmie Aggison

Mostcoachesspendtheircareersseeking programs builttowin. CharlesTreyBrown hasspent histimeseeking programs that manyhavegivenupon.

Afterhelping enda nearly 100-game district losing streak at SamHouston High School,Brown earned recognitionasone of Texas’topyoungcoachesonDaveCampbell TexasFootball’s40Under40list.

Now, he’s accepted perhapshis toughest challengeyet:TakingoveranAldineprogram that’sbeenseekingitsfirstdistrictvictoryin nearly adecade. ForBrown,buildingisn’t a risk;it’stheassignment

“Anybodycaninheritsuccess,”saidBrown. “Iwanttohelpcreateit.Buildingsomething thatlasts will always mean more to me than maintainingwhat’salreadyestablished.”

Whilestrugglingprogramsareoftenoverlooked,Brown doesn’tsee records; he sees potentialinstead

“Iseepeople,kidswaitingforsomeoneto believeinthem, coacheslooking fordirection,and communitieswanting something torallybehind,”saidBrown.“Everyprogram hasa heartbeat. Sometimesitjustneeds someonewillingtohelpbringitbacktolife.”

Brown’sapproachdidn’tbegin at Aldine It wasshapedatSam HoustonHighSchool, whereheled theprogram to itsfirstdistrict footballvictory after nearly 100 consecutive districtlosses.

“Thebiggest opponent wasn’t theteam

We aren’t here to repeat history. We’re here to writeanew one. Everything we want starts with the work we choose to do today.”

CHARLESTREYBROWN

across thefield. It wasa belief,” Brownsaid. “Too many people hadaccepted losing as normal.Beforewecould change results, we hadtochangeourexpectations.”

Culture,accountability,relationships,and standardsallhadtochange.Brownknewhis playershad fullyembracedthe program’s

directionwhentheykeptfighting thro adversity.

“Whenthingsgot hard,and they ke respondingthe rightway insteadoffoldi Iknewbeliefhad takenroot,”saidBro “Breakingthatlongdistrictlosingstreakg people hope.Itshowedthose kids that ha workpaysoffandgavethatschoolsomet tocelebratetogether.”

WhatBrownaccomplishedatSamHo tonestablished himasa programbuild Rather than immediatelypursuingano head coaching role,hechose to contin developing as an assistantatMayde Cr HighSchoolinKatyISD.

“Steppingintoanassistant role at Ma CreekwasimportanttomebecauseIund stoodthatgrowthrequireshumility,”s Brown.“Iwantedtolearnfromanother cessfulheadcoach,sharpen my leadersh andbecomeanevenbetterversionofmy WorkingunderMaydeCreekheadco Mike Arogbonlo, Browngaineda deep appreciation forpatience, perspectiv andleadershipwithoutalwaysbeingthe finalvoice.

“Ilearnedhowimportantalignment is from thetop down,” said Brown. “Great programs aren’t builtbyone person.They’rebuilt by greatteams Earlyon, Ithought culturecreated wins.NowIknowculturecreatespeople, andpeoplecreatewins. Football became less aboutschemes andmore aboutdevelopingdisciplined,accounta youngmen.”

“Coach Brownisanoutstandingfootball coachand an even better mentor foryoung men,”saidArogbonlo.“Whatstoodoutmost duringhistimeonourstaffwashisabilityto buildgenuinerelationshipswithplayerswhile holdingthemtoahighstandardofaccountability.Hisuniqueabilitytoearnhisplayers’ trust, developtheir confidence, andcreatea cultureinwhich they wanted to work hard andcompete wasevident in hissuccess in improvingprograms.”

Those experiencesnow position Brown amongthe Houstonarea’syounger head coaches.

“You earn trustquickly when youenter anew programbybeing consistent,” said Brown.“Ishowup,listen,andcare.ItellpeopleexactlywhatIexpect,andIholdmyselfto thesamestandards.Trustisn’tbuiltthrough speeches.It’sbuiltthroughdailyactions.”

NowBrown applieseverythinghehas learnedtowhatmay be hisbiggest building challengeyet:anAldineprogramthathasnot

wonagamesincethe2015-16seasonandhas finishedatthe bottom of thedistrictstandingsyearafteryear

“Thepastdoesn’tdefinewhat’snext,”said Brown. “Wearen’theretorepeathistory We’reheretowrite anew one. Everything we want starts with theworkwechooseto dotoday.Winningstartslongbeforekickoff. It starts with discipline, effort, andaccountability, andwithbelieving we’recapable of becomingsomethingspecial.”

Brown’smessageisalreadyresonatingwith hisplayers,whosaytheculturehasbegunto shiftlongbeforethefirstkickoff.

“CoachBrownhasawin-nowattitudeand isworkingwiththeseniorstobringinmore players,”saidseniorwidereceiverRigoberto Moya.

ForBrown,buildinghasneverbeenabout

football alone. He believes thewinswillfollowifthe locker room is united,attendance improves,gradesrise, parentsbelieve again, alumni return,and students areproud to wearAldineacrosstheirchest.

“Buildingpeopleismoreimportant than buildingfootballprogramsbecause football eventually ends,but thelessons don’t,”said Brown. “Championships fade,but characterlasts forever. If ourplayers become great fathers,husbands,leaders,andcitizens,then we’vealreadywonthemostimportantgame.”

Wins define seasons. Belief defines programs

ForBrown,every stop hasbeenabout provingthateventhe toughest rebuilds are worthtakingonbecausewhatisbuiltinpeoplelastsfarlongerthananythingrecordedon ascoreboard.

DN Health

HealthyVision StartsWith Routine EyeCare

ByALEXIS RENÉE PASCOE,MD

Vision oftenchanges over time, and stayingconnectedtoregular care can make those changes easier to recognize andmanageearly

July is HealthyVision Month, a reminderthatchangesineyesight may not always be obvious. Many adults adapt to small shifts without realizing it, especiallywhen dailyroutines remain manageable.

Over time,these changescan begin to affectactivitieslikereading and driving, often beforetheyare recognizedasa visionproblem.Paying attentionto visionaspartofroutine health care can helpidentify thesechangesearlier and supportlong-term eyehealth

Vision Changes Can Be Subtle

Vision doesnot always change suddenly. Eyesmay adjusttolighting, distance, or focus over time, making

earlychangeseasy to overlook.Some common health conditions,including diabetes andhighblood pressure,can also affectvisionovertime. Regularvisits canhelpidentifyconcerns beforethey begin to interferewithdaily activitiesor safety

Vision and Overall Health He th

Eye health is closelyconnectedto overall health.Changes seen during an eyeexammay reflectbroader health issues,evenwhen visionsymptoms arenot noticeable. Monitoring vision alongside other aspects of health helps provide amorecompletepictureand supportsinformed decisions over time

Routine Exams Matter RoutineExams

Many visionconcerns areeasier to manage when identifiedearly.Routine eye examsallow changes to be tracked,

prescriptionstobeupdated when needed, and questions about eye comfortorstraintobeaddressed. About93million adultsinthe United States areathighriskfor serious vision loss, yetonlyabout half see an eye doctoreachyear.¹These visits arepart of preventive care,not onlyaresponse to vision problems.

WheretoBegin

Schedulinga routineeye exam or discussing anychanges in visionwith an ophthalmologist,optometrist,or primarycareclinician canprovidea clearstartingpoint forongoing care, helping trackchanges over time and making it easier to addressconcerns early

Sources

1. Centersfor Disease Controland Prevention (CDC)–Visionlossfacts https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/ data-research/vision-loss-facts/index.html

AlexisRenéePascoe,MD Kelsey-SeyboldClinic, Ophthalmology

Springwoods Village Campus

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