Corpus Christi - Filing for City Council Approaches
The last day Corpus Christi residents can file an application for a place on the ballot is Monday, August 17, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI - City Secretary Rebecca L. Huerta reminds everyone that the City election for mayor and three at-large and five district council member positions will be held on November 3, 2020.
The last day Corpus Christi residents can file an application for a place on the ballot is Monday, August 17, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Candidate information, including an application form and the requirements for filing are available on the City Secretary’s webpage, under 2020 Election Central, at www.cctexas.com or in the City Secretary’s Office, 1st Floor, City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street.
Note: The City Secretary’s Office is closed to the general public and is operating at minimum staffing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals are strongly encouraged to make an appointment, or, at a minimum, should call the City Secretary’s Office at 361-826-3105 before coming to City Hall. To reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission, individuals:
• are subject to a temperature check upon entering City Hall;
• are required to wear a face-covering while in City Hall; and
• must observe social distancing.
For more information, contact the City Secretary’s Office at (361) 826-3105.
Defunding Police in Austin is Dangerous
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton give a statement following the Austin City Council to cut $150 million from the Austin Police Department.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton gave this statement following the Austin City Council’s decision today to cut $150 million from the Austin Police Department’s budget:
“The unwarranted attack by the Austin mayor and city council on their police department’s budget is no more than a political haymaker driven by the pressures of cancel culture. Unfortunately, the targets of this ‘cancelling’ are the brave men and women who selflessly put their lives on the line to keep our families safe. The city council’s action to slash funding disregards the safety of our capital city, its citizens, and the many guests who frequent it. The City of Austin already struggles to combat widespread crime, violence and homelessness. In light of rising violent crime rates in many cities across the country as well the majority of Austinites opposing defunding police, the mayor and the city council should immediately reconsider this ill-advised effort at virtue signaling; which will endanger lives and property in Austin.”
UIL Will Allow Football TeleCast for 2020-2021
In an effort to increase accessibility of high school football games, Texas UIL will allow live telecasts of games on Friday nights during the regular season.
Press Release
In an effort to increase accessibility of high school football games, Texas UIL will allow live telecasts of games on Friday nights during the regular season.
This temporary suspension of Section 868(c) of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules, which prohibits live telecasts of regular season football games on Friday, is only for the 2020-21 school year.
Source: UIL Texas
Whitecap Boulevard Closed for Hurricane Damage Clean-up
CORPUS CHRISTI - The City of Corpus Christi will temporarily restrict Gulf beach access at Whitecap Boulevard on Thursday, August 13, from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
CORPUS CHRISTI - The City of Corpus Christi will temporarily restrict Gulf beach access at Whitecap Boulevard on Thursday, August 13, from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to allow for beach maintenance work to be completed from Hurricane Hanna damage. The restrictions include no access to pedestrian traffic, golf carts and all-terrain vehicles.
The beach maintenance will require the use of heavy machinery on the beach to redistribute the sand moved by Hurricane Hanna to allow for future vehicular access.
For more information, call 361-826-3460 or visit www.ccparkandrec.com.
$16.5 Million to Texans in Medicaid Fraud Lawsuit
The 126th Judicial District Court of Travis County ordered final judgment against Dr. Richard Malouf, former owner of All Smiles Dental Center, holding him responsible for 1,842 unlawful acts under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act and liable for approximately $16.5 million to the State of Texas.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that the 126th Judicial District Court of Travis County ordered final judgment against Dr. Richard Malouf, former owner of All Smiles Dental Center, holding him responsible for 1,842 unlawful acts under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act and liable for approximately $16.5 million to the State of Texas.
“I applaud my litigation team, the court and the Health and Human Services Commission for stopping this misconduct and recovering taxpayer money,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Identifying and preventing Medicaid fraud continues to be a top priority for my office and I remain committed to ensuring that Medicaid dollars are preserved for those who most need them.”
Dr. Malouf operated orthodontics clinics for many years in the Dallas area and billed tens of millions of dollars to Texas Medicaid. The Court previously found that Malouf fraudulently billed Medicaid for services that he did not deliver, including over 100 claims he filed while he was vacationing out of the country.
Read a copy of the order here.
Congress to Consider Safe to Work Act
These protections will help mitigate the threat of frivolous COVID-19-related litigation against first responders, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and healthcare facilities.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton joined 21 other states in a letter to the United States Congress urging the adoption of federal pandemic liability protections contained in the Safe to Work Act. These protections will help mitigate the threat of frivolous COVID-19-related litigation against first responders, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and healthcare facilities, among other entities, while ensuring victims have legal options where appropriate.
“A common-sense framework is necessary to provide liability protections as we restart our economy safely and appropriately in the midst of this pandemic. Businesses need clearly defined expectations for safe operations and protection from baseless COVID-19-related claims while operating in good faith,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Criminal penalties, regulatory fines and agency oversight must be reserved to stop those who recklessly inflict harm, and civil lawsuits should be available for any citizens hurt by those actually acting with disregard for safety.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tragic loss of life across the nation, and countless livelihoods were lost and businesses closed. As stated in a previous letter, States believe federal pandemic liability protections will benefit all states and citizens as we continue working to slow the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the detrimental impact is has had on state economies.
Read a copy of the letter here.
H.E.B. Shake Rattle Bowl Recalled for Salmonella
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat meat and poultry by Thomson International Inc. The “H.E.B. Shake Rattle Bowl “SOUTHWEST SALAD with CHICKEN” is on the list for the recall.
Press Release
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated onions that have been recalled by Thomson International Inc. due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with Salmonella Newport. FSIS is issuing this public health alert out of the utmost of caution to ensure that consumers are aware that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed. As more information becomes available, FSIS will update this public health alert.
The RTE meat and poultry items were produced by Taylor Farms on July 30 and 31, 2020. The following products are subject to the public health alert: [View Label (PDF only)]
7.25-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “Sausage Breakfast Scramble Bowl” with lot code TFD212AU8 and TFD213AU8 and with a best if used by 08/06/2020 or 08/07/2020.
6.2-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “Taylor Farms Cheddar Cheese & Chicken Salad Snack Tray” with use by date 08/06/20 or 08/07/20 and lot code TFD212AU7 and TFD213AU7.
41.35-oz. plastic bags containing “Chicken Salad” with use by date 08/04/20 or 08/05/20 and lot codes TFD212AU8 and TFD213AU8.
10-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “Chicken Salad Deli Snack” with lot codes TFD212AU3 and TFD213AU3 with best by dates 08/06/2020 or 08/07/2020.
7.75-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “H.E.B. Shake Rattle Bowl SOUTHWEST SALAD with CHICKEN” and a best if used by date of “Aug 10/2020 and lot code TFD213AU20.
17.25-oz. plastic sealed container labeled as “Marketside SOUTHWEST STYLE SALAD WITH CHICKEN” with a best if used by date of 08/11/20 or 08/12/2020 and lot codes TFD212AU26 or TFD213AU26.
The products bear the establishment number “"P-34733" or "34733" inside the USDA mark of inspection or printed on the container. These products were shipped to retail locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas.
CDC, FDA and public health and regulatory officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to onions produced by Thomson International, Inc. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of the FSIS-regulated products produced containing these onions. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Consumers with questions can contact Kim Earnshaw or Elizabeth Llanes with Thomson International, Inc., at (661) 845-1111.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront is Back
CORPUS CHRISTI – “Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront” is back and safer than ever beginning this Saturday, August 8, 2020.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – “Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront” is back and safer than ever beginning this Saturday, August 8, 2020. Facial coverings will now be required for ages 10 and older. Temperature checks at sign-in and facial coverings are now required to participate in classes. For the Kids Zone, ages 12 and under, face coverings are strongly recommended.
The health and wellness initiative called “Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront” is offering fitness activities for all ages and skill levels. The community is invited to take advantage of the FITNESS LANE, join Wellness Sessions and play in the Kids Zone. The Kids Zone includes an obstacle course, noodle hockey and scoop ball. H-E-B is a community partner providing fruit and water for all participants.
The FITNESS LANE is open for people to “get moving” in a safe, vehicle-free environment. No registration is required. Walk, jog, run, or bike in a designated 1.25 mile fitness lane from Cole Park to Lawrence Street! The FITNESS LANE is available every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., until August 29, 2020. The fitness lane will help to reduce the overcrowding of sidewalks and enable social distancing of at least six feet while exercising.
An expanded fitness lane has been created along Ocean Drive to Shoreline Boulevard that will temporarily close north bound traffic from 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. for residents to bike, run, jog and walk along the bayfront from Cole Park to the Art Center of Corpus Christi.
In coordination with Victor Betancourt of VFit Productions and the City’s Park and Recreation Department, the City will offer “Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront” exercise and wellness events for ages 8 and older, of all abilities, on Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. until August 29, 2020, at The Water’s Edge, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd. Check-In, Fitness Moves session and the Children’s Activity area will be held at McCaughan Park. Zumba and Yoga will be held at the Islanders Pavilion next to the playground. Participants are also eligible to receive give-away rewards. The Kids Zone, for ages 8-12, begins at 9 a.m.
The 40- to 60-minute sessions:
Walk to Run (7 – 7:40am) *: Learn how to increase your endurance through proper running and walking techniques.
Fitness Moves (8 – 8:40am) *: Learn techniques for body weight training, conditioning and circuit training.
Walk the Bayfront (9 – 10am) *: 2-mile walk led by instructor along the fitness lane.
Yoga (9 – 9:40am) *: Learn how to improve physical and mental strength through a series of poses.
Zumba (10 – 10:40am) *: Aerobic fitness infused with Latin American dance moves.
Kids Zone (9 – 11am): Obstacle course, noodle hockey, scoop ball. No registration required.
Class participation is limited so make sure to register through the online registration link www.cctexas.com/safefunfit.
Measures will also be taken for appropriate physical distancing for the safety of participants. In addition, participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat and water, as appropriate, for their workout.
“Everyone in our community is strongly encouraged to use all preventative measures and that includes exercising. Exercise may help protect against COVID-19 complications. Our goal is to have a community of healthy residents who will reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by taking advantage of our natural environment for their outdoor fitness,” said Peter Zanoni, City Manager.
Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For assistance or to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 361-826-3460, in advance.
Share your photos with us on social media at
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SafeFunFit.CCTX/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/safefunfit.cctx/
For more information about Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront, visit www.cctexas.com/safefunfit.
Women’s Health and Safety
Attorney General Ken Paxton joined ten other states in a friend-of-the-court brief requesting that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit stay a nationwide injunction suspending important health and safety requirements imposed by federal law for prescription of the abortifacient mifepristone.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton joined ten other states in a friend-of-the-court brief requesting that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit stay a nationwide injunction suspending important health and safety requirements imposed by federal law for prescription of the abortifacient mifepristone. Federal and state laws require physical examinations and in-person dispensing of mifepristone to ensure that physicians check for contraindications and inform women of the significant risk to her own body, including possible infection, hemorrhage, and even death.
“This medication is strictly required to be dispensed in-person due to the serious risks it poses to women’s health. The ongoing pandemic does not change the need for close examination and observation of a patient using mifepristone,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The COVID-19 pandemic only reinforces the need to follow reasonable guidelines when prescribing potentially dangerous medications to prevent patients from being forced into hospitals already dealing with the strain of the pandemic. To argue otherwise demonstrates lack of true interest in women’s health and safety.”
The district court’s current injunction prevents the Food and Drug Administration from enforcing provisions of the Elements to Assure Safe Use for the mifepristone Risk Evaluation & Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Use of abortion medications with close physician supervision presents risks to patient health and safety, and mifepristone is approved strictly through 10 weeks of pregnancy, with later use involving a higher risk of failure, infection, and risk to the patient’s life.
Read a copy of the amicus brief here.
Corpus Christi Regional Parks Resume Operations
Corpus Christi - All Regional Parks, splash pads, and Bay Beaches (North Beach and McGee Beach) are now open in accordance to Governor Abbots Reopen Texas restrictions.
Press Release
Cole Park - Photo by Gabriela Morrow.
CORPUS CHRISTI – All Regional Parks, splash pads, and Bay Beaches (North Beach and McGee Beach) are open in accordance to Governor Abbots Reopen Texas restrictions. Gulf Beaches will remain closed to vehicle traffic as per the extension of restrictions by Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales until August 17, 2020.
Information on schedules for City pools is available on the City’s website at https://www.cctexas.com/parks/services/general-government/swim-programs-pools. The Corpus Christi Natatorium will remain closed due to damage sustained during Hurricane Hanna.
City Pools reopening Saturday, August 1:
Collier
Greenwood
H-E-B
Oso
West Guth
Regional Parks reopening Saturday, August 1:
Bill Witt Park
West Guth Park
Manuel Q. Salinas Park
The Water’s Edge
Cole Park
Labonte Park
Lakeview Park
Parker Park
City Splash Pads reopening Saturday, August 1:
Bill Witt Park
Lindale Park
Manuel Q. Salinas Park
JBS Food Canada Recalls Beef Products
JBS Food Canada ULC, a Brooks, Alberta, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 38,406 pounds of boneless beef head meat products that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
Press Release
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2020 – JBS Food Canada ULC, a Brooks, Alberta, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 38,406 pounds of boneless beef head meat products that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The raw, frozen, boneless beef head meat items were imported on July 13, 2020 and were further processed by another company into ground beef products. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]
80-lb. boxes containing eight, 10-lb. chubs of “BALTER MEAT COMPANY 73/27 GROUND BEEF,” with “USE BY/FREEZE BY” dates of 08/09/2020 or 08/10/2020, pack dates of 072020, 072120, or 072220, and lot codes of 2020A or 2030A represented on the label.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 11126” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution centers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, for further distribution to retail locations.
The problem was discovered when FSIS determined through routine surveillance that the product had by-passed FSIS import reinspection.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the JBS USA Consumer Hotline at (800) 727-2333. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Cameron Bruett, Sustainability & Corporate Communications, JBS USA, at (970) 506-7801 or cameron.bruett@jbssa.com.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
Source: United States Department of Agriculture - Food Safety and Inspection Service
Corpus Christi - Brush & Debris Collection Post Hurricane Hanna
The City of Corpus Christi requests residents to place their brush and debris curb-side on Monday, August 3.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – As part of the city’s Hurricane Hanna Response Plan, the City of Corpus Christi’s Solid Waste Department requests residents begin placing their brush and debris curb-side. There will be no citations or fines assessed during this Hurricane response period. The city-wide removal of debris will begin Monday, August 3, and continue until complete which is estimated to be no more than three weeks.
Residents should separate their brush and debris into two piles. One for clean brush which includes trees, limbs, palm fronds and other brush. This debris will be turned into mulch at the J.C. Elliott Transfer Station. The second pile will be for wooden planks, fencing, roof shingles or other such debris caused by Hurricane Hanna. Please make sure the brush and debris piles do not block sidewalks, thru-ways or drainage ditches.
Residents are urged to ‘like’ and ‘follow’ the Solid Waste Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com@CCwasteplace for the latest information regarding brush cleanup and all your other solid waste questions.
AG Paxton Issues Legal Guidance on School Reopening
Local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools for the sole purpose of preventing future COVID-19 infections. Rather, their role is limited by statute to addressing specific, actual outbreaks of disease.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued guidance on the opening of local schools for the upcoming school year, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, responding to a request from Stephenville Mayor Doug Svien. While playing an important role in protecting the health of school children and employees, local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools for the sole purpose of preventing future COVID-19 infections. Rather, their role is limited by statute to addressing specific, actual outbreaks of disease. School officials, both public and private, are the appropriate ones to decide whether, when, and how to open school.
“Education of our children is an essential Texas value and there is no current statewide order prohibiting any school from opening,” said Attorney General Paxton. “While local health authorities may possess some authority to close schools in limited circumstances, they may not issue blanket orders closing all schools on a purely preventative basis. That decision rightfully remains with school system leaders.”
Read a copy of the letter here.
Brush Cleanup Post Hurricane Hanna
The City of Corpus Christi Solid Waste Department asks residents with small branches or small amounts of yard waste from Hurricane Hanna to place them in their green, trash cart. It is important the lid on the trash cart closes properly.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – The City of Corpus Christi Solid Waste Department asks residents with small branches or small amounts of yard waste from Hurricane Hanna to place them in their green, trash cart. It is important the lid on the trash cart closes properly.
Large brush and other debris can be taken directly to the J.C. Elliott Transfer Station located at Highway 286 and Ayers Street. Hours of operation for the transfer station have been extended from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. for the next seven days including Saturday and Sunday. Extended hours for clean bush only, no trash, are from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Please do not place brush in your recycling cart. Residents are urged to ‘like’ and ‘follow’ the Solid Waste Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com@CCwasteplace for the latest information regarding brush cleanup and all your other solid waste questions.
Faculty member named to Reading Academies Pilot
Dr. Fernando Hernandez, assistant professor in the teacher and bilingual education department at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, was recently honored with membership in two reading associations.
Press Release
Dr. Fernando Hernandez, assistant professor in the teacher and bilingual education department at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
KINGSVILLE — Dr. Fernando Hernandez, assistant professor in the teacher and bilingual education department at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, was recently honored with membership in two reading associations. First, Hernandez was accepted into the Reading Academies Pilot where he would participate in and provide feedback on draft Reading Academies modules prior to full implementation. The program is part of the Texas Education Agency.
Second, he applied to and was selected to serve as an at-large member of the Texas Association of Literacy Educators (TALE), an affiliate of the National Literacy Association. This is an elected position and he will serve a two-year term. TALE is dedicated to promoting literacy in the education sector and consists of professional members that are committed to serving the leaders in the state of Texas.
Hernandez has been at Texas A&M-Kingsville for a year. He worked as a lecturer in the bilingual and literacy studies department at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for two years. He earned a bachelor of business administration in finance from Southwest Texas State University; his master’s degree in reading from University of Texas Pan American and his doctorate in literacy from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Emeka Obi receive Scholarship from Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society
The sophomore from Lago, Nigeria received the Jo Anne J. Trow Scholarship from Alpha Lambda Delta, the National Honor Society for First-Year Success.
Press Release
KINGSVILLE - Emeka Obi has done something no other student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville has done. The sophomore from Lago, Nigeria received the Jo Anne J. Trow Scholarship from Alpha Lambda Delta, the National Honor Society for First-Year Success.
Obi is an electrical engineering major with minors in math and computer science at Texas A&M-Kingsville. “To be the first Texas A&M-Kingsville student to receive this scholarship is truly a great honor,” he said. “I am very sure that more Texas A&M-Kingsville students will follow. It brings me great pleasure that I would be leading this line.”
He is currently interning for VISA payment services company as a software engineer and he is historian of the National Society of Black Engineers. He is a senator for the Student Government Association and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the Association of Computing Machinery and the Society of Automotive Engineers.
This year, Alpha Lambda Delta has awarded 50 Trow scholarships across the country. Selection is based on maintaining a 3.5 grade point average, academic records, participation in Alpha Lambda Delta activities, campus and community service activities and the applicant’s essay answers.
Alpha Lambda Delta is a national honor society that recognizes students’ academic success during their first year at their college or university.
Fraudsters Selling Counterfeit, Mislabeled, Non-Existent PPE
As demand for personal protection equipment increases, scammers may advertise equipment they do not actually have in attempts to make a quick profit. These PPE products may be counterfeit and mislabeled, and some may not exist at all.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton, in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern Districts of Texas, today informed the public about several fraudulent schemes involving masks, personal protection equipment (PPE), and other COVID-19 related equipment. They urge everyone to exercise increased due diligence and caution when dealing with new suppliers or vendors, especially when using a third-party broker.
As demand for PPE increases, scammers may advertise equipment they do not actually have in attempts to make a quick profit. These PPE products may be counterfeit and mislabeled, and some may not exist at all. Some fraudsters reach out directly to consumers and government entities through email or social media to push their products. Red flags that a seller may be engaging in a scam include:
Unusual payment terms
Last-minute price changes
Last-minute excuses for delay in shipment
Unexplained source of a large quantity of material
Evidence of re-packaging or mislabeling
There are ongoing federal and state prohibitions on charging exorbitant prices for PPE during this time of national emergency. Texans who believe they have encountered scams or price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online. For additional information on disaster scams, please visit our disaster scams website.
More information on unapproved or counterfeit PPE can be found at cdc.gov/niosh. You can also find information on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website and the Environmental Protection Agency website. If you have information about PPE-related fraud, or about hoarding or price gouging of critical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling the National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by submitting the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
Reverse Alert
To get the latest weather updates from the City of Corpus Christi, residents should sign up for reverse alerts.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The City of Corpus Christi Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is actively monitoring Tropical Depression Eight which has formed in the Central Gulf of Mexico. Work has been occurring this week to prepare for rain and potential flooding by clearing storm drains, preparing street barricades, and reviewing emergency response plans among all City departments.
To get the latest weather updates from the City of Corpus Christi, residents should sign up for weather alerts at www.reversealert.org. The City works closely with the National Weather Service who early today issued a Tropical Storm Watch in effect for the middle Texas Coast. The tropical system could bring rain, potential flooding, and winds to the area as early as Friday.
The City also has a variety of resources and information for storm preparations at https://www.cctexas.com/beready. Residents can also get updates on City social channels at Facebook: @citygov and at Twitter: cityofcc.
UIL Activities Calendar and COVID-19 Guidelines
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is presenting modifications to the 2020-2021 UIL calendar and updated COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines, set to take effect August 1, 2020.
Press Release
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is presenting modifications to the 2020-2021 UIL calendar and updated COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines, set to take effect August 1, 2020.
The modifications to the 2020-2021 calendar differ by activity and conference and can be found on the UIL website and in the chart below. These adjustments reflect the public health situation at this time and the varying numbers of COVID-19 cases across different geographic areas of the state. This plan provides a delay for schools in highly-populated metro areas, primarily conferences 5A-6A, given the challenges with COVID-19 those communities are facing, while providing schools in other areas, primarily 1A-4A, an opportunity to start seasons on schedule. Acknowledging the situation is not always clear-cut and that COVID-19 affects every community differently, the plan also allows for local flexibility and encourages districts to plan for possible interruptions in order to complete district seasons.
Additionally, the COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines for the 2020-2021 school year can be found at this link. This includes guidance around face coverings, general operations and protocol for individuals confirmed or exposed to COVID-19, congregate settings (band halls, locker rooms, etc.), practice and rehearsal activities, spectators and media, and concession stands and food service.
These guidelines are in addition to guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and intended to be implemented along with TEA guidance, which applies to UIL academic activities and extracurricular non-UIL activities.
With the understanding that not all schools will be able to start at the same time, this plan allows for schools to make playing decisions at the local level, and the UIL will work directly with schools that have scheduling issues not addressed in this plan to allow them flexibility to complete as many contests as possible.
“Our goal in releasing this plan is to provide a path forward for Texas students and schools,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “While understanding situations change and there will likely be interruptions that will require flexibility and patience, we are hopeful this plan allows students to participate in the education-based activities they love in a way that prioritizes safety and mitigates risk of COVID-19 spread.”
Students Rights to Free Speech and Due Process
Attorney General Ken Paxton led 15 states in an amicus brief filed in the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York, defending the Department of Education’s reaffirmation of Title IX’s commitment to protecting students from actual harassment while upholding free speech and fair process.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton led 15 states in an amicus brief filed in the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York, defending the Department of Education’s reaffirmation of Title IX’s commitment to protecting students from actual harassment while upholding free speech and fair process. The Department of Education’s “Final Rule” bolsters the anti-discrimination purposes of Title IX without infringing free speech or due process rights.
“The Constitution applies to every American, and the Department of Education’s ‘Final Rule’ provides robust protection for individual rights where previous regulations and guidance failed. The Supreme Court has long recognized that students subject to disciplinary proceedings are entitled to due process,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Academic institutions cannot unlawfully deprive students of their constitutional rights to free speech, due process, or fair trial.”
Without safeguards, academic institutions can and have eschewed due process and imposed life-altering consequences on students without affording them the opportunity to defend themselves. The vast majority of colleges and universities currently deny students the right to present evidence or cross examine witnesses, and less than half require that fact-finders be impartial during investigations.
Read a copy of the amicus brief here.