SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY PREPARES FOR HOMECOMING IN BATON ROUGE!

From Southern University Alumni: Don't forget the 2010 Southern University Alumni Federation Homecoming Round-Up is tonight at 8 pm featuring R&B Recording Artist Willie Clayton. Tickets are $35 and are going fast, call 771.4200 to reserve yours!

 

And, Tailgating is set for Saturday beginning at 2 pm on the lawn of the School of Nursing across from the A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse. Join us for "Southern Style" barbecue as we prepare to take on the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State University.

 

Support future alums by tuning in to the KQXL 106.5FM, WEMX 94.1FM or WXOK 1460AM for the 20th Annual Southern University System Foundation Radiothon. Or log on to www.Q106dot5.com, www.max94one.com or www.heaven1460.com  to listen live.  

 

Happy Homecoming!

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST ON THE INSITE: PERRY ENDORSED BY HPOU!

The Houston Police Officers' Union has endorsed Governor Rick Perry in the Gubernatorial race. 

Political insiders say its a huge slap in the face for former Houston Mayor Bill White who's also running for Governor. 

Perry was in Houston this morning to accept the endorsement. 

Union officials say White's decision to bring in former chief Harold Hurtt and the city's sanctuary city policy is why they decided to go with Perry.

Lots of people were on hand at the union for the big announcement: Michael Berry, Michael Sullivan, Rick Perry, Ray Hunt, Mark Clark, Gary Blankinship and a long list of others!

OPERATION USO HOUSTON IS IN FULL SWING AND HOW YOU CAN HELP!

For the first time ever the U.S.O. is teaming up with hundreds of Houston Police officers.  The group that provides mental and financial support along with entertainment to members of the armed forces will join with the Houston Police Officers' Union to raise $20,000.  The fundraising effort will also include a golf tournament on October 26, 2010 at Tour 18 Golf Course in Humble, Tx. Several people were on hand for the big announcement including: Susie Barlow, Gary Blankinship, JJ Berry, and G.J. Fremin.  If you'd like more on the partnership and how you can help out follow the link below for more details!

Link: http://www.usohpou.com/

HISD OFFICIALS SAY NEW PROPOSED FEE COULD COST STUDENTS THEIR TEACHERS IN THE CLASS!

Press Release: Today, HISD school board trustees approved a resolution asking for an exemption from Proposition 1, also known as the Renew Houston Initiative. The proposition, which is on the November ballot, calls for a fee to pay for a 20-year, $8 billion infrastructure and drainage program for the city. The fee, by the city’s own estimates, could cost HISD $2.5 to $3.5 million a year. 

            "This is a vote for our taxpayers," said Greg Meyers, president of the Board of Education, after the unanimous vote approving the resolution, which asks the city to exempt all school districts from the proposed drainage fee. "It's a vote that assures the public that we’re focusing on the main thing, and that’s our students."

            HISD Superintendent Terry Grier, at today’s school board meeting, pointed out to trustees that paying the fee could result in the loss of jobs and increased classroom size. “To put this in perspective, a $2.5 to $3.5 million cut means laying off 60 to 70 teachers.” said Grier. “On top of that we are already facing the possibility of losing $50 to $75 million of funding due to state education cuts.” 

            HISD already pays more than $2 million a year on retention ponds and other drainage efforts at its schools and facilities. “This is essentially a double tax on our constituents,” said Trustee Manuel Rodriguez. 

            Trustee Carol Mims Galloway, who served three terms as a Houston City Council member, made the motion to adopt the resolution. “I am just really opposed to schools being included in this fee," she said. "It really will be a disservice to our parents and our young people."

            Trustee Paula Harris echoed the sentiments of other board members, stating that one taxing entity should not be able to tax another. “If they can tax us to improve drainage, does that mean we can turn around and tax the city to improve education?,” asked Harris.

            “School districts should not be considered another source of funds for a government agency,” said Board Member Harvin Moore.

            Houston Federation of Teachers President Gayle Fallon also expressed her concerns regarding the proposition and its effects. “While the cause is a good one, it’s just not right for the city to impose a new tax on our school districts at a time when school district budgets are dwindling,” said Fallon. “It equates to $15 to $20 per student, or $600 per classroom.”

David Thompson, the board’s attorney, told trustees that the city has the discretion to exempt school districts from the fee and that the legislature unanimously established a precedent by exempting the El Paso School District from a similar fee. The cost to all the school districts with schools in the city limits totals $5 to $6 million, according to city estimates. Higher education institutions are already exempt under state law.

MAN ARRESTED FOR DECADES OLD MURDER IN HARRIS COUNTY!

Investigators with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Cold Case Squad have filed a murder charge against a man for his involvement in a 1979 homicide in the Houston area. 

The suspect, 58-year-old Martin Gutierrez, was originally interviewed by law enforcement in connection with the murder of Santiago Conale, 23, in 1979. When reviewing the case recently, HCSO investigators noted contradictory statements in his original interview. Gutierrez was located and agreed to be interviewed again.

During the recent interview with cold case investigators, the suspect admitted stabbing Conale multiple times before dumping his body in the 4500 block of Barker Cypress.  

Gutierrez is being held in the Harris County Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

 Sgt. Eric Clegg will be available to discuss the case at 2:00 p.m. today in the lobby of the sheriff's administrative offices at 1200 Baker in downtown Houston. Contact HCSO Media Relations at 713-755-3647 for more information.  

HOUSTON POLICE ENDORSE PERRY OVER WHITE!

It's a story we first broke on fox 26 and today it was made official.

The Houston police officers union has endorsed governor Rick Perry in the gubernatorial race.

Political insiders say its a huge slap in the face for former Houston mayor Bill White who's also running for Governor.

Perry was in Houston this morning to accept the endorsement.

Union officials say White's decision to bring in former chief Harold Hurtt and the city's sanctuary city policy is why they decided to go with Perry.

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THE CHANNELVIEW HIGH NIGHTMARE INVOLVING AREA TEENS!

Four teenagers are behind bars for what some are calling a brutal and vicious crime.

Jerricho Prince, Mercedes Jones along with two other juveniles have been charged with aggravated assault, robbery and sexual assault.

Harris County investigators say a Channelview high school student was walking near the football stadium at 2am Sunday when he was approached by the group of current and former students.

Detectives say the male student was robbed and forced to call his girlfriend to the stadium. When she arrived the suspects who had a gun rapped her.

The male victim and his girlfriend were eventually taken to a Kroger where he was forced to withdraw $80 from the ATM.

The female victim was held by the other suspects at a nearby Valero convenience store on Woodforest.

Investigators say once the teens were released they called 911.

The suspects were identified from a surveillance video at the Kroger.

Harris County investigators have not said if there will be more arrests.

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DID RUSH GO TOO FAR WITH HIS JACKASS COMMENT?

CNN: Rush Limbaugh criticized President Obama's economic positions Tuesday during his radio show with some intense rhetoric, even for him.

"He's a jackass, he's an economic illiterate, he's an economic ignoramus and that's being charitable," Limbaugh said on his popular radio program.

Limbaugh was talking about Obama's tax policy and whether to extend the Bush era tax cuts for individuals making over $200,000 and couples making over $250,000.

He referenced a meeting the president had with his economic advisers this week.

"Here are these two experienced economists telling this neophyte little man child president, look you've got a confidence problem out there," Limbaugh said. "I do believe he's an idiot where capitalism is concerned."

Later in the show Limbaugh referred to President Obama as "our imam child

FORMER HOUSTON ATTORNEY FACES LIFE IN PRISON!

FIRST ON THE INSITE: FAKE HOUSTON ATTORNEY FACES LIFE IN PRISON!

Fox 26 news has learned a former Houston attorney is now facing life in prison. 66 year old William Satterwhite is accused of passing himself off as an attorney even though prosecutors say he lost his license back in the 1990's. Satterwhite is now charged with falsely holding himself as attorney for the third time. Assistant Harris County district attorney Beth Shipley tells Fox the disbarred attorney's goal was to taken advantage of those who would pay him for legal services. It's believed Satterwhite mislead dozens of people with his alleged worthless legal representation. Shipley says there are victims as far away as New Mexico. Satterwhite is being held in the Harris County jail. For those who have been victimized prosecutors are asking you to call the Financial Crimes Division at the Harris County District Attorney's office. That number is 713-755-8333.

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APPARENTLY THE GUY HAS AN ISSUE WITH SAGGING PANTS!

A 45-year-old man angry over two teens' sagging pants fired several shots at them during an argument, hitting one in the buttocks, police said.

Two male teens were walking to a house in southeast Memphis where a woman sells candy when Kenneth E. Bonds yelled at them to pull up their pants, police Sgt. Ron Perry said in an arrest document.

Perry said the teens refused and the three began arguing in the street. Bonds then brandished a semi-automatic pistol and threatened to shoot the teens.

Bonds fired one shot but missed, Perry said. As the teens ran away, Bonds fired several more rounds and hit a 17-year-old in the rear.

The bullet exited through the teen's thigh, and he went to a hospital in non-critical condition, Perry said. The other teen was not injured. The Associated Press isn't identifying the teens because they're juveniles.

Police arrested Bonds this past weekend on two aggravated assault charges after speaking with a witness and Bonds, who acknowledged shooting the teen, Perry said.

Bonds was released from jail Monday on $25,000 bond. 

SEX OFFENDER IS WORTH AT LEAST $5,000 IF YOU TURN HIM IN!

A high-risk sex offender on civil commitment who fled a Houston halfway house has been designated as one of Texas’ Most Wanted Sex offenders—and a $5,000 cash reward is now available for information leading to his arrest.

Bruce McCain, 51, was last seen around 9:30 p.m. Friday in northeast Houston in the Loop 610/Beaumont Highway area. He is 5 feet 6 inches tall, with brown eyes and black hair. Investigators believe he has lost weight since his picture was last taken and he weighs around 160 to 170 pounds. (The picture above and to the right is the newest photo.) He has numerous tattoos, including a spider web tattoo on the right side of his neck.  He also has a small mole on his nose below his left eye.

McCain, who is considered violent, was originally sentenced for two sexual assaults in Nueces County in 1986.  He was paroled in May and placed on electronic monitoring. McCain is now wanted for a felony violating civil commitment charge and parole violation. Anyone who aids the suspect could face criminal charges.

DPS, the Attorney General’s office, local and federal authorities are actively searching for the suspect. McCain does have out-of-state ties, which are currently being investigated, and DPS will not comment further on this issue.

Most Wanted Sex Offenders are considered dangerous and the public should not try to apprehend these criminals. Anyone with information on these offenders can provide anonymous tips in three different ways:

·         Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).

·         Text the letters DPS—followed by your tip—to 274637 (CRIMES) from your cell phone.

·         Submit a tip through the DPS website by selecting the sex offender you have information about, and under their picture is a link to submit a web tip. 

The 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders are available on the DPS website at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/wanted/sexoffenders/topTenSexOffenders.htm# and have last known addresses in the following cities:

                       

• Houston (4)
• El Paso (2)                  
• Grand Prairie
• Amarillo
• Lufkin
• Whitney

Reward money for the program is made available by the Governor’s Office Criminal Justice Division.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON RED LIGHT CAMERAS IN HOUSTON?

CONGRESSMAN RON PAUL WILL SPEAK AT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY!

IN OBION COUNTY TENNESSEE YOU HAVE TO PRE-PAY TO PUT OUT THE FIRE!

Imagine your home catches fire but the local fire department won’t respond, then watches it burn. That’s exactly what happened to a local family tonight.

A local neighborhood is furious after firefighters watched as an Obion County, Tennessee, home burned to the ground.

The homeowner, Gene Cranick, said he offered to pay whatever it would take for firefighters to put out the flames, but was told it was too late.  They wouldn’t do anything to stop his house from burning.

Each year, Obion County residents must pay $75 if they want fire protection from the city of South Fulton.  But the Cranicks did not pay.

The mayor said if homeowners don’t pay, they’re out of luck.

This fire went on for hours because garden hoses just wouldn’t put it out. It wasn’t until that fire spread to a neighbor’s property, that anyone would respond.

Turns out, the neighbor had paid the fee.

“I thought they’d come out and put it out, even if you hadn’t paid your $75, but I was wrong,” said Gene Cranick.

THE MAN WHO COMMITTED THE CYANIDE HOAX GETS SENTENCED!

United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced that in Austin, 24-year-old Gary Dale Horton, II, of Jonestown, Texas, was sentenced to two years in federal prison in connection with an cyanide hoax in May 2010.

In addition, United States District Judge Sam Sparks ordered that Horton reimburse Williamson County law enforcement $12,600, pay a $7,778.32 fine and be placed under supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.

According to court records, on May 22, 2010, while in state custody in Williamson County, Horton provided false information to special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the possession, receipt and transfer of a 25-pound load of cyanide. Horton told agents that he acquired the cyanide in 2009 from an individual who wanted to get rid of it. Horton also mentioned to agents that a friend, who had been storing the cyanide for approximately a year, was attempting to broker a deal for the cyanide with someone Horton described as paranoid and hated the government. Upon receiving this information, FBI agents mobilized significant resources to address the possible existence and/or transfer of a large quantity of cyanide. Three days later, Horton admitted to investigators that he fabricated the entire cyanide story.

On August 4, 2010, Horton pleaded guilty to one count of false information and hoaxes.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation together with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, other agencies who responded during the search for the purported cyanide include: Williamson County Hazardous Materials Response Team, Georgetown Police Department, Austin Police Department Bomb Squad and the Texas National Guard 6th Civilian Support Team. Assistant United States Attorney Gregg Sofer prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.

THE DEPUTY WHO FOUGHT GANGS GETS HIS OWN PARK!

A park in northwest Harris County has been named in honor of HCSO Deputy John Mook in recognition of his work in the once gang-infested community.

The Chimney Hills subdivision is hosting the park dedication on Tuesday at 7 p.m. during National Night Out.  

Deputy Mook worked in the Chimney Hills subdivision as a contract deputy for 15 years battling gangs in the area, among other things. His work led to a national, multi-agency investigation and the arrest of several known gang members . Last year Deputy Mook was transferred to the HCSO’s Gang Suppression Unit where he continues to combat criminal gang activity.

WHO:            Chimney Hill Subdivision       

WHAT:           Dedication of Mook Park

WHEN:           Tuesday, October 5, 2010
                      7 p.m.

WHERE:  13720 Smokey Trail Dr.

WILL THE HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS' UNION SUPPORT GOVERNOR PERRY OVER THEIR OLD BOSS FROM HOUSTON?

COULD THERE BE A SHAKE-UP AT THE AFRO AMERICAN POLICE OFFICERS' LEAGUE?

The Insite is hearing lots of rumblings about the African American Police Officers' League in Houston.  The organization I'm told represents just under 400 members of the Houston Police Department.

There are a lot of people asking this question: Since when has the organization held an election?  Most members say they can't seem to remember one even though they're supposed to be held  every year.

Sources who are a part of the organization say officers pay anywhere from $10 to $20 a month in dues.  They're now trying to determine if they're getting their money's worth.

A snapshot of the organization on the internet shows an annual income of $72,000 back in 2008.  Those older records also indicate there was at least $52,000 in assets (2008) held by the group that represents African American police officers at HPD.

The Insite hears some long time officials with the group are now leaving after some expressed their concerns about the effectiveness of the league.

Members who remain with the body say they want to know where the money is going, what it has been spent on, and why haven't there been yearly elections as required under the constitution bylaws of AAPOL.

The Insite will keep digging for answers and keep you updated!

TIME TO GET YOUR ANNUAL BAYOU CLASSIC TICKETS!

Event organizers for the legendary State Farm Bayou Classic® announced today that tickets for the 37th annual event, between the Grambling State University Tigers and Southern University Jaguars, are on sale now through Ticketmaster and the respective schools. Dubbed the “granddaddy” of African-American collegiate sporting events and the “Super Bowl” of black college football, this year’s Bayou Classic will take place at 1:00pm CST on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at the Louisiana Superdome, home of Super Bowl XLIV Champions, the New Orleans Saints. For the 19th consecutive year, the game will air live on NBC. “

"The State Farm Bayou Classic® is not just an event, it’s a weekend-long experience for the entire family –from the kids to the grandparents,” says Cydni L. Bickerstaff, CEO of the Bickerstaff Group, the Bayou Classic’s event management company. “Every year we work with Grambling State University and Southern University to bring over 200,000 to New Orleans and make this a truly memorable event. We have a few new things in store, so get your tickets today because you don’t want to miss it! The State Farm Bayou Classic ® is more than just a football game. This legendary weekend is the pinnacle of African-American collegiate sporting events showcasing pomp and circumstance with something for everyone.

The weekend will kick-off with community service e morning of Friday, November 26, where a safe playground will be built at the Intercultural Charter School in conjunction with KaBOOM! Later that evening, fans will enjoy the infamous Battle of the Bands and Greek Show, which pits bands, as well as African-American Greek-lettered sororities and fraternities against one another in a friendly competition. Other events include the State Farm Bayou Classic® Fan Festival, the Super Job Fair and the College Fair.

Tickets for the State Farm Bayou Classic® range from $15 -$50. Tickets for The Battle of the Bands and Greek Step Show are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. All tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Box Offices of Southern University [225-359-9328] and Grambling State University [318-274-4795].

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JE'CARYOUS JOHNSON UNVEILS HIS 13TH STAGE PLAY!

I'm Ready Productions, Inc. ("I'm Ready") is living up to its Texasroots and doing things big and bold.  The Houston headquartered, national, African-American theatre, television, feature film and music production company announced it will tour two plays simultaneously in nearly 40 markets across the U.S. through 2011.The thirteenth production that I'm Ready Executive Producers Je'Caryous Johnson and Gary Guidry will add to their impressive portfolio of critically acclaimed stage plays is Je'Caryous Johnson's Marriage Material.

Co-written and directed by Je'Caryous Johnson, Marriage Material is a romantic comedy stage play and will star:

Allen Payne (TV sitcom Tyler Perry's House of Payne)
Tank (R&B platinum recording artist)
Jill Marie Jones (TV sitcom Girlfriends)
T-Boz (R&B Grammy Award-winning girl group (TLC)
Michael Colyar (actor/comedian)
Patrice Lovely (UniverSoul Circus)

Marriage Material was inspired by the popularity of character "Koren" the feisty lawyer in "Je'Caryous Johnson's Cheaper to Keep Her" stage play, now touring. Marriage Material is the comedic remedy to solve the age-old predicament of wondering whether "Mr. or Ms. Right" is really the perfect mate.

In Marriage Material, when couples are deciding whether they should or should not get married, there is only one retreat and two people who can deal with any issue. Armed with the Word of God, a black belt in karate and a PhD in romance, Bishop Love Jones (Michael Colyar) and his wife Beulah Mae-Bullet (Patrice Lovely) have a technique that checks attitudes at the door, and breaks you down to build your relationships back up better than before. Lawyer Koren Lyles (Jill Marie Jones) has been known to slay hearts. When her loving boyfriend Joey Harris (Allen Payne) proposes marriage and persuades her to go to Bishop and Beulah's pre-marital retreat to see if they are Marriage Material, she never expected to run into her best friend Shauna (T-Boz) there, engaged to Michael (Tank), the one man that slayed Koren's heart. The weekend turns into a whirlwind as emotions erupt, perceived friendships become tested, secrets are shouted, and old love goes to war with new love! Will they make it through this retreat or will they discover that marriage may never materialize for them?

Marriage Material Tour Dates and Markets

(For the latest tour updates and information, visit www.imreadyproductions.com)

2010 Fall Tour Dates

Waco, TX, Waco Civic Theatre, October 29, 2010, 8 p.m.

New Orleans, LA, Mahalia Jackson Theater, October 30, 2010, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Beaumont, TX, Julie Rogers Theatre, October 31, 2010, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Houston, TX, The Hobby Center, November 1-7, 2010, Various

Charlotte, NC, Ovens Auditorium, November 14, 2010, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Washington, DC, Warner Theater, November 16-21, 2010, Various

JOEL OSTEEN IS THE PASTOR AT LAKE HILLS CHURCH?

In a national appearance on FOX and Friends Governor Rick Perry made a slip up on a prominent name.  It happens to be attached to one of the country's largest churches.  It's called Lakewood Church.  The Pastor is Joel Osteen.  When Governor Perry appeared on FOX he referred to the church as - Lake Hills - not Lakewood.  No big deal but I thought it was interesting since it's one of the largest churches in Texas. I wonder what Joel thinks about this slip up? 

You can see the video at :35 in on Governor Perry's page: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/governorrickperry#p/u/66/Mb3qNEOqKtg 

ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT!

GET OUT AND MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS!

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is gearing up for an educational and fun-filled National Night Out tomorrowTuesday, Oct. 5.

Residents are encouraged to come out and meet their neighbors, as well as law enforcement officers, to discuss crime concerns in their community.

Sheriff Adrian Garcia and HCSO deputies will be attending neighborhood gatherings throughout Harris County. Among them are:         

       
North/Northeast Harris County
        Northwest Park 

        Inwood North

• Fall Creek
• Canyon Village
• Imperial Ridge
East Harris County
• Barrett Station
• Grayson Community Center
West Harris County
• Westlake
• Westgreen
Northwest Harris County
• Chimney Hill
• Canyon Gate at Northpointe
• Willowbridge

This is National Night Out’s 27^th year. National Night Out was created to raise awareness about crime, come up with ways to fight crime, and solidify relationships between law enforcement officers and the community.

MONDAY MORNING FITNESS TIP FROM DAN!

www.danfitness.com

THE HOUSTON POLICE FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUNDRAISER!

THE TRUE BLUE GALA AT TILMAN'S MONSTER CRIB!

Tilman Fertitta

I knew I was at the right party when a helicopter landed in the backyard of Houston businessman Tilman Fertitta's compound in River Oaks.  Hundreds of people showed up at the mansion to support the thousands of police officers on the streets of Houston.  The event was the annual True Blue Gala put on by the Houston Police Foundation.  It's an event designed to help raise money to provide training and equipment for Houston Police officers.  The Foundation has been able to raise over $1.5 million since the organization began.  Lots of people attended the event:  Tilman Fertitta, Joe Turner, Michael Sullivan, Toni Lawrence, The Benton sisters, Scott McClelland (HEB Guy), Ruben Davis, Gail Brown, Wayne Dolcefino, Dave Ward, Rusty Hardin, Michael Dirdin, Rusty Hardin, HPD Chief Charles McClelland, Vicki King, Brian Lumpkin and a host of others.  The theme for the big event was a Hawaiian Luau.  If you'd like more information on the Houston Police Foundation click the link below!

HPD Charles McCelland

Scott McCelland (HEB Guy) 

Link:    www.houstonpolicefoundation.com

Dave Ward KTRK

Vickie King HPD

Councilman Mike Sullivan and wife

Mike Dirdin HPD

Joe Turner, Wayne Dolcefino, Gail Brown