A power outage in scorching heat
A days-long power outage at the Rose Plaza Apartment Complex in Houston’s Fifth Ward has left about half of the property without electricity, prompting Congressman Christian D. Menefee to call for immediate action.
While power has returned to some units, many residents remain without air conditioning and other essential services during Houston’s summer heat. Menefee called the conditions “completely unacceptable,” citing heightened risks for seniors and residents with health conditions.
According to Menefee’s office, the outage does not appear to be connected to CenterPoint Energy equipment. CenterPoint technicians inspected the property last week, and the remaining electrical problems are believed to be the responsibility of the property owner.
Crews are working to restore electricity to the remaining buildings, but officials have not provided an estimated time for full restoration.
Menefee said his staff is working with residents to connect them with assistance. Fifth Ward Civic Club President Sandra Edwards also called on Rose Plaza management to address residents’ immediate needs and help families recover from the prolonged outage.
The American Red Cross and United Way are providing relief, including food and water. Residents needing additional assistance can call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905, or visit 211texas.org.
PVAMU welcomes class of 2030
Prairie View A&M University welcomed the Class of 2030 to “The Hill” as the institution celebrates its 150th anniversary. Beginning Aug. 16, incoming students participated in Panther Camp, a week designed to introduce them to campus resources and traditions.
Among the incoming students are three Gaines-Holland Scholars: Mikayla Turner, a biology major from Dallas who hopes to become a dentist; Parker Lollar, a mathematics major from the Houston/Cypress area who plans to become a mathematics professor; and Ethan Ofori, a computer engineering major from Mesquite, Nevada, who hopes to pursue robotics and expand access to technology.
The scholarship, named for two of PVAMU’s founders, provides opportunities for research, study abroad, internships, and faculty connections.
UH enrollment surges amid curriculum cuts
The University of Houston is beginning the fall semester with record freshman enrollment while implementing significant changes to its core curriculum.
UH is welcoming nearly 7,100 freshmen, surpassing 7,000 for the first time and marking its third consecutive year of record freshman enrollment. The university also received nearly 39,000 freshman applications, up from last year.
More than 4,000 transfer students are joining UH. New graduate enrollment has also increased.
The Honors College is welcoming 750 students, and merit scholarships for new undergraduates have increased from last year.
The growth comes as UH reduces the number of courses satisfying its core curriculum requirements from 241 to 144, a roughly 40% decrease. The courses will continue to be offered, but will no longer fulfill general education requirements. The changes affect first-time students beginning this fall.
The courses impacted include Black Liberation Theology and Intro to Women’s Studies, among several others.
The UH System Board of Regents approved the changes as part of a curriculum review connected to Texas Senate Bill 37, which requires governing boards to review general education programs every five years.
Together, the developments mark a consequential semester for UH, combining enrollment growth with changes to students’ academic options.
