INSIDER
EPA holds meeting updating Fifth Ward residents on testing for toxic chemicals
Read full article: EPA holds meeting updating Fifth Ward residents on testing for toxic chemicalsThe area was designated as a cancer cluster in 2019 when it was found that significantly higher than normal diagnoses of the deadly disease were found among residents of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods.
Missing in Houston: Family pleads for help finding Dionne Williams
Read full article: Missing in Houston: Family pleads for help finding Dionne WilliamsThe family of Dionne Williams, a 35-year-old woman from Houston, is desperately seeking help in finding her after she was last seen in the Kashmere Gardens/Fifth Ward area in April.
Food spoiled because of the power outage? Here’s how to get rid of the smell in your fridge 🤢
Read full article: Food spoiled because of the power outage? Here’s how to get rid of the smell in your fridge 🤢If you’re one of the millions of Houston residents who had their food spoiled because of the power outages, you might be trying to get rid of the dead animal smell in your fridge. Here are some tips on how you can do so. What tricks have you tried to get rid of the smell?
‘This is long overdue’: Fifth Ward resident anxious for Union Pacific soil testing results
Read full article: ‘This is long overdue’: Fifth Ward resident anxious for Union Pacific soil testing resultsUnion Pacific has begun the process of testing soil surrounding the former Houston Wood Preserving site in Fifth Ward.
Fifth Ward cancer clusters: The toxic chemicals found and most common illnesses related
Read full article: Fifth Ward cancer clusters: The toxic chemicals found and most common illnesses relatedWe've been discussing the Fifth Ward cancer cluster for years, but have you ever wondered what chemicals were found and what health risks they might pose? We have looked into some of the chemicals found in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Garden areas and listed the health effects,
Union Pacific, EPA will begin soil testing at various locations in Fifth Ward
Read full article: Union Pacific, EPA will begin soil testing at various locations in Fifth WardKPRC 2 has been covering the cancer clusters in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens area extensively over the past few years. We will also have the opportunity Thursday to watch crews sample the soil at Boyce Dorian Park and speak with a project manager to learn how the process works.
Excavation crews digging deep into the ground at Houston site described as a ‘cancer cluster’ by officials
Read full article: Excavation crews digging deep into the ground at Houston site described as a ‘cancer cluster’ by officialsAttorney for cancer victims says oversight and testing are also being done by the EPA
One man’s solution to Houston’s abandoned and vacant homes
Read full article: One man’s solution to Houston’s abandoned and vacant homesStephen Hester took abandoned homes from one neighborhood and moved the structures to Kashmere Gardens with plans to turn the houses into small businesses. Listen to how he got started and then watch KPRC 2 at 5pm to see the full plan.
EPA meets with residents in Houston’s Fifth Ward cancer cluster
Read full article: EPA meets with residents in Houston’s Fifth Ward cancer clusterThe Environmental Protection Agency provided an update Tuesday night to people living in Houston’s Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens on the investigation into a cancer cluster.
‘They don’t care about us:’ Houston cancer cluster residents feel ignored as they battle rail giant
Read full article: ‘They don’t care about us:’ Houston cancer cluster residents feel ignored as they battle rail giantIn recent months, environmental investigators have been on the hunt for toxic chemicals with robotic rovers in the long-standing communities of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens.
Cancer Clusters: New developments continue to pop up in Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens despite contamination concerns
Read full article: Cancer Clusters: New developments continue to pop up in Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens despite contamination concernsCancer Clusters: New developments continue to pop up in Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens despite contamination concerns. Learn more about the ongoing situation and the residents fighting for accountability. #CancerClusters #EnvironmentalJustice #StayInformed
Mayor Whitmire says he needs more time to sort out plan to help residents move out of Fifth Ward cancer cluster
Read full article: Mayor Whitmire says he needs more time to sort out plan to help residents move out of Fifth Ward cancer clusterDuring a city council meeting on Wednesday, newly-elected John Whitmire decided not to vote on a major agenda item this week, which involves a $2 million investment to help Fifth Ward residents being impacted by cancer clusters.
75-year-old shares story about Fifth Ward cancer cluster and how it impacted her life
Read full article: 75-year-old shares story about Fifth Ward cancer cluster and how it impacted her lifeThe cancer cluster in Houston’s Fifth ward affecting hundreds of families is something we discuss all the time in our newsroom.
Houston City Council to help residents move away from Fifth Ward Cancer Cluster
Read full article: Houston City Council to help residents move away from Fifth Ward Cancer ClusterHouston City Council will provide $5 million to help residents who want to voluntarily move out of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens cancer cluster.
‘Too much uncertainty’: Houston councilmember explains delaying $5M Fifth Ward relocation fund proposal
Read full article: ‘Too much uncertainty’: Houston councilmember explains delaying $5M Fifth Ward relocation fund proposalCouncilmember Letitia Plummer is sharing the reason why she delayed a vote on creating the ‘Fifth Ward Voluntary Relocation Fund.’
‘What are we waiting for?’ Tense moments during city council meeting over $5M Fifth Ward relocation fund proposal
Read full article: ‘What are we waiting for?’ Tense moments during city council meeting over $5M Fifth Ward relocation fund proposalLast year, the Houston Health Department said it found cancer-causing chemicals in the soil around the Union Pacific Railroad yard. The soil contained dioxin, a highly toxic chemical compound associated with cancer and other severe health risks.
Authorities seeking information on who burned, beat dog outside northeast Houston home
Read full article: Authorities seeking information on who burned, beat dog outside northeast Houston homePolice are searching for information that could help them track down the person responsible for burning and beating a dog in northeast Houston.
City of Houston unveils plan to make sidewalks safe for certain areas
Read full article: City of Houston unveils plan to make sidewalks safe for certain areasThe City of Houston has finished the Resilient Sidewalks Plan laying out guidelines that could create more safe and reliable walkways for people living in Gulfton and Kashmere Gardens.
Union Pacific solidifies agreement to increase testing in Fifth Ward neighborhood, part of area where cancer cluster identified
Read full article: Union Pacific solidifies agreement to increase testing in Fifth Ward neighborhood, part of area where cancer cluster identifiedUnion Pacific Railroad has announced a collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and community partners in an agreement to move forward with additional environmental assessment and testing at the former Houston Wood Preserving Works site in Fifth Ward.
THEA calls on state to conduct in-depth studies on the health of residents living in Kashmere Gardens and the Fifth Ward
Read full article: THEA calls on state to conduct in-depth studies on the health of residents living in Kashmere Gardens and the Fifth WardThe Texas Health and Environmental Alliance (THEA) held a press conference Thursday to call on the state to conduct in-depth studies on the health of residents living in Kashmere Gardens and the Fifth Ward.
Negotiations begin on cleanup plans for Union Pacific contamination impacting 5th Ward, Kashmere Gardens
Read full article: Negotiations begin on cleanup plans for Union Pacific contamination impacting 5th Ward, Kashmere GardensThe City of Houston, Harris County, and nonprofit Bayou City Initiative have started negotiations with Union Pacific related to its remediation plan for the creosote contamination at the Houston Wood Preserving Works Site (HWPW) impacting the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods.
Houston-area authorities discuss ‘next steps’ for Kashmere Gardens, Fifth Ward environmental justice efforts
Read full article: Houston-area authorities discuss ‘next steps’ for Kashmere Gardens, Fifth Ward environmental justice effortsHouston and Harris County will be joined by environmental experts and Kashmere Gardens - Fifth Ward residents to announce the next step in seeking justice for families living in near the cancer cluster.
Recognize him? Suspect robs man next to his car outside Kashmere Gardens convenience store, police say
Read full article: Recognize him? Suspect robs man next to his car outside Kashmere Gardens convenience store, police sayHouston police need help to identify a suspect who they said robbed a man outside a convenience store in northeast Houston back in January.
EPA announced sweeping measures to improve the environmental health of communities in the south
Read full article: EPA announced sweeping measures to improve the environmental health of communities in the southThe Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced sweeping measures meant to improve the environmental health of communities throughout the south, including parts of Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, overwhelmed by a long-known cancer cluster.
Dozens file lawsuit against railroad company after another dangerous chemical found in groundwater in 5th Ward
Read full article: Dozens file lawsuit against railroad company after another dangerous chemical found in groundwater in 5th WardA town hall meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening to discuss questions and lawsuits related to contamination concerns in Houston’s 5th Ward and Kashmere Gardens.
State health report finds alarming rate of cancer diagnosis among children in 5th ward
Read full article: State health report finds alarming rate of cancer diagnosis among children in 5th wardIn 2020, a state health and human services report found higher rates of lung, esophagus and throat cancer among adults in the area. Now, a new report released earlier in January shows children sickened with Leukemia at nearly five times the expected rate. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is calling on Union Pacific and state agencies to get involved and care for these families. Both cancer clusters are near legacy creosote contamination at a facility now owned by Union Pacific. “I am requesting that Union Pacific help to relocate affected residents and create a buffer between contaminated areas and homes in the neighborhood.
Cancer clusters cause concern as congresswoman leads town hall in search for answers
Read full article: Cancer clusters cause concern as congresswoman leads town hall in search for answersSunday on Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) talks about the challenge of finding answers for the community. Jackson Lee said that while she is back in her district, she is still connected to the House effort in Washington. Baylor St. Luke’s trains to identify human trafficking victimsKimberly Williams, Baylor St. Luke's Project Coordinator, Human Trafficking Initiative (KPRC)A recent study estimated that tens of thousands of victims of human trafficking are in Southeast Texas. Kimberly Williams is the project coordinator for the Human Trafficking Initiative at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and said they are often on the front lines of the human trafficking battle. Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall airs Sundays at 10:30 a.m.More informationU.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, (D) 18th Congressional DistrictKimberly Williams, Human Trafficking Project Coordinator, Baylor, St. Luke’s Medical Center
City health officials survey families in ‘cancer cluster’ neighborhoods
Read full article: City health officials survey families in ‘cancer cluster’ neighborhoodsWhy the Survey Matters“We know that the contaminants in the groundwater plume are carcinogenic and we know that this community has a cancer cluster—that means elevated cancer cases—and the TCEQ actually requested the cancer cluster analysis,” Dr. Lauren Hopkins, the Houston Health Department’s Chief Environmental Science Officer, said. Hopkins said they know that there is a carcinogenic chemical plume contaminating underground water underneath approximately 110 homes in Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens. A Community in ActionThe study sparked a fiery response from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, as well as Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the Houston Health Department and community groups. IMPACT Greater Houston and the Houston Health Department informed residents about the community meetings on January 13 and February 10, when the Houston Health Department plans to release the results of Saturday’s survey. Jackson-Lee is also working with the state and federal officials and planning a large-scale stakeholder meeting on January 21 in the Fifth Ward at 7 p.m.
Cancer cluster found in Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens
Read full article: Cancer cluster found in Fifth Ward, Kashmere GardensHOUSTON – A report conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed a cancer cluster in northeast Houston. Significantly higher than normal diagnoses of the deadly disease were found among residents of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods, the study confirmed. The report analyzed data from the Texas Cancer Registry over a 17-year period, from 2000 to 2016. “Our neighborhood is contaminated from Union Pacific,” Edwards insisted. Cantu represents Impact Fifth Ward and its push for answers about creosote cleanup and cancer.