Houston Public MediaMay 6, 2025

Union Pacific completed its final round of soil sampling to test for toxic chemicals in Houston’s Fifth Ward and says contamination levels are "below the thresholds that pose an immediate health risk." Long-term health threats will now be assessed.

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/environmental-justice/2025/05/06/520666/union-pacific-releases-final-round-of-soil-sampling-in-houstons-fifth-ward/

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Union Pacific, EPA to assess long-term health threats after completing soil testing in Houston’s Fifth Ward

A total of 176 properties near a contaminated rail yard site were tested for toxic chemicals. Forty-one locations were found to contain contamination levels above the EPA's screening levels, “but below the thresholds that pose an immediate health risk,” according to Union Pacific.

Houston Public Media
Houston Public MediaApr 14, 2025

Houstonians turned out Monday to honor champion boxer George Foreman, a hometown hero who left a memorable legacy both inside and outside of the ring.

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/local/2025/04/14/518785/houston-remembers-boxing-legend-george-foreman-during-downtown-memorial-service/

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Houston remembers boxing legend George Foreman during downtown memorial service

The service for Foreman, who died March 21 at age 76, brought out many notables from his life growing up in Houston's Fifth Ward and from his boxing career, which saw Foreman win two heavyweight titles and an Olympic gold medal.

Houston Public Media
Houston Public MediaMar 13, 2025

Some residents of Houston’s Fifth Ward, where there is ongoing soil and water testing for cancer-causing toxic chemicals, now have the opportunity to get free cancer screenings as part of a collaboration between city leaders and a nonprofit.

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/houston/2025/03/13/515935/fifth-ward-residents-offered-free-cancer-screenings-as-water-soil-testing-continues/

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Houston’s Fifth Ward residents offered free cancer screenings as water, soil testing continues

The cancer screening initiative comes weeks after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its first round of soil testing results from the area, which found elevated levels of highly toxic chemical compounds at some locations.

Houston Public Media