A heated confrontation erupted during a Houston City Council meeting Wednesday morning after remarks by Police Chief Noe Diaz about a case involving a mother separated from her autistic son.
With Polk Street set to close, many East End residents say the loss of this critical route into downtown will make commutes longer and further isolate their community.
Houston is moving forward with a $16 million plan to renovate BARC, the city’s animal shelter. The upgrades include a new roof, updated systems, and a safer, modernized facility to help address the city’s stray animal crisis.
Houston City Council is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to abandon a stretch of Polk Street in downtown — a move that would clear the way for the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion and TxDOT’s I-45 overhaul.
Loose dogs, strays and neglected pets remain a daily problem across Houston as the city’s shelter strains for space.
If your latest Houston water bill was shockingly high, you’re not alone. Some residents say their bills aren’t rising slowly — they’re skyrocketing in just a matter of months.
A new ordinance proposed by the Houston City Council aims to keep pedestrians off narrow medians in an effort to reduce serious accidents and save lives.
"This change in time was made to give the community more opportunities to engage and voice their concerns to their elected officials," the City of Houston said in a social media caption back in July.
The Houston City Council has approved its Action Plan for Disaster Recovery following the 2024 Derecho and Hurricane Beryl, with nearly a third of the money going to housing repair.
This event, themed "Building Intergenerational Help for a Stronger Houston," brought together civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and passionate youth for a day of empowerment and growth.
We've heard your frustrations about recycling delays. Now is your chance to show us how severe the issue has gotten in your neighborhood by sending photos to our Click2Pins. Click the article for more details.
Houston City Council’s Quality of Life Committee spent Thursday debating whether to ban all electric scooters — rental and privately owned — from Downtown, Midtown, and East Downtown.
Houston City Council is considering a significant update to its civility ordinance, aimed at addressing homelessness. The proposed changes would enforce a 24-hour ban on sitting, lying, or placing personal items on sidewalks in the Central Business District and East Downtown, replacing the current time-limited restrictions. While the ordinance could lead to Class C misdemeanor charges, with fines up to $500, the focus is on connecting individuals to services over punitive actions. This decision, pending tomorrow's vote, could mark a pivotal shift in the city's strategy to manage homelessness.
A Westheimer-area food truck lot that’s served hungry Houstonians for nearly a decade is now at the center of growing neighborhood frustrations.
While students may be out of school for the summer, city and county leaders are working behind the scenes to address a serious safety hazard that impacts their commute year-round, a rail crossing near McReynolds Middle School that regularly leaves children with no safe way across.
Houston City Council will likely soon vote on a groundbreaking apartment inspection reform ordinance aimed at holding landlords accountable for health code violations.
After months of pressure from deputies, constables, and law enforcement unions, Harris County Commissioners have voted to move forward with pay raises that would bring sheriff’s deputies and constable officers up to the same pay scale as Houston police. But now the county faces a new challenge: how to pay for it.
Harris County constables are demanding pay equity for their deputies following the Houston City Council's approval of a five-year contract that raises Houston Police Department (HPD) officer salaries by 38%, making them the highest-paid in Texas.
Houston police chief J. Noe Diaz called the new contract “generational” and said it will allow his department to recruit “homegrown talent.”
How much residents pay for water in Houston is a significant focus of the ongoing “Drained” investigation. The city may hire a consulting company to study its water rates.
Mayor Whitmire will be joined by Police Chief J. Noe Diaz and members of the HPOU at City Hall to outline the agreement’s salary updates, benefits, and recruitment efforts.
Whitmire was fired up on Thursday telling Houstonians, “If we don’t make this city safe and have workable fire hydrants nothing else matters.”
A recent survey conducted by the University of Houston showed stark divisions among residents when it comes to the direction the city is going in, how safe they feel and the job our elected leaders are doing.
“I’ve lost a personal friend,” a somber Mayor John Whitmire said before the City Council. “No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes and carry on his duties because there’s only one Sylvester Turner.”
As part of the city's commitment to combat homelessness, there are big plans in store for several grants equating to roughly $2.5 million that, if approved by council members, could help facilitate these efforts.
Houston City Council will have to vote on increasing the maximum contract for legal services to defend the city and Art Acevedo for what happened during the deadly Harding Street Raid in 2019.
Houston City Council Member Willie Davis is set to announce a new initiative aimed at addressing the growing concerns over violent crime in the community.
“We don’t want to ban short-term rentals because that would be illegal and unconstitutional," Houston Council Member Julian Ramirez said. "What we want to do is get at the bad actors, the folks who are not following the rules."
Houston’s City Council has approved Walkable Places and Special Parking Area designations for Park Eight Place. With safer streetscapes and reduced parking requirements, Park Eight Place aims to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly hub.
Many Houston residents have voiced their frustrations with short-term rentals being used as party houses, and a city council member is looking to educate and inform so homeowners have the legal tools necessary to fight back.
The proposal, which is agenda item #11 on Tuesday’s city council meeting agenda, relates to targeted residential picketing.
Pop-Off Politics is where we keep you informed about how your tax dollars are being spent by the City of Houston. Every Wednesday, 16 members of the Houston City Council convene to allocate millions of dollars toward projects intended to benefit Houstonians. We’re highlighting two significant items on the agenda that total $35 million.
Earlier this month, the Houston BCycle bike sharing service announced that it would be closing on June 30. As that day approaches, the City of Houston has begun the process of collecting all the bikes.
Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles presented the latest STAAR test results to the city council, highlighting significant improvements at several schools. Despite the positive outcomes, Miles faced tough questions about extensive teacher and principal layoffs. What do you think about these changes in Houston schools? Read the full story and share your thoughts in the comments!
Houston firefighters took to social media to celebrate the newfound victory claiming in a post, “this is a huge victory for our heroes on the frontline.”
The Houston BCycle bike sharing program has announced that it will be shutting down its service on June 30 after operating for 12 years.The service started back in 2012, when the City of Houston began a contractual agreement with Houston Bike Share. The bikes were funded by a grant from former Houston Mayor Annise Parker’s Office of Sustainability through the Environmental Protection Agency.
Houston City Council has approved a bond to help pay for a historic firefighter contract worth $1.5 billion. The deal includes $650 million in back pay and a 34% raise over the next five years for Houston firefighters. #HoustonFirefighters #ContractSettlement #BetterWorkingConditions
The Houston Fire Department is on the verge of a historic contract vote! 🗳️ This agreement promises better pay, enhanced working conditions, and comprehensive health provisions for our dedicated firefighters. 👨🚒🔥 #HoustonFireDepartment #ContractVote #CommunitySupport #FirefightersRock
District F Council Member Thomas says she wants to bridge the educational gap by holding a workshop Saturday where homeowners can learn how to combat, through legal means, the growing number of short-term rentals used for house parties in their areas.
Currently, payment is required from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, but the proposed changes would extend this time until 2am.
Many Houston residents have voiced their frustrations with short-term rentals being used as party houses, and a city council member is looking to educate and inform so homeowners have the legal tools necessary to fight back.
The former Director of Houston City Council Relations William-Paul Thomas was sentenced to federal court on Monday.
An update to William-PaKPRC 2 Investigates obtained federal legal records on Tuesday showing a recent “Notice of Resetting” regarding former City of Houston City Council Relations Director William-Paul Thomas. Federal records in December showed Thomas was to have been sentenced this past Monday, January 22nd.ul Thomas sentencing date...
The final city council hearing of the Turner Administration took place at Houston City Hall on Wednesday.
On Tuesday morning, Councilmember Michael Kubosh echoed Knox’s sentiments during the “Pop-Off Politics” Segment on KPRC 2+.
The Houston City Council passed a high water bill relief plan Wednesday. Check out what the ordinance changes mean for all water bill customers.
On Wednesday morning at Houston City Hall, there will be nearly 80 agenda items heard by city council members.
Mayor Sylvester Turner said he is ready to go with the Terminal B expansion at Bush Airport. The $2.6 billion project would make modern improvements to ticketing, baggage, and security.
On Wednesday morning at Houston City Hall there will be 74 agenda items heard by city council members. The agenda, which is one of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s final ones as Mayor, is unusually long.
The Houston mayor said his administration has a plan to address high water bill issues in our city. He made the announcement late Tuesday, the same day multiple Houston City Council members submitted a notice to place water bill relief on the city council agenda. This is all a result of KPRC 2′s DRAINED investigations.
Houston's Mayor had some choice words for KPRC 2 Investigates Amy Davis two weeks after residents praised her, and Council Members pledged to help them finally.
Houston City Council looking to spend Billions at IAH, and what's with the plans for a new convention center and hotel?
The 2023 General and Special Election will be held on Nov. 7, 2023. Voters who live within the city will cast their votes for Houston mayor candidates and for Houston City Council. Voters will also cast their votes for statewide and countywide propositions, county bond issues, school district props and trustees.
We should start by saying the vast majority of public servants do indeed serve Houstonians. However, there are others who do otherwise, according to federal and state prosecutors.
The attorney representing Thomas – Monique Sparks - has made a request of the court to be removed from the case.
The segment featuring KPRC2 Investigator Mario Diaz takes a look at how politicians spend tax dollars during their meetings.
Houston City Council will provide $5 million to help residents who want to voluntarily move out of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens cancer cluster.
Last 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.
Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston City Council have approved a vote to restore the lights on the Montrose Bridges which hang above Highway 59.
The lights on the Montrose Bridges over Highway 59 are one step closer to being fully lit at night. The bridges have seen better days when some of the lights were working.
A Houston pet store owner is accused of breaking the City’s “humane pet store” ordinance which bans stores from selling animals from puppy mills, instead requiring sales of puppies from places like animal shelters or private rescues.
The Houston City Council along with Mayor Sylvester Turner voted Wednesday to rename a police substation after a slain Houston Police Sergeant.
Four Families will cease operating inside Hobby Airport at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Eight temporary dining options will operate in their place.
West Houston Assistance Ministries announced the launch of its THRIVE campaign. The organization hopes to raise $1.2M and be able to help 5,000 families in the next year.
Texas Southern University’s Aviation Science and Technology program is reaching new heights with the approval of a training facility at the Houston Spaceport.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner and HPD commanders will provide a quarterly update on violent crime to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and members of the Houston City Council Wednesday.
Houston City Council voted to approve a proposed ordinance that would name six neighborhoods as part of a conservation district pilot program. This comes after a vote was tabled last Wednesday.
Houston City Council will vote Wednesday on a proposed ordinance that would name six neighborhoods as part of a conservation district pilot program.
The third time proved not to be the charm for former Director of City Council Relations for the City of Houston William-Paul Thomas. Federal legal records obtained by KPRC 2 Investigates show the federal sentencing date for Thomas has been pushed back from next week to June.
The city of Houston awarded a lucrative Hobby Airport concessions contract to a new company, pushing out Pappas restaurant amid much debate. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and 10 other council members voted “yes” in favor of awarding the contract, with six voting “no.”
Common Bond and Pinks Pizza are among the local restaurant concepts coming to William P. Hobby Airport under a new concessions contract Houston City Council approved Wednesday.
Houston City Council voted to purchase land in efforts to mitigate flooding in vulnerable communities during future severe storms, according to a release.
KPRC 2 Investigates has uncovered another example of convicted Houston City Council Relations Director William-Paul Thomas working outside of his scope at city hall last spring.
City of Houston leaders are calling for an outside investigation into the actions of a now former city director, William Paul Thomas, after KPRC 2 Investigates uncovered emails showing negotiations in favor of a private businessman.
Tenants at Timber Ridge Apartments spoke in front of Houston City Council members and Mayor Sylvester Turner Tuesday to voice their concerns about the hazardous conditions hundreds of them have reportedly been experiencing while living there.
