KPRC 2 Investigates has uncovered a surprising trend of long-term vehicle rentals, costing the city over $5 million since 2021.

City council voted to approve $12.4 million dollars for the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department to purchase dozens of new garbage and recycling trucks.

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.

The City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department is asking for $12.5 million to purchase 25 new garbage and recycling trucks, a move officials hope will finally get collection services back on track.

The Houston Fire Department is cracking down on a series of fires in Memorial Park, and while one person has been arrested, arson investigators believe there may be more people involved.

Mayor John Whitmire has assured residents that the City of Houston is working to address the concerns, but some delays are still persisting.

For weeks, recycling bins across Houston sat untouched, some for more than 40 days. Homeowners shared their frustrations as piles of bottles, cardboard, and other materials lined curbs across the city. Now, city leaders are offering explanations and a plan to get back on track.

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.

The historic building, more than 100 years old, now houses both the Houston Police Department’s Central Patrol Station and Special Operations division.

The new $5.18 million proposal seeks to assist 1,600 people with housing, mental health services, and more.

The new $5.18 million proposal seeks to assist 1,600 people with housing, mental health services, and more.

In a TikTok video, Sade Perkins labeled the camp as "a white-only girls' Christian camp," sparking backlash.

The Houston Fire Department has dispatched an engine and a Tactical Deployment Unit with four members to assist flood recovery efforts in Kerr County, Texas.

"This certainly conforms to one of my campaign pledges to reform the permitting process in the City of Houston," Mayor John Whitmire said. "I've heard repeatedly that people would not do business with the City of Houston in the home building industry because it would take up to a year to get a permit."

Houston is launching a multi-agency crackdown to prevent impaired driving during the Fourth of July weekend.

Recycling pickup was supposed to resume as normal on Monday, but one Southwest Houston neighborhood never saw a truck to pick up

Houston’s recycling pick-up problem, a long-standing issue, is once again causing frustration for residents and Mayor John Whitmire.

More than 100 cadets are graduating to become official members of the Houston Fire Department, and Mayor John Whitmire took to social media to celebrate the monumental achievement.

The City of Houston has secured over $200 million in state funding, with $10 million allocated for the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Pedestrian Bridge, honoring a Milby High School student who died while walking to school.

Relief may soon be on the way for Houston residents still recovering from the effects of last year’s May derecho and Hurricane Beryl.

Mayor John Whitmire announced Tuesday that the city of Houston will be updating its Draft Action Plan for Disaster Recovery following the 2024 Derecho and Hurricane Beryl, with a $50 million proposal allocated to support housing needs.

The City of Houston is tackling the road rage and aggressive driving problem on highways on Highway 288 and the South Loop (I-610) on Tuesday.

Houston's new traffic safety push is targeting road rage and reckless driving.

“Your commitment to exercising your First Amendment rights with respect, dignity, and unity reflects the very best of our city,” the City of Houston shared in a social media post. “No arrests. No serious injuries. Just one strong, united message — delivered peacefully.“

Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced a new traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing reckless driving, road rage, and speeding on major highways like I-45 and US-59.

In the proposed Action Plan for Disaster Recovery, the City of Houston plans to use half of the $314.6M provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development on addressing infrastructure needs.

Houstonians know all too well about the dreadful heat, but residents in need can always turn to cooling shelters, and now there will be an additional number of centers to help people escape the heatwave.

Leaders in Houston and Harris County have responded to a letter written by Congressman Wesley Hunt expressing concerns about upcoming protests in the city.

Mayor Whitmire has just announced a shift in his administration with the appointment of Cynthia Wilson as the new Chief of Staff.

Dozens of protestors were asked to leave after several disturbances at Houston's city council meeting on Wednesday.

With hurricane season around the corner, Houston residents are demanding accountability and the funding they were promised.

The fire at Independence Hall Senior Living Apartments has reignited concerns over safety and maintenance in senior housing.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire's proposed $7 billion budget aims to prioritize public safety without raising taxes but faces criticism for potentially compromising essential services.

Houston police chief J. Noe Diaz called the new contract “generational” and said it will allow his department to recruit “homegrown talent.”

Houstonians are invited to a town hall meeting Tuesday night about the city’s budget and how cuts impact them.

Two after-hours bars in southeast Houston were shut down overnight in a coordinated raid by multiple law enforcement agencies.

The Houston Police Officers’ Union voted to approve a new five-year contract, several provisions continue longstanding policies that shape the department’s operations and oversight.

A historic new contract has been approved to help recruit new officers, as well as raise officers' salaries. Right now, starting officers are making $64K a year, but this new contract will bump that to $81K a year. On top of that, the new contract adds 500 more officers to the department.

Houston began the month with police shooting a man who they say led them on a chase in a stolen SUV. The next day, Mayor John Whitmire announced a five-year contract agreement with the police officers’ union.

Houston city leaders are facing a sobering financial outlook as they begin discussions on the proposed 2026 city budget and look ahead.

Mayor John Whitmire will unveil his administration’s proposed fiscal year 2026 balanced budget.

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.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has commented for the first time regarding the decision to terminate 12 cadets at the Houston Fire Department after officials uncovered a social media group chat sharing offensive and harmful content.

The City of Houston is set to vote on more trucks for solid waste as well more contractors to help pick it up.

An illegal gambling operation in Houston's 10700 block of FM 1960 Rd W was dismantled following an undercover investigation led by Constable Mark Herman’s Criminal Investigations Division.

This year marks a special year for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps as it celebrates 250 years of service to this nation.

More than 1,000 people gathered outside Houston City Hall today in a protest organized by nonpartisan advocacy group 5051 Houston.

Whitmire was fired up on Thursday telling Houstonians, “If we don’t make this city safe and have workable fire hydrants nothing else matters.”

If you haven’t gone to work yet today, make sure to throw on something red to support your Houston Rockets!

There is a push in our backyard by State Senator Mayes Middleton to reconstruct how our state government looks and operates in the future. The approach is to not only save money for Texans, but also to make government more efficient in the Lone Star State.

Join Houston in celebrating the life of boxing legend George Foreman.

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.

Over 600,000 people took to the streets in more than 1,200 “Hands Off” protests across the United States on Thursday, with three of those demonstrations held in the Houston area.

Houston is offering voluntary buyouts to retirement-eligible employees to tackle budget challenges while avoiding layoffs.

Turner died March 5 at the age of 70. He served as Houston’s 62nd mayor from 2016 to 2023.

Turner died Wednesday at the age of 70. He served as Houston’s 62nd mayor from 2016 to 2023.

This decision follows an extensive audit by Ernst & Young, which highlighted areas for improvement

Houston city leaders and company executives are coming together to unveil new plans to reinvent downtown Houston’s convention district.

Exciting news has landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with the inaugural flight of ZIPAIR, connecting Houston to the dazzling lights of Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT). ZIPAIR has officially become Houston’s first international long-haul low-cost airline, operating four flights a week to the Land of the Rising Sun.

The 18th Congressional District of Texas is once again facing a leadership transition following the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner at age 70.

Known for his three decades of public service, Turner was lauded by political figures and citizens for his leadership and advocacy.

“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.”

Houston and the nation mourn the loss of former Houston Mayor and U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, who passed away at the age of 70.

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.

“I visited three warming centers Wednesday night,” Mayor Whitmire said. “The operation was efficient and welcoming."

The first phase of Houston’s water bill improvement plan is nearing completion. However, instead of improvements, many customers are reporting higher bills than before the mayor’s promised changes.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire held a press conference as Texas prepares for more cold weather this week.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire says the city is prepared as best as it can possibly be going into its second freeze of the year.

When Houston Mayor John Whitmire was elected, he promised a citywide audit to identify waste and inefficiencies. The results are now in, and they reveal significant areas for improvement.

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.

Texas has executed a man convicted of killing two men as part of a 2004 dispute with his boss at a strip club.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire is making strides in reforming the city's police department after the shocking revelation of over 200,000 suspended sexual assault and domestic violence cases.

The Houston Health Department is launching a $20 million EPA-funded initiative for climate resilience, beginning with the Trees and Trash 2025 event in the Fifth Ward.

Houston Housing Authority appoints a new CEO and President months after KPRC 2 exposed a series of questionable contracts and projects

Jamie Bryant was voted in by the HHA Board of Commissioners on Thursday.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire will announce updates for the 2025 Tour de Houston, including a new route and three ride distance options on April 13.

Houston, Harris County leaders are set to discuss safety plans, and stadium upgrades ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire is a man of his word. He’s sending some of Houston’s best food to Kansas City after the Chiefs’ big win and making sure that the people who made it all possible get a plate.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire is holding a press conference to provide the latest information on the winter storm in the area this week.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire held another press conference to provide the latest updates on the anticipated weather conditions as they begin to ramp up across Houston tonight

Harris County is preparing for an impending Arctic front, with Judge Lina Hidalgo announcing a readiness plan to keep residents safe and warm.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire held another press conference to provide the latest updates on the anticipated weather conditions as they begin to ramp up across Houston tonight

The City of Houston is preparing for the potential impacts of an incoming winter storm, which has prompted the decision to close its airports.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire will be holding a press conference to provide the latest updates on the anticipated weather conditions across Houston this week.

Mayor John Whitmire will be joined by the City of Houston’s public safety leadership team Friday morning to discuss details related to Sunday’s Chevron Houston Marathon safety plan.

Here is what we know about the U.S. Marshal K-9 wounded by a suspect during Wednesday's manhunt.

Join the annual MLK Day Parade this month in Houston, Tx.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire says firefighters from Houston have arrived in California to help assist crews battling massive wildfires around the Los Angeles area.

The Houston Fire Department was called just before 5:30 a.m. for an apartment complex on fire, and a mayday call was initiated after 3 firefighters were hurt.

HISD reversed its decision back in September to let the students perform at the 2025 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans after Houston Mayor John Whitmire offered a police escort for the band.

The mayor has said from day one that public safety has been a huge focus for him as mayor.

Whitmire is nearing the end of his first year in office and spoke on a variety of topics with Goulding.

On the final day of 2024, Houston Mayor John Whitmire sat down for a one-on-one interview with KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding.

This holiday season, Houston’s Mayor John Whitmire and Police Chief J. Noe Diaz, Jr., are teaming up with local law enforcement to increase DWI enforcement around the city.

Residents of the Washington Corridor neighborhood are raising their voices amid escalating noise and crime issues.

Following the tragic death of Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, a Milby High School student struck by a train near Broadway Street, Union Pacific and Houston city officials, including Mayor John Whitmire, are implementing immediate safety measures

This weekend, Houston-area law enforcement agencies worked together with Mayor John Whitmire to patrol one of the city’s most rambunctious areas. Their efforts seemed to pay dividends, as multiple stops led to arrests of would-be criminals in the Washington Corridor.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire told KPRC 2 he is committed to having a skywalk built near Milby High School to provide students a safe pathway onto their campus.

We are hearing from dozens of Houston water bill customers who say they need help with sudden surprise bills. The KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation has been looking into water bill issues in Houston for 2+ years.