Houston City Controller Chris Hollins proposed renaming a stretch of Bagby Street to "Sylvester Turner Avenue" to honor the late Mayor Sylvester Turner, who passed away on March 15, 2025.

"Don't mess with Medicaid." These words were among the last spoken by former Houston Mayor and U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, a dedicated servant to the people.

In Turner's honor, Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered flags statewide to be flown at half-staff until March 8.

Representatives voted unanimously Thursday morning to have Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner lie in state at the Texas House of Representatives' Halls.

Although we don't know Turner's cause of death, we do know that in 2022, the former mayor suffered a health scare when he was diagnosed with cancer.

When a sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives dies in office, a formal process follows to ensure a smooth transition while honoring their legacy. This includes a period of mourning, official ceremonies, and a special election to fill the vacant seat.

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.

As the City of Houston continues to mourn the loss of U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, we’re taking a brief look back on key moments during his tenure as mayor.

Sylvester Turner's tenure as Houston's mayor was marked by significant initiatives and challenges.

As the city of Houston mourns and remembers Mayor Sylvester Turner, we wanted to highlight some memorable moments that made Houston proud. Turner never shied away from a moment to remind the world that Houston was in his blood.

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.

Sylvester Turner, a former Houston Mayor and U.S. Representative, passed away at 70, leaving a significant political legacy.

KPRC 2 Investigative reporter Mario Diaz questioned Whimire about the committee he appointed to investigate the Houston Police Department and if they will hold all the leaders of the department accountable, including chief Troy Finner who admitted to knowing about the suspended sexual assault cases since 2021.

By now, Houstonians know the name William-Paul Thomas. He is the federally convicted former City of Houston Director of City Council Relations.

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced on Wednesday he has endorsed Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as Houston’s Mayor.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner reflected on his past eight years in office during the State of the City 2023 Address on Wednesday.

The highly anticipated 13th Annual Mayor’s Back 2 School Fest presented by Shell and produced by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, was held this past Saturday and was one of the most successful back-to-school fests to date.

Following her announcement, several of her colleagues, elected officials and community leaders responded to her decision.

This report is an updaThe Houston Police Officers Union made a call for change of leadership at the city’s crime lab on Wednesday. te to what we report

The City of Houston filed a lawsuit in Travis County against the State of Texas to declare House Bill 2127, also known as the “Death Star” or “Super” preemption bill, “unconstitutional, void, and unenforceable,” according to a news release.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will join several city officials at Langwood Park Thursday to celebrate the completion of expansive park improvements based on the community’s needs and priorities.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Office of Veterans and Military Affairs will celebrate Texas Women Veterans Day with notable honorees on the 75th Anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act Monday.

The Justice Department and Mayor Sylvester Turner will hold a news conference Tuesday to make a civil rights announcement regarding an environmental justice matter on illegal dumping.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Police Chief Troy Finner will provide an update on the recent violent robbery incidents along the Columbia Tap Bike Trail Tuesday.

Mayor Sylvester Turner presented the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget Tuesday.

Mayors in major cities across the United States, including Houston’s Sylvester Turner, called on President Joe Biden in an effort to get more resources to help manage the southwest border crisis that is impacting the country.

May 2 is a designated day as the city celebrates Houston’s own, Texas Southern University Grad, and Grammy Award-winning entertainer Megan Thee Stallion.

The dispute at Hobby Airport between the Pappas family and City of Houston is set to continue as a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Tyra Banks, MOVE OVER! This ‘Houston’s Next Top Model’ traded in his business suits for a 100% upcycled boilersuit in honor of Earth Day.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with Congressman Al Green and the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services announced a $1.5 million congressional funding towards Project R.A.I.S.E.

The City of Houston announced on Friday that they have suspended their Sister City relationship with Tyumen, a city in Russia, amid the one-year anniversary of the Russian-Ukraine war.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced that they will host a gun buyback on Feb. 18 at Deussen Park.

Houston Airports and Mayor Sylvester Turner are joining together Tuesday to present checks to local advocacy groups during Human Trafficking Month.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will be one of 11 Texas’ “Big City Mayors” to announce legislative priorities for the 88th Texas Legislative Session Friday.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will join the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Houston Airports Tuesday to unveil 10 works of art commissioned by the City of Houston during the first stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

In his nearly seven years as Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner has led the nation’s fourth-largest city through some of the most tumultuous times in its recent history. He helped guide the Bayou City through Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020 and the collapse of the state’s power grid in 2021.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will take part in the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Wortham Theater Center Wednesday.

The Houston Health Foundation is celebrating Aramco Americas’ visionary leadership and support of its Brilliant Futures program, See to Succeed, operated by the Houston Health Department.

The Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular is returning to Houston this holiday season!

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Qatar Harvey Fund (QHF) officials and health experts will provide updates on the multimillion-dollar renovation project at the historic Riverside General Hospital, which will reportedly house Harris Public Health and other vital health-related services.

It’s an ad airing frequently on Houston airwaves this election season, targeting Harris County’s Democratic judges and one that caught Houston mayor Sylvester Turner’s attention, as well.

The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is expected to make an announcement about a donation at a news conference Monday, the organization said.

If, as a Houstonian, you’ve ever claimed to reside in one of the best cities in America, you can now say that is a fact. According to the 2022 Best Cities Report, Houston is one of the best places to live work, invest and visit.

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.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and other local leaders across Houston spoke at a Violence Prevention Conference hosted at NRG Center Tuesday, saying despite the high rate of crime, Houston is not the “murder capital” of the United States.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will join UNICEF USA President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis Thursday to announce the city’s recognition as a candidate in the Child Friendly Cities Initiative.

Houston police chief Troy Finner has increased patrols in and around mosques across the city after the slayings of four Muslim men in Albuquerque, including one Friday, that are believed to be connected.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will be joined by representatives from Shell and the Houston Food Bank in a news conference Thursday to announce details on the 12th Annual Back To School Fest presented by Shell.

A top aide to Mayor Sylvester Turner submitted a letter announcing his retirement just weeks after being charged and pleading guilty to conspiracy in a federal case.

An ordinance to address the increase in thefts and the resale of stolen catalytic converters citywide went into effect over the weekend.

Mayor Sylvester Turner was joined by various community leaders and sponsors at City Hall Tuesday to announce details for the in-person return of Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration, “Freedom Over Texas.”

Houston Housing Authority (HHA), Mayor Sylvester Turner, HUD Deputy Regional Administrator Leslie Bradley, and community stakeholders will celebrate the groundbreaking of 2100 Memorial on Tuesday.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is taking an immediate initiative to crack down on the sale of catalytic converters.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with several leaders from Texas Medical Center, METRO, and several popular Houston-area attractions, will hold a joint news conference to discuss traffic and parking plans

U.S. Senator John Cornyn is meeting with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, and Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña to discuss the recently introduced Public Safety Officer Support Act. Following a roundtable discussion, a press conference is being held to discuss the initiative with the public.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will announce the appointment of the newest METRO Board of Directors chair Thursday afternoon.

Authorities are on a mission to help find the shooter who critically injured a 9-year-old girl in a road rage incident on Highway 59.

For a period in January, the city of Houston was at the top among the nation’s five largest cities for the most homicides thus far in 2022.

Houston mayor Sylvester Turner will attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the grand opening of The Ion.

Houston Police Chief Finner Troy Finner did not hold back Thursday night while talking about violent criminals in the city.

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the city’s $100 million initiative to house thousands of homeless people.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, along with members of the Black Heritage Society released details Wednesday for the 44th annual Original Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.

The 2022 Chevron Houston Marathon is still a go for this weekend, with the main event to be held Sunday morning in downtown.

A girl under 10 is the city’s youngest confirmed pediatric COVID-19 death, the Houston Health Department announced Wednesday.

The city of Houston is sounding the alarm regarding staffing for its firefighters.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, along with members of the Black Heritage Society released details Wednesday for the 44th annual Original Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.

Houston city leaders, including Mayor Sylvester Turner, police chief Troy Finner, and fire chief Sam Pena held a news conference on Wednesday encouraging residents to celebrate New Year’s safely.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Houston city councilmember Tiffany Thomas said she is “suspicious” of the current management team at the Houston Airport System.

A Houston legend just received one of the nation’s highest honors for his contributions to his community and the country at large, awarded by President Joe Biden himself.

From barbecue to peach cobbler: Houston public figures make friendly World Series wagers with their Atlanta counterparts

Some are calling the questions tied to a housing project in Clear Lake an investigation, but the city of Houston told KPRC 2 Investigates it is a “review”.

Mayor Sylvester Turner fired his director of housing and community development Tuesday after he accused the mayor of a “charade” bidding process to funnel city money to a particular developer.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and state leaders highlighted President Biden and Democrat efforts for the American people on the creation of more than four million new jobs, tax cuts for middle-class families and lower health care costs Wednesday at the DNC’s “Build Back Better” bus tour in Houston.

Houston city workers are being told they must resume wearing masks while on the job, a requirement that could go against Gov. Greg Abbott’s most recent executive order banning such mandates.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner held a news conference Wednesday where he addressed a deficit in the city’s blood supply. Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Persse and representatives for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center joined Turner for the 11 a.m. announcement.

The city of Houston spent more than a million dollars on counterfeit masks, according to court documents.

Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Houston Police Chief Troy Finner Thursday to release bodycam videos worn by officers during a deadly officer-involved shooting in May.

HOUSTON – On Wednesday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner sent a tweet that sent shockwaves across the Space City. Turner said he was considering implementing a curfew in Houston. According to Turner, coronavirus hospitalizations have more than doubled from six weeks ago, which is the reason he’s mulling over issuing a curfew now. When you’re looking at all of those factors, there may come a time where you say, ‘This is where we impose a curfew,’” said Turner. Mayor Sylvester Turner is holding a press conference at 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon to discuss coronavirus updates.

HOUSTON – According to Houston police Chief Art Acevedo, there were 286 murders as of the first week of October. “When you think about people committing murder and going out on bond after bond and committing more violent crimes,” Acevedo said. The family is from Dallas and has been to Houston frequently, scouring the neighborhood surrounding the murder for answers. Fueling a growing backlogThe rise in murders also helps fuel a backlog in Harris County criminal court. Devastation by Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 have created a large backlog in the criminal justice system that will take years to clear out.

HOUSTON – Houston City Council has passed an ordinance Thursday that prohibits vehicles to park in dedicated bicycle lanes. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who listened to bicyclists, said in a statement the city is taking a step further to protect the designated bike lanes for Houstonians to enjoy. “The ordinance is an opportunity to promote safety and educate those who park in dedicated bicycle lanes without realizing how it impedes access," Mayor Turner said in a statement. A flyer will be distributed to vehicles parking on the bike lanes during a 90-day warning period, however no word on when the 90-day period will start. The ordinance is also a commitment by the city of Houston to become a bike-friendly city by the year 2027, according to the release.

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Monday a partnership with Prairie View A&M University aimed at addressing health disparities in various communities across Houston. Turner said the partnership will benefit Houston’s underserved and under-resourced communities by investing in programs and services that will address challenges impacting the state’s diverse socioeconomic communities. PVAMU’s Healthy Houston Initiatives will focus on neighborhoods such as Third Ward, Sunnyside, Denver Harbor, Acres Home, Kashmere Gardens, Cuney Homes, Haverstock and other specific Houston-area communities and neighborhoods, Turner said. The goal is to improve the selected underserved communities' health, nutrition and wellness, according to the mayor. The initiative will expand awareness of healthy living programs, health services and educate residents on how to live a healthy lifestyle through its resources.

HOUSTON – Pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Matt Linam cherishes the success achieved he and his team saw in 2013 against the brain-eating amoeba that is now a concern for Lake Jackson families. Officials believe this was the case in Lake Jackson. Still, the tragic case has resulted in extra scrutiny an hour north of Lake Jackson in Houston. “Public works on a very systematic basis is checking our water systems to makes sure that balance is maintained on our water is safe," Turner said. That will help put the deadly amoeba on their radar, he said.

HOUSTON – A group of local community leaders proposed a Houston Police Independent Citizens Investigative Board to create transparency between the community and the Houston Police Department. The board would be comprised of community members from multiple organizations and the law schools at Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. The citizens' investigative board would work to ban the use of no-knock warrants. According to the proposal, the board would be funded by the City of Houston budget not to exceed $3 million a year. Turner also appointed a Policing Reforms Task Force to review Houston Police Department policies and practices.

HOUSTON – As key metrics like the infection rate and ICU hospitalizations trend downward for the first time in months, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says it’s not yet time to reduce the county’s COVID-19 threat level. At present, Harris County is at the highest threat level: Red level 1. Hidalgo told KPRC 2 Monday that scaling back to orange on the COVID-19 Threat Level system is on the horizon. Harris County COVID-19 Threat Level System (KPRC)“We can go to orange in a matter of days, you know, a week or two. “The positivity rate in Harris County is around 8% we needed to be at five.

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a new initiative that will target human trafficking and domestic violence in Houston Monday afternoon. Turner said he is expanding the mayor’s office of human trafficking to include domestic violence. He said the office’s new name will be Mayor’s Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence, which will be led by Minal Davis. The mayor’s decision to add domestic violence to the office is due to both being forms of gender-based violence. The city of Houston became the first major city in the nation to pass a hotel ordinance that will require hotels to train employees on human trafficking and indicators of sex and labor trafficking, Turner said.

The program requires landlords to agree not to evict anyone in their complex, even if just one tenant receives rental assistance. Local officials combined multiple sources to fund the rental assistance program. Turner said anyone who would like to donate to the rental assistance program should contribute directly to BakerRipley. The contributions can be earmarked for the rental assistance program. “If you’re in need of rental assistance, I want you to still apply.

HOUSTON Five Houston City Council members sent a letter to Mayor Sylvester Turner Monday with suggested police policy reforms. The letter, signed by Martha Castex-Tatum, Vice Mayor Pro Tem, Edward Pollard, Esq., Houston City Council Member, Tiffany D. Thomas, Houston City Council Member, Jerry Davis, Houston City Council Member, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Council Member -- calls for an overhaul of the Independent Police Oversight Board, among other measures including the creation of an online complaint system for interactions with police. We must create a structure of guidelines that governs the function of the new board to restore public trust with public input. This is what his office texted our newsroom: The mayor welcomes input from city council members and thanks them for their thoughtful letter. He expects other council members to weigh in.

HOUSTON Mayor Sylvester Turner urges residents to keep their guard up as Hurricane Laura makes landfall. Turner said the Houston area that is most at risk is near Interstate 45 at Interstate 610 in Clear Lake. Hurricane Laura update WATCH LIVE: Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other city officials are discussing what Houston should expect when Hurricane Laura makes landfall. They reminded people to:Review your hurricane evacuation plan and gather a hurricane safety kit, which also includes healthy safety items such as hand sanitizer and masks for each person. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo also provided an update Wednesday evening on what the county can expect from Laura.

HOUSTON Lines of cars showed up for the Mayors Back 2 School Fest. The distribution is drive-thru style and volunteers started to fill up the trunks of cars with back to school supplies, food and masks at 8 a.m. on Friday morning. The event, which is being presented by Shell and is in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, is designed to help economically disadvantaged elementary school students and their families prepare for the school year. I think its great, matter of fact it is very organized I didnt think it would be this organized, said Leon Deal. In addition to distributing masks and backpacks stuffed with school supplies, the Houston Food Bank will also be providing families with necessary food items..Click here to pre-register for the event.

HOUSTON Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Council approved a new program this week that will help restaurants accommodate more people without sacrificing health and safety protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to a news release, the More Space program was approved Wednesday and will allow restaurants to turn 50% of the off-street parking into an outdoor dining space. Turner called the program a win-win, saying that since occupancy is lower during this time, parking spaces can be converted to places to serve customers.The program will include the following guidelines:Allow each restaurant to convert up to 50% of its off-street parking to space for serving food. Food storage and preparation will not be allowedThe program is voluntary. Those interested in learning more can visit the city of Houstons page dedicated to the program.

HOUSTON – Better Together is a new multilingual campaign by the Houston Health Department to protect Houston families from COVID-19. According to Houston Health, the data-driven public health campaign will provide information to high-risk populations and neighborhoods with high positivity rates. Officials said the public health campaigns are apart of an overall mission to curb the spread of COVID-19. On Thursday, the Houston Health reported 1,304 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 45,415 cases within the city’s limits. Of those who died, nine were Hispanic, according to Houston Health.

HOUSTON Its been nearly three years since Harvey hammered the Houston area and yet, there are still those who havent fully recovered. The City of Houston and the State of Texas have been locked in a battle over how to manage the rebuilding effort. In March, the Texas General Land Office came to an agreement with Harris County to take over the rebuilding efforts. The City of Houston had a different opinion when approached by the state. Both are now working with and seeing progress through the GLO, as the temporary restraining order does not impact their rebuilding efforts.

HOUSTON Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner gave a news conference Monday where urges people to continue to wear masks and practice good hygiene in order to thwart the spread of coronavirus in the community. Turner announced that there were 325 new COVID-19 cases for Monday, bringing the citys total to 42,202. So that is nine families that will be permanently impacted.Of the nine people who died, Turner said six were Hispanic. According to Turner, the virus is still spreading and is having a devastating impact on the Hispanic community and the city as a whole. Do not think that you are so strong that you cannot be a carrier, even if you are feeling well, Turner said.

HOUSTON With the coronavirus pandemic raging on, the Mayors Back 2 School Fest is going to look a little different this year. The event, which is being presented by Shell and is in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, is designed to help economically disadvantaged elementary school students and their families prepare for the school year. In a press conference earlier this week, Mayor Sylvester Turner said the event would be conducted as a drive-thru. While there is much uncertainty during this time, a critical need for assistance with basic school supplies, food, and personal protection equipment for students still remains, according to the website. Houstonians can register for the event and students will receive food, masks, backpacks and school supplies for free.

HOUSTON Mayor Sylvester Turner provides an update on Houstons response to the coronavirus pandemic. Houston Health department reported 773 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, bringing the total to 38,516 cases within the city limits. The department also confirmed 8 new coronavirus-related deaths; all Hispanic and Black people.

Houstons best and brightest stars asking people to mask up in the fight against COVID-19. The most decorated World Champion in gymnastics and Olympic Gold Medalist, Simone Biles, and other big names were roped in as ambassadors in Houston Mayor Sylvester Turners Mask Up Houston campaign. Biles, along with Houston Astros Carlos Correa and rapper Slim Thug, who is also a COVID-19 survivor, are offering their resources to spread safety information to Houstonians. Turner tweeted multiple videos featuring the Houston stars encouraging people to wear masks. Lets mask up #Houston.#MaskUpHOU @Simone_Biles @slimthugga @TeamCJCorreapic.twitter.com/tA2HJDveSi Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) July 6, 2020