Houston may have a growing population, but this year it didn’t quite make the cut for the world’s “Top 50 Best Cities.”

KPRC 2 received more information on how the federal government is calculating the reduced SNAP benefits for the month of November as the government shutdown endures its record-tying 35th day.

Wall Street closed the week with record highs on Friday as the S&P 500 topped 6,800 for the first time in history.

At her lowest point, a friend encouraged her to contact The Women’s Resource, a Houston nonprofit that helps women and girls achieve financial independence. The organization offers free programs, classes and coaching on career development, budgeting, savings and financial planning.

Houston City Council has once again delayed a vote to purchase a $16-million facility that would serve as a “super hub” for people experiencing homelessness.

If approved, the higher rate would be applied beginning with the 2025 tax year, meaning homeowners would not see the change on their bills until next year.

“Families should never have to navigate the challenges of homelessness alone,” TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in a written statement.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The perfect time to bring attention to a disease that affects one in every eight women. While treatments have saved many lives, they come at a cost

A big vote is expected today when Harris County commissioners are expected to hold public hearings and discussions before adopting the $2.7 billion budget for the county.

According to recent U.S. Census data, about 21.2 percent of Houstonians now live below the poverty line. That’s more than one in five people!

Houston electric customers will start seeing higher bills even if their electricity use stays the same. That’s because transmission utilities like CenterPoint Energy are raising the rates they add to monthly bills starting Sept. 1.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will hold a press conference to discuss the county's budget and her plan to protect essential services for families.

When we asked Ann Eagleton how many times the DA’s office had contacted her since filing a report, Eagleton made a gesture with her hand and said, “Zero times.”

The upgrades come as the district acknowledges that more than 30% of its schools are over 50 years old, with widespread infrastructure issues that directly affect student learning.

After the Houston Police Department boosted pay for officers, agencies across the region are scrambling to keep up and keep their people from leaving for better-paying departments.

Spirit Airlines warned it may not survive unless it can raise additional funds, citing ongoing financial struggles, CNBC reported.

Texas’ tax-free weekend (Aug. 8–10) lets you save on most clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies under $100. Jewelry, specialized gear, and items over $100 don’t qualify. See the full list of what’s included and excluded.

Gas prices have seen some minor ups and downs during the first week of August, according to AAA Texas. Right now, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.16. That’s up two cents from last week, but still 29 cents cheaper than this time last year.

We’ve heard from more of you who are dealing with issues of repeat power outages. You are looking for answers from CenterPoint Energy. KPRC 2 Investigates reporter Amy Davis is answering your questions and has what you need to know.

Since November, the organization has helped families claim millions in benefits they didn’t know they were eligible for.

Court records said Samuel Ayala-Ibarra, 45, set up fake documents to show growth and returns, but the money his clients invested was actually used for personal gain and to repay earlier investors.

Houston’s upcoming production of American Psycho (named after the book and movie starring Christian Bale) is the first iteration of the show since its Broadway debut in 2016, and will feature a newly revised script and score.

President Trump has been clear: States will be empowered and responsible for managing disaster response and protecting their communities,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator David Richardson.

We’ve recently been made aware that some members are experiencing unauthorized charges related to Roblox on their accounts," Shell FCU said in a written statement.

Texas shoppers can save sales tax on many back-to-school items during the state’s annual sales tax holiday, which runs from Friday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025.

Exciting movies are hitting the big screen, and while sometimes, it can be tempting to wait until they’re available for streaming, there are some money-saving tips AMC Theatres is sharing for movie lovers who know it’s better to see them on the big screen.

Texas has been ranked 15th for states with the longest credit card payoff time, according to a WalletHub study.

In a report conducted by WalletHub, Texas was revealed to be the number one state in financial distress in the country.

Families will pay more for some key back-to-school essentials, such as backpacks, ahead of the new school year.

There’s seemingly been an uptick of crime that’s been reported in or around the Galleria area.

Are you one of the 18,000 people on the Houston Housing Authority's Housing Choice Vouchers waitlist? To keep your spot, you need to re-register online before the deadline.

When it comes to building a stronger economy in Houston, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers resources to support local business leaders. Dr. Laura Murillo, president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, recently stopped by Houston Life to chat about their work in the business community.

You may have seen calls for boycotts against McDonald’s online and across social media, but while the calls to do so are real, the question remains whether an economic blackout will have an impact.

The plan includes salary increases and stipends for teachers at various career stages—funded in part by House Bill 2, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. The legislation includes the Teacher Retention Allotment (TRA), which provides state funding aimed at boosting pay for seasoned educators.

Homeowners are one step closer to property tax relief with Governor Greg Abbott set to sign two bills after lawmakers approved $22.7 billion in property tax cuts this session.

Funds that were originally earmarked to be used for Uplift Harris, a universal basic income program which was launched in 2023, have been diverted to other programs following a Harris County Commissioners Court vote.

As low cost of living, housing, job opportunities and the nightlife may attract visitors or even new residents to the Houston area -- a new study shows that more than 70% of residents don’t have money for unexpected expenses.

A new study released by Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research explores the financial status of residents in the Houston area.

If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram Reels over the past week, chances are you’ve come across a video referencing “Labubu.”

Everything's bigger and better in Texas! That's why WalletHub ranked it among the top 10 best state economies!

A Houston man says he’s out nearly $10,000 after wiring money to a company that, he later learned, doesn’t actually exist.

Nearly all of us have found use through Airbnb, whether as a guest or host, but exactly how much of that has benefitted the state? A new report from the vacation rental property breaks it all down.

If you’re looking to settle down and raise a family, WalletHub is reccomending two Texas cities that are ideal!

FBI Houston said Edward Wayne Rene was sentenced to 8 years in prison for theft of a public servant and sexual performance by a minor.

Summer is here, and if you’re trying to get away from the intense Texas heat, we won’t blame you. But we will if you don’t take advantage of some money-saving resources.

We previously reported on the $1.5 million that HISD spent on a consulting group to persuade voters to “support” a now-failed district bond during the November 2024 elections. Here’s a more in-depth look at what happened.

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

County Judge KP George made his first appearance before a judge following his indictment last month for two felony money laundering cases. He and his attorneys did not spend much time in court, as the brief appearance lasted only a few minutes.

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

As temperatures rise, so do our AC bills. What are some low-cost ways to save on your energy bill?

Consumer Reports says Kroger shoppers have unknowingly been paying full price for scores of items advertised as discounted or on sale, following a monthslong investigation.

These agreements have left homeowners unaware that they were essentially giving up the rights to their homes for a few hundred dollars.

While inflation is reportedly cooling across the country, pockets are still hurting. That's why AMC Theaters, the largest movie exhibitor in the U.S. and the world, is introducing “50% Off Wednesdays.”

For years, nationwide inflation has been a thorn in people’s sides, but could there finally be some relief in sight?

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.

Millions of Americans are at risk of having their wages garnished as the federal government resumes collections on defaulted student loans.

Has this happened to you?! KPRC 2's Jaewon Jung filed a public records request with the Texas Attorney General's Office and found the number of solar-related complaints more than doubled from 2020 to 2024.

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.

How the loss of one person is affecting the Flower Gardens

Showing up to the home in a gym tank top, Andres Fernandez De La Paz allegedly shot 34-year-old Ediesky Incencio Pineiro in the chest.

Banyan Foods, a tofu company founded by Carol Sue Chiu, is making waves in Houston’s food scene.

As temperatures rise, so do our AC bills. What are some low-cost ways to save on your energy bill?

Fraud and theft targeting seniors is a growing concern, and many people reach out to “2 Helps You” for guidance. It can be challenging to discuss financial safety with family members, but there are steps that can be taken to help protect them.

Houston residents seeking affordable housing will soon have a new opportunity through the Houston Housing Authority’s (HHA) latest rent relief initiative.

The Houston Housing Authority’s waitlist for housing vouchers has grown to more than 18,000 families. The agency is now clarifying its roles, emphasizing that individuals must take action to maintain their place on the list.

Adam Ashman, president of the Greater Houston Builders Association, says the impact of tariffs is currently limited, primarily affecting products imported from China, such as hardware and lighting.

"Is it gambling if it's a sure thing?" Well, one thing for sure is WalletHub ranked Texas 11th as part of their "2025's Most Gambling-Addicted States."

Have you ever dreamt about having an office in River Oaks? Here's your chance!

THOUGHTS? How did Austin, Fort Worth, and Dallas (to name a few) outrank Houston among "Best Large Cities to Start a Business"?

Nintendo confirmed the price for the Switch 2 will be the same, and so will its release date of June 5, but price adjustments will be made to accessories because of "changes in market conditions."

The district explained students received messages on their school emails that "appear to be from Klein ISD staff, offer[ing] part-time job opportunities," where they were asked to put personal and bank account information.

As the Texas House expects to vote on a bill to create a $1 billion school voucher, a showdown is expected between optimistic supporters and critics hoping to sink the vote again, as they did in 2023.

Finding a trustworthy business isn’t always simple. Just ask the more than 100 Harris County residents who say they paid thousands of dollars to A&L Sheds for storage buildings or tiny homes—only to r

It’s something every person will probably have to deal with at some point. We are talking about paying funeral costs for your loved one or planning ahead for yourself. Amy Davis talks with the “Funeral Negotiator” about how to keep funeral costs down.

Airbnb announced it has been collecting and remitting $13.5 billion in tourism taxes on behalf of hosts worldwide. In Texas, as of 2024, Airbnb has generated $105 million, with $35 million of that coming from Houston alone.

Let’s face it — grocery shopping feels more expensive than ever. You walk in for a few essentials and walk out wondering where your money went. Whether you’re shopping for one or feeding a whole family, groceries are a necessity — and prices are climbing.

The cost of produce has been rising over the last several years, so the idea of everyday goods becoming even more expensive can be overwhelming for many families already on a budget or living paycheck to paycheck.

A woman who went to get some relief at a spa in Katy found herself more stressed than when she walked in after somehow ending up with a $3,000 loan she says she never signed up for.

If you missed out on the $1,400 stimulus check, now's your chance to claim it!

This new system ties teacher salaries to student success, instructional quality, and effectiveness, moving away from traditional salary schedules. What do you think about this?

From 2017 to 2021, the taxpayer allegedly added false credits or deductions on tax returns to fraudulently lower her clients’ overall tax liability.

With President Trump’s new tariff policy potentially driving up the cost of produce and everyday goods, many local businesses and consumers are bracing for higher prices.

This effort targets those who are at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or whose medical bills consume 5% of their income.

Investigators said two men were arrested for trying to use stolen Visa gift cards to purchase over 100 cases of Red Bull. One punched a deputy in the face and another tried hiding in the woods.

The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq are all taking significant hits, with the Nasdaq experiencing its worst day since the pandemic's onset.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reaching out to counties using COVID-era grants to stop spending those funds as it evaluates $877 million in grant cancelations by the federal government.

The end of a marriage is never easy but knowing what to expect and how to navigate the divorce process can help empower women during this stage of life. That’s the mission behind “The Guide to Good Divorce” seminar.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reaching out to counties using COVID-era grants to stop spending those funds as it evaluates $877 million in grant cancelations by the federal government.

Two weeks after Journey's live performance at the Houston Rodeo had to be cut short due to an unexpected electrical fire, officials released a statement on refund request processes.

With eviction rates in Houston surpassing those of New York City, Texas House Bill 32 (HB 32) has gained attention for its potential to speed up the eviction process for renters and landlords.

As the U.S. Senate is set to vote for a new leader of Medicare, Dr. Bruce Scott, President of the American Medical Association, spoke of serious concerns he and other medical officials have over Medicare’s current state.

The Mega Millions lottery is set to undergo significant changes, starting with a ticket price increase from $2 to $5 each.

National gas prices plummet, but is this an economic red flag or much-needed relief at the pump

Texas Governor Greg Abbott celebrated Texas’ position as the leading state in job creation, following the release of January employment data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said two groups of people met up in northwest Harris County to buy a gun when during the sale, gunfire was exchanged "in what appears to be a robbery."

If you have kids, you probably have clutter—clothes they’ve outgrown, toys they no longer play with, and baby gear taking up space. Instead of letting it pile up, why not turn it into cash? The Just Between Friends (JBF) Kids’ Consignment Pop-Up Events are coming to Pearland, Sugar Land, and Humble from Thursday to Saturday, offering parents a chance to buy and sell gently used children’s items.

In the last two years, Aldine ISD has closed nine campuses. The district says these latest closures are due to declining enrollment, lack of affordable housing, and decreased state funding.

Going to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the first time is an exciting experience—but let’s be real, it can also get pretty pricey if you’re not prepared.

Patients are encouraged to share their stories and medical bills with lawmakers to illustrate the impact of facility fees on families, so it can help lawmakers understand how these fees affect everyday people.

Considering the whirlwind of natural disasters Houston residents have experienced, coupled with ongoing inflation, these results shouldn’t be a surprise.