Houston tax preparer admits to falsifying returns, resulting in over $100K in losses
Court records claim Guevara admitted to placing $26,857 in fake business losses that resulted in a tax loss to the U.S. of $13,390 on that return. He took responsibility for $123,458 in losses to the IRS and will be paying that back as restitution.
New rules about airline cancellation, baggage delays Houston residents should know about
No matter which airline you choose, unexpected fees seem to add up. This is the first summer travel season where new travel rules now in place. KPRC 2โฒs Bill Spencer looks into the things you need to know before taking your next trip.
Need to restock your fridge? Kroger, H-E-B offering discounts to Texans recovering from Beryl
In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, Kroger and H-E-B are stepping up to help Texans restock their fridges. Kroger is offering $10 off a $100 purchase through July 23 with their Kroger Plus Card. Meanwhile, H-E-B is providing a 10% discount on all frozen food items, including ice, until July 21 at select locations.
Girls denied scholarship money by Pasadena City Attorney receive thousands of dollars more from community
A positive update to a story we first broke last week involving college bound teenage girls being denied scholarship money by the Pasadena City Attorney, after a council member tried to use his own budget funds to make it possible.
Over $5,000 raised for college-bound Pasadena students after scholarships canceled without explanation
After KPRC 2 reporter Deven Clarkeโs story about $500 scholarships being revoked at the last minute (and without explanation) community members stepped in and raised more than $5,000 for the college-bound students.
Houston area business owner teaching young adults how to build a career in commercial real estate
As living costs rise, young adults are seeking lucrative career paths. Ed Ryland, CEO of ARVO Realty Advisors, is mentoring the next generation in commercial real estateโa challenging yet rewarding field. Learn how his program offers internships, jobs, and mentorship to help you succeed.
Houston man sent to prison for depositing another personโs COVID-19 stimulus check in his account
Prosecutors say Ndem Oduu, admitted to depositing another personโs stimulus check in his own account, defrauding them of $1,200 that was meant to help the victim weather economic difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Houston public official accused of misusing millions in public funds
Todd Edwards, a former Real Estate Manager with the Midtown Redevelopment Authority, has been indicted for "Abuse of Official Capacity." An investigation revealed Edwards allegedly used his position to benefit companies he had interests in, diverting $8 to $10 million in public funds. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg will address the arrest on Friday afternoon. Stay tuned for more updates.
Electric provider threatens to cancel customer accounts in Houston. Why? Could this happen to you?
Choosing a new electric plan, comparing rates and fees can be complicated. Itโs why some customers pay an electric broker or a third party to find the lowest rates. But some customers say their energy company is threatening to cancel their contracts because they signed up with the help of a broker. KPRC 2 Investigative reporter Amy Davis is asking - can they do that?
Tracking Houston ISDโs bond spending: Where did the money go?
๐ Did you know that HISD is requesting a $4.5 billion bond proposal? This could be the largest in Texas history! The bond aims to address overdue facility upgrades and meet the district's $10 billion needs. #HISD #bondproposal #educationupdates #communitynews
Money-saving resources Houstonians should take advantage of when planning Memorial Day or Summer adventure
Summer is just around the corner and if youโre trying to get away from the intense Texas heat, we wonโt blame you. But we will if you donโt take advantage of some money-saving resources by United Airlines!
Study says Houston has one of the lowest inflation problems, but do our pockets beg to differ?
Inflation continues to impact the U.S., and a recent study suggests Houston is not experiencing much of the brunt of high prices, compared to other cities, but if that's the case, how come I'm broke all the time?
โItโs absolutely outrageousโ: Houston resident charged surprise $400 โfacility feeโ after doctor visit
Unexpected, unexplained fees are driving up the cost of doctor visits for families across Houston. We are talking hundreds of dollars in charges above your co-pay. Theyโre called โfacility fees,โ and patients are told days or weeks after their appointments they have to pay up. KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis is looking into these facility fees and getting answers for people who are worried about their own bills.
New charge filed against Houston contractor accused of gambling away client money, blaming job delays on motherโs death
Aleck Miller, who owns AM2 Construction, has been hit with another felony theft charge after a new alleged victim reported him to Harris County law enforcement following KPRC 2โฒs story last week.
TX Supreme Court blocks $500 monthly payments after Ken Paxton files appeal against Uplift Harris
โHarris County officials cannot continue to abuse their power and the peopleโs money to score political points, and we will fight every step of the way to hold them accountable," Paxton said in a press statement.
$500 monthly payments scheduled for Wednesday through Uplift Harris remain in limbo despite judge siding with county
The first of 18 monthly payments are supposed to go out this Wednesday. And despite a judge siding with Harris County, Paxton has filed an appeal. Leading County Judge Lina Hidalgo to wonder when and if they can even give recipients the money.
โHe deserve everything he getsโ: Wanted man accused of stealing at least $35K from 71-year-old Houston widow
A 71-year-old woman has lost nearly $100,000 after a stranger got access to her checking account and Houston Police have tied at least $35,000 of the stolen money to a man who is now wanted.
YMCA of Houston takes action to combat childcare deserts
Struggling to find affordable childcare in Houston? The YMCA is here to help! They're taking action to combat childcare deserts in the area, offering programs for kids of all ages. From early childcare centers to summer camps, they've got you covered. Learn more and get involved: #ChildcareDeserts #CommunitySupport #YMCAHouston
What is causing the childcare desert crisis in Houston? Hereโs what we know
๐ข Check out this eye-opening article on the childcare desert crisis in Houston. ๐ข๐ถ It sheds light on the limited availability of quality childcare services in many areas, leaving parents with few options. ๐ข Let's work together to address this pressing issue and ensure every child gets the care they deserve! ๐ช๐ [link] #ChildcareDeserts #Houston #Parenting #CommunityAction
Wanted couple gambled away over $1M including client money intended for Houston-area home renovations, records show
Houston-area home renovation clients claim they were left high and dry after paying tens of thousands of dollars to local company AM2 Construction. The work never got completed and some of the money got gambled away, charging documents reveal.
โI learned my lessonโ: Colorado man loses $2K by same ghost tax preparer that also left Houston residents empty-handed
A man from Denver, Colorado reached out to KPRC 2 after his friend shared one of our reports on two Houston-area women out thousands of dollars after trying to complete their taxes.
Ask Amy: How to cut funeral costs with the help of a funeral negotiator
Itโs 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 โFuneral Negotiatorโ about how to keep funeral costs down.
Houston reaches historic settlement with firefighters ending pay dispute
Historic Agreement Reached for Houston Firefighters! Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association have announced a groundbreaking deal, putting an end to the longstanding pay issue. #HoustonFirefighters #HistoricAgreement
โIt makes me angry and scared for other peopleโ: Warning from woman scammed while getting taxes done
Two Houston-area families are out thousands of dollars after hiring someone to complete their taxes. As tax day approaches KPRC 2โฒs Rilwan Balogun has a warning for everyone to double-check whoโs preparing their taxes even if they advertise as being local.
5 ways to save money on your trip to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Dust off your boots and get ready for the rides and food the countdown is on for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We are working on ways to help you and your family save money. Brittany Jeffers looks into ways to save you money this year. Her tips include buying a coupon pack ahead of time and that deadline is fast approaching!
โIt took Channel 2 to bring this to lightโ: Walmart investigating third-party vendor after customers complain of scam
Days after KPRC 2 Reporter Rilwan Balogun story aired about a Sugar Land man being out of $350 after buying a Nintendo Switch he never received on Walmartโs website through a third party -- Walmart has since resolved this issue by refunding the customerโs money.
Water device featured in KPRC 2โฒs โDRAINEDโ investigation among top gadgets at CES 2024
Itโs always interesting to see the new types of gadgets and technology that people are working on. A product featured during this yearโs Consumer Technology Associationโs annual trade show (or CES) is something we featured in our โDRAINEDโ Investigation! KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis tested a water monitoring device that could help frustrated water bill customers.
KPRC 2โฒs gift wrapping battle: Are we dropping bars or bows? ๐๏ธ๐
Wrapping gifts... you either absolutely love it or you absolutely hate it. Some people go all out, buying a plethora of ribbons and bows personalized to the one receiving the gift. Others prefer to just put the gift underneath the tree in its original box.
A $10,000 Surprise! Verizon Shows Up with a Big Check to Support a Much-Loved Houston Small Business Owner
Driving to work, giving herself a pep-talk in preparation for the day, Deidre Mathis had no idea a crowd of people were huddled in a bedroom room at her Wanderstay Houston Hostel ready to surprise her with a $10,000 check from Verizon. Verizonโs Small Business Digital Ready Program supports small business owners like Diedre, offering free courses, mentorship, networking, and grants that help them continue doing the work they doโฆin Diedreโs case this is keeping Wanderstay Houston Hostel the highest rated hostel in Texas. If you are a small business owner or entrepreneur in Houston you too can apply for the grant.
5 steps to take the minute you get a high water bill
Got a high water bill you donโt think you owe? Youโre not alone. Since last November we have received calls and emails from more than 500 city of Houston water customers who are feeling โDRAINEDโ. Investigator Amy Davis has five things you should do in this order when you get a crazy high bill.