HOUSTON, Texas – Happy Fri-YAY!
As we wrap up another busy week, take a moment to unwind and enjoy your favorite deep dive.
Recommended Videos
Catch up on the stories that matter and insights you won’t find anywhere else.
Here’s everything you need to know in this week’s edition of the Investigates newsletter:
What’s coming?
DNA data security questioned amid 23andMe financial struggles. What’s next?
Have you heard of 23andMe? The genetic testing company? Well, if you have and you happen to be a customer, you may want to know that the company 23andMe is facing financial difficulties, reporting a net loss of $667 million for the last fiscal year and laying off 40% of its workforce. These struggles have raised concerns among its 15 million customers about the security of their DNA data, especially in light of potential bankruptcy or acquisition scenarios that could involve the sale or transfer of personal information.
Home Title Theft
In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, Houston families are increasingly vulnerable to home title theft, a silent but devastating crime. Scammers exploit the chaos by falsifying documents to steal home titles and drain equity, often leaving homeowners unaware until eviction notices arrive. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, KPRC 2 Reporter Gage Goulding is speaking with former title theft criminal turned advocate, Matthew Cox, who now educates homeowners on protecting their property from such sophisticated scams.
History of the Chicano Squad
KPRC 2 sat down with three of the five original members of the Chicano Squad to discuss the impact their task force had on Houston in the 1980s and how it continues to influence solving crimes in Hispanic communities today. Their success in solving more than 40 homicide cases in just 90 days left the entire Houston Police Department in awe.
A look at the past.... or last week
Deer Park family discovers mysterious bottle in new home, prompting evacuation
The Mounts family in Deer Park faced a crisis when they discovered mercury in their new home, left by the previous owner, leading to health risks and a temporary evacuation.
Despite financial burdens and challenges in getting county assistance, they undertook extensive renovations and testing, ultimately reducing mercury levels and safely returning home, with ongoing support from local authorities.
Top 3 areas in Houston where most residential break-ins are happening
KPRC 2 Investigates reporter Joel Eisenbaum identified the top three burglary hotspots in Houston. Is your neighborhood considered a burglary hotspot? If so, we spoke with Retired Detective Greg Shelton on how residents can protect their homes if they’re located in these hotspots or if they just want to avoid similar incidents from occurring.
Are you in the market to buy a home? Should you be? KPRC 2 Anchor Andy Cerota took a look at the housing market in Houston. He spoke with a local real estate agent who talked about the inventory in the city and how it would be for someone looking for a new home in this market.
How can Houston residents make more money from the money they’ve got?
In Houston, residents like Debbie and George Simpson are considering moving their savings from traditional banks, which offer minimal interest, to Internet banks with higher yields.
Their son, Alex, and financial expert Ted Rossman highlight how internet banks such as Synchrony, Brio Direct, and Forbright Bank offer attractive rates up to 5%, compared to 0.01% at banks like Chase. With the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes, these online banks compete by offering higher interest, while still providing FDIC insurance. After researching, Debbie and George plan to transfer their funds to maximize earnings.