A chemical spill at Bluebonnet Petrochemical Solutions near Main and Hunt Roads has turned into a serious situation, with local authorities stepping in to manage the aftermath and protect public safety.

A student died Monday after being hit by a train in southeast Houston. Residents and parents who live nearby tell KPRC 2 it’s not uncommon for students to cross the train tracks despite it being dangerous.

Harris County Precinct 2 has completed 950 miles of ditching, marking a significant achievement in flood prevention efforts.

The Harris County Commissioners Court gave final approval to its $2.67 billion plan for the new fiscal year.

“My only regret is not having called attention sooner to his well-known history of blatant disrespect toward me and other colleagues, community leaders, and county employees who dare to disagree with him," Hidalgo said.

Fireworks and verbal blows were unleashed at Harris County Commissioners Court earlier this week. County records show that Tuesday’s meeting with the four county commissioners along with the county judge lasted for over 10 hours.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire will give an update regarding emergency preparedness of the city ahead of Beryl.

Despite the map showing their service as restored, many customers are still without power. To address this issue, KPRC 2 reached out to CenterPoint for clarification.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office increased patrols around Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s home over the last few days after learning about a round of gunfire in close proximity to his residence.

Harris County officials are cleaning up one northeast Harris County community by knocking down an abandoned apartment building as part of the nuisance property abatement program.

United States Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and State Sen. John Whitmire attended a Houston mayoral candidate forum on Sunday to discuss issues that are important to Harris County Precinct 2 residents.

The World Youth Foundation hosted its 33rd Annual Seeds of Gratitude celebration in Houston on Sunday.

National Night Out 2023

Harris County Commissioners will gather to lead a presentation on the Texas General Land Office’s long-term recovery efforts, hurricane preparedness and how Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) can work with the State of Texas following major disasters.

Emmanuel Guerrero was the first and youngest Latino sworn in to represent Pasadena City Council District C on Wednesday.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is asking for $1.7 million to grow their TeleDeputy Unit and reduce their response times to high priority calls.

Mayor Sylvester Turner is holding a news conference on Monday to provide information on the 2023 Beat the Heat program.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Tom Ramsey both spoke out Wednesday following some tense moments at commissioner’s court on Tuesday.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Commissioners provided an update during a Wednesday news conference on the work that has been achieved by the Harris County Violent Persons Task Force since it was created in Sept. 2022.

Harris County Precinct 2 crews will soon begin making improvements to a dark and busy stretch of road in Channelview.

Authorities say five people have been taken to the hospital after a massive fire in Deer Park at a Shell Chemical Plant that continued to burn Friday.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Commissioner Adrian Garcia and others gathered Wednesday in support of the Houston Area Women’s Center’s Safety Planning campaign, according to a release.

Texas General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham will visit Harris County on Tuesday as she and Harris County leaders hold a joint news conference to discuss disaster recovery funding.

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia said late Wednesday that a Deer Park company is being contracted to dispose of wastewater from the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment.

Harris County commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia, along with Harris County Toll Road Director Roberto Trevino, announced a new proposal Tuesday aimed at helping local drivers feel less burn due to the hike in inflation. Officials said the county will soon be cutting toll rates by 10 percent.

Almost two months after an election day meltdown in Harris County, in which hundreds or even thousands of voters may have been turned away without being able to vote, there is still no official word on what actually went wrong.

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Monday that an agreement has been reached on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project, which would widen and reconfigure I-45 from downtown Houston north the Beltway 8.

A new Houston park will be named after murdered child Josue Flores.

Harris County Precinct 2 commissioner Adrian Garcia is calling for an investigation of what he says are racist campaign tactics after anonymous mailers were sent to people with Latino surnames.

The Houston Area Women’s Center will be joining several city officials for a press conference in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia will present a new compromise proposal Friday in hopes of moving the county budget forward.

Neighbors living near a property deemed a nuisance said they’ve waited years for Monday’s abatement.

Multiple local officials, including Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee discussed plans, and objectives regarding the progress in TxDOT’s I-45 expansion project.

As Houston ISD schools begin the school year, the “Safe Walk Home Northside” program continued its mission of making the community safe for students who walk to and from school.

Residents visiting the Leonel Castillo Community Center in Houston’s Northside area will find a new sculpture with a taste of flavor.

Harris County Commissioners met Tuesday to discuss and consider putting a $1.2 billion bond measure on the November ballot. The measure passed 3-2 late Tuesday night.

Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Adrian Garcia held a news conference Tuesday to release new data showing an increase in guns being used in homicides in Harris County.

Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez discussed the results of the county’s ShotSpotter after a year of being installed.

Officials announced that Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Adrian Garcia will announce recent findings Tuesday from a report based on the safety and financial consequences of fraudulent paper plates.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Adrian Garcia joined the Harris County Public Health in an announcement Wednesday about the start of the pet breeding season and ways residents can support the Harris County Pets Resources Center.

The city of Houston, Harris County and a non-profit have been working amid the pandemic to reduce the number of people who are homeless and in emergency shelters.

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia will join the Harris County Bail Bond Board meeting Wednesday evening to discuss the agenda item requiring 10% minimum of assessed bail to be paid down for certain people accused of violent crimes.

Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Adrian Garcia held a press conference Tuesday morning to discuss a new proposal to invest $7.9 million in American Rescue Plan funds for early childhood programs.

Mayor Sylvester Turner was joined by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia to announce the creation of the Houston-Harris Special Events Task Force on Wednesday.

Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Adrian Garcia are holding a news conference Monday to discuss the county administrator’s budget proposal for the short Fiscal Year 2022 and the upcoming full Fiscal Year 2023.

After a particularly violent week against law enforcement, officers will undoubtedly be left trying to figure out how to cope with the trauma they’ve endured and return to the job.

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

Community college and school district officials will join Commissioners Rodney Ellis, Adrian Garcia and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Wednesday to announce a $200,000 Disparity Study Fund.

Local physicians, elected officials and community leaders are joining the public in celebrating the grand re-opening of the Heights Hospital in north Houston.

Harris County Treasurer Dylan Osborne, along with Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Rodney Ellis, and Unity National Bank President and CEO Michael Pearson announced Thursday afternoon a historic partnership with the minority-owned bank.

Harris County Commissioners met briefly during an executive session Tuesday to discuss possible future locations to hold jury selections but stopped short of deciding.

Harris County commissioners recently approved spending $3.8 million to extend a lease agreement with the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation.

An 11-yea-old boy is recovering after he was hit by a speeding truck while crossing the street.

Harris County commissioners are calling for a thorough investigation into what went wrong Friday night at the Astro World Festival.

Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Wayne Young of the Harris Center for Mental Health unveiled a community-based mental health care initiative coming to Harris County residents in targeted areas Tuesday.

When it comes to carrying guns without a permit, Houstonians shared varying opinions.

Houston area officials will hold a permitless carry/public safety roundtable event Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia will be holding a news conference to address the county death rate in 2020 and how to prevent 2021 from becoming a repeat of last year.

After circulating on social media, KPRC 2 Investigates took a closer look at one section of a recently passed resolution by Harris County Commissioners. On Tuesday, Commissioners passed a resolution regarding what’s behind rising crime rates.

Harris County leaders will discuss two upcoming Commissioners Court items that would bring up to an additional $14.8 million for public safety during a press conference Monday at 11:30 a.m.

Harris County has several above and below-ground petroleum tanks that are too old, according to a recent county report that identified nearly 40 storage tanks over 30 years old.

Roughly four years after Hurricane Harvey, some area leaders are upset with the plans to distribute federal flood mitigation funds.

There are efforts underway to help give residents on Houston’s east side more accessible health care.

Harris County’s top law enforcement officer is leaving his post and headed to the nation’s Capital.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson will visit Thomas Street Clinic Wednesday to announce the Federal American Rescue Act grant that was recently provided to the Harris Health System for expanded vaccinations, testing, and contact tracing.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joined local officials, community and business leaders to denounce Senate Bill 7 and House Bill 6 Monday afternoon.

In some cases, it’s frustrating because people are looking for a specific type of vaccine, which adds another challenge to find one. Here are some ways you can find what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a vaccine, you’ll want to check with individual pharmacies in addition to city/county websites since they operate separately from one another. Harris County Precinct Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s office is offering buses to make sure anyone who wants a vaccine can get one. On Wednesday, they’ll be at the East Harris County Activity Center and on Thursday, at North Shore Community Fellowship of Faith Church and the Northeast Community Center.

HOUSTON – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office was granted $3 million by the Harris County Commissioners County in an effort to fight against violent crimes. There was a 5-0 vote in the Harris County Commissioners Court that approved the funds after the initiative was presented by Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. The funds will be used to protect victims and reduce violent crimes that officials say stemmed from the pandemic. Violent Crimes Units will prioritize investigations of repeat offenders and organized criminal activity. In addition, the Adult Special Crimes Unit will identify domestic abuse suspects who have not been captured as well as Adult Sex Crimes investigations.

More than two years after Harris County voters overwhelmingly approved a $2.5 billion flood control bond, the county announced Tuesday that it is $1.4 billion short. Many of the hundreds of original projects remain unfinished, including in some of the most economically disadvantaged communities. “Halls and Greens, the two poorest watersheds in the county -- they’re basically left out of the process,” said Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia in Commissioner’s Court. “It doesn’t add up at all,” said former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “The commissioner’s court needs to fix it,” said State Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Dist.

Here are things to know for Wednesday, Feb. 24:1. The visit comes a week after the deadly winter storm that crippled the Texas power grid and left many without water. 5 ERCOT board members to resign WednesdayFive board members of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas are resigning Wednesday. Call for Harris County to leave state’s power grid. Commissioner Adrian Garcia said Harris County should explore what authority it has to leave the Energy Reliability Council of Texas and will propose Friday in commissioner’s court.

HOUSTON – Commissioner Adrian Garcia said Harris County should explore what authority it has to leave the Energy Reliability Council of Texas and will propose Friday in commissioner’s court. It’s been that way for at least half of a century, said Ed Emmett, who formally served as Harris County Judge for more than a decade. “That’s really not their job.”Emmett’s home in the Houston area, on the ERCOT grid, lost power during last week’s winter storm. His cabin in Liberty County, on the MISO grid, did not lose power. “Last time I checked, legislators all represent those same residents of Harris County,” Emmett said.

So much so, the number of defendants now under supervision is overwhelming county resources. AdHarris County Justice Administration DepartmentA Pre-Trial budget presentation also showed officers carrying huge caseloads. “We’ve got to put more money in pre-trial services,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Cagle agrees Pre-Trial Services needs the help. The study is expected to be completed within the coming months and will help guide commissioners to where funding is needed most.

HOUSTON – Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia partnered with Workforce Solutions to host a free virtual job fair open to the public. According to a news release, 30 employers are expected to attend the event, where there will be more than 700 full time and 30 part time positions available. Industries represented at the event will include manufacturing, technology, energy, and marine, according to the release. The job fair will start at 10 a.m. and representatives will be available for live interactions with job seekers until 2 p.m. After that, booths will remain open and people can gather information on available positions until midnight. People who wish to participate can register and build their portfolios at wrksolutions2.easyvirtualfair.com.

Thursday afternoon, Harris County officials provided an update on the county’s environmental monitoring and protection efforts since the 2019 ITC Deer Park fire. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, as well as other county officials and representatives from a research nonprofit and private industry spoke at the briefing. AdIn the wake of the fire, Harris County officials undertook several steps to improve the county’s environmental monitoring and enforcement efforts. $11 million was allocated towards improving the county’s preparedness and response to chemical incidents, county officials stated in a release. AdAltogether, these steps represent the county’s biggest investments in environmental protection in more than 30 years, officials stated in the release.

HOUSTON – A man being sought in connection with the shooting of a deputy in north Harris County was taken into custody Tuesday night. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the man believed to be the gunman, identified as 38-year-old Moises Martinez, was arrested after a massive manhunt that lasted for more than three hours. Moises Martinez is seen in the back of a deputy's cruiser after being taken into custody in north Harris County, Texas, on Jan. 26, 2021. AdAccording to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Barragan is awaiting surgery for his hand wound and is expected to be released in the next few days. Gonzalez said the injured deputy has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 18 months but worked for a different agency for eight years before becoming a Harris County deputy.

HOUSTON – Some renters in the Houston area are facing eviction amid the tough economic times brought on by the pandemic. Leaders spoke Monday to remind people facing eviction of the assistance programs that are available. “Harris County initiated over a dozen programs in response to the pandemic, whether its direct assistance, rental relief, digital access, small business aid, workforce development, the bottom line is we stand ready to support our community,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Garcia said anyone facing eviction should visit stoptxeviction.org or call 800-733-8394.

HOUSTON – If you talk to Tomaro Bell about TxDOT’s planned renovation for the North Freeway, she won’t nice words. I say absolutely not,” Bell said, who sits on the Public Safety Committee of the Super Neighborhoods Alliance. “Already got eight lanes, that’s enough. Garcia said he doesn’t view TxDOT’s plans as truly looking out for neighborhood flooding. But we need to make sure that the corridor is actively incorporated into flood protections,” he said.

HOUSTON – Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and housing advocates addressed evictions in Houston and Harris County. Speakers highlighted their ongoing efforts to keep Houston and Harris County residents housed during a pandemic that has deepened America’s housing crisis and caused large spikes in eviction and homelessness. He said Harris County has created an eviction moratorium to help people make payments. Garcia also noted that Harris County is leading in giving assistance and that the county is working very hard for everyone in the community. Leaders within the Housing Department said it will continue to do more to keep people housed and protected until the deadline.

HOUSTON – The Harris County Toll Road Authority agreed to rename a portion of Beltway 8 after Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, who died in the line of duty on Sept. 27, 2019. According to a news release from the Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Beltway 8 in northwest Harris County near Highway 249 will be named after the deputy who was killed in the line of duty last year. County and federal officials, including Garica and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales, were joined by Deputy Dhaliwal’s family and members of the Sikh community for the ceremony. Every day, he helped so many people.”Dhaliwal was a beloved deputy and member of the community. He was also the first Sikh to be allowed to wear traditional attire while in uniform as a sheriff’s deputy.

HOUSTON – Thousands of students at Houston Independent School District will receive books through country music star Dolly Parton’s foundation. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a gift program that gives free books to children from birth to age 5, will provide books to up to 5,000 children in Houston. The program called “Book of the Month” will provide children in Houston access to books by mail. Children will receive a book every month until the child turns 5 years old. A drive-through sign up event will be held at Sherman Elementary School on Wednesday, where parents can sign up for the book program.

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: What sort of roadwork is going on on State Highway 3 south, beginning at El Dorado? Answer: Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia announced that construction on the El Dorado Boulevard widening project began May of this year. “This is a vital road infrastructure project that will address mobility issues in this fast-growing region,” said Mayor Pro Tem Martin. “With the help of Harris County Precinct 2, we are glad to officially break ground on this long-awaited project.

HOUSTON – Remote Learning in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic has put the issue of digital inequality in the spotlight. For students learning remotely, being able to connect to the internet without having issues is so important. Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia recognized the need and responded by creating study zones with free WiFi access to help bridge the gap that exists for so many families. North Shore Rotary Pavilion and Clear Lake Park, Landolt PavilionStudents and families interested in using either of the two locations must first register with Harris County Precinct 2. A mobile library, part of the Harris County Public Library System is on-site with free books, Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North Shore and Thursday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Clear Lake

HOUSTON Potentially millions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted over a bridge thats been under construction for years. Several months later, while construction on the Houston bridge continued, the county hired an independent engineering firm to review the design. Almost a year later, in early 2020, the independent firm identified 21 significant design issues and some of the bridge construction was stopped. Garcia blames prior county leadership for, in his words, turning a blind eye. But problems with the Houston bridge design were discovered under his watch, as far back as one year ago.

Harris County commissioners annnounced more help is on the way for people still behind on rent. Harris County resident Kevin Jackson found himself behind rent and in eviction court Wednesday morning. Harris County Commissioners voted to allocate $10 million to help families with rent. We knew we were going to impact roughly 20,000 families but yet over a half a million applied for assistance, said Harris County Pct. Garcia said the county cant help everyone, at least not without backing from Texas governor.

HOUSTON – Community leaders and members held events Saturday to honor the life of a beloved soldier, Vanessa Guillen, who was found murdered at the Fort Hood base. Fundraiser for Guillen’s FamilyThe Guillen family’s barbecue fundraiser in southeast Houston marked the start of a full day of events to remember beloved Army specialist, Guillen. The motorcycles, trucks and cars cruised through Houston’s historic east side and ended at the Taqueria Del Sol on Park Place Blvd. Many chanted Vanessa Guillen’s name. Hundreds in masks packed the back parking lot of Taqueria Del Sol on Park Place Blvd in Southeast Houston.

HOUSTON – Harris County Commissioners voted 3-2 to extend the county’s disaster declaration till August 26 Tuesday afternoon. BREAKING: By a 3-2 vote, Harris County Commission extends COVID-19 Disaster Declaration until August 26. According to spokeperson for Judge Hidalgo, because the mask order falls under this declaration, that is also extended to August 26. But a group of Harris County business owners took the mask order to court, asking a judge to stop it. The mask mandate went into effect Monday, June 22, and was set to expire Tuesday if the Harris County Commissioners did not vote to extend it.

HOUSTON – The public application period for Harris County’s $30 million COVID-19 relief fund started Tuesday and much like the Powerball and the NBA Draft, recipients will be chosen by lottery. “We’re very lucky to be granted $1 million to be able to serve about 700 clients in the Harris County area,” said Morgan Zeringue with JFS. “The best we can do is to make sure that the funds are awarded fairly,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. Challenges post-HarveyThe county’s COVID-19 relief fund comes at a time when memories of the Harvey relief fund still linger. In March, the Texas General Land Office, unhappy with the recovery progress, came to an agreement with the county on the rebuilding of single-family homes.

HOUSTON Houston police Chief Art Acevedo spoke to a national television audience Thursday night about transparency during an NBC News special. But just a few hours earlier, Houston Polie Officers Union President Joe Gamaldi had criticized Acevedo for his lack of transparency in a surprising statement. Ive said before and Ill say it again, I believe in transparency, Acevedo said last week. If the Chief is committed to transparency and he says it out loud then lets do it, Wu said. Pollard feels Acevedos "actions need to match his words.The Houston Police Officers Union sent all city council members and Mayor Sylvester Turner a statement calling for transparency from Acevedo.

HOUSTON – Mayor Turner announced a new Houston COVID-19 testing site Monday that he said will be close to neighborhoods with vulnerable populations considered at high risk for severe illness from the virus. The United Memorial Medical Center testing site will be located at Barnett Sports Complex, which is at 6800 Fairway. Mayor Turner said the testing site is for people with and without symptoms. UMMC is working with the Houston Health Department to target resources where they are most needed. “They’re working every day, hard every day, but they may not be able to afford healthcare,” Turner said.

HOUSTON – New options for coronavirus testing rolled out in Harris County on Friday. Walgreens launched two new rapid testing sites in west Houston and in Pasadena. According to Harris County Precinct 2 County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the location in Pasadena was needed to help give better access to people who have been waiting for answers. “Localizing the testing and access to the testing is very critical,” Garcia said. The testing sites are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HOUSTON – Following 20 months of construction of the new Ship Channel Bridge along the Beltway 8, the county has issued a pause. Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia said the decision was made following the discovery of a design flaw with part of the bridge. The discovery of the flaw was made by COWI, an independent consulting firm hired by the county in 2019, to oversee the construction project following the deadly collapse of a pedestrian bridge in 2018. Figg bridge engineers who designed the bridge in Miami, are the same designers of the Ship Channel Bridge. The findings caused TxDot to suspend a bridge project designed by Figg.

Garcia also discusses the efforts on bail reform, flood mitigation and the health challenges being faced by his constituents on the East side of Harris County. One of those restaurants is Mikki’s Soul Food Café whose co-owner said to expect a culinary experience when eating the food inspired by his mother. “We sell soul food. When people think of soul food they think of heavy, gravy, smothered, but when I think of soul food and what my mother thought of soul food,” he said. 2 Harris County Commissionerhttps://www.hcp2.com713-455-8104Twitter: @HarrisCoPct2Instragram: @harriscopct2