INSIDER
Human remains in Kentucky positively identified as the Kentucky highway shooter
Read full article: Human remains in Kentucky positively identified as the Kentucky highway shooterHuman remains found in Kentucky have been positively identified as the man who shot 12 vehicles and wounded five people on Interstate 75 more than a week earlier.
No 'Friday Night Lights': High school football games canceled in some towns near interstate shooting
Read full article: No 'Friday Night Lights': High school football games canceled in some towns near interstate shootingAs authorities search for a highway shooter in Kentucky, a Friday night tradition of football, pep bands and grandstands of cheering fans has been sidelined for some towns.
Portrait of Audrii Cunningham unveiled at Livingston Junior High as they prepare to welcome students
Read full article: Portrait of Audrii Cunningham unveiled at Livingston Junior High as they prepare to welcome studentsA forensic portrait of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old Polk County girl who was murdered in February, has been unveiled at Livingston Junior High.
Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural Texas
Read full article: Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural TexasWhen disaster strikes, Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy takes command of her county’s emergency communication channels, including a text service and Facebook page.
Beryl power outages crowd hospitals, delay new admissions
Read full article: Beryl power outages crowd hospitals, delay new admissionsIn Houston, discharged patients remain in an arena to avoid powerless homes. Some 70 miles north, Livingston’s hospital is one of 17 in the state relying on a generator because of Hurricane Beryl power outages.
‘It’s a huge risk to the public’: Sinkhole grows near church in Livingston
Read full article: ‘It’s a huge risk to the public’: Sinkhole grows near church in LivingstonThe associate pastor of Life Vine Church in Livingston gives KPRC 2′s Reporter Rilwan Balogun and Photojournalist Wlad Moquete a tour of the church’s fellowship hall.
VIDEO: Get an up-close look at the repairs being made to Lake Livingston Dam
Read full article: VIDEO: Get an up-close look at the repairs being made to Lake Livingston DamConstruction crews are working around the clock to make repairs to the Lake Livingston Dam after near-historic rainfall caused damage to the dam.
What’s going on with the Lake Livingston Dam? KPRC 2 digs into the problem, finds answers on the fix
Read full article: What’s going on with the Lake Livingston Dam? KPRC 2 digs into the problem, finds answers on the fixNearly a week after the Trinity River Authority declared a “potential failure watch” for the Lake Livingston Dam, we’re learning about the damage done during flooding earlier this year.
Trinity River Authority declares ‘potential failure watch’ on Lake Livingston Dam following heavy rainfall, flooding
Read full article: Trinity River Authority declares ‘potential failure watch’ on Lake Livingston Dam following heavy rainfall, floodingThe Trinity River Authority of Texas has advised people to be aware of a potential dam failure at the Lake Livingston Dam.
More than 100 Texas counties lack plans to curb damage from natural disasters
Read full article: More than 100 Texas counties lack plans to curb damage from natural disastersThe plans, which are required by the federal government to access certain grants after a natural disaster, are laborious to assemble — especially for rural counties.
Parts of Harris County under boil water notice after loss of pressure from construction work
Read full article: Parts of Harris County under boil water notice after loss of pressure from construction workResidents in parts of northeast Harris County are now under a boil water notice after officials said there was a loss of pressure within the water system due to some unexpected issues following construction.
Plans to spend billions on a flood-prone East Texas highway may not solve the problem
Read full article: Plans to spend billions on a flood-prone East Texas highway may not solve the problemTxDOT says it can’t guarantee that upgrades to one of Houston’s main hurricane evacuation routes will prevent future flooding of U.S. 59.
Warrant reveals man accused in girlfriend’s murder in Polk County stabbed her while child was in home
Read full article: Warrant reveals man accused in girlfriend’s murder in Polk County stabbed her while child was in homeAn arrest warrant is revealing what happened before a 25-year-old mother of five was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in Polk County.
Boyfriend arrested after 25-year-old mother of 5 was found dead in Polk County
Read full article: Boyfriend arrested after 25-year-old mother of 5 was found dead in Polk CountyOn Sunday, Bowman learned her daughter was reported missing. Her boyfriend, 23-year-old De’Andre Wright, called his mother to pick him up.
Pregnant woman, 3 weeks from due date, gifted new condo after swimming through flood waters thanks to Spencer Solves It
Read full article: Pregnant woman, 3 weeks from due date, gifted new condo after swimming through flood waters thanks to Spencer Solves ItThe Spencer Solves It team and an anonymous donor have done it again!
Recovery a faraway thought for East Texas flood evacuees as more rain is expected
Read full article: Recovery a faraway thought for East Texas flood evacuees as more rain is expectedEast Texans tried to reach their homes by boat and kayaks Saturday. Others remained pessimistic that the water would recede soon.
“We lost everything”: East Texas residents confront their future after flooding
Read full article: “We lost everything”: East Texas residents confront their future after floodingDozens of evacuees, including the elderly and barefoot children, crowded in an old school building Friday, praying for clear skies on Monday.
Several neighborhoods near Lake Livingston now under boil water notice after heavy rain, flood waters ravage the area
Read full article: Several neighborhoods near Lake Livingston now under boil water notice after heavy rain, flood waters ravage the areaThe Lake Livingston Water Supply Corp. has issued a boil water notice for several neighborhoods near Lake Livingston due to intense weather that slammed the area this week.
Pregnant woman, boyfriend, and 6-year-old daughter swim to safety after being trapped by rising flood waters
Read full article: Pregnant woman, boyfriend, and 6-year-old daughter swim to safety after being trapped by rising flood waters“I broke down in the end,” the man said. “We have a baby on the way, and we just lost everything.”
East Texans brace for prolonged evacuation orders after rainfall drenches Polk County
Read full article: East Texans brace for prolonged evacuation orders after rainfall drenches Polk CountyEast Texas has been hit by several severe rainstorms this spring, and several counties have declared disasters.
Livingston family credits service dog for saving their lives during severe flooding
Read full article: Livingston family credits service dog for saving their lives during severe floodingHeavy rains and severe flooding have prompted officials in Polk County to issue a mandatory evacuation for certain low-lying areas along the Trinity River. One family says they learned the hard way this morning. They say they could’ve lost their lives if it wasn’t for the help of their furry companion.
‘I’d never do anything to hurt her:’ Grandmother of Audrii Cunninham says accused killer lied to her
Read full article: ‘I’d never do anything to hurt her:’ Grandmother of Audrii Cunninham says accused killer lied to herThe family of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old Livingston girl found dead in the Trinity River, says the man they let stay on their property lied to them while Audrii was missing.
‘She was amazing’: Family of Audrii Cunningham shares exclusive insights into the life of the Livingston girl murdered
Read full article: ‘She was amazing’: Family of Audrii Cunningham shares exclusive insights into the life of the Livingston girl murderedAudrii Cunningham's family sat down with KPRC 2 for the nearly hour-long interview, where they talked about Audrii’s life, who she was, what she liked to do and who she wanted to be.
‘The system failed us:’ Audrii Cunningham’s father, grandmother release statement following her death
Read full article: ‘The system failed us:’ Audrii Cunningham’s father, grandmother release statement following her deathThe father of Audrii Cunningham along with her grandmother have released a statement after her body was found in the Trinity River on Tuesday.
New audio reveals details into prior investigation of Audrii Cunningham’s alleged killer
Read full article: New audio reveals details into prior investigation of Audrii Cunningham’s alleged killerKPRC 2 has obtained an audio recording of the Polk County Sheriff, appearing to admit the ball was dropped in a previous criminal investigation involving Audrii’s suspected killer, Don Steven McDougal.
Victim attorney and witness tied to man accused in Livingston girl’s murder come forward
Read full article: Victim attorney and witness tied to man accused in Livingston girl’s murder come forwardSix months before Steven McDougal was charged with capital murder in 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s death, court documents show he was accused of stabbing a man in Livingston. Attorney David Feldman represents the victim. He said it all started in August when a woman knocked on his client’s door.
How law enforcement, community members can cope after helping search for Audrii Cunningham
Read full article: How law enforcement, community members can cope after helping search for Audrii CunninghamThe search and outcome of 11-year old Audrii Cunningham’s case has been heartbreaking for family, friends and the community but it can also have a lasting impact on the emergency responders and volunteers who spent days trying to find her.
TIMELINE: What we know about capital murder suspect in 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s death
Read full article: TIMELINE: What we know about capital murder suspect in 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s deathAuthorities said a person of interest in the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham was arrested Friday on an unrelated charge.
What’s next for Audrii Cunningham’s accused killer?
Read full article: What’s next for Audrii Cunningham’s accused killer?The five-day search for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham ended Tuesday when her body was found in the Trinity River. The Polk County Sheriff's office says they're building a capital murder case against the prime suspect in her death, Don Steven McDougal.
Divers find body in Texas river of Audrii Cunningham, 11-year-old girl missing since last week
Read full article: Divers find body in Texas river of Audrii Cunningham, 11-year-old girl missing since last weekDivers have recovered the body of an 11-year-old girl from a Texas river days after she went missing, and authorities say they are preparing to file a murder charge against a friend of the girl's father.
Bond denied for capital murder suspect in connection to 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s death
Read full article: Bond denied for capital murder suspect in connection to 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s deathThe body of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, the Livingston girl at center of an AMBER Alert, has been found in Trinity River on Tuesday.
Missing Livingston’s Audrii Cunningham never made it to school; When do districts’ notify parents?
Read full article: Missing Livingston’s Audrii Cunningham never made it to school; When do districts’ notify parents?KPRC 2, KPRC 2+, and click2houston.com sent out a form to all area school districts. We wanted to know districts’ policies for notifying a parent/guardian when a child is absent from school.
Person of interest was last person to see 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham morning of her disappearance
Read full article: Person of interest was last person to see 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham morning of her disappearanceIt is now day four of the search for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham from Livingston.
Prayer service held for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham from Livingston
Read full article: Prayer service held for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham from LivingstonA prayer service is being held Sunday for Audrii Cunningham, an 11-year-old girl from Livingston who’s been missing since Thursday.
Person of interest in disappearance of Audrii Cunningham arrested on unrelated charge; search continues
Read full article: Person of interest in disappearance of Audrii Cunningham arrested on unrelated charge; search continuesAuthorities said a person of interest in the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham was arrested Friday on an unrelated charge.
‘This is the stuff you see on TV:’ Mother of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham pleads for safe return amid search
Read full article: ‘This is the stuff you see on TV:’ Mother of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham pleads for safe return amid searchThe mother of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, whose disappearance Thursday prompted the issuance of an Amber Alert, shared what she knew about the search for her daughter Friday.
Investigators search for vehicle in connection to missing Livingston 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham
Read full article: Investigators search for vehicle in connection to missing Livingston 11-year-old Audrii CunninghamOfficials with Livingston Police are actively searching for an 11-year-old girl last seen at her home Thursday morning.
Despite mounting doubts about his guilt, Ivan Cantu running out of time to avoid Texas’ death chamber
Read full article: Despite mounting doubts about his guilt, Ivan Cantu running out of time to avoid Texas’ death chamberConvicted of killing his cousin and his cousin’s fiancée, the death row inmate hopes recanted testimony and other new details spur a review of his case.
LIST: Some Houston-area school districts canceling all after-school activities due to severe weather
Read full article: LIST: Some Houston-area school districts canceling all after-school activities due to severe weatherMultiple school districts in the Houston area are canceling after-school activities as severe weather persists Monday.
2 men charged with murder after body of 29-year-old man found lying in driveway of Polk County home
Read full article: 2 men charged with murder after body of 29-year-old man found lying in driveway of Polk County homeTwo men have been charged in connection with the death of another man who was found outside in Polk County, according to detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Family identifies 15-year-old Livingston ISD student hit, killed after getting off school bus; 18-wheeler driver charged
Read full article: Family identifies 15-year-old Livingston ISD student hit, killed after getting off school bus; 18-wheeler driver chargedThe driver of the 18-wheeler that hit and killed a 15-year-old Livingston ISD student has since been charged, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Seeking lower electricity rates, residents in two East Texas towns hope the state will intervene
Read full article: Seeking lower electricity rates, residents in two East Texas towns hope the state will interveneLivingston and Jasper residents hope a lawsuit will force their municipality-operated utility company to offer lower rates and create more transparency in setting rates. They’re among the 5 million Texans living outside the state’s deregulated market and cannot choose their energy provider.
Racial gaps in math have grown. A school tried closing theirs by teaching all kids the same classes
Read full article: Racial gaps in math have grown. A school tried closing theirs by teaching all kids the same classesRacial achievement gaps in math have worsened in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its disruptions to learning.
Man shot by officers after waving gun at family outside Livingston gas station
Read full article: Man shot by officers after waving gun at family outside Livingston gas stationAn officer was reportedly involved in a shooting in Livingston on Sunday night. Preliminary details state that the shooting occurred at an Exxon service station on Pan American Drive.
“Who ever thought I would be chief?” Texas’ Alabama-Coushatta tribe elects first female chief
Read full article: “Who ever thought I would be chief?” Texas’ Alabama-Coushatta tribe elects first female chiefMillie Thompson Williams was elected the tribe’s first female second chief, a lifetime appointment, last year. For the first time, her accession comes as women make up the majority of the tribe’s council.
UPDATE: 2 inmates captured after escaping prisoner bus, stealing firearm during tire repair near Livingston, deputies say
Read full article: UPDATE: 2 inmates captured after escaping prisoner bus, stealing firearm during tire repair near Livingston, deputies sayTwo inmates who escaped a prisoner bus Friday afternoon with a firearm near Livingston have been captured, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Man abandons 9-month-old baby with broken leg in shed in Livingston, steals truck; bond set at $200K: Authorities
Read full article: Man abandons 9-month-old baby with broken leg in shed in Livingston, steals truck; bond set at $200K: AuthoritiesA man was arrested and charged after police said he left his 9-month-old baby in a shed and took off in a stolen vehicle in Livingston Saturday.
Livingston ISD parents express concern over services offered to students with intellectual abilities after they say their 8-year-old son was mishandled
Read full article: Livingston ISD parents express concern over services offered to students with intellectual abilities after they say their 8-year-old son was mishandledThe family of an 8-year-old boy who is diagnosed with Autism expressed concern over services offered to students with intellectual challenges after they said a teacher mishandled their son during an emotional outburst.
Review finds Alaska state flag designer was 14, not 13
Read full article: Review finds Alaska state flag designer was 14, not 13The state of Alaska has issued a corrected birth certificate for the teenage designer of the Alaska flag after researchers looking into his heritage found records indicating he was born more than a year earlier than previously believed.
Texas DPS: 1 dead, 3 injured after helicopter crash near Livingston in Polk County
Read full article: Texas DPS: 1 dead, 3 injured after helicopter crash near Livingston in Polk CountyOne person is dead after authorities with Texas Department of Public Safety said a helicopter crashed at a field in Polk County.
Austin and Travis County officials can keep enforcing local mask mandate for now, judge says
Read full article: Austin and Travis County officials can keep enforcing local mask mandate for now, judge saysPaxton sued the local officials for refusing to end the mandate after Gov. District Judge Lora Livingston has yet to issue a final ruling on the merits of the case, meaning Austin and Travis officials may later be told to comply with state officials. Ad“I've been doing everything that I can to protect the health and safety of people in Travis County,” Brown said in an interview. However, this was not the case in Travis County where officials said they would continue to require public mask use. Therefore, masks remained required in Travis County in the meantime.
Austin can keep enforcing mask mandate for at least two weeks until trial is held, judge says
Read full article: Austin can keep enforcing mask mandate for at least two weeks until trial is held, judge saysAustin and Travis County officials can continue enforcing their mask mandates after a district judge delayed action on the Texas attorney general’s request to immediately stop the mandates. That means city and county officials can continue to require masks until at least March 26, when District Judge Lora Livingston will hold a trial. "I told Travis County and the City of Austin to comply with state mask law. Travis County Judge Andy Brown counts the two-week delay as a win. The pandemic has especially impacted Texans of color — including in El Paso where Paxton previously blocked a county judge from ordering non-essential businesses to shut down.
UK data: COVID-19 vaccines sharply cut hospitalizations
Read full article: UK data: COVID-19 vaccines sharply cut hospitalizations“This new evidence shows that the jab protects you, and protects those around you,’’ U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said. More than 17.5 million have received one vaccine dose so far — more than a third of the U.K.'s adult population. Overall, hospitalizations and death should be reduced by over 75% after one dose of the vaccine, Public Health England said. The Scotland study was conducted by scientists at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Strathclyde and Public Health Scotland. Because hospitalization data was collected 28 days after inoculation, the data on hospital admissions came from a subset of 220,000 people who received the Pfizer vaccine and 45,000 who got the AstraZeneca shot.
IN FOCUS (Photo Gallery): Chapel Hill knocks off Livingston in playoff action
Read full article: IN FOCUS (Photo Gallery): Chapel Hill knocks off Livingston in playoff actionThe Chapel Hill Bulldogs took down Livingston in the first round of the postseason 49-37. The Lions were back in the postseason for the first time in seven years as coach Finis Vanover is moving the program in the right direction. Jeff Riordan is also building his Chapel Hill program after coming over from Crosby. Check out the gallery by Andy Tolbert.
FEATURE: Winless to District Champions, Livingston wins first outright title in 57 years.
Read full article: FEATURE: Winless to District Champions, Livingston wins first outright title in 57 years.Five wins, outscoring opponents 130-61, later, capping the year with a 21-20 victory over previously undefeated Huffman last week, the Lions were 8-2 overall and outright District 10-4A-DI Champions. "It makes all the difference in the world in everybody's attitude and everybody's energy," Livingston third-year head coach Finis Vanover said. "We followed the same plan just like we were opening a new school," Vanover said. In 10 games, Livingston surrendered a total of 181 points, the most being 36 to Needville in the season opener, which was a one-point loss. Two years ago, Livingston gave up - Vanover's first season - the Lions' defense gave up 507 points.
Vidor's move to Class 4A make the Pirates a favorite
Read full article: Vidor's move to Class 4A make the Pirates a favoriteDistrict 10-4A-DIVYPE Preseason AwardsMVP: Zane Obregon, SplendoraOffensive MVP: Damien Ruiz, LivingstonDefensive MVP: Caleb Pierson, HuffmanBreakout Player of the Year: Quentin Root, VidorSleeper Team: Little Cypress-Mauriceville... This grouping brings back a lot of defensive prowess along with some new signal-callers to step in under center. Vidor makes the move down from District 12-5A-DII to Class 4A, making them a clear favorite to win this district. Defensively, Jordan Smith was the Newcomer of the Year for the district and will be one to watch on the DL. Offensively, Trenton Conn will tote the rock for the Pirates, while Quentin Root has returned to the pirate ship to play QB.
VYPE Football 2020 Preview: District 10-4A-DI
Read full article: VYPE Football 2020 Preview: District 10-4A-DIVidor PiratesVidor makes the move down from District 12-5A-DII to Class 4A, making them a clear favorite to win this district. First-team, all-district wide receiver Luke Thomas will make the move to quarterback in 2020. Jagger Kennedy, who made first-team, all-district as a receiver, will shift into the starting quarterback role for 2020. QB Drake Boykin returns for his senior year after earning second-team, all-district honors in 2019. Also returning are first-team DB Julian Gardner, who also plays receiver, and second-teamers DB Chris Washington, DT LaDanian Walker and P Dustin Heflin.
3 killed, at least 20 injured after tornado rips through Onalaska in Polk County Wednesday
Read full article: 3 killed, at least 20 injured after tornado rips through Onalaska in Polk County WednesdayONALASKA, Texas – At least 20 people were injured and three people were killed after a tornado ripped through multiple neighborhoods in Onalaska in Polk County Wednesday evening, according to the Polk County Office of Emergency Management. Polk County subdivisions hit hardest by tornado (Polk County Emergency Management, Texas)National Weather Service storm spotter Ian Shelton told KPRC 2 he started chasing the storm in the early afternoon. Multiple agencies including the Texas Department of Public Safety, the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are enforcing blockades, assessing damage and helping residents in the area, Shelton said. VIDEO: Residents describe terrifying moments they saw a tornado touch down in Polk County WednesdayShelters:Polk County Emergency Management said anyone who might need shelter is asked to go to Dunbar Gym in Livingston as the schools in Onalaska have lost power. Posted by Polk County Emergency Management, Texas on Wednesday, April 22, 2020Gov.
Thursday evening storms cause damage in Cypress, Crosby and Livingston
Read full article: Thursday evening storms cause damage in Cypress, Crosby and LivingstonCYPRESS, Texas – The line of storms moved through the area pretty quickly Thursday evening, but they still managed to pack quite a punch in some parts. A power pole toppled on the Crosby Freeway, blocking one lane of traffic. @SheriffEd_HCSO @HCSOTexas @HCSOPatrol @HCSO_D3Patrol pic.twitter.com/iT8U5GBuqh — Captain J. Shannon (@HCSO_NightShift) April 10, 2020Another spot in the storm’s crosshairs was Livingston where a tree toppled into a home although no one was hurt. “All the tree and all the roof right now is in my living room,” said Jesus Valentin, a Cypress homeowner. “Thank God, my wife she’s alive because it’s like right there you know in our living room.” Valentin said.
Cheating, fraud revealed in school audit; principal resigns, teacher fired, Livingston ISD says
Read full article: Cheating, fraud revealed in school audit; principal resigns, teacher fired, Livingston ISD saysHOUSTON – The principal of Livingston High School Academy resigned and a teacher was fired after an audit revealed that students were admitted to the academy fraudulently and that teacher was helping students cheat, according to a press release from the Livingston Independent School District. The audit, which was conducted at the direction of the LISD superintendent, revealed “substantial admission and academic policy violations,” at the academy, the school district wrote. “The campus principal resigned when presented with the investigative findings, which revealed that students were fraudulently admitted into the Academy that did not meet at-risk criteria and/or were not Livingston residents,” district officials wrote. “This resulted in students accelerating through classes required for graduation at astronomical speed, some completing entire semester courses in mere minutes and an entire high school curriculum in weeks,” the district wrote. Livingston High School Academy is an alternative education program that creates alternative routes to graduation for students who have not been successful in a traditional school setting, according to the school’s website.
One-tank trips: 4 spots to relax and recharge in Livingston
Read full article: One-tank trips: 4 spots to relax and recharge in LivingstonHOUSTON – One-tank trips can take you from Houston to some pretty amazing places. Distance from Houston to Livingston: 74 milesAbout an hour outside of Houston, Livingston is a short and easy one-tank trip. This small town serves as a great pit stop if you are trying to break up your drive north or just escape the city for the day. Polk County Memorial MuseumIf you are looking for more of an educational experience, the Polk County Memorial Museum offers a unique perspective of the history of Polk County. Pit Row Pit StopFor those who want some fun and a hearty diner meal on the way through Livingston, be sure to stop at the Pit Row Pit Stop.