INSIDER
We know our dollars don't stretch as far as it used to at the grocery store, but we wanted to know which stores have the lowest prices on their store brand staples and why they differ between stores.
There is a colorful tilted “E” that is generating a lot of double-takes off the Southwest Freeway.
An Enron spokesperson confirmed CEO Connor Gaydos’ affiliation with "Birds Aren’t Real," and that the website is a parody, but stressed the company is not a “joke” and is serious about working to help solve the global energy crisis.
We are hearing from dozens of Houston water bill customers who say they need help with sudden surprise bills. The KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation has been looking into water bill issues in Houston for 2+ years.
Considering the whirlwind of natural disasters Houston residents have experienced, coupled with ongoing inflation, these results shouldn’t be a surprise.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire committed to addressing the city’s water billing and meter reading issues, problems that were first exposed two years ago in the KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation. As the year-end deadline for his Water Bill Improvement Plan approaches, some Houston residents are experiencing new frustrations with their water bills.
Anyone who has been a victim of identity theft knows it can easily happen, and a recent study found if you're living in Texas the chances of getting exposed are higher.
It’s that time of year again for you to hide your stuff (or gifts) from porch pirates. But there are preventative measures you can take to ensure thieves don't cancel your Christmas.
There's a lot of chatter about Enron, the once-failed and Houston-based commodity company, and its apparent re-launch. How accurate is it exactly?
The U.S. Department of Labor is working to distribute $4.3 million in back wages recovered by the Wage and Hour Division’s Houston District Office to more than 5,000 workers.
Jackie Tien shared a video of her dad repairing jewelry at Village Jewelers and his plans to soon retire. The video has received over 700,000 views, with one commenter saying they were willing to drive 3 hours to make a purchase.
UPS mistakenly marked Moxie District 31 as “closed” on Wednesday — despite it being open and waiting for a shipment. Friday morning, the owners showed up at a distribution center, where they got their shipment and were able to keep their business plan afloat.
23andMe, the popular at-home genetic testing company, has helped millions of people uncover their family roots and health risks through DNA analysis. Experts fear as the company faces financial issues they may sell the data.
“We can look at how they evaluate customer needs for where the mobile generation needs to go, including looking at their emergency operation plan and how it deals with this,” PUC Chairman Thomas Gleeson said.
"We received over 250 complaints of price gouging in the days after the storm," Attorney Christian Menefee said. "I hope that this serves as a warning for the future that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated here in Harris County.”
KPRC 2 Investigates is looking into why people end up with bills for hundreds even thousands of dollars for a simple covid test. By federal law covid tests are free regardless of having insurance. So why the high fees? We are getting answers and showing you how to find a free test when you need one.
CenterPoint Energy announced late Friday it would proceed with its long-disputed rate review, ongoing since August. Alongside this announcement, the energy company presented a proposal to increase rates, aiming to recover costs from its response to severe weather in May.
Marcia Nickette Remedies, 71, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison and ordered to pay $24,887.75 in restitution for defrauding a 91-year-old bedridden woman in Hardin County.
A KPRC 2 investigation into the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) has exposed a series of questionable contracts and projects, prompting calls for accountability from the public. Now, Investigator Amy Davis uncovered changes to the CEO’s contract before the old one expired.
Prosecutors say Mohamad Mokbel made over $200 million through a kickback scheme with his company 4M Pharmaceuticals, which involved money laundering and bribery from 2014 through 2021,
Based on a statement from the Harris County Tax Collector, the three employees were indicted after an investigation revealed they took bribes in exchange for processing fake car transactions.
The district said most of the people affected are teachers and assistant principals.
📚 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
H-E-B is rolling out its long-awaited tap-to-pay services across all its stores. H-E-B is rolling out its long-awaited tap-to-pay services across all its stores.
In Houston, DePelchin Children’s Center plays a crucial role in supporting families who step in to care for children when parents are unable to.
Imagine finding a fulfilling career path with perks. Melanie Camp from Houston Life discovered that when she dropped by Pipefitters Local 211 in Deer Park.
Mango Shotta, a jalapeño mango tequila brand is offering one lucky person a frighteningly sweet deal! A year's supply of tequila, $20,000, dog toys, AND the prestigious title as their official mascot!
CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells spoke with KPRC 2 in the first interview since Houston’s double whammy of natural disasters: a derecho in May and Hurricane Beryl in July. Click this story for the FULL transcripted interview.
Nearly three months after Hurricane Beryl left more than two million CenterPoint Energy customers in the dark, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) wants to hear directly from Houston residents.
Starting Tuesday, Harris County is offering low-interest loans from the $17 million Harris County Opportunity Fund to support small businesses.
Prosecutors say, Nicholas Williams, 37, admitted to stealing money and property from several homes while executing search warrants as an FBI special agent in Houston, serving in both the criminal violent gang and counterterrorism squad.
A California-based parking company, Metropolis, which manages several parking garages and lots in Houston, is under fire for allegedly tricking drivers into paying exorbitant fees.
Surveillance video shows the moment a man snatches an envelope, police said had "a large sum of cash" inside, and the woman tries to stop him.
From electric rates to power outages, it seems like we have heard a lot lately about CenterPoint Energy. In this week’s “Ask Amy” segment, investigative reporter Amy Davis answers a question from viewer Don Conger: ”Why are we stuck with CenterPoint? Why don’t they have any competition? Can they be fired?”
A research poll conducted on behalf of the Texas Federation of Teachers says less than half of voters support the bond proposal, and less than a quarter have confidence "or don't trust" Superintendent Mike Miles.
Harris County commissioners are engaged in a heated discussion about a proposed increase in property tax rates. If approved, the rates could surge by 8%, a significant jump from the usual 3.5% cap.
A New Caney family thought that they were finally getting relief after their home was destroyed by Hurricane Beryl. Now, they’re realizing that their relief might not be sufficient.
A family tells KPRC 2 they were forced out of their hotel room when they were told their FEMA checks bounced, despite being told they could stay until September 8.
According to a new report by BadCredit.org, a financial education platform, 59% of retirees lack sufficient funds for retirement, with more than half forced to change their lifestyle due to financial hardship.
To hide the scheme, Javier Aguilar and his co-conspirators used alias email accounts to discuss the scheme with code words for the bribes like “shoes,” “medicine,” “invitations,” and “coffee.”
Houston police said three men asked another for $20 at a food truck. That man went to get the $20, but investigators say he returned with a pistol -- he didn't shoot it but pointed it at the three others, and they shot him.
With potential interest rate cuts on the horizon, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hints at relief for consumers and small businesses. Lower interest rates could mean more affordable loans, mortgages, and refinancing opportunities.
Saving on electricity means turning off devices and lights and bumping up your thermostat to a temperature some of you may think is uncomfortable. Many of you don’t do it because you don’t know how much you can save. There is an easy way to track your usage and see how small changes to your routine can save you money on your electric bill.
A judge has denied CenterPoint Energy’s request to dismiss their rate review. The company must now return to the table with city leaders to negotiate new rates that we all pay on our electric bill. Investigative reporter Amy Davis explains why CenterPoint is accused of overcharging all of us for years.
A woman from Spring has confessed to embezzling more than $900,000 from a local HVAC company, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
“It’s not mismanagement by schools,” Alief ISD Deputy Superintendent Charles Woods explained. “We’re all in the same boat that the general public is; we’ve got high inflation, high costs, we have hurricanes coming through, we have all the things we’ve always had, and then we have had six years, three legislative sessions without additional funding just for the basic costs of education.”
La Porte police say the man used the stolen debit card from ‘an elderly victim” at two separate ATMs in the Houston area in March 2024.
We’ve heard from many of you who are still waiting for your FEMA checks after Hurricane Beryl left behind damage in our area. FEMA first said it would take up to 10 days for someone to get their funds but many say they are still waiting.
Cash App customers may be able to claim $2,500 each as part of a $15 million settlement for data and security breaches.
If you’ve used Cash App and experienced unauthorized or fraudulent transactions since August 23, 2018, you might be eligible for a refund. To see if you qualify, submit your Claim Form by November 18.
Several cities, including Houston, are urging the Public Utility Commission to prevent CenterPoint from dropping its rate case, arguing the utility company is overcharging customers by up to $100 million annually. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your comments below!
What would it take to convince you to pack up your life in Houston and relocate to a medieval French village that even most people in France have never heard of? That’s exactly what the Willick family did when they left H-Town three years ago.
A big concern for many families in the Houston area is how to find affordable healthcare. Back-to-school time is often a busy time for parents looking for affordable care. KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer is looking for ways to help families save money on everything from dental visits to regular check-ups.
Experts say this year, just like everything else, it’s going to cost you more money to buy all that back-to-school gear. KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer is looking for brand new ways you can save money.
University of Houston VP Ramana Krishnamoorti and CEO Jason Wells indicate that the costs incurred will eventually be passed to customers, either through a future rate increase or a state bailout.
Did you find out that your neighbor received more money in FEMA reimbursements than you?
Parents, get ready to save! Texas' tax-free weekend is just around the corner, from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11. What’s on your back-to-school shopping list? Let us know in the comments!
On Monday, lawmakers in Austin are planning to question leaders for CenterPoint Energy on the company’s performance in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
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.
Despite all the wonderful things Texas has to offer, a recent study is making some bold suggestions about how the Lone Star State looks after its residents living in poverty.
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 2′s Bill Spencer looks into the things you need to know before taking your next trip.
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.
We've all (or know someone) who has been impacted by financial scams and Pearland Police say it's hard to catch these scammers and banks have just as difficult a time recovering the stolen money.
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.
After KPRC 2 reporter Deven Clarke’s 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.
Prosecutors say Rene Gaviola, 68, employed his son at Floss Family Dental Care, even though he isn't a licensed dentist, submitted several fake claims and pocketed the money.
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 estate—a challenging yet rewarding field. Learn how his program offers internships, jobs, and mentorship to help you succeed.
Why are electricity rates so high? When will they go down? What’s the best way to save money on electricity rates? Electric broker Mike Harrington with American Enerpower joins Amy to discuss electricity rates and your power bill.
Prosecutors say Ndem Oduu, admitted to depositing another person’s 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.
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.
Choosing a new electric plan, comparing rates and fees can be complicated. It’s 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?
Prosecutors say Khalia Douglas posted stories on her Instagram with captions flat out incriminating her saying: “SBA is back open. $350 for method. Yes, I’m doing applications $100 upfront & $2k when your money hits. You’ll need a real bank account.”
📚 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
Do you know anyone looking for a summer job? How about being a lifeguard? The City of Houston is offering $500 incentives for those who work throughout the summer.
Summer is just around the corner 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 by United Airlines!
Ridesharing has become a monetary convenience and major part for travelers since the launch of Uber and Lyft.
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?
We all have dreams of grandeur and success, but how much do you really need to make in Houston to "live comfortably"? A recent study says it's quite different compared to the median income.
