INSIDER
Bat Colony forces Texas prison officials to rethink demolition plans
Read full article: Bat Colony forces Texas prison officials to rethink demolition plansThe Texas Department of Criminal Justice is facing a unique challenge: finding a new home for a massive bat colony before they can demolish a vacant warehouse near its prison in Huntsville.
What documents tell us about the suspect in murder of Harris County Deputy Constable Maher Husseini
Read full article: What documents tell us about the suspect in murder of Harris County Deputy Constable Maher HusseiniAthir Murady is accused of gunning down Harris County Deputy Constable Maher Husseini at a traffic light in Houston on Tuesday.
LIVE BLOG: Santa Fe Mass School Shooting civil trial started Monday, 150 potential jurors given questionnaire
Read full article: LIVE BLOG: Santa Fe Mass School Shooting civil trial started Monday, 150 potential jurors given questionnaireToday marks the start of the long-awaited civil trial against the parents of Dimitrios Pagourtzis, the gunman responsible for the tragic 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting that claimed the lives of eight students and two teachers. Families of the victims held a private prayer vigil ahead of the proceedings. The lawsuit accuses the parents of failing to recognize signs of their son's mental illness and allowing him access to firearms. Follow KPRC 2 Investigative reporter Robert Arnold for live updates throughout the trial. What are your thoughts on this ongoing case? Let us know in the comments.
Burying power lines is costly, difficult process in Houston. Here’s why
Read full article: Burying power lines is costly, difficult process in Houston. Here’s whyWhen a May 16 storm knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of Houston area residents, many asked if more of our electrical lines can be buried.
Tired of eyesores in your neighborhood? How to report abandoned structures in Houston
Read full article: Tired of eyesores in your neighborhood? How to report abandoned structures in HoustonOn Thursday at 10 p.m., Investigative reporter Robert Arnold is speaking with residents in a neighborhood located in the Woodside subdivision who said for the past two years, they’ve been dealing with an eyesore in their neighborhood.
Houston rapper Sauce Walka leads police on high-speed chase before crashing vehicle
Read full article: Houston rapper Sauce Walka leads police on high-speed chase before crashing vehicleThe leader of a popular rap label, Sauce Walka, was arrested and charged after leading police on a short high-speed chase in Houston, according to court documents.
Mother suing FBISD after she said district failed to protect her daughter from student who sexually assaulted her
Read full article: Mother suing FBISD after she said district failed to protect her daughter from student who sexually assaulted herA Houston area mother is suing the Fort Bend Independent School District, claiming educators failed to protect her daughter from another student.
She cut her own hair: KPRC 2′s Robert Arnold passes through adorable parenting trial with wit, photos for proof
Read full article: She cut her own hair: KPRC 2′s Robert Arnold passes through adorable parenting trial with wit, photos for proofKPRC 2's Robert Arnold shares a bit about his sweet family on his KPRC 2 social media accounts and we're here for every minute of it -- especially that time his daughter cut her own hair.
‘You will always have a voice’: Houston Crime Stoppers video program ensures victims always part of parole process
Read full article: ‘You will always have a voice’: Houston Crime Stoppers video program ensures victims always part of parole processFor crime victims and their family members, the potential parole of an attacker is both terrifying and emotionally draining. Many family members also worry whether their concerns will be heard by the parole board prior to any decision. Houston Crime Stoppers is now addressing these concerns through a unique program that records victim impact statements to be used during the parole process.
Santa Fe school shooting victim’s mother recently watched video from day of attack after new law passes
Read full article: Santa Fe school shooting victim’s mother recently watched video from day of attack after new law passesA host of new laws took effect this month to shore up gaps in police training and response to school shootings.
3 things that surprised even us… from Season 3 of ‘The Evidence Room’
Read full article: 3 things that surprised even us… from Season 3 of ‘The Evidence Room’What started as an idea to check out boxes in the Harris County evidence room turned into now Season three of ‘The Evidence Room’ where we look in-depth into some of the most well-known criminal cases in Houston. We’ve done more than 20 episodes and we plan to keep on going! See the most surprising things we learned about some of the most recent cases.
Bissonnet Track: Inside its shadowy history, efforts aimed at curbing prostitution, sex trafficking in notorious area
Read full article: Bissonnet Track: Inside its shadowy history, efforts aimed at curbing prostitution, sex trafficking in notorious areaThe so-called Bissonnet Track is in the news consistently for its ties to prostitution, human trafficking and more.
The Evidence Room, Episode 17 - The Sunday Morning Slasher
Read full article: The Evidence Room, Episode 17 - The Sunday Morning SlasherIn a new episode of the KPRC 2 Investigates true crime docuseries ‘The Evidence Room,’ we learn how a Texas woman finally stopped one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history.
KPRC 2 Investigates: The gaps in school safety and what educators need to close them
Read full article: KPRC 2 Investigates: The gaps in school safety and what educators need to close themAfter eight students and two teachers were murdered at Santa Fe high school in 2018, state legislators passed more than a dozen laws. None of those laws prevented Uvalde and pressure is mounting for lawmakers to address lingering gaps in school security.
Solutionaries: Making schools safer for our children
Read full article: Solutionaries: Making schools safer for our childrenMy name is Robert Arnold, and I’m an investigative reporter here in Houston. Throughout my career, I’ve reported on numerous issues: immigration, criminal justice system and school safety.
Full video: Surveillance footage showing officers in hallway of Uvalde school released after officials meet with victims’ families
Read full article: Full video: Surveillance footage showing officers in hallway of Uvalde school released after officials meet with victims’ familiesAnswers are being revealed two months after 19 students and two teachers were killed in Uvalde.
Migrants apprehended at Texas-Mexico border hits historic high, federal officials say; Watch KPRC 2′s team coverage here
Read full article: Migrants apprehended at Texas-Mexico border hits historic high, federal officials say; Watch KPRC 2′s team coverage hereKPRC 2 Anchor Daniella Guzman and Investigative reporter Robert Arnold were both in border towns Wednesday speaking directly with families who are making the voyage to America.
🔒Texas executions: KPRC 2′s Robert Arnold shares details of the death chamber, stories from his extensive coverage of state’s harshest penalty
Read full article: 🔒Texas executions: KPRC 2′s Robert Arnold shares details of the death chamber, stories from his extensive coverage of state’s harshest penaltyKPRC 2 investigative reporter Robert Arnold has covered multiple executions throughout his career in journalism. Here are some recollections of his coverage, from the details of the death chamber to the strangest moment he's ever experienced watching an execution.
Harris County estimates at least 2 years to make a ‘significant’ dent in criminal case backlog
Read full article: Harris County estimates at least 2 years to make a ‘significant’ dent in criminal case backlogTens of thousands of criminal cases remain backlogged in the Harris County criminal justice system; leaving victims and the accused waiting longer and longer for their day in court. Even the most optimistic estimate from the Harris County Budget Management Department shows it could takes two years to make a significant dent in the backlog.
Accused Santa Fe shooter trial delayed for up to 1 more year, Galveston County DA’s office says
Read full article: Accused Santa Fe shooter trial delayed for up to 1 more year, Galveston County DA’s office saysAccused Santa Fe school shooting gunman, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, is still not competent to stand trial, KPRC 2′s Robert Arnold reports, citing the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.
INSIDERS: Go behind-the-scenes of KPRC 2 Investigates’ Robert Arnold’s reporting at the border
Read full article: INSIDERS: Go behind-the-scenes of KPRC 2 Investigates’ Robert Arnold’s reporting at the borderInvestigator Robert Arnold shares what it's like reporting from the Texas border with Mexico.
KPRC 2 Investigates Reporter Robert Arnold reflects on 20th anniversary of 9/11
Read full article: KPRC 2 Investigates Reporter Robert Arnold reflects on 20th anniversary of 9/11September 11th was a day that our nation will always remember and all this week KPRC 2 is taking a look back of what happened on that tragic day and honoring the victims and survivors of the attacks.
Texas border communities grapple with dueling crises, COVID-19 pandemic and migrant surge
Read full article: Texas border communities grapple with dueling crises, COVID-19 pandemic and migrant surgeSeveral border leaders continue to call on President Joe Biden to pause the release of asylum-seeking migrants into the United States. These calls for help come as many border communities are struggling under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Galveston, Montgomery County to send local resources to help with border crisis
Read full article: Galveston, Montgomery County to send local resources to help with border crisisWhile final details have not been hashed out, Galveston and Montgomery County officials announced they will send local resources to the southern border.
Rural counties feel effects of border crisis
Read full article: Rural counties feel effects of border crisisCustoms and Border Protection released numbers this week showing the number of people caught crossing the border illegally or deemed inadmissible to the U.S. continued to increase during the month of May.
KPRC 2 Investigates why so many answers remain hidden after the deadly Texas winter storm
Read full article: KPRC 2 Investigates why so many answers remain hidden after the deadly Texas winter stormAlmost two months after a winter storm crippled Texas, people are still struggling to repair their homes and some residents are still without water.
KPRC 2 Trust Index: Are immigrants with COVID-19 entering the US?
Read full article: KPRC 2 Trust Index: Are immigrants with COVID-19 entering the US?But, KPRC 2 has discovered other immigrants crossing the border are not always screened for COVID-19 before they’re released. Earlier this week, our partners at Telemundo discovered immigrants released from federal custody, arriving at the Brownsville Bus Station, where the city of Brownsville set up COVID-19 testing. The city told Telemundo, since Jan. 25, 108 migrants tested positive for COVID-19, or about 6% who took the test. The city can’t stop someone from getting on a bus and some COVID-19 positive migrants who spoke to Telemundo said they were headed for destinations across the country. So, the governor’s claim that COVID-19 positive undocumented immigrants are entering the country through the Texas-Mexico border is accurate.
Houston Newsmakers: Record breaking winter weather cripples Texas
Read full article: Houston Newsmakers: Record breaking winter weather cripples TexasInvestigating the Texas power gridThe forecast was for record breaking cold for Texas, including Houston. KPRC Investigates reporter Robert Arnold takes a deep dive into what went wrong and is a guest on this week’s Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall. After his second impeachment acquittal, former president Trump may have a renewed ability to play a pivotal role in the future of the Republican Party but to what end? “He has the ability to make life very difficult for the Republican party, particularly in seats that are competitive seats where they want some moderate or centrist moderate candidates,” Jones said. “I think that he’s going to be the butt of national jokes for a while,” Professor Rottinghaus said.
‘He did not incite a riot’: For some supporters, faith in Trump is unwavering
Read full article: ‘He did not incite a riot’: For some supporters, faith in Trump is unwaveringTrump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)HOUSTON – Bob Bagley was among the thousands of people who made their way to Washington last week to support President Donald Trump. Bagley said he did not enter the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and he does not believe Trump supporters were a part of any violence. KPRC 2 reporter Robert Arnold’s conversation with Bagley took place on Jan. 8. ‘Why did you go?’“We went to support President Trump,” Bagley said.
Thousands of Texas healthcare providers enrolled to distribute COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Thousands of Texas healthcare providers enrolled to distribute COVID-19 vaccineHOUSTON – State health officials said more than 5,000 healthcare providers have enrolled with the Texas Department of State Health Services to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Texas’ Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel is working on who will be among the next to receive the vaccine. Only documented healthcare providers who’ve enrolled with the state can receive the vaccine. Healthcare providers also had to prove they could store the Pfizer vaccine at sub-zero temperatures. Texas’ first-week allotment schedule shows the nearly 225,000 doses will be sent to 109 healthcare providers in 34 counties.
Fort Hood: Regaining trust after string of homicides, assaults and suicides
Read full article: Fort Hood: Regaining trust after string of homicides, assaults and suicidesKPRC 2 Investigates is looking into how Army leaders are trying to regain trust following a string of suicides, homicides and assaults. A new acting senior commander was appointed to Fort Hood and KPRC 2 investigator Robert Arnold conducted an exclusive sit-down interview with Maj. Gen. John Richardson. Not only is Richardson the new acting senior commander of Fort Hood, but he’s also the deputy commanding general of operations for III Corps. Every time they see a leader not enforce a standard, they’re noting that.”Multiple investigations are underway into exactly why Fort Hood experienced 129 felonies a year over five years. At the end of September, Richardson shut down the corps at Fort Hood for five days.
Fort Hood: The Army’s most dangerous post?
Read full article: Fort Hood: The Army’s most dangerous post?So far this year, nearly 30 service members connected to Fort Hood have died, including by homicide, suicide, accident and illness. Army leadership has admitted that Fort Hood has the worst rate of violent crime and incidents among its U.S. installations. Christopher Wayne SawyerSawyer, 29, was found unresponsive on March 5 in his residence on Fort Hood, according to a statement released by the post. Mejhor MortaMorta, 26, was found unresponsive July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, near Fort Hood. His body was discovered on Aug. 25 near railroad tracks in Temple, about 30 miles from Fort Hood.
‘Huge rainmaker’: Hurricane Sally threatens historic floods
Read full article: ‘Huge rainmaker’: Hurricane Sally threatens historic floodsALABAMA PORT, Al – Hurricane Sally is expected to make landfall sometime Wednesday morning. The storm’s center churned offshore 70 miles (115 kilometers) south of Mobile, Alabama, as Sally crept northward toward an expected Wednesday landfall at 2 mph (3 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center. Rain fell sideways and rain began covering roads in Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama. The National Hurricane Center expected Sally to remain a Category 1 hurricane when it comes ashore, adding “historic life-threatening flash flooding is likely.”By Tuesday evening, hurricane warnings stretched from east of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Navarre, Florida. Once ashore, Sally was forecast to cause flash floods and minor to moderate river flooding across inland portions of Mississippi, Alabama, northern Georgia and the western Carolinas over ensuing days.
Houston police chief, victims’ advocates angered by cases of accused murderers released on multiple bonds
Read full article: Houston police chief, victims’ advocates angered by cases of accused murderers released on multiple bondsWhile a federal lawsuit addressed inequities in misdemeanor cases, the way bond in felony cases is handled remains in dispute. Kahan said his research found 42 such defendants in murder cases since 2018. Many in law enforcement, including Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, have been particularly critical of a system allowing those accused of crimes to be released on multiple bonds. “We have people that have been booked for murder, charged with murder, released while charged with murder and murdering again,” said Acevedo. 9 similar defendantsHere is a closer look at the similar bond cases that Channel 2 Investigates found.
Ride along: What school buses will look like in the COVID-19 era
Read full article: Ride along: What school buses will look like in the COVID-19 eraShe added, “Just to ease the burden of the school buses and the school bus drivers.”Just like campuses and classrooms, school buses have to adapt to COVID-19. This image shows a seating plan for a Santa Fe ISD school bus. (KPRC)Cleveland ISD: Fastest-growing districtWe heard nearly identical plans when visiting the fastest-growing school district in the state -- Cleveland ISD. The school bus drivers"I will tell you if you think teachers are afraid, bus drivers are terrified," said Nikki Cowart, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Union President for Cy-Fair ISD. The district will also try to disinfect buses between routes and then the buses would be fogged with disinfectant at the end of each day.
Ride along: What school buses will look like in the COVID-19 era
Read full article: Ride along: What school buses will look like in the COVID-19 era“I hope more parents can take their kids to school if they can,” said parent, Lesley Briggs. She added, “Just to ease the burden of the school buses and the school bus drivers.”Just like campuses and classrooms, school buses have to adapt to COVID-19. This image shows a seating plan for a Santa Fe ISD school bus. (KPRC)Cleveland ISD: Fastest-growing districtWe heard nearly identical plans when visiting the fastest-growing school district in the state -- Cleveland ISD. The district will also try to disinfect buses between routes and then the buses would be fogged with disinfectant at the end of each day.
Most Texas county voter websites are unsecured, study finds
Read full article: Most Texas county voter websites are unsecured, study findsHOUSTON – The voter websites maintained by Texas counties are not in great shape when it comes to security. Hicks is a guest on this week’s Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall and says there is an obvious need for everyone to know their county website is secure. “The Med Center -- they need a grocery store,” Helfman said. “The Museum District and all the new high rises need a grocery store. Hear much more about what it took to get this new magnet of the community on this week’s Houston Newsmakers.
As Seen On TV: Best and worst of 2016
Read full article: As Seen On TV: Best and worst of 2016HOUSTON – Every Tuesday consumer expert Amy Davis features an "As Seen On TV" product. Seventeen worked and earned a nod from testers, 16 got a thumbs down and three were inconclusive. The glue that claims to form a strong bond couldn't even hold a broken plastic hanger together long enough for our test. Women everywhere wished you could spray on a perfect manicure with Spray Perfect, but the product left a hot mess on our producer's hands. The best of 2016Some of the best products included toys for kids.