ONLY ON 2: โI was terrifiedโ: Alief man recalls trying to save 15-year-old girl who drowned in community pool
โThe first day we go to the pool this summer, this happens,โ Anthony Garza said. Garza spent his Wednesday afternoon at the Clayton Community Pool in Alief with his nephews. He told KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel, the pool was calm, and several people were swimming.
โOur Townโ: Help us choose the next community in Houston to explore, vote now
Join us as we embark on an exciting journey through the heart and soul of our city with KPRC 2's new series, 'Our Town'! ๐๐ฌ Discover the stories, people, and places that make our community truly special. Also, click the link below and help us vote on where we should visit next!
โThereโs something magical happening in Alief:โ Alief embraces Nigerian culture
Houston is home to the largest Nigerian population outside of Nigeria. The U.S. Census Bureauโs 2020 report found 34,937 Nigerian-Americanโs call Houston home. Many of them live in Alief, according to Council Member Tiffany Thomas who represents District F.
โOur Townโ: The key to community policing in Alief/Westwood, one of Houstonโs most diverse communities
With well over a half dozen cultures represented across roughly six square miles, Houstonโs Asia Town is one of the largest multicultural communities in the country. Houston Police Sergeant Don Vo grew up in Acres Homes but knows the community and itโs residents very well.
โOur Townโ: KPRC 2โฒs new series exploring Houstonโs most vibrant neighborhoods
Thereโs no doubt the fourth largest city in the United States has sports teams that can compete on an international level, an unparalleled dining experience dealing with mouthwatering cuisines, and a top-notch workforce.
PHOTOS: New Alief Neighborhood Center reps skatepark, library and more
The City of Houston on Saturday will unveil the Alief Neighborhood Center and Park, a new multipurpose facility situated off Bellaire Boulevard and Kirkwood in southwest Houston that offers the services of the recreation center it replaces, and also functions as a public library, a senior center, and a Women, Infant, and Child Clinic.
2 suspects charged after 2 men shot, killed while sitting inside southwest Houston restaurant in October, HPD says
A search is underway for suspects accused of shooting and killing two men while they were sitting at a restaurant in southwest Houston Wednesday, officers with the Houston Police Department said.
Alief ISD Board of Trustees approves starting teacher salary of $60,000 and $2,000 supplement for all employees
Alief Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a starting salary of $60,000, a $2,000 supplement for returning employees and a $500 step increase for teacher paygrade positions during Mondayโs board meeting.
16-year-old charged with capital murder in death of Houston teen
Scene where a 15-year-old boy was shot to death in Alief on Dec. 28, 2020. HOUSTON โ Charges have been filed against a 16-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old Houston boy named Ruben Pineda in December. The teen was arrested Thursday and referred to the Harris County Juvenile Probation Authorities on a charge of capital murder, according to Houston police. The name and photo of the juvenile suspect is not being released, as is customary in cases involving juveniles. The other suspect, Josue Barrera, 17, is still wanted and charged with capital murder.
Houston rapper Tobe Nwigue performs during Inauguration special โCelebrating Americaโ
HOUSTON โ A Houston rapper showcased his talents during a performance on the Inauguration special โCelebrating Americaโ on Wednesday night. Tobe Nwigue, who is a Nigerian American from Alief, performed โWake Up Everybodyโ along with performers Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. He wrote on his Instagram it was โan honor to have them performโ with him during Americaโs special night. The performance also included his family and his baby children roaming in the background. The song, โWake Up Everybodyโ is part of an EP from artist The Undefeated, called โBlack History Always.โYou can see the full performance below:
Investigation underway after 15-year-old boy shot to death in Alief
HOUSTON โ Police are investigating after a 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting in Alief on Monday night, according to the Houston Police Department. Police said the 15-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the shooting is unknown and no arrests have been made. According to HPD, preliminary investigation indicated there are at least two suspects in their late teens. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Man fatally shot in back of apartment complex in Alief, police say
HOUSTON โ Police said they are trying to figure out what led up to a deadly shooting at an apartment complex in Alief Wednesday. Officers said around 10 p.m. they responded to a report of gunshots and people yelling at the Magnolia Terrace Apartments on Synott Road. According to investigators, they found a man dead in the back of the complex near a dumpster with several gunshot wounds. Police said there is no word yet on any suspect info or arrests.
Houstonians celebrate Filipino American History Month at pop-up museum in Alief
HOUSTON โ Filipinos from all over Greater Houston gathered in Alief to celebrate Filipino American History Month. โOur Community Journeyโ was an interactive event hosted by local non-profits including O-C-A, FANHS, UniPro Texas and FilipinX Artists of Houston. The exhibit took place at the Alief Art House, a community space founded by a local Filipino artist. Many attendees also shared how they plan to leave their mark on the community and celebrate the rich diversity of Houston. โWe are highlighting the Filipino American community here in Houston,โ said Rea Sampilo, the event co-organizer.
Bye, Bye Beta
HOUSTON โ Rain is the only thing left of Beta and it is moving through the Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. This batch of rain will continue to push into the mid-Atlantic states Friday before moving off shore this weekend. Here is a look at what Beta left behind in Southeast Texas:Heavy Rain with Storm Totals over 12โฒ'! Beta has dropped over a foot of rain in some locations in southern Metro Houston. The heaviest rain fell from Ellington Field and Pearland to west Houston.
Houston rapper Tobe Nwigwe to stream global concert, The Pandemic Experience
Alief native Tobe Nwigwe is bringing fans into The Pandemic Experience. The global broadcast will feature a live performance from Tobe Nwigwe, Ivory Rogers, known as Fat, and producer LaNell Grant. Earlier this summer, Nwigwe dropped the new six-song project, The Pandemic Project. The songs, Try Jesus and Make It Home, carry powerful messages about the complexities of being Black, Christian and American. In I NEED YOU TO (BREONNA TAYLOR), Nwigwe demands Kentucky officials arrests the killers of Breonna Taylor. In it, the rapper reflected the sentiment of the national movement seeking justice for the 26-year-old EMT who was killed by plainclothed officers in March. All of yall who think we need more evidence is goofy, Nwigwe raps in the song.
How students, teachers, parents are adjusting to remote learning at Alief ISD
ALIEF, Texas โ Monday marks the third day of the new semester in Alief Independent School District. Student engagementTeachers are laser-focused right now on finding the best ways to monitor their students to make sure each one is participating. Chambers said student engagement has never been more important, especially when it comes to measuring their success. Itโs that students are demonstrating that they are mastering the content that the teacher is teaching. One way we can measure whether they are mastering that or not is through their engagement,โ Chambers said.
Alief ISD: What you need to know about the districts 2020-2021 school plans
Virtual instructionThe student would receive 100% online instruction through Alief ISD Learns at Home or Alief Virtual School (Powered by Pearson). Alief Learns option is available to all Alief ISD students in English and Spanish. Key Differences in Alief Learns and Alief Virtual SchoolAlief Learns courses are through Schoology. Students who would like a full-time virtual learning environment for the duration of the 2020-2021 school year can use Alief Virtual School instead. The decision to place the student into Alief Learns versus the Alief Virtual School will be determined by both the parent/guardian and the school administration.
2 men shot while sitting in vehicle in Alief; search for suspect underway: Police
HOUSTON โ Police said they are searching for a suspect on the run after two men were shot while sitting in a vehicle in Alief Thursday morning. Officers said the shooting happened at Sea Shore Drive and South Kirkwood at around 12:30 a.m. According to police, the men were in the vehicle when a red Cadillac drove by, opened fire and sped off. Officers said one man was shot in the arm and treated at the scene. The other was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital, police said.
Officials, parents react to TEA guidelines, STARR testing requirement for upcoming school year
Parents raised many concerns, including STARR testing being put back on the calendar for the upcoming school year. Katy Independent School District officials are working on a safety plan that will give parents the option of both online or in-person instruction. The district plans to finalize its plans within the next few weeks. STARR testing to resumeWhile school officials attempt to get students and teachers back safely, parents are not happy with the STARR testings back on the schedule. KPRC 2 reached out to the TEA Commissioner to see if districts would be given any more time or if state officials will consider moving STARR testing.
Houston rapper raises $100,000 for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other families affected by racism and police brutality
HOUSTON Rapper Tobe Nwigwe raised $100,000 to families affected by racism and police brutality. The Alief native said the proceeds came from Stop Killing Black People t-shirts sales. The families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Elijah McClain each received a $25,000 donation, Tobe Nwigwe announced on Instagram Wednesday. Stop killing black people. Tobe Nwigwe is a first-generation Nigerian-American who spreads inspirational, meaningful messages through his music.
The most affordable apartments for rent in Alief, Houston
9401 Coventry SquarePhoto: Apartment GuideListed at $625/month, this 540-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, located at 9401 Coventry Square, is 23.7% less than the $819/month median rent for a one bedroom in Alief. Amenities offered in the building include secured entry. 10555 Spice LanePhoto: Apartment GuidePhoto: Apartment GuideNext, here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment situated at 10555 Spice Lane. 10615 Beechnut St.Photo: ZumperPhoto: ZumperFinally, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom rental situated at 10615 Beechnut St. Amenities offered in the building include secured entry, on-site laundry and a swimming pool.
Suspected drunk driver crashes into garage of home, deputies say
HOUSTON โ A suspected drunk driver is in custody after deputies said he crashed right into the side of a home's garage in Alief. Deputies said the incident happened just after 3 a.m. on Birchaven and Westknoll, not far from Beechnut. Officers said no one was injured in the crash. Deputies arrested the driver at the scene on suspicion of DWI. He is expected to face charges.
High-performing Houston-area schools: Kerr High School embraces self-paced study
Alief Kerr High SchoolGrades: 9-12 | Address: 8150 Howell Sugar Land Rd, Houston, TX 77083 | Phone: (281) 983-8484 | Mascot: Alief Kerr TigerAlief Kerr High School is a Title I public school of choice in west Houston. 86 percent of Kerr High School students attend a post-secondary institution immediately after graduating high school. The schoolโs honorsU.S. News & World Report ranks Kerr High School the 40th best high school in Texas and the tenth best in the Houston area. In 2019, nonprofit Children at Risk ranked Kerr High School the second best high school in the Houston area and the eighth best in Texas. Kerr High School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2010 and 2016.
Alief Hastings organize crawfish boil fundraiser to help recovering student
HOUSTON โ Alief Hastings High School administrators, teachers and students organized a crawfish boil fundraiser Saturday afternoon for a beloved student in need. โThe community has all come out,โ said Lynette Miller, a teacher and the organizer of the fundraiser. Velasquez is lucky to be alive after being hit by a cafeteria worker, who investigators said was driving recklessly and hit the student. โItโs been a tough journey no doubt. โIn Alief, Hastings...weโre all together and whatever happens, it affects all of us,โ said student Kimberly Hernandez.
Houston up-and-coming rapper helps save man from jumping off roof in Alief
HOUSTON โ A local rapper assisted officials save a man from jumping off the roof of a gas station in southwest Houston, according to a video posted on Instagram. โThis man is about to jump off the roof,โ Yung Ro said in the video. We straight.โYung Ro got out of the car and ran toward the gas station. Once at the gas station Yung Ro yelled to the man of the roof. The man apparently came down from the roof using a contraption set up by officials, the video show.
โDonโt stop.. we need you:โ Houstonโs Lizzo shares inspirational tweet
On the left was when I worked for liberty taxes, as a sign spinner... on the right is my @nbcsnl debut. Lizzo reminded her 1.4 million Twitter followers: โDonโt stop... we need you. Your time is coming.โHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner also congratulated the Houston-raised star Lizzo on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/nuFjCTWfGs โ Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) December 22, 2019Turner extended an invitation to Lizzo to be recognized by the city in January. No one knows where Iโm from ๐คฆ๐พโโ๏ธ smh โ Feelin Good As Hell (@lizzo) December 23, 2019WATCH: Lizzo performs โTruth Hurtsโ on Saturday Night Live.
Ask 2: How did Alief get its name?
As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. The Bayou City burb bears the name of an unlikely figure: The communityโs first settler and postmistress, Alief Ozelda Magee. That year, the town gained its first settlers: Dr. John S. Magee and his wife, Alief Ozelda Magee, who moved to Dairy from Ellis County. AdIn 1895, Alief Ozelda Magee began operating the little communityโs first post office out of her home. To honor the postmistress and avoid some confusion with another Texas town named Daisy, the U.S. postal service dubbed the town Alief.