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KPRC 2 uncovers emails tied to firm who donated $50K to controller’s conference also part of financing deal at IAH
Read full article: KPRC 2 uncovers emails tied to firm who donated $50K to controller’s conference also part of financing deal at IAHThe focus of our request were those emails tied to the nearly $2 billion dollar United Airlines project at Bush Intercontinental Airport’s Terminal B.
Proposed Houston ordinance would make it illegal to picket within 200 feet of someone’s home
Read full article: Proposed Houston ordinance would make it illegal to picket within 200 feet of someone’s homeThe proposal, which is agenda item #11 on Tuesday’s city council meeting agenda, relates to targeted residential picketing.
‘We are doing everything we can:’ CenterPoint Energy VP grilled by Houston City Council on power restoration efforts
Read full article: ‘We are doing everything we can:’ CenterPoint Energy VP grilled by Houston City Council on power restoration effortsDuring the meeting at City Council on Wednesday morning, Brad Tutunjian, CenterPoint Energy’s vice president of regulatory affairs sought to bring transparency to the mounting tensions as more than 1 million customers remain without electricity.
Pop-Off Politics: City Council tackles key projects during 4th of July week
Read full article: Pop-Off Politics: City Council tackles key projects during 4th of July weekMany Houstonians maybe taking a break because of the nations birthday, but not Houston City Council. They are working to secure couplings to fix issues across the city.
Virginia city repeals ban on psychic readings as industry grows and gains more acceptance
Read full article: Virginia city repeals ban on psychic readings as industry grows and gains more acceptanceThe city of Norfolk, Virginia, has repealed a 45-year-old ban on palm reading and clairvoyance for money.
Black immigrant rally in NYC raises awareness about racial, religious and language inequities
Read full article: Black immigrant rally in NYC raises awareness about racial, religious and language inequitiesBlack immigrants have turned out in the hundreds across from a City Hall, drawing attention to racial inequities in the city’s shelter and immigrant support systems.
Can homeless people be fined for sleeping outside? A rural Oregon city asks the US Supreme Court
Read full article: Can homeless people be fined for sleeping outside? A rural Oregon city asks the US Supreme CourtThe rural city of Grants Pass in southern Oregon has become the unlikely face of the nation’s homelessness crisis as its case over anti-camping laws goes to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Dallas’ city manager resigns, leaving one more major Texas city without a chief executive
Read full article: Dallas’ city manager resigns, leaving one more major Texas city without a chief executiveCity Manager T.C. Broadnax resigned amid tensions with city leaders, including Mayor Eric Johnson. Three of Texas’ major cities — Dallas, Austin and El Paso — now have vacancies at the top of their local governments.
DRAINED Results: Denied help for high water bill? Try again right now
Read full article: DRAINED Results: Denied help for high water bill? Try again right nowKPRC 2 Investigates has exposed systemic meter reading and water billing issues at the city of Houston's water department for the past 2 years. Just this month, the water department used ordinance changes City Council approved in December to wipe out hundreds of high balances.
NYPD officers will have to record race of people they question under new police transparency law
Read full article: NYPD officers will have to record race of people they question under new police transparency lawNYPD officers will have to record the race of people they question under new police transparency law.
NYC mayor vetoes bills banning solitary confinement in jails and expanding reporting of police stops
Read full article: NYC mayor vetoes bills banning solitary confinement in jails and expanding reporting of police stopsNew York City’s mayor has vetoed bills aimed at banning solitary confinement in city jails and requiring more transparency in police encounters with civilians.
‘Expect fireworks’: 2nd Houston councilmember calls vote set for Wednesday ‘illegal’ and ‘abuse of office’
Read full article: ‘Expect fireworks’: 2nd Houston councilmember calls vote set for Wednesday ‘illegal’ and ‘abuse of office’On Tuesday morning, Councilmember Michael Kubosh echoed Knox’s sentiments during the “Pop-Off Politics” Segment on KPRC 2+.
Push by Mayor Turner, Houston Airports director to undercut Mayor-Elect Whitmire’s powers called ‘Illegal’
Read full article: Push by Mayor Turner, Houston Airports director to undercut Mayor-Elect Whitmire’s powers called ‘Illegal’On Wednesday morning at Houston City Hall, there will be nearly 80 agenda items heard by city council members.
Kansas newspaper's lawyer says police didn't follow warrant in last month's newsroom search
Read full article: Kansas newspaper's lawyer says police didn't follow warrant in last month's newsroom searchThe lawyer for a small Kansas newspaper raided by police last month said he believes officers didn't follow the search warrant's requirements to only seize computers believed directly involved in suspected identity theft.
Kansas reporter files federal lawsuit against police chief who raided her newspaper's office
Read full article: Kansas reporter files federal lawsuit against police chief who raided her newspaper's officeOne of the reporters who works at the small Kansas newspaper that was raided by authorities earlier this month filed a federal lawsuit against the police chief Wednesday.
'Get out of my house!' Video shows 98-year-old mother of Kansas newspaper publisher upset amid raid
Read full article: 'Get out of my house!' Video shows 98-year-old mother of Kansas newspaper publisher upset amid raidNewly released video shows the 98-year-old mother of a Kansas newspaper publisher confronting police officers as they searched her home in a raid that has drawn national scrutiny.
Atlanta organizers unveil plan to stop 'Cop City' at the ballot box
Read full article: Atlanta organizers unveil plan to stop 'Cop City' at the ballot boxActivists have announced an effort to force a referendum that would allow Atlanta voters to decide whether the construction of a proposed police and firefighter training center should proceed.
$63M verdict against Miami commissioner accused of political retaliation
Read full article: $63M verdict against Miami commissioner accused of political retaliationA federal jury in Florida has awarded $63.5 million to a pair of businessmen who claimed a city of Miami commissioner used his office to harass them after they supported the commissioner’s political opponent.
New York City has a right to shelter, but will it establish a right to sleep outside?
Read full article: New York City has a right to shelter, but will it establish a right to sleep outside?Democratic leaders in major U.S. cities are finding themselves politically squeezed when it comes to addressing homelessness.
White House vows more federal aid to reduce homelessness in 5 cities and California
Read full article: White House vows more federal aid to reduce homelessness in 5 cities and CaliforniaFive major U.S. cities and the state of California will receive federal help to get unsheltered residents into permanent housing.
TSU aviation program getting $5M training facility at Houston Spaceport
Read full article: TSU aviation program getting $5M training facility at Houston SpaceportTexas Southern University’s Aviation Science and Technology program is reaching new heights with the approval of a training facility at the Houston Spaceport.
‘Takeover is not good’: Mayor Turner shares thoughts after rumors surface of TEA taking control of Houston ISD
Read full article: ‘Takeover is not good’: Mayor Turner shares thoughts after rumors surface of TEA taking control of Houston ISDMayor Sylvester Turner addressed rumors Wednesday about the state’s possible takeover of the Houston Independent School District.
Austin’s city manager fired over botched winter storm response
Read full article: Austin’s city manager fired over botched winter storm responseSpencer Cronk, who headed the city since 2018, fell out of favor with council members after communication failures that mirrored problems from the 2021 winter storm.
Odessa City Council will meet to reconsider firing two top employees after lawsuit
Read full article: Odessa City Council will meet to reconsider firing two top employees after lawsuitA local attorney is threatening more lawsuits as a new City Council, backed by the local Republican Party, gets to business.
Did party politics cost a Texas city manager and attorney their jobs?
Read full article: Did party politics cost a Texas city manager and attorney their jobs?City councils are typically nonpartisan. Odessa residents are wondering if that’s still the case after the local Republican Party helped elect new council members.
Voters in five Texas cities approved decriminalizing marijuana. Now city officials are standing in the way.
Read full article: Voters in five Texas cities approved decriminalizing marijuana. Now city officials are standing in the way.Some local leaders say they worry the changes violate state law, while residents who supported decriminalizing marijuana say the pushback disrespects democracy.
Houston’s at-large City Council districts deprive Latinos of fair representation, lawsuit alleges
Read full article: Houston’s at-large City Council districts deprive Latinos of fair representation, lawsuit allegesThe League of United Latin American Citizens sued the city Monday, asking a federal court to halt its practice of electing five of its 16 council members through at-large elections.
In ailing LA, Mayor-elect Karen Bass promises unity, change
Read full article: In ailing LA, Mayor-elect Karen Bass promises unity, changeLos Angeles' new mayor has outlined her vision to turn around a troubled City Hall and restrain an out-of-control homeless crisis in the nation's second-largest city.
Voters OK drastic overhaul of City Hall in Portland, Oregon
Read full article: Voters OK drastic overhaul of City Hall in Portland, OregonVoters in Portland, Oregon, have approved a ballot measure that will overhaul the city's government, spurred by growing concerns over homelessness and a desire to make City Hall more inclusive.
Freedmen’s Town residents win battle to preserve history, remain in Fourth Ward
Read full article: Freedmen’s Town residents win battle to preserve history, remain in Fourth WardResidents of Houston’s first historically Black community, founded by ex-slaves, notched a victory this month in a debate over redistricting the city’s 11 council districts.
Los Angeles Council president resigns after racist remarks
Read full article: Los Angeles Council president resigns after racist remarksThe president of the Los Angeles City Council has resigned from the post after she was heard making racist comments and other coarse remarks in a leaked recording of a conversation with other Latino leaders.
Galveston city leaders suggest changes to golf cart ordinance after deadly crash
Read full article: Galveston city leaders suggest changes to golf cart ordinance after deadly crashCity leaders in Galveston are considering making changes to the city’s golf cart ordinance after four people were killed in a crash on Saturday.
Search renewed for remains of 4 victims of 1973 gay bar fire
Read full article: Search renewed for remains of 4 victims of 1973 gay bar fireNearly a half-century after arson killed 32 people in a New Orleans gay bar, the City Council has renewed the search for the remains of four victims — three of them never identified.
City Council holds hearings to receive suggestions from public on proposed redistricting plan. Here’s what you should know
Read full article: City Council holds hearings to receive suggestions from public on proposed redistricting plan. Here’s what you should knowCity Council is planning to hold three hearings to receive comments, suggestions and alternative plans from the public to get its intake on the proposed redistricting plan, according to a release.
“Nobody’s giving us any answers”: Uvalde families demand details of shooting investigation at City Council meeting
Read full article: “Nobody’s giving us any answers”: Uvalde families demand details of shooting investigation at City Council meetingUvalde’s mayor said city officials could be prosecuted for releasing details of the investigation. Pete Arredondo, the City Council member and school district police chief, was absent for the second straight meeting.
Uvalde mayor accuses state of leaking records to make local police look bad
Read full article: Uvalde mayor accuses state of leaking records to make local police look badRelatives of the victims and other members of the community also called for the ousting of Pete Arredondo, who is the police chief of the city’s school district and a newly elected council member.
Mayor Turner, City Council approve 3-year contract with HPOU to increase officers’ pay by 10.5%
Read full article: Mayor Turner, City Council approve 3-year contract with HPOU to increase officers’ pay by 10.5%Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Council members approved a contract with the Houston Police Officers’ Union to increase police officers pay on Wednesday.
Houston now requires pet owners to microchip pets, bans sale of commercially-bred dogs
Read full article: Houston now requires pet owners to microchip pets, bans sale of commercially-bred dogsHouston City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to amend several ordinances related to Houston-area pet owners and shops.
Look inside: This First Ward Houston home is latest to receive Protected Landmark status -- and it’s on the market for $650K
Read full article: Look inside: This First Ward Houston home is latest to receive Protected Landmark status -- and it’s on the market for $650KOne of the latest Houston-area homes to receive historic landmark designation is now listed on the real estate market.
Lubbock votes to become the state’s largest “sanctuary city for the unborn”
Read full article: Lubbock votes to become the state’s largest “sanctuary city for the unborn”Illinois city 1st in US to offer Black residents reparations
Read full article: Illinois city 1st in US to offer Black residents reparationsFILE - In this Nov. 25, 2019 file photo, Alderman Robin Rue Simmons, 5th Ward, proposes a reparations fund during a City Council meeting in Evanston, lll. The City Council on Monday voted 8-1 to begin making good on its pledge to distribute $10 million over the next 10 years with the distribution of $400,000 to eligible Black households. "It’s going to be many programs and initiatives, and more funding.”AdThe City Council acted after dozens of citizens addressed the body and the plan received some pushback from several. Alderman Cicely Fleming, the lone vote against the plan, said she supports reparations, but what the City Council was debating is a housing plan that is being called reparations. President Joe Biden has even expressed support for creating a federal commission to study Black reparations, a proposal that’s languished for decades in Congress.
Defense in ex-cop's trial fears impact of $27M settlement
Read full article: Defense in ex-cop's trial fears impact of $27M settlementDefense attorney Eric Nelson also raised the possibility of renewing his previously unsuccessful motion to move Derek Chauvin's trial to another city. AdMayor Jacob Frey deferred questions about the timing of the settlement to City Attorney Jim Rowader, who declined to comment. Potential jurors questioned later didn't mention hearing of the settlement, and neither attorneys nor the judge directly asked if they were aware of it. At least four potential jurors dismissed Monday said they couldn’t be impartial. Three other former officers face an August trial on charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter.
New Houston city secretary makes history as first African-American to be appointed
Read full article: New Houston city secretary makes history as first African-American to be appointedHOUSTON – The new Houston city secretary has made history as being the first African-American to be appointed after being selected by Mayor Sylvester Turner. Houston native Patricia Jefferson Daniel will succeed beloved city secretary Anna Russell, who died last year after serving that role for nearly seven decades. “No one can ever fill Anna Russell’s shoes, but I am honored to follow in her footsteps to support Mayor Turner, City Council, and serving the people of Houston,” Daniel said. ”(Patririca) Daniel brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to the position of City Secretary and will be an asset to the office as they move forward,” Turner said. She has been the Interim City Secretary since 2018 and I am proud to make her role permanent.”Daniel is an honors graduate of Jack Yates Senior High School and attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Thousands of residents outraged by new storage facility in the Heights
Read full article: Thousands of residents outraged by new storage facility in the HeightsHOUSTON – Big Tex Storage is slated to move into Houston Heights and some residents are not happy about it. Heights residents are protesting the seven-story building project, one of the tallest buildings in Houston Heights, located on 11th Street near Studewood. Big Tex also operates storage facilities in Houston: River Oaks, Garden Oaks, Montrose. Our Heights facility will bring a first-class storage experience to the Heights neighborhood. Statement from Abbie Kamin, Houston City Council Member (District C):As a City with no zoning, we need stronger neighborhood protections.
Feds join political fight over police funding in Austin, even though it doesn’t have Texas’ worst crime increase
Read full article: Feds join political fight over police funding in Austin, even though it doesn’t have Texas’ worst crime increaseA federal prosecutor on Friday announced that additional law enforcement resources will be sent to the state's capital. A federal prosecutor has joined the ongoing political fight over police funding in Texas, pinning a yearlong increase in Austin homicides in part to the state capital’s budget cut that went into effect in October. The operation will focus on shootings, repeat crimes, robberies and violent crime on military bases in the surrounding area. “We saw a rise in violent crime in the very early months of 2020, before the reimagining and the defunding conversations came up,” Greenwalt said. Overall, violent crime has dropped slightly in Austin compared to last year, and property crime has stayed steady.
Netflix to expand production hub in New Mexico
Read full article: Netflix to expand production hub in New MexicoThe footprint of the production hub will grow with a private land purchase and a lease involving state trust land. She said the partnership with Netflix should send a signal that New Mexico is the place to be for film and television production. As part of the proposed investment, Netflix has committed to providing training programs in partnership with the New Mexico Film Office, local universities and industry organizations. Since coming to New Mexico in 2018, Netflix said it has spent more than $200 million, used more than 2,000 production vendors and hired more than 1,600 cast and crew members. Netflix is in production in New Mexico on the original films “The Harder They Fall" and “Intrusion" and is expected to soon begin filming “Stranger Things 4" in Albuquerque.
Date set for Houston City Council District B runoff over a year after the original election
Read full article: Date set for Houston City Council District B runoff over a year after the original electionHOUSTON – A date for the runoff in the race for Houston City Council District B seat has been set, more than a year after the original election. Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins announced Wednesday that the deciding contest between Cynthia Bailey and Tarsha Jackson will be held Dec. 12. Jackson finished first in the 2019 general election but did not garner enough of the vote to avoid a runoff with Bailey, the second-place finisher. “It’s a shame that it has taken this long to determine the future of District B, but I’m glad that this matter will soon be put to rest,” Hollins said in a written statement. “Voters in District B will have an important decision to make this December.”The District B seat is still filled by Councilman Jerry Davis, who was to vacate the seat because of term limitations.
Pearland councilmember under fire from Brazoria County NAACP for controversial shared posts
Read full article: Pearland councilmember under fire from Brazoria County NAACP for controversial shared postsPEARLAND – A Pearland councilmember Woody Owens is sharing his response to controversial posts he shared on his Facebook page. That bigotry, hatred, those dog whistles are just unacceptable.”The Brazoria County NAACP alerted KPRC 2 of the posts and sent them in. The screenshots showed Owens' shared posts, which were mostly memes. During the interview, Owens shared the sentiments of the Confederacy during the Civil War era. Owens maintains they have shared posts, not commenting on right or wrong.
Houston City Council passes ordinance to ban parking on bike lanes
Read full article: Houston City Council passes ordinance to ban parking on bike lanesHOUSTON – Houston City Council has passed an ordinance Thursday that prohibits vehicles to park in dedicated bicycle lanes. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who listened to bicyclists, said in a statement the city is taking a step further to protect the designated bike lanes for Houstonians to enjoy. “The ordinance is an opportunity to promote safety and educate those who park in dedicated bicycle lanes without realizing how it impedes access," Mayor Turner said in a statement. A flyer will be distributed to vehicles parking on the bike lanes during a 90-day warning period, however no word on when the 90-day period will start. The ordinance is also a commitment by the city of Houston to become a bike-friendly city by the year 2027, according to the release.
Las Vegas Homeless Ordinance Draws Protest
Read full article: Las Vegas Homeless Ordinance Draws ProtestDozens of protesters took to the streets of Las Vegas Monday to protest a strict new homeless ordinance set to take effect in February. The ordinance makes it illegal to sleep on public streets and sidewalks if there are shelter beds available. But, definitely not fining and imprisoning them and making it harder for them to get a job or get on a lease," protester Katie Krikorian said. “It shows how far removed from real society the City Council is if they think imprisoning people, or fining them, is helping them," Krikorian said. The protest remained peaceful, but tensions rose towards the end.
LA City Council wants Astros’ 2017 World Series title to be given to Dodgers
Read full article: LA City Council wants Astros’ 2017 World Series title to be given to DodgersThe resolution was introduced after MLB revealed in a report Jan. 13 how the Astros used a sign-stealing system instituted by then-coach Alex Cora during the 2017 season, when Houston beat Los Angeles in the World Series. The Red Sox are under investigation for possibly stealing signs in Cora's first season as manager in 2018, when Boston beat the Dodgers. The resolution requests “that in addition to the penalties already imposed, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball remove the 2017 and 2018 World Series titles from the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox." It requested the commissioner to recall the World Series trophies and award them to the Dodgers. Days later, the Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora, who was an Astros coach in 2017 and was cited in the MLB report for his role in Houston's cheating.
Grand jury indicts Prairie View officer involved in tasing, arrest of city councilman
Read full article: Grand jury indicts Prairie View officer involved in tasing, arrest of city councilmanPRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – A Waller County grand jury decided Friday to indict Prairie View police Officer Michael Kelly for official oppression for the arrest of City Council member Jonathan Miller, according to Waller County Assistant Criminal District Attorney Noah Johnson. According to Prairie View police, officers were questioning four men about recent disturbances or suspicious activity in the area when Miller interrupted the investigation. One of the witnesses recorded the incident with his cellphone. Police said Miller resisted arrest and that is when they deployed a Taser. The officers in October's incident included a female officer who was also involved in the Sandra Bland arrest, the chief said.