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Tag: local

  • Learn about the women behind Houston’s history this Women’s History Month

    Learn about the women behind Houston’s history this Women’s History Month

    HOUSTON – March is Women’s History Month, and it’s the perfect time of year to learn about some of Houston’s iconic female figures!

    The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park has put together tours to highlight women who have made a lasting impact on the history of Houston.

    The tour includes four historic houses, all telling the stories of famous women who once lived in them. The house tours are followed by a bus tour that explores specific landmarks in Downtown Houston where women have left significant footprints, including Houston’s first hospital and one of its first churches and schools. After the bus ride, the tour concludes with a wine and cheese reception at the museum.

    Mister McKinney, a member of the Heritage Society Board of Directors, and Alison Bell, the Executive Director of the tour, work closely to make sure the walkthrough and bus elements of the tour combine to form a truly insightful opportunity.

    “It’s a very impactful tour,” McKinney said. “Both experiences, hand-in-hand, just make it something very different. If you want the ultimate women’s experience and history experience, joining us both is something really special.”

    The society offers four tours per day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Guests are encouraged to make reservations at heritagesociety.org or by calling at 713-655-1912.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Michael Horton

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  • CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Cleveland Middle School investigating after teacher seen manhandling student

    CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Cleveland Middle School investigating after teacher seen manhandling student

    An investigation in underway after a teacher was recorded grabbing and pulling on a young male student at Cleveland Middle School.

    The incident reportedly took place on March 1.

    The teacher captured in the video is seen yanking the student towards him by the back of his shirt. After attempting to push the child to the ground, the teacher is seen grabbing the child’s leg and forcing him to the floor. Then, the boy is lifted off the ground by his shirt before the video cuts.

    Cleveland Independent School District said they are aware of the incident, and the staff member has been removed from the campus and is no longer working with CISD.

    The district has not released a statement but said appropriate action will be taken once the investigation concludes.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Michael Horton

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  • Harris County primary election results for March 5, 2024

    Harris County primary election results for March 5, 2024

    HOUSTON – Voters in Harris County had cast their ballot in the primary elections on March 5, 2024.

    Residents will select their preferred candidates for various local offices, as well as to weigh in on the Presidential primary. From county commissioners to district judges, the primary elections will determine the nominees who will vie for these positions in the general election.

    In Harris County, the Democratic primary has 119 races, and the Republican primary has 122. But the races you see on your ballot will depend on two things – where you’re registered, and which party you choose to vote in.

    In Texas, voters are allowed to participate in the primary and runoff elections of only one party, or alternatively, they can choose to engage in the convention of a third party.

    The polls opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 7 p.m. on Election Day.

    Click here to see the full list of Texas counties that have vote centers.

    Track national, statewide and local vote totals in the dropdown menu below:

    Decision 2024: Harris County primary elections

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Ed Gonzalez *(D)

    78,33869%

    Dana M. Wolfe (D)

    16,67215%

    Vergil Rochelle Ratliff (D)

    13,19812%

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Annette Ramirez (D)

    44,99141%

    Danielle Keys Bess (D)

    18,52117%

    Desiree Broadnax (D)

    17,74416%

    Claude Cummings III (D)

    10,3359%

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Christian D. Menefee *(D)

    78,62673%

    Umeka “UA” Lewis (D)

    29,16627%

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Gilberto “Gil” Reyna (D)

    5,88523%

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Jerry Garcia *(D)

    4,45877%

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Sherman Eagleton *(D)

    8,06683%

    John Jay “JP” Portillo (D)

    1,67217%

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Jerome Moore (D)

    10,35646%

    Jerry Rodriguez (D)

    6,39128%

    Don Quang Dinh (D)

    3,36215%

    William Gorman (D)

    2,34110%

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Silvia Tervino *(D)

    2,83476%

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    James “Smokie” Phillips (D)

    11,46264%

    Michael Coleman (D)

    3,52420%

    Gary R. Hicks Sr.(D)

    2,80916%

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Jo Ann Delgado *(D)

    3,92571%

    Oscar Salazar Jr.(D)

    1,57129%

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    James Lombardino (R)

    24,48372%

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Ashley Mayes Guice (D)

    70,21767%

    Juan J. Aguirre (D)

    34,72733%

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Fransheneka “Fran” Watson (D)

    56,69254%

    Troy M. Moore (D)

    27,04126%

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Richard Cantu *(D)

    66,12463%

    Josh Wallenstein (D)

    38,07437%

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    John Fitzgerald McGee *(D)

    27,14862%

    Richard Bonton (D)

    16,38738%

    *Incumbent

    32.3% of Precincts Reporting

    (176 / 545)

    Primary Election Races that Matter

    Visit the Decision 2024 page of Click2houston.com for complete election results and news.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

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  • Neighbors details shooting that killed 12-year-old boy at east Harris County apartment complex

    Neighbors details shooting that killed 12-year-old boy at east Harris County apartment complex

    HOUSTON – Twelve-year-old Carlos Fernandez never made it to school Monday morning after deputies said he was shot and killed inside his family’s apartment in east Harris County.

    Daisy Delgado lives next door and recalled hearing loud banging and the sound of tears woke her up.

    “I kept hearing a woman crying and that is what I woke up to. All I heard was her saying that he got shot and they ran off. I didn’t expect it to be a kid,” said Delgado.

    Deputies said it appeared the shooter went up to a window and opened fire directly into the bedroom, killing young Carlos. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the shooter took off in a pickup truck. Deputies did not have a description of the truck.

    One of the bullets went through Jim Simms and Minnie Sandles’ dining room, next door.

    “I’m laying in my bed and I heard something go ‘clank, pop’ and I walked out about right here but I had no idea there was a hole in that wall,” Sandles said.

    “Next thing I know, I’m getting ready for work this morning and my door is taped off and that’s when I discovered something had happened,” Simms said.

    Carlos’ little sisters, ages 6 and 7, were also in the home at the time of the shooting, but they were not hurt, according to family members. Loved ones said Carlos’ mother and another man inside the home, also dodged the gunfire.

    Deputies said they believe the shooting was targeted.

    The Sheriffs Office has not said why the family and their apartment was targeted or the possible relationship between the shooter and the family.

    Neighbors who heard the chaos this morning said they have been concerned about the family’s safety in the past. Three days before Carlos’ death, neighbors saw deputies outside the family’s apartment.

    “All I saw was cops and them outside in the back arguing,” Delgado said.

    “I’m hearing them and I’m sitting there watching TV and I’m hearing stuff going up against the walls,” Simms said.

    It’s unclear if the 911 call to the family’s home on Friday is connected to Monday’s shooting, but neighbors are hoping whoever killed young Carlos is caught.

    Family members describe Carlos as adorable, helpful and the best son, brother and grandson. They are asking for the community’s prayers. The family has created a GoFundMe page to help with their unexpected costs.

    Galena Park Independent School District said Carlos was a student at Cobb’s 6th grade campus.

    Counseling services have been provided to students and staff.

    Galena Park Independent School District released a statement on the death of 12-year-old Carlos Fernandez. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Corley Peel

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  • Where to vote in March 5 primary elections in Houston area

    Where to vote in March 5 primary elections in Houston area

    HOUSTON – Tuesday is election day for the March 5 primary elections in Texas.

    If you are registered to vote, finding a place to vote is easy in Texas.

    WHERE DO YOU VOTE ON ELECTION DAY?

    More than 90 of the 254 counties in Texas currently have permission from the Secretary of State’s Office to use county-wide polling places on Election Day.

    KPRC 2 called several counties and learned that most of them fall into that category.

    Harris County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Brazoria County and Chambers County will have vote centers on Election Day. This means voters in those counties can go to any vote center in their county.

    Montgomery County does not have vote centers. When we called the Montgomery County Elections Administrator’s Office, they confirmed that voters there must vote at their precinct assigned to them.

    In Harris County, there will be more than 500 Vote Centers on Tuesday.

    In Fort Bend County, there will be 74 Vote Centers on Tuesday.

    In Brazoria County, there will be 24 Vote Centers on Tuesday.

    In Galveston County, there will be 35 Vote Centers on Tuesday.

    In Montgomery County, there will be 113 assigned precincts on Tuesday.

    To find your nearest location to vote on Tuesday, click the links on the underlined counties above.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Erica Young, Christian Terry

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  • Here’s what Houston-area law enforcement have to say about Senate Bill 4

    Here’s what Houston-area law enforcement have to say about Senate Bill 4

    On Thursday, KPRC 2 reached out to sheriff’s offices in our area for comments on Senate Bill 4.

    Under this law, crossing the border illegally would be categorized as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying a potential jail sentence of up to six months. For repeat offenders, the penalties escalate to a second-degree felony, with imprisonment ranging from two to 20 years.

    KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun reached out to Houston Police and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office before a federal judge issued a ruling temporarily blocking the law from taking effect. Both didn’t want to comment but said they were monitoring ongoing legal challenges.

    Below are the comments we have secured and will update them as they come in.

    Here are the following offices who responded or spoken with KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun:

    AUSTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

    “We don’t have any problems, haven’t had any impacts. When they arrest someone for a crime, it’s for the crime. If the person happens to be illegal, we turn the information to ICE and if they have any issues then they come and get them. If they don’t have a retainer and they satisfy all the local magistrates, they release them. We haven’t had an influx in our neighborhood.” – Sheriff Jack Brandon

    CHAMBERS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

    “As a sheriff and a member of the association we are extremely supportive of the bill because our border sheriff’s and our borders that are inland are just getting inundated with the gone aways with the illegal immigration and people that are not going through the immigration process and they’re just illegally entering the country.” – Sheriff Brian Hawthorne

    FORT BEND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

    “The Sheriff’s Office does not see the need to detain any person for the purpose of determining their immigration status or enforcing federal immigration laws.

    However, when a person is identified in a criminal investigation or when a person is detained for a violation of the law, the Sheriff’s Office will cooperate with federal immigration authorities. When a suspect is booked into the County detention center, any lawful orders to detain or transfer an inmate will be followed.

    Justice is blind means that race or ethnicity is not a reason to stop anyone on that basis alone. The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for public safety programs and initiatives that improve the quality of life for all residents of Fort Bend County.” – Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson

    Espanol:

    “La Oficina del Sheriff no ve la necesidad de detener a ninguna persona con el fin de determinar su estatus migratorio o hacer cumplir las leyes de inmigracion.

    Sin embargo, cuando una persona es identificada en una investigacion criminal o cuando es detenida por una violacion de la ley, la Oficina del Sheriff cooperara con las autoridades federales de inmigracion.

    Cuando un sospechoso es ingresado en la carcel del condado, se seguiran todas las ordines legal para detener or tranferir a un recluso.

    La justicia es ciega significa que la raza o el origen étnico no es una razón para detener a nadie sólo por esa base.

    La Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Fort Bend es responsable de los programa e iniciativas de seguridad publica que mejoran la calidad de vida de todos los residents del condado de Fort Bend.”

    GRIMES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

    “My response to you is rather simple, until the courts that are involved resolve the law completely and there is absolute clarity my Deputies with the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office will not be involved with this.” – Sheriff Don Sowell, Grimes County Sheriff’s Office

    JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

    “As a member of Operation Lone Star Task Force this ruling is not going to change anything that Jackson County is currently doing in our effort to help secure the border, with the exception of not filing any additional criminal charges that may have resulted from Senate Bill 4.” – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson

    SAN JACINTO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

    “We’re waiting to see what happens with the injunction. [We’re] not doing anything until legally covered by the courts.” – Chief Deputy Tim Kean

    Here are the following sheriff’s offices who have not responded or spoken to KPRC 2:

    Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office

    Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office

    Colorado County Sheriff’s Office

    Galveston County Sheriff’s Office

    Liberty County Sheriff’s Office

    Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office

    Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

    Polk County Sheriff’s Office

    Waller County Sheriff’s Office

    Walker County Sheriff’s Office

    Washington County Sheriff’s Office

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Rilwan Balogun

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  • Fulshear alerts residents to water main break

    Fulshear alerts residents to water main break

    FULSHEAR, Texas – The City of Fulshear is warning residents about a water main break at the Downtown Water Plant.

    Officials said a contractor hit the main water line leaving the plant due to ongoing construction.

    At this time, they are working to resolve the issue.

    Officials say there is no boil water notice, but fluctuation in water pressure is possible.

    Check back with us for updates.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Faith Braverman

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  • Woman denies running illegal group home in Fort Bend County: ‘I take care of people’

    Woman denies running illegal group home in Fort Bend County: ‘I take care of people’

    FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Deputies arrested Samantha Morris on Friday on a charge for operating a boarding house without a permit. Investigators said a neighbor called police about an aggressive dog at the home off New Village lane near Alief. When deputies went inside, they found found 9 people with obvious signs of neglect and possible injuries. Investigators said 5 of those residents were transported to medical facilities for treatment.

    KPRC2 Reporter Corley Peel spoke with Morris about her arrest. She said she was not running a boarding house. She said she was helping people struggling with drug addiction, mental health issues, domestic violence, and veterans have a place to stay.

    “I take care of people. Every family has someone that they can no longer deal with. And most of the people come by word of mouth and some people have called me.

    Morris said she and two other employees help provide services for the residents including food, clothing and transportation. She said they would drive residents to medical facilities if needed.

    Justin Jurek is the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal. He said there are four homes in the county that have the boarding house permit.

    The home off New Village lane is not listed. Jurek said investigators have been to the home in the past when it was owned by a different group home owner in 2022.

    “We had several meetings and inspections, and then ultimately they end up closing, and vacate the premises in October of 2022. We went back for a follow up in late November to verify the home was still vacant. And in November of 2022, we closed it out as no longer an operating home because it was not occupied for over 30 days,” said Jurek.

    But the house reopened.

    “That’s a, that’s a contract between the operator and the property owners,” said Jurek.

    Morris said she does not rent the home, but she does rent from the landlord. She said she rents out the rooms to the tenants. Morris said the homeowner is fine with the arrangement.

    KPRC2 reached out to the homeowner, but they did not return our calls for comment.

    A resident told KPRC2 how much he pays in rent.

    “I pay $950. My dad spends about, $200 to $300 out of pocket for me to stay here,” said Justin McClure.

    Investigators said a woman covered in human waste was found inside the house. Morris did not directly answer questions regarding the resident’s conditions, but said some of the tenants were bedridden and required help when being changed.

    Corley asked Morris why she would not want to get the permit to be a boarding house.

    “I’m interested in it. I know what I got to learn about it, but I just don’t want it in this house. I’ve been taking care of people all of my life.”

    Morris told Corley the employees at the home have some CNA classes and basic experience with people who suffer from mental illness and addiction.

    Authorities are investigating the alleged abuse and neglect in the home, but no other arrests or charges have been filed at this time.

    Adult Protective Services sent KPRC2 the below statement:

    Adult Protective Services is investigating the unpermitted group home on New Village Lane alongside law enforcement. However, APS is not a regulatory agency and we do not have the authority to license facilities or close illegal group homes. Families looking to place a loved one in a group home setting should review the following links to make sure the facility is permitted or licensed:

    Homes permitted by Harris County Sheriff’s Department – Boarding Home—Harris County Texas Sheriff’s Office (harriscountyso.org)

    Homes permitted by Houston Police Department (within the city limits of Houston) – HPD Boarding Homes – Mental Health Division (houstoncit.org)

    Homes permitted by Fort Bend County – Approved-Boarding-Homes-list.pdf (fortbendcountytx.gov)

    Facilities licensed by Health and Human Services – Long-term Care | Texas Health and Human Services

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Corley Peel

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  • Multiple people found malnourished inside Fort Bend County group home

    Multiple people found malnourished inside Fort Bend County group home

    FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Several people were rescued from a Fort Bend County group home Friday morning, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

    The discovery was made after county units responded to a call for service regarding a loose aggressive dog, located in the 13700 block of New Village Lane.

    A responding deputy saw a woman, who was non-verbal, with fecal matter on her and appeared to be malnourished. The deputy further discovered that the location in question was a group home with patients locked inside.

    Forced entry was made by Northeast firefighters where multiple people were found inside and appeared to be malnourished. The victims were evaluated by Fort Bend County EMC and taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

    The owner of the group home, Samantha Morris, later arrived at the scene and was taken into custody by a Fire Marshal Investigator. She was booked into the Fort Bend County Jail for operating without a permit.

    According to the Sheriff’s Office, there have been two missing person cases reported at the group home.

    In 2017, a 66-year-old man, with medical needs, was reported missing on Nov. 26.

    In 2019, a 52-year-old woman was also reported as missing on June 7.

    KPRC 2 will look further into this case as more information becomes available.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Brittany Taylor

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  • Vermonter accused of sexually assaulting minor

    Vermonter accused of sexually assaulting minor

    WEST RUTLAND, Vt. (NEWS10) — A Castleton, Vermont, man was arrested on Thursday and is accused of sexually assaulting a minor under 13. Sean Seguin, 37, turned himself in and faces multiple charges.

    According to Vermont State Police, an investigation with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) looked into a report of possible child sexual abuse first reported on February 12. The suspect, Seguin, turned himself in on Thursday.

    Charges:

    • Aggravated sexual assault
    • Lewd/lascivious conduct with a child

    Seguin was processed by Vermont State Police at the Rutland Barracks and was brought to Rutland Criminal Court for arraignment. he is held without bail at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility.

    Michael Mahar

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  • Spring Branch ISD eliminating 304 positions due to budget cuts for 2024-2025 school year

    Spring Branch ISD eliminating 304 positions due to budget cuts for 2024-2025 school year

    SPRING BRANCH – Spring Branch Independent School District has started Phase III in reductions to help close the district’s $35 million general fund budget gap for the 2024-2025 school year.

    Over the past several months, the district has taken action on the first two phases to save a projected $12.5 million in savings. These budgets include, but are not limited to, closure of two schools, discontinuation of the SKY partnership with YES Prep Public Schools and KIPP Texas, Inc., change in secondary staffing ratios and alignment of schedules, increase in pre-K tuition for non-employees, and restructure of the SPIRAL gifted and talented program.

    Superintendent Jennifer Blaine said the district was forced to take these actions after the 88th Legislative Session and four special sessions of the Texas Legislature concluded without the educational funding challenges of Texas public school districts being addressed.

    “They haven’t acted on public funding, public education funding,” Blaine said. “They’ve tied funding to vouchers and the absences of having vouchers they won’t fund public education. So, there’s been no new funding since 2019. We have 19 percent inflation and that has created a budget issue for lots of school districts.”

    Blaine explained the third phase of general fund reductions, for which she says impacted staff, including school librarians, have been notified. These are largely central office budget cuts and personnel and program model changes.

    The district said it has done everything it could to minimize direct impact on its classrooms and student learning, however, with the magnitude of reductions and adjustments, all schools will be impacted.

    “These sweeping cuts absolutely feel like a crisis. It feels like we were unprepared,” said Ben Drews, a parent with a third grader in the district. “Nobody said anything about firing every librarian in this district.”

    Drews, who is running for a role on the board of trustees, feels the district didn’t appropriate plan for this moment.

    “Obviously, nobody wants to make any cuts. Nobody wants that,” he said. “We all understand that these cuts now have to happen in order for our district to move on. But could we have been doing things five years ago? Could we have done things six years ago? That’s the question I have, was their leadership and planning going into that?”

    Blaine told KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun they were hoping for additional funding from lawmakers in the face of inflation.

    She said her team along with families in the district continue advocating for the district with state leaders.

    With the latest announcement, the district anticipates losing 304 personnel through their three-phase budget reduction equating to about $22.5 million.

    “Many of those staffs in Phases I and II are being deployed to different positions in the system,” Blaine said. “And our goal is to do that with all 304 of those positions that were listed in the phase three budget reduction.”

    “Our goal is to take those highly trained individuals and slide them into a vacant position that will be open. So, as somebody leaves, retires, exits the system, decides to go into a different profession, any number of reasons we have people leave every year we have attrition, Blaine said. “Our goal is to have people in positions into which they’re certified so they can continue to serve our kids.”

    The district will also restructure their athletic trainers by removing them from each school and making the roles more centralized.

    “We reworked their job description and then those staff members will be deployed to athletic events to cover those games,” said Blaine. “We’ve eliminated very little out of the system, but we have thought different about how to provide services which you know can make people uncomfortable when you’re used to a certain thing.”

    The district shared a summary of Phase I, II and III Budget Reductions for 2024-25 school year:

    Budget reduction summary (Spring Branch ISD)
    Budget reduction summary (Spring Branch ISD)
    Budget reduction summary (Spring Branch ISD)

    RELATED:

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Brittany Taylor, Christian Terry

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  • Texas leads the way in Wind Mill Energy

    Texas leads the way in Wind Mill Energy

    HOUSTON – Today’s cover photo arrived on Click2pins yesterday with fog engulfing those wind turbines down in Mathis, Texas. If you don’t know where Mathis exactly is, just take Highway 59 south to I-37 and turn left — it’s a few miles from Corpus. And while fog down there won’t surprise you, perhaps all those wind turbines will!

    I always think of California or the fields of Iowa as having all the wind turbines in this country but they aren’t even close to what we have in Texas.

    In fact, the largest wind farm in the country is the Roscoe Wind Farm out near Abilene — I’ve circled them both for easy reference:

    Google Maps

    Texas leads the way in this country for wind farms and, thus, wind energy with enough to power 3.5 million households.

    Occasionally, we create so much wind energy we can’t use it all and ERCOT has to throttle back on production!

    You can see below that we are way ahead of second-place Iowa and even California comes in 3rd.

    Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
    Credit: Caroline Covington

    All this puts Texas in a World Class given that the United States is in second place only to be outdone by China, which generates almost three times the wind turbine energy that the U.S. does.

    RELATED: First Offshore Wind Leases Off the Texas Coast Offered for Bidding

    Of course, the reason Texas is so far ahead is pretty obvious — we have a lot of land and lot of wind with a pretty good tax-structure incentive. Turbines can create wind at only 6 mph speeds and we get plenty of that!

    Credit: Electricrate

    While most of the wind farms are in the Hill Country and West Texas or south toward the Valley, get ready for more wind projects including one near Galveston, which we reported on last year.

    You may also note that Texas is second in SOLAR Energy falling only behind California.

    To that end, expect a lot of sunshine in the forecast through the weekend and into next week and with an approaching front tomorrow, it’s going to get a bit breezy! More power to us!

    RELATED: TODAY’S WEATHER REPORT

    Frank

    Email me with questions and comments.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Frank Billingsley

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  • Body of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham found in Trinity River

    Body of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham found in Trinity River

    POLK COUNTY, Texas – The body of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, the Livingston girl at the center of an AMBER Alert, was found in Trinity River on Tuesday, according to KPRC 2 sources and a family friend of the girl.

    During Tuesday’s news conference, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons confirmed investigators found Audrii’s body at the Trinity River Boat Ramp off U.S. 59 after lowering water levels. The AMBER Alert has officially been discontinued.

    Audrii’s body will be transported to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine what happened to her and the cause of death.

    A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety said this case has now turned into a criminal investigation.

    Several emergency vehicles were at the scene Tuesday morning, including officials from Liberty County, The Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas EquuSearch, and a dive unit from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

    Caution tape was placed around the area and media was kept far away from the scene.

    Lyons said they were able to locate Audrii’s body with the substantial amount of evidence provided by witnesses’ cellphone video, several points of interest provided by the person of interest and surveillance videos.

    He said investigators also used evidence collected from cellphone analysis and information they received from 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal.

    “We start talking about how we link in evidence to McDougal and linking evidence to this case. We want to be very careful of how we do that and will feel safe to say there is substantial evidence through the evidence that we’ve gathered,” Lyons said. “And so that evidence was even gathered by the wonderful witnesses and wonderful folks out there in the social media who sent those videos, who sent those pictures. So that even that evidence helped us to be able to come up with these locations, as well as the evidence from cellphone videos.”

    What happened

    Audrii was reported missing on Thursday, Feb. 15, and investigators said Don Steven McDougal was likely the last person who saw her alive that day.

    McDougal was named as the main person of interest in Audrii’s disappearance, although investigators said they haven’t ruled anyone out as a suspect. He is currently in the Polk County Jail on an unrelated charge.

    Investigators said McDougal admitted to leaving the house with Audrii last Thursday morning, but he hasn’t said whether or not she made it to her school bus. But the sheriff said he provided some clues that led to them finding her body.

    “He agreed to work with us and has taken us to certain locations,” Lyons said.

    McDougal lived in a camper behind Audrii’s father and grandmother’s home and sometimes took her to the bus stop or school if she missed it.

    “He was a friend of the family, a friend of the father, and he was allowed to live there in a trailer behind the house,” the sheriff said.

    McDougal, who has a lengthy criminal history, was previously convicted of enticing a child in Brazoria County, records obtained by KPRC 2 show.

    In March 2007, McDougal allegedly attempted to engage in sexual contact with a girl under the age of 17.

    According to a grand jury indictment, McDougal removed another female from the bed where the victim was sleeping before he got in the bed with the victim and “(pulled) her pajama bottoms and panties down.”

    A Brazoria County grand jury indicted him in July 2007 and his bond was set at $25,000 at the time.

    Charges in the case of Audrii’s disappearance have not been filed at this time.

    What’s next?

    Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton said that based on the evidence that has been gathered, they are preparing an arrest warrant for McDougal.

    Capital murder charges against McDougal are pending as the District Attorney’s Office waits on the medical examiner’s office results.

    “Based on all the evidence that law enforcement has collected, they are in the process of preparing the appropriate arrest warrants for Don Steven McDougal at this time,” Sitton said. “We believe the appropriate arrest warrant is going to be for capital murder in the death of Audrey Cunningham. He is currently still in jail under an unrelated felony charge here. I understand that this is a very difficult time for Audrey’s family and for our community.”

    This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

    RELATED:

    – Missing Livingston’s Audrii Cunningham never made it to school; When do districts notify parents?

    – Person of interest spent time in prison for sexual contact with young girl

    – What we know about ‘person of interest’ in case of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham

    – Person of interest was last person to see 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham morning of her disappearance

    – Prayer service held for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham from Livingston

    – Investigators release photo of vehicle in connection to missing Livingston 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Brittany Taylor, Re’Chelle Turner

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  • Sneak peek: Houston Rodeo installs iconic ‘Big Boot’ display

    Sneak peek: Houston Rodeo installs iconic ‘Big Boot’ display

    HOUSTON – Are you ready to boot scoot and boogie?

    The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo preparations are well underway at NRG Park.

    Along with the rides and tents being assembled on the fairgrounds, an iconic display is stepping out.

    The Reliant Big Boot was pieced together Monday morning, which is a staple for rodeo-goers. The boot stands 25-feet-tall, and weighs 23,000 pounds from spur to bootstraps!

    Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages flock to this spot to wrangle a great selfie.

    The Reliant Big Boot first debuted at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in 2016.

    You can see the Big Boot in all its glory when the Rodeo kicks off Feb. 27.

    Do you have pictures of boots from past years? We want to see them. You can submit your pictures here.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Faith Braverman

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  • GlobalFoundries to construct second plant in Malta

    GlobalFoundries to construct second plant in Malta

    MALTA, N.Y. (NEWS10) — GlobalFoundries will be building a second chip FAB plant in Malta, following a $1.5B grant awarded from the federal government. According to Senator Chuck Schumer’s Office, the company in the Captial Region will make an estimated $12B investment over the next 10+ years.

    The new plant is expected to bring in 1,500 new jobs in the area. According to the Office of Chuck Schumer, the new state-of-the-art computer chip factory will grow GlobalFoundries’ current chip manufacturing fab for the automotive industry in Malta, strengthen GlobalFoundries’ Vermont operations, and add secure capacity for essential chip manufacturing for big markets. 

    “New York State is becoming the best place on earth to build a business,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to our pro-business policies, commitment to innovation, and best-in-the-nation workforce, green jobs and high-tech manufacturers are flocking to the Empire State. This $11 billion investment from GlobalFoundries is a game changer, and with the partnership of the Biden administration, New York’s congressional delegation, and all of our local stakeholders, the best is yet to come.”

    Michael Mahar

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  • Investigators looking for SUV as search continues for missing Livingston 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham

    Investigators looking for SUV as search continues for missing Livingston 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham

    LIVINGSTON, Texas – Investigators are looking for a vehicle in connection to the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, of Livingston, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

    The vehicle is a 2003 dark blue Chevrolet Suburban. Several persons of interest are also being investigated after an Amber Alert was issued for the girl.

    During a news conference Friday afternoon, DPS officials said the Lake Livingston dam is the location of interest for their search and will be secured from the public as investigators patrol the area. The public is being asked to stay away from the area.

    Deputies will be protecting the location overnight as investigators leave the scene Friday night and will be back Saturday.

    Additional resources will be provided during Saturday’s search for Audrii.

    All agencies, including the FBI and Texas Rangers, have joined the Livingston Police Department in the search for Audrii who was last seen at her home in the 100 block of Lakeside Drive in Livingston on Feb. 15 at 7 a.m.

    On Friday, a search was launched in San Jacinto County near the Lake Livingston dam. Investigators would not give details on why they are searching in this specific area but says they are actively following leads in this case.

    The location of the dam is several miles away from where Audrii was last seen.

    DPS, local officials search dam in San Jacinto for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)

    Audrii was reportedly wearing a black hoodie, with white lettering, Hello Kitty backpack, black pants, and black high-top tennis shoes. She has blue eyes, blonde hair and is 4′1″ tall.

    Deputies said Audrii was supposed to have caught the school bus but did not. She also did not report to school.

    At 5:30 p.m., her parents alerted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and DPS and an Amber Alert was issued.

    KPRC 2 reached out to Audrii’s school to see if an alert system is in place to notify parents when a child does not attend homeroom first thing in the morning.

    According to Creekside Elementary, school officials have a parent notification system and a message was sent.

    Neighbors join search for Audrii

    Neighbors spoke with KPRC 2 Reporter Rilwan Balogun and said nearly 200 people searched the area Thursday night.

    Nearly 200 neighbors joined search for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham on Feb. 15, 2024. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)

    Persons of interest and leads being investigated

    During Friday’s news conference, DPS said they have several persons of interest being investigated. They are also following leads in this case.

    Officials are working with Crime Stoppers to get an reward issued.

    DPS officials said there are no ongoing threats to the community.

    FBI Dallas also confirmed their CARD (Child Abduction Rapid Deployment) team has been deployed to assist in the investigation.

    Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 936-327-6810.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Ana Gonzalez, Brittany Taylor

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  • 7 middle school students at New Caney ISD hospitalized after ingesting THC-laced gummies

    7 middle school students at New Caney ISD hospitalized after ingesting THC-laced gummies

    HOUSTON – Several middle school students at Keefer Crossing Middle School were hospitalized Tuesday afternoon after ingesting THC-laced gummies, according to officials with New Caney Independent School District.

    The seven students were taken to Texas Children’s Hospital and Kingwood Hospital.

    New Caney ISD police said the gummies were brought to the school by a student. The gummies have tested positive for THC.

    According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, THC is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two varieties.

    Parents and guardians of the students involved were notified, police said.

    RELATED: Mother who lost son to overdose offers advice to parents after New Caney middle schoolers hospitalized from THC gummies

    District officials said they cannot comment further as this is an active investigation.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Brittany Taylor

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  • Proposed legislation on short-term rentals in Saratoga Springs

    Proposed legislation on short-term rentals in Saratoga Springs

    SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 20 at 6 p.m. at Saratoga Springs City Hall regarding short-term residential rentals in the City. The proposed legislation looks to regulate short-term rental uses in the city.

    Under the new legislation, for short-term residential rental properties, only owner-occupied properties will be eligible for short-term rentals and require valid inspection and permit records from the city fire department and accounts office. It would also require compliance with occupancy limits and property maintenance codes and mandate registration of all short-term rentals with the City.

    The new legislation would require all short-term rental owners to have a revocable permit before renting out their property. Applicants must provide proof of ownership, comply with safety standards, pay applicable fees, and submit a detailed application including information, property details, insurance, and inspection reports.

    The proposed legislation can be viewed in full below.

    Michael Mahar

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  • Several New Waverly Intermediate students taken to hospital after possible ‘stink bomb’ released inside gym class

    Several New Waverly Intermediate students taken to hospital after possible ‘stink bomb’ released inside gym class

    NEW WAVERLY, Texas – Several students at New Waverly Intermediate were checked out by EMS and firefighters after they reported feeling sick, according to Waverly Independent School District.

    About 40 students were in first-period gym class when they started to complain of an odor, officials said. The staff also smelled the odor.

    Students described the odor as a “super bad” or “poop” smell and suffered from scratchy throats and nausea.

    Superintendent Darol Hail said less than 10 students were taken by ambulance to local hospitals. He said “a couple” of students were taken to the hospital by their parents.

    Firefighters ran carbon monoxide and gas detector tests. Both came back negative, Hail said.

    Montgomery County officials bought a portable air quality test machine and those results also came back negative.

    An electrician and plumbing company did not find anything as well.

    Hail said there’s no evidence but it is possible a student set off some type of stink bomb as a prank.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Brittany Taylor

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  • Daffodil Days presented by American Cancer Society

    Daffodil Days presented by American Cancer Society

    ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The American Cancer Society is presenting Daffodil Days. According to the American Cancer Society’s website, participants can order daffodils and tulips by Sunday, February 18 online to help save lives, celebrate lives, and share hope for a world without cancer.

    According to the American Cancer Society, the daffodil is a symbol of hope, being the first flower of spring. A bunch of tulips for $15, potted mini daffodils for $15, and a gift of hope donation for $25 are all available, as well as additional donations anyone would like to make.

    All daffodils and tulips will be available for pickup from 1 Penny Lane in Latham the week of March 18. For more information, you can email Brendan Egan at brendan.egan@cancer.org, or call (518) 504-3931.

    Michael Mahar

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