A tense debate during Commissioners Court took a turn when Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis revealed he had initially considered including language addressing a controversial social media post from President Donald Trump.
Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey sharply criticized Judge Lina Hidalgo on Tuesday, calling her claims against the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo “unfounded” and defending the organization during a tense Harris County Commissioners Court meeting.
If passed, the policy would be the first for a Texas county. Some cities and school districts have similar policies.
A historic hospital in Houston’s Third Ward is getting new life nearly 100 years after it first opened during segregation.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, joined by Commissioner Rodney Ellis, will visit Lincoln Park Community Center in Precinct One on Monday.
Former Harris County Judge and Texas state senator Jon Lindsay has died, according to a statement released by a former colleague, Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
The former Houston ISD superintendent was the first Black person to lead the Department of Education and helped launch the No Child Left Behind Act.
Governor Greg Abbott will speak in Houston Tuesday with Eli Lilly leaders to announce a major economic development initiative through Texas’ JETI and Enterprise Fund programs.
A total of 15 projects that have not yet broken down are closed for now. 26 more projects that have started are being put on hold. The county said 75 projects that are under construction will be completed, but also made it clear that 54 are officially done.
After the Houston Police Department boosted pay for officers, agencies across the region are scrambling to keep up and keep their people from leaving for better-paying departments.
Remember the African Art that was being stored in a Harris County maintenance shed by Commissioner Rodney Ellis at the expense of taxpayers? We are still tracking the latest updates on whether it will be sold or not.
A guaranteed income program meant to help struggling families in Harris County is officially over, following a legal challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials and Commissioner Rodney Ellis announced Tuesday the EPA’s soil test results for the Julia C. Hester House/ Solo Street Greenspace in the Greater Fifth Ward area.
Harris County employees and contracted employees could soon see a nice bump in their paychecks.
Harris County employees and contracted employees could soon see a nice bump in their paychecks.
A leader in the Sunnyside community and advocate of the Sunnyside Solar Farm, Efrem Jernigan, has passed away on Janaury 21 after a years long battle with cancer. He was 62.
Harris County officials, including Commissioner Rodney Ellis, are emphasizing the importance of enrolling in health insurance options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) before the January 15 deadline.
It remains one of the strangest things KPRC 2 Investigates has uncovered in recent years. A massive private African art collection secretly stored inside of an old Harris County maintenance shed.
Starting Tuesday, Harris County is offering low-interest loans from the $17 million Harris County Opportunity Fund to support small businesses.
The county plans to ID eligible voters and send them registration forms. GOP officials say it’s an end-run around state law.
Reflections on the late Congresswoman from Houston's lie will also come from her children as well as local and national leaders.
Over four-and-a-half years after KPRC 2 Investigates exposed well over a thousand pieces of African Art from a private art collection that was being stored in a Harris County maintenance shed, the art is set to be sold to the highest bidder on Thursday.
Federal and local officials, including Bishop James Dixon, Congressman Al Green, and representatives from the offices of Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, will provide updates on recovery efforts at NRG Park following Hurricane Beryl.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis is expected to propose a significant change to the county's minimum wage policy, aiming to extend the $ 15-an-hour wage increase to all employees, including contracted workers.
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles is calling allegations that he diverted Texas school money to his charter schools in Colorado “irresponsibly inaccurate.”
“Harris County officials cannot continue to abuse their power and the people’s money to score political points, and we will fight every step of the way to hold them accountable," Paxton said in a press statement.
The NAACP Houston Branch and partners held a news conference Wednesday to announce their support for Uplift Harris, a pilot program to help low-income households in Harris County.
Harris County officials responded to a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over the county’s Uplift Harris program.
A program meant to help Harris County residents living below the federal poverty line is being criticized by the Texas Attorney General, saying it's "unconstitutional."
KPRC 2 Investigates uncovered the secretly stored art in a Harris County maintenance shed. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent to makeover the shed and store art under the control of Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
Applicants for the pilot program to help low-income residents living below the poverty line in Harris County will be notified on their status by March 22, 2024
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Harris County Public Health Executive Director Barbie Robinson will discuss Uplift Harris a day before eligible households can start applying for the guaranteed income program.
Harris County Officials are announcing a resolution on Tuesday to apologize to the families of Camp Logan soldiers who were killed and beaten during the Camp Logan Riot.
The World Youth Foundation hosted its 33rd Annual Seeds of Gratitude celebration in Houston on Sunday.
Texas Republicans passed measures this year to eliminate Harris County’s top election job and give the Republican secretary of state power to take oversight of elections in Houston.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis plans to ask the commissioner’s court to add $7.7 million to a buyout program to provide repeat flood victims – including undocumented immigrants - with more money for relocation.
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher is holding a news conference on Tuesday to discuss the $1.4 million in federal funding that will help Harris County’s Black Maternal and Child Health Program.
Officials in Harris County announced Wednesday their intent to sue the state of Texas over a pair of controversial bills which would impact elections in the county.
Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones joined Harris County Public Health to announce a two-day Maternal & Child Health Conference at NRG Center.
Judge Lina Hidalgo released data Wednesday showing an alarming increase in youth gun violence in Harris County.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis among several Houston-area healthcare experts will announce a $6 million reproductive health care access fund on Monday.
In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Gideon v. Wainwright that the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of a right to a lawyer applies to criminal defendants. Together with the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, The Texas Tribune hosted a series of conversations Friday on public defense in Texas.
County health officials are helping patients who have been hurt in these incidents through their “Hospital Violence Interruption Program” at Ben Taub Hospital.
Harris County Judge Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis joined local leaders Tuesday morning to announce that $31.6 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help expand the county’s workforce training efforts, according to the county judge.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and Commissioner Rodney Ellis, along with City of Houston will hold the third Gun Buyback event on Saturday.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced that they will host a gun buyback on Feb. 18 at Deussen Park.
Harris County commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia, along with Harris County Toll Road Director Roberto Trevino, announced a new proposal Tuesday aimed at helping local drivers feel less burn due to the hike in inflation. Officials said the county will soon be cutting toll rates by 10 percent.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Qatar Harvey Fund (QHF) officials and health experts will provide updates on the multimillion-dollar renovation project at the historic Riverside General Hospital, which will reportedly house Harris Public Health and other vital health-related services.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and domestic violence advocates will announce a $4.7 million Domestic Violence Assistance Fund to help victims.
In response to some deplorable living conditions in rental housing in Harris County, Commissioner Rodney Ellis announced a newly approved Tenant Protection Policy on Wednesday.
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle outlined a proposed tax reform plan Tuesday that he calls a “compromise” to break a stalemate over the property tax rate.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Harris County Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum will hold a press conference Monday to encourage eligible residents to register to vote by using guidance provided by the Elections Administration Office.
This weekend marks the 23rd annual Sales Tax Holiday in the state of Texas. The holiday, created in 1999 by Commissioner Rodney Ellis, is intended to help parents who may be short on cash to get what their child needs for the school year.
On Wednesday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis and members of the U.S. Congress announced a multi-million dollar initiative for Harris County’s youngest residents -- Brighter Futures for Harris County Kids.
Harris County Commissioners met Tuesday to discuss and consider putting a $1.2 billion bond measure on the November ballot. The measure passed 3-2 late Tuesday night.
Mayor Sylvester Turner’s One Safe Houston initiative will hold a Gun Buyback program at the end of the month.
Leaders from the Houston area say they’re floored by conditions at the Sterlingshire Apartments complex, so they say they’re helping residents know their rights, and that help is on the way.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis will hold a news conference Tuesday morning calling for a special session to address the ongoing gun violence among children.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee held a vigil and a rally on Monday evening to raise awareness and demand the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner.
Houston area leaders hosted a prayer vigil Thursday afternoon to honor the 10 Black people who were killed at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo will introduce a resolution Tuesday to Harris County Commissioners Court opposing the draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion striking down Roe v. Wade.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s Office announced Thursday that it will announce an initiative aimed at reducing crime across Harris County.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and clean air advocates called on President Joe Biden and the Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday morning to enact safeguards to reduce pollution from the W.A. Parish Generating Station and other power plants in Texas.
In a 3-2 vote, Harris County Commissioners approved a resolution to protect transgender children and their families.
The Harris County Republican party is holding a press conference Wednesday to call for an independent elections overseer following the resignation of Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria.
They are rejoicing in Harris County with historic news to tell. An institution that has been a major support to churches like Wheeler Avenue Baptist, restaurants, barber shops, and other businesses over seven decades is celebrating another milestone -- a first of its kind partnership.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez highlighted the county’s new “Clean Streets, Safe Neighborhoods” program in a news conference Wednesday morning.
Houston Police Chief Finner Troy Finner did not hold back Thursday night while talking about violent criminals in the city.
For the first time in the past two years, the Harris County jury selections process will be moving back to downtown Houston.
Community college and school district officials will join Commissioners Rodney Ellis, Adrian Garcia and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Wednesday to announce a $200,000 Disparity Study Fund.
Harris County Treasurer Dylan Osborne, along with Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Rodney Ellis, and Unity National Bank President and CEO Michael Pearson announced Thursday afternoon a historic partnership with the minority-owned bank.
Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis will mark the completion of the Cleburne Street improvement project Monday morning.
An 11-yea-old boy is recovering after he was hit by a speeding truck while crossing the street.
Harris County commissioners are calling for a thorough investigation into what went wrong Friday night at the Astro World Festival.
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Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Wayne Young of the Harris Center for Mental Health unveiled a community-based mental health care initiative coming to Harris County residents in targeted areas Tuesday.
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Harris County residents offered their take Thursday on proposals to redraw district lines for the four precincts that comprise the county.
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The massive private African art collection inside of a county maintenance shed in Precinct One sits still, two weeks after movers were allowed to start showing up.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of former Texas Gov. Ann Richards’ inauguration, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis will highlight "50 “Ann Banners” on display in downtown Houston.
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In this day and age, it’s hard to believe anyone would think they could get away with doing something shady because there are cameras everywhere! This week our KPRC 2 Investigates team obtained video of trash workers clearly NOT doing the job they were hired to do in one community. Neighbors there are MAD! You might be too when you see our investigation. Plus, Investigator Mario Diaz learned new information about that county shed full of expensive African art. And, a driver was left stranded after getting bad gas. Why is it so hard to find help?
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Judge Lina Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner and other public safety and health officials introduced two programs to reduce crime and improve community safety at an event on Monday.
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The Houston Texans are teaming with the NFL Foundation and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to award $450,000 to renovate and resurface the athletic field at Yates High School.
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The federal government blocked an attempt to rename these places 30 years ago when Texas passed a law to eliminate the term. Now, lawmakers are once again pushing for the change.
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We are updating our investigation by showing the latest discovery by KPRC2 Investigates regarding the private art collection stored on the taxpayers' dime.
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HOUSTON – Harris County is providing $550,000 to help combat food insecurity. The Harris County Healthy Food Financing Initiative will increase the availability of fresh and nutritious food in underserved communities by funding innovative solutions through community partners, the county announced Wednesday in a press release. Here is how the organizations plan to allocate the grant:HOPE Clinic : Teach restauranteurs to prepare healthy food for their menus. Houston Food Bank : Increase food pantry capacity and SNAP enrollment. Kristen House, Houston Food Bank Partner Capacity Manager, said:On behalf of Houston Food Bank, we are so grateful and excited to start working with our partners on HFB’s new Targeted Enhanced Partner Capacity Project.
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HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee made a demand Thursday for TxDOT to take residents and the environment into consideration in the agency’s plan to expand Interstate 45. The $7.5 billion expansion project aims to increase the capacity of the freeway to handle traffic through downtown up Greater Greenspoint. Members of the group know, as Stop TxDOT I-45 applauded the county attorney’s decision to file suit. Good for them,” said STOP TxDOT I-45 founder, Susan Graham. The following is a statement, from TxDOT Executive Director James Bass, on the Harris County lawsuit regarding the NHHIP:“TxDOT has not yet received a copy of the lawsuit.
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More than two years after Harris County voters overwhelmingly approved a $2.5 billion flood control bond, the county announced Tuesday that it is $1.4 billion short. Many of the hundreds of original projects remain unfinished, including in some of the most economically disadvantaged communities. “Halls and Greens, the two poorest watersheds in the county -- they’re basically left out of the process,” said Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia in Commissioner’s Court. “It doesn’t add up at all,” said former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “The commissioner’s court needs to fix it,” said State Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Dist.
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