📰 This Week in Investigations: High school athletes, water meter tips, and Houston ISD updates

🚨 Hey, Crime Buffs — We’re Back for Week 4! 👀🔍

HOUSTON, Texas – Can you believe it’s been a whole month of us bringing you the inside scoop from our newsroom? We’ve been diving deep into some riveting investigative stories, and I’m excited to keep the momentum going!

This week, we’ve uncovered some jaw-dropping investigations that you won’t want to miss.

So, let’s dive right in!

We’ll recap all the exciting happenings today, reflect on the week’s highlights, and give you a sneak peek of what’s coming up next week. Ready? Let’s go! 🚀

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🔦 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: What’s Unfolding Today

Get the scoop on the latest investigation shaking up Houston.

🔥 We’re kicking off this week with a story you absolutely can’t miss!

Tonight at 6 p.m., KPRC 2 anchor Daniella Guzman will be talking to homeowners who say they were tricked into signing contracts that give a company exclusive rights to list their property, all for a small upfront payment. Ever heard of predatory listing agreements? Also known as right-to-list agreements, these contracts can tie homeowners to a company for up to 40 years in exchange for that initial payment.

You might be wondering, “Is this even legal?”

Well, in several states, lawmakers have passed bills to make these agreements illegal or at least difficult to enforce in court. Unfortunately, here in Texas, we don’t have any legal protections against these practices, yet!

But there’s hope on the horizon! Two bills are currently making their way through the Texas legislature aimed at banning predatory listing agreements.

• Texas bills seek to end predatory listing agreements

💥 Throwback Truth: The Investigations That Keep Echoing

👂 Remember those noisy neighbors we mentioned last week? KPRC 2 Investigates reporter Joel Eisenbaum has been digging deeper into the situation, chatting with neighbors, an attorney, and even short-term rental owners about the changes on the horizon, as well as the rights of STR owners and homeowners.

One KPRC 2 viewer shared how his peaceful life in Lake Houston was turned upside down by the constant influx of short-term renters next door. Frustrated, he felt compelled to take matters into his own hands. Unfortunately, without any deed restrictions against such rentals and with Houston’s new ordinance permitting them, he and his neighbors find themselves with limited legal options.

• ‘Just seemed like we’d moved into a mob neighborhood’: Neighbor frustrated over short-term rentals in neighborhood

To make matters more complicated, an attorney representing the rental owners has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the homeowner, urging a peaceful resolution. Plus, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled in favor of property owners’ rights to lease their homes short-term, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

• Houston’s new short-term rental ordinance: What businesses need to know and when it takes effect

We also had an exclusive chat with an owner and operator of over 10 short-term rentals across the Houston area. He shared his thoughts on the new ordinance, his concerns, and what the future holds for short-term rentals in our community.

• ‘I feel like it’s kind of unfair’: Short-term rental owners in Houston brace for new registration requirements and fees

💧 Have you recently been hit with a sky-high water bill and want to check your meter for leaks? But when you get to that new meter box, you’re left scratching your head on how to open it? Don’t worry; you’re not alone!

Many of our KPRC 2 viewers are facing the same challenge. Thankfully, our own Amy Davis, who kicked off the investigation into Houston’s water department and has helped thousands save money on their high water bills during our “DRAINED” series, is here to guide you every step of the way. She’s even breaking it down to the basics, like how to open those tricky new meter boxes!

Want to learn more? Check out the full story below!

• Houston water customers can’t open new water meter boxes, here’s how to do it

🌟 Amy is always looking out for our viewers, even when she’s busy exposing crime across the city. Recently, one of our viewers asked how to find out if an adult care facility is properly licensed. Amy spotted this question through the KPRC 2 Help Desk and jumped right in to investigate.

She uncovered exactly how you can ensure your loved one is receiving the best care possible. Curious to learn more? Check out the full story below!

• Finding the best care facility for your loved ones, how to check past issues

🏆 Do you have a high school athlete in your family? If so, get ready for some exciting changes on the horizon!

Texas legislators are now considering a measure that could grant high school athletes the same rights as their college counterparts.

• How these 2 Texas bills could change the game for high school athletes

KPRC 2 anchor Keith Garvin discovered that this could mean big money for some students and significant changes for the entire state. Stay tuned for more updates!

• Paid to play? Potential big earnings for high school athletes

But landing those contracts is just the beginning! The next big focus will be on how students manage the money they receive. KPRC 2 has shared valuable information on how student athletes can prepare financially for these contracts and what steps to take once they actually receive the funds.

• Texas high school athletes could face financial literacy challenges with new NIL opportunities

🔍 ON THE TRAIL: What We’re Digging Into Next

A sneak peek at the stories we’re chasing — and why you’ll want to stay tuned in.

Wow, we’ve covered a lot, haven’t we? No worries—we’re keeping the momentum going with even more stories next week!

Kicking things off on Monday, KPRC 2 Investigative Reporter Robert Arnold is back with a crucial investigation into the National Weather Service’s emergency broadcast system, which has been silent since a fire took it offline in March.

With hurricane season just around the corner, Robert is digging into when the emergency transmitter will be back up and running and why it’s taken so long to fix.

Stay tuned!

But wait, there’s more! On Wednesday, Investigative Reporter Mario Diaz will bring you an update on the Houston ISD story we broke back in February.

• Houston ISD approved $2M to campaign for the massive failed bond. Was it legal?

You may remember that the district approved a $2 million initiative to hire campaign consultants for a $4 billion bond proposal that ultimately didn’t pass.

The big question now is whether that $2 million was spent according to the rules.

That’s a wrap for this week, folks! We’ll see you next week, same time and place. Can’t wait! 😂