A community is joining together to help clean up a messy area in Houston. Earlier this month, KPRC 2 reporter Bill Spencer investigated complaints from Fifth Ward residents about several overgrown lots. Since then, a good Samaritan stepped in to help and the City of Houston made good on its promise to remove other debris.

In a mission now spanning over a decade, KPRC 2 and Investigative Reporter Bill Spencer have partnered with the Cody Stephens Foundation to bring heart testing for young adults.

We've got some thrilling investigations shaking up the Houston scene.

Have you ever wondered what's inside Houston's most mysterious home, famously known as the 'Darth Vader House'?

Whether you are looking to change careers or need help starting out, there are many opportunities for training in the Houston area. From learning English to gaining new skills for the workforce, KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer details free options for personal or professional growth.

On an early December morning, Joy Morris begins her day as she always does—by helping others. Her husband, Henry, is completely disabled after suffering a massive stroke and a near-fatal brain aneurysm. Joy has become his full-time caregiver, sacrificing her own career to support him through his recovery.

This past May, a powerful storm known as a derecho swept through Houston, bringing tornado-force winds, rain, and thunder. It was during this storm that Isaac’s wife, Christin, tragically lost her life. As the storm raged on, Christin ran to move her car to safer ground. In a cruel twist of fate, a massive tree fell on the car, taking her life instantly.

This holiday season, the spirit of giving has touched the heart of a small town in Texas. Meet Jesse Martinez, a devoted single father of four, who faced the heartbreaking loss of his wife.

This holiday season, the Spencer Solves It team, led by Bill Spencer, delivered a Christmas miracle to Kaitlin Sherrod and her seven children in Highlands, Texas.

It’s that time of year again when The Spencer Solves It team launches their Christmas Miracles Project to help needy families. This year we added to the ‘Spencer Solves It’ team, having the entire KPRC 2 family pitching in to help.

As we enter the holiday season, nonprofit and community organizations are stepping up to help families in need with toy drives, food assistance, utility relief, and more. Bill and the team compiled a list of groups offering critical support to make the holidays brighter for everyone.

Ahead to President-elect Donald Trump’s second term in the White House with GOP control of the House, the Senate, and a conservative majority on the Supreme Court. We’ll talk about any legal pushback over policies or appointments to key positions in his administration.

The newly hired principal at Houston ISD’s Harvard Elementary School has stepped down before officially starting the job.

In an inspiring show of community support, former Army Sergeant Lonnie McCaskill and her family received much-needed repairs to their minivan, thanks to KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer, the Spencer Solves It team and Christian Brothers Automotive.

An army veteran and her family forced to walk everywhere - left without a van and unable to make repairs. KPRC’s Bill Spencer helps solve an awful problem for one Houston family.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and the Spencer Solves It Team is back with their heartwarming Christmas Miracles Project! For the ninth year, Bill Spencer and his team are ready to rescue Christmas for five families who have faced unimaginable hardships. Could it be you?

A Houston-area family was left horrified Tuesday morning, after two armed robbers disguised as delivery drivers forced their way into their home. The shooting led to two suspects being arrested and an officer being shot in the leg.

Road rage problems continue to be a violent and growing problem for everyone driving on Houston roads.

Different colors absorb the sun’s rays at different wavelengths. Darker colors—such as what you see with asphalt—absorb better and hold in more heat. This causes hard, nonporous pavements, like asphalt and concrete, to heat up more than grass.

Houston - you answered the call for help in a big way for a Missouri City woman. KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer told us about a woman who was living in a home with serious damage after a car slammed into the living room. She was desperate for help, and called Bill Spencer. An entire team of people stepped up.

Parents, get ready to save! Texas' tax-free weekend is just around the corner, from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11. What’s on your back-to-school shopping list? Let us know in the comments!

A massive windstorm, combined with heavy rains, ripped through Angleton on March 15, tearing down trees and pulling entire buildings apart. One homeowner ended up with a huge repair bill and she contacted KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer for help.

Tired of going to the grocery store and overspending? Well, here are some ways you can save big on your next grocery store visit!

We’ve warned you before: some contractors use big weather events to try and rip people off. You have to be careful. KPRC 2 Investigator bill spencer has what you need to know before hiring a contractor.

Deborah Tony, 64, was alone with her dog when she heard an unbelievable crashing sound and realized her roof was torn off.

Spencer Solves It steps in to help 79-year-old Mrs. Lorraine Baly, whose house was severely damaged when a car crashed into it.

Doing an estate sale for your family can be a stressful and often emotional thing as you say goodbye to memories, often after saying goodbye to your loved one. KPRC 2 Investigator Bill Spencer spent months tracking down a woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from families in the Houston area. Spencer has heard from more families who say they were also victims.

If you are shopping for a new home right now, you already know interest rates have skyrocketed to an average of 7.36%. What would you say if we told you that you could get a mortgage for a rate of 3%? There is a way. Investigative reporter Bill Spencer shows us how, with the help from a husband and wife who just used an assumable mortgage to buy a home.

A high school student from Shepherd ISD suffered a cardiac episode during gym class and later passed away. Shepherd ISD sent a notice out to parents this week. You may know KPRC 2’s Bill Spencer is passionate about heart screening for teens. First, here’s more on what the district says happened to the teen student this week.

Ted Rossman, a credit expert with bankrate.com, says credit card debt now stands at a staggering $1.18 trillion in this country, with 49% of all credit card users carrying that debt month after month.

Discover the inspiring story of Bill Spencer, a true hero who combats cybercrime with determination and unwavering dedication.

Road rage problems continue to be a violent and growing problem for everyone driving on Houston roads.

💰 Zelle Scandal Unveiled: Houston Women Lose Thousands 💸In a shocking turn of events, two Houston women fell victim to a massive Zelle scam that drained their bank accounts. 😱 Despite reporting the fraud immediately, Chase Bank denied any wrongdoing and refused to reimburse their loss. Join KPRC 2 Investigator Bill Spencer at 6 PM tonight as he dives deep into this alarming issue.

Healthcare for your family is something you may be able to save big on. KPRC2 Investigates looks into three ways to smash traditional healthcare models to offer all of us, even those without insurance, affordable care.

Amy Sharp and Jason Leopard are in the middle of a battle they never dreamed they would be in. They were ripped off by an estate sale company. Bill Spencer looks into what you should do if you have a similar problem.

A look at the top 25 worst roads in Houston according the Houston Public Works Department.

Are you a victim of potholes in the Houston area? Have you had to reroute and commute a longer distance to avoid damaged roads in the Houston area?

In a mission now spanning over a decade, KPRC 2 and Investigative Reporter Bill Spencer have partnered with the Cody Stephens Foundation to bring about a positive change in the lives of teen athletes. Their joint efforts, dedicated to preventing tragic incidents related to undetected heart defects, recently culminated in a heart screening event that delivered results beyond expectations.

KPRC 2 and Cody Stephens Foundation’s partnership delivers lifesaving results as 313 teen athletes receive free heart screenings, uncovering critical abnormalities.

The supermarket specializing in Filipino foods is the first Seafood City to open in the state of Texas.

They say that music can touch your soul and heal your wounds. If that’s true, then the Hill family of Houston, with eight children, has needed music in the worst way just to heal.

Road rage problems continue to be a violent and growing problem for everyone driving on Houston roads.

For more than a decade, KPRC 2 and Bill Spencer have partnered with the Cody Stephens Foundation to offer life-saving heart screenings that are free of charge.

It’s that time of year again when The Spencer Solves It Team launches their Christmas Miracles Project to help needy families.

Hair stylist Dee Foster holds all she has left of her $40,000, specially equipped, mobile hair salon while shaking her head in disbelief.

KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer is helping you drastically cut costs on some of your biggest expenses by giving you solutions that really work.

Over the past year auto insurance rates are up a whopping 15%. Investigator Bill Spencer has five solutions to help you slash your car insurance bill. Bill managed to cut one woman’s bill by two-thirds saving her thousands of dollars.

An 88-year-old woman who reached out to the Spencer Solves It team earlier this year about a bee infestation inside her home will finally receive the help she needs on Tuesday.

Record high mortgage rates and high home prices has made it tough for people to afford the dream of a new home. Investigator Bill Spencer did all of the homework for us to find the top best places to buy a home in the Houston area right now.

Houston-area housing prices are going down if you’re in the market for a new home.

It was a tension-filled night Thursday as armed officers mounted a mechanical crane-like device, were raised to the second level of a northeast Harris County home, and came face-to-face with a wanted suspect, leaving him with nowhere to run. This move brought an end to a nearly six-hour standoff for a man accused of trying to kill at least four law enforcement officers, according to authorities.

KPRC 2's Bill Spencer chats with 'Outlander' actor Sam Heughan.

As we start another school year, one big concern for parents is security in the schools. We are looking into four devices made to stop an intruder from entering the classroom.

In the wake of the mass shooting in Uvalde, parents, teachers, and school districts are working to find ways to keep classrooms secure.

Online shopping has revolutionized the way we buy, never has it been so easy to get whatever you want with just a few clicks of your mouse and a credit card number. But returning unwanted items can be misery. Investigator Bill Spencer has three of the easiest ways to return online purchases to save us all stress, time and money.

With the help of the Spencer Solves It team, Arrington is getting his house remodeled, and we’re taking you with us through the entire process. Get updates throughout the day Thursday on Click2Houston.com, KPRC 2, and KPRC 2+.

A lawsuit has been filed a day after the deadly fire at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Texas City.

As Christopher Katthage was riding his motorcycle, he suddenly lost control and hit the guard wall on an exit ramp above Highway 288. He was sent flying over the overpass into oncoming traffic, and in the process, his right leg was torn off.

You already know what illegal drugs like cocaine, opioids and marijuana look like, but have you seen the sneaky, new devices kids are using to hide drugs from their parents?

It was a cold, cold day in February and 85-year-old Suza Walker said she was struggling to fill her crock pot full of cold water.

Can you imagine, you get into your car and drive home and all the while someone is tracking you, able to follow you wherever you go, using a cheap, tiny device no bigger than a quarter?

The controversy and anger surrounding girls on the Splendora High School softball teams being given jerseys that say “I achieved failure” continues.

Every year, KPRC 2′s Spencer Solves It Team brings a boatload of Christmas cheer to families in need in the Houston area with Christmas Miracles Week. Meet a family from Houston who is having a hard time making ends as their family unexpectedly grows.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing - and so are thieves, working hard to trick you. More people are already being targeted by mail delivery schemes. Amy Davis explains you should know to protect both your packages and your personal information.

The Spencer Solves It team is looking for five families who have had a horrible year and are now facing the fact they will not have enough money to provide their children with presents or any kind of Christmas celebration. Then Bill will gift those families with 2,500 dollars to buy gifts and also with brand new bicycles for all of their children.

Gut issues, headaches and even just feeling tired could all be signs you are eating something that doesn’t agree with you. Do you have a food sensitivity that is impacting your health?

Healthcare for your family is something you may be able to save big on. KPRC2 Investigates looks into three ways to smash traditional healthcare models to offer all of us, even those without insurance, affordable care.

A weekly wrap of the stories our KPRC 2 Investigates team is working on. Highlights include an investigation into a pool contractor accused of stealing from families. We also have the latest on the COVID fraud investigation and a look at thefts of guns in vehicles in Houston.

Investigator Bill Spencer is known for tracking down shady contractors. Hear from two families who say they lost thousands of dollars after hiring a man to put a pool in their backyard. Plus, three things you should do before hiring any contractors for your home.

Dymetra Ivanov has started a donation drive to collect blankets, clothing, medical supplies and food for those people unable to flee Ukraine. People like his parents, Uri and Natalia.

KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer is an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist, beloved husband and a dedicated cat dad, but did you know he is also the station’s reigning king of cameos?

Scott and Jacklyn Fields are both battling horrific, health issues and big financial trouble. Now the couple has no car to get them to and from the doctor's office. The Spencer Solves It Team is going to work to help.

Some travel experts are comparing this coming spring break to a prison break. It makes sense when you consider that millions of Americans have been cooped-up in their homes because of COVID-19 restrictions for far too long and many are just now ready to break free and take a real vacation.

It is fair to say many of you have credit cards, but did you know the average amount of credit card debt people carry around is nearly $6,000?

Weekly wrap of the stories our KPRC 2 Investigates team is working on this week.

You won't want to miss some must-see footage of Bill Spencer sacrificing his pants in his quest to tackle interest rates.

Washing dishes inside her tiny apartment, Demitra Johnson is now thinking hard. Not about her job, not about the day ahead, not about what she will do next, but about her beautiful, brave, little boy, Devarjaye, who for the last five years, has been battling terminal brain and spinal cancer.

KPRC 2 reporter Bill Spencer does not have a wardrobe malfunction -- his ties were cut for a reason.

Spencer Solves It team works to get thousands of dollars in dental work done for veteran

KPRC 2 Consumer Investigator Bill Spencer has what you need to know to avoid getting ripped off. In the midst of a weather emergency throughout Texas, 46-year-old Tamika Thomas is frightened. I don’t have no $1,200,” Thomas said. Burst water pipes are a problem many Houstonians will be facing over the next several days. If you have had a pipe or pipes burst inside your home, a certified plumber told Spencer you should expect to pay anywhere between $250 and $650 for repairs.

HOUSTON – It is the holiday season, the happiest season of the year, in a year like no other we have ever seen before. As they have for years now, the Spencer Solves It team is working hard to identify five incredibly deserving families to deliver a holiday miracle. Nomination FormYou can also nominate your own family if you like. Let’s make this holiday season an unforgettable one for a truly, needy family that is in danger of missing out on the celebration. Then, right before Christmas, watch KPRC 2 for five full days of Christmas miracles.

Some people have lost their jobs as part of the economic downturn, meaning they have also lost their health insurance. So what are people without insurance to do about health care in the midst of a pandemic? Here are some of their tips to finding affordable health care in the Houston area. Urgent care clinics are also a lower-cost option over hospitals for some major things such as broken bones. Virtual appointments are a great way to cut down on health care costs.

HOUSTON Two Houston-area COVID-19 testing sites at Butler and Delmar stadiums ran out of tests within just a few hours of opening Friday morning. With the new coronavirus spike, more people are looking to get tested and the increased demand is leading to some difficulty in finding a testing location. KPRC 2s Bill Spencer talked to a person who felt like trying to get tested for COVID-19 in Houston was a nightmarish situation. If you would like to ask questions or register for COVID-19 testing in the city of Houston, you can call 832-393-4220 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

But there are qualified people still waiting for their stimulus money. According to Channel 2 Consumer Investigator Bill Spencer, here are four things you can do that might help you get your stimulus money faster:Sign up for the stimulus programIf you haven’t already, go to the IRS payment portal and see if you qualify for a payment. Make sure you use direct depositIf you have a bank account, make sure you choose direct deposit for your payment. You’re more likely to get your money faster than having a check sent in the mail. 2nd District - Rep. Dan Crenshaw7th District - Rep. Lizzie Fletcher8th District - Rep. Kevin Brady9th District - Rep. Al Green10th District - Rep. Mike McCaul14th District - Rep. Randy Weber18th District - Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee22nd District - Rep. Pete Olson29th District - Rep. Sylvia Garcia36th District - Rep. Brian Babin

HOUSTON – A massive food distribution event by the Houston Independent School District and the Houston Food Bank was originally supposed to take place Saturday at NRG Park. But, severe weather threw a wrench in those plans and families in need were left waiting to collect food. Houstonians flocked to the rescheduled event Monday afternoon and it highlighted that thousands of Houston families are still struggling from the shockwaves of coronavirus closures that left millions in Texas without jobs. Even as Texas continues to reopen, Houstonians have not yet bounced back. KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer was at the event.

She survived Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey and breast cancer. At 59 years old, Annette Ryskala is what you’d call a survivor. For a time, after losing her job, Annette lived on the street, completely homeless. The team connected Annette with Randy Hartley, one of Bill’s Brigades most generous benefactors who helped the team on over 20 different projects. Hartley offered to pay her rent for a few months and pay for $2,000 towards her mountain of medical bills.

The Atomic Charge Wallet claims to double your battery capacity. Spencer's leather wallet is stuffed to about twice the size of the Atomic Charge Wallet. Once her phone battery was at 50 percent, Davis connected the Atomic Charge Wallet to her Samsung 7 with the mini USB cable that came with the product. You can find the Atomic Charge Wallet for about $20 online, but for that price you should probably just invest in a larger, more reliable portable battery that you can carry with you and charge your phone when needed. Either way, you will have to remember to charge the wallet or the portable battery because they will drain, too.

Published: May 11, 2018, 10:52 amHOUSTON – KPRC2 celebrated Barbara Heitman Friday. She raised two children, grandchildren and a lot of friends who adore her. Barbara’s daughter, Suzanne, nominated her mother, who has struggled with Alzheimer’s disease in recent years. Channel 2 reporter Bill Spencer organized a mother-daughter day of pampering to honor Barbara and her amazing family.

HOUSTON – KPRC's Bill Spencer makes his weekly rounds to restaurants in town to make sure they are keeping up to the health standards in Houston. Click here for other Restaurant Report Card recapsClick through the slideshow to see which restaurants violated the health department standards this week. PHOTOS: Restaurant Report Card: March 8, 2018Full Screen 1 / 4File: Chatter’s Café & Bistro restaurant report March 8, 2018File: Hyderabad House restaurant report March 8, 2018File: Jenni’s Noodle House restaurant report March 8, 2018File: Subway restaurant report March 8, 2018

HOUSTON – KPRC's Bill Spencer makes his weekly rounds to restaurants in town to make sure they are keeping up to the health standards in Houston. Click here for other Restaurant Report Card recaps. Click through the slideshow to see which restaurants violated the health department standards this week. File: REPORT - Chuanr Plus - 9889 BellaireFile: REPORT - Antojitos Chapines & El Taurino - 5857 S. GessnerFile: REPORT - China Border Restaurant - 10718 North FreewayFile: REPORT - Molly's Pub - 902 RamadaFile: REPORT - Taqueria La Morenita - 130 S. 75th St

With Spencer Solves It, Channel 2 Investigator Bill Spencer is here to help. He's taking on our viewer's biggest consumer issues, working to find a solution and solve the problem with help from the community.