On Sunday afternoon, members of the Community of Faith Church in Houston came together to sing, pray, and offer their blessings to Mr. Lee Rooker.

Houston police confirm that a suspect who led law enforcement officers on a nearly hourlong chase across the Houston area Thursday morning has died

HOUSTON - VYPE Media Chief Content Officer Matt Malatesta will be a guest of KPRC Channel 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy on Sunday night during KPRC Channel 2 Sports Sunday, which is making its return following the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The KPRC 2 Severe Weather Team is monitoring severe storms moving through central and east Texas Friday evening.

Make sure you tune into the Fallon Tonight Show Tuesday as Houston Texans’ JJ Watt is expected to make an appearance. Watt, as well as actress Susan Sarandon, are supposed to be in Tuesday night’s lineup. The Fallon Tonight Show, starring Jimmy Fallon, can be watched at 10:35 p.m. on Channel 2.

HOUSTON – A Wind Advisory that has been expanded for all of Southeast Texas starts at 9 a.m. and will last through 6 p.m.Wind AdvisoryWith gusty northwest winds and temperatures close to 60 degrees it will fee cool Friday. Expect winds to relax Friday night but cooler temperatures will be sticking around. Seasonably cool weather will continue through the week. 10 day forecastPast the holiday weekend weather becomes unsettled. Enjoy our quiet weather before the rain arrives next week!

Now, hundreds of millions of tests later, Channel 2 Investigates discovered doctors gouging patients and insurance companies for tests that are supposed to be free. Kurian’s explanation of benefits showed the River Oaks Emergency Room charged her insurance company $8900 each for her and her husband. “They said, ‘Well, you talked to a doctor over the phone when you got here that asked you questions.’”Who is paying these high COVID test bills? “I’m wondering if you can explain why you would charge almost $9,000 for a covid test,” said reporter Amy Davis. Free testing is availableThere are plenty of free COVID testing sites available all over the greater Houston area.

Friday’s announcement of proposed Senate Bill 252 comes after Channel 2 Investigates first exposed secret massive art collection being warehoused on the taxpayers’ dime, “Legally what this bill means is that I don’t think that what Precinct One Commissioner is doing is legal. I don’t think you can take a private Art collection, house it, spend public money, do private tours, I don’t think that is the right thing under the Texas Code,” said Bettencourt. The state senator out of District 7 doesn’t believe the actions taken by Ellis and his office is legal. Bettencourt said this bill is to ensure accountability at the state level if the Ogg’s office does nothing. Bettencourt indicated he cannot speak to federal operations, but he can speak to the state and its laws.

HOUSTON – Hello from the KPRC Channel 2 Xfinity Sports Desk! Here’s what’s happening this week in the Houston area sports scene! ROCKETS CONTINUE PRESEASON AT HOMEThe Rockets preseason is underway and after two games under new Head Coach Stephen Silas they are 1-1. The team continues to be without James Harden who is in Covid protocol and continues his process to be cleared. TEXANS HIT THE ROAD AGAINThe Texans were embarrassed in Chicago by the Bears 36-7 on Sunday to fall to 4-9 on the season.

HOUSTON – Channel 2 Investigates uncovered a lapse in a safety net that so many of our communities depend on. A gap in air quality monitoring where dangerous chemicals could be released into the air. Nearly two months after our report, the Texas Commission On Environmental Quality is unveiling new technology aimed at improving that effort. Network of 200 Stationary Air MonitorsOne of the criticisms has been, right before a hurricane rolls in, the fixed air monitoring stations would go offline when they’re needed most as plants and refineries burn off excess chemicals as they’re being shut down. “Get real time data about the air, not just where our stationary air monitors are but all around the facility is going to be a game changer for us,” Baker said.

HOUSTON – How easy is it to set up an unlicensed group or boarding home in a residential neighborhood in Harris County? The concern for many is that these unlicensed homes serve some of society’s most vulnerable, including people suffering from illness and disability. Poverty also comes into play as many patients do not have the financial or family support to ensure proper care. Conservative estimates for the number of unlicensed homes in Harris County, according to elected officials, is anywhere between 120 to 150. And coming up on next Tuesday, Channel 2 Investigates will take a deeper investigation into local group homes.

HOUSTON – KPRC 2 Investigates has learned the name of the suspect accused of killing one Houston police officer and wounding another is 51-year-old Elmer Manzano. According to state criminal records, Manzano was charged in 2002 with felony evading of police. Manzano did not serve his sentence in state prison which is normally the case, according to defense attorney Shelby Burns. How Manzano may have had a firearm, considering his past, is a key question for investigators, Burns says. Multiple sources told KPRC 2 Investigates that officers had visited the residence where the shooting occurred as recently as this past Sunday.

HOUSTON – For months, Channel 2 Investigates has been keeping tabs on a $30 million Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund. According to data from Harris County, more than 500,000 people applied for relief funds. Ward says she was on the phone “all day long," when she applied for Harris County COVID-19 relief funds. On July 26, the county replied:“As you know, Harris County contracted with the Greater Houston Community Foundation to administer the Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund. KPRC 2 has not been able to independently verify the data used to create the COVID-19 Relief fund dashboard.

HOUSTON – As the economic crisis due to COVID-19 continues, more and more Houstonians are struggling to pay their bills, put food on their tables, and keep a roof over their heads. And to make matters worse, a new CDC moratorium is more confusing than helpful. But KPRC Channel 2 is here to help. Watch: Raising ‘good digital citizens’ and more from our Zoom conversation on cyberbullyingOur panel of experts answered questions to help people facing evictions. You can watch the entire discussion below:Resources from the conversationTexas HousersLone Star Legal AidEviction Defense Collaboration Hotline — (713) 982-7340Lone Star Legal Aid direct number — (713) 652-0077Access the CDC declaration forms in English, Spanish and VietnameseCDC suspende temporalmente los desalojos a inquilinos elegibles

"The popularity and loyal following of high school athletics overall in Houston and Texas is second to none," Randy McIlvoy – KPRC Sports Director said. We are pleased to combine our broad storytelling with VYPE and bring quality high school sports coverage to our audience." McIlvoy and the KPRC team produce the high school sports show "Friday Football Frenzy" along with unmatched pro and collegiate sports coverage. "This partnership will expand our footprint as high school sports become more mainstream in today's sports coverage. The content share between VYPE and KPRC will be viewable across both companies digital, social, broadcast and publishing platforms.

HOUSTON Greetings from the Xfinity Sports desk here at KPRC Channel 2 Sports! Heres whats happening here in Houston this week to keep an eye on. Astros return home for a long stay at MMPThe Houston Astros return home with a 15-13 record after winning eight straight before a weekend sweep in San Diego cooled them off. Rockets playoff run in OrlandoInside the bubble, the Rockets playoff run continues. Thats a look at the big events this week for our Houston teams.

Last week, the University Interscholastic League announced its plans for the fall sports. Class 4A and below would begin on time, while Class 5A and 6A are slated to start a month later than they would normally. KPRC Channel 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy caught up with UIL Deputy Director Dr. Jamey Harrison recently to discuss the UIL's decision and the fluidity of the situation as we move forward. (Video courtesy of VYPE Media Partner KPRC2)

The state lifted its moratorium on evictions at the end of May and since that time, the number of evictions cases filed in Harris County court has continued to rise. That’s the situation I’m in.”From southeast Houston to West Harris County, and from Pasadena to Humble, Harris County Justice of the Peace courts have dockets filled with eviction cases. There were 2,300 eviction cases filed Harris County just in the last month according to Princeton University’s Eviction Lab, which is studying evictions nationwide. Hepburn said despite historically lower numbers — unlike other cities such as Boston, Cleveland or even Austin — there are fewer protections for those facing eviction in Harris County. Karni said many people facing eviction don’t even know to ask if they’re covered by the CARES Act.

HOUSTON – Pre-K education is a critical part of a child’s development. “Pre-K lays the foundation.”Enrollment in free-fallBut Pre-K enrollment is dropping drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Houston Independent School District, it’s down 20% compared to last year’s enrollment numbers. Enrollment numbers have fallen off a cliff across the region. “Don’t let your kids miss out on an opportunity to learn at the age at their at,” he said.

HOUSTON – Your cell phone could be the latest weapon in the fight against COVID-19. This is what you need to know:Apple and Google created the Covid-19 tracking technology that will work with apps that may be created by state health departments. If an app is created by health authorities, you can make the decision whether to opt into the contact tracing program and download the app. To date, only 3 states (Alabama, North Dakota and South Carolina) have expressed an interest in creating a contact tracing app. In theory, if an app is created, Dickerson described how it would work.

HOUSTON – As school districts finalize their plans for the new school year which, for most students, starts in roughly two months, some parents have already made up their minds. Channel 2 Investigates polled school districts across our area, and we didn’t find a huge exodus of students yet. Cy-Fair ISD - 2019-20 enrollment was 117,446 and, at this time, it’s expected to increase to 118,498 in 2020-21. Dickinson ISD - 2019-20 enrollment was 11,618 and, at this time, it’s expected to increase slightly in 2020-21. Vidor ISD - 2019-20 enrollment was 4,364 and the district doesn’t have any projects yet for 2020-21.

Ask 2 Live chat brings KPRC 2 anchors and fans togetherPublished: May 29, 2020, 7:34 pmOn Wednesday, May 27, after the day's storms passed, KPRC 2's Dominique Sachse; Kris Gutierrez; Frank Billingsley; Khambrel Marshall and VP/General Manager Jerry Martin joined an intimate bunch of KPRC 2 fans for a live Q & A.

HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo admitted to Channel 2 Investigates Wednesday that the FBI has requested information into the deadly officer-involved shooting that left a man dead in April. Nicolas Chavez, 27, was shot dead while he was on his knees by HPD officers on April 21 in southeast Houston. The shooting came under fire when a civilian video emerged showing that Chavez was on his knees at the time of the shooting. There have been six officer-involved shooting deaths involving the Houston Police Department since mid-April. The FBI monitors every officer-involved shooting nationally, however when Channel 2 Investigates asked if the department has turned over any information in the other recent shooting Acevedo said, “I don’t remember any other shootings other than the Chavez one, can you think of any other?

2 Cypress Creek administrator admitted to getting his car fixed on two occasions at the garage designed to fix his organization’s ambulances. READ: Cypress Creek EMS: Taxpayer-funded employees pocketing cashThe activity was caught on video by Channel 2 Investigates and resulted in CCEMS reimbursing ESD11, the taxing entity. READ: Ambulance company refunds tax dollars following Channel 2 investigationThe administrator of the maintenance facility also left CCEMS shortly after the Channel 2 Investigation. Nealy initially filed the complaint of employee theft with HCSO after Channel 2 Investigates had a van’s breaks fixed at the ambulance maintenance facility with $100 cash. Channel 2 Investigates also uncovered a series of invoices on the official Cypress Creek EMS account that included various parts for cars and trucks not in the Cypress Creek EMS fleet.

Now, the messaging from Harris County Public Health is “keep the distance, stop the spread”. That seems like a reasonable answer since the goal is to stop the pandemic, even if the virus is unstoppable. “I like the message because you know ‘flatten the curve’ is a little abstract for people,” he said. What is the Trust Index? We rate this a yellow on our Trust Index for “be careful.” Keeping the distance slows the spread and may eventually stop the pandemic, but that’s not as catchy.

HOUSTON – Houston’s hotels are a massive revenue producer for the city. The staff wears masks, and guests there are asked to as well, but they aren’t required to. Average hotel occupancy has fallen off a cliff in the past couple of months, from an average of 73% this time last year to less than 30% now. And that hotel occupancy tax that pipes millions into the local economy? Industry experts, like Arlene Ramirez of the University of Houston’s Conrad Hilton College, say the hotel industry will bounce back.

HOUSTON – For a look at the future of building entrances, all one has to do is go to Memorial Hermann at the Texas Medical Center. Greg Haralson, the CEO of Memorial Hermann at the TMC, says how his entry points have been reconfigured have made a drastic difference, “Having these scanners have been a real game-changer for us.”The temperature readers take social distancing into account. Channel 2 Investigates took the reads at two locations in less than twenty seconds and the difference was a one-tenth of a degree. Now Memorial Hermann is looking to expand the approach system-wide for every public entrance that it has at all of its hospitals. “These Temperature detection systems are going all over the place," said Michael Green, president of Athena Security.

The question: What would Houston look like if we had an earthquake? A major earthquake, however, would be a catastrophe. Because of the silty, sandy soil in Houston, a major earthquake would cause the ground to take on liquid properties -- a process called liquefaction. Houston soil is swampy and silty, so you can imagine what would happen if we experienced a major earthquake here. So, if Houston were to experience a major earthquake -- which, again, it will NOT -- damage similar to that illustrated above would be possible.

HOUSTON – For years, Harris County has led the country in drunk driving fatalities, and as Channel 2 Investigates has shown you, tens of thousands of DWI charges are filed each year. But the coronavirus pandemic caused a dip in drunk driving numbers. Abbott teases the possibility of keeping alcohol-to-go forever“We are seeing a decrease, a significant decrease, but it’s not enough,” Teare said. Julio Zaghi with Mothers Against Drunk Driving shares those reservations. “The issue is getting behind the wheel after drinking.”Sean Teare believes not much will change once things are fully reopened.

How do I know what antibody testing places are approved? The FDA has only approved a handful of companies to do antibody testing. Most of the testing you see in Houston that are run through diagnostic testing centers are approved. [Restaurant Guidelines]Where can I find a COVID-19 testing site? From mobile testing to stop and go testing, there are new options for testing.

HOUSTON – Channel 2 Investigates has learned Harris County Commissioners could pull the plug on the temporary medical shelter at NRG Park as early as next week. “We don’t want to be caught flat-footed," said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo at the time. "We are working to stay ahead of this.”The county’s contractChannel 2 Investigated obtained the full contract between the county and Garner Environmental Services. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner made that clear on April 6, a day before the deal with Garner Environmental Services was approved by county commissioners. Channel 2 Investigates did have two interviews scheduled with John Temperelli, Vice President of Garner Environmental Services, but both times he canceled.

KPRC Channel 2′s health reporter Haley Hernandez has been answering some of your emailed questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 here in the Houston area. Should I cover my hair when I’m outside my home? However, experts agree it’s unlikely the virus can stay on hair for any length of time. United Memorial is offering free mobile coronavirus testing in the Houston area. Mayor Turner also announced a city partnership with Russell Westbrook Why Not Foundation to help provide free testing.

I heard there were new guidelines for who is considered recovered from the coronavirus? Yes, on April 1, the CDC changed the guidelines for who is considered “recovered” from COVID-19. The CDC used to say a person who had or thought they had coronavirus was considered recovered only after symptoms disappeared after two negative tests at least 24 hours apart. What is a good hand cream to put on your hands to prevent redness itchy skin from washing your hands numerous times daily? Hand cream suggestions include Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula Hand Cream or just good ole Vaseline.

HOUSTON – As small businesses are struggling, many residents, including our KPRC Channel 2 on-air talent are stepping up to support their favorite restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s how they’re supporting:Morning Anchor Taniya Wright had cake delivered, but her cats would like to share! #socialdistancing Posted by KPRC2 Taniya Wright on Sunday, March 22, 2020KPRC Channel 2 Anchor Dominique Sachse went to B&B Butcher & Restaurant where profits went towards the employees working at the establishment. Here's a list of #takeoutshoutout breweries in... Posted by KPRC2 Justin Stapleton on Saturday, March 28, 2020Sports Director Randy McIlvoy supported a downtown staple on Leeland. #Takeoutshoutout KPRC2 / Click2Houston Posted by KPRC2 Randy McIlvoy on Saturday, March 28, 2020Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley enjoyed a healthy meal from Barnaby’s Cafe at home.

KPRC Channel 2′s health reporter Haley Hernandez has been answering some of your emailed questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 here in the Houston area. If someone has recently had pneumonia are they more susceptible to COVID19? Does your blood type make you more susceptible to COVID19? There is no recommended screening criteria based upon blood type, said the President of the Harris County Medical Society Dr. Ronald Walters. Despite previous warnings that harsh chemicals can damage the screen, Apple says now that disinfectants are OK to use on their products.

As our world becomes more connected, and people become more dependent on digital platforms, cybersecurity threats are growing. Whether it’s single hackers or nation states with armies of computer scientists, your personal data and assets are at increasing risk. Ready-to-use hacking toolkits will become widely availableIt doesn’t take sophisticated cyber criminals to carry out attacks anymore, says Ferrante. Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure will increaseAccording to Ferrante, nation states are increasingly using cyber attacks to steal intellectual property and harm critical infrastructure, including financial institutions. On Thursday, February 20th at 10pm, Channel 2 Investigates concludes its special series on Houston’s cyber threats with an in-depth look at what’s being done to protect your money from being targeted by hackers.

HOUSTON – Are we ready for a cyber attack on our power grid? A cyber attack against the power grid could shut down life as we know it. Houston’s ThreatsLiving in Houston, you expect sporadic power outages from time to time, especially during severe weather. A successful cyber attack on Houston’s power grid could be much worse. One of those bills creates a “Grid Security Council” and another establishes a “Cyber Security Monitor.”What’s next?

HOUSTON – Residents expressed their concern that the drinking water in Sienna Plantation is causing rashes for people bathing in it and drinking it. In the meantime, well water is being provided by another party, although Missouri City remains ultimately responsible for the water in Sienna Plantation. The areas affected are Sienna Plantation, portions of Riverstone in Missouri City and the Colony Lakes Subdivision. After the change in water occurred, some residents said they noticed the water smelled like chemicals and even felt slimy. A spokeswoman for Missouri City says the city‘s water plant only supplies wholesale treated surface water to municipal water districts or MUDS who are responsible for supplying water to customers and ratepayers.

HOUSTON – Since 2015, KPRC Channel 2 has been awarding twenty scholarships to deserving high school seniors. The winning students and schools have been featured weekly in KPRC’s newscasts. Here are a few winners from 2019′s Senior Scholarships. Angela Chan - Westfield High School, Spring ISDNaya Edwards - North Shore Senior Highschool, Galena Park ISDWill Ashworth - Klein Forest Highschool, Klein ISDAndy Nguyen - Westside High School, Houston ISDMarcela Molina - Sharpstown International School, Houston ISDSavannah Lawerence - La Porte High School, La Porte ISDJared Hallmark - Dulles High School, Fort Bend ISDNishat Nabi - Cypress Ranch High School, Cy-Fair ISDIsaiah Osazuwa - Alief Taylor High Shcool, Alief ISD

Full Screen 1 / 25Friends, family, and colleagues joined together to celebrate the legacy of KPRC Channel 2 anchor Bill Balleza, who is retiring after 49 years of continuous service. Check out the photos of the celebration here!

A botched raid resulted in multiple Houston Police Department officers being shots and two homeowners killed. The story fell apart on Feb. 15, 2019, after Channel 2 Investigates first revealed documents showing cops manufactured an unlawful warrant prior to the raid. We’ll get to the truth.” Her office also launched an extensive review of thousands of past cases involving now-former HPD officers Gerald Goines and Steven Bryant. Last spring, Channel 2 Investigates was the first media outlet to take viewers inside the home and revealed what autopsy reports were found. At his office in Missouri, Maloney said his forensic findings had not matched with the narrative pushed out by HPD.

HOUSTON – We’ve got your chance to win a very rare wood keepsake box, handmade and signed by legendary KPRC Channel 2 anchor Bill Balleza! Enter for your chance to win once per day now through Thursday, January 30. Two winners will be selected and contacted on Friday, January 31st in honor of Bill’s last day on-air.

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. The question: Is it illegal to solicit at traffic stops? The answer: A Channel 2 viewer, Atif, wrote to us with this question. The ordinance stipulates that soliciting is ONLY illegal within eight feet of the person being solicited (the “solicitee”). If a panhandler solicits from a distance greater than eight feet from the solicitee, the action is considered legal.

HOUSTON – KPRC 2 has learned a grand jury has visited the Harding Street site, where a deadly shootout with Houston Police Department happened in January 2019. KPRC 2 saw Harris County Constable Precinct 1 deputies and representatives from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office at the home. Transported via shuttle, the grand jury was taken inside the home for approximately a 20-minute tour. A botched January raid at a home on Harding Street led to a months’ long investigation and three people charged in connection with the deaths of Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle. "That the grand jury is given an opportunity to see Rhogena and Dennis’ home is welcome news, but we also know that an independent forensic evaluation of the Harding Street incident is vitally necessary.”

Christine Noël is the newest member of the KPRC 2 news team. She is a dedicated journalist and a passionate storyteller, but there's even more behind this new face of Channel 2. 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CHRISTINE NOËLShe grew up in Michigan and comes from a big family. The TV show she's watching right now: Billions. She’s keeping Houstonians informed on KPRC Facebook, Twitter, InstagramVIDEO: Full interview of Sunday Conversations with Christine Noel

New stories, new format, but with the same “Texas Feel.” The “Eyes of Texas” the podcast, is now ready for your ears. Click here for more information on the Eyes of Texas podcast. Open the app and search "Eyes of Texas" podcast. Then search "Eyes of Texas" podcast. ANDROID Option 2: Use a podcast app - Another way is listen to the podcast on your phone is to download a podcast app.

"The Eyes of Texas," Channel 2's show about the people, places and issues that shaped the Lone Star State became must-see TV for scores of Texans. SUBSCRIBE NOWIn 1969, the show launched with its first host, KPRC's news director at the time, Ray Miller. Miller nurtured the program, giving Houstonians a front-row seat to Texas culture, history and flashes of everyday happenstance: Texas, as told on TV. The program went away for a spell, but KPRC2 is pleased to announce The Eyes of Texas is back. The first two episodes of The Eyes of Texas podcast launch Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Fueling up -- nearly everyone in Houston has to do it. For many people, all it takes to pay is a quick swipe of a credit or debit card. But that swipe could put you at risk if a crook has hidden a...

KINGWOOD, Texas – Following Channel 2 Investigates report on Tuesday regarding insurance money being withheld by his bank, our website and Facebook page started buzzing with similar stories. Shari Harris took our cameras inside of her home in the Westchase District Wednesday afternoon. Harris says for the past month she has been battling with her mortgage company to get approximately $45,000 released. Coincidentally, less than one hour after doing an interview with Channel 2, she found out that her mortgage company made her aware that they were overnighting a check for half what she is owed. Aschermann says the Texas Department of Mortgage Lending is where consumers can submit complaints.

Three floods. Less than three years. Meyerland is one Houston neighborhood that has never fully recovered from devastating floods dating back to Memorial Day 2015.

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.

KPRC Channel 2 is proud to support the Impact A Hero 5K Race - Run, Walk and Wheel on May 20th at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. Walk or run next to wounded veterans to help show your appreciation for their sacrifices. There will also be a 1K fun run for kids. Money raised will be used to help offer services and support to severely wounded post-9/11 combat veterans and their families. To register or to learn more about Impact A Hero and the services they offer to veterans, visit impactahero.org.

Filling up your tires, inflatable toys, air mattresses and balls, air compressors can come in handy when you're on the go. The Air Dragon portable air compressor is $39.99. He took about 20 pounds of air out of a tire on his SUV and then unboxed the Air Dragon. The directions say you should not run the Air Dragon for more than 15 minutes at a time because it can overheat. "The powerful, hand held air compressor that fills up tires and everything else lightning fast," says the announcer in the commercial.

CONROE, Texas – Channel 2 Investigates is learning more about a company whose chemical plant caught fire Friday in Conroe. DrillChem Drilling Solutions appears to have a good safety record. It also makes materials used in oil and gas drilling. DrillChem advertises it makes custom drilling solutions for oil and gas companies. The company doesn't have a record of previous investigations with the U.S. Chemical Safety Board either.