Black Heritage Day, Bun Bโs Southern Takeover and more: Inside the Houston Rodeo on March 3
Happy Wednesday, yโall. Youโre in for a real treat at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo today as itโs a weekday and that means youโre likely to miss the crazy crowds that usually come on the weekends.
LIVE BLOG: KPRC 2 Investigates discusses accountability probe into Astroworld Tragedy
In a live discussion on the KPRC 2+ livestream at 6:30 p.m. CST Wednesday, KPRC 2 Investigates will answer your questions about the tragedy at the 2021 Astroworld Festival and what officials are doing to prevent another deadly concert.
Astroworld Tragedy: New agreement details NRG Park mass event planning after deadly festival
The fallout of the Astroworld Festival garnishes a new potential agreement between Harris County and the City of Houston over their responsibilities at NRG Park.The consensus comes a little more than a year after 10 people lost their lives because of a crowd crush at the Astroworld Festival in 2021. For the last year, families watched as city and county leaders fumbled for answers to their questions of accountability.
โHellcatโ driver fired at by officers after doing donuts at NRG, crashing into vehicle; still gives police the slip, HPD says
Houston police are trying to track down the driver who managed to ditch officers during a potentially dangerous series of events, causing an officer to discharge his duty weapon.
Houston has another World Series...
Houston has another World Series on the way... but this one is for the dogs! Friday at 3:00 p.m. on Houston Life, the entire team (including Tex) is going on the road to NRG Park for the Houston World Series of Dog Shows! Weโll meet some of the top dogs in the country; meet the Houston Police department canine officers and see how the โprosโ train. Weโll give you a look inside the high speed world of Flyball and weโre shopping for practical, strange and over the top merchandise for all the dogs in your life! Thatโs Friday at 3:00 p.m. on KPRC2.
Questions over Astroworld permitting continue following Gov. Abbottโs Task Force on Concert Safety report
Days after the governorโs Task Force on Concert Safety released its report following the tragedy at the Travis Scott concert on the opening night of Astroworld, questions are being asked about the permitting process.
NRG Community Vaccination site to remain open for 4 more weeks, Hidalgo says
After receiving requests for an extension from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Mayor Sylvester Turner and other officials, FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management have agreed to extend the duration of the vaccination site at NRG.
Gov. Greg Abbott requests extension of NRG vaccination site from FEMA
Greg Abbott has joined Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in asking FEMA for an extension on the vaccination super-site at NRG. According to a news release by Abbott, he and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) asked FEMA for extensions for the NRG site as well as the federally supported vaccination sites in Arlington and Dallas. On top of asking for the extension on the already-existing sites in Texas, the TDEM submitted a request to establish a new site at the Alamodome in San Antonio, which FEMA denies, according to the release. AdAbbottโs announcement comes days after Hidalgo and Turner submitted their own letter asking for an extension of the NRG vaccination site through at least May. FEMA has yet to respond to the requests.
FEMA vaccine mega-site aims to vaccinate most vulnerable communities
HOUSTON โ A small number of people were allowed inside NRG Parkโs new mass vaccination site for its soft-opening Tuesday. The mega-site is set to open to those on the city of Houston and Harris Countyโs waitlists. Once the site is open, the goal is to have 126,000 people that meet eligibility requirements get vaccinated. City and county leaders say the focus will be on the elderly, vulnerable and high-risk zip codes. Sunnyside falls within the 70051 zip code, which is among a list of 35 zip codes with the highest risk for COVID-19.
โFor the sake of public safetyโ: Deshaun Watson asks fans to go home after reports of planned rally in support of QB at NRG
HOUSTON โ Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is asking fans to go home after reports of a planned rally at NRG Stadium Monday. Watson took to Twitter to tell fans he appreciated the support but wanted them to stay home for safety purposes. โIโm hearing there is a march planned on my behalf in Houston today,โ Watson said. Although I am humbled I ask that whoever is organizing the march cancel for the sake of public safety. โCovid is spreading at a high rate & I donโt want any fans to unnecessarily expose themselves to infection,โ Watson said.
UPDATE: Appointments for Memorial Hermannโs vaccine clinic at NRG Park this weekend are full
Vehicles arrive on the opening day of Memorial Hermann's drive-thru coronavirus vaccine clinic at NRG Park in Houston on Jan. 14, 2021. HOUSTON โ Memorial Hermann officials said the additional 2,000 appointment slots they opened Friday for the hospital systemโs vaccine clinic this weekend at NRG Park were filled in a little more than an hour. Previous story:Memorial Hermann Hospital started vaccinating thousands of people in the areaโs first drive-thru mass vaccination clinic at NRG Park on Thursday. I havenโt seen my grandkids in a long time and Iโm ready to go see them,โ said Joslin. Memorial Hermann initially invited only people 65 and older who had relationships with the hospital, such as previous patients.
Appointments for Memorial Hermannโs vaccine clinic at NRG Park are full
HOUSTON โ Memorial Hermann will open a coronavirus vaccine clinic at NRG Park on Thursday, but appointments for the clinic are full. Kathryn Williams, of Memorial Hermann, said Tuesday that the drive-thru clinic will be open Thursday through Sunday and officials are hoping to vaccinate about 13,000 people. All of the appointment slots were full within a few hours of registration being opened to the public Wednesday, officials said. Only people who fall into Phase 1B and are 65 years old or older are eligible to receive the vaccine at the clinic. Only people who have registered for an appointment will get the vaccine at this clinic.
Precinct 1 Constableโs Office spreads much-needed holiday cheer with toy drive
HOUSTON โ โTwas (a few nights) before Christmas and all through the NRG center families packed cars with smiles on their faces. โI think itโs because itโs been a hard time, and Iโm tired of not smiling you know,โ said one mother. โI wish I had more toys to give away,โ said Precinct One Constable, Alan Rosen. โI hope everyone leaves here today with a message of hope,โ said Rosen. The only requirement is that parents arrive with their children, aged 3-11, at NRG center.
Pandemic magic? Disney back on the ice at NRG with strict protocols
HOUSTON โ The Disney On Ice: Dream Big tour arrived in Houston Wednesday night, the first large event at NRG during the pandemic outside of the election and Texans games. โI love princesses, so Iโm excited to see all of them,โ said Bella Loera, who attended Disney on Ice for the ninth year in a row Wednesday night. โFor the past eight months we have come up with a brilliant mitigation plan,โ said DJ Weiss, who travels with Disney on Ice. The โDream Bigโ tour is typically one of nine Disney On Ice tours ongoing worldwide. Disney On Ice shows continue through Sunday.
Raise the roof!: For first time in 6 years, NRG Stadium roof will open for Texans game
Raise the roof, Texans fans. Come Sunday, the team will play a home game at NRG Stadium under an open roof, the team announced on Twitter. The franchise hasnโt opened the retractable roof at NRG Stadium for a game since Nov. 30, 2014, when the Texans triumphed over the Tennessee Titans, 45-21, in a Week 13 matchup. The Texans host the Patriots at noon tomorrow. โAll-time, the Texans are 24-22 when they play with the roof open at NRG Stadium,โ Texans TV Host Drew Dougherty said on the teamโs website.
Ask 2: Can I turn in my ballot-by-mail at NRG on Monday and on Election Day?
As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Can I turn in my ballot-by-mail at NRG on Monday and on Election Day? According to the Harris County Clerkโs Office, you can return your completed ballot-by-mail in person at NRG at any time during regular poll hours and Election Day. Only the voter named on their ballot can drop it off at NRG. If you do not present an acceptable form of ID, you can complete a reasonable impediment declaration form.
Harris County makes final preparations for Election Day
HOUSTON โ On Sunday, about 100 County Clerkโs Office staff members worked to process about 400 presiding election judges. We have over 800 Election Day voting centers,โ Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins said. Workers made sure election judges had their list of voters for each precinct and other items they need to process voters on Election Day. โWe give them essentially the control boards that theyโll be using to check in voters on election days, but we donโt have those machines yet. He said there will be over 11,000 workers on Election Day to make sure all votes get counted.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Wednesday, Oct. 21
Here are things to know for Wednesday, Oct. 21:1. Harold Preston dies in shooting near NRG, officials sayHouston authorities said veteran Houston Police Officer Sgt. He was struck multiple times, according to Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo. State officials said Tuesday that the licenses for Lux Lounge, The Standard, Spire and Sol Billares have been suspended for 30 days as part of a weeklong effort to enforce the stateโs COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Also, 4,588 COVID-19 patients were in Texas hospitals Tuesday, the most since 4,907 cases were reported in hospitals on Aug. 26.
41-year veteran HPD Officer Sgt. Harold Preston dies in shooting near NRG, officials say
HOUSTON โ Houston authorities said veteran Houston Police Officer Sgt. Harold Preston has died after a shooting near NRG Tuesday morning. Harold Preston, who was shot and killed in the line of duty this morning. The responding officers -- a 3-year veteran officer, a 5-year veteran officer and Preston -- arrived at the scene and met the woman who had called police. The two officers who were shot -- Courtney Waller and Preston -- were transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital at 9:32.
Lyft to offer free rides to NRG to drop off mail-in ballots
HOUSTON โ Ridesharing service Lyft is teaming up with the โMore Than A Vote' Coalition to offer free rides to NRG to drop off mail-in ballots in response to Gov. In a tweet posted Oct. 6, Lyft riders in Harris County can get a free ride to NRG Arena using promo code HOUVOTE on their Lyft app to drop off their ballot. โHarris County, we see you, we got you,โ The coalition said in the tweet. In Harris County, home to 2.4 million voters, Texas shut down 11 of 12 ballot drop off locations. Get a free @Lyft (up to $15) in Harris County to drop off your ballot at NRG Arena using code HOUVOTE.
Hidalgo: Donโt feel โmuzzledโ by the stateโs โthinly-veiled attempt at suppressionโ
โItโs a problem, itโs a thinly-veiled attempt at suppression,โ Hidalgo said. โBut weโre doing everything we can to make that people can participate and that people can vote and thatโs what we see right here.โShe highlighted the efforts to set-up drive-thru voting and 24-hour voting and more early voting locations and Election Day locations. โThe message to the community here is weโre here for you to participate, whatever your political persuasion is,โ she said. โWe want to make sure that you can participate, that you can vote. We shouldnโt let ourselves be discouraged or muzzled by the stateโs actions.โWatch Hidalgoโs full remarks below.
What does the future hold for Houstonโs NRG Stadium?
Speaking of stadiums, Houstonโs NRG Stadium is nearing its 20th year as home of the Texans, which isnโt too old by NFL standards, but it does beg the question: what does the future hold for NRG? NRG in its primeโI think NRG Stadium is in its prime, honestly,โ says Ryan Walsh, the Executive Director of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation. โWeโve always been envisioned as a multi-use, multi-destination sports and entertainment and community complex,โ Walsh says. "Itโs about how do we project a really unique site-wide brand thatโs really recognizable globally.โLooking toward the futureThis year, there will be revamped concessions at NRG Stadium. Click through the timeline below to see when all of the current NFL stadiums opened.
Hereโs why Houstonโs NRG Park will be a significant spot in 2020 November presidential election
HOUSTON โ NRG Arena has been designated as the election headquarters for the Harris County Clerkโs Office for the upcoming 2020 presidential election, NRG Park officials announced Monday. In addition to in-person voting, NRG Park will also serve as a drive-thru voting location, something Hollins likens to pulling up at your favorite fast-food restaurant. In-person Election Day voting will be held Nov. 3 at NRG Arena Proper. โWe are proud to provide this facility for Harris County voters to participate in one of the most important rights and responsibilities that we as citizens have,โ Executive Director of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation Ryan Walsh said. NRG Park has pledged to maintain the highest standards of public safety and health for the community as proud participants of Houston Clean and ASM Globalโs Venue Shield.
Texans Tidbits: KPRC Channel 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoys takeaways from Camp on Friday
I like football on all levels and always enjoy watching camp workouts especially the 1 on 1 drills as guys fight for jobs. They were fired up play after play2 speaking of making plays on the Defense, shoutout to Carlos Watkins. I watched this group and their drills a lot today and was impressed with Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks . He doesnt sit still and was smiling and clapping after good plays were made. Keep it locked into KPRC Channel 2 Sports and our sports page on click2houston.com
Mayor Turners Back 2 School Fest helps thousands for the 2020 school year
HOUSTON Lines of cars showed up for the Mayors Back 2 School Fest. The distribution is drive-thru style and volunteers started to fill up the trunks of cars with back to school supplies, food and masks at 8 a.m. on Friday morning. The event, which is being presented by Shell and is in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, is designed to help economically disadvantaged elementary school students and their families prepare for the school year. I think its great, matter of fact it is very organized I didnt think it would be this organized, said Leon Deal. In addition to distributing masks and backpacks stuffed with school supplies, the Houston Food Bank will also be providing families with necessary food items..Click here to pre-register for the event.
Mass food distribution event rescheduled, testing sites closed Saturday due to severe weather
HOUSTON โ Local testing sites and food distribution events will be upended by severe weather that is forecasted for this weekend, officials announced Friday. Food distributionA mass food distribution event at NRG Stadium conducted by the Houston Independent School District and Houston Food Bank that has drawn thousands of families in need in previous weeks will be rescheduled officials announced. Instead, the massive food distribution event will be held Monday, May 18 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the NRG Yellow Lot. School district officials said families may continue to visit HISDโs regular, weekday food distribution sites next week. Testing sitesThe city of Houston and Harris County announced all testing sites will be closed Saturday due to the threat of severe weather.
Houston Food Bank, HISD open food distribution site at NRG Park
HOUSTON โ Long lines of cars waited hours to receive food donations at NRG Park Saturday afternoon. Houston Food Bank and the Houston Independent School District organized the distribution site, feeding over 3,000 families, officials said. Officials closed the gate to the site once the organizers ran out of food, a few hours after opening the site to the public. โWhen you have to close out the line and say there is no more, your heart goes out because you wondering whatโs going to happen," said HISD Superintendent Grenita Lathan. โWe will re-open on Monday, but still, thatโs two days away.โThose looking for help can visit houstonfoodbank.org/COVID19 or call the help hotline at 832-369-9390 to locate other food pantries.
Harris County invests $11 million for emergency healthcare facility at NRG park amid coronavirus pandemic
HOUSTON โ Harris County and Houston officials said the region is ready for the potential worst-case scenario if the healthcare system becomes overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic. Officials created the pop-up medical shelter at NRG Park to serve as a back-up if the hospitals' surge capacity is exceeded. We need more testing, especially in high poverty areas and in vulnerable communities.โHarris County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to allocate up to $60M for medical shelter at NRG Park. The temporary healthcare shelter will work in partnership with the regional healthcare systems and provide several units, depending on the level of patients' care. Hidalgo said she decided to move forward with the NRG medical shelter because she was faced with a "take-or-leave it" scenario.
A medical shelter is being built at NRG Park. Hereโs what we know about it
HOUSTON โ Officials with the city of Houston, Harris County and federal partners have begun building a medical shelter at NRG Park during the coronavirus pandemic. Construction crews were seen within the parking lot of NRG Park Tuesday morning. Details about the medical shelter will be announced at a later date. Greg Abbott alluded to the possibility of the shelter at NRG Park while talking about the emergency care facilities popping up around the country, as hospitals are overflowing. โWe have one up in the Dallas/Fort Worth area called FMS, Federal Medical Station, 250 beds in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center," Abbott said.
NRG could become possible coronavirus care facility, Abbott says
NRG Stadium could be set to serve as a care facility during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In a press conference on Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott alluded to the possibility when talking about the emergency care facilities popping up around the country, as hospitals are overflowing. โWe have one up in the Dallas/Fort Worth area called FMS, Federal Medical Station, 250 beds in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center," said Abbott. โThereโs actually similarly about that same number of beds set up in the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, and then Houston will be setting one up in NRG.โAbbott did not specify whether he meant NRG Stadium or NRG Arena.
PHOTOS: Take a look at some of the fun things happening during RodeoHouston opening day
HOUSTON โ Tuesday was the first official day the 2020 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. People headed out NRG stadium to partake in the Houston tradition. From food to shopping, here is a look at RodeoHouston opening day.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off 2020 season with the cutest baby animals
HOUSTON โ Whether youโre heading out to NRG for the deep fried food, loud country music, or super cute animals in the petting zoo, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has officially begun! Country band Midland kicks off the entertainment performances, Willie Nelson, Becky G, Chance The Rapper and Maren Morris will follow later this week. Weekday concert performances are at 8:45 p.m., and weekend performances are at 5:45 p.m. A few new changes coming to Rodeo this year: including their first-ever Sensory Friendly Carnival Experience this Thursday, March 5. The petting zoo is always a fan favorite that includes a wide variety of animals โ from the exotic to those found on a typical farm, and itโs open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.Watch some of the cutest little baby goats play around in the Great American Petting Farm, and happy Rodeo, Houston!
KPRC2's Fall Football Guide special
HOUSTON โ Football season is here and KPRC2 and Click2Houston have you covered! It is going to be a busy season, from the high school fields all the way to NRG and the Super Bowl. Join Randy McIlvoy and Rachel McNeill as they host our 2016 Fall Football Guide, LIVE from Space Center Houston just hours before the opening of the Super Bowl 51 Touchdown Tour event. Watch the KPRC2 Fall Football Guide at 7 p.m. Friday, on KPRC2 and streaming on Click2Houston.com. DOWNLOAD our Friday Football Frenzy app to follow your teams and to vote in our Game of the Week polls:iPhone --> http://bit.ly/1nybHHAAndroid --> http://bit.ly/1duhJbbClick on the links below for more football news:Friday Football Frenzy coverageHouston Texans coverageCollege Football coverage