Local
Free AC, heating units offered to eligible Harris County homeowners
Harris County homeowners may qualify for a free window A/C and heat unit through Rebuilding Together Houston.
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government
Texas WWII veteran hopes to receive 100 birthday cards for his 100th birthday
When Weldon Kenneth Bowen turns 100 on Sept. 5, organizers hope he will be surrounded by a special kind of celebration: 100 birthday cards from people across Texas. Bowen, a resident of the Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home, is taking part in the Veterans Land Board’s “100 ...
News
Texas could get more control over Head Start. What would that mean for childcare?
The federal government is considering giving states more power over Head Start. Providers in Texas worry that will lower childcare standards.
schools
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes penalties for schools that keep ‘vulgar’ books on library shelves
“We’re coming for the books,” the lieutenant governor said in announcing plans to lower the performance rating of Texas schools that violate a recent law targeting obscene titles in school libraries....
schools
Is packing your child’s school lunch really cheaper? Houston parents weigh in
For many parents, packing a lunch for their children is part of the daily back-to-school routine. But a new survey suggests it may not always be the cheaper option. According to Deloitte’s 2026 Back-to-School Survey, the average cost of a packed school lunch is now about $6.33. T...
business
Blue Bell brings back fan-favorite Homemade in the Shade ice cream for a limited time
Blue Bell fans who missed Homemade in the Shade are getting another chance to grab a scoop. The Texas-based ice cream company is bringing back Homemade in the Shade, a fan-favorite flavor that returned to shelves last summer after a decade-long absence. Think you’re really good a...
News
Viral TikTok has Ninja Creami users checking their ice cream makers for maggots
If you own a Ninja Creami, you may want to take a closer look at how you’re cleaning it. A viral TikTok is prompting some Creami owners to inspect their machines after a woman claimed to have found what appeared to be maggots inside the lid of her ice cream maker. According to TO...
government
A/C in rental housing (Aug. 20, 2026)
On Thursday's show: A heat advisory goes into effect for Houston as the city council approves an ordinance requiring landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units. And we examine the role chaplains in health care settings....
News
Think you’re really good at UNO? You could win $50,000
UNO just got a lot more serious — and there’s $50,000 on the table. Mattel is turning the classic card game into a competitive sport with the launch of the UNO Championship Series, giving players a chance to compete for a $50,000 grand prize and the title of the first UNO Champio...
Local
2 Newsletter: Temperatures to hit the 100s in some areas this week
Hello, Houston.☀️ It’s a new week, and unfortunately, it’s going to be hot for the rest of the week and into the weekend. We will reach 100 degrees in some areas, so if you’re headed outside today at any time, make sure you are well prepared for the heat. Stay hydrated, and try y...
News
Taking a cruise from Galveston? Here’s how local ships scored on their latest CDC sanitation inspections
If you’re planning to set sail from Galveston, you may want to take a look at your ship’s latest sanitation inspection score before you go. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts unannounced inspections of cruise ships that call on U.S. ports, grading them on a 1...
schools
Texas Southern presents Ashley Robinson, Corey Lowery as new hires
As alumni, staff, and media members trickled into the auditorium at Texas Southern University’s H&PE Arena, Usher’s Burn was playing in the background on Wednesday afternoon. The song couldn’t have been more appropriate for the day and what was about to transpire. The alumni, stu...
News
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2631: The Double Slit Experiment
Episode: 2631 The Double Slit Experiment. Today, a mysterious experiment.
Local
Houston woman loses hundreds of dollars in rental scam
A woman says she is out hundreds of dollars after falling victim to a rental scam in northwest Houston.
News
August 20, 2026
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Local
How a small Houston-area city helped Flock cameras take off nationwide
Years before automated license plate reader cameras became commonplace at intersections across the United States, a small city northwest of Houston was among the early adopters of the technology. Jersey Village, home to fewer than 8,000 residents, approved the use of Flock Safety...
News
Publix frozen berry recall given FDA’s most serious classification
The Food and Drug Administration is listing a recent recall of GreenWise frozen blueberries and frozen mixed berries as a Class I recall.
parks
Harris Co. couple warning pet owners about parasite found in dog parks that can be fatal
A West Harris County couple says all four of their dogs contracted a potentially serious parasite after visiting Congressman Bill Archer Park, prompting a warning for pet owners about the risk the snail-transmitted parasite can pose anywhere dogs encounter freshwater or standing ...
business
Houston’s 10 Best Dessert Shops — All Sweet Treats Are Not Created Equal
No matter what the weather is in Houston, there’s nothing like craving your favorite sweet treat after a long day. Luckily, Houston is something of an underrated dessert shop mecca. From unique spots and old favorites to new innovative meccas, the Bayou City’s dessert scene is fu...
News
Trump teases potential Kim Jong Un meeting later this year
Kim Yo Jong said the leaders' relationship 'remains excellent' but called US policies toward Pyongyang hostile.
safety
Klein ISD classroom aide facing felony charge highlights Texas special education camera law
A former Klein ISD classroom aide was fired and arrested by district police on a felony charge of Injury to a Child just five days into the school year. A frustrated mother of a nonverbal autistic student in the suspect's class says she had to look up court records herself to lea...
safety
Dickinson ISD educator arrested for improper relationship between educator, student
Officials say the employee was placed on administrative leave amid an investigation that was taking place before the arrest.
safety
Deer Park police officer suspended after using license plate cameras for personal use
A Deer Park police officer was suspended for 10 days after an internal audit found he used the department’s license plate reader cameras for what officials called “personal use.” The officer, Brandon Williams, has since been reassigned to community services, according to the Deer...
schools
Teacher found dead with throat slit; detectives scrutinize husband’s shifting story
A Colorado elementary school teacher was found dead inside her home, and investigators said evidence at the home raised questions about her husband's account of what happened....
News
TSU names new athletic director, men’s basketball coach amid pushback over hiring process
Texas Southern University announced on Wednesday that they've hired Ashley Robinson, two-time National Athletics Driector of the Year, to be the new Vice President and Athletic Director....
Local
Houston weather: Heat advisory in effect Thursday
High temperatures in and around Houston are expected to be around 100 the next several days. It will stay mostly sunny Thursday with the humidity making it feel like it's 106 to 112 the next few days....
Local
Houston-area YouTuber stabbed while livestreaming at Clear Lake boat ramp
A Houston-area YouTuber was stabbed at a Clear Lake boat ramp while livestreaming — and he believes sharing his location may have made him a target. Austin Lewis, known online as Captain Crunch Boats, has built a following of more than 34,000 subscribers and 312 videos documentin...
library
Montrose’s Secret Art Retreat Unveils a Culture Club That Pushes the Envelope — Basket Books Rewards Close Looking
Some of Houston’s most adventurous art exhibitions are happening inside an independent bookstore in the heart of Montrose. Since opening in May of 2022, Basket Books & Art has made an increasingly essential proposition. It is books in one room, contemporary art in the next, with ...
business
2 Helps You: Brazoria County beekeepers raise concerns over mosquito spraying deaths, transparency of pesticides used
A Brazoria County beekeeper says mosquito spraying operations have taken a devastating toll on his business, claiming millions of bees have been killed this year. Dane Beito, owner of Gulf Coast Honey Bee Farms, manages between 200 and 400 bee boxes each year. He told 2 Helps You...
safety
Judge sentences woman in firebomb plot to kill Treasury Secretary
A woman who admitted she planned to kill U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the day of his Senate confirmation was sentenced Tuesday to more than six years in prison....
News
Montana boy killed after being flung from carnival ride operating with missing restraints, lawsuit alleges
A 13-year-old boy was killed last month after being thrown from a Yo Yo carnival ride in Montana, according to a lawsuit alleging that carnival workers failed to follow safety protocols and operated the ride despite several missing seats and restraints....
schools
Back-to-school cyberbullying warning: What parents need to know about AI, fake accounts and altered images
As students head back to school, child safety experts are warning parents that bullying doesn’t always end when kids walk through the front door. Cyberbullying can follow children home through group chats, online games and social media — and parents may never see it happening. Kl...
safety
Flock camera helps nab Florida corrections officers in LEGO heist: deputies
Florida State Corrections Officers Kaitlyn Thomas and Shaun Smith were arrested after allegedly stealing over $3,000 in merchandise.
government
Harris, El Paso counties challenge federal election conditions on security grants
The lawsuit argues the Trump administration cannot withhold funding to force election changes it calls unconstitutional and unrelated to terrorism.
safety
2 houses heavily damaged in Cy-Fair fire
Two houses were heavily damaged in a fire in a Cy-Fair neighborhood on Wednesday, officials say.
safety
City of Pasadena Police Chief M.P. Jackson to retire
The City of Pasadena's top cop has announced he is retiring, according to a statement from the City of Pasadena.
News
FDA authorizes robotic blood draw device: ‘First-of-its-kind’
A first-of-its-kind robotic device can now autonomously draw blood from patients, following authorization from the FDA. Here’s how it works.
News
Pentagon threatens funding for 30 universities over ties to China
The Pentagon has ordered 30 universities to audit their partnerships with institutions—primarily in China—or face a total loss of federal funding.
Local
Texas-based oil companies among first to sign contracts with Venezuela
Venezuela's oil minister visited Houston this week to sign the contracts and address U.S. energy leaders.
safety
How a Georgia murder probe solved a NASCAR legend's home burglary
A Georgia man has been linked to a burglary at the North Carolina home of late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and it's not his first crime, investigators say....
News
Beryl, storm-damaged Brazoria County homeowners can get recovery help at Freeport outreach event Thursday
Homeowners in Brazoria County whose homes were damaged by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds or Hurricane Beryl in 2024 can learn about recovery assistance Thursday. The Texas General Land Office will host an outreach event on August 20: Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locatio...
library
Meet Fariha Nasir the interior designer crafting spaces that tell stories
Houston designer and Magnolia Network star Fariha Nasir is helping homeowners transform their spaces without spending a fortune. In her first book, Home, Improved , she shares approachable DIY projects designed to make any home feel more personal. Nasir joins Houston Life to disc...
schools
Patrick to Texas school districts: 'We're coming for your books'
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued a stark warning for school districts that do not remove books that he believes are offensive.
schools
Abbott orders review of how school districts are spending money
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the comptroller to conduct a review of how school districts are spending their money.
Local
I-10 Katy Freeway reopens near West 610 Loop; stalled 18-wheeler still on highway
The lanes were closed off by a stalled 18-wheeler further down the west Houston highway.
safety
Dickinson ISD teacher arrested, accused of improper relationship with 16-year-old student
Dickinson ISD says a district employee assigned to the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) has been arrested in connection to allegations involving a student. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed 46-year-old Kristi Hanks was ar...
schools
Harvard to pay $53M over body parts sold on black market
Harvard has agreed to a $53 million settlement over a scandal involving donated human remains stolen from its medical school morgue and sold to buyers....
Local
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 19, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Local
Photos: New Houston monument honors Black and women pioneers in space
Houston Matters visits EarthRise, a new monument to women and Black pioneers in the space industry on the grounds of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Nassau Bay....
News
Ticket lottery opens for Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas
The convention is the first ever midterm convention and takes place Sept. 9-10 at the American Airlines Center.
government
Hello Houston (August 19, 2026)
Today: We find out what’s behind the budget problems plaguing several Texas cities, learn about solar radiation management, discuss questions about voting access ahead of the midterm elections, and more....
News
Concerns about the New World screwworm have put Texas pet adoptions on hold
U.S. officials have emphasized the parasite’s threat to the nation’s $113 billion cattle industry, but the screwworm fly can lay eggs that hatch into flesh-eating larvae in the wounds or mucous of any mammal....
Local
Houston ranks #1 for worst road rage in the country
A new study just ranked Houston as the #1 worst city in America for road rage.
safety
Americans among those killed in Kenya safari tour helicopter crash, State Department says
Americans were among those killed Wednesday when a helicopter carrying tourists on a safari crashed in a remote area of northern Kenya, according to U.S. and Kenyan officials....
Local
4,000 acres of Sam Houston National Forest could lose roadless protections
A new federal proposal could remove protections from thousands of acres of roadless forest in Texas, including four areas of the Sam Houston National Forest north of Houston. The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which generally...
safety
Pasadena police Chief MP Jackson retiring amid scrutiny over officer conduct and disputed disciplinary records
Pasadena Police Chief M.P. Jackson plans to retire from the department at the end of the month, Mayor Thomas Shoenbein announced Wednesday morning. According to a statement from the mayor’s office provided to KPRC 2 News, Jackson informed Shoenbein of his decision Tuesday. Former...