Harris County

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Community leaders gathered Tuesday for a press conference to denounce proposed Harris County budget decisions they say will harm residents while increasing long-term costs. https://youtu.be/fpVeb4vY8iY The event, titled “Harris Co. Residents Refuse to Pay the Price for Bad Budgets,” centered on concerns over cuts to housing, health care, and community programs while funding for permanent police spending increases continues to grow. Speakers criticized what they described as irresponsible long-term spending and unrealistic fiscal assumptions that could leave Harris County residents bearing the consequences for years to come. Leaders urged officials to prioritize sustainable investments in housing, health, and essential services rather than shifting costs onto ...

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo held a press conference Tuesday to address confusion surrounding the county’s budget deficit, which she placed at $220 million. She presented documents outlining expenditures that add up to the deficit and detailed which budget recommendations were not followed. https://youtu.be/Kj9SSKOVY4I Hidalgo said the claim that the deficit has been reduced to $48 million is inaccurate, pointing out that Commissioners Court has yet to finalize any cuts and will not do so until the September 9 meeting. She accused some commissioners of using “doublespeak,” such as calling cuts “efficiencies” or “vacancy control.” Hidalgo said the current proposal relies on $64 million in one-time funding, which she described as unsustainable. She warned t...

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Fire crews were dispatched around 3:03 a.m. for a house fire in the 6800 block of Redding Springs, where bystanders reported people trapped inside. https://youtu.be/tt9DXk2O1RI Crews entered the home and found an adult female and a 3-year-old child together on the second floor. Both victims were brought outside, where CPR was administered. EMS initially regained pulses for both before transport, but officials have since confirmed that the 3-year-old has died. The woman remains hospitalized in critical condition. Three additional people were transported in stable condition for smoke inhalation. A total of seven occupants were inside the home. Five were transported, and two remained at the scene. All were family members living together. Approximately 25 fire...