Friday, December 26

Texas

Texas

Judge Hidalgo warns of $220M budget deficit, criticizes “smoke and mirrors” fixes
Harris County

Judge Hidalgo warns of $220M budget deficit, criticizes “smoke and mirrors” fixes

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...
3-year-old dies after being rescued from early morning house fire in Harris County
Harris County

3-year-old dies after being rescued from early morning house fire in Harris County

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...
Suspect taken into custody after barricading himself following domestic dispute
Houston

Suspect taken into custody after barricading himself following domestic dispute

KINGWOOD, TX – Officers with the Houston Police Department responded to a welfare check just before 10 p.m. in the 5600 block of Palisade Falls Trail. https://youtu.be/fJSEu43ZLz0 Upon arrival, officers determined the situation was a domestic dispute or assault. The victim was safely removed from the scene and provided a brief statement. The suspect then barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to comply with officers’ commands. He later exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported. Police confirmed the individuals involved are in a dating relationship.
Two-alarm fire reported at Houston Marriott Medical Center
Houston

Two-alarm fire reported at Houston Marriott Medical Center

HOUSTON, TX – A two-alarm fire was reported last night at the Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District located at 6850 Fannin. https://youtu.be/guosBKIKgf8 The fire was escalated to two alarms, though it was unclear what was burning. Firefighters were spotted walking out of the hotel, but no visible damage was seen from the outside. Units cleared the scene by 1:15 a.m., and the hotel remained open for business. More information will follow if it becomes available.
Masked men wearing bulletproof vests and badges claiming to be police shot during home invasion
Houston, National

Masked men wearing bulletproof vests and badges claiming to be police shot during home invasion

HOUSTON, TX – Two men were fatally shot during a home invasion in the 4800 block of Bellnole around 11 p.m. Friday. https://youtu.be/fiZIx5PWrVM According to Houston police, the caller reported two masked men at the residence claiming to be police serving a warrant. The suspects were wearing bulletproof vests, masks, and badges around their necks when they fired shots through the front door at the caller. The homeowners returned fire, striking both suspects. Officers arriving on scene attempted CPR, but both men were pronounced deceased at the location. The suspects are described as younger males, possibly in their 30s. Police said the homeowners were not injured, and the suspects did not gain entry into the residence. If you have any information, you are urged to contact ...
Man dies after car crashes into utility pole on Durham at Nett in Houston
Houston

Man dies after car crashes into utility pole on Durham at Nett in Houston

HOUSTON, TX – A fatal crash occurred when a vehicle traveling southbound on Durham Street at a high rate of speed lost control and struck a utility pole. https://youtu.be/CH1l_XHpUsQ The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Saturday at Durham and Nett. The male driver, believed to be in his late 30s to mid-40s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His identity has not yet been confirmed. CenterPoint Energy crews were also on scene to repair damage to the utility pole. If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Constable Mark Herman’s K9 Mattress Mack spotted fueling up before next shift
Texas

Constable Mark Herman’s K9 Mattress Mack spotted fueling up before next shift

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Constable Mark Herman shared a photo of his beloved K9, Mattress Mack, resting on a fuel pump in a lighthearted moment before his next shift. According to Constable Herman, the image serves as a reminder of the dedication of K9 partners who work alongside deputies to track suspects, apprehend criminals, and protect Precinct 4 neighborhoods.
Stolen vehicle recovered, suspect arrested in Humble
Texas

Stolen vehicle recovered, suspect arrested in Humble

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – According to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Detectives located a stolen vehicle and conducted surveillance until Humble Police Department units carried out a traffic stop. The suspect was taken into custody, charged with theft, and transported to jail. The vehicle was returned to its owner.
First-of-its-kind foster youth housing campus opens in Texas with $41M HAY Center project
Texas

First-of-its-kind foster youth housing campus opens in Texas with $41M HAY Center project

HARRIS COUNTY, TX, August 22, 2025 – Judge Lina Hidalgo joined local officials today to celebrate the opening of the new $41 million Houston Alumni & Youth (HAY) Center Campus, the only facility of its kind in Texas designed to provide wraparound services and housing for youth aging out of foster care. Photo Courtesy of the Office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Harris County invested $32 million into the project through a combination of grant funding, American Rescue Plan Act funds, and general funds. The city of Houston contributed $5 million, while private philanthropists donated $4 million. “The HAY Center is such a special place. Being able to give at-risk kids housing stability gives them the freedom to pursue the future that they want, whether that’s school or worki...
Multi-agency takedown leads to 10 arrests tied to violent crime spree in Harris County
Texas

Multi-agency takedown leads to 10 arrests tied to violent crime spree in Harris County

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Houston Police Department, Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, recently conducted a multi-agency takedown operation that resulted in the arrests of 10 defendants. The operation included the execution of residential search warrants and arrest warrants for offenses related to aggravated robberies, aggravated kidnapping, theft, burglary of habitation, and engaging in organized crime. “This successful operation is a great example of how the many public safety agencies tasked ...