Prism Local News

HISD enrollment falls 4.7 percent, costing district roughly $51 million

HISD enrollment dropped to about 168,410 for 2025-26, down 4.7 percent. The decline could cut state funding by roughly $...

Katy coaching legend Mike Johnston dies, leaves lasting legacy

Mike Johnston, Katy High's longtime coach, dies Saturday; he turned Katy into a state football powerhouse and shaped the...

One-third of Greater Houston private schools approve TEFA voucher participation

About 82 private grade schools in Greater Houston can accept TEFA vouchers, reshaping options for families and raising e...

Lisa Park2m read

Possible murder-suicide investigated after double death in west Harris County

A man and woman in their 50s were found dead at a west Harris County home; detectives are treating it as a possible murd...

Harris County 2026 property tax timeline and key deadlines

Harris County homeowners face deadlines for appraisals, exemptions, protests and the Jan. 31, 2027 tax payment....

Hundreds rally at Houston City Hall after ICE death

A peaceful rally of about 200 gathered at Houston City Hall to protest the ICE killing of Renee Good. Residents pressed ...

Man arrested after fatal shooting inside Thornwilde Park Lane garage

A man was arrested after deputies found a person shot inside a garage in north Harris County. The arrest led to a homici...

Community

Chevron Houston Marathon weekend closed streets, stretched city services

Marathon weekend Jan. 9–11 routed runners through central neighborhoods, causing closures and medical staging. Residents...

HISD reshuffles high school magnets for 'high-wage' job pathways

HISD proposed shifting several arts and communications programs to a career center to expand pathways tied to "high-wage...

Healthcare

Man arrested after rooftop incident at Katy Freeway Chick-fil-A

A man climbed onto the Chick-fil-A roof on the Katy Freeway and was arrested after deputies negotiated his surrender. Th...

Lisa Park2m read

Community

Two arrested after deadly Metro bus shooting in Westchase

Two people were arrested after a Jan. 7 Metro bus shooting in Westchase that left a 25-year-old woman dead and a 16-year...

Jon Lindsay, architect of Harris County toll roads, dies at 90

Jon Lindsay, who led Harris County from 1975 to 1995, died Jan. 8 at 90. His work on toll roads, flood land and public h...

Dr. Elena Rodriguez2m read

Healthcare

Spike in bodies found in Houston bayous raises safety concerns

Data shows record-high recoveries from Houston bayous in 2024–2025, often ruled drownings or undetermined causes; this a...

Harris County arrest follows theft spree of more than $20,000 in tailgates

A 19-year-old was arrested after deputies linked him to more than $20,000 in stolen truck tailgates. Residents should se...

Teen charged in I-69 feeder shooting of 18-wheeler driver

A 15-year-old passenger has been charged after allegedly shooting at an 18-wheeler driver on the I-69 feeder; the trucke...

Harris County judge says removal of treasurer would be premature now

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo told Commissioners Court it was premature to reduce or remove Treasurer Carla Wyatt aft...

Harris County names Jonathan Fombonne as county attorney

Harris County commissioners appointed Jonathan Fombonne as county attorney, ending a holdover after Christian Menefee's ...

State funding shift threatens Harris County traffic signal repairs

County engineering officials warned a funding change could slow repairs on aging traffic signals, potentially affecting ...

Harris County deputies detain suspect after K-9 Ghost injured

Deputies detained a man after a chase and pond struggle that injured HCSO K-9 Ghost; he faces additional charges includi...

Harris County Precinct 4 backs $30M for west Houston flood, safety projects

Precinct 4 announced more than $30 million for seven west Houston projects to reduce flooding and improve safety and con...

Harris County opens annual mail ballot applications for seniors, disabled

Eligible voters 65+ and certain disabled residents may apply for annual mail ballots starting Jan. 1, 2026. This secures...

Body found in Buffalo Bayou renews safety concerns across Harris County

Park crews found a man's body in Buffalo Bayou near Commerce and Fannin; investigators saw no obvious signs of foul play...

Hermann Park fight escalates over Ben Taub expansion plans

Hermann Park Conservancy protested plans to use nearly 9 acres for Ben Taub's $410 million expansion; commissioners coul...

Astrodome Faces $55M Demolition or $752M Renovation Choice

Harris County officials revealed in December that demolishing the Astrodome would cost roughly $55 million while renovat...

Harris County Ends One Out-of-State Jail Contract, 300 Return

Harris County announced the termination of a CoreCivic contract sending inmates to a northwest Mississippi facility, wit...

Houston funds expansion of behavioral health response for unhoused

Houston approved a nearly $949,000 grant to expand a Behavioral Health Response Team serving about 250 people at risk of...

Harris County pushes back against governor's election takeover threat

Harris County officials pushed back after Gov. Greg Abbott suggested a state takeover over P.O. box voter registrations....

Community

Camouflaged Tractor Chase Across Northeast Houston Ends in Arrest

A camouflage-painted, military-style tractor unit struck about 10 vehicles across separate locations before leading depu...

Aldine ISD sought public input on 2026-27 school calendars

Aldine ISD opened a Jan. 6 survey asking parents, staff and community members to weigh in on draft 2026-27 calendars; re...