Health authorities are closely watching an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new strain of coronavirus known as COVID-19. Here are the answers to key questions about the outbreak: New drugs may help prevent hospitalization from COVID-19 What is the virus? Scientists have identified the virus as a novel, or new, coronavirus. The name comes from the Latin word …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Harris Health System will run out of COVID-19 vaccine Friday at noon. The safety net health group’s CEO told Thursday afternoon they are cancelling hundreds of vaccination appointments at seven Harris Health locations across Harris County. Speaking with Ted Oberg, Dr. Esmaeil Porsa said, “This is no way to plan. This is no way to run …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A 29-year-old Houston man has been charged in the murder of his ex-girlfriend, who was missing for more than a month, prosecutors say. Emmishae Kirby, 29, disappeared from west Houston in Sept. 2020 after investigators said she was seen leaving the 800 block of Country Place Drive. Her body was found on Oct. 3, 2020 in …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A former Houston police officer accused of unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol as it was being ransacked by insurrectionists was released from federal detention Thursday afternoon.. On Thursday, Tam Pham made his first appearance in a federal court in downtown Houston on charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct in connection with the deadly riots on Jan. …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — President Biden’s newly appointed CDC chief has extended the eviction moratorium due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Houston Housing Authorities said there is still time for both tenants and landlords to sign up for extra resources. On Wednesday night, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky sent the following statement regarding extending the eviction moratorium. “As a protective public …

HOUSTON, Texas — With the enthusiasm for drive-ins showing no signs of slowing, a local venue is bringing a popular film fest to Houston. Moonstruck Drive-in Cinema at East River will host the Sundance Satellite Film Festival from January 28 through February 2, the venue announced. The fest is a production of Houston Cinema Arts Society and Sundance Film Festival. …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Wednesday’s historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris meant so much for many people. But, for one Houston woman, it was a full circle moment that brought tears to her eyes. Laura Franklin turned 103-years-old on Inauguration Day, and said she had the best birthday ever. When Franklin was born, women couldn’t …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Police say they caught a man who tried to steal an ambulance while he was seen ordering food at a southwest Houston Jack in the Box. It happened in the 6100 block of Ludington Drive Thursday night. According to the Houston Police Department, the ambulance was stolen while HFD first responders were out on a service …

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A Harris County Public Health doctor is accused of stealing a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced. According to a news release issued on Thursday afternoon, Dr. Hasan Gokal stole the vial that contained nine doses while working at the county vaccination site at Lyndsay Lyons Park in Humble …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston family is turning to the north side community for answers after an 89-year-old was hit and killed by a driver and was then left alone on the side of a road. Alejandro Campos, who was lovingly known as “Polly,” was a native Houstonian and was active for his age, according to his family. Police …