PLANO — They all found out long after their mothers had died. They had called one another late at night, texted one another over glasses of wine from their own homes. They knew all about one another’s mothers. Where they lived. How they died. But many of the families — two dozen in all — who say their loved ones …

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: What is the virus? Scientists have identified the virus as a novel, or new, coronavirus. The name comes from the Latin word for crowns or halos, which coronaviruses resemble under …

A suspect was arrested after a man was found fatally shot at a Shell gas station in Red Bird early Wednesday, police said. Around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting at 7027 South RL Thornton Freeway, where they found Christian Pollard, 22, with gunshot wounds. Pollard was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. A witness told police …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Daily new cases of COVID-19 are projected to have a slight uptick and persist through early summer, according to data models produced by epidemic modeling experts at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The worst-case models for new daily cases in Texas show an increase into April to a high of 17,500 new cases per …

HOUSTON, Texas — Mask on or mask off? That is the question. Like many in the hospitality and entertainment industry, local live music venues are scrambling to decide what actions to take in the wake of Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement last week rescinding the state-wide mask mandates and opening all businesses at full capacity. Houston venues still hosting shows instituted …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Last month’s winter storm showed how in demand plumbers are and there’s a way you can get in on the industry and get paid while doing it. The Houston Public Works department said a quarter of all neighbors had pipe damage during the freeze, and there’s still an issue with fixing people’s pipes. “Please be patient,” …

An estimated 25% of Houston households experienced a leak or disruption of water service during last month’s winter storm, Houston Public Works reports. As a new billing cycle approaches, Houston City Council approved a measure Wednesday to prevent a spike in water bills from meters registering and over-charging residents for leaking water. A previous ordinance in place only covered 50% …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Mohamed Mokbel, seen in federal custody after a raid at his Afton Oaks home Tuesday, faces at least a decade in prison for his alleged role in a $134 million scheme the federal government says scammed insurance, patients, doctors, and taxpayers over a 10-year period. But in addition to his social media profile and evidently lavish …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Medical experts are sounding off as Gov. Greg Abbott lifts the statewide mask mandate, calling it dangerous. “Anger, sadness, fear,” said Dr. Bich-May Nguyen, a board member with Doctors for America. “I’m frustrated,” said Dr. Christina Propst, a pediatrician with Blue Fish Pediatrics. “We are doing our part, and so it is really a painful experience …

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Two suspects who tried to rob a driver in northeast Harris County were shot to death, authorities say. It happened in the 4500 block of Keith Street near I-69 and Little York Road on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, a 19-year-old was sitting his parked car eating lunch when he was …