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 …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Silver Alert has been issued for a missing 77-year-old man last seen in northwest Harris County. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Leon Howard was last seen on Tuesday in the 8100 block of Enchanted Forest Drive around 7 p.m.   Howard has been diagnosed with a cognitive impairment and authorities believe his disappearance …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — PepperLou Gifts started as a dream by Valerie Cassady and her daughter Ellie. They always wanted to open their own store, but it wasn’t until Valerie needed a space for her interior decorating business, that PepperLou Gifts was born. Valerie wanted to open the Memorial-area store to give Ellie a better future after she graduated high …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Skateboarding has come a long way since it was first invented. It has evolved from a hobby to an art form, and it will debut as an official Olympic sport this summer. Some still view skateboarding as a sport for white males. But these Houston skateboarders are breaking barriers – proving you can be any race, …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The attorney for the family of a 1-year-old shot by Houston police as they confronted a chase suspect says the baby is still suffering after the incident. According to civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who has gained recent notoriety for advocating on behalf of George Floyd’s family, 1-year-old Legend Smalls had to have part of his …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A second lawsuit has been filed against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. On Tuesday evening, Watson responded to the first lawsuit filed by high-profile Houston attorney Tony Buzbee on behalf of a massage therapist accusing Watson of indecent assault. Now, a second lawsuit has been filed and Buzbee says more women are coming forward with allegations against …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A pair of River Oaks museum intruders are still on the run after they were chased by police Tuesday night as they boarded a boat on Buffalo Bayou and disappeared into the city’s storm drain system. Police received report of a break-in at the Bayou Bend Museum, a branch of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A YouTube dating coach and consultant is accused of a real estate investment scam. Mikki Fox, also known as Michaela Pink, is charged with theft in Harris County. The county district attorney’s office has identified six other possible victims Fox has a large following on YouTube, where she offers advice on makeup and dating. A woman, …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Lillian Yang loves to tell a good joke, and by looking at her big smile, you would never know the 7-year-old is fighting for her life. “Why are fish so smart? Because they live in school,” she joked. “She is very happy, always telling jokes to all the nurses. She’s probably the most popular patient on …

CYPRESS, Texas (KTRK) — A knife-wielding man was fatally shot by two deputies at a Cypress convenience store, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. It happened in the 12900 block of Telge Road late Wednesday morning. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said preliminary information showed a deputy and a cadet trainee, who is experienced but new to the department, were called …