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 Houston man charged with shooting and killing a 6-year-old girl over spilled water will remain in jail for the time being. Rameon Means, 35, appeared in court for the first time Monday. He is accused of killing little Laurionne Walker while she was being looked after by Means’ sister last week. Police say Laurionne Walker …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Rent relief is starting to get into the hands of people who need it, but some programs are doing it faster than others. Ebony Green is one of those who was able to get money to help with several months of rent. “Three [months], and I’m getting married in July,” said Green. “That’s a real blessing. …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The wife of a man who was reported missing after he was last seen leaving a dialysis center Friday afternoon told her husband was found dead inside of his truck. On Monday, John Jackson’s wife, Donna, said her husband was found in his truck in the parking lot to Sprouts Farmers Market on Old Spanish Trail. …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A video released Monday by a Houston animal rescue group shows a dog owner using what appears to be a leash and a shoe to hit the canine repeatedly more than 20 times. The Houston SPCA said the dog in the video is under its care after it was seized with the assistance of the Harris …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Six additional lawsuits against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson were filed Monday morning, both alleging the NFL star of unwanted sexual advances while under the guise of a massage therapy session. The lawsuits filed in Harris County by attorney Tony Buzbee brought the litigation total to 13 since early last week. Buzbee said he had been retained …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Imagine battling the effects of COVID-19 for a year. That’s what one local woman has experienced. She’s known as a COVID long-hauler — someone who continues to experience symptoms months after getting the virus Dona Murphey, 41, had COVID-19 in late March of last year, early on in the pandemic. “Very mild respiratory symptoms. I had …

HOUSTON, Texas — A well-known market in Houston’s Denver Harbor area will close at the end of this month. Burt’s Meat Market & Cajun Foods will close March 31, the establishment announced on Facebook. “Thank you, Houston, for the decades of amazing support, but when it’s time…IT’S TIME,” the message reads. “Come show your love to all our employees who …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — In just a few minutes’ time, thieves are crawling under vehicles and cutting off catalytic converters leaving Houston area drivers out thousands of dollars. “[It’s] very costly. The repairs were $8,000,” explained Leanna Sparacino, who’s among many victims. Sparacino and her husband are among the growing number of victims of catalytic converter thefts. Both Harris County …

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A line of storms with a history of producing severe weather is moving toward Houston. These storms will weaken on their approach to Houston and should stay below severe limits when they reach the city. You may encounter some showers for your morning drive, but prepare for sunshine and a humidity drop Tuesday afternoon. Some of …