Alvaro 'Al' Ortiz

General Assignment Reporter

Alvaro ‘Al’ Ortiz is originally from Spain. He worked for several years in his home country and gained experience in all platforms of journalism, from wire services to print, as well as broadcast news and digital reporting. In 2001, Al came to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree at the Journalism School of the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he graduated in 2003. Shortly after that, he moved to Washington, D.C. to work for Azteca America, the U.S. operation of TV Azteca, one of Mexico’s biggest television networks. Al moved again in 2004 and arrived in Houston to spearhead Azteca America’s Texas News Bureau. Since then, Al has also worked for Spain’s EFE News Services, the Houston Chronicle and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Houston Matters

New Protocol On Bail System Would Increase Workload Of Pretrial Services In Harris County

Posted on January 18, 2019 · About 85 percent of those arrested on misdemeanors would be released on cash free bonds.

Houston Matters

Unions Support Bill That Would Provide $5,000 Raise To Texas Teachers

Posted on January 16, 2019 · The presidents of the Texas State Teachers Association and the Houston Federation of Teachers also criticize merit based pay in public education.

Houston Matters

City of Houston Housing Department Rolls Out $1.17 Billion Program For Harvey Recovery

Posted on January 14, 2019 · The program is federally funded. Applicants must fill out a survey online; by calling 832-393-0550; or going to one of four recovery centers the City has opened across Houston.

Houston Matters

Survey Reveals Misconceptions And Opinions Houstonians Have About Muslims

Posted on January 11, 2019 · More than 70 percent of respondents think Muslims are making positive contributions to the country, but 31 percent believe they are sympathetic to terrorist attacks.

Houston Matters

Border Mayors React To President Trump’s Prime-Time Address On Immigration

Posted on January 9, 2019 · Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz says Trump didn’t convince him. McAllen Mayor Jim Darling notes the President referred to the humanitarian aspect of the situation at the border.

Houston Matters

Sheriff Gonzalez Defends Using Composite Sketch In Search For Jazmine Barnes’ Killer

Posted on January 7, 2019 · The investigation is ongoing and there is a second suspect, but Gonzalez declines to comment on his identity or whether he is in custody.

News

UPDATE: Investigators Charge Man, Identify Second Suspect In Murder Of Jazmine Barnes

Posted on January 6, 2019 · Eric Black, the man who's been charged so far, admits taking part in the shooting. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says investigators believe the killer wasn't targeting the child and her family.

News

Hidalgo Recuses Herself From Two Lawsuits Involving Harris County Jail

Posted on January 4, 2019 · The new county judge also says she will not accept “political contributions” from individuals or companies that currently do or seek to do business with the county.

Houston Matters

Sylvia Garcia Discusses Priorities As New Member Of Congress

Posted on January 4, 2019 · Protecting Houston from negative economic repercussions of a potential shutdown of the border and accelerating the use of federal funds for Harvey recovery are up on her list.

News

Sheriff Gonzalez Releases Sketch Of Man Who Killed Jazmine Barnes And Video Of Truck

Posted on January 3, 2019 · The suspected shooter is described as a thinly built white man in his 30’s or 40’s. Investigators believe he wore a black hooded sweatshirt at the time of the shooting.

Houston Matters

Immigration Lawyers Anticipate Government Shutdown To Impact Cases In Houston Region

Posted on January 2, 2019 · Attorney Ruby Powers thinks making immigration judges work overtime or establish a system of visiting judges could be options to deal with the backlog after the shutdown.

Harris County

How To Use Fireworks Safely During The Holidays

Posted on December 21, 2018 · The sale of fireworks in Texas has started and there are thousands of selling points.

Houston Matters

Bettencourt And Huberty Discuss Report By Texas Commission On Public School Finance

Posted on December 20, 2018 · One of the highlights is proposing to reform the state's recapture system.

Harris County

Sheriff’s Office To Store Firearms Surrendered By Abusers

Posted on December 19, 2018 · Individuals who are respondents to a protective order, which are common in domestic violence cases, will meet with a deputy and surrender the firearm for temporary storage.

Houston Matters

Study: Neighborhoods On Houston’s East Side And Inside Loop Susceptible To Gentrification

Posted on December 18, 2018 · The analysis conducted by Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research looked at factors such as socioeconomic status and transportation options.