Houstonians step in to help Georgia family whose car tires were stolen by thieves

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Laura Smith says she was so overwhelmed that she just started crying when she walked outside and saw that thieves had stolen all the tires off her family's car.

It happened Monday night morning at a motel near Buffalo Speedway and the South Loop. So far this year, there have been 87 thefts in that area, but this one was different, which is why so many strangers are offering to help the Smith family.

From Facebook messages to emails and a lot of phone calls, the family quickly learned they aren't alone here in Houston.

When the Smiths started out on their journey from Georgia to M.D. Anderson here in Houston, it was tough. They had to leave three of their children to get 19-year-old Grace to the world-class Texas Medical Center.

"She's in great spirits," Laura said.

Grace is battling sarcoma, an aggressive cancer. Doctors removed a 10-pound tumor but more have formed since then.

When Laura left the hotel Wednesday morning it was one more devastating blow.

"Why would somebody put bricks up under our car and then it dawned on me. I was like, 'Oh my gosh," Laura said.

Thieves had left them with no wheels to get back to the hospital.

But as word spread on the news and Facebook, the family couldn't believe the response.

"I've got a place you can stay, I'll bring you back and forth to your appointments, I've got a car you can borrow," Eric said of the offers he's received.

Across the country to here in the Houston area, a Pearland mom who has a son battling cancer, to a League City tire shop.

"We have small town values," Discount Tire League City manager Charlie Luker said.

Luker says a longtime customer contacted them and asked if they could help.

"It's a personal thing. If I was in that situation, I would hope someone would step up and help me out," Luker said.

Now the Smiths are back to having a car they can actually drive to see Grace through her chemotherapy.

"She's in faith, she's believing in her miracle and we are right there with her," Smith said.

And somehow what happened in that hotel parking lot has helped them feel good in their daughter's hospital room.

"The small amount of devastation that we had in this bad thing has totally been turned around to a very uplifting, hopeful situation that has been 10 times better," Laura said.

The family learned they'll be staying in Houston much longer than they initially expected to see through their daughter's treatment.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Houstonians lace up for 'Running of the Bulls'

An ABC13 viewer sent in this photo from the 2012 Running of the Bulls at Reliant Park on Sunday. Send your photos to News@abc13.com! (iWitness Reports)

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Texans may not be in town today but Reliant Park was still busy this morning. Hundreds of people took part in the annual Running of the Bulls 5-K run.

The race began at 8am and benefits the Houston Texans Foundation.

First place finishers in the male and female division each received a pair of tickets and a parking pass to the Texans' game against the Buffalo Bills on November 4.

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Houstonians react to attack on U.S. consulate in Libya

  Crystal KobziaHOUSTON (KTRK) -- The attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya in Libya is drawing strong reactions all around the world and here in Houston.

The U.S. has responded swiftly and strongly to prevent more attacks like this one from happening against Americans.

Here locally, an expert on homeland security and terrorism says she believes the attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi was most likely planned.

Joan Neuhaus Schaan from the Baker Institute in Housto tells us she can't imagine the attack that killed four Americans was pure coincidence, since it happened on 9-11. And she says the same can be said for the attack that happened on the embassy in Cairo, considering they took the date of 9-11 and used that date to tear down the American flag, burn it and replace it with the Jihad flag.

"You can count of the fact that there will be aliments that have been watching every person who comes and goes, every vehicle that comes and goes, they know their travel patterns and this was likely a well planned attack," said Neuhaus Schaan.

Nadine Mustafa with the Libyan American Organization in Houston says she believes education is key, saying as long as people know these types of attacks are at the hands of small groups and not the masses, that clarifies the magnitude of the situation.

"It's really disappointing and it's really discouraging but the good thing is we have so many community members that are totally dedicated to righting the wrongs and overcoming these miscommunications, bridging the barriers," Mustafa said.

Mustafa believes it's unfair to say Libya is an unsafe place to be. She travels to Libya about twice a year and just got back from a trip this past August. She believes this was a singular event that happened at the U.S. Embassy. She tells us she has only experienced admiration and gratitude for what America has done for Libya while she is there.

Mustafa says the Libyan American Organization condemns this type of violence, saying there is no excuse for this behavior.

There are only about 100 Libyan American families here in Houston.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Houstonians handling the Labor Day heat

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston area residents are not letting the heat ruin their Labor Day plans.

Whether you're working or working out today, it doesn't take long to feel it.

Henry, 10, and Demetric just sweat through a pretty intense exercise session outside.

"It makes you feel like you wanna just lay down and go to sleep on the grass. Very, very hot," said Henry.

And talk about "hot" yoga, outside Rothko Chapel this morning, the brave and dedicated took part in the annual Labor Day "Free Day of Yoga." But these yogis are also practicing smart.

"Stay in the shade, don't work too hard, take breaks," said yoga teacher Sam Evers.

Despite summer's end around the corner, Houston's still sweating. And this week's forecast calls for temperatures in the triple-digits when you factor in the heat index.

"I try to run early in the morning and stay inside the rest of the day," said runner Carlos Sharpless.

A reminder from doctors: if you're gonna be outside, be sure to hydrate; wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes; share the shade; and always wear sunscreen. Tips to keep handy because it's going to get hotter before it cools down.

"Drink a lot of water and Gatorade. Water when I run, Gatorade when I get home," said Sharpless.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Houstonians make strides against breast cancer

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The stormy weather Saturday morning couldn't keep thousands of Houstonians from committing to the fight against breast cancer.

They participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5-K walk at Reliant Park.

Cancer survivors and volunteers wore pink shirts for the event.

The American Cancer Society aims to raise $400,000 for breast cancer research from Saturday's walk.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Houstonians prepare for cold temperatures

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Tuesday was the coldest night the Houston area had seen since February, and some residents spent the evening getting ready for the potentially freezing temperatures.

Tuesday is the first freeze of the season in many areas, Chief Meteorologist Tim Heller. As the blanket of clouds slowly erodes over Houston, many inland neighborhoods will drop into the upper 20s overnight.

"Temperatures will drop below freezing for four to eight hours in the city of Houston, while neighborhoods north and west of the city will be below freezing for eight to 10 hours," Heller said. "While this won't be a pipe-busting freeze, it will take its toll on tender tropical plants and other sensitive vegetation. Family pets should also be brought inside tonight."

Temperatures won't climb very high on Wednesday either, Heller said. With a northerly wind blowing, we'll only warm into the low 50s. And then drop below freezing tomorrow night again.

The cold weather means winter is on the mind of many, so a lot of people and the city have been preparing for the temperature drop.

At one Bellaire grocery store, firewood was popular Tuesday night.

"I think it's wonderful; it's really bringing in the Christmas spirit," shopper Kim McConn said.

And the phones have been ringing all day at one west Houston landscaping company.

"Firewood all day, everyday," said Tania Gonzales with Embark Tree & Landscape Services.

Inside, the orders were piling up.

"Most places don't deliver the firewood, they have to come and pick it up, especially far like Sugar Land and Katy and Pearland and we do deliver all the way over there," Gonzales said.

Outside, the stacked up wood was ready for delivery.

"It's really amazing how many trees have died as a result of the drought," said Steve Navarro with Embark Tree & Landscape Services.

Piles of logs were waiting to be split.

"Couple of years ago we were running pretty low and maybe even ran out of wood. This year, as you can see, we have plenty of wood to make it through the entire winter," Navarro said.

At TxDOT making it through the winter includes inspecting, calibrating and prepping equipment as the temperatures drop.

"We have gotten a lot of practice over these last couple of years. This year alone, we've had three events in January and February and those were back to back, so yes we've gotten a lot better at being prepared," said Karen Othon with TxDOT.

From the roadways to the parking lots Tuesday night, there was no precipitation, just people making preparations to stay warm.

"A bunch of firewood because I'm freezing, and my son is waiting at home and we're going to have a fire," McConn said.

On Wednesday, TxDOT is expected to get all of their vehicles ready for inspection.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Houstonians honor veterans on Memorial Day

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houstonians turned out to honor the nation's war dead in special ceremony at Houston's Veterans' Cemetery on this Memorial Day.

This is the day we pay tribute to the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Ceremonies are taking place throughout the Houston area and the nation.

Hundreds of people of all backgrounds gathered at this ceremony. They are drawn together with one goal -- to pay their respects to the brave men and women who died in the name of freedom.

A cannon salute kicked off the ceremony where Houstonians honored the fallen men and women of all US military branches -- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. This holiday is an especially emotional one for the parents, children, and friends of those who have recently been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There are many elements of the ceremony that are performed every year, including the riderless horse procession, the presentation of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem.

While everyone at the ceremony looks forward to those traditions, many of them honor the sacrifices made by military members, not just on Memorial Day, but every day, by reaching out to the families who are left behind. Many of those organizations, like the Gold Star Moms, are represented, as are military members who've served alongside those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Retired Marine Matt Duffy said, "I spent 10 years active duty in the Marine Corp, and 10 years active duty in the Texas State Guard, and I have a lot of friends that sacrificed. It's just a great day to come out, and cry, and think about all of their sacrifices."

Following the service, visitors fanned out all over the cemetery to visit gravesites. Some visited grandparents and great-grandparents who served many years ago but whose service will never be forgotten.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Survey: Houstonians upbeat about quality of life here

   HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The 30th Annual Kinder Houston Area Survey shows Harris County residents as upbeat about the city's future.

The findings were released today during a luncheon hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership and Rice's Kinder Institute for Urban Research. Despite economic anxiety and concern for the future of the country, most Houstonians perceive an improving quality of life locally and 90 percent believe that Houston is a better place to live than most other metropolitan areas, according to the survey conducted by Rice University. The survey showed that Harris County residents have become a little more upbeat in their personal economic outlooks but remain pessimistic about the long-term national prospects. While 26 percent (up from 20 percent in 2010) report improving personal financial conditions, only 31 percent (down from 43 percent in 2007) believe that young people will eventually have a higher standard of living than adult Americans today. "Houstonians clearly feel that the bleeding has stopped, but a robust recovery is not yet on the horizon," said survey author Stephen Klineberg, co-director of the Kinder Institute. "They are worried about the American future, but they're feeling better about Houston -- about local crime, air pollution and traffic -- and they are even more enthusiastic than in past years about the Houston area as a place to live." Although 86 percent agreed that "if you work hard in this city, eventually you will succeed," 67 percent also believe that "people who work hard and live by the rules are not getting a fair break these days." The percent of people who spontaneously mentioned education when asked to name the biggest problem facing people in Houston jumped to 7.6 percent this year from just 1.7 percent in 2009 and 2 percent in 2010. Area residents support measures to enhance the city's green spaces and bayous, revitalize and preserve urban centers and improve air and water quality. A large proportion of Harris County residents would choose a more urban lifestyle: 52 percent said they'd prefer to live in a single-family residential area, but 45 percent would opt instead for an area with a mix of developments including homes, shops and restaurants. In 2010, 41 percent said they'd prefer a smaller home in a more urbanized area within walking distance of shops and workplaces, rather than a single-family home with a big yard "where you would need to drive almost everywhere you want to go." Asked how they would feel if a close relative of theirs wanted to marry a non-Anglo, just 8 percent of the Anglo respondents this year said they would disapprove, down from 13 percent in 2002 and 23 percent in 1995. Among the Anglo respondents under the age of 30, 93 percent said they would approve of such intermarriage, compared with 69 percent of those 60 or older. Seventy percent of Anglos under 30, but only 35 percent in the older group, said that the increasing immigration into this country today mostly strengthens American culture. Seventy-three percent of the younger respondents, compared with 52 percent of those 60 or older, said they are in favor of granting illegal immigrants a path to legal citizenship if they speak English and have no criminal record. "Houston is where America's four major ethnic communities -- Anglos, Asians, blacks and Latinos -- meet in more equal numbers than almost anywhere else in the country," Klineberg said. "The challenges and opportunities of creating a more unified and inclusive multiethnic society will be seen here first." The 2011 Kinder Houston Area Survey was conducted by phone between Feb. 17 and March 9 and reached a scientifically representative sample of 750 Harris County residents including 240 respondents contacted by cell phone. The Survey Research Institute of the Hobby Center for Public Policy at the University of Houston administered the survey. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) 

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Houstonians still questioning NASA's decision

 HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houstonians are still sore after Tuesday's announcement that the Space City would not be receiving one of the retired space shuttle orbiters. We have a look at the pitch local leaders made to NASA and the new effort to find out why the space agency said no.

We wanted to compare the proposals which earned entities a space shuttle to see what those entities said to help persuade NASA to give them one. But NASA will not release those proposals. A spokesman claims the information is proprietary and says applicants were promised confidentiality. Some say that's proof again that this process of selection wasn't as transparent as the space agency would lead us to believe. Houstonians on Wednesday still struggled to make sense of the snub from NASA. "It's really a shame .. And I really regret that," said Mark Bruse. "To me, this was a political decision. There's no way you could've used logic and not include Houston," said Lee Perry. Former Congressman Chris Bell also wonders what happened -- if someone dropped the ball; if Houston did enough, early enough to get a shuttle. They are questions many sources are asking us to investigate. "I don't think we had really put ourselves in a position to win the shuttle," said Bell. He admits no inside knowledge other than his personal experience of how politics works. He says early assumption that so many others would get a shuttle was unnerving. "By the time Houston was weighing in, it seemed like it could very well be too little, too late," Bell said. A 23-page proposal was put together in the hope of brining an orbiter to Space Center Houston. It details the arguments for the shuttle: the 750,000 people annually that would see it inside a 53,000-square foot addition at the facility. The application was delivered to NASA in March 2009. It was backed by a varied coalition of business and area elected leaders. They insist they pushed it for more than two years. "We have done everything we can to get a retired shuttle here. We never took for granted that we would get one," said Bob Mitchell with the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. Mitchell is calling now for NASA to explain in detail its decision making process, and to release, as we asked, the proposals from those entities chosen to get a shuttle. NASA is not releasing them. "Side by side. Let NASA tell us side by side. Lay them out and show us where we were deficient," Mitchell said. That's something NASA says it's not willing to do. All the more reason, elected officials say, to call for a congressional investigation how recipients of a shuttle were chosen. Elected leaders here in Texas and in Ohio are calling for an investigation into the selection process. Ohio had hoped to get a shuttle, too.
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If you would like to share your thoughts on the retiring shuttle fleet with NASA, you can contact them at: Public Communications Office
NASA Headquarters
Suite 5K39
Washington, DC 20546-0001
202-358-0001 (Office)
202-358-4338 (Fax)
Email: public-inquiries@hq.nasa.gov (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

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