Rain moves east, mild temperatures today

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Skies are clearing out this morning. Look for sunshine and mild temps this afternoon.

Bands of clouds and rain are wrapping around on the backside of this low, bringing rain and storms to parts of the south, especially Louisiana right now.

Flooding rain, dangerous lightning and even the threat for isolated tornadoes will continue across the Deep South today. Quiet weather for our area Friday, with highs around 70.

Our next cold front moves into southeast Texas this weekend. Rain and storms are likely Saturday, Sunday and Monday. We're concerned about the possibility of dangerous lightning impacting the Houston Marathon Sunday morning. Colder air will move in behind this front on Sunday.
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Original Greek Festival kicks off today

Houstonians can gorge themselves on Souvlaki and Spanakopita starting today at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral complex.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The smell of gyros and baklava will fill the air in Montrose today as the Original Greek Festival returns to Houston.

More than 40,000 people are expected enjoy Greek dancing, shopping and all that delicious food during the four day festival.

In fact, it's the food the festival organizers really pride themselves in, claiming it's the best festival food you'll find anywhere in the city.

The fun begins this evening and runs through Sunday. The festival is at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Yoakum in southwest Houston. Admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 get in free.

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United's first 'Dreamliner' due to land at Bush IAH today

The first Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner takes shape in the assembly plant in Everett, Wash., in this May 21, 2007 file photo. United will fly one into Houston today for the first time. (AP Photo/John Froschauer, file)

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A historic landing is set for today at Bush airport. United Airline's first 787 Dreamliner is set to fly into Houston this afternoon.

The big plane will fly from Seattle to Houston and is scheduled to land around 4pm today.

The 787 is expected to enter into domestic service in November and international service in December.

The Dreamliner planes are made with a composite material that makes them lighter and more fuel efficient.

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Public visitation today for fallen Atascocita firefighter

  A public visitation will be held today for an Atascocita volunteer firefighter who was killed during a training exercise in Beaumont last week.

Captain Neal Smith, 46, died last Monday from heat exhaustion while training at the East Texas Area Fall "Smoke Diver" school.

A memorial homecoming procession was held for Smith last week.

The visitation runs from 5 to 8pm at the Rosewood Funeral Home on South Houston Avenue.

Members of the public can take a free shuttle from the Humble Civic Center.

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Sentencing today for mother convicted in her 4-year-old daughter's death

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Sentencing begins today for the woman convicted of murder and injury to a child by omission in the death of her four-year-old daughter.

Macial Sandoval was found guilty of allowing her daughter, Betsabeth, to die from abuse and neglect. The little girl was found unconscious last June. Her body had deep cuts, bruises and fractures.

Sandoval faces up to life in prison. Her partner will also go to trial for the child's death.

Emotions high last week

Last week was an emotional roller coaster inside the courtroom. The defense for Sandoval said someone else is to blame. She sat quietly as closing arguments painted vastly different pictures of her role as mother t Betsabeth.

Horacio Ramos is Betsabeth's father.

"Real sad, angry at the same time because I'm still wondering what the jury would do," Ramos said.

On Friday the focus was on Betsabeth's mother. Prosecutors say the little girl was found with numerous bruises, contusions, and other injuries in June 2011.

During her closing arguments on Friday, assistant district attorney Connie Spence told jurors, "Having a child, being a mother, is not a right, it is a privilege granted by God."

Ramos listened to the argument with tears in his eyes.

"Even though it's not going to bring my daughter's life back, I still want them to get the punishment they deserve," said Ramos.

But defense attorneys put the blame on Sandoval's partner, who they say was at home taking care of Betsabeth while Sandoval was away at work.

"She trusted the homemaker to take care of the home. Don't punish someone for being in love," said defense attorneys.

But Ramos says little Betsabeth deserves justice.

"People like that, I don't think they have a heart, to do something like that to their own child," he said.

The defense did not call any witnesses.

In closing arguments, the prosecution stated, "We knew this was going on before June 3rd. The medical examiner said this was going on way before June 3rd."

The defense says Sandoval was simply not aware of what was going on in the home, saying, "The child became increasingly difficult. She didn't know what the cause was."

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Today last day to sign up for Chevron Houston Marathon

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Today is the last day to sign up for the Chevron Houston Marathon.

Even if you register for the marathon or half-marathon today, it doesn't mean you will be guaranteed a spot.

The marathon will start its lottery tomorrow and announce who received a spot on Monday. Anyone who has lost out in the lottery the past two years will get a spot automatically.

Only 25,000 runners will be allowed to compete.

You can register online at http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/

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Shuttle replica move may cause some traffic delays today

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The full-size space shuttle replica is about to complete the last leg of its journey to Space Center Houston. A barge finished towing it across the Gulf from the Kennedy Space Center yesterday.

Today, it will go under the bridge near the Kemah Boardwalk and then dock in Clear Lake.

You won't be able to miss the 122-foot long shuttle replica. It's on top of a barge right now scheduled to make it to the NASA dock this afternoon and to Space Center Houston on Sunday. That means that the Seabrook-Kemah bridge will be closed to drivers and boaters from 12:30pm to 1:30pm this afternoon.

Several lanes of Nasa Parkway will be closed for most of the day today, starting at 11am and going until around 10pm.

Festivities begin at 2pm at the Johnson Space Center and continues into the weekend. Many people have been looking forward to this for a long time.

"Seeing it on a barge and having seen it from your helicopter, it's really weird seeing it on the water," said resident Jason Fennelly.

"History -- you know, just something we've never seen before," said resident Julie Harris.

Of course, many people are upset that this isn't a real shuttle. But they'll all get a chance to see it as it makes its move later this afternoon.

"Shuttlebration" schedule of events:

Friday, June 1:

* 2:00 PM - Event Area Open to Public
Transportation to and from Johnson Space Center will begin. Street party area will include NASA space exploration exhibits, music and entertainment from 2pm - 9pm.
* 3-5:00 PM Shuttle Replica Arrives at NASA Dock with Fire Boat Water Arch
* 4:30 PM Welcome Ceremony & T-38 Flyover
* 6:30 - 8:30 Music by Max Q, the all Astronaut Band
9:00 PM Fireworks Display on Clear Lake
10:00 PM Final Tram Returns to Parking Area
* Schedule subject to change

Saturday, June 2:
The space shuttle replica will be loaded onto a mobile transfer vehicle for transport to SCH. The lakeside load-out will take a full day to complete. There are no public events planned for this day.

Sunday, June 3:
5:00 - 8:00 AM - Replica transported along NASA Parkway from JSC dock to Space Center Houston. NASA Parkway and NASA 1 Bypass will be closed from 5 AM - 9 AM
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Following the arrival, there will be a free, family-oriented public celebration in the Space Center Houston parking lot, offering viewing opportunities of the replica, NASA space exploration exhibits, fun activities for the entire family and much more. Discount admission to Space Center Houston is available online.

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Galveston's Pleasure Pier to open today

  GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- Later this morning, the much-anticipated Pleasure Pier will open its gates for the first time.

Galveston Island's newest attraction is offering an exclusive sneak peek this Memorial Day weekend. Thirteen of the Pier's 16 rides will be operating, as well as games, retail shops and the state's first Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant.

It will officially open at 10am.

EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK HOURS & SPECIAL PRICING: Friday, May 25 - Sunday, May 27
10 a.m. to midnight

Monday, May 28
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, May 29 - Thursday, May 31
Noon to 9 p.m.

Friday, June 1 - Saturday, June 2
10 a.m. to midnight

Sunday, June 3
10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Monday, June 4 - Thursday, June 7
Noon to 11 p.m.

All Day Ride Pass $21.99** for adults (48" and up)$16.99** for children (under 48")Good for all rides all day and Pier access

Pier Pass (Walk-on) $10* for adults (48" and up) $8* for children (under 48")Pass required for admittance to pier; ride tickets sold separately at booths/kiosks (good for day of purchase only)

Individual Ride Tickets Starting at $4.00* per ticketMust purchase a walk-on pass to gain access to the pier

* Plus tax
** All day come and go unlimited ride access

THRILLS
Thirteen of the 16 rides will open Memorial Day Weekend during the sneak peek, including:

Pirate's Plunge Log Flume promises to thrill and chill you on warm days when your flume splashes 22 feet and 40 feet into cool, fresh water.

Carousel gives a beautiful, cheery greeting to guests as they enter the Pier's Midway. In fact, this classic double-decker temptation to ride has horses, chariots or sea creatures galloping right in the Midway, so why not start here?

Revolution Up, down AND around. How fast? Try less than seven seconds a revolution! And did we mention it revolves you out OVER THE WATER?

Rock N' Roll has a retro glitter style that would make Elvis blush. Climb in your car and ride backwards, forwards and around to the music. Cool.

Cyclone coaster loops 60 feet into the air to rotate passengers forward and backward, while the horizon does flip-flops.

Sea Dragon is a swinger with an ocean view. First it swings its 10 rows of riders up, up, up 50 feet over the Pier, then takes them down and back up, over the water.

Gulf Glider is a colorful classic swing carousel, with single and double seats that swing while you rotate and tilt.

Pier Pileup Bumper Cars let you channel those Interstate 45 aggressions into a million laughs in antique and classic bash-'em vehicles. This is actually two rides: One for kids, with smaller cars, another for adults. Similar to most of the rides at family-focused Pleasure Pier, parents and their children can ride together in the big cars.

Texas Tea Cups is another Midway classic, fun for adults and kids, especially together. The cups twirl. The riders giggle.

Big Wheelin' knows little kids like big trucks. Smaller kids can ride with an adult, bigger kids on their own in this safely circling convoy.

Frog Hopper gets its name from, well, hopping. It takes a load of kids up, and then - wait for it - drops them, not too far, but when they don't expect it. And then, whoa, drops them again. They like it. They laugh.

Sky Shooter at rest looks like a huge blue and orange spider napping. Then it wakes and goes wild, spinning its 10 captive vehicles while taking them up and down, round and round, even out over the ocean. Wanna fly higher? Push a button and you do. Whew!

PREMIUM PARKING Peak Season $10 / 3 hours ($2 every hour for a maximum of $16 for the day) Parking lot opens at 8am until 2am (next morning); cars will be towed at 3am if lot not vacatedLost tickets $16Do NOT leave ticket in vehicle.Only occupy ONE space. Vehicles parked inappropriately are subject to being towed at owner's expense.Pricing subject to change/seasonal.Please leave items secure within your vehicle.$10 validation for diners spending $25 or more at Bubba Gump and Fish Tales restaurants during specific time periods. Ask your server for details.No tailgaiting, grilling or picnics.Bus, tractor trailer & RV parking is not allowed in premium lot.Vehicles may not be left overnight.Unauthorized or abandoned vehicles will be towed at owner's expense.

For additional information and hours of operations for the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, visit www.pleasurepier.com or call 855-789-7437.

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Polo tycoon convicted in deadly crash could leave jail today

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Polo tycoon John Goodman could be out of jail and back at his Wellington Estate as soon as today.

He's expected to be released on a $7 million bond while he appeals his DUI manslaughter conviction and 16-year prison sentence.

A jury found Goodman guilty of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide for a 2010 crash in West Palm Beach, Florida.

As part of the agreement, Goodman will pay for two off-duty sheriff's deputies to stay within 100 feet of him at all times, which will cost him about $2,000 per day.

Goodman also had to agree to exit the Wellington social scene.

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Residents encouraged to bike to work today in Pearland

  PEARLAND, TX (KTRK) -- Pearland is encouraging residents to leave their cars in the garage and ride their bikes to work today.

The city has declared today 'Bike to Work Day' and plans to make it an annual tradition.

Some city employees will observe the day by riding their bikes from the Recreation Center on Bailey Road to City Hall this morning.

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Heavy rain, storms expected today, Friday

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We're on alert for heavy rain and severe storms across southeast Texas.

We could see some of the storms move in as early as this afternoon and into this evening. More widespread coverage is expected on Friday. Then some rain will likely stick around into Saturday.

The biggest severe weather threats will be heavy, flooding rains and damaging winds, but hail and isolated tornadoes are possible.

Meteorologist Travis Herzog will be following the storms today to let you know what to expect as you prepare for your day. Stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for updates as they become available.

If you're on the go, take our coverage with you using an ABC13 mobile app.

You can also get updates on the ABC13 Weather Facebook page and Twitter account.

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Rice study on Hobby international flights due out today

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Rice study on adding international flights to Hobby Airport will come out today.

The study was commissioned by United, which says allowing southwest to fly to Central and south America from Hobby will kill jobs at the big airport.

However, the Greater Houston Partnership came out in favor of the expansion at Hobby yesterday, saying it will bring jobs and travelers to Houston.

Residents around the commuter airport will make their feelings known at a meeting at Ripley House this weekend.

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Dynamo to hold ribbon-cutting today for new stadium

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Houston Dynamo are holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new stadium today.

BBVA Compass Stadium will hold its first Dynamo game Saturday, May 12 against DC United. The 22,0000-seat venue will also hold international soccer matches as well as concerts and TSU football games.

Today's ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 10am outside the stadium on Texas Street just east of downtown.

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Early voting begins today in Galveston

  GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- Early voting starts this morning at 8am in Galveston.

Residents are electing a mayor at-large and new city council members. Voters will also consider 17 proposed amendments to the city charter.

Residents can vote early today at the Galveston County court house on Moody. Early voting ends on May 8. Election Day is Saturday May 12.

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Deadline to apply for NASA's next astronaut is today

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- NASA is looking for a dozen dreamers -- Americans willing to sign up for space missions the country hasn't planned yet.

At 10pm Friday, the application deadline closes for the new astronaut class.

Winning a spot in this new astronaut class is a little like getting a great sports car but not having money to buy gas. While NASA says this group of astronauts will work on getting towards Mars, that's a check Congress hasn't written yet.

Nonetheless, a huge group of people are competing for that chance. More than 5,000 applicants are vying for just 12 spots, but at hundreds of thousands of dollars per astronaut just in training, why do it now?

For so many of us, the landing of the shuttle seemed like the end. The last American ride to space had been flown. America's space dream, if not over, certainly looked like it was ending.

But Ben Longmier, a real life rocket scientist, is one of more than 5,000 Americans still willing to dream. He's part of the second largest group ever to apply to become a new NASA astronaut.

"Of course I would love to go to farther into deep space. I would like that very much but it really would be enough to go and do research on the space station. That would be ideal for me," Longmier said.

"I assume it means that they believe we're going to fly in space, which we are," Duane Ross said.

Ross is a believer. He should be. He manages the application process. Peggy Whitson is NASA's chief astronaut.

"We do need astronauts to be selected in 2013, so that I will have them ready for assignment in 2015," Whitson said.

It may seem like a waste of time, money and talent to hire a dozen more space fliers. But NASA's always been optimistic and patient, and it takes years to turn a rocket scientist in to an astronaut.

"We're picking people for now. We're picking them for a requirement that we can't exactly predict five to seven years downstream. One bad thing you can do is not have enough people to go get on the spaceship and we want to make sure that we don't get in that position," Ross said.

The new class won't be picked until next spring. Any one applicant's chance is less than one quarter of one percent.

"People say that it's easier to be a pro athlete than an astronaut and statistically that's right, the numbers work out that way," Longmier said.

Ross admits to thinking more than once that he's picked America's last astronauts and then NASA asks him to pick more.

"Are you a dream maker?" we asked Ross.

"Yeah, I guess. Unfortunately, I am more often a dream dasher, but we try to make a few dreams come true," he replied.

This is the second largest group of applicants. The largest was in 1978 just before NASA had another huge change and flew the shuttle for the first time.

If you want to apply, make sure you're in great health, have a college degree in engineering, science or math and fill out the application.

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Rain begins today; strong storms possible tomorrow

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Keep the umbrellas handy the next couple of days. You're going to need them.

ABC-13 Meteorologist Casey Curry says we can expect scattered, mostly light showers early Tuesday. A warm front will lift north from the Gulf, spreading those showers in our direction. We could also see a bit of fog near the coast.

Rain and storm chances increase Tuesday night and Wednesday, both in coverage and intensity. We're expecting between 1-3 inches of rain across much of southeast Texas and there is a chance of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.

Right now, the worst of the weather will likely be Wednesday by 7am near the La Grange and Brenham area and into the Houston area by mid-morning through early afternoon.

A cold front should clear the coast in the afternoon, which should mark the end of our chances for severe weather. However, we will still likely see clouds and light rain into early Thursday.

As always, count on the ABC-13 Eyewitness weather team and abc13.com for the very latest on our changing weather. You can also get the latest watches and warnings and live Mega Doppler 13 radar by downloading our free apps. And you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

A little more than two weeks ago, the Houston area saw downpounrs and tornadoes that caused widespread damage and flooding. Check out photos from that day across the Houston area.

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Souper Bowl of Caring kicks off today

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Houston Food Bank's Souper Bowl of Caring got underway this morning.

The Houston Texans cheerleaders and Toro are also helping collect donations at the Food Bank this morning. The event runs through Super Bowl Sunday. H-E-B, Kroger and Randalls employees are also helping this morning.

"It takes everybody in Houston to tackle hunger. The Boy Scouts are involved, we have churches, we have schools -- every bit matters," said President & CEO Souper Bowl of Caring Tracy Bender.

The Food Bank is hoping to collect enough donations for three million meals. You can donate food at most grocery stores.

ABC13 is a partner in the food drive. For more information on how to help, visit the Souper Bowl of Caring Houston website.

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Mayor Parker to be inaugurated for 2nd term today

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's inauguration day in Houston. Mayor Annise Parker, the city controller and 16 city council members will be sworn in today.

This is the first time so many city officials will be sworn in at once. Among them are four new council members who will fill seats that were created because of how much Houston's population grew in the 2010 census.

Mayor Parker will be sworn in again after easily winning her re-election bid. But the city council she will oversee will look vastly different after two incumbents lost re-election bids, two others were replaced because of term limits and there are some new positions on city council as well.

Jack Christie beat out incumbent Jolanda Jones and Helena Brown defeated incumbent Brenda Stardig. District B gets a new councilman, Jerry Davis, and at-large Position 2 will see Andrew Burks sworn in. Those two have never held an elected office before.

Davis will take his oath of office this morning after replacing a term-limited Jarvis Johnson. In all, there are seven new faces on city council.

The ceremony is usually held on January 2, but because it was a city holiday and in an effort to save money, the inauguration was moved to today.

The inauguration ceremony is being held at the Hobby Center at 9:30am.

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H-E-B store to open late today following freon leak

  BELLAIRE, TX (KTRK) -- An H-E-B store in Bellaire will open late today so a health inspector can check grocery items after a freon leak.

The leak happened about 8pm at the store on Cedar near Bissonnet. About 20 customers and employees were inside the store at the time of the leak.

So far, there are no reports of anyone getting hurt or sick from the incident.

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