05/09/2008 Bloody body found wrapped in sheet outside north Houston motel Houston police said the unidentified man was found dead outside the Tropical Motel in the 4800 block of North Shepherd at about 2 a.m.

Houston school bus in Loop 610 ax
A Houston ISD school bus has been involved in an accident on Loop 610 northbound near Fournace.

Tomball High cleared after spill Classes have resumed after a science teacher preparing an experiment for class, spilled amyl alcohol. Seventeen people were taken to Tomball Regional Medical Center.

Top gymnasts flock to Bela Karolyi's Houston area camp
When Bela Karolyi discovered a plot of land in the middle of the National Forest in the early 1980s, he had a big dream and he takes great pleasure in knowing that his dream has come to full fruition.

More hot weather today, cooler Sunday He says you can expect more high temperatures and humidity for Saturday, but a front is expected to come through that night and cool things off for Mother’s Day.

05/08/2008

Soldiers receive salutes, hugs and pizza
After a year serving in Iraq, two Kingwood soldiers returned home to a heroes welcome Thursday night.

05/09/2008

Police: Man fires back during drive-by
Police say a bullet grazed the man, but that didn’t stop him from pulling out his own gun and returning fire.

One dead, toddler injured in separate wrong-way accidents in Brazoria Co. The first happened on Highway 288 just north of Manvel. And just two hours earlier, another wreck in Brazoria left a toddler seriously hurt.

Houstonians prepare for hurricane season May is typically one of the busiest months for insurance agencies especially when it comes to issuing those flood insurance policies. Already some people are rushing last minute to get them before the start of the hurricane season in just a few weeks.

Firefighters battle 3-alarm warehouse blaze
They say the warehouse is filled with furniture and that’s hampering their efforts to contain the blaze.

05/08/2008 Texas is roofing scammer's paradise The Defenders found out that politics and special interests have made Texas a roofing scammers paradise.

AP: Surplus ain't what it's cracked up to be
A 10.7 billion dollar budget surplus predicted this week by Comptroller Susan Combs set Texas Capitol-tongues awagging with plans for tax rebates. But the surplus is actually about two billion dollars.

Sinking salt domes not new to Texas
Dr. Carl Norman studies sinkholes and salt domes. "In the greater Houston area, Beaumont, we've got about 50, 53 of these salt domes," Dr. Norman said.

Police: Emilio's blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit Bellaire police have asked that the Harris County District Attorney seek DWI and intoxicated assault charges against Tejano superstar Emilio Navaira. Bellaire police report

Dickinson school stabbing suspect sought Dickinson police on Thursday released the name and a photo of a 15-year-old boy wanted for the stabbing of a fellow student at Dickinson High School earlier this week.

Oil industry looking for minority hires
Energy companies spend billions of dollars searching for oil, but that's not the only thing they're looking for. Many are on the lookout for young minorities who want to work in the energy industry.

Police: Teens turned skull into pot bong Three teenagers are accused of digging up a corpse, removing the head and using the skull as a bong to smoke marijuana, Houston police said.

Madonna tour heading to Houston Pop legend Madonna is coming back to Houston for the first time in more than a decade.

Borris Miles pleads not guilty Former State Representative Borris Miles pleaded not guilty to two counts of deadly conduct.

More Houstonians are riding the bus
The latest numbers show that more people are using Metro these days. In fact, Metro told 11 News that ridership this year is up by about 100,000 people. Metro expects those numbers to increase.

4-year-old found wandering Houston street A little boy found wandering along Greens Bayou near Sheffield early Thursday morning is back with his family.

11 News viewer helps nab dangerous robbery suspects
Just 48 hours after 11 News aired a series of surveillance videos of several robberies at some area fast food restaurants and auto parts stores, police said an important tip came into Crime Stoppers.

TX woman hits $21 million slot jackpot
Connie Thiele says she was playing a Megabucks slot machine at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas when she decided to switch to the machine next to her.

Reward offered for missing Galveston griffin
The 100-plus pound ordainment was reported missing Tuesday and is one of two griffins that guard the main entrance of the tourist attraction.

Court: BP plea violated rights of blast victims
An appeals court says prosecutors violated the rights of victims of a blast at a BP plant in Texas by not consulting them on a plea deal.

TSU will rely on discipline, transfer QB to start winning
After going 0-for the 2007 season, the Texas Southern football program is starting over.

05/07/2008

State Highway 146 wreck claims another life
Two Houstonians were killed Wednesday morning in a brutal collision on a troublesome stretch of State Highway 146. in Texas City.

Are granite countertops bad for your health? 11 News turned to a Rice University physicist after a Houston research group discovered elevated levels of potentially dangerous gamma radiation coming from a home's granite countertop.

Houston health rates among highest in TX
Small business owners in the Houston-area pay some of the highest health insurance rates in the country. So do their workers.

HPD seeks 'brazen' jewelry store robbers
The crooks pretended to be customers at the Eagle Jewelry Store in the 5900 block of Westheimer on Monday, but then they whipped out guns and held the place up.

Houston ISD works to save Ryan Middle School
Ryan Middle School is a school in crisis. For two years, it has been rated by the state as academically unacceptable.

Slain HPD Officer's mother attends trial
The capital murder trial of confessed cop killer Juan Quintero was drawing to a close Wednesday.

Jenna Bush: I wanted my wedding to reflect my 'unglamorous' personality
There will be some serious Texas two-stepping come Saturday at the Western White House in Crawford.

Teen stabbed in back at Dickinson High
The 15-year-old student was rushed to an area hospital. His condition is unknown, but he is reportedly conscious and talking to investigators.

Cracks near huge sinkhole cause worries A sinkhole in Liberty County is now three football fields wide and growing. Cracks around the edges are being watched closely, especially near FM 770. Slideshow: Daisetta sinkhole

Funeral set for motorcycle hit-and-run victim
Funeral services for the victim of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident were scheduled for Wednesday.

HPD names Tilman Fertitta as chairman of police foundation
Chief Harold Hurtt announced Wednesday that Tilman Fertitta will take on the job.

Houston drivers on alert after 4 carjackings Harris County deputies say four different drivers were targeted right after each other. One of the incidents took place on Bammel North Houston Road.

Century-old cast-iron griffin stolen from Galveston tourist landmark One of the griffins that stands guard outside Galveston’s famed Bishop’s Palace is missing. And while the mythical beast does have wings, officials doubt the cast-iron adornment flew off.

Police: Prospective juror in pot case caught smoking joint -- seriously As jury selection resumed in a Harris County courtroom, one prospective juror was missing. Turns out she was taking a smoking break -- but what she was smoking was illegal, according to police.

Plan to block ‘big vehicle’ parking delayed
A plan to prohibit large vehicles from parking overnight on Houston’s residential streets has been delayed for at least a week at the City Council table. However, even as elected officials debate the issue, it is growing stronger.

Scout project bolsters local soldier's spirits For Matthew Law's Eagle Scout project he decided to get people in his community together to send small American flags to the troops serving in Iraq. That's just the beginning of the story.

05/06/2008

Man found dead in car
The victim’s body was found in a car in the 11,200 block of Broadsweep at about 9 p.m.

Remembering the Moody Park riots Thirty years ago this week one of the darkest chapters in Houston history took place. It was a time when race and prejudice collided.

Who decides what children learn in school? The State Board of Education has 15 elected members and they determine the standards for what kids are going to be taught in Texas public schools.

Man honks horn, gets shot
A man, his wife and their baby were traveling in their Dodge Durango west on 1960 when a gold-colored pickup cut them off. In response, the man driving the Durango honked his horn at the other driver.

Fuel surcharges pinching biz budgets
Rising gas prices force suppliers to charge a fuel surcharge.

Big trucks, frayed nerves in Shoreacres
Freight trucks help drive the nation's economy, but in the small town of Shoreacres their growing numbers are also driving concern.

Heart problems caused man to drown during triathlon in The Woodlands
According to an autopsy report, Randolph Parnell’s heart caused him to drown during the swimming portion of the race in The Woodlands Saturday.

Police seek robber who struck Texaco with dish towel on his head
Police are looking for a robber who struck a northwest Harris County Texaco with a dish towel on his head.

HCAD making you work harder to protest property values
To challenge Harris County's guessimate of your property value, you usually attend a one-on-one meeting with an appraiser. Now the district wants you to scheule two appointments.

Are Houston's smoggy skies causing bees to lose their way?
They may be a nuisance when they invade your house, but bees everywhere are on the decline. And scientists at the University of Virginia think they know why: smog.

Fort Bend teacher charged with sexual assault posts bond
The former Baines Middle School teacher admitted having an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to police who had pulled her over on a traffic stop.

Splendora High School students caught cheating on TAKS test
Two students at Splendora High School were facing punishment Tuesday for cheating on the TAKS test.

Computer glitch nearly keeps University of Houston student from graduating
J’anvieu Bonner worked hard in the classroom for five years and made good grades, but she was told Monday that she couldn't graduate from U of H ... until 11 News stepped in.

Mystery surrounding 'CIA operative' deepens as details emerge Houstonians from all walks of life recall Roland Carnaby and his tales of undercover work. But even as new information becomes available, the mystery surrounding his death deepens.

Investigators: Child sets brother on fire, causes 2-alarm blaze Arson investigators with the Houston Fire Department say a 5-year-old used a lighter to set fire to his sleeping brother's shirt. The flames quickly spread to eight other units of the apartment complex.

Judge: Clemens can keep Hardin as attorney in defamation suit
A federal judge ruled Roger Clemens can keep his lawyer in the defamation lawsuit against his former trainer, who accused the pitcher of using performance-enhancing drugs.

Mexican town with polygamist roots eyes West Texas compound controversy
A tiny town founded by polygamists in Mexico is keeping a close eye on the controversy surrounding the compound in West Texas.

Harris Co. to move inmates to Louisiana
Harris County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a plan to move an additional 130 inmates to a private prison in Epps, La., in an attempt to ease crowding at the Harris County Jail.

Remembering a dark day in Houston history
On Tuesday, the Houston Chapter of the American GI Forum will hold a wreath laying ceremony on the edge of Buffalo Bayou. It's their way of remembering the Moody Park Riot.

Jesse Jackson tackles diversity in Houston
The Reverend Jesse Jackson is in Houston to host the 2nd Annual Houston Energy Symposium. He'll reportedly focus attention on the racial and gender disparities within the oil and gas industry.

Big fire destroys Atascocita home
Fire investigators in Harris County are investigating an early morning house fire. It happened at Fuschia and Kenmont in Atascocita.

Blown tire leaves Harris County deputy hurt Investigators say it happened as the Precinct 4 deputy was responding to a call late Monday night. Investigators say the deputy was heading north on Ella when he lost control, went over the curb and hit a pick up truck.

Florida teacher fired for being a wizard
Jim Piculas made a toothpick vanish, then reappear. The act was even caught on video.

'CIA operative' buried; mystery remains Almost a week after the Pearland man led Houston police on a high-speed chase that ended is his death, his life is still a mystery.

05/05/2008 Witnesses, wife tell different stories after cyclist's death on I-10 Authorities say 26-year-old Jeffery Simmons was behind the wheel when he struck Frank Freeman's motorcycle, then dragged the bike nearly a mile down I-10. Eyewitnesses and police said Simmons fled the scene.

No jeers for Nazi swastika cheerleaders
It had been expected that a group of parents upset at what they characterized as favoritism for the girls would address the Dickinson school board and complain. But no one spoke up.

11 News Defenders: Deadly weakness on wheels 37-year-old roof strength regulations are blamed for tens of thousands of deaths and injuries on the road. What did automakers know and when?

Metro video: Woman was walking on tracks before being hit by train
When Aisha Moore was pinned beneath a Metro light rail train last Thursday night, witnesses suggested that she'd walked slipped from the train platform. Metro's camera on that train show's something completely different.

Sugar Land's diversity changing face of city
The population here has nearly tripled since the 1990 census was taken. More than 80,000 people now call Sugar Land home.

Parents to ask for stiffer punishment for Nazi graffiti cheerleaders
Parents upset over the punishment given to two Dickinson High cheerleaders who drew swastikas on school property were expected to speak out at the school board meeting Monday night.

Derby death shocks local horse community Racing officials say breakdowns and euthanizations are just an unfortunate aside of the industry. But the death of Eight Belles, the second-place Kentucky Derby finisher, has raised questions among some.

Officials: Harris Co. Jail close to capacity
The Harris County Sheriff's Department says the county jail will soon be at capacity. The crowded conditions have them looking out of state for answers.

Bond reduced for Fort Bend Co. teacher accused of sexually assaulting teen
A Fort Bend County teacher remained in jail Monday, charged with sexual assault of a child.

Houston Zoo asks FBI for help with text message spammers The Houston zoo has come under attack, and they’re asking the FBI for help. But it’s not angry elephants or undercover orangutans they’re after – it’s text messaging pranksters.

More showers possible tonight The worst of the weather is behind us, but don't put away your umbrella just yet.

Extra bag fee begins for Continental flyers
Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and U.S. Airways are all charging $25 to check a second bag – that’s $50 for a round trip.

Neighbor's boat blocking your driveway in Houston? Help is on the way
Everything may be bigger in Texas, but the definition of “large vehicle” may be about to get smaller.

Clemens apologizes for 'mistakes' Roger Clemens apologized Monday for unspecified mistakes in his personal life but denied having an affair with a 15-year-old. The Daily News reported last week Clemens had an affair with country singer Mindy McCready that began when she was 15.

Design problem in many cars endangers U.S. drivers
For most U.S. drivers it has been a consistent threat to their safety for almost 40 years without them ever even knowing it.

Flash flood watch for metro area until 4 p.m. Heavy rain is rolling through the Houston area, and it probably won't stop until tomorrow. But when it does, 11 News Meteorologist Mario Gomez says it will feel a lot like summer.

Big rig explodes on I-10, burning driver All lanes of I-10 East were reopened Monday morning after a fiery crash involving an 18-wheeler. The driver of the truck suffered burns to 80 percent of his body.

05/04/2008

Course teaches kids in Humble how to avoid child predators, bullies
Some kids in Humble learned about child predators, guns and bullies Sunday as part of an effort to keep youngsters safe.

Trial of accused cop killer resumes Monday
More expert witnesses are expected to testify Monday in the case of an accused cop killer.

Drunk driving suspected in multi-car crash that left family's kitchen in shambles
A suspected drunk driver set forth a chain reaction of crashes that left a family’s kitchen in shambles Saturday night.

Baytown cops discover abandoned truck stuffed with marijuana on I-10 Baytown police found more than they bargained for when they discovered an abandoned pickup truck on I-10 Sunday -- nearly 1,200 pounds of pot! It happened as the officers were working traffic enforcement. They say the bed of the truck was completely full of big bundles of fresh marijuana.

Court date set for man accused of using Kelly Clarkson's name to steal truck
The man who allegedly used Kelly Clarkson’s name to steal a pickup truck Friday is set to appear in court Monday.

Body of Bay City soldier returned home
The body of a Bay City soldier who was killed in Iraq returned home Sunday.

Report: NASA employees used gov't credit cards to buy iPods, jewelry
NASA employees have used government credit cards to buy items such as iPods, video games and jewelry, and they’ve sidestepped competitive bidding rules designed to save taxpayers money on large purchases, a newspaper reported Sunday.

Investigators: League City kids are torching construction machines Investigators believe a group of kids between 12 and 16 years old have been setting fire to construction equipment in a League City subdivision. The burned machines are valued at more than $250,000 each.

05/03/2008

Man jailed after Mont. Co. SWAT standoff
A man gave himself up to police Saturday morning after an 11-hour standoff with a  Montgomery County SWAT team.

Fundraiser held for family of mom slain in attempted carjacking
Houstonians are working to help the family of a mother killed in an attempted-carjacking last month.

Man dies during triathlon in The Woodlands A 51-year-old man died while participating in the swimming portion of a triathlon in The Woodlands Saturday. Witnesses pulled him from the water and performed CPR, but it was too late.

La Marque High student stabbed to death Darnell Evans, 18, died overnight after suffering multiple stab wounds in an apartment complex parking lot. Richard Lee, 24, turned himself in to police and has been charged with Evans' murder.

Abandoned rig loses a leg in Freeport
The so-called 'Tower of Trouble' is on its way to becoming history. The state tore down one of ZEUS’ platform legs Saturday.

Sex predator targeting local schoolgirls Police say the man has approached girls at two area high schools and one middle school. He drives up and pretends to ask for directions, but then he exposes himself and demands sex acts.

Slow driver likely to blame for deputy crash
A Harris County Sheriff’s deputy crashed his cruiser on the Eastex Freeway Friday night.

State, Houston business owners at odds over ordinance to regulate air pollution
Some Houston businesses trying to block the city’s efforts to regulate air pollution are getting help from an unlikely ally—the Texas agency that monitors air quality.

Cops: Shooting suspect on the run
A suspect was on the run Saturday morning after police say he shot another man six times.

05/02/2008 Cops: Drunk driver killed motorcyclist on I-10 A motorcyclist was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver Friday night on the East Freeway. Investigators said the cyclist's bike was dragged for more than a mile after the collision.

'CIA operative' faced arrest for impersonating federal agent Houston police confirmed that the officer who pulled Roland Carnaby over was about to arrest the 52-year-old Pearland man on suspicion that he was impersonating a federal agent when he fled.

Teen critically stabbed in Texas City
Police are searching for the suspect who stabbed the teen several times.

Secret Service assisting Fort Bend ISD in grade-changing investigation
About 60 students had their grades altered at Hightower High School over the last two months. Apparently, students who had access to school computers on campus found a way to manipulate the grades.

DirectBuy saving customers money?
Some DirectBuy members say the company promises wholesale prices, but doesn't deliver.

Residents try to block barricade removal
A barricade at the end of Salford Street keeps big trucks from disturbing the neighborhood. Residents are fighting the city's effort to take the blockade down.

Astronaut tells of harrowing return from space
Life in Space is smooth. But for Astronaut Peggy Whitson, getting home from orbit was anything but.

Smooth-talking con artist uses Kelly Clarkson's name to steal $50K pickup truck A man used American Idol Kelly Clarkson’s name to steal a pickup truck from a Houston dealership Thursday, according to police.

Good Samaritan accidentally arrested at scene of Family Dollar robbery
It’s been said that no good deed goes unpunished. Never was that more true than when Eric Holley was arrested Saturday.

Cameras catch illegal dumpers in action
Upgraded HPD cameras are catching illegal dumpers in the act. The department’s efforts to run off those responsible for the criminal activity couldn’t come fast enough for residents like Eric Smith.

Blaze leaves 8 families homeless Firefighters had their hands full Friday with a fast-burning apartment fire in Southwest Houston. Several Houston fire trucks rushed to the scene to battle the blaze.

Mexican drug traffickers, others look to 'Narco Saint' for protection Hundreds of people are flocking to a shrine in Mexico to celebrate a controversial figure known as the 'Narco Saint.'

Cool front targets Houston, sort of
It’s already May 2, but the hot weather isn’t here yet.  In fact, another cool front is headed for Houston.

A few good dogs: Aggies launch search for next mascot, Reveille VIII Texas A&M is looking for its next mascot, Reveille VIII.  The university released its recommendations for the famed four-legged football fan this week.

Woman survives freak log truck crash The driver of the SUV was injured when one of the logs crashed through the front windshield and knocked out the back windshield. The accident happened around 9:30 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of FM 1960 near the Foxwood Forest intersection. Slideshow

Jazz try to close out Rockets at home
The Jazz host the Houston Rockets on Friday in Game 6 of the best-of-7 series. Utah leads 3-2 and is just one victory away from advancing to the second round, but the Jazz are also only one loss away from a winner-take-all Game 7 back in Houston.