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Milton closing in on a landfall near Tampa Bay this evening

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October 9, 4 p.m.

Hurricane Milton is zeroing in on a landfall between the southern edge of Tampa Bay and Sarasota, Florida this evening. Winds are now at a category 3 level of 120 mph, and the the storm has grown in size with tropical storm force winds extending over 250 miles from the center. Numerous tornadoes also continue along the east coast of Florida.

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October 9, 12 p.m.

There has been another slight reduction in wind intensity with Milton but it is still coming in as a Cat 4 hurricane with 145 mph max sustained winds. Milton is expected to make landfall as a Cat 3 or 4 in the central Florida peninsula tonight.

October 9, 9:00 a.m.

A slight reduction in wind intensity Wednesday morning as Milton gets closer to Florida’s Gulf coast. Milton is still a powerful and dangerous storm packing winds of 155 mph. The system is still expected to lose wind intensity during the day Wednesday as it encounters dry air and increased shear, and is expected to remain a major hurricane late Wednesday or early Thursday morning. Life-threatening storm surge, winds, and flooding rains will be possible.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Leslie continues to track northwest in the open Atlantic, and is expected to briefly strengthen before weakening as it turns northeastward later this week. No direct impacts to land are expected.

Honda recalls nearly 1.7 million vehicles for steering problem that could lead to crashes

Honda Motor Co. is recalling close to 1.7 million vehicles due to a manufacturing issue that could make it difficult to steer the vehicles and lead to crashes.

Honda reported the recall last week to government regulators, who issued the recall order on Tuesday. 

The safety recall order from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, potentially causing “excessive internal friction” that could make the vehicle difficult to steer and increase the likelihood of a crash. 

The vehicles covered in the recall were from model years 2022 to 2025 and include certain Acura Integras, Honda Civics, Honda CR-Vs and Honda HR-Vs.

The NHTSA announced an investigation of the problem back in March after it received 145 complaints from Honda Civic drivers that their steering could stick, forcing them to exert extra effort to turn the steering wheel.

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At the time of the original announcement earlier this year, the NHTSA said it had no reports of crashes or injuries from the problem. Tuesday’s order does not mention any accidents or injuries caused by the defect either.

Notification letters are expected to mailed to the vehicle owners on Nov. 18. 

Owners will be able to take their vehicles to dealers, who will replace the worm gear spring and reapply grease as necessary at no cost. 

Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The numbers for the recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.

Greater Houston area among 120 Texas counties burn ban due to prolonged dry and hot weather

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Prolonged dry and hot weather in Texas has prompted 120 counties in the state to be under burn bans.

Harris, Fort Bend, Waller, and Liberty counties are among those under the ban, which was enacted on Tuesday.

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said the risk of grass fires across unincorporated areas is higher due to the heat.

Officials said the ban is being issued as vendors prepare for the upcoming firework sale season in honor of Diwali.

“While we will proceed with the fireworks sale, it will be under certain restrictions. Following state legislation criteria and the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which assesses the risk of forest fires, the commissioner’s court has approved restrictions on the sale of specific fireworks. From Oct. 25, 2024, until midnight on Nov. 1, 2024, vendors will not be allowed to sell certain fireworks – specifically, “tail and fin” fireworks, which typically include skyrockets, missiles, and bottle rockets,” the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said.

Texas’ scorching weather led to each county’s fire marshal to suggest a ban in an effort to avoid wildfires.

That means no outdoor burning is allowed, outside of some exceptions.

No person can burn or order another to burn any material outside of an enclosure designed to contain and capable of containing all flames, sparks, embers, cinders and ash produced by burning. This limits the use of open flames, which includes burning trash, campfires, using burn barrels and any other open flame devices.

In Harris County, violators could face fines of up to $500 per each occurrence and may face additional penalties if the burning violates state air quality regulations or causes injuries or property damage.

Officials said that non-commercial cooking, such as barbecues and backyard cookouts, is still OK.

Full list of exceptions:

  • Enclosure that contains all flames and/or sparks
  • Outdoor burning activities authorized by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  • Approved ceremonial fires
  • Non-commercial cooking
  • Welding and other “hot work” performed in accordance with county fire code requirement

Here are a few effective actions and precautions that the county fire marshal advise you to take:

The county fire marshal advises residents: not to burn on “red flag” or windy days; Liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire; keep the area around the tank clear of flammable vegetation; store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings; Keep all combustibles such as firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, and stacked lumber away from structures; clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid the build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris; remove branches from trees to a height of 15 feet or more.

Officials say if you’re in a rural area, clear a fuel break of at least three times the fuel length around all structures.

It’s also good to have fire tools handy such as a ladder long enough to reach your roof, a shovel, a rake, and a bucket or two for water.

The fire marshal also suggests that homeowners to place connected garden hoses on all sides of their homes for emergencies.

Texas A&M Forest Service provides a daily statewide map showing counties currently under a ban, enacted by local government.

Stop by Rienzi for an enlightening Cultural Conversation

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🗣️ Stop by Rienzi for an enlightening Cultural Conversation 🗣

Unearth the fascinating world of the Global Mexican Baroque and explore its rich cultural impact. Rienzi curator Misty Flores will be joined by author Roberto Tejada for an engaging discussion on this vibrant artistic period. Don’t miss out on this cultural journey!

Come early and join a docent-led tour in Spanish at noon!

📅 October 12
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

🔗 Learn more and get tickets https://bit.ly/40axPV1

Texans put Nico Collins, NFL’s receiving yards leader, on IR

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The Houston Texans have placed wide receiver Nico Collins on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games.

Collins, who leads the NFL with 567 receiving yards this season, suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter of Houston’s 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. The injury occurred when quarterback C.J. Stroud launched a deep pass to Collins for a 67-yard touchdown to put the Texans up 14-3.

However, Collins limped to the sidelines following the score and then eventually headed to the locker room and didn’t return.

On Monday, coach DeMeco Ryans said Collins’ injury was “week-to-week” and replacing his production will require a team effort.

“Nico has been the best receiver in the NFL this year. So, do you replace him? No, everybody just steps up and whatever role you’re asked to do, just step up and play your role the proper way,” Ryans said. “Nobody has to be Nico. There is one Nico, he’s done a great job of that. Now, whoever is next, when your number is called, make the plays that you are supposed to make.”

Replacing Collins in Week 5 was a struggle as the Texans scored only nine points following his exit. This year, even with Collins, their offense wasn’t a high-powered scoring unit as they ranked 19th in scoring offense (20 points per game).

Stroud is third in passing yards (1,385) but has been two different quarterbacks with Collins on and off the field.

When targeting Collins, Stroud had a passer rating of 133 and the duo led the NFL in expected points added (34.6). Just when Collins is on the field, even if he isn’t being targeted, Stroud has a passer rating of 107 while completing 70% of his throws with a 7:2 touchdown to interception ratio.

But when Collins isn’t on the field, Stroud has zero touchdowns, an interception, completes 64% of his passes and has a passer rating of 72.

The Texans’ offense has already been without Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, who has missed the past three weeks with an ankle injury, and it’s uncertain if Mixon will return in Week 6 against the New England Patriots.

In Collins’ absence, wideout Stefon Diggs will slide into the No. 1 receiver role. Diggs is seventh in receptions (31) and finished with a game-high 82 yards in the Texans’ Week 5 win. Tank Dell‘s role will increase after having a quiet start to the season as he has averaged 34 yards per game compared to last season when he averaged 64 as a rookie.

The Texans’ next four games are against the New England Patriots, Green Bay PackersIndianapolis Colts and New York Jets. Only the Jets (136 yards per game) have a pass defense that ranks in the top five in yards allowed per game. The Colts (262.2) are 29th, the Packers are 23rd (231.6) and the Patriots are 25th (239.0).

Baytown gas station ordered to pay $50K fine for price gouging during Hurricane Beryl

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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The owners of a gas station in Baytown will have to pay up after they were accused of price gouging customers during Hurricane Beryl.

The Harris County Attorney’s Office announced a lawsuit against the Super Stop on North Main Street, accusing the business of price gouging during the storm in July.

In a release to the media, Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee said the owners of the Super Stop agreed to pay a $50,000 fine after they were unable to justify an over 40% price hike on gas during Beryl.

The gas station also agreed to a cease and desist from charging exorbitant prices during future declared disasters.

Menefee said his office received more than 250 complaints about price gouging during and after Beryl.

While most businesses complied with cease-and-desist orders, Menefee said Super Stop refused, and that’s why legal action was taken.

The Super Stop was not the only Houston-area gas station sued for price gouging. Back in August, Menefee’s office also filed a lawsuit against a real estate chapter operating a Shell gas station off the West Loop in Bellaire. The owners are accused of gouging prices up to 41% higher than the pre-hurricane price.

There has been no word yet on if the owners will also pay a penalty.

SEE ALSO: More than 350 price gouging complaints were made on gas, hotels and food following Hurricane Beryl

Consumers said they overpaid for hotels, gas, and food, accusing some Houston businesses of price gouging amid recovery efforts after Beryl.

If you think a business is price gouging, officials say you should take a photo of or keep your receipt.

Write down information like the name of the business and the date of the purchase, along with any employee names.

Then, report all of this to the Harris County Attorney’s Office or even the Texas Attorney General.

After a complaint is made, investigators may go to the store. Even if the price is lowered, the business may face legal troubles.

Coolest air from our front arrives, stronger front in the forecast next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Wednesday morning should bring Houston’s first dip into the 50s since April 23! While it will be tempting to throw on that fall wardrobe, keep in mind high temperatures will still be hitting around 90 in the afternoon.

It will be another perfectly sunny day with a light breeze.

What’s the coolest it will get behind this front?

Wednesday looks to be our coolest morning, with widespread readings in the mid-to-upper 50s! But again, highs will still hit around 90, so make sure you dress appropriately!

How is the weekend weather looking?

We’ll keep it real. It’s going to be another hot October weekend. High temperatures will reach into the low-to-mid 90s both days, and the humidity will creep up a notch with the Gulf breeze returning Saturday. Sunday’s winds will turn more southwesterly ahead of our next front arriving late Monday.

What’s this about a stronger cool front next week?

The next front arriving late Monday looks to be backed with some legit cool air, and it’s looking like we’ll catch one day with a high in the 70s and a few more mornings in the 50s. There’s even a chance some could dip into the 40s!

What are you tracking in the tropics?

We’re monitoring major Hurricane Milton as it heads toward a Wednesday night landfall along Florida’s west coast. Regardless of the category, Milton will pack a large and destructive storm surge, devastating hurricane force winds, and catastrophic flash flooding. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for the latest on what’s happening in the tropics.

H-E-B launches tap-to-pay service throughout Texas

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H-E-B is launching tap-to-pay services across all its Texas stores, allowing customers to make quick, contactless payments using digital wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay.

The gist

Starting on Oct. 7, H-E-B will roll out tap-to-pay technology across Texas, beginning with stores in the San Antonio area, according to a news release from the grocery store.

All stores in the region will offer the service within a week. For locations outside the San Antonio area—including Mi Tienda stores in Houston—access to the tap-to-pay service is expected by the end of October, as per the release.

The details

Customers will be able to use tap-to-pay at:

  • Registers
  • Self-checkout lanes
  • H-E-B restaurants
  • H-E-B pharmacies

The tap-to-pay service will not be available at fuel pumps, but customers can use the service at fuel station payment windows, according to the release.

What they’re saying

“This has been one of the most requested services from our customers and partners,” said Ashwin Nathan, H-E-B’s group vice president of marketing and payments, in the release. “We are excited to make this technology available at all H-E-B locations.”

Spring ISD teachers accused of giving elementary students ‘sleeping stickers’

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SPRING, Texas (KTRK) — An investigation is underway after Spring ISD teachers were accused of giving elementary special stickers that are believed to be sleeping aids.

The district said two Northgate Crossing Elementary School teachers were removed from class and placed on administrative leave as police investigate the allegations.

It’s not out of the ordinary for Lisa Luviano’s daughter to come home from school with something to show.

On Sept. 24, it was this sticker with a starry nightlike design.

“She said, ‘It is a sleeping sticker.’ I asked, ‘Where did you get this?’ And she said, ‘My teacher gives it to me for sleeping time,'” Luviano said.

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Luviano claims her daughter told her that other kids in her class also get it.

“The next day, we went to the school. We brought the evidence up there, and we filed a report. We did say we wanted to file criminal charges if this is something that is true,” Luviano said.

The expectation was that the school would notify other parents after nearly two weeks went by. Luviano grew increasingly concerned.

She decided to loop them in on her own by sending a mass text.

When Najla Abdullah got it, she began questioning her 4-year-old, asking him if he had ever received a “special sticker.”

“He said, ‘Yes, mommy. I get a special sticker.’ I said, ‘What does it look like?’ He said, ‘I get it right here on my hand, and it has the storms with the clouds and the star and the moon,'” Abdullah said.

Abdullah and other parents started calling the school and reporting it to Child Protective Services.

Some told ABC13 that they even took their kids to the hospital to get checked out.

“Every night, my son will come home. He’s staying up. He’s not sleeping,” Abdullah said.

Luviano claims her daughter exhibited similar behaviors.

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“I just felt bad because all of the things she was going through made sense,” Luviano said.

A formal notification from Spring ISD came Tuesday, exactly two weeks after Luviano reported the incident.

The district sent Eyewitness News the following statement:

Spring ISD is aware of allegations that two staff members at Northgate Crossing Elementary School allegedly administered sleeping supplements to students on Sept. 24. These staff members were immediately removed from the classroom and placed on administrative leave pending an ongoing investigation by the Spring ISD Police Department. The district takes every allegation of educator misconduct seriously and will take all necessary measures to ensure that our students are educated in a safe and nurturing environment.

“It took them two weeks, and now they are finally saying something. All the parents are here. We want answers,” Luviano said.

ABC13’s Alex Bozarjian caught parents confronting an assistant superintendent for the district outside the school on Tuesday.

She later spoke with him and another administrator, who called the district’s delayed communication a “failure.”

Luviano and her husband want to see criminal charges come from this.

“Who is guilty for this? Who had been doing this to our kids? Because they are not telling what the side effects are in the long run,” Luviano said.

The district has not identified the two staff members in question.

Parents are now questioning how long this went on and if it goes beyond just special stickers.

“My trust was broken by this teacher. We opened our hearts to,” Luviano said.

Jury sentences former HPD officer Gerald Goines convicted of murder to 60 years

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A jury has reached a decision on a 60-year sentence for Gerald Goines, convicted of murder in connection with the botched 2019 drug raid that killed two people.

The jury failed to reach a decision on Monday after discussing his sentence for more than eight hours. Deliberations resumed at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Jury deliberates punishment for convicted murderer and former HPD officer Gerald Goines

The state asked for life in prison, while the defense asked for a minimum sentence of five years.

Closing arguments were supposed to finish on Thursday, but Goines appeared to have a medical issue and was taken away on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance.

SEE ALSO: Former HPD officer Goines taken away on a stretcher after medical issue interrupts penalty phase

The sentencing phase for former HPD officer Gerald Goines, convicted in the 2019 Harding Street raid, was interrupted by a medical issue Thursday.

Because of an ongoing gag order, no additional information was released on what the medical issue may have been.

“It’s one of the most stressful events anybody could ever go through,” said veteran Houston criminal attorney Kent Schaffer, reacting to the incident in the courtoom. “Which begets the question of how did these people feel who were innocent that he (Goines) came in and testified in their trial, and put them away, how did them and their family members feel? Did they have punishment and cardiac problems? Probably.”

Schaffer says while medical emergencies are not that common in courtrooms, they do happen.

“I don’t think it will get much sympathy for him,” said Schaffer. “I mean, look. Jurors are smart. They’re going to say, OK, so the guy had a bad reaction to what’s going on, but he put himself in this situation. He’s responsible for the deaths of two people, and God knows how many people who were locked up and prosecuted who shouldn’t have been locked up or prosecuted.”

Goines was convicted for the murders of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas during the botched HPD Harding Street drug raid over five years ago in southeast Houston.

Dennis and his wife, Rhogena, were killed in a shootout with police.

It was on Jan. 28, 2019, when a Houston police narcotics unit, led by Case Agent Gerald Goines, broke open the door of the Tuttle home at 7815 Harding Street, trying to serve a no-knock warrant. Goines lied on an affidavit to obtain the initial no-knock warrant, claiming the couple was dealing heroin.

Jurors have heard from members of the victim’s family, as well as Goines’ supporters, including former first lady of Houston Elyse Lanier and her daughter, Courtney Lanier Sarofim.

Goines took care of Mayor Bob Lanier for years, helping with his basic needs over the last few decades. Both women testified they consider him part of their extended family.