Houston news

• More Houstonians may be forced to raise their Harvey-damaged homes

  02-02-2018 23:13 via chron.com
  For the owners of most of these homes – considered so severely damaged that repairing them would cost more than 50 percent of the market value of the structure, not including the land – bringing the houses up to code will mean physically elevating them.
  
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• Bitcoin ban expands to credit cards as JPMorgan, BofA recoil

  02-02-2018 23:05 via chron.com
  A growing number of big U.S. credit-card issuers are deciding they don’t want to finance a falling knife.
  
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• It's only a headache? Sometimes, it's more than that.

  02-02-2018 22:58 via chron.com
  Headaches are a common ailment - so common, perhaps, that many of us just accept them as part of life.
  "When I do routine physicals, I'll ask about headaches," says Michael Munger, a primary-care physician in Overland Park, Kan. He is always surprised that many of his patients report frequent headaches when asked but never bring them up otherwise. "Some people just live with it."
  Tension headaches, sinus headaches and migraine headaches are among the most common varieties.
  Tension headaches affe
  
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• Houston ISD student, 14, stabbed outside middle school

  02-02-2018 22:54 via chron.com
  A 14-year-old Houston boy was stabbed blocks from his middle school Wednesday afternoon, police said.
  
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• Companies got Harvey contracts and their executives gave money to George P. Bush

  02-02-2018 22:25 via chron.com
  In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the General Land Office paid millions of dollars to companies tasked with rebuilding homes. But just days from when those contracts were finalized, executives from several of those companies gave thousands of dollars to Land Commissioner George P. Bush's re-election fund.
  
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• Mobile phone radiation tied in study to rare tumor in rats

  02-02-2018 21:51 via chron.com
  A comprehensive study of exposure to the radiation emitted by mobile phones found an increased risk of a rare tumor in some rodents, although the scientist in charge cautioned against drawing conclusions about the impact on humans.
  
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• Flu season: "It's still not getting any better out there"

  02-02-2018 21:48 via chron.com
  Bad news for those thinking the flu season was due to taper off by now: It's still intensifying – nationally and in Texas.
  
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• Plagued by staffing shortages, Texas prisons bump up officer starting salaries 12 percent

  02-02-2018 21:28 via chron.com
  Amid rising turnover and vacancy rates for correctional officers, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice this week announced a sizable salary bump for new guards in the state's 104 lock-ups.
  
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• Two indicted for illegally dumping chemicals in southeast Houston

  02-02-2018 20:46 via chron.com
  The owner and a manager of a chemical disposal company face 10 years in prison after being indicted for pouring hazardous chemicals into Houston's storm-drain system, prosecutors announced Friday."Some of the chemicals would burn the skin off your bones," said prosecutor Alex Forrest of the Environmental Crimes Unit of the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
  
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• Houston’s Wright Containers hit with felony charges for alleged dumping of toxic chemicals

  02-02-2018 20:46 via chron.com
  A Houston chemical container company and two of its principals face felony environmental charges after using a hidden storm drain to dump benzene and other highly toxic liquids into waterways near homes and schools over a period of at least months, injuring their employees in the process, prosecutors said Friday."Some of the chemicals would burn the skin off your bones," said prosecutor Alex Forrest of the Environmental Crimes Unit of the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
  
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• HomeAid accomplishments set pace for 2018 agenda

  02-02-2018 20:42 via chron.com
  HomeAid Houston is a 501(c)(3) charity of the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) that builds transformational housing for Houston's homeless. The agency recently reported it had achieved its 2017 goals."As of the end of last year, we have completed 47 projects that have added and/or improved 200,600 square feet of real estate in the homeless community. The retail value of these HomeAid projects is $12.7 million, with $6,600,000 having been donated by generous GHBA members. This resulted
  
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• Studying Scott Kelly's year in space: NASA finds gene changes, no decrease in cognitive ability

  02-02-2018 20:02 via chron.com
  A new phase of finding in the study of Scott Kelly's year on the International Space Station revealed many things, including that Kelly's increase time in space did not significantly decrease his cognitive performance on the space station when compared to his twin on the ground.
  
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• Texas prison system reaches deal with inmates over air conditioning for cells

  02-02-2018 20:00 via chron.com
  After years of contentious wrangling over the dangers of unmitigated summer heat in cellblocks, Texas prison officials have reached a tentative settlement to resolve legal challenges over air conditioning at a geriatric prison outside of Houston.
  
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• Houston lawmakers press Senate for action on Harvey recovery funds

  02-02-2018 18:20 via chron.com
  WASHINGTON – In a sign of growing impatience, a group of Houston-area lawmakers from both political parties joined in a letter to Senate leaders Friday demanding "prompt" action on an $81 billion disaster relief package that has been held up in partisan gridlock since December.
  
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• Realtor of the week: Newton encourages buyers, sellers about strong marketplace

  02-02-2018 18:10 via chron.com
  Real Estate investment is the best long-term investment one can make. In fact, most all high-net-worth individuals invest in real estate, because they know it is one of the safest and most profitable investments a person can have.
  "In fact, this is an excellent time to invest, buy or sell," said Brandon Newton, a Realtor with Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.
  Newton's main focus area is all of greater Houston. However, his two target areas are the Cypress area and Inner Loop.
  Cypress
  
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• GHBA Remodelers Council: Stick to simple remodeling plans

  02-02-2018 18:09 via chron.com
  The start of a new year is known as the time to make resolutions such as working out more, going back to school or starting a new hobby. However, remodeling experts say home improvement resolutions aimed at freshening up your space are just as popular - and sometimes easier to see through.
  Consider these remodeling resolutions for your home:
  Install crown molding: When done right, this architectural feature can make your home feel more upscale. Also functional, crown molding can actually make yo
  
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• On the move: Allure of the suburbs draws Houston newcomers

  02-02-2018 18:08 via chron.com
  The Houston area boasts of some of the most celebrated master-planned communities and suburbs in the country.Well known for their abundant amenities and lush green spaces, it is no wonder that so many newcomers flock to areas, such as The Woodlands, Kingwood, Katy, Sugar Land, and League City, just to name a few.
  Houston suburbs also offer drivable access to the city, while offering housing options that are relatively more affordable than many inner-city neighborhoods.
  Kelty Ferguson, a Realtor
  
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• Prime property: West University Place home offers flex, entertaining space

  02-02-2018 18:06 via chron.com
  This new construction by Rockwell Homes in West University Place is described by listing agent Joel Bickley of Sudhoff Companies as a beautiful traditional brick exterior with a sophisticated interior.With more than 5,100 square feet, the two-story home offers an open floor plan and a flexible design.Double doors open to a spacious foyer with herringbone wood floors with an inlay border, a winding staircase with a custom wrought-iron railing and views of the well-appointed living areas.Just off
  
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• Vineyard Ridge slates Phase III Grand Opening Land Sale

  02-02-2018 18:04 via chron.com
  Situated outside of historic Fredericksburg and convenient to the music-driven city of Austin, and San Antonio, Vineyard Ridge offers some of the prettiest and most desirable 2- to 10-acre homesites in the area.Buyers can enjoy the Hill Country views, gorgeous hardwoods, rolling terrain, gated entrance andunderground power, all situated in the heart of the Hill Country's Wine Trail.
  On Saturday, Feb. 10, buyers can visit the Vineyard Ridge Phase III Grand Opening Land Sale and get their approxim
  
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• Company sponsors Taste of the Town

  02-02-2018 18:03 via chron.com
  For five years, Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty has been one of the sponsors for Taste of the Town, the epicurean event held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel.
  MTSIR is proud to have a presence in The Woodlands community and to be involved with The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, which serves as host each year.Several Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty agents were on hand to give beverages and promotional items to the thousands in attendance.Martha Turner Sotheby's I
  
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• Heritage Texas Properties awards honors

  02-02-2018 18:02 via chron.com
  Robin Mueck, chairman and CEO of Heritage Texas Properties, welcomed the company's agents, staff and management to the 2017 Awards Breakfast held on Tuesday, Jan. 23, held at Houston Country Club.In her opening remarks, Mueck welcomed Tammy Bateman and agents from Tammy Bateman Properties to the Heritage family.For a fifth consecutive year, Mike Mahlstedt was named 2017 Companywide Top Producer, crushing his 2016 production. Companywide Top Team for 2017 was the Tammy Hendricks Group.
  
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• Woman on flight from Texas to North Carolina stormed cockpit, restrained with zip ties and duct tape

  02-02-2018 17:59 via chron.com
  The woman was reportedly violent with the flight crew.
  
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• Realtor view: Don't buy into myths about home selling

  02-02-2018 17:57 via chron.com
  Your friends and family aren't trying to steer you wrong when they give you selling advice, but they may be perpetuating myths about successful techniques to sell houses. Here are seller misconceptions:
  1.Set your price high to leave room for negotiation: Homeowners fall into this trap all the time, aiming high so they can "come down" on the price when a buyer wants to haggle. And there's always a chance someone will pay their inflated asking price, right? A pricing strategy like this backfires
  
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• Ask George and Chuck: As trustee, Tax Code exempts you from personal liability

  02-02-2018 17:56 via chron.com
  Q: My parents died and left me as trustee in charge of various trusts. I have no idea what I am doing with this, and their attorneys haven't been very helpful in explaining things. I just received a document to sign in my individual name as "trustee." Does this create any liability for me?
  A: Technically, the trust does not take title to a property. Title is taken in the name of the trustee for the benefit of the beneficiaries of the trust. When you sign as trustee, the Trust Code exempts you fr
  
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• The Marlowe key part of downtown luxury high-rise market

  02-02-2018 17:54 via chron.com
  In the downtown Houston luxury high-rise market, The Marlowe has something for everyone looking to own their piece of downtown real estate.Located at 1311 Polk near the bustling Discovery Green, Toyota Center, House of Blues and Phoenicia grocery store, The Marlowe, an A& property, is where leisure, comfort and walkability exist for residents.At 70 percent sold, this development boasts a masculine pinstripe exterior design, and an interior with floors named after Hollywood icons. There isan
  
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• Building Houston: New Hill Country homesites released at Vintage Oaks

  02-02-2018 17:53 via chron.com
  There's never been a better time to find that perfect piece of property in the Texas Hill Country.
  New Braunfels' premiere master-planned community, Vintage Oaks, just released new 1- to 2-acre homesites.The new release includes coveted greenbelt, spacious homesites with giant oak trees and stunning views as well as a limited number of properties adjacent to a private greenbelt.
  Property tours of these new properties are going on now.
  Appointments are encouraged. To schedule a property viewing,
  
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• Bernstein Realty celebrates annual Awards Luncheon

  02-02-2018 17:52 via chron.com
  Amy Bernstein, president of Bernstein Realty, recently hosted the company's 2017 Awards Luncheon at Tony's.Thegratitude and appreciation to all of the agents and staff for their contributions to the company's success in 2017.Bernstein raised a toast to a successful and prosperous 2018 annual luncheon recognizes the accomplishments and hard work of the agents and celebrates the success of the company.Cathy Craig received the company's highest honor when she was presented with the company's Top Pr
  
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• 10 ads that stand out during Super Bowl 52

  02-02-2018 16:52 via chron.com
  NEW YORK (AP) — It's Super Bowl ad time again. Advertisers of all stripes are vying for the attention of the 111 million viewers expected to tune in. The goal is to be the most-talked about ad over the water cooler — or Slack chatroom — come Monday morning.
  From Steven Tyler de-aging for Kia to Amazon's imagining of different voices for Alexa, here are 10 ads that are likely to be talked about. And if you're not interested in tuning it to watch the big game on Sunday, you can s
  
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• Construction continues on the largest cross in the Western Hemisphere in Corpus Christi

  02-02-2018 14:16 via chron.com
  Almost five years since the project was announced, and nearly two years since a lawsuit nearly derailed it, it appears that work on the 230-foot cross has begun.
  
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• WATCH: Lawyer behind Pasadena voting rights victory featured at U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

  02-02-2018 14:00 via chron.com
  A lawyer who convinced a federal judge last year that Pasadena's election system deliberately discriminated against Latino voters will speak at a United States Commission on Civil Rights briefing Friday in Raleigh, North Carolina.
  
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• Bitcoin whipsaws investors as bubble shows signs of bursting

  02-02-2018 13:51 via chron.com
  Bitcoin fell below $8,000 for the first time since November as a miserable 2018 continued for cryptocurrencies, with investors confronting a mounting list of concerns about the future of the industry.
  
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• Bitcoin tumbles as crypto bubble shows signs of bursting

  02-02-2018 13:51 via chron.com
  Bitcoin fell below $8,000 for the first time since November as a miserable 2018 continued for cryptocurrencies, with investors confronting a mounting list of concerns about the future of the industry.
  
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• Renu Khator: Amazon's Houston snub 'hurts,' describes love for city

  02-02-2018 13:05 via chron.com
  Renu Khator said Amazon's snub of Houston -- a city she's grown to love -- for its second headquarters hurt.
  
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• Harvey not the only source of high Houston water bills

  02-02-2018 13:05 via chron.com
  Public Works data show storms aren't the only thing driving residents to complain about their water bills, however. Far from it.
  
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• Super Bowl host committee pays Harris County $451K in reimbursement flap

  02-02-2018 13:00 via chron.com
  The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee has sent Harris County a check for more than $450,000 to cover some of its expense associated with Super Bowl LI.
  
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• Request for more Houston cops raises plenty of questions

  02-02-2018 13:00 via chron.com
  Houston's top law enforcement brass have recently stepped up calls for more resources, arguing that the department is woefully understaffed - and that public safety is suffering.
  
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• FEMA weighs end of transitional sheltering program

  02-02-2018 13:00 via chron.com
  FEMA Coordinating Officer Kevin Hannes, one of the agency's top officials helping coordinate recovery efforts in Texas after Harvey, said that the program is slated to end March 12, unless the state requests an extension and FEMA determines there is a need for the program to continue.
  
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• Astronauts are known to 'grow' in space and NASA is trying to better predict just how much

  02-02-2018 13:00 via chron.com
  As deep space travel becomes more of a reality, NASA is gathering data on how astronauts grow and change in space so that they can develop a predictive model to determine how much each person may grow.
  
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• North Houston fire kills one overnight

  02-02-2018 12:50 via chron.com
  An early morning fire at a home on East Crosstimbers at Roswell killed a father of one Friday, Houston Fire Department officials said.
  
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• Catching up on crypto: A field guide to digital-money culture

  02-02-2018 12:00 via chron.com
  The 1,000-plus different digital currencies, carrying a total value of more than $400 billion, and the people who follow them, sometimes obsessively, comprise a world unto themselves. Here's a quick rundown on famous mavens and slang terms that define the phenomenon.
  
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• Winning numbers for Feb. 1, 2018

  02-02-2018 06:10 via chron.com
  Lottery winning numbers
  TEXAS
  Lotto: 1/311-12-17-31-34-40
  Estimated jackpot $8.25 million
  Winning tickets None
  Next jackpot 2/3 $9 million
  Pick 3 morn.: 2/1 3-5-6 Sum: 14
  Pick 3 day: 3-5-2 Sum: 10
  Pick 3 even.: 3-8-5 Sum: 16
  Pick 3 night:4 - 8 - 9 Sum: 21
  Daily 4 morn.: 2/14-0-8-9 Sum: 21
  Daily 4 day: 4-8-5-7 Sum: 24
  Daily 4 even.
  
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• Shots fired at PlazAmericas mall in SW Houston

  02-02-2018 02:40 via chron.com
  A man was shot around 6:25 p.m. in the7500 block of Bellaire Boulevard, police said.
  
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• GOP legislators gather in search of winning 2018 agenda

  02-02-2018 02:29 via chron.com
  WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - Congressional Republicans in sweater vests and fleece gathered at a West Virginia resort Thursday in search of a winning election-year agenda, facing the notion that the best they have to offer in 2018 may be a recitation of the tax cuts approved in 2017 and with the threat looming of another government shutdown.
  The legislators had forums on topics such as infrastructure, national security and the economy - but noticeably not on immigration, the major issue that b
  
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• HISD officials propose drastic changes at low-performing schools to avoid state takeover

  02-02-2018 01:20 via chron.com
  Houston ISD administrators announced preliminary plans Thursday to close and immediately reopen six chronically low-performing elementary and middle schools, a process that would force hundreds of students to leave their home campus and result in the replacement of all staff at each schools. Eight other schools would form partnerships with outside organizations.
  
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• Mass graves uncovered in Myanmar

  02-02-2018 01:09 via chron.com
  BALUKHALI REFUGEE CAMP, Bangladesh - The faces of the men half-buried in the mass graves had been burned away by acid or blasted by bullets. Noor Kadir could only recognize his friends by the colors of their shorts.
  Kadir and 14 others, all Rohingya Muslims, had been choosing players for the soccer-like game of chinlone when the gunfire began. By the time the soldiers stopped shooting at the Myanmar village of Gu Dar Pyin, only Kadir and two teammates were alive.
  Days later, Kadir found six of h
  
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• Incest chat room leads to arrest of parents accused of sexually assaulting daughter

  02-02-2018 00:55 via chron.com
  What started as an investigation into an incest-laden online chat room landed two East Texas parents in jail, accused of photographing and recording themselves sexually assaulting their 2-year-old daughter.
  
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• Tillerson seeks unified stance on Venezuela in Latin trip

  02-02-2018 00:45 via chron.com
  U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made a renewed call for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's regime to face international isolation, a theme he plans to pursue at each stop in a six-nation tour of Latin America.
  "The corrupt and hostile regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela clings to a false dream and antiquated vision for the region that has already failed its citizens," Tillerson said Thursday at the University of Texas at Austin during a stop en route to Mexico. "It does
  
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