ISIAH CAREY'S 'INSITE'

HARRIS COUNTY MAN KILLED BEHIND CHURCH!

2009-11-08T07:52:00.002-06:00

POLICE NEED YOUR HELP TO FIND THE SHOOTER!

From Harris County Sheriff's Office: On November 7, 2009 at approximately 1:35 p.m. DeAndre Carl, 18 YOA was found shot in the rear of a church parking lot. Deputies arrived and was able to determine from Carl that he had got into an arguement with a unknown Black male who began shooting. Mr. Carl attempted to run from the scene but was struck one time.

Mr. Carl was transported to Herman Hospital where approximately 8 hours later he died due to his injuries. The Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit is conducting the investigation into Mr. Carls death, anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 222-TIPS or the Sheriff's Homicide Unit, 713-967-5810.

THE HOUSE PASSES THE HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL!

2009-11-08T07:17:00.002-06:00

EXACTLY HOW WILL THIS AFFECT YOU?

The Democratic-controlled House has narrowly passed landmark health care reform legislation, handing President Barack Obama a hard won victory on his signature domestic priority.

Republicans were nearly unanimous in opposing the plan that would expand coverage to tens of millions of Americans who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry.

The 220-215 vote late Saturday cleared the way for the Senate to begin a long-delayed debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.

A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi compared the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later.

Obama, who went to Capitol Hill earlier on Saturday to lobby wavering Democrats, said in a statement after the vote, "I look forward to signing it into law by the end of the year."

"It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it," said Rep. John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955.

But minority Republicans cataloged their objections across hours of debate on the 1,990-page, $1.2 trillion legislation.

"We are going to have a complete government takeover of our health care system faster than you can say, `this is making me sick,'" said Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich.

In the run-up to a final vote, conservatives from the two political parties joined forces to impose tough new restrictions on abortion coverage in insurance policies to be sold to many individuals and small groups.

The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees. Both consumers and companies would be slapped with penalties if they defied the government's mandates.

Insurance industry practices such as denying coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions would be banned, and insurers would no longer be able to charge higher premiums on the basis of gender or medical history. The industry would also lose its exemption from federal antitrust restrictions on price fixing and market allocation.

At its core, the measure would create a federally regulated marketplace where consumers could shop for coverage. In the bill's most controversial provision, the government would sell insurance, although the Congressional Budget Office forecasts that premiums for it would be more expensive than for policies sold by private companies.

The bill drew the votes of 219 Democrats and Rep. Joseph Cao, a first-term Republican who holds an overwhelmingly Democratic seat in New Orleans. Opposed were 176 Republicans and 39 Democrats.

From The Associated Press

IT'S OFFICIAL: THERE WAS ONLY ONE SHOOTER IN FORT HOOD!

2009-11-08T07:10:00.000-06:00

HASAN REMAINS UNABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS SO INVESTIGATORS STILL LOOKING FOR MOTIVE!

Military investigators have concluded that there was only one gunman involved in the rampage at Fort Hood that left 13 people dead and dozens more injured, but they added that they were still trying to determine whether other people were involved in any plot, an Army spokesman said on Saturday.

The spokesman, Chris Grey, also told reporters during a briefing that the shooting suspect, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, an Army psychologist, had been taken off a ventilator on Saturday but remained in the intensive care unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

Major Hasan was shot four times by a police officer after he reportedly opened fire on Thursday at the Soldier Readiness Processing Center.

Major Hasan’s brother, Eyad Hasan, issued a statement to the news media Saturday, offering condolences to people injured and to the families of those killed in the attack and moral support for Major Hasan.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have lost loved ones and everyone else affected by the horrific events that transpired at Fort Hood,” the statement said. “We are in a state of shock and disbelief over this dreadful news.”

“I’ve known my brother Nidal to be a peaceful, loving and compassionate person who has shown great interest in the medical field and in helping others” the statement said. “He has never committed an act of violence and was always known to be a good, law-abiding citizen.”

Eyad Hasan, like his brother, was born in the United States to Palestinian parents who are now deceased. Mr. Hasan, who lives in Virginia, said in the statement that the family had “faith in our legal system and that my brother will be treated fairly.”

“We hope that the relevant authorities will provide us with information on my brother’s condition and that he be afforded his right to an attorney the moment he regains consciousness,” the statement concluded.

Mr. Grey, a spokesman for the Army Criminal Investigation Division, said that investigators have still not been able to talk with Major Hasan because of his medical condition.

“We have not established a motive for the shootings at this time,” he said during a briefing for reporters held at Fort Hood on Saturday evening. He did not take questions from reporters.

From New York Times

PARKER PULLS IN A RECORD AMOUNT ONLINE!

2009-11-05T17:37:00.002-06:00

$79,00 IN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SUPPORTERS!

Annise Parker set a personal online fundraising record Wednesday as supporters donated over $79,170 in online contributions from 272 donors in response to a single email sent the day after she ran first in Houston's mayoral election.

Parker also picked up more than 600 supporters on Facebook the day after the election, for a total of 8,174 supporters on Facebook alone - more than all her opponents in the mayor's race combined.

"Annise Parker's 4,259 donors, 1,486 volunteers and more than 17,000 online supporters are energized by her first place finish," said Adam Harris, Parker's campaign manager. "Their enthusiasm and hard work prevailed despite massive spending by her opponents."

"Our grassroots campaign is exploding with new supporters, new volunteers and new donors," said Harris. "The momentum in this race is with Annise Parker."

"I am so grateful to the thousands of people who supported me and voted for me," said Parker. "They stood together with me and I will remember their dedication for the rest of my life. And to my new supporters I want to say 'Thank you and welcome aboard!'"

12 DEAD AND 31 INJURED IN FORT HOOD SHOOTING!

2009-11-05T17:21:00.002-06:00

MAIN SHOOTER HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN WHILE TWO OTHERS ARE IN CUSTODY!

A shooting at the Fort Hood Army Post in Killeen has left 12 people dead and 31 injured, FOX 26 News has learned.

The shooting happened early Thursday afternoon at the post's "soldier readiness facility," where military personnel prepare to deploy.

A Fort Hood spokesman said the main shooter was shot and killed, and two other suspects were in custody. All were identified as soldiers wearing military gear.

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison told FOX News that the main shooter had stated a few days earlier that he was upset about getting deployed overseas to fight a war, but a clear motive was not yet known.

Military police have taken control of the scene, and the entire post is on lockdown.

There was a graduation ceremony going on at the time of shooting, but the identities of the wounded and dead was not immediately known. At least one of the dead was identified as a civilian police officer.

A member of Carter's staff, who was a base chaplain at Fort Hood before he retired, was attending the graduation ceremony, he said.

"I'm not sure--he was either in his car or as just getting out of his car when a soldier ran up to him and said, 'Sir, don't go that direction. There shooting over there,' and the soldier ran on," Carter said. "And when he ran on, (my staff member) saw that the soldier had been shot. And so they... went after the guy, they stopped him and told him he'd been hit and started treating him."

Carter said his staff member said everyone is being kept at the graduation building with locked doors.

"One shooter is a lot of people. They're having real emotional problems and mental problems from the stress of multiple deployments," Carter said. "But one I can see going berserk, maybe two got together and went berserk, but three seems a little too--if it's three--I just wonder; I have doubts."

FBI officials from the San Antonio office say they are en route to the base. They told FOX News that they're top priority "to help make sure there's no further killing."

Fort Hood serves about 50,000 soldiers, with 33,000 at the post during the shooting. Schools near the army base were placed under lockdown during the attack.

DOUG BRINKLEY IS THE NEW MAN IN CHARGE IN SUGAR LAND!

2009-11-05T11:45:00.001-06:00

Doug Brinkley , Chief of Police

Web Bio: Police Chief Doug Brinkley was promoted to the position of chief Oct. 19, 2009. He has more than 21 years of law enforcement experience.

As an assistant police chief since 2005, Brinkley was responsible for the oversight of the training unit, personnel, crime analyst, budget analyst, accreditation (CALEA), records, dispatch, jail, property and evidence and secondary employment oversight. His many accomplishments have included:

implementation of a Radio Communications Interoperability Project;
leadership of a problem-solving initiative with command staff that resulted in a visibility program and black and white patrol vehicles;
implementation of Tasers;
leadership of the process to enact a residency restriction ordinance for registered sex offenders; and
leadership of the process for the award of a $165,000 grant to upgrade dispatch consoles.

Prior to joining SLPD in 2005, Brinkley spent approximately 14 years with the Grand Rapids Police Department in Michigan and two years with the Detroit Police Department. He has also served eight years in the United States Army Reserve.

Brinkley earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and the FBI National Academy.

Brinkley is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the Texas Police Chief’s Association.

A RECORD YEAR FOR TEXAS STATE POLICE!

2009-11-05T11:28:00.002-06:00

TAKING THE DRUGS OFF THE STREETS!

Press Release: DPS has documented a record increase in domestic marijuana seizures this year in Texas, specifically the North and East Texas regions.

The Domestic Marijuana Eradication (DME) program is an annual effort funded by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is coordinated by the DPS Criminal Investigations Division with the combined efforts of local, state and federal agencies.

According to the DPS Criminal Investigations Division, the program resulted in a significant increase in the seizure of cultivated marijuana. In calendar year 2009, the combined law enforcement effort in Texas resulted in the seizure of nearly 62,000 marijuana plants—the most ever for cultivated marijuana in the history of the program. This compares to 2007, when 40,172 marijuana plants were seized and 2008 when the number of confiscated plants totaled 36,280.

DPS is investigating whether the increase in domestic marijuana production in Texas is part of a trend by Mexican drug trafficking organizations moving grow operations into Texas.

These are sophisticated grow operations with irrigation and are camouflaged to prevent detection by law enforcement. The growers are usually undocumented immigrants who live in campsites at the grows to maintain and protect the operation. Several of the marijuana grows seized over the last several years topped 10,000 plants at each site.

If anyone has information on suspected narcotics activity, they are urged to call a DPS toll-free hotline, 1-800-868-6274.

RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY IS BACK ON TELEVISION!

2009-11-05T11:22:00.002-06:00

UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT!

If you did a double take you're not seeing things. That is Reshonda Tate Billingsley back on television. She's working temporarily at KPRC for a reporter who is out for about three weeks. Reshonda once worked at FOX 26. She is also a nationally know author and some of her books are being turned into movies. So, if you see Reshonda out reporting in the field make sure you tell her The Insite said hello. By the way, I hear she's working that early morning shift!

ANNISE PARKER NEEDS A MILLION DOLLARS AND WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT BIG PETER BROWN WIN?

2009-11-04T23:50:00.000-06:00

IT'S PARKER AND LOCKE!

2009-11-04T07:55:00.002-06:00

NOW THEY CAN GO HEAD TO HEAD!

Houston won't know who it's new mayor will be until next month.

City controller Annise Parker and former city attorney Gene Locke are headed to a runoff to become mayor of America's fourth-biggest city.

Parker collected nearly 31 percent of the vote Tuesday. Locke, with 25 percent, topped architect and urban planner Peter Brown, who had nearly 23 percent.

The candidates were vying to succeed Bill White, who is term-limited after six years in office.

A runoff is needed because no one received 50 percent of the vote. An unofficial date has been scheduled for Dec. 12.

Parker, 52, would be the first openly gay woman to become mayor of a major U.S. city, while Locke, 61, would be the city's second black mayor.

From FOX 26 News!

FORMER POLICE CHIEF ONE STEP CLOSER TO A CITY COUNCIL SEAT!

2009-11-03T19:22:00.003-06:00

EARLY VOTING IS IN HIS FAVOR!

Early voting numbers have come in and it appears former Houston Police Chief Clarence Bradford may be a step closer to becoming a Houston City Council Member. The numbers show Bradford has a strong lead in the race against his opponents whose name recognition is limited. Here's the latest from the Harris County Clerks Office:

C.O. Bradford: 54% - 24,546
Noel Freeman: 22% - 10,097
Shafto: 13%
Garmon: 11%

GENE LOCKE WINS EARLY VOTE IN THE BID FOR MAYOR!

2009-11-03T19:03:00.004-06:00

THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE POLLS!

It appears the polls were wrong when it came to the top vote getter in the race for Mayor of Houston...at least in terms of early voting. The preliminary numbers released from the Harris County Clerks office show Gene Locke has come out on top with the early vote. Coming in a very close second is Annise Parker, Peter Brown, and Roy Morales. Here are the final totals:

Gene Locke: 28% - 17, 183
Annise Parker: 27% - 17,169
Peter Brown: 26% - 15,387
Roy Morales: 16% - 9,451

JARVIS JOHNSON PICKS SIDES IN THE RACE FOR MAYOR!

2009-11-03T18:56:00.003-06:00

THE CAT IS NOW OUT OF THE BAG IN THE RACE FOR MAYOR!

It's no longer a mystery who Houston City Councilman Jarvis Johnson is supporting for Mayor of Houston. Johnson through a text confirms to the Insite he has picked his candidate. It's the man he's sat with on city council over the last few years: Peter Brown. Johnson waited to the last day before he made his decision known. Johnson has been like many other Houston elected officials keeping their support quiet or completely anonymous. But the cat is now out of the bag and Johnson says he stands in line with Peter Brown for Mayor!

BLOGGERS TREATED VERY SPECIAL AT LOCKE'S WATCH PARTY!

2009-11-03T18:40:00.004-06:00

I JUST HOPE THEY DON'T RUN THE INSITE OFF!

It's a sign of the times. A sign that bloggers are no longer just the fringes of journalism. Those who place their thoughts online without that formal training are getting the royal treatment at Gene Locke's watch party. He's running for Mayor of Houston. Locke and his staff have set up the bloggers with their own table just behind the mainstream media. Don't make me say the liberal media because that's just a buzz term. Anyway, it's good to see bloggers getting their respect. Locke was one of the first candidates to have an online town hall meeting. But we can't forget about Parker who has also embraced the online community. Her staffers boast one of the biggest online followings including those on Facebook and Twitter. In the meantime, I'm hoping no one calls me out and tells me to go to the mainstream media area because I'm a FOX reporter and part time blogger. It's like asking which came first the chicken or the egg!

WHERE IS MY CANDIDATE'S WATCH PARTY?

2009-11-03T10:22:00.004-06:00

IF YOUR CANDIDATE IS NOT LISTED WRITE IT IN THE COMMENT SECTION!

The headline is a question I've received a lot. So here is where some of the candidates can be found tonight for the big election watch parties. Have fun and good luck:

Jolanda "Jo" Jones at official election watch party at Club One, 723 Main at Rusk, from 7:30PM until last result is in and declare our campaign the winner

Roy Morales - Watch Party Crowne Plaza Hotel Medical Center Area 8686 Kirby

Annise Parker: Hilton of Americas

Peter Brown
Houston Heights Theatre
339 West 19th, Houston, TX
Doors Open: 7:30 p.m.
Free parking in surrounding areas
RSVP: \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> rsvp@peterbrownformayor.com

Gene Locke - Watch Party at Hyatt Regency Downtown 1200 Louisiana 7pm

Harris County Democratic Party is hosting an Election Night Results Watch Party and Mixer on November 3rd at 7:30 pm at Birraporetti's Downtown, 500 Louisiana St., Houston, TX 77002. Mix, mingle, and enjoy great food while awaiting the election results. Pre-sale tickets are $20.00 and $25.00 at the door.

Ronald Green - Sawyer Park 2412 Washington Avenue 8pm

Pam Holm - We are hosting our party at Grappino's, across the street from the campaign headquarters. There will be valet parking and signs directing you – so, come as planned and you will see the Pam Holm for Controller festivities. You need not RSVP – we are already expecting you to come by and watch returns with us. Please call the campaign office, 713-621-4328, if you have any questions.

Roz Rozzy Shorter - Red Cat Jazz Cafe' from 7 to 10pm Downtown Houston

MISSOURI CITY DETECTIVE GETS ANOTHER MAJOR AWARD!

2009-11-02T23:27:00.003-06:00

OFFICER OF THE MONTH FROM A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION!

Press Release: The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Detective Russell Terry of the Missouri City (TX) Police Department as its Officer of the Month for October 2009.

Since joining the Missouri City (TX) Police Department in 2002, Detective Russell Terry has distinguished himself not only as an outstanding detective, but as someone dedicated to his fellow officers and his community. "He excelled as an officer, consistently displaying bravery, intellect, knowledge of the best practices in law enforcement, and above all, consistently displaying a passion for excellence and service to our communities," says Edward G. Williams, Ph.D., Director of Human Resources with the Missouri City Police Department.

In 2008, Detective Terry solved several high-profile cases, including a Homicide/Aggravated Robbery and an Aggravated Bank Robbery. Soon after the Homicide/Aggravated Robbery had occurred, Detective Terry was dispatched to the scene and immediately took charge. Working with his department's Criminal Investigations Division, he began analyzing surveillance footage and working with the Crime Scene Unit to gather evidence from the scene. The following day, Detective Terry released a portion of the surveillance footage to the news media and immediately began receiving Crime Stopper tips. Within 48 hours of the incident, the suspect had been identified and DNA linked the suspect to the scene. After being arrested, the suspect confessed to the crime after only 30 minutes of the interview with Detective Terry. In addition, with the assistance of an informant, Detective Terry was able to locate the weapon used in the homicide, an assault rifle, in a lake not far from the crime scene.

In February 2008, Detective Terry was the on-call detective when he was dispatched to the scene of a bank robbery. After reviewing the facts within the primary officer, he interviewed the two female bank tellers who were not able to assist with identifying the suspect. With the help of the Crime Scene Unit, Detective Terry obtained a photograph of a piece of recovered evidence. He soon brought the photograph to a local store, where the Loss Prevention Officer was able to locate a similar item. Reviewing surveillance footage, they discovered a male individual, accompanied by a female, who purchased the item, in addition to several other items related to the bank robbery, all with a debit card.

Armed with the male individual's name, Detective Terry cross-referenced him through the police station's dispatch, which showed he resided in Missouri City. Detective Terry contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted them in contacting the individual. Upon visiting the individual's residence, Detective Terry was informed by his parents that he was not there, but that he did have a girlfriend who was a bank teller at the same bank that had been robbed. After locating the male and female individuals later in the evening, both were brought in for an interview and both confessed to the robbery.

With the assistance of the Criminal Investigative Division, Detective Terry was able to solve the Aggravated Bank Robbery case and recover a large portion of the money that was stolen - all in a matter of 12 hours. The bank was so impressed and thankful for the investigative skills of the Missouri City Police Department that they presented the Criminal Investigative team with a sizable donation to the department.

Detective Terry's commitment to the community is exemplary as well. Three Navy and Marine Corps medals while serving his country with the United States Navy from 1995-2000, and five years of mentoring for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program are only some of his commendable experiences. In June 2006, he organized a fundraiser for a fellow officer whose son was born with numerous birth defects. To offset the cost of medical bills, Detective Terry was able to raise nearly $13,000. The officer's son is now three years old and doing well.

Sergeant Dwayne Williams of the Missouri City Police Department writes, "Detective Terry is of the utmost in character, honesty, and trustworthiness. He is asked consistently to represent the city in most endeavors, which exhibits the confidence the executive staff have in him." Detective Terry is a member of the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas, and in January of 2007, he was elected as the first African-American President of the Missouri City Police Officers Association.

Located in the nation's capital, the NLEOMF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement officers. The NLEOMF Officer of the Month Program began in September 1996 and recognizes federal, state and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.

Detective Terry, along with the other Officers of the Month for 2009, will be honored at a special awards luncheon in Washington, DC, in May 2010 during National Police Week. In addition, their stories of heroism and service will be featured in the Memorial Fund's 2011 calendar.

NEGATIVE TACTICS STRANGLE THE 2009 CITYWIDE ELECTIONS IN HOUSTON!

2009-11-02T23:06:00.000-06:00

IS THE FAMILY OF JOHN O'QUINN'S ASSISTANT READY TO TAKE THIS TO COURT?

2009-11-02T22:30:00.002-06:00

A CIVIL ATTORNEY HAS BEEN HIRED!

FOX 26 news has learned the family of the man who died in last week's deadly crash with famed Houston attorney John O'Quinn has hired an attorney.

Attorney Waverly Nolley says he has been retained by the family of Johnny Cutliff. He was in the car with O'Quinn when they both died after police say O'Quinn crashed the car on Allen Parkway.

Nolley did not say if the Cutliff family plans to sue O'Quinn's estate for wrongful death. He would only say his current goal is to represent the interest of the family in a death case.

O'Quinn is scheduled to be buried later this week.

There's no funeral set as of yet for Mr. Cutliff who served as O'Quinn's employee for over 20 years.

MAYOR WHITE SAYS IT'S TIME THE ATTACKS STOPPED!

2009-11-02T11:28:00.002-06:00

THE POLITICAL RACE THAT MAY BE GOING TOO FAR!

Press Release: Yesterday Houston Mayor Bill White condemned anonymous phone calls attacking Ronald Green, candidate for Houston City Controller. Green, a three-term At-Large City Council Member, is running for an open seat to succeed the current Controller, who is term-limited.

Mayor White said the following via Facebook: “At home I just got a recorded call urging Democrats to vote against Ron Green for City Controller because he would hurt D’s. Who paid for this? …it does seem to me that if another candidate or party paid for it, they should say so upfront.”

Over the past several days, some Houstonians have reported receiving multiple anonymous automated phone calls attacking Ronald Green, and urging a vote against him. The announcer in the calls does not identify himself, there is no callback number given, nor is there a disclaimer identifying who paid for the call, which is required by law.

“I join Mayor White in condemning these anonymous false attacks,” Green said. “These calls are illegal and have no place in our political discourse. It is disappointing that my Republican opponents have stooped to such tactics. I am going to keep talking about the issues that matter to Houstonians – weathering this economic downturn and securing the City’s long-term financial health.”

While City races are officially non-partisan, Ronald Green is the lone Democrat running against two Republican opponents.

As Controller, Green will help control spending and act as a check-and-balance on the competing interests before the executive and legislative branches of city government. He will have the independent authority to conduct performance reviews of the city bureaucracy to make sure Houston has a modern, efficient city government worthy of the taxpayers who foot the bills and expect high-quality, low-cost customer service in return.

Green is a former Chair of the City’s Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee. He earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston, as well as a law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, the District of Columbia, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Green is also a licensed real estate broker. He is married to Hillary Harmon Green, Justice of the Peace, Harris County Precinct Seven, Place 1. They have a son and are active in their community and Windsor Village United Methodist Church. For more information, visit www.ronaldgreen.com.

SOME MEMBERS OF FOREIGNER DROPS BY FOX 26 STUDIOS!

2009-11-02T10:28:00.005-06:00

FEELS LIKE THE VERY FIRST TIME!

It was an exciting treat for the entire newsroom. How often do you get a chance to see a legendary band play at your job? Not often, but there they were Foreigner with members Kelly Hansen and Jeff Pilson in the middle of the newsroom playing some of the biggest hits that made them famous. Thanks to Kristie Powers for pulling the big get off. She interviewed them during the FOX 26 Morning News show and last night when they performed for a concert audience. The guys are touring the country and promoting their latest album called Can't Slow Down. Several people in the newsroom lined up for pictures including the Insite, Damali Keith, Kristi Powers, Carolyn Mungo and many more!

THE LEGENDARY BAND FOREIGNER AT THE FOX 26 STUDIOS!

2009-11-02T10:26:00.000-06:00

SPRING VOLLEYBALL COACH ARRESTED!

2009-11-02T07:40:00.005-06:00

THREE COUNTS OF IMPROPER RELATIONS WITH A STUDENT!

This is a story the Insite broke several weeks ago. Now the details and the coach's name have been released:

A second Spring ISD teacher is accused of having an improper relationship with a student. Matthew Tillman was arrested Saturday and charged with three counts of improper relations with a student.

Tillman taught history and coached volleyball at Spring High School for the last 10 years. Earlier this month, he was placed on administrative leave while Spring ISD Police Department investigated the allegations.

In a letter posted on Spring High School's website, the principal, Donna Ulrich says, "It is distressing to say the least that another teacher has broken the trust that parents and the greater community should be able to expect from every educator. Let me assure you that we have hundreds of fine, upstanding teachers in our school that would not break that trust, and we are committed to weeding out those who do."

Ulrich also urges all students to contact any administrator or counselor at the school, Spring ISD Police or Crime Stoppers if they feel threatened by anyone.

Tillman is currently being held in Harris County Jail on $150,000 bond and will make his first court appearance on Monday.

REPORT FROM EARLY OCTOBER:

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR JOHN O'QUINN!

2009-11-02T07:35:00.002-06:00

NO DATE YET FOR JOHNNY CUTLIFF!

Funeral arrangements have been set for high-profile attorney John O'Quinn who was killed Thursday morning in a car crash.

A viewing has been scheduled between 4 and 8 p.m. Tuesday at the George H. Lewis Funeral Home, 1010 Bering Drive. His funeral has been set for 11 a.m. Sunday at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway.

O'Quinn and an assistant, identified as Johnny Cutliff, died Thursday morning the SUV left the westbound lanes of Allen Parkway and slammed into a tree. Police say the lawyer was driving a black Chevorlet Suburban at a high rate of speed when it jumped the median and hit a tree head-on.

Funeral arrangements for Cutliff remain pending.

BIKE BARN 2009 HALLOWEEN BIKE RIDE!

2009-11-01T22:51:00.001-06:00

BOZOS AND LOTS OF BETTY BOOPS!

Fox 26 floor director Sam Kee along with Fox 26 Wake Up Money contributor Bob Martin joined a number of other bike riders (some dressed as Bozos and Betty Boops) for the Bike Barn Halloween ride. They started in Hermann Park and travelled to the east side of town and back for a 30 mile bike ride. An interesting item of trivia is that Sam Kee used to be Bozo’s assistant on the Channel 39 Bozo TV show here in Houston many years ago. Just to clarify, for those of you who thought that Sam was a Bozo, you were wrong, he was really a Bozo assistant!

MASQUERADES AND MARTINIS!

2009-11-01T22:14:00.008-06:00

A HALLOWEEN BASH FOR A WORTHY CAUSE!

A big Halloween bash was held at the Mosaic on Almeda Saturday night for a very worthy cause. It was hosted by Dr. Tanya Stephens to benefit Kipp Polaris Academy for Boys. Dozens of people attended the event in some of the best adult costumes I've seen in quite some time. There were witches, soldiers and even escaped prisoners with cops on their trail. Lots of familiar faces attended the event including DMars, Toni Moore, Darwin Smith, Carl Daniel, Dorothy Anderson, Ron Lozoff, Mary Pritchard, Anthony Caroll, Duarte Geraldino, Je'Caryous Johnson, Margo Handy, and the list goes on!