HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As the atmosphere dries out, patchy dense fog could again develop for the Thursday morning drive. Temperatures will start off in the mid 60s. Once the morning clouds and fog burn off, temperatures will climb into the mid 80s. While we cannot completely rule out a stray shower, your chance of getting rain Thursday is 10% or less.
How much longer will this rainy weather stick around?
It’s basically over! Rain chances drop down to 10% for Thursday and stay at 20% or less until late next week when a cool front blows in.
What’s the outlook for the weekend?
Temperatures will rise back into the upper 80s over the weekend and so will the humidity. Rain chances will stay low under a partly cloudy sky. The sun at this time of year is about as intense as it is in late August, so you can quickly catch a sun burn if you’re not careful!
Are there anymore cool fronts in the forecast?
We just might get another one late next week as we say goodbye to April and hello to May. For now we have the front penciled in to arrive next Thursday night with a slim chance of rain followed by a day or two with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s.
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — What’s a great way to celebrate Earth Month, offload electronics you no longer use, and help a local business ring in its 30th anniversary?
How about joining ABC13 and CompuCycle for the 19th annual ABC13 Earth Day E-Cycle Drive, an event focused on helping our communities safely recycle electronics.
From 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, you can stop by CompuCycle at 8019 Kempwood Dr., Houston, TX 77055 to drop off old or unwanted electronics.
1 of 10
Take a look through some of the action (and big equipment donations!) during 2025’s drive at CompuCycle.
CompuCycle, who is celebrating 30 years in business and sponsoring this event, will take care of the rest, and you can leave knowing you’ve played a part in reducing harmful e-waste.
You don’t even have to get out of your car as the CompuCycle team will assist once you arrive.
Each year, the amount of electronic waste dropped off for recycling has grown with the drive hitting 100,000 pounds or more multiple times over the years.
In fact, ABC13’s Earth Day E-Cycle Drive holds the Guinness World Record for the largest single day e-waste collection, set in 2014 when we collected 138,174 lbs. of electronics.
But records were meant to be broken!
We want to top that this year. Will you help us?
Here’s what else to know before the big day.
How much is it?
Free! You can drop off and all will be handled at no cost to you. No appointment necessary.
Is there anything I should prepare?
Yes! Before you drop off electronics, back up any important data and perform a factory reset on devices that store personal information. Remove any accessories like cables and chargers.
What can I drop off?
Old computers and phones are just the tip of the iceberg. CompuCycle accepts various items from fax machines and Wi-Fi extenders to e-readers, MP3 players, streaming devices, and charging cables.
So whether you have one device or several, you can drop them off during the drive.
What happens to my electronics after I drop them off?
Once collected, CompuCycle sorts your old electronics, hard drives are wiped clean for your safety, and all materials are then processed for use in new consumer products.
Goods are also recycled in compliance with their e-Stewards certification, according to CompuCycle’s website, adding that they will guarantee secure data destruction on all devices with storage capabilities to protect your personal information.
Why does safely recycling electronics matter?
Diverting hundreds of thousands of pounds of e-waste from Houston landfills promotes a healthier city, preventing the release of toxins in our air, soil and water.
Typically, the impact and response during the drive is great.
In 2024, ABC13 viewers recycled the equivalent of 382 refrigerators worth of electronic waste.
240.92 lbs. of toxic metals diverted
Reduction of 45.37 metric tons of greenhouse gas
Saved 383.72 gallons of oil
Like removing nearly 10 cars from the road
293.60 cubic yards of landfill space saved
3,736,637.20 hours of electricity saved
What if I can’t make it?
We really want to see you on Friday, April 24, but we know things happen.
CompuCycle accepts drop-offs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Business deliveries can be scheduled by calling (713) 869-6700.
In addition, both residential and corporate drop-offs are welcome during the drive.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities say they are searching for a woman accused of using forged Mexican passports to process fraudulent vehicle registrations.
Guadalupe Alfaro Gonzalez, 36, also known as “Lupita,” is now wanted on felony charges of forgery and tampering with government records tied to an alleged scheme dating back to mid-2024.
Investigators say Gonzalez worked at IS Multiservices on Garvin Avenue in northwest Houston, where she allegedly prepared vehicle title and registration documents under false identities.
Constable Alan Rosen said investigators have identified at least four potential victims so far, but believe there could be more.
“We want to get her in custody, find out what her scheme was and what’s really going on,” Rosen said. “We may have more victims.”
Authorities say the passports used in the alleged scheme contained Gonzalez’s photo and the same passport number but were issued under different names, eventually raising red flags when submitted to county offices, including one in southeast Houston.
Rosen said the motive is unclear.
“That’s one thing we’re not sure about,” Rosen said, adding the operation may have been driven by profit, or possibly to help people who were unwilling or unable to go through official channels.
Regardless, Rosen emphasizes the activity is illegal and says his office is working to stop it.
Gonzalez remains at large, and Rosen believes she may still be in the Houston area.
“I do,” he said. I don’t even think she knows she’s wanted.”
On Tuesday night, her photo was being widely circulated. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call the Precinct 1 Constable’s Office at 713-755-7628.
The Houston City Council voted 13-4 on Wednesday to approve a revised immigration policy, avoiding a potential loss of $114 million in state public safety funding.
State Pressure Drives Last-Minute Changes
The vote came after Gov. Greg Abbott warned that Houston could lose critical funding if it did not amend its earlier ordinance governing how police interact with federal immigration authorities. The original policy had removed a requirement for Houston Police Department officers to wait 30 minutes for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to respond during certain situations.
Mayor Whitmire Pushes Compromise
Mayor John Whitmire introduced the revised proposal, emphasizing cooperation with the state to prevent a financial shortfall. The updated policy clarifies that nothing in the ordinance limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities when required by law or existing agreements.
It also allows officers to detain individuals “as long as reasonably necessary” to complete an investigation or address additional issues that arise during a stop.
Community Concerns vs. Financial Risk
The changes sparked debate among council members. Some expressed concern that modifying the policy could increase fear within Houston’s immigrant communities. Others, including the mayor, warned that failing to act could result in a significant budget crisis affecting public safety services.
What’s Next
With the amendment now approved, Houston avoids the immediate threat of losing millions in funding. However, the decision highlights ongoing tensions between local governance, state authority, and immigration enforcement policies.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A stopped train is slowing some drivers near the East Freeway on Monday morning.
Video sent by storm tracker Jaime Garcia shows several vehicles turning around at Jensen Drive and I-10 around 9 a.m.
ABC13 reached out to Union Pacific, which said the train was experiencing a mechanical issue. Officials added that crews were on site to resolve the issue.
Some people have reported being stuck behind the train for more than two hours.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Another round of rain is coming this afternoon as a warm front lifts through Southeast Texas. This time we are expecting scattered strong thunderstorms that could bring street flooding, gusty winds, and small hail. That’s why we’ve declared an ABC13 Weather Watch for Wednesday afternoon.
This warm front is bringing unstable air back to Southeast Texas, increasing the chances for heavy thunderstorms once it warms up.
High temperatures warm toward 80 in the early afternoon, and that’s when showers start blossoming into stronger thunderstorms. We expect those thunderstorms to be clustered around Houston and surrounding suburbs. They will be capable of dropping a quick 1-3″ of rain that could flood streets. Gusty downburst winds over 40 mph, small hail, and frequent lightning are also possible. This could make for a rough drive home from work and school in some parts of our region. Tornadoes are unlikely but cannot be 100% ruled out.
Because these storms will be partially driven by the heat of the day, we should see the storms dissipate pretty quickly after sunset, if not sooner. Sunset now occurs closer to 8PM. Your chance of getting rain at some point during the day is 70%.
How much longer will this rainy weather stick around?
After Wednesday, rain chances drop down into the 20-30% range for the rest of the week and the weekend.
What’s the outlook for the weekend?
Temperatures will rise back into the mid-to-upper 80s by the weekend and so will the humidity. A few showers and storms are possible each day Friday through Sunday, but at this time the rain does not look to be widespread nor does it look to be severe. In fact, most of us will just have a rain-free, warm weekend.
Are there anymore cool fronts in the forecast?
We just might get another one late next week as we say goodbye to April and hello to May.
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As we celebrate Earth Day, let’s reflect on our environmental impact and adopt practices that contribute to a healthier planet. Here are five actionable steps to help care for Earth:
1. Compost Organic Waste
Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 14.4% of these emissions in 2022. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to climate change. By composting organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, we can divert materials from landfills, thereby reducing methane emissions. Composting not only mitigates greenhouse gases but also enriches soil health, promoting robust plant growth.
Truck dumps fruit and veggie scraps at Houston’s composting facility The Ground Up. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.Houston Council Member Sallie Alcorn launches pilot composting program back in 2024. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.
2. Plant Native Flora to Support Pollinators
Native plants are species that have evolved in a particular region over thousands of years, adapting to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. They provide essential habitats and food sources for native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In Houston, incorporating native plants such as Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides), Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea), and Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea) can enhance biodiversity and support pollinator populations.
Native Texas lantana growing at a UHD butterfly garden. Goldenrod is a native North American perennial wildflower. Credit: Indira Zaldivar
3. Shop Locally and Embrace Secondhand Fashion
Thrift store The Cottage Shop in Houston’s Westheimer area sells pre-loved fashion to raise funds for women’s shelter. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.
The fast fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water and contributes to about 10% of global carbon emissions—surpassing the combined emissions from all international flights and maritime shipping. By choosing to shop locally and purchasing secondhand clothing, we can reduce the demand for new garment production, thereby conserving resources and minimizing pollution. Extending the lifespan of clothing through secondhand purchases can significantly decrease the environmental footprint associated with textile manufacturing.
4. Opt for Sustainable Transportation
The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. Choosing alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or using public transit, can substantially reduce your carbon footprint. These choices not only decrease greenhouse gas emissions but also alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality.
Public rail METRORail in Houston, Texas. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.
5. Reduce Meat Consumption
Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, including deforestation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to a diet with less meat and more plant-based foods can lead to considerable environmental benefits. For example, replacing beef with beans in the U.S. could free up 42% of U.S. cropland and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 334 million metric tons, achieving 75% of the 2020 carbon reduction target.
By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can collectively make a significant impact on the health of our planet. Earth Month serves as a reminder that our individual choices contribute to a larger environmental legacy. Let’s commit to these sustainable actions not just in April, but throughout the year, to ensure a thriving Earth for future generations.
Keep up with more green tips to live sustainably with us on Que Onda Magazine.
The response comes days after a report alleged Patel had “bouts of excessive drinking” that impacted his job performance, including claims of unexplained absences and internal concern among officials.
“Never Been Intoxicated on the Job”
Speaking during a press conference at the Justice Department, Patel dismissed the report and criticized media coverage.
“I can say unequivocally that I never listen to the fake news mafia—and when they get louder, it just means I’m doing my job,” he said.
He directly addressed the allegations, adding, “I’ve never been intoxicated on the job, and that is why we filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit.”
Patel also challenged critics publicly: “Anyone who wants to participate—bring it on.”
Lawsuit and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed Monday, seeks significant damages over the April 17 article, which cited anonymous sources and raised concerns about Patel’s conduct while serving as FBI director.
The report alleged that his drinking habits contributed to professional issues, claims Patel has repeatedly denied, calling the story “a lie.”
“They were given the truth before they published, and they chose to print falsehoods anyway,” Patel said in an earlier statement, defending his leadership and record.
Justice Department Response
At the same press conference, Todd Blanche said he had not reviewed the article in full but disputed aspects of it, noting it relied on anonymous sourcing.
“There are parts of the story that are blatantly false,” Blanche said.
Olympic Celebration Video Addressed
Patel also responded to renewed attention on a February video showing him celebrating with members of the U.S. Olympic gold medal hockey team, where he was seen chugging a beer.
“I’m like an everyday American who loves his country, loves the sport of hockey, and celebrates with friends when they win a gold medal,” he said.
The Atlantic Stands by Its Reporting
In response to the lawsuit, The Atlantic said it stands firmly behind its reporting.
“We will vigorously defend our journalists against this meritless lawsuit,” the publication said in a statement.
Ongoing Dispute
The legal battle sets up a high-profile clash between a top federal law enforcement official and a major national publication. As the case moves forward, it is likely to draw continued scrutiny over media accountability, anonymous sourcing, and the conduct of public officials.
The decision also includes maintaining a U.S. naval blockade in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
Ceasefire Tied to Ongoing Talks
In a social media post, Trump said the extension comes at the request of Pakistani mediators working between the two nations.
According to Trump, officials asked the U.S. to “hold our attack” while Iranian leadership works to present a unified proposal.
“I have directed our military to continue the blockade and remain ready and able,” Trump said, adding that the ceasefire will remain in place “until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded.”
Mixed Messaging Raises Questions
The announcement marks a shift in tone from earlier comments the same day. In an interview, Trump indicated he was not inclined to extend the ceasefire and warned of potential renewed military action.
He also suggested that Iran would ultimately have no choice but to accept a deal, underscoring ongoing pressure from the U.S. side.
Strategic Stakes Remain High
The continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz keeps pressure on Iran while avoiding immediate military escalation. The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most vital النفط shipping lanes, making any disruption a concern for global markets.
By extending the ceasefire, the administration appears to be balancing military readiness with an opportunity for diplomacy, as negotiations—facilitated in part by Pakistan—remain ongoing.
What Comes Next
It remains unclear how long talks will continue or whether Iran will present a proposal that satisfies U.S. demands. For now, the ceasefire extension provides a window for negotiations, while U.S. forces remain on alert.
For more on the Trump-era conflict with Iran, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities say a woman is in jail after attacking her friend with a knife, believing the friend was practicing witchcraft.
According to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, deputies responded to a disturbance at 311 North Vista Dr. on Sunday.
Officials said that upon arrival, deputies learned that Yuleidis Rodriguez had threatened her friend with a knife inside an apartment.
Investigators said Rodriguez attacked the victim after she allegedly saw her praying out loud. Authorities said the suspect believed the victim’s prayer was an act of witchcraft.
According to Pct. 4 officials, Rodriguez was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail, charged with aggravated assault.
