Starting in April, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will no longer be able to buy certain things using their Lone Star cards, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission website.
As a result, sodas, candy, and anything with more than five grams of added sugar will be off the list of approved items. The restrictions also apply to fruit, raisins, and nuts that have been candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel, according to THHS’ website.
The changes come after lawmakers passed a bill during the last legislative session to try to encourage Texas families to buy vegetables, meats, and whole grains with their SNAP benefits each month.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A cool front that pushed through early this morning is leaving us with wonderful weather in its wake. It will be a bit breezy in the morning, which could kick up the already elevated pollen levels even higher.
Oak pollen levels are expected to remain extremely high until we can get some rain to help wash it away.
What should we expect with the cool front this weekend?
The front will cool off temperatures to near normal for Saturday and Sunday. At this time of year, average highs are in the mid 70s and average lows are in the mid 50s. More than that, we’ll get a big drop in the humidity for all of the weekend. While we could be dealing with some off and on cloud cover Saturday, we should get ample sunshine on Sunday.
When can we expect more rain?
Not this weekend, however things do look more promising in the first week of April as storm systems start tracking across the country again. Right now it looks like our best chances for rain come in the “Wednesday night to Thursday” timeframe, then again sometime between Easter Sunday and the following Monday.
Can you tell me more about Easter weekend?
We expect a front to push toward Houston sometime around Easter Sunday, so we will be on the watch for a line of showers or thunderstorms to blow in at some point, though it’s a bit early to try to pinpoint the exact rain timing. Otherwise it will be a warm and humid Easter weekend.
Are we expecting any more frosty mornings or light freezes before summer?
Nope. It looks like we are done with that risk until next fall.
When can we expect more rain?
The best we can offer up this week is a 10% chance on Saturday morning with the cool front. However things do look more promising in the first week of April as storm systems start tracking across the country again.
What’s the early outlook for Easter weekend?
We expect a front to push toward Houston sometime around Easter Sunday, so we will be on the watch for a line of showers or thunderstorms to blow in at some point. Otherwise it will be a warm and humid Easter weekend.
Are we expecting any more frosty mornings or light freezes before summer?
Nope. It looks like we are done with that risk until next fall.
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Que Onda Magazine celebrated women leaders in the Houston area during a special recognition event Friday, March 13, at 6 p.m. at MECA at TBH, located at 333 S. Jensen Drive.
The event highlighted influential women who have made an impact in public service, business, sports, and community leadership. Among those recognized was Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, chair of the METRO Houston Board of Directors, the first Latina to be appointed to that position, along with several elected women from Harris County. The evening showcased the accomplishments of women shaping the future of the Houston region.
ABC13 Houston anchor Samica Knight hosted the program, guiding the audience through the celebration and honoring the contributions of these leaders to their communities.
Harris County Constable Precinct 6 Silvia Treviño praised the women being honored, saying she admired how much they give back to their communities.
“We all have one thing in common—I think we are all public servants in our own right—and I just love that they are being recognized,” Treviño said.
Sonia Corrales, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Area Women’s Center, emphasized the importance of celebrating women and their contributions.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the women in our community and the difference we make. Whether mothers, career women, or leaders in any field, it’s important to uplift women because we are still a marginalized community without full equity and equality,” the honoree said.
Event honoree Blanca Beltran-Robinson noted the magazine’s dedication to community service. “What I love most about Que Onda Magazine is how much they care about the community. Everything I do—hosting events, curating programs—is about giving back, so it’s an honor to be recognized tonight,” she said.
Judge Erika Ramirez reflected on mentorship and empowering future generations.
“We support each other because strong women paved the way for me to have a seat at the table. My goal is for the next generation to surpass me. We have to push each other up, work together, and love each other,” honoree Ramirez said.
The celebration reaffirmed Que Onda Magazine’s commitment to highlighting the leadership and achievements of women shaping Houston’s civic and professional life.
The crew of Artemis II has officially arrived at Kennedy Space Center, marking a major milestone ahead of humanity’s first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years.
First Lunar Mission Since Apollo Era
Set to launch as early as April 1, the 10-day mission will send four astronauts aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft, orbiting the Moon before returning to Earth with a planned Pacific Ocean splashdown. The mission represents the first human journey to lunar space since Apollo 17.
Meet the Artemis II Crew
Commander Reid Wiseman arrived alongside fellow astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. The team traveled from Houston aboard T-38 training jets, signaling they are in the final phase before liftoff.
They were welcomed by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, as the massive Space Launch System rocket stands ready on the launch pad.
Delays and Launch Window
The mission faced multiple delays due to fuel leaks and technical issues, requiring repeated rollouts between the hangar and launch pad. NASA now has a narrow launch window during the first week of April; if missed, the agency will pause attempts for several weeks.
Houston Watch Party Details
As a city deeply tied to NASA operations, Houston will host its own celebration of the historic launch. Space Center Houston will hold a live Artemis II watch party on Wednesday, April 1.
Doors open at 4:50 p.m. for the public, with Robert Southers serving as emcee. Attendees will also hear from William Harris and Keesha Bullock.
The event, hosted by the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, has already sold out, reflecting strong local excitement for humanity’s return to lunar exploration.
What Comes Next for Artemis
Artemis II is a critical step in NASA’s long-term lunar exploration goals. Future missions under the Artemis program aim to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon. Plans include a lunar lander demonstration by 2027 and potential astronaut landings as early as 2028.
As countdown preparations intensify, Artemis II is poised to usher in a new era of human space exploration—returning astronauts to deep space and laying the groundwork for future missions beyond the Moon.
House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the Senate’s approach, calling it inadequate. Instead, he announced plans to move forward with a short-term funding bill that would keep the entire DHS funded through May 22.
“This gambit… is a joke,” Johnson said during a press briefing Friday.
Senate Proposal Falls Short in House
The Senate passed its version of the funding package earlier Friday via voice vote. However, the exclusion of key immigration enforcement agencies quickly drew opposition from House Republicans, setting up a standoff between the two chambers.
What’s Next
Lawmakers now face a tight timeline to reach a compromise and avoid disruptions in DHS operations. Negotiations are expected to continue as both sides push competing funding strategies.
More than 300 American troops have been wounded amid ongoing conflict with Iran, according to U.S. officials. The majority of injuries are reported to be traumatic brain injuries, highlighting the intensity of recent missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. positions in the region.
Conflict Escalates Across the Region
The war began Feb. 28 with large-scale U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian military and government sites. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the initial attacks, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei later stepping into leadership.
Iran has since retaliated with strikes on Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf nations, while also attempting to disrupt global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel Expands Military Operations
Israel says it has intensified operations, including new strikes on Iranian nuclear-linked facilities such as a heavy water plant in Arak and a uranium-related site in Yazd. Officials warn the campaign is expected to expand further.
Diplomatic Uncertainty
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not confirmed whether U.S. ground troops will be deployed, while warning allies Iran could continue to threaten key shipping routes even after the conflict subsides.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump claimed Iran is “begging” for a deal, despite reports Tehran rejected a proposed peace plan.
For more on the U.S military operations in Iran and its effects, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
A helicopter tour crash off Kalalau Beach on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast has left three people dead and two others injured, authorities confirmed Thursday. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and four passengers, went down about 100 yards offshore, landing on a sandbar in shallow water.
Rescue Efforts Save Two Survivors
Bystanders, along with Kauai Fire Department crews and the U.S. Coast Guard, quickly responded to the scene. Two survivors were rescued and airlifted to Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue for treatment. Emergency teams included an Air 1 helicopter unit and Ocean Safety personnel on jet skis deployed from Hanalei Bay.
Officials Respond to the Incident
Cmdr. Andrew Williams, search and rescue coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, expressed condolences following the tragedy. Officials said they are focused on supporting the victims’ families and assisting survivors as they begin recovery.
Aircraft and Investigation Details
The helicopter involved has been identified as a Hughes OH-6 Cayuse, operated by Aviation Airborne. Local dispatchers received reports of the crash around 4 p.m., prompting a coordinated multi-agency response.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Ongoing Questions
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims. Investigators are expected to examine weather conditions, mechanical factors and pilot experience as part of the ongoing probe.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — After a young couple’s murder went unsolved for nearly four decades, authorities gave an update on the case on Friday morning.
Floyd Parrott was just recently charged in the 1990 killings of Andy Atkinson and Cheryl Henry– often referred to as the “Lover’s Lane Murders.” Parrott appeared in court in Nebraska, where he was arrested this week.
During a Friday morning press conference held by the Houston Police Department, the FBI, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, investigators said they believe there may be more victims out there.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said more than 100 persons of interest were examined over time as multiple detectives worked on the case through the years. He added, however, that Parrott was not one of the hundreds of people interviewed.
Authorities released images of Parrott from 1990 because they said there may be more victims. The DA said they have information that Parrott falsely “held himself out to be law enforcement” and are looking for people who he may have pulled over before and after the murders.
Officials share images of the car they said Floyd Parrott, the suspect in the “Lovers’ Lane Murders” case, may have used, as he allegedly held himself out to be law enforcement.
Officials did not say if Parrott was acting as law enforcement on the night of the killings.
On August 23, 1990, Atkinson and Henry, 21 and 22 at the time, went on a date night in west Houston and never returned home.
That night, a security guard on routine patrol noticed a vehicle parked in a cul-de-sac that hadn’t moved for some time. When the guard approached, he discovered an unresponsive woman inside. A man was also found unresponsive nearby. Both victims were later identified as Henry and Atkinson. Authorities said they had suffered fatal injuries to their necks.
Now, nearly 36 years later, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced Parrott’s arrest.
Records show Parrott was 28 years old at the time of the murders. He is accused of slashing the throats of the young couple after they had spent time parked in the secluded area following a night out dancing.
In 2008, investigators linked DNA from the crime scene to a separate rape case, but still could not identify a suspect.
Court documents show the break finally came in 2025, when investigators, revisiting the case, received a tip naming Parrott. According to records, that tip — combined with renewed DNA analysis and additional police work — led to the charges.
“This case has weighed on the Henry and Atkinson families, as well as our community, for more than three decades,” Teare said. “Our prosecutors, working with HPD and the FBI, have worked hundreds of leads, but they never gave up.”
Parrott is awaiting extradition from Nebraska to Harris County, but has “exercised his right to challenge,” according to Teare.
Officials said Parrott spent the majority of his life in the Houston area and left less than two years ago. They said he worked at clubs and auto part stores through the years and may have been affiliated with a wrecker at some point.
Teare said if he looks familiar, to please reach out to his office’s cold case divicion at 713-274-5640.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An officer is in critical condition after being involved in a shooting on Friday morning, according to South Houston police.
The investigation happened on 6th Street between Avenue A and B. Police said an attempted traffic stop turned into a slow-speed chase that went through South Houston, into Houston, and back. The car, a gray Mustang, eventually pulled into the driveway of a South Houston home to which it is registered.
When the car pulled into the home, investigators said one officer approached the driver’s side and another the passenger side of the vehicle, where they observed the male driver on his cellphone.
The driver did not comply with orders to get out of the car, according to police, and then pulled out a shotgun and shot the officer on the passenger’s side of the car in the head.
Law enforcement says they returned fire. The driver is dead, but it’s unclear if he died from the return fire or a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Witnesses who work at a nearby barbershop said they heard multiple shots ring out — a scary moment for them, as they said shootings have happened in the area before.
Police said they cleared the roadways as that officer was taken to the hospital.
“Houston police is just here assisting South Houston PD in what appears to be an officer-involved shooting. The officer also has minor injuries, but that’s all the information we have as of right now,” Houston police Lt. Ali said.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We are almost done with this unseasonably warm stretch of weather, and the best part of our upcoming cool down is it lands on the weekend with near perfect conditions for outdoor activities. And while the weekend should remain rain-free, we do have chances for needed rainfall returning in the opening days of April.
While we wait for the pattern change to bring us cooler air and a chance for rain, we’re still stuck in the same stagnant weather pattern with warm and dry weather today as we close out the work week. High temperatures should warm into the mid-to-upper 80s by the afternoon.
Late Friday night, the cool front should blow through Southeast Texas, pushing in drier air and rattling more oak pollen off the trees.
Oak pollen levels are expected to remain extremely high until we can get some rain to help wash it away.
What should we expect with the cool front this weekend?
The front will blow in with a brisk wind late Friday night. This will cool off temperatures to near normal for Saturday and Sunday. At this time of year, average highs are in the mid 70s and average lows are in the mid 50s. More than that, we’ll get a big drop in the humidity for all of the weekend. While some low clouds could linger behind the front on Saturday, we should get ample sunshine on Sunday.
When can we expect more rain?
The best we can offer up this week is a 10% chance on Saturday morning with the cool front. However things do look more promising in the first week of April as storm systems start tracking across the country again.
What’s the early outlook for Easter weekend?
We expect a front to push toward Houston sometime around Easter Sunday, so we will be on the watch for a line of showers or thunderstorms to blow in at some point. Otherwise it will be a warm and humid Easter weekend.
Are we expecting any more frosty mornings or light freezes before summer?
Nope. It looks like we are done with that risk until next fall.
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