President Donald Trump announced Friday that Iran has fully reopened the critical Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, following heightened tensions in the region.
Key Shipping Route Back Open
In a social media post, Trump said the passage is now “fully open and ready for full transit,” signaling a potential easing of disruptions that have impacted global oil and trade flows.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important النفط chokepoints, handling a significant portion of global energy shipments.
Iran Confirms Move
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the development, stating that commercial vessels can resume passage through designated routes.
According to Iranian officials, the reopening is tied to a temporary ceasefire connected to broader regional tensions, including conflict involving Israel and Lebanon.
Global Impact
The reopening of the strait is expected to stabilize international shipping and energy markets, which often react sharply to disruptions in the Persian Gulf.
However, officials note the move is temporary, lasting only for the duration of the ceasefire—leaving uncertainty about long-term stability in the region.
What Comes Next
While the announcement signals a de-escalation, the situation remains fluid. Any breakdown in the ceasefire could once again threaten one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
For more on the U.S. war with Iran and its effects, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening to cut nearly$200 million in state fundingfrom Houston, Dallas, and Austin over local policies that limit police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
What’s at Stake
The largest potential loss falls on Houston, which could see about $110 million in public safety grants revoked. Dallas risks more than $32 million, plus an additional $55 million tied to World Cup security, while Austin faces a possible $2.5 million cut.
State officials argue these cities are not fully complying with immigration enforcement laws, particularly Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), which prohibits policies that “materially limit” cooperation with agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Why the Dispute Matters
At the center of the conflict are local police policies that prohibit officers from extending detentions—such as during traffic stops—solely to investigate immigration status or wait for ICE agents.
Supporters say these rules protect constitutional rights. Groups like the ACLU of Texas argue the policies align with Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful detention.
However, the state insists such limits weaken public safety and violate Texas law.
Legal and Political Pushback
Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched investigations and filed lawsuits, including one targeting Houston’s policy.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire called the situation a “crisis” and is considering revisiting the ordinance, while also criticizing the state’s legal action.
In Austin, Mayor Kirk Watson defended the city’s approach, saying local police should not be tasked with federal immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, Houston Councilmember Alejandra Salinas is urging officials to fight back in court, arguing the policy is lawful and protects residents’ rights.
What’s Next
With lawsuits already underway and funding deadlines looming, the standoff between state leaders and major Texas cities is escalating.
The outcome could shape how local police departments across Texas handle immigration enforcement—and determine whether millions in critical public safety funding remain intact.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Investigators say a Goose Creek ISD high school counselor is now behind bars, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student since middle school.
According to records, 43-year-old Lorinda Bocardo is charged with improper relationship with a student and indecency with a child by sexual contact.
Court documents allege the inappropriate behavior started when the student was in middle school in Baytown and continued into his freshman year in high school.
In 2024, the student, who was then in high school, told investigators that Bocardo was there and told him she had transferred to his school “to be with him,” records state.
The student also told investigators Bocardo had sexually assaulted him.
Bocardo’s alleged offense of child indecency by contact occurred when the child was 14.
Records show Bocardo was booked into jail on Thursday.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Folks who live in a southeast Houston neighborhood say they’ve tried unsuccessfully for months to get authorities to do something about a woman and three young children who they say are living in squalid conditions at a homeless encampment.
Neighbors say the campsite, located behind a vacant daycare on Sabo near Fuqua, popped up in January.
“I can’t even imagine children being out here in the heat, the cold, living under these conditions,” said area resident Ray Soto.
During a visit on Thursday afternoon, Eyewitness News saw the woman and children at the campsite surrounded by overflowing shopping carts with only a tarp to shelter them from the sun and rain. They quickly left.
“We’ve called police multiple times,” Griselda Loya, who owns a nearby salon, said.
“The government does nothing, and these kids are suffering, you know, they shouldn’t have to live out here,” Kerri Biddle, who lives in the neighborhood, said.
Goya said CPS recently stopped by and provided Eyewitness News with a photo of a CPS investigator’s business card.
The agency said it was looking into the matter when Eyewitness News on asked about it Thursday.
“They talked to the kids, to the mom, and they told me that it was not a crime for them to be homeless,” Goya said.
HPD said it hasn’t gotten any calls about the campsite. The Precinct 2 Constable’s Office said it hasn’t either, but that “if any family is on the streets, law enforcement can always provide a connection to resources if the client is willing to accept the help.”
The woman Eyewitness News saw denied needing help before leaving the campsite with the three children.
A City of Houston spokesperson said the city learned about the camp from Eyewitness News, but that its director of public safety and homeland security would check it out.
“I think that our community would be glad to rise up and take care of this, but we have to have CPS behind us,” Biddle said.
LOS ANGELES (KTRK) — D4vd has been arrested in connection with the murder of a teenager whose decomposing body was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer, Los Angeles police said Thursday.
D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, is being held without bail, officials said.
While the singer is a resident of Los Angeles, he is from the Houston area, and his family lives in Hempstead.
In September 2025, 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dead inside the trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to the singer D4vd. The Tesla where Hernandez was found was registered to D4vd out of Texas.
Sources told ABC News the arrest is based on evidence and probable cause that was developed. It was not an indictment.
Los Angeles police said the case will be presented to the district attorney’s office in Los Angeles on Monday for consideration of filing.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston is still on track for a weather change to blow in late Saturday. That’s when a cool front will blow in with rain following it for most of Saturday night and a pleasant cool down for the rest of the weekend.
Temperatures Friday morning will again have a tough time dropping below 70 degrees. That warm, humid Gulf breeze will crank up during the afternoon, gusting over 30 mph at times. Highs will peak around 87 degrees. There’s enough moisture for a brief shower, but your chance of getting measurable rain is only 10%. That rain chances will climb significantly higher by Saturday night.
What’s the outlook for this weekend’s rain chances?
It looks like the cool front will reach Houston late Saturday afternoon or early in the evening, sometime between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Isolated showers are possible ahead of the front in the morning, then a broken line of showers and thunderstorms are expected when the front reaches your neighborhood. But it’s behind the front when the rain chance really climbs with widespread showers continuing off and on through much of the night. We currently have Saturday’s rain chance at 40% during the day, climbing to 80% at night. A few showers could linger into Sunday morning, so we are keeping a 30% chance of rain in the forecast for the morning. The afternoon should be dry and pleasant everywhere.
How cool will it get behind this front?
Temperatures should dip into below-average territory behind the front. We expect a couple of days with highs in the 70s and a few mornings with lows in the 50s. The average high this time of year is around 80, and the average low is around 60.
What’s the outlook for next week?
Monday should be nice and dry. Monday night we expect moisture to being returning that will translate into a 30% chance of rain for Tuesday. Another storm system looks to impact us the final weekend of April, with thunderstorm chances climbing for next Friday and Saturday.
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Spring in Houston is prime planting season. These native picks thrive in local heat, humidity, and unpredictable rain—while supporting pollinators.
1. Texas Lantana
Texas Lantana Bright orange and yellow blooms attract butterflies and bees. Drought-tolerant and perfect for full sun.
2. American Beautyberry
American Beautyberry A standout shrub with vibrant purple berries in fall. Great for shady areas and supports local wildlife.
3. Turk’s Cap
Turk’s Cap Thrives in Houston’s heat and partial shade. Its red flowers are a favorite for hummingbirds.
4. Gulf Muhly
Gulf Muhly An ornamental grass with soft pink plumes. Low-maintenance and ideal for adding texture to landscapes.
5. Texas Sage
Texas Sage Also called “cenizo,” this hardy shrub produces purple blooms after rain and handles drought with ease.
Why Native?
Native plants require less water, fewer chemicals, and are better adapted to Houston’s climate—making them a smart, sustainable choice for April planting.
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.
Prosecutors in Minneapolis have charged an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent with assault after he allegedly pointed a firearm at occupants of another vehicle on a busy highway. Authorities say 35-year-old Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. now faces two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, with a warrant issued for his arrest.
What Happened
According to court documents, the incident occurred on Feb. 5 along Minnesota State Highway 62. Morgan, who was off-duty and driving an unmarked SUV, was caught in traffic when another vehicle briefly moved into the shoulder. Prosecutors say Morgan then pulled alongside the car, drew his weapon, and pointed it at two people inside.
Morgan reportedly told authorities he identified himself as police, but the individuals in the other vehicle said they could not hear him due to closed windows.
Legal and Political Tensions
Hennepin County Attorney’s Office described the case as a rare instance of a federal immigration officer facing state criminal charges tied to enforcement-related conduct. County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized that federal agents are not above state law.
The case could heighten tensions between Minnesota officials and federal authorities, particularly following recent large-scale immigration enforcement operations in the region led by the Department of Homeland Security.
Potential Consequences
Under Minnesota law, second-degree assault is a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison, or more if injuries occur. Prosecutors argue the agent’s actions exceeded his authority, while federal officials have previously warned against prosecuting agents carrying out their duties.
The case remains under investigation. For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
Today, fans around the world celebrate what would have been the 55th birthday of Selena Quintanilla—the Queen of Tejano music whose voice, style, and spirit continue to resonate decades after her passing.
A Star That Still Shines
Born on April 16, 1971, Selena rose to fame with hits like “Como La Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” breaking barriers for Latina artists in the music industry. Her 1994 album “Amor Prohibido” remains one of the best-selling Latin albums of all time.
In 1994, Selena Quintanilla became the first female artist to win a Grammy Award in the category of Best Mexican-American Album
More Than Music
Beyond her chart-topping success, Selena was a fashion icon and entrepreneur, launching her own boutiques and inspiring generations with her confidence and cultural pride.
A Lasting Impact
Though her life was tragically cut short in 1995, Selena’s influence continues to grow. From tributes and festivals to new generations discovering her music, her legacy lives on—especially in places like Houston, where her impact remains deeply rooted.
On what would have been her 55th birthday, Selena is not just remembered—she’s celebrated as a timeless icon whose music and spirit will never fade.
For more on the lasting impact of Latino and Hispanic artists, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
