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Sheinbaum Rallies Supporters as Mexico Navigates U.S. Tariff Suspension

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A jubilant atmosphere swept through the Zocalo as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum marked a diplomatic victory with a grand celebration. Tens of thousands gathered in the capital’s historic square on Sunday after the U.S. suspended tariffs on Mexican goods for a second consecutive month, a move seen as a crucial win for Mexico’s sovereignty and economy.

The event, initially intended as a platform for Sheinbaum to outline retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, transformed into a vibrant display of national unity after a phone conversation between Sheinbaum and President Trump led to the suspension. Enthusiastic chants of “Presidenta, Presidenta” echoed through the square as mariachi bands played, setting a festive tone for the rally.

A Symbolic Gathering in Mexico’s Political Heart

The Zocalo, a site of historic political mobilizations, was filled with supporters from across Mexico, many arriving by bus from distant states such as Sinaloa and Chiapas. Union leader Miguel Medina confirmed that his organization transported 3,500 environmental workers to the rally, providing meals and transport as a show of solidarity with the Sheinbaum administration.

Dressed in white caps adorned with the Mexican flag and waving banners in Morena’s signature white and maroon colors, the crowd braved the scorching sun, using parasols emblazoned with Sheinbaum’s name to shield themselves from the heat.

“This is an achievement for everyone,” Sheinbaum declared, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in preserving Mexico’s economic stability and bilateral relations with the U.S. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, economic analysts warn that the nation faces considerable challenges, including sluggish growth and uncertainty surrounding Trump’s trade policies.

Tariff Concerns Linger

Although the recent agreement temporarily halts tariffs on certain goods under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), experts caution that up to 40% of Mexican exports could still be affected due to non-compliance with regional content requirements. With over $600 billion in exports last year—80% of which went to the U.S.—Mexico remains vulnerable to shifts in American trade policy.

The Sheinbaum administration has worked diligently to address U.S. concerns, particularly regarding border security and fentanyl trafficking. In February, Mexico deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border, leading to significant arrests and drug seizures. Last week’s diplomatic breakthrough was further reinforced by Mexico’s extradition of 29 high-profile drug suspects to the U.S., a gesture aimed at demonstrating cooperation with Washington.

Balancing Diplomacy and Sovereignty

While Sheinbaum has maintained a firm yet diplomatic stance in negotiations with Trump, she also underscored Mexico’s historical struggle with U.S. intervention. Acknowledging past conflicts while advocating for mutual respect, she reassured the crowd that her administration remains committed to fostering strong cross-border ties.

“We have no intention of harming President Trump,” Sheinbaum stated. “We are determined to support him, particularly by preventing fentanyl from reaching young Americans.”

For many, Sheinbaum’s approach has bolstered confidence in her leadership. Benito González, a taxi driver from Hidalgo, expressed admiration for her composed diplomacy. “Her ability to maintain dialogue with Trump is incredible,” he said. “I believe what she believes: that we need the North.”

As Mexico navigates an uncertain economic landscape, Sheinbaum’s administration faces mounting pressure to secure long-term trade stability while asserting the nation’s sovereignty. The road ahead remains complex, but for now, the rally in the Zocalo stands as a powerful testament to national resilience and unity.

Keep up with U.S.-Mexico relations with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Palestinian Activist Arrested Amid Trump Administration Crackdown on Student Protests

Federal immigration agents arrested Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil on Saturday in a move seen as a major escalation of the Trump administration’s policy targeting student protesters.

Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student, was detained at his university-owned apartment by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

According to his attorney, Amy Greer, ICE agents cited State Department orders revoking Khalil’s student visa. When informed that he was a legal permanent resident with a green card, the agents responded that they were revoking that status instead.

A Crackdown on Student Protesters

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later confirmed Khalil’s arrest, linking it to President Trump’s executive orders addressing campus protests and allegations of antisemitism. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that the arrest was carried out in line with efforts to prevent individuals “aligned with Hamas” from remaining in the country.

Khalil’s arrest marks the first known deportation attempt related to last spring’s student-led demonstrations against the war in Gaza. The Trump administration has claimed that participation in such protests constitutes grounds for deportation, arguing that support for Hamas invalidates legal residency rights.

ICE agents reportedly also threatened to detain Khalil’s wife, an American citizen who is eight months pregnant, further heightening concerns about the aggressive nature of the arrest. Khalil was initially believed to be held at an immigration detention facility in New Jersey, but his whereabouts remained unknown as of Sunday evening.

Legal and Political Controversy

Legal experts have questioned the basis for Khalil’s detention, noting that green card holders can only be deported under specific legal grounds, such as criminal activity or ties to designated terrorist organizations. Camille Mackler, founder of Immigrant ARC, called the move “a retaliatory action against someone who expressed an opinion the Trump administration didn’t like.”

Khalil, who received his master’s degree from Columbia’s School of International Affairs in December, played a key role in student negotiations with university officials regarding campus protests. His prominence in the movement has made him a target of pro-Israel groups, which recently urged the administration to pursue deportation proceedings against him.

University and Government Response

Columbia University has declined to comment on Khalil’s detention but confirmed that law enforcement must present a warrant before entering campus property. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the administration’s stance on social media, stating that visas and green cards for individuals supporting Hamas would be revoked.

Columbia has also launched internal investigations into student activism, resulting in disciplinary action against dozens of students, including Khalil. University allegations against him include organizing unauthorized demonstrations and sharing social media posts critical of Zionism. Khalil maintains that many of the accusations against him are baseless, telling the Associated Press last week, “They just want to show Congress and right-wing politicians that they’re doing something, regardless of the stakes for students.”

The Trump administration’s decision to cut federal funding to Columbia over its handling of campus protests has further intensified scrutiny of the university’s response to student activism. With Khalil’s arrest, the debate over free speech, political activism, and immigration enforcement has reached new heights, raising concerns about the legal implications of targeting protesters under the guise of national security.

Keep up with immigration updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time

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The time change that comes with daylight saving time can disrupt sleep schedules, productivity, and overall well-being. Whether you’re springing forward or falling back, adjusting to the new time can take a toll on your body. Here are some tips to help ease the transition:

1. Gradually Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

Start shifting your bedtime and wake-up time by 10 to 15 minutes each day a few days before the time change. This gradual adjustment will help your body ease into the new schedule more smoothly.

2. Get Plenty of Sunlight

Exposure to natural light helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Spend time outside in the morning to reinforce your new wake-up time and signal to your body that it’s time to be alert.

3. Limit Caffeine and Screen Time Before Bed

Caffeine and electronic devices can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Avoid consuming caffeine in the afternoon and reduce screen time at least an hour before bedtime.

4. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Routine

Even on weekends, try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. Consistency helps regulate your circadian rhythm and reduces the effects of time changes.

5. Take Short Naps if Needed

If you’re feeling especially tired after the time change, short naps (20-30 minutes) can help boost alertness without interfering with your nighttime sleep.

6. Stay Active

Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality and overall energy levels. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity during the day, but avoid intense workouts right before bed.

7. Avoid Heavy Meals Late at Night

Eating large or heavy meals close to bedtime can disrupt sleep. Opt for lighter dinners and avoid alcohol or spicy foods that might cause discomfort.

8. Use Relaxation Techniques

If you have trouble falling asleep, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or reading a book to help signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

9. Be Patient with Your Body

It may take a few days for your body to fully adjust. Give yourself grace, and don’t be discouraged if you feel a bit off at first.

By implementing these strategies, you can make the transition to daylight saving time easier and minimize disruptions to your daily routine.

Keep up with tips to live healthier with us on Que Onda Magazine.

DOJ Investigates Egg Industry Over Rising Prices

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the major egg producers amid concerns that industry practices may have contributed to soaring egg prices, a source familiar with the matter told ABC News.

Scrutiny on Price and Supply Practices

The DOJ’s Antitrust Division is examining whether large egg companies have engaged in information-sharing about supply and pricing that could have fueled the dramatic price hikes. While the industry and its trade association attribute the increases to avian flu, investigators are looking into whether collusion played a role in the market shifts.

The probe is still in its early stages, and officials emphasize that it may not necessarily lead to legal action. However, consumer advocacy groups, such as Farm Action, have long called for scrutiny of egg pricing, arguing that major producers are exploiting external crises to justify excessive price hikes.

Political Pressure Mounts

Last month, a group of Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., urged the administration to take action to curb food price inflation. In a letter to President Donald Trump, they criticized dominant food corporations for profiting from economic hardships faced by working families.

“To make food more affordable, you should look to the dominant food and grocery companies that have made record profits on the backs of working families who have had to pay higher prices,” the letter stated. The lawmakers accused companies of leveraging crises such as the pandemic and avian flu to raise prices beyond what was necessary to cover increased costs.

Egg Prices Soar Amidst Market Volatility

Egg prices have more than doubled since January 2024, with wholesale buyers paying over $8 per dozen at the peak of the surge. However, the latest report from the Department of Agriculture, released Friday, indicated that prices had begun to decline, with the national average wholesale price dropping to $6.85 per dozen.

Despite the dip in wholesale prices, experts warn that consumers may not see immediate relief at grocery stores. Karyn Rispoli, managing editor at Expana, a firm that tracks egg prices, noted that retailers might keep prices high to recover losses from prior disruptions. “Retailers were then holding shelf prices higher to try and recapture some of the margin that they had previously forfeited,” Rispoli explained.

Industry Defends Pricing Practices

Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, which represents egg producers, rejected allegations of price gouging. “Egg farmers are price takers, not price makers,” she stated, attributing the price increases to the economic principles of supply and demand. Metz emphasized that the outbreak of avian flu, combined with sustained high demand, created a “perfect storm” that drove prices upward.

Cal-Maine Foods Faces Increased Scrutiny

As the nation’s largest egg producer, Cal-Maine Foods has come under particular scrutiny. The company, which has acquired multiple brands over the years, has reported soaring profits amid the price surge. According to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, Cal-Maine’s gross profits surged 342% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 compared to the previous year.

This is not the first time Cal-Maine has faced legal challenges over pricing. In 2023, the company lost a jury trial and was ordered to pay millions in a price-fixing lawsuit. While Cal-Maine Foods has not publicly commented on the latest DOJ investigation, past legal troubles raise questions about industry pricing strategies.

Future Implications

With DOJ investigators now examining the egg industry, the outcome of the probe could have significant implications for both producers and consumers. If evidence of anti-competitive practices is found, it could lead to legal actions aimed at increasing transparency and reducing price manipulation in the industry.

As the investigation unfolds, consumers and small businesses will be watching closely to see whether federal intervention brings any relief to rising grocery costs.

Keep up with the avian flue and egg prices with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Baytown Man Arrested After Allegedly Googling ‘Can I kill an Illegal Human?’ Before Fiancé’s Murder

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A Baytown man is facing murder charges after allegedly searching online for ways to justify killing his fiancé before the fatal shooting. Authorities say Ty Vaughn, 31, attempted to stage the crime as a suicide after shooting his fiancé, 27-year-old Luis Banos Norberto, on Jan. 14.

Crime Unfolds in Baytown Apartment

The tragic incident took place inside the couple’s second-floor unit at the Crosby Green apartments on Crosby Cedar Bayou Road. Initially, Vaughn claimed he returned home to find Norberto dead after an argument. However, police uncovered inconsistencies in his account through surveillance footage and witness statements.

According to investigators, Vaughn was caught on video returning home at 4:05 a.m., contradicting his claim that he was not present at the time of the shooting. Shortly after his arrival, two neighbors reported hearing a gunshot. At 4:27 a.m., Vaughn texted Norberto—who was already deceased—writing, “Babe? Babe, why are you not texting back?!” It wasn’t until 5:38 a.m., over an hour and a half later, that Vaughn called 911, telling dispatchers, “My spouse is dead. Help. My life is over.”

Disturbing Google Search Raises Questions

During their investigation, police discovered that Vaughn had searched online for, “Can I kill an illegal human?” Authorities noted that he also repeatedly mentioned Norberto’s immigration status during interviews, despite it not being a focus of their questioning.

Upon arriving at the scene, police found Norberto’s body lying on the bed with a rifle positioned against his arm in an apparent attempt to stage a suicide. A torn photo of the couple was also discovered nearby. Forensic evidence indicated that Norberto had been shot in the eye with the same rifle.

Suspect’s Behavior Raises Red Flags

Before being named a suspect, Vaughn spoke with reporters on Feb. 4. When asked if he had spoken to Norberto the day of the murder, he told ABC13 Houston: “I don’t know. The police know all the details.” When pressed about his interactions with law enforcement, he added, “I don’t know. I’ve been kind of not great. I haven’t really been going to police looking for answers.” His reaction to condolences was equally unsettling: “I mean, it is what it is.”

Legal Proceedings Underway

Vaughn was arrested and his bond was set at $500,000. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday morning as the case continues to unfold. Neighbors, many of whom only recently learned of the murder, expressed shock and concern over the tragic turn of events in their community.

Keep up with crime news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Showers slowly clearing, chilly and breezy Sunday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A cold front moved through Saturday night, paving the way for a chilly end of to the weekend and start to Spring Break.

We’re starting off with temperatures in the low 50s and a few spotty showers. Winds will consistently be out of the northwest between 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 to 30 mph. That paired with a cloudy sky will make it a little of a gloomy Sunday, and high temperatures will only warm into the upper 50s later today.

Do we have any major weather changes coming during Spring Break?

Once the front clears on Saturday, we get a really nice stretch of weather for most of Spring Break! Expect lots of sunshine next week and pleasant temperatures on most days. We have a small chance for rain on both Wednesday night and Friday, but it’s a mostly dry Spring Break and high temperatures will be in the 70s and 80s for the week ahead.

Are we done with freezes now?

It sure looks that way! On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise, it’s generally considered safe to put plants into the ground if you haven’t done so already..

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Labor Unions Push to Block Elon Musk’s DOGE from Accessing Social Security Data

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A coalition of labor unions has filed an emergency request in federal court to prevent Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from obtaining access to sensitive Social Security data belonging to millions of Americans.

The legal motion, submitted late Friday in Maryland’s federal court by Democracy Forward on behalf of the unions, seeks to halt DOGE’s reach into the Social Security Administration (SSA) databases. The filing also names SSA’s acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, as a respondent in the case.

Concerns Over Privacy and Data Security

Central to the lawsuit is an affidavit from former SSA senior official Tiffany Flick, who warned that career civil servants at the agency are resisting DOGE’s efforts due to privacy concerns.

“A disregard for our careful privacy systems and processes now threatens the security of the data SSA houses about millions of Americans,” Flick stated in court documents.

Karianne Jones, an attorney representing the unions and a retiree group involved in the lawsuit, emphasized the secrecy surrounding DOGE’s request.

“Essentially, what you have is DOGE swooping in and bullying their way into access to millions of Americans’ private data,” Jones told AP News. “They cannot explain why they want this data. They can’t really tell you what data they want. They just want everything. They want the source code, and they want to do it without any restrictions.”

The Social Security Administration has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit, which was originally filed last month.

DOGE’s Controversial Government Access

DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting and data-access efforts have sparked legal challenges across multiple government agencies, including the Treasury Department and the IRS. Since its formation in the early days of the Trump administration, the department has faced nearly two dozen lawsuits, with judges frequently raising concerns about the extent of its authority.

However, courts have been divided on whether DOGE’s actions pose an imminent enough threat to justify blocking its access to government systems.

In a separate case on Friday, a federal judge in Washington declined to prevent DOGE employees from accessing Treasury databases containing sensitive financial information, though the court did acknowledge concerns over privacy risks. Meanwhile, a separate court order in New York continues to place limits on DOGE’s data access.

Potential Impact on Social Security Recipients

The controversy over DOGE’s involvement with the SSA comes as the agency faces deep budget cuts under the Trump administration’s broader push to downsize the federal workforce. Proposed changes include:

  • Layoffs affecting more than 10% of SSA employees
  • Closure of dozens of field offices nationwide
  • Potential disruptions to benefits for millions of Social Security recipients

DOGE has defended its actions as part of an effort to eliminate waste and fraud in government programs. However, critics argue that its methods lack transparency and could jeopardize essential services for Americans.

With legal challenges mounting, the battle over DOGE’s access to sensitive government databases is far from over. The federal court’s decision in Maryland could have significant implications for the future of data privacy and government oversight.

Keep up with updates on the federal government with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Teen Becomes First in Harris County Indicted Under New State Terrorism Law

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A 17-year-old from Harris County has become the first person to be indicted for terrorism under a newly enacted Texas law, county officials confirmed.

Court Appearance and Charges

Laith Adil Shehzad made his initial court appearance Friday afternoon, appearing in an orange jumpsuit. Despite the gravity of the charges, witnesses noted that he showed no signs of nervousness, even turning away from the judge at one point to smile at television cameras.

However, prosecutors have presented alarming allegations against him.

According to court records, the FBI was first alerted to Shehzad’s activities in August 2024 by Meta, the parent company of Facebook. Investigators claim that Shehzad engaged in online conversations with an alleged ISIS militant imprisoned in the Philippines.

Authorities say that on August 17, 2024, Shehzad sent multiple photos of himself posing with a Glock handgun and extended magazines via Facebook Messenger. The following day, when FBI agents arrived at his home to speak with his parents, Shehzad allegedly attempted to dispose of the weapon and ammunition by dumping them in a detention pond before cooperating with investigators.

Radicalization and Past Incidents

During the court proceedings, prosecutors stated that Shehzad had asked the militant for advice on dying as a martyr. Additionally, they revealed that he had previously been under juvenile supervision for possession of homemade explosive devices.

Court documents also show that investigators discovered a journal filled with extremist propaganda. Officials believe Shehzad’s radical beliefs date back to at least 2021, when, at just 13 years old, he admitted to self-radicalization and adherence to ISIS ideology.

Defense Response

Shehzad’s newly appointed attorney, John Stevenson, expressed uncertainty about the case’s severity.

“Kids do stupid stuff all the time,” Stevenson told ABC13 Houston. “I don’t know enough of the facts to know if their beliefs are justified or not.”

He described Shehzad as “young and scared” and noted that it is not uncommon for teenagers to post images with firearms on social media.

“This is Texas. Lots of people have guns,” Stevenson added. “Obviously, this is a case involving a lot of words where no one really got hurt, so it’s just something we’ve got to dig into and learn all the facts about.”

Missed Attack and Legal Consequences

Prosecutors revealed another chilling detail in court—Shehzad allegedly attempted to carry out an attack but was unable to do so because his Uber account had been suspended.

Shehzad remains in jail without bond. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Expect Major Freeway Closures as Spring Break Kicks Off in Houston

As Spring Break begins, Houston drivers should prepare for multiple freeway closures and detours this weekend due to ongoing construction projects. If you’re heading out, plan ahead to avoid traffic delays.

IH-69 Eastex Freeway Closures

On the northeast side, both directions of IH-69 Eastex Freeway will see lane closures between Cavalcade Street and Kelley Street. Two lanes in each direction will be closed starting this weekend, with the roadway expected to fully reopen by Monday, March 10, at 5 a.m. Drivers looking for alternate routes can use Hirsch Road or Lockwood Drive.

Lane Closures on IH-69 Southwest Freeway

Expect slow-moving traffic along the IH-69 Southwest Freeway southbound at IH-610 West Loop on Saturday. One outside lane will close at 7 a.m., but there’s some relief—TxDOT anticipates reopening it by 5 p.m. the same day.

IH-45 Gulf Freeway Work on Sunday

Sunday commuters should be aware of lane closures along IH-45 Gulf Freeway. Three outside lanes will be closed from Almeda Genoa Road to Airport Boulevard/College Avenue starting at 5 a.m. The lanes are expected to reopen by Monday morning, just in time for the start of the workweek.

Weekend Construction in Galveston County

Houston TranStar has also reported multiple closures in Galveston County:

  • IH-45 Northbound (Hughes Road to Deats Road in Dickinson): Two outside lanes will be shut down from Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m.
  • Northbound Frontage Road (FM-517 to Deats Road in Dickinson): One inside lane will be closed from Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m.
  • Northbound Exit Ramp to FM-646 in Dickinson: This exit ramp will close permanently starting Friday at 9 p.m. A new ramp will open, requiring drivers to exit toward SH 96, make a U-turn, and use the southbound frontage road to reach FM-646.

Hardy Toll Road Maintenance Closure

Drivers relying on the Hardy Toll Road should take note of scheduled maintenance affecting southbound traffic. From Saturday at 9 a.m. through Sunday at 7 p.m., the right southbound main lane between East Louetta Road and the North Hardy Toll Road Plaza will be closed. Additionally, the southbound entrance ramp at East Louetta Road will be inaccessible during this period.

With multiple freeway projects happening simultaneously, Houston drivers should expect delays and consider alternative routes. Stay tuned to Houston TranStar for real-time updates.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

A cold front brings a chance of rain Saturday, and much cooler weather Sunday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re bringing back some rain to kick off the weekend, though it doesn’t look like a complete washout. Rain chances are at 40% early this morning, though any rain that falls will stay light and spotty. We’re also kicking the morning off with a Dense Fog Advisory 9AM. We should dry out by the early afternoon, but an approaching cold front early tonight (6-8PM) will bring another chance for rain and even a brief storm or two is possible.

How does the opening weekend of Spring Break look?

We’ve got another weather change arriving today as a cold front blows in during the late afternoon and early evening. This front brings a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures on Saturday warm from the mid 60s to around 80 degrees, then cool off into the upper 40s Sunday morning. Sunday looks dry but still cloudy. It will also be breezy and chilly with highs only in the upper 50s.

Are we still doing this time change thing?

Like it or not, Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. The clocks will “spring” an hour forward early Sunday morning, meaning the sun will rise and set an hour later than it does on Saturday. Saturday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 6:39 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. Sunday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 7:37 a.m. and 7:26 p.m.

Do we have any major weather changes coming during Spring Break?

Once the front clears on Saturday, we get a really nice stretch of weather for most of Spring Break! Expect lots of sunshine next week and pleasant temperatures on most days. We have a small chance for rain on both Wednesday night and Friday, but it’s a mostly dry Spring Break.

Are we done with freezes now?

It sure looks that way! On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise, it’s generally considered safe to put plants into the ground if you haven’t done so already..

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.