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.
Fleet Week Houston has officially arrived, bringing active-duty U.S. Navy ships, sailors, and a full week of public events to Houston. Running April 15–22, this first-ever celebration offers rare access to military vessels and community festivities across the region.
Ship Tours: Free but First-Come
Visitors can tour Navy ships docked at the Port of Houston with no reservations required. Entry operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
ID Requirements:
Adults (18+) must show a valid government-issued photo ID
Non-U.S. citizens must present a passport and complete additional screening
Children can enter with an adult
Important Visitor Rules
Ship tours have strict safety guidelines:
Minimum age: 5 years old
Mobility: Must walk unassisted and climb steep ladders
No strollers or large bags
No pets, drones, or political items
No restrooms onboard (available at docks)
Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing—expect lots of walking, heat, and tight spaces.
Key Events Highlights
Fleet Week features events citywide, including:
Fleet Week on the Green (April 16) – Discovery Green
Festival at Saint Arnold Brewing Company (April 17)
Fleet Week offers a rare chance to connect with service members, explore naval operations, and celebrate military contributions up close. With free tours and family-friendly events, it’s one of Houston’s biggest spring attractions.
Plan ahead, dress for the conditions, and arrive early—this is a can’t-miss debut event for the city.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s back! NRG Stadium, the home of the Houston Texans and the rodeo, will change its name back to Reliant Stadium, according to NRG Energy, Inc.
On Wednesday, the company announced that NRG Stadium and surrounding facilities at NRG Park will be renamed to Reliant Stadium and Reliant Park in August 2026.
“Houston is Reliant’s home, and a name Texans know and trust,” Brad Bentley, head of NRG Consumer and Reliant, said. “For more than two decades, Reliant has powered the moments that bring our community together-from the Texans’ first game and hosting two Super Bowls to every unforgettable RODEOHOUSTON performance in between. Fans have told us what this place means to them. For many, it’s always been Reliant Stadium. We heard them loud and clear. Reliant Stadium is back.”
NRG Stadium was originally named Reliant Stadium for its inaugural year in 2002, but was later renamed to NRG in 2014.
In just a few months, Houston will host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 14 to July 4.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — One person is dead and another is in custody after a shooting in the Cypress area on Wednesday, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said deputies responded to the Regency Park Apartment Homes in the 11300 block of Regency Green Drive and found a man dead with an apparent gunshot wound.
Arrest update:
The victim was identified as Anthony Perla (4-29-07).
The defendant was identified as Christopher Jordan (1-16-03).
Jordan was charged with Murder for the shooting death of Perla.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our warm weather is going nowhere until a stormy cool front blows in this weekend. That front brings a higher rain chance by Saturday evening and a pleasant cool down for the rest of the weekend.
We’ll have more sunshine Thursday than any other day this week, pushing our high toward 87 degrees. There’s enough moisture for a brief shower, but your chance of getting measurable rain is only 10%.
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 shoers continuing off and on through much of the night. We currently have Saturday’s rain chance at 40% during the day, climbing to 70% at night. A few showers could linger into Sunday morning, so we are keeping a 20% chance of rain in the forecast for now.
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.
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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.
In neighborhoods across Houston, a quiet, often unwelcome visitor moves through the night. The Opossum is frequently labeled “filthy,” “scary,” or a pest. But much of what people believe about this animal is simply not true.
Not Dangerous—Just Misunderstood
Opossums are non-aggressive and solitary. When threatened, they’re far more likely to freeze or “play dead” than attack. Despite common fears, they areextremely unlikely to carry rabies due to their naturally low body temperature, which makes it difficult for the virus to survive.
Their quiet, slow movements and unusual appearance may startle people, but they are not a threat to humans, pets, or neighborhoods.
Nature’s Cleanup Crew—and Tick Control
Far from being a nuisance, opossums play an important role in Houston’s ecosystem. They are natural scavengers, feeding on:
Roadkill and animal remains
Insects and cockroaches
Rodents and small pests
They also groom themselves constantly, consuming large numbers of ticks in the process. This helps reduce tick populations in the areas they inhabit. Fewer ticks can mean a lower risk of tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease, for both people and pets.
In that sense, opossums act as an unexpected layer of protection in our neighborhoods.
Why You’re Seeing Them More Often
As Houston continues to grow, wildlife habitats shrink. Opossums adapt by moving into residential areas in search of food and shelter. Seeing one in your yard at night is not unusual—it’s often just passing through.
They do not dig aggressively like some animals, nor do they typically cause structural damage. Most encounters are brief and harmless.
What To Do If You See One
If you come across an opossum:
Keep your distance and give it space
Do not attempt to handle it unless it is clearly injured
Secure trash and pet food to avoid attracting wildlife
If the animal appears hurt, contact Houston SPCA, which operates a wildlife ambulance and rehabilitation center serving the region.
Changing the Narrative
Opossums have lived in North America for millions of years, quietly contributing to the health of ecosystems long before Houston existed. Yet today, they are often met with fear instead of understanding.
Reframing how we see these animals starts with simple awareness: they are not invaders, but neighbors adapting to a changing environment. In a city like Houston, coexistence isn’t optional—it’s part of living here.
