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Wednesday, April 29, 2026

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HPD looking for suspect in double shooting at Upper Kirby bar and restaurant

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston police are looking for a suspected shooter after they say two men were injured at a restaurant in Upper Kirby on Wednesday night.

The Houston Police Department said the double shooting happened at Confessions, a bar and restaurant located along Kirby Drive and Richmond Avenue.

The victims, who HPD says are both in their 20s, are currently in local hospitals, according to a lieutenant with the department.

“They’re both in very critical condition,” Lt. R. Willkens said.

Willkens said this started when two men attempted to take jewelry from the suspected shooter. He said that led to an altercation involving multiple people inside the restaurant.

“They start having a fist fight,” he said. “They’re beating this guy up pretty bad.”

That’s when the shots were fired, according to the lieutenant.

“We don’t know where he got the gun from,” Willkens said. “He started shooting randomly.”

Willkens said it’s unknown if the two men who were shot are the same ones who tried to take the suspected shooter’s necklaces.

“Investigators are going to get over here and get to the bottom of it,” he said.

The lieutenant said the shooter ran off following the shooting.

In a statement, the restaurant’s owner, Sterling Lewis, said they are working with HPD throughout the investigation.

“Confessions does not condone violence of any kind, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that compromises the safety and well-being of our guests and staff,” the statement read, in part.

Willkens asked anyone with information to contact the Houston Police Department’s major assaults division at 713-308-8800.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Texas stops massage exam in Chinese, citing ‘human trafficking’

HOUSTON, TEXAS (KTRK) — The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation sent out a notice in early November saying it would no longer offer the massage therapy licensing exam in Simplified Chinese.

The agency first announced it would offer the exam in Simplified Chinese in July 2023 after receiving feedback from the industry, 13 Investigates confirmed. The state also offers the test in English and Spanish.

Individuals looking to become a massage therapist have to take the exam, but it is not required to renew an existing license.

The state said 59% of all Texas massage exam customers took the Simplified Chinese version in fiscal year 2024, according to the notice. That number grew to 62% in fiscal year 2025.

“Language accommodation should be balanced against the risk of enabling bad actors,” the agency wrote in the email. “Ending free Simplified Chinese translation services is a necessary step in disrupting organized criminal networks and reducing the spread of (Illicit Massage Businesses) in Texas.”

13 Investigates reached out to TDLR in November, and they told us the number of exams given in Simplified Chinese did not reflect the demographics of Texas massage students or licensees.

They went on to say that further review found the translated exam had become “a factor in schemes connected to human trafficking and organized criminal networks.”

ABC13 spoke to the executive director of Asian Texans for Justice, who said the decision feels discriminatory.

An agency spokesperson said ending the exam was a “necessary step” to disrupt organized criminal networks and illicit activity.

The 13 Investigates team has been working for months to learn specifics about TDLR leadership’s decision-making process. The team will break down what they found tonight at 10 p.m. on ABC13.

Contact 13 Investigates

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This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Small rain chance returns Thursday, goes higher for Friday and the weekend

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Moisture levels will rise over the next few days and bring back chances for showers and thunderstorms. This stormy weather pattern will persist through the weekend and much of next week.

Thursday morning starts with a mostly cloudy sky as moisture blows in from the Gulf. There’s a slim chance of a stray shower as temperatures start in the low 60s. Those rain chances will creep up to 30% Thursday as moisture continues to flow inland, especially west of I-45. Temperatures will again top out close to 80, which is near average for early April.

How do rain chances fluctuate over the next few days?

We are expecting a stormy pattern to settle in, but the rain chances will vary each day based on how much moisture is available and the tracks of upper air disturbances. Friday looks to bring the highest chance for rain at 60% when a weak upper air disturbance blows through. We’ll be right on the edge of the prime storm chances in Texas this weekend, so for now we have a 40% chance for rain in the forecast Saturday and Sunday. There are signs that Sunday’s rain chances may need to go higher, especially late in the day and north of Houston.

Any severe weather possible?

Severe weather is possible in Texas, but the threat to our part of the state looks low at this time. An isolated strong storms could approach severe levels on Friday and again on Sunday.

Does this weekend look like a compete washout then?

No! But we are expecting scattered showers and storms each day, especially in the afternoons. If you plan on going to the Art Car Parade in downtown Houston this Saturday afternoon, take an umbrella! We’ll keep you updated as the forecast timing comes into greater clarity.

https://abc13.com/post/houston-weather-forecast-today-near-me-texas-rain-storm-predictions/39346/

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Toyota Center expected to ‘transform’ with reported $180m in renovations

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This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. Read the story here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A $180 million investment will be made to “transform” the Toyota Center, the home of the Houston Rockets and soon-to-be Houston Comets, according to new reports.

The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon, when Houston Mayor John Whitmire said during a city council meeting that the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority would officially announce it later that day.

Officials confirm renovations will begin this month, on the interior before work on the exterior is slated to begin on July 1st ahead of the new NBA and WNBA season. It is predicted that it will take 14 to 15 months, but the arena is planning to stay open for events.

It is expected to be completed ahead of the 2028 Republican National Convention. 

The mayor said that renovations, which includes 20,000 feet of event space, will completely transform the arena and are expected to complement the George R. Brown Center renovations.

The GRB expansion is set to add 700,000 square feet and plans to “reimagine” the district, according to the Houston First Corporation. The plans were unveiled last month to make it a “vibrant, walkable convention and entertainment district unlike anyplace else in the nation.”

In the first phase of the GRB expansion, officials said a 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza will provide easy access to the Toyota Center.

Harris County Commissioner Lesly Briones said in a statement Wednesday that the move will boost economic activity.

“Today’s announcement of a $180 million investment into one of our most beloved stadiums represents another step forward for the future of Houston and Harris County as a world-class sports and entertainment destination. This investment will enable increased economic development and expanded opportunities for our region. Harris County is thankful for our partners and will continue to lead with collaboration, innovation, and fiscal responsibility.”

During the city council meeting, a breakdown was given of the funds for the investments. According to Whitmire, at least $95 million will come from the state, and the rest will be handled by the Fertitta family, the Rockets’ majority owners.

Shelter-in-place lifted after Tomball-area gas leak contained, repairs underway, CenterPoint says

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This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. To read the story click here.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A shelter-in-place was lifted after a gas leak in the Tomball area that forced a school to temporarily lock down was contained, officials said.

On Tuesday, Pct. 4 Mark Herman’s office shared that it was assisting the Tomball police and fire departments with a major gas leak at Westlake Run Boulevard and Shaw Road after a gas line was struck.

The Tomball Fire Department temporarily issued a shelter-in-place order for the area and advised residents to avoid it.

Wildwood Elementary School was placed on lockdown as a precaution, with students and staff remaining inside the building, Pct. 4 said. But authorities later said the school had been secured and that there were no gas issues on campus.

In a statement, CenterPoint said the incident occurred when a third-party contractor, unrelated to CenterPoint, damaged a natural gas main, adding that no customers experienced a natural gas outage.

As of 2:15 p.m., CenterPoint said the gas service to the main had been cut off, the leak was contained, and repairs were still underway, with crews working to complete them as soon as possible.

Officials urged contractors and community members to obey the law and call 811 at least 48 hours before digging to allow underground utilities to be marked and avoid potential injuries and property damage.

Texas Rangers join investigation regarding complaints of neglect by Camp Mystic during deadly floods

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AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) — The Texas Rangers announced that they joined the Texas Department of State Health Services in investigating complaints of neglect by Camp Mystic during last year’s deadly July 4 floods.

A spokesperson confirmed to Eyewitness News on Tuesday that they were assisting the DSHS in their investigation, which began in early February.

DSHS said that it received hundreds of complaints regarding Camp Mystic’s operations in the summer of 2025. It added that it was investigating the alleged violations of the state’s laws governing youth camps and asked the Texas Department of Public Safety to assist.

In a letter to Camp Mystic officials, DSHS said it was investigating the camp’s application and documentation, including its emergency plan, for any deficiencies.

SEE ALSO: Texas floods: Inspectors signed off on Camp Mystic’s emergency plans days before flooding

The letter added that the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives gathered a committee to “examine the contributing factors to the devastation at Camp Mystic.”

The deadly July 4th floods took the lives of over 100 people, including over 25 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Kerr County.

In March 2026, a Texas judge ordered Camp Mystic to preserve damaged cabins, but stopped short of blocking reopening plans after a family of one of the 25 girls and two counselors who died last summer sued to keep the camp closed.

On Tuesday evening, Camp Mystic shared the following statement:

“Camp Mystic has cooperated with every investigative request we have received, including our thorough cooperation with the work of the Senate and House General Investigating Committees. We have worked closely with the Texas Rangers since the tragic events of July 4, assisting them in their search and recovery efforts, which are ongoing. We look forward to cooperating with the Texas Rangers and supporting them in their efforts to gain a thorough and accurate understanding of what happened on the South Fork of the Guadalupe River during the early hours of July 4.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Jail has new wing for inmates requiring frequent medical attention

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The Baker Street Jail now has a wing dedicated to inmates who require frequent medical attention, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Leaders say this medical area is the first of its kind in Harris County.

The move comes after years of criticism over jail safety. Records show 20 people died in jail custody in 2025, double the number who died in 2024. Two inmates have already died in 2026.

“The staff is not trained, therefore we need an additional facility,” said Jacilet Griffin.

Griffin’s son, Evan Griffin Lee, died in jail custody in 2022.

Since then, she has been an advocate for jail safety.

The sheriff’s office has now confirmed that it has already moved 200 inmates into a new housing area with 960 beds.

The sheriff’s senior policy and communications advisor said the new medical wing, operated by Harris Health, is for inmates who need insulin, have high blood pressure, are going through detox, or are geriatric.

The idea, he said, is to keep inmates with chronic health conditions from constantly having to be taken to the main medical clinic.

Officials presented the plan at the Texas Jail Commission’s latest meeting.

Harris County’s dashboard shows that out of the jail’s nearly 8,500 inmates, 16% are homeless, and 77% have been flagged for mental health issues.

“In the beginning, it was very dark,” Griffin said. “Now, I see a lot of light shining up on the situation that took my son’s life and so many others that we are here trying to advocate for.”

No word on how many more people would have to be hired for this change, but, according to the sheriff’s office, the point is to streamline operations so costs don’t go up.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

East Beltway SB at Ship Channel Bridge reopened after multi-vehicle wreck: TranStar

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Both directions of a portion of the East Beltway have reopened following a multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday, according to Houston TranStar.

TranStar reported the crash involving at least three vehicles on East Sam Houston Tollway southbound at the Ship Channel Bridge just before 5 a.m.

The crash was reportedly cleared at about 6:30 a.m.

SkyEye flew over the heavy backsups as drivers were seeing delays of more than one hour.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Stray bullet hits mom holding newborn at her apartment in west Houston, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It is not how the first days of motherhood are supposed to be.

Just days after leaving the hospital following the birth of her healthy baby girl, a 27-year-old mother had to go right back.

“She’s in a lot of pain, and she’s traumatized,” Alexandia Burt, the baby’s grandmother, said.

Houston police confirm they are investigating a shooting at the Aubrey apartments on Crescent Park Drive in west Houston.

It was after 3 a.m. on April 4th when bullets sailed into the new mother’s apartment. Burt counted at least 8 bullet holes. One hit her daughter in the arm, narrowly missing the baby.

“Thank God it didn’t hit my grandbaby, and I also thank God that she’s still here with me today because I could have lost her,” Burt said.

Burt’s daughter was treated at the hospital and released.

HPD said no suspect description is available and that an investigation is underway.

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Nice weather continues Wednesday, then rain chances return for the rest of the week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We get one more day of really pleasant weather before changes bring back chances for showers and thunderstorms, and those rain chances will continue every day through next week.

A cloudy weather disturbance will pass through Wednesday morning, which will keep our temperatures closer to the upper 50s. Those clouds could make for another spectacular sunrise, and then the sunshine poking through will warm temperatures close to 80, which is near average for early April.

When can we expect more rain?

We are expecting a stormy pattern to settle in as early as Thursday with a daily rain chance continuing through all of next week. Friday looks to bring the highest chance for rain at 60% when a weak upper air disturbance blows through. We’ll be right on the edge of the prime storm chances this weekend, so for now we have a 40% chance for rain in the forecast Saturday and Sunday.

Any severe weather possible?

Severe weather is possible in Texas, but the threat to our part of the state looks low at this time.

Does this weekend look like a compete washout then?

No! But we are expecting scattered showers and storms each day, especially in the afternoons. We’ll keep you updated as the forecast timing comes into greater clarity.

https://abc13.com/post/houston-weather-forecast-today-near-me-texas-rain-storm-predictions/39346/

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!