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Mother charged after cocaine was found in 2 toddlers who drowned, HCSO says

ABC13 Houston
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Mother charged after cocaine was found in 2 toddlers who drowned, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A mother has been charged for her alleged involvement in the death of her two daughters in west Harris County after cocaine was found in their blood, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

On Friday, 23-year-old Laura Nicholson was charged with two counts of injury to a child, according to HCSO. On Monday, Gonzalez said the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force found her near Fort Myers, Florida, and arrested her. She is being held at the Lee County Jail.

News of the double drowning rocked the toddlers’ west Harris County neighborhood on February 11th. Deputies responded to the 21000 block of Creek Edge Court, where the sisters, identified in an online obituary as Kelsey and Kinsley, were found in the backyard pool, HCSO said. They were 2 and 3 years old.

According to court records, the autopsy was completed on April 30th. The medical examiner ruled their primary cause of death was “drowning and acute cocaine toxicity.”

Investigators said that Nicholson was asleep when the children were found in the pool. They wrote that she said she was aware that the door latch had been broken and that the girls often got out and ran to the pool.

Records also stated that she was previously questioned by CPS about drug allegations after her mother accused her of using cocaine.

The obituary described the little girls as “beacons of joy” with “laughter that echoed.”

Nicholson is now awaiting extradition to Harris County.

Court records do not mention how investigators believe the cocaine got in the toddlers’ blood.

RELATED: 2 toddlers confirmed dead at hospital after drowning in Katy-area home pool, HCSO says

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Tuesday will be pleasant with drier and warmer days ahead.

ABC13 Houston
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Tuesday will be pleasant with drier and warmer days ahead.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We are drying out for the rest of the work week, but early next week we could get another healthy dose of rain.

A light northeasterly wind continues Tuesday morning, helping to clear out the sky and drop temperatures into the low-to-mid 60s. The average low this time of year is 67-degrees.

We’ll get a healthy dose of sunshine throughout the day, boosting temperatures toward a seasonal high of 87-degrees.

It’s been quite rainy lately. Is any more rain expected this week?

Not for the work week! A strong Gulf breeze developing over the weekend will bring back enough moisture for a 20% chance of showers over the weekend.

How about these 90-degree days we saw over the weekend. Any more of those?

Yep. We have highs in the low 90s Wednesday through Friday, and it will get close to 90 both Saturday and Sunday. The humidity will stay at a tolerable level until the weekend. That’s when the real steam returns.

What’s the latest on drought conditions with all this rain?

We continue to see improvements! In fact, most of Houston and Harris County are now drought-free, and the intensity has lessened all across Southeast Texas. Given the hefty regional rains over the weekend, we should see continued reductions in drought conditions across Southeast Texas when we get our next drought update on Thursday morning.

What’s the early word on next week’s storm system?

We are eyeing an upper level storm to impact us around Tuesday of next week that could bring more widespread rain to Southeast Texas. There are also signs that a weak front could slide underneath it, which could enhance rain totals even more. Details are sketchy at this time, but we’ll keep you posted!

SEE ALSO: ABC13 Weather Watch: Widespread storms could bring street flooding, severe weather Friday

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

BARC Marks 10 Years of ‘Empty the Shelters’ with Discounted Adoptions

Indira Zaldivar
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BARC Marks 10 Years of ‘Empty the Shelters’ with Discounted Adoptions

HOUSTON – BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions is joining the BISSELL Pet Foundation to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its nationwide “Empty the Shelters” event, offering reduced adoption fees from May 1–17, 2026.

The initiative spans more than 335 shelters across 39 states, aiming to connect pets with families while easing overcrowding in shelters.

Lower Fees, More Opportunities

During the event, adoption costs at BARC will drop significantly:

  • $55 for puppies four months or younger
  • $30 for dogs five months and older
  • $10 for all cats and kittens

All adopted pets come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, along with additional services like flea prevention and city registration.

Extended Hours for Adopters

To increase access, BARC will open daily from noon to 5 p.m., including Mondays — a day the shelter is typically closed. Officials say the expanded hours and lower fees are designed to remove barriers for families considering adoption.

A Nationwide Impact

Since launching in 2016, “Empty the Shelters” has helped nearly 400,000 pets find homes across the U.S. and Canada. Organizers say the milestone highlights the growing need for adoption as shelters continue to face high intake numbers.

Local leaders emphasize that every adoption not only gives an animal a second chance but also frees up space and resources to help more pets in need.

Residents interested in adopting are encouraged to visit BARC in person or check available pets online during the event.

For more animal welfare efforts, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

FDA Approval of Fruit-Flavored Vapes Sparks Concern Among Pediatricians

Indira Zaldivar
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FDA Approval of Fruit-Flavored Vapes Sparks Concern Among Pediatricians

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the first fruit-flavored vaping products for adults has triggered criticism from pediatricians and anti-tobacco advocacy groups worried about rising youth nicotine addiction.

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized four vaping devices made by Glas for adults 21 and older. The approved flavors include menthol varieties as well as “gold” mango and “sapphire” blueberry pods.

Pediatricians Warn of Youth Appeal

The decision marks a notable shift for the FDA, which has long argued that flavored vaping products can attract minors.

Marty Makary previously said there were no approved “fruity” flavored vaping products in the U.S. because of concerns over youth addiction.

Following the announcement, the American Academy of Pediatrics urged federal officials to reconsider the authorization.

AAP President Andrew Racine said fruit-flavored products could increase youth vaping, noting studies show flavors are a major reason teenagers begin using nicotine products.

Advocacy Groups Criticize Decision

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids also criticized the FDA’s move, arguing it could reverse progress made in reducing teen vaping rates nationwide.

Organization President Yolonda C. Richardson accused regulators of ignoring scientific evidence linking flavored products to youth nicotine use.

FDA Defends Authorization

An FDA spokesperson said the agency continues to crack down on illegal vaping products targeting minors while also expanding options for adult smokers seeking alternatives to traditional cigarettes.

Federal law still prohibits the sale of vaping products to anyone under 21.

For the latest health guidelines and regulation changes, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

France Isolates 8 More After Hantavirus Cruise Ship Exposure

Edward Saenz
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France Isolates 8 More After Hantavirus Cruise Ship Exposure

French authorities have placed eight additional people in hospital isolation after they were exposed to a passenger linked to the recent hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the eight French nationals shared a flight with an infected passenger about 15 days ago. None of them are currently showing symptoms, but officials are monitoring them as a precaution.

Patient in Stable Condition

The new cases add to five French citizens who were already isolated after returning from the cruise ship to France on Sunday. Those individuals are being treated at Bichat Hospital in Paris.

According to officials, four of the five continue to test negative for hantavirus. One patient tested positive and remains in intensive care but is reported to be in stable condition.

Cruise Ship Outbreak Sparks International Concern

The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has prompted health authorities across several countries to trace passengers and monitor potential exposures. The ship recently docked in Spain’s Canary Islands after reports of illness among travelers.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease typically spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and breathing difficulties in severe cases.

French health officials said isolation measures are being used out of caution as investigations into the outbreak continue.

For the latest on the hantavirus outbreak, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Supreme Court Extends Access to Abortion Pill by Mail

Indira Zaldivar
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Supreme Court Extends Access to Abortion Pill by Mail

The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily preserved nationwide access to the abortion pill mifepristone through mail delivery and telehealth services while legal challenges continue.

Justice Samuel Alito extended an administrative stay Monday that was set to expire the same day. The order will now remain in effect until Thursday at 5 p.m. ET. Alito did not provide an explanation for the extension.

Legal Battle Over Mifepristone Continues

The Supreme Court is reviewing an emergency request from pharmaceutical companies seeking to block a lower court ruling that would restrict mifepristone from being prescribed through telehealth appointments or mailed to patients.

The case was originally brought by the state of Louisiana, where abortion is largely banned. State officials argue federal regulators failed to fully evaluate safety risks when they removed the requirement for in-person doctor visits before prescribing the medication.

Drug Remains Widely Used

Abortion rights advocates, medical groups, and drug manufacturers maintain that extensive safety reviews were completed and note that mifepristone has a lower rate of serious complications than medications such as penicillin or Viagra.

Mifepristone became a major focus of legal disputes after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. In 2024, the court unanimously rejected a separate challenge to the drug, ruling the plaintiffs lacked legal standing.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, medication abortions accounted for nearly two-thirds of abortions in 2023. Mifepristone is commonly used with misoprostol for abortions and miscarriage management during early pregnancy.

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

Spring Branch ISD board votes unanimously to close Northbrook Middle School for next school year

ABC13 Houston
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Spring Branch ISD board votes unanimously to close Northbrook Middle School for next school year

SPRING, Texas (KTRK) — The Spring Branch ISD board has voted unanimously to close Northbrook Middle School for the next school year on Monday evening.

During the district board meeting, the motion to close Northbrook Middle School passed 7-0.

Last week, ABC13 reported, citing our media partners at the Houston Chronicle, that the district itself said it is short $24 million in its budget, and in response, schools came under scrutiny for their operations.

Northbrook, according to the Texas Education Agency, received an ‘F’ rating for the year and saw a 300-student enrollment dip from the 2023-2024 school year to the previous school year.

RELATED: Spring Branch ISD to vote on closing Northbrook Middle School next week after $24M budget shortfall

This would not be the first school to close in Spring Branch ISD due to budget deficits. Back in 2023, after a vote of 6-1, Treasure Forest Elementary and Panda Path School for Early Learning. The move was to help cushion a $35 million shortfall, according to the district.

If the closure is approved, officials said this will be the fourth campus in the district where the majority of Hispanic and working-class families live. Residents are citing that the move is unequal because their area receives less support than those in wealthier neighborhoods.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Amtrak train conductor confronted by alligators following Harris County crash, officials say

ABC13 Houston
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Amtrak train conductor confronted by alligators following Harris County crash, officials say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities said two people were rushed to the hospital on Sunday after a crash involving a passenger vehicle and an Amtrak train in northeast Harris County.

According to the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, the crash happened on Lockwood Road between West Lake Houston Parkway and East Sam Houston Parkway.

Officials said the driver of the vehicle disregarded the crossing arms that were in the down position. Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators said an Amtrak train was approaching and honked its horn before the vehicle inched across the tracks. The car was then hit by the train going 60 miles per hour, authorities said.

According to Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue, the Amtrak train conductor tried to assist following the crash, but was confronted by at least four alligators in the water nearby. Sheldon Fire Chief Sidney Webb said the alligators were four and a half to five feet long and were most likely attracted to the movement in the weeds before being scared off.

HCSO officials said they did not see any alligators at the scene but added there were “no obstructions with the environment.”

The male driver and a young passenger, between the ages of 10 and 12, were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, according to officials. Initial investigation indicates that the two are father and son. HCSO officials said they are still investigating whether the driver was possibly intoxicated.

Investigators are now sharing an important safety message for drivers regarding railroad crossings.

“You should always be mindful when crossing tracks, whether or not there is a train or lights are on,” Alex Kampf with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said. “Some tracks don’t have warnings. Here in Harris County, the tracks have warning, and you shall yield to the signal, train horns, and lights, etc. It’s very dangerous. The kinetic energy and momentum from the train, you’re unlikely to walk away unscathed.”

Authorities said no one on the Amtrak train was injured in the crash. According to officials, the train was coming from California and was headed to New Orleans.

Pct. 3 said an investigation is underway. Authorities had advised motorists to expect traffic delays and to use alternate routes where possible.

ABC13 reached out to Amtrak about the incident and is waiting for a statement.

This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Man removed from roof of Cummings Elementary Monday morning, Alief ISD says

ABC13 Houston
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Man removed from roof of Cummings Elementary Monday morning, Alief ISD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A person was removed from the roof of Cummings Elementary School just before 8 a.m. on Monday, according to the Houston Police Department.

According to the Alief Independent School District, the school was placed on lockdown once it was determined that a man, who was non-Alief ISD personnel, was on the roof.

At one point, HPD said the man remained seated on the edge of the school before being safely removed by first responders.

AISD said students and faculty were unharmed at the time and that the school day would resume as normal.

SkyEye13 was above the scene following the incident, where officers could be seen directing cars in front of the school as others worked to clear the scene.

It is unclear why the man was on top of the building or if charges would be filed.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

After rainy morning, pop-up showers expected Monday afternoon

ABC13 Houston
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After rainy morning, pop-up showers expected Monday afternoon

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s drier and breezy for Monday, after showers and thunderstorms marched through the area Sunday night into Monday morning.

Monday will be drier and breezy with the chance for a few showers and isolated storms to pop up during the afternoon. We’ll see more clearing into the afternoon to allow for temperatures to warm back up into the mid 80s, but it likely wont feel as hot and humid outside as what we had over the weekend.

It’s been quite rainy lately. Is any more rain expected this week?

This week starts off fairly dry once the front clears early Monday morning. Rain chances will stay very low throughout the week with higher moisture levels not returning until the weekend. So overall the work week is on the drier side, but it’ll definitely be warming up.

How about these 90-degree days we saw over the weekend. Any more of those?

Given that average high temperatures in mid-May are usually in the mid 80s, our warmest days are going to trend to be close to 90-degrees and likely with a heat index that’ll make it feel that warm. Later this week we’ll get a taste of summer once again as a heat dome slides over the state, keeping afternoon highs in the upper 80s or low 90s beginning Wednesday through the weekend. Mornings could be especially warm and muggy too by Friday in the mid 70s.

What’s the latest on drought conditions with all this rain?

We continue to see improvements! In fact, most of Houston and Harris County are now drought-free, and the intensity has lessened all across Southeast Texas. With more rain the forecast these next few days, we should see continued reductions in drought conditions across the region.

SEE ALSO: ABC13 Weather Watch: Widespread storms could bring street flooding, severe weather Friday

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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