HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got your on Weather Watch for Tuesday as a powerful storm system swings through the southern Plains. This will lead to a windy day in Southeast Texas with widespread showers and a few thunderstorms for the morning drive.
What are the chances we get severe weather on Tuesday?
At this time it looks like there’s about a 90% chance you’ll get rain with a 5 to 15% chance one of the storms near you could turn severe. The best chance for storms to turn severe will be east of I-45 Tuesday, where Houston is included in a Marginal risk for storms and portions of Liberty, Chambers, Walker, Trinity, San Jacinto and Polk counties are included in the Slight risk area. The winds will be rather strong around this storm system, so even without any storms we expect wind gusts over 40 mph which could lead to isolated power outages. Any storm that does turn severe could produce wind gusts over 60 mph, hail, and tornadoes. The first few storms of the day could develop as early as sunrise Tuesday morning with threat of storms lasting through noon.
So what could the forecast hold for the first day of the Houston Rodeo Tuesday?
With showers and storms in the forecast Tuesday, this is something you have to be aware of if you’re heading to NRG. The threat of thunderstorms lasts through late morning, so try to limit any time spent outdoors on rodeo grounds until the afternoon. It should be completely sunny but rather windy for the afternoon, and it will feel rather comfortable by the time Reba takes the stage! Besides the storms, Tuesday will be breezy with winds gusting over 40 mph at times as temperatures hover in the 70s during the day. After the sun sets, temperatures could fall into the upper 50s or low 60s by the time the concert is over.
Are we done with freezes now?
While we cannot 100% rule out a late season freeze just yet, more than likely we are done with freezes. 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!
Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, has died at the age of 82. The news was shared in a statement on Parton’s social media accounts Monday.
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82,” the statement read. “He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” according to GMA.
Parton shared heartfelt words about her late husband, saying, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.” She thanked fans for their support, adding, “Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
The couple, who married in 1966, maintained a notably private relationship throughout Parton’s illustrious career. Dean rarely appeared in public, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. However, Parton often spoke about their deep bond and the positive influence Dean had on her life.
Dean’s love of rock ‘n’ roll music inspired Parton’s 2023 album, “Rockstar.” She told GMA, “Most of these songs I chose because of Carl, and because I knew they were good songs, ’cause he knows good music.”
In 2022, Parton revealed the secret to their lasting marriage, attributing their longevity to having different interests while still enjoying special moments together. “I like it when people say, ‘How did it last so long?’ I say, ‘It’s stay going,'” she told GMA. “We’re not in each other’s face all the time. He’s not in the business so we have different interests, but yet we have the things we love to do together.”
Parton also highlighted their shared sense of humor as a key factor. “We both have a warped sense of humor,” she said. “Even if you have a problem, if you have a great sense of humor, if you say something you can’t take back [you] usually have some crazy way of getting out of it.”
The statement concluded by asking for privacy during this difficult time.
President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China went into effect Tuesday, sparking swift retaliation from Beijing and threats of further countermeasures from Canada.
The new tariffs impose a 25% duty on goods entering the U.S. from Mexico and Canada, while products from China face a 10% increase on existing tariffs, according to the White House. The administration described the move as part of Trump’s broader strategy to protect American interests in global trade.
“President Trump continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring U.S. trade policy serves the national interest,” the White House said in a statement.
The U.S. tariffs are now at their highest level since 1943, Yale’s Budget Lab reported. The immediate economic impact rippled across global markets, with Wall Street suffering sharp losses on Monday ahead of the tariffs’ implementation. The S&P 500 closed down 1.76%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.48%, and the Nasdaq dropped 2.64%.
China swiftly retaliated by announcing additional tariffs of 10% to 15% on U.S. agricultural products such as chicken, wheat, soybeans, and beef. Those duties will take effect on March 10, adding to existing tariffs from the 2018 trade war, though some previous levies had been eased under the 2020 “phase one” trade deal.
Canada also vowed to impose tariffs on American goods in response. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement Monday that Canada would impose “tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately and tariffs on the remaining $125 billion on American products in 21 days’ time.” The Canadian government is considering additional non-tariff measures if the U.S. trade action is not reversed, Trudeau added.
The tariffs arrive a month after Trump granted temporary relief to Mexico and Canada following agreements on border security and drug trafficking cooperation. However, the reprieve proved short-lived as the administration pressed forward with its broader protectionist trade agenda.
Stock markets around the world reacted to the escalating trade tensions. Asian markets showed mixed results, with Japan’s Nikkei falling 1.2%, while the Shanghai Stock Exchange edged higher. European markets largely traded lower, with Germany’s DAX down 1.6% and the FTSE 100 in London slipping 0.3%.
As the trade dispute unfolds, economists warn the standoff could weigh heavily on global economic growth if the retaliatory measures continue to escalate.
As of February 28, 2025, Texas is experiencing its most significant measles outbreak in decades, with 146 confirmed cases reported since late January. citeturn0search0 The outbreak has predominantly affected the South Plains region, with cases spanning multiple counties, including Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Lubbock, Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum.
Key Details
Hospitalizations and Fatality: Twenty patients have been hospitalized due to severe symptoms, and tragically, an unvaccinated school-aged child succumbed to the disease—the first measles-related death in the United States since 2015.
Vaccination Status: A significant number of those infected were unvaccinated, highlighting concerns about declining vaccination rates in certain communities.
Public Health Response: Health officials have intensified efforts to contain the outbreak by setting up vaccination clinics and urging the public to ensure they are vaccinated. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is over 97% effective in preventing measles.
Travel Advisories: The Mexican government has issued a travel advisory for citizens planning to visit Texas, recommending they verify their vaccination status before traveling.
National Context: This outbreak is part of a broader increase in measles cases across the United States. As of March 1, 2025, there have been 160 reported cases nationwide, with 93% linked to outbreak clusters.
Health Recommendations
Vaccination: Individuals are strongly encouraged to receive the MMR vaccine if they haven’t already.
Symptom Awareness: Recognize measles symptoms, which include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic red rash.
Isolation: Those exhibiting symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and avoid contact with others to prevent further spread.
The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to monitor the situation closely and provides updates on containment efforts and vaccination campaigns.
Did you know that climate change is threatening global coffee production? Rising temperatures, droughts, and unpredictable weather patterns are making it harder for traditional coffee-growing regions to thrive. However, a rare species called excelsa coffee might offer a solution.
Excelsa coffee, discovered over a century ago in South Sudan, is gaining attention for its ability to withstand extreme conditions such as heat and drought. Unlike arabica and robusta, excelsa has deep roots, thick leaves, and a sturdy trunk that help it resist harsh climates and common coffee pests. Yet, it accounts for less than 1% of the global market.
South Sudan’s Coffee History and Potential
South Sudan, unlike Ethiopia or Uganda, has never been a major coffee producer. While British colonizers once grew robusta and arabica there, decades of conflict disrupted farming. Coffee requires regular care and takes at least three years to bear fruit.
In Nzara County, Western Equatoria—South Sudan’s agricultural hub—locals recall their ancestors growing coffee, though many younger farmers had not done so. Excelsa, often called “the big tree,” can reach 15 meters (49 feet) in height but is sometimes pruned for easier harvesting. It has a sweet flavor with hints of chocolate, dark fruits, and hazelnut, similar to arabica but less bitter.
Ian Paterson, managing director of Equatoria Teak, a sustainable agroforestry company operating in South Sudan, says there’s still much to learn about excelsa’s potential. His company has conducted trials showing that excelsa withstands heat better than other coffee species.
Three years ago, Equatoria Teak provided seedlings and training to about 1,500 farmers. These farmers can sell their harvest back to the company for processing and export. Many trees produced fruit for the first time this year, and Paterson hopes to export an initial batch of seven tons to specialty shops in Europe. By 2027, the industry could generate $2 million annually, with major buyers like Nespresso showing interest. However, production must triple to attract large-scale investment.
Challenges in Scaling South Sudan’s Coffee Industry
South Sudan’s lack of infrastructure and ongoing instability pose major hurdles. A single truck carrying 30 tons of coffee must travel 1,800 miles (3,000 km) to reach Kenya’s port, with transportation costs up to five times higher than in neighboring countries.
Despite a 2018 peace deal ending a five-year civil war, sporadic violence persists. In Western Equatoria, tensions flared after the president removed the governor in February, sparking unrest. AP reporters visiting Nzara found roads blocked by gunfire as villagers fled their homes.
The government insists businesses can operate safely but urges them to steer clear of politics.
“Once you mix business with politics, you will end up in chaos,” warned Alison Barnaba, South Sudan’s minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment.
Plans to revive old coffee plantations and build an agricultural school remain vague, given the government’s financial struggles—it has not paid civil servants in over a year. A damaged oil pipeline through Sudan has further drained revenue.
Farmers also face environmental challenges. Wildfires, often set by hunters or farmers clearing land, spread quickly during the dry season, destroying crops. There are few measures to hold people accountable, residents say.
Coffee as a Path to Climate Resilience and Economic Stability
Despite the obstacles, many locals see coffee as a path to financial stability. Some farmers turned to coffee after other crops failed, hoping it would provide a more reliable income. With excelsa’s climate resilience, experts believe it could help stabilize the coffee industry while offering economic opportunities for struggling communities.
Community leaders emphasize that excelsa could help South Sudan become more financially independent while contributing to global coffee sustainability. However, they stress the need for long-term stability to support the industry.
Elia Box, a local farmer, lost half his coffee crop to fire in February. While determined to replant, he is frustrated by the lack of accountability and the challenges of farming in an unstable environment.
“People aren’t thinking long-term like coffee crops during war,” Box told AP News. “Coffee needs peace.”
Keep up with sustainability news and climate change solutions with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia for over two weeks, experienced two new acute respiratory crises on Monday. These crises necessitated a return to noninvasive mechanical ventilation, another setback in his fight against the infection.
During two bronchoscopies, doctors extracted substantial amounts of mucus from his lungs. These bronchoscopies involved inserting a camera-tipped tube into his airways with a suction device to remove fluid. The Vatican clarified that the mucus was a reaction to the original pneumonia infection and not a new one, as laboratory tests indicated no new bacteria.
Despite these setbacks, Francis remained alert, oriented, and cooperative with medical personnel. However, the prognosis remains uncertain. Doctors did not specify whether he remained in stable condition, but they referred to the crises in the past tense, suggesting they had resolved.
These crises represent a new challenge for the 88-year-old pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed. The respiratory infection he is battling is complex and demanding.
Dr. John Coleman, a pulmonary critical care doctor at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, noted that the episodes were more concerning than the one on Friday. On Friday, Francis experienced a coughing fit, inhaled vomit that required extraction, and was subsequently put on noninvasive mechanical ventilation for a day before no longer needing it.
Coleman expressed concern about the level of mucus and phlegm in Francis’ lungs, noting that the manual removal of mucus during bronchoscopies indicated that he was not clearing his secretions effectively. He described Francis’ progress as “taking little steps forward and then steps back.”
In a recent update, the Vatican revealed that the episodes of difficulty breathing were caused by a substantial accumulation of mucus in the Pope’s lungs and bronchial spasms. During the bronchoscopies, “copious secretions” were extracted, and the Pope was transitioned back to non-invasive mechanical ventilation, a mask that covers his nose and mouth and provides oxygen to his lungs.
The Vatican has not released any photographs or videos of Francis since his hospitalization on February 14 due to a complex lung infection. This prolonged absence marks the longest in his 12-year papacy.
Doctors often resort to non-invasive ventilation to prevent the need for intubation, a procedure that involves inserting a tube into the trachea. Francis has not been intubated during his current hospitalization. It remains uncertain whether he has expressed any advance directives regarding the limits of his care if he declines or loses consciousness.
Catholic teaching emphasizes the protection of life from conception until natural death. While it acknowledges the need for “ordinary” care, such as hydration and nutrition, for chronically ill patients, including those in vegetative states, it permits the suspension of “extraordinary” or disproportionate care if it ceases to be beneficial or prolongs a precarious and painful existence.
In 2017, Francis addressed a meeting of Paglia’s bioethics body, stating that there is no obligation to resort to every possible remedy in all circumstances. He clarified that this allows for a morally qualified decision to withdraw “overzealous treatment.”
Paglia, who serves as a spokesperson for the Catholic Church’s stance on end-of-life care, emphasized that Francis, like any other Catholic, would adhere to church teachings if necessary.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After a gorgeous weekend to kick off the month of March, changes this week will bring rain, the chance for severe storms and cooler temperatures.
Temperatures Monday morning will only fall into the low 60s as clouds build and the mugginess begins to increase across the region. Monday will be mild and breezy once again, this time with more clouds and hit or miss showers throughout the day. So it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have an umbrella around during the day Monday. The rain and breezy conditions are associated with the next weather system that could produce a few strong to severe storms across Southeast Texas Tuesday.
What are the chances we get severe weather on Tuesday?
At this time it looks like there’s about a 70% chance you’ll get rain with a 5 to 15% chance one of the storms near you could turn severe. The best chance for storms to turn severe will be east of I-45 Tuesday, where Houston is included in a Marginal risk for storms and portions of Liberty, Chambers, Walker San Jacinto and Pol counties are included in the Slight risk area. The winds will be rather strong around this storm system, so even without any storms we expect wind gusts over 40 mph which could lead to isolated power outages. Any storm that does turn severe could produce wind gusts over 60 mph, hail, and tornadoes. The first few storms of the day could develop as early as sunrise Tuesday morning with the that of storms lasting through the early afternoon.
So what could the forecast hold for the first day of the Houston Rodeo Tuesday?
With showers and storms in the forecast Tuesday, this is something you have to be aware of if you’re heading to NRG. The threat of thunderstorms lasts through late morning, so I would limit any time spent outdoors on rodeo grounds until the afternoon. That being said, rain should move out by the evening commute, so it should be dry by the time Reba takes the stage! Besides the storms, Tuesday will be breezy with winds gusting up to 30 to 40 mph with temperatures hovering in the upper 60s or low 70s during the day. After the sun sets, temperatures could fall into the upper 50s or low 60s by the time the concert is over.
Are we done with freezes now?
While we cannot 100% rule out a late season freeze just yet, more than likely we are done with freezes. 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!’
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A search is underway for a person of interest in connection with the shooting that injured two Pasadena Memorial High School students on Friday.
Police describe him as an adult male and not a student, Pasadena ISD said.
The video above is from our previous reporting.
“We encourage anyone who knows any information regarding the incident or information regarding those involved to contact Pasadena PD or Pasadena ISD PD. If they do not feel comfortable coming forward they can leave a message on the district’s Anonymous Alert System,” the district said on Monday.
Pasadena ISD also said that there will be a large police presence, including district police, Pasadena Police Department, Precinct 8 constables and crisis counselors on campus, adding, “As always, safety is our top priority and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure students and staff are safe.”
At about 2:55 p.m. Friday, a massive fight broke out across the street from the school in the 4400 block of Crenshaw after early dismissal, according to witness video that is now part of the police investigation. During the incident, two students were shot.
Pasadena ISD said both students were transported to the hospital. One was shot in the chest and is reported as stable. The other victim was shot in the arm, police said. Both are expected to survive.
On Friday night, police released an image, taken from the witness video, showing a Hispanic male wearing sandals, black shorts, and a black hoodie with a red emblem. He had a gun in his hand. Police said he fled in a vehicle.
According to police, they don’t know why the fight started.
Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Pasadena police at 713-477-1221.
On Monday, another fight occurred, but the district called it a “minor altercation that was quickly contained” and unrelated to Friday’s shooting.
Still, it’s been a challenging time for that community over the last month.
In early February, 83-year-old suspect Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr. was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he entered the school through a back door during the Texas Color Guard Circuit drumline competition, then opened fire, police said.
Brandl told authorities he was worried he was under attack and feared for his life.
One person was shot, but has since been released from the hospital.
The 97th Academy Awards delivered a night of emotional tributes, historic wins, and memorable speeches, reaffirming Hollywood’s ability to inspire and unite. From groundbreaking performances to heartfelt moments, the ceremony celebrated both the past and future of cinema.
Sean Baker’s film “Anora” dominated the 97th Academy Awards, taking home five Oscars, including Best Picture. Baker himself won Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. The film’s star, Mikey Madison, earned Best Actress for her performance.
Adrien Brody claimed his second Best Actor Oscar for his role in “The Brutalist,” 22 years after winning for “The Pianist.” Brody’s commanding speech even halted the dreaded wrap-up music with a simple, confident request: “Please turn the music off. I’ve done this before.”
Zoe Saldaña celebrated a historic win, becoming the first American of Dominican origin to win Best Supporting Actress for “Emilia Pérez.” In an emotional speech, she dedicated the award to her immigrant grandmother, who came to the U.S. in 1961. Saldaña had swept the awards season, winning a Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and SAG Award for her role.
The night opened with a dazzling “Wicked”-themed musical medley led by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, setting a vibrant tone. Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain,” turned his acceptance speech into a public plea to his wife for more children — a follow-up to a similar Emmy moment months earlier.
A tribute to Gene Hackman, led by Morgan Freeman, honored the late actor’s legacy. The in memoriam segment also recognized industry greats like Donald Sutherland, Louis Gossett Jr., and Maggie Smith.
A special James Bond tribute marked the franchise’s transition to Amazon MGM, with performances by Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye singing classic Bond themes.
Despite recent wildfires, Los Angeles shined as the backdrop of the evening, uniting Hollywood in celebration and remembrance.
In a night filled with emotion and historic moments, Zoe Saldaña took home her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez at the 97th Oscars. The actress, known for her work in blockbuster franchises, delivered a heartfelt speech that paid tribute to her immigrant family, her Dominican roots, and the power of storytelling.
A Triumphant Moment
With tears in her eyes, Saldaña took the stage and called out to her mother: “Mami! Mami!” Overcome with emotion, she expressed gratitude to the Academy for recognizing the strength and quiet heroism of her character, Rita. “Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita. My fellow nominees, the love and community you have offered me is a true gift, and I will pay it forward.”
Presenting the award was last year’s Best Supporting Actress winner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who praised Saldaña’s fearless performance.
“You took us on a journey—one that made us question the limits we put on ourselves. And then you showed us exactly how to break them. You are fearless, and it is so inspiring to watch.”
A Season of Success
Saldaña’s Oscar win is the crowning achievement of an already impressive awards season. Earlier this year, she won her first Golden Globe, followed by victories at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), Critics Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.
During her acceptance speech, she reflected on her family’s journey, acknowledging her grandmother’s immigration to the U.S. in 1961.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands. And I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. I know I will not be the last.”
A Standout Performance in ‘Emilia Pérez’
Saldaña played Rita Castro, a struggling lawyer hired by a Mexican drug lord to facilitate gender-affirming surgery. That drug lord ultimately becomes Emilia Pérez, portrayed by Best Actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón—the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Oscar. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, earned 13 nominations but also faced controversy due to past remarks by Gascón and criticisms regarding its portrayal of Mexican culture.
Saldaña, who showcased her vocal and dance talents in the Spanish-language narco-musical, addressed the cultural significance of the film.
“The fact that I am getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish—my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted.”
Despite her win, some critics questioned whether Saldaña was in the correct category, arguing that she had more screen time than Gascón. However, she remained focused on the film’s core message. In a previous speech at the SAG Awards, she said, “I believe everybody has the right to be who they are, and Emilia Pérez is about truth and love. Now more than ever, actors have a responsibility to tell stories that are beautiful, thought-provoking, and uphold artistic freedom.”
A Legacy of Iconic Roles
With a career spanning nearly 25 years, Saldaña has made a name for herself in some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises. She has portrayed Uhura in Star Trek, Neytiri in Avatar, and Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
Now, with an Oscar to her name, Saldaña has added yet another milestone to her illustrious career. Her win not only marks a personal victory but also paves the way for more representation of Latina actresses at the Academy Awards. As she stood on stage, holding the golden statue in her hands, her message was clear: dreams, hard work, and dedication know no limits.
