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Jatziri Barron: Rooted in Culture, Creating Community

Blanca Beltran-Robinson
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Jatziri Barron: Rooted in Culture, Creating Community

For Houston‑based visual artist and muralist Jatziri Barron, art is about more than what you see, it’s about connection, memory, and identity. Through bold color, symbolic imagery, and large‑scale murals, Barron uses her work to celebrate culture, honor ancestry, and bring people together across communities.

Based in Houston, Barron’s art reflects what happens when people fully embrace their roots while making space for shared stories. Her murals and paintings invite viewers to see themselves – past, present, and future – woven into the work.

“We are an extension of nature, magnifiers of our culture and identity,” Barron says.  Our skin tells stories about our ancestors; we are our colors, we are our roots, and we are proud.”

Barron studied at the Glassell School of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and has collaborated with institutions like Major League Soccer, Toyota Center, Houston’s East End Cultural District, and the Mexican Consulate in Houston. Her work has been exhibited throughout Houston at spaces including Silver Street Studios, Glasstire Gallery, The POST Houston, Winter Street Studios, the Kinder Morgan Building, and more.

Her connection to culture is especially visible during celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, which she sees through a Mexican‑American lens.

“Cinco de Mayo is really a Mexican‑American tradition, it’s not celebrated in Mexico the same way,” Barron explains.  “But that’s what makes it beautiful. It reflects the strength and history of the Hispanic community and how people want to celebrate who we are.”

At the heart of Barron’s work is transformation. Drawing from personal experiences with migration, identity, and relationships, her figures often exist between worlds – grounded yet surrounded by symbolic elements of nature, spirituality, hope, and renewal. Living and creating in a multicultural city like Houston continues to shape her storytelling, blending personal and collective narratives through color and contrast.

Barron currently works out of her studio at Silver Street Studios in the Heights, where she continues to build work that bridges art and community. That mission comes full circle as she has been selected as the featured artist for the 2026 Rooted in Community mural at Finca Tres Robles.

Her upcoming mural will celebrate cultural pride, shared experiences, and community connection, and the unveiling will be part of Finca Tres Robles’ Salsa de Mayo Festival, May 16, 2026.

To learn more about the event and upcoming celebrations, visit Salsa de Mayo 2026 – Small Places

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.

In Defense of Opossums: Houston’s Most Misunderstood Neighbor

Indira Zaldivar
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In Defense of Opossums: Houston’s Most Misunderstood Neighbor

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 are extremely 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.

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

Harris County Treasurer Carla Wyatt arrested for DWI in Galveston County, according to jail records

ABC13 Houston
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Harris County Treasurer Carla Wyatt arrested for DWI in Galveston County, according to jail records

GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Harris County Treasurer Carla Wyatt has been arrested again, this time in Galveston County for a DWI charge, according to records.

Jail records show Wyatt was arrested on Saturday and is being held without bond.

Eyewitness News reached out to the office of Harris County Judge Line Hidalgo for a statement.

According to court records, this is Wyatt’s second DWI charge, with the first incident occurring in 2023. Records show that the charge was dismissed in that case, with Wyatt completing a pretrial diversion program authorized by the Texas Government Code.

In December 2025, the Houston Police Department arrested Wyatt for burglary after authorities said she opened the door of an unlocked minivan along Washington Avenue and got inside.

Investigators reported that Wyatt denied any wrongdoing and told them she had permission to be in the Toyota minivan. The owner told investigators she did not know Wyatt and did not give her permission.

A grand jury also declined to indict her, authorities said, and returned a no-bill, indicating there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

SEE ALSO: Burglary charge against Harris Co. treasurer Carla Wyatt dropped after insufficient evidence: Docs

Wyatt is currently seeking reelection this year.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Waltz Says Trump Will Decide if Iran Broke Ceasefire

Edward Saenz
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Waltz Says Trump Will Decide if Iran Broke Ceasefire

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Sunday that President Donald Trump will determine whether Iran violated the recently announced ceasefire as tensions continue in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” Waltz said Trump is still giving diplomacy “every chance” before considering renewed military action.

“It is up to President Trump as commander-in-chief to determine what constitutes a violation,” Waltz said.

Although both Iran and the U.S. accused each other of exchanging fire after the ceasefire announcement, Trump downplayed the incidents, calling the strikes “just a love tap.”

McRaven: ‘There’s No Ceasefire’

Retired Adm. William McRaven disagreed with the administration’s characterization, arguing the truce had clearly been broken.

“When you’re shooting at each other, then you no longer have a ceasefire,” McRaven said during the same program.

Nuclear Talks and Strait of Hormuz Dispute

The U.S. reportedly proposed a 30-day framework that would gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz while easing parts of the American blockade on Iran. During that time, both countries would negotiate over Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons, while the Trump administration insists stopping uranium enrichment remains a key objective.

Iranian state media said Tehran has already responded to the U.S. proposal through Pakistani mediators, though details were not released.

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

Russia, Ukraine Trade Blame Over Alleged Ceasefire Violations

Indira Zaldivar
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Russia, Ukraine Trade Blame Over Alleged Ceasefire Violations

A fragile U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine faced immediate strain Sunday as both sides accused each other of launching attacks during the temporary truce.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed Ukrainian forces committed more than 1,000 violations, including shelling civilian areas and targeting Russian military positions. Moscow said its troops “responded in kind” after the alleged attacks.

In Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine’s Kherson region, Moscow-installed official Vladimir Saldo said two people were injured by Ukrainian shelling.

Ukrainian Officials Report Deadly Russian Strikes

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported continued Russian drone and artillery attacks across several regions.

In southeastern Zaporizhzhia, regional leader Ivan Fedorov said one person was killed and three others injured within 24 hours. In the Kherson region, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported seven injuries linked to Russian strikes.

Another Russian drone attack reportedly damaged a nine-story apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, injuring five people late Saturday, according to regional officials.

Despite the violence, Ukrainian officials stopped short of formally accusing Moscow of breaking the ceasefire agreement.

Trump Pushes Temporary Truce

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that both Russia and Ukraine agreed to pause fighting from Saturday through Monday during Russia’s Victory Day celebrations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

Trump also said a prisoner exchange was expected and described the truce as a possible “beginning of the end” of the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made sarcastic remarks about suspending strikes near Moscow’s Red Square during the military parade, comments the Kremlin dismissed as a “silly joke.”

Russia Holds Firm on Donbas Demands

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner may visit Moscow soon for additional talks. However, Russia reiterated that Ukraine must withdraw troops from the eastern Donbas region before meaningful progress can be made in negotiations.

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

American Red Cross holds baby shower event to support military mothers

ABC13 Houston
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American Red Cross holds baby shower event to support military mothers

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region honored those who served our country in a special way for Mother’s Day.

They spent their morning hosting a baby shower for military moms and those expecting little ones soon.

The main idea behind it is to help mothers and moms-to-be succeed by providing them with support and knowledge about pregnancy and early motherhood. It’s also a way for military spouses to network with each other.

And just like traditional baby showers, they all received gifts like diapers, diaper bags, and other various baby items.

ABC13 spoke with one military family who talked about their appreciation for the Red Cross while they had to attend to a sick family member.

“Red Cross acted expeditiously. They jumped through bells and whistles and hoops to get us home to see her grandmother, and then later, her grandfather had passed shortly, and was able to get our son to see him before he passed. That was like his last dying wish,” Darion Michael, Army Veteran, said. “So just having the Red Cross help us throughout that time, it was immaculate.”

As part of the event, families were also given free lessons, such as a CPR course.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Harris County judge issues gag order in Lee Gilley murder case, according to court documents

ABC13 Houston
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Harris County judge issues gag order in Lee Gilley murder case, according to court documents

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — According to court records, a Harris County judge has issued a gag order in the murder case of Lee Gilley, a Houston man accused of strangling his pregnant wife to death in 2024.

Gilley was set to go on trial at a Harris County courthouse for the 2024 death of his wife, Christa Gilley, when he fled to Italy after removing his ankle monitor on May 1, according to authorities.

RELATED: Houston man fled US, tried using fake ID to enter Italy before murder trial, documents allege

Court documents obtained by ABC13 show that Harris County Judge Peyton Peebles issued the gag order on Friday. The order limits what attorneys and others involved in the case can say to the press and to the public.

This order comes after Gilley’s attorney, Dick DeGuerin, told ABC13 on Thursday that his client’s fleeing to Italy could jeopardize his defense.

“When you flee, it can be taken as consciousness of guilt,” DeGuerin said. “I’m concerned about that.”

Court records show that Gilley went through Canada before flying to Milan, Italy. Investigators said he used fake Belgian ID documents with the name “Lejeune Jean Luc Olivier.”

On Wednesday, investigators said they towed Gilley’s vehicle from his family’s home as they kept looking into how he may have left the United States before his trial.

According to his defense team, Gilley has hired an attorney in Italy and is seeking political asylum there.

Gilley appeared before an Italian judge on Friday, where he was described as a flight risk determined to evade US authorities, according to an official translation of the Italian court hearing.

The Italian court ordered Gilley to stay behind bars in Italy. He’s back in court on Monday for a hearing.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Warm weekend continues with a few storm chances too

ABC13 Houston
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Warm weekend continues with a few storm chances too

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — These warm and humid conditions continue Mother’s Day with the chance for more widespread storms late Sunday night into early Monday morning.

Mother’s Day will look and feel pretty similar to Saturday with some morning cloudiness and steam giving way to a sunny and hot afternoon with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s. There’s a 20%-30% chance you run into a pop-up shower or storm once again Sunday afternoon and early evening. Then it’s after sunset when stronger storms could roll in from the northwest ahead of a cold front that arrives Monday, those storms likely arrive midnight or later tonight.

What’s the latest on Sunday night’s storm threat?

Rain chances will climb to 70% Sunday night when the cool front blows in. Some of those storms could be severe with strong winds, small hail and heavy rainfall. These storms could be loud too with lots of thunder and lightning. Generally we’re expecting these storms from about 10 pm Sunday to 4 am Monday, so the rain should clear by the time you’re heading out for the day Monday.

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.

Is anymore rain expected next week?

Next 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 next weekend.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Louisiana Redistricting Fight Sparks Anger and Confusion Over Majority-Black Districts

Indira Zaldivar
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Louisiana Redistricting Fight Sparks Anger and Confusion Over Majority-Black Districts

Heated Debate Erupts in Baton Rouge

Louisiana Republicans are facing backlash after moving to redraw the state’s congressional map in a way critics say could eliminate a majority-Black U.S. House district ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The emotional debate unfolded during a marathon public hearing Friday in Baton Rouge, where activists, pastors, lawmakers and voters accused Republican leaders of weakening Black political representation in the state.

Civil Rights Leaders Speak Out

Among those testifying was Leona Tate, one of the “New Orleans Four” who helped desegregate Southern schools in the 1960s. Tate compared the proposed redistricting effort to past racial discrimination.

Democratic Rep. Cleo Fields warned the fight could impact future elections beyond Congress, including local school boards and city councils.

Civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers argued the proposed maps would dilute Black voting power in Louisiana, where Black residents make up roughly one-third of the electorate.

Supreme Court Decision Fuels Map Changes

The controversy follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for Republicans to redraw congressional districts across several Southern states.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry also postponed the state’s U.S. House primary elections that had been scheduled for May 16, creating confusion for voters after thousands of ballots had already been mailed.

Voting rights groups say residents are now uncertain whether some races are still valid and what will happen to ballots already cast.

National Redistricting Battle Intensifies

Louisiana has become part of a broader national redistricting battle as Republicans in several Southern states push to reshape congressional maps before November’s midterm elections.

Republican lawmakers reviewed multiple map proposals Friday, including plans that could allow the GOP to win five or even all six of Louisiana’s congressional districts.

Opponents argue the issue goes beyond politics and reflects a larger fight over voting rights and equal representation.

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

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