HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A weak cool front moves through Friday morning. You can expect a delightful drop in the humidity for Friday and most of Saturday.
Highs will still warm into the 80s, but morning lows will be closer to seasonal averages in the mid-60s. Unfortunately, the drier air won’t stick around for the entire weekend, and by Saturday evening, rain could be returning to Southeast Texas.
The smoky haze from Mexico and Central America will continue to reduce the air quality.
Is Mother’s Day going to be a washout?
It’s possible, but confidence in the details remains low at this time. The weather pattern will feature a slow-moving upper air storm interacting with a warm front moving in from the Gulf of Mexico, so there is the potential for both heavy rainfall and severe weather. If you have any outdoor plans for Mother’s Day, you might want to draw up a plan B just in case while we sort out the details.
Calling all pop-culture fans, the highly anticipated Comicpalooza will bring several stars including John Cena, “The Office” and “Back to the Future” cast, and new and returning special attractions.
Entertainment seekers can jam-pack several activities for Comicpalooza weekend spanning from May 24 to 26 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Attractions include wrestling matches, video game tournaments and more than 400 exhibitors including Artist Alley and the Dealer’s room, and more than 275 fandom panels.
“Attendees can expect a rumbling exhibition floor showcasing unique art and collectables, engaging panels highlighting popular fandoms, engulfing special attractions, tabletop and retro world game plays and entertaining acts,” reads COMICPALOOZA’S programming release.
Que Onda Magazine has listed what you can expect for the pop-culture honoring weekend from daily activities to this year’s highlights:
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — There’s a small chance for big thunderstorms with large hail on Thursday, otherwise it will be another steamy and hazy day as we await the arrival of a weak cool front.
Temperatures Thursday morning will only drop into the mid-70s, about 10 degrees warmer than normal. The steamy air will stick around through the afternoon allowing temperatures to warm to near 90 with a heat index near 100. That’s around the time we expect severe storms to start erupting over the Hill Country. Some of those storms could eventually impact Houston in the evening if they can overcome a “cap” of stable air aloft. If that cap holds, then there will be no storms in Houston. On the flip side, if the cap does not hold, any storms that blow through could have large hail and gusty winds. The chance of getting rain is low, but we want you to stay weather aware in case one of those severe storms does survive it’s journey from the Hill Country.
Whether or not it rains, the smoky haze from Mexico and Central America will continue to reduce the air quality.
Are there any more cool fronts coming ahead of summer?
We have a weak one penciled in for Friday! You can expect a delightful drop in the humidity for Friday and most of Saturday. Highs will still warm into the 80s, but morning lows will be closer to seasonal averages in the mid-60s. Unfortunately, the drier air won’t stick around for the entire weekend, and by Saturday evening, rain could be returning to Southeast Texas.
Is Mother’s Day going to be a washout?
It’s possible, but confidence in the details remains low at this time. The weather pattern will feature a slow-moving upper air storm interacting with a warm front moving in from the Gulf of Mexico, so there is the potential for both heavy rainfall and severe weather. If you have any outdoor plans for Mother’s Day, you might want to draw up a plan B just in case while we sort out the details.
The community celebrated the first anniversary since the Fort Hood army post in Texas was renamed to honor the U.S. Army’s first Hispanic four-star general Richard Edward Cavazos.
Numerous local elected officials, veterans, and advocates spoke on the decorated Korean and Vietnam wars vet’s legacy during the remembrance ceremony at the American Legion Harrisburg Post 472 in Magnolia Park in Houston, Texas on Wednesday.
“General Cavazos, he was a distinguished servant and an exemplary leader,” said Texas Rep. Christina Morales during the speech.
Cavazos was born in Kingsville, Texas. A son of Mexican American cattle ranch farmers, Cavazos followed in his World War I veteran father’s footsteps after his college football career ended and after graduating with distinction with a degree in geology from Texas Tech University.
In his 33 years of distinguished service in the military, Cavazos leadership earned him multiple service medals including not one, but two Distinguished Service Crosses (the second-highest military award), a Silver Star, five Bronze Stars and a Purple heart.
“He led with courage but also broke barriers for countless others,” Morales added.
“General Cavazos was more than a military leader, he was a community leader.”
“His commitment to serve continued well beyond his retirement advocating for veterans affairs and contributing to the empowerment of our youth through educational programs.”
Cavazos passed away in 2017 after complications from Alzheimer’s. But in his 88 years of life, he impacted many others, and his legacy lives on.
For retired Texas Army National Guard major general Rick Noriega, the renamed Fort Cavazos, amplifies Cavazos’ legacy and serves as a “springboard to see how much more work” the community has to do locally to recognize local heroes.
“The community has come together to recognize that high honor and also to build on the momentum of the naming and recognizing of Latino, not just military, but other heroes throughout our community,” Norriega told Que Onda Magazine upon conclusion of the remembrance ceremony.
“We come together to look for opportunities to acknowledge and name other significant items throughout our community be they, streets, or buildings, or bridges, or parks so that our children understand the shoulders on what we stand on and continue and share the legacy and the rich history of all those who have done so much for us throughout the community.”
Que Onda Magazine’s publisher Gabriel Esparza also presented Lefty Cavazos, one of the war hero’s descendants in attendance, with a recognition in honor of his uncle’s legacy in the same American Legion that General Cavazos would visit.
Eligible media students are encouraged to apply for a chance to receive a scholarship between $500 to $3,000 in the upcoming fall semester.
The Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals, led by President and ABC13 anchor Mayra Moreno, is awarding scholarships to eligible deserving communication students in their junior, senior or graduate year.
Over $800,000 have been awarded in scholarships in the 37 years as an organization. The application deadline is approaching, ending on June 30.
Knowing first-hand the financial boost of a HAHMP scholarship, Scholarship Chair Indira Zaldivar, invites students to apply to realize their dreams of graduating from college and breaking into a career in communications.
“Not only may the scholarship provide a financial boost for the fall semester, but it may connect students to bond and feel supported by other Hispanic media professionals in our organization,” Zaldivar said.
“Our organization strives to open doors for students to break into their desired careers and go on to contribute with their different experiences and skill sets to fulfill the needs of Houston’s diverse audience.”
The scholarship is open for students in their junior, senior, or graduate year who plan to enroll in the fall semester at any university in the U.S. or Puerto rico.
“The HAHMP board has simplified the application process and have made the application available all online so that students can feel more encouraged to participate in this opportunity,” Zaldivar said.
For more information on the application process and eligibility, students should visit hahmp.org.
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MANVEL, Texas (KTRK) — An Alvin ISD elementary school employee was booked into the Brazoria County Jail after the district said he engaged in “inappropriate behavior” with a student.
Chason Bailey, who parents said worked with special needs students at E.C. Mason Elementary, is charged with child indecency and improper relationship between educator and student.
The misconduct allegedly took place on April 9, but parents said they only learned about the news in an email from the district sent on Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s really, really upsetting to know that these kids were put in danger (and) that the parents weren’t notified that that happened,” Brenna Webb, whose 6-year-old daughter attends the school, said.
In its email to parents, the district said it notified the victim’s parents when the incident occurred but couldn’t tell others because of the ongoing police investigation.
“I feel like it should have been stated, ‘Hey, there’s an active investigation going on. We’re looking into it,'” Webb said.
The district said Bailey was removed from campus as soon as the allegations were learned. He resigned shortly after the Alvin ISD Police Department began investigating.
Bailey was arrested on Tuesday after a Brazoria County grand jury indicted him.
Harris County, TX (May 7, 2024) — The Harris County Commissioners unanimously approved on Tuesday, $6.2 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to launch the Early Childhood Resiliency Fund. This initiative aims to enhance early intervention services for children and families affected by domestic violence.
The decision follows concerning statistics from 2022, where Harris County recorded high rates of intimate partner homicides, prompting a focus on addressing the developmental impacts of trauma on children. The University of Houston’s Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality highlighted the doubling of intimate partner violence homicides in the county between 2019 and 2022.
“Everyone deserves to be safe and free from violence — especially our children,” Harris County Precint 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said in a statement.
“We must support all victims and ensure they have access to care that will promote healing and reduce risks of trauma-related challenges. Through the Early Childhood Resiliency Fund, we can help end the cycle of abuse.”
Children exposed to domestic violence are at heightened risk of mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. The program’s objective is to mitigate these risks by providing timely support and interventions.
The Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity will lead the fund in collaboration with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
The fund, overseen by DEEO, will allocate over $5 million to local domestic service providers for developmental and therapeutic services for affected children. The remainder will cover administrative costs for HCDVCC.
Barbie Brashear, Executive Director of HCDVCC, expressed gratitude for the funding’s potential to support innovative approaches in addressing family trauma. The grant program will prioritize organizations offering shelter, housing, and non-residential services for victims.
“This funding will provide opportunities for local nonprofits who are under-resourced to meet the demand for services to employ new and innovative efforts to support families and children in ways that will improve long-term outcomes and restore hope and resiliency,” Brashear said in a statement.
“We hope that this will serve as a model for our community. We thank Harris County Commissioners for their leadership, and we are honored to partner with the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity to make a difference.”
Applications for grants are anticipated to open later in 2024, with HCDVCC expected to commence grant awards by early 2025. For more information and updates, interested parties can visit the websites of HCDVCC and DEEO.
In the heart of Houston, 23-year-old Ruben Salazar stands as a beacon for community advocacy. With a background steeped in service and a passion for positive change, Salazar’s journey has led him to the forefront of local politics, where he currently seeks to represent the people of his East Aldine community as a candidate for the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District Board of Supervisors.
Salazar’s dedication to public service traces back to his family’s legacy of community involvement. “When [my great grandma] first came [to Houston], she became a very involved person in her community,” Salazar said.
“She was always helping out her neighbors, starting a local civic club, creating recreational programs. Many of her children followed in her footsteps, so I guess you could say it runs in the blood.”
Inspired by his great grandmother’s tireless efforts in East Aldine, Salazar found his calling in serving his own community. From organizing civic clubs to advocating for better infrastructure and public safety measures, his commitment to making a difference became evident early on.
As a young adult, Salazar’s journey into community leadership really took flight during his time as a Political Science student at University of Houston-Downtown.
“I just started attending civic club meetings, commissioners court meetings, managment district meetings and just seeing the way our money was spent, how our tax dollars are being spent and there were some things I didn’t agree with. So I learned of the ways I can make my voice heard.”
Motivated by a desire to empower his community, Salazar embarked on a path of activism and engagement.
His ascent in community leadership began with his role as president of the Green Forest Civic Club, where he spearheaded initiatives to improve local infrastructure and enhance public safety measures. Through collaborative efforts and grassroots organizing, Salazar and his team successfully advocated for increased street lighting—a vital step in ensuring the safety of neighborhood residents, especially students walking to school.
However, Salazar’s vision extends beyond streetlights and sidewalks. His campaign for the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District Board of Supervisors is driven by a commitment to transparency and community-driven decision-making. Recognizing the dissatisfaction among residents with the district’s services, Salazar aims to bring a fresh perspective to the board, prioritizing the needs and concerns of the community.
Central to Salazar’s platform is the pursuit of transparency. He envisions a board that actively engages with residents, listens to their concerns, and incorporates their feedback into decision-making processes. By fostering open dialogue and promoting accountability, Salazar seeks to bridge the gap between the board and the community it serves.
Moreover, Salazar’s agenda emphasizes the importance of community-driven policies. Drawing from his experience in grassroots organizing, he intends to advocate for initiatives that address the pressing issues facing Sunbelt residents, from water quality concerns to infrastructure maintenance. With a focus on inclusivity and representation, Salazar aims to ensure that all voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.
Looking ahead, Salazar’s candidacy symbolizes a new era of community advocacy—one rooted in collaboration, transparency, and service. With his campaign for the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District Board of Supervisors successful, Salazar remains steadfast in his commitment to empowering his community and effecting positive change.
“My campaign went smooth, and I’m super excited to get to work alongside the other board members to help bring positive changes,” Salazar plans to keep the same attitude, mindset, and energy.
With his leadership, the future of Houston shines brighter than ever before.
The light blue color, known as Columbia Blue, has a rich history in Houston that extends beyond its association with the Houston Oilers. This color has been a significant part of Houston’s identity for over a century, symbolizing the city’s heritage and its foundational industries. The city’s flag, adopted in 1915, prominently features light blue, representing the city’s heritage and its foundational industries, such as the locomotive and the plow, which are depicted in the city seal. This early adoption of light blue in the city’s flag underscores its historical and cultural importance, predating the establishment of the Houston Oilers in 1960.
The Houston Oilers, established in 1960, adopted Columbia Blue as their primary color, a decision influenced by the team’s owner, Bud Adams, who had a personal affinity for the color due to his connections with the University of Kansas. This choice not only set the Oilers apart in the American Football League but also began a tradition of light blue in Houston sports.
Following the relocation of the Oilers to Tennessee in 1996, the legacy of Columbia Blue continued in Houston through the Texans, the city’s current NFL team. The Texans have incorporated a similar shade, known as H-Town Blue, into their uniforms and branding. Despite the Tennessee Titans holding the intellectual property rights to the Oilers’ trademarks, the Texans’ move to honor the city’s sports history and reinforce the color’s significance as a symbol of Houston’s identity demonstrates the enduring connection to the color.
The University of Houston has also played a pivotal role in maintaining the color’s relevance in the city. Despite facing legal challenges from the NFL, which issued a cease-and-desist letter over the use of a similar shade of blue in their uniforms, the university stood firm. They informed the league of their intention to continue using the color, highlighting the city’s historical ties to it and challenging the notion that the NFL could monopolize a color deeply embedded in Houston’s culture. This defiance underscores the broader community’s attachment to the color and its significance beyond the realm of professional sports.
The color’s cultural impact is evident in other aspects of Houston’s life, such as the Houston Police Department’s historical use of light blue for their squad cars. This further cements the color’s place in the city’s cultural landscape, beyond its sports teams.
In essence, H-Town Blue, as it is now known, transcends its origins with the Houston Oilers to embody Houston’s history, pride, and community spirit. It represents a unifying symbol for the city, reflecting its past achievements and aspirations for the future. So, no Titans fans Houston is not stealing your “colors”, it’s a part of our city’s history.
