BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The body of 11-year-old Joshua Lahai has been found after a dayslong search at Surfside Beach over the weekend, according to authorities.
Joshua went missing on Sunday. Authorities said he was at the beach with his youth football team, playing in the water, when he was washed away by a big wave. The boy’s family said they witnessed it, according to EquuSearch.
Surfside Beach Chief of Police Philip Hester said the rescue search for Joshua started minutes after he went underwater at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday
Since then, authorities have been working endlessly to find him. On Monday, it was reported that his shorts had been found during the search.
The search continued on Tuesday, and in the afternoon, an officer was speaking with a fisherman who then discovered the body of the young boy.
Authorities said Joshua was found half a mile west of where he was last seen.
Election Day is here. Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth sat down with Que Onda Magazine to discuss what voters need to know before heading to the polls for the May 26 primary runoff election.
Hudspeth shared key dates, explained how runoff elections work in Texas, and encouraged residents to make their voices heard during what she described as a critical election cycle.
What’s Different About the Runoff Election?
Hudspeth explained that runoff elections are much smaller than the March primary elections because most races were already decided.
“In March, you had about 110 to 114 different races,” she said. “Now that you’re in the runoff, there’s only a small amount of races on each ballot because most of those were determined in March.”
She noted that several important contests remain undecided on both party ballots, including statewide and local races.
“By law, if you get 50% plus one of the vote, you move on to the next stage,” Hudspeth explained. “So this is the last opportunity to make your voice heard to determine who those individuals will be on the November ballot.”
Hudspeth also reminded voters that Texans who participated in the March primary must remain with the same political party for the runoff election.
“If you voted the Democratic ticket in March, you have to vote in the Democratic primary runoff,” she said. “If you voted Republican in March, you have to vote in the Republican primary runoff.”
However, residents who did not vote in March may choose either party ballot.
Important Voting Information
Polls are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during early voting and on Election Day.
Voters in Harris County can cast their ballots at any vote center countywide.
“There are…more than 100 locations on Election Day,” Hudspeth said.
“If for some reason you don’t have one of those photo IDs, you can fill out what is called a RID form and cure your vote later,” Hudspeth explained.
Why Midterm and Runoff Elections Matter
Hudspeth emphasized that local and midterm elections often have the biggest impact on everyday life.
“These are the elected officials that impact the state of Texas, your county and cities most closely,” she said. “Everything from your school board to your local entities impacts your everyday way of life.”
She also described the current political climate as especially significant heading into November.
“Our country is in a very interesting place,” Hudspeth said. “This midterm election is really going to show what the people care about.”
Resources for Spanish-Speaking and ESL Voters
Hudspeth highlighted the county’s multilingual voting support services, noting that ballots in Harris County are translated into Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
“Spanish is a second language in Texas,” she said. “You can vote on the ballot with that language.”
She added that translators are available at voting centers and that voters may also bring a trusted family member or friend for assistance, as allowed by law.
Hudspeth praised Que Onda Magazine’s efforts to connect Spanish-speaking communities with election information.
“I think Que Onda is a great platform where voters, specifically voters who speak Spanish, are able to get information from a trusted source,” she said.
A Final Message to Harris County Voters
Before closing the interview, Hudspeth encouraged residents not only to vote but also to participate in the election process as poll workers.
“Don’t just get registered and go vote,” she said. “Maybe sign up and become an election worker. We need more folks to help guard the purity of our elections.”
She added that election workers are compensated for their time and play an important role in ensuring voters can cast ballots “free from intimidation.”
For more resources on Harris County elections, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
The Houston Astros combined for a dominant no-hitter Monday night, shutting out the Texas Rangers 9-0 in Arlington behind a standout performance from rookie pitcher Tatsuya Imai.
Imai Bounces Back After Shaky Start
Imai struggled early, walking three of the first four batters he faced, but quickly settled in and delivered six hitless innings. The Japanese right-hander finished with two strikeouts and 97 pitches in his strongest MLB outing so far.
Reliever Steven Okert handled the seventh inning before rookie Alimber Santa completed the final two innings in his major league debut.
Santa retired all six batters he faced and recorded his first career strikeout on the game’s final pitch.
Historic Night for Houston
The no-hitter marked the Astros’ 17th regular-season no-hitter and the fourth combined no-hitter in franchise history. Houston has now thrown five of MLB’s last 11 no-hitters, including a combined no-hitter during the 2022 World Series.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Santa became the first pitcher since 1900 to participate in a no-hitter during his MLB debut.
Rangers Offense Continues to Struggle
Texas failed to record a hit despite striking out only four times. Injuries to key players, including Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford, have added to the Rangers’ offensive struggles this season.
Texas manager Skip Schumaker called the performance a “team thing” and said the club must find ways to improve offensively moving forward.
The crash happened near the town of Buggenhout, about 20 miles northwest of Brussels, during the busy morning commute.
Children Among Victims
Belgian officials said the victims included the minibus driver, a bus escort, and two children ages 12 and 15. Five other children were hospitalized with serious injuries.
According to prosecutors, the bus was carrying nine people when it was struck by a high-speed train at a railway crossing.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. Prosecutors said the crossing barriers were down and warning lights were active at the time of impact.
Belgian rail operator Infrabel said the train was traveling around 75 mph and had no time to stop before the collision.
Police believe the bus may have driven through the crossing barrier moments before the crash. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the bus still moving as the train approached.
Train Passengers Unhurt
Officials said nearly 100 passengers were aboard the train, but none were injured. Rail service in the area was temporarily suspended while emergency crews responded and investigators examined the scene.
Images from the crash site showed the school bus overturned with severe front-end damage, while the train sustained limited visible damage.
Belgian Leaders React
Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Quintin expressed condolences in a social media statement, calling the collision a “tragic accident” and offering support to the victims’ families.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got an ABC13 Weather Watch for Wednesday as another stormy weather system could bring street flooding.
Until then, things should stay fairly quiet. We should remain rain-free Tuesday morning with temperatures falling down toward 70 degrees under a partly cloudy sky. Tuesday afternoon only brings a 20% chance of a downpour with high temps making another run toward 90 degrees. Then Tuesday night we will be monitoring a line of thunderstorms pushing this way from West Texas.
When should we expect the stormy weather on Wednesday?
These storm complexes remain challenging to pin down more than 24 hours in advance, but the general timing is for the storms to blow in during the morning, continue into the afternoon, and clear out by evening. Prepare for a wet and stormy morning drive in to work and school with wet streets sticking around for the evening commute, even if the rain clouds have moved on.
Is severe weather possible on Wednesday?
Yes, there is a slim chance some of the storms could produce damaging wind gusts and large hail, but the overall risk is low at this time. You are more likely to encounter heavy rain and street flooding.
Any 90-degree days on the way?
Yes. We’ll get close to the mark on Tuesday, then after a rain-cooled Wednesday, temperatures will trend up toward 90 quickly The last weekend of May is looking hotter with highs at or near 90 degrees. And even if the thermometer doesn’t hit 90 Saturday or Sunday, it’ll certainly feel like it with heat index values in the low-mid 90s each day.
Hurricane season starts in less than a week! Anything of note?
Nope! No activity is expected in the next 7 days across the Atlantic. The main reason why is because of large plume of Saharan dust moving across the deep tropics this week.
The New York Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years after dominating the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 on Monday night to complete a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference finals.
Knicks Cruise Past Cavaliers
Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while OG Anunoby added 17 points. Landry Shamet scored 16 off the bench as the Knicks built a massive lead and rested starters late in the fourth quarter.
Fans loudly chanted “Knicks in four!” as New York secured its 11th straight postseason win.
Awaiting NBA Finals Opponent
The Knicks will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, which begin June 3.
It marks New York’s third Finals appearance since winning its last NBA championship in 1973. The franchise previously reached the Finals in 1994 and 1999.
CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said the operation targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats that were allegedly attempting to place naval mines near the strategic area of Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s primary naval base.
“U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” Hawkins said in a statement.
The military added that operations were carried out while “using restraint” during the ongoing ceasefire.
Limited Scope of Operation
A U.S. official described the strikes as “very small” in scope, signaling the operation was intended to counter immediate threats rather than escalate tensions further.
Bandar Abbas is considered a critical military and shipping hub in the region, making it a sensitive location amid continued instability in the Middle East.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re starting to learn more about the Ebola health screenings that federal officers said will start Tuesday at Bush Intercontinental Airport.
On Friday, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol announced it would funnel travelers who visited certain African countries connected with the deadly Ebola outbreak. One of the three airports would be IAH in Houston.
Federal officials said the passengers would be required to go through health screenings at those airports. CBP said the impacted passengers are those who visited, or flew through, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda within the last three weeks.
A current Ebola strain that the World Health Organization said has more than 900 suspected cases, and 200 deaths in Africa.
Over the weekend, Judge Linda Hidalgo shared more information about what the IAH screenings would look like. “When someone flies into our airport from these countries, or even if they’re coming from a layover, they’re screened for a fever, asked a series of questions,” Hidalgo explained.
Here’s what Hidalgo said happens next. If someone doesn’t have a fever or show symptoms, they’re allowed to travel.
They’re supposed to share contact information. Hidalgo said they’re asked to check their temperature, and county health officials may even make at-home visits.
If a passenger has a fever or symptoms, Hidalgo said they’re brought to one of two hospitals in Houston, where they’ll be isolated. She didn’t say which hospitals those are.
Federal officials said if they test positive for Ebola, they’ll notify passengers from their flight as well. Just flying with or being near someone with Ebola, health experts said, isn’t a concern.
“Ebola is not like COVID,” UTHealth Houston/Memorial Hermann Chief of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Luis Ostrosky, said. “It’s not airborne. It’s not thought to transmit before you’re symptomatic.”
HIGHLANDS, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities say an investigation is underway after a fireworks stand in east Harris County caught on fire on Monday afternoon.
According to the fire marshal’s office, the fire was in the 400 block of North Main Street in Highlands.
ABC13 viewers captured video of the fire, including fireworks going off from inside the stand.
Officials from the fire marshal’s office said that preliminary information indicates the fire was accidental, adding that welders were working on the stand when the fire started.
Authorities said they are investigating to see if the fireworks were being stored properly.
Spring in Houston is prime planting season. These native picks thrive in local heat, humidity, and unpredictable rain—while supporting pollinators.
1. Texas Lantana
Texas Lantana Bright orange and yellow blooms attract butterflies and bees. Drought-tolerant and perfect for full sun.
2. American Beautyberry
American Beautyberry A standout shrub with vibrant purple berries in fall. Great for shady areas and supports local wildlife.
3. Turk’s Cap
Turk’s Cap Thrives in Houston’s heat and partial shade. Its red flowers are a favorite for hummingbirds.
4. Gulf Muhly
Gulf Muhly An ornamental grass with soft pink plumes. Low-maintenance and ideal for adding texture to landscapes.
5. Texas Sage
Texas Sage Also called “cenizo,” this hardy shrub produces purple blooms after rain and handles drought with ease.
Why Native?
Native plants require less water, fewer chemicals, and are better adapted to Houston’s climate—making them a smart, sustainable choice for April planting.
