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From Monarchs to Bees: How to Help Pollinators This Spring

Indira Zaldivar
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From Monarchs to Bees: How to Help Pollinators This Spring

With the arrival of spring, pollinators such as the beloved Monarch butterfly need our help more than ever. These tiny yet mighty species travel through our neighborhoods and across vast distances, playing a crucial role in ecosystems by pollinating plants that sustain both wildlife and humans. From ensuring the food on our tables to maintaining the stunning bluebonnet fields that characterize Houston’s spring landscape, pollinators are indispensable. Here are five ways you can support them in their essential work.

Understanding the Monarch Butterfly’s Role

The Monarch butterfly is an iconic pollinator, known for its remarkable two-way migration from Mexico to Canada and back. 

“They are a really special butterfly here in Texas and all throughout their range, all the way to Canada and down to Mexico,” said Erin Mills, a certified entomologist. Monarchs act as indicators of broader environmental health, reflecting the status of other pollinators that depend on similar resources.

By tracking Monarch populations, researchers can assess the impact of climate change, pesticide use, habitat loss, and other challenges affecting pollinators. 

“Each year, you can see on the bar graph that is going up and down, but it’s trending down south,” Mills noted, emphasizing the species’ continued decline.

Plant Native Flowers and Milkweed

A critical step in supporting Monarchs and other pollinators is planting native plants. 

“Native plants have created long-lasting and special relationships with our native wildlife, pollinators, and insects,” Mills explained. Unlike exotic plants, native species provide the right kind of nectar and pollen, supporting the natural lifecycle of pollinators.

Houston-area gardeners should prioritize planting native milkweed, which serves as the Monarch caterpillar’s primary food source. However, Mills cautions against tropical milkweed, which can disrupt migration patterns in the fall.

“If we have milkweeds that are up and green and thriving, that confuses the Monarchs into stopping here instead of going to Mexico. We want to keep them going to Mexico because it’s very special there.”

Antelope horns milkweed (Asclepsias asperula).

Some native plants ideal for Houston gardens include:

  • Antelope horns milkweed (Asclepias asperula) – A preferred host plant for Monarch caterpillars.
  • Gregg’s mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) – A butterfly magnet that attracts Queen and Monarch butterflies.
  • Texas lantana (Lantana urticoides) – Provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
  • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Supports various pollinators with its bright yellow flowers.
  • Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – A robust perennial that attracts bees and butterflies.
  • Mexican hat (Ratibida columnifera) – A drought-tolerant wildflower that provides ample nectar.
  • Winecup (Callirhoe involucrata) – A sprawling groundcover that supports bees and other pollinators.

If you do have tropical milkweed, she asks if you can help by cutting the tropical milkweed in your garden in the fall to mimic the native species as Monarch butterflies travel south to Mexico for their wintering sites. 

Keep Gardens Pesticide-Free

Chemical pesticides and herbicides harm not only pests but also beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. 

“Making your gardens pesticide-free and ready for pollinators and other insects… just doing those things will help Monarchs all along their way,” Mills advised.

Opt for organic gardening methods, such as companion planting and natural predators, to control unwanted pests while maintaining a safe habitat for pollinators.

Provide Water and Shelter

Pollinators need water sources to stay hydrated, especially in the warm Texas climate. A shallow dish with stones or a birdbath can serve as a resting and drinking station for bees and butterflies. Additionally, leaving natural elements such as logs, brush piles, and undisturbed soil in your yard can create nesting sites for solitary bees and other beneficial insects.

Support Conservation Efforts

Beyond gardening, participating in local conservation initiatives can make a significant difference. Houston Botanic Garden offers a variety of educational programs and events focused on pollinator conservation. 

The Flower Power Festival on Saturday, April 13th will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about supporting pollinators.”

To explore these opportunities, visit hbg.org and check out their events calendar for upcoming workshops, nature journaling classes, and gardening courses tailored to native pollinators.

Every Garden Counts

By incorporating native plants, avoiding pesticides, providing water sources, and engaging in conservation efforts, every gardener can contribute to the survival of Monarchs and other pollinators. As Mills put it, “That’s really all that we can do to kind of help—plant lots of native milkweed and pollinator plants.”

This spring, take action to create a pollinator-friendly space in your garden. The future of these essential species depends on our collective efforts.

For more green tips and actionable steps, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

UCLA Bruins women’s basketball win first NCAA title, rout South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball

Michael Esparza
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UCLA Bruins women’s basketball win first NCAA title, rout South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball

Mission accomplished for UCLA.

The Bruins captured their first NCAA women’s basketball national championship with a dominant 79-51 win over South Carolina on Sunday.

Gabriela Jaquez led the way with 21 points, while Lauren Betts added 16 points and 11 rebounds, earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the Final Four.

“I knew we were going to do it,” Jaquez said. “I imagined this moment so many times… I’m just so proud.”

UCLA (37-1) capped off a remarkable season, with its only loss coming early in the year. The championship marks the program’s first NCAA title and its first national crown since the pre-NCAA era in 1978.

“It’s beyond my wildest dreams,” head coach Cori Close said.

The Bruins set the tone early, jumping out to a 21-10 lead after the first quarter and never looking back. Their defense stifled South Carolina, holding the Gamecocks to one of their worst shooting performances of the season.

UCLA broke the game open in the third quarter with a 25-9 run, putting the title firmly out of reach.

For South Carolina (36-4), it marked a second straight championship game loss. Head coach Dawn Staley acknowledged UCLA’s dominance.

“We just didn’t have it today,” Staley said. “They were the better team.”

Despite the loss, the Gamecocks were led by Tessa Johnson with 14 points and remain a powerhouse with a strong core expected to return.

For UCLA’s senior class, the victory was the culmination of a goal set after falling short in last year’s Final Four — a journey that ended with the program’s first NCAA championship.

For more sports news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Donald Trump issues 48-hour warning to Iran over deal

Edward Saenz
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Donald Trump issues 48-hour warning to Iran over deal

President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran has 48 hours to reach a deal or face severe military consequences, warning, “we’re blowing up the whole country” if no agreement is made.

Trump told ABC News the timeline for a deal should be “days, not weeks,” adding that “very little” would be off limits if negotiations fail.

The ultimatum is tied to Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Trump has repeatedly warned that failure to reopen the passage could trigger major strikes on infrastructure.

Iranian officials pushed back, calling the threats reckless and warning the region could face broader conflict.

Negotiations, reportedly mediated by Pakistan, remain ongoing as the deadline approaches.

For more on the U.S. war with Iran, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Blake Lively speaks out after court ruling ahead of Justin Baldoni trial

Indira Zaldivar
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Blake Lively speaks out after court ruling ahead of Justin Baldoni trial

Actress Blake Lively is breaking her silence following a major court ruling in her ongoing legal battle with her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni.

A New York federal judge dismissed several of Lively’s claims, including allegations of on-set misconduct, but allowed parts of the case—specifically those tied to alleged retaliation and reputational harm—to move forward to trial.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Lively said she was “grateful” that what she called the core of her case will be heard by a jury.

“I’m grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month… and the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial,” she wrote.

The ruling comes just weeks before the case is expected to go to trial. While much of the lawsuit was dismissed, the judge determined there is enough for a jury to consider regarding Lively’s claims of retaliation after raising concerns about workplace conditions.

“The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit,” Lively added. “But I brought this case because of the pervasive retaliation I faced… for asking for a safe working environment.”

Baldoni’s legal team denied the allegations and welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the court dismissed all sexual harassment claims.

“These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review,” his attorneys said, adding that the case is now “significantly narrowed.”

The case is expected to proceed to trial next month, where both sides will present arguments on the remaining claims.

For the latest on the Lively-Baldoni case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

2 candidates in Houston District C council race appear to be headed to runoff election

ABC13 Houston
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2 candidates in Houston District C council race appear to be headed to runoff election

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The District C special election appears to be headed to a runoff.

Houston District C candidates Joe Panzarella and Nick Hellyar received the most votes in a field of seven candidates, according to unofficial results from the Harris County Clerk’s Office.

Nearly 9,400 voters cast ballots in the special election, according to the Harris County Clerk’s Office

Panzarella and Hellyar would be headed to a runoff because no candidate reached the required 50% threshold to avoid a runoff.

The seat became vacant after former District C Councilmember Abbie Kamin resigned to run for Harris County Attorney.

Houston’s District C is home to roughly 215,000 residents, making it Houston’s largest district by population.

The runoff election is slated for mid-May.

The winner will serve the remainder of the term, which runs through January 2028.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Man found dead after gunfire, then car crash in Acres Homes area, Houston Police Department says

ABC13 Houston
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Man found dead after gunfire, then car crash in Acres Homes area, Houston Police Department says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston police said a homicide investigation is underway after a man was found dead in an Acres Homes front yard following reported gunfire and a car crash.

According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at about 3:30 a.m. on Sunday in the 1000 block of Marcolin Street at Wheatley Street. When officers arrived, they found a man dead in the front yard of a home and a car crashed on the curb, police said.

HPD said the man had a couple of gunshot wounds to his torso.

According to investigators, the homeowner said they heard gunfire followed immediately by a car crash before going outside and finding the victim dead in the front yard.

Officials said that HPD’s Homicide Division is currently investigating the incident. The identity of the victim has not been released by officials.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

13 Investigates: SNAP errors could cost Texas taxpayers up to $773M

ABC13 Houston
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13 Investigates: SNAP errors could cost Texas taxpayers up to $773M

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Ethel Griffin said she works three jobs to support herself and her 13-year-old godson, whom she recently took in.

She thought the state was helping carry the load of raising a teenager after she applied for and received SNAP benefits. Instead, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission now says she owes them $2,522 for their own mistake in overpaying her.

“I cried,” Griffin said. “I can’t pay this here back and still pay my bills too.”

Griffin’s situation is similar to Jerralee King’s. Last month, 13 Investigates reported that King owes the state nearly $9,000 in SNAP benefits because the state approved her application due to its own error.

RELATED: 84-year-old seeking job to repay $8K in SNAP benefits as state admits error

RELATED: Anonymous donor pays $8k debt for senior after 13 Investigates reported state’s SNAP error

In a letter to Griffin, the state said she was paid more than $2,500 over a six-month period, when she should have only received $128 during that time.

Both King and Griffin received a “Notice of SNAP Overpayment Claim” from the state.

In the first paragraph, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission openly admits there was an “agency error.”

King and Griffin’s cases are part of a larger issue the state is working to address before it costs Texas taxpayers.\Under a recent federal law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, states have until 2027 to bring their SNAP error rate below 6%. This includes when someone is overpaid or underpaid for benefits.

In fiscal year 2024, the most recent data available, Texas had an 8.32 percent error rate, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Texas’ error rate is better than the national average of 10.93 percent, but it’s still over the limit.

If Texas doesn’t hit the six percent mark, the state, not the federal government, will have to cover between five and 15 percent of SNAP costs with its own funds.

At its current error rate, Texas would be on the hook for up to $773 million, according to our 13 Investigates analysis.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission said it’s working to lower the state’s error rate.

The numbers for fiscal year 2025 aren’t out yet to see if progress has been made, but Texas HHSC said the USDA is expected to release those error rates this summer.

Griffin said she’s picking up extra weekend shifts now to make ends meet and provide for her godson.

“He’s a kid. He wants to run track. He plays football and basketball. They need a lot of stuff – just, he needs a lot of stuff that I can’t give him,” Griffin said. “Say somebody was working a job, like paying $20 an hour. My three jobs add up to that.”

Griffin said when she applied in person for SNAP benefits in December 2024, she brought all the required documentation.

Six months later, she said a different caseworker told her the first employee didn’t process some of her income, which caused the error.

Griffin said if the state just stopped her SNAP benefits, she could have adjusted. Now, she said, owing them money makes it harder.

“Everything is backfiring on me now. It’s not right,” Griffin said.

13 Investigates found Texas HHSC identified 1,468 agency errors between January 2025 and January 2026, when we requested the data. That means 1,468 times the state acknowledged it made the mistake.

During the same 13-month period, there were 2,029 SNAP errors resulting from fraud and 10,139 cases due to “unintentional client error,” according to data from the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

While fraud and unintentional client errors combined are about eight times more common, those who fall into the agency error category are fighting back the most by appealing the rulings. But data shows they have the lowest success rate of getting anything changed in their favor.

Griffin appealed, but nothing changed with her case. Her repayment plan requires her to pay $66.50 per month for the next 3 years. She said she hasn’t been able to make her payment every month.

“I’m looking back here, and I know I need to pay these people, and I know I need to do this, and I know I need to do this here, so what should I do first?” Griffin said.

The Texas HHSC previously told 13 Investigates in a statement that it is working to improve its SNAP payment accuracy.

“HHSC has implemented targeted case reviews, enhanced staff training, technology-based quality checks, and clearer policy guidance to reduce errors and ensure families receive the correct benefit amount. These efforts help prevent mistakes before benefits are issued,” the state agency said in a statement last month.

After ABC13 previewed this story on air, a viewer reached out and has paid Griffin’s debt.

Contact 13 Investigates

Have a tip? A problem to solve? Send a tip below. If you don’t have a photo or document to include, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details. (On mobile? You can open our form by tapping here.)

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

It’s a dry and cool start to the week, rain chances climb into next weekend

ABC13 Houston
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It’s a dry and cool start to the week, rain chances climb into next weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The weekend cold front has paved the way for a mild start to the next week with cool mornings and sunny and warm afternoons with low humidity.

How cold will it be behind this cold front?

While we’ll get an initial temperature drop behind this front for Sunday, it’ll be even colder by Monday morning. Temperatures Monday and Tuesday morning will start in the low-mid 50s and only climb into the low-mid 70s. The cooler weather is also coming with lower humidity too, so enjoy it while it lasts! Thursday we’ll begin a small warmup that will last into the weekend with highs in the low-mid 80s. That is, unless it’s a rainy day… which we could see several over the next 7-10 days.

So more rain is in the forecast?

Yes! We are expecting a stormy pattern to settle in heading into the weekend that could send several rounds of showers and storms to Texas and Houston. This begins as early as Thursday with a daily chance for rain possibly through Wednesday of next week. While the exact timing and placement of any showers and storms is still to be ironed out, more drought-helping and much needed rain looks like it’s on the way. Friday looks to be the rainiest as of now with a 60% chance for showers and storms and 40% Saturday and Sunday.

Any severe weather in the forecast?

The weather pattern we’re expecting into next weekend is one that could send severe weather to the state of Texas, especially this time of year. So that has definitely caught our attention! However, it’s still too early to pinpoint when or where Southeast Texas could expect severe weather and what the potential threats could be. You’ll want to stay weather aware though and check in on the forecast throughout the week for the latest updates.

Does next weekend look like a compete washout then?

At this time no. But we are expecting scattered showers and storms each day. It’s likely that one day next weekend will be rainier than the other, but it’s still too early to say which.

https://abc13.com/post/houston-weather-forecast-today-near-me-texas-rain-storm-predictions/39346/

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Political turnover, voter frustration and infrastructure strain reshape Southeast Texas politics

Edward Saenz
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Political turnover, voter frustration and infrastructure strain reshape Southeast Texas politics

A wave of political turnover, rising voter dissatisfaction and mounting infrastructure pressures are converging to reshape the political landscape across Southeast Texas, setting the stage for competitive elections and shifting policy priorities in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.

At the center of the transition is Lina Hidalgo’s decision not to seek reelection, opening up the powerful Harris County judge’s office and signaling a broader leadership reset across the region. Open seats and crowded candidate fields, including recent Houston City Council races, have led to highly competitive contests often headed toward runoffs, reflecting a fragmented electorate without clear front-runners.

The turnover comes as voters across Harris County express growing frustration with local government. Recent polling shows a majority of residents believe the region is on the wrong track, though concerns differ along partisan lines. Republicans have emphasized public safety and crime, while Democrats have focused more on economic inequality and access to services.

Candidates on both sides have increasingly shifted their messaging away from ideology and toward competence and governance, emphasizing practical issues such as infrastructure, service delivery and long-term planning.

Those concerns are amplified by the region’s rapid growth, which has placed new strain on public systems. Officials across Southeast Texas are grappling with how to keep pace with demand for roads, courts, housing and flood control. New flood risk assessments have raised alarms about the vulnerability of schools and neighborhoods, while major public projects, including new government facilities in fast-growing suburban areas, underscore the scale of expansion.

At the same time, demographic and economic changes are altering the trajectory of growth. Slower population increases, driven in part by reduced immigration, have introduced new budget pressures and intensified debates over resource allocation, housing affordability and economic development strategies.

Questions about government transparency and ethics have also remained a persistent undercurrent in local politics. While specific controversies have drawn attention in recent weeks, broader concerns about accountability and public trust continue to shape voter attitudes and campaign rhetoric.

Frequent elections, including primaries, special elections and potential runoffs, have added to voter fatigue, often resulting in low turnout contests with outsized consequences. Political observers note that organized voting blocs and highly engaged constituencies are playing an increasingly influential role in determining outcomes.

Meanwhile, a growing divide between urban and suburban communities is complicating regional policy making. The city of Houston has largely trended Democratic, with a focus on transit, housing and flood mitigation, while surrounding areas, including parts of Montgomery County, have leaned more conservative, prioritizing tax policy, public safety and growth management.

The result is a more fragmented political environment, where coordination across jurisdictions has become more challenging even as shared issues, including infrastructure, economic development and disaster preparedness, demand regional solutions.

As Southeast Texas heads deeper into the 2026 election cycle, the convergence of leadership turnover, policy pressures and voter dissatisfaction is expected to drive a more competitive and unpredictable political landscape, with significant implications for the region’s future direction.

Rising power demand and water concerns intensify policy debate in Texas

Edward Saenz
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Rising power demand and water concerns intensify policy debate in Texas

Mounting concerns over electricity supply and water availability are fueling new political tensions across Texas, as officials warn the state’s infrastructure may struggle to keep pace with rapid growth and extreme weather.

Grid operators at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas have projected that electricity demand could approach or exceed available supply during periods of peak summer heat as soon as 2026. While officials stress that widespread outages are not certain, the forecasts raise the possibility of tighter operating reserves, emergency conservation requests and localized rolling blackouts under extreme conditions.

The warnings come as Texas experiences surging demand driven by population growth, expanding industrial activity and the arrival of energy-intensive facilities such as data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. State projections suggest electricity demand could nearly double by the end of the decade if current trends continue.

The issue has quickly become a focal point for policymakers in Texas, where lawmakers are debating how best to expand generation capacity and ensure grid reliability. Proposals include increased investment in natural gas plants, continued expansion of renewable energy and potential new regulations targeting large industrial users.

The debate carries added urgency following the 2021 Texas power crisis, when a winter storm triggered widespread outages that left millions without electricity and prompted calls for sweeping reforms.

At the same time, water availability is emerging as a parallel concern. State officials and regional planners warn that ongoing drought conditions could strain supplies in parts of Texas, with some projections indicating the potential for mandatory conservation measures if conditions worsen in the coming months.

Regulators, including the Public Utility Commission of Texas, have begun examining how large industrial users affect both electricity and water systems. Data centers and similar facilities, which require significant cooling, can consume substantial amounts of water while also increasing demand on the power grid.

Experts note that the two challenges are closely linked. Power generation often depends on water for cooling, while water treatment and distribution systems rely heavily on electricity, creating what analysts describe as a compounding infrastructure strain.

The implications are particularly significant for the Houston region and the broader Gulf Coast, where population growth, industrial expansion and vulnerability to extreme heat and storms place additional pressure on both systems.

As summer approaches, the dual concerns over energy reliability and water supply are expected to remain central to political debates, shaping policy discussions on infrastructure investment, economic development and resource management across the state.

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