HOUSTON, Texas — As excitement builds for NASA’s next chapter in lunar exploration, Space Center Houston is set to host a highly anticipated watch party for the upcoming Artemis II launch.
Community Invited to Celebrate Historic Mission
The live watch party will take place Wednesday, April 1, with doors opening at 4:50 p.m. for the public and 4:30 p.m. for media. The event will commemorate NASA’s first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years, marking a major milestone in space exploration.
The event has officially sold out, underscoring Houston’s deep connection to NASA and strong public interest in the mission.
Event Details and Speakers
The evening will be emceed by Robert Southers and will feature remarks with William Harris and Keesha Bullock.
Hosted by the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, the event offers Houstonians a front-row seat to history as astronauts prepare to return to deep space.
Artemis II Crew Ready for Launch
Meanwhile, the Artemis II astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — have officially arrived at Kennedy Space Center in preparation for liftoff.
The 10-day mission will send the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft on a lunar flyby, the first human journey to the Moon since Apollo 17.
A Milestone Moment for Houston
With a launch window extending through early April, Artemis II represents a major step forward in NASA’s Artemis campaign and a proud moment for Houston—long known as the heart of human spaceflight.
Even for those unable to attend the sold-out event, the mission serves as a powerful reminder of Houston’s role in pushing the boundaries of exploration.
Que Onda Magazine celebrated women leaders in the Houston area during a special recognition event Friday, March 13, at 6 p.m. at MECA at TBH, located at 333 S. Jensen Drive.
The event highlighted influential women who have made an impact in public service, business, sports, and community leadership. Among those recognized was Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, chair of the METRO Houston Board of Directors, the first Latina to be appointed to that position, along with several elected women from Harris County. The evening showcased the accomplishments of women shaping the future of the Houston region.
ABC13 Houston anchor Samica Knight hosted the program, guiding the audience through the celebration and honoring the contributions of these leaders to their communities.
Harris County Constable Precinct 6 Silvia Treviño praised the women being honored, saying she admired how much they give back to their communities.
“We all have one thing in common—I think we are all public servants in our own right—and I just love that they are being recognized,” Treviño said.
Sonia Corrales, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Area Women’s Center, emphasized the importance of celebrating women and their contributions.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the women in our community and the difference we make. Whether mothers, career women, or leaders in any field, it’s important to uplift women because we are still a marginalized community without full equity and equality,” the honoree said.
Event honoree Blanca Beltran-Robinson noted the magazine’s dedication to community service. “What I love most about Que Onda Magazine is how much they care about the community. Everything I do—hosting events, curating programs—is about giving back, so it’s an honor to be recognized tonight,” she said.
Judge Erika Ramirez reflected on mentorship and empowering future generations.
“We support each other because strong women paved the way for me to have a seat at the table. My goal is for the next generation to surpass me. We have to push each other up, work together, and love each other,” honoree Ramirez said.
The celebration reaffirmed Que Onda Magazine’s commitment to highlighting the leadership and achievements of women shaping Houston’s civic and professional life.
Art lovers still have time to catch the final day of the Bayou City Art Festival, which concludes Sunday, March 29, in Houston.
Outdoor Art Experience in the Heart of the City
The two-day festival has transformed Sam Houston Park along Allen Parkway into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Visitors can explore original works from artists across the country, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and functional art.
Guests also have the opportunity to meet artists in person and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces.
Food, Music, and Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond the art, the festival features live entertainment stages, a food truck park, and beverage stations throughout the venue. A Chef’s Culinary Arts Stage highlights local chefs with tastings, while wine and craft beer gardens offer a relaxed way to enjoy Houston’s skyline views.
The event also showcases young talent, including the top 30 finalists from a middle school art competition.
Final Day Details
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 1000 Bagby Street. With its mix of art, food, and entertainment, the event offers a final opportunity this weekend for Houstonians to celebrate creativity in the city.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On Friday alone, over 100 pets were adopted during the 9th annual Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive at BARC, but we’re not done yet!
The drive continues Saturday and Sunday with the discounted fee of $13 for all available pets at the shelter located at 3300 Carr St. in northeast Houston.
Saturday, March 28 | 12 PM – 5 PM Adoption event day – Local pet-related vendors and food trucks – Reduced adoption fees
Sunday, March 29 | 12 PM – 5 PM Adoption event day – Reduced adoption fees
“We’re trying to bring awareness for animals at the shelter. Help them find homes,” said Cory Stottlemyer, Deputy Shelter Director at BARC. “As the warmer months start this time of year, we start seeing a lot of puppies, a lot of kittens coming into the shelter, so it’s perfect timing to start pushing that message of adoption to the public.”
In 2023, 111 pets were adopted. The following year, that number shot up to 153.
Then, we set the record in 2025.
“Our foster partners, some of them will be bringing those animals in as well, so you’ll see animals both in their kennels and then those fosters will be walking around the event, wearing special vests that will identify them as a foster,” Stottlemyer explained to ABC13.
For those looking to adopt, BARC asks that you be mindful of your own circumstances, and if you’re unsure about what pet might be the right fit, Stottlemyer says the shelter can help.
“There’s essentially an animal for everybody, every family. Whether you’re somebody who lives on your own, some families have existing pets, we want them to let our staff know,” he said. “‘OK, this one might get a little excited around another dog, but this one we’ve seen does well, loves other animals,’ so those things are going to be what you need to tell our staff, what your unique circumstances are.”
But one of the most important things to remember is that the pet will be a member of your family.
“The pet is going to be with you for their entire life so you become their world,” Stottlemyer said, smiling. “It’s just this unconditional love that they offer you.”
Ready to pick your pet? Here’s what you should know!
What is BARC?
BARC is the City of Houston’s municipal animal shelter, and it cares for more than 22,000 animals each year.
Adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The shelter is unable to place holds on animals.
How do I adopt?
All adoptions must be in person, but no appointment is needed.
Here are other requirements to adopt:
– Must be 18 years of age or older. – Must have a valid, government issued photo ID. – If the address on your ID doesn’t match your current address, be prepared to provide an alternate proof of address such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or car insurance. Digital or hard copies will be accepted.
The pet adoption process can take anywhere from 60-90 minutes.
There are discounted rates for seniors, depending on the age of the pet.
ABC13’s Pick Your Pet Adoption Drive is a great opportunity to take advantage of the $13 discounted adoptions.
All pet adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, dewormer, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination, flea prevention, a pet microchip, and a one-year registration with the City of Houston.
BAHRAIN, Middle East (KTRK) — Instead of being on the hardwood, a former Houston high school basketball star, now playing professionally overseas, is just trying to get home.
Kerwin Roach has been playing in the Middle East but says the war in the region has left him stranded for weeks.
Roach doesn’t remember a time when he wasn’t playing basketball.
“I love to play basketball. It’s something I’ve done, literally, all my life,” Roach said.
The former North Shore star’s talents and skills on the court caught the attention of elite programs before he went on to play for the Longhorns in 2015.
Despite his elite skill set, he wasn’t drafted to the pros, so instead he took his talents overseas, playing in different countries.
“Went to New Zealand, won a championship out there, then after that, went to Jordan, the Jordan league for the playoffs, and that’s how I got introduced to the Middle East,” Roach said.
Now, he’s playing in Bahrain, but a knee injury cut his season short, and he’s been trying to get back to Houston for treatment since March 2.
However, with the ongoing conflict in Iran and the violence spreading through the region, Roach says his flight home kept getting canceled.
According to ABC News, Bahrain was one of several Gulf countries targeted in Iranian attacks.
Roach has videos on his cell phone that capture the strikes happening just outside his apartment.
“Every time the sirens go off, you know, your heart gets to racing, pumping. Get the jitter type in your leg, you go outside, make sure nothing is going on,” Roach said.
What made matters worse, his injury had already limited his mobility.
“And that was also something I had to worry about. If I had to get out the car, or get out of a building and run,” Roach said.
The injury and the turmoil in the region didn’t hold him back. Since he couldn’t catch a flight, Kerwin made a long, exhausting journey driving from Bahrain to Riyadh, then flying to Istanbul, where he’s now safe and has a flight booked for Houston.
But even as he gets closer to home, his heart is with those who couldn’t leave.
“I feel very privileged and very blessed to be honest. And that’s like the only words I can. I don’t have to be there to endure that. To have those sleepless nights, having to wake up at three or four in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep,” Roach said.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Yesterday was cloudy and comfortable, today the pleasant weather continues and the sunshine returns.
Oak pollen levels are expected to remain extremely high until we can get some rain to help wash it away.
How long will these cool temps last?
After our nice cool start in the mid 50s this morning, we’re warming up rapidly into the mid 80s this afternoon. The good news is that our humidity stays nice and low, so it’s “comfortably warm” (especially if you can find some shade). Warmer temps and much higher humidity will greet us on Tuesday and last all of next week.
When can we expect more rain?
Not this weekend, however things do look more promising next week as storm systems start tracking across the country again. Right now it looks like our best chances for rain come in the “Wednesday to Thursday” timeframe, then again sometime Easter weekend.
Can you tell me more about Easter weekend?
We expect a front to push toward Houston sometime around Easter Sunday morning, so we will be on the watch for a line of showers or thunderstorms to blow in at some point, though it’s a bit early to try to pinpoint the exact rain timing. Otherwise it will be a warm and humid Easter weekend.
Are we expecting any more frosty mornings or light freezes before summer?
Nope. It looks like we are done with that risk until next fall.
When can we expect more rain?
The best we can offer up this week is a 10% chance on Saturday morning with the cool front. However things do look more promising in the first week of April as storm systems start tracking across the country again.
What’s the early outlook for Easter weekend?
We expect a front to push toward Houston sometime around Easter Sunday, so we will be on the watch for a line of showers or thunderstorms to blow in at some point. Otherwise it will be a warm and humid Easter weekend.
Are we expecting any more frosty mornings or light freezes before summer?
Nope. It looks like we are done with that risk until next fall.
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities said one woman is dead and one woman is injured after a hit-and-run incident in the Acres Homes area overnight.
According to the Houston Police Department, the incident happened at the intersection of Little York Road and De Priest Street at about 8 p.m. on Friday. The women were both hit by the same vehicle, with the driver taking off after the deadly crash, police said.
Officials said the woman who died was struck while crossing the street. The other woman was hit by the same vehicle and rushed to the hospital for her injuries, according to police. It is unclear if the injured woman was in the crosswalk when she was hit.
According to HPD, investigators are searching for the suspect vehicle, described as “a black Chevrolet Tahoe, probably an early 2010s or late 2009, that era.” Police also said the vehicle took off going eastbound on Little York, with the driver believed to be a woman.
Officials said an investigation is underway, adding that anyone with information on this incident is advised to contact HPD.
The House passed the bill 213-203, with Rep. Henry Cuellar among three Democrats who crossed party lines to support it. The legislation would temporarily fund all DHS operations, including immigration enforcement agencies.
However, Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, have already rejected the proposal, calling it “dead on arrival” and signaling it lacks the votes needed to advance.
Competing Plans Stall Progress
The standoff follows a separate Senate bill that funds most DHS agencies but excludes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and parts of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, dismissed that version, deepening the impasse.
With both chambers heading into a two-week recess, no immediate resolution is expected.
Impact of Ongoing Shutdown
The continued gridlock means DHS agencies remain partially unfunded, though some workers, including TSA employees, are expected to receive pay after action by Donald Trump.
Lawmakers on both sides continue to blame each other, while broader disagreements over immigration enforcement and agency reforms remain unresolved.
Art lovers still have time to catch the final day of the Bayou City Art Festival, which concludes Sunday, March 29, in Houston.
Outdoor Art Experience in the Heart of the City
The two-day festival has transformed Sam Houston Park along Allen Parkway into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Visitors can explore original works from artists across the country, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and functional art.
Guests also have the opportunity to meet artists in person and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces.
Food, Music, and Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond the art, the festival features live entertainment stages, a food truck park, and beverage stations throughout the venue. A Chef’s Culinary Arts Stage highlights local chefs with tastings, while wine and craft beer gardens offer a relaxed way to enjoy Houston’s skyline views.
The event also showcases young talent, including the top 30 finalists from a middle school art competition.
Final Day Details
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 1000 Bagby Street. With its mix of art, food, and entertainment, the event offers a final opportunity this weekend for Houstonians to celebrate creativity in the city.
A large portion of the country is facing extreme heat and heightened wildfire danger as March comes to a close, according to the National Weather Service.
Red Flag Warnings Across Multiple Regions
More than 46 million Americans are under red flag warnings from the Great Plains to the Southeast. Strong winds—gusting between 30 to 60 mph—combined with dry conditions are creating a high risk for fast-spreading wildfires.
Areas along the Gulf Coast and deeper into the Southeast are especially vulnerable due to ongoing drought, increasing the likelihood of fires igniting and rapidly expanding.
Record Heat Continues in the West and South
Unseasonably high temperatures persist across the West and parts of the South. Cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas may see daily record highs again this weekend, continuing a trend that has already broken over 1,100 temperature records nationwide this month.
Temperature Swings Elsewhere
While the West and South heat up, the Midwest and Northeast are experiencing a sharp cooldown. Cities such as Chicago and New York City are seeing temperatures drop 10 to 20 degrees compared to earlier in the week, though conditions are expected to rebound soon.
What to Expect Next
Forecasters say warmer-than-normal temperatures will likely continue into early April for much of the eastern U.S., while fire خطر conditions remain a concern in dry, wind-prone regions.
