HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Odds are good you’ll come across rain at some point on Wednesday, especially during the morning hours.
We’re tracking a line of heavy rain and storms moving this way from West Texas that will mainly impact us during the morning through early afternoon. This next round of rain would likely keep our temps in the 70s most of the day.
Any storm that pops up could produce frequent lightning, heavy rainfall, and a quick inch or two of rain that leads to localized street flooding.
When are the highest rain chances this week?
Wednesday brings our highest chance of rain at 80%. There’s still a 40% chance of rain from additional thunderstorms on Thursday and a 30% chance of storms on Friday.
What about any severe weather?
Overall, this week’s pattern will be more supportive of disorganized thunderstorms capable of heavy rain. However, we cannot rule out stronger storms that could produce gusty winds, small hail, and street flooding on any given day this week.
What about those 90-degree days?
They aren’t far away! By this weekend, you’ll feel the heat once again as the rain cloud move away and high temperatures push toward 90. Factor in the humidity, and it will feel like it’s in the 90s most day this week.
As we celebrate Earth Day, let’s reflect on our environmental impact and adopt practices that contribute to a healthier planet. Here are five actionable steps to help care for Earth:
1. Compost Organic Waste
Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 14.4% of these emissions in 2022. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to climate change. By composting organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, we can divert materials from landfills, thereby reducing methane emissions. Composting not only mitigates greenhouse gases but also enriches soil health, promoting robust plant growth.
Truck dumps fruit and veggie scraps at Houston’s composting facility The Ground Up. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.Houston Council Member Sallie Alcorn launches pilot composting program back in 2024. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.
2. Plant Native Flora to Support Pollinators
Native plants are species that have evolved in a particular region over thousands of years, adapting to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. They provide essential habitats and food sources for native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In Houston, incorporating native plants such as Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides), Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea), and Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea) can enhance biodiversity and support pollinator populations.
Native Texas lantana growing at a UHD butterfly garden. Goldenrod is a native North American perennial wildflower. Credit: Indira Zaldivar
3. Shop Locally and Embrace Secondhand Fashion
Thrift store The Cottage Shop in Houston’s Westheimer area sells pre-loved fashion to raise funds for women’s shelter. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.
The fast fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water and contributes to about 10% of global carbon emissions—surpassing the combined emissions from all international flights and maritime shipping. By choosing to shop locally and purchasing secondhand clothing, we can reduce the demand for new garment production, thereby conserving resources and minimizing pollution. Extending the lifespan of clothing through secondhand purchases can significantly decrease the environmental footprint associated with textile manufacturing.
4. Opt for Sustainable Transportation
The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. Choosing alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or using public transit, can substantially reduce your carbon footprint. These choices not only decrease greenhouse gas emissions but also alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality.
Public rail METRORail in Houston, Texas. Credit: Indira Zaldivar.
5. Reduce Meat Consumption
Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, including deforestation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to a diet with less meat and more plant-based foods can lead to considerable environmental benefits. For example, replacing beef with beans in the U.S. could free up 42% of U.S. cropland and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 334 million metric tons, achieving 75% of the 2020 carbon reduction target.
By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can collectively make a significant impact on the health of our planet. Earth Month serves as a reminder that our individual choices contribute to a larger environmental legacy. Let’s commit to these sustainable actions not just in April, but throughout the year, to ensure a thriving Earth for future generations.
Keep up with more green tips to live sustainably with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Final Farewell for a Historic Pontiff Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica beginning Wednesday, with his funeral set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
Global Leaders to Attend World leaders are expected at the funeral, including U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife.
A Peaceful Passing After Final Public Blessing The 88-year-old pope died Monday following a stroke that led to heart failure. Just one day before, he gave a final Easter blessing from his popemobile in St. Peter’s Square—a symbolic closing chapter to his 12-year papacy.
Public Viewing Schedule The Vatican announced visiting hours for the faithful wishing to view Pope Francis’ body:
Wednesday, April 23: 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
Thursday, April 24: 7:00 a.m. – Midnight
Friday, April 25: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
His body, dressed in red vestments and a bishop’s miter, lies in a simple wooden coffin, facing the pews with a Paschal candle nearby—reflecting the pope’s humility.
A Legacy Rooted in Compassion Francis is remembered for championing the poor, migrants, and the environment. His focus on reforming the Church and uplifting women’s roles left a lasting impact. He chose to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, beneath the beloved Marian icon Salus Populi Romani, rather than the traditional papal grotto beneath St. Peter’s.
“He wanted to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in this case Maria,” said Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, highlighting Francis’ commitment to honoring women in the Church.
Global Mourning and Tributes Condolences poured in worldwide. Flags flew at half-staff, church bells tolled, and soccer games paused in Argentina and Italy. In East Timor, where Francis once celebrated Mass for nearly half the population, President José Ramos-Horta called him “a brave man who dared to speak truth to power.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised his environmental advocacy and call for global justice, despite belonging to a different faith.
The Road to the Next Pope With Pope Francis’ passing, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning known as the novendiali. The conclave to elect his successor must begin between May 5 and May 10. Cardinals will cast secret ballots in the Sistine Chapel, with white smoke signaling the election of a new pope.
Keep up with more updates on Pope Francis’s passing with us on Que Onda Magazine.
The Trump administration has been ordered to reinstate the legal status of 133 international students by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. The directive comes after U.S. District Judge Victoria M. Calvert granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) in response to a lawsuit filed on April 18 in Georgia.
Lawsuit Challenges Student Record Terminations
The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU and other legal advocates in the Northern District of Georgia, accuses U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of unlawfully revoking student statuses by terminating records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is the federal database used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track non-immigrant students.
Plaintiffs Claim Coercion and Wrongful Revocation
According to the complaint, the termination of SEVIS records effectively renders students undocumented and subject to deportation—even though many had committed no legal violations. Some plaintiffs were previously cited for minor traffic offenses or misdemeanors, but many had charges dismissed. At least one plaintiff, identified as “Jane Doe #12,” had no criminal or traffic record whatsoever.
“DHS’s act of unlawfully terminating SEVIS records appears to be designed to coerce students… into abandoning their studies and ‘self-deporting,’ despite not violating their status,” the lawsuit alleges.
Students Facing Graduation or Work Program Deadlines
The affected students include individuals nearing graduation or participating in work authorization programs, increasing the urgency of the court’s intervention.
Court Rejects Government’s Argument
Government attorneys argued that judicial relief would interfere with the executive branch’s authority over immigration matters. However, Judge Calvert disagreed, issuing an order that not only mandates the restoration of student status but also prohibits the government from using the plaintiffs’ identities outside of the current case.
Next Steps in Court
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Thursday to assess compliance with the court’s order and determine further legal actions.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A career law enforcement officer and current Harris County Precinct 1 deputy was injured Monday afternoon following a chaotic shootout with an armed suspect in downtown Houston.
Deputy Sheila Jones with Harris County Precinct 1 was shot in the upper shoulder area. Previously, Jones spent 30 years with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, rising to the rank of major.
According to Assistant Chief Deputy Carl Shaw of Pct. 1 Constable’s Office, the shootout happened about 12:20 p.m., after reports of a man with a weapon walking down 201 Caroline toward the Family Law Center.
At that point, Johari Burnette, a criminal defense attorney, was walking through the area. He heard the commotion, pulled out his phone, and took cover behind a parked car. Burnette captured video of deputies running to the suspect, then a stream of gunfire.
“I was less than 40 feet away,” Burnette said. “My heart dropped, my stomach dropped, I couldn’t believe it. Pow, pow, pow! A shooting in broad daylight outside of the courthouse.”
Veteran defense attorney Rick Detoto captured video of the suspect, who was also shot, being put on a stretcher and transported to the hospital.
“My wife called and told me there was a shooting,” Detoto, who added that another lawyer in his office had to duck behind hedges for cover, said.
Shaw said a deputy spotted the suspect and began chasing him across San Jacinto Street down Congress. That’s when additional deputies arrived, and a shootout began at 1115 Congress, injuring the deputy and the suspect.
Deputy Jones was taken by a patrol unit to St. Joseph Hospital and then transferred to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where the suspect was also taken.
“We will prosecute this individual to the fullest extent of the law,” Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said.
At the time of the shooting, Deputy Jones’ son, a courthouse bailiff, was at work nearby in the Criminal Justice Center.
It is unknown at this point exactly how many law enforcement officials fired their weapons. Besides Jones, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that one of his deputies also opened fire. Several Harris County buildings, including the Jury Assembly building, were hit with gunfire. Miraculously, nobody else was hit.
Jones works primarily in the county attorney’s building, but came rushing out when reports of a man with a weapon walking around the courthouse complex came over police dispatch.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The rain chances continue!
A stationary front sat over the area yesterday prompting storms to pop Monday morning. Today will be a bit different though… That boundary will lift back north through Houston to generate the scattered storms during the afternoon warmth. Any storm that pops up could drop a quick 1 to 3 inches of rain and produce numerous lightning strikes. Localized street flooding is also possible. Your chance of getting rain is 40%.
Temperatures will warm into the mid-80s. Where it rains, temperatures will drop back into the 70s.
When are the highest rain chances this week?
We expect upper-air disturbances to blow through on Wednesday and Thursday, and those days currently have our highest rain chances at 70% and 60%, respectively. There’s still a 40% chance of rain from additional thunderstorms on Friday.
What about any severe weather?
Overall, this week’s pattern is wetter and unorganized. However, we cannot rule out stronger storms that could produce gusty winds, small hail, and heavy rainfall any day with storms in the forecast.
What about those 90-degree days?
They aren’t far away! By this weekend, you’ll feel the heat once again as the rain cloud move away and high temperatures push toward 90. Factor in the humidity, and it will feel like it’s in the 90s most day this week.
Texas lawmakers are considering a bill that would prevent cities from narrowing roadways to create wider sidewalks or protected lanes for bicyclists and buses. Authored by Houston state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the bill aims to stop counties and cities from implementing “vehicle bans, street closures, or congestion pricing.”
Critics argue that the bill could halt projects across the state that local leaders say are necessary to reduce traffic congestion and promote safety, especially as pedestrian deaths have risen in recent years. Bettencourt, however, emphasized that his intention was to preemptively prohibit any city from imposing a fine on any form of transportation, in response to New York City’s congestion pricing program, which charges drivers a toll to enter Manhattan and directs that money to transit.
Jay Blazek Crossley, the executive director of Farm&City, a statewide sustainability nonprofit that has campaigned to end traffic deaths, called the bill “an extraordinary, radical shift,” stating that he doesn’t believe the state should ban safe pedestrian places.
The issue of space allocation for cars in cities has become highly politicized. Last year, the Texas Republican Party platform opposed “anti-car measures” that threatened “freedom to travel.” Democrats, meanwhile, have prioritized expanding transit systems to combat climate change.
Some lawmakers expressed concern that the bill’s wording was too vague and could have unintended consequences, such as prohibiting cities from banning scooters from sidewalks or preventing the removal of existing bike lanes. State Sen. Robert Nichols, a Jacksonville Republican, questioned whether the bill would achieve its intended goals, and Bettencourt said he was open to revisions. The bill was left pending in committee.
Differing Views on Roadway Usage
During a hearing, Austin resident Susan Spataro testified in support of the measure, criticizing recent efforts by the City of Austin to build protected bike lanes and eliminate parking requirements, arguing that walking and biking were not reasonable transportation modes for the average citizen. State Sen. Molly Cook, a Houston Democrat, countered that walking and biking predate cars and questioned whether car-centered infrastructure was itself a form of social engineering.
State Intervention in Roadway Projects
This wouldn’t be the first time the state has intervened in city road projects. In 2017, San Antonio voters approved a plan to narrow a stretch of Broadway Boulevard and use the extra space for a protected bike lane and a wider sidewalk. In 2022, the Texas Transportation Commission stopped the project, stating it conflicted with Gov. Greg Abbott’s mandate to reduce traffic congestion. Lawmakers have also targeted transit systems in Dallas and Austin, filing legislation that would impact their funding.
Research shows that narrowing roads and adding bike lanes can improve safety for all road users. Since 2018, 1,800 Houstonians have been killed in vehicle-related incidents, nearly a third of whom were pedestrians. Former Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Vision Zero, a commitment to end traffic deaths, and redesigned dozens of streets, adding protected bike lanes and expanding transit service. When Mayor John Whitmire took office in 2024, he reversed many of those changes, criticizing “anti-car activists” in the previous administration.
Austin’s Congress Avenue Project
During the hearing, Bettencourt criticized a City of Austin plan to close part of Congress Avenue to cars and build a pedestrian plaza. The city has since revised the plan to keep Congress Avenue open to cars. Crossley of Farm&City noted that Austin’s project was meant to complement a state project on the same street, which closed Congress Avenue to cars for three blocks north of the Capitol and created a pedestrian promenade.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88 due to heart failure following a stroke and coma. His health had been a concern for some time, especially after a 38-day hospitalization earlier this year for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia, exacerbated by his chronic lung disease.
His death triggers a series of established procedures within the Church, including the Conclave, where cardinals will gather to elect his successor.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis assumed the papacy after the surprising resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He quickly revitalized the Church with his humility, emphasis on the poor, and outspokenness on issues like capitalism and climate change. His progressive views and outreach to marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ Catholics, garnered widespread admiration but also alienated conservative factions within the Church.
In June 2022, he penned his final will, requesting a simple burial with only “Franciscus” inscribed on his tomb at St. Mary Major Basilica. He expressed gratitude for the prayers he received and asked for continued prayers for his soul. “The suffering that became present in the latter part of my life I offered it to the Lord for world peace and brotherhood among peoples,” he wrote, reflecting his lifelong commitment to peace and unity.
Global Reactions to His Death
Leaders from around the world, representing diverse faiths and backgrounds, mourned the Pope’s passing. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, praised Pope Francis as “a steadfast advocate for the developing world,” highlighting his commitment to justice, compassion, and environmental protection.
The Catholic archbishop of Mexico City, Carlos Aguiar Retes, emphasized the Pope’s deep devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a significant figure for Mexico’s Catholic majority. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the Pope’s “great legacy of true love for one’s neighbors.”
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who had a historic meeting with the Pope four years ago, expressed his deep respect for Pope Francis’s role in promoting peace, tolerance, and solidarity with the oppressed.
Pope Francis’s Impact and Controversies
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by both significant progress and internal tensions. He championed environmental protection, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, earning him global respect. However, his critiques of capitalism and his more welcoming stance towards LGBTQ+ Catholics sparked controversy among conservative Catholics.
His efforts to address clerical sexual abuse were commendable but also faced criticism for being too slow and insufficient. Despite these challenges, Pope Francis leaves behind a complex but undeniably impactful legacy. He will be remembered as a Pope who sought to bridge divides, prioritize the marginalized, and reorient the Church towards a more compassionate and inclusive future.
Pope Francis blessing the gathered faithful from a balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Sunday.Credit…Yara Nardi/Reuters
The passing of a pope marks the beginning of a deeply symbolic and carefully structured process.
Pope Francis, who died Monday, left his mark even on this final chapter. Known for his humility and pastoral heart, Francis revised the traditional funeral rites in 2023, simplifying the ceremonies to reflect the role of a shepherd, not a monarch. These changes were codified in the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis,” the Vatican’s official guidebook for papal funerals.
Pope Francis greets the faithful in Vatican City.
Courtesy: Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
From Final Breath to Sacred Confirmation
Unlike previous popes, whose deaths were confirmed in the grandeur of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis requested a more modest approach. His final moments took place in the Santa Marta residence, where he chose to live during his papacy. The official declaration of death was made not in a bedroom but in his personal chapel, a change made both for practicality and to underscore his desire for simplicity.
The Vatican’s top health official confirmed the cause of death and prepared the medical report. The pope’s body, dressed in a white cassock, was placed in the chapel. There, the camerlengo—Cardinal Kevin Farrell—led the solemn ritual confirming the pope’s passing.
Honoring the Body and Preparing for Farewell
In keeping with the revised traditions, the body is no longer placed in the historic trio of cypress, lead, and oak coffins. Instead, Francis’ remains will rest in a single wooden casket with a zinc lining. He will wear red liturgical vestments, his bishop’s miter, and the pallium, a woolen stole signifying his pastoral authority. Nearby, the Paschal candle—symbolizing resurrection—will remain lit.
The camerlengo then prepares a written declaration of death, attaching the physician’s certificate. The master of liturgical celebrations, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, determines when the faithful may begin paying their respects.
Liturgy at St. Peter’s Basilica
When the pope’s body is brought into St. Peter’s Basilica, the Litany of Saints is sung. No longer placed on an elevated bier, the coffin will rest at pew level, facing the congregation. This adjustment, introduced by Francis, brings the ritual closer to the people, echoing his broader message of humility and accessibility.
The evening before the funeral, a white cloth will be gently placed over the pope’s face. A bag of coins minted during his papacy and a document recounting key moments of his tenure—the “rogito”—are sealed inside the coffin. This scroll, read aloud before burial, is also preserved in the Vatican archives.
A Funeral for a Pastor, Not a Prince
The funeral Mass is traditionally led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, currently 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. If necessary, the vice dean or another senior cardinal may preside. Pope Francis recently extended both their terms to ensure continuity.
The ceremony itself reflects his deep commitment to portraying the pope as a servant of Christ, not a political figure. The coffin, bearing the papal coat of arms and a simple cross, is sealed and prepared for final burial.
Final Resting Place at St. Mary Major
Unlike many of his predecessors interred beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis chose a different resting place: the Basilica of St. Mary Major. His devotion to the Marian icon housed there, the Salus Populi Romani, was a defining feature of his pontificate. After every international journey, Francis would stop there to pray before the image of Mary holding the child Jesus.
“It’s my great devotion,” Francis told Mexico’s N+ network when he revealed his burial wishes. “The place is already prepared.”
The Novemdiales and the Conclave Ahead
With his burial, the Catholic Church enters a period of nine official days of mourning, known as the novemdiales. During this time, masses and prayers will honor the late pope while cardinals from around the world prepare to gather. Following tradition, a conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor, who will emerge as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Keep up with updates from what follows with the Pope’s passing with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Harris County Residents Head to the Polls for Local Races and Bond Measures
Early voting is underway in Harris County for the upcoming May 3 joint election, which features a range of local contests and ballot items. While this is not a county-wide election, eligible voters in specific areas will weigh in on new leadership and important measures affecting their communities.
Check Your Ballot Before You Go
Because not all Harris County residents are eligible to vote in this election, officials are encouraging voters to visit HarrisVotes.com. By clicking on “What’s on My Ballot” and entering your address, you can find out if you have any races or propositions to vote on.
Key Dates and Voting Hours
Early voting runs from Monday, April 22, through Monday, April 29. Most polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. April 22 is also the final day to request a mail-in ballot.
What’s on the Ballot?
Several local city council races are on the ballot, including positions in Friendswood, Jersey Village, Nassau Bay, and Pasadena. Voters in Pasadena will also elect a new mayor.
In addition to city leadership, various municipal utility district (MUD) proposals are up for consideration across the county.
Tomball ISD’s $429 Million Bond Proposal
One of the most significant education-related items is a $429 million bond referendum for Tomball Independent School District. If approved, the funds would support the construction of a new intermediate school and comprehensive safety upgrades across the district.
Plan Ahead
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to vote in this election or need to find your polling location, it’s best to confirm your status and details as soon as possible through the county’s election website.
With local leadership and major funding decisions on the line, this election offers residents the chance to shape the future of their cities and school districts. Keep up with early voting updates on the May 3 election with us on Que Onda Magazine.
