A worsening water crisis in Corpus Christi is raising concerns about supply shortages, industrial demand and long-term sustainability as South Texas grapples with persistent drought conditions.
City officials say declining water levels in key reservoirs, including Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir, have strained the region’s primary drinking water sources. Below-average rainfall and rising temperatures have accelerated evaporation, leaving water supplies at times near critical levels.
The situation has been compounded by rapid industrial growth along the coast, where energy and export facilities require large volumes of water to operate. Long-term contracts between the city and industrial users have drawn scrutiny from residents and some policymakers, who worry those agreements could limit flexibility during extended drought periods.
In response, Corpus Christi has implemented staged water restrictions aimed at reducing nonessential use. Measures have included limits on lawn watering, car washing and other discretionary consumption, as officials urge residents to conserve.
Beyond supply concerns, the city has also faced questions about water quality. Past incidents involving chemical contamination prompted temporary advisories and heightened public concern over infrastructure oversight and environmental safeguards.
Local leaders are now weighing a series of long-term solutions to stabilize the water system. Among the most prominent proposals is the construction of a desalination plant along the Gulf Coast, which would convert seawater into potable water and provide a more drought-resistant source. Other strategies include expanding pipeline infrastructure, improving reservoir management and strengthening conservation policies.
The challenges facing Corpus Christi reflect broader trends across Texas and the U.S. Southwest, where population growth, industrial expansion and climate-driven drought are placing increasing pressure on limited water resources.
Officials say the decisions made in the coming years will be critical to ensuring a reliable water supply for both residents and industry in one of the state’s fastest-growing coastal regions.
For City of Houston Attorney Arturo Michel, public service has always been rooted in purpose, community, and a deep understanding of the law.
Born in the Chicago area to Mexican immigrants, Michel’s early life was shaped by service. His father, a doctor, often treated migrant workers after hours—an example that would later influence Michel’s own commitment to helping others.
Michel earned a degree in economics from Northwestern University before beginning his career in San Antonio with MALDEF, where he conducted statistical analysis for Voting Rights Act cases. He later obtained his law degree from University of Michigan Law School.
His journey eventually brought him to Houston, where he spent 18 years at Bracewell LLP, including a decade as a partner specializing in public law. His work focused on local governments, school districts, and higher education institutions—laying the foundation for his future in city leadership.
Michel first stepped into the role of city attorney in 2004 under Bill White, serving the entirety of his administration. He briefly continued under Annise Parker before returning to private practice. In 2020, Sylvester Turner called him back to serve during the final years of his term. Today, Michel continues in the role under John Whitmire.
“It’s an exciting job,” Michel said. “My primary duty is to understand the priorities of the mayor and council and ensure that the proper legal resources are put toward addressing the needed issues.”
A Day-to-Day Focus on Houston’s Biggest Challenges
As city attorney, Michel oversees a wide range of legal matters impacting one of the nation’s largest and most diverse cities. His work supports key priorities including the city budget, public safety, housing, and homelessness.
“The main thing is making sure you’re putting resources toward what the mayor and city council are focused on,” he explained. “Part of it is anticipation—understanding what’s needed and making sure the legal team is working on the right things.”
Houston’s size and financial structure present unique challenges. As Michel noted, the city operates under a revenue cap, requiring careful allocation of limited resources while addressing growing demands.
Leadership Through Experience
Michel’s decades-long career in public law includes major contributions across Houston institutions. Among his notable work, he played a role in renaming schools within Houston Independent School District that previously honored Confederate figures—an effort reflecting broader community values.
Despite the high-profile nature of his role, Michel emphasizes collaboration.
“Like any lawyer will tell you, you’re part of a team,” he said.
That team extends beyond City Hall. Michel highlighted the importance of accessibility, especially in a multilingual city like Houston.
“Anytime someone contacts the city attorney’s office, we make sure we have someone who can speak their language,” he said, noting services are available for Spanish, Vietnamese, and other communities.
Transparency, Accountability, and Public Trust
Michel acknowledges that public trust is critical, particularly amid scrutiny over contracts and city decisions. He points to increased transparency and accountability as key priorities.
“When issues arise, the city puts that information forward,” he said. “There’s been a big emphasis on showing how the process works so people understand it.”
He also addressed the city’s approach to policing and accountability, noting that while misconduct is taken seriously and prosecuted when necessary, supporting officers who follow the law is equally important.
Addressing Growth and Affordability
As Houston continues to expand, Michel says housing affordability remains one of the city’s most pressing concerns. Efforts such as apartment inspection ordinances and housing programs aim to ensure residents have access to safe and affordable living conditions.
“This is the big issue in America these days,” he said. “Houston has done a remarkable job and will continue to provide resources.”
A Message to the Community
Outside of work, Michel is a father of three and remains active in the legal community, having served as president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston and the Texas Association of Community College Attorneys. His contributions have earned recognition from multiple legal organizations, including MALDEF.
To young Latinos aspiring to leadership roles, Michel offers simple advice:
“Follow your passion. Get involved. There are people who want to help you grow and succeed.”
He also emphasized the importance of community, particularly Houston’s Latino population.
“We value you,” he said. “This community provides so much. If people continue to stay engaged, Houston will only grow stronger.”
Las artistas puertorriqueñas Ivy Queen y Young Miko encabezan la lista de homenajeadas en la cuarta edición de Billboard Latin Women in Music, anunciaron Billboard y Telemundo. A ellas se suman figuras destacadas como Becky G, Joy y Julieta Venegas, quienes también serán reconocidas por su impacto en la industria.
El especial de dos horas se transmitirá el 23 de abril y celebrará a mujeres latinas que están impulsando cambios significativos y promoviendo mayor inclusión en la música.
Ivy Queen recibirá el premio Pionera, un reconocimiento a su trayectoria de más de tres décadas como una de las figuras clave del reguetón. Su influencia ayudó a abrir puertas para nuevas generaciones de mujeres en un género dominado por hombres, consolidando un legado artístico y cultural que sigue vigente.
Por su parte, Young Miko será distinguida como Artista Imparable, destacando su ascenso desde 2021 y su presencia en las listas musicales. Con colaboraciones exitosas y giras internacionales, la artista se ha posicionado como una de las voces emergentes más influyentes de la música latina actual.
Entre otras homenajeadas de esta edición figuran Becky G, quien recibirá el premio Impacto Global; Joy, galardonada con Espíritu de Cambio; y Julieta Venegas, reconocida con Excelencia Artística. Todas representan distintas generaciones y estilos que han marcado el panorama musical latino.
En ediciones anteriores, el evento ha reconocido a figuras como Anitta, Belinda, Celia Cruz, Chiquis, Natti Natasha, Olga Tañón y Selena Gomez, consolidando su relevancia como plataforma de reconocimiento.
Billboard Latin Women in Music se ha posicionado como la única gala televisada dedicada a celebrar a las mujeres latinas que transforman la industria musical. Nuevas homenajeadas, así como presentaciones y artistas invitados, serán anunciados próximamente.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Splendora High School has been placed into a secure hold following a reported altercation between a student and a staff member on Thursday morning, officials say.
It is unclear what led to the incident, but students will not be released, and instruction will continue on as scheduled.
ABC13 has a crew en route to uncover additional information. This is a developing story and will be updated once new details come in.
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston police are looking for a suspected shooter after they say two men were injured at a restaurant in Upper Kirby on Wednesday night.
The Houston Police Department said the double shooting happened at Confessions, a bar and restaurant located along Kirby Drive and Richmond Avenue.
The victims, who HPD says are both in their 20s, are currently in local hospitals, according to a lieutenant with the department.
“They’re both in very critical condition,” Lt. R. Willkens said.
Willkens said this started when two men attempted to take jewelry from the suspected shooter. He said that led to an altercation involving multiple people inside the restaurant.
“They start having a fist fight,” he said. “They’re beating this guy up pretty bad.”
That’s when the shots were fired, according to the lieutenant.
“We don’t know where he got the gun from,” Willkens said. “He started shooting randomly.”
Willkens said it’s unknown if the two men who were shot are the same ones who tried to take the suspected shooter’s necklaces.
“Investigators are going to get over here and get to the bottom of it,” he said.
The lieutenant said the shooter ran off following the shooting.
In a statement, the restaurant’s owner, Sterling Lewis, said they are working with HPD throughout the investigation.
“Confessions does not condone violence of any kind, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that compromises the safety and well-being of our guests and staff,” the statement read, in part.
Willkens asked anyone with information to contact the Houston Police Department’s major assaults division at 713-308-8800.
HOUSTON, TEXAS (KTRK) — The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation sent out a notice in early November saying it would no longer offer the massage therapy licensing exam in Simplified Chinese.
The agency first announced it would offer the exam in Simplified Chinese in July 2023 after receiving feedback from the industry, 13 Investigates confirmed. The state also offers the test in English and Spanish.
Individuals looking to become a massage therapist have to take the exam, but it is not required to renew an existing license.
The state said 59% of all Texas massage exam customers took the Simplified Chinese version in fiscal year 2024, according to the notice. That number grew to 62% in fiscal year 2025.
“Language accommodation should be balanced against the risk of enabling bad actors,” the agency wrote in the email. “Ending free Simplified Chinese translation services is a necessary step in disrupting organized criminal networks and reducing the spread of (Illicit Massage Businesses) in Texas.”
13 Investigates reached out to TDLR in November, and they told us the number of exams given in Simplified Chinese did not reflect the demographics of Texas massage students or licensees.
They went on to say that further review found the translated exam had become “a factor in schemes connected to human trafficking and organized criminal networks.”
ABC13 spoke to the executive director of Asian Texans for Justice, who said the decision feels discriminatory.
An agency spokesperson said ending the exam was a “necessary step” to disrupt organized criminal networks and illicit activity.
The 13 Investigates team has been working for months to learn specifics about TDLR leadership’s decision-making process. The team will break down what they found tonight at 10 p.m. on ABC13.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Moisture levels will rise over the next few days and bring back chances for showers and thunderstorms. This stormy weather pattern will persist through the weekend and much of next week.
Thursday morning starts with a mostly cloudy sky as moisture blows in from the Gulf. There’s a slim chance of a stray shower as temperatures start in the low 60s. Those rain chances will creep up to 30% Thursday as moisture continues to flow inland, especially west of I-45. Temperatures will again top out close to 80, which is near average for early April.
How do rain chances fluctuate over the next few days?
We are expecting a stormy pattern to settle in, but the rain chances will vary each day based on how much moisture is available and the tracks of upper air disturbances. Friday looks to bring the highest chance for rain at 60% when a weak upper air disturbance blows through. We’ll be right on the edge of the prime storm chances in Texas this weekend, so for now we have a 40% chance for rain in the forecast Saturday and Sunday. There are signs that Sunday’s rain chances may need to go higher, especially late in the day and north of Houston.
Any severe weather possible?
Severe weather is possible in Texas, but the threat to our part of the state looks low at this time. An isolated strong storms could approach severe levels on Friday and again on Sunday.
Does this weekend look like a compete washout then?
No! But we are expecting scattered showers and storms each day, especially in the afternoons. If you plan on going to the Art Car Parade in downtown Houston this Saturday afternoon, take an umbrella! We’ll keep you updated as the forecast timing comes into greater clarity.
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A $180 million investment will be made to “transform” the Toyota Center, the home of the Houston Rockets and soon-to-be Houston Comets, according to new reports.
The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon, when Houston Mayor John Whitmire said during a city council meeting that the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority would officially announce it later that day.
Officials confirm renovations will begin this month, on the interior before work on the exterior is slated to begin on July 1st ahead of the new NBA and WNBA season. It is predicted that it will take 14 to 15 months, but the arena is planning to stay open for events.
The mayor said that renovations, which includes 20,000 feet of event space, will completely transform the arena and are expected to complement the George R. Brown Center renovations.
The GRB expansion is set to add 700,000 square feet and plans to “reimagine” the district, according to the Houston First Corporation. The plans were unveiled last month to make it a “vibrant, walkable convention and entertainment district unlike anyplace else in the nation.”
In the first phase of the GRB expansion, officials said a 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza will provide easy access to the Toyota Center.
Harris County Commissioner Lesly Briones said in a statement Wednesday that the move will boost economic activity.
“Today’s announcement of a $180 million investment into one of our most beloved stadiums represents another step forward for the future of Houston and Harris County as a world-class sports and entertainment destination. This investment will enable increased economic development and expanded opportunities for our region. Harris County is thankful for our partners and will continue to lead with collaboration, innovation, and fiscal responsibility.”
During the city council meeting, a breakdown was given of the funds for the investments. According to Whitmire, at least $95 million will come from the state, and the rest will be handled by the Fertitta family, the Rockets’ majority owners.
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. To read the story click here.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A shelter-in-place was lifted after a gas leak in the Tomball area that forced a school to temporarily lock down was contained, officials said.
On Tuesday, Pct. 4 Mark Herman’s office shared that it was assisting the Tomball police and fire departments with a major gas leak at Westlake Run Boulevard and Shaw Road after a gas line was struck.
The Tomball Fire Department temporarily issued a shelter-in-place order for the area and advised residents to avoid it.
Wildwood Elementary School was placed on lockdown as a precaution, with students and staff remaining inside the building, Pct. 4 said. But authorities later said the school had been secured and that there were no gas issues on campus.
In a statement, CenterPoint said the incident occurred when a third-party contractor, unrelated to CenterPoint, damaged a natural gas main, adding that no customers experienced a natural gas outage.
As of 2:15 p.m., CenterPoint said the gas service to the main had been cut off, the leak was contained, and repairs were still underway, with crews working to complete them as soon as possible.
Officials urged contractors and community members to obey the law and call 811 at least 48 hours before digging to allow underground utilities to be marked and avoid potential injuries and property damage.
