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White House Responds to Questions About Deadly Iran School Strike

Edward Saenz
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White House Responds to Questions About Deadly Iran School Strike

WASHINGTON — The White House faced intense questions this week after reports from Iranian media claimed a deadly strike hit a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran, killing dozens of children.

During a press briefing, Shawn McCreesh, a correspondent for The New York Times, asked Karoline Leavitt directly whether the United States was responsible for the attack.

“Did the United States airstrike a girls elementary school and kill 175 people?” McCreesh asked.

U.S. Says Strike Claims Are Under Investigation

Leavitt said there is no confirmation that U.S. forces targeted the school, emphasizing that the situation is still under investigation by the U.S. Department of Defense.

“Not that we know of,” Leavitt said. “The United States of America does not target civilians.”

She also accused Iranian officials of spreading propaganda and warned reporters against assuming the U.S. was responsible for the strike.

Iranian outlets reported that the Shajarah Tayyebeh all-girls elementary school in the city of Minab was struck, leaving as many as 175 people dead, most of them children. The claims surfaced amid escalating tensions following joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes targeting Iranian leadership and military infrastructure.

Pentagon Responds

Earlier in the day, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, also addressed the allegations.

“We of course never target civilian targets, but we’re taking a look and investigating that,” Hegseth said.

Rising Tensions Between U.S. and Iran

The school strike allegations come during a period of heightened conflict between the United States and Iran. Recent attacks have reportedly killed senior Iranian officials, while retaliatory drone strikes from Iran have resulted in the deaths of six U.S. service members.

Officials say the investigation into the school incident remains ongoing as international scrutiny grows over civilian casualties in the conflict.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Heavy truck crash with lost load shuts down I-45 at Vauthier St. in both directions, officials say

Indira Zaldivar
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Heavy truck crash with lost load shuts down I-45 at Vauthier St. in both directions, officials say

LA MARQUE, Texas (KTRK) — A heavy truck crash along a portion of the Gulf Freeway is slowing down drivers in the La Marque area on Thursday morning.

Houston TranStar reported the two-vehicle incident just after 10:20 a.m. on I-45 at Vauthier Street, where the freeway is shut down in both directions.

The La Marque Police Department said one of the vehicles involved is a commercial truck that was carrying rocks, which spilled onto the northbound lanes.

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said I-45 northbound and southbound between FM 519 are shut down due to the roadway hazard.

SkyEye flew over the heavy backups along the freeway as authorities responded to the scene.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

It’s unclear what may have led to the crash, but La Marque police said no injuries were reported.

ABC13 has real-time traffic data to help you navigate Houston’s roads and avoid traffic delays.

Sign up for traffic alerts that are sent straight to your phone through our ABC13 app. Manage your notifications from the settings tab.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine and ABC13 Houston.

Houston’s weather pattern turns stormier this weekend and for part of Spring Break

ABC13 Houston
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Houston’s weather pattern turns stormier this weekend and for part of Spring Break

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our weather feels more like May than March, and all that soupy air eventually turns into a high chance of showers and thunderstorms this weekend and during the middle of Spring Break.

Another cloudy, breezy day with temperatures warming into the low-to-mid 80s, challenging the record high of 84 degrees. Rain chances remain low for most of us Thursday and Friday until a storm front blows in this weekend.

Tell me more about those weekend rain chances.

A storm front blowing into Texas this weekend will eventually send a line of showers and thunderstorms into Southeast Texas on Saturday before stalling out on Sunday. This front should generate a fairly solid line of showers and thunderstorms that is expected to rumble through Southeast Texas sometime Saturday afternoon or evening. An ABC13 Weather Watch is up for the potential of severe storms to develop. Damaging winds, hail and a brief isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, so make sure you’re staying looped in on the forecast while we hammer out the details. The storms should outrun the front Saturday night, leaving the front stalled somewhere in Southeast Texas. Once the atmosphere warms up on Sunday, widely scattered showers will pop up. Right now we have your rain chance at 70% for Saturday and 60% for Sunday.

How much could we pick up this weekend?

At this time we expect most to pick up an inch or less, but locally higher amounts are possible with the potential for some street flooding where the heavier storms track. Street flooding is possible but does not look like a significant threat at this time.

When could it rain during Spring Break?

A more powerful storm system will plow through Texas late Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing another round of high rain chances. This weather system will pose a greater risk of severe weather, but details remain fuzzy at this time. After it clears out, we should have delightful weather for the remainder of Spring Break with lots of sunshine, low humidity, and temperatures more in line with March than May.

Are we expecting any more frosty mornings this winter season?

Not at this time. While we can’t 100% rule out another run at frosty weather later in March or even April, odds favor those who want to start tending to their garden beds. We might make it into the 40s behind the cold front arriving during Spring Break, but that shouldn’t pose a threat to tropical plants.

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!

J Balvin brings reggaeton to RODEOHOUSTON

Indira Zaldivar
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J Balvin brings reggaeton to RODEOHOUSTON

NRG Stadium turned into a global reggaetón party Tuesday night as RODEOHOUSTON welcomed its first Latino performer of the 2026 season: J Balvin.

The Colombian superstar wasted no time igniting the crowd, opening his set with the international smash hit “Mi Gente.” Within seconds, the energy of Medellín, Colombia, filled Houston’s NRG Stadium, transforming the world’s largest rodeo into a vibrant Latin music celebration.

J Balvin greeted fans with an open invitation to join his “Latino gang,” welcoming not only Latinos but anyone who appreciates the rhythm and culture of reggaetón. He also shared a heartfelt message about the pride he feels performing in Spanish for audiences around the world, emphasizing how far Latin music has come on the global stage.

“Orgulloso de ser latino y cantar en español para el mundo entero,” J Balvin said during the concert.

A Proud Moment for the Latino Community

Colombian musician and University of Houston Ph.D. candidate Marco Hernandez attended the show and described the performance as both electrifying and meaningful.

“He is a great artist, full of energy and I think he represents many of the, I would say like the Colombia and you know, the energy,” Hernandez said.

Balvin’s roll call of Latinos from various Latin American countries — along with shoutouts to Houstonians — resonated deeply with fans in attendance.

“Proud, you know, like, you know, like all the diversity represents all of us,” Hernandez added.

Hit After Hit at NRG Stadium

The hour-long performance was packed with fan favorites. Balvin delivered high-energy renditions of hits like “Ginza,” “Sigo Extrañándote,” “X (Equis),” and “Reggaetón,” keeping the crowd perreando from start to finish.

He also performed collaborations that have defined the genre’s mainstream takeover, including “No Me Conoce” with Bad Bunny and “I Like It” alongside Cardi B.

Fans were also treated to a live debut of his new collaboration with Ryan Castro, “Tonto,” marking a special moment in the show.

As the lights dimmed and the final beats echoed through the stadium, Hernandez summed up the night best:

“He should be back maybe next year. I think we all enjoy it. I saw the crowd, you know, like singing the songs. I didn’t stop dancing throughout the show, so it was a great experience.”

The RODEOHOUSTON runs everyday through March 22. For more on the RODEOHOUSTON concert series, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Primary Election 2026: Key Winners and May Runoffs

Edward Saenz
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Texas Primary Election 2026: Key Winners and May Runoffs

Texas voters have narrowed the field after a high-stakes primary, setting up several major runoffs ahead of the May election.

U.S. Senate

State Rep. James Talarico clinched the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate with 53% of the vote. The Austin lawmaker and former teacher will advance to November.

On the Republican side, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is headed to a runoff against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after neither surpassed 50%. The GOP showdown is expected to intensify ahead of May.

November matchup: Talarico vs. Cornyn or Paxton.

Texas Governor

Gov. Greg Abbott secured over 80% of the Republican primary vote as he seeks a fourth term.

Democrats nominated State Rep. Gina Hinojosa with 60%, setting up a general election clash in a state that hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since 1990.

November matchup: Abbott vs. Hinojosa.

Lieutenant Governor & Attorney General

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick easily won the GOP primary. Democrats will see a runoff between State Rep. Vikki Goodwin and Houston labor leader Marcos Velez.

The Attorney General race is also runoff-bound. Republicans Mayes Middleton and Chip Roy will face off in May. On the Democratic side, State Sen. Nathan Johnson is likely headed to a runoff against attorney Joe Jaworski.

North Texas House Races

In District 30, Dallas pastor Freddy Haynes won the Democratic nomination.

In District 33, former Congressman Colin Allred is attempting a political comeback, while incumbent Julie Johnson seeks to hold her seat. Both parties face runoffs.

Dallas County District Attorney

Former Judge Amber Givens holds a narrow lead over incumbent John Creuzot in the Democratic primary. With no Republican challenger, the winner will likely become the next DA.

Texas Comptroller

Former State Sen. Don Huffines won the Republican nomination for Texas Comptroller, defeating acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock despite Gov. Abbott’s endorsement of Hancock.

Runoffs are scheduled for May, with November’s general election now coming into sharper focus.

For more on the midterm elections, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

BAFTAS host says everyone was ‘let down’ since racial slur incident

Indira Zaldivar
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0
BAFTAS host says everyone was ‘let down’ since racial slur incident

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming says everyone was “let down” after a racial slur was shouted at presenters Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan during the Feb. 22 ceremony in London.

The incident occurred at the British Academy Film Awards, where Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson yelled expletives — including the slur — as Lindo and Jordan took the stage to present best visual effects. The actors briefly paused before continuing.

In an Instagram post, Cumming apologized to Black viewers and to the Tourette community, calling the night a “trauma triggering s—show.” He said the only possible good to come from the moment is a reminder that “words matter” and that trauma should be recognized and honored.

“We were all let down by decisions made to both broadcast slurs and censor free speech,” he added.

Davidson, executive producer of the documentary “I Swear,” has coprolalia, a form of Tourette syndrome involving involuntary offensive language. He later said his tics are unpredictable and not reflective of his beliefs. “My tics are not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values,” he said, describing them as an “involuntary neurological misfire.”

BAFTA said it had informed guests about Davidson’s condition and apologized to Lindo and Jordan, pledging to learn from the incident and keep inclusion at the core of its work.

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

Harris County Judge Race Headed to Runoffs After Primary Results

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Harris County Judge Race Headed to Runoffs After Primary Results

The race to replace Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is officially headed to runoffs after no candidate secured the required 50% of the vote in Tuesday’s primary election.

With 100% of precincts reporting, both major parties now face extended contests before voters decide who will advance to the November general election.

Democratic Primary: Parker vs. Plummer

On the Democratic side, former Annise Parker came closest to clinching the nomination outright, earning 46.62% of the vote — just shy of the majority threshold.

She will face former Houston City Councilmember Letitia Plummer, who secured 37.29%.

Business owner Matt Salazar, the third Democratic candidate, did not advance.

The Democratic runoff will determine who carries the party’s banner in a county that has trended blue in recent election cycles.

GOP Primary: Tight Battle for Second

The Republican contest remains even more competitive. Former Harris County Treasurer and Houston City Councilmember Orlando Sanchez finished first with 26.46% of the vote but failed to reach 50%, triggering a runoff.

Less than 1,000 votes separate second and third place. Business owner and Air Force veteran Warren A. Howell captured 20.79%, while Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association President Marty Lancton followed closely with 20.57%.

The final runoff matchup on the Republican side will be confirmed after vote totals are finalized.

Other GOP candidates included Aliza Dutt and Spring Branch entrepreneur George Harry Zoes.

What’s Next?

Both party runoffs are scheduled for May 26. The winners will face off in November to succeed Hidalgo, who opted not to seek a third term.

With Harris County serving as the nation’s third-largest county, the outcome of this race could significantly shape local policy on infrastructure, public safety, and disaster response for years to come.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Mother arrested again after 2-year-old son found wandering alone in diaper, court records show

ABC13 Houston
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Mother arrested again after 2-year-old son found wandering alone in diaper, court records show

By Luke Jones, ABC13 Houston.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A north Harris County woman has been charged with abandoning her children for the second time in the last year, according to court records.

Vinkia Olive, 25, was already out on bond for a child abandonment charge when her 2-year-old son was spotted walking alone Sunday evening.

A security guard at the rental home community where Olive lives on West Road near Veterans Memorial told Harris County sheriff’s deputies Olive’s son was barefoot, crying, and wearing only a diaper.

The security guard said that when he returned the boy to his home, the door was wide open and multiple other children were alone inside.

A 10-year-old reportedly told deputies that their mom had been gone for two hours.

“Your kids shouldn’t be left alone,” said Dr. Glenn Wilkerson, president of The ARK Group, which offers parenting classes. “A 2-year-old? And she left the door open? I mean, that’s just criminal.”

Last June, prosecutors say Olive left four children under the age of nine home alone with access to knives.

Her attorney told Eyewitness News that it wasn’t what it sounded like, but said he wasn’t able to share specifics.

In Sunday’s case, Olive allegedly told deputies that she had gotten food poisoning and had left her kids to get medication.

“To leave kids alone, even to go take care of some medical situation. You just don’t do that. You just don’t do that. You make some other arrangements so that the kids are safe while you’re gone,” said Wilkerson.

When Eyewitness News knocked at Olive’s door, two young children answered.

A woman eventually came to the door but wouldn’t identify herself, and when asked about the allegations, said, “I don’t know nothing about that.”

Deputies say CPS told them Sunday that they already had an open case on Olive and that the children would go to their grandmother.

Court documents don’t specify what actions CPS took after last year’s arrest.

“The Department of Family and Protective Services has no public record to share because specific details of CPS investigations are confidential according to law,” the agency told Eyewitness News in a statement.

“The kids ought to be removed,” said Wilkerson.

In addition to the two child abandonment charges, Olive is also fighting a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity from last year.

Prosecutors said that she stole more than $30,000 worth of merchandise from Bath and Body Works.

For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Small chance for a big storm Wednesday, higher rain chances for Houston this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Small chance for a big storm Wednesday, higher rain chances for Houston this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our weather feels more like May than March, and all that soupy air eventually turns into a high chance of showers and thunderstorms this weekend.

After a muggy morning with low temperatures near 70, we’ll get enough sunshine to break through the clouds to warm temperatures back into the mid 80s, about 15 degrees above normal for this time of year. There’s also a small chance for a strong thunderstorm Wednesday west of I-45 where the air will become fairly unstable.

Rain chances will remain fairly low Thursday and Friday, then jump up when a storm front blows in this weekend.

Tell me more about those weekend rain chances.

It now looks like the front coming into Texas this weekend will actually move into Southeast Texas on Saturday before stalling out on Sunday. This front should generate a fairly solid line of showers and thunderstorms that is expected to rumble through Southeast Texas Saturday afternoon and evening. At this time we cannot rule out severe weather with this storm front, so make sure you’re staying looped in on the forecast while we hammer out the details. The storms should outrun the front Saturday night, leaving the front stalled somewhere in Southeast Texas. Once the atmosphere warms up on Sunday, widely scattered showers will pop up. Right now we have your rain chance at 70% for Saturday and 60% for Sunday.

How much could we pick up this weekend?

At this time we expect most to pick up an inch or less, but locally higher amounts are possible with the potential for some street flooding where the heavier storms track. Street flooding is possible but does not look like a significant threat at this time.

Are we expecting any more frosty mornings this winter season?

Not at this time. While we can’t 100% rule out another run at frosty weather later in March or even April, odds favor those who want to start tending to their garden beds. Some long-range computer model guidance points to brief cool down the week of Spring Break with temperatures dropping into the 40s or 50s.

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!

Emergency Alerts in Houston: Bridging the Language Gap Across Our Diverse Communities

Que Onda Editorial
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Emergency Alerts in Houston: Bridging the Language Gap Across Our Diverse Communities

Emergency Alerts in Houston: Bridging the Language Gap Across Our Diverse Communities

Houston’s emergency alerts don’t always reach every neighborhood in time—especially when language barriers get in the way. Many bilingual and Spanish-speaking families miss crucial updates that could save lives during hurricanes, floods, or other disasters. This guide breaks down how you can sign up for emergency alerts Houston offers and make sure you get bilingual emergency alerts, so you and your loved ones stay informed and prepared. Learn more about ensuring your family is ready by visiting this link.

Understanding Emergency Alerts in Houston

Emergency alerts in Houston are vital for keeping everyone safe, but how exactly do these alerts get issued? Let’s explore the process and the challenges faced, especially when language barriers come into play.

How Alerts Are Issued

When severe weather or other emergencies arise, the city of Houston sends out alerts to residents. These alerts are crucial for safety and typically come from trusted sources like the National Weather Service, Harris County OEM alerts, or ReadyHarris alerts. They inform you about hurricanes, floods, or other emergencies that may affect your area.

But how do these alerts reach you? Most of the time, they are sent through multiple channels: text messages, emails, TV broadcasts, and radio stations. AlertHouston sign-up is one way to ensure you receive these notifications directly. You can choose your preferred language for these alerts, helping you stay informed in a way that suits you best.

Common Language Barriers

Despite the robust system in place, many people face hurdles due to language barriers. In a city as diverse as Houston, it’s essential to cater to everyone. However, language gaps can prevent Spanish-speaking residents from getting critical information in time. This situation is more common than you might think and leaves many families vulnerable during emergencies.

For instance, if alerts are only sent in English, non-English speakers might not fully understand the urgent messages. This gap underscores the importance of bilingual emergency alerts. According to a case study, language barriers can significantly slow down emergency response times. Organizations like LanguageLine have highlighted how vital language support is in emergencies.

Enhancing Bilingual Emergency Communication

To tackle these language barriers, Houston aims to improve bilingual emergency communication. There are simple steps you can take to ensure you receive alerts in Spanish, helping you and your family stay safe and prepared.

Steps for AlertHouston Sign Up

Signing up for AlertHouston is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps:

  1. Visit the AlertHouston website: You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one.

  2. Enter your contact details: Add your phone number and email address to receive alerts.

  3. Select your preferred language: Choose Spanish or another language you’re comfortable with to get alerts in both English and Spanish.

These steps ensure that you’re not only informed but also understand the alerts sent your way. Plus, selecting your language preference means you’ll be ready for any emergency, from hurricane alerts in Spanish to flood warnings in Houston Spanish.

Tips for Wireless Emergency Alerts in Spanish

Your mobile phone can be a lifeline during emergencies. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) provide urgent notifications directly to your phone. Here are some tips to make sure you get these alerts in Spanish:

  • Check your phone settings: Make sure your phone is set up to receive emergency alerts.

  • Choose Spanish as your language: Adjust your phone’s language settings, which can help receive Spanish emergency notifications.

  • Test the alerts: Periodically, check if your phone receives test alerts, ensuring you’ll get real ones in emergencies.

The longer you wait to set this up, the more you risk missing out on critical information. Don’t let language barriers put you at risk. With these steps, you can ensure bilingual emergency alerts are working for you.

Bridging the Language Gap in Emergencies

Closing the language gap in emergencies isn’t just about technology—it’s about community effort and collaboration with local media.

Community-Driven Solutions

Community involvement plays a crucial role in bridging language gaps. Many local organizations and community groups are stepping up to help. They provide resources and support for families with limited English proficiency emergency needs. By engaging with these groups, you can find additional support and information tailored to your needs.

Moreover, initiatives like community preparedness Houston projects focus on educating residents about disaster readiness. They offer workshops and resources in multiple languages, including Spanish, to ensure everyone understands how to stay safe. Check out this link for more insights on community-driven solutions.

Collaborating with Local Media Partners

Local media partners like Telemundo Houston and ABC13 Houston play a pivotal role in disseminating multilingual public safety Houston alerts. They work closely with the city to broadcast emergency alerts in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking communities are kept in the loop.

Media partnerships are a powerful tool in overcoming language barriers. By tuning into these stations, you can stay updated with abc13 Houston breaking news and Telemundo Houston alerts. They often cover stories that impact the Hispanic community, providing a cultural connection and a reliable source of information.

By taking these steps and leveraging local resources, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared and informed, no matter what language you speak. Remember, staying informed is staying safe.

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