HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is in its final week, and some goers will see a change in its code of conduct policies.
Some of the changes include the following:
HLSR reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other guests.
Clothing that is not appropriate for the HLSR Show grounds includes, but is not limited to, clothing with objectionable material (including obscene language or graphics), excessively torn cloth, visible undergarments, and/or clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment.
Wearing clothing, visible tattoos or any other attire bearing the name, insignia, colors, or other indicia of affiliation to a criminal street gang is prohibited on HLSR Show grounds.
A full list of attire prohibitions and more is listed in the document below.
Visitors can review the full Guest Code of Conduct online at RODEOHOUSTON.com, according to a release from HLSR.
Visitors to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo can learn more about agriculture and horticulture at Agventure, an educational exhibit inside NRG Center. The exhibit runs through March 22 and offers hands-on learning opportunities about farming, gardening and the environment.
At the exhibit, Harris County Master GardenerIvonne Zaldivar shares tips with visitors about gardening, native plants and the importance of pollinators.
Native plants’ resiliency
“We just want people to help themselves get some information and educate themselves about all our native plants and what they can grow in their backyard,” Zaldivar said.
From left: Harris County Master Gardeners Jane Hughson Myers, Ivonne Zaldivar, Marilyn Lane, and Roslyn Allen inform on gardening to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo visitors at NRG Center on March 6, 2026. Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine.
Ramirez explained that native plants are species naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
“Native plants are any plants that thrive in our environment,” she said. “Houston has a very harsh climate. We either have a very hot sun or a very tough winter. Our native plants usually thrive in our types of environments and our soils, and they always come back year after year.”
Because of their resilience, Ramirez said many native plants can be a good option for beginners, especially those interested in supporting pollinators.
Native plants for beginner gardeners
“Native plants for beginners — it depends on what you want to do,” she said. “If you want to try pollinators, I would go with some Turk’s cap, probably some Texas sage. There are other types of sage as well — maybe some primrose, some bluebonnets.”
Longhorns in a field of Texas native wildflower bluebonnets.
Several native flowering plants that grow well in the Houston area and attract pollinators include Turk’s cap, Texas sage, Texas lantana, evening primrose, Texas bluebonnets, firewheel or Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers. These plants provide nectar and habitat for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Ramirez noted that many native plants are beginner-friendly because they often return year after year either on their own or through self-seeding.
“Perennial natives usually come back every year,” Zaldivar said. “You just have to basically prune them at the end of the season, and right in spring they usually come back.”
Yellow black-eyed susan and Indian blanket wildflowers are captured in this photo.
Supporting the vital role of pollinators
She also emphasized the vital role pollinators play in the ecosystem and food supply.
“Without our pollinators, we wouldn’t be able to grow any food,” she said. “They’re very small. We have the bees, we have the butterflies, we have moths, and I think we need to focus on all pollinators and not just one.”
In addition to native plants, other popular flowers that tend to perform well in Houston’s climate include zinnias, cosmos, lantana and salvia, which can add color to gardens while supporting pollinators.
For people preparing their gardens this spring, Ramirez said getting started can be simple.
Ready, set, and plant this spring
“What you can start doing is go to your local home garden,” she said. “Get your native plants, get some mulch, and just plant them in the ground right now.”
Agventure gives rodeo visitors a chance to connect with master gardeners while learning practical ways to support local ecosystems from their own backyards.
CONROE, Texas (KTRK) — Two women were killed after authorities said a man crashed his truck and opened fire into a Conroe-area home on Monday.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 300 block of Shoreview Drive near Cut and Shoot for a deadly shooting.
Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said the department received a 911 call at about 2 p.m. on Monday from an estranged wife who said her husband had crashed his vehicle into the home and was coming in.
Doolittle said the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Stanley Hardin, then entered the home and fired multiple gunshots, hitting and killing a 50-year-old woman and an 80-year-old woman, who officials believe to be Hardin’s wife and mother-in-law.
The suspect then fled the scene and went to his son’s home, then to his own home on Ivy Drive about 5 miles away, according to officials, who said that was where he surrendered to law enforcement.
Neighbors shared photos of the surrender and the law enforcement response, which included SWAT officers, because they were concerned about more violence.
Hardin will be charged with capital murder, according to Doolittle.
Neighbors said they had seen the wife as recently as last week. They have adult children, and he is a disabled veteran.
Doolittle said the husband and wife were recently estranged, which can often be a volatile and sometimes deadly time.
“When there is high emotion, people are ending relationships and such, I would tell folks to contact the Montgomery County Women’s shelter if they believe they are in danger,” Doolittle said.
The investigation is still ongoing.
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Freeze Warning is in effect until 9 am Tuesday north of Houston as temperatures could briefly dip down into light freeze territory.
The freeze is mostly likely to occur outside the urban heat island of Houston, especially north of I-10. It would be wise to protect any cold-sensitive plants like tropical varieties or vegetable seedlings as just 1-2 hours of freezing temperatures can cause significant damage. The air now looks to be too dry for any significant frost to form. Sunshine will rapidly warm the dry air Tuesday with temperatures in the 50s by noon and warming into the 60s for afternoon highs.
How long will the cold air stick around?
Not long at all. Highs and lows will warm about 10 degrees each day between Wednesday and Thursday, leaving us in record high territory for the weekend as temperatures surge toward 90 degrees!
Are we expecting any more frosty mornings or light freeze before summer?
It will be very difficult to get temperatures down into frost territory again after Tuesday morning, but it cannot be 100% ruled out for the end of March and early April.
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Houston Dynamo FC entered the 2026 Major League Soccer season with several offseason roster changes designed to strengthen the squad after missing the playoffs in 2025.
Houston opened the campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire FC on Feb. 22 at Shell Energy Stadium. Brazilian winger Guilherme Vieira da Silva scored twice in his debut, providing an early spark for the Dynamo offense. The team followed the win with a 2-0 loss to Los Angeles FC, leaving Houston with a 1-1 record early in the season.
The Dynamo’s offseason was highlighted by several key additions. Houston signed Polish attacking midfielder Mateusz Bogusz from Cruz Azul in one of the most expensive transfers in club history. The 24-year-old is expected to play a central creative role in the Dynamo attack and help drive the team’s transition play.
Houston also added Guilherme from Santos FC as a designated player. The 30-year-old arrives with nearly 100 professional goals and extensive experience across Brazil and the Middle East, bringing proven scoring ability to the Dynamo’s front line.
Another major storyline was the return of veteran midfielder Héctor Herrera, who rejoined Houston after spending the 2025 season with Deportivo Toluca F.C. in Mexico’s Liga MX. Herrera, a two-time MLS All-Star with Houston, previously captained the club to the 2023 U.S. Open Cup title and is expected to provide leadership in midfield.
The Dynamo also strengthened their roster depth with several additional signings, including Brazilian defender Lucas Halter, Argentine midfielder Agustín Bouzat and forward Nick Markanich, who joined on loan for the 2026 season. Defender Franco Negri was also added to bolster the back line.
Houston continued to invest in young talent as well. The club signed 15-year-old academy product Matthew Arana to a homegrown contract, making him the youngest first-team signing in franchise history.
The team remains under the leadership of head coach Ben Olsen, who is entering his fourth season with the club. With a mix of experienced international signings and young academy talent, the Dynamo are aiming to return to playoff contention in the Western Conference as the MLS season continues this spring.
George Russell won the season-opening 2026 Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, leading a dominant one-two finish for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team at the Albert Park Circuit.
Russell started from pole position and controlled much of the race to secure the victory in the first round of the Formula One season. Teammate Kimi Antonelli finished second in an impressive performance in his first full season, giving Mercedes an early lead in the constructors’ championship.
Charles Leclerc finished third for Scuderia Ferrari, while teammate Lewis Hamilton placed fourth. Lando Norris completed the top five for McLaren Formula One Team.
The race followed a competitive weekend that began with practice sessions on Friday and Saturday, as teams worked to understand the new 2026 technical regulations governing aerodynamics and power units. Ferrari and McLaren showed early pace in practice, with Leclerc and Norris posting some of the fastest laps as teams experimented with setups and tire strategies around the 5.278-kilometer (3.28-mile) street circuit at Albert Park.
In qualifying Saturday, however, Mercedes emerged as the team to beat. Russell secured pole position with a strong final lap in Q3, while Antonelli locked out the front row for Mercedes with the second-fastest time. Leclerc qualified third for Ferrari, followed by Hamilton in fourth and Norris in fifth.
Qualifying also produced drama for defending champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, who crashed late in the session and was forced to start from the back of the grid. Verstappen delivered one of the race’s standout drives Sunday, climbing through the field to finish sixth while setting the fastest lap.
The weekend also brought disappointment for home favorite Oscar Piastri. The McLaren driver struggled during qualifying and his weekend ended before the race after a crash prevented him from taking the start in front of his home crowd.
Leclerc briefly challenged Russell early in the race and at one point took the lead before Mercedes regained control through pit strategy and pace. Russell maintained the advantage through the closing laps to claim the victory and take the early lead in the drivers’ standings.
The 58-lap race marked the beginning of a new era for Formula One with sweeping technical regulation changes affecting car design and power units. Mercedes’ strong performance in Melbourne suggested the team may have adapted quickly to the new rules.
Russell’s win gives him an early lead in the drivers’ championship while Mercedes leaves the opening weekend atop the constructors’ standings as the season heads to its next round.
In the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward, a small shoe shine parlor has quietly become a beacon of hope, humanity, and healing. Now, the story of the man behind it all is stepping into the spotlight.
SHINE, a new documentary from Grand Rio Entertainment, captures the life and legacy of Mike Straughter, the beloved owner of Chase Shoe Shine Parlor. For more than 20 years, Mike has done far more than restore the shine to worn-out shoes – he’s restored spirits, uplifted neighbors, and built a community rooted in kindness.
Inside his modest shop, city leaders, longtime residents, and passersby alike have found more than a service – they’ve found sanctuary. With every conversation and every act of generosity, Mike has quietly become a pillar of the Third Ward, embodying the kind of grassroots compassion that rarely makes headlines but deeply shapes lives.
Mike Straughter at Chase Shoe Shine Parlor, where every shine comes with a story.
“SHINE is about more than one man’s story,” says Tracey Satterwhite, the film’s director and producer. “It’s about how everyday acts of kindness can ripple through a community and change lives. Mike is a living example of how one person’s light can brighten an entire neighborhood.”
The documentary features intimate interviews with Mike, his loyal customers, and community leaders who speak to his enduring impact. From giving shoes to those in need to mentoring local youth, Mike’s contributions are woven into the very fabric of the Third Ward.
The film will make its world premiere on November 12, 2025, at Houston’s iconic River Oaks Theatre. Proceeds from the event will benefit Houston Blue Santa, a cherished local initiative that brings holiday joy to children and families in need.
Produced by Grand Rio Entertainment – a Houston-based company known for telling authentic, character-driven stories – SHINE is a tribute to the extraordinary power of everyday people. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the brightest lights come from the most unexpected places.
Real Madrid are reportedly planning a major move to sign Michael Olise from Bayern Munich.
According to reports, club president Florentino Pérez is interested in bringing the winger to Spain this summer. However, Bayern are reluctant to sell the 24-year-old, whose contract runs through 2029 and does not include a release clause.
Liverpool FC are also monitoring Olise as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Arsenal Determined to Keep Calafiori
Arsenal FC are reportedly committed to keeping defender Riccardo Calafiori despite interest from several Italian clubs, including Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus FC and SSC Napoli.
The 23-year-old defender is reportedly settled in London and not actively seeking a move away from the Emirates.
Chelsea Tracking Young Talent
Chelsea FC are exploring a move for teenage winger Rayane Messi from RC Strasbourg Alsace.
The 18-year-old prospect has also drawn interest from FC Barcelona, Paris Saint‑Germain and Bayern Munich.
Other Transfer Rumors
Arsenal FC are considered favorites to sign Leon Goretzka when his Bayern Munich contract expires.
Olympique de Marseille want striker Jonathan David if they qualify for the Champions League, though several Premier League teams are also interested.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Europe’s top clubs continue positioning themselves for potential blockbuster deals.
Michael B. Jordan made history at the 98th Academy Awards, winning Best Actorfor his dual performance in Sinners during the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026. The victory marked Jordan’s first Oscar win and nomination, solidifying his breakthrough moment in Hollywood.
Jordan earned the award for playing twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the film directed by Ryan Coogler. His performance topped a competitive category that included Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Wagner Moura, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The win capped a late awards-season surge for Jordan after strong showings earlier in the year.
While Jordan’s victory was one of the night’s most talked-about moments, the top honor went to One Battle After Another, which won Best Picture and several other awards. Director Paul Thomas Anderson also took home Oscars for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, helping the film become the biggest winner of the night.
Sinners also delivered historic achievements beyond Jordan’s win. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography, a milestone celebrated during her acceptance speech.
Another cultural moment came when the song “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters won Best Original Song, marking the first K-pop track to win both an Oscar and a Grammy. The animated film also won Best Animated Feature, further highlighting the growing global influence of K-pop and Korean creators in entertainment.
Other notable winners included Sean Penn for Best Supporting Actor in One Battle After Another and Amy Madigan for Best Supporting Actress in Weapons. Meanwhile, Frankenstein collected three technical awards for costume design, makeup and hairstyling, and production design.
Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony celebrated major cinematic achievements while delivering historic milestones across acting, music, and filmmaking.
The98th Academy Awards celebrated the best in filmmaking on Sunday, March 15 at the Dolby Theatre, with comedian Conan O’Brien hosting Hollywood’s biggest night. The ceremony honored standout films, performances, and creative achievements from the past year, delivering memorable moments and historic wins.
Another major contender, Sinners, entered the ceremony with a record 16 nominations and secured four awards, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan and Best Original Screenplay for director Ryan Coogler. The film also made history when cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography.
Several performances stood out among this year’s nominees.
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan for Sinners
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for One Battle After Another
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan for Weapons
Other Notable Oscar Wins
Several films earned recognition across technical and creative categories:
Best Animated Film: KPop Demon Hunters
Best Original Song: “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters
Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
Best International Film: Sentimental Value (Norway)
Best Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup & Hairstyling: Frankenstein
The ceremony also marked a rare tie in the Best Live-Action Short Film category, with The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva sharing the award — the seventh tie in Oscars history.
Hollywood Celebrates Film’s Biggest Night
With emotional speeches, standout fashion, and historic achievements, the 2026 Oscars showcased the creativity and diversity of modern cinema. From breakthrough performances to groundbreaking filmmaking milestones, the night honored the artists shaping the future of the movie industry.
