HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A deadly crash involving a pedestrian along Highway 225 westbound has shut down a portion of the freeway on Monday morning, according to police.
Houston TranStar reported a two-vehicle crash on SH-225 westbound at Bearle Street, leading to a complete road closure.
The Pasadena Police Department confirmed a pedestrian was fatally hit on the freeway at about 5:45 a.m.
Police have not said how the incident happened.
All traffic is being diverted as the investigation continues.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Warm weather continues in this new week, but eventually the air should cool off ahead of some increasing rain chances near the end of the month.
Temperatures Monday morning should start off in the upper 50s and low 60s. Patchy dense fog could develop for the morning drive. Once the fog burns off, abundant sunshine will push temperatures back into the mid 80s. This basic pattern will continue on Tuesday, expect more clouds will mean it won’t get as warm in the afternoon.
When will it cool down again?
We do have a weak cool front penciled in to arrive late Friday or early Saturday. This will cool off temperatures to near normal for Saturday and Sunday. At this time of year, average highs are in the mid 70s and average lows are in the mid 50s.
When can we expect more rain?
The best we can offer up this week is a 10% chance on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday when the cool front arrives. About 10 days from now we expect a pattern change that will allow Pacific storm systems to move through Texas and the southern Plains. This will bring a chance of storm weather around the turn of the month, and we will have to monitor the sky in early April for the possibility of severe weather.
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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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.
“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.
Robert Mueller, who led the Federal Bureau of Investigation after the September 11 attacks and later served as special counsel in the Russia probe, has died at 81, his family announced.
Career of Public Service
Mueller was the FBI’s second-longest serving director, appointed by George W. Bush in 2001. He oversaw a major shift toward counterterrorism following 9/11 and later stayed beyond his term at the request of Barack Obama.
A Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, Mueller earned multiple honors, including the Purple Heart, before building a long career as a federal prosecutor.
Russia Investigation and Legacy
In 2017, he was appointed special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election, including ties to Donald Trump’s campaign. His 2019 report found no criminal conspiracy between the campaign and Russia.
Mueller was widely regarded as a disciplined and principled leader. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and five grandchildren.
The standoff comes after Democrats blocked multiple GOP-backed funding bills, demanding policy changes to immigration enforcement. Republicans have rejected those conditions, leaving key agencies like Transportation Security Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency underfunded.
Trump said ICE could take on expanded security and immigration enforcement roles at airports, though specifics remain unclear.
Impact on Travelers and Workers
The shutdown has already hit airport operations nationwide. Thousands of TSA workers have missed paychecks, and travelers are reporting long lines and delays.
Ongoing Negotiations
Talks continued this week, led by border adviser Tom Homan, with lawmakers signaling some progress but no deal yet.
Meanwhile, Senate leaders including John Thune and Chuck Schumer remain divided, with Democrats pushing for immediate TSA funding while broader immigration negotiations continue.
Heavy storms—marking the second major rain event in a week—have caused widespread flooding across the island. Authorities say more than 230 people have already been rescued from life-threatening conditions, with search and rescue operations ongoing in hard-hit areas like Haleiwa and Waialua.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi described the damage as “catastrophic,” with dozens, possibly hundreds, of homes impacted.
Evacuations and Dam Concerns
Around 5,500 residents have been evacuated as a precaution near the Wahiawa Dam. Governor Josh Green said the dam remains stable for now but is being closely monitored as water levels approach critical thresholds.
Officials previously warned the dam was at “imminent risk of failure,” though water levels have since begun to trend downward.
Ongoing Weather Threats
Rain is expected to continue across Hawaii, with an additional 2 to 7 inches forecast in some areas. Strong winds up to 45 mph could down trees and power lines, worsening already dangerous conditions.
Meanwhile, parts of the Big Island face a separate winter storm warning, with up to 10 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 70 mph at higher elevations.
Widespread Damage Across Hawaii
Flooding has damaged homes, roads, schools, and critical infrastructure. On Maui, at least one hospital evacuated patients due to flood impacts. Early estimates suggest total damages could exceed $1 billion.
Emergency crews, including the National Guard, remain deployed statewide as officials urge residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo set a new record on Saturday with the Grand Champion Junior Steer selling for $1.5 million.
The Grand Champion steer, Zinger, was raised by Mason Grady of John County 4-H. Grady is a five-time exhibitor at the Houston rodeo, with his family participating in the event for more than two decades.
When asked if he got any sleep the night before after being crowned Grand Champion, Grady replied, “Practically none! I mean, how can you sleep after something as amazing as that!”
Zinger was sold for a new Rodeo record of $1.5 million to Trinity River Land & Cattle Company. Stephen Kolek, who represented Trinity River Land & Cattle Co., said the group was proud to support youth through the livestock auction.
“We are proud of what we can do to support young students’ futures,” Kolek said.
The Reserve Grand Champion steer also set a new record for RodeoHouston on Saturday. The steer, named Ryan, was raised by Jett Hale of Miami FFA and was sold for $750,000.
Hale, repeat top exhibitor at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, said the moment was just as meaningful as previous years.
“It doesn’t get old at all,” Hale said. “This experience is incredible.”
The donors on the Reserve Grand Champion lot were Laura and Steve McNear, Lisa and Chris Cunningham, and Barbara and Don Jordan.
Since its beginning in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has committed more than $660 million to the youth of Texas and education through its various auctions and events.
“It’s incredible to see everybody supporting us,” Hale said, expressing gratitude to donors and the broader Rodeo community. “We’d like to thank each and every one of you.”
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A woman was hospitalized with gunshot wounds as a SWAT scene unfolded in Houston’s Washington Corridor on Saturday, police said.
According to the Houston Police Department, police responded to a shooting report in the 3200 block of Center Street near Studemont just after 5:30 a.m.
Authorities said a 911 caller reported seeing a man with a gun and then reported hearing gunshots. SWAT responded and was on the scene into Saturday afternoon, officers said.
According to HPD, SWAT was able to enter a home and detain several people in connection with the incident. HPD did not say whether those detained were suspects or what they were doing inside the home.
Details are limited. Officials have not revealed how or why the shooting occurred.
The woman’s condition is unknown, and no other injuries have been reported.
This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.
Watch live breaking news coverage from ABC13 on our 24/7 streaming news channel.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A break-in at two apartments in Braeswood on Friday led police to arrest the alleged serial Montrose burglar.
Bobby John Henry, 56, was arrested Friday and is facing six counts of burglary of a habitation.
Jason Stein said he did not know Henry was wanted when he called 911.
He said he had gotten home from work at about 5 p.m. and was walking his dogs in the grass behind the complex when he saw some items on the ground outside of a neighbor’s apartment. At first, Stein said he did not think much of it, but quickly realized something was off.
“I noticed that the other door was open and I saw someone throw an item out the window,” Stein said.
Stein put his dogs back in his apartment and started recording the man, later identified by police as Henry. Video shows Henry made it over a chain link fence into a field behind the complex and then put items into a bag.
“I yelled at him,” Stein said. “I asked him, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ and he stood up and yelled belligerently. He was incoherent.”
He called 911 and said he was able to show police the video and point them in the man’s direction. He said he got a call shortly after from police confirming they had the man in custody.
Victims have told ABC13 over the last couple of weeks that the suspect stole jewelry and valuables. He was caught on video crawling through their doggy doors and kitchen windows.
Those same victims told ABC13 Saturday that after hearing that he was arrested, they were relieved.
After looking at Henry’s mugshot online that law enforcement put out during a news conference two weeks ago, Stein confirmed it was the same man.
“It’s him for sure, and I’m quite surprised at that,” Stein said. “Assuming that, by what I saw, he looked extremely unsophisticated.”
Henry remains in jail as of Saturday night.
For more on this story, follow Mycah Hatfield on Facebook, X and Instagram.
TOMBALL, Texas (KTRK) — A man has been charged with two felonies after allegedly trying to hide a gun and shell casings when he discovered that his toddler had shot himself in Tomball Thursday morning, according to court documents.
Records show that the toddler’s father, 25-year-old Lucas Nahum Benitez, was charged with deadly conduct involving a discharged firearm, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
Court documents state that the three-year-old’s mother, Bailey Falbo, was lying on the bed in her apartment while the child was on the floor next to her playing with a toy, when she heard a “pop” noise, followed by crying. Falbo and Benitez immediately took him to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the hand, the documents add.
According to the documents, Falbo told officers that she owns a handgun and keeps it in her purse with the safety on, adding that her purse was on the counter that morning, however, when officers searched the apartment, they did not find the purse or gun.
Both parents were present at the hospital when staff members notified the Tomball Police Department about the child’s injury and, shortly after hearing about police involvement, Benitez told Falbo that he was going to turn off the car but never returned, records explain.
Documents further detailed that later that afternoon, hospital staff told officers that a man, identified as Santiago Herrera-Fernandez, came to the hospital with a large purse and a child’s bookbag, claiming that the items belonged to Falbo, and that Benitez had called to ask him for help earlier.
The two met at a CVS, where Benitez gave the bags to Herrera-Fernandez, and told him that he had “tossed” the gun, the documents stated.
Benitez is currently in jail and was expected to appear in court Friday.
