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Monday, May 4, 2026

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Briones Announces $33.5M Investment for Safety and Flood Protection in Precinct 4

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones announced a $33.5 million investment in infrastructure projects aimed at improving public safety, mobility and flood protection across Alief, Sharpstown, Westchase and surrounding neighborhoods.

Places 4 People Initiative

The funding is part of Briones’ third annual Places 4 People initiative and combines $10.9 million from Precinct 4 with $22.6 million from partners including the City of Houston, Houston Parks Board, the Westchase District and Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 20.

Key Projects

Major projects include a $25.6 million overhaul of the flood-prone Alief Forest South neighborhood, street and drainage improvements in Lakeside Estates, new shared-use trails and pedestrian crossings in Alief and Shadowlake, roadway redesigns in Westchase, and a new mobility trail connecting Sharpstown to the Bayou Greenway.

Long-Term Impact

Since 2023, Places 4 People has delivered more than $250 million in investments across 59 projects. The newly announced funds are expected to be available in fiscal years 2027–2028.

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

Minneapolis on Edge After Fatal ICE Shooting

Minneapolis remained tense Thursday following the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer during the Trump administration’s latest immigration enforcement actions. Schools canceled classes and activities as a precaution, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz urged residents to remain calm.

Protests Erupt Near Federal Building

As dawn broke, dozens of people gathered near the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling, which houses an immigration court and other federal agencies. Protesters chanted, waved American flags and held signs demanding ICE leave Minnesota.

Officials Demand ICE Exit

State and local officials called for ICE to withdraw after an officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good in the head. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said federal agents would not leave the state.

Clashes With Police

Demonstrations escalated as police used smoke-releasing devices to disperse the crowd. Protesters were pushed farther from the building entrance as the gathering stretched beyond two hours.

Community Anger and Fear

Patrick Riley, one of the demonstrators, questioned why the Minneapolis area had become a focal point for federal enforcement. Protesters carried signs reading “ICE Out Now,” “We deserve to be safe in our community,” and “Resist Fascism,” while chanting slogans calling for justice and accountability.

Tribal Council Issues Warning

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians tribal council warned citizens to avoid federal law enforcement, saying members should expect ICE agents to detain and harm them. The council urged tribal members to document encounters with ICE and announced the tribe’s Minneapolis embassy would remain closed for the rest of the week.

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

Trump Signals Long-Term US Oversight

President Donald Trump suggested that U.S. involvement and oversight of Venezuela could continue for a prolonged period — potentially longer than a year — following a U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. When asked how long the U.S. would remain engaged in governing and stabilizing Venezuela, Trump said “only time will tell” and indicated it could last “much longer.”

Oil Transfer Deal With United States

Trump also announced that Venezuela’s interim government has agreed to send up to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, which would be sold at market prices and the revenues used to benefit both countries. The plan is part of a broader strategy to leverage Venezuela’s oil resources in the post-Maduro period.

Political and Legislative Pushback

Back in Washington, some lawmakers are seeking to curb further military or executive actions in Venezuela, expressing concern over the scope and duration of U.S. involvement. Debates continue in Congress about war powers and the long-term policy direction following the Maduro removal.

U.S. Strategic Vision for Venezuela’s Future

U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have outlined a phased plan that starts with stabilization, moves to economic recovery — involving access for U.S. oil companies — and eventually aims for a political transition. The approach underscores a mix of economic and geopolitical goals in the region.

Maduro’s Capture and Interim Leadership

Deposed President Maduro and his wife have appeared in U.S. federal court in New York. Meanwhile, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim leader, though the situation remains fluid amid competing claims of legitimacy and intense international scrutiny.

If you’d like a concise timeline of how events unfolded or key reactions from international leaders, just let me know.

For more on U.S.’s Venezuelan involvement, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Rain chances creep up ahead of cold front arriving Friday night

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We are now two days away from some big weather changes, but first we have to get through two more potentially record warm afternoons.

A strong wind developing overnight should prevent widespread dense fog from forming, so Thursday morning’s drive should be less stressful with improved visibility. Temperatures will remain well above average with a morning low in the upper 60s and an afternoon high near 80. Widespread clouds are expected to limit sunshine, and some of those clouds could drop some rain. There’s a 20% chance you’ll come across some rain. The wind will also be gusting at times over 30 mph.

Friday’s weather will be similar to Thursday’s, just with a higher 60% chance for rain as the cold front blows in during the evening.

Are we expecting any severe weather with Friday’s front?

We do expect the front to produce a chance for thunderstorms, but severe weather looks unlikely. The Storm Prediction currently gives about a 5% chance we’ll be near a severe thunderstorm on Friday, and we agree with that assessment. While there could be tornadoes to our northeast in Louisiana, if a storm turned severe in Southeast Texas, it would likely be due to gusty winds or hail.

How’s marathon weekend looking?

Chilly! Friday’s front will knock us back into more typical winter territory Saturday and Sunday. Expect a steady north wind at 20 mph under a cloudy sky Saturday, limiting highs to the upper 50s. Temperatures at the start of the marathon on Sunday will be in the low-to-mid 40s. Highs on Sunday will only climb into the low 60s with a north breeze around 15 mph. While the clouds on Saturday will still be fairly thick, Sunday will bring a thin layer of high clouds that should allow sunshine through.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no freezes in our 10 day forecast, but there’s still a lot winter left to get more freezing weather. In fact, signals are growing that a colder pattern will develop across Canada and the United States during the second half of January.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

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!

Weinstein Returns to Court for Pivotal Hearing

Harvey Weinstein is set to appear Thursday in a Manhattan courtroom for a hearing that could determine whether he is granted a new trial. The proceeding centers on claims of juror misconduct raised by the defense.

Juror Pressure Allegations

Defense attorneys say two jurors later reported they were pressured to convict Weinstein. Judge Curtis Farber will decide whether to hear testimony from those jurors before ruling on the motion for a new trial.

Conviction and Possible Appeal

Weinstein was convicted in connection with the 2006 sexual assault of Mimi Haley, a former production assistant on Project Runway. He has not yet been sentenced on that count. If the judge denies the motion, defense lawyers say they plan to appeal.

Custody and Retrial Plans

The 73-year-old remains in custody at Rikers Island, where he has been held for nearly six years. His representatives describe him as medically fragile. A mistrial was declared on a separate rape charge involving actress Jessica Mann, and prosecutors have said they intend to retry that case, with Judge Farber expected to address next steps during the hearing.

For more on Weinstein’s criminal case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

EU Raises Alarm Over Greenland Remarks

European Union officials have discussed possible responses if U.S. talk of acquiring Greenland proves serious, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The comments underscore growing concern in Europe over statements involving the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

“Extremely Concerning” Messages

Speaking Thursday in Cairo alongside Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty, Kallas said messages coming from Washington about Greenland are “extremely concerning,” signaling unease among EU leaders about the implications for sovereignty and regional stability.

White House Reaffirms NATO Commitment

The White House sought to temper concerns, with spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt saying President Donald Trump remains committed to NATO even as his administration holds active discussions about a potential U.S. purchase of Greenland.

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

Rain chances creep up ahead of cold front arriving Friday night

0

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We are now two days away from some big weather changes, but first we have to get through two more potentially record warm afternoons.

A strong wind developing overnight should prevent widespread dense fog from forming, so Thursday morning’s drive should be less stressful with improved visibility. Temperatures will remain well above average with a morning low in the upper 60s and an afternoon high near 80. Widespread clouds are expected to limit sunshine, and some of those clouds could drop some rain. There’s a 20% chance you’ll come across some rain. The wind will also be gusting at times over 30 mph.

Friday’s weather will be similar to Thursday’s, just with a higher 60% chance for rain as the cold front blows in during the evening.

Are we expecting any severe weather with Friday’s front?

We do expect the front to produce a chance for thunderstorms, but severe weather looks unlikely. The Storm Prediction currently gives about a 5% chance we’ll be near a severe thunderstorm on Friday, and we agree with that assessment. While there could be tornadoes to our northeast in Louisiana, if a storm turned severe in Southeast Texas, it would likely be due to gusty winds or hail.

How’s marathon weekend looking?

Chilly! Friday’s front will knock us back into more typical winter territory Saturday and Sunday. Expect a steady north wind at 20 mph under a cloudy sky Saturday, limiting highs to the upper 50s. Temperatures at the start of the marathon on Sunday will be in the low-to-mid 40s. Highs on Sunday will only climb into the low 60s with a north breeze around 15 mph. While the clouds on Saturday will still be fairly thick, Sunday will bring a thin layer of high clouds that should allow sunshine through.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no freezes in our 10 day forecast, but there’s still a lot winter left to get more freezing weather. In fact, signals are growing that a colder pattern will develop across Canada and the United States during the second half of January.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

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!

New Dietary Guidelines Revise Alcohol Advice

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Updated federal dietary guidelines released Wednesday by the Trump administration make a notable change to how alcohol consumption is addressed, shifting away from specific daily drink limits.

From Drink Limits to General Moderation

Instead of recommending up to two drinks per day for men and one for women, the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise people to simply “limit alcoholic beverages.” The guidance also removes any distinction between men and women, despite research showing they metabolize alcohol differently.

Officials Defend the Change

Administration officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, said past drink limits were not based on clear scientific thresholds. Oz described alcohol as a “social lubricant,” suggesting small, occasional amounts in social settings rather than regular consumption.

Criticism From Health Advocates

Public health groups criticized the update for lacking clear warnings about alcohol’s risks. The U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance said the guidelines fail to address links between alcohol and cancer, violence, and other long-term health consequences.

Health Risks Remain Well-Documented

The CDC and World Health Organization warn that no amount of alcohol is completely safe, linking drinking to higher risks of cancer, heart disease, liver disease and alcohol use disorder. Health experts stress that limiting or avoiding alcohol remains the safest option.

For more health guidelines and recommendations, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Governor Orders Guard to Prepare After ICE Shooting

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he has issued a warning order to prepare the National Guard following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent during federal operations in Minneapolis, while urging residents to protest peacefully.

Victim Identified, Accounts Disputed

The woman killed was identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis resident. Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey strongly disputed federal claims that the shooting was an act of self-defense, with Walz calling the death “preventable” and “unnecessary.”

Federal Officials Defend Agent’s Actions

The Department of Homeland Security said the ICE agent fired “defensive shots,” claiming Good attempted to run over officers with her vehicle. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump both said the agent acted lawfully in self-defense.

Protests Erupt Near Scene

The shooting sparked protests less than a mile from where George Floyd was killed in 2020. Law enforcement deployed tear gas and pepper spray as crowds gathered, and some protesters threw snowballs at officers.

City Leaders Push Back

Mayor Frey said video of the incident does not support claims of self-defense and accused ICE of reckless use of force, telling agents to leave Minneapolis. City officials said Good was not the target of any law enforcement action.

Investigation Underway

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, working with the FBI, is investigating the shooting. State officials said no formal request has been made yet to deploy the National Guard, but preparations are in place if needed.

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

Council Approves Stormwater Demolition Plan

Houston City Council voted 9–7 to approve spending $30 million in stormwater funds to demolish abandoned and dangerous buildings that officials say interfere with drainage and contribute to flooding concerns across the city.

Debate Over Use of Funds

The proposal drew pushback from several council members and City Controller Chris Hollins, who questioned whether demolishing buildings is an appropriate use of stormwater funds. Councilmember Edward Pollard called the connection between building demolition and drainage maintenance “very far-fetched.”

City Defends Legal Authority

City attorneys told council the plan is legally sound, and Mayor John Whitmire defended the measure as a response to urgent neighborhood safety concerns. “People are pleading with us to demolish dangerous buildings,” Whitmire said during the meeting.

Thousands of Properties Under Review

The city has identified more than 300 properties already declared dangerous, while Houston Public Works maintains a list of over 2,000 properties that could qualify. Officials said the list will be reviewed and prioritized before final approvals are issued.

Supporters Cite Root Cause of Flooding Issues

Backers of the plan argue abandoned buildings often attract illegal dumping that clogs nearby drainage systems. Councilmember Amy Peck said demolition could reduce repeated maintenance costs by addressing the source of debris entering stormwater infrastructure.

Opposition Raises Legal Concerns

Councilmember Abbie Kamin, who voted against the measure, warned of potential legal challenges, pointing to past court rulings that restricted the use of flood mitigation funds for unrelated purposes. Despite those concerns, the city attorney’s office reaffirmed its conclusion that the funding use complies with the law.

Follow along with the weekly Houston City Council sessions with us on QueOndaMagazine.com