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Pleasant weekend with cool mornings and lots of sunshine

ABC13 Houston
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Pleasant weekend with cool mornings and lots of sunshine

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got a lovely weekend in store for us… cooler mornings with low humidity and then a bright, sunny sky that will still make it feel pretty warm in the afternoon.

After a cool, fall-ish morning, temperatures will quickly climb into the upper 80s as it’s all sun from there on out. We keep the sunshine and warm temperatures too for Sunday afternoon with this warm stretch extending into next week too. And with this hot and dry weather, be aware that there is an increased fire danger risk is one were to spark and spread.

Will the low humidity stick around for the whole weekend?

It sure will! The weather will be great for outdoor activities, but all this sunny, dry weather will continue to dry out the ground and increase drought and fire danger conditions.

When’s our next chance for rain?

As of now, rain chances are slim over the next 10 days. We’ve got a 20-30% chance for rain as we head into next weekend, but until then it’s bone dry thanks to surface high pressure lingering across the region for the next week. This means any existing drought conditions will unfortunately get worse into the mid-October.

What is happening in the tropics?

We are continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Jerry. It’s expected to stay out at sea away from the United States. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Abbott Orders Crackdown on Hemp and Vape Shops Amid THC Regulation Debate

Edward Saenz
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Abbott Orders Crackdown on Hemp and Vape Shops Amid THC Regulation Debate

Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety and other agencies to ramp up enforcement against hemp and vape retailers suspected of selling products that exceed legal THC limits, escalating the state’s ongoing battle over how to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids.

The directive, announced Monday, instructs DPS to coordinate with local law enforcement and health agencies to conduct inspections and seize products that violate state or federal standards. It comes after months of tension between lawmakers, industry groups and regulators over the fast-growing market for consumable hemp goods like delta-8 and delta-9 gummies.

“Texas will protect children from dangerous hemp products,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase surveillance and enforcement of any vape and smoke shop violating Texas law. Texas will prioritize protecting our children.”

Under current law, hemp products in Texas must contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis — the same standard established by the federal 2018 Farm Bill. However, enforcement has proven difficult as manufacturers produce psychoactive compounds derived from hemp that skirt the definition of marijuana.

Abbott’s move follows his September Executive Order GA-56, which banned the sale of THC-containing hemp products to minors and directed state agencies to adopt stricter labeling and testing rules. The Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission are now developing permanent regulations under that order.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other Republican leaders have pushed for an outright ban on consumable hemp products, but Abbott has instead called for a regulatory framework similar to alcohol and tobacco — one that imposes age limits, testing standards and retail oversight without shuttering the industry.

The governor’s office said DPS enforcement will focus first on stores accused of selling untested or mislabeled edibles, particularly in urban areas where complaints have surged. Violations could lead to civil fines or criminal charges, depending on the product’s THC concentration and packaging.

Advocates in the hemp industry say they support more oversight but oppose what they call selective enforcement and political posturing.

The hemp market in Texas has ballooned since 2019, with hundreds of shops opening statewide and sales reaching an estimated $2.1 billion annually, according to industry analysts. Retailers say the lack of consistent enforcement has fueled both confusion and abuse.

For now, Abbott’s order signals a middle-ground approach: tightening enforcement while leaving the door open for a more structured, legal hemp economy.

Texas Marks Major Progress in Highway, Flood Control Projects

Edward Saenz
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Texas Marks Major Progress in Highway, Flood Control Projects

Texas transportation officials say they are moving ahead of schedule on several key infrastructure projects, part of a multibillion-dollar effort to expand roads, relieve congestion and improve flood resilience across the state.

The Texas Department of Transportation reported Thursday that projects ranging from highway expansions to new flyovers and drainage systems advanced in September, with some finishing months ahead of schedule.

In San Antonio, a $6.8 million turnaround bridge at the U.S. 90 and Texas 211 interchange wrapped up roughly four months early. The project is one of several in the region’s ongoing Loop 1604 expansion, a $1.4 billion effort to widen the northwest corridor from four to 10 lanes and reconfigure the outdated I-10 interchange.

TxDOT officials said five of eight planned flyover ramps are already open to traffic near The Shops at La Cantera, with the remainder expected to open by 2027.

In Houston, a $400 million project to elevate I-10 above the White Oak Bayou floodplain is entering a critical phase later this month. Beginning Oct. 24, westbound traffic will be reduced to two lanes between I-45 and Houston Avenue as crews rebuild elevated mainlanes and replace the Houston Avenue Bridge.

Several connector ramps will close for extended periods, including the I-45 southbound to I-10 westbound ramp, which is expected to remain closed until mid-2026. The I-10 eastbound to I-45 northbound ramp will stay shut through 2028.

“These projects are about more than just mobility,” TxDOT spokesperson Veronica Beyer said in a statement. “They’re about safety, flood protection and preparing Texas infrastructure for future growth.”

In Central Texas, the department is also studying an extension of U.S. 290 from State Highway 130 to State Highway 95 near Bastrop, one of the state’s most congested corridors. The 15-mile project, still in its planning stage, could include new tolled mainlanes and intersection upgrades to improve traffic flow between Travis and Bastrop counties.

Meanwhile, international contractor Ferrovial announced $720 million in new Texas infrastructure contracts, including a deep pump station connected to Austin’s I-35 Capital Express Central project. The system is designed to improve flood drainage along one of the state’s busiest urban highways.

Gov. Greg Abbott has touted the state’s 10-year, $146 billion transportation plan as a cornerstone of Texas’ long-term economic growth strategy.

“These investments ensure Texas remains the economic engine of the nation,” Abbott said in a recent statement. “We’re not just building roads — we’re building opportunity.”

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado

Michael Esparza
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Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado

Venezuelan dissident María Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democracy and challenge authoritarian rule in Venezuela.

The Nobel Committee praised her as “a brave and committed champion of peace” and highlighted her work to unite opposition forces against President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Democracy in Retreat

Announcing the award, committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydens warned of a global “retreat of democracy” as authoritarian regimes gain ground. The committee emphasized that free expression, fair elections, and representative government are essential for lasting peace.

Machado’s Response and Dedication

Machado dedicated the prize to the Venezuelan people and to President Donald Trump for his “decisive support.” In a statement on X, she called the award “a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom,” urging global leaders to stand with Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement.

A Long Career of Activism

An industrial engineer by training, Machado co-founded organizations promoting children’s welfare and free elections before winning a record number of votes for Venezuela’s National Assembly in 2010. She was expelled from office in 2014 and now leads the Vente Venezuela party. In 2017, she helped found Soy Venezuela, a coalition uniting opposition groups.

White House Criticism and Trump’s Reaction

White House communications director Steven Cheung criticized the committee’s decision, calling it “politics over peace.” Trump, who has long sought the prize, was passed over this year. The committee chair dismissed suggestions that Trump’s campaign influenced the selection, saying decisions are based solely on Alfred Nobel’s criteria.

A Symbol of Democratic Resistance

The committee said Machado “meets all three criteria stated in Alfred Nobel’s will,” praising her steadfast commitment to peaceful democratic change. Her award comes as global democratic institutions face mounting challenges, with the committee noting that more elections are being held than ever, but fewer are truly free and fair.

The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony will take place on December 10 in Oslo, Norway.

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

Florida Republican Pushes to Repeal 22nd Amendment if Trump Secures Gaza Peace

Edward Saenz
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Florida Republican Pushes to Repeal 22nd Amendment if Trump Secures Gaza Peace

Representative Randy Fine (R–Fla.) called this week for the repeal of the 22nd Amendment, which limits U.S. presidents to two terms, if Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan succeeds. He argued that Trump should be allowed to serve a third term, calling him irreplaceable.

Trump’s Mixed Signals on 2028 Run

The 22nd Amendment prohibits a third presidential term, but Trump has given conflicting statements about 2028. In August, he told CNBC he would “probably not” run again. Still, he has hinted at the idea by selling “Trump 2028” hats and saying “there are methods by which you could do it,” insisting he wasn’t joking.

Peace Deal Sparks Renewed Talk

Trump recently helped broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas. Under the first phase, which began Friday, Hamas has 72 hours to release the remaining Israeli hostages. Fine wrote on X that if the deal leads to lasting peace, “we should repeal the 22nd Amendment and thank the Lord for every day Donald Trump can be our President.”

Constitutional Hurdles Remain

Overturning the 22nd Amendment would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures—an extremely difficult political feat. Constitutional law professor Josh Blackman noted there’s no evidence suggesting a non-consecutive third term would be permitted.

Trump Eyes Recognition

Fine also said the Nobel Peace Prize “isn’t enough” for Trump after he did not receive the award, which went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Trump has long sought the prize, claiming to have “stopped eight wars.” Speaking in the Oval Office Thursday, he said, “Nobody in history has solved eight wars in nine months. I didn’t do it for that; I did it because I saved a lot of lives.”

Political Implications

Repealing the 22nd Amendment remains unlikely, but Fine’s statement underscores ongoing conversations within Trump’s circle about extending his political future beyond two terms.

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

Venezuela Calls for Emergency UN Security Council Session

Indira Zaldivar
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Venezuela Calls for Emergency UN Security Council Session

Venezuela’s government has formally requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address recent U.S. military operations near its shores. In a letter to Russia’s ambassador and current council president, Vassily Nebenzia, Caracas accused the Trump administration of trying to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro and threatening “peace, security and stability regionally and internationally.”

Fears of Imminent Armed Attack

Maduro’s government warned of a potential “armed attack” in the “very short time,” pointing to U.S. military activity in the Caribbean. Since increasing its maritime presence, the U.S. has conducted four deadly strikes against boats it says were transporting drugs. Congress recently rejected legislation that would have limited Trump’s military authority in the region.

Venezuela Accuses U.S. of Regime Change Agenda

Venezuelan ambassador to the UN, Samuel Moncada, wrote that Washington is using drug trafficking as a pretext. He argued the “ulterior motive” is to advance regime change policies and seize control of Venezuela’s natural resources.

Acknowledgment of Attacks

For the first time, Venezuela officially recognized the first of the four U.S. strikes, which it initially dismissed as fabricated. The Trump administration said three of the targeted boats departed from Venezuela. Russia, a longtime ally of the Maduro government, is expected to play a central role in the Security Council discussion.

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

“Not as humid” front brings huge humidity drop Friday

ABC13 Houston
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0
“Not as humid” front brings huge humidity drop Friday


HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A “not as humid” front that has blown through will drop humidity levels for Friday and the weekend. While it won’t exactly be cold, it will lead to a few crisp mornings and comfortably warm afternoons.

Temperatures this afternoon will peak in the low 90s under a mostly sunny sky. A dry northeasterly wind will lower the humidity through the day, then a bigger humidity drop arrives tonight.

What is the coolest it will get behind the front?

Our coolest weather will occur around sunrise on Saturday when temperatures bottom out in the upper 50s and low 60s, so if you hit the pumpkin patch early enough it might feel like something that resembles fall. But if you wait until the afternoon, it will be pretty warm again with highs in the upper 80s.

Will the low humidity stick around for the whole weekend?

It sure will! The weather will be great for outdoor activities, but all this sunny, dry weather will continue to dry out the ground and increase drought and fire danger conditions.

What is happening in the tropics?

We are continuing to monitor what is now Tropical Storm Jerry. Jerry could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane as it moves east of Bermuda this weekend. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1335

Edward Saenz
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0
¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1335

Jennifer Lopez on Her New Film and the Power of Love Through Art

Indira Zaldivar
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Jennifer Lopez on Her New Film and the Power of Love Through Art

Jennifer Lopez says her latest musical film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, comes at a crucial time for a world facing “a lot of hate.” The film explores an unexpected bond between a transgender character and a political revolutionary, carrying a message Lopez believes is urgently needed.

“We need to remind each other that love is the answer — not hate,” Lopez told CBS Mornings co-anchor Gayle King.

A Story Ahead of Its Time

Directed by Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls), the movie is based on Manuel Puig’s 1970s novel. Lopez said she was “immediately floored” by the script, describing the story as ahead of its time. It follows two characters from different worlds who, through extraordinary circumstances, come to see each other’s humanity and form a deep bond.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” Lopez said.

Playing Three Versions of One Woman

Lopez plays three different iterations of the same character, Ingrid Luna, in what she called one of her most challenging roles since Selena.

“They’re the same person, but they’re three very different iterations… The essence of who they were was very different, but still the same. And I think that was the challenge,” she explained.

One standout sequence features Ingrid performing “Where You Are,” a musical number that helps another character escape the harsh reality of prison through imagination.

“That’s what art and music and movies do for people—especially in difficult times,” Lopez said.

A Message of Acceptance

Lopez emphasized that the film’s core message is about looking past differences.

“The truth is, we’re all human, we’re all the same. If we can just see that, we can allow people to be who they are and love each other anyway,” she said.

Lopez on Bad Bunny and Artistic Openness

Reflecting on her own Super Bowl halftime performance with Shakira and Bad Bunny, Lopez praised the Puerto Rican artist as he prepares to headline the upcoming Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show.

“Music and art transcend language. He’s done that probably more than anybody of any generation,” she said.

She admired a moment when Bad Bunny brought Marc Anthony, the father of her children, onstage in Puerto Rico.

“It couldn’t have been a more perfect moment,” Lopez said.

Still a “Hopeful Romantic”

Lopez told King she prefers the term “hopeful romantic” over “hopeless romantic,” a mindset that continues to guide her personal life.

“The more self-aware I become and the more complete I feel on my own, the more I become hopeful for that same type of person to come into my life,” she said. “I’m excited for everything in the future.”

For the latest stories on our Latino and Hispanic stars such as Jennifer Lopez, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

METRO to Re-Stripe Houston Pride Crosswalk After Abbott’s Directive

Indira Zaldivar
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METRO to Re-Stripe Houston Pride Crosswalk After Abbott’s Directive

METRO announced it will re-stripe the rainbow Pride crosswalk at Westheimer and Taft in Montrose to comply with federal design and safety standards, following a directive from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Compliance With State and Federal Rules

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County said the decision comes after correspondence from the Texas Department of Transportation and an October 8 statement from Abbott’s office instructing local jurisdictions to align roadway markings with traffic control regulations to maintain funding agreements.

“Given the recent directive, we will comply with the order to preserve support that is essential to our mission of providing safe, clean, reliable, and accessible transit to all communities,” METRO said in a statement.

Abbott’s Warning to Cities

Governor Abbott ordered TxDOT to enforce roadway guidelines and threatened to withhold state and federal funding from cities that do not comply.

“Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways,” Abbott said. “Any city that refuses to comply with the federal road standards will face consequences including the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding.”

The order came less than a week after Houston repainted the rainbow crosswalk, originally removed during a METRO construction project and later restored with funding from Pride Houston and city approval.

What’s Next for Montrose Crosswalk

METRO said it will move forward with re-striping the intersection to maintain compliance and protect funding for transit projects across the Houston area. The Pride crosswalk had been celebrated as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community in Montrose but now must meet standard federal roadway markings.

For the Houston headlines that you must know, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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