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Homeless man rescues mom and her 8-month-old baby after crash into Dickinson Bayou, officials say

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By Courtney Carpenter, ABC13 Houston.

DICKINSON, Texas (KTRK) — A 22-year-old mom and her 8-month-old baby are recovering after being rescued from Dickinson Bayou Thursday night, according to officials.

The crash happened around 9:40 p.m. as the mom was driving her minivan on FM 517.

It’s unclear why she lost control, but she told first responders she hit a curb on the bridge, veered across several lanes of traffic, and then into the bayou.

Officials say a homeless man who stays in a wooded area near the bayou saw the crash happen and paddled his canoe out to rescue the mom and her baby.

By the time the man was able to get them to shore, Dickinson police were on the scene too.

The Dickinson Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the crash. They used their boat to take the tow truck driver out to the van so it could be hooked up and pulled from the water.

The mom and baby were taken to The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in League City after the crash. In an update, Det. Lupe Vasquez from Dickinson PD said the mom and her baby are out of the hospital.

Officials say they will be OK and were not seriously hurt.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

A major warmup is on the way and could break records next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — New year, new weather! The cold weather is officially gone, and now we are looking at a chance to break several daily record highs in the 80s over the next week.

You can ditch the jacket Friday morning as temperatures will be noticeably warmer, starting off in the 60s in most spots. A warm southwest wind Friday afternoon will pump high temperatures into the mid 80s, which is record territory. Some places in South Texas could even cook up into the 90s!

What should we expect for the first weekend of 2026?

The weather should be perfect for outdoor activities! Because a weak front will roll in Saturday morning, we’ll get slightly cooler mornings and comfortable afternoons with lower humidity. Highs both days will climb into the 70s. Saturday morning will start off with lows in the mid 50s, and it will be slightly cooler in the upper 40s to kick off Sunday. After the weekend, the big warmup resumes.

Is this warmup going to be as hot as it was the week of Christmas?

Not exactly, but we do have a few days popping into the low 80s, starting on Friday with a few more in the cards for next week. This means more records could fall during the first week of the New Year. Sea fog will also be a possibility as the humid air returns.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no more freezes in our 10 day forecast. The next opportunity for freezing temperatures looks to open up around mid-January.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no more freezes in our 10 day forecast. The next opportunity for freezing temperatures looks to open up around mid-January.

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!

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edition 1341

New Trump-Ordered Immigration Restrictions Take Effect Jan. 1

New immigration restrictions ordered by President Donald Trump went into effect Thursday, barring individuals from several countries from traveling to the United States, according to updated federal guidance.

Seven Countries Added to Travel Ban

Under the new rules, travelers from Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Syria are prohibited from entering the U.S. starting Jan. 1. The restrictions apply to both immigrants and nonimmigrants, based on guidance dated Dec. 29.

The White House said the measures are being implemented for national security and public safety reasons, while immigration advocates argue the policy disproportionately targets African and Muslim-majority countries.

Existing and Partial Restrictions Continue

The updated policy also maintains existing bans on travelers from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Syria. Partial travel restrictions remain in place for individuals from Venezuela and Cuba.

H-1B Visa Changes Now in Effect

The travel ban coincides with new restrictions on H-1B visas that took effect earlier this week. The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields.

Under the changes, the previous random lottery system has been replaced with a weighted selection process that prioritizes higher-wage applicants. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said the shift is intended to curb abuse of the system and encourage employers to seek higher-skilled, higher-paid workers.

Concerns From Immigration Advocates

Immigration attorneys and advocates warn the changes could sharply reduce the number of people who qualify for H-1B visas. Critics say the new system will make it more difficult for international students to remain in the U.S. after graduation and could worsen a “brain drain.”

According to USCIS, the H-1B program is capped at 85,000 visas annually, as the administration continues to pursue broader efforts to tighten immigration and visa policies.

For more on the Trump administration, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Deadly New Year’s Day Fire in Swiss Alps Resort

Around 40 people were killed and at least 115 others were injured after a fire tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s celebrations in the Swiss Alps, police said Thursday.

Blaze Breaks Out at Popular Bar

The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a well-known bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana, according to the Cantonal Police of Valais. Authorities said the blaze was of “undetermined origin” and is not being investigated as an attack.

Investigation Underway

Investigators continued working Thursday to determine what caused the fire. Officials addressed the incident during a morning press conference, emphasizing that the focus remains on establishing how the blaze started.

Swiss Leaders React

Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the incident one of the worst tragedies the country has ever experienced. “What should have been a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana,” he said, adding that the federal government received the news with profound dismay.

Major Emergency Response

Authorities described the response as a major emergency operation. A large number of police officers, firefighters, and rescue personnel were deployed to assist victims, and the area surrounding the bar was closed to the public. A temporary no-fly zone was also established over Crans-Montana.

Tourists Likely Among Victims

Police have not released the identities of those killed. Officials said it is likely that some victims were tourists, as the resort is a popular destination for skiers and holiday travelers during the New Year period.

Foreign Nationals Injured

France’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that at least two French nationals were among the injured and are being treated at local hospitals. French officials said they remain in close contact with Swiss authorities in case additional citizens are affected.

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

Body Identified as Missing Texas Teen

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Authorities have confirmed that a body found Tuesday in northwest Bexar County is that of 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who had been reported missing since Christmas Eve, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

Death Ruled Suicide

The medical examiner determined Mendoza Olmos died by suicide from a gunshot wound to the head, officials said. A firearm was found at the scene, and investigators are working to determine whether it matches a weapon reported missing from a relative.

Search Leads to Nearby Field

Sheriff Javier Salazar said Mendoza Olmos’ body was discovered in a field about 100 yards from her home. Although the area had been searched previously, authorities returned due to tall grass that may have obscured visibility. The search involved sheriff’s deputies and the FBI.

Timeline of Disappearance

Mendoza Olmos was last seen on the morning of Christmas Eve. Investigators believe she left her home on foot, as her vehicle remained at the residence. Video footage showed her searching her car for an unidentified item before she disappeared.

Investigation and Community Response

Salazar said investigators had considered the possibility of self-harm early in the case, citing indicators of suicidal ideation and undiagnosed signs of depression. Clothing found at the scene matched what Mendoza Olmos was believed to have been wearing when she went missing.

“This is certainly not the outcome we were hoping for,” Salazar said.

Authorities also reviewed dashcam video of a woman walking alone early Wednesday morning during the search, though it remains unclear if the person captured was Mendoza Olmos.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

For more on Mendoza Olmo’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

60 people displaced after fireworks likely started large apartment fire on New Year’s Day, HFD says

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By Courtney Carpenter, ABC13 Houston.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Dozens of families are without a home to start the New Year after a fire started at a southwest Houston apartment early Thursday morning, according to the Houston Fire Department.

HFD says firefighters were called to the Bayou West Condominiums on Club Creek Drive around 1 a.m.

They say that when firefighters arrived, a balcony and the roof of one building were already on fire.

HFD says low water pressure made it more difficult to extinguish the fire.

The fire department says they found fireworks in the courtyard area and believe people shooting them off is what started the fire.

“Not only is it illegal to have fireworks in the Houston area, but this is unsafe. We’ve got children, we’ve got families, and they are all put out of a home tonight, so this is a very tragic start to the New Year,” said Bryan Sky- Eagle, a Deputy Chief with the Houston Fire Department.

No one was hurt, according to fire officials.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one building. HFD says about 60 people are now without a home.

The fire department says Red Cross has been called in to help those families.

For more news updates, follow Courtney Carpenter on FacebookX and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

A major warmup is on the way and could break records next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Morning temperatures New Year’s Day could briefly dip into the upper 30s under a mostly clear sky. The atmosphere will be fairly stable, which could trap a lot of firework smoke near the ground leading to unhealthy air quality in spots.

Clouds return to the sky on New Year’s Day, but so does a warm southwest wind, boosting highs all the way into the mid 70s. Yes, it’s going to feel more like spring on the first day of 2026, and by Friday, record highs in the low 80s could come tumbling down.

What should we expect for the first weekend of 2026?

The weather should be perfect for outdoor activities! Because a weak front will roll in Saturday morning, we’ll get slightly cooler mornings and comfortable afternoons with lower humidity. Highs both days will climb into the 70s. Saturday morning will start off with lows in the mid 50s, and it will be slightly cooler in the upper 40s to kick off Sunday. After the weekend, the big warmup resumes.

Is this warmup going to be as hot as it was the week of Christmas?

Not exactly, but we do have a few days popping into the low 80s, starting on Friday with a few more in the cards for next week. This means more records could fall during the first week of the New Year. Sea fog will also be a possibility as the humid air returns.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no more freezes in our 10 day forecast. The next opportunity for freezing temperatures looks to open up around mid-January.

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!

Stock Market Soars in 2025, Outlook for 2026

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U.S. stocks surged to record highs in 2025, brushing aside concerns over tariffs, a government shutdown, and fears of an artificial intelligence bubble. The S&P 500 rose about 17% as of late December, extending a multiyear bull market, though at a slower pace than the more than 20% gains seen in the previous two years.

What Drove the Rally

Analysts point to strong corporate earnings, interest-rate cuts aimed at boosting economic growth, and relentless enthusiasm for AI as key drivers. Tariff-related market turmoil in the spring proved short-lived after many of the proposed measures were suspended, helping stocks rebound quickly.

Gains Concentrated in Big Tech

Much of the market’s growth was fueled by a small group of tech giants known as the “Magnificent Seven,” including Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon. Concerns over AI briefly rattled these stocks in September, but blockbuster earnings from Nvidia later revived confidence, underscoring strong demand for AI-related technology.

Concerns Heading Into 2026

Despite optimism, some analysts warn the market’s heavy reliance on AI could pose risks if tech companies fail to turn massive investments into profits. Broader economic signals are mixed, with hiring slowing, inflation still above the Federal Reserve’s target, and consumer sentiment remaining uneven.

What Experts Predict for 2026

Most major firms remain upbeat. Vanguard projects stock returns as high as 8% in 2026, while JPMorgan Wealth Management forecasts gains between 13% and 15%. Morgan Stanley and BNY Wealth also expect around 10% growth, citing a low risk of recession and continued momentum in the bull market.

For more business trends, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Body Found During Search for Missing Texas Teen

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Authorities searching for a missing Texas teenager discovered a body Tuesday afternoon in northwest Bexar County, officials said. The finding came amid an intensive, dayslong search for 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who was last seen on Christmas Eve.

Search Focused Near Teen’s Home

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the body was found in a field about 100 yards from Mendoza Olmos’ home. Deputies and volunteers had been searching the area around the clock after investigators received information suggesting the teen could be in imminent danger.

“At this point we don’t suspect foul play,” Salazar said during a press briefing.

Identity and Cause of Death Pending

The body has not yet been officially identified, and the local medical examiner has not determined the cause or manner of death. Salazar said authorities are working to expedite the process to provide answers to the family and community.

The body was found wearing clothing similar to what Mendoza Olmos was believed to have been wearing when she disappeared.

Investigation Notes Indicators of Self-Harm

Salazar said there were indicators of self-harm at the scene. A firearm was located near where the body was found, and a firearm belonging to a relative of Mendoza Olmos had previously been reported missing. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the weapon found matches the missing firearm.

Authorities said one of the main concerns during the search was the possibility of self-harm, citing reports of suicidal ideation and signs of undiagnosed depression.

Video Evidence and Search Efforts

Investigators believe Mendoza Olmos left her home on foot after video footage showed her searching her vehicle early Wednesday morning before disappearing. Her car remained at the residence.

During the search, authorities released dashcam video showing a woman walking alone along a roadway on Christmas Eve morning. Salazar said it remains unclear whether the person in the video was Mendoza Olmos.

“This is certainly not the outcome we were hoping for,” Salazar said.

Support Resources Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, free and confidential help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

For more on Mendoza Olmo’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.