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CDC Flags Texas at ‘Very High’ Flu Activity

Que Onda Editorial
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CDC Flags Texas at ‘Very High’ Flu Activity

Texas is experiencing a significant surge in flu-like illnesses, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranking the state at a “VERY HIGH” level in its latest nationwide update. Health officials say the rise comes as flu activity increases across much of the country and may worsen in the weeks ahead.

Cases Rising Ahead of Post-Holiday Impact

According to the CDC, December has brought a steady climb in flu cases nationwide, and experts caution the peak may still be coming. Houston Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Tran said the full impact of Christmas and holiday gatherings has likely not yet appeared in the data.

More than half of U.S. states are now reporting high or very high flu levels, based on the CDC’s most recent flu activity map.

National Numbers Show Sharp Increase

So far this flu season, the CDC estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths across the United States. More than 25 percent of flu tests nationwide are returning positive results, a notable jump from 16 percent in mid-December and just eight percent the week before that.

Many of the confirmed cases are tied to a newer flu strain known as subclade K, identified through thousands of samples submitted to the CDC.

Texas Positivity Rate Outpaces National Average

Flu test positivity rates in Texas are even higher than the national average. About a week ago, roughly 32 percent of flu tests in the state came back positive—nearly double the rate from the previous week and more than triple compared to two weeks earlier.

“This year, the trend is slightly higher than last year,” Tran said, adding that she expects cases to continue rising.

Schools and Wastewater Testing Show Spread

The increase is also being detected in schools. The Houston Health Department’s wastewater testing at Houston ISD campuses showed positive flu samples in four schools about a month ago. That number climbed to ten schools just before students left for winter break.

Tran urged schools to promote flu vaccination among students, teachers, and staff to help curb transmission.

Vaccination Still Recommended

CDC experts stress that getting the flu vaccine can still reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. While vaccination is recommended annually for everyone six months and older, officials note it can take up to two weeks for full protection to develop, making earlier vaccination important as cases continue to rise.

For more health advice and trends, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Pct. 4 announces multi-agency DWI initiative ahead of New Year’s holiday

ABC13 Houston
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Harris County Pct. 4 announces multi-agency DWI initiative ahead of New Year’s holiday

By Nick Natario, ABC13 Houston.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A joint law enforcement initiative across Harris County will aim to stop drunk drivers this New Year’s holiday.

The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office announced Tuesday that it will work with all Harris County constable offices, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Police Department, the Tomball Police Department, the Humble Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Pct. 4 said it made more than 1,063 arrests this year for suspected impaired driving, adding that some individuals were rearrested for the same offense.

To streamline the arrests, Pct. 4 said the following resources would be available and allow officers to return to patrol deputies more quickly:

  • On-site phlebotomists for blood draws
  • Judge Lincoln Goodwin on site to review and sign blood search warrants
  • Harris County District Attorney’s Office personnel on-site to accept charges

“Pct. 4 alone will be putting out about 150 deputies on the streets of north Harris County in the last two days of this year,” Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said during a press conference Tuesday.

The agency gave these safety reminders for people celebrating the new year:

  • Designate a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol
  • Use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft when needed
  • If someone attempts to drive while impaired, intervene and take steps to prevent it
  • Make responsible decisions that prioritize safety

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

A major warmup on the way, challenging records next week

ABC13 Houston
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A major warmup on the way, challenging records next week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Many areas woke up to a light freeze Wednesday morning. However, sunshine and a southwest breeze will quickly warm temperatures in the mid to upper 60s during the afternoon.

How long will this cold air stick around?

Not very long! The first day of 2026 starts off cool in the upper 30s and low 40s, but it will warm into the 70s during the afternoon. By January 2 we’ll be back in the 80s!

What should we expect at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s?

It’ll be mostly clear and chilly with temperatures in the mid 40s as we say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026. Firework smog could be an issue after midnight with the winds remaining light and the cold air settling in for one more morning.

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?

After the freeze on New Year’s Eve, we have no freezes in the rest of 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!

Patriots’ Stefon Diggs Charged in Alleged Assault Case

Michael Esparza
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Patriots’ Stefon Diggs Charged in Alleged Assault Case

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and assault charges following a complaint filed earlier this month, according to court records.

Allegations Detailed in Court Records

The complaint was made by a woman who worked as a private chef for Diggs. According to court documents, the alleged incident occurred during a Dec. 2 dispute over money she said Diggs owed her.

The woman claimed Diggs struck her across the face and attempted to choke her by placing the crook of his elbow around her neck. The documents state that when she tried to pry his arm away, he allegedly tightened his grip and then threw her onto a bed.

Diggs Denies the Accusations

Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, strongly denied the allegations, saying they “categorically” did not occur. Meier described the claims as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated, arguing they stem from an unresolved financial disagreement between Diggs and the employee.

He also said the allegations were never investigated because, in his view, no crime took place.

Patriots and NFL Respond

The New England Patriots released a statement saying Diggs informed the organization that he denies the allegations. The team said it supports the wide receiver and will continue to gather information while cooperating with authorities and the NFL as needed.

The NFL confirmed it is aware of the situation and has been in contact with the Patriots.

Case Status

No additional details about court proceedings or potential disciplinary action from the league have been announced. The case remains under review as authorities assess the complaint.

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

Artists Cancel Shows After Kennedy Center Renamed for Trump

Que Onda Editorial
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Artists Cancel Shows After Kennedy Center Renamed for Trump

Several artists have canceled upcoming performances at Washington, D.C.’s newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center, saying the move represents a political “takeover” of a historically nonpartisan cultural institution.

High-Profile Cancellations

Jazz musician Chuck Redd canceled his Christmas Eve performance, while veteran jazz group The Cookers pulled out of a planned New Year’s Eve show. Folk singer Kristy Lee also canceled a free Jan. 14 performance, writing on Instagram that while canceling shows is financially painful, “losing my integrity would cost me more than any paycheck.”

Doug Varone and Dancers, a New York–based dance company, announced it would cancel its April performances. In a statement shared on Instagram alongside an image of President John F. Kennedy’s portrait, the company said it could no longer ask audiences to enter what it described as a politicized institution following President Donald Trump’s decision to add his name to the center.

Backlash to the Renaming

The controversy erupted after the Trump administration announced on Dec. 18 that the Kennedy Center’s board—now chaired by Trump and filled with his appointees—voted unanimously to rename the venue the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” New signage was installed the following day.

The Kennedy Center, which opened in 1971 and was named in honor of President John F. Kennedy, has long been viewed as a symbol of artistic neutrality and cultural diplomacy.

Center Leadership Responds

Richard Grenell, the Trump-appointed president of the Trump-Kennedy Center, criticized the cancellations in a post on X, calling the artists “far left political activists.” He argued that boycotts undermine the arts and accused previous leadership of prioritizing politics over broad public appeal.

Grenell also warned that the center plans to file a $1 million lawsuit against Redd, calling the cancellation a “political stunt.” It remains unclear whether Redd has obtained legal representation. ABC News reached out to him for comment.

A Pattern of Departures

The recent cancellations follow earlier departures after Trump was elected chair of the board. Artists who previously withdrew or resigned include Rhiannon Giddens, Low Cut Connie, Issa Rae, Ben Folds, Shonda Rhimes, and Renée Fleming, who stepped down as artistic advisor at large but is still scheduled to perform at the center in May 2026.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton was also canceled in March for a planned 2026 run. Producer Jeffrey Seller said the decision came after “decades of Kennedy Center neutrality” were, in his view, dismantled.

Legal and Political Fallout

Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member of the board, filed a lawsuit arguing that renaming the center requires an act of Congress. The White House dismissed the claim, saying the board acted lawfully and crediting Trump with restoring and “saving” the aging facility.

As the legal fight continues, the Trump-Kennedy Center remains at the center of a broader debate over politics, public institutions, and the role of the arts in American civic life.

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

New Video May Show Missing Texas Teen

Indira Zaldivar
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New Video May Show Missing Texas Teen

Authorities say newly obtained dash camera video may show a 19-year-old Texas woman at the moment she went missing on Christmas Eve.

Last Seen Near Her Home

Camila Mendoza Olmos has been missing since Wednesday morning, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Earlier security footage showed a person believed to be Mendoza Olmos searching her car in her driveway around 7 a.m. before apparently leaving on foot.

Sheriff Javier Salazar said the new dash cam video, recorded by a commuter heading to work, shows a woman walking alone just a few blocks from Mendoza Olmos’ home. While officials cannot confirm with certainty that it is her, the clothing matches the description.

Search Expands With Federal Help

Authorities released the footage hoping others may have similar video to help trace her path. Deputies and volunteers have been searching continuously, with assistance from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, which is monitoring border crossings and international travel.

Salazar confirmed Mendoza Olmos was not detained by ICE and remains a U.S. citizen.

Concerns for Her Safety

Mendoza Olmos typically went on morning walks, but her mother became concerned when she did not return. Authorities said it is unusual that she left her phone behind, taking only her car keys and possibly her driver’s license.

While officials have not disclosed all details, Salazar said there is enough information to believe she may be in imminent danger.

Public Asked to Help

Mendoza Olmos was last seen wearing a baby-blue and black hoodie, baby-blue pajama bottoms and white shoes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000 or email missingpersons@bexar.org.

For more on this missing person case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Bitcoin ATM Scams Cost Americans $333 Million in 2025, FBI Says

Michael Esparza
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Bitcoin ATM Scams Cost Americans $333 Million in 2025, FBI Says

Scammers stole more than $333 million from Americans in 2025 through bitcoin ATM schemes, according to new data from the FBI, marking a sharp increase as cryptocurrency use continues to grow.

Losses Keep Rising

The FBI reported $333.5 million in losses from January through November 2025, up from about $250 million in 2024 and more than double the losses seen the year before. Officials said the trend shows no signs of slowing.

Why Bitcoin ATMs Attract Scammers

There are more than 45,000 bitcoin ATMs across the U.S., allowing users to deposit cash and send it instantly to digital wallets worldwide. Once completed, transactions are often irreversible, making the machines a favored tool for fraudsters.

Consumer advocates say crypto has become the top payment method demanded by scammers.

Elderly Victims and Legal Scrutiny

Authorities have begun cracking down. In September, Washington, D.C.’s attorney general sued Athena Bitcoin, alleging most transactions on its machines involved fraud and that victims were largely seniors. The company denied the claims, saying it provides warnings and safeguards.

Calls for Stronger Regulation

AARP and other advocates are pushing for tighter rules, including daily deposit limits. At least 17 states have passed laws regulating bitcoin ATMs, and some cities have moved to ban them altogether.

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

China Encircles Taiwan in Largest Military Drills to Date

Edward Saenz
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China Encircles Taiwan in Largest Military Drills to Date

China launched its most expansive military exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday, firing rockets into surrounding waters and showcasing new assault capabilities in a sweeping display of force aimed at rehearsing a potential blockade of the island.

Live-Fire Exercises Surround the Island

China’s Eastern Theatre Command conducted 10 hours of live-fire drills, launching rockets into waters north and south of Taiwan. Naval and air force units simulated strikes on maritime and aerial targets, while anti-submarine warfare exercises were carried out around the island.

State media released footage emphasizing Beijing’s growing military capabilities and its readiness to take Taiwan by force if ordered.

Drills Follow Major U.S. Arms Package

The exercises, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” began just days after the United States announced a record $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, prompting sharp warnings from Beijing.

Chinese officials said the drills were meant not only to pressure Taiwan but also to deter foreign intervention.

“Any external forces that attempt to intervene in the Taiwan issue will smash their heads against the iron walls of the PLA,” China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said.

Warning to U.S. and Regional Allies

Beijing has intensified its rhetoric amid speculation about possible support for Taiwan from the U.S. and Japan. The drills explicitly dismissed the idea that allied forces could block a future Chinese operation.

Analysts say the exercises highlight China’s growing confidence. “This is an arms race Taiwan cannot possibly win,” said Lyle Goldstein of the U.S.-based Defense Priorities think tank.

Leadership Moves Signal Readiness

Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently promoted the commander of the Eastern Theatre Command to full general, a move analysts interpret as reinforcing combat readiness following internal military shakeups.

The drills marked the sixth major round of war games around Taiwan since 2022 and were the closest yet to the island.

Taiwan Monitors Show of Force

Taiwanese officials said China appeared to be simulating strikes on land-based targets, including U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems.

President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan’s frontline forces were prepared to defend the island but stressed that Taipei did not seek escalation.

Disruption to Air and Sea Traffic

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that 71 Chinese military aircraft and 24 naval and coast guard vessels operated around the island on Tuesday. China fired 27 rockets into nearby waters.

Civil aviation authorities said 11 of Taiwan’s 14 flight routes were affected, though no international flights were canceled. Routes to the offshore islands of Kinmen and Matsu were temporarily blocked, impacting about 6,000 passengers.

Strategic Stakes in the Taiwan Strait

The Taiwan Strait is a critical global trade corridor, with an estimated $2.45 trillion in commerce passing through annually. U.S. defense officials believe China aims to be capable of taking Taiwan by 2027, the 100th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army.

China’s military said simulating blockades of Taiwan’s major ports, including Keelung and Kaohsiung, was a central focus of the drills, underscoring the strategic pressure Beijing continues to apply on the self-governed island.

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

Former Miss Hawaii Fights Deportation of Husband and Caregiver

Indira Zaldivar
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Former Miss Hawaii Fights Deportation of Husband and Caregiver

A former beauty queen in Hawaii is pleading for immigration officials to spare her husband from deportation, saying she depends on him for daily survival after he was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Husband Detained After Case Reopened

Cheryl Bartlett, 63, who was crowned Miss Hawaii in 1986, says her husband of 17 years, Rogerio Carlos Barbosa Araujo, 58, was taken into custody by Homeland Security officers on Oct. 28 while she was performing at a wedding in Waikiki. Officers allegedly detained him in their apartment parking lot.

Araujo is now being held at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center and faces deportation to Brazil after his long-dormant immigration case was reopened following a change in federal administration.

Years of Administrative Grace Revoked

For more than a decade, Araujo’s case had been administratively closed, a form of prosecutorial discretion that paused deportation proceedings because Bartlett is blind and medically vulnerable.

The couple had attempted to adjust Araujo’s immigration status after marrying in 2009, but his application was denied in 2012 due to what authorities described as an earlier administrative error tied to past employment. Despite that denial, the couple was allowed to remain together under immigration court discretion for 12 years.

That protection was later rescinded, and when Araujo allegedly missed a court hearing the couple says they were never notified about, a judge issued a final deportation order.

Severe Medical Dependence

Bartlett, a retired speech-language therapist and singer, lives with multiple serious health conditions. Diagnosed with type one diabetes at age six, she later developed diabetic retinopathy that caused severe vision loss. She also has stage three chronic kidney disease.

She relies on an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor and says her husband serves as her primary caregiver, helping manage dangerous hypoglycemic episodes and administering emergency medication when she becomes disoriented or unconscious.

“He knows what to do when I’m in trouble,” Bartlett said, describing him as both her caregiver and mobility support.

Deportation Would Create Life-Threatening Hardship

Bartlett says relocating to Brazil is not an option because her medical equipment and supplies are not available there. She now lives on Social Security and a pension after leaving her career due to worsening vision.

In addition to caring for Bartlett, Araujo also helps support his 84-year-old mother, a U.S. citizen, as well as Bartlett’s elderly parents, including her father, a Navy veteran with PTSD.

Emotional Toll of Detention

Bartlett says her husband’s mental health has deteriorated in detention, with his mood shifting between depression and resolve.

“His whole life was taken within the span of a few minutes,” she said. “This man deserves to live and to have a full and happy life with me.”

The couple is asking ICE to reinstate administrative grace based on extreme medical and family hardship. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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

Clouds clear out Tuesday, light freeze settles in Tuesday night

ABC13 Houston
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Clouds clear out Tuesday, light freeze settles in Tuesday night

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — What a front! From the mid 80s to the mid 40s in 24 hours, this front brought a major temperature drop, wind gusts over 50 mph, and even a few brief sleet showers reported north of Houston!

Clouds will continue to clear overnight, and while the wind won’t be as fierce, gusts could still top 20 mph at times into Tuesday morning. That wind will make tonight’s lows in the upper 30s feel more like it’s freezing at sunrise Tuesday. We should get a full day of sunshine, warming temperatures well into the 50s Tuesday afternoon. Once the sun sets on Tuesday, temperatures will quickly fall in the dry air, and the freeze line will move into Southeast Texas overnight.

What kind of a freeze are we expecting?

We are predicting a brief light freeze for the last morning of 2025. Wednesday morning is when conditions will be ripe for maximum cooling, and a light freeze will settle into Southeast Texas with temperatures dropping into the low 30s. It looks like temperatures will hover near freezing between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Wednesday. Make sure your exterior pipes are wrapped up and provide warm shelter for people, pets, livestock, and cold-sensitive plants.

How long will this cold air stick around?

Not very long! The first day of 2026 starts off cool in the 40s, but it will warm into the 70s during the afternoon. By January 2 we’ll be back in the 80s!

What should we expect at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s?

It’ll be mostly clear and chilly with temperatures in the mid 40s as we say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026. The winds will blow gently from the southwest with low humidity, so firework smog shouldn’t be as much of an issue as it has been in past years.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

After the freeze on New Year’s Eve, we have no freezes in the rest of 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!

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