81.2 F
Houston
Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Home Blog Page 113

Food aimed for families in need for nonprofit super feast dumped after health inspection: Officials

0

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Food that was prepared for the annual Christmas Eve Super Feast at the George R. Brown Convention Center was thrown out during an inspection by the Houston Health Department.

The City Wide Club of America said pans of rice dressing were left out to cool, and organizers say they believe they should have been given the opportunity to rectify the situation.

“It was in the process of cooling down so they could finish adding the broth,” Tomaro Bell, who represents the organization, said. “You don’t want the rice dressing to dry out.”

Bell said inspectors threw away the food without giving anyone a chance.

The Houston Health Department said 14 pans of rice were thrown away for not meeting FDA cooling standards.

Dr. Theresa Tran, director with the Houston Health Department, shared the following statement on Tuesday night.

“The health and safety of the public remain our highest priority. During a scheduled food safety inspection conducted by the Houston Health Department to ensure safe preparation and storage of food for City-Wide Club of America’s annual Christmas Eve Super Feast at the George R. Brown Convention Center on the afternoon of Dec. 23, 2025, registered sanitarians identified cooked rice that did not meet the FDA’s required cooling standards.”

“Though all other food items passed the inspection, fourteen pans of rice were found to be in non-compliance with the FDA Model Food Code. The FDA requires that rice be cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to under 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours, to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria which may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As required by the food code and established public health guidelines, the registered sanitarians informed the food handlers that the rice could not be served and must be discarded. We appreciate the cooperation of the food handlers in disposing of the rice on-site.”

“We understand the frustration of having to throw out any food during this time. This action was required and taken to protect the public. The Houston Health Department is scheduled to be on-site on Dec. 24 for a routine reheating inspection for the event. We will work closely with City-Wide Club of America to ensure that this event is as safe and successful as possible for those who rely on this annual meal.”

The City Wide Club’s Super Feast has been helping people in need for 47 years and is described as the largest feeding event in the United States.

Executive director Bishop Leroy J. Woodard, Jr. said he can’t recall the city throwing away food in the history of the organization.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Person missing in Galveston plane crash confirmed dead, bringing death toll to 6, Mexican Navy says

0

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — A person who went missing after a plane went down in Galveston was found dead on Tuesday evening, the Mexican Navy announced.

The Coast Guard confirmed eight people were on board the plane when it went down just before 3:30 p.m. on Monday near the Galveston Causeway. The Mexican Navy said six people died and two survived. The plane, they said, was on a medical support mission.

According to the President of Mexico, those aboard the plane were traveling from Yucatan to Galveston to receive burn care for a young patient.

Doctors, nurses, Navy personnel, and a child with their family were all on their way to Shriners Children’s Hospital, according to Mexican authorities.

The Mexican President said that for about 10 minutes, the plane lost communications, which led officials to believe it had landed.

In a statement, Shriners Children’s Texas confirmed that a child was being transported to their hospital for burn care:

“It is with profound sadness that we learned of a child involved in a plane crash while being transported for burn care in Galveston (Monday) afternoon. Shriners Children’s Texas prides ourselves on caring for children from all over the world. Having not admitted this patient, we are unable to provide any information.”

ORIGINAL REPORT: 5 people dead, 1 missing in plane crash near Galveston on medical support mission, Mexican Navy says

On Tuesday morning, crews were joined by Tim Miller and Texas EquuSearch and were seen circling an area that appears to be part of the crash site, with a mission to find the missing victim.

Following Monday’s crash, witnesses quickly jumped into the water to help. A video shared with ABC13 shows a man pulling a woman from the wreckage.

“A lot of manpower, a lot of prayers,” Miller said after being asked what goes into the search.

Todd and Thad Donalson and their two children were fishing on Monday in Galveston near the crash site. After the crash, they told ABC13 they moved toward the area and saw plastic plane pieces.

“A moment later, we started to hear a young woman scream off in the distance,” Todd Donalson recalled.

They rescued her. Unfortunately, they said they also found the body of a young child.

“That’s what we kept telling the kids, try not to think about the death that we saw, but to think we saved somebody’s life today,” Donalson said. “Think of the positive.”

The cause of the crash remains unknown.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it launched an investigation into the incident.

On Tuesday evening, crews pulled large pieces of the wreckage out of the water. Once on land, the NTSB said the wreckage will move to a secure site where it will be looked at by an investigator.

According to the NTSB, flight track data, recordings of any air traffic control communications, and weather conditions will be among the items that will be looked at during the investigation.

Officials urge anyone with information that could be relevant to the investigation to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

ABC13 reached out to the FAA for more information about the investigation and the condition of the two survivors, and received the following response:

“The FAA is supporting the NTSB’s investigation of a Beechcraft King Air 350i that crashed in Galveston Bay, Texas, on Monday, Dec. 22. The NTSB will provide all updates on the investigation.”

See the Mexican Navy’s full statement:

The Secretariat of the Navy informs that, with the support of local authorities, the body of the person who had remained unaccounted for following the aircraft accident that occurred yesterday has been located; regrettably, the individual was found deceased.

Likewise, the Secretariat of the Navy expresses its profound sorrow over the death of six of the eight people involved in this tragic incident. The two individuals who survived the accident are in stable condition and are receiving appropriate medical care.

In light of this painful outcome, the Mexican Navy continues interinstitutional and international coordination, as well as close support for the families, in order to provide them with the necessary assistance and care.

It is worth noting that throughout this process, the Institution has received support from the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston, and other local authorities of the United States of America.

We appreciate the expressions of solidarity and support conveyed in connection with this event and reiterate our deepest condolences to the affected families. We also reaffirm our institutional commitment to providing information responsibly and with respect.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Sea fog and record highs continue until our next front arrives next week

0

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — This warm, humid and foggy pattern continues through the weekend until out next front rolls through just in time for the last few days of 2025.

With a gulf breeze and this extremely humid, spring-like pattern lingering for Christmas Eve, we’ve got another Dense Fog Advisory that in effect until 10 a.m. for most of Southeast Texas. Visibility will drop to less than a quarter of a mile at times, especially along and south of I-10. Please use caution if you’re heading out early this morning as the fog wont lift until after sunrise. Gradually this foggy morning will lift and give way to peeks of sunshine in the afternoon. High temperatures will climb into the low 80s once again and be near record levels. Later tonight we are expecting another round of sea fog to roll in, so Rudolph will be quite busy tonight helping Santa navigate through the fog.

How bad will the sea fog get this week?

The combination of very moist air in contact with the cool waters over the Gulf and Galveston Bay will give us a sea fog issue this week and into the weekend. Inland areas will see the fog during the early morning hours while coastal locations will deal with it off and on throughout the day and night. At time the visibility will drop below 1/2 mile so be careful.

Is it still looking warm for Christmas week?

Yep. December’s version of a heat ridge will park it over Texas for the week of Christmas. This will push highs toward record levels in the low 80s just about every day of the week. Bah humbug!

Are there any more freezes in the forecast?

Not for awhile! We are looking at above average low temperatures all the way through Christmas Day…and beyond. It’s hard to get a freeze when lows only drop into the 60s. We do have a cold front penciled in for the closing days of 2025, but we likely have to wait until January for our next chance at a freeze.

What about some measurable rain or any storms?

While there’s the chance for a few passing showers Wednesday (20% coverage) beyond that we don’t have much rain on the horizon until a front on Sunday. That said, some of the recent relief from drought conditions we saw this past fall wont last long, so drought conditions could creep back into the region.

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!

Justice Department Releases Thousands of Epstein Files, Citing Limits to Protect Victims

0

Partial Release Falls Short of Deadline

The Justice Department released thousands of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein on Friday but acknowledged it could not meet a deadline to disclose all records. Officials said additional time is needed to vet the materials to protect the identities and safety of Epstein’s victims.

The released files include investigative records and photographs taken by Epstein and his associates.

Little New Information on Alleged Accomplices

So far, the documents made public have offered little evidence supporting long-standing claims of previously unknown accomplices connected to Epstein, the department said.

Victims’ Groups Raise Concerns

On Monday, a group of alleged Epstein victims accused the Justice Department of serious missteps in the release process. They said only “a fraction of the files” were disclosed and criticized what they described as excessive and unexplained redactions. The group also alleged that some victim identities were left unredacted, causing “real and immediate harm.”

Background on Epstein Case

Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

New Law Governing the Release

The disclosures stem from the Epstein Transparency Act, passed by Congress last month and signed by President Donald Trump after pressure from supporters demanding full public access to the records. The law includes exemptions allowing the government to withhold information to protect victims and to temporarily block records that could jeopardize active investigations or prosecutions.

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

U.S. Strike on Alleged Drug-Smuggling Boat Raises Eastern Pacific Death Toll to 105

New Military Action Ordered by Defense Secretary

U.S. Southern Command said a U.S. strike in the Eastern Pacific killed one man aboard a vessel it alleges was involved in drug trafficking. The operation was carried out Monday at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a SOUTHCOM statement.

Targeted Vessel on Narco-Trafficking Routes

The military said Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a “lethal kinetic strike” on a low-profile vessel in international waters. Intelligence assessments indicated the boat was traveling along known narco-trafficking routes and was actively engaged in drug-smuggling operations.

SOUTHCOM described the deceased individual as a “narco-terrorist” connected to designated terrorist organizations.

Growing Death Toll From Maritime Strikes

Monday’s strike adds to a rising death toll from U.S. military actions targeting suspected drug-smuggling boats. Since early September, at least 105 people have been killed in U.S. strikes across the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, according to official figures.

Pressure Campaign in the Region

The latest operation comes as the Trump administration escalates military pressure in the region, particularly around Venezuela, with U.S. forces increasing patrols and interdictions aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking networks.

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

From Helping a Child to Facing Life in Prison: Inside Mahendra “Mick” Patel’s Ordeal After a Walmart Encounter

0

For Mahendra “Mick” Patel, 2025 became the year his life unraveled. What began as a quick trip to Walmart in March to buy Tylenol for his elderly mother ended with the 57-year-old father accused of attempted kidnapping — a charge that upended his family, career and reputation.

A Brief Encounter, Drastically Different Accounts

At a Walmart in Cobb County, Georgia, Patel asked a woman on a motorized cart for help finding medicine. As they turned down an aisle, the cart clipped a display, and Patel noticed her toddler appeared close to falling. Patel says he instinctively reached out to steady the child. The woman, Caroline Miller, later claimed Patel tried to grab her son.

Patel left the store minutes later, unaware of any issue. Three days afterward, he was arrested on the side of a highway and charged with attempted kidnapping, simple assault and battery.

Weeks Behind Bars Without Bond

Patel spent 47 days in the Cobb County Jail without bond. He says the experience took a severe toll on his physical and mental health, from missing blood pressure medication to losing significant weight due to limited vegetarian food options. He also described frequent threats from other detainees and constant fear for his safety.

Cut off from family — including his non-English-speaking elderly mother — Patel relied on meditation, religious texts and calls with longtime friends to endure his confinement.

Surveillance Footage Shifts the Case

In early May, Patel’s attorney presented Walmart surveillance video at a bond hearing. The footage, though grainy and without audio, appeared to show only a brief interaction — not the prolonged struggle described in the accusation. Patel was released on a $10,000 bond that day, as public support surged and tens of thousands signed a petition calling for his release.

Three months later, prosecutors moved to dismiss the case entirely. The charges were dropped in August.

Reputation Damage That Lingers

Although legally cleared, Patel says the consequences remain. He lost business income, was removed from a community organization’s board and faced judgment within his own South Asian community. Family members altered their daily routines out of fear of retaliation or mistaken identity.

“Our life is dramatically changed,” Patel said, noting that online records and public scrutiny persist despite the dismissal.

Seeking Accountability

Patel has since filed notice of intent to sue the City of Acworth, seeking $25 million in damages for alleged false imprisonment, negligence and reputational harm. City officials have denied liability, citing potential litigation.

A Lasting Impact

Looking back, Patel says the experience shattered his belief in “innocent until proven guilty.” Still, he maintains that his actions were rooted in his cultural and personal values of helping others.

“I would be more careful,” he said. “But knowing who I am, I help people.”

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

5 people dead, 1 missing in plane crash near Galveston on medical support mission, Mexican Navy says

0

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — Five people are dead, one is missing, and two were rescued after a plane crashed into the water near Galveston on Monday afternoon, the Mexican Navy announced.

One of the survivors, a woman, was pulled from the wreckage by a good Samaritan who was out boating on Galveston Bay with his 11-year-old son and his friend.

“It looked like there was no way there could be any survivors in there,” Sky Decker, who lives on the island, told reporters.

A dramatic video taken by his son, Sky Jr., and shared with ABC13 shows his father pushing through debris to get to the woman.

“She’s still alive in there,” he yelled in one of the videos.

“I was just trying to do everything I could do,” he said. “I don’t think anything was going through my mind other than trying to help.”

The Coast Guard confirmed it got a report at 3:20 p.m. of a plane crash west of the Galveston Causeway. Eight people were on board. They launched a boat and a helicopter to search for the plane. Multiple additional agencies also responded, including the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the Galveston Fire Department.

According to Mexican officials, the Beecher aircraft, which belonged to the Mexican Navy, was on a medical support mission with the Michou y Mau Foundation when it “experienced an accident.” The foundation’s website states that it transfers pediatric patients from Mexico to Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston and focuses on burn patients. A firefighter was seen carrying a child victim to an ambulance in the aftermath.

The Michou y Mau Foundation’s website says it transfers pediatric burn patients from Mexico to Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigators were on scene Monday to begin investigating the cause of the crash. At the time, thick fog had moved into the area, and onlookers described conditions with low visibility.

“Visibility was probably 30 yards. I can’t imagine trying to land a plane in this,” remarked Oliver Wilson, the owner of the boat the Deckers were on. “Extremely unfortunate.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Sea fog and record highs continue until our next front

0

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Thanks to another round of dense sea fog along the coast today, we have a Dense Fog Advisory for coastal communities through 10AM. For those farther inland, it’s patchy fog and warm, soupy air. High temperatures today will warm into the low 80s, likely breaking all-time record high temperatures. This pattern will continue until a front brings some relief on Sunday.

How bad will the sea fog get this week?

The combination of very moist air in contact with the cool waters over the Gulf and Galveston Bay will give us a sea fog issue this week. Inland areas will see the fog during the early morning hours while coastal locations will deal with it off and on throughout the day and night. At time the visibility will drop below 1/2 mile so be careful.

Is it still looking warm for Christmas week?

Yep. December’s version of a heat ridge will park it over Texas for the week of Christmas. This will push highs toward record levels in the low 80s just about every day of the week. Bah humbug!

Are there any more freezes in the forecast?

Not for awhile! We are looking at above average low temperatures all the way through Christmas Day…and beyond. It’s hard to get a freeze when lows only drop into the 60s. We do have a cold front penciled in for the closing days of 2025, but we likely have to wait until January for our next chance at a freeze.

What about some measurable rain or any storms?

While there’s the chance for a few passing showers Wednesday (20% coverage) beyond that we don’t have much rain on the horizon until a front on Sunday. That said, some of the recent relief from drought conditions we saw this past fall wont last long, so drought conditions could creep back into the region.

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!

Maduro Strikes Defiant Tone in Christmas Message

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro delivered a defiant Christmas message as tensions escalate with the United States and the possibility of military conflict looms over his socialist government.

U.S. Military Pressure Intensifies

President Donald Trump has overseen a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, citing efforts to dismantle drug cartels shipping narcotics into the United States. His administration has authorized aggressive actions, including lethal strikes on vessels accused of trafficking drugs, with particular focus on operations linked to Venezuela.

The U.S. has also begun seizing sanctioned ships transporting Venezuelan oil after Trump declared a blockade, further increasing pressure on Maduro’s government.

Maduro Calls for Peace and Celebration

In a Christmas message posted in Spanish on his Telegram channel, Maduro said he was out in Caracas with his wife observing holiday celebrations. He emphasized peace and unity, writing that Venezuelans were exercising their “right to happiness” and calling for “No War.”

Maduro has repeatedly denied U.S. accusations that he leads or protects drug trafficking organizations.

Trump Threatens Escalation

Trump has said his administration is designating the Maduro government as a foreign terrorist organization, a label previously applied to major drug cartels. In a December 16 post, Trump claimed Venezuela is “completely surrounded” by a massive U.S. naval presence, warning that military pressure would continue to grow.

Claims of Stolen Assets and Oil Revenues

Trump accused the Maduro government of using oil revenues to finance what he described as drug terrorism, human trafficking, and violent crime. He said the United States would not tolerate a hostile regime benefiting from assets he claims were stolen from America and demanded their immediate return.

As Maduro promotes calm and celebration at home, U.S. rhetoric and military actions suggest the standoff between Washington and Caracas is entering a more volatile phase.

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

Texas A&M Claims First NCAA Volleyball Title

0

Texas A&M capped a remarkable postseason run Sunday by sweeping top-seeded Kentucky 3-0 to win the NCAA Division I women’s volleyball championship, securing the first national title in program history.

Early Test, Late Control

The Aggies showed resilience early, overcoming a six-point deficit and a set point in the opening set. After tying the score at 24-24, a block by Ifenna Cos-Okpalla and a kill from Kyndal Stowers sealed the set and shifted momentum for good. Texas A&M never trailed again.

Head coach Jamie Morrison said the team’s response was no surprise, pointing to their history of rallying from tough situations throughout the tournament.

Upset-Filled Path to the Championship

Texas A&M’s title run was defined by major upsets. The Aggies survived a reverse sweep against No. 2 Louisville, stunned previously unbeaten No. 1 Nebraska, swept No. 1 Pitt in the semifinals, and finished the run by defeating Kentucky in the final.

Morrison repeatedly reminded his players of those earlier comebacks when they faced pressure in the championship match.

Dominance in Sets Two and Three

After the dramatic first set, Texas A&M controlled the match. The Aggies took the second set 25-15 and closed out the third 25-20 on another Cos-Okpalla kill. They finished with a .257 hitting percentage and significantly fewer errors than Kentucky.

Senior Leadership and Emotion

Senior Logan Lednicky led the team with 11 kills and reflected emotionally on her final match in an Aggies uniform. She credited the program’s nine seniors with laying the foundation for the championship moment.

Stowers Named Most Outstanding Player

Stowers, who recorded 10 kills in the final, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Her journey included medically retiring due to concussions before transferring from Baylor and returning to peak form during Texas A&M’s postseason run.

She said the championship felt surreal after watching others win the title just a year earlier.

‘Grit’ Defines the Aggies

Texas A&M’s players repeatedly described their success as a product of grit and preparation. The Aggies were just two points from elimination earlier in the tournament but ultimately outscored their opponents by more than 40 points over the final rounds.

Kentucky Credits Passing Difference

Kentucky coach Craig Skinner said Texas A&M’s serve receive was the deciding factor, allowing setter Maddie Waak to run a balanced offense and making it difficult for the Wildcats to generate defensive stops.

In the end, Texas A&M’s composure and consistency delivered a historic championship in the first all-SEC title match.

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