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Tuesday, May 5, 2026

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Freeze warning in effect Monday morning with temperatures dropping to or below freezing

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Freeze Warning is in effect through 9 a.m. Monday for most of Southeast Texas including the city of Houston. Temperatures as low at 27 degrees are possible, lasting for about 2 to 5 hours early Monday morning.

As the warning expires Monday, we’ll see temperatures rise from the upper 20s or low 30s to low-mid 50s Monday afternoon. So while Monday is still a wintry day, we only have a brief window early in the morning before sunrise with freezing temperatures. Clouds will also begin to roll in during the second half of the day and make for more of a cloud day Tuesday.

Are there any more freezes in the forecast?

Thankfully, nope! Once we get through Monday morning’s light freeze we don’t have another freezing morning in sight at this point. This chilly air will stick around for Monday night though with temperatures falling into the upper 30 or low 40s, but that’s not old enough to warrant any weather alerts or major impacts.

What else should we expect this week?

The next thing on the way for Southeast Texas is the chance for scattered showers and storms on Wednesday. This will be paired with a warmup allowing for afternoon highs to climb into the low 70s Wednesday and then close to 80 degrees for Thursday! Our next cold front then arrives late Thursday night to bring us a more seasonal day with low humidity for Friday.

What’s the early outlook for Christmas week?

We are seeing a strong signal for a very warm weather pattern developing the week of Christmas. In fact, we currently have highs at record levels in the low 80s to kick off Christmas week, and that warm pattern is likely to stick around most of the holiday week.

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

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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!

Port of Beaumont trade surge delivers $23B boost to Texas economy

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The Port of Beaumont has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economic engines in Texas, generating more than $23 billion in trade activity and supporting roughly 157,000 jobs statewide, according to a newly released economic impact study highlighted this week by state officials.

Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock visited the Southeast Texas port to present findings showing a dramatic rise in cargo volume and exports. The study found the port’s trade value has increased 182% since 2018, driven largely by shipments of mineral fuels, petroleum products and chemicals.

“This port plays a critical role not just for Southeast Texas, but for the entire state’s economy,” Hancock said during the visit. “The growth we’re seeing here reflects Texas’ strength in global trade and logistics.”

In 2024 alone, the Port of Beaumont handled approximately $23 billion in trade, accounting for about 5.4% of all seaport trade in Texas, the report said. That activity translated into an estimated $23.4 billion contribution to Texas’ gross domestic product.

Port officials credit the surge to years of infrastructure investments, including dock upgrades, rail connectivity improvements and expanded terminal capacity. Those improvements have positioned Beaumont as a key export hub along the Gulf Coast, particularly for energy-related commodities.

The port’s expansion has also fueled job growth beyond the docks, supporting employment in transportation, manufacturing, warehousing and supply-chain services across the state, according to the comptroller’s office.

While the Port of Houston and the Port of Corpus Christi remain Texas’ largest seaports by volume, Beaumont’s rapid growth underscores the increasing importance of smaller Gulf Coast ports in handling export-driven trade.

Founded in 1908, the Port of Beaumont has long served as a major petroleum and chemical shipping center. Recent investments and rising global demand for energy exports have helped transform it into one of Texas’ most impactful trade gateways, officials said.

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett emerges as rising Democratic force with U.S. Senate bid

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U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a first-term congresswoman known for her sharp rhetoric and civil rights background, has quickly become one of the most prominent Democratic voices in Texas politics as she campaigns for the U.S. Senate.

Crockett, a Dallas Democrat representing Texas’ 30th Congressional District, announced her Senate bid in December, entering a high-profile primary and reshaping the party’s strategy in a state long dominated by Republicans. Her candidacy follows a rapid political ascent that has taken her from the Texas House to Congress in just a few years.

Born in St. Louis, Crockett is a trained attorney who earned her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Before entering politics, she worked as a public defender and civil rights lawyer, experiences she frequently cites as shaping her views on criminal justice reform, voting rights and economic inequality.

She was elected to the Texas House in 2020, serving one term before winning a crowded Democratic primary in 2022 to succeed longtime U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. Crockett took office in January 2023 and quickly gained national attention through her confrontational questioning in congressional hearings and frequent media appearances.

In Congress, Crockett has focused on issues including voting access, reproductive rights and government accountability. She serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the Agriculture Committee, roles that have helped raise her profile among Democratic activists nationwide.

Her Senate campaign centers on mobilizing voters who historically turn out at lower rates, particularly Black, Latino and younger Texans. Crockett has argued that expanding turnout, rather than appealing to conservative voters, offers Democrats their best chance to compete statewide.

The race has already had ripple effects across Texas politics. Former congressman Colin Allred exited the Democratic Senate primary shortly after Crockett entered the contest, narrowing the field. Early polling has suggested Crockett holds an advantage among Democratic primary voters, though the general election remains an uphill battle for Democrats in Texas.

Supporters view Crockett as a bold, unapologetic candidate who energizes the party’s base, while critics question whether her confrontational style can attract the crossover support needed to win statewide office.

If elected, Crockett would become one of Texas’ most influential Democrats in decades. For now, her Senate run has cemented her status as a rising figure in both state and national Democratic politics.

Legendary Director Rob Reiner, wife, Michele, found dead

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Rob Reiner, the acclaimed actor, director and producer whose work helped shape American television and film for decades, died at 78, according to reports from Variety and TMZ. His death, along with that of his wife, Michele Singer, 68, is under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department after the couple was found in their Brentwood home.

Born March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, Reiner grew up immersed in entertainment. His father was comedy legend Carl Reiner, and his mother, Estelle Reiner, was an actress. He rose to prominence as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards for his role as Archie Bunker’s liberal son-in-law.

While Reiner accumulated numerous acting credits, his most lasting influence came behind the camera. He directed a series of widely beloved and influential films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally …, Misery and A Few Good Men.

In When Harry Met Sally …, Reiner famously cast his mother in the now-iconic deli scene in which Meg Ryan’s character fakes an orgasm. Reiner later recalled coaching Ryan through the moment by acting it out himself in front of Billy Crystal — and, unknowingly at first, his mother. Estelle Reiner’s improvised line, “I’ll have what she’s having,” became one of the most quoted lines in film history.

Reiner’s mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap became a cultural touchstone and was later inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. He said financial disputes over the original film were the driving force behind the sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, explaining in a 2025 interview with USA TODAY that the creators earned almost nothing from the original release due to complicated rights issues.

Beyond filmmaking, Reiner was a prominent progressive voice in Hollywood. He supported causes including marriage equality and gun control, and he was a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump. In 2006, he was briefly mentioned as a potential candidate for governor of California but chose not to run.

Reiner was married to actress and director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and adopted her daughter, Tracy Marshall, who later became an actress. In 1989, he married Michele Singer, a photographer. The couple had three children: Nick, Jake and Romy.

Reiner often credited Singer with inspiring the optimistic ending of When Harry Met Sally …, which he was filming when they met.


If you want this shortened, rewritten more cautiously, or formatted strictly in AP style, I can do that next.

Inside Astros Light Up the Park: New downton Houston’s Holiday Attraction

Downtown Houston is glowing brighter than ever as City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic returns with eleven festive villages — and this year, one dazzling newcomer is stealing the show. Astros Light Up the Park, presented by Methodist and hosted at Daikin Park, transforms the home of the Houston Astros into a full-scale holiday lights experience perfect for families, fans, and anyone ready to step into the spirit of the season through Jan. 4, 2026.

A Holiday Home Run at Daikin Park

Astros Light Up the Park invites visitors to wander through 12 immersive light exhibits celebrating the ballclub and the city that loves them. From northern-lights-inspired tunnels to Houston landmark displays and baseball-themed wonderlands, every corner feels like a chapter in a sparkling Astros story.

The centerpiece is a winter scene complete with gentle snowfall swirling around a massive holiday tree built from oversized baseball ornaments — a whimsical twist that blends sports pride with seasonal magic. Interactive installations and photo-ready moments at every turn keep fans of all ages entertained. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Astros Foundation, extending the holiday cheer into the greater Houston community.

Eleven Villages, One Connected Holiday Adventure

While Astros Light Up the Park headlines the season’s festivities, the full City Lights experience offers a holiday playground stretching across Downtown. Visitors can explore:

  • Winter Wonderlawn at POST Houston, a rooftop winter escape glowing with thousands of lights and skyline views.
  • Tinsel Town at Market Square Park, filled with free family activities, Santa photos, and nightly entertainment.
  • Deck the Trees at Alley Theatre, where artist-designed holiday trees accompany the theater’s seasonal productions.
  • Jingle Town at Lynn Wyatt Square, blending live performances, cocoa, crafts, and pre-show fun.
  • City Hall-iday Lights, presenting the annual tree lighting celebration hosted by Mayor John Whitmire and Reliant.
  • Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis, a rooftop Texas-style winter wonderland with snowfall, music, and photo ops.
  • Ice @ Discovery Green, the city’s beloved outdoor ice rink with themed skate nights and a new custom light display.
  • Peppermint Plaza at the George R. Brown Convention Center, showcasing an artistic tree exhibition and live holiday performances.
  • Land of Sweets at Hilton Americas–Houston, dressed in sparkling lights and featuring a life-size Disneyland-themed chocolate installation.
  • Twinkle Town at Trebly Park, complete with a Candy Cane Tunnel, Texas’ largest mistletoe ball, pet photos with Santa, and hands-on holiday workshops.

Together, these villages turn Downtown Houston into a walkable winter escape, connected by METRORail’s festive Holiday Express, Park Once zones, and even new “Reindeer Rides” — complimentary electric vehicle shuttles on select nights.

A Season to Explore

With sights, sounds, flavors, and lights stretching across the city center, Houston’s holiday season promises an experience sweeter and brighter than ever. But for Astros fans and festive explorers alike, Astros Light Up the Park at Daikin Park is the must-see attraction that brings hometown magic to life — one glowing pitch at a time.

For more things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Person of Interest Detained After Deadly Brown University Shooting

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A person of interest is in custody following a mass shooting at Brown University that left at least two people dead and nine others wounded, authorities said. The attack occurred Saturday afternoon around 4 p.m., prompting a campus-wide shelter-in-place order that forced students and faculty to remain overnight.

Suspect Not Yet Charged

NBC News and The Washington Post, citing officials briefed on the investigation, identified the person of interest as Benjamin Erickson, 24. USA TODAY has not independently confirmed the identification. Officials emphasized that Erickson has not been charged and has not been named as a suspect.

Victims’ Conditions and Notifications

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said one of the nine wounded victims has been discharged, one remains in critical condition, and seven are in stable condition. Authorities have not released the names of the deceased, noting that not all families had been notified as of Sunday.

Arrest Made at Rhode Island Hotel

According to the FBI, the person of interest was taken into custody early Sunday at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, about 16 miles southwest of Brown’s campus. FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators used cellular data and a tip from Coventry police to locate the individual, who was detained by U.S. Marshals and Providence police.

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement officials said they are reviewing surveillance footage, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Police indicated they are not searching for additional suspects and declined to say whether the detained individual is affiliated with the university.

Leaders Call for Support and Prayers

Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee urged the public to pray for the victims and their families, saying the community is “suffering and in pain.” Federal and local victim specialists are assisting those affected, Patel said.

Public Asked to Share Information

Police are asking residents and businesses near the Barus and Holley Building and along Hope Street to review security footage from the time of the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or the Providence Police non-emergency line at 401-272-3121.

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

Salinas Wins Houston City Council Runoff

Progressive trial attorney Alejandra Salinas defeated former city council member Dwight Boykins in Saturday’s runoff election for a vacant at-large seat on the Houston City Council. Salinas earned 59.3% of the Harris County vote, according to results from the county clerk’s office.

Voter Turnout and Results

More than 17,200 voters cast ballots on Election Day in Harris County, following 26,155 early votes. Smaller numbers of voters also participated in Fort Bend and Montgomery counties.

Campaign Message and Priorities

After the win, Salinas thanked voters and emphasized unity. “I’m so grateful to all the Houstonians that voted for me and know that I’m going to work each and every day to fight for all Houstonians, regardless of whether or not they voted for me,” she said in a Saturday night interview.

She said her focus upon taking office in January will be “the exact things that I campaigned on — affordable and reliable city services, safer neighborhoods and fighting for a stronger infrastructure.”

Path to the Runoff

The runoff followed a crowded November election in which Salinas led a 15-candidate field with 21% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Boykins’ 20%. Salinas also led significantly in fundraising, reporting more than $700,000 raised this year, compared with Boykins’ roughly $140,000.

Political Context

Local analysts said Salinas benefited from progressive voter frustration with President Donald Trump’s administration and dissatisfaction with the moderate approach of Mayor John Whitmire. While expressing a willingness to work with the mayor, Salinas criticized some of his policies, including Houston police coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

She described her campaign’s core message as one of “hope and inclusivity.”

Boykins’ Campaign and Response

Boykins, a former District D council member, ran as a pragmatic moderate and frequently highlighted his experience and support for Mayor Whitmire. The loss marks another setback in his political career, following an unsuccessful mayoral run in 2019.

Before results were released, Boykins said he was grateful for his supporters, adding, “This city has been great to me and my family … to allow me to take on this challenge, to help the Houstonians get a better situation, better quality-of-life out of Houston.”

He criticized negative campaigning from his opponent, while Salinas responded, “All our campaign did was share the facts.”

What’s Next for City Council

The at-large seat became vacant after council member Letitia Plummer stepped down to run for Harris County judge in 2026. Salinas will assume office in January for a shortened term, as all 16 Houston City Council seats will be up for election again in 2027.

Other Runoff Results

Voters also decided a Houston Community College trustee race, where incumbent Renee Jefferson Patterson defeated Kathleen “Kathy” Lynch Gunter with 56.6% of the vote.

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

US Soldiers and Civilian Interpreter Killed in Syria Ambush

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Two U.S. soldiers and a civilian U.S. interpreter were killed Saturday during an ambush in Palmyra, Syria, in an attack officials say was carried out by a likely ISIS gunman.

Details of the Attack

U.S. defense officials said the troops were targeted while conducting a key leader engagement in support of ongoing counter-ISIS and counterterrorism operations in the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the gunman was killed by partner forces during a subsequent skirmish.

Additional Injuries Reported

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that three other service members were injured in the attack. U.S. officials said the wounded personnel were American.

First Combat Deaths of Trump’s Second Term

The incident marks the first combat deaths since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Trump issued condolences for the fallen and condemned the attack, calling it an ISIS assault in a volatile area of Syria.

President Vows Retaliation

Trump said Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the attack and warned of serious retaliation. Speaking briefly to reporters later, Trump reiterated, “We will retaliate.”

Identities Withheld

The names of the two soldiers and the civilian interpreter were not immediately released as officials continue next-of-kin notifications.

Rare Combat Fatalities in Syria

Saturday’s ambush represents the first U.S. combat deaths in Syria since 2019, when four Americans were killed in a suicide bombing in Manbij. Prior to this attack, there had been 10 U.S. military deaths in Syria, most recently a non-hostile death in February 2022.

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

Deadly Shooting at Bondi Beach Targets Jewish Community

At least 11 people were killed and 29 others injured Sunday evening after two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Jewish event, Australian officials said. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the attack has been declared a terrorism incident.

Attack Occurred During Hanukkah Event

Minns said the shooting was intended to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence as an “act of evil antisemitism,” calling the scenes at the popular beachfront “shocking and distressing.”

Suspects and Police Response

Police said one suspect was killed at the scene, while a second alleged shooter remains in critical condition. Two police officers were among those injured. Authorities received the first report of shots fired around 6:45 p.m., prompting a massive law enforcement and emergency response.

Chaos Along the Waterfront

Video from the scene showed hundreds of beachgoers fleeing as gunfire erupted along the waterfront. Armed officers flooded the area, and police urged the public to avoid Bondi Beach and follow all emergency directions as the operation continued.

Victims and Community Impact

The Australian Jewish Association said the shooting occurred during a beachside event marking the start of Hanukkah celebrations. Chabad, which was hosting the gathering, confirmed that Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi, was killed in the attack.

National and International Condemnation

Opposition leader Sussan Ley described the shooting as “hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned what he called a terrorist attack on Jews gathered to light the first candle of Hanukkah.

Ongoing Investigation

Premier Minns said the investigation is in its early stages and remains complex. Albanese said the federal government is working closely with New South Wales authorities and urged the public to rely on official police updates as more information becomes available.

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

Person of Interest Detained After Deadly Brown University Shooting

A person of interest is in custody following a mass shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine others injured, authorities said early Sunday.

Arrest Made After Overnight Manhunt

Providence Police confirmed the individual was detained around 3:45 a.m. at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, roughly 28 miles south of Providence. Law enforcement sources said the person was allegedly found in possession of two firearms at the time of detention. Officials emphasized the individual is not a Brown University student.

City Lifts Shelter-in-Place Order

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced the arrest at a Sunday morning news conference, saying the city’s shelter-in-place order had been lifted. Authorities said no additional suspects are being sought, adding that residents can “breathe a little easier.”

Tip From Public Proved Crucial

Police said a tip from the public led investigators to the hotel where the person of interest was located. Federal sources noted the individual is still being referred to as a person of interest, but investigators are confident they are moving in the right direction.

Details of the Campus Shooting

The shooting occurred Saturday at Brown’s Barus & Holley building on the College Hill campus, where engineering and physics classes are held. University President Christina H. Paxson said the gunfire erupted inside a lecture hall during a final exam review session.

Victims and Hospital Updates

Two students were killed in what Paxson described as a day of “devastating gun violence.” Of the nine people injured, eight remained hospitalized Sunday morning. Seven were reported in stable condition, while one was listed as critical but stable.

Campus Status and Ongoing Investigation

Brown University lifted its shelter-in-place order early Sunday, though police activity continues in areas still considered active crime scenes. The FBI and local authorities previously released surveillance footage of the person of interest walking near campus shortly after the shooting as part of the investigation.

Community Response

“Our hearts go out to them,” Paxson said in a statement. “This is a day of tremendous sorrow. No parent or family member should ever have to endure a day like this.”

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