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Japan Accuses China of ‘Dangerous’ Radar Targeting Near Okinawa

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Tokyo Says Chinese Jets Threatened Japanese Aircraft
Japan accused Chinese fighter jets of aiming their radar at Japanese military planes in two “dangerous” encounters near the Okinawa islands. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the incidents “extremely regrettable,” saying the radar use went beyond what is necessary for safe flight. Japan formally protested to Beijing.

Beijing Denies Japan’s Claims
China rejected the accusations. Navy spokesperson Colonel Wang Xuemeng said Japanese aircraft had repeatedly disrupted Chinese carrier-based training east of the Miyako Strait. He urged Japan to “stop slandering and smearing,” warning that China would take necessary measures to protect its security.

Rising Tensions Tied to Taiwan
The standoff comes amid worsening China-Japan relations, especially after Takaichi warned Japan could respond to Chinese military action against Taiwan if it threatened Japan’s security. Radar targeting is considered a potentially hostile step because it signals possible attack preparation.

Regional Allies Respond
In Tokyo, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told Australian counterpart Richard Marles that Japan would respond “resolutely and calmly.” Marles said Australia was “deeply concerned” and would stand with Japan in supporting a rules-based order.

China Expands Military Activity
China has ramped up naval and air operations near Japan and Taiwan, deploying more than 100 vessels across East Asian waters in recent days. Taiwan’s coast guard said it was monitoring Chinese drills but described conditions around the island as “normal.” Taiwan accused Beijing of using misleading language to wage psychological pressure.

U.S. Maintains Distance as Dispute Escalates
U.S. Ambassador George Glass has publicly backed Japan, but President Donald Trump and senior officials have remained silent. According to sources, Trump privately urged Takaichi not to escalate tensions following a call with China’s Xi Jinping. The administration says it aims to prevent conflict by strengthening military partnerships in the region.

Historical Pattern of Close Calls
The incidents follow years of similar encounters between the two countries’ militaries, including radar lock accusations and dangerously close jet intercepts near Okinawa. Japan says the latest episodes involved Chinese J-15 fighters launched from the Liaoning aircraft carrier, prompting Japan to scramble F-15s in response.

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

Supreme Court Rejects Kim Davis Appeal, Leaving Penalty in Place

High Court Declines to Revive Case
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis’s final attempt to escape a $360,000 penalty for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples after the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. The refusal leaves intact lower-court decisions holding her financially liable.

Thomas Criticizes Obergefell, but Court Holds Firm
Justice Clarence Thomas reiterated his view that the same-sex marriage ruling should be overturned, saying he has “called for erasing” Obergefell. Despite his criticism, the court showed no interest in revisiting the landmark decision and declined to take up Davis’s appeal.

Civil Rights Advocates Welcome the Decision
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, praised the move, saying the court made clear that public officials cannot deny others’ constitutional rights without consequences.

Uncertain Future for Marriage Equality Challenges
While several justices have signaled skepticism toward the Obergefell ruling, the court’s refusal to intervene in Davis’s case raises questions about whether further challenges will gain traction.

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

Mother of Press Secretary’s Nephew Disputes White House Narrative

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Bruna Ferreira Pushes Back

Bruna Ferreira, mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, is speaking out against what she calls a false and “disgusting” portrayal of her by the administration. In an interview with The Washington Post, Ferreira said she regrets trusting Leavitt as her son’s godmother and questioned why the White House is “creating this narrative.”

Background on the Case

Ferreira, a Brazilian national who came to the U.S. legally at age 6 and once held DACA status, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on November 12. Officials say she overstayed her visa as a child. DHS has described her as a “criminal illegal alien,” referencing a 2008 fight when she was 16. Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, says she was never arrested and that the case was dismissed.

Disputed Claims

Contrary to the White House’s depiction of her as an absentee mother, Ferreira maintains close ties to the Leavitt family. She says she personally chose Karoline Leavitt to be her son’s godmother—a decision she now regrets. Pomerleau told Newsweek that Ferreira has no criminal record and that her relationship with the family has been peaceful.

Michael Leavitt, father of Ferreira’s son, denies any role in her arrest, telling the Post that he wants his child to maintain a relationship with his mother.

What’s Next

Ferreira remains in ICE detention in Louisiana and faces deportation proceedings. She says she has not been able to speak with her son since her arrest.

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

Argument between father-in-law and son-in-law leads to apparent murder-suicide, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An argument between a father-in-law and son-in-law in northwest Houston ended in what police believe was a murder-suicide, according to HPD.

Investigators say they responded to a deadly shooting in the 3300 block of Peavine Circle Saturday night. When officers arrived, they found both men dead.

Lt. Khan from HPD said the initial investigation shows the two men had a heated argument. During the dispute, one man pulled out a gun and shot the other, then appeared to have shot himself soon after.

Khan did not specify who shot whom, but said investigators believe the men were a father-in-law and son-in-law.

Khan said homicide detectives are still investigating.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Foggy start to your Sunday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re dealing with widespread dense fog this morning, with a Dense Fog Advisory in effect through 9AM. Any fog should lift by mid-morning ahead of our next cold front that’ll move through around lunchtime. We’ll keep a mostly sunny to partly cloudy sky throughout the day Sunday and afternoon temperatures in the upper 60s or low 70s.

How cold will it get with the next cold front?

Because the front clears out the sky and keeps the sunshine around, highs will be in the 60s and 70s Sunday afternoon, but it will cold in the 30s and 40s at night. In fact, frost looks to be possible in parts of Southeast Texas on Tuesday morning.

When could we get our first freeze?

Long range signals indicate we probably have to wait until the second half of December for a chance of freezing weather in Houston, especially with the warmup on the way next week. On average, Houston historically gets its first freeze during the second week of December. This year it looks like we have to wait a bit longer.

When’s our next chance for rain?

After a dreary and damp end to last week, we’ve got a pattern flip on the way that will keep our forecast sunny and mild through mid-December. So as of now, our next widespread rain chance is more than 10 days out. There’s small, 10% chances for rain when fronts move through on Sunday and Friday, but otherwise nothing more than that at this point.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

DOT Waives $11 Million Fine for Southwest Airlines

Record Penalty Originally Imposed

Southwest Airlines will not have to pay the final $11 million installment of a $140 million civil penalty imposed over its 2022 holiday travel meltdown. The Biden administration’s Department of Transportation initially issued the record fine—the largest in U.S. airline history—after Southwest canceled over 16,900 flights during a winter storm, affecting more than 2 million passengers.

Credit for Operational Improvements

Instead of paying, Southwest receives an $11 million credit for investing $112.4 million in its Network Operations Control, which improved on-time performance and flight completion rates. The DOT said the waiver encourages airlines to invest in operational resilience that directly benefits travelers.

Airline Response

Southwest expressed gratitude to the DOT for recognizing its operational turnaround. The airline highlighted that its recent improvements have led to industry-leading on-time performance and reduced cancellations.

Background

The original penalty required Southwest to upgrade technology, improve reliability, and compensate passengers for future delays. The airline also paid $600 million in refunds and reimbursements to customers as part of the settlement.

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

Full 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Schedule Released

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Key Highlights

FIFA has unveiled the complete group-stage schedule for the 2026 World Cup, marking the first tournament with 48 teams.

Team USA will play June 12 in Los Angeles, June 19 in Seattle and June 25 in Los Angeles. The opening match revisits a historic pairing: South Africa vs. Mexico, a repeat of the 2010 opener. Another milestone arrives June 20, when Japan and Tunisia meet in the 1,000th World Cup match.

All 12 Groups Set

The draw placed teams into 12 groups of four, including heavyweight matchups like Brazil–Morocco, Argentina–Algeria and England–Croatia. Playoff qualifiers from Europe and intercontinental brackets will fill the final spots in several groups.

Group-by-Group Overview


Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and the European Playoff D winner open the tournament June 11 in Mexico City. Matches also take place in Guadalajara, Atlanta and Monterrey.
Group B: Canada headlines alongside Switzerland, Qatar and the European Playoff A winner, with games across Toronto, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seattle and the Bay Area.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti compete in East Coast and Southern venues including New York/New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and Atlanta.
Group D: Team USA faces Paraguay, Australia and the European Playoff C winner, with fixtures in L.A., Vancouver, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Group E: Germany leads a group with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao, playing in Houston, Philadelphia, Toronto, Kansas City and New York/New Jersey.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia and the European Playoff B winner play in Dallas, Monterrey, Houston and Kansas City, highlighted by the 1,000th World Cup match.
Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt and New Zealand compete in Los Angeles, Seattle and Vancouver.
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde play across Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Guadalajara.
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway and Intercontinental Playoff 2 meet in New York/New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto.
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria and Jordan play in Kansas City, Dallas and the Bay Area.
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan and Intercontinental Playoff 1 compete in Houston, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Miami and Atlanta.
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama play in Dallas, Boston, Toronto, Philadelphia and New York/New Jersey.

The Road to the Final

The World Cup final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Six qualifying spots remain and will be decided in March through UEFA playoffs and intercontinental matchups.

If you want, Sparky, I can also create a super-short version, a fan-friendly version, or a Houston-focused angle since multiple matches are scheduled in the city.

For more on the Men’s 2026 FIFA World Cup, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

SCOTUS to Review Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

High Court Takes Up Case Again

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear an expedited appeal of President Donald Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship through executive order. The justices announced the move Friday without explanation.

Arguments are expected in the spring, with a decision likely by late June. This marks the second time the court will consider the order, but the first time it will weigh in directly on its legality.

A Century-Old Interpretation at Stake

For more than a century, U.S. courts and administrations have interpreted the Constitution to grant citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Trump’s order aims to narrow that interpretation by limiting citizenship only to children born to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Lower Courts Blocked the Order

Federal appellate courts previously halted the policy nationwide, finding it unlawful on its face. The administration petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn those rulings and allow the order to take effect.

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

Fort Bend ISD substitute teacher off job after allegedly assaulting student, officials say

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FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A substitute teacher won’t be allowed to return to Almeta Crawford High School after assaulting a 14-year-old student on Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

Cell phone video shows the teacher picking up the boy and slamming him into a countertop as other students attempt to intervene.

The boy’s mom said he had tried to retrieve his backpack from the teacher before the altercation.

“School staff responded immediately to intervene, de-escalate the situation, and ensure the safety of those involved,” Principal Dr. Amber Grady wrote in a note to parents Thursday following Eyewitness News’ request for comment Wednesday evening.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it’s conducting an active investigation and is reviewing the video, but declined to comment about possible charges.

Fort Bend ISD said the substitute teacher will not return to work at the school district.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Drivers Face Long-Term Closures on I-10 Near Downtown Houston

Major Construction Shifts Begin

Houston commuters are bracing for another round of major shutdowns along I-10 as TxDOT advances its $400 million White Oak Bayou project. The effort aims to elevate I-10’s mainlanes to prevent the frequent flooding that has historically forced highway closures during major storms.

Ramps Closing for Years

Beginning Thursday, Dec. 4, at 10 p.m., two key connector ramps will shut down:

  • I-10 eastbound to I-45 northbound – closed until mid-2028
  • I-45 southbound to I-10 westbound – closed until mid-2026

The HOV lane at the interchange will no longer allow exits onto I-10 westbound, though TxDOT says downtown access via HOV will remain available.

Full Weekend Shutdown on I-10 Westbound

Starting Friday, Dec. 5, at 10 p.m., all westbound I-10 mainlanes between I-45 and Taylor will close through Monday at 5 a.m. for major reconfiguration. When the freeway reopens, westbound I-10 will be reduced to two lanes from I-45 to Houston Avenue, while the segment from Houston Avenue to Studemont will stay at three lanes. These reduced lanes are expected to continue through mid-2026 as crews build elevated westbound mainlanes.

Project Includes Houston Avenue Bridge Rebuild

The long-term construction also includes completely reconstructing the Houston Avenue bridge, adding to the extensive traffic impacts through at least 2026.

For more traffic updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.