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UN Report: World Still on Track to Miss Paris Climate Goals

Indira Zaldivar
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UN Report: World Still on Track to Miss Paris Climate Goals

A new United Nations report warns that the planet remains on course to exceed the temperature limits set by the Paris Agreement, despite modest progress since last year.

Global Warming Could Reach 2.3–2.5°C

If countries meet their current national climate pledges, global temperatures are projected to rise between 2.3°C and 2.5°C (4.14–4.5°F) above preindustrial levels. That’s a slight improvement from last year’s estimate of 2.6–2.8°C but still well above the Paris goal of limiting warming to 2°C.

If nations only follow their existing policies — which often fall short of their stated goals — the report projects an even steeper rise of 2.8°C (5.04°F). The warming figures reflect global averages, meaning land areas could experience even greater temperature increases.

U.S. Withdrawal Expected to Raise Estimates

The report also notes that the Trump administration’s formal withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will take effect next year, raising the global temperature estimate by about 0.1°C (0.18°F). The U.S. State Department said it “does not support” the UN’s findings, reiterating that environmental agreements should not “unduly or unfairly burden the United States.”

Global Stakes Remain High

Scientists warn that exceeding the Paris targets could lead to increasingly severe droughts, floods, and heat waves worldwide. While the report reflects some progress in emissions planning, it concludes that current commitments still fall short of what’s needed to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

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

Transportation Secretary Warns of Possible Airspace Closures Amid Shutdown

Indira Zaldivar
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Transportation Secretary Warns of Possible Airspace Closures Amid Shutdown

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Tuesday that parts of U.S. airspace could be forced to shut down if the ongoing government shutdown continues into next week.

‘You Will See Mass Chaos’

Duffy said the Department of Transportation may have no choice but to close certain areas of airspace due to severe staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. “If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos,” Duffy said. “You will see mass flight delays, mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace because we just cannot manage it.”

Air Traffic Control at a Breaking Point

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, nearly half of the nation’s major air traffic control facilities are facing critical staffing shortages. Controllers are currently working without pay due to the shutdown.

Duffy told ABC’s This Week that safety remains the top priority despite the disruptions. “We will delay, we will cancel any kind of flight across the national airspace to make sure people are safe,” he said, noting that a ground stop was already in effect at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Safety Risks Rising

“There is a level of risk that gets injected into the system when we have a controller that’s doing two jobs instead of one,” Duffy warned, emphasizing that the situation will worsen if Congress fails to end the shutdown soon.

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

Australian Mother Pleads Guilty to Criminal Neglect After Daughter’s Malnutrition Death

Michael Esparza
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Australian Mother Pleads Guilty to Criminal Neglect After Daughter’s Malnutrition Death

An Australian woman has admitted to the severe neglect of her children that led to the death of her 6-year-old daughter, who died from cardiac arrest caused by malnutrition.

Child Found Malnourished and Infested with Lice

Crystal Leanne Hanley, 49, pleaded guilty in South Australia’s Supreme Court to the criminal neglect of three of her children. Prosecutors said her daughter, Charlie Nowland, was found unresponsive at their Munno Para home on July 15, 2022. The child weighed only 39 pounds and died of “cardiac failure associated with anemia and severe iron deficiency.”

Emergency nurse Angela Dente testified that Charlie’s head, ears, and nose were covered in lice eggs, and her hands and feet were so caked with dirt that staff had to scrape it off.

“I kept looking at her little sweet face,” Dente said in her victim impact statement.

Pattern of Neglect and Missed Warnings

Before her death, Charlie had lost the ability to walk, yet Hanley failed to seek medical care. Prosecutor Kos Lesses said Hanley displayed “callous disregard” for her daughter’s worsening condition during phone calls with the child’s father.

Hanley finally called emergency services at 1 a.m. on the day Charlie died, telling dispatchers the child had fallen off a makeshift bed and stopped breathing.

Family’s Heartbreaking Testimony

During the hearing, Hanley’s surviving children condemned her neglect. “I had to be a parent to Charlie because you weren’t,” one child said.

“You were selfish. All you cared about was drugs when you should have cared about us.”

Hanley faces sentencing at a later date.

If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit childhelp.org. Calls are confidential and available 24/7 in over 170 languages.

For the most pressing headlines around the globe, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Election Day in Texas: Voters to Decide 17 Constitutional Amendments and Key Special Races

Edward Saenz
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Election Day in Texas: Voters to Decide 17 Constitutional Amendments and Key Special Races

Texans are heading to the polls today to weigh in on 17 proposed changes to the state Constitution and fill vacant seats in Congress and the state Senate. The off-year election is expected to draw lower turnout despite high-stakes measures on taxes, water, and criminal justice.

18th Congressional District Special Election

Voters in Houston’s 18th Congressional District are selecting a successor to the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in March. With 16 candidates in the crowded field, a runoff is almost certain. Leading Democratic contenders include Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, former Houston City Councilmember Amanda Edwards, and State Rep. Jolanda Jones.

The heavily Democratic district, known for producing political figures like Barbara Jordan and Sheila Jackson Lee, could see its dynamics shift after redistricting moves much of its territory to southern and northeastern Harris County.

Senate District 9 Special Election

In North Texas, voters will fill the state Senate seat vacated by Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. Republicans Leigh Wambsganss, backed by Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, and former Southlake Mayor John Huffman are the leading contenders in the solidly conservative district. Democrat Taylor Rehmet, a union leader and Air Force veteran, is running an uphill campaign centered on working-class issues.

If a Republican wins, as expected, the state Senate will have 19 Republicans and 11 Democrats, with one vacancy remaining in a Conroe-area district.

Key Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot

Seventeen proposed amendments could reshape Texas policy on taxes, infrastructure, and criminal justice. Several aim to lower property taxes, including Proposition 13, which raises the homestead exemption for school taxes from $100,000 to $140,000 — a change that could save the average homeowner nearly $500 annually.

Proposition 4 would allocate $20 billion over 20 years to fund statewide water projects, while Proposition 3 would require judges to deny bail for certain violent felonies if public safety is at risk.

Proposition 12 seeks to restructure the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, granting Gov. Greg Abbott a majority of appointments, and Proposition 14 would create a $3 billion Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

Low Turnout but High Impact

More than one million Texans cast ballots during early voting, but overall turnout is expected to remain modest. The election’s results will determine not only who fills key vacancies but also the direction of Texas policy for years to come.

Follow every update of Election Day with Que Onda Magazine.

Dick Cheney, Former Vice President and ‘Darth Vader’ of the GOP, Dies at 84

Indira Zaldivar
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Dick Cheney, Former Vice President and ‘Darth Vader’ of the GOP, Dies at 84

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, long known as one of the most influential and polarizing figures in American politics, died Nov. 3 at the age of 84.

Architect of Post-9/11 Wars

Cheney helped direct the Persian Gulf War as defense secretary under President George H.W. Bush and later shaped U.S. military strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq as vice president to George W. Bush following the Sept. 11 attacks. His defense of waterboarding and other “enhanced interrogation” methods drew widespread condemnation, with critics labeling the practices as torture.

Praised by Bush, Vilified by Critics

George W. Bush hailed Cheney as a “calm and steady presence” who prioritized America’s security during turbulent years. But Cheney’s justification for the Iraq War and interrogation tactics left a lasting mark, solidifying his reputation as one of the most divisive vice presidents in U.S. history.

Embracing the ‘Darth Vader’ Image

Frequently compared to Darth Vader for his secrecy and hardline views, Cheney leaned into the nickname. “After all, Darth Vader is one of the nicer things I’ve been called recently,” he quipped in 2007. He even displayed a trailer hitch modeled after the “Star Wars” villain, proudly declaring, “I’m rather proud of that.”

Falling Out With Trump’s GOP

In later years, Cheney and his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney, broke ranks with Donald Trump’s Republican Party. Both condemned Trump’s role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, and Liz Cheney joined the House committee investigating the attack.

Their criticism drew Trump’s ire, with the former president branding Dick Cheney “irrelevant” and Liz Cheney a “radical war hawk.”

A Legacy of Power and Controversy

From shaping post-9/11 national security policy to becoming a rare Republican voice against Trump, Cheney’s career spanned eras of war, reform, and political upheaval. Once reviled as the GOP’s Darth Vader, he ultimately stood as a symbol of conviction—unyielding, combative, and unapologetic to the end.

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

Beautiful weather for Election Day, near record warmth returns Friday

ABC13 Houston
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Beautiful weather for Election Day, near record warmth returns Friday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Election Day brings more amazing weather to Southeast Texas.

If you’ll be heading to the voting booth when the polls open at 7 a.m. you’ll likely need a jacket with temperatures in the upper 40s for most. After the chilly start, our bright sunny sky will push temps into the upper 70s and low 80s for highs..

What’s in store for the rest of the work week?

The weather looks great! After Election Day, the Gulf breeze brings back moisture Wednesday and beyond to bring lows up into the 60s and highs into the 80s for the rest of the week. Overall it should still feel pretty nice. Friday could be especially warm with high temperatures climbing into the upper 80s, approaching the daily record of 89 degrees observed just last year on November 7.

When does our next cold front arrive?

Our next front gets here early Sunday morning, but it doesn’t look particularly strong for us. Saturday will be similar in its warmth when compared to Friday, but we’ll cool off nicely behind the front arriving early Sunday. That will set the stage for seasonally cool weather on Veterans Day with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s under a sunny sky.

Any more rain on the horizon?

No. We are out of the main storm track over the next 7 to 10 days, so the best we can muster right now is a 20% chance of rain when the front arrives over the weekend. And even that might be generous. Therefore, more drought-building conditions are expected for the first half of November.

What is happening in the tropics?

Now that Melissa has moved on, there are no tropical developments expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Man Charged After Alleged Social‑Media Threats Against President Trump

Michael Esparza
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Man Charged After Alleged Social‑Media Threats Against President Trump

Suspect arrested and detained

A suburban Chicago man, 57‑year‑old Trent Schneider of Winthrop Harbor, was federally charged after prosecutors say he posted a video on Instagram threatening to kill President Donald Trump. Schneider was arrested Monday and a federal judge ordered him held in custody pending a detention hearing later this week.

Alleged threats detailed in complaint

According to a criminal complaint, Schneider’s “selfie‑style” video from Oct. 16 included statements about obtaining guns and executing Trump. Prosecutors say the same video and a caption calling for execution were posted roughly 18 times between Oct. 16 and Oct. 21.

Tip leads to law enforcement action

A concerned viewer in Florida reported the video to authorities on Oct. 16, which prompted the investigation and Schneider’s arrest. He faces a federal charge for making a threat in interstate commerce and could receive up to five years in prison if convicted.

Schneider is scheduled for a detention hearing on Thursday. Attorney information was not immediately available.

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

Trump Signals Maduro’s ‘Days Are Numbered’ Amid Largest Caribbean Military Buildup in Decades

Edward Saenz
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Trump Signals Maduro’s ‘Days Are Numbered’ Amid Largest Caribbean Military Buildup in Decades

US Pushes Back Against Venezuelan Regime

President Donald Trump warned that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s “days are numbered” in a 60 Minutes interview, citing the dictator’s role in drug trafficking, crime, and mass migration to the United States. Trump said Maduro’s government has sent not only migrants but also prisoners and patients from mental institutions into the U.S., fueling crime linked to gangs like Tren de Aragua and Cartel de Los Soles.

Historic Military Deployment

Backing his rhetoric, the U.S. has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, nuclear submarines, guided-missile destroyers, and over 10,000 troops to the Caribbean — the largest American military presence in the region in over 35 years. Eight warships are currently in place, soon increasing to 14, while military aircraft from fighter jets to B-52 bombers operate out of the rebuilt Roosevelt Roads naval base in Puerto Rico.

Maduro Faces Isolation and Economic Collapse

Maduro, in power since 2013 despite disputed elections in 2019 and 2023, remains defiant amid international sanctions, economic collapse, and growing isolation. Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado said millions of Venezuelans would return home if Maduro is ousted.

Operations Against Drug Trafficking

Since August, U.S. forces have conducted at least 14 strikes on suspected drug boats, killing more than 60 alleged narcoterrorists. Trump emphasized the operations prevent thousands of American deaths and hinted the U.S. could expand efforts to target land-based cartels in Venezuela.

Trump did not rule out further action but suggested the U.S. might achieve regime change without a full-scale war.

“I doubt we’re going to war with Venezuela,” he said, leaving the exact next steps unspecified.

For more on Venezuela affairs under Trump’s second administration, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Sharp, History and a Brand New Banner: Cougars Open Season with 75–57 Win Over Lehigh

Michael Esparza
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Sharp, History and a Brand New Banner: Cougars Open Season with 75–57 Win Over Lehigh

Emanuel Sharp dropped 24 points, Kelvin Sampson notched his 800th career win, and Houston unveiled its Final Four banner — a fitting way to kick off a season built on unfinished business.

Before a single ball was tipped Monday night inside Fertitta Center, Kelvin Sampson’s program gave its fans something to roar about. A banner — the second Final Four banner in five seasons — was unveiled, a permanent reminder of just how far Houston has come and how close it came to a national title last spring.

Then the game started, and the Cougars got right back to business.

Emanuel Sharp scored a game-high 24 points, Chris Cenac Jr. posted a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds in his collegiate debut, and No. 2 Houston rolled past Lehigh 75–57 in front of over 7,000 fans to open the 2025–26 season. In the process, Sampson notched the 800th win of his 37-year coaching career — becoming just the 17th Division I coach and fourth active coach to reach the milestone, joining Rick Barnes, John Calipari, and Bill Self.

Not a bad way to tip off a revenge tour.

Out of the Gates Fast

Houston wasted no time establishing dominance. The Cougars opened with a 12–0 run through the first five minutes of action before the lead grew to 15–2 behind 10 first-half points from Cenac — the freshman big man scored a three-pointer with 14:10 remaining in the half to push the lead to 13. Lehigh opened the game one for ten from the field and simply couldn’t keep pace with Houston’s early physicality and length.

Lehigh then settled in, cutting the deficit to seven with a 6–0 run of their own. But Houston answered with a 7–1 surge to push ahead 22–9, and the Cougars closed the half on an 8–0 run to take a 44–23 lead into the locker room. Sharp added 13 of his 24 in the first half on five-of-eight shooting, and Houston shot a blistering 57% from the field before intermission.

Lehigh Showed Some Grit

To the Mountain Hawks’ credit, they didn’t fold. Lehigh actually outscored Houston 34–31 in the second half, shooting 41.7% from the field while holding the Cougars to just 29% over the final 20 minutes. Nasir Whitlock led the way with 18 points and nine rebounds — a legitimate performance against a top-two program — while freshmen Caleb Thomas and Hank Alvey each added 10 points. Lehigh pulled to within 15 points at multiple stretches off buckets from Whitlock, Peter Kramer, and Alvey.

“We knew that Houston is a great team, and we knew that they were going to come with a lot of energy and pride off of a Final Four and championship appearance,” said Lehigh coach Brett Reed. “I thought our guys fought for 40 minutes. There are things I know we can do better, but I think we earned a lot of respect from people the way in which we battled, competed, and went together as a unit.”

He was right. But the first-half hole was simply too deep to climb out of.

Cenac Announces Himself

The storyline no one saw coming heading into the night was the 18-year-old stepping out of the tunnel for the first time. Cenac’s double-double in his first collegiate game — against a top-two team, in front of 7,000 fans — was the kind of debut that turns heads across the country. Physical, fearless, and clearly not intimidated by the moment, the freshman forward gave Houston a new dimension that last year’s squad didn’t always have.

Milos Uzan added 12 points, Joseph Tugler chipped in 11 points with a game-high four blocked shots, and the full starting unit looked every bit as polished as a team that spent all summer thinking about what happened in April.

800 and Counting

In the celebration that followed, the 800-win milestone took center stage. Sampson improved to 800–354 overall and 300–84 since arriving in Houston in 2014. The win also marked Houston’s 17th straight season-opening victory and the 21st time in the last 22 years they’ve won their opener. He was characteristically understated about the milestone.

“It’s hard to make this tournament. It’s really hard,” he said — though on this night, his mind was already pointed toward what comes next.

Up Next

Houston returns to Fertitta Center on Saturday to host Towson at 2 p.m. on ESPN+. The homestand continues Wednesday, November 12, against Oakland.

The banner is hung. Win number 800 is in the books. Now the Cougars get to work.

Houston to hold Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

Indira Zaldivar
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Houston to hold Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

Honoring Local Heroes

HOUSTON — Mayor John Whitmire is inviting residents to celebrate and honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military at the City of Houston Veterans Day Program and Parade on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Texas is home to over 250,000 veterans, the largest veteran population in the nation, and the city continues its annual tradition of paying tribute through the “Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration.”

Veterans Day Ceremony

The formal ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., featuring acknowledgments and a keynote speaker recognizing local veterans. At 11 a.m., a Moment of Silence will be observed to mark the Armistice that ended World War I.

American Heroes Parade

Following the ceremony, the parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at Dallas and Bagby streets. The route proceeds east on Dallas, north on Louisiana, west on Walker, south on Smith, and ends at Lamar and Bagby. Local veteran organizations, ROTC groups, bands, and supporters will march along the route. The parade is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend and show their support.

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

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