A fatal collision at Scottsdale Airport on Monday afternoon resulted in one confirmed death and multiple injuries, according to authorities.
Scottsdale Fire Department Chief Folio provided an update during a press briefing, stating that emergency responders worked into the evening to extricate the deceased victim from the wreckage.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Two individuals were critically injured and transported to local trauma centers for treatment. Another victim was taken to a nearby hospital, while a fourth declined medical assistance at the scene.
Authorities described the site as an “active scene,” emphasizing ongoing efforts to recover and assist those affected. Chief Folio confirmed that one victim was declared “dead on arrival,” with responders focusing on “extricate and save” operations.
Jet Pros, LLC Issues Statement
Jet Pros, LLC, the operator of a Gulfstream jet impacted by the crash, clarified that there were no passengers aboard their parked aircraft at the time of the incident. While there were no reported injuries on the Gulfstream, the company confirmed external damage to the aircraft.
“We are cooperating fully with airport authorities and relevant agencies as they conduct a thorough review of the situation,” the company stated, extending condolences to the victims’ families and expressing gratitude to emergency responders for their swift actions.
Airport Operations and Official Reactions
All flights at Scottsdale Airport were initially suspended following the crash. The facility, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, resumed operations approximately six hours later.
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky issued a statement offering condolences and support to those affected.
“On behalf of the city of Scottsdale, we offer our deepest condolences to those involved in the accident and for those who have been taken to our trauma center for treatment. We will keep all affected by this tragedy in our prayers.”
She also commended the first responder community for their quick action and service during the emergency.
Investigation Underway
As of Monday evening, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken over the investigation. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash, and further details are expected as the inquiry progresses.
This remains a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available on Que Onda Magazine.
The limited-time Season of the Force event returns to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., March 28 through May 11, 2025 with a new nighttime experience in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a first-time visitor to Batuu, new food and beverage, merchandise and more. Pictured here, a shadowy visitor will appear on Batuu for a limited time. Wearing what seem to be Jedi robes, there are rumors it might be the legendary Luke Skywalker. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
Attention all Star Wars fans and intergalactic travelers—the highly anticipated Season of the Force is making its triumphant return to Disneyland Park!
From March 28 to May 11, 2025, visitors can immerse themselves in thrilling new experiences, exclusive merchandise, themed food and beverages, and epic attractions inspired by a galaxy far, far away. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and beyond!
New and Returning Experiences
A Spectacular Nighttime Projection Show: “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga”
One of the most exciting additions this year is the debut of “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.” This mesmerizing nighttime projection show will illuminate the spires of Batuu with breathtaking visuals, taking guests on an emotional journey through the most iconic moments of the Skywalker legacy. Accompanied by an unforgettable score featuring John Williams’ legendary compositions, this is a must-see event for any Star Wars enthusiast.
A Mysterious Visitor Arrives in Batuu
For the first time ever, a shadowy figure cloaked in Jedi robes will be roaming Batuu. Could it be the legendary Luke Skywalker? Visitors will have the chance to uncover the mystery while encountering other familiar faces from the Star Wars universe.
“Fire of the Rising Moons”—A Stunning Fireworks Experience
On select nights, visitors can witness “Fire of the Rising Moons,” a dazzling fireworks display set to the iconic Star Wars soundtrack. Guests can enjoy this unique view of Disneyland’s fireworks show from multiple locations in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including the Black Spire Spaceport, the TIE Echelon docking platform, and the speeder garage. Enhancing the experience, MagicBand+ will light up with colorful effects and vibrations in sync with the show.
Ride Overlays and Thrilling Adventures
Hyperspace Mountain Returns!
Space Mountain transforms into Hyperspace Mountain once again, offering an adrenaline-pumping Star Wars adventure through an intense intergalactic battle. Rebel X-wing starfighters and Imperial TIE fighters fill the sky as guests dodge laser blasts and navigate the chaos of space combat. This limited-time overlay runs through May 11.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Jump aboard a Starspeeder and embark on an all-new journey featuring characters and locations from Disney+ hits “Ahsoka,” “Andor,” and “The Mandalorian.” With over 250 different storyline combinations, no two rides are the same—so be ready for unexpected surprises!
Live Your Own Star Wars Story
Season of the Force is the perfect time to step into the Star Wars universe! Fly the Millennium Falcon, take on the First Order in “Rise of the Resistance,” and interact with beloved characters throughout Galaxy’s Edge. Adventure awaits at every turn.
Exclusive Star Wars Merchandise
Limited-Edition Collectibles and Apparel
Gear up with a variety of themed merchandise available throughout Disneyland Resort, including:
Create Your Own Headbands with plush attachments featuring Yoda, R2-D2, Ewoks, Darth Vader, and Stormtroopers.
Her Universe Retro Collection by Ashley Eckstein, launching exclusively at The Star Trader.
Boba Fett Sports Jersey and Resistance-themed apparel.
Limited-edition Hyperspace Mountain T-shirt, only available during the event.
Beginning May 4, a special “Reclaimed and Reforged” storyline will be introduced, allowing guests to build custom lightsabers using salvaged materials from across the galaxy. Advanced reservations are highly recommended for this unforgettable hands-on experience.
Droid Depot – Build Your Own Droid
Design and construct a custom BB-series, C-series, or R-series droid to accompany you on your adventures. No reservations are needed—just stop by and start building!
Galactic Food, Drinks, and Novelty Collectibles
Fuel up with limited-time offerings inspired by the Star Wars universe, including:
Pi-Co Punch – A tropical mix of pineapple juice, coconut milk, and lime, garnished with pineapple chunks and lotus root.
Wookiee Cookie – A chewy, chocolate-chip treat available at select locations.
Toydaria Swirl – Green milk with chile-lime seasoning and mango jellies.
Fried Chicken Baos – Crispy chicken bao buns topped with sweet chili sauce, scallion salad, and cucumber slices.
Droid Parts Premium Vessel – A popcorn bucket with a Star Wars twist, featuring butter popcorn and Crait Red Salt.
Darth Vader Premium Mug – A collector’s item that comes with a choice of beverage.
More Star Wars Fun Beyond Season of the Force
Looking for more exclusive Star Wars experiences? Don’t miss Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite, an after-hours event packed with entertainment, character encounters, and themed attractions. The special event takes place on select nights from April 8 to May 6, 2025, and tickets are now available for purchase online.
May the Force Be With You!
Season of the Force 2025 promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering thrilling rides, immersive experiences, exclusive merchandise, and mouthwatering galactic treats. Whether you’re a Jedi Knight, a Sith Lord, or just a casual traveler in the galaxy, this limited-time event is an unmissable celebration of all things Star Wars.
Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine for the latest updates, and may the Force be with you on your next adventure at Disneyland Park!
HOUSTON (Que Onda Magazine) – Recent test results have revealed elevated levels of toxic chemicals in Houston’s Fifth Ward, with particular concern surrounding the Julia C. Hester House, a vital community center that provides afterschool programs and meals for seniors.
Environmental testing conducted under the supervision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) detected dioxin, a known carcinogen, at five times the minimum screening level in areas around Hester House, according to Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee.
“It’s not a cause for alarm, but it should be a cause for concern,” Menefee told Que Onda Magazine “Families, children, and our seniors use this land daily, and we need the EPA to determine the full extent of the issue.”
“More testing needs to be done; we need the EPA to continue the testing,” Menefee added. “There’s no way we can fix the problem if we don’t understand what’s happening in the soil.”
The discovery adds to long-standing environmental concerns in the nearby Kashmere Gardens neighborhood, which has been identified as a cancer cluster linked to creosote contamination from a former rail yard operated by Southern Pacific, now Union Pacific, until the 1980s. Creosote, a wood preservative, has been associated with cancer risks and groundwater contamination.
Last year, Union Pacific, in coordination with the EPA, began testing soil and water vapor in the area as part of an ongoing investigation into potential contamination from the former Houston Wood Preserving Works site. The latest results show dioxin concentrations at Hester House reaching 220 parts per trillion (ppt) in some areas—well above the EPA’s residential screening level of 48 ppt, which assumes long-term exposure by young children.
While the EPA has emphasized that these levels do not pose an immediate health risk, further sampling and evaluation are planned to determine appropriate next steps. The agency noted that dioxin exposure primarily becomes hazardous through prolonged contact or ingestion. No additional testing is required at other nearby public areas, including Boyce Dorian Park, according to EPA assessments.
In response, Union Pacific released a statement asserting that nearly all detected chemicals from their testing remain below EPA’s conservative screening levels. The company also emphasized that dioxins are commonly found in industrialized areas and that identifying a definitive source requires further investigation.
“Union Pacific, in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has completed the most extensive soil testing related to the former Houston Wood Preserving Works site in the Fifth Ward. Initial results from schools and public properties near the site show nearly all detected chemicals below EPA’s conservative screening levels. Additional EPA testing at Julia C. Hester House will focus on dioxins found above screening levels. Dioxins are commonly found in densely populated areas with a history of industrial activity, and it is premature to identify a source before the entire testing and evaluation process is completed.”
Community advocates and local officials continue to press for swift action. The EPA’s ongoing human health risk assessment, expected to take several months, will play a crucial role in determining long-term remediation efforts and any necessary public health interventions.
As Texas lawmakers reconvene, property tax relief has emerged as a key issue, with Gov. Greg Abbott designating it a legislative priority.
Abbott has cited an affordability crisis, emphasizing that rising property taxes are straining homeowners across the state. With a $24 billion budget surplus, state officials are now considering how to use these funds to ease the tax burden on residents.
Texas’ High Property Tax Ranking
Texas ranks seventh nationwide in effective property tax rates, making homeownership increasingly expensive. Some Houston-area communities are particularly affected, with recent studies highlighting Pearland as one of the highest-taxed cities in the U.S. Other cities facing heavy tax burdens include Atascocita, Conroe, Sugar Land, and Houston. The combined tax obligations from various jurisdictions in these areas significantly contribute to the financial strain on homeowners.
The Impact on Texas Homeowners
Rising home values, driven in part by post-pandemic demand, have further exacerbated the property tax issue. Many homeowners have seen their tax bills climb sharply despite efforts to curb excessive taxation. The layered taxation from local municipalities, school districts, and county authorities adds to the complexity of the problem, leaving residents struggling to keep up with increasing costs.
Legislative Proposals and Potential Outcomes
As state leaders deliberate over potential solutions, proposals range from direct tax cuts to long-term reforms aimed at stabilizing property tax rates. Some lawmakers advocate for using the surplus to provide immediate relief, while others push for structural changes to the taxation system to ensure more sustainable rates in the future.
Here’s a look at five Houston-area communities with the highest property tax rates:
1. Pearland
National Rank: 10th
Effective Property Tax Rate: 2.16%
Median Home Value: ~$380,000
Median Property Taxes Paid (2023): $7,847 (12th highest in the U.S.)
Pearland homeowners bear the highest property tax burden in Texas, despite the city’s median home value being lower than the national average of $420,000.
2. Atascocita
National Rank: 20th
Effective Property Tax Rate: 1.94%
Located in northeast Harris County, Atascocita has seen rapid population growth in recent years, contributing to increased property valuations and tax burdens.
3. Conroe
National Rank: 21st
Effective Property Tax Rate: 1.88%
As the county seat of Montgomery County, Conroe has experienced significant growth, making it one of the fastest-growing communities in the country alongside Atascocita.
4. Sugar Land
National Rank: 28th
Effective Property Tax Rate: 1.77%
Median Home Value: $451,300
Sugar Land’s relatively high median home value, coupled with its tax rate, contributes to a high median tax bill, ranking among the top 10 in Texas for property taxes paid.
5. Houston
National Rank: 35th
Effective Property Tax Rate: 1.7%
As the state’s largest city, Houston rounds out the top five, with homeowners contending with a property tax rate that remains among the highest in the nation.
The Road Ahead
With property tax reform a top priority for state leaders, Texas lawmakers will debate how best to utilize the state’s budget surplus to provide relief. Homeowners in high-tax areas, particularly in the Houston region, will be watching closely to see if meaningful change is on the horizon. As discussions continue, the outcome could shape the financial landscape for Texas residents for years to come.
Keep up with news on the Texas Legislature with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Fresh off his five Grammy wins, Kendrick Lamar took center stage at the 2025 Super Bowl Apple Music Halftime Show, delivering an unforgettable performance that sent shockwaves across the internet.
His set was not just a showcase of his greatest hits but a carefully crafted statement, loaded with layered symbolism and cultural commentary.
Uncle Sam and the American Dream
One of the most striking elements of the performance was the introduction by Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed Uncle Sam. Dressed in a red, white, and blue ensemble, Jackson narrated Lamar’s journey, drawing a parallel between the so-called “Great American Game” and the Black experience in America. The moment when Jackson’s Uncle Sam dismissed Lamar’s performance as “too ghetto” before being silenced set the tone for a show deeply rooted in social critique.
Lamar did not shy away from controversy. In a particularly bold moment, he referenced ongoing legal battles surrounding his hit diss track “Not Like Us.”
Looking into the camera, he quipped, “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” This direct acknowledgment of Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group added another layer of tension and intrigue to the performance.
A Show-Stopping Collaboration with SZA
The halftime show also featured a standout appearance by SZA, one of Lamar’s most frequent collaborators. The duo performed hits like “Luther” and “All The Stars,” showcasing their undeniable chemistry. With both artists coming off highly successful years—Lamar’s dominance in rap and SZA’s chart-topping album and film soundtrack—the performance was a preview of their upcoming “Grand National Tour.”
The Climactic Moment: “Not Like Us”
When Lamar finally launched into “Not Like Us,” the crowd erupted. The stadium pulsed with energy as fans chanted along, especially when Lamar modified his infamous line about Drake, opting for subtlety while still making a powerful impact. The performance cemented the song’s place as one of the most electrifying diss tracks in hip-hop history.
Serena Williams’ Unexpected Cameo
In a moment that left fans buzzing, tennis legend Serena Williams was spotted dancing along to “Not Like Us.” Given her past relationship with Drake and Lamar’s lyric referencing her, the camera cutting to Williams at that precise moment felt intentional—a full-circle moment that added another layer of intrigue to the performance.
Lamar’s halftime show wasn’t just a musical performance; it was a masterclass in storytelling, cultural commentary, and pure entertainment. By blending high-energy music with thought-provoking symbolism, Lamar once again proved why he is one of the most important artists of his generation.
The Trump administration’s decision to freeze U.S. foreign humanitarian aid and shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is already having devastating consequences worldwide, leaders of humanitarian organizations told ABC News.
The abrupt funding halt has disrupted crucial services for vulnerable populations, from HIV/AIDS patients to war-affected civilians.
HIV/AIDS Programs at Risk: Millions of Lives Hang in the Balance
Christine Stegling, deputy executive director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and assistant secretary-general of the United Nations, emphasized the severe impact of the aid freeze on global HIV and AIDS programs.
“The United States Government provides about 70% of all funding for HIV and AIDS globally, and so pausing any of that is a big shock to the system,” Stegling told ABC News.
While Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that waivers could allow some critical aid to continue, Stegling noted that confusion remains over their implementation and scope. In the meantime, community clinics are shutting down due to uncertainty about funding and potential financial liabilities.
“Community clinics are closed because communities are not sure what the guidance is, and they’re not sure what costs can be covered, and they’re afraid that they will be asked to repay services that they have charged to U.S. government contracts,” she said.
Stegling warned that if all HIV/AIDS funding is halted, more than six million people could die from AIDS-related causes by 2029.
“These are people’s lives that are really at risk here that we need to consider as we’re thinking about the future,” she added.
Ukraine’s Frontline Civilians Face Freezing Conditions
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine has been the top recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, but the recent aid freeze has left many civilians in dire straits. Yuriy Boyechko, founder and president of Hope for Ukraine, told ABC News that the freeze threatens essential survival resources such as firewood, which many Ukrainian civilians rely on amid harsh winter conditions.
“Firewood is a lifeline right now for the people in Ukraine,” Boyechko said. “They don’t have electricity, they don’t have gas. They rely on firewood to keep them warm in freezing temperature[s], and they rely on their firewood to cook their meals.”
Without immediate intervention from other organizations, he warned that many Ukrainians would be left to endure the brutal cold.
“It’s created a lot of distrust inside of the population inside of Ukraine because we [have] always been relying on [the] United States,” he said. “[The] United States got our back in the darkest period of time, and now, since USAID is pulling away, a lot of people [are] losing hope.”
Congo Conflict Worsens as Peace Efforts Stall
The aid freeze has also crippled peace-building efforts in conflict zones, including eastern Congo, where war has escalated. Search for Common Ground, a global peace organization that receives 40% of its funding from the U.S., has been forced to halt key programs.
“We had to freeze the mobilization in the east of the country that was intended to prevent recruitment into the rebel movement that is gaining ground there,” CEO Shamil Idriss told ABC News.
Perhaps most concerning, Idriss noted that funding cuts have silenced a network of radio stations that provided life-saving information to civilians fleeing violence.
“Literally, today, people are running in the wrong direction,” he said. “They’re fleeing towards violence, rather than away from it.”
Idriss expressed frustration over the disorganized nature of the aid cuts, saying they have created confusion across more than 30 projects.
“Some of the information was inconsistent, ambiguous, or even contradictory,” he said. “Chaos has really ensued. We’re hopeful that, you know, cooler heads will prevail within the administration shortly.”
Members of the White Angel unit of Ukrainian police officers evacuate an elderly woman, Vera, 91, in the frontline town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine Jan. 31, 2025. Inna Varenytsia/Reuters
Aid Cuts Leave Vulnerable Women in Latin America Without Protection
The impact of the aid freeze extends to Latin America, where support programs for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking are being forced to shut down. Noah Gottschalk, senior director for international advocacy at HIAS, a Jewish refugee and immigrant aid organization, called the situation “total and complete chaos.”
“We’ve had to stop programs, for example, with survivors of violence against women in Latin America, in countries like Colombia, in countries like Ecuador—women who fled abusive partners,” Gottschalk told ABC News.
The sudden loss of support, he said, could force many women to return to their abusers or leave them vulnerable to human trafficking networks.
Global Fallout: Who Will Fill the Void?
Beyond the immediate humanitarian impact, Gottschalk warned that the withdrawal of U.S. aid could have long-term geopolitical consequences.
“The U.S. abandoning some of the most desperate people in the world right now absolutely will create a vacuum,” he said. “And I’m deeply concerned about who is going to fill that vacuum, whether it’s armed groups, whether it’s cartels, human traffickers.”
As global leaders scramble to address the repercussions of the Trump administration’s aid freeze, millions of lives remain in limbo, caught in the crossfire of shifting U.S. policy.
Houstonians can expect a warm and muggy start to Sunday, but relief is on the way as the first of several cold fronts pushes through, bringing slightly cooler temperatures by the evening, according to our news partner ABC13.
Foggy Start with Isolated Showers Ahead of First Cold Front
Sea fog is expected to linger along the coast and in Galveston Bay throughout much of Sunday before a weak cool front helps clear out some of the humidity. Despite the front’s arrival, temperatures will still climb into the low 80s in Houston, making for a warm but cloudier day. Isolated showers may develop as the front moves through, adding to the unsettled conditions.
How Long Will the Cooler Weather Last?
This initial cooldown will be brief. Monday morning will start in the upper 50s before temperatures rebound to near 70 degrees in the afternoon. However, a stronger cold front is expected by midweek, bringing a more noticeable temperature drop along with scattered showers and thunderstorms. By the second half of the week, seasonal temperatures will settle in, with lows dipping into the 40s and highs reaching the 60s.
Another Cold Front on the Horizon
Looking ahead to next weekend, forecasters are monitoring yet another cold front that could bring even colder temperatures. Early projections suggest low temperatures could dip into the 30s, but it’s still too soon to confirm the details.
Massive Caribbean Earthquake No Threat to Gulf Coast
In other weather news, a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean Sea north of Honduras on Saturday evening. While a Tsunami Advisory was briefly issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it was later lifted after no significant waves were reported. The earthquake is among the strongest on record for the Caribbean, but it poses no threat to the U.S. or the Gulf Coast.
As Houston navigates this active weather pattern, residents should stay prepared for changing temperatures and possible storm activity in the coming days.
Millions of Americans are bracing for severe winter conditions as Storm Garnett barrels across the country, threatening 27 states with up to a foot of snow.
The storm is expected to bring hazardous travel conditions, potential power outages, and widespread disruption.
Massive Snowfall Expected Across the Midwest and Northeast
The storm’s impact stretches from the Dakotas and the central Plains to the East Coast, affecting states such as Nebraska, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has placed 30 million people under winter weather alerts, cautioning against dangerous road conditions and ice accumulations.
Eastern States Prepare for Icy Conditions
As Garnett pushes eastward, additional states—including Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine—are bracing for heavy snowfall. Residents in these areas are urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Those who must travel are advised to carry emergency supplies such as blankets, extra clothing, water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a shovel in case they become stranded.
New England is expected to face a snowy and windy Sunday morning, compounding the challenges brought by Storm Freya earlier in the week.
Garnett Could Be the Biggest Storm of the Season
Meteorologists at AccuWeather warn that Storm Garnett could be the most significant winter storm of the season for parts of the Northeast. Forecasts predict six to 12 inches of snow from the Dakotas to Boston, with Buffalo, New York, and Burlington, Vermont, expecting three to six inches.
Meanwhile, cities like Bismarck and Fargo, North Dakota; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Detroit, Michigan, could see one to three inches of snow. Ice accumulation is a major concern for the upper Ohio Valley, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, where power outages are likely.
Power Outages a Growing Concern
Major cities including Des Moines, Iowa; Peoria and Chicago, Illinois; Toledo, Ohio; and Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Scranton, Pennsylvania, are at risk of losing power due to heavy ice buildup.
Although Storm Garnett is expected to clear by the end of the weekend, meteorologists warn that this is just the beginning of a series of storms sweeping through the U.S.
“The storm this weekend is just the next in a series of storms that is part of the pattern change that began late last week,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg.
As the country braces for another round of winter weather, officials urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening, prompting tsunami warnings across multiple regions, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake hit approximately 129 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, at 6:23 p.m. ET, shaking coastal areas and raising concerns about potential tsunami waves.
Initial Tsunami Threat Issued for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands
Following the earthquake, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) issued an alert for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, cautioning residents to stay away from beaches, harbors, marinas, and inlets. Authorities advised against approaching the shore to observe any unusual wave activity.
However, as further assessments were conducted, the NTWC lifted the tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, offering relief to residents in those territories.
Ongoing Tsunami Warnings for Cuba, Honduras, and Cayman Islands
While the risk subsided in some areas, tsunami warnings remained in place for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. The NTWC projected that Cuba could experience waves between 1 and 3 meters above tide level, while Honduras and the Cayman Islands could see waves ranging from 30 centimeters to 1 meter.
Authorities estimated that these waves could reach coastal areas between 8 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET, urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
This developing situation highlights the unpredictable nature of seismic activity in the Caribbean, emphasizing the importance of swift emergency response and public awareness.
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s plan to place 2,200 employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave.
In a late Friday ruling, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols—a Trump appointee—issued a temporary restraining order preventing the administration and the Department of Government Efficiency from proceeding with the planned workforce reduction. Nichols also ordered the reinstatement of 500 USAID employees who had already been placed on leave and barred any evacuations of USAID personnel from their host countries before Feb. 14 at 11:59 p.m.
The ruling came hours after a Friday afternoon hearing, during which Nichols stated he would issue the restraining order.
The legal challenge, brought by two foreign service unions, opposes the administration’s efforts to downsize USAID’s workforce from 14,000 to 300 employees as part of broader government spending cuts.
Earlier in the hearing, Nichols emphasized the potential harm to employees, saying, “This is about how employees are harmed in their capacity as employees—within the employee/employer relationship—and the plaintiffs have established at least that there is irreparable harm as it relates to that relationship.”
Justice Department attorneys confirmed that 500 employees had already been placed on leave, with 2,000 more set to follow at midnight. Acting Assistant Attorney Brett Shumate defended the administration’s actions, arguing that the president had determined USAID was plagued by fraud and corruption.
“He doesn’t have to justify to the plaintiffs and the court how he exercises his foreign affairs,” Shumate said. “The president has determined, in his view, that significant action is needed tonight to prevent taxpayer funds from being misused abroad.”
The American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees filed the lawsuit in D.C. federal court on Thursday, accusing Trump of “unconstitutional and illegal actions” aimed at dismantling USAID.
The lawsuit outlined the personal and humanitarian consequences of the cuts, arguing that children were being pulled from school mid-year, employees were losing healthcare access without time to find alternatives, and many were being forced back to the U.S. without housing or financial stability.
“These actions have triggered a global humanitarian crisis, halted crucial USAID operations, cost thousands of American jobs, and jeopardized U.S. national security interests,” the lawsuit stated.
The plaintiffs contend that Trump acted without congressional authorization, which they argue is required to reduce or dismantle USAID.
The legal filing traces Trump’s efforts to weaken the agency, starting with an executive order freezing foreign aid on his first day in office. The lawsuit alleges that subsequent steps—such as stopping work orders, mass layoffs, and blocking access to USAID systems—were taken without proper congressional approval.
The Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk, who reportedly boasted about “feeding USAID into the woodchipper,” are also accused of improperly locking employees out of classified systems as part of the agency’s systematic dismantling.
The plaintiffs are seeking a court order declaring the administration’s actions unlawful and requiring Trump to halt further efforts to shut down USAID without congressional approval.
