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‘Give me my money:’ City of Houston retirees demand their pension payouts months after city deal

ABC13 Houston
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‘Give me my money:’ City of Houston retirees demand their pension payouts months after city deal

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A ticket to early retirement is landing some people in debt after they report not receiving their pension payments from the city.

The City of Houston offered about 3,000 employees a retirement buyout package, which they said was to address the city’s $330 million projected budget shortfall.

The city confirmed that about 1,000 people took the deal in April. Now, months later, some retirees told ABC13 that they haven’t received a dime.

Retirees say they were told it would take 30 to 60 days to get their money, but it hasn’t been the case.

“I strongly regret retiring. I strongly regret it, and I’m sorry, I’m getting ready to cry. I don’t want to, but it’s a lot. It’s a lot. It’s a lot. I need help. I need my money,” retired City of Houston employee, Kathy Caldwell said.

Caldwell is a few months into retirement as she tries to focus on her health. However, the bills are piling up, and she’s growing anxious because her pension hasn’t kicked in.

She met Eyewitness News outside of Workforce Solutions, saying that while she now tries to find a new job, she wishes she could take back time and have her old job.

“I wasn’t just a seat filler. I was an employee to the max. I did my job. Now the City of Houston needs to do theirs. Give me my money,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell worked for the city for two decades in parks and recreation and took police reports for 18 years at the Houston Police Department.

“For 18 years of taking police reports outside of the other three and a half years. Well, Houston, now I have a report: Where’s my money?” Caldwell questioned.

She says it wasn’t an easy decision to leave, and now her livelihood is being challenged because of that decision.

Eyewitness News asked Mayor Joh Whitmire’s office what was going on.

His office sent ABC13 the following statement:

“The delay in processing pension payments is unacceptable. The mayor and other city representatives notified the Houston Municipal Employees Pension System in advance, and the pension system is in control of the payments. Mayor Whitmire shares the retirees’ concerns and is addressing this issue with the pension system. He expects better.”

“I expect better than that!! Even though they’re saying they’re a separate entity, they’re hand in hand. They’re interlocked somewhere,” Caldwell said.

ABC13 has reached out to the Houston Municipal Employees Pension System for a timeline of when retirees will start receiving their payments, but they have not responded.

As for Ms. Caldwell, she says she’s praying for a miracle to keep the lights on and the roof over her head.

For updates on this story, follow Daniela Hurtado on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

ABC13 Weather Watch for strong storms Wednesday evening

ABC13 Houston
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ABC13 Weather Watch for strong storms Wednesday evening

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We now have an ABC13 Weather Watch for late Wednesday afternoon and early Wednesday evening. The setup look similar to what brought the Houston area severe hailstorms Monday night. Temperatures will again peak near 100 degrees in Houston, and that heat energy will feed into storms generated by a disturbance passing overhead. Any thunderstorm that pops late Wednesday could produce wind gusts over 50 mph, pea-to-quarter size hail, frequent lightning, and a quick 1-2″ of rain.

Rain chances then climb a little higher Thursday when a summer front reaches Houston.

How will Thursday’s front impact our weather?

This front doesn’t really cool us off much, but the combination of widespread rain clouds and thunderstorms will keep high temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s Thursday and Friday. Thursday’s rain chance is at 70%, then it drops to 40% Friday as drier air aloft filters in behind the front. We’ll actually get a light northeast winds with this front for a few days, which will bring the humidity down over the weekend. That drier air still heats up quickly under the August sun, so we are in for a dry heat as highs reach into the mid-to-upper 90s.

What is happening in the tropics?

Erin continues churning through the western Atlantic as a category 2 hurricane and will bring big swells and rip currents to the East Coast all week. We are also tracking two tropical waves in the eastern Atlantic, but their future impacts to land, if any, remain uncertain at this time. 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.

Julio César Chávez Jr. Deported and Jailed in Mexico

Edward Saenz
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Julio César Chávez Jr. Deported and Jailed in Mexico

Former world boxing champion Julio César Chávez Jr. has been deported from the United States and taken into custody in Mexico. Arrest records show he was transferred Monday from a border checkpoint to police custody in Sonora.

Arrest Warrant and Charges

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Chávez Jr. faced an active arrest warrant tied to an investigation dating back to 2019. The warrant, issued in 2023, alleges links to the Sinaloa cartel and involvement in trafficking weapons and explosives.

Chávez Jr. was first arrested in Los Angeles in July, shortly after his loss to influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The Department of Homeland Security said he had entered the U.S. on a tourist visa and later applied for residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen, who was also accused of cartel connections.

Legal Troubles in the U.S.

In addition to immigration violations, Chávez Jr. was arrested in January 2024 for illegal possession of an assault rifle. His lawyer, Michael A. Goldstein, said he was granted mental health diversion and had complied fully, calling the cartel allegations “outrageous.”

Family Response

The Chávez family issued a statement expressing support, saying they trusted in his innocence and hoped both the U.S. and Mexican justice systems would uphold his rights.

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

Sheinbaum Denies DEA ‘Project Portero’ Agreement

Indira Zaldivar
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Sheinbaum Denies DEA ‘Project Portero’ Agreement

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed claims of a new cross-border law enforcement initiative with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Sheinbaum rejected the DEA’s announcement of “Project Portero,” which the agency described as a major operation to disrupt networks smuggling drugs, firearms, and money across the U.S.-Mexico border.

No Formal Agreement

“The DEA put out a statement yesterday saying that there is an agreement with the Mexican government for an operation called Portero,” Sheinbaum said. “There is no agreement with the DEA. The DEA puts out this statement, based on what we don’t know. We have not reached any agreement, none of the security institutions (have) with the DEA.”

Limited Cooperation

Sheinbaum noted that the only ongoing interaction involves a workshop in Texas attended by four Mexican police officers. The DEA had referenced this workshop as part of its intelligence training, alongside U.S. prosecutors, defense and law enforcement officials, and members of the intelligence community.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow on Que Onda Magazine!

Ex-Coach at Elite Gymnastics Academy Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charge

Edward Saenz
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Ex-Coach at Elite Gymnastics Academy Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charge

A former coach at Chow’s Gymnastics & Dance Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa — a gym that trained Olympic champions Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas — has been arrested by the FBI years after abuse allegations first surfaced.

FBI Charges Sean Gardner

Sean Gardner, 38, was arrested last week on a federal charge of producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Authorities say they found hidden-camera images and videos of nude girls on his devices, some recorded in gym restrooms. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison.

Years of Allegations

Gardner began coaching at Chow’s in 2018 and was later promoted to lead major events and train top gymnasts. In 2022, athletes reported to the U.S. Center for SafeSport that Gardner had touched them inappropriately and made sexual comments. He was suspended that July.

A separate report alleged Gardner dragged a gymnast across the floor, causing injuries, and may have secretly filmed athletes. Police investigations initially stalled when victims hesitated to pursue charges.

SafeSport Under Scrutiny

The case highlights criticism of SafeSport, the watchdog created after the Larry Nassar scandal. While SafeSport can suspend coaches from sports, critics say its investigations are slow and opaque, leaving the public in the dark.

Attorney Steve Silvey, a longtime critic, argued: “SafeSport is now part of a larger problem rather than a solution.”

Hospital Job Raises Questions

Despite the suspension, Gardner secured a job as a surgical technologist at an Iowa hospital in 2024. He was later dismissed, but the case shows the limits of SafeSport’s power, which does not extend beyond sports.

Lingering Impact

The FBI affidavit details abuse dating back to Gardner’s time coaching in Mississippi before joining Chow’s. Some victims described him as a trusted mentor who later exploited them.

Investigators say they recovered hundreds of explicit files, including images of children as young as six. The case remains ongoing as critics call for stronger protections and faster action against accused abusers.

For more on the alleged abuser’s arrest, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Lawmaker Nicole Collier Sleeps on House Floor in Protest to Mandatory Escort

Indira Zaldivar
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Texas Lawmaker Nicole Collier Sleeps on House Floor in Protest to Mandatory Escort

Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier from Fort Worth spent the night on the Texas House floor after refusing a Republican order requiring her to be under law enforcement escort.

Escorted or Confined

Rep. Nicole Collier sleeps on House floor as she refused to sign a “permission slip” that allowed legislators to leave only with the company of a DPS escort in this photo shared on Instagram. Courtesy @nicolecollier95

When Democrats returned to Austin on Monday after fleeing the state to block a controversial redistricting plan, House Speaker Dustin Burrows imposed strict rules. Lawmakers could only leave the chamber with written permission and an escort from the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Most Democrats complied, showing reporters their “permission slips” and walking with DPS escorts. Collier, however, rejected the requirement, choosing to remain on the House floor. She is only allowed to visit her office under supervision and cannot leave the Capitol grounds without an escort.

Standing Firm

“My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights,” Collier said. “I refuse to sign away my dignity just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts. When I vote, I know these maps will harm my community—I won’t go along quietly.”

Reps. Gene Wu and Vince Perez joined Collier overnight, stocking up on snacks like dried fruit, popcorn, and ramen.

Political Backdrop

The standoff comes after Democrats fled to other states to deny Republicans a quorum for 15 days. Their absence delayed a GOP-backed redistricting plan aimed at adding five Republican-leaning seats ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Republicans, encouraged by Gov. Greg Abbott and former President Donald Trump, argue the new maps are necessary to strengthen their House majority. Democrats say the effort is part of a nationwide gerrymandering push.

Support and Reactions

Former congressman Beto O’Rourke praised Collier’s defiance, calling her “a true hero, refusing to submit, fighting these fascists by herself if she has to.”

Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has threatened countermeasures, proposing new maps to give Democrats a potential gain of five seats if Texas follows through with its plan.

For more on the Texas Legislature, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Keep the umbrella nearby! Storm chances climb as summer front approaches Houston

ABC13 Houston
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Keep the umbrella nearby! Storm chances climb as summer front approaches Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Stay hydrated and stay dry! We’ll have a combination of heat and scattered storms again Tuesday and Wednesday, then the rain chances climb higher Thursday when a summer front reaches Houston.

Another upper air disturbance rotating our way from Louisiana will bring another round of scattered thunderstorms Tuesday, especially in the morning hours. Temperatures will warm into the upper 90s. A few more storms could pop up in the afternoon heat.

Similar weather is expected Wednesday with the biggest different being the timing of the rain. Wednesday’s storms will occur primarily in the late afternoon and early evening instead of in the morning.

How will Thursday’s front impact our weather?

This front doesn’t really cool us off much, but the combination of widespread rain clouds and thunderstorms will keep high temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s Thursday and Friday. Thursday’s rain chance is at 70%, the it drops to 40% Friday as drier air aloft filters in behind the front.

What is happening in the tropics?

Erin continues churning through the Atlantic as a major hurricane and will bring big swells and rip currents to the East Coast this week. We are also tracking two tropical waves in the eastern Atlantic, but their future impacts to land, if any, remain uncertain at this time. 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.

MTV Reveals First Wave of 2025 VMA Performers including Ricky Martin, J Balvin

Indira Zaldivar
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MTV Reveals First Wave of 2025 VMA Performers including Ricky Martin, J Balvin

Summer is winding down, and the MTV Video Music Awards are just around the corner.

The network has unveiled the first set of performers for the 2025 VMAs, airing Sunday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. CT.

For the first time, the show will broadcast live on CBS, while also streaming on MTV and Paramount+. Rapper and actor LL Cool J will host the night from New York’s UBS Arena.

Star-Studded Performances

MTV confirmed performances by Sabrina Carpenter, Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, Alex Warren, J Balvin with DJ Snake, and rising artist sombr. Several of these artists will also be honored with prestigious awards.

Honorees

Busta Rhymes will receive the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, recognizing his decades of cultural influence and global success.

Ricky Martin will make history as the first recipient of the Latin Icon Award, marking 26 years since he won Best Pop Video for “Livin’ la Vida Loca.”

Artists to Watch

  • Sabrina Carpenter returns with eight nominations, including Video of the Year for “Manchild,” just days after releasing her new album Man’s Best Friend.
  • Alex Warren, this year’s MTV PUSH artist, will debut on the VMAs stage. He’s up for Best New Artist, Best Pop, and Song of the Year for “Ordinary.”
  • J Balvin, the most-awarded Latin artist in VMA history, will perform “Zun Zun” with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez before premiering a new track, “Noventa,” alongside DJ Snake.
  • sombr, nominated for the first time, will perform his breakout hit “back to friends” and compete in Best New Artist and Best Alternative.

A Night to Remember

With iconic tributes, career-defining honors, and live debuts, the 2025 VMAs promise a dynamic mix of nostalgia and new talent—cementing the awards show’s role as a cultural milestone in music.

For more on the MTV Video Music Awards, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Final Guilty Plea in Matthew Perry’s Death Case

Michael Esparza
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Final Guilty Plea in Matthew Perry’s Death Case

A fifth and final person has pleaded guilty in connection to actor Matthew Perry’s death. Jasveen Sangha, widely known as the “Ketamine Queen,” entered a plea deal on Aug. 18, according to the Associated Press.

Charges and Possible Sentence

Sangha faces five federal charges:

  • Maintaining a drug-involved premises
  • Three counts of ketamine distribution
  • One count of ketamine distribution resulting in death or serious injury

Other charges against her were dropped. She could face up to 45 years in federal prison.

Role in Perry’s Death

The Justice Department reports that Sangha and Erik Fleming sold 51 vials of ketamine intended for Perry. The drugs were handed to Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who injected the actor with “at least three shots.” Perry later died. Afterward, Sangha urged Fleming via Signal to “Delete all our messages.”

Wider Conspiracy

Sangha is the last of five people convicted in the case. Earlier this summer, Perry’s doctor, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine. Others who admitted guilt include Iwamasa, Fleming, and Dr. Mark Chavez, who supplied Plasencia with ketamine for Perry.

For the latest headlines and stories on celebrities, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

New Details Emerge in Idaho Murders, Surviving Roommate’s Account

Indira Zaldivar
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New Details Emerge in Idaho Murders, Surviving Roommate’s Account

Kohberger Sentenced

Bryan Kohberger, 30, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. The case remains one of the most chilling campus crimes in recent history, with new documents shedding light on what a surviving roommate saw and heard that night.

Surviving Roommate’s Account

Dylan Mortensen, one of two roommates who lived through the attack, told investigators she heard a male voice say, “It’s okay, I’m going to help you.”

Initially, she thought the voice was directed at victim Kaylee Goncalves, but later struggled to confirm details due to heavy drinking that night. Mortensen admitted she was unsure whether some memories were real or imagined.

She recalled hearing what she believed were Kaylee’s frantic footsteps, her dog Murphy barking, and later saw a masked man dressed in black. She described him as slim and toned, “like a basketball player,” and holding an object she first mistook for a vacuum.

Police Testing the Timeline

Investigators later conducted timed walkthroughs of the crime scene. Reports revealed that Kohberger could have carried out the killings in as little as two minutes. Photos showed a typical college house with signs of partying, reinforcing the home’s “open door policy,” where people often came and went.

The Victims

Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were all fatally stabbed inside the off-campus home. Police believe Kohberger entered through the sliding glass door. Each victim suffered multiple stab wounds, with Kernodle possibly interrupting the attack before being killed herself.

Unanswered Questions

Authorities say they have found no clear motive and no confirmed connection between Kohberger and the victims. While rumors of a stalker had circulated before the murders, friends said Kaylee did not appear concerned. At sentencing, Kohberger declined to speak, leaving the motive a mystery.

For more on the tragic Idaho Murders, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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