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More Than 900 Flights Canceled Nationwide on Saturday

Michael Esparza
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More Than 900 Flights Canceled Nationwide on Saturday

More than 900 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Saturday as the Federal Aviation Administration continued limiting flight capacity at 40 major airports during the ongoing government shutdown.

As of midday, cancellations had already surpassed 900 and could exceed Friday’s total of 1,024 cancellations. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers remain the driving cause.

Staffing Shortages Strain Air Travel

Airports around the country are experiencing extended delays. With many controllers absent or unable to work at full capacity, the FAA has reduced the number of flights allowed to take off and land at major hubs.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said additional reductions may be necessary if absences continue. In an interview with ABC News Live, he urged a swift end to the shutdown, saying, “My hope is that this government shutdown will end soon and we can get back in the business of letting Americans travel.”

Possible Further Flight Reductions

Duffy noted that airlines could be asked to cut more than 10% of scheduled flights if staffing levels worsen. Private jet companies have been asked to avoid the affected airports to reduce congestion, though they are not formally restricted.

International Flights Not Affected

Despite the domestic cutbacks, the FAA has chosen not to reduce international flights. Duffy said doing so would violate agreements with other countries and could lead to foreign governments retaliating by blocking U.S. airlines.

Such a move, he warned, could have long-term consequences for international travel and access to global markets.

Travelers Face Ongoing Disruptions

The cancellations mark the most significant air travel disruption since the shutdown began over a month ago. With no immediate resolution in sight, travelers may see continued delays and reduced flight availability in the days ahead.

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

Supreme Court Halts Order to Fully Fund SNAP — For Now

Indira Zaldivar
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Supreme Court Halts Order to Fully Fund SNAP — For Now

A Supreme Court justice has temporarily paused a lower court ruling that required the Trump administration to fully fund November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to 42 million Americans.

Temporary Pause While Appeal Proceeds

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued the order late Friday, allowing the pause to remain in effect while the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reviews the case. The justice did not refer the matter to the full Supreme Court.

Earlier in the day, the appeals court rejected the administration’s request to delay the lower court’s order, prompting the emergency appeal to the Supreme Court.

Funding Battle During Government Shutdown

The legal dispute centers on whether the federal government can be compelled to use $4 billion from Section 32 agriculture funds to cover full November SNAP payments during the ongoing government shutdown. The Trump administration argues that those funds must be reserved for the WIC program, warning that using them for SNAP would divert essential resources.

Opponents, including local governments and nonprofit organizations, counter that the administration has sufficient funds to support both programs for the month and that millions of families risk going without food assistance if payments are delayed.

States Begin Issuing Benefits Anyway

Despite the ongoing court battle, several states — including California, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey — reported they had already begun issuing full November SNAP benefits after receiving guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Kansas officials said more than $31 million in benefits had already gone out to tens of thousands of households, while Wisconsin reported distributing over $100 million.

Judge Rebuked President’s Statement

The lower court judge who initially mandated full funding accused the administration of holding SNAP benefits “for political reasons.” He pointed to comments from President Trump, who said full payments would not resume until the government reopens. The administration responded that the president was “stating a fact” about lapsed appropriations, not using the program as leverage.

What Comes Next

The temporary pause does not resolve the issue — it simply gives the appeals court time to decide. For now, states that have already issued benefits will continue distributing them, while millions of other households wait to see whether funds will be restored in full before the month continues.

For more updates on the SNAP benefits disbursement, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Near record highs today ahead of a strong weekend cold front

ABC13 Houston
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Near record highs today ahead of a strong weekend cold front

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got one more warm day before a major weather change arrives Sunday. Even colder air arriving Sunday night will make for a blustery Monday morning and the potential for some frost on Tuesday morning.

After a foggy start we’re seeing plenty of sunshine today, and temperatures will quickly crank into the mid to upper 80s. If we hit 89, we’ll tie the current record set back in 1989.

When does the cool down begin?

Our next front gets here a few hours before sunrise Sunday morning, and it will make for a breezy, sunny, and cooler finish to the weekend. Temperatures will only warm into the low 70s with the north wind blowing at around 25 mph. Combine those gusty winds with extremely dry air, and we’ll have a very high to extreme fire danger. Keep in mind that burn bans are in effect for most of Southeast Texas. An even stronger cold front will reach us on Sunday night as a cold high pressure cell from the Canadian arctic slides down the Plains and into Texas. Monday morning lows will be in the low 40s and upper 30s with wind chill factors near freezing! Sunshine will only allow temperatures to barely clear 60 degrees in the afternoon..

What does the weather forecast look like for Veterans Day?

It looks chilly in the morning! In fact, frost is possible at sunrise with lows in the 30s. Abundant sunshine and the return of the Gulf breeze should warm those temperatures into the low 70s in the afternoon.

How long does the cold air stick around?

It’s basically gone after Veterans Day. Starting Wednesday, highs will be back in the 80s, and starting Wednesday night lows will bump back up into the 60s. Highs average in the 70s and lows in the 50s for this time of year.

Any more rain on the horizon?

Not really. We are out of the main storm track over the next 7 to 10 days. Aside from a 10% chance of rain when the first cold front arrives before sunrise on Sunday, the best we can muster right now is a 20% chance of rain about 10 days from now. Therefore, more drought-building conditions are expected through mid-November. There have been some signs that a wetter weather pattern would emerge in the second half of the month, but those signs are fading quickly.

What is happening in the tropics?

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!

Democrats notch key wins in 2025 off-year elections as voters weigh state and local issues

Edward Saenz
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Democrats notch key wins in 2025 off-year elections as voters weigh state and local issues

Democrats scored major victories in several high-profile contests Tuesday, flipping Virginia’s governorship, securing a progressive win in New York City, and passing a consequential redistricting measure in California. The results from the 2025 off-year general election reflected a strong night for Democrats, even as voters in Republican-led Texas approved a slate of conservative-backed ballot measures.

The elections, held Nov. 4 across the country, marked an “off-year” cycle — meaning no presidential or full congressional races were on the ballot. Still, contests in key states carried significant implications for policy, redistricting and political momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.

Virginia: Democrats sweep statewide offices

In Virginia, Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to become the state’s next governor, capturing about 57.6% of the vote to Earle-Sears’ 42.4%, according to unofficial results.

Democrats also expanded their majority in the House of Delegates, gaining 13 seats for a 64–36 advantage, while winning other statewide offices including lieutenant governor and attorney general. The victories returned unified control of state government to Democrats, who had lost the governor’s mansion in 2021.

“This is a clear message that Virginians want pragmatic leadership focused on results, not division,” Spanberger said in her victory speech Tuesday night in Richmond.

California: Redistricting overhaul approved

In California, voters approved Proposition 50, a constitutional amendment backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that allows the state legislature to redraw congressional and legislative districts through 2030, replacing the state’s independent redistricting commission.

The measure passed by a comfortable margin, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. Supporters argued the change will streamline the process, while opponents warned it could open the door to partisan gerrymandering.

The vote represents one of the most consequential redistricting changes in decades and could shape the balance of power in California’s congressional delegation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Texas: Amendments pass, runoffs ahead

Texas voters approved all 17 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot, including measures on property tax relief, water infrastructure funding and bail reform. The results reflect continued Republican strength across the state, where turnout was lower than in recent years.

Two special elections also drew attention: one for the 18th Congressional District in Houston — left vacant after the death of longtime Rep. Sylvester Turner — and another for State Senate District 9 in North Texas. In both races, no candidate received a majority, triggering December runoffs.

Democrats Christian Menefee and Taylor Rehmet led their respective contests, signaling potential gains in traditionally conservative districts.

“These results show Democrats are competitive in places that used to be off-limits,” Menefee said Wednesday.

New York: Progressive wins mayoral race

In New York City, State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a closely watched three-way race for mayor.

Mamdani carried four of the five boroughs — Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx — while Cuomo won Staten Island. The victory made Mamdani the city’s first Muslim mayor and underscored a generational shift in urban politics.

“New Yorkers voted for housing, for climate justice, and for hope,” Mamdani told supporters in Queens on election night. “We’re ready to build a city that works for everyone.”

National outlook

While Republicans maintained control in many Southern and Midwestern legislatures, Democrats’ strong showing in Virginia, California and New York signaled momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Analysts said the results demonstrated the importance of state and local contests in shaping national politics.
“Even in an off-year, these races can set the tone for the next cycle,” said Kyle Kondik, an election analyst at the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics. “Democrats will be encouraged by what they saw Tuesday night.”

Turnout across the country was typical for an off-year election — lower than in presidential years but steady in urban centers.

Southwest Houston ICE Raid Sparks Outcry Over Racial Profiling and Excessive Force

Indira Zaldivar
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Southwest Houston ICE Raid Sparks Outcry Over Racial Profiling and Excessive Force

Houston, TX — Nov. 7, 2025 — A pre-dawn ICE operation on Oct. 31 in Southwest Houston has left families shaken, with advocacy organization FIEL Houston calling the sweep “a nightmare” and alleging that officers used excessive force and targeted residents based on appearance.

Families say the operation affected at least 50 households in the Club Creek area. Two men, Nico Guzman and Victor Ramirez, who has lived in Houston for nearly or more than two decades, remain detained at the T. Don Hutto detention center. Both families say the men have no criminal history and no prior deportation orders. Their first court appearances are expected in the coming weeks.

During the same operation, U.S. citizen Erik Cornejo was sprayed with what appears as a chemical irritant while filming ICE vehicles, and a van transporting adults with special needs was struck during an attempted traffic stop, according to FIEL and eyewitnesses.

“We are very alarmed by the tactics that ICE and these ‘federal agents’ are using to terrorize our communities,” said Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL. “Someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed soon at the rate they are going. It appears no one is safe — not even U.S. citizens. We demand accountability.”

Families Describe Fear and Confusion

Home security footage shows Guzman leaving for work shortly after 5 a.m.; minutes later, bystander video shows him being detained.

“He was simply walking to work, but that didn’t matter,” Guzman’s stepdaughter said. “They saw the color of his skin and decided he was a target. He has no record — nothing.”

Ramirez was sitting in his parked truck when his family says multiple vehicles boxed him in and officers broke his window.

“They took him without explanation,” his daughter said. “He isn’t a criminal. He works and comes home to his family. That’s it.”

Advocates say residents are now afraid to leave their homes, with some skipping work and school.

ICE Denies Wrongdoing

In a statement to KHOU 11, ICE disputed FIEL’s claims, saying the operation was “targeted and intelligence-based.” The agency said:

  • No U.S. citizens were detained.
  • The van with special needs passengers had “suspicious registration” and allegedly refused to comply, resulting in a collision with an ICE vehicle.
  • Cornejo was sprayed only after “repeatedly interfering” and refusing “lawful commands.”

FIEL disputes each of those claims and says videos will be released publicly.

Broader Context

Houston does not have sanctuary protections, and Texas’ 287(g) partnership allows local law enforcement to hold people for ICE. Advocates say this creates heightened vulnerability in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods already wary of police and federal authority.

Meanwhile, ICE Houston reported making 1,505 arrests during a 10-day operation in late October, noting that the total included some individuals with felony convictions, gang ties or past deportation orders. However, agency data shows that more than half of those arrested were categorized broadly as “other immigration offenders,” meaning they were not listed in connection with serious violent crimes.

Advocates say the cases of Guzman and Ramirez reflect that wider group — people who have lived in Houston for years without criminal records, but were swept in during enforcement operations.

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

HCC is Here for Houston: Learn. Earn. Rise. Enrollment Showcase opens doors to affordable degrees and workforce programs.

Michael Esparza
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HCC is Here for Houston: Learn. Earn. Rise. Enrollment Showcase opens doors to affordable degrees and workforce programs.

Whether you are starting your college journey or returning to finish what you started, Houston City College (HCC) is ready to help you move forward. On Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., HCC will host a systemwide enrollment showcase at multiple campuses across Houston.

The event invites current, returning and prospective eligible students to have their tuition covered, gain hands-on workforce programs and training opportunities that lead to in-demand careers and higher earning potential.

Participating locations include:

  • Alief Hayes Campus, 2811 Hayes Rd.
  • Coleman College, 1900 Pressler St.
  • Eastside Campus, 6815 Rustic St.
  • Northline Campus, 8001 Fulton St.
  • South Campus, 1990 Airport Blvd.
  • Stafford Campus, 10041 Cash Rd.

“This moment is about opportunity­­— for our students, for our city and for every Houstonian ready to take the next step toward a better future,” said Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., HCC chancellor. “We’re ‘Here for Houston’ in every sense, through removing barriers, expanding access and connecting learning to employment and economic mobility.”

Each campus will feature:

  • Spotlights on programs in high-demand careers such as health sciences, IT, smart manufacturing, construction and transportation, to name a few
  • Hands‑on demonstrations and guided campus tours
  • Financial aid and admissions workshops to help students enroll for Spring 2026
  • Career and employer connections, including presentations from local industry partners
  • Family‑friendly activities and bilingual support representatives

 Through its “Connect2/Houston Reconnect” initiative and expanded tuition assistance programs, HCC continues to open doors for returning adults, recent graduates, and career‑changers seeking credentials that lead directly to employment.

“This enrollment showcase is an invitation for every Houstonian, whether you’re returning to school, exploring a new career or looking to start fresh,” said HCC Board of Trustees Chair Eva Loredo. “HCC is ready to help you learn, earn and rise.” 

For more information or to register for the enrollment showcase on Saturday, Nov. 15, visit hccs.edu/openhouse or call (713) 718‑2000.

Space Center Houston Marks National STEM Day with Hands-On Activities

Indira Zaldivar
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Space Center Houston Marks National STEM Day with Hands-On Activities

Space Center Houston is celebrating National STEM Day with two days of interactive programming designed to spark curiosity in science and space exploration. Events take place Friday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and continue Saturday, Nov. 8.

Activities Included with Admission

Visitors can take part in robotics demonstrations, virtual reality experiences, live science experiments, and astronaut readiness tests. All activities are included with regular admission.

Special Programs and Presentations

One highlight is The Brainstormers and Their Cosmic Mission, a new play presented by Alley Theatre, which encourages teamwork and creative problem-solving through an out-of-this-world story.

Additional activities include:

  • Planetarium showings (Friday only, every 30 minutes)
  • Virtual Reality labs
  • Functional Task Test astronaut training replica
  • Robotics setups in the main plaza
  • Carbon capture demonstrations in lab spaces

Event Details

When:
Friday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8 (select activities continue)

Where:
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058

For more details, visitors can explore Space Center Houston’s National STEM Day information online.

World’s Tallest Teen Makes College Basketball History

Michael Esparza
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World’s Tallest Teen Makes College Basketball History

Florida’s 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux officially became the tallest player to ever appear in a college basketball game when he stepped on the court during No. 3 Florida’s 104-64 win over North Florida.

A Crowd-Fueled Debut

Fans chanted “We Want Ollie” throughout the game, prompting coach Todd Golden to put the 19-year-old redshirt freshman in with just over two minutes remaining. Rioux didn’t touch the ball, but his presence alone drew cheers — and a few stunned reactions from opposing players.

“It felt great,” Rioux said afterward. “Everybody supported me. I’m very grateful.”

Breaking Height Records

Rioux stands taller than NBA legends Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, and three inches above Yao Ming and Tacko Fall. He already held the Guinness World Record for tallest teenager when he signed with Florida in 2024.

Last season, Rioux chose to redshirt to focus on strength and skill development, often going viral on campus for everyday moments made extraordinary by his height — like ducking through doorways and reaching banners without jumping.

Patience and Persistence Pay Off

Coach Golden said Rioux has maintained a positive attitude despite limited playing opportunities. Because Florida returned multiple frontcourt players this year, Rioux is expected to see the floor mostly in late-game situations.

Teammates celebrated his debut enthusiastically.

“Play with confidence,” teammate Micah Handlogten told him before he checked in. “You’ve worked your butt off for this.”

Rioux didn’t score — but he didn’t need to. His moment was about something bigger: making history, and finally hearing the home crowd roar for him.

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

Newsom to Rally in Texas Against Redistricting Efforts

Edward Saenz
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Newsom to Rally in Texas Against Redistricting Efforts

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is heading to Texas this weekend to campaign against the state’s recent redistricting plan, joining local Democratic lawmakers in opposing what he calls election manipulation.

California Passes Its Own Redistricting Measure

The trip comes just days after California voters approved Proposition 50, allowing lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional districts midcycle. The move could net Democrats as many as five additional House seats in the 2026 elections, making California the first Democratic-led state to counter similar efforts by Republican states.

National Strategy and Future Ambitions

Newsom framed the effort as part of a broader national fight. “California stepped up. Now, we are taking this fight across the country — helping Democrats in other states push back against Trump’s election rigging,” he said. The rally is scheduled for Saturday at noon, though the exact location has not been released.

The move is also seen as one that could boost Newsom’s national profile as he weighs a possible 2028 presidential bid.

Texas Republicans Move Forward With Their Own Map

Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed off on new district lines in August, a change expected to add several Republican seats. Abbott celebrated the move, saying the map reflects “Texans’ actual voting preferences.”

Both states now stand at the center of a widening national battle over who controls congressional boundaries ahead of the next election cycle.

For the latest political news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Mother and Four Children

Indira Zaldivar
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Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Mother and Four Children

A 20-year-old Sri Lankan student, Febrio De-Zoysa, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal killing of six people in Ottawa, including a mother and her four young children. He will not be eligible for parole for 25 years.

The Victims

The victims were 35-year-old Darshani Ekanayake and her children — seven-year-old Inuka, four-year-old Ashwini, three-year-old Ranaya, and two-month-old Kelly. A family friend, 40-year-old Gamini Amarakoon, was also killed. The father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, survived the attack but suffered serious injuries.

A Trusted Housemate Turned Attacker

De-Zoysa had been living in the family’s basement while studying in Canada. In court, he admitted the family had been kind to him, but said he was “unwell” at the time. Investigators learned he had purchased a large hunting knife weeks earlier.

Judge Calls Crime ‘Monstrous’

During sentencing, Justice Kevin Phillips condemned De-Zoysa’s actions, calling them “stupefying” and “the stuff of nightmares.” De-Zoysa sat expressionless for most of the hearing but offered an apology, saying he would spend his life acknowledging what he had done.

A Family Shattered

The tragedy devastated relatives both in Canada and Sri Lanka. Amarakoon’s widow said her husband had given everything to support their family. Wickramasinghe, the surviving father, told the court the loss had “destroyed my whole world,” adding that he brought his family to Canada seeking peace and opportunity.

“Please do not destroy the peace and quiet of this land,” he said. “Let us protect and respect it.”

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

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