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Deadly Flooding Hits New York City

Edward Saenz
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Deadly Flooding Hits New York City

At least two people died Thursday after record rainfall flooded parts of New York City, submerging streets, vehicles, and subway stations. Both victims were found in flooded basements, police confirmed.

Details of the Incidents

A 39-year-old man was discovered unconscious in a Brooklyn basement and later pronounced dead at a hospital after being rescued by the FDNY Scuba Team. In northern Manhattan’s Washington Heights, a 43-year-old man was found in a flooded boiler room. Police are investigating both deaths.

Record Rainfall and Flash Floods

NYC Emergency Management reported 1.8 inches of rain in Central Park, potentially breaking a 1917 record. LaGuardia Airport recorded 1.97 inches, preliminarily exceeding a 1955 record. Flash flood warnings were issued for Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, with videos showing submerged cars, gushing water, and flooded subway stations.

Travel Disruptions Across the Northeast

The storm caused more than 1,000 U.S. flight cancellations, mostly in the Northeast. JFK and LaGuardia airports experienced ground delays due to strong winds reaching 50 mph.

Storm Not Linked to Hurricane Melissa

The heavy rain and wind were caused by an inland storm system moving through the Northeast, unrelated to Hurricane Melissa, which struck the Caribbean earlier this week. The system is expected to reach New England overnight, with drier but blustery conditions forecast for Halloween.

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

Houston Apartment Inspection Ordinance Delayed

Indira Zaldivar
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Houston Apartment Inspection Ordinance Delayed

A proposed Houston ordinance to increase inspections and fines for problematic apartment complexes has been delayed, city council member Letitia Plummer announced Wednesday. The delay comes amid pushback from the Houston Apartment Association.

Ordinance Aims to Protect Residents

The measure is designed to protect tenants from unsafe and substandard housing. It would create a registry of “High Risk Rental Buildings” based on 311 complaints and verified habitability citations. Buildings on the list would face additional inspections and potential daily fines for ongoing violations.

Industry Pushback

The HAA argued the ordinance is “flawed,” citing issues such as duplicative registration, reliance on potentially unverified complaints, and failure to consider property size. Vice President Ben McPhaul raised these concerns during the city council’s public comment session.

“We are reacting to the new language,” speaker Salena Braye-Bulls said on behalf of the Houston Apartment Association, raising concerns on the new language in the proposed ordinance during the evening public session ahead of the council vote.

“The new language…only really thinks about five properties; what about the rest of the properties?”

“I support it, but I don’t think that we should only be thinking about the landlords that have the most calls and 10 citations.”

Council Member Responds

Plummer delayed the ordinance by one week, acknowledging pressure from the apartment association while emphasizing her support for stronger tenant protections.

“We’ve really worked hard to work with all stakeholders…I think our job as government officials is to find that balance,” Plummer said.

Community Reaction

Several community members praised Plummer’s effort but said the ordinance doesn’t go far enough. Under the current proposal, only five apartment complexes would be included, which tenant advocates argue is insufficient to address citywide housing issues.

So What’s Next?

The ordinance is scheduled for further discussion and a vote next week. Plummer intends to continue advocating for the measure and engaging with stakeholders to address concerns on both sides.

For more on Houston City Council, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

NFL Adds Sting Concert Amid Bad Bunny Controversy

Indira Zaldivar
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NFL Adds Sting Concert Amid Bad Bunny Controversy

The NFL is shaking up its Super Bowl festivities. After weeks of backlash over Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show, the league announced a separate high-profile concert featuring Sting. Scheduled for Feb. 6, 2026, at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts, the event is positioned as a pre-game celebration aimed at broadening appeal and easing tensions.

Mixed Reactions to Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny’s involvement sparked widespread debate. President Donald Trump criticized the choice, calling it “ridiculous,” while conservative groups petitioned for his replacement. Despite the uproar, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the Puerto Rican star remains the halftime headliner.

Strategic Balance: Nostalgia Meets Global Reach

By adding Sting, the NFL appears to be executing a dual strategy. Sting’s concert appeals to older fans and nostalgia, while Bad Bunny continues to engage younger and international audiences. This approach blends tradition with modern pop culture, expanding the league’s reach and softening controversy simultaneously.

Selling Spectacle, Not Just Football

The NFL is increasingly focused on perception and cultural impact. By hosting both artists in one weekend, the league aims to reinforce its image as a platform for inclusion, spectacle, and entertainment beyond the sport itself.

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

Texas Freezes Minority and Women-Owned Business Program, Citing Legal Review

Edward Saenz
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Texas Freezes Minority and Women-Owned Business Program, Citing Legal Review

The Texas Comptroller’s Office has suspended the state’s long-running Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, halting new and renewed certifications for minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses while officials review its legality under recent court rulings and state policy.

Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced the decision Monday, saying the agency will conduct an administrative and legal review of the program to ensure compliance with the Texas and U.S. constitutions. The review follows Gov. Greg Abbott’s January executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion practices in state agencies.

“Texans deserve a level playing field where government contracts are earned by performance and best value — nothing more, nothing less,” Hancock said in a statement.

The HUB program, created in the 1990s under then-Gov. George W. Bush, was designed to help businesses owned by minorities, women and service-disabled veterans compete for state contracts. It did not guarantee contracts but gave certified firms access to procurement notices and vendor listings.

About 16,000 firms are currently certified under the HUB program, according to state data. In the first half of fiscal 2025, those companies accounted for roughly 11 percent of statewide expenditures — about $2 billion in state spending. Women-owned and Hispanic-owned businesses made up the largest share of HUB participants.

Existing certifications and contracts will remain valid, but the Comptroller’s Office will not process new or renewal applications until the review is complete. Officials have not said how long the suspension will last or whether the program could be permanently altered.

The move has drawn criticism from business and community leaders who say it could hurt small and minority-owned firms that depend on the certification to access state opportunities. Advocates in Houston, which has one of the largest concentrations of minority- and women-owned businesses in Texas, warned the decision could reduce competition and slow local economic growth.

Supporters of the freeze argue that government contracts should be awarded strictly on merit and cost-effectiveness, without considering race or gender.

The Comptroller’s Office said the review will examine the program’s administrative rules and may lead to new regulations designed to comply with constitutional limits on race- and sex-based criteria.

For now, minority and women-owned firms across Texas face uncertainty about how they will compete for billions in future state contracts — and whether the decades-old HUB program will ever return in its original form.

Elderly Cruise Passenger Found Dead After Being Left Behind on Great Barrier Reef Island

Michael Esparza
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Elderly Cruise Passenger Found Dead After Being Left Behind on Great Barrier Reef Island

Passenger Abandoned During Excursion

An 80-year-old woman, Suzanne Rees, was found dead on Lizard Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef after being accidentally left behind by her cruise ship, Coral Adventurer. Rees, from Sydney, was on the second day of a circumnavigation cruise when she joined a group hike to a mountain lookout on Saturday.

Family Blames “Failure of Care”

Her daughter, Katherine Rees, accused cruise operator Coral Expeditions of negligence, saying the company showed a “failure of care and common sense.” She said her mother became ill during the hot hike and was told to return to the ship unescorted, but the vessel left the island without realizing she was missing.

“Mum felt ill on the hill climb. She was asked to head down, unescorted. Then the ship left, apparently without doing a passenger count. At some stage in that sequence, or shortly after, Mum died—alone,” Katherine said in a statement.

Body Found Near Trail

A search helicopter discovered Suzanne’s body the following day, about 50 meters from the hiking trail. Authorities believe she may have fallen from a slope or cliff. Police said her death was “non-suspicious” and referred the case to the coroner for investigation.

Cruise Line Expresses Condolences

Coral Expeditions CEO Mark Fifield said the company is cooperating with authorities, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and workplace safety regulators, who are investigating how Rees was unaccounted for before the ship’s departure.

“We have expressed our heartfelt condolences to the Rees family and remain deeply sorry that this has occurred,” Fifield said.

Past Tragedies Resurface

The incident has reignited scrutiny over Australia’s maritime safety standards. It echoes the 1998 disappearance of American couple Tom and Eileen Lonergan, who were left behind during a scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef. Their bodies were never found.

Authorities are now reviewing cruise safety protocols to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.

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

Trump, Xi Reach Temporary Trade Deal After High-Stakes Meeting in South Korea

Edward Saenz
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Trump, Xi Reach Temporary Trade Deal After High-Stakes Meeting in South Korea

Tariffs Reduced After South Korea Meeting

President Donald Trump announced a one-year trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping following a 1-hour and 45-minute meeting in Busan, South Korea. The U.S. will reduce tariffs on Chinese goods from 57% to 47%, after China pledged to address the flow of fentanyl into the country.

Rare Earth Restrictions Suspended

China agreed to delay imposing restrictions on rare earth minerals—materials crucial for producing semiconductors, smartphones, and defense systems. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed the temporary suspension, while Trump said the deal could be extended annually.

China to Resume U.S. Farm Purchases

Trump said Xi authorized China to begin buying large quantities of soybeans, sorghum, and other American farm products “immediately.” The move comes after years of tariff-related strain that had deeply affected U.S. farmers.

Energy and Chip Talks Continue

The leaders discussed potential Chinese purchases of American oil, gas, and computer chips. No agreement was reached on high-end AI chip exports from Nvidia, though Trump said discussions would continue.

Ukraine Addressed, Taiwan and TikTok Skipped

Trump said he and Xi talked extensively about ending Russia’s war in Ukraine but did not address China’s stance on Taiwan or a potential deal to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. China’s Commerce Ministry said it aims to “properly resolve” the TikTok issue but offered no details.

Experts Urge Caution

Analysts cautioned that while the agreement eases immediate tensions, it leaves many critical issues unresolved. Patricia Kim of the Brookings Institution noted that it’s “hard to see the deal as a major win” given the limited scope and temporary nature of the agreement.

Trump said he will visit China in April 2026, with Xi expected to visit the U.S. later next year. Both governments said they hope the short-term deal can inject stability into the strained U.S.-China economic relationship.

For more on U.S. international affairs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Hope on the Horizon: Emmanuel Gonzalez García’s Family Awaits His Release After Emotional Visit

Indira Zaldivar
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Hope on the Horizon: Emmanuel Gonzalez García’s Family Awaits His Release After Emotional Visit

HOUSTON, TX — There is renewed hope for the family of 15-year-old Emmanuel Gonzalez García, the Houston teen with autism who has been in federal custody since early October. Attorneys say he may soon be reunited with his mother, Maria Garcia, following an emotional and bittersweet visit at the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in Houston earlier today.

“Estoy alegre por una parte porque vi a mi niño, pero triste por una parte porque la ilusión es llevarlo a casa,” Maria said tearfully after seeing her son. (“I’m happy on one hand because I saw my boy, but sad because my hope is to take him home.”)

Maria shared that during the visit, Emmanuel told her, “me dijo que me extrañaba y quería mucho y que ya se quería ir a casa.” (“He told me he missed me, that he loved me very much, and that he wanted to go home.”)

Emmanuel was treated to some of his favorite foods—flute tacos and donuts—after craving something sweet. He had originally wanted chicken nuggets, but Maria said she was instructed to only bring homemade meals.

A Hopeful Outlook from Attorneys

Emmanuel’s legal team expressed optimism that the teen’s release could come soon at a press conference held at Congressman Al Green’s office.

Maria has completed a series of background checks and home assessments, while Emmanuel has undergone physical and mental evaluations, as well as a review of his medical records—all required steps before reunification.

One Month Apart

Today’s visit marks nearly a month since Emmanuel’s disappearance and separation from his mother. On October 4, Maria and Emmanuel were selling fruit near Clay and Hempstead Road when Emmanuel, who needed to use the restroom, walked away. Maria was assisting a customer and, moments later, realized her son was gone. After a frantic search, she called the Houston Police Department.

Emmanuel was later located and turned over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, where he remains in federal custody. His case has drawn widespread attention and sparked outrage among Houston’s immigrant community, which fears an increased presence of ICE in the city.

As Houston’s immigrant advocates rally around the Garcia family, the community holds its breath — hoping the next update will confirm what Maria has longed to hear: that Emmanuel is finally coming home.

For more updates on Emmanuel’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Lando Norris Captures Commanding Victory at Mexican Grand Prix, Takes Slim F1 Championship Lead

Edward Saenz
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Lando Norris Captures Commanding Victory at Mexican Grand Prix, Takes Slim F1 Championship Lead

McLaren’s Lando Norris took control of the Formula One championship battle Sunday, cruising to victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix and edging ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri by a single point in the standings.

Starting from pole at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Norris led every lap in a dominant drive that capped McLaren’s strongest stretch of the 2025 season. The British driver fended off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished second after a close late-race fight with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

Verstappen, a four-time world champion and crowd favorite in Mexico, crossed the line third, less than a second behind Leclerc.

“This win means everything — the car felt incredible all weekend,” Norris said after the race. “It’s been a hard-fought season, and we’re still pushing for every point.”

Rising rookie Ollie Bearman delivered a standout performance for Haas, securing a career-best fourth-place finish for himself and the teams best placement this season.

Piastri, who entered the weekend as championship leader, finished fifth after a two-stop strategy that cost him track position and ultimately the points lead.

The race was briefly overshadowed by a safety scare when Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson narrowly avoided hitting two track marshals who entered the circuit after his pit stop. Lawson later said he “could have killed them,” and race control has launched an investigation into the incident.

The top three drivers ran a one-stop tire strategy, while several midfield teams opted for two stops amid the high altitude and abrasive surface of the Mexico City circuit.

The victory marked Norris’ fifth win of the season and strengthened McLaren’s grip on the Driver’s Championship, as the team celebrated the 10th anniversary of Formula One’s return to Mexico.

With just four races remaining, Norris leads Piastri 278 to 277 points, setting up a tense finish to the season. The racers will hit the track again on Nov. 7 in São Paulo, Brazil.

Texas Voters to Decide on Citizenship Voting Amendment

Edward Saenz
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Texas Voters to Decide on Citizenship Voting Amendment

On Nov. 4 Texas voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote — a measure supporters say strengthens election integrity and critics call unnecessary political theater.

The proposal, known as Proposition 16, would add language to the Texas Constitution clarifying that noncitizens are barred from voting in state and local elections. State law already prohibits noncitizen voting, so the measure would not change existing eligibility requirements.

“This is about making it crystal clear that only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas elections,” said Sen. Brian Birdwell, the Republican lawmaker who authored the amendment. “It’s about protecting the sanctity of the ballot box.”

Opponents argue the amendment is redundant and could stoke anti-immigrant sentiment in a state where Latino and immigrant communities make up a large share of the population.

“This doesn’t solve any real problem,” said Anthony Gutierrez, executive director of Common Cause Texas. “It’s designed to fire up a political base, not improve our democracy.”

The proposal passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature earlier this year with strong Republican support. Democrats largely opposed it, saying there was no evidence of widespread noncitizen voting.

The measure would make it harder for future legislatures or local governments to expand voting rights to noncitizens, even in limited cases such as municipal or school board elections — a policy allowed in a few cities elsewhere in the U.S.

Similar amendments have appeared on ballots in other Republican-led states this year, part of a national push to embed citizenship requirements in state constitutions amid ongoing debates about immigration and election integrity.

Texas voters will weigh in on Proposition 16, along with several other constitutional amendments, on Nov. 4.

Houston Approves $16 Million Downtown Shelter for Unhoused Residents

Edward Saenz
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Houston Approves $16 Million Downtown Shelter for Unhoused Residents

This morning Houston City Council has approved the $16 million purchase of a downtown facility to serve as a new “low-barrier” resource center for people experiencing homelessness — one of the largest investments in the city’s ongoing effort to reduce street encampments and expand shelter capacity.

Located at 419 Emancipation Ave., the property will be converted into a navigation center capable of housing up to 320 people at a time. The facility will include 80 rooms with multiple beds, an on-site kitchen, counseling spaces, and recreational areas such as basketball and volleyball courts.

Mayor John Whitmire said the project is part of a broader $70 million annual homelessness initiative aimed at providing safer and more accessible housing alternatives.

“This is about offering real help — not citations or displacement,” Whitmire said.

“We want people off the streets and into a place where they can stabilize and rebuild.”

The center will operate under a low-barrier model, allowing entry for individuals who might otherwise be excluded from traditional shelters — including those with partners, pets, or substance-use challenges. City officials said the goal is to make the facility a more inclusive option for Houston’s estimated 3,300 unsheltered residents.

Despite strong support from city leaders, the plan drew pushback from some nearby residents who voiced concerns about safety, traffic, and a lack of community input. Council Member Edward Pollard voted against the purchase, citing questions about long-term funding for operations once the initial disaster relief dollars are spent.

The facility, which previously served as a dorm-style complex, was chosen for its existing infrastructure and proximity to downtown services. Renovations are expected to begin later this year, with an opening projected for early 2026.

City officials are still determining which nonprofit organization will operate the shelter. The selection process will include community consultations and an open bidding phase.

Advocates say the new resource center could become a model for other Texas cities grappling with similar challenges. “If managed well, this could be a turning point,” said Ana Pérez, a housing advocate with the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston. “The key will be sustained funding and community trust.”

The Emancipation Avenue facility is expected to serve as the city’s central hub for outreach, housing placement, and recovery support services — a step that Whitmire described as a new chapter in Houston’s promise to care for all its residents.

For more weekly updates on Houston City Council, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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