79.6 F
Houston
Monday, March 17, 2025

Home Blog Page 19

Global Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Trump’s Aid Freeze Takes Effect

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.

Keep up with U.S. international relations with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Houston Braces for a Series of Cold Fronts Amid Muggy Start

0

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.

Keep up with weather news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Winter Storm Garnett Set to Blanket 27 States with Heavy Snow and Ice

0

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.

Keep up with weather news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Powerful 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Caribbean, Triggers Tsunami Warning

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.

Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Attempt to Put 2,200 USAID Employees on Leave

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.

Trump says he is revoking Biden’s security clearance

President Trump announced he is revoking Joe Biden’s security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings, mirroring a decision Biden made against him four years ago.

“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He added, “JOE, YOU’RE FIRED,” referencing his famous catchphrase from The Apprentice.

Trump has already revoked the security clearance of more than 50 former intelligence officials whom he accused of interfering in the 2020 election in Biden’s favor.

In a Friday evening post, Trump stated that Biden “set this precedent in 2021 when he instructed the Intelligence Community (IC) to stop the 45th President of the United States (ME!) from accessing National Security details, a courtesy typically extended to former presidents.” He argued that Biden “could not be trusted with sensitive information,” citing a Justice Department inquiry that found Biden mishandled classified files but did not warrant criminal charges. The investigation also noted Biden’s memory lapses, including difficulty recalling major life events such as the year his son, Beau, passed away and his tenure as vice president. Biden previously dismissed this characterization.

President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4, 2025. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Biden, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since leaving office last month, did not immediately respond to Trump’s decision. The BBC reached out to Biden’s talent agency, which recently signed him, but received no immediate comment.

In 2021, Biden became the first president to block his predecessor from receiving classified intelligence briefings, arguing that Trump was untrustworthy due to his “erratic behavior,” even before the January 6 Capitol riot. “What value is giving him an intelligence briefing?” Biden said at the time. “What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?”

In 2022, federal agents found classified documents at Trump’s Florida residence, leading to charges of willfully retaining defense information. He pleaded not guilty, and the case was later dropped after his re-election.

Since returning to office, Trump has continued to revoke security clearances and protections for officials tied to the Biden administration. Those affected include former top U.S. military commander Mark Milley, a vocal Trump critic, whose security clearance and detail were withdrawn. New Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also ordered a review of Milley’s conduct and military rank.

Trump has similarly removed security protections for former chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci, who led the U.S. Covid-19 response, calling the decision “very standard.” He previously revoked security protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Additionally, Trump has ordered the clearance revocation of dozens of former intelligence officials, including two ex-CIA directors, who signed a 2020 letter suggesting that reports about Hunter Biden’s laptop were Russian disinformation. The laptop, later confirmed as real, contained evidence of drug use, prostitution, and foreign business dealings.

Take-Two CEO Addresses GTA 6 Concerns Amid Possible delays, 30 FPS Console Fears

0

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has responded to concerns surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6, reaffirming that the highly anticipated game is still on track for a 2025 release.

Since Rockstar Games unveiled the first GTA 6 trailer, excitement has been at an all-time high. However, the developer’s prolonged silence has left some fans uneasy. Rumors of a possible delay emerged in late 2024, with industry insider Jason Schreier suggesting a 2026 launch wouldn’t be surprising.

During Take-Two’s first 2025 earnings call on Feb. 6, the company reassured fans that the game remains set for release this year. While Zelnick acknowledged the possibility of unforeseen delays, he emphasized that they feel “really good” about the current timeline, and our on pace for it. 

Zelnick Dismisses Concerns Over GTA 6

Speaking with GameIndustry.biz, Zelnick addressed fan concerns but maintained confidence in Rockstar’s work.

“I haven’t heard any gossip or worries—quite the opposite. I’ve seen a lot of enthusiasm,” he said. “We never claim success before we have it. As an organization, we always stay vigilant, watching our competition closely.”

He reiterated Rockstar’s commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment, stating, “We take our mission seriously. The team at Rockstar is doing their very best, and ultimately, the results will speak for themselves.”

Fans Debate Console Performance

Beyond concerns about the release date, some fans have expressed frustration over reports that GTA 6 may run at 30 FPS on consoles. Many have deemed this “unacceptable” and are hoping for improved performance. As the games launch approaches more details will come out. Until then, all fans can do is wait.

HCSO cracks down on illegal and dangerous boarding homes, shutting down 2 this year

0

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — So far this year, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has shut down two boarding homes that were operating illegally and without a license.

The first one was found in southwest Harris County on Bacard Lane. There, eight people were removed, two of which were bedridden and one who had to be hospitalized.

Earlier this week, a second was found in north Harris County. Six people were removed there, one of which was taken to the hospital. According to the Harris County investigator Greg Lowry, the conditions inside that second home were bad.

“The one last week had one sleeping on a mattress on the floor, one was sleeping on the couch, an elderly lady double amputee had been sitting for weeks,” Lowry said.

“Those living there were moved to safe and licensed homes,” Lowry said. “They’re working to get a warrant for the homeowner.”

The sheriff’s department wants to shut down unlicensed homes and stop bad actors from taking advantage of a person’s government assistance.

“It’s a warehouse. They treat it like a warehouse to hold these people and collect their benefits,” Lowry said.

Victims tend to be elderly or have a disability that doesn’t allow them to live alone.

It wasn’t against the law to run an unlicensed boarding home until 2021. Since then, the sheriff’s department has been working to protect those who fall victim.

In 2022, 131 illegal boarding homes were shut down. In 2023, 35 homes were closed. In 2024, 16 homes were closed, and so far this year, two have been closed.

How do people keep ending up there? Hospitals send them.

It wasn’t until 2023 that it became illegal for a hospital to discharge someone to an unlicensed home, but the sheriff’s department said it still happens all the time, and there are few repercussions.

“We’ve had houses where the whole group of people came from a county hospital, actually. That’s a big problem when we’re working so hard to get this stopped and make other hospitals and behavioral centers do the right thing. These other boarding homes that are operating illegally are going through the back door and getting these people,” Lowry said.

For the home operators, it’s no slap on the wrist. Since 2021, 10 charges have been filed in connection to the crime, such as operating an unlicensed home, forgery, sexual assault, and more. 75 citations have also been issued over the last 4 years for a total of $753,000.

The sheriff’s department said boarding homes are needed, and the county helps those acting in good faith get licensed. Licensing costs $150 and requires a background check and a home inspection. The county also offers safety classes. But it’s a serious crime for bad actors and can include serious charges.

Massive layoffs at Hi-Rez Studios., Development of three games ends to fully focus on Smite 2

0

Hi-Rez studio, the studio famous for games such as Smite and Rogue Company, has once again went through massive layoffs. 

“This was a difficult decision aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of our studios,” the message from the company stated.

While the exact number of layoffs is unknown, according to people associated with the studio, 50-60 developers lost their jobs. This decision will greatly affect the company’s operations, leading it to stop supporting several projects.

  • Hi-Rez Studios is giving up ending development of the games Smite, Paladins, and Rogue Company.
  • All three games will remain active for now, but the company has no plans for any new content for them.
  • The studio is now focusing solely on Smite 2, although the team responsible for this project has also been affected by layoffs.

This is yet another job cut at Hi-Rez Studios in recent months. Previous layoffs – on a much smaller scale – were carried out in October of last year.

This raises questions about Smite’s esports scene as it seems to be shutting down. Shortly after the layoffs announcement the official Smite Esports website was taken offline.

Laid-off staff members are now on an eight-week notice period and are seeking new opportunities in the industry.

House Judiciary Democrats Call for Investigation into Elon Musk’s Role at DOGE

A group of House Judiciary Democrats has raised serious concerns over Elon Musk’s position at the Department of Government Efficiency, citing potential conflicts of interest due to his vast financial ties to federal contracts and subsidies.

In a sharply worded letter sent Friday to newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi, the lawmakers urged a thorough investigation into whether Musk’s involvement violates federal ethics laws.

Concerns Over Financial Interests and Federal Contracts

The letter points to Musk’s leadership in multiple companies—such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink—that frequently engage with federal agencies on defense contracts, telecommunications regulations, and energy policies. Democrats argue that his dual role as both a government advisor and a key player in industries dependent on federal funding raises significant ethical and legal questions.

“Mr. Musk’s position as a Special Government Employee (SGE) demands heightened scrutiny,” the letter states. “The Department of Justice must rigorously enforce criminal and civil mechanisms to prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.”

Potential Violations of Federal Ethics Laws

The lawmakers specifically cite 18 U.S.C. § 208, which prohibits federal employees, including SGEs, from participating in government matters that directly affect their financial interests or those of close affiliates. They also highlight the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, which mandates strict disclosure requirements for officials who may face conflicts of interest.

Federal spending records reveal that SpaceX and Starlink have received over $3.3 billion in federal funds from agencies such as NASA, the Air Force, and the Defense Information Systems Agency in the past year alone. Given Musk’s involvement in federal decision-making, House Democrats insist that the DOJ and the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) investigate whether his actions breach legal boundaries.

White House and Musk’s Defense

Despite these concerns, the White House has maintained that Musk is responsible for determining whether he faces a conflict of interest. President Donald Trump has repeatedly dismissed allegations of impropriety, stating, “If there’s a conflict, we won’t let him get near it. He would know not to do it.”

However, lawmakers remain unconvinced, arguing that self-regulation is inadequate when billions of taxpayer dollars and the integrity of federal governance are at stake.

Call for DOJ and OGE Investigation

The letter, also addressed to David Huitema, Director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, urges immediate action. “The American people deserve assurances that no individual, regardless of stature, is permitted to influence policy for personal gain,” the lawmakers wrote. “Failure to enforce this statute risks eroding confidence in the impartiality of federal decision-making.”

The call for scrutiny has gained traction among House Judiciary Committee members, with 11 Democrats—including Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin—signing the letter. Other signatories include Reps. Deborah Ross, Hank Johnson, Pramila Jayapal, Becca Balint, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Steve Cohen, Eric Swalwell, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jasmine Crockett, Dan Goldman, and Valerie Foushee.

Awaiting a Response

As of now, neither the Attorney General’s office nor Huitema has commented on the request. However, with mounting pressure from lawmakers and increasing public interest in government accountability, the issue is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Whether the DOJ takes action remains to be seen, but the scrutiny surrounding Musk’s role at DOGE underscores the ongoing debate over ethics, governance, and corporate influence in federal affairs.

Keep up with federal government news with us on Que Onda Magazine.