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Jack Smith Says Trump Caused Jan. 6 Capitol Attack

Edward Saenz
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Jack Smith Says Trump Caused Jan. 6 Capitol Attack

Former special counsel Jack Smith told the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee on Thursday that President Donald Trump was responsible for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, delivering his most direct public assessment of Trump’s actions to date.

“Our investigation revealed that Donald Trump is the person who caused Jan. 6,” Smith testified, adding that the violence was foreseeable and that Trump sought to exploit it to remain in power.

First Public Testimony on Trump Probes

Smith, who led investigations into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents, testified publicly for the first time about his work. Trump pleaded not guilty in both cases, which were later dropped following his reelection under Justice Department policy barring prosecution of a sitting president.

Smith said his decisions were based solely on facts and law, not politics, and emphasized that many key witnesses were Republicans who supported Trump but testified truthfully despite personal and professional costs.

Election Interference Findings

According to Smith, Trump was not seeking legitimate answers about alleged election fraud but was instead “looking for ways to stay in power.” He said Trump rejected information that contradicted that goal, including statements from state officials who told him his claims were false.

Smith also defended his office’s use of phone toll records for some members of Congress, calling it a routine step in investigating a conspiracy to block the peaceful transfer of power.

Classified Documents Allegations

In his opening remarks, Smith reiterated allegations that Trump illegally retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving office and obstructed efforts to recover them. He said sensitive national security materials were improperly stored in unsecured locations, including a ballroom and bathroom.

Smith stated that the evidence supported prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt and that he would make the same decision regardless of a defendant’s political party.

Clashes With Lawmakers

Republicans on the committee sharply criticized Smith, with Chairman Jim Jordan calling the investigations partisan. Rep. Troy Nehls argued that responsibility for Jan. 6 lay with Capitol leadership, not Trump.

Democrats defended Smith’s work. Rep. Jamie Raskin said the former special counsel demonstrated that Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the election, while Rep. Eric Swalwell accused Republicans of ignoring the historical record.

Rule of Law Warning

Smith closed by warning against political retaliation toward prosecutors and investigators, stressing that the rule of law depends on a collective willingness to uphold it, even when doing so comes at a cost.

For the latest news on politics, tune in to Que Onda Magazine daily.

US Completes Withdrawal From World Health Organization

Edward Saenz
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US Completes Withdrawal From World Health Organization

The United States has officially exited the World Health Organization, completing a yearlong withdrawal process initiated by President Donald Trump through an executive order signed last year, the administration announced Thursday.

The decision was confirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of State, marking a major shift in U.S. involvement in global public health efforts.

Administration Criticizes WHO’s Role and Leadership

A senior HHS official said the WHO had “strayed from its core mission” and repeatedly acted against U.S. interests, with much of the criticism centered on the agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The administration argued the WHO delayed declaring COVID-19 a global health emergency and unfairly criticized U.S. policies, including early travel restrictions. Officials also pointed to what they described as unequal financial contributions from member nations and noted that the WHO has never had an American director-general despite significant U.S. funding.

Public Health Experts Warn of Consequences

Health experts have pushed back strongly, warning that the withdrawal could weaken the nation’s ability to respond to future health threats.

Ronald Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, called the move “shortsighted and misguided,” emphasizing that global coordination is essential to monitor emerging diseases such as Ebola and to track seasonal flu strains. He warned that leaving the WHO could also disrupt efforts to properly match flu vaccines to circulating variants.

“Global cooperation is not a luxury; it is a biological necessity,” Nahass said.

U.S. Plans to Rely on Bilateral Efforts

Administration officials said the U.S. will continue to play a leading role in global health through other channels. HHS currently has more than 2,000 staff members working in 63 countries and maintains bilateral agreements with hundreds of nations.

Officials said alternative plans are in place to handle disease surveillance, diagnostics and outbreak response without WHO involvement.

Outstanding Dues and Next Steps

Under United Nations rules, countries must give one year’s notice and settle outstanding dues to leave the WHO. While the U.S. met the notice requirement, it currently owes more than $270 million for the 2024–2025 period, according to the U.N. The administration disputes that it is legally required to pay the balance.

The WHO said the U.S. withdrawal will be addressed at its upcoming Executive Board meeting in early February. The Trump administration has said there are no plans to rejoin the organization or participate as an observer.

For more health-related news and recommendations, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Here’s how to stay warm and safe in Houston during this weekend’s winter storm

ABC13 Houston
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Here’s how to stay warm and safe in Houston during this weekend’s winter storm

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — This weekend’s winter storm is on everyone’s mind as government officials, utility companies, and residents prepare for the potential of freezing rain and sleet.

Many will stay in their homes as severe weather moves across southeast Texas, and those who need them will seek shelter at warming centers throughout the Houston area.

Below are some helpful tips for weathering the storm safely.

Staying safe inside your home

Officials say people should stay indoors during a winter storm. But home heating systems running for hours can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as the deadly fumes can be produced by furnaces, stoves, and heaters, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Carbon monoxide can also be created when people use portable generators or run cars in their garages to stay warm or charge their phones.

Dr. Alex Harding, assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said that because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, people won’t necessarily be aware of it.

“The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be really insidious. They can sneak up on patients and can range from just developing a headache or maybe a little bit of nausea to all the way to losing consciousness and seizures,” he said.

Dealing with hypothermia

Cold weather can be dangerous or deadly due to unsafe exposure to the elements.

The cold temperatures could catch people off guard in parts of the country that earlier might have largely experienced a mild winter.

“Really cold temperatures and winds can make temperatures feel a lot colder, and the result of that could be cold air that could eventually lead to frostbite at a much faster rate or hypothermia at a much faster rate than normal,” said Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine.

Prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures can put people at risk of hypothermia, a condition that happens when one’s body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

“Hypothermia is definitely one of the bigger concerns, especially if we do have any kind of certainty in like power grids or electricity failing,” Harding said.

The danger of hypothermia is greater for someone outside, exposed to wind gusts, and not wearing appropriate clothing, or for someone whose clothing gets wet.

“If they have a safe place that’s warm, where they can hunker down, where they have water and food and all those kinds of necessities … then that’s going to limit their exposure to those risks,” Harding said.

But vulnerable populations like people with disabilities or homeless individuals can have problems finding a warm and safe place to stay.

Warming centers throughout the Houston area

Below is a list of warming centers throughout the Houston area, including unincorporated parts of Harris County.

Harris County Precinct Four

Bayland Community Center, open 24 hours starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday
6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074

City of Houston

Officials said these shelters open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, but the exact operating hours may vary by location.

Acres Homes MSC
6719 West Montgomery Road, 77091

Denver Harbor MSC
6402 Market Street, 77007

Fifth Ward MSC
4014 Market Street, 77077

Fonde CC
110 Sabine Street, 77007

Kashmere MSC
4802 Lockwood Drive, 77026

Magnolia MSC
7037 Capitol Street, 77011

Metropolitan MSC
1475 West Gray Street, 77019

Moody MSC
3725 Fulton Street, 77009

Northeast MSC
9720 Spaulding Street, 77016

Southwest MSC
6400 High Star Drive, 77074

Sunnyside MSC
4410 Reed Road, 77051

Third Ward MSC
3611 Ennis Street, 77004

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

5-Year-Old Detained in Minnesota ICE Operation

Indira Zaldivar
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5-Year-Old Detained in Minnesota ICE Operation

A 5-year-old boy was taken into federal custody alongside his father Tuesday in Minnesota, drawing sharp criticism from school officials who say the incident reflects intensified immigration enforcement in the state.

The child, Liam Conejo Ramos, was detained shortly after returning home from preschool while his father was in the driveway, according to officials at Liam’s school. The family has a pending asylum case and no active deportation order, the school said.

School Officials Describe Confrontation

In a statement, school officials said another adult in the home pleaded with agents to allow them to care for the child but was refused. Officials alleged that an agent removed the child from a running vehicle and instructed him to knock on the home’s door to check if anyone else was inside, describing the act as using a young child “as bait.”

Both the father and child remain in government custody, officials said.

DHS Disputes Account

The Department of Homeland Security rejected the school’s version of events, stating that ICE “did NOT target a child” and that the child was “abandoned” when his father fled on foot as agents attempted to make an arrest.

According to DHS, agents were executing a targeted operation to arrest Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, an Ecuadorian national, when he ran from officers. One agent stayed with the child to ensure his safety while others apprehended the father. DHS said parents are asked whether they wish to be detained with their children or designate a safe caregiver.

Pattern of Student Detentions Raises Alarm

School officials said Liam’s case is not isolated. They reported that three other students in the district have recently been detained by immigration authorities.

Two weeks earlier, a 10-year-old girl was detained with her mother while walking to school and later transferred to a Texas detention center. On Wednesday, a 17-year-old student was detained by what officials described as armed, masked agents.

Community Leaders Voice Concern

“Our children should not be afraid to come to school or wait at the bus stop,” said school board chair Mary Granlund. “Families should not fear dropping off or picking up their children from school.”

Others sound the alarm, accusing DHS of denying the constitutional right to see an attorney for those detained in federal custody.

For more on immigration enforcement, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Civil Rights Attorney Arrested After Church Protest in Minnesota

Edward Saenz
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Civil Rights Attorney Arrested After Church Protest in Minnesota

A prominent civil rights attorney and at least one other protester were arrested following a disruption of a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, as tensions over federal immigration enforcement continue to escalate in the state.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday that Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested after protesters entered Cities Church during Sunday worship services. A second person, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, was also taken into custody, Bondi later confirmed.

Protest Targets ICE-Affiliated Pastor

The protest took place at Cities Church, where one of the pastors, David Easterwood, also serves as head of the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office. Demonstrators chanted slogans including “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referencing a 37-year-old mother of three fatally shot by an ICE officer earlier this month in Minneapolis.

Levy Armstrong has publicly called for Easterwood to resign, arguing that his leadership role within ICE creates a moral conflict with pastoral duties. She said federal officials were using intimidation to silence peaceful protest.

Justice Department Responds Swiftly

The Justice Department quickly opened a civil rights investigation into the church disruption. Bondi said the administration would not tolerate interference at places of worship, emphasizing that such actions cross legal and ethical boundaries.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Levy Armstrong faces a charge under a statute barring intimidation of individuals exercising protected rights. FBI Director Kash Patel said Allen is charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which also applies to houses of worship.

Political Backdrop and Vance Visit

The arrests come as Vice President JD Vance prepares to visit Minnesota amid heightened conflict between federal immigration authorities and local officials who oppose the crackdown. Speaking ahead of his visit, Vance said the protesters frightened children and warned that those responsible could face prison time.

Vance’s visit follows the killing of Renee Good on Jan. 7. Administration officials have said the ICE officer acted in self-defense, a conclusion that led the Justice Department to decline opening a civil rights investigation into her death.

Wider Enforcement and Legal Battles

Federal prosecutors have also subpoenaed the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and several local leaders as part of an investigation into whether Minnesota officials obstructed immigration enforcement.

Meanwhile, a federal appeals court has temporarily allowed agents to continue using crowd-control measures such as tear gas, after suspending a lower court ruling that restricted their use against protesters.

Growing Community Tensions

ICE and Border Patrol officials have defended their actions, saying enforcement efforts are necessary for public safety. Critics argue the administration’s aggressive response to protests contrasts sharply with its handling of civilian deaths linked to immigration enforcement, deepening mistrust across Minnesota communities.

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

2026 Oscar Nominations Spark Buzz

Indira Zaldivar
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2026 Oscar Nominations Spark Buzz

The race for the 2026 Academy Awards intensified Thursday morning as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this year’s nominees, setting off immediate debate over major snubs and standout surprises.

Across all 24 categories, expected contenders were recognized, but several omissions quickly drew attention amid a highly competitive year for film.

‘Sinners’ Dominates the Field

One of the biggest surprises of the morning was the sheer dominance of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. The film earned an impressive 16 nominations, exceeding even optimistic expectations.

Commentators praised the sweeping recognition for Coogler, who received nominations as a writer, director and producer, calling the showing a major validation of the creative risks behind the film. The ensemble cast includes Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku.

Praise and a Key Omission for ‘Hamnet’

Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet also performed strongly, landing nominations including best picture and best actress. However, the absence of Paul Mescal from the acting categories stood out.

While some expressed disappointment over the snub, others emphasized that Jesse Buckley’s performance carried the film and was rightly recognized by the Academy.

International Recognition for ‘Sentimental Value’

Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value emerged as another notable success, particularly in the acting categories. The film, which had been overlooked by earlier awards bodies, resonated with Oscar voters.

Observers pointed to Stellan Skarsgård as a potential frontrunner in the best supporting actor race following the nominations.

High-Profile Snubs and Notable Nods

Among the most talked-about omissions were Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for Wicked: For Good, along with Adam Sandler for Jay Kelly and his co-star George Clooney.

At the same time, Jacob Elordi, Delroy Lindo and the film F1 earned notable nominations. Songwriter Diane Warren also continued her long Oscar history, securing her 17th nomination for best original song.

The mix of surprises and snubs has only heightened anticipation ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony.

See the full list on the Oscar’s official website.

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

ABC13 Weather Alert: Winter Storm Watch issued for most of Southeast Texas this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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ABC13 Weather Alert: Winter Storm Watch issued for most of Southeast Texas this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A winter storm is coming to Texas, and the National Weather Service has now placed most of Southeast Texas under a Winter Storm Watch from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday for the possibility of freezing rain and sleet. Additionally, an Extreme Cold Watch is also in effect Saturday through Monday as an arctic airmass will move in, leading to a hard freeze and the chance for single digit wind chills Monday morning. All this said, ABC13 Weather Alert Days continue for Saturday, Sunday and Monday to account for the threat of ice and bitterly cold conditions.

Meanwhile, damp, dreary weather stuck around this morning. A Dense Fog Advisory was in effect until 9 a.m. with visibility as low as a quarter mile at times for morning commuters. This fog slowly lifted, making for a cloudy morning but then we should see some sunshine for the afternoon. All things considered, Thursday will be a pretty warm day with highs climbing into the low 70s. Then the arctic front will blow in on Friday with a 40% chance of showers. While we should have no frozen precipitation in Southeast Texas on Friday, the winter storm will start cranking up in northern parts of the state with freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

What are the details on these weather alerts for the weekend?

The Winter Storm Watch includes all of our local counties at this time except for Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda, Jackson, and Calhoun Counties. Between one-tenth and three-tenths of an inch of ice are possible, with the higher end of that range expected north of Houston. Power outages, tree damage, and travel hazards are possible due to the icy conditions. Our ABC13 Weather Alert Days remain in effect Saturday through Monday as the arctic front and winter storm bring the potential for freezing rain over the weekend. Then a hard freeze is coming for nearly all of Southeast Texas Monday morning and possibly again on Tuesday morning.

What should I be preparing for with the winter storm this weekend?

You need to be prepared to stay warm, stay put, and to possibly go without power should you receive a high amount of freezing rain. The freeze line now looks like it will stay just north of Southeast Texas most of the day, then blow through Saturday night. That means most of Saturday will be cold and rainy with nothing freezing. That is likely to change after sunset Saturday, with freezing rain spreading south toward the Texas coast. Where freezing rain accumulations occur, it could lead to significant travel and power disruptions as ice accretes on bridges, elevated roadways, powerlines, and tree branches. Some parts of Southeast Texas north of I-10 could spend more than 48 hours below freezing.

Why are we expecting freezing rain instead of snow?

The arctic air is expected to be shallow, meaning the layer of freezing air will not be thick enough to support snow. Instead, if we get anything frozen at all, it would likely be in the form of freezing rain or sleet (ice pellets). There is a brief window late Sunday when it could change over to snow.

Is this is a pipe-bursting type of cold?

Yes. We now expect temperatures to drop into the teens and low 20s on Sunday night and Monday morning. That’s when you’ll need to make sure your interior pipes are adequately insulated and protected from the cold. The wind will still be blowing, so wind chill factors will drop into the single digits and teens Monday morning. The National Weather Service has placed all of Southeast Texas under an Extreme Cold Watch during this timeframe.

When will we be done with the freezing weather?

Temperatures should climb above freezing on Monday, but we could get another hard freeze on Monday night and Tuesday morning. A light freeze is possible Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Then we should be done with this round of winter chill.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Texas Ranks No. 3 in Nation for Starting a Business in 2026

Que Onda Editorial
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Texas Ranks No. 3 in Nation for Starting a Business in 2026

Texas has been ranked the third-best state in the nation for starting a business in 2026, according to a new WalletHub report.

The study, which evaluated all 50 states using 25 metrics, gave Texas high marks for its business environment, workforce growth, and industry clusters. The state scored first nationally in overall business environment but was ranked 11th for access to resources and 34th for business costs.

“Texas continues to demonstrate strong entrepreneurship momentum, supported by a growing workforce and dynamic industry clusters,” the report noted. More than half of Texas businesses operate in concentrated industry clusters, providing startups with access to suppliers, customers, and skilled workers.

Florida ranked first overall in the WalletHub study, followed by Utah. Oklahoma and Idaho rounded out the top five. States in the Northeast, including Connecticut, scored significantly lower.

The report’s findings suggest that while startup costs in Texas are moderate, the state’s robust business ecosystem, engaged workforce, and strong job growth make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

For business owners looking to launch or expand in 2026, Texas offers a competitive environment with opportunities for growth across multiple industries, the report said.

Guatemalan Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Holding Migrants Hostage in Texas

Que Onda Editorial
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Holding Migrants Hostage in Texas

A Guatemalan man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his role in a human smuggling operation that held migrants hostage in Central Texas while demanding ransom payments from their families, federal prosecutors said.

Edwin Alfredo Barrientos-Mateo, 23, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit hostage taking and was sentenced this week in federal court. Authorities said Barrientos-Mateo was part of a smuggling network that confined nine undocumented migrants inside an Austin apartment while demanding $21,000 for their release.

Among those held were a pregnant woman, an adult man and the couple’s 7-year-old child, according to court records. Prosecutors said the victims were transported through South Texas before being taken to the apartment, where they were guarded and threatened while smugglers contacted relatives to collect ransom payments.

The case came to light after investigators received information in Eagle Pass, a border city along the Rio Grande, leading federal agents to the Austin stash house. Barrientos-Mateo was arrested in May 2024 and later admitted his role in the operation.

Eight other defendants were charged in connection with the smuggling ring. One co-defendant, Nelson Abilio Castro-Zelaya, was previously sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Federal prosecutors said the lengthy sentence reflects the seriousness of hostage-taking cases involving migrants, particularly when families and children are placed at risk. Authorities have increasingly used federal extortion and hostage-taking statutes to pursue long prison terms against smuggling organizations operating in Texas.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. attorney’s office for the Western District of Texas.

Bipartisan bill aims to turn retired Gulf oil rigs into artificial reefs

Indira Zaldivar
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Bipartisan bill aims to turn retired Gulf oil rigs into artificial reefs

A bipartisan proposal moving through Congress could make it easier to convert decommissioned oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico into artificial reefs, a move supporters say would benefit marine life and coastal economies, while critics warn of potential environmental risks.

The legislation would streamline the federal approval process for so-called “rigs-to-reefs” programs, which allow portions of retired offshore oil platforms to remain in the water after being cleaned and repurposed as habitats for fish and other marine species. Currently, companies are generally required to fully remove inactive platforms, a process that can cost millions of dollars and disrupt existing underwater ecosystems.

Supporters of the bill say many aging rigs have already become thriving marine habitats and that preserving them could boost recreational fishing, diving and tourism industries along the Gulf Coast, including in Texas.

“The Gulf already has one of the most successful artificial reef programs in the country,” proponents argue, noting that submerged platforms attract red snapper, grouper and other commercially and recreationally valuable species.

Texas operates an established rigs-to-reefs program through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which has overseen the conversion of dozens of platforms into permanent reef sites over the past several decades. Industry advocates say expanding the program could provide economic benefits to coastal communities while reducing decommissioning costs for energy companies.

Under the proposed legislation, companies would still be required to remove hazardous materials and comply with environmental safeguards before structures could be reefed. Federal agencies, including NOAA, would maintain oversight of the process.

Environmental groups and some marine scientists, however, caution that simplifying the process could allow companies to avoid full cleanup responsibilities. Critics also argue that long-term studies on the environmental impact of aging steel structures left on the seafloor are limited.

“There’s concern this could become a loophole for offshore operators to leave behind industrial debris under the guise of habitat protection,” opponents say.

The debate comes as hundreds of offshore platforms in the Gulf approach retirement, a trend driven by aging infrastructure and shifting energy markets. How those structures are handled has become a growing policy issue for Gulf states, energy producers and conservation groups alike.

The bill has drawn support from lawmakers in energy-producing states, as well as from fishing and tourism interests, but faces scrutiny from environmental advocates who say more research and stricter safeguards are needed before expanding reef conversions.

If approved, the legislation could reshape how offshore energy infrastructure is retired in the Gulf, balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship in one of the nation’s most productive marine regions.

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