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Deadly New Year’s Day Fire in Swiss Alps Resort

Edward Saenz
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Deadly New Year’s Day Fire in Swiss Alps Resort

Around 40 people were killed and at least 115 others were injured after a fire tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s celebrations in the Swiss Alps, police said Thursday.

Blaze Breaks Out at Popular Bar

The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a well-known bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana, according to the Cantonal Police of Valais. Authorities said the blaze was of “undetermined origin” and is not being investigated as an attack.

Investigation Underway

Investigators continued working Thursday to determine what caused the fire. Officials addressed the incident during a morning press conference, emphasizing that the focus remains on establishing how the blaze started.

Swiss Leaders React

Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the incident one of the worst tragedies the country has ever experienced. “What should have been a moment of joy turned into a tragedy in Crans-Montana,” he said, adding that the federal government received the news with profound dismay.

Major Emergency Response

Authorities described the response as a major emergency operation. A large number of police officers, firefighters, and rescue personnel were deployed to assist victims, and the area surrounding the bar was closed to the public. A temporary no-fly zone was also established over Crans-Montana.

Tourists Likely Among Victims

Police have not released the identities of those killed. Officials said it is likely that some victims were tourists, as the resort is a popular destination for skiers and holiday travelers during the New Year period.

Foreign Nationals Injured

France’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that at least two French nationals were among the injured and are being treated at local hospitals. French officials said they remain in close contact with Swiss authorities in case additional citizens are affected.

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

Body Identified as Missing Texas Teen

Indira Zaldivar
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Body Identified as Missing Texas Teen

Authorities have confirmed that a body found Tuesday in northwest Bexar County is that of 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who had been reported missing since Christmas Eve, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

Death Ruled Suicide

The medical examiner determined Mendoza Olmos died by suicide from a gunshot wound to the head, officials said. A firearm was found at the scene, and investigators are working to determine whether it matches a weapon reported missing from a relative.

Search Leads to Nearby Field

Sheriff Javier Salazar said Mendoza Olmos’ body was discovered in a field about 100 yards from her home. Although the area had been searched previously, authorities returned due to tall grass that may have obscured visibility. The search involved sheriff’s deputies and the FBI.

Timeline of Disappearance

Mendoza Olmos was last seen on the morning of Christmas Eve. Investigators believe she left her home on foot, as her vehicle remained at the residence. Video footage showed her searching her car for an unidentified item before she disappeared.

Investigation and Community Response

Salazar said investigators had considered the possibility of self-harm early in the case, citing indicators of suicidal ideation and undiagnosed signs of depression. Clothing found at the scene matched what Mendoza Olmos was believed to have been wearing when she went missing.

“This is certainly not the outcome we were hoping for,” Salazar said.

Authorities also reviewed dashcam video of a woman walking alone early Wednesday morning during the search, though it remains unclear if the person captured was Mendoza Olmos.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

For more on Mendoza Olmo’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

60 people displaced after fireworks likely started large apartment fire on New Year’s Day, HFD says

ABC13 Houston
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60 people displaced after fireworks likely started large apartment fire on New Year’s Day, HFD says

By Courtney Carpenter, ABC13 Houston.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Dozens of families are without a home to start the New Year after a fire started at a southwest Houston apartment early Thursday morning, according to the Houston Fire Department.

HFD says firefighters were called to the Bayou West Condominiums on Club Creek Drive around 1 a.m.

They say that when firefighters arrived, a balcony and the roof of one building were already on fire.

HFD says low water pressure made it more difficult to extinguish the fire.

The fire department says they found fireworks in the courtyard area and believe people shooting them off is what started the fire.

“Not only is it illegal to have fireworks in the Houston area, but this is unsafe. We’ve got children, we’ve got families, and they are all put out of a home tonight, so this is a very tragic start to the New Year,” said Bryan Sky- Eagle, a Deputy Chief with the Houston Fire Department.

No one was hurt, according to fire officials.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one building. HFD says about 60 people are now without a home.

The fire department says Red Cross has been called in to help those families.

For more news updates, follow Courtney Carpenter on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

A major warmup is on the way and could break records next week

ABC13 Houston
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A major warmup is on the way and could break records next week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Morning temperatures New Year’s Day could briefly dip into the upper 30s under a mostly clear sky. The atmosphere will be fairly stable, which could trap a lot of firework smoke near the ground leading to unhealthy air quality in spots.

Clouds return to the sky on New Year’s Day, but so does a warm southwest wind, boosting highs all the way into the mid 70s. Yes, it’s going to feel more like spring on the first day of 2026, and by Friday, record highs in the low 80s could come tumbling down.

What should we expect for the first weekend of 2026?

The weather should be perfect for outdoor activities! Because a weak front will roll in Saturday morning, we’ll get slightly cooler mornings and comfortable afternoons with lower humidity. Highs both days will climb into the 70s. Saturday morning will start off with lows in the mid 50s, and it will be slightly cooler in the upper 40s to kick off Sunday. After the weekend, the big warmup resumes.

Is this warmup going to be as hot as it was the week of Christmas?

Not exactly, but we do have a few days popping into the low 80s, starting on Friday with a few more in the cards for next week. This means more records could fall during the first week of the New Year. Sea fog will also be a possibility as the humid air returns.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no more freezes in our 10 day forecast. The next opportunity for freezing temperatures looks to open up around mid-January.

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!

Stock Market Soars in 2025, Outlook for 2026

Edward Saenz
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Stock Market Soars in 2025, Outlook for 2026

U.S. stocks surged to record highs in 2025, brushing aside concerns over tariffs, a government shutdown, and fears of an artificial intelligence bubble. The S&P 500 rose about 17% as of late December, extending a multiyear bull market, though at a slower pace than the more than 20% gains seen in the previous two years.

What Drove the Rally

Analysts point to strong corporate earnings, interest-rate cuts aimed at boosting economic growth, and relentless enthusiasm for AI as key drivers. Tariff-related market turmoil in the spring proved short-lived after many of the proposed measures were suspended, helping stocks rebound quickly.

Gains Concentrated in Big Tech

Much of the market’s growth was fueled by a small group of tech giants known as the “Magnificent Seven,” including Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon. Concerns over AI briefly rattled these stocks in September, but blockbuster earnings from Nvidia later revived confidence, underscoring strong demand for AI-related technology.

Concerns Heading Into 2026

Despite optimism, some analysts warn the market’s heavy reliance on AI could pose risks if tech companies fail to turn massive investments into profits. Broader economic signals are mixed, with hiring slowing, inflation still above the Federal Reserve’s target, and consumer sentiment remaining uneven.

What Experts Predict for 2026

Most major firms remain upbeat. Vanguard projects stock returns as high as 8% in 2026, while JPMorgan Wealth Management forecasts gains between 13% and 15%. Morgan Stanley and BNY Wealth also expect around 10% growth, citing a low risk of recession and continued momentum in the bull market.

For more business trends, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Body Found During Search for Missing Texas Teen

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Body Found During Search for Missing Texas Teen

Authorities searching for a missing Texas teenager discovered a body Tuesday afternoon in northwest Bexar County, officials said. The finding came amid an intensive, dayslong search for 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who was last seen on Christmas Eve.

Search Focused Near Teen’s Home

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the body was found in a field about 100 yards from Mendoza Olmos’ home. Deputies and volunteers had been searching the area around the clock after investigators received information suggesting the teen could be in imminent danger.

“At this point we don’t suspect foul play,” Salazar said during a press briefing.

Identity and Cause of Death Pending

The body has not yet been officially identified, and the local medical examiner has not determined the cause or manner of death. Salazar said authorities are working to expedite the process to provide answers to the family and community.

The body was found wearing clothing similar to what Mendoza Olmos was believed to have been wearing when she disappeared.

Investigation Notes Indicators of Self-Harm

Salazar said there were indicators of self-harm at the scene. A firearm was located near where the body was found, and a firearm belonging to a relative of Mendoza Olmos had previously been reported missing. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the weapon found matches the missing firearm.

Authorities said one of the main concerns during the search was the possibility of self-harm, citing reports of suicidal ideation and signs of undiagnosed depression.

Video Evidence and Search Efforts

Investigators believe Mendoza Olmos left her home on foot after video footage showed her searching her vehicle early Wednesday morning before disappearing. Her car remained at the residence.

During the search, authorities released dashcam video showing a woman walking alone along a roadway on Christmas Eve morning. Salazar said it remains unclear whether the person in the video was Mendoza Olmos.

“This is certainly not the outcome we were hoping for,” Salazar said.

Support Resources Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, free and confidential help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

For more on Mendoza Olmo’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

CDC Flags Texas at ‘Very High’ Flu Activity

Que Onda Editorial
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CDC Flags Texas at ‘Very High’ Flu Activity

Texas is experiencing a significant surge in flu-like illnesses, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranking the state at a “VERY HIGH” level in its latest nationwide update. Health officials say the rise comes as flu activity increases across much of the country and may worsen in the weeks ahead.

Cases Rising Ahead of Post-Holiday Impact

According to the CDC, December has brought a steady climb in flu cases nationwide, and experts caution the peak may still be coming. Houston Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Tran said the full impact of Christmas and holiday gatherings has likely not yet appeared in the data.

More than half of U.S. states are now reporting high or very high flu levels, based on the CDC’s most recent flu activity map.

National Numbers Show Sharp Increase

So far this flu season, the CDC estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths across the United States. More than 25 percent of flu tests nationwide are returning positive results, a notable jump from 16 percent in mid-December and just eight percent the week before that.

Many of the confirmed cases are tied to a newer flu strain known as subclade K, identified through thousands of samples submitted to the CDC.

Texas Positivity Rate Outpaces National Average

Flu test positivity rates in Texas are even higher than the national average. About a week ago, roughly 32 percent of flu tests in the state came back positive—nearly double the rate from the previous week and more than triple compared to two weeks earlier.

“This year, the trend is slightly higher than last year,” Tran said, adding that she expects cases to continue rising.

Schools and Wastewater Testing Show Spread

The increase is also being detected in schools. The Houston Health Department’s wastewater testing at Houston ISD campuses showed positive flu samples in four schools about a month ago. That number climbed to ten schools just before students left for winter break.

Tran urged schools to promote flu vaccination among students, teachers, and staff to help curb transmission.

Vaccination Still Recommended

CDC experts stress that getting the flu vaccine can still reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. While vaccination is recommended annually for everyone six months and older, officials note it can take up to two weeks for full protection to develop, making earlier vaccination important as cases continue to rise.

For more health advice and trends, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Pct. 4 announces multi-agency DWI initiative ahead of New Year’s holiday

ABC13 Houston
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Harris County Pct. 4 announces multi-agency DWI initiative ahead of New Year’s holiday

By Nick Natario, ABC13 Houston.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A joint law enforcement initiative across Harris County will aim to stop drunk drivers this New Year’s holiday.

The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office announced Tuesday that it will work with all Harris County constable offices, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Police Department, the Tomball Police Department, the Humble Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Pct. 4 said it made more than 1,063 arrests this year for suspected impaired driving, adding that some individuals were rearrested for the same offense.

To streamline the arrests, Pct. 4 said the following resources would be available and allow officers to return to patrol deputies more quickly:

  • On-site phlebotomists for blood draws
  • Judge Lincoln Goodwin on site to review and sign blood search warrants
  • Harris County District Attorney’s Office personnel on-site to accept charges

“Pct. 4 alone will be putting out about 150 deputies on the streets of north Harris County in the last two days of this year,” Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said during a press conference Tuesday.

The agency gave these safety reminders for people celebrating the new year:

  • Designate a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol
  • Use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft when needed
  • If someone attempts to drive while impaired, intervene and take steps to prevent it
  • Make responsible decisions that prioritize safety

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

A major warmup on the way, challenging records next week

ABC13 Houston
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0
A major warmup on the way, challenging records next week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Many areas woke up to a light freeze Wednesday morning. However, sunshine and a southwest breeze will quickly warm temperatures in the mid to upper 60s during the afternoon.

How long will this cold air stick around?

Not very long! The first day of 2026 starts off cool in the upper 30s and low 40s, but it will warm into the 70s during the afternoon. By January 2 we’ll be back in the 80s!

What should we expect at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s?

It’ll be mostly clear and chilly with temperatures in the mid 40s as we say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026. Firework smog could be an issue after midnight with the winds remaining light and the cold air settling in for one more morning.

Is this warmup going to be as hot as it was the week of Christmas?

Not exactly, but we do have a few days popping into the low 80s, starting on Friday with a few more in the cards for next week. This means more records could fall during the first week of the New Year. Sea fog will also be a possibility as the humid air returns.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

After the freeze on New Year’s Eve, we have no freezes in the rest of our 10 day forecast. The next opportunity for freezing temperatures looks to open up around mid-January.

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!

Patriots’ Stefon Diggs Charged in Alleged Assault Case

Michael Esparza
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0
Patriots’ Stefon Diggs Charged in Alleged Assault Case

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and assault charges following a complaint filed earlier this month, according to court records.

Allegations Detailed in Court Records

The complaint was made by a woman who worked as a private chef for Diggs. According to court documents, the alleged incident occurred during a Dec. 2 dispute over money she said Diggs owed her.

The woman claimed Diggs struck her across the face and attempted to choke her by placing the crook of his elbow around her neck. The documents state that when she tried to pry his arm away, he allegedly tightened his grip and then threw her onto a bed.

Diggs Denies the Accusations

Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, strongly denied the allegations, saying they “categorically” did not occur. Meier described the claims as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated, arguing they stem from an unresolved financial disagreement between Diggs and the employee.

He also said the allegations were never investigated because, in his view, no crime took place.

Patriots and NFL Respond

The New England Patriots released a statement saying Diggs informed the organization that he denies the allegations. The team said it supports the wide receiver and will continue to gather information while cooperating with authorities and the NFL as needed.

The NFL confirmed it is aware of the situation and has been in contact with the Patriots.

Case Status

No additional details about court proceedings or potential disciplinary action from the league have been announced. The case remains under review as authorities assess the complaint.

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

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