81.1 F
Houston
Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Home Blog Page 113

Death Toll Rises in UPS Plane Crash

0

A 15th victim has died from injuries sustained in the crash of a UPS cargo plane at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday.

Governor Confirms Latest Fatality

Beshear said Alain Rodriguez Colina succumbed to his injuries weeks after the Nov. 4 crash, bringing the total number of deaths to 15. He offered condolences to the victims’ families, urging the public to keep them in their prayers.

Crash During Takeoff

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft was departing Louisville for Honolulu when it crashed shortly after takeoff. Investigators said the plane rose only about 30 feet before going down in a fiery impact near airport facilities.

Engine Failure Identified

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft’s left engine and pylon separated from the wing during takeoff, igniting a fire that continued until ground impact. Preliminary findings indicate the pylon showed signs of fatigue cracking and overstress failure.

Casualties on Board and on the Ground

Officials said all three crew members aboard the plane were killed, along with 11 people on the ground. An additional 23 people on the ground were injured in the crash.

FAA Grounds MD-11 Fleet

Following the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded all MD-11 aircraft for inspections. About 70 of the planes are currently in service worldwide, primarily operated by UPS, FedEx and Western Global.

Investigation Continues

The NTSB is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash, with further findings expected as the inquiry progresses.

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

Death Toll Climbs After Overnight Drone Strikes

0

At least seven people were killed and 39 injured in Ukraine after Russia and Ukraine exchanged hundreds of long-range drone attacks overnight into Thursday, Ukrainian officials said.

More Than 130 Drones Launched

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 131 drones overnight. Of those, 106 were shot down or electronically suppressed, while 22 struck targets across 15 locations. Officials warned Thursday morning that additional drones were still in the air.

Christmas Attacks Draw Condemnation

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, saying Russia continued attacks even on Christmas Eve and Christmas night. He said energy infrastructure and residential areas were targeted, causing power outages and injuries in multiple regions.

Civilian Areas and Infrastructure Hit

Local officials said a Russian drone struck a residential building in Chernihiv, killing two people and injuring others. Additional deaths and injuries were reported in the Odesa and Kharkiv regions, where port, industrial and energy infrastructure was damaged.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said attacks over the past 24 hours also injured at least 14 people in northeastern Ukraine.

Widespread Power Outages

Ukraine’s state electricity operator, Ukrenergo, said drone strikes caused outages in several regions, including Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa. Power consumption restrictions were expected nationwide throughout Thursday.

Russia Reports Intercepting Ukrainian Drones

Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down at least 141 Ukrainian drones overnight, including several over the Moscow region. Russian officials also reported damage and injuries in border and southern regions, as well as temporary flight restrictions at some airports.

Fighting Continues Despite Peace Efforts

The latest attacks followed multiple waves of Ukrainian drone strikes earlier in the week. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would continue resisting Russian aggression “in every way possible,” even as diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire continue.

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

Knife and Chemical Attack at Japanese Factory

At least 15 people were injured in a violent attack at a rubber factory in central Japan, where a man allegedly stabbed multiple workers and threw a chemical believed to be bleach, authorities said.

Incident at Yokohama Rubber Facility

The attack occurred Friday at a Yokohama Rubber Company factory in Mishima, a city in Shizuoka prefecture west of Tokyo. Officials said eight people were stabbed with a knife and taken to nearby hospitals.

Victims in Serious Condition

According to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department, five of the stabbing victims were in serious condition. Further details about their injuries were not immediately available.

Chemical Exposure Injures Others

Seven additional people were injured after the suspect threw a chemical believed to be bleach during the attack, officials said. The extent of those injuries was not disclosed.

Suspect Arrested

Shizuoka prefectural police said a 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. Authorities have not released information about a possible motive or whether the suspect was employed at the factory.

Investigation Ongoing

Officials said the investigation is continuing, and no further details were immediately known. The incident was reported by The Associated Press.

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

Visa Screening Expanded to Online Speech

0

The Trump administration is broadening efforts to scrutinize visa applicants’ online activity, framing visas as a “privilege, not a right.” New rules expand social media reviews to include applicants for H-1B employment visas and their dependents, adding to earlier requirements for foreign students and academic or cultural exchange visitors to disclose five years of social media history and make posts public.

Possible Expansion to Visa-Free Travelers

Officials are also considering similar screening for visitors from countries that currently enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan. The move signals a wider shift toward digital vetting across multiple immigration categories.

Free Speech Concerns Grow

Immigrant rights advocates say the policy chills public discourse by linking speech to immigration outcomes. In September, authorities announced plans to review more than 55 million visa holders for potential violations, heightening fears that online expression could influence approvals or lead to deportations.

Legal Battles and Court Rulings

Despite a federal judge’s ruling that immigrants lawfully in the U.S. are protected by the First Amendment, visas have continued to be revoked over statements the administration calls dangerous or “un-American.” A Massachusetts judge ruled in September that the administration’s actions have unconstitutionally chilled free speech, with a January hearing set to consider remedies.

Unions Sue Over Surveillance Claims

Major labor unions, including the UAW, AFT and Communications Workers of America, have sued the government, alleging a sweeping surveillance apparatus—powered by artificial intelligence—has deterred noncitizens from speaking online or participating in organizing. The lawsuit cites members deleting posts, hiding identities and abandoning social media.

High-Profile Revocations

Recent cases include visa revocations tied to reactions to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the detention of British commentator Sami Hamdi, whose visa was revoked while he was on a U.S. speaking tour critical of Israel’s war in Gaza. Hamdi was not charged with a crime and later agreed to return home, saying his advocacy triggered the action.

Administration Defends Policy

Homeland Security officials argue the measures protect public safety and target terrorism support, rejecting claims of speech suppression. The administration points to executive actions aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses and broader “good moral character” reviews that consider behavior and adherence to societal norms.

A Digital Dragnet

Researchers warn that social media has become a frontline for immigration enforcement, with AI tools enabling expansive, around-the-clock monitoring that can pull in associates and bystanders. Critics say investigations are increasingly driven by correlated data rather than concrete evidence.

Lingering Questions

As the policy expands, advocates and affected individuals question where the line will be drawn—especially ahead of major international events like next summer’s World Cup in U.S. cities—and whether political expression could trigger detention or visa loss without notice.

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

Man dead after officers open fire when responding to crash call at SE Houston apartment, HPD said

0

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Police Department said a suspect is dead following a shooting in southeast Houston the morning after Christmas, according to officials.

The shooting happened at the CityScape Apartments near Highway 288 and Almeda Genoa just after 1:30 a.m. Friday.

According to police, someone called, thinking her car had been hit the parking lot. When she went outside, she said she saw a man standing in front of a tan SUV, allegedly pointing a gun at her, police said.

HPD said the woman then called police. Once officers arrived, they said they located the man outside the gate.

Officials said the man did not comply with officers’ commands, leading to three officers opening fire, hitting the man.

ABC13 asked HPD whether the man opened fire, and they responded that it is under investigation.

HPD said there were multiple weapons inside the man’s car, and it is unclear if he lived at the complex.

The three officers involved were placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues, HPD said.

“This is a very sad scene for everybody involved. It’s always a tragic loss when someone dies,” said HPD Assistant Chief Patricia Cantu.

For news updates, follow Chaz Miller on FacebookX and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Sea fog and record highs continue until our next front arrives Sunday night

0

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — This warm, humid and foggy pattern continues through the weekend until out next front rolls through just in time for the last few days of 2025.

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Houston and counties along and south of I-10 Thursday morning until 10 a.m. Thick sea fog has rolled back in tonight as this warm, humid pattern continues to linger across the region. Visibility levels before sunrise could drop to as low as a quarter to half a mile at times, especially along the coast. This fog will begin to lift after the sun rises this morning and we’ll see a few more peeks of sunshine Christmas afternoon. Temperatures in the morning will start in the mid 60s and climb into the low 80s in the afternoon. The record high temperature for December 25th is 83 degrees, and we’ll be close to that record today with a forecast high of 81 in Houston today.

How bad will the sea fog get this week?

The combination of very moist air in contact with the cool waters over the Gulf and Galveston Bay will give us a sea fog issue this week and into the weekend. Inland areas will see the fog during the early morning hours while coastal locations will deal with it off and on throughout the day and night. At time the visibility will drop below 1/2 mile so be careful.

We know it’s very warm, but are there any more freezes in the forecast?

Yes, this spring-like pattern will eventually come to an end next week. A cold front is expected to swing through Southeast Texas late Sunday night and into Monday morning of next week, opening the door for colder, less humid air to arrive for the last few days of 2025. The latest data says our northern counties may experience a light freeze New Years Eve morning. Meanwhile, temperatures will stay very warm and near record levels for this time of year through Sunday with morning lows in the mid-upper 60s and afternoon highs in the low 80s.

What about some measurable rain or any storms?

While there’s the chance for a few passing showers Friday through Sunday with this warm, humid pattern, we don’t have much rain on the horizon until a front rolls through on Sunday. That said, some of the recent relief from drought conditions we saw this past fall wont last long, so drought conditions could creep back into the region.

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!

Christmas Celebrations Return to Bethlehem

0

Thousands gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Christmas Eve as public celebrations returned after two years of muted observances caused by the war in Gaza. The towering Christmas tree was reinstalled in the square, replacing a wartime nativity display that had symbolized suffering and loss.

Bethlehem, revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, had largely canceled festivities during the conflict. This year’s celebrations marked a cautious revival of holiday traditions and community life.

Pope Leo XIV Marks First Christmas Eve Mass

At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. In his homily, the first U.S.-born pope reflected on the humility of the Christmas story, emphasizing the birth of Jesus as a symbol of hope and renewal amid suffering.

“In the face of the suffering of the poor, God sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again,” Leo told worshippers filling the basilica.

Call for Light and Renewal in the Holy Land

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic leader in the Holy Land, led the traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and called for “a Christmas full of light.” He said he carried greetings from Gaza’s small Christian community, where he celebrated a pre-Christmas Mass days earlier.

Addressing crowds of Christians and Muslims, Pizzaballa spoke of resilience and the shared desire to rebuild after months of devastation.

Economic Struggles Persist in Bethlehem

Despite renewed celebrations, the effects of war remain severe in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Tourism, the backbone of Bethlehem’s economy, has been slow to recover. Local officials say unemployment has surged dramatically, forcing thousands of residents to leave in search of work.

Some residents reported early signs of improvement as limited tourism returns, offering cautious optimism for businesses tied to pilgrimage and travel.

Hope for Families and Future

For longtime Bethlehem residents like tour guides Georgette and Michael Jackaman, the celebrations carried deep meaning. This Christmas marked the first full holiday their young children have experienced. During the war, the couple turned to selling Palestinian handicrafts online to help support families who lost income.

Visitors also reflected on the symbolism of celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem. “Christmas is like hope in very dark situations,” said French visitor Mona Riewer.

Ongoing Tensions in the West Bank

While a ceasefire in Gaza has allowed celebrations to resume, tensions remain high in the West Bank. Israeli military raids and settler attacks have increased, and movement restrictions continue to disrupt daily life for Palestinians, including those traveling to Bethlehem for the holidays.

Christian leaders have repeatedly urged worshippers to focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas while praying for lasting peace in the region.

Faith and Resilience Across the Region

Elsewhere in the Middle East, Christmas events highlighted resilience amid hardship. In Nazareth, festive parades returned, filling streets with children, music and nativity scenes. In Gaza, Christmas Eve Mass was held at the territory’s only Catholic church, months after it was damaged by shelling.

In Syria, worshippers prepared to return to churches previously targeted by violence, gathering to light Christmas displays as a sign of perseverance.

Global Celebrations Continue

At St. Peter’s Basilica, about 6,000 people attended Mass inside, with thousands more watching from the rain-soaked square outside. The service featured readings in multiple languages, underscoring the global reach of the holiday.

Around the world, Christmas traditions unfolded far beyond churches — from ice-skating in New York to charity swims in Northern Ireland. In Florida, hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa rode the waves in a festive fundraiser, blending holiday cheer with community support.

For more on the new pope, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Ukrainian Forces Fight to Hold Southern Front

0

Ukrainian troops are battling to stabilize the southern front near the city of Huliaipole as Russia presses forward with renewed attacks, even as U.S.-backed peace efforts intensify.

Russia Pushes Into Zaporizhzhia

After months of grinding, attritional fighting across eastern and northeastern Ukraine, Russian forces made an unexpected advance in September in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian officials say Russian troops pushed up to six miles in some areas after territorial defense units collapsed under sustained pressure.

The advance marked a rare moment of battlefield mobility in a war largely defined by drones, entrenched positions and heavy losses on both sides.

Ukrainian Units Redeployed

Among the units rushed south was the 225th Separate Assault Regiment, previously deployed near Ukraine’s northeastern border. Maj. Oleh Shyriaiev of the regiment said the situation remains unstable despite efforts to halt Russian momentum.

“It is a mistake to consider that it is 100% stabilized,” Shyriaiev said, emphasizing that Ukrainian forces are focused on holding ground and preventing further breakthroughs.

Peace Talks Met With Skepticism

The fighting continues as Russian and Ukrainian representatives engage in U.S.-sponsored shuttle diplomacy aimed at ending the war. Moscow has portrayed its slow territorial gains as proof of inevitable victory, while Kyiv and its allies reject that claim.

Shyriaiev expressed deep skepticism about any peace deal, saying Russia would likely use a pause in fighting to regroup for future attacks.

Battle Focused on Huliaipole

The Russian offensive is now concentrated around Huliaipole, a small city that once had about 20,000 residents. Ukrainian officials say only around 150 civilians remain after months of bombardment.

Ukrainian forces report they have largely stalled Russian advances in nearby fields, concentrating on building defensive lines and wearing down attacking units.

Drones, Weather Shape the Fighting

Russian units in the area have been reinforced with new recruits and equipment, including expanded drone capabilities used to monitor access routes to the front. Shyriaiev said fog and winter weather are being exploited by both sides, allowing infiltration during low visibility while exposing poorly concealed positions when conditions improve.

A War of Attrition Continues

Despite peace talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled no intention of easing pressure, reiterating demands that include Ukraine abandoning NATO aspirations and surrendering claimed territory.

Independent analysts say Russia’s gains over the past year have been minimal relative to its losses. Ukrainian officials estimate Russia has suffered massive casualties since 2022, though those figures cannot be independently verified.

Facing a larger and better-resourced enemy, Ukrainian troops continue to endure relentless assaults. “They are focusing on mass in everything,” Shyriaiev said, adding that any Russian successes are coming at an extraordinarily high cost.

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

DOJ Says More Than 1 Million Epstein-Related Documents Remain

0

The Department of Justice said Wednesday it has identified “over a million more documents” that could be related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, acknowledging that releasing them could take several more weeks.

Review and Redaction Process Ongoing

In a statement posted on X, the DOJ said it received the documents from the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Officials said attorneys are reviewing the material to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, existing laws and court orders, while making required redactions to protect victims.

Because of the sheer volume of records, the department said the review process is still ongoing.

Background on Epstein Files

Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. ABC News has previously reported that the DOJ possesses more than a million documents connected to Epstein and related investigations.

Congress mandated the release of the files through the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed in November. The law required most documents to be made public by Dec. 19, with limited exceptions for victim privacy and ongoing investigations.

Criticism From Democrats

Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, sharply criticized the administration, accusing the DOJ of illegally withholding documents and mishandling redactions.

Garcia called for Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify before Congress and urged whistleblowers to come forward, saying lawmakers want accountability and justice for survivors.

What Has Been Released So Far

As of Tuesday morning, the DOJ had released more than 30,000 pages of records across roughly 15,000 downloadable files. Thousands of photographs were also made public for the first time.

However, critics say the department has gone too far in redacting names, including those of government officials and potential co-conspirators, making it difficult to understand who was involved in internal communications.

Concerns Over Errors and Redactions

The administration has also faced backlash for mistakenly leaving some victims’ names unredacted in released documents, while aggressively blacking out other information. Lawmakers have questioned whether the redactions are being applied consistently and appropriately.

Lawmakers Vow Continued Pressure

Rep. Ro Khanna, a co-author of the transparency law alongside Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, said lawmakers will continue pushing the DOJ to release additional materials, including FBI interview reports and emails recovered from Epstein’s computer.

Khanna said congressional pressure has already forced the department to acknowledge the existence of millions more documents and vowed that oversight efforts would continue.

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

Ashlee Buzzard Arrested in Death of 9-Year-Old Daughter

0

Ashlee Buzzard was arrested Tuesday in connection with the killing of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard, whose body was found in a rural area of Utah, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities allege Melodee was shot in the head and killed shortly after she was last seen alive during a road trip with her mother.

Sheriff Describes Premeditation

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown described the crime as calculated and deliberate, saying “cold-blooded and criminally sophisticated premeditation” went into planning the killing, and “ruthlessness” into carrying it out.

Melodee was reported missing more than two months ago. Investigators believe she was killed shortly after Oct. 9, when she was last seen near the Colorado-Utah border.

Discovery of Remains and DNA Link

On Dec. 6, a man and woman discovered a decomposed body while taking photos in a rural area of Wayne County, Utah. On Monday, the FBI crime lab confirmed through DNA analysis that the remains matched familial DNA linked to Ashlee Buzzard.

Investigators said they have recovered significant evidence tying Buzzard to the crime.

Evidence Found, Weapon Still Missing

Authorities said a spent shell casing found in the Buzzard home matched evidence recovered at the Utah scene. Similar live ammunition was also found in Ashlee Buzzard’s vehicle. A murder weapon has not been recovered.

Sheriff Brown said Buzzard made deliberate efforts to prevent investigators from locating her daughter. A motive has not yet been determined.

Timeline of Disappearance

The investigation began Oct. 14, when a school administrator reported Melodee’s extended absence. Authorities determined Ashlee and Melodee left their Lompoc, California, home on Oct. 7 for a planned three-day road trip.

Melodee was last seen alive on Oct. 9 near the Colorado-Utah border. Ashlee Buzzard returned to Lompoc alone on Oct. 10 in the rental car they had taken. Authorities allege Buzzard wore wigs and switched license plates during the trip.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials said Buzzard is not cooperating and appears to have acted alone. “Maternal filicide is rare and always difficult to comprehend,” Brown said.

“Melodee deserved a far better life than she had,” the sheriff added. “May God bless the innocent soul of Melodee Buzzard who we will never forget.”

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