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Another cold front blows in more damp and dreary weather

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Rain clouds are spreading into Southeast Texas again, and we are in for a wet, windy, and cold finish to the work week.

Numerous showers and an isolated thunderstorm will be possible on Thursday as a cold front moves through. Temperatures will hover in the 50s for most during the morning, but a building north breeze will push readings into the 40s through the day. While the radar may look quiet at times on Thursday, patches of drizzle and mist will continue, keeping the streets fairly wet throughout the day.

Any severe weather expected with this next rainy system?

Not at this time, but a severe hailstorm cannot be completely ruled out. Brief heavy rainfall, thunder, and lightning may wake the family up overnight, but after the cold front clears the coast, it’s mainly just rain after that.

How long will the rain chances and clouds stick around this time?

The rain chances will linger all the way into Saturday morning, and we won’t completely shake the clouds until sometime on Sunday. Thursday won’t be a washout, but there’s a 60% chance you’ll get some rain off and on through the day under an overcast sky. It now looks like Friday will be equally rain, except even colder. Widespread showers are most likely during the first half of the day with temperatures generally stuck in the 40s all day. Drier air eventually blows in on Saturday, but there’s still a 20% chance you’ll catch some rain from a lingering showers in the morning, especially in our coastal counties.

How much rain should we expect to get?

We expect 1-2″ of rain to be fairly common in Southeast Texas with the 2″ totals more likely in our coastal counties.

When could we get our first freeze?

We have no freezing weather in our forecast over the next 10 days, and long range signals indicate we probably have to wait until the second half of December for a chance of freezing weather in Houston. On average, Houston historically gets its first freeze during the second week of December.d

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Trump Sparks Outrage After Calling Somali Immigrants ‘Garbage’

President Donald Trump drew widespread condemnation Tuesday after referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage” during a Cabinet meeting, escalating tensions with Minnesota officials and Rep. Ilhan Omar.

Remarks Target Somali Community and Rep. Ilhan Omar

Trump claimed the nation was “at a tipping point” and argued the U.S. was “going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country.” He used the same slur for Rep. Omar, who responded online, calling Trump’s fixation on her “creepy” and urging him to “get the help he desperately needs.”

The comments sharply contrasted with Trump’s outreach to Somali voters during his 2024 reelection campaign, when he praised their desire for “safety and security.”

Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Political Feud

The remarks came amid a political clash between Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz following a New York Times report alleging years of fraud within parts of Minnesota’s Somali community. Critics claimed state leaders hesitated to act out of fear of alienating Somali voters.

Walz pushed back, saying he supports prosecution of crime but criticized “indiscriminately targeting immigrants” as a political stunt. House Oversight Chair James Comer has since launched an investigation, seeking documents from Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

Minnesota Leaders Defend Somali Residents

Minneapolis officials rejected Trump’s rhetoric, noting the city’s Somali population—more than 80,000 strong—is largely made up of U.S. citizens. Mayor Jacob Frey warned that intensified ICE enforcement could result in wrongful arrests of American citizens.

City Council Member Jamal Osman criticized the administration for “othering” Somali Americans. “Our Somali American neighbors deserve to feel safe in their own country,” he said.

ICE Activity Expected to Increase

Federal border czar Tom Homan confirmed Tuesday that ICE operations in Minnesota will ramp up but offered no timeline. The escalation follows increasing anti-immigrant language from Trump, including references to the recent shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan national.

A Community Under Scrutiny

Somali Americans, many of whom arrived as refugees following the 1990s civil war, now number more than 260,000 nationwide. Census data shows about 73% are naturalized citizens.

As federal scrutiny intensifies and political rhetoric rises, Minnesota leaders emphasize that they will continue standing with the state’s Somali community—and push back against efforts to paint citizens and neighbors as threats.

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

Jonas Brothers Cement Their Legacy at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre

The Jonas Brothers marked another milestone in their two-decade career on Wednesday as they left their handprints and footprints in cement at Hollywood’s iconic TCL Chinese Theatre.

A “Surreal” Moment for the Brothers

During the ceremony, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas thanked fans for their support. Joe called the moment “totally surreal,” recalling their first visit to Los Angeles as young musicians dreaming of success.

“Walking around to see the stars, to see these handprints, and thinking like, one day maybe… but never this early in our career,” he said. “We were just normal kids from New Jersey. We never imagined this.”

Family Takes Center Stage

Nick Jonas used his remarks to honor his wife, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, noting that the ceremony fell on their wedding anniversary. “You inspire me, challenge me and support me in ways that make me better as an artist, father and a man,” he said.

Kevin Jonas thanked his wife, Danielle Jonas, calling her his “constant” and expressing excitement to one day show their daughters the cement prints.

20 Years of Music and Milestones

The honor aligns with the group’s 20th anniversary. Since forming in 2005, the brothers have delivered hit albums like It’s About Time, A Little Bit Longer, and Happiness Begins, while also becoming Disney Channel stars with Jonas and the Camp Rock films.

Their careers diverged after 2009 but reunited with major success in 2019 with “Sucker.” They’ve continued releasing new music, including The Album (2023) and Greetings From Your Hometown (2025).

They also starred in the holiday film A Very Jonas Christmas Movie and recently announced they are developing Camp Rock 3.

A Lasting Hollywood Tribute

With their handprints now part of Hollywood history, the Jonas Brothers cap off two decades of growth, reinvention, and enduring fan devotion—solidifying their place among entertainment icons.

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

Doctor Who Sold Ketamine to Matthew Perry Sentenced to 2½ Years in Prison

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A Los Angeles physician who admitted to illegally selling ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the weeks before the Friends star’s fatal overdose has been sentenced to 2½ years in federal prison, followed by two years of probation.

Judge Condemns Exploitation of Addiction

U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett stressed that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, did not supply the specific ketamine that killed Perry. However, she said his illegal sales contributed to the actor’s long struggle with addiction.

“You exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction for your own profit,” Garnett told Plasencia, who was taken into custody immediately after sentencing.

Emotional Statements from Perry’s Family

Perry’s mother and half sisters spoke tearfully in court.

“The world mourns my brother,” his sister Madeleine Morrison said. “He was everyone’s favorite friend.”

Plasencia is the first of five defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case to receive sentencing.

Guilty Plea and Prosecutors’ Arguments

Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to four counts of ketamine distribution. Prosecutors said he knowingly took advantage of Perry, citing text messages in which he referred to the actor as someone who could be exploited. They asked for a three-year sentence, while the defense requested one day in custody and probation.

Though Plasencia’s attorneys portrayed him as a doctor who overcame hardship and was admired by patients, they acknowledged his conduct was “reckless” and “the biggest mistake of his life.”

Background on Perry’s Treatment

Perry, who struggled with addiction for decades, had been receiving ketamine legally as part of a treatment regimen for depression. When his primary doctor refused to increase his dosage, he sought the drug illegally from Plasencia, who admitted knowing Perry was vulnerable.

Federal prosecutors dropped five additional charges under the plea agreement, which carried no sentencing promises. Legally, the judge could have imposed up to 40 years.

What Comes Next

Four additional defendants who also reached plea deals are set to be sentenced in the coming months.

Perry died at age 54 in 2023. Beloved for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, he remained a cultural icon long after the show’s 10-season run from 1994 to 2004.

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

METRO’s 500 IAH Downtown Direct to Begin Serving Terminal E at Bush Intercontinental Airport

New Terminal Location

Starting Dec. 7, METRO’s IAH 500 Downtown Direct bus will operate from Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, moving from Terminal C. This change provides easier access for both international and domestic travelers, connecting directly to baggage claim and arrival areas.

Improved Accessibility and Convenience

Terminal E offers a covered driveway, dedicated bus lane, and clear signage, making it simpler for visitors to locate the bus, even during busy holiday periods. The wider roadway and dedicated bus space also reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

Service Highlights

While the terminal location has changed, all other service features remain:

  • Buses run every 30 minutes
  • $4.50 one-way fare
  • Comfortable buses with Wi-Fi and luggage storage
  • Reliable and affordable travel between IAH and Downtown Houston

Stay Informed

Travelers are encouraged to visit RideMETRO.org for updated terminal maps and additional information.

METRO thanks partners for helping share this update, ensuring a smooth travel experience for visitors this holiday season.

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

MECA Houston Hosts Free Holiday Events Celebrating Mexican and Latin American Traditions

Houston’s historic Old Sixth Ward will come alive this December as MECA Houston, a community-based nonprofit arts organization, presents a series of free festive events honoring Mexican and Latin American holiday traditions. Located at 1900 Kane Street, MECA invites the public to celebrate Catholic faith, cultural heritage, and the spirit of community togetherness.

Fiesta Guadalupana – December 12

On Thursday, December 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., MECA will host its Fiesta Guadalupana, a vibrant celebration in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe. The evening will feature mariachi serenades and dance performances by MECA’s Ballet Folklórico. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and pan dulce provided by El Bolillo Bakery. This event welcomes families and community members to join in the holiday festivities.

Noche Buena in the Arts District – December 13

Friday, December 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Noche Buena in the Arts District Festival will highlight Houston’s dynamic arts scene. Attendees can enjoy performances by MECA Ballet Folklórico, live music, and a curated market of local artisans offering handmade goods. The event also includes an arts and crafts section, seasonal treats, and raffle prizes. Noche Buena offers a festive evening of culture, creativity, and community connection.

La Posada in the Old Sixth Ward – December 16

MECA will recreate the traditional La Posada on Monday, December 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., guiding participants through Mary and Joseph’s journey in search of shelter. The event features live music, complimentary pan dulce and hot chocolate from El Bolillo Bakery, and provides a reflective, communal experience for attendees to walk together and celebrate the season.

El Nacimiento: Ángeles, Pastores y Migrantes – December 8 to January 10

Complementing the holiday events, MECA will present its December exhibition, El Nacimiento: Ángeles, Pastores y Migrantes, curated by Victor Ancheta and Luis Gavito. The exhibition showcases a variety of Nacimientos and artistic interpretations of the Holy Family and El Santo Niño, blending Spanish Colonial and Indigenous cultural traditions. Visitors can explore the exhibition Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For more things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Doctor Set to Be Sentenced in Matthew Perry’s Ketamine Case

First Convicted Defendant to Face Sentencing

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who admitted to distributing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry weeks before his death, is set to be sentenced Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court. Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to four counts of ketamine distribution and is the first of five people convicted in connection with Perry’s fatal 2023 overdose.

Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home in October 2023. An autopsy attributed his death to the acute effects of ketamine.

Details of Plasencia’s Conduct

Plasencia, who ran an urgent care clinic in Malibu, distributed 20 vials of ketamine and ketamine lozenges to Perry and his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, between Sept. 30 and Oct. 12, 2023, according to his plea agreement. The agreement states the drugs were not provided for legitimate medical purposes, and Plasencia’s care fell below the standard expected of a physician.

Plasencia’s attorneys acknowledged his mistakes, noting he was not treating Perry at the time of his death and did not provide the ketamine that caused the overdose. They described the episode as a serious lapse in judgment and said he has already faced significant professional and personal consequences, including losing his medical license and clinic.

Government Recommendation and Evidence of Misconduct

Prosecutors recommended a 36-month prison sentence, arguing Plasencia “sought to exploit Perry’s medical vulnerability for profit.” The government cited text messages in which Plasencia joked about how much Perry would pay for treatment and pointed to instances where he left ketamine with Iwamasa to administer, even after Perry experienced adverse reactions.

The plea agreement also notes that Plasencia consulted with another doctor, Mark Chavez, to acquire additional ketamine vials and lozenges.

Other Defendants in the Case

Four other individuals involved in Perry’s ketamine use have also pleaded guilty:

  • Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, admitted to administering the drug and faces sentencing on Jan. 14, 2026.
  • Mark Chavez, a former ketamine clinic operator, is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 17, 2025.
  • Erik Fleming and Jasveen Sangha, who supplied the ketamine that caused Perry’s death, are scheduled for sentencing in early 2026. Sangha, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” faces a maximum of 65 years in prison.

The government maintains that Plasencia’s actions, while not directly causing Perry’s death, contributed to the circumstances that led to the actor’s fatal overdose.

Looking Ahead

Plasencia’s sentencing will mark the first resolution in a case that drew national attention due to the involvement of the late “Friends” star. Courts will continue to address the remaining defendants over the next few months, highlighting the legal consequences of distributing controlled substances that result in death.

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

City of Houston Unveils SAFEWatch Gun Violence Dashboard

A First-of-Its-Kind Public Tool for Houston

The Houston Health Department has launched the SAFEWatch Houston dashboard, a new public tool that tracks firearm-related injuries across the city. The initiative, led by Councilwoman Abbie Kamin, cost $300,000 in taxpayer funds, including $60,000 from Kamin’s office. While other cities like Philadelphia have similar public dashboards, this is the first time Houston residents have access to this level of real-time gun violence data.

What the Dashboard Shows

SAFEWatch pulls reports from three Level I trauma centers and compiles data on shootings and gun-related injuries. Since 2019, the platform has recorded 18,349 firearm-related ER visits, including 286 children under age 10. Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30 of this year alone, the system logged 454 gun-related deaths, with 261 classified as homicides.

Kamin said local health leaders will meet regularly to review trends and develop targeted interventions. She emphasized that the data can guide efforts like pediatric safety screenings or distributing gun locks in zip codes with high rates of unintentional child shootings.

“Just to paint the picture for each of us,” Kamin said, “when a 4-year-old finds an unsecured gun at a friend’s house and pulls the trigger, if that child isn’t killed, they’re rushed to the hospital and provided with lifesaving care. That child will eventually go home, experiencing long-term, indescribable trauma, and their family, along with taxpayers, incur astronomical medical expenses. Often, as a city, we may never even know the injury happened.”

Data Highlights: Children and Unintentional Injuries

According to SAFEWatch, in 2025 alone:

  • 1,874 people visited emergency departments with firearm-related injuries
  • 505 were treated at trauma centers
  • 454 people died from gun-related injuries

While hospitalizations requiring intensive care have declined since 2021, the dashboard shows that unintentional shootings involving children and young adults are on the rise. Kamin noted that SAFEWatch exposes a roughly 70% gap between hospital visits and police reports, revealing hundreds of injuries that previously went untracked.

A Step Toward Accountability and Prevention

Experts say SAFEWatch could guide targeted interventions in high-risk neighborhoods, from educational programs to gun safety initiatives. Regular updates to the dashboard aim to help city officials and community organizations respond more effectively to trends in gun violence, particularly unintentional injuries affecting children.

What’s Next

SAFEWatch will refresh its data four times a year, with current numbers updated through Sept. 30. City leaders hope the tool provides a clearer picture of gun violence in Houston and helps shape more effective solutions.

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

Clouds and rain return Wednesday night ahead of our next cold front

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our next weather system is quickly approaching and will bring a cool, cloudy and wet end of the work week with rounds of rain between Wednesday night and Friday morning.

Temperatures will again start off cold this morning, and while you might be lucky enough to get a little morning sunshine, the low clouds returning from the Gulf will quickly blot out the sun. The Gulf breeze will push in milder air, warming temperatures into the 60s for most, but some communities north of Houston may not make it out of the 50s if the clouds are thicker than expected. Scattered showers are expected to develop in the afternoon and evening as the rain chance grows to 90% at night. The rain chance will peak with the arrival of our next cold front early Thursday morning.

Any severe weather or storms expected with this next rainy system?

Not necessarily this time. Generally this is a manageable, rainy system that our drought conditions will thank us for. However, some of these showers could grow and intensify into weak thunderstorms, bringing locally heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning late Wednesday night that make up and your family up. There’s also the chance we see a few local flood alerts with minor street and area flooding possible mainly south of I-10 along the coast Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

How long will the rain chances and clouds stick around this time?

The rain chances will linger all the way into Saturday morning, and we won’t completely shake the clouds until sometime on Sunday. Thursday won’t be a washout, but there’s a 60% chance you’ll get some rain off and on through the day under an overcast sky. The rain chance drops a little more down to a 40% chance of showers on Friday. It now looks like some of that rain could linger into Saturday morning, so we ‘ve introduced a small chance of rain while we get a better handle on the timing for your planning purposes.

How much rain should we expect to get?

We expect 1-2″ of rain to be fairly common in Southeast Texas with the 2″ totals more likely in our coastal counties.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Adopt a Pet at BARC Houston, shelter reduces fee through holiday Empty the Shelters event

Holiday Hope for Houston’s Shelter Pets

BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, is joining the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s national Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope event from Dec. 1–15, 2025. The initiative aims to help more pets find homes during a time when shelters nationwide are stretched to capacity.

Reduced Adoption Fees

Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation’s sponsorship, BARC is offering significantly lowered fees during the two-week event:

  • $50 for puppies four months or younger
  • $20 for dogs five months and older
  • $10 for all cats and kittens

All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, dewormer, flea prevention, a microchip and a one-year City of Houston pet registration.

Extended Adoption Hours

To give more families a chance to adopt, BARC will open on Mondays during the event—typically a closed day. Adoption hours will run 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 3300 Carr St.

Helping Pets During a Challenging Year

Shelters nationwide have experienced increased surrenders due to financial strain and housing instability, said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. She emphasized that adopting a shelter pet offers families an affordable, meaningful alternative to buying from breeders or pet stores.

BARC Shelter Director Jarrad Mears added that reducing fees and expanding hours makes adoption possible for more households: “A loving home is the greatest gift a pet can receive.”

National Impact

Empty the Shelters is the largest funded adoption event in the country, helping more than 374,000 pets find homes since 2016. Participating shelters set their own adoption procedures, and all pets come spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Houston families interested in adopting are encouraged to contact BARC directly for details.

For more on animal welfare, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.