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Breezy but beautiful Sunday, downright cold by Monday

ABC13 Houston
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Breezy but beautiful Sunday, downright cold by Monday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Current weather aside, we should start with this important note: A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Sunday afternoon for Polk County. Specifically this is for areas downstream of the Carter Lake Dam near Camden. Late Saturday evening there were reports of damage to the dam and a possible breach. Residents downstream are being advised to evacuate until further notice.

As for our current weather, the first thing you’ll notice today is the gusty winds. We’ll see winds out of the north gusting up to 40 mph, which will help keep afternoon highs only near 70 degrees. This breeze will lead to higher-than-normal fire weather concerns for both Sunday and Monday. A Fire Weather Warning is in effect for all of Southeast Texas through Sunday, then a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Monday.

When does the cool down begin?

It’s already ongoing! Temperatures will only warm into the low 70s with the north wind blowing at around 25 mph. Combine those gusty winds with extremely dry air, and we’ll have a very high to extreme fire danger. Keep in mind that burn bans are in effect for most of Southeast Texas. An even stronger cold front will reach us on Sunday night as a cold high pressure cell from the Canadian arctic slides down the Plains and into Texas. Monday morning lows will be in the low 40s and upper 30s with wind chill factors near freezing! Sunshine will only allow temperatures to barely clear 60 degrees in the afternoon.

What does the weather forecast look like for Veterans Day?

It looks chilly in the morning! In fact, frost is possible at sunrise with lows in the 30s. Abundant sunshine and the return of the Gulf breeze should warm those temperatures into the low 70s in the afternoon.

How long does the cold air stick around?

It’s basically gone after Veterans Day. Starting Wednesday, highs will be back in the 80s, and starting Wednesday night lows will bump back up into the 60s. Highs average in the 70s and lows in the 50s for this time of year.

Any more rain on the horizon?

Not really. We are out of the main storm track over the next week or so. Therefore, more drought-building conditions are expected through mid-November. We do have some 20% chances for rain in the 7-10 days forecast period, but there’s nothing there that looks super promising.

What is happening in the tropics?

There are no tropical developments expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Houston Reps. Al Green and Lizzie Fletcher respond to shifting political landscape amid shutdown

Edward Saenz
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Houston Reps. Al Green and Lizzie Fletcher respond to shifting political landscape amid shutdown

Two of Houston’s most prominent Democratic members of Congress, U.S. Reps. Al Green and Lizzie Fletcher, made moves as they responded to new political realities reshaping the city’s delegation in Washington.

Green, who has represented the 9th Congressional District since 2005, announced he will seek reelection in the newly redrawn 18th District, which was reshaped in Texas’ mid-cycle redistricting plan. The move positions the longtime lawmaker to run for the seat left vacant after the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner, which will hold a runoff election to cover the remainder of the term.

Speaking from Houston, Green said his decision was about “continuing the fight for the people” while denouncing former President Donald Trump’s influence on national politics.

“I will never surrender to authoritarianism or bigotry,” Green said in a statement to the Texas Tribune.

“The people of this district deserve a representative who will always stand for justice.”

The redrawn 18th District now includes much of Green’s former base in southwest Houston, as well as parts of Missouri City and the Texas Medical Center area. Political observers expect a competitive Democratic primary, with potential challengers including Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former City Council member Amanda Edwards.

While Green reshuffled his political footing, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, who represents the 7th District, turned her focus to the immediate concerns of her constituents amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Fletcher hosted a virtual town hall Friday to address the growing financial and logistical strain on federal workers and families in the Houston area. Joined by representatives from the American Federation of Government Employees and Community Health Choice, Fletcher outlined available resources and called on congressional Republicans to return to Washington to end the impasse.

“The government shutdown continues to hurt families, federal workers, and our entire community.” Fletcher said during her virtual townhall.


‘It’s past time to reopen the government and get back to work for the American people.”

The shutdown, now in its sixth week, has affected thousands of federal employees across Texas, delaying paychecks and disrupting programs such as health insurance enrollment and food assistance.

Green’s campaign announcement and Fletcher’s town hall illustrate two fronts of Houston’s political response — one adapting to redistricting and succession battles, the other managing the local fallout from national gridlock.

As the 2026 election season approaches, Houston’s Democratic leaders face a dual challenge: defending seats in newly drawn districts while confronting the real-world consequences of Washington’s dysfunction.

Newsom to visit Houston for Democratic rally; Abbott’s weekend plans unclear

Edward Saenz
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Newsom to visit Houston for Democratic rally; Abbott’s weekend plans unclear

California Gov. Gavin Newsom visited Houston this weekend to rally Texas Democrats, marking a rare cross-state appearance that underscores growing national attention on Texas ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Newsom’s rally was scheduled for Saturday at noon, according to Politico and the Houston Chronicle. The exact location was not publicly announced. The California governor’s visit comes days after his administration secured a major redistricting victory at home — a move that Democrats hope will energize voters nationwide.

Newsom is expected to join Texas Democratic leaders to highlight what his campaign describes as “grassroots unity against partisan redistricting and voter suppression.” His stop in Houston is part of a multi-state effort to support local party organizations and promote Democratic voter outreach ahead of next year’s elections.

The event also carries symbolic weight: Houston is both a Democratic stronghold in Texas and a target of ongoing Republican efforts to expand influence in urban areas.

Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s schedule for the weekend remains unclear. Although campaign-related posts and registration links on his website mention Houston-area appearances, no official or public events were listed by the Governor’s Office. Per Houston Public Media Abbot is set to make an announcement during an event at East River 9 Golf Club in Houston. This announcement is expected to be his announcement of a fourth campaign for governor.

Abbott, who is seeking a fourth term in 2026, has recently intensified campaign efforts across the state, vowing to “turn Harris County dark red.” Earlier this fall, he appeared in the Houston suburbs to promote statewide ballot measures and his public safety agenda.

As Newsom prepares to address Texas Democrats, political observers say the dueling travel schedules highlight the widening national stakes of state-level politics. While Newsom’s Houston rally aims to mobilize voters across party lines, Abbott’s continued focus on local messaging suggests the early contours of another high-profile Texas election season.

Space Center Houston Marks National STEM Day with Hands-On Activities

Indira Zaldivar
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Space Center Houston Marks National STEM Day with Hands-On Activities

Space Center Houston is celebrating National STEM Day with two days of interactive programming designed to spark curiosity in science and space exploration. Events continue today Saturday, Nov. 8.

Activities Included with Admission

Visitors can take part in robotics demonstrations, virtual reality experiences, live science experiments, and astronaut readiness tests. All activities are included with regular admission.

Special Programs and Presentations

One highlight is The Brainstormers and Their Cosmic Mission, a new play presented by Alley Theatre, which encourages teamwork and creative problem-solving through an out-of-this-world story.

Additional activities include:

  • Planetarium showings (Friday only, every 30 minutes)
  • Virtual Reality labs
  • Functional Task Test astronaut training replica
  • Robotics setups in the main plaza
  • Carbon capture demonstrations in lab spaces

Event Details

When:
Saturday, Nov. 8: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (select activities continue)

Where:
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058

For more details, visitors can explore Space Center Houston’s National STEM Day information online.

Trump Administration Moves to Lift Ban on Deporting Abrego Garcia to Liberia

Indira Zaldivar
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Trump Administration Moves to Lift Ban on Deporting Abrego Garcia to Liberia

The Trump administration is seeking to end a court order that currently prevents the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, aiming to remove him to Liberia.

Government Says Fear Claim Was Denied

Overnight court filings show that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently rejected Abrego Garcia’s claim that he would face torture or persecution in Liberia. Government attorneys argued that the injunction blocking his removal should now be dissolved, citing assurances from Liberian officials that he would not be harmed.

The Department of Justice also argued that Abrego Garcia’s attempt to challenge removal is improper because he is already part of a broader class-action case concerning third-country removals — a case in which the Supreme Court previously allowed the administration to continue transfers.

Past Deportation and Legal Background

Abrego Garcia, originally from El Salvador, had been living in Maryland with his family. Despite a 2019 court order preventing his deportation due to fear of persecution, he was deported to El Salvador in March and sent to the country’s CECOT mega-prison. He was later returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges in Tennessee, where he has pleaded not guilty.

The DOJ has labeled him a member of MS-13 and says deportation is “in the public interest.”

Defense Argues Due Process Violations

Attorneys for Abrego Garcia are now asking a federal judge to block the removal until an immigration judge reviews the denial of his fear claim. They argue that the government relied on the determination of a single officer and failed to provide meaningful due process.

They also say the government has cycled him through multiple proposed deportation destinations — Uganda, Eswatini, Ghana, and now Liberia — without proper notice or individualized consideration. His lawyers argue that Costa Rica had previously offered to accept him, but the U.S. has ignored that option.

Current Status

Abrego Garcia is currently detained in Pennsylvania, awaiting the next court decision.

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

More Than 900 Flights Canceled Nationwide on Saturday

Michael Esparza
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More Than 900 Flights Canceled Nationwide on Saturday

More than 900 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Saturday as the Federal Aviation Administration continued limiting flight capacity at 40 major airports during the ongoing government shutdown.

As of midday, cancellations had already surpassed 900 and could exceed Friday’s total of 1,024 cancellations. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers remain the driving cause.

Staffing Shortages Strain Air Travel

Airports around the country are experiencing extended delays. With many controllers absent or unable to work at full capacity, the FAA has reduced the number of flights allowed to take off and land at major hubs.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said additional reductions may be necessary if absences continue. In an interview with ABC News Live, he urged a swift end to the shutdown, saying, “My hope is that this government shutdown will end soon and we can get back in the business of letting Americans travel.”

Possible Further Flight Reductions

Duffy noted that airlines could be asked to cut more than 10% of scheduled flights if staffing levels worsen. Private jet companies have been asked to avoid the affected airports to reduce congestion, though they are not formally restricted.

International Flights Not Affected

Despite the domestic cutbacks, the FAA has chosen not to reduce international flights. Duffy said doing so would violate agreements with other countries and could lead to foreign governments retaliating by blocking U.S. airlines.

Such a move, he warned, could have long-term consequences for international travel and access to global markets.

Travelers Face Ongoing Disruptions

The cancellations mark the most significant air travel disruption since the shutdown began over a month ago. With no immediate resolution in sight, travelers may see continued delays and reduced flight availability in the days ahead.

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

Supreme Court Halts Order to Fully Fund SNAP — For Now

Indira Zaldivar
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Supreme Court Halts Order to Fully Fund SNAP — For Now

A Supreme Court justice has temporarily paused a lower court ruling that required the Trump administration to fully fund November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to 42 million Americans.

Temporary Pause While Appeal Proceeds

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued the order late Friday, allowing the pause to remain in effect while the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reviews the case. The justice did not refer the matter to the full Supreme Court.

Earlier in the day, the appeals court rejected the administration’s request to delay the lower court’s order, prompting the emergency appeal to the Supreme Court.

Funding Battle During Government Shutdown

The legal dispute centers on whether the federal government can be compelled to use $4 billion from Section 32 agriculture funds to cover full November SNAP payments during the ongoing government shutdown. The Trump administration argues that those funds must be reserved for the WIC program, warning that using them for SNAP would divert essential resources.

Opponents, including local governments and nonprofit organizations, counter that the administration has sufficient funds to support both programs for the month and that millions of families risk going without food assistance if payments are delayed.

States Begin Issuing Benefits Anyway

Despite the ongoing court battle, several states — including California, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey — reported they had already begun issuing full November SNAP benefits after receiving guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Kansas officials said more than $31 million in benefits had already gone out to tens of thousands of households, while Wisconsin reported distributing over $100 million.

Judge Rebuked President’s Statement

The lower court judge who initially mandated full funding accused the administration of holding SNAP benefits “for political reasons.” He pointed to comments from President Trump, who said full payments would not resume until the government reopens. The administration responded that the president was “stating a fact” about lapsed appropriations, not using the program as leverage.

What Comes Next

The temporary pause does not resolve the issue — it simply gives the appeals court time to decide. For now, states that have already issued benefits will continue distributing them, while millions of other households wait to see whether funds will be restored in full before the month continues.

For more updates on the SNAP benefits disbursement, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Near record highs today ahead of a strong weekend cold front

ABC13 Houston
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Near record highs today ahead of a strong weekend cold front

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got one more warm day before a major weather change arrives Sunday. Even colder air arriving Sunday night will make for a blustery Monday morning and the potential for some frost on Tuesday morning.

After a foggy start we’re seeing plenty of sunshine today, and temperatures will quickly crank into the mid to upper 80s. If we hit 89, we’ll tie the current record set back in 1989.

When does the cool down begin?

Our next front gets here a few hours before sunrise Sunday morning, and it will make for a breezy, sunny, and cooler finish to the weekend. Temperatures will only warm into the low 70s with the north wind blowing at around 25 mph. Combine those gusty winds with extremely dry air, and we’ll have a very high to extreme fire danger. Keep in mind that burn bans are in effect for most of Southeast Texas. An even stronger cold front will reach us on Sunday night as a cold high pressure cell from the Canadian arctic slides down the Plains and into Texas. Monday morning lows will be in the low 40s and upper 30s with wind chill factors near freezing! Sunshine will only allow temperatures to barely clear 60 degrees in the afternoon..

What does the weather forecast look like for Veterans Day?

It looks chilly in the morning! In fact, frost is possible at sunrise with lows in the 30s. Abundant sunshine and the return of the Gulf breeze should warm those temperatures into the low 70s in the afternoon.

How long does the cold air stick around?

It’s basically gone after Veterans Day. Starting Wednesday, highs will be back in the 80s, and starting Wednesday night lows will bump back up into the 60s. Highs average in the 70s and lows in the 50s for this time of year.

Any more rain on the horizon?

Not really. We are out of the main storm track over the next 7 to 10 days. Aside from a 10% chance of rain when the first cold front arrives before sunrise on Sunday, the best we can muster right now is a 20% chance of rain about 10 days from now. Therefore, more drought-building conditions are expected through mid-November. There have been some signs that a wetter weather pattern would emerge in the second half of the month, but those signs are fading quickly.

What is happening in the tropics?

There are no tropical developments expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Democrats notch key wins in 2025 off-year elections as voters weigh state and local issues

Edward Saenz
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Democrats notch key wins in 2025 off-year elections as voters weigh state and local issues

Democrats scored major victories in several high-profile contests Tuesday, flipping Virginia’s governorship, securing a progressive win in New York City, and passing a consequential redistricting measure in California. The results from the 2025 off-year general election reflected a strong night for Democrats, even as voters in Republican-led Texas approved a slate of conservative-backed ballot measures.

The elections, held Nov. 4 across the country, marked an “off-year” cycle — meaning no presidential or full congressional races were on the ballot. Still, contests in key states carried significant implications for policy, redistricting and political momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.

Virginia: Democrats sweep statewide offices

In Virginia, Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to become the state’s next governor, capturing about 57.6% of the vote to Earle-Sears’ 42.4%, according to unofficial results.

Democrats also expanded their majority in the House of Delegates, gaining 13 seats for a 64–36 advantage, while winning other statewide offices including lieutenant governor and attorney general. The victories returned unified control of state government to Democrats, who had lost the governor’s mansion in 2021.

“This is a clear message that Virginians want pragmatic leadership focused on results, not division,” Spanberger said in her victory speech Tuesday night in Richmond.

California: Redistricting overhaul approved

In California, voters approved Proposition 50, a constitutional amendment backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that allows the state legislature to redraw congressional and legislative districts through 2030, replacing the state’s independent redistricting commission.

The measure passed by a comfortable margin, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. Supporters argued the change will streamline the process, while opponents warned it could open the door to partisan gerrymandering.

The vote represents one of the most consequential redistricting changes in decades and could shape the balance of power in California’s congressional delegation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Texas: Amendments pass, runoffs ahead

Texas voters approved all 17 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot, including measures on property tax relief, water infrastructure funding and bail reform. The results reflect continued Republican strength across the state, where turnout was lower than in recent years.

Two special elections also drew attention: one for the 18th Congressional District in Houston — left vacant after the death of longtime Rep. Sylvester Turner — and another for State Senate District 9 in North Texas. In both races, no candidate received a majority, triggering December runoffs.

Democrats Christian Menefee and Taylor Rehmet led their respective contests, signaling potential gains in traditionally conservative districts.

“These results show Democrats are competitive in places that used to be off-limits,” Menefee said Wednesday.

New York: Progressive wins mayoral race

In New York City, State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a closely watched three-way race for mayor.

Mamdani carried four of the five boroughs — Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx — while Cuomo won Staten Island. The victory made Mamdani the city’s first Muslim mayor and underscored a generational shift in urban politics.

“New Yorkers voted for housing, for climate justice, and for hope,” Mamdani told supporters in Queens on election night. “We’re ready to build a city that works for everyone.”

National outlook

While Republicans maintained control in many Southern and Midwestern legislatures, Democrats’ strong showing in Virginia, California and New York signaled momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Analysts said the results demonstrated the importance of state and local contests in shaping national politics.
“Even in an off-year, these races can set the tone for the next cycle,” said Kyle Kondik, an election analyst at the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics. “Democrats will be encouraged by what they saw Tuesday night.”

Turnout across the country was typical for an off-year election — lower than in presidential years but steady in urban centers.

Southwest Houston ICE Raid Sparks Outcry Over Racial Profiling and Excessive Force

Indira Zaldivar
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Southwest Houston ICE Raid Sparks Outcry Over Racial Profiling and Excessive Force

Houston, TX — Nov. 7, 2025 — A pre-dawn ICE operation on Oct. 31 in Southwest Houston has left families shaken, with advocacy organization FIEL Houston calling the sweep “a nightmare” and alleging that officers used excessive force and targeted residents based on appearance.

Families say the operation affected at least 50 households in the Club Creek area. Two men, Nico Guzman and Victor Ramirez, who has lived in Houston for nearly or more than two decades, remain detained at the T. Don Hutto detention center. Both families say the men have no criminal history and no prior deportation orders. Their first court appearances are expected in the coming weeks.

During the same operation, U.S. citizen Erik Cornejo was sprayed with what appears as a chemical irritant while filming ICE vehicles, and a van transporting adults with special needs was struck during an attempted traffic stop, according to FIEL and eyewitnesses.

“We are very alarmed by the tactics that ICE and these ‘federal agents’ are using to terrorize our communities,” said Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL. “Someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed soon at the rate they are going. It appears no one is safe — not even U.S. citizens. We demand accountability.”

Families Describe Fear and Confusion

Home security footage shows Guzman leaving for work shortly after 5 a.m.; minutes later, bystander video shows him being detained.

“He was simply walking to work, but that didn’t matter,” Guzman’s stepdaughter said. “They saw the color of his skin and decided he was a target. He has no record — nothing.”

Ramirez was sitting in his parked truck when his family says multiple vehicles boxed him in and officers broke his window.

“They took him without explanation,” his daughter said. “He isn’t a criminal. He works and comes home to his family. That’s it.”

Advocates say residents are now afraid to leave their homes, with some skipping work and school.

ICE Denies Wrongdoing

In a statement to KHOU 11, ICE disputed FIEL’s claims, saying the operation was “targeted and intelligence-based.” The agency said:

  • No U.S. citizens were detained.
  • The van with special needs passengers had “suspicious registration” and allegedly refused to comply, resulting in a collision with an ICE vehicle.
  • Cornejo was sprayed only after “repeatedly interfering” and refusing “lawful commands.”

FIEL disputes each of those claims and says videos will be released publicly.

Broader Context

Houston does not have sanctuary protections, and Texas’ 287(g) partnership allows local law enforcement to hold people for ICE. Advocates say this creates heightened vulnerability in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods already wary of police and federal authority.

Meanwhile, ICE Houston reported making 1,505 arrests during a 10-day operation in late October, noting that the total included some individuals with felony convictions, gang ties or past deportation orders. However, agency data shows that more than half of those arrested were categorized broadly as “other immigration offenders,” meaning they were not listed in connection with serious violent crimes.

Advocates say the cases of Guzman and Ramirez reflect that wider group — people who have lived in Houston for years without criminal records, but were swept in during enforcement operations.

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

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