Domestic Violence Accounts for 30% of Murders in Harris County, HCSO Reports
Recent findings from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reveal that nearly 30% of murders in the area are linked to domestic violence—a statistic that has remained consistent despite increased investigative resources.
Insight Into Case Dynamics
HCSO Major Ben Katrib noted a key challenge: while domestic violence cases have the advantage of a known offender, they rely heavily on the victim’s sustained cooperation.
“The disadvantage is that you need the initial and continued cooperation by the victim,” Katrib told our news partner ABC13 Houston. He also pointed out that, on average, it takes about seven violent incidents before many victims take steps to leave or seek help.
Barriers to Reporting
Victims often hesitate to come forward due to feelings of shame or fear of losing critical ties such as their homes or custody of their children. This reluctance complicates the ability of law enforcement to effectively manage these cases.
Community Support for Survivors
In an effort to combat domestic violence, the Houston Area Women’s Center has recently expanded its facilities, adding a new campus dedicated to housing survivors. The center also offers round-the-clock support via a hotline at (713) 528-2121 for anyone in need of assistance or simply someone to talk to.
For more on domestic violence and prevention, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
House Approves Bill to Permanently Rename Gulf of Mexico
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to permanently rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” advancing an effort started by President Donald Trump.
Narrow Vote Reflects Partisan Divide
The measure, introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), passed narrowly with a 211–206 vote. Only one Republican, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, voted against the bill.
From Executive Order to Law
The bill would codify Trump’s executive order issued during his second term, officially changing all references in U.S. laws, maps, and documents from “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America.” Federal agencies would be required to update all related materials under the supervision of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
Greene: ‘It’s a Priority for the American People’
“Codifying the rightful renaming of the Gulf of America isn’t just a priority for me and President Trump, it’s a priority for the American people,” Greene posted on X, emphasizing the Gulf’s economic and military significance to the U.S.
Senate Passage Uncertain
The bill faces steeper odds in the Senate, where it would need bipartisan support to overcome a filibuster. Senate Republican Leader John Thune has yet to commit to bringing the measure to a vote.
Johnson: Protecting Trump’s Agenda
House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced strong support for the legislation. “We’ve been working around the clock to codify so much of what President Trump has been doing,” he said, “so that it can’t be reversed and erased by an upcoming administration.”
Keep up with developments related to the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico with us on Que Onda Magazine.
A few storms return late Thursday
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Yesterday’s thunderstorms zapped enough moisture from our atmosphere that we’ll enjoy a dry spell through the middle afternoon hours Thursday.
Pleasant conditions as you head out the door Thursday morning with lower humidity and slightly cooler temperatures. High temperatures will warm in the mid to upper 80s.
What’s on tap for the rest of the work week?
An upper-level low centered west of Texas will once again spin up showers and thunderstorms over Southeast Texas late Thursday into Thursday night. We have a minor chance for rain on Friday at 20%.
So is the weather still looking good for Mother’s Day weekend?
Well, mostly. The upper low bringing all our stormy weather looks like it may not push as far away from us this weekend as we originally thought. If it does linger nearby, we’ll get more clouds this weekend with a few showers possible, especially on Saturday. Mother’s Day now looks mostly dry but somewhat cloudy. We’ll still enjoy a little humidity drop with the breeze coming in from the north. Lows will be near 60 with highs near 80.
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.
Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.
No más facturas sorpresa: Comcast revoluciona el internet con la garantía deprecio por cinco años de Xfinity
En la economía impredecible de hoy, hay algo seguro: el cambio es constante. Desde
el aumento en los precios del supermercado hasta la incertidumbre sobre cuánto
costará un nuevo teléfono, una laptop o incluso una casa, son temas que se discuten
en las mesas de cocina de todo el país. ¿La buena noticia? Al menos en lo que se
refiere al servicio de internet, ahora hay una forma de garantizar estabilidad en el
precio.
Por primera vez, Comcast ha lanzado una garantía de precio por cinco años en su
servicio de internet Xfinity para nuevos y actuales clientes, con un precio fijo mensual,
total transparencia, sin contratos, velocidades gigabit y el mejor gateway WiFi de su
clase. Los precios mensuales comienzan en $55, con la flexibilidad de cancelar en
cualquier momento sin penalización.
“Estamos abordando dos de las mayores preocupaciones de los consumidores —el
aumento de los costos y la falta de transparencia— con un valor increíble y precios
fáciles de entender, garantizados por cinco años”, dijo Steve Croney, Director de
Operaciones de Conectividad y Plataformas en Comcast. “Nuestra nueva garantía de
precio elimina la complejidad y, cuando nuestros clientes también contratan el servicio
móvil, obtienen la red convergente más grande del país, que ofrece velocidades gigabit
automáticamente dondequiera que vayan”.
Los nuevos y actuales clientes que se suscriban a Xfinity Internet y opten por la nueva
garantía de precio por cinco años recibirán:
WiFi confiable y potente: un Xfinity Gateway con un ancho de banda increíble, capaz
de conectar más de 100 dispositivos en todo el hogar, además de acceso a la red WiFi
de Comcast, la más grande y rápida del país.
Datos ilimitados: datos ilimitados para cada cliente que elija un plan con garantía de
precio.
Xfinity Mobile incluido: una línea móvil ilimitada de Xfinity sin costo durante un año.
Velocidades gigabit en casa y fuera de ella: acceso a WiFi PowerBoost, que entrega
sin interrupciones velocidades de hasta 1 Gbps al conectarse a WiFi tanto dentro como
fuera del hogar.
Internet con latencia ultra baja: tecnología de internet con latencia ultra baja para
usar FaceTime en iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV y Apple Vision Pro, aplicaciones en los
visores de realidad mixta de Meta, NVIDIA GeForce NOW o muchos juegos en la
plataforma Steam de Valve.
Protección de ciberseguridad: los clientes con Xfinity Gateway recibirán Xfinity
Advanced Security en todos los dispositivos conectados.
Controles parentales: control total de la red doméstica con controles parentales,
pruebas de conexión para nuevos dispositivos que se unen a la red, opción de pausar
el WiFi, establecer horarios de uso para los miembros de la familia y más.
Los consumidores pueden suscribirse a Xfinity Internet y Xfinity Mobile en línea en
www.xfinity.com o en su tienda local de Xfinity.
HIJA DE AYLÍN MÚJICA LUCE ESPECTACULAR EN SUS XV AÑOS
Violeta cumple su sueño gracias al regalo de ‘Ragazza Fashion’
La actriz Aylín Mújica está viviendo uno de los mejores papeles de su vida junto a su hija Violeta Valenzuela Mújica, quien acaba de cumplir 15 años. Y aunque Violeta no deseaba una fiesta tradicional de Quinceañera, la idea de una sesión fotográfica para recordar el memorable momento, se hizo realidad al recibir una llamada inesperada de la compañía Ragazza Fashion, quienes le enviaron un catálogo para que eligiera entre sus vestidos de ensueño.
“Cuando Ragazza Fashion se acercó a nosotras y Violeta vió los vestidos, comenzó a gritar y brincar de emoción, ¡todos los vestidos le encantaron!”, recuerda la actriz que participa en “Velvet, el nuevo Imperio”, la nueva serie que Telemundo estrenará a mediados de mayo
Violeta eligió tres vestidos para fotografiarse en uno de los lugares más icónicos de Miami, donde residen. “Elegí uno en color violeta, haciéndole honor a mi nombre, uno rojo como homenaje a mi abuelita materna, pues ella usó uno en ese color, algo poco usual en su época. Y al final uno rosa, para sentirme como una princesa”, reveló la joven quien quiere ser abogada para ayudar a los más vulnerables.
Aylín dice que todo lo que sucede con su hija es cósmico y mágico. Y que en un sueño antes de nacer Violeta eligió su propio nombre. “Ha venido a enseñarme muchas cosas, es como mi maestra. Es educada, buena estudiante… un regalo de Dios, lo mejor que me ha pasado en la vida, al igual que mis otros dos hijos (Mauro y Alejandro)”.
Esta famosa mamá también dijo sobre su hija menor, “Violeta me eligió a mí, es mi mejor amiga y la mejor compañera de viaje. Es muy enfocada y muy aterrizada”.
Aylín agradeció a Carolina Vázquez, CEO y fundadora de Ragazza Fashion por hacer posible el sueño de Violeta, con esa colección de espectaculares vestidos. Por su parte, Vásquez enfatizó que están buscando distribuidores en Estados Unidos, “Este es un negocio de ilusiones, uno nunca se cansa de ver este producto porque es muy colorido, y tiene una energía y una estética fabulosa”.
Los interesados pueden enviar un correo electrónico a Luis Tejeda ltejeda@corporativoandalucia.com . Visite www.Ragazzafashion.com.mx
Si necesitas una entrevista, videos o fotos, contacta a Martha Saldaña marthasaldana00@gmail.com o (708) 743-4144.
REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 7: What You Need to Know Before You Fly
As of today, travelers in the United States must carry a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights or access federal buildings. The long-delayed federal mandate, originally passed by Congress in 2005, is now officially in effect across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.
What Is REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act was established in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, aiming to strengthen the security standards for state-issued identification like driver’s licenses. It sets specific requirements for documents that will be accepted at TSA airport checkpoints and federal facilities such as military bases and courthouses.
Although the law has faced multiple implementation delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security now requires all travelers to comply—unless they’re prepared for alternative screening measures.
Can I Still Fly Without a REAL ID?
Yes—for now. According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, travelers without a REAL ID won’t be completely barred from flying domestically. However, they should expect additional screening and possible delays at security checkpoints.
“You may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said during a congressional hearing on May 6. “But people will be allowed to fly.”
What Do I Need to Get a REAL ID?
While the application process varies slightly by state, all applicants must provide:
- Proof of full legal name and date of birth
- Social Security number (via card, W-2, or pay stub)
- Two documents proving address of residence
- Proof of lawful status in the U.S.
You must visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person to apply.
To find state-specific requirements, visit the DHS REAL ID page.
What Does a REAL ID Look Like?
REAL ID cards closely resemble current driver’s licenses but include a distinctive star in the upper right corner. Each state has its own variation. For example, in California, the compliant ID features a golden bear with a star.
If your license says “Federal Limits Apply,” it does not meet REAL ID standards and cannot be used to fly domestically or enter federal facilities after today.
Do I Still Need a Passport?
Yes—for international travel, your U.S. passport remains necessary. However, a valid passport can also be used in place of a REAL ID for domestic flights or federal building access.
Also accepted: Enhanced Driver’s Licenses issued by New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington, which meet REAL ID standards.
Why Is This Important?
Without a REAL ID or federally approved alternative, travelers could face missed flights and denied entry to secure government sites. With millions expected to travel this summer, airport lines may be longer than usual as travelers adjust to the new rules.
Whether you’re preparing for a family vacation or heading to a courthouse, make sure your ID is up to date—and compliant.
Keep up with more updates on REAL ID with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Cardinals Enter Historic Conclave to Elect Next Pope Amid Global Crossroads for the Catholic Church
The College of Cardinals began the highly anticipated process of electing a new pope on Wednesday afternoon inside the Sistine Chapel, with 133 eligible cardinal-electors casting their initial ballots. The secretive and sacred tradition, known as a papal conclave, will continue until one candidate achieves the required two-thirds majority vote.
The length of the conclave remains uncertain. While some modern papal elections have concluded within two or three days, the outcome of this particular vote could hinge on deep ideological divides within the Church.
A defining feature of this year’s conclave is its extraordinary diversity. The majority of electors were appointed by the late Pope Francis, whose global outreach and emphasis on inclusion reshaped the College of Cardinals. However, experts caution that this does not guarantee the election of a like-minded successor, as some of his appointees hail from regions with traditionally conservative leanings.
During the conclave, cardinals are completely cut off from external contact. Their phones have been surrendered, and communications from the Sistine Chapel have been disabled to preserve the secrecy of the proceedings.
Who Might Succeed Francis?
No single candidate has emerged as a clear favorite, though a handful of names are generating significant buzz in Vatican circles and on betting markets. Italy’s Pietro Parolin, the current Vatican secretary of state, is considered a pragmatic moderate. Meanwhile, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines is viewed as a progressive voice aligned with Francis’s vision, known for his humility and advocacy for the poor.
Other potential frontrunners include Italian Cardinals Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Matteo Zuppi, along with cardinals from around the world such as Fridolin Ambongo (Congo), Peter Erdo (Hungary), Peter Turkson (Ghana), and Jean-Marc Aveline (France).
The Election Process
The conclave formally opened with a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before the cardinals proceeded to the Sistine Chapel. From then on, they will vote up to four times daily. Each ballot is handwritten with the Latin phrase, “Eligo in summum pontificem” (“I elect as supreme pontiff”).
After each round, ballots are burned with chemicals that produce either black smoke (indicating no decision) or white smoke (signaling a successful election). Pilgrims and press from around the world are gathered in St. Peter’s Square, scanning the skies for the next plume.
A Pivotal Moment for the Church
This conclave carries significant implications for the direction of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis left a complex legacy—praised by many for his progressive stances on LGBTQ inclusion and women’s leadership, yet criticized by traditionalists who felt he steered too far from orthodoxy.
Some cardinals are eager to continue Francis’s reforms. Others, however, believe the Church must course-correct. “Some want someone in the mold of Francis,” Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Sweden told reporters.
“Others absolutely do not.” Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini emphasized a need to “return the church to Catholics,” signaling the intensity of competing visions within the conclave, according to Forbes.
Dean of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re acknowledged the gravity of the moment, calling it “a difficult and complex turning point in history” and praying for a pope who would lead “for the good of the Church and of humanity.”
Pop Culture Meets Papal Politics
In a surprising twist, some cardinals reportedly watched Conclave, the Oscar-winning drama released earlier this year, in preparation for the real-life event. Viewership of the film surged by nearly 300% in the wake of Francis’s passing, according to Luminate. One cleric described the movie as “remarkably accurate.”
Background on Pope Francis’s Passing
Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, following complications from pneumonia and bronchitis. He suffered a cerebral stroke and heart failure during what became his longest hospitalization as pontiff. His death marks the end of a transformative era and sets the stage for what may be one of the most consequential papal elections in modern Church history.
Keep up with the conclave with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Scattered thunderstorms will continue into Wednesday
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The threat for widespread severe weather and flooding has ended for most of southeast Texas. Scattered thunderstorms will continue on Wednesday, so don’t put away your umbrellas quite yet. Thunderstorms near the coast Wednesday morning will still pose a street flooding threat.
What’s on tap for the rest of the work week?
An upper-level low centered west of Texas will continue to spin up showers and thunderstorms over Southeast Texas for Wednesday through Thursday, some of which could be severe. Rain chances gradually decrease from 40% Wednesday to 20% Friday.
So is the weather still looking good for Mother’s Day weekend?
Well, mostly. The upper low bringing all our stormy weather looks like it may not push as far away from us this weekend as we originally thought. If it does linger nearby, we’ll get more clouds this weekend with a few showers possible both Saturday and Sunday. We’ll still enjoy a little humidity drop with the breeze coming in from the north. Lows will be near 60 with highs near 80.
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.
Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Texas could recoup up to $800M for border effort under latest House spending bill
Texas could receive nearly $800 million in federal reimbursements for Governor Greg Abbott’s border security initiatives during the Biden administration, as Congress considers the allocation. This potential funding, though significantly less than the $11 billion sought by Abbott and Texas Republicans in Congress, would provide a substantial financial boost to the state’s efforts.
The proposed reimbursement is included in a large spending bill under development in the U.S. House, which also incorporates tax cuts advocated by President Donald Trump. While the legislation allows any state to seek reimbursement for border immigration enforcement, Texas stands out as the only southern border state with a Republican governor who has invested billions in such measures through Operation Lone Star.
Governor Abbott utilized state funds for various border security activities, including transporting migrants to northern cities, deploying state troopers, installing miles of razor wire, and constructing approximately 60 miles of border wall after federal construction was halted.
U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw emphasized the need to “pay Texas back” and noted that while the current spending bill doesn’t meet the full $11 billion request, there is still opportunity for further negotiation. The House aims to finalize its budget package by Memorial Day, with Senate Republicans expected to develop their version in June. Agreement between both chambers is necessary before the bill can reach President Trump for his approval.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn affirmed his commitment to advocating for increased funding for Texas in the Senate, stating his expectation that Texas will be reimbursed for expenses incurred by state taxpayers that should have been a federal responsibility by the end of July.
Governor Abbott has framed the reimbursement as a “real estate” transaction during White House visits, offering the transfer of existing border wall and easements to the federal government. He also joined a formal letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune requesting full reimbursement.
Despite the change in administration, Texas continues to allocate significant state funding for border security. The Texas House has voted to allocate an additional $6.5 billion, including $2.8 billion for further barrier construction along the Rio Grande, $2.3 billion for the Texas Military Department, and $1.2 billion for the Department of Public Safety for border patrol personnel.
This continued funding occurs against a backdrop of declining border crossings, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection reporting only 7,000 apprehensions along the entire U.S.-Mexico border in March, a 95% decrease from the 137,000 apprehensions reported a year prior.