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8 students rescued from roller coaster that was stuck for hours at Pleasure Pier

ABC13 Houston
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8 students rescued from roller coaster that was stuck for hours at Pleasure Pier

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — Crews have rescued eight students who were stuck for hours on Pleasure Pier’s Iron Shark roller coaster in Galveston on Thursday.

Galveston Fire Department Chief Mike Varela Jr. said that at 5:37 p.m., firefighters received a call of eight riders stuck in the Iron Shark roller coaster.

Houston ISD confirmed that the eight riders involved were students, who were participating in a field trip organized by Energized for STEM Academy Middle School and STEM Academy High School.

On Thursday night, HISD sent a statement that read in part:

“We are grateful that all students, staff, and chaperones are safe. School administration is in direct contact with the families of all students who were on the trip.”

Eyewitness News reviewed video from our live camera in Galveston and found that the ride stopped at 5:21 p.m.

The roller coaster on the pier, Iron Shark, is the tallest and has a 100-foot vertical lift hill.

SkyEye13 showed that the amusement park was closed during the rescue operation. Galveston Fire Department’s Tower 1 engine occupied space on the pier to allow first responders to conduct the rescue.

Landry’s Inc., which owns Pleasure Pier, confirmed that the ride experienced a malfunction but stopped as it was designed to do in a situation like this. The statement read in part:

“Our focus immediately shifted to the safety of our guests. Therefore, we contacted the Fire Department to assist, ensuring all guests were safely removed from the ride. A thorough inspection of the ride will take place before it is placed back in service.”

This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

In Defense of Opossums: Houston’s Most Misunderstood Neighbor

Indira Zaldivar
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In Defense of Opossums: Houston’s Most Misunderstood Neighbor

In neighborhoods across Houston, a quiet, often unwelcome visitor moves through the night. The Opossum is frequently labeled “filthy,” “scary,” or a pest. But much of what people believe about this animal is simply not true.

Not Dangerous—Just Misunderstood

Opossums are non-aggressive and solitary. When threatened, they’re far more likely to freeze or “play dead” than attack. Despite common fears, they are extremely unlikely to carry rabies due to their naturally low body temperature, which makes it difficult for the virus to survive.

Their quiet, slow movements and unusual appearance may startle people, but they are not a threat to humans, pets, or neighborhoods.

Nature’s Cleanup Crew—and Tick Control

Far from being a nuisance, opossums play an important role in Houston’s ecosystem. They are natural scavengers, feeding on:

  • Roadkill and animal remains
  • Insects and cockroaches
  • Rodents and small pests

They also groom themselves constantly, consuming large numbers of ticks in the process. This helps reduce tick populations in the areas they inhabit. Fewer ticks can mean a lower risk of tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease, for both people and pets.

In that sense, opossums act as an unexpected layer of protection in our neighborhoods.

Why You’re Seeing Them More Often

As Houston continues to grow, wildlife habitats shrink. Opossums adapt by moving into residential areas in search of food and shelter. Seeing one in your yard at night is not unusual—it’s often just passing through.

They do not dig aggressively like some animals, nor do they typically cause structural damage. Most encounters are brief and harmless.

What To Do If You See One

If you come across an opossum:

  • Keep your distance and give it space
  • Do not attempt to handle it unless it is clearly injured
  • Secure trash and pet food to avoid attracting wildlife

If the animal appears hurt, contact Houston SPCA, which operates a wildlife ambulance and rehabilitation center serving the region.

Changing the Narrative

Opossums have lived in North America for millions of years, quietly contributing to the health of ecosystems long before Houston existed. Yet today, they are often met with fear instead of understanding.

Reframing how we see these animals starts with simple awareness: they are not invaders, but neighbors adapting to a changing environment. In a city like Houston, coexistence isn’t optional—it’s part of living here.

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

Beloved Port Arthur music teacher allegedly killed by wife’s ex-boyfriend, HCSO says

ABC13 Houston
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Beloved Port Arthur music teacher allegedly killed by wife’s ex-boyfriend, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A beloved Port Arthur ISD music teacher and coach was shot and killed while picking up his wife’s baby in northeast Harris County early Tuesday morning, investigators say.

Authorities identified the victim as 36-year-old Marlon Sanders, a music teacher at Porter Arthur ISD’s Adams Elementary School. Sanders was also a football and basketball coach, and a local musician known throughout the Port Arthur community for his warm personality and energy.

The shooting happened shortly after midnight in the 12700 block of Blue Timbers Court. According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, investigators believe Sanders and his wife went to the home of 38-year-old Gary Davis to pick up a baby his wife and Davis had together nine months ago.

Court records show that Sanders and his wife separated three years ago, then she began a relationship with Davis, and they had a baby. Sanders and his wife then reconciled following the birth of her baby, records show.

Neighbors described hearing a chaotic confrontation moments before gunfire erupted.

“I was upstairs watching TV, and all I hear is a woman screaming, Gary, give my baby, Gary, give my baby,'” neighbor Amber Howard said. “Then I heard two guns. After that, the woman was screaming, ‘You shot my husband, you shot my husband.’ I looked outside, and she was doing CPR.”

Investigators said Davis became upset during the exchange, stormed out of the house, and shot Sanders while he stood near his vehicle in the street. Sanders collapsed near the end of the driveway, officials said.

Another neighbor, Jasmin Nicholson, said the shooting stunned the community.

“It’s tragic,” Nicholson said. “We knew that gentleman there had a lot of anger issues.”

Neighbors said the gunshots sounded like fireworks.

“It had my ears ringing a bit,” Howard recalled. “It was just two shots.”

Davis was arrested at the scene and charged with murder, authorities said. He was then booked into the Harris County Jail, according to officials.

Late Tuesday, Port Arthur ISD shared a heartfelt tribute to Sanders on social media, remembering him as a cherished teacher, coach, singer, DJ, and mentor whose impact stretched far beyond the classroom.

“PAISD extends our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Sanders family and all who knew, loved, worked with, were taught or coached by, and enjoyed the talents of Marlon Sanders,” the district wrote. “Our beloved Adams Elementary School music teacher, Titans football and basketball coach, and singer/DJ/musician will be missed by so many.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Trump Administration Issues $20.6 Billion in Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling

Indira Zaldivar
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Trump Administration Issues $20.6 Billion in Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling

Businesses Receive Billions Back

The Trump administration has refunded $20.6 billion to businesses after the Supreme Court ruled many of President Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal earlier this year, according to a new court filing.

The refunds are part of a larger process expected to return up to $166 billion to more than 330,000 importers through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Major Companies Seeking Refunds

Companies including Walmart, Costco, Apple, Home Depot and General Motors have confirmed they are applying for tariff refunds.

Walmart said it plans to use part of its estimated $2.4 billion refund to lower prices for customers.

Shipping companies UPS, FedEx and DHL also said they will directly refund eligible customers affected by tariff charges.

Consumers Unlikely to Get Direct Payments

While businesses are recovering billions, most consumers are unlikely to receive direct refunds for higher prices paid during the tariffs.

The nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimated the tariffs cost the average American household about $700 last year.

According to the court filing, about $85 billion in refund claims have already been approved, with $20.6 billion successfully returned so far.

For more on the Trump tariffs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Fertitta Entertainment snags $6 billion sale acquiring Las Vegas Strip icon Ceasars Entertainment

ABC13 Houston
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Fertitta Entertainment snags $6 billion sale acquiring Las Vegas Strip icon Ceasars Entertainment

Caesars Entertainment is being acquired by Fertitta, the company that owns Las Vegas’ Golden Nugget and chains like Rainforest Cafe and Morton’s, for almost $6 billion.

Caesars became an iconic name after the opening of Caesar’s Palace on the Las Vegas Strip in 1966. However, its roots date back to the 1930s in Reno, Nevada.

Fertitta Entertainment will pay $5.7 billion and take on close to $12 billion in debt from Caesars, putting the total value of the deal at about $17.6 billion.

RELATED: Before it closes July 17, Mirage casino in Las Vegas has to give away $1.6M

Ferititta Entertainment is a holding company that is owned by billionaire Tillman Fertitta. Houstonians are very familiar with the name, as he is the owner of the Houston Rockets. Back in March, Fertitta and family bought the Connecticut Sun for $300 million, paving the way for the revival of the beloved WNBA team, the Houston Comets. The team is set to play during the 2027 season.

RELATED: Fertitta family buys Connecticut Sun, paving way for WNBA team to come back to Houston: ESPN sources

As part of the agreement, Caesars can seek competing bids through July 11.

Caesars investors will get $31 in cash for each share they own, a 49% premium over the share price before chatter about a possible tie-up between the two entertainment companies began in February.

Shares of Caesars Entertainment Inc., which are up 15% since merger rumors emerged, rose almost 2% before the opening bell on Thursday.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Ebola Outbreak in Congo Spirals as Doctors Warn Situation Is ‘Out of Control’

Edward Saenz
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Ebola Outbreak in Congo Spirals as Doctors Warn Situation Is ‘Out of Control’

Ebola Cases Surge in Eastern Congo

Doctors battling a growing Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) say the virus is spreading rapidly and overwhelming healthcare systems in the region.

More than 1,000 suspected cases and over 230 suspected deaths linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola have been reported, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak has also spread into neighboring Uganda.

Dr. Richard Kojan, a frontline physician in Bunia, described the outbreak as “completely out of control,” while hospital director Dr. Richard Lokudi warned the disease is spreading at an “exponential speed.”

Mistrust and Escapes Fuel Spread

Health officials say fear and distrust within local communities are making containment efforts difficult. Some patients have reportedly fled hospitals before receiving test results, creating new chains of infection.

Doctors also reported attacks on healthcare facilities and resistance to strict burial procedures designed to stop the virus from spreading through bodily fluids.

The Bundibugyo strain is especially concerning because there is currently no approved vaccine available.

Delayed Detection Raised Concerns

Experts believe the virus may have circulated undetected in Ituri province for up to three months before being officially identified. Limited laboratory capacity and shortages of protective equipment have slowed testing and contact tracing efforts.

Jeremy Konyndyk, former USAID official and president of Refugees International, called the outbreak one of the most urgent Ebola crises in recent years. He warned the actual number of infections could be significantly higher than reported.

Debate Over U.S. Aid Cuts

Humanitarian experts say recent cuts to U.S. foreign aid programs weakened international disease monitoring and response efforts in the region. The White House rejected claims that aid reductions contributed to the delayed response.

Meanwhile, doctors on the ground continue urging the international community for immediate support, medical supplies, and trained healthcare workers to prevent the outbreak from worsening.

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

UN Warns Next 5 Years Could Break Global Heat Records

Indira Zaldivar
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UN Warns Next 5 Years Could Break Global Heat Records

Climate Report Predicts Dangerous Temperature Surge

A new report from the World Meteorological Organization warns that the next five years are likely to bring record-breaking global heat and push Earth beyond key climate thresholds.

Scientists say there is a 75% chance average global temperatures between 2026 and 2030 will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — the limit established under the Paris Climate Agreement.

The report also projects a 91% chance that at least one of the next five years will surpass the 1.5-degree mark, while there is an 86% chance a new hottest year on record will be set.

Extreme Weather Risks Growing

Climate experts warned rising temperatures fueled by coal, oil, and gas emissions could intensify heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires worldwide.

The report predicts the Arctic will continue warming much faster than the rest of the planet, while the Amazon region could face hotter and drier conditions that increase wildfire danger and threaten ecosystems that absorb carbon dioxide.

Scientists also warned stronger El Niño conditions could develop in coming years, potentially accelerating global warming and helping temperatures break records again by 2027.

UN Officials Urge Faster Climate Action

Simon Stiell said global efforts to slow climate change are failing to keep pace with rising temperatures.

Experts cautioned that even small increases in warming can lead to severe consequences, including food shortages, infrastructure strain, ecosystem collapse, and increased loss of life from extreme weather events.

For the latest on the climate crisis, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Camp Mystic Health Officer Restricted by Texas Nursing Board After Deadly Flood

Indira Zaldivar
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Camp Mystic Health Officer Restricted by Texas Nursing Board After Deadly Flood

Nursing License Restored With Major Restrictions

The Texas Board of Nursing restored the nursing license of Mary Liz Eastland but barred her from direct patient care following findings tied to the deadly 2025 flood at Camp Mystic.

According to the board’s order, Eastland failed to maintain proper emergency plans and did not contact 911 or emergency officials during the July 4 flood that killed 25 campers and two counselors.

Alleged Failures During Flood Response

The agreement also states Eastland failed to properly report the deaths to state health regulators and allowed camp nurses to improperly administer medication.

Under the restrictions, Eastland cannot provide direct nursing care, assess patients, or counsel clients. She must also complete additional training and notify future employers about the disciplinary action.

Eastland waived her right to a hearing and neither admitted nor denied the allegations, according to board records.

Camp Mystic Flood Aftermath

Eastland has served as Camp Mystic’s chief health officer since 2010. Her family has operated the camp for decades.

Her husband, Edward Eastland, managed the section of the camp where many of the victims were staying during the flood. His father, Dick Eastland, died while attempting to rescue campers.

Camp Mystic later abandoned plans to reopen after backlash from victims’ families and Dan Patrick.

For more on the Camp Mystic flooding tragedy, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Arrests made after illegal gambling investigation at SW Houston social club, police say

ABC13 Houston
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Arrests made after illegal gambling investigation at SW Houston social club, police say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Multiple people were taken into custody after an illegal gambling investigation at a social club on Wednesday, according to the Houston Police Department.

HPD says people living nearby have been complaining about alleged illegal gambling at a business on Richmond near Fondren in southwest Houston.

“Our vice division sent undercover investigators into this club over several times and determined there was illegal gambling going on in this club,” Lt. Larry Crowson said.

Crowson said a judge issued search and arrest warrants prior to Wednesday night’s activity.”The warrant was served successfully with no incident or no injury,” Crowson explained. “Approximately 80 to 90 people were inside of the club when we served the search warrant.”

Crowson said the activity required the use of a SWAT team because the club keeps its doors locked and uses armed security.

Four to five people were arrested, according to HPD.

Police say undercover officers found gaming tables, chips, and a cashier’s booth to collect the money inside.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Former CIA Officer Accused of Fraud, FBI Finds $40M in Gold Bars

Indira Zaldivar
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Former CIA Officer Accused of Fraud, FBI Finds $40M in Gold Bars

Ex-CIA Official Charged With Theft of Public Money

Federal prosecutors have charged former Central Intelligence Agency officer David Rush with allegedly defrauding the U.S. government by lying about his education and military credentials.

According to a complaint filed in federal court in Virginia, Rush allegedly falsified academic degrees and military service records to secure higher pay and benefits while working in a senior government position with top-secret clearance.

FBI Seizes Gold Bars and Luxury Watches

During a search of Rush’s Virginia home, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents reportedly discovered more than 300 gold bars worth over $40 million, along with approximately $2 million in cash and dozens of luxury watches.

Investigators also allege Rush improperly claimed 744 hours of military leave after leaving the Navy in 2015, resulting in more than $77,000 in compensation.

CIA Referred Case to FBI

Officials said the CIA launched an internal investigation before referring the matter to the FBI.

Court documents allege Rush falsely claimed degrees from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, despite never attending either school.

Investigators are also examining missing foreign currency and gold Rush allegedly requested for work-related purposes. Rush was arrested on May 19 and is expected to appear in court for a detention hearing Friday.

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

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