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American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Released After Iraq Kidnapping

Indira Zaldivar
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American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Released After Iraq Kidnapping

American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released after being abducted in Baghdad, U.S. officials confirmed Tuesday.

Kidnapping and Release

Kittleson, 49, was kidnapped in broad daylight on March 31 while standing on a sidewalk in Baghdad. Surveillance footage showed multiple individuals forcing her into a vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Her release was confirmed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who credited U.S. agencies and Iraqi partners for securing her freedom. He stated that efforts are now underway to ensure her safe exit from Iraq.

An Iran-aligned militia group, Kataib Hezbollah, also known as Hezbollah Brigades, claimed responsibility and said she would be freed on the condition that she leave the country immediately.

Investigation and Arrest

Iraqi authorities launched an immediate search following the abduction. A second vehicle linked to the kidnapping crashed during the escape, leading to the arrest of one suspect with alleged ties to Kataib Hezbollah.

U.S. officials, including the FBI, assisted in the investigation and recovery efforts.

Rising Security Concerns in Iraq

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with U.S. officials warning Americans to leave Iraq due to potential threats from Iran-backed militias.

According to Kiran Nazish, director of the Coalition for Women in Journalism, threats against reporters in Iraq are common. She described Kittleson as an experienced journalist with strong local connections who had previously navigated risks in the region.

Ongoing Risks for Journalists

Kittleson’s abduction highlights the increasing dangers faced by journalists working in conflict zones. Despite her release, the situation underscores ongoing security challenges in Iraq as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate.

For more on the U.S. war with Iran, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Walmart in Pearland evacuated as authorities respond to reports of bomb inside store, police say

ABC13 Houston
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Walmart in Pearland evacuated as authorities respond to reports of bomb inside store, police say

PEARLAND, Texas (KTRK) — A Walmart in Pearland has been evacuated after police said they received a report of a bomb inside the store.

The Pearland Police Department said officers received the call about the bomb threat at about 10 a.m. at the Walmart Supercenter on 1919 North Main Street.

The store has been evacuated and is currently closed, police said.

The police department has asked everyone to stay away.

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

Watch live breaking news coverage from ABC13 on our 24/7 streaming news channel.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Wireless Festival Canceled After Kanye West Denied UK Entry

Michael Esparza
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Wireless Festival Canceled After Kanye West Denied UK Entry

Government Blocks Entry Over “Public Good” Concerns

Wireless Festival has been canceled after Kanye West was denied entry into the United Kingdom, officials confirmed Tuesday.

The U.K. Home Office said the rapper—who legally changed his name to Ye—was blocked from travel after applying for entry, citing that his presence “would not be conducive to the public good.”

Backlash Surrounding Headline Performance

West had been scheduled to headline the popular London-based festival, but his inclusion sparked significant backlash due to past antisemitic remarks and controversial behavior.

Festival Republic, the event’s organizer, said multiple stakeholders were consulted before booking West and no concerns were initially raised. However, the company acknowledged the harm caused by antisemitism and confirmed the event’s cancellation following the government’s decision. Refunds will be issued to ticket holders.

Ye Responds to Criticism

In a statement, West said his goal was to “bring unity, peace, and love through music” and expressed a willingness to meet with members of the Jewish community in the U.K.

“I know words aren’t enough,” he said, adding that he hopes to demonstrate change through his actions.

Ongoing Controversy

West has faced mounting criticism in recent years over antisemitic comments, offensive statements, and actions that have drawn widespread condemnation. While he has previously expressed regret for some of his behavior, the controversy continues to impact his public appearances and career opportunities.

What’s Next

The cancellation marks a significant disruption for one of the U.K.’s biggest music festivals and underscores the broader impact of artist conduct on global events and audiences.

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

NASA Reveals Stunning ‘Earthset’ Images from Historic Artemis II Flyby

Indira Zaldivar
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NASA Reveals Stunning ‘Earthset’ Images from Historic Artemis II Flyby

Record-Breaking Journey Beyond the Moon

NASA has released breathtaking new images captured during the historic Artemis II mission, including a rare “Earthset” and a dramatic solar eclipse.

The crew traveled as close as 4,067 miles to the moon and reached approximately 252,756 miles from Earth—surpassing the distance record set during Apollo 13. The seven-hour flyby marked humanity’s return to deep lunar space for the first time since the Apollo era.

Rare Views from the Moon’s Far Side

Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen captured nearly 10,000 images while orbiting the moon’s far side—about 21% of which was illuminated.

One standout moment: “Earthset,” where Earth appeared to dip below the lunar horizon, echoing iconic views first seen in 1968.

A Solar Eclipse Like No Other

 The lunar surface fills the frame in sharp detail, as seen during the Artemis II lunar flyby, while a distant Earth sets in the background. This image was captured at 6:41 p.m. EDT, on April 6, 2026, just three minutes before the Orion spacecraft and its crew went behind the Moon and lost contact with Earth for 40 minutes before emerging on the other side

The crew also witnessed a rare solar eclipse from space. Unlike eclipses on Earth that last only minutes, totality lasted nearly an hour. During this time, the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, became visible with delicate streamers described as “baby hairs.”

Astronauts also spotted Mars, Venus, Saturn, and a glow known as Earthshine.

Science and Inspiration for Future Missions

The Artemis II crew – Mission Specialist Christina Koch (top left), Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen (bottom left), Commander Reid Wiseman (bottom right), and Pilot Victor Glover (top right) – uses eclipse viewers, identical to what NASA produced for the 2023 annular eclipse and 2024 total solar eclipse, to protect their eyes at key moments during the solar eclipse they experienced during their lunar flyby. 

The images and data collected are expected to deepen scientific understanding of the moon’s origins and help prepare for future lunar landings.

Commander Reid Wiseman praised the mission team, calling the experience both scientifically valuable and “extraordinary.” Hansen added that viewing Earth from the moon’s far side was “mind-bending,” offering a powerful reminder of humanity’s place in space.

Why It Matters

The Artemis II mission represents a major step toward returning humans to the lunar surface—and eventually reaching Mars—while delivering unforgettable images that inspire the world.

For more on the Artemis II mission, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Body shop stole cars using fraudulent liens, according to Houston Police Department

ABC13 Houston
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Body shop stole cars using fraudulent liens, according to Houston Police Department

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The owner of a west Houston body shop was arrested after police said he used fraudulent mechanic’s liens to steal vehicles.

Talal Obeid was arrested on March 31, the same day Pure Performance on Windswept Lane was raided, according to officials.

The Houston Police Department said officers seized 9 high-end vehicles, including 7 BMWs, as well as $47,000 in cash.

In a post on social media, Houston police said they uncovered a “large-scale scheme” to move “stolen vehicles from California to Houston using fraudulent mechanic’s liens.”

Employees at the shop declined to speak to Eyewitness News on Monday afternoon.

A man that nearby business owners identified as Obeid emerged from the shop wearing a baseball cap and a scarf around his face, but refused to answer questions before driving away in a BMW marked “Pure Performance.”

In September, police said Obeid filed a notice of intent to obtain a mechanic’s lien on an AMG Mercedes, claiming he’d performed $63,000 worth of work on the vehicle.

But police say he provided no pictures of the alleged damage nor receipts for any of the parts he claimed to have purchased.

Police said when they asked him for his records on the vehicle on March 9, he told them he didn’t have them but insisted, “I do legit business.”

Eyewitness News found a Facebook group dedicated to customer complaints about Pure Performance.

ABC13 also discovered a pending lawsuit filed by VW Credit Leasing, claiming Pure Performance threatened to file a $60,000 mechanic’s lien on a car they’d leased to a California man. They said the shop wouldn’t present the work order authorizing repairs.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Pedestrian hit and killed along I-45 North Freeway at FM 2920 in Spring area, HCSO says

ABC13 Houston
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Pedestrian hit and killed along I-45 North Freeway at FM 2920 in Spring area, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The southbound lanes of the North Freeway at FM 2920 have reopened after the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said there was a deadly crash involving a pedestrian.

The incident happened just north of FM 1960 around 3 a.m. Tuesday, according to a lieutenant with the agency.

Investigators said they believe multiple drivers could have hit the individual, though the lieutenant said none of them stayed on scene.

It is unknown if the victim, who hasn’t been identified, was trying to cross the freeway or walking along the shoulder.

The sheriff’s office told ABC13 the freeway would remain closed for hours as the investigation continued, but it has since been reopened.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

It’s a dry and cool start to the week, rain chances climb into this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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It’s a dry and cool start to the week, rain chances climb into this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Enjoy this mild weather while it lasts. As we know by this time next month, these cool mornings and sunny and warm afternoons with low humidity will be a thing of the past until fall.

Temperatures Tuesday morning will start off refreshingly cool in the upper 40s to low 50s. A few clouds will move in through the day as high temps bounce back into the mid 70s once again with some areas farther west of Houston climbing closer to 80 degrees.

So more rain is in the forecast?

Yes! We are expecting a stormy pattern to settle in heading into the weekend that could send several rounds of showers and storms to Texas and Houston. This begins as early as Thursday with a daily chance for rain possibly through Wednesday of next week. While the exact timing and placement of any showers and storms is still to be ironed out, more drought-helping and much needed rain looks like it’s on the way. Friday looks to be the rainiest as of now with a 60% chance for showers and storms and 40% Saturday and Sunday.

Any severe weather in the forecast?

The weather pattern we’re expecting into next weekend is one that could send severe weather to the state of Texas, especially this time of year. So that has definitely caught our attention! However, it’s still too early to pinpoint when or where Southeast Texas could expect severe weather and what the potential threats could be. You’ll want to stay weather aware though and check in on the forecast throughout the week for the latest updates.

Does this weekend look like a compete washout then?

At this time no. But we are expecting scattered showers and storms each day. It’s likely that one day next weekend will be rainier than the other, but it’s still too early to say which.

https://abc13.com/post/houston-weather-forecast-today-near-me-texas-rain-storm-predictions/39346/

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Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Trump Threats Against Iran Raise War Crimes Concerns

Edward Saenz
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Trump Threats Against Iran Raise War Crimes Concerns

Statements by Donald Trump threatening widespread destruction in Iran are drawing alarm from legal experts, who warn such actions could violate international law.

Threats Target Key Infrastructure

Trump said the U.S. could destroy Iran’s power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure within hours if Tehran refuses to meet his demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He framed the potential strikes as a path to force political change in Iran.

Experts Cite International Law Violations

Legal analysts say the broad targeting of civilian infrastructure could breach rules outlined in the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit collective punishment and attacks on non-military targets.

Former U.S. government attorney Brian Finucane noted that while some infrastructure can be considered military targets, this requires clear evidence. “Not all power plants are legitimate targets,” he said, emphasizing that each strike must meet strict legal standards.

Debate Over Military Justification

Experts say a facility like a power plant could be targeted only if it directly supports military operations. However, Trump’s sweeping proposal to destroy all such facilities raises concerns about proportionality and civilian harm.

Past U.S. military actions, including NATO operations in Yugoslavia, often aimed to disable infrastructure temporarily rather than destroy it بالكامل—reflecting legal obligations to minimize civilian impact.

Broader Concerns Over Escalation

Critics also warn that rhetoric promoting large-scale destruction signals a shift away from long-standing norms designed to limit the human cost of war. Military leaders have historically cautioned that attacks on civilian populations often strengthen resistance rather than weaken it.

What’s at Stake

Under international law and the United Nations Charter, the use of force is generally prohibited unless in self-defense or authorized by the U.N. Security Council.

As tensions rise, experts stress that adherence to these rules is critical—not only to protect civilians but to prevent further escalation of conflict.

For more on the U.S. war with Iran, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Rapper Offset Shot in Florida, Hospitalized in Stable Condition

Michael Esparza
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Rapper Offset Shot in Florida, Hospitalized in Stable Condition

Rapper Offset was hospitalized after being shot Monday evening outside a South Florida casino, authorities and his spokesperson confirmed.

Shooting Outside Casino Entrance

The incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Police say the scene was quickly secured, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Offset was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition and under close monitoring, according to his team.

Suspects Detained, Investigation Ongoing

The Seminole Police Department confirmed that two individuals have been detained in connection with the shooting. Authorities have not released further details as the investigation continues.

Artist Background and Personal Life

Offset, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, rose to fame as a member of the rap group Migos. He was previously married to Cardi B, and the two share children together.

The shooting comes years after the tragic loss of fellow Migos member Takeoff, who was fatally shot in 2022.

What’s Next

Authorities are continuing to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No additional details about a motive or charges have been released.

Offset’s condition remains stable as fans and fellow artists await further updates.

For more on Offset’s medical condition, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

ICE Arrests Army Soldier’s Wife at Louisiana Military Base

Indira Zaldivar
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0
ICE Arrests Army Soldier’s Wife at Louisiana Military Base

Immigration authorities arrested the wife of a U.S. Army staff sergeant on a military base just days after the couple married, sparking concern over immigration enforcement affecting military families.

Detained While Registering as Military Spouse

According to the family’s attorney, 22-year-old Annie Ramos was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on April 2 at Fort Polk, Louisiana. She had accompanied her husband, Staff Sgt. Matthew Blank, 23, to register as a military spouse and begin the process for benefits and legal residency.

Blank said the couple expected to start their life together—not face separation. “Instead of preparing for our future, I’m now fighting for her freedom,” he said.

Old Removal Order at Center of Case

Ramos, who was born in Honduras, has lived in the U.S. since infancy. An attorney for the family says she was issued a removal order in 2005 when she was just 20 months old. That order remains active and could lead to her deportation.

Advocates note that spouses of military service members may qualify for immigration relief, though policies vary. Ramos had also sought protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but new applications remain blocked amid ongoing legal challenges.

Government Response

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Ramos was detained due to her lack of legal status and a final removal order issued after she failed to appear at an immigration hearing in 2005.

Family and Advocates Push Back

Supporters argue the detention highlights tensions between immigration enforcement and support for military families. Ramos, a biochemistry student and scholarship recipient, has lived in the U.S. for nearly two decades.

“She is kind, dedicated, and deeply committed to her family,” Blank’s mother said, urging officials to reconsider the case.

What’s Next

Ramos is currently being held at an ICE detention facility in Louisiana. Her husband says he will continue advocating for her release as he prepares for a potential overseas deployment.

For more on Trump’s anti-immigration agenda and its effects, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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