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Baytown Man Arrested After Allegedly Googling ‘Can I kill an Illegal Human?’ Before Fiancé’s Murder

Que Onda Editorial
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Baytown Man Arrested After Allegedly Googling ‘Can I kill an Illegal Human?’ Before Fiancé’s Murder

A Baytown man is facing murder charges after allegedly searching online for ways to justify killing his fiancé before the fatal shooting. Authorities say Ty Vaughn, 31, attempted to stage the crime as a suicide after shooting his fiancé, 27-year-old Luis Banos Norberto, on Jan. 14.

Crime Unfolds in Baytown Apartment

The tragic incident took place inside the couple’s second-floor unit at the Crosby Green apartments on Crosby Cedar Bayou Road. Initially, Vaughn claimed he returned home to find Norberto dead after an argument. However, police uncovered inconsistencies in his account through surveillance footage and witness statements.

According to investigators, Vaughn was caught on video returning home at 4:05 a.m., contradicting his claim that he was not present at the time of the shooting. Shortly after his arrival, two neighbors reported hearing a gunshot. At 4:27 a.m., Vaughn texted Norberto—who was already deceased—writing, “Babe? Babe, why are you not texting back?!” It wasn’t until 5:38 a.m., over an hour and a half later, that Vaughn called 911, telling dispatchers, “My spouse is dead. Help. My life is over.”

Disturbing Google Search Raises Questions

During their investigation, police discovered that Vaughn had searched online for, “Can I kill an illegal human?” Authorities noted that he also repeatedly mentioned Norberto’s immigration status during interviews, despite it not being a focus of their questioning.

Upon arriving at the scene, police found Norberto’s body lying on the bed with a rifle positioned against his arm in an apparent attempt to stage a suicide. A torn photo of the couple was also discovered nearby. Forensic evidence indicated that Norberto had been shot in the eye with the same rifle.

Suspect’s Behavior Raises Red Flags

Before being named a suspect, Vaughn spoke with reporters on Feb. 4. When asked if he had spoken to Norberto the day of the murder, he told ABC13 Houston: “I don’t know. The police know all the details.” When pressed about his interactions with law enforcement, he added, “I don’t know. I’ve been kind of not great. I haven’t really been going to police looking for answers.” His reaction to condolences was equally unsettling: “I mean, it is what it is.”

Legal Proceedings Underway

Vaughn was arrested and his bond was set at $500,000. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday morning as the case continues to unfold. Neighbors, many of whom only recently learned of the murder, expressed shock and concern over the tragic turn of events in their community.

Keep up with crime news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Showers slowly clearing, chilly and breezy Sunday

ABC13 Houston
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Showers slowly clearing, chilly and breezy Sunday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A cold front moved through Saturday night, paving the way for a chilly end of to the weekend and start to Spring Break.

We’re starting off with temperatures in the low 50s and a few spotty showers. Winds will consistently be out of the northwest between 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 to 30 mph. That paired with a cloudy sky will make it a little of a gloomy Sunday, and high temperatures will only warm into the upper 50s later today.

Do we have any major weather changes coming during Spring Break?

Once the front clears on Saturday, we get a really nice stretch of weather for most of Spring Break! Expect lots of sunshine next week and pleasant temperatures on most days. We have a small chance for rain on both Wednesday night and Friday, but it’s a mostly dry Spring Break and high temperatures will be in the 70s and 80s for the week ahead.

Are we done with freezes now?

It sure looks that way! On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise, it’s generally considered safe to put plants into the ground if you haven’t done so already..

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Labor Unions Push to Block Elon Musk’s DOGE from Accessing Social Security Data

Indira Zaldivar
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Labor Unions Push to Block Elon Musk’s DOGE from Accessing Social Security Data

A coalition of labor unions has filed an emergency request in federal court to prevent Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from obtaining access to sensitive Social Security data belonging to millions of Americans.

The legal motion, submitted late Friday in Maryland’s federal court by Democracy Forward on behalf of the unions, seeks to halt DOGE’s reach into the Social Security Administration (SSA) databases. The filing also names SSA’s acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, as a respondent in the case.

Concerns Over Privacy and Data Security

Central to the lawsuit is an affidavit from former SSA senior official Tiffany Flick, who warned that career civil servants at the agency are resisting DOGE’s efforts due to privacy concerns.

“A disregard for our careful privacy systems and processes now threatens the security of the data SSA houses about millions of Americans,” Flick stated in court documents.

Karianne Jones, an attorney representing the unions and a retiree group involved in the lawsuit, emphasized the secrecy surrounding DOGE’s request.

“Essentially, what you have is DOGE swooping in and bullying their way into access to millions of Americans’ private data,” Jones told AP News. “They cannot explain why they want this data. They can’t really tell you what data they want. They just want everything. They want the source code, and they want to do it without any restrictions.”

The Social Security Administration has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit, which was originally filed last month.

DOGE’s Controversial Government Access

DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting and data-access efforts have sparked legal challenges across multiple government agencies, including the Treasury Department and the IRS. Since its formation in the early days of the Trump administration, the department has faced nearly two dozen lawsuits, with judges frequently raising concerns about the extent of its authority.

However, courts have been divided on whether DOGE’s actions pose an imminent enough threat to justify blocking its access to government systems.

In a separate case on Friday, a federal judge in Washington declined to prevent DOGE employees from accessing Treasury databases containing sensitive financial information, though the court did acknowledge concerns over privacy risks. Meanwhile, a separate court order in New York continues to place limits on DOGE’s data access.

Potential Impact on Social Security Recipients

The controversy over DOGE’s involvement with the SSA comes as the agency faces deep budget cuts under the Trump administration’s broader push to downsize the federal workforce. Proposed changes include:

  • Layoffs affecting more than 10% of SSA employees
  • Closure of dozens of field offices nationwide
  • Potential disruptions to benefits for millions of Social Security recipients

DOGE has defended its actions as part of an effort to eliminate waste and fraud in government programs. However, critics argue that its methods lack transparency and could jeopardize essential services for Americans.

With legal challenges mounting, the battle over DOGE’s access to sensitive government databases is far from over. The federal court’s decision in Maryland could have significant implications for the future of data privacy and government oversight.

Keep up with updates on the federal government with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Teen Becomes First in Harris County Indicted Under New State Terrorism Law

Que Onda Editorial
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Teen Becomes First in Harris County Indicted Under New State Terrorism Law

A 17-year-old from Harris County has become the first person to be indicted for terrorism under a newly enacted Texas law, county officials confirmed.

Court Appearance and Charges

Laith Adil Shehzad made his initial court appearance Friday afternoon, appearing in an orange jumpsuit. Despite the gravity of the charges, witnesses noted that he showed no signs of nervousness, even turning away from the judge at one point to smile at television cameras.

However, prosecutors have presented alarming allegations against him.

According to court records, the FBI was first alerted to Shehzad’s activities in August 2024 by Meta, the parent company of Facebook. Investigators claim that Shehzad engaged in online conversations with an alleged ISIS militant imprisoned in the Philippines.

Authorities say that on August 17, 2024, Shehzad sent multiple photos of himself posing with a Glock handgun and extended magazines via Facebook Messenger. The following day, when FBI agents arrived at his home to speak with his parents, Shehzad allegedly attempted to dispose of the weapon and ammunition by dumping them in a detention pond before cooperating with investigators.

Radicalization and Past Incidents

During the court proceedings, prosecutors stated that Shehzad had asked the militant for advice on dying as a martyr. Additionally, they revealed that he had previously been under juvenile supervision for possession of homemade explosive devices.

Court documents also show that investigators discovered a journal filled with extremist propaganda. Officials believe Shehzad’s radical beliefs date back to at least 2021, when, at just 13 years old, he admitted to self-radicalization and adherence to ISIS ideology.

Defense Response

Shehzad’s newly appointed attorney, John Stevenson, expressed uncertainty about the case’s severity.

“Kids do stupid stuff all the time,” Stevenson told ABC13 Houston. “I don’t know enough of the facts to know if their beliefs are justified or not.”

He described Shehzad as “young and scared” and noted that it is not uncommon for teenagers to post images with firearms on social media.

“This is Texas. Lots of people have guns,” Stevenson added. “Obviously, this is a case involving a lot of words where no one really got hurt, so it’s just something we’ve got to dig into and learn all the facts about.”

Missed Attack and Legal Consequences

Prosecutors revealed another chilling detail in court—Shehzad allegedly attempted to carry out an attack but was unable to do so because his Uber account had been suspended.

Shehzad remains in jail without bond. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Expect Major Freeway Closures as Spring Break Kicks Off in Houston

Que Onda Editorial
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Expect Major Freeway Closures as Spring Break Kicks Off in Houston

As Spring Break begins, Houston drivers should prepare for multiple freeway closures and detours this weekend due to ongoing construction projects. If you’re heading out, plan ahead to avoid traffic delays.

IH-69 Eastex Freeway Closures

On the northeast side, both directions of IH-69 Eastex Freeway will see lane closures between Cavalcade Street and Kelley Street. Two lanes in each direction will be closed starting this weekend, with the roadway expected to fully reopen by Monday, March 10, at 5 a.m. Drivers looking for alternate routes can use Hirsch Road or Lockwood Drive.

Lane Closures on IH-69 Southwest Freeway

Expect slow-moving traffic along the IH-69 Southwest Freeway southbound at IH-610 West Loop on Saturday. One outside lane will close at 7 a.m., but there’s some relief—TxDOT anticipates reopening it by 5 p.m. the same day.

IH-45 Gulf Freeway Work on Sunday

Sunday commuters should be aware of lane closures along IH-45 Gulf Freeway. Three outside lanes will be closed from Almeda Genoa Road to Airport Boulevard/College Avenue starting at 5 a.m. The lanes are expected to reopen by Monday morning, just in time for the start of the workweek.

Weekend Construction in Galveston County

Houston TranStar has also reported multiple closures in Galveston County:

  • IH-45 Northbound (Hughes Road to Deats Road in Dickinson): Two outside lanes will be shut down from Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m.
  • Northbound Frontage Road (FM-517 to Deats Road in Dickinson): One inside lane will be closed from Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m.
  • Northbound Exit Ramp to FM-646 in Dickinson: This exit ramp will close permanently starting Friday at 9 p.m. A new ramp will open, requiring drivers to exit toward SH 96, make a U-turn, and use the southbound frontage road to reach FM-646.

Hardy Toll Road Maintenance Closure

Drivers relying on the Hardy Toll Road should take note of scheduled maintenance affecting southbound traffic. From Saturday at 9 a.m. through Sunday at 7 p.m., the right southbound main lane between East Louetta Road and the North Hardy Toll Road Plaza will be closed. Additionally, the southbound entrance ramp at East Louetta Road will be inaccessible during this period.

With multiple freeway projects happening simultaneously, Houston drivers should expect delays and consider alternative routes. Stay tuned to Houston TranStar for real-time updates.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

A cold front brings a chance of rain Saturday, and much cooler weather Sunday

ABC13 Houston
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A cold front brings a chance of rain Saturday, and much cooler weather Sunday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re bringing back some rain to kick off the weekend, though it doesn’t look like a complete washout. Rain chances are at 40% early this morning, though any rain that falls will stay light and spotty. We’re also kicking the morning off with a Dense Fog Advisory 9AM. We should dry out by the early afternoon, but an approaching cold front early tonight (6-8PM) will bring another chance for rain and even a brief storm or two is possible.

How does the opening weekend of Spring Break look?

We’ve got another weather change arriving today as a cold front blows in during the late afternoon and early evening. This front brings a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures on Saturday warm from the mid 60s to around 80 degrees, then cool off into the upper 40s Sunday morning. Sunday looks dry but still cloudy. It will also be breezy and chilly with highs only in the upper 50s.

Are we still doing this time change thing?

Like it or not, Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. The clocks will “spring” an hour forward early Sunday morning, meaning the sun will rise and set an hour later than it does on Saturday. Saturday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 6:39 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. Sunday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 7:37 a.m. and 7:26 p.m.

Do we have any major weather changes coming during Spring Break?

Once the front clears on Saturday, we get a really nice stretch of weather for most of Spring Break! Expect lots of sunshine next week and pleasant temperatures on most days. We have a small chance for rain on both Wednesday night and Friday, but it’s a mostly dry Spring Break.

Are we done with freezes now?

It sure looks that way! On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise, it’s generally considered safe to put plants into the ground if you haven’t done so already..

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Sylvester Turner: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Lasting Impact

Edward Saenz
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Sylvester Turner: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Lasting Impact

Sylvester Turner, a life long dedicated public servant and former mayor of Houston, passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 70. His life was defined by resilience, commitment to his community, and an unwavering passion for improving the lives of those he served.

Born on September 27, 1954, in Houston, Texas, Sylvester Turner was the sixth of nine children. Raised in a working-class family, he excelled academically and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Houston. He later attended Harvard Law School, where he obtained his juris doctor, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to law and public service.

Que Onda Magazine Publisher, Gabriel Esparza with late Houston politicians, Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvester Turner

Political Ambitions

Turner’s political journey began in 1988 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 139 in Harris County. He served in this role for nearly three decades, establishing himself as a formidable leader in Texas politics. In the early 90’s he set his sights on leading his hometown. While his early mayoral bids in 1991 and 2003 were unsuccessful, his unwavering persistence paid off in 2015 when he was elected as the 62nd mayor of Houston.

As mayor, Turner led Houston through one of its most challenging periods, including the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. His leadership during the crisis was widely praised, as he spearheaded relief efforts, mobilized resources, and worked tirelessly to rebuild the city. Throughout his tenure, he focused on infrastructure improvements, flood prevention, and initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s development.

Congressional Service and Final Years

From Left: Gabriel Esparza, Publisher of QOM, Samuel Pena, former HFD Chief, Mayor Sylvester Turner, and former HPD Chief Art Acevedo

In 2024, following the passing of Sheila Jackson Lee, Turner transitioned to national politics after being elected to represent Texas’s 18th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite facing health challenges, including a battle with bone cancer, he remained steadfast in his advocacy for healthcare access and environmental justice.

Turner’s passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, community members, and Houston’s vibrant hip-hop scene, which he had long supported.

A Lasting Impact

Sylvester Turner’s life was a testament to perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Houston. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

Authors Note

Sylvester Turner was the one of the first politicians I interviewed when I joined Que Onda Magazine just over a year ago. In the short time I covered his projects he was nothing but incredibly kind and caring to myself and my colleague. Despite his busy schedule he always stopped each time he saw us to not only let us interview him but check on us, thank us for being there and seeing how we were doing and if we liked our jobs.He also never said no to us taking photos with him. 

As one of the busiest people in Houston, he did not have to do that, yet he always did. And for a young journalist just getting started in the daunting field of political writing it was an incredibly kind thing for him to do. 

Thank you Congressmen Turner, for your kindness and commitment to your community. Que Onda Magazine, and all of Houston, will deeply miss you and we can’t thank you enough for your lifetime of service. 

Mayor Turner with two Que Onda reporters after his 2023 thanksgiving turkey charity giveaway.

Pope Francis’ Health Improves Amid Hospitalization for Pneumonia

Indira Zaldivar
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Pope Francis’ Health Improves Amid Hospitalization for Pneumonia

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis experienced another restful night in the hospital and awoke shortly after 8 a.m. on Friday as he marked three weeks of hospitalization.

The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14. On Thursday evening, Pope Francis shared an audio message to express gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, offering a heartfelt yet frail testament to his condition.

The message, recorded from his hospital room, played during the nightly Rosary recitation in St. Peter’s Square. Speaking in his native Spanish, the pope’s voice trembled with labored breathing as he said, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square. I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”

Medical Condition Update

Doctors reported Thursday that Pope Francis remains in stable condition, without any new respiratory crises or fever. He is continuing respiratory and physical therapy while balancing work, rest, and prayer from the 10th floor papal suite at the hospital. Despite the stable status, doctors maintain a guarded prognosis as the pope is not yet out of danger.

To aid his recovery, the pope uses a non-invasive mechanical mask at night to help his lungs expand properly. During the day, he receives high-flow oxygen through a nasal tube.

The Vatican has provided twice-daily updates on his condition but has not released any photos or videos of the pope since his hospitalization. His health struggle marks the longest absence of his 12-year papacy, raising concerns about the future of his leadership.

Public Support and Prayers

The pope’s message touched the hearts of many. Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime described the audio recording as a “beautiful gift” to the faithful. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, who has been standing in for Pope Francis during Lenten services, expressed unity with him, saying, “We thank him for the offering of his prayer and his suffering for the good of the entire church in all the world.”

Support from around the globe poured in. Bishop James D. Conley of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, posted on X: “We are praying for you, Holy Father! May God grant you healing and peace! Know that my prayers and the prayers of so many are with you.”

Similarly, Catholic devotee Paula Rondon-Burgos wrote, “It is so beautiful to hear the Holy Father’s voice, God bless him.”

The Vatican continues to request prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery as the world watches and waits for further updates on the beloved pontiff’s health.

Keep up with Pope Francis’ recovery with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Fair weather Friday before a cold front brings chance of rain Saturday

ABC13 Houston
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Fair weather Friday before a cold front brings chance of rain Saturday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ll enjoy more nice weather on Friday with highs approaching 80, then the chance of rain goes up a bit Saturday as our next cold front rolls in.

You’ll notice more clouds in the sky Friday than the last couple of days, but those clouds only have about a 10% chance of bringing you a brief shower.

How does the opening weekend of Spring Break look?

We’ve got another weather change arriving Saturday as a cold front blows in during the late afternoon and early evening. This front brings a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures on Saturday warm from the mid 60s to the upper 70s, then cool off into the 40s Sunday morning. Sunday looks dry but still cloudy. It will also be breezy and chilly with highs only in the upper 50s.

Are we still doing this time change thing?

Like it or not, Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. The clocks will “spring” an hour forward early Sunday morning, meaning the sun will rise and set an hour later than it does on Saturday. Saturday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 6:39 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. Sunday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 7:37 a.m. and 7:26 p.m.

Do we have any major weather changes coming during Spring Break?

Once the front clears on Saturday, we get a really nice stretch of weather for most of Spring Break! Expect lots of sunshine and pleasant temperatures on most days. By next Friday we could see another powerful storm system swing through the Plains, but its path is trending north and away from Texas, so we’ve lowered our rain chance down to 20%.

Are we done with freezes now?

It sure looks that way! On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise, it’s generally considered safe to put plants into the ground if you haven’t done so already..

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Tesla set to open Massive Battery Factory Near Houston, Bringing over 1,000 Jobs

Edward Saenz
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Tesla set to open Massive Battery Factory Near Houston, Bringing over 1,000 Jobs

HOUSTON – Tesla is expanding its footprint in Texas with a new manufacturing facility near Houston. The electric vehicle and clean energy company plans to establish a battery production plant in Brookshire, approximately 30 miles west of the city, focused on producing Megapacks—high-capacity energy storage units designed to support electrical grids.

The facility, located within the Empire West Business Park at 111 Empire West Blvd., will convert an existing 1 million-square-foot space and add an additional 600,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution site. Tesla expects to create up to 1,500 jobs within three years as part of the project.

To facilitate the development, Waller County officials have approved a tax abatement agreement with Tesla, set to run from 2026 to 2035. The agreement includes $44 million in facility improvements and the installation of $150 million in manufacturing equipment. The Brookshire City Council is also considering a similar tax incentive package for the project.

The Brookshire plant will be Tesla’s first Megapack factory in Texas, adding to its energy storage production sites in California, Nevada, and Shanghai. Megapacks can store enough energy to power approximately 3,600 homes for one hour, helping stabilize electrical grids and prevent outages.

Tesla has been increasing its presence in Texas, with its Gigafactory in Austin serving as a key hub for vehicle production. The company is also developing a lithium refinery near Corpus Christi to support battery production.

The Brookshire facility marks another step in Tesla’s commitment to clean energy solutions, providing large-scale battery storage as demand for renewable energy infrastructure continues to rise.

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