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Second Missing USF Student Identified in Murder Case

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Remains Confirmed as Nahida Bristy

Authorities have identified human remains found this week as 27-year-old Nahida Bristy, a doctoral student at the University of South Florida. Investigators said the identification took several days due to the advanced state of decomposition.

Two Victims in Ongoing Investigation

Bristy’s death comes a week after officials confirmed the killing of her friend, 27-year-old Zamil Limon, who was also reported missing on April 16. Both victims were graduate students, and their deaths have shaken the campus community.

Suspect Charged with Double Murder

Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, Limon’s roommate, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon. He was arrested on April 24 after a standoff with law enforcement and is being held without bond.

Details Emerge from Investigation

According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Limon was stabbed multiple times. The cause of Bristy’s death has not yet been disclosed as the investigation continues.

Authorities allege the suspect used an apartment complex cart to move the bodies and later transported them by car. Investigators also revealed that Abugharbieh conducted disturbing online searches related to committing and concealing the crime.

Motive Still Unknown

Officials say a clear motive has not yet been determined. However, digital evidence — including search history obtained with help from tech companies — may provide further insight.

“We are still searching for the why,” Chronister said.

Families Await Return of Remains

Officials are working to return the victims’ remains to their families in Bangladesh for religious services, bringing a measure of closure as the case continues to unfold.

For more on the Bristy and Limon murder case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston’s “Freedom Parade” Set for This Saturday

HOUSTON, Texas — A new Cinco de Mayo celebration is moving forward this weekend after the traditional parade was canceled due to immigration concerns.

Alternative Event Moves Ahead

While LULAC District VIII canceled its long-running Cinco de Mayo parade, LULAC District 18 is hosting a “Freedom Parade” this Saturday in downtown Houston near City Hall.

Organizers say the event aims to celebrate culture, unity, and resilience within the Latino community.

Community Response

The cancellation of the original parade followed concerns about immigration enforcement and fears of family separation at large public gatherings. Despite those worries, organizers of the Freedom Parade say it’s important to continue honoring traditions.

Event Details

The Freedom Parade is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and will include local participants, community leaders, and cultural celebrations.

Sponsored Community Coverage

This event is being highlighted ahead of the weekend with support from Que Onda Magazine, continuing its commitment to uplifting and informing Houston’s Latino community.

For more events and things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

US to Withdraw 5,000 Troops from Germany

Pentagon Announces Strategic Shift

The U.S. Department of Defense will withdraw approximately 5,000 American troops from Germany over the next six to 12 months, officials confirmed Friday. The move marks a notable adjustment in the U.S. military’s presence in Europe.

Review of Military Posture

According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the decision follows a comprehensive review of U.S. force posture across the region. Officials say the withdrawal reflects evolving “theater requirements and conditions on the ground,” suggesting a shift in priorities rather than a complete reduction in U.S. commitment to European security.

Current U.S. Presence in Germany

Germany currently hosts about 38,000 U.S. troops, making it one of the largest concentrations of American forces overseas. The planned reduction represents a modest but significant portion of that presence.

What It Means Moving Forward

While details about where the troops will be reassigned have not been disclosed, defense officials emphasize that the U.S. remains committed to its NATO allies and regional stability. The phased withdrawal is expected to allow for a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing operations.

The move comes amid broader efforts to realign U.S. military resources globally, as defense leaders continue to evaluate strategic needs in Europe and beyond.

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

Susan Wright, convicted of brutally murdering her husband in 2003, arrested for hit-and-run: Records

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A Tomball woman who was convicted of brutally murdering her husband in 2003 has been charged with a new crime in Harris County.

Court records show Susan Wright, who now uses her maiden name Wyche, was arrested for a hit-and-run crash on Thursday morning.

The charging document is sparse on details but indicates Wyche is accused of fleeing from the scene of the accident.

It was also not immediately clear how serious the crash was. Court records state damage to the other vehicle is at least $200.

Wyche made national headlines when she was convicted of tying her naked husband to the bed with neckties and stabbing him almost 200 times with different knives.

She served 16 years in prison and was released on parole in 2020.

On the eve of her release, Wyche’s family wrote in a text message: “I think she’s paid her debt to society and deserves a second chance.”

Online court records show Wyche has posted bond for the hit-and-run and was awaiting release from custody on Thursday night.

She does not have an attorney of record listed for this latest charge.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Man threatens woman with machete over parking spot at University of Houston, court docs show

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A man is wanted after police say he threatened a woman with a machete during a dispute over a parking spot at the University of Houston.

The incident happened on April 6 at about 9 p.m., according to University of Houston police.

Investigators say the woman was sitting in her car while visiting a loved one who attends the university when a man got out of his vehicle, waved a machete, and yelled at her to move.

The woman told police she left the parking space. Authorities say the man then took the spot before leaving the area.

Police later called the man back to the parking lot, where the woman identified him.

Court records identify the suspect as Ricky Greer. A witness told investigators Greer claimed to be a university employee during the confrontation.

A university source confirmed Greer worked there. A person with a similar name is listed on the university’s website as an employee in the engineering school. The university has not confirmed his current employment status.

Records show the woman told investigators she did not want to press charges out of fear of retaliation against her relative, a university student.

A warrant has been issued for Greer’s arrest on a charge of aggravated assault. Nearly a month after the incident, he had not been arrested.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Widespread rain causes ground delay at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A ground delay has been issued at George Bush Intercontinental Airport until 2 p.m. Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration website.

Widespread storms have moved into the Houston area, prompting the statement. The FAA says the delay for each flight is expected to be about 53 minutes beyond the scheduled takeoff time.

As of Friday morning, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch until 4 a.m. Saturday, as the weather continues to blow into Southeast Texas. A Flood Advisory is also in effect for northern Harris County, with the risk of flash flooding.

According to the Houston Airport website, wait times at select terminals are less than 20 minutes.

Stay weather-aware with ABC13, which is actively tracking the rain and will give you updates throughout the day.

SEE ALSO: ABC13 Weather Watch: Widespread storms could bring street flooding, severe weather Friday

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

ABC13 Weather Watch: Widespread storms could bring street flooding, severe weather

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re under a Flood Watch until 4 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. A front had stalled out over Southeast Texas, and when you combine that with an upper-level system coming in from the west, widespread heavy rains could lead to street flooding today. Small streams, creeks, and even rivers could flood, too. Severe weather is also possible for a portion of Southeast Texas.

We expect multiple rounds of rain, and after an active morning commute, we could see a similar issue for the afternoon/evening commute with off and on rain continuing through the early evening. The wave of storms arriving in the late afternoon and evening could also include hail.

Why is there an ABC13 Weather Watch for Friday?

While there’s the chance for severe storms in parts of Southeast Texas Friday, there’s a greater risk for street flooding given the widespread, heavy rain predicted. Multiple rounds of showers and storms with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches an hour could eventually build up during the day, leading to street flooding and urban flooding of low-lying and poorly drained areas. The Weather Prediction center also highlights most of Southeast Texas with a slight risk for flash flooding.

Where is severe weather possible?

Severe weather is possible along and south of the stalled front. The front is expected to be stalled out near the coast or offshore most of the day, but that could change late in the afternoon. A wave of low pressure will develop along the boundary and start to push it back inland toward the I-10 corridor. So there is a small chance rotating storms could develop between I-10 and the coast Friday afternoon and Friday evening. These storms could produce severe wind gusts, large hail, and even a tornado. The chances for severe weather are low, but it is a possibility to know about when making your plans.

So where does that leave us for weather this weekend?

With the front pushing fully offshore sometime Friday night, any rain lingering behind the front should clear out pretty quickly before sunrise Saturday. Cooler air flowing in on a north breeze will bring a morning low in the 50s and an afternoon high in the 70s. Sunday also looks spectacular with sunshine warming temps from the mid 50s into the upper 70s!

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

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

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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!

BARC Marks 10 Years of ‘Empty the Shelters’ with Discounted Adoptions

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HOUSTON – BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions is joining the BISSELL Pet Foundation to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its nationwide “Empty the Shelters” event, offering reduced adoption fees from May 1–17, 2026.

The initiative spans more than 335 shelters across 39 states, aiming to connect pets with families while easing overcrowding in shelters.

Lower Fees, More Opportunities

During the event, adoption costs at BARC will drop significantly:

  • $55 for puppies four months or younger
  • $30 for dogs five months and older
  • $10 for all cats and kittens

All adopted pets come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, along with additional services like flea prevention and city registration.

Extended Hours for Adopters

To increase access, BARC will open daily from noon to 5 p.m., including Mondays — a day the shelter is typically closed. Officials say the expanded hours and lower fees are designed to remove barriers for families considering adoption.

A Nationwide Impact

Since launching in 2016, “Empty the Shelters” has helped nearly 400,000 pets find homes across the U.S. and Canada. Organizers say the milestone highlights the growing need for adoption as shelters continue to face high intake numbers.

Local leaders emphasize that every adoption not only gives an animal a second chance but also frees up space and resources to help more pets in need.

Residents interested in adopting are encouraged to visit BARC in person or check available pets online during the event.

For more animal welfare efforts, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Weight-Loss Drug Ingredient Shows Promise for Alcohol Use Disorder

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A new study suggests that semaglutide — the active ingredient in popular medications like Ozempic and Wegovy — may help reduce heavy drinking in people with obesity and alcohol use disorder.

Study Findings

Researchers at the Mental Health Center Copenhagen studied 108 adults diagnosed with both conditions. Participants received either weekly semaglutide injections or a placebo over six months, alongside therapy aimed at reducing alcohol use.

Results, published in The Lancet, showed that those taking semaglutide reduced heavy drinking days by about 41%, compared to 26% in the placebo group. Blood tests confirmed lower alcohol intake among those using the drug.

How It Works

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help regulate blood sugar and appetite. Researchers believe it may also influence brain reward pathways tied to addiction, potentially reducing cravings for alcohol.

Participants taking the drug also experienced weight loss and improved blood sugar control.

Limited Options, New Potential

Currently, only three medications — naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram — are approved in the U.S. to treat alcohol use disorder. This study is the first randomized trial to test GLP-1 drugs in patients actively seeking to reduce drinking.

Experts say the findings could signal a major step forward, though more research is needed to confirm results in broader populations.

Cautions and Next Steps

Researchers emphasized the study’s limitations, including its small size and focus on individuals with obesity. Side effects were consistent with prior use of semaglutide, mainly mild digestive issues.

Health experts also warned against using unregulated or compounded versions of these drugs, citing potential risks with dosing and unknown ingredients.

While still early, the findings point to a promising new direction for treating alcohol use disorder — especially when combined with behavioral therapy.

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

Explosion Rocks Queens Home, Injures NYC Officers

A powerful early-morning explosion at a home in Queens, New York, injured several police officers and caused significant damage to nearby properties, authorities said.

Officers Thrown by Blast

The incident unfolded just before 3 a.m. as officers from the New York Police Department responded to a call about an armed man inside a residence, along with reports of a strong gas odor. As officers approached the front door, a sudden explosion erupted, blowing out windows and throwing multiple officers across the yard.

Body camera footage captured the chaotic moment, showing officers knocked backward by the blast before quickly regrouping and checking on one another amid debris and smoke.

Injuries and Rescue Efforts

Eight officers were treated for minor injuries, including burns and at least one head wound. Several residents inside the home were also taken to the hospital, though all occupants were accounted for.

Video from the scene showed officers assisting residents — including young children — out of the damaged home shortly after the explosion.

Suspect Still Missing

Authorities said the situation began when an intoxicated man, reportedly armed with a knife, forced his way into a basement apartment where family members lived. He was carrying bags filled with canisters containing an unknown substance.

The man remains unaccounted for following the explosion.

Widespread Damage, Narrow Escape

The blast caused the home to collapse and damaged neighboring houses. Officials emphasized that the outcome could have been far worse.

“This could have turned out really differently,” said Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh, noting that both officers and residents were fortunate to escape with their lives.

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