WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. inflation accelerated to4.2% in May, reaching its highest level in more than three years as elevated energy costs continued to pressure household budgets and businesses.
According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report from the Labor Department, inflation increased from 3.8% in April, largely driven by rising gasoline and energy prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Energy Costs Drive Inflation Higher
Energy prices accounted for more than 60% of the monthly increase in consumer prices. Gasoline prices surged7% in Mayand were more than 40% higher than a year ago, contributing significantly to the overall inflation rate.
While inflation remained elevated, monthly price growth slowed slightly. Consumer prices rose 0.5% in May, down from 0.6% in April.
Core Inflation Shows Signs of Stability
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy costs, increased 2.9% year-over-year, up slightly from 2.8% in April.
On a monthly basis, core prices rose just 0.2%, suggesting underlying inflation pressures may be moderating despite higher fuel costs.
Several categories saw slower price growth or declines, including:
Car insurance: down 1.7%
Prescription drugs: down 0.9%
New vehicles: down 0.3%
However, airline ticket prices increased 2.7%, reflecting higher transportation costs.
Wage Growth Falls Behind Rising Prices
Inflation-adjusted wages declined for the second consecutive month. Real hourly earnings fell 0.7% from a year ago, indicating that many workers’ incomes are not keeping pace with rising living expenses.
Economists warn that shrinking purchasing power could weigh on consumer spending and economic growth in the months ahead.
Federal Reserve Faces Growing Pressure
The latest inflation data arrives ahead of the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting. With inflation rising and the labor market remaining resilient, investors are increasingly questioning whether interest rate cuts are still likely in 2026.
Some analysts now believe the Fed may need to consider additional rate increases if inflation remains stubbornly high.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We are in a typical summertime weather pattern for the rest of the week, but changes are coming starting this weekend and ramping up early next week as high levels of tropical moisture collide with June’s version of a cool front. Until that pattern change occurs, expect highs in the low 90s with heat index values above 100 each afternoon.
Wednesday morning will be warm, humid, and mostly rain-free with temperatures in the upper 70s. Moisture levels climb a little Wednesday, nudging rain chances back up to 30%. That said, if you do cross paths with a shower, it could bring briefly heavy rainfall. High temperatures should top out just shy of the average high of 92 degrees with the heat index between 100-105 degrees.
When does the tropical air return with higher rain chances?
That will occur over the weekend. At this time we have rain chances at 30% Saturday and 40% Sunday, but the highest chance over the next 10 days is currently reserved for next Monday and Tuesday at 60% odds. These rain chances will go higher as our confidence in the stormy scenario unfolds.
Why does it feel so hot even though the air temperature is barely hitting 90?
It has everything to do with the wet ground and high humidity. True, our highs are only hitting the low 90s, but when you factor in all that humidity, it feels about 10 degrees hotter to our bodies.
What are you tracking in the tropics?
Tropical Storm Cristina in the Pacific is worth keeping an eye on. This storm should die out while it crosses Guatemala and Mexico later this week, but the moisture is coming for the southwest Gulf. That’s the moisture that surges in here this weekend into next week. For the latest on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our Tropical Update page for our daily tropical weather discussion and forecast.
Texas grid officials are warning that electricity demand across the state could reach record levels this summer as extreme heat, rapid population growth and rising industrial power use continue to strain the system.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages most of the state’s power grid, projects peak demand could exceed 92,000 megawatts during the hottest months of 2026. That would surpass previous records set in recent summers as air conditioning use and economic growth continue to push consumption higher.
ERCOT officials said the forecast reflects both traditional and emerging drivers of electricity use. While air conditioning remains the largest factor during heat waves, they said continued population growth across Texas and expanding industrial activity are significantly increasing baseline demand.
Data centers tied to artificial intelligence and cloud computing, along with crypto mining operations and large manufacturing facilities, are contributing to round-the-clock electricity consumption that adds pressure to the grid even outside peak afternoon hours.
Grid operators said the most vulnerable period typically occurs in the early evening, when solar energy production declines but residential cooling demand remains high. Wind generation can fluctuate, creating a tighter supply window during peak summer days.
Despite the higher forecast, ERCOT officials said the grid is in stronger condition than in past years due to added generation capacity, including solar power, battery storage and new natural gas facilities. Improvements in forecasting and demand-response programs have also helped stabilize operations during periods of extreme heat.
State energy leaders have repeatedly emphasized that while the grid is expected to be tight at times, they are not currently projecting widespread outages under normal conditions.
Still, officials cautioned that extended heat waves, unexpected power plant outages or sudden spikes in demand could create stress on the system, particularly during late afternoon and evening peaks.
Texas has experienced record-breaking electricity demand in consecutive summers as temperatures continue to rise and the state’s population expands at one of the fastest rates in the country.
For decades, Latino characters in mainstream comics often occupied the margins, appearing as supporting characters or cultural stereotypes rather than fully realized heroes. But at this year’s Comicpalooza, creators, scholars and collectors gathered to highlight a growing movement that is reshaping how Latino identity is represented on the page.
Through a series of panels and conversations, attendees explored the history, challenges and future of Latino representation in comics, particularly the rich and often overlooked contributions of Puerto Rican creators and characters.
One recurring theme emerged throughout the discussions: Latino stories are far bigger than any single character.
“Miles Morales is a great character,” said comics writer and pop culture author Gene Selassie. “He’s not the only high-profile Boricua character. There are plenty of Puerto Rican characters and Puerto Rican comics outside of the superhero realm. You have horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and a diverse group of independent comics out there.”
Selassie, who hosted a panel examining Puerto Rican culture and comics, encouraged fans to look beyond mainstream superhero titles and explore independent works such as La Borinqueña and Coquí, which draw heavily from Puerto Rican history, folklore and Indigenous Taíno culture.
That broader perspective was echoed by Margarita Castromán Soto, a professor in the Department of English and Creative Writing at Rice University. During her panel, “Puerto Rican Comics: Into the Boricuaverse,” she challenged the notion that Puerto Rican representation in comics begins and ends with Miles Morales.
“There is a longer tradition of Puerto Rican comics than we realize,” Castromán Soto said. “Some of the most interesting and radical work examining Puerto Rico’s colonial condition and history is happening in comics.”
She pointed to historical graphic novels, alternative superheroes and independent creators who are using the medium to explore issues of identity, colonialism and cultural memory. According to Castromán Soto, comics have become one of the most dynamic spaces for Puerto Rican storytelling and cultural expression.
For independent creator Wilfred Estevez, comics offer something unique that other forms of media often cannot.
“I think they can tell stories that TV or movies won’t because we don’t have the resources,” Estevez said. “With a comic, you can get paper and pen and just make something.”
That accessibility has long made comics a powerful tool for underrepresented communities. Without the financial barriers associated with film or television production, creators can tell stories that might otherwise never reach an audience.
Estevez believes that is especially important for Puerto Rican creators, whose stories are often overshadowed within broader conversations about Hispanic identity.
“When people think of Hispanics, they usually think of Mexico, which is the largest demographic,” he said. “But Puerto Ricans are part of the United States, and we’re often forgotten.”
His panel explored the importance of incorporating Puerto Rican culture into comics, not only to preserve cultural identity but also to expand public understanding of the diversity that exists within Latino communities.
The conversation about representation extended beyond creators and academics. Comic collector and content creator Carlos Collects Comics discussed how seeing diverse heroes can shape the experiences of young readers.
“It is vital that there’s Hispanic representation in comic books,” he said.
Carlos recalled being inspired by the cultural impact of Marvel’s Black Panther and wondering when Latino audiences would receive a similar moment.
“I’ve got nephews, students, two daughters and a son,” he said. “I’d love for them to see people like us on the screen and on the page.”
That desire for representation became reality, in part, with the release of Blue Beetle, featuring Mexican American hero Jaime Reyes. Carlos said taking his daughters to see the film was a meaningful experience because it allowed them to see themselves reflected in a superhero story.
Yet representation, panelists noted, is about more than simply placing Latino characters into existing narratives.
Throughout the discussions, speakers emphasized the importance of authenticity over tokenism. Meaningful representation comes from creators who bring their lived experiences, histories and cultures into their work, creating stories that feel genuine rather than performative.
Comic books have become an ideal platform for that authenticity. Independent publishing, webcomics and creator-owned projects have opened doors for Latino creators to tell stories on their own terms, free from many of the limitations of traditional publishing.
As the industry continues to evolve, Comicpalooza’s panels offered a reminder that Latino identity in comics is neither new nor limited to a handful of recognizable names. From Puerto Rican folklore and historical narratives to contemporary superheroes and independent horror stories, Latino creators are building worlds that reflect the complexity and diversity of their communities.
For readers willing to look beyond the biggest titles on the shelf, there is an entire universe waiting to be discovered.
And if the conversations at Comicpalooza are any indication, that universe is only continuing to grow.
The gaming industry’s biggest summer showcase delivered a wave of major announcements as Summer Game Fest 2026 brought together some of the world’s biggest developers and publishers for a weekend filled with new trailers, franchise revivals and long-awaited reveals.
This year’s event leaned heavily into established franchises, with major announcements from horror, RPG and action-adventure series. Among the biggest reveals were new entries in the Resident Evil, Final Fantasy, Guild Wars and God of War franchises.
God of War expands with Laufey and original trilogy remaster
One of the biggest announcements from Summer Game Fest 2026 came from the God of War franchise, with Sony revealing two major projects expanding the series’ history.
The first announcement was God of War: Laufey, a new game centered around Faye, the late wife of Kratos and mother of Atreus. The title will explore Faye’s story and provide a deeper look at the character whose influence shaped much of the events in the Norse-era God of War games.
Although Faye’s presence has largely been felt through memories and revelations in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök, the new project gives players a chance to experience more of her history and her connection to Kratos before the events of the recent games.
Sony also announced that the original God of War trilogy will be remastered for PlayStation 5. The collection will bring Kratos’ early adventures — including his battles against the Greek gods in the original trilogy — to modern hardware with updated visuals and performance improvements.
The remaster announcement gives longtime fans a chance to revisit the games that established Kratos as one of PlayStation’s most recognizable characters, while introducing a new generation of players to the franchise’s original mythology.
The two announcements highlight Sony’s continued focus on expanding the God of War universe, following the conclusion of Kratos’ Norse saga in God of War Ragnarök.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica remake revealed
One of the biggest surprises of the event was the announcement of a remake for Resident Evil Code: Veronica.
Originally released in 2000, the survival horror title has remained one of the most requested games in the franchise to receive a modern remake. Following the success of remakes for Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil 4, fans have been waiting for Capcom to revisit the classic story featuring Claire Redfield and the Ashford family.
The reveal immediately became one of the most talked-about announcements of the showcase.
Final Fantasy VII: Revelation concludes remake trilogy with Spring 2027 release
Square Enix used Summer Game Fest 2026 to officially unveil Final Fantasy VII: Revelation, confirming the long-awaited final chapter of its Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy.
The game will conclude the reimagined storyline that began with Final Fantasy VII Remake and continued in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, bringing the project to its planned finale after years of speculation about how the modern retelling would wrap up.
Developers confirmed that Revelation will launch in spring 2027, positioning it as one of the most anticipated RPG releases of the next year. While specific story details were kept under wraps, the announcement emphasized that the final installment will bring the overarching narrative threads of the trilogy to a resolution, while continuing the expanded interpretation of the original 1997 PlayStation classic.
The reveal drew significant attention from fans who have followed the remake project since its inception, with expectations high for how Square Enix will conclude one of its most ambitious modern projects.
Guild Wars 3 announced
The MMO community received a major surprise with the reveal of Guild Wars 3.
The announcement marks a new era for the long-running fantasy franchise and generated excitement among fans who have followed the series since the release of the original Guild Wars in 2005.
Details about gameplay and release plans remain limited.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin revealed
The darker side of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe also received the spotlight with the reveal of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin.
Based on the popular comic storyline, the game is expected to deliver a more mature take on the franchise, moving away from the traditional family-friendly style associated with the turtles.
Other major announcements
The showcase also featured updates and reveals for several other major titles, including:
Stellar Blade: Blood Rain
Stranger Than Heaven from Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Gundam Rogue Orbit
Lords of the Fallen II
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Star Wars: Galactic Racer
Alien: Isolation 2
The event also highlighted several independent games through additional showcases, giving smaller developers a chance to share upcoming projects.
A showcase built around returning franchises
Summer Game Fest 2026 continued the event’s growing reputation as one of the biggest gaming showcases outside of E3.
While new original games were part of the lineup, the biggest reactions came from established franchises returning with new chapters, remakes and expansions.
From God of War and Final Fantasy VII to Resident Evil and Alien, the showcase showed that major gaming franchises remain a driving force in the industry.
La Escuelita de Magnolia Park Is Igniting Culture, Courage, and Creativity in Houston
Step into Magnolia Park this summer, and you’ll feel it immediately, color dancing across murals, laughter echoing through La Casita de Colores, voices rising in poetry, and stories being reclaimed with pride. This isn’t just a program. It’s a movement.
Welcome to La Escuelita de Magnolia Park, where culture breathes, history speaks, and the next generation discovers just how powerful they truly are.
At the center of this energy is Magnolia Park Arts & Community (MPAC), a nonprofit that refuses to let Houston’s first barrio fade quietly into the background. Instead, it amplifies it – boldly, unapologetically, and beautifully.
“Magnolia Park is not just where we are from; it is part of who we are,” says co-founder JoAnna Rodriguez, her words echoing with both pride and purpose. “We wanted to build something that reflected the beauty and brilliance that already existed here.”
Summer 2025 Class
Where Art Meets Identity and Sparks Fly
Founded by artist Jesse E. Rodriguez, also known as Magnolia Grown, and JoAnna Rodriguez, MPAC has transformed the neighborhood into a living gallery, a storytelling hub, and a sanctuary of culture. Murals bloom across walls. Oral histories capture the voices of elders. Exhibitions preserve memories that might otherwise be lost.
But this summer, the spotlight shines brightest on La Escuelita.
Now in its third year, this free youth program, co-founded by Dr. Desdamona “Desi” Rios and JoAnna Rodriguez, is no ordinary classroom. It’s a dynamic, soul-fueling experience where Mexican American and Chicano history isn’t just taught – it is felt.
“You cannot preserve history by simply placing it behind glass,” Jesse E. Rodriguez explains. “Young people need to feel connected to it emotionally and personally.”
A Summer That Changes Everything
Inside La Escuelita, students aren’t just sitting at desks, they’re writing poetry, creating art, exploring identity, speaking truths, and discovering connections between their lives and the generations that came before them.
“La Escuelita was created to feel human, personal, and culturally rooted,” shares Dr. Desdamona “Desi” Rios, Co-Founder of La Escuelita de Magnolia Park and Director of Program Development & Education for MPAC. “Students walk into a space where their culture, history, language, and lived experiences are centered.”
Imagine walking into a classroom and seeing yourself fully reflected, in the lessons, in the stories, in the leadership at the front of the room. For many students, that moment is transformative.
Representation That Hits Different
At La Escuelita, representation isn’t a concept, it’s real, visible, and powerful.
“Students need to see real people who look like them doing meaningful work,” Dr. Rios says. “Artists teach them their creativity has value. Scholars show them their history is worthy of study. Community leaders show them they have the power to create change.”
Students learn from individuals actively shaping culture, preserving history, and opening doors for the next generation. They hear stories that reflect their own families and begin to reimagine what’s possible for themselves.
Culture as Power. Storytelling as Resistance.
As Houston evolves, neighborhoods like Magnolia Park face increasing pressures of change, displacement, and erasure. MPAC stands firm: protect the stories, protect the people, protect the legacy.
“Storytelling protects communities from disappearing,” Jesse reminds us. “Murals, exhibitions, and oral histories become living archives of who we were, what we survived, and what we contributed.”
Through La Escuelita, students don’t just learn these truths, they become the storytellers who carry them forward.
Leaving Changed, Not Just Educated
The impact of La Escuelita extends far beyond the classroom.
“I hope students leave understanding that their voice matters, their story matters, and their community matters,” Dr. Rios shares. “Preserving culture is not just about the past; it is about protecting the future.”
Students leave with more than knowledge; they leave with confidence, identity, pride, and purpose. They begin to understand that they belong everywhere they aspire to be, and that their roots are a source of strength, not limitation.
A Movement You Can Feel
La Escuelita de Magnolia Park isn’t just shaping students, it is reshaping narratives, reclaiming space, and redefining what education looks like when it is rooted in culture and community.
In Magnolia Park, the past isn’t fading. It’s being painted, spoken, taught, and lived – louder than ever. And this summer, that story belongs to the youth who are ready to carry it forward.
Kimi Antonelli strengthened his case as Formula 1’s newest superstar Sunday, winning the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix and extending Mercedes’ early-season dominance at the iconic Circuit de Monaco.
Antonelli started from pole position after a dramatic qualifying session and controlled the race from the front, navigating the narrow streets of Monte Carlo to claim another victory in his young Formula 1 career.
The Mercedes driver held off Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who finished second, while Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar earned the final spot on the podium with a third-place finish.
The victory continued a remarkable run for Antonelli and Mercedes, who entered Monaco as one of the strongest teams on the grid. The young Italian driver has quickly emerged as one of the defining figures of the 2026 season, putting himself in championship contention.
Hamilton’s second-place finish gave Ferrari another strong result and added to his long history of success at Monaco. The seven-time world champion has consistently performed well at the street circuit, known for rewarding precision and race strategy over outright speed.
Hadjar delivered one of the biggest surprises of the weekend, overcoming a difficult start to finish on the podium. After a challenging practice session and issues throughout the weekend, the Red Bull driver held his position during a race where mistakes are often costly.
The race also brought disappointment for several championship contenders. Max Verstappen’s weekend ended early after an opening-lap incident, while other top drivers struggled to find consistency on the tight Monaco circuit.
Known as one of Formula 1’s most prestigious races, the Monaco Grand Prix often comes down to qualifying, pit strategy and avoiding mistakes rather than overtaking. Antonelli handled all three challenges, securing a statement win on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
With the season continuing, Antonelli now heads into the next rounds as the driver to beat while Mercedes remains the team setting the pace in 2026.
Kimi Antonelli strengthened his case as Formula 1’s newest superstar Sunday, winning the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix and extending Mercedes’ early-season dominance at the iconic Circuit de Monaco.
Antonelli started from pole position after a dramatic qualifying session and controlled the race from the front, navigating the narrow streets of Monte Carlo to claim another victory in his young Formula 1 career.
The Mercedes driver held off Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who finished second, while Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar earned the final spot on the podium with a third-place finish.
The victory continued a remarkable run for Antonelli and Mercedes, who entered Monaco as one of the strongest teams on the grid. The young Italian driver has quickly emerged as one of the defining figures of the 2026 season, putting himself in championship contention.
Hamilton’s second-place finish gave Ferrari another strong result and added to his long history of success at Monaco. The seven-time world champion has consistently performed well at the street circuit, known for rewarding precision and race strategy over outright speed.
Hadjar delivered one of the biggest surprises of the weekend, overcoming a difficult start to finish on the podium. After a challenging practice session and issues throughout the weekend, the Red Bull driver held his position during a race where mistakes are often costly.
The race also brought disappointment for several championship contenders. Max Verstappen’s weekend ended early after an opening-lap incident, while other top drivers struggled to find consistency on the tight Monaco circuit.
Known as one of Formula 1’s most prestigious races, the Monaco Grand Prix often comes down to qualifying, pit strategy and avoiding mistakes rather than overtaking. Antonelli handled all three challenges, securing a statement win on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
With the season continuing, Antonelli now heads into the next rounds as the driver to beat while Mercedes remains the team setting the pace in 2026.
Since President Donald Trump began his second term, the DOJ has filed 52 civil denaturalization complaints, more than double the 24 filed during the four years of the Biden administration.
17 New Cases Announced
On Monday, the DOJ announced it is seeking to strip citizenship from 17 naturalized individuals convicted of offenses including drug trafficking, fraud, and sex crimes.
Federal officials said denaturalization cases target individuals who allegedly obtained citizenship through fraud or by failing to disclose criminal conduct during the naturalization process.
Administration Defends Policy
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said citizenship is a privilege that can be revoked when applicants deceive the government. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed that stance, pledging continued enforcement against individuals accused of abusing the immigration system.
To revoke citizenship, the government must prove in federal court that a person obtained naturalization through fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts.
For more on Trump’s controversial immigration enforcement, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
According to officials, the investigation—dubbed “Project Icarus”—began after a routine certification review uncovered irregularities in the pilot’s credentials. The pilot, who has not been publicly identified, was released following his arrest and is expected to return to court later this month.
Air Canada said the pilot is no longer employed by the airline and has been fined. The company emphasized that passenger safety was not compromised, noting that all pilots undergo mandatory training and regular flight competency checks.
More details pending
The airline also conducted an audit of its pilot workforce and reported finding no other cases of licensing non-compliance.
Police are expected to provide additional details about the investigation during a scheduled news conference.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A suspect is in custody after leading Harris County Constable Precinct 3 deputies on a chase early Tuesday morning.
SkyEye13 was over the brief chase just after 6 a.m. before it came to an end near Purple Sage Road.
Just moments before, Pct. 3 deputies could be seen trying to stop a dark-colored vehicle along Highway 90.
At one point, the chase suspect, trying to get away from deputies, turned into the parking lot of Purple Sage Elementary School before getting back out on the roadway, slowing down, and getting out of the car, which continued to roll forward slowly.
That’s when one officer deployed a Taser and the suspect went to the ground, and he was taken into custody.
No one else appeared to be inside the vehicle.
It’s unclear why deputies were chasing after the suspect, but ABC13 has reached out to Pct. 3 for more information.
