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Jill Sobule, singer of iconic songs ‘I Kissed a Girl’ and ‘Supermodel,’ dead at 66 in house fire

ABC13 Houston
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Jill Sobule, singer of iconic songs ‘I Kissed a Girl’ and ‘Supermodel,’ dead at 66 in house fire

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

MINNEAPOLIS, Mnn. — Jill Sobule, singer of 1995 hit tracks “I Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel,” has died at the age of 66.

Sobule died early Thursday morning in a house fire, according to a statement from her publicity firm.

It happened in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Denver-born singer’s song “I Kissed a Girl,” off of her 1995 self-titled album, became the first openly LGBTQ-themed song to chart on the Billboard Top 20.

She is perhaps best known for her single “Supermodel,” also off her self-titled album, which was her second. “Supermodel” was prominently featured in the popular 1995 movie “Clueless,” helping Sobule break through to the mainstream.

John Porter, Jill’s manager, said in a statement that Sobule was “a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture” and that he hopes her “music, memory, & legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”

Sobule’s musical career spanned over three decades, starting in the 1990s with her debut album “Things Here are Different,” which was produced by rock legend and record producer Todd Rundgren. The record was known for its track “Too Cool to Fall in Love.”

Her musical oeuvre includes 12 albums that take on issues including the death penalty, disordered eating and LGBTQ+ issues, among other topics. She performed with Neil Young, Cyndi Lauper and Tom Morello, among many others.

Sobule released her seventh studio album “California Years” in 2009 and then went on an extended break from releasing music. In 2018, she released what is now her final album, “Nostalgia Kills.”

“I was my own procrastinatrix, is what I call it,” she told Billboard in a 2018 interview about her long break between albums. “I started loving music again – loving listening, loving writing and the original spirit of why I did this in the first place, I suppose.”

Sobule added that she loved to perform, “and I love telling the stories of the songs.”

According to her website, Sobule was set to perform this weekend in Colorado, with further dates planned throughout the US into the summer and fall.

Her PR firm’s statement said there will be a formal memorial celebrating the singer’s life and legacy later this year.

Sobule is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, her nephews, cousins and friends.

(The-CNN-Wire & 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

Young Adults with Colon Cancer Reveal Missed Warning Signs

Indira Zaldivar
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Young Adults with Colon Cancer Reveal Missed Warning Signs

Colon Cancer Rising in Young People
Colon cancer diagnoses are increasing among people under 45, yet early symptoms often mimic gastrointestinal issues like IBS or celiac disease. This overlap leads to frequent misdiagnoses and delayed treatment.

Commonly Overlooked Symptoms
Early symptoms of colon cancer can include:

  • Bloating
  • Abdominal discomfort or pain
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Thin stools
  • A feeling of heaviness during bowel movements
  • Fatigue or anemia
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in stool (bright red or black)

These symptoms often overlap with non-cancerous digestive conditions, making it easy for both patients and doctors to assume a less serious cause.

@dominiquemcshain So nervous posting this but if you want to follow my journey with colorectal cancer I will be sharing parts of my life here. #cancer #colorectalcancer #incurable #youngcancerfighter ♬ original sound – Dominique McShain

Why It Gets Missed
Roughly 45% of Americans experience some type of digestive issue, which can mask or delay a cancer diagnosis. Because colonoscopies are expensive and invasive, doctors may hesitate to order them for younger patients unless there’s a strong reason — such as family history or severe symptoms.

False Improvement from Diet Changes
Some individuals with undiagnosed colon cancer may experience temporary relief from symptoms after adjusting their diets, such as eating more fiber or going gluten-free. This can create a false sense of improvement, further delaying diagnosis.

When to Push for Screening
Doctors recommend colon cancer screening starting at age 45 in the U.S., but experts say younger adults with persistent or unexplained symptoms should not wait. Alarm symptoms — like blood in stool, anemia, or rapid weight loss — warrant immediate medical attention and possibly a colonoscopy.

Advocating for Proper Diagnosis
If symptoms persist or worsen, and especially if initial tests are inconclusive, seeking a second opinion is essential. A true diagnosis of conditions like celiac disease requires both blood tests and biopsies — assumptions aren’t enough.

Keep up with more health tips with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Judge Blocks Trump’s Use of Alien Enemies Act for Venezuelan Deportations

Edward Saenz
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Texas Judge Blocks Trump’s Use of Alien Enemies Act for Venezuelan Deportations

Ruling Declares Use of Wartime Law Unlawful
A federal judge in Texas has permanently blocked the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to detain or deport Venezuelans in the Southern District of Texas. U.S. District Judge Fernandez Rodriguez, a Trump appointee, ruled that the March 15 invocation of the AEA “exceeds the scope” of the law and is therefore unlawful.

What the Alien Enemies Act Is—And Isn’t
The Alien Enemies Act, a centuries-old wartime statute, allows the president to deport noncitizens during an invasion or predatory incursion by a foreign power. Trump used it to justify the removal of Venezuelans allegedly linked to Tren de Aragua, a violent gang he labeled a “hybrid criminal state” invading the U.S.

However, Judge Rodriguez concluded that Trump failed to demonstrate that Tren de Aragua’s actions met the legal definition of an “invasion.” He noted that the proclamation lacked any evidence of an organized, armed effort directed by Venezuela.

Quote from the Ruling
“The President cannot summarily declare that a foreign nation or government has perpetrated an invasion, then identify alien enemies for removal,” Rodriguez wrote. He emphasized that courts must retain the authority to interpret the scope of such statutes.

Legal and Political Context
The ruling comes amid a broader legal fight over Trump’s attempt to deport two planeloads of alleged migrant gang members to El Salvador under a $6 million agreement with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. ICE admitted many deportees had no U.S. criminal records, though officials claimed they were still national security threats.

Impact of the Ruling
While other courts have issued temporary blocks on AEA-based deportations, Judge Rodriguez’s decision is the first to rule directly on the law’s validity. The order does not prevent the government from pursuing deportation under other laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Next Steps
Though the Supreme Court has allowed some AEA-based deportations to continue, it also mandated due process rights for detainees. Legal challenges to the Trump administration’s immigration actions remain ongoing.

Keep up with the Trump administration with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Administration Ends $1 Billion School Mental Health Grant Program

Indira Zaldivar
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Trump Administration Ends $1 Billion School Mental Health Grant Program

The Trump administration has announced it will not renew $1 billion in federal grants originally launched under President Biden to expand mental health services in schools.

Grants Cut Amid Shift in Priorities

According to a U.S. Department of Education spokesperson, the decision was made because the grants did not align with the administration’s goals.

“These grants were intended to support student mental health,” Madison Biedermann, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications wrote in a statement to ABC News.

“Instead, the Biden administration pushed race-based hiring practices that do not address actual mental health needs.”

The grants were part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, passed in response to the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The legislation provided historic funding to increase the number of school counselors, psychologists, and social workers over five years.

Critics Warn of Impact on Students

Education and mental health leaders warn the cuts could have serious consequences.

“This is a direct attack on the well-being of children,” said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. “The progress made through bipartisan efforts is being erased.”

Dr. Tish Brookins, a certified social worker in Kentucky, said the loss of funding will result in “missed opportunities, deepened trauma, and diminished futures.”

“Mental health support in schools is not a luxury. It is a necessity,” Brookins added.

Part of Broader Rollback of Equity Programs

The decision comes as the Trump administration works to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools. Conservative activist Christopher Rufo praised the move, calling the mental health grants a “slush fund for activists.”

Despite legal challenges to the administration’s push to roll back DEI programs, the Education Department continues to pivot federal policy toward its new priorities.

Growing Youth Mental Health Crisis

The grant program was created in response to a growing youth mental health crisis, worsened by pandemic-related disruptions. Under the Biden administration, schools received targeted funding to address social isolation, anxiety, and learning setbacks among students.

Former White House officials say the goal was to double the number of mental health professionals in schools nationwide.

Now, with the program discontinued, educators and advocates are concerned that children will lose vital support.

With May observed as Mental Health Awareness Month, many are left feeling frustrated.

Keep up with the Trump administration with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Lawsuit claims Roblox, Discord failed to protect Galveston girl from alleged predator

ABC13 Houston
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Lawsuit claims Roblox, Discord failed to protect Galveston girl from alleged predator

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — A federal lawsuit claims that two popular gaming platforms failed to protect a child in Galveston from an alleged predator.

The victim’s mother said she uses parental controls on her children’s devices, but still, her 13-year-old daughter ended up sexually assaulted by a man she met on the children’s game Roblox and chatted on the app Discord.

The parents have filed a federal lawsuit, trying to make a change in how these gaming platforms operate.

The family’s attorney said the girl was systematically groomed and sexually exploited on both Roblox and Discord.

The lawsuit alleges that about three years ago, when the girl was 13, she was sexually assaulted after a man who allegedly groomed her online snuck into her home and recorded the abuse.

The victim’s mother said she even had certain chat features disabled, but that didn’t stop the inappropriate conversations and sexual exploitation from happening.

“Essentially, she was this vibrant student. She had artistic aspirations, and now she struggles constantly with fear, moments of dissociation, and she has basically lost her sense of safety and innocence,” Kristen Feden, the victim’s attorney, said.

Feden said the law firm is investigating hundreds of similar cases across the country.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Learn more about online safety with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Scattered downpours expected Thursday afternoon

ABC13 Houston
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Scattered downpours expected Thursday afternoon

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston area is still dealing with a few showers and thunderstorms.

A line of thunderstorms fizzled Thursday morning, but we anticipate some areas getting scattered downpours Thursday afternoon and evening. High temperatures will warm in the mid to upper 80s.

We still have a cool front penciled in for Friday, and it will be a focus point for a line of showers and thunderstorms to form. That line is expected to taper off by Friday night into Saturday.

I hear it should be event stormier on Friday. Why?

We have a stormy cool front blowing in! This line of storms should be fairly solid and blow through during the afternoon. Because this will occur during the peak heating of the day, the atmosphere will again be extremely unstable, so the storms could produce severe hail and wind gusts. The rain should dwindle for the evening.

How does the weather look for the weekend?

We expect the front blowing in Friday’s storms will push just far enough into Southeast Texas to give most of us a pleasant humidity drop with lows in the mid 60s Saturday and low 60s Sunday. The front won’t completely clear Southeast Texas until Saturday afternoon, so there could still be some showers and thunderstorms southwest of Houston toward Matagorda Bay. High temperatures will warm into the low 80s, a little below average for the first week of May.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Texas lawmakers advance bill to ban kids from social media

Edward Saenz
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Texas lawmakers advance bill to ban kids from social media

The Texas House of Representatives has passed two bills aimed at increasing online safety for minors and sent them to the Senate. One bill proposes a ban on social media for minors, while the other would mandate social media platforms to display warning labels about potential mental health impacts.

These legislative efforts reflect a growing concern among Texas lawmakers regarding the dangers children face online. House Bill 186, authored by Representative Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), is a key piece of this initiative. It seeks to prevent minors from creating social media accounts, implement age verification for new users, and grant parents the authority to demand the deletion of their child’s account, requiring companies to comply within 10 days. Patterson emphasized the bill’s significance, stating it would allow children “to be kids again.” The bill passed the House with 116 votes.

The House also passed House Bill 499, introduced by Representative Mary González (D-Clint). This bill would require social media platforms to include a warning label addressing the link between social media use by minors and significant mental health issues. González drew a parallel to cigarette warning labels, noting their effectiveness.

Both bills are anticipated to receive support in the Senate, potentially leading to new regulations for platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram later this year or early next year. However, if enacted, these laws are expected to face legal challenges from tech companies, which often argue that such government mandates infringe upon First Amendment free speech rights.

Other related bills, including House Bill 4456, which would mandate age verification, and House Bill 4338, focused on requiring third-party safety software for managing children’s online interactions, are currently under consideration in committees.

These legislative actions are part of a broader trend in Texas and other states to address the negative impacts of social media. Patterson stressed the urgency of these measures, warning that the harms observed in children today will worsen without intervention.

Studies indicate widespread social media use among youth, with 95% of 13- to 17-year-olds reporting usage and over a third being online “almost constantly.” Furthermore, nearly 40% of children aged 8 to 12 use social media despite minimum age requirements, leading to concerns about the long-term effects on this “chronically online” generation.

A third of eligible Houston employees accept buyout package, saving city $11M this fiscal year

ABC13 Houston
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A third of eligible Houston employees accept buyout package, saving city $11M this fiscal year

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — More than 1,000 City of Houston employees will show up to work for the last time on Thursday after accepting a retirement buyout package.

In March, Mayor John Whitmire exclusively told ABC13 that the retirement incentive package was being introduced to help combat the city’s projected $330 million budget shortfall.

About a third of the 3,000 eligible city employees accepted the retirement package.

On Wednesday, City Finance Director Melissa Dubowski told the Houston City Council the retirements are expected to slash the budget deficit, saving approximately $11 million in the city’s general fund this fiscal year and more than $30 million the following.

Houston’s first Black city secretary, Pat Daniels, accepted the package after over 40 years of city service. Whitmire issued a proclamation in her honor on Wednesday, declaring it Pat Daniels Day.

“I was in this office when I was, I guess, 23,” smiled Daniels. “I said I was gonna stay for two years, and here I am. Those two years turned into 41. I’m just thankful.”

U.S. Economy Shrinks at Start of Trump’s Second Term

Indira Zaldivar
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U.S. Economy Shrinks at Start of Trump’s Second Term

Economic Growth Reverses

The U.S. economy contracted at an annualized rate of 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant reversal from the 2.4% growth seen at the end of 2024, according to data from the U.S. Commerce Department.

The contraction followed a wave of tariff proposals from President Donald Trump’s administration that sparked widespread uncertainty among businesses and consumers.

Imports Spike Ahead of Tariffs

The drop in GDP was largely driven by a surge in imports—up more than 40%—as businesses stockpiled goods ahead of new tariffs set to take effect in April, including the so-called Liberation Day tariffs.

“The decline in GDP primarily reflected an increase in imports,” the Commerce Department said. Economists noted that the GDP formula subtracts imports to avoid counting foreign production, meaning the spike in early-year shipments distorted the numbers.

Federal Spending, Consumer Confidence Down

Federal government spending also fell by about 5% during the same period. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment worsened as markets responded to policy uncertainty.

S&P Global Ratings warned in a note to clients: “We anticipate a marked slowdown in the U.S. economy during the first quarter, driven by increasing policy uncertainty surrounding trade, tariffs, and immigration.”

They added that the data might not fully reflect the economy’s true condition:
“The first-quarter GDP reading may not provide an accurate reflection of underlying economic conditions because it’s significantly influenced by the frontloading of imports.”

Recession or Not?

While one quarter of economic contraction doesn’t confirm a recession, analysts are closely watching whether a second consecutive decline will follow. The National Bureau of Economic Research uses a broader range of indicators to determine recessions.

Despite this contraction, some economic fundamentals remain strong:

  • Unemployment is near historic lows
  • Job growth continues, albeit slower
  • Inflation has eased significantly from its 2022 peak

Fed Chair Offers Cautious Optimism

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell commented earlier this month at the Economic Club of Chicago, saying the U.S. economy remains in a “solid condition,” but warned of possible turbulence ahead.

“Life moves pretty fast,” Powell said.

Keep up with the U.S. economy during Trump’s second administration with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Tornado Watch until 8 pm north of Houston, Harris County NOT included

ABC13 Houston
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Tornado Watch until 8 pm north of Houston, Harris County NOT included

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Tornado Watch has been issued for our northern counties until 8pm including Brazos, Walker, Grimes, Burleson, Washington, and Trinity Counties.

A few tornadoes, scattered hail up to ping pong size, and damaging winds up to 70 mph will be possible within the watch area. This threat will materialize as a line of storms moves south from central Texas late this afternoon into the evening. This line of storms should weaken as it gets closer to I-10 but an isolated strong to severe storm cannot be ruled out anywhere in the area.

Before that line moves in, we could see scattered showers moving through SE Texas. It’ll also be breezy with warm afternoon temps.

What are rain chances looking like during this unsettled weather pattern?

Rain chances rise to 60% Wednesday night and 40% for Thursday when scattered thunderstorms could redevelop in the unstable air. The rain chance remains high on Friday when a weak cool front blows in from the north. We have your chance of rain Friday at 60%. The front will still be close enough Saturday for a 40% chance of additional showers and thunderstorms, especially southwest of Houston.

Any potential severe weather for Houston?

It’s possible that we could see severe storms especially north of Houston Wednesday evening. The risk goes down as you move south through SE Texas. Thursday and Friday are certainly days to watch for severe weather with the atmosphere extremely unstable.

How does the weather look for the weekend?

We expect the front blowing in Friday’s storms will push just far enough into Southeast Texas to give most of us a little humidity drop with lows in the mid 60s both days this weekend. The front won’t completely clear Southeast Texas, so there could still be some showers and thunderstorms southwest of Houston toward Matagorda Bay. High temperatures will still warm into the low-to-mid 80s, which is typical for the first week of May.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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