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Harris County Opens Violence Prevention Center in Cypress Station

Indira Zaldivar
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Harris County Opens Violence Prevention Center in Cypress Station

Harris County has just opened a new violence prevention center to address the root causes of violence in Houston’s historically high-crime Cypress Station community.

Gun Violence: A National Crisis

Nationwide, gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S.. Overall, an estimated 125 Americans die every day from gun-related incidents.

A Community-Based Solution

Led by Harris County Public Health, several county partners hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday to inaugurate the new Relentless Interrupters Serving Everyone (RISE) Empowerment Center, located at 16940 Ella Blvd., Suite B-107, Houston, TX 77090. The center is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Friday. It will be fully open once they officially finisn the process of hiring two on-site staff.

Survivor-Led Leadership

“I’ve been shot 17 times, three different incidents, three different states,” said the new RISE Empowerment Center supervisor.

“Two friends were shot 70-something times right a mile from this location.”

Drawing from his own experiences as a survivor of gun violence and trauma, the supervisor welcomed everyone to be heard and helped.

“What brings me to this work is compassion for the things I’ve been through and advocating for people who’ve been in my situation,” he said. “We are relentless interrupters [of violence] who serve everyone.”

Services and Programs at RISE

The RISE center offers a range of anti-violence social services and programs, including training workshops, trauma support, healing programs, and job assistance. A computer lab, gym, recording studio, mindfulness room, kitchen, and two conference rooms are also available to the community.

The computer lab aimed to provide services such as job assistance to the community. Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine.

The RISE program began in 2022 as a community-based solution to reduce gun violence through a public health approach that operates outside of and complements law enforcement efforts. Currently, the RISE team includes around 10 to 15 outreach staff, with two on-site staff members ready to welcome the public.

Sheriff Gonzalez: “Law Enforcement Can’t Do It Alone”

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez gives remarks at the press conference in regard to the new violence prevention center on June 3, 2025. Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez praised violence interruption programs like RISE, calling them “visionary” and noting that they meet people where they are.

“Law enforcement can’t do it alone,” Gonzalez said. “Law enforcement for too long has been on the front lines of three important issues: mental illness, addiction, and poverty. We need supporters and everyone at the table.”

He added: “We can’t incarcerate our way out of every issue in society. We need outreach, mental health care, trauma counseling, and job readiness programs—exactly what the RISE Center is offering right here in the community.”

Gonzalez emphasized that this approach aligns with the county’s holistic strategy.

“I’m grateful that we now have a place in RISE where we can make referrals, stop by, and visit the community in a supportive way,” he said.

A High-Crime Community Linked with Resources

“Cypress Station has historically been a high-crime area in Harris County. Our residents have experienced far too much trauma, too much violence, and for far too long, too little access to support,” Gonzalez added. “The RISE center is more than just a building; it’s a hub of opportunity—a place where young people and adults affected by violence, whether as victims or at risk of becoming offenders, can find resources and real second, fourth, and fifth chances.”

Commissioner Ellis Highlights Proven Success

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis gives remarks at the press conference in regard to the new violence prevention center on June 3, 2025. Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis also spoke at the opening ceremony.

“This space will serve as a hub for those seeking violence prevention services,” Ellis said. “This work is just one key piece in a broader effort to address systemic inequalities that fuel cycles of violence.”

He cited data showing the effectiveness of similar violence interruption programs across the country:

  • Four years after introducing Save Our Streets in the South Bronx, the number of shooting victims decreased by 63%.
  • In Richmond, California, Operation Peacemaker led to a 55% reduction in annual homicides by firearms and a 43% decrease in annual assaults by firearms.
  • In Cherry Hill, Baltimore, Maryland, homicides dropped by 56% and nonfatal shootings by 34% just 18 months after implementing a violence interruption program.

Since the hospital-based violence interruption programs began in 2022, Harris County’s outreach specialists have prevented at least 85 shootings.

A Commitment to Community Safety

“Programs like RISE are so important,” Ellis emphasized. “They reduce the likelihood of gun violence by linking people to the services that have worked—and will help nurture and sustain the connections that keep people away from violence.”

“Through the work of these programs, we’ve seen a decrease in homicides in Harris County over the last four years,” he said. “It’s proven that when we invest in innovation, we can save lives and taxpayer dollars. While the state of Texas may refuse to do so, we are not refusing to do so in Harris County.”

A Vision for the Future

“The groundbreaking work we are doing today is part of a larger vision that imagines law enforcement agencies responding to violent crimes—not mental health emergencies—while providing access to wraparound support to individuals experiencing a crisis. We want every Harris County resident to feel safe in their neighborhoods,” Ellis added.

Harris County has committed nearly $1.6 billion to justice and public safety, the largest allocation in the county’s history. Most of that funding goes to traditional law enforcement, but leaders emphasized that innovative solutions like the RISE Empowerment Center are critical to building safer, healthier communities.

For more news on Harris County, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Small chance for storms next couple of days ahead of Saharan haze and record heat

ABC13 Houston
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Small chance for storms next couple of days ahead of Saharan haze and record heat

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Saharan haze and a heat ridge are building in later this week, but there’s still a small chance for showers and thunderstorms the next couple of days.

A pocket of moisture will blow in Tuesday bringing a few showers and an isolated thunderstorm to the area. Temperatures will warm into the low 90s, which is fairly typical for early June.

Tuesday night we’ll be monitoring a line of storms blowing this way from North Texas. While most evidence points to the line fizzling out overnight, if the line holds together, then we could have some wet streets for the Wednesday morning drive. On the other hand, if we don’t get any storms in the morning, the afternoon heat could bubble up a few showers and thunderstorms. For now we have Wednesday’s rain chance at 40%.

When does the Saharan haze impact us?

A light to moderate about of Saharan haze will blow overhead on Friday, linger through Saturday, and be gone by Sunday. Yes, it is Saharan haze season, which also means it is now hurricane season.

Now that we’re in the summer months, how soon could it hit 100 degrees in Houston?

It could happen as early as this Sunday. We currently have a high of 99 predicted for the day, which would tie the record from 1980. Houston normally doesn’t register the first high of 100 until the second half of July.

How long will that near-triple-digit heat last?

It looks short-lived at this time. We are expecting a major pattern change next week that will bring back a chance for daily downpours. If the rain is widespread enough, high temperatures may not make it out of the 80s.

What’s happening in the tropics?

At this time the Atlantic basin is filled with a Saharan dust cloud, limiting tropical development. There are signs that something may try to spin up over the Gulf late next week, but it’s too far out to get more specific than that. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

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

Saharan dust could return later this week, with potential impacts to the forecast and your health

ABC13 Houston
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Saharan dust could return later this week, with potential impacts to the forecast and your health

It’s that time of year when thick clouds of Saharan dust can traverse across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean. And when conditions are right, weather patterns will send that dust towards the Gulf Coast.

With that being a possibility later this week, ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith takes a closer look at the Saharan Dust forecast and how it can impact the weather and air quality.

Saharan dust is a staple of hurricane season and something forecasters anticipate seeing each year, usually between April and August. These clouds of dust begin off the west coast of Africa and have to travel seven thousand miles across the ocean to reach Houston.

One larger dust cloud over the Caribbean Monday night is expected to travel north, swirl into the Gulf later this week, and linger across the Gulf Coast into the weekend. Current model projections place the highest concentration of dust farther east across Florida and the Bahamas, but southeast Texas isn’t out of the woods yet.

Here are two impacts to know about Saharan dust. When it comes to the tropics, these clouds of dust limit potential storm development during hurricane season. So, good news, it’s a quiet start to the season. The dust clouds are made up of microscopic particles of sand and minerals, which can impact air quality and irritate our respiratory system. The extent of any health impacts from Saharan dust depends on the concentration and how long it lingers overhead. If that’s a possibility, air quality alerts and ozone pollution watches could be issued as a preventative measure.

Dr. Jennifer Ukwu is a primary care physician with Memorial Hermann. In a conversation with ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith, Dr. Ukwu confirmed that Saharan dust doesn’t necessarily lead to new health problems, but it could further agitate the symptoms of those with existing health concerns such as asthma, allergies, or underlying lung conditions.

“Keep an eye on the air quality levels to exercise additional precautions to kind of minimize their triggers for you know, worsening coughing, sneezing, runny nose, things of that nature,” Ukwu said.

And while this may be the first Saharan dust event for the Gulf Coast, it may not be the last. That depends on the status of the West African Monsoon and the trade winds. Which both, at this point, could continue to send plumes of Saharan dust across the deep tropics and parts of the Caribbean this month.

Suspect Charged with Federal Hate Crime in Boulder Attack

Que Onda Editorial
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Suspect Charged with Federal Hate Crime in Boulder Attack

A 45-year-old man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, faces a federal hate crime charge after allegedly attacking a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder on Sunday.

According to an FBI affidavit, Soliman expressed a desire to “kill all Zionist people” and planned the attack for a year.

Attack Details and Victims

Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails at the “Run for Their Lives” demonstration, shouting “Free Palestine.” Twelve people, ages 52 to 88, were burned; at least two remain hospitalized. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn noted that authorities initially reported eight victims, but four more came forward.

Suspect’s Background and Arrest

Soliman, who lived in El Paso County, Colorado, was arrested at the scene. He allegedly learned to make firebombs online and targeted the event after searching for it on the internet. He’s being held on a $10 million bond and faces state charges of attempted murder, assault, and possession of an incendiary device.

Community Reacts to Attack

The attack shocked Boulder’s Jewish community. Linda Foster of Jewish Family Services called the incident “disillusioning” and “brutal.” Rabbi Marc Soloway said six victims were members of Congregation Bonai Shalom; two remain hospitalized, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.

Witnesses Describe Horror

Witness Lisa Turnquist, a regular at the protests, helped extinguish flames on a victim’s legs. She said Soliman appeared suspicious in landscaping clothes and carried a sprayer. “All he had to do would have been to spray me,” she said.

Government Response and Security Concerns

Governor Jared Polis called the attack part of a disturbing trend of antisemitic violence. The Department of Justice charged Soliman with a federal hate crime. Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell emphasized that “no one should be subjected to violence because of their race, ethnicity, or national origin.”

Jewish Organizations on Alert

The Community Security Service, which trains Jewish communities in self-defense, is ramping up efforts. “We have to be vigilant,” said CEO Richard Priem. His organization has trained 15,000 people across the country.

Additional Details

Soliman, an Egyptian national, entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa in 2022 and overstayed it. Authorities found 16 unused firebombs at the scene. The FBI labeled the attack a “terrorist incident,” though Soliman has not been formally charged with terrorism.

Political Fallout

Donald Trump blamed Biden’s border policies, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as “antisemitic” and praised U.S. authorities for acting swiftly.

Community Perseverance

Despite the trauma, the Jewish Community Center and others vowed to continue their events, with increased security.

“When events like this enter our own community, we are shaken,” center officials wrote. “Our hope is that we come together for one another.”

For more updates on the survivors and this tragic story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Toxic Heavy Metals Found in Popular Rice Brands Across the US

Indira Zaldivar
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Toxic Heavy Metals Found in Popular Rice Brands Across the US

A new study from Healthy Babies, Bright Futures, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, reveals that the rice you buy at the store might contain toxic heavy metals. Researchers analyzed 145 rice samples from stores in 20 U.S. cities and found arsenic in 100% of them.

Heavy Metals and Health Risks

The report found “four toxic heavy metals in rice – arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.” According to the study, these contaminants can cause “cancer, developmental harm including IQ loss and accumulation in the body over time.”

Arsenic was found at the highest levels, followed by cadmium. One in four rice samples exceeded the federal limit set for arsenic in infant rice cereal. However, there’s no similar limit for regular rice sold for family meals.

Differences by Type and Origin

Brown rice grown in the southeastern U.S. had the highest levels of heavy metals.

“White rice from the same region also showed higher arsenic levels than rice grown in California,” the study noted. Thai jasmine and Indian basmati rice contained lower levels of heavy metals than other varieties tested.

However, basmati rice from India and arborio rice from Italy had the highest cadmium levels. Lead and mercury were found at lower levels overall.

Industry Response

Michael Klein, a spokesperson for the USA Rice Federation, said that American-grown rice “contains the lowest levels of inorganic arsenic in the world.” He added that “America’s rice farmers and rice companies are fully committed to providing wholesome, high-quality and nutritious food.”

“We know that arsenic in food is alarming for many consumers,” he said.

“And while we do not agree that there is a public health safety issue as a result of trace amounts of arsenic in rice, we will continue to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the U.S. rice supply meets any threshold established.”

Practical Recommendations

Jane Houlihan, research director at Healthy Babies, Bright Futures, recommends practical steps for families to reduce exposure: “cooking rice in extra water and draining it, swapping in other grains like quinoa or barley, and choosing lower-arsenic rice types such as California-grown, Thai jasmine, or Indian basmati.”

The organization is also urging the FDA to set enforceable limits on arsenic in all rice, not just baby cereal, to better protect children and families nationwide.

For more health tips, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine daily.

Eruption at Mt. Etna Forces Tourists to Flee

Indira Zaldivar
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Eruption at Mt. Etna Forces Tourists to Flee

A powerful eruption at Italy’s Mt. Etna on Monday forced tourists to flee as a plume of gas, ash, and rock rose “several kilometers high” above the popular volcano, Italian authorities reported.

Tour Groups Caught in the Chaos

Footage on social media shows long lines of tourists escaping downhill.

“We were nearly grazed—look at this cloud here,” Giuseppe Panfallo said, a guide with Go Etna, in a video shared with CNN.

“An immense smoke, immense, immense roar.”

No Casualties Reported

Sicilian Civil Protection confirmed that tour operators were being contacted to ensure everyone was safe. Authorities have closed roads near the eruption to keep people away.

Observatory: Partial Collapse and Lava Flows

The eruption—one of the largest since 2014—caused a partial collapse of the northern flank of the southeast crater, producing lava flows. Explosions were heard as far as Taormina and Catania.

Airports Remain Open, Flights Diverted

No ash is expected to reach Catania city, but authorities remain vigilant. Airports in Catania and Palermo remain open, though some flights have been diverted.

Pyroclastic Eruption Confirmed

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory described the event as a pyroclastic eruption, with a deadly mix of gases, lava grains, ash, and rock fragments descending the slopes.

No Immediate Threat to Nearby Cities

While Mt. Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, eruptions like this often subside quickly. Nonetheless, authorities remain on high alert to protect residents and tourists.

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

Supreme Court Declines to Review Assault-Style Weapon Bans

Indira Zaldivar
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Supreme Court Declines to Review Assault-Style Weapon Bans

The Supreme Court on June 2 let Maryland’s ban on assault-style weapons and Rhode Island’s ban on high-capacity magazines stand, choosing not to weigh in on whether they meet constitutional standards.

Divided Opinions Among Justices

Conservative Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Clarence Thomas dissented, saying they would have taken up the issue. “I would not wait to decide whether the government can ban the most popular rifle in America,” Thomas wrote, referencing AR-15s.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh also suggested the court should address the AR-15 issue soon, noting they’re in “common use” and potentially protected under the Second Amendment.

History-Based Test Creates Confusion

Maryland argued its ban is constitutional because it targets exceptionally dangerous weapons. Gun rights advocates countered that AR-15s are popular, showing there’s a history of allowing them.

Since the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision, lower courts have struggled with applying the “history and tradition” test. Chief Judge Albert Diaz of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals described the standard as a “labyrinth” in need of clarity.

Recent Rulings Offer Limited Guidance

In a 2024 decision, the Supreme Court upheld a gun law for domestic violence victims, but provided little clarity on how the test applies to assault weapons bans. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that regulations only need a “historical analogue” — not an exact match — to be constitutional.

Maryland and Rhode Island Restrictions

Maryland enacted its ban after the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, prohibiting dozens of firearms including AK-47s and certain AR-15s. Nine other states and D.C. have similar laws.

Rhode Island’s 2022 ban makes it a felony to possess magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld it, arguing large-capacity magazines aren’t necessary for self-defense.

Gun Control Debate Continues

Gun rights groups warn that if AR-15s can be banned, other firearms could face restrictions too. Courts are still determining how to apply the Supreme Court’s evolving Second Amendment standards, meaning the debate is far from over.

For more updates on the Supreme Court, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Jocelyn’s law failed in legislature, but her murder suspects expected back in court today

ABC13 Houston
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Jocelyn’s law failed in legislature, but her murder suspects expected back in court today

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The two men charged in the death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray are expected back in court for a hearing on Monday.

While Jocelyn’s law failed to make it out of the Texas House, the fight for justice in the 12-year-old’s murder continues in court today.

Senate Joint Resolution 1 would have changed the Texas constitution by preventing bail for those not lawfully in the country accused of certain crimes.

It was named after Jocelyn, who was found murdered, allegedly at the hands of two men in this country illegally.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on on Dec. 13, 2024, that her office will seek the death penalty against Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Pena, two Venezuelan nationals who are charged with sexual assault and murder in Jocelyn’s death.

Both are being held in the Harris County Jail.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with the trial of Jocelyn Nungaray’s suspected murderers with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Warmer and drier week ahead, near triple-digit this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Warmer and drier week ahead, near triple-digit this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The forecast is drying out on Monday after a storm brought heavy rain to our northern counties overnight.

Temperatures are starting in the 70s, with highs climbing into the low to mid-90s across the region this afternoon and feels-like temps in the triple-digits.

How about the outlook for the first full week of June?

It’s definitely going to feel like summer this week! Our Gulf Coast humidity will be back next week and lead to humid mornings and steamy afternoons. Afternoon highs will consistently be in the low-mid 90s each day, and we can’t necessarily rule out a stray shower or storm any day Tuesday through Friday this week.

What’s the next big thing to know with regard to our Houston weather?

Well, it looks like the first heat dome of summer will arrive later this week. Afternoon highs Friday through Monday will be in the mid-upper 90s with a heat index that could make it feel like 105 degrees outside. This hot stretch could also include steamy mornings with morning lows near 80 degrees.

Hurricane season started Sunday, what can we expect this season?

We expect an active season. Both hurricane outlooks from NOAA and Colorado State University predict an above-normal season. But at this time, the tropics are quiet heading into the 2025 season with several plumes of Saharan Dust limiting tropical activity for now.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Faces Tough Competition at the Box Office

Indira Zaldivar
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‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Faces Tough Competition at the Box Office

Sony’s “Karate Kid: Legends” is off to a rocky start, opening with a modest $21 million domestically — falling short of earlier projections that hoped for at least $25 million. Even pairing original star Ralph Macchio with martial arts icon Jackie Chan wasn’t enough to propel the film past third place. The movie, starring Ben Wang as the titular hero, also earned $12 million internationally, bringing its early global total to $47 million.

The PG-13 film arrived with solid audience support (an A- CinemaScore) but mixed critical reviews. Some analysts speculate that fans may feel the franchise fatigue after six seasons of Netflix’s “Cobra Kai,” which just ended earlier this year. Compared to the 2010 “Karate Kid” reboot, which opened to $55 million, this new installment is underperforming.

Meanwhile, Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” continued to dominate, adding a stunning $63 million domestically in its second weekend and racing past $610 million worldwide. The live-action remake is expected to join the billion-dollar club soon, reinforcing Disney’s box office dominance and helping the studio surpass $2 billion in worldwide ticket sales this year.

Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” also held strong in second place, with $27.2 million domestically and a global total of nearly $354 million. The film is boosted by its exclusive IMAX release and remains a powerhouse in overseas markets, particularly in China.

Elsewhere, horror flick “Bring Her Back” from A24 opened with $7.1 million, while “Final Destination: Bloodlines” continued its steady run with $10.8 million, totaling $229.3 million globally. Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme” achieved the highest per-theater average of the year, debuting in six U.S. theaters with $95,000 per location.

Despite its soft opening, “Karate Kid: Legends” remains in the fight, with Sony optimistic about its legs thanks to positive audience word-of-mouth and a reasonable $45 million production budget. But with heavy-hitters like “Lilo & Stitch” and “Mission: Impossible” drawing huge crowds, the road to success for “Legends” may be tougher than expected.

For more entertainment news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine daily.

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