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Father dies after allegedly being placed in chokehold by teenage son n W. Harris County, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A family disturbance turned fatal following an apparent incident with a father and his young son, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez posted on social media that deputies responded to the 21400 block of Sagrantino Court on Tuesday morning.

HCSO said that deputies found the man being held in a chokehold by his teenage son. Officials said the son may be 15-years-old.

Gonzalez said the man was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

It is unclear at this time what led to the incident or who called the authorities. HCSO said investigators are on scene to try to determine the timeline.

ABC13 has a crew on the way to the scene to uncover additional information.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Mom accused of abandoning 2 daughters for weeks in Katy-area home, authorities say

KATY, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities in Katy are searching for a woman they said left her two young daughters’ home alone for weeks, according to court documents.

Rayshawna Dowdell is accused of leaving her 11-year-old and 6-year-old in mid-February. Court documents state that the 11-year-old told investigators she was responsible for caring for her younger sister, including preparing for school and getting food.

Documents add that a neighbor called authorities at the end of March, saying the girls were staying with her after she met them at the park, and they told her they’d been living alone.

Deputies said they found messages from the 11-year-old girl to Dowdell, “expressing distress, lack of food, fear,” and inability to care for her 6-year-old sister.

During an investigation into the case, court documents state Dowdell admitted to being out of state, claiming she was at a funeral. Investigators said the children were eventually found at a home in Ohio, where Dowdell has deep ties, during a welfare check, but didn’t elaborate.

Authorities said Dowdell is still on the run.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Here comes the humidity! Stormy front to follow Wednesday night

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Humid Gulf air is flowing back over Houston, and this will set the stage for showers and thunderstorms when our next cool front arrives Wednesday night.

Instead of lows in the 50s, lows Tuesday morning will settle closer to the 70-degree mark. We should start the day with a mostly cloudy sky. Sunshine breaking through the clouds will push highs toward seasonal averages in the mid 80s. While we cannot rule out a stray shower, most will stay rain-free.

When do the rain chances peak this week?

This will occur Wednesday night and Thursday. That’s when a cool front will slowly push through Southeast Texas. Rain chances are low during the daytime at just 30%, but it will come to 60% at night. Some of the storms that develop late Wednesday could even turn severe with gusty winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall the main hazards. A tornado cannot be ruled out. Rain chances remain at 60% in the cooler air behind the front on Thursday. Temperatures will warm from the 60s into the 70s, so it won’t be as cool as our last front.

How does it look for Mother’s Day weekend?

It looks humid all over again! The Gulf air will be blowing back in, pushing lows back toward 70 and highs into the mid 80s. There’s also a 30% chance of rain on Saturday and a 40% chance on Sunday. Most of the rain Sunday is expected to occur late in the day and at night when another weak cool front blows toward Houston.

What’s the latest on drought conditions with all this rain?

In some places, yes! We’ve already seen the drought end over parts of Houston, and last week’s round of rain likely ended it over more of Houston and Harris County. We’ll get official word on Thursday when the new Drought Monitor report is released. Expect drought improvement just about everywhere in Southeast Texas.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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.

Suspected Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship Deaths

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Health officials are investigating a cluster of suspected Hantavirus cases tied to the MV Hondius, after three passengers died and several others fell ill.

What Happened Onboard

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one case has been лаборатorily confirmed and five others are suspected. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently off the coast of Cape Verde with 149 մարդկանց on board.

The deaths occurred between April 11 and May 2. Two victims were a Dutch couple, while a third passenger of German nationality also died. At least one patient remains in critical condition after testing positive.

Response and Safety Measures

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with additional testing underway to confirm the cause of illness. The WHO is coordinating response efforts, including medical evacuations and risk assessments.

Onboard, strict health protocols have been implemented, including isolation, hygiene measures, and continuous monitoring of passengers and crew.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare but serious virus primarily spread through contact with infected rodents, especially via droppings, urine, or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.

The virus can cause severe illnesses such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which affects the lungs, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which impacts the kidneys.

Symptoms and Risks

Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, followed by coughing and breathing difficulties as the disease progresses. The fatality rate for severe respiratory cases can reach nearly 40%.

Treatment and Outlook

There is no specific cure for hantavirus. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including oxygen therapy or intensive care for severe cases.

Officials emphasize that confirmed cases remain limited, but the situation is being closely monitored as investigations continue.

For more health recommendations and guidelines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Keith Urban to Headline Houston’s Freedom Over Texas 2026

Country superstar Keith Urban will headline Houston’s 2026 Freedom Over Texas celebration on July 4 at Eleanor Tinsley Park, city officials announced.

Star-Studded Lineup & Fireworks

Opening acts include Los Lonely Boys and Collective Soul, leading into a fireworks finale. Gates open at 3 p.m., with live music starting around 4 p.m. and festivities running through the evening.

Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

This year’s event marks the nation’s 250th anniversary, making it a special edition of Houston’s signature Independence Day celebration. Mayor John Whitmire said the event will highlight unity, pride, and the city’s vibrant culture.

New Attractions & Family Fun

A new “Futbol Park” at Sam Houston Park will feature soccer-themed games and watch areas, aligning with major soccer events happening in Houston. The festival will also include kid-friendly zones, live entertainment, food vendors, and tributes to military members and first responders.

Tickets & Event Info

Admission is $15, while children 12 and under get in free. Attendees can bring lawn chairs, umbrellas, and refillable water containers. Parking will be available downtown, with public transit options encouraged.

With live music, family activities, and a major milestone celebration, Freedom Over Texas 2026 is set to be one of Houston’s biggest July 4 events yet.

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

SkyEye13 images show crews responding to overturned tanker on Highway 6 at Westheimer Road

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Emergency crews responded to an overturned tanker on State Highway 6 at Westheimer Road on Monday afternoon, SkyEye13 video shows.

According to Houston TranStar, the incident happened at 12:08 p.m. on Monday at 2499 South State Highway 6 near the 14500 block of Westheimer Road. TranStar is reporting the incident as a “Major Accident.” The scene had been cleared as of 2:20 p.m., according to Houston TranStar.

The Houston Fire Department said that no one died from the incident, describing it as a single-vehicle crash, with initial investigation indicating water spilled from the vehicle.

It is unclear whether there were any injuries or the status of the wrecker truck’s driver.

SkyEye13 flew over the scene on Monday at around 12:55 p.m., showing the overturned tanker at the corner of the intersection with Hydroz Environmental written on the side.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Domestic violence advocates push for action after Harris County killing leaves children hiding

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Three children were forced to run and hide after a man allegedly shot and killed his wife inside their Harris County home over the weekend, authorities said.

Deputies arrested 43-year-old Jose Romero on a murder charge after the shooting Saturday at a home on Texarkana Street. Investigators say Romero admitted to shooting his wife, Yanira Nafin, claiming she did not take his back pain seriously.

RELATED: Man accused in shooting death of common-law wife inside east Harris Co. home, sheriff says

The killing marks another domestic violence case in a region that sees tens of thousands of related calls each year.

According to Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), Harris County has received between 45,000 and 50,000 domestic violence calls annually over the past three years. Advocates say reducing that number remains a major challenge.Recent data compiled by AVDA highlights troubling trends:

  • 52% of victims sought help before they were killed
  • 75% of domestic violence homicides occur when a victim is attempting to leave
  • 59% of victims who sought shelter were turned away due to lack of space

Advocates said those numbers reflect gaps in resources and support systems for people trying to escape abusive situations.

Monique Oliverez knows those challenges firsthand. She lost her mother, Monica Oliverez, in March in what authorities said was another domestic violence killing. Her mother’s boyfriend, Eric Goosby, has been charged with murder.

“We tried getting her help, but she decided she was grown, so she let it go,” Oliverez said. “That’s not how it should’ve been.”Community advocates said prevention efforts must start earlier, including educating children about healthy relationships.

“We need it in the school system. We need to know what self-love is first,” Elissa Boudreaux of Lotus Worldwide Consulting said. “If they can figure out what self-love is, that’s your prevention right there.”

Others emphasize the importance of community involvement when someone may be in danger.

“Don’t ask why they stayed,” Boudreaux said. “Just ask what you can do to help them.”

AVDA is expected to present its latest report on domestic violence trends and support services to the Houston City Council’s Public Safety Committee on Monday, May 3.If you need help getting out of a domestic violence situation, call the Houston Area Women’s Center 24/7 hotline at 713-528-2121 or call AVDA at 713-224-9911. You can also click here to chat with an advocate online. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and need help, call 713-528-3625.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Clean-up underway after Coca-Cola truck loses load, causes backup on N. Freeway near The Woodlands

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Clean-up is underway, and traffic on the North Freeway near The Woodlands is heavily congested after a crash involving a Coca-Cola truck.

The crash happened Monday morning just after 5:30 a.m., according to Houston TranStar.

SkyEye13 flew over the scene where the lanes near Montgomery and Oak Ridge were seen at a standstill as crews worked to clear the single truck crash.

The truck’s side panel appeared to have detached from the box trailer, causing pallets of drink products to spill across the lanes.

Officials said at least one lane is moving, but it is unclear how long it will take to clear the roadways.

At this time, no injuries were reported. So far, no word on what caused the truck’s paneling to detach.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Brett Ligon Wins Texas Senate Special Election

Republican Brett Ligon, the former Montgomery County district attorney, has won a special election for a Texas Senate seat, reinforcing GOP strength in the region.

Victory in Senate District 4

Ligon defeated Democrat Ron Angeletti, an educator and small-business owner, in Saturday’s race. The seat became vacant after Brandon Creighton stepped down to serve as chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.

Ligon will serve the remainder of Creighton’s term until the next legislative session begins in January. Both candidates are expected to face off again in November for a full four-year term.

Strong Republican Hold

Senate District 4, which includes parts of Chambers, Harris, Jefferson, and Montgomery counties, is considered a Republican stronghold. The district backed Donald Trump by a wide margin in the 2024 election, making it one of the most reliably conservative areas in the Texas Senate.

In a victory statement, Ligon emphasized continued Republican dominance, saying voters delivered a clear message in support of conservative values.

GOP Leadership Reacts

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick praised the outcome, calling it a sign of unity and strength within the Republican Party. He added that the GOP remains well-positioned heading into November elections.

The win follows a recent Democratic upset in a North Texas special election, giving Republicans added motivation to maintain control of key legislative seats.

What’s Next

Although the district has gone months without representation since Creighton’s departure, the Texas Legislature is not currently in session. Lawmakers are set to reconvene in January, when Ligon will officially take part in legislative duties.

With a rematch already scheduled, all eyes will be on November as both parties test their momentum in this closely watched race.

For the latest on Texas elections, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.