76 F
Houston
Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Home Blog Page 99

Protests Escalate Across Iran

Edward Saenz
-
0
Protests Escalate Across Iran

Anti-government demonstrations are spreading across Iran, entering a second week as public anger over economic hardship has evolved into a broader challenge to the country’s clerical leadership established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Deadly Crackdown Reported

At least 116 people have been killed and more than 2,600 detained during the unrest, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Iranian authorities have warned protesters they could face severe punishment, including the death penalty, if deemed “enemies of God.”

Opposition Voices Call for Change

Exiled opposition figures say the protests reflect a nationwide rejection of authoritarian rule. Shahin Gobadi, a spokesperson for the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), described the demonstrations as an uprising aimed at dismantling the current system and replacing it with a democratic republic. He said protesters have rejected both Iran’s former monarchy and its current theocratic leadership.

International Support and Exile Statements

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s deposed shah, urged demonstrators to remain in the streets, signaling continued support from figures abroad. Protests in solidarity with Iranian demonstrators have also taken place outside the country, including in Europe.

Trump Issues Warnings to Tehran

President Donald Trump said Iran may be “looking at freedom like never before” and warned that the U.S. would respond if authorities used lethal force against protesters. He later said the United States was prepared to “hit them very hard where it hurts,” while the State Department cautioned Iran against testing the administration.

Military Options Discussed

U.S. officials have reportedly discussed possible military responses if the situation escalates, including airstrikes on Iranian targets. No final decisions have been announced, but the talks come as Iran continues to recover from last year’s conflict with Israel and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Tehran Pushes Back

Iranian leaders have accused the U.S. of fueling the unrest and warned that any American attack would prompt retaliation against U.S. bases and assets in the region. Officials insist they will distinguish between legitimate protests and what they describe as violent acts.

Unrest Echoes Past Protests

The demonstrations mark the most significant unrest since 2022, when nationwide protests erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody of Iran’s morality police. Human rights groups say hundreds were killed during that crackdown, underscoring the risks facing today’s protesters.

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

Trump Portrait Updated at National Portrait Gallery

Indira Zaldivar
-
0
Trump Portrait Updated at National Portrait Gallery

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery has unveiled a new photographic portrait of President Donald Trump while removing most accompanying text that previously referenced his two impeachments and the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, according to The Washington Post.

New Image Takes Prominent Placement

The updated black-and-white portrait, taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok, shows Trump seated at the Resolute Desk with his fists resting on the surface, looking directly into the camera. The image now replaces former President Joe Biden’s portrait at the entrance of the “America’s Presidents” exhibit. Trump also shared the image on Truth Social, and the White House promoted it across its social media platforms.

Plaque Text Scaled Back

The longer description that once accompanied Trump’s earlier portrait—detailing his impeachments and Senate acquittals—has been replaced with a brief placard listing only his years in office, the Post reported. Other presidential portraits in the gallery typically include contextual text about major events during each administration, including impeachment language that remains on former President Bill Clinton’s display.

Two-Term Distinction Remains

Trump’s exhibit still features two small wooden plaques marked “45” and “47,” acknowledging his two nonconsecutive terms. Until Trump’s return to office in 2025, Grover Cleveland was the only U.S. president represented this way.

Smithsonian Cites Label Review

National Portrait Gallery spokeswoman Concetta Duncan told the Post the museum is considering less detailed “tombstone labels,” which provide only essential information about displayed works. It remains unclear whether the changes were directed by the administration, though updates were expected following Biden’s departure and Trump’s return to the White House.

Broader Smithsonian Changes

The update follows earlier moves across Smithsonian museums. Last year, Trump signed an executive order targeting what he called “ideological indoctrination” in federal cultural institutions and later removed National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet. Separately, the National Museum of American History temporarily removed impeachment references from its presidential exhibit before announcing plans to restore the full historical context.

Ongoing Scrutiny

The Hill has requested comment from the National Portrait Gallery regarding the text removal. The changes continue to draw attention as the Smithsonian navigates how to present recent and contested presidential history.

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

Man charged with murder in shooting death of roommate in N. Harris County home, court documents show

ABC13 Houston
-
0
Man charged with murder in shooting death of roommate in N. Harris County home, court documents show

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A suspect has been charged in his roommate’s murder after deputies say a man was found shot to death inside a garage at a home in north Harris County on Saturday.

According to court documents, the suspect, Jonah McQueen, 27, was charged with murder in the shooting death of 52-year-old Kelvin Jones.

Precinct 4 deputies say that the shooting happened in the 400 block of Thornwilde Park Lane overnight.

Officials say that McQueen allegedly shot Jones after an argument between them at the residence.

According to court documents, the suspect is expected to appear before a magistrate Saturday afternoon.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Chilly weather continues Sunday, two cold fronts coming later this week

ABC13 Houston
-
0
Chilly weather continues Sunday, two cold fronts coming later this week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It will feel like winter in Houston all week long, and even colder air is coming by MLK weekend that could bring our first freeze of 2026.

How cold will it be for the Chevron Houston Marathon?

It’s a chilly Sunday morning, but it’s not as bitter cold as we’ve seen in recent years. Temperatures at the start of the marathon will be in the low-to-mid 40s with a light north wind around 5-10 mph. We’ll have some high clouds overhead allowing enough sunshine through to warm temperatures into the 50s during the big race.

How long does the cold weather stick around?

For all of next week! It will remain mostly cloudy through Tuesday, then sunshine returns Wednesday. We are expecting mostly seasonal temperatures with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s most days next week.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no freezes in our 10 day forecast, but there’s still a lot winter left to get more freezing weather. In fact, signals are growing that a colder pattern will develop across Canada and the United States during the second half of January.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

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

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

U.S. Launches Additional Large-Scale Strikes on ISIS in Syria

Que Onda Editorial
-
0
U.S. Launches Additional Large-Scale Strikes on ISIS in Syria

The U.S. military carried out another round of what it described as “large-scale strikes” against ISIS targets across Syria, escalating its response to a deadly attack that killed three Americans last month.

Retaliation for Deadly December Attack

U.S. Central Command said the strikes were conducted in retaliation for a Dec. 13 ambush in Palmyra, Syria, that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter. CENTCOM said the attack was carried out by a lone ISIS gunman, who was later killed.

State officials have identified the two soldiers as members of the Iowa National Guard.

Strikes Conducted With Allies

According to CENTCOM, the latest airstrikes took place around 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday and involved U.S. partner forces, though those allies were not named. The strikes targeted multiple ISIS positions throughout Syria.

“These strikes targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

Operation Hawkeye Strike Continues

The renewed attacks fall under Operation Hawkeye Strike, which began with an initial retaliatory operation on Dec. 19 conducted by the U.S. and Jordan. Since then, U.S. forces have continued to carry out additional raids aimed at degrading ISIS capabilities.

CENTCOM said U.S. and coalition forces remain committed to pursuing ISIS fighters who pose a threat to American personnel and regional stability.

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

Trump Floats $2,000 Tariff Rebate for Some

Michael Esparza
-
0
Trump Floats $2,000 Tariff Rebate for Some

President Donald Trump has suggested issuing $2,000 tariff rebate payments, though he has said the checks would likely be limited to individuals and families earning under $100,000 a year.

Speaking previously from the Oval Office, Trump said the U.S. has collected “hundreds of billions of dollars” in tariff revenue and plans to issue “dividends” to people with moderate and middle incomes, possibly beginning in mid-2026.

Who Would Qualify

While no formal proposal has been released, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the payments would be aimed at “working families” making less than “say, $100,000.” Trump echoed that message on Truth Social, writing that high-income earners would be excluded from the payments.

Under a $100,000 income cap, higher earners would not qualify. Trump has also said any leftover tariff revenue after payments are issued would be used to help pay down the national debt.

How Many Households Could Be Excluded

Data cited from the U.S. Census Bureau shows about 42% of U.S. households earned more than $100,000 in 2025, meaning those families would likely be ineligible. That leaves an estimated 58% of households potentially qualifying under the proposed income threshold.

If eligibility is based on individual income rather than household income, roughly 18% of U.S. adults would fall into the high-income category and be excluded, according to YouGov Profiles data.

Income Trends Complicate Eligibility

The number of households earning over $100,000 has steadily increased since 2020, a trend expected to continue. In 2024, the median family household income was $108,600, while the median income across all households was $83,730, placing many families near the proposed cutoff.

Congressional Approval Required

Before any checks could be sent, Congress would need to pass legislation authorizing the payments. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said he expects stimulus-related legislation to be introduced early this year.

Concerns Over Cost and Deficit

Tax experts at the Tax Foundation warn the proposal could significantly increase the federal deficit. They estimate that distributing $2,000 payments to tax filers and spouses alone would cost about $279.8 billion, with costs rising further if dependents and non-filers are included.

As of September, Trump’s new tariffs had generated roughly $117 billion—far short of what would be needed to fund the rebates. The Tax Foundation concluded that, under most scenarios, the payments would add to the deficit rather than reduce it, arguing that eliminating tariffs would provide more effective relief.

For more financial information, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Arrest Made After Dayslong Manhunt in Ohio Double Homicide

Edward Saenz
-
0
Arrest Made After Dayslong Manhunt in Ohio Double Homicide

After more than 10 days of intensive searching, authorities arrested a suspect in the fatal shootings of Spencer and Monique Tepe inside their Columbus, Ohio, home while their two young children were present.

Court records identify the suspect as Monique Tepe’s ex-husband, Michael David McKee, 39. He was arrested Saturday and charged with two counts of murder, according to an incident report.

Couple Found Dead in Columbus Home

Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were discovered dead with apparent gunshot wounds on Dec. 30 inside their upscale home in the Weinland Park neighborhood. Their children, ages 4 and 1, were found inside the home and were not physically harmed, police said.

Authorities have not released details about a possible motive, and the investigation has remained tightly guarded.

Surveillance Footage Raised New Questions

Public interest intensified earlier this week when police released surveillance video showing a “person of interest” walking through an alley near the home during the timeframe investigators believe the killings occurred. Officials did not explain how the individual was connected to the case.

Suspect Arrested in Illinois

McKee is currently in custody in Winnebago County, Illinois, sheriff’s records show. Police said he was taken into custody without incident in Rockford. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday. CNN reported it is working to determine whether McKee has legal representation.

Community Mourns as Investigation Continues

In the days after the killings, mourners left roses and sunflowers outside the Tepes’ home, where the couple had once exchanged vows. The deaths occurred just days after Christmas and weeks before their fifth wedding anniversary.

Police said there were no obvious signs of forced entry and no firearm was recovered at the scene. Officials stated they will release additional information only if it does not compromise the active investigation.

Missed Work Sparked Welfare Check

Concerns first arose when Spencer Tepe failed to show up at Athens Dental Depot, where he worked as a dentist about 75 miles southeast of Columbus. Colleagues called 911 after repeated attempts to reach him and his wife failed.

About 30 minutes later, coworkers and a friend arrived at the home and reported hearing children crying inside. A friend later told dispatchers he saw a body inside the residence.

Children Now With Relatives

The couple’s two children and their dog are now in the care of relatives, according to a family member. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has ruled the deaths apparent homicides caused by gunshot wounds. Final autopsy results are expected in the coming weeks.

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

Houston’s peaceful protests demand justice for mother fatally shot by ICE

Indira Zaldivar
-
0
Houston’s peaceful protests demand justice for mother fatally shot by ICE

Houstonians have gathered for a third consecutive day on Saturday to honor the memory of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, a death that has ignited protests across the country.

Demonstrations held over three days and three different places

The Saturday protest took place in front of Houston City Hall which follows a Thursday march in the Galleria-area and Friday’s march organized by FIEL Houston starting at Ervan Chew Park. Demonstrators called for an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence in Houston, holding signs and chanting in remembrance of Good while demanding accountability.

“We are here because a white woman who was defending brown-skinned immigrants was killed by ICE,” a speaker said before the march kicked off at Ervan Chew Park. “I look out into the crowd, and there are not just brown faces but there are white faces and Asian faces. I just want to acknowledge all of the U.S. citizens that are here defending the immigrant community.”

Who Was Renee Nicole Good

Good was a U.S. citizen, a prize-winning poet, and a hobby guitarist. She was also a mother of three who had recently moved to Minneapolis. She was fatally shot shortly after dropping off her youngest child at an elementary school.

National Reaction and Federal Response

Good’s death has sparked nationwide protests and renewed debate over immigration enforcement tactics. The Trump administration has described Good as a “domestic terrorist,” a characterization cited in its defense of the ICE agent’s fatal response.

Calls for Change

Anti-ICE protesters hold signs on Jan.8 demanding justice for Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Credit: Indira Zaldivar

Houston protesters said the demonstrations have not only been about honoring Good’s life, but also about opposing ICE operations in their city and calling for broader changes to federal immigration enforcement practices.

For more Houston news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Cooler and cloudy conditions have settled in for the weekend

ABC13 Houston
-
0
Cooler and cloudy conditions have settled in for the weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Cooler and cloudy conditions have settled in for the weekend with seasonably cool weather lasting through next week too.

Temperatures Saturday evening have really dropped behind this cold front and are 20 to 30 degrees cold than this time yesterday. And temps will continue to fall form the low 50s to low 0s overnight with winds staying somewhat gusty, around 20 to 25 mph. These gusts should die down by sunrise Sunday just before the Chevron Houston Marathon gets going Sunday morning. Sunday will remain cool and cloudy with a northerly breeze and highs only climbing into the low 60s.

How cold will it be for the Chevron Houston Marathon?

It will be chilly, but not as bitter cold as we’ve seen in recent years. Temperatures at the start of the marathon will be in the low-to-mid 40s with a light north wind around 5-10 mph. The clouds should remain widespread, preventing temperatures from warming out of the 50s during the big race.

How long does the cold weather stick around?

For all of next week! It will remain mostly cloudy through Tuesday, then sunshine returns Wednesday. We are expecting mostly seasonal temperatures with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s most days next week.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no freezes in our 10 day forecast, but there’s still a lot winter left to get more freezing weather. In fact, signals are growing that a colder pattern will develop across Canada and the United States during the second half of January.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

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

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Texas AG Paxton sues DPS over ban on religious ads in driver handbook

Edward Saenz
-
0
Texas AG Paxton sues DPS over ban on religious ads in driver handbook

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the Texas Department of Public Safety, arguing that a long-standing rule banning religious advertising in the state’s driver handbook violates constitutional free speech protections.

The lawsuit, filed this week in Travis County district court, challenges a DPS policy adopted in 2000 that prohibits religious, political and other “controversial” advertisements in the Texas Driver Handbook and related publications. Paxton argues the rule unlawfully discriminates against religious speech by allowing some forms of advertising while barring religious organizations outright.

“Texas cannot single out religious speech for exclusion,” Paxton said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. He contends the policy violates both the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment and the Texas Constitution.

The Texas Driver Handbook is a widely distributed publication used by millions of Texans seeking driver licenses. While DPS officials have said the agency does not currently sell advertising in the handbook, Paxton’s lawsuit focuses on the existence of the rule itself, arguing it prevents religious groups from participating if advertising were ever permitted.

The DPS policy also restricts ads related to politics, alcohol, tobacco and gambling. Paxton’s suit claims the religious advertising ban amounts to viewpoint discrimination and cites prior federal court rulings that struck down similar restrictions as unconstitutional.

In the filing, Paxton argues that continued enforcement of the rule causes ongoing harm by denying religious organizations equal access to government-created forums for speech.

DPS officials have not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

The legal challenge comes as Paxton campaigns in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, where he is seeking to unseat incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the March 2026 election. Paxton has frequently made religious liberty issues a central theme of his political and legal agenda.

A judge will now decide whether the DPS policy can remain in place or must be revised or struck down. No timeline has been set for a ruling.

1...9899100...954Page 99 of 954

Houston’s premier Hispanic news network, dedicated to keeping you informed with the latest updates on local and national breaking news, community events, entertainment, chisme, and much more. We strive to be your trusted source for engaging and timely content that connects with our vibrant community and celebrates the culture and stories that matter most to you.

Contact us: contact@queondamagazine.com

© Copyright - Que Onda Magazine 2024