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Houston’s “Freedom Parade” Set for Today

HOUSTON, Texas — A new Cinco de Mayo celebration is moving forward this weekend after the traditional parade was canceled due to immigration concerns.

Alternative Event Moves Ahead

While LULAC District VIII canceled its long-running Cinco de Mayo parade, LULAC District 18 is hosting a “Freedom Parade” this Saturday in downtown Houston near City Hall.

Organizers say the event aims to celebrate culture, unity, and resilience within the Latino community.

Community Response

The cancellation of the original parade followed concerns about immigration enforcement and fears of family separation at large public gatherings. Despite those worries, organizers of the Freedom Parade say it’s important to continue honoring traditions.

Event Details

The Freedom Parade is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and will include local participants, community leaders, and cultural celebrations.

Sponsored Community Coverage

This event is being highlighted ahead of the weekend with support from Que Onda Magazine, continuing its commitment to uplifting and informing Houston’s Latino community.

For more events and things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Spirit Airlines Shuts Down Operations, Cancels All Flights

Spirit Airlines has begun an immediate wind-down of operations, canceling all scheduled flights as uncertainty continues over a proposed $500 million federal rescue deal. The airline confirmed its final flight landed early Saturday, marking the end of its 34-year run.

Final Flights and Mass Cancellations

The airline’s last journey—Flight 1833 from Detroit to Dallas—touched down just after midnight. More than 50,000 passengers were flown in the airline’s final day of service, but all 277 flights scheduled for Saturday have now been canceled. Customers are being told not to go to the airport, as all operations and customer service have ceased.

Employees and Industry Reaction

A spokesperson said many employees learned about the shutdown through media reports, raising concerns about communication during the closure. Meanwhile, major carriers are stepping in to assist stranded travelers.
American Airlines is offering fare caps on overlapping routes, while United Airlines and Frontier Airlines say they are preparing support options.

Financial Struggles and Bankruptcy

Spirit’s shutdown follows mounting financial pressure, including rising jet fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions and repeated bankruptcy filings. The airline had entered Chapter 11 restructuring twice since 2024, but failed to stabilize its finances in time.

What Travelers Should Know

Passengers who booked directly with Spirit will receive automatic refunds to their original form of payment. Those who used travel agencies must contact them directly. Refunds for vouchers or loyalty points will be handled through bankruptcy proceedings.

Travel experts advise passengers not to cancel tickets prematurely, as doing so may forfeit refund eligibility. Credit card users may dispute charges, while those with travel insurance should review their coverage carefully.

Impact on Airfare Prices

Industry analysts warn that the loss of Spirit—once a dominant low-cost carrier—could lead to higher ticket prices, especially in key markets like Florida and the Caribbean. While other budget airlines remain, fewer ultra-low-cost options may push fares higher in the months ahead.

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

Beautiful weekend ahead for Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Cooler air flowing in on a northeast breeze is here, bringing us a morning with temperatures in the the 50s and an afternoon high in the 70s. Sunday also looks spectacular with sunshine warming temps from the mid 50s into the upper 70s!

How long does that nice weather stick around?

We’ll get to enjoy it through Monday, then the strong Gulf breeze whips the warm, humid air back in here by Tuesday. The early outlook for the rest of next week also looks stormy with a similar pattern setting up again Wednesday through Saturday. We’ll refine the details on next week’s storm system in the days ahead.

How much rain did we get on Friday?

One to three inches fell across most of Southeast Texas with 2-4″ more common over most of Houston and Harris County.

Does this mean the drought is over?

In some places, yes! We’ve already seen the drought end over parts of Houston, and this 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.

Will it rain again soon?

Maybe not “soon”, but I like our chances for seeing some rain on Wednesday as a front pushes through. We could see a bit more rain into next weekend as well.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Dive team search suspended after witnesses report woman swept away in Brays Bayou, HFD says

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Fire Department said crews never found a victim as they searched Brays Bayou after witnesses reported a woman being swept away in its current.

According to HFD, several crews assisted by the Houston Police Department Dive Team responded to the waterway along Chimney Rock Road and South Braeswood Boulevard in southwest Houston.

Eyewitness News first reported the search underway shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, and fire officials announced the search was suspended shortly after 7:30 p.m.

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This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Report: Alleged Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Note Found by Ex-Cellmate

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Claim Emerges from Former Inmate

A purported suicide note written by Jeffrey Epstein was reportedly discovered by his former cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, following an earlier suicide attempt in 2019. The note is now sealed within Tartaglione’s criminal case file.

Discovered After Initial Jail Incident

According to reports, Tartaglione said he found the note in July 2019, shortly after Epstein was discovered injured in his Manhattan jail cell with what officials described as a possible suicide attempt. Epstein died by suicide weeks later, on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Contents of the Alleged Note

Tartaglione previously described the note as handwritten on yellow legal paper and hidden inside a book. He claimed it included references to federal investigations and ended with a phrase suggesting farewell, though its authenticity has not been independently confirmed.

Legal Battle Over Sealed Evidence

The document remains under seal, but The New York Times has petitioned a federal judge to make it public. A court deadline has been set for responses to the request, as legal teams weigh whether the note should be released.

Questions Remain

Federal prosecutors have said they were not aware of any suicide note, though internal Justice Department records reportedly reference its existence. Tartaglione’s attorney declined to comment, citing the sealed nature of the case.

Ongoing Scrutiny of Epstein Case

Epstein’s death has continued to draw intense public and legal scrutiny, with new details — including this alleged note — raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his final days in custody.

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

Trump Announces 25% Tariff on EU Vehicles

New Trade Move Targets Imports

Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States will impose a 25% tariff on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, starting next week. The president said the decision stems from the EU’s failure to comply with an existing trade agreement.

Justification and Legal Authority

In a social media post, Trump argued the EU was “not adhering” to agreed terms. While he did not specify the legal mechanism, the administration is expected to rely on Section 232, which allows tariffs on imports deemed a threat to national security.

Push for U.S. Manufacturing

Trump also promoted domestic auto production, claiming that more than $100 billion is being invested in new manufacturing plants across the U.S. He emphasized that vehicles produced domestically would not face tariffs, signaling an effort to encourage companies to shift production stateside.

Unanswered Questions

The White House has not yet clarified details about how the tariffs will be implemented or whether negotiations with the EU are ongoing. It also remains unclear how the move could impact global trade relations or vehicle prices for consumers.

Potential Economic Impact

The tariff increase could escalate tensions between the U.S. and EU, while potentially reshaping the automotive market. Analysts say the policy may boost domestic manufacturing but could also lead to higher costs for imported vehicles.

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

Second Missing USF Student Identified in Murder Case

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Remains Confirmed as Nahida Bristy

Authorities have identified human remains found this week as 27-year-old Nahida Bristy, a doctoral student at the University of South Florida. Investigators said the identification took several days due to the advanced state of decomposition.

Two Victims in Ongoing Investigation

Bristy’s death comes a week after officials confirmed the killing of her friend, 27-year-old Zamil Limon, who was also reported missing on April 16. Both victims were graduate students, and their deaths have shaken the campus community.

Suspect Charged with Double Murder

Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, Limon’s roommate, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon. He was arrested on April 24 after a standoff with law enforcement and is being held without bond.

Details Emerge from Investigation

According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Limon was stabbed multiple times. The cause of Bristy’s death has not yet been disclosed as the investigation continues.

Authorities allege the suspect used an apartment complex cart to move the bodies and later transported them by car. Investigators also revealed that Abugharbieh conducted disturbing online searches related to committing and concealing the crime.

Motive Still Unknown

Officials say a clear motive has not yet been determined. However, digital evidence — including search history obtained with help from tech companies — may provide further insight.

“We are still searching for the why,” Chronister said.

Families Await Return of Remains

Officials are working to return the victims’ remains to their families in Bangladesh for religious services, bringing a measure of closure as the case continues to unfold.

For more on the Bristy and Limon murder case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston’s “Freedom Parade” Set for This Saturday

HOUSTON, Texas — A new Cinco de Mayo celebration is moving forward this weekend after the traditional parade was canceled due to immigration concerns.

Alternative Event Moves Ahead

While LULAC District VIII canceled its long-running Cinco de Mayo parade, LULAC District 18 is hosting a “Freedom Parade” this Saturday in downtown Houston near City Hall.

Organizers say the event aims to celebrate culture, unity, and resilience within the Latino community.

Community Response

The cancellation of the original parade followed concerns about immigration enforcement and fears of family separation at large public gatherings. Despite those worries, organizers of the Freedom Parade say it’s important to continue honoring traditions.

Event Details

The Freedom Parade is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and will include local participants, community leaders, and cultural celebrations.

Sponsored Community Coverage

This event is being highlighted ahead of the weekend with support from Que Onda Magazine, continuing its commitment to uplifting and informing Houston’s Latino community.

For more events and things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

US to Withdraw 5,000 Troops from Germany

Pentagon Announces Strategic Shift

The U.S. Department of Defense will withdraw approximately 5,000 American troops from Germany over the next six to 12 months, officials confirmed Friday. The move marks a notable adjustment in the U.S. military’s presence in Europe.

Review of Military Posture

According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the decision follows a comprehensive review of U.S. force posture across the region. Officials say the withdrawal reflects evolving “theater requirements and conditions on the ground,” suggesting a shift in priorities rather than a complete reduction in U.S. commitment to European security.

Current U.S. Presence in Germany

Germany currently hosts about 38,000 U.S. troops, making it one of the largest concentrations of American forces overseas. The planned reduction represents a modest but significant portion of that presence.

What It Means Moving Forward

While details about where the troops will be reassigned have not been disclosed, defense officials emphasize that the U.S. remains committed to its NATO allies and regional stability. The phased withdrawal is expected to allow for a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing operations.

The move comes amid broader efforts to realign U.S. military resources globally, as defense leaders continue to evaluate strategic needs in Europe and beyond.

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

Susan Wright, convicted of brutally murdering her husband in 2003, arrested for hit-and-run: Records

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A Tomball woman who was convicted of brutally murdering her husband in 2003 has been charged with a new crime in Harris County.

Court records show Susan Wright, who now uses her maiden name Wyche, was arrested for a hit-and-run crash on Thursday morning.

The charging document is sparse on details but indicates Wyche is accused of fleeing from the scene of the accident.

It was also not immediately clear how serious the crash was. Court records state damage to the other vehicle is at least $200.

Wyche made national headlines when she was convicted of tying her naked husband to the bed with neckties and stabbing him almost 200 times with different knives.

She served 16 years in prison and was released on parole in 2020.

On the eve of her release, Wyche’s family wrote in a text message: “I think she’s paid her debt to society and deserves a second chance.”

Online court records show Wyche has posted bond for the hit-and-run and was awaiting release from custody on Thursday night.

She does not have an attorney of record listed for this latest charge.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.