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Two Buddhist Monks Injured in Dayton Collision on US 90

Michael Esparza
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Two Buddhist Monks Injured in Dayton Collision on US 90

DAYTON, Texas — Two Buddhist monks were hospitalized after a car collided with them during a peace walk along US 90 on Wednesday night, police reported.

Details of the Incident

The group of monks was walking along the eastbound shoulder near Grand Parkway, accompanied by a pilot car with hazard lights. A pickup truck driver attempting to pass the pilot car struck it, pushing the vehicle into two of the monks.

Injuries and Response

One monk suffered serious leg injuries and was airlifted by Life Flight, while a second monk with less severe injuries was transported by ground ambulance, our news partner ABC13 Houston reported. EMS was also evaluating the person in the pilot car. The pickup driver was uninjured and is cooperating with investigators.

Road Closures and Safety

US 90 eastbound lanes remained closed following the crash. Authorities warned drivers to exercise caution and watch for emergency personnel. Officers were also managing two additional crashes in the backup, which did not result in injuries.

Investigation Underway

Police say the cause of the crash is still under investigation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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

Weak front brings small rain chances, stronger cold front expected early next week

ABC13 Houston
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0
Weak front brings small rain chances, stronger cold front expected early next week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Warm, soupy Gulf air will remain over Southeast Texas until a weak front pushes some of it away this weekend and a stronger cold front finishes the job early next week. Two storm systems are pushing these fronts along, and while the first one doesn’t bring us much rain, the second one is looking more promising for needed rainfall.

Thursday morning will once again bring a round of low clouds and patchy dense fog with temps in the upper 60s. Once the sun breaks through the clouds, temperatures will again climb to near record levels in the mid 80s. With the moisture streaming in, there is a 20% chance you get a rain shower, but the bigger storms will stay over the Hill County and North Texas.

When should we expect rain with this week’s next storm system?

We are lowering expectations for rain on Thursday and Friday now that the track of the upper-level storm is shifting north and away from our part of Texas. This will push our rain chance on Thursday down to 20% and delay the arrival of the storm line to Friday. But by the time it arrives, the main storm system will be falling apart, so Friday’s rain chance remains at just 40%. The front coming in with this system is also looking weaker, stalling out over Southeast Texas this weekend.

What does the weekend look like then?

This weekend’s forecast is a tricky one to pin down at the moment since the front will stall out somewhere in Southeast Texas. One thing we’re confident of is the cooling will be minimal with lows still in the 60s and highs still around 80. We have a 30% chance of rain in the forecast South of I-10 for Saturday and a 20% chance of rain for all on Sunday.

Will it be cooler for Thanksgiving?

At this time we think so! Another storm system will track across the southern Plains Monday and Tuesday, and this one should flip the pattern to a cooler northerly flow for multiple days. At this time we expect temps to be near seasonal averages around Thanksgiving, which is highs in the upper 60s and lows in the upper 40s. There’s also a chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday that could go higher when the stronger cold front pushes in.

What is happening in the tropics?

Tropical development is not expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. The last day of hurricane season is November 30th. 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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

59th Annual CMA Awards: Big Wins for Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley

Indira Zaldivar
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0
59th Annual CMA Awards: Big Wins for Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley

Ellla Langley and Lainey Wilson dominated the 59th CMA Awards in Nashville on Wednesday night. Wilson, who also served as the evening’s emcee, took home Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year for her fifth album, Whirlwind.

Langley won both Song of the Year and Single of the Year for her viral hit “you look like you love me” with Riley Green.

“I feel like this is a song that just keeps on giving because fans keep on listening to it,” Langley said while accepting her award alongside Green.

Zach Top captured New Artist of the Year, beating out nominees including Shaboozey, Ella Langley, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr., celebrating with a can of Coors in hand.

After last year’s win as Entertainer of the Year, Morgan Wallen, who had one of the biggest albums of any genre with I’m The Problem, did not win in any category this year. Meanwhile, The Red Clay Strays ended Old Dominion’s seven-year streak as Vocal Group of the Year.

Winners List

Entertainer of the Year
Lainey Wilson

Single of the Year
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green

Album of the Year
Whirlwind, Lainey Wilson

Song of the Year
“you look like you love me” – Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere

Female Vocalist of the Year
Lainey Wilson

Male Vocalist of the Year
Cody Johnson

Vocal Group of the Year
The Red Clay Strays

Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn

Musical Event of the Year
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)

Music Video of the Year
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green

New Artist of the Year
Zach Top

For the latest entertainment news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Judge Temporarily Halts Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Public Schools

Edward Saenz
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0
Texas Judge Temporarily Halts Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Public Schools

A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked a controversial state law that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, marking the latest development in a growing national legal fight.

Preliminary Injunction Issued

US District Judge Orlando L. Garcia issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday, ordering certain school districts to remove the displays while the lawsuit challenging the mandate continues. The ruling stems from a broader challenge to the law, which was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June and immediately drew constitutional concerns.

Families from a wide range of religious backgrounds—including atheist, agnostic, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and Baha’i—argue the law violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Garcia noted in his ruling that these families “share one thing in common: Plaintiffs do not wish their children to be pressured to observe, venerate, or adopt the religious doctrine contained in the Ten Commandments.”

Part of a Broader Legal Trend

Texas is not the only state facing pushback. Similar laws in Arkansas and Louisiana have also prompted lawsuits, with courts issuing rulings that favor challengers. Legal experts expect that the mounting disputes will ultimately send the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Garcia wrote that enforcing the Texas law would make it “impractical, if not impossible,” to prevent students from encountering unwelcome religious messages in the classroom.

ACLU Calls Ruling a Win

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas praised the decision. Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU’s Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief, called the injunction a “victory,” saying the Constitution prohibits public schools from imposing religious scripture on students.

State Officials Push Back

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose office is defending the law, signaled he will continue fighting. Paxton announced Tuesday that he filed suit against two school districts and their boards for refusing to comply with the posting requirement, accusing them of disregarding the will of Texas voters.

“No district may ignore Texas law without consequence,” he said.

The injunction is temporary as the case proceeds, leaving the future of the law—and the displays—still undecided.

For more on Texas politics, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Rain chances creep up the next few days as weak front approaches late Friday

ABC13 Houston
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0
Rain chances creep up the next few days as weak front approaches late Friday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — If you like record warm air in November, then you’re going to love how it feels the rest of the week. For everyone else, we have cooler air in the forecast right around Thanksgiving, and while we await the cool down, there are some opportunities for rain. That said, the rain chances in our part of Texas are not looking as promising as they once did based on the latest trajectory of the upper-level storm.

Wednesday will look and feel a lot like Tuesday, but one noticeable difference is the potential for more widespread dense fog that could slow you down on the morning commute. Temperatures will start off in the upper 60s, some 15-20 degrees warmer than average. Temperatures will again climb into the mid 80s and challenge record highs. With the moisture streaming in, there is a 20% chance you get a rain shower.

When should we expect rain with this week’s next storm system?

We are lowering expectations for rain on Thursday and Friday now that the track of the upper-level storm is shifting north and away from our part of Texas. This will push our rain chance on Thursday down to 20% and delay the arrival of the storm line to Friday. But by the time it arrives, the main storm system will be falling apart, so Friday’s rain chance remains at just 40%. The front coming in with this system is also looking weaker, stalling out over Southeast Texas this weekend.

What does the weekend look like then?

This weekend’s forecast is a tricky one to pin down at the moment since the front will stall out somewhere in Southeast Texas. One thing we’re confident of is the cooling will be minimal with lows still in the 60s and highs still around 80. For now we have a 30% chance of rain in the forecast both days this weekend. The higher rain odds should remain south of I-10 on Saturday, then as the front lifts north and moisture surges in Sunday, everyone has equal chances of getting a scattered shower.

Will it be cooler for Thanksgiving?

At this time we think so! Another storm system will track across the southern Plains Monday and Tuesday, and this one should flip the pattern to a cooler northerly flow for multiple days. At this time we expect temps to be near seasonal averages around Thanksgiving, which is highs in the upper 60s and lows in the upper 40s. There’s also a chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday that could go higher when the stronger cold front pushes in.

What is happening in the tropics?

Tropical development is not expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. The last day of hurricane season is November 30th. 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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

La Vida Es Cortos Festival Returns Thanksgiving Weekend With New Family Series

Indira Zaldivar
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0
La Vida Es Cortos Festival Returns Thanksgiving Weekend With New Family Series

HOUSTON — TEATRX is bringing its annual celebration of Latinx creativity back to Midtown this Thanksgiving weekend as the 2025 La Vida Es Cortos / Life Is Shorts Festival returns Nov. 28–30 at the Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH).

The three-day festival mixes short plays and short films that explore culture, identity, imagination, and community. Keeping with its mission of accessibility, all tickets remain “Pay-What-You-Will,” beginning at $10. This year also marks a new family-friendly expansion: children 12 and under can attend morning performances for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

New Children’s Program Debuts

For the first time, the festival is introducing La Vida Es Cortitos, a morning series crafted specifically for young audiences. The lineup includes the world premiere of The Legend of Julio Star, a fantastical new musical from Houston playwright Juan Sebastián Cruz. The adventure follows its young hero from the mountains of Colombia to the stars above.

Families will also see Botas de Papá by Valeria Pacheco and 2000 Miles by Ramón Esquivel—two works that blend humor, folklore, and heartfelt storytelling centered on family connection.

Short Works for General Audiences

Afternoon and evening programming will showcase a slate of short plays for general audiences. This year’s selection includes:

  • La Planchada by Carl Gonzalez
  • The Pretender by Samantha Vargas
  • The Great Citizenship Game by Jay Hernandez
  • Morena by Katherine Bahena-Benitez

Each piece highlights a different facet of Latinx narrative, from myth and mystery to social commentary.

Festival Schedule

  • Friday & Saturday: 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday Matinees: 2:30 p.m.
  • La Vida Es Cortitos: Saturday & Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (free for kids 12 and under with an adult ticket)

Tickets and full festival details are available at teatrx.org. The festival is presented by TEATRX with support from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and Fresh Arts.

About TEATRX

Founded in 2018 by Benito Vasquez, Marissa Castillo and Jorge Diaz, TEATRX is a Houston-based professional theatre company dedicated to elevating Latinx artists and stories. The organization aims to make Latinx performance arts a vibrant and essential part of Houston’s cultural identity. TEATRX operates as a sponsored project of Fresh Arts.

For more ideas on things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Ohio Father Sentenced After Leaving Toddler to Die in Burning SUV

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Ohio Father Sentenced After Leaving Toddler to Die in Burning SUV

An Ohio father has been sentenced to decades in prison for leaving his 2-year-old daughter to die inside a burning vehicle while saving himself and initially telling authorities that “no one” was inside.

Deadly 2024 Fire

According to court records, 34-year-old Nicholas Stemen received a sentence Monday of 22 to 27½ years for the September 2024 death of his daughter, Lillyanna. He previously pleaded guilty to aggravated arson, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment.

SUV Engulfed in Flames

Investigators said Stemen had been drinking heavily—consuming at least 10 beers—and driving erratically in a 2013 GMC Terrain missing a tire. After leaving the roadway, the SUV ignited and became “fully engulfed in flames” when deputies arrived.

First responders noted Stemen smelled strongly of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet. When asked who else was in the vehicle, he told them “no one.” He also said his daughter was with her grandfather.

A firefighter checking the burned SUV discovered a small body in a forward-facing car seat, confirming Lillyanna was inside when the fire erupted.

Stemen’s Statement to Detectives

Stemen later told detectives he had blacked out and could not recall the details of the incident. It remains unclear where he was driving that night.

Emotional Sentencing Hearing

At the sentencing, a letter from Lillyanna’s mother was read in court, expressing grief and anger: “My baby girl is gone. And for what? For her father enjoying a night of drinking? He killed her.”

Stemen apologized, saying he lives with the weight of what his actions caused: “I won’t get to see my little girl grow up, and that hits me to my core.”

The judge told Stemen that his punishment included “a lifetime of thinking what your daughter could have been doing.”

Case Conclusion

The case, which drew statewide attention, underscores the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the severe legal penalties tied to child endangerment resulting in death.

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

Federal Court Blocks Texas’ New Congressional Map for 2026

Edward Saenz
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0
Federal Court Blocks Texas’ New Congressional Map for 2026

A three-judge federal panel has ruled that Texas cannot use its newly redrawn congressional map in the 2026 elections, ordering the state to revert to the map passed in 2021.

Judges Find Racial Gerrymandering

The panel found “substantial evidence” that the 2025 map was racially gerrymandered, despite Republican claims that the changes were driven purely by partisan goals. U.S. Judge Jeffrey Brown wrote that state leaders repeatedly pointed to a Department of Justice letter urging revisions to non-white districts, prompting the court to conclude the map was drawn “based on race.”

Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but candidate filing ends Dec. 8, leaving limited time for intervention.

Political Stakes and Immediate Fallout

Republicans hoped the mid-decade redistricting—pushed with support from former President Donald Trump—would expand their control to 30 of 38 congressional seats. The ruling derails those plans and reshapes the 2026 landscape.

Democrats welcomed the decision. House Minority Leader Gene Wu called the map “one of the most brazen attempts to steal our democracy.”

With the 2021 map now back in place, several political dominoes have shifted. Rep. Greg Casar said he will run again in his current district, clearing space for Rep. Lloyd Doggett to remain in his own. In Houston, Rep. Al Green could avoid a planned clash in Texas’ 18th District by reverting to his current 9th District.

A Complicated Legal Road Ahead

It remains unclear whether the state can successfully reinstate the new map before the 2026 cycle. Redistricting cases bypass traditional appeals and go straight to the Supreme Court, which may prove a tight window for review.

The ruling also intersects with a separate, long-running lawsuit over Texas’ 2021 redistricting of congressional, legislative and education board seats—still pending before the same judges.

Republicans Push Back

Gov. Greg Abbott rejected claims of discrimination, arguing the map reflected Texas’ “conservative voting preferences.” Plaintiffs’ attorney Chad Dunn said he doubts the Supreme Court will overturn the finding of racial intent.

National Implications

The decision arrives just after California approved its own retaliatory redistricting plan designed to counter Texas’ GOP gains. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Texas ruling proved that Trump and Abbott “played with fire, got burned — and democracy won.”

The legal and political battle over Texas’ congressional districts now appears set to stretch on for years, with control of the U.S. House potentially hanging in the balance.

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

Charlotte Residents Gripped by Fear as Federal Immigration Raids Intensify

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Charlotte Residents Gripped by Fear as Federal Immigration Raids Intensify

Fear and frustration are mounting across Charlotte as federal agents continue “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” an aggressive immigration enforcement surge now in its third day.

Over 130 Arrests in First 24 Hours

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that more than 130 people were arrested in Charlotte within the operation’s first day, involving both CBP and ICE agents. Officials said those detained had violated U.S. immigration laws.

Businesses Emptied, Community Stunned

Local business owner David Rebolloso described chaos over the weekend when Border Patrol agents chased a man through his laundromat, sending customers running in fear. Normally a lively plaza serving the Hispanic community, only two of the 18 businesses opened amid the raids.

Rebolloso said the operation has “instilled fear for no reason,” adding that customers are too afraid to leave their homes. He is now considering offering free pickup and delivery for laundry services to help keep customers safe.

Families Afraid to Leave Home

Less than a mile away, Gloria Connor, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Nicaragua, said her church canceled services as agents patrolled nearby. She is making grocery runs for congregants who fear going outside. Even her 15-year-old grandson hesitated to attend school, telling her, “Grandma, I’m scared… because we look Spanish.”

City Officials Denounce Lack of Communication

Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Danté Anderson said local leaders were kept in the dark, learning of the raids only minutes before they began.

“They say criminals, but it looks like they’re just pulling people off the street,” Anderson said, adding that families still don’t know where detained loved ones have been taken.

Anderson called the operation “a tragedy,” describing agents in paramilitary gear stopping residents at random. She stressed that Charlotte has seen double-digit declines in crime and questioned the necessity of such tactics.

Deepening Anxiety Across the City

With Border Patrol agents concentrated in South and East Charlotte, residents are avoiding work, school, and errands out of fear of being detained. Anderson said even children were too afraid to board school buses as raids unfolded.

The operation continues, with community members, business owners, and city officials demanding transparency as anxiety ripples through Charlotte’s immigrant neighborhoods.

For more on the effects of Trump’s anti-immigration policies, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Pi Kappa Phi Closes UH Chapter Amid Hazing Investigation

Michael Esparza
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0
Pi Kappa Phi Closes UH Chapter Amid Hazing Investigation

A University of Houston fraternity has been shut down after serious hazing allegations led to a non-UH student being hospitalized earlier this month.

Allegations and Emergency Response

According to UH officials, the student was taken to the hospital on Nov. 3 following alleged hazing activities involving physical abuse, forced consumption, and public humiliation. The individual has since been released.

Fraternity Vote to Close

Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters confirmed the UH chapter voted Friday to disband. The national organization had already suspended the chapter on Nov. 6 for violating risk management and membership conduct standards.

University and Criminal Investigations

The fraternity house on Calhoun Road remained open Monday, though members declined to comment. UH said both criminal and student conduct investigations are underway.

“The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards,” the university said, adding that anyone found responsible could face expulsion and criminal charges.

Campus Reaction

Students expressed a mix of frustration and relief. “I think that’s good,” sophomore Kayla Cruz said. “So many times allegations like this happen, and no one does anything. I think actions have consequences.”

Next Steps

UH has not provided a timeline for the completion of the criminal investigation and said it will not comment further at this time, according to our news partner ABC13.

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

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