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Beautiful weather for Election Day, near record warmth returns Friday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Election Day brings more amazing weather to Southeast Texas.

If you’ll be heading to the voting booth when the polls open at 7 a.m. you’ll likely need a jacket with temperatures in the upper 40s for most. After the chilly start, our bright sunny sky will push temps into the upper 70s and low 80s for highs..

What’s in store for the rest of the work week?

The weather looks great! After Election Day, the Gulf breeze brings back moisture Wednesday and beyond to bring lows up into the 60s and highs into the 80s for the rest of the week. Overall it should still feel pretty nice. Friday could be especially warm with high temperatures climbing into the upper 80s, approaching the daily record of 89 degrees observed just last year on November 7.

When does our next cold front arrive?

Our next front gets here early Sunday morning, but it doesn’t look particularly strong for us. Saturday will be similar in its warmth when compared to Friday, but we’ll cool off nicely behind the front arriving early Sunday. That will set the stage for seasonally cool weather on Veterans Day with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s under a sunny sky.

Any more rain on the horizon?

No. We are out of the main storm track over the next 7 to 10 days, so the best we can muster right now is a 20% chance of rain when the front arrives over the weekend. And even that might be generous. Therefore, more drought-building conditions are expected for the first half of November.

What is happening in the tropics?

Now that Melissa has moved on, there are no tropical developments expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Man Charged After Alleged Social‑Media Threats Against President Trump

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Suspect arrested and detained

A suburban Chicago man, 57‑year‑old Trent Schneider of Winthrop Harbor, was federally charged after prosecutors say he posted a video on Instagram threatening to kill President Donald Trump. Schneider was arrested Monday and a federal judge ordered him held in custody pending a detention hearing later this week.

Alleged threats detailed in complaint

According to a criminal complaint, Schneider’s “selfie‑style” video from Oct. 16 included statements about obtaining guns and executing Trump. Prosecutors say the same video and a caption calling for execution were posted roughly 18 times between Oct. 16 and Oct. 21.

Tip leads to law enforcement action

A concerned viewer in Florida reported the video to authorities on Oct. 16, which prompted the investigation and Schneider’s arrest. He faces a federal charge for making a threat in interstate commerce and could receive up to five years in prison if convicted.

Schneider is scheduled for a detention hearing on Thursday. Attorney information was not immediately available.

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

Trump Signals Maduro’s ‘Days Are Numbered’ Amid Largest Caribbean Military Buildup in Decades

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US Pushes Back Against Venezuelan Regime

President Donald Trump warned that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s “days are numbered” in a 60 Minutes interview, citing the dictator’s role in drug trafficking, crime, and mass migration to the United States. Trump said Maduro’s government has sent not only migrants but also prisoners and patients from mental institutions into the U.S., fueling crime linked to gangs like Tren de Aragua and Cartel de Los Soles.

Historic Military Deployment

Backing his rhetoric, the U.S. has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, nuclear submarines, guided-missile destroyers, and over 10,000 troops to the Caribbean — the largest American military presence in the region in over 35 years. Eight warships are currently in place, soon increasing to 14, while military aircraft from fighter jets to B-52 bombers operate out of the rebuilt Roosevelt Roads naval base in Puerto Rico.

Maduro Faces Isolation and Economic Collapse

Maduro, in power since 2013 despite disputed elections in 2019 and 2023, remains defiant amid international sanctions, economic collapse, and growing isolation. Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado said millions of Venezuelans would return home if Maduro is ousted.

Operations Against Drug Trafficking

Since August, U.S. forces have conducted at least 14 strikes on suspected drug boats, killing more than 60 alleged narcoterrorists. Trump emphasized the operations prevent thousands of American deaths and hinted the U.S. could expand efforts to target land-based cartels in Venezuela.

Trump did not rule out further action but suggested the U.S. might achieve regime change without a full-scale war.

“I doubt we’re going to war with Venezuela,” he said, leaving the exact next steps unspecified.

For more on Venezuela affairs under Trump’s second administration, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Sharp, History and a Brand New Banner: Cougars Open Season with 75–57 Win Over Lehigh

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Emanuel Sharp dropped 24 points, Kelvin Sampson notched his 800th career win, and Houston unveiled its Final Four banner — a fitting way to kick off a season built on unfinished business.

Before a single ball was tipped Monday night inside Fertitta Center, Kelvin Sampson’s program gave its fans something to roar about. A banner — the second Final Four banner in five seasons — was unveiled, a permanent reminder of just how far Houston has come and how close it came to a national title last spring.

Then the game started, and the Cougars got right back to business.

Emanuel Sharp scored a game-high 24 points, Chris Cenac Jr. posted a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds in his collegiate debut, and No. 2 Houston rolled past Lehigh 75–57 in front of over 7,000 fans to open the 2025–26 season. In the process, Sampson notched the 800th win of his 37-year coaching career — becoming just the 17th Division I coach and fourth active coach to reach the milestone, joining Rick Barnes, John Calipari, and Bill Self.

Not a bad way to tip off a revenge tour.

Out of the Gates Fast

Houston wasted no time establishing dominance. The Cougars opened with a 12–0 run through the first five minutes of action before the lead grew to 15–2 behind 10 first-half points from Cenac — the freshman big man scored a three-pointer with 14:10 remaining in the half to push the lead to 13. Lehigh opened the game one for ten from the field and simply couldn’t keep pace with Houston’s early physicality and length.

Lehigh then settled in, cutting the deficit to seven with a 6–0 run of their own. But Houston answered with a 7–1 surge to push ahead 22–9, and the Cougars closed the half on an 8–0 run to take a 44–23 lead into the locker room. Sharp added 13 of his 24 in the first half on five-of-eight shooting, and Houston shot a blistering 57% from the field before intermission.

Lehigh Showed Some Grit

To the Mountain Hawks’ credit, they didn’t fold. Lehigh actually outscored Houston 34–31 in the second half, shooting 41.7% from the field while holding the Cougars to just 29% over the final 20 minutes. Nasir Whitlock led the way with 18 points and nine rebounds — a legitimate performance against a top-two program — while freshmen Caleb Thomas and Hank Alvey each added 10 points. Lehigh pulled to within 15 points at multiple stretches off buckets from Whitlock, Peter Kramer, and Alvey.

“We knew that Houston is a great team, and we knew that they were going to come with a lot of energy and pride off of a Final Four and championship appearance,” said Lehigh coach Brett Reed. “I thought our guys fought for 40 minutes. There are things I know we can do better, but I think we earned a lot of respect from people the way in which we battled, competed, and went together as a unit.”

He was right. But the first-half hole was simply too deep to climb out of.

Cenac Announces Himself

The storyline no one saw coming heading into the night was the 18-year-old stepping out of the tunnel for the first time. Cenac’s double-double in his first collegiate game — against a top-two team, in front of 7,000 fans — was the kind of debut that turns heads across the country. Physical, fearless, and clearly not intimidated by the moment, the freshman forward gave Houston a new dimension that last year’s squad didn’t always have.

Milos Uzan added 12 points, Joseph Tugler chipped in 11 points with a game-high four blocked shots, and the full starting unit looked every bit as polished as a team that spent all summer thinking about what happened in April.

800 and Counting

In the celebration that followed, the 800-win milestone took center stage. Sampson improved to 800–354 overall and 300–84 since arriving in Houston in 2014. The win also marked Houston’s 17th straight season-opening victory and the 21st time in the last 22 years they’ve won their opener. He was characteristically understated about the milestone.

“It’s hard to make this tournament. It’s really hard,” he said — though on this night, his mind was already pointed toward what comes next.

Up Next

Houston returns to Fertitta Center on Saturday to host Towson at 2 p.m. on ESPN+. The homestand continues Wednesday, November 12, against Oakland.

The banner is hung. Win number 800 is in the books. Now the Cougars get to work.

Houston to hold Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

Honoring Local Heroes

HOUSTON — Mayor John Whitmire is inviting residents to celebrate and honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military at the City of Houston Veterans Day Program and Parade on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Texas is home to over 250,000 veterans, the largest veteran population in the nation, and the city continues its annual tradition of paying tribute through the “Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration.”

Veterans Day Ceremony

The formal ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., featuring acknowledgments and a keynote speaker recognizing local veterans. At 11 a.m., a Moment of Silence will be observed to mark the Armistice that ended World War I.

American Heroes Parade

Following the ceremony, the parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at Dallas and Bagby streets. The route proceeds east on Dallas, north on Louisiana, west on Walker, south on Smith, and ends at Lamar and Bagby. Local veteran organizations, ROTC groups, bands, and supporters will march along the route. The parade is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend and show their support.

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

U.S. Firms Brace for Long-Term Trump Tariffs as Supreme Court Weighs Legality

Trade Turbulence for Manufacturers

Factory equipment maker OTC Industrial Technologies is feeling the strain of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. CEO Bill Canady said his company shifted production from China to other low-cost countries like India, only to face new tariffs there too.

“We just have to hang on and navigate our way through this so we don’t all go broke in the short run,” Canady told Reuters.

Supreme Court to Decide Tariff Authority

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments this week on whether Trump exceeded his authority when imposing global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Lower courts ruled against Trump, saying the law — traditionally used for sanctions — wasn’t intended for broad trade actions.

Trump’s Expansive Use of Emergency Powers

Trump declared the 2024 trade deficit and fentanyl crisis as national emergencies to justify his tariffs, which hit imports from Asia and beyond. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said even if the Court strikes them down, the administration will pivot to other trade laws to maintain similar tariffs. “You should assume that they’re here to stay,” Bessent said.

Negotiating Leverage Abroad

Officials argue that Trump’s tariffs have forced countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea to make trade concessions. Negotiations with China remain tense, with both sides balancing tariffs against access to critical rare earth minerals. A recent deal between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping included mutual tariff reductions and pauses on export restrictions.

Revenue and Inflation Risks

The tariffs have brought in over $100 billion this fiscal year, helping narrow the U.S. deficit to $1.715 trillion. But experts warn that reversing them could disrupt markets and trigger costly refunds. Economists also note that tariffs added roughly 0.4 percentage point to inflation, pressuring corporate earnings by over $35 billion.

Companies Rethink Supply Chains

For manufacturers like OTC, shifting production again may be inevitable. Canady said many firms may bring higher-end production back to the U.S. while sending lower-value parts to Mexico.

“I think the new normal is going to be 15%,” he said of Trump’s tariffs. “They’re going to call it whatever they need to call it so that it is not challengeable.”

For more on Trump’s tariffs, stay tuned Que Onda Magazine.

Microsoft Strikes $9.7 Billion AI Cloud Deal with IREN for Nvidia Chip Access

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Five-Year Agreement Boosts Microsoft’s AI Capabilities

Microsoft has signed a $9.7 billion, five-year cloud services contract with Australian AI cloud provider IREN, securing access to Nvidia chips crucial for powering artificial intelligence operations. The deal includes a 20% prepayment and aims to expand Microsoft’s AI and cloud infrastructure amid skyrocketing global demand.

Massive Investment in AI and Cloud Expansion

The tech giant recently reported $77.7 billion in quarterly sales—an 18% increase—while spending nearly $35 billion on AI-related capital expenditures. About half of that went toward chips, with the rest funding data center real estate.

Strategic Partnership for Growth

“IREN’s expertise in building and operating a fully integrated AI cloud… makes them a strategic partner,” said Jonathan Tinter, Microsoft’s president of business development and ventures. The collaboration is expected to create new growth opportunities for both companies.

Additional Deals Strengthen Microsoft’s AI Footprint

Last week, Microsoft announced a new agreement with OpenAI that gives it a 27% stake in OpenAI’s for-profit arm—helping push the company’s valuation to $4 trillion for the second time this year. IREN also revealed a $5.8 billion deal with Dell Technologies to purchase chips and equipment for deployment at its Texas facility.

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

Half of Americans Say Trump Administration Fails to Protect Rights and Freedoms, Poll Says

Public Doubts About Trump’s Commitment to Civil Liberties

A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll finds that 50% of Americans believe the Trump administration is not committed to protecting their rights and freedoms. Majorities also say President Donald Trump isn’t protecting freedom of the press (61%), free speech (57%), fair elections (56%), or a fair justice system (56%). However, 73% believe he defends the right to own firearms.

Partisan Divide on Rights Protections

While most Republicans say Trump supports all major freedoms, Democrats and independents largely disagree—except on gun rights. Similarly, slim majorities of Americans say Democrats are committed to protecting freedoms of the press, speech, religion, and elections, though 60% say Democrats don’t protect gun rights.

Views on Court Orders and Political Retaliation

By a two-to-one margin, Americans believe Trump’s administration avoids complying with court orders. A majority also think federal judges are enforcing limits on his authority, though most Republicans view the courts as overreaching.

Public Opposition to Trump’s DOJ Payment Demand

Over six in ten Americans oppose Trump’s demand for $230 million from the Department of Justice as compensation for past investigations. That includes 89% of Democrats and 57% of independents.

Concerns Over Retaliation Against Political Opponents

Nearly six in ten Americans say Trump goes too far in targeting his political opponents, with 90% of Democrats and 63% of independents agreeing. Republicans remain more supportive, with 59% saying his actions are appropriate.

For more data on public stance on politics, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston Travelers Endure Hours-Long TSA Delays Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Extended Wait Times at Bush and Hobby Airports

For the third consecutive day, Houston Airports is urging passengers to plan ahead as security lines continue to stretch for hours at both George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) airports. Officials are warning travelers to arrive extra early, as long waits are expected to persist “until further notice.”

TSA Staffing Shortages Create Major Bottlenecks

At Hobby Airport, limited screening lanes have resulted in wait times exceeding one hour. Conditions are even worse at Bush Intercontinental, where TSA checkpoints are only operating in Terminals A and E—forcing some passengers to wait up to three hours before reaching their gates.

Airlines Adjust Operations to Help Passengers

United Airlines has advised customers to check their luggage at Terminal C, then proceed to Terminal E by walking or taking the underground subway system. The carrier hopes the change will ease congestion and reduce confusion among travelers navigating closed checkpoints.

Shutdown’s Impact Spreads Nationwide

According to Houston Airports, the extended delays stem from the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has strained TSA staffing not only in Houston but across airports nationwide. Officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage passengers to stay updated through airline alerts and airport advisories.

For more live coverage on this story, follow along our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Chilly mornings early on this week will be replaced with near record warmth Friday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A gorgeous week is on tap for Southeast Texas. We are starting off November cool but will be heating up at the end of the week.

Temperatures have fallen into the 40s and 50s Monday morning. Sunny skies will help our temps to reach into the mid 70s by the afternoon.

What’s in store for this week?

The weather looks great! We’ll have a sunny sky, cool mornings, and mild afternoons through Election Day. Then moisture returns Wednesday and beyond to bring lows up into the 60s and highs into the 80s for the rest of the week, but overall it should still feel pretty nice. Friday could be especially warm with high temperatures climbing into the mid-upper 80s, possibly near the daily record of 89 degrees too.

Any more rain on the horizon?

After a couple of active days this past week with showers and stronger storms rolling through, it looks like we’re about to enter another warm and dry spell for the first full week of November. A pattern change could bring a few passing showers and storms next weekend, but it’s not a slam dunk at this point. That said, drought conditions could continue to be an issue throughout the month of November.

What is happening in the tropics?

Now that Melissa has moved on, there are no tropical developments expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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