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Senate Moves Closer to Ending 41-Day Shutdown

Indira Zaldivar
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Senate Moves Closer to Ending 41-Day Shutdown

The Senate is set to reconvene at 10 a.m. CT on Monday as lawmakers continue efforts to end the federal government shutdown, now in its 41st day. A rare Sunday vote signaled progress, with senators narrowly advancing a short-term funding bill by a 60-40 margin — just enough to move it forward.

Supreme Court Seeks Clarity on SNAP Funding

With November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments hanging in the balance, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has asked the Trump administration to confirm by Monday morning whether it still intends to seek a full stay on a court order requiring the USDA to fully fund benefits. If the administration proceeds, both sides will submit additional filings.

Senate Faces Procedural Hurdles

Despite Sunday’s breakthrough, the funding bill isn’t a done deal. To fast-track the legislation, all 100 senators must agree — and a single objection could delay progress. Without unanimous consent, final passage could stretch for hours or even days.

House Prepares for Possible Vote

House members were notified late Sunday to be prepared for votes if the Senate completes its work. Leadership says lawmakers will receive 36 hours’ notice once a bill is ready to move across the Capitol.

The Senate returns to the floor at 11 a.m., where momentum — or opposition — will determine how quickly the government can reopen.

For the latest on the government shutdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Veterans Day brings our coldest morning since February, mild and beautiful afternoon

ABC13 Houston
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Veterans Day brings our coldest morning since February, mild and beautiful afternoon

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston’s first dip into the 30s since February is expected Tuesday morning. A light freeze and frost are possible in parts of Southeast Texas, especially outside the city of Houston.

While Veterans Day starts off chilly, abundant sunshine and the return of the Gulf breeze should warm those temperatures into the low 70s during the afternoon.

How long does the cold air stick around?

It’s basically gone after Veterans Day. Starting Wednesday, highs will be back in the 80s, and starting Wednesday night lows will bump back up into the 60s. Highs average in the 70s and lows in the 50s for this time of year.

Any more rain on the horizon?

Our next big weather system we’re monitoring could impact us over the weekend. The path of this “cut-off” low is uncertain at this time, and for now we only have low 20%-30% rain chances in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday. If the low tracks through the state, then we’ll have to raise our rain chances significantly. Beyond that weather system, another upper-level storm system looks to impact us toward the end of next week, and that one looks to bring a more promising rain chance. Given how warm and humid the air will be, it’s possible we could even have severe weather, but we’ve got plenty of time to sort out the details on that one.

What is happening in the tropics?

Tropical development is not 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!

Galveston Bay Foundation expands wetlands restoration project near Clear Lake

Edward Saenz
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Galveston Bay Foundation expands wetlands restoration project near Clear Lake

The Galveston Bay Foundation announced Sunday it is expanding its wetlands restoration work at Sweetwater Nature Preserve, adding 120 acres of shoreline near Clear Lake in a project aimed at protecting coastal habitats and strengthening community resilience.

The $8 million project, funded through a combination of private donations and grants from the Texas General Land Office, will construct oyster-shell breakwaters and plant marsh grasses behind them to rebuild shoreline marshlands. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion slated for later that year.

“Healthy wetlands are our first line of defense against hurricanes and flooding,” said Bob Stokes, president of the Galveston Bay Foundation. “This project will protect both the environment and our communities, while also providing outdoor learning spaces for local schools.”

The Sweetwater Preserve restoration effort is part of a broader initiative by the foundation to combat wetland loss in the Galveston Bay region. According to GBF, the area has lost more than 8,000 acres of saltwater wetlands and over 80,000 acres of freshwater wetlands in the past two decades. Wetlands serve as natural nurseries for fish, filter polluted runoff, reduce erosion, and buffer storm surge, making them critical to both wildlife and human communities.

The restoration strategy involves building offshore reef structures using recycled oyster shells to slow wave action, allowing marsh grasses to take root and thrive. To date, the foundation has restored nearly 1,000 acres of wetlands in the bay area through similar projects.

Volunteers will be engaged throughout the project, and the foundation emphasizes the importance of community involvement for long-term conservation success. The expansion also aligns with broader efforts to enhance climate resilience as rising sea levels and erosion threaten Texas’s coastal regions.

“This is an investment in our environment and in the future of Southeast Texas,” Stokes said.

H-E-B to install electric-vehicle charging stations at San Antonio stores

Edward Saenz
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H-E-B to install electric-vehicle charging stations at San Antonio stores

Grocery chain H‑E‑B announced plans to install electric-vehicle charging stations at two of its San Antonio stores, joining a wave of Texas retailers adapting to the rise of EVs. The new stations will be located at H-E-B’s Leon Valley Marketplace and its larger Bandera Road/Loop 1604 store. Each project is estimated to cost about $600,000 and will be built in partnership with Electrify America, the VW-Group-owned charging-network provider. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with completion expected by December of that year.

The grocery chain said the “hyper-fast” stations will be compatible with most electric vehicles, though H-E-B did not disclose pricing details or whether charging will be discounted for shoppers. “H-E-B continues to look for ways to serve customers and communities as technology evolves,” a company spokesperson said.

The announcement comes as Texas accelerates efforts to build a statewide network of EV-charging infrastructure. Under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and authorized by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to deploy a system of chargers spaced about every 50 miles and within a mile of most interstate exits, as part of a roughly $408 million allocation for fiscal years 2022-2026. About 80 % of that amount comes from federal funding. Besides roadway infrastructure programs, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality offers grants of up to $150,000 per charging unit (capped at $600,000 per project site) to help offset costs for private- and public-site installations.

Many shoppers welcomed the move as a convenient step toward cleaner transportation, though some raised concerns. One commented on social media: “This is a good idea, electrics are growing. Just hope they don’t take up all the front spots.” Industry analysts say that offering fast charging may help H-E-B differentiate itself from competitors by turning grocery stops into multi-purpose pit-stops for EV drivers.

Abbott launches bid for fourth term, touts property tax reform and conservative values

Edward Saenz
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Abbott launches bid for fourth term, touts property tax reform and conservative values

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launched his campaign Sunday for a record fourth term, promising to deliver sweeping property tax reforms and preserve what he called the state’s “conservative heritage.”

Speaking to supporters in Houston, Abbott framed his re-election bid as a fight to protect the “Texas model” low taxes, limited government and a strong economy from what he described as “far-left, progressive insanity.” The Republican governor, who has held office since 2015, enters the 2026 race with approximetly $87 million in campaign funds and the potential to become the longest-serving governor in Texas history.

Abbott’s speech centered on a bold plan to overhaul property taxes, a perennial concern for Texas homeowners. His proposals include eliminating the school district portion of property taxes through a constitutional amendment, capping annual appraisal growth at 3%, and requiring a two-thirds majority of local voters to approve any property tax increases.

“Texans work hard for what they earn, and they deserve to keep more of it,” Abbott said.

“We’re going to put power back where it belongs, in the hands of the people, not the government.”

The governor also vowed to expand school choice, strengthen border security, and continue efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public universities.

Critics quickly questioned how Abbott’s proposals would impact school funding, which relies heavily on local property taxes. Education advocates warned that eliminating those revenues without a replacement could create deep shortfalls in classrooms across the state.

Political analysts say Abbott’s focus on tax relief and conservative social policy could help solidify his support among Republican voters, though his approval ratings have dipped in recent months. If reelected, Abbott would surpass former Gov. Rick Perry’s tenure as the longest-serving governor in Texas history.

Abbott’s campaign sets the stage for a high-stakes 2026 race likely to feature debates over education, taxes, immigration and the cost of living issues that have defined his decade-long tenure in office.

‘Predator: Badlands’ Dominates November Box Office

Indira Zaldivar
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‘Predator: Badlands’ Dominates November Box Office

The new 20th Century and Disney reboot, Predator: Badlands, opened to a stunning $36–38 million, far surpassing pre-release expectations of $25 million. The film’s strong debut marks the top opening for a standalone Predator movie and positions it to rival AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) as the franchise’s highest-grossing installment.

Critics and Audiences Applaud

Predator: Badlands received glowing reviews, earning an A- CinemaScore — the first for any film in the franchise, including the Alien crossovers. PostTrak audience ratings were equally enthusiastic, with five out of five stars. Director Dan Trachtenberg co-created the story with Prey writer Patrick Aison, flipping the script by making the Predator, Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a protagonist alongside Elle Fanning’s synthetic Thia.

Other Box Office Highlights

  • Regretting You continues to impress in its third weekend, holding at $7.3 million and a domestic total of $38.8 million, surpassing Black Phone 2 in staying power.
  • Black Phone 2 earned an estimated $5.2 million in its fourth weekend, bringing its domestic total to $70 million.
  • Sarah’s Oil, Amazon MGM’s faith-based true story, opened at $4.4 million with a rare A+ CinemaScore and 97% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
  • Nuremberg, a historical drama from Sony Pictures Classics, is expected to reach $3.7–4 million in its opening weekend, earning critical and audience acclaim.

Struggling Awards Contenders

Some high-profile films struggled despite critical praise:

  • Die My Love (Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson) earned a D+ CinemaScore and 44% audience rating.
  • Christy (Sydney Sweeney) received positive reviews and a B+ CinemaScore, but may not crack the top 10.

Limited Releases Shine

Neon’s Sentimental Value, opening in four New York and Los Angeles theaters, is showing a strong per-location average of approximately $50,000, signaling early awards-season buzz.

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

Man Dies After Fall at Grand Canyon’s West Rim

Edward Saenz
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Man Dies After Fall at Grand Canyon’s West Rim

A 65-year-old man died after slipping and falling from the edge of the Grand Canyon on Thursday afternoon, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona.

Incident at Guano Point

The fall occurred at Guano Point, a popular lookout spot on the canyon’s west rim located on the Hualapai Reservation. Search and rescue crews located the man about 130 feet below the rim on rocky terrain. Technical rope teams recovered the body and transported it to the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Recovery Effort Involved Multiple Agencies

The Hualapai Nation Police Department, Hualapai Nation Fire, and Grand Canyon West security assisted in the recovery operation. The man’s identity has not been released.

Area Known for Scenic Views but Steep Drop-offs

Guano Point is known for its sweeping canyon views but has areas with minimal guardrails and steep natural edges. The incident follows other fatal falls reported in recent years, highlighting ongoing visitor safety concerns.

Tips to Stay Safe at the Grand Canyon

1. Stay Behind Railings and Barriers

  • Never climb over or lean on railings.
  • Avoid stepping onto unprotected edges, even for photos.

2. Watch Your Step

  • Uneven and rocky terrain is common near viewpoints like Guano Point.
  • Wear sturdy shoes with good traction.

3. Supervise Children Closely

  • Keep kids within arm’s reach, especially near drop-offs.
  • Hold hands or use harnesses in crowded areas.

4. Avoid Risky Behavior for Photos

  • Officials warn against leaning over edges or standing on rocks for selfies.
  • Always maintain a safe distance from cliff edges.

5. Follow Park and Hualapai Nation Guidance

  • Respect all posted signs and warnings.
  • If hiking, stick to marked trails and avoid shortcuts.

6. Be Mindful of Weather

  • Wet or windy conditions increase the risk of slips.
  • Postpone risky hikes during rain or strong wind.

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

Third Day of Flight Cancellations Brings Growing Travel Disruptions

Michael Esparza
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Third Day of Flight Cancellations Brings Growing Travel Disruptions

Travelers across the U.S. are facing another day of uncertainty on Sunday, Nov. 9, as government-mandated flight cuts continue during the ongoing federal shutdown. More than 1,100 flights scheduled for Sunday were already canceled by mid-morning, according to FlightAware, with thousands more delayed.

Cuts Could Increase if Shutdown Continues

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned the percentage of canceled flights could rise sharply if air traffic controllers continue working without pay. The cuts began Nov. 7 at about 4% of flights across 40 major airports and are expected to reach 10% by Nov. 14 — but could climb to 15–20% if federal staffing levels worsen.

Houston Travelers Affected

Both of Houston’s major airports — George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby (HOU) — are among the facilities experiencing the gradual reduction in flights. Passengers departing or connecting through Houston should monitor airline apps closely for real-time changes.

Major Airlines Adjusting Schedules

United confirmed it will cancel 158 flights Sunday, 190 on Monday and up to 269 on Tuesday. Delta says its planned cancellations through Nov. 10 are already accounted for, though it has not provided totals. Southwest and American Airlines have not released specific numbers.

Travelers Find Creative Workarounds

With last-minute cancellations, many travelers are rerouting on their own. Some have taken connecting flights to entirely different cities and arranged alternate transportation to reach their final destinations — all to avoid being stranded overnight in major hubs like Chicago O’Hare or Atlanta.

Tips if Your Flight Is Canceled

Passengers are encouraged to:

  • Rebook through the airline app immediately — available seats go fast.
  • Call international customer service lines to avoid long U.S. call wait times.
  • Request a refund if you choose not to travel. Even when cancellations stem from federal staffing — which is outside airline control — travelers are still entitled to a full refund for canceled or significantly delayed flights.

International Flights Mostly Unaffected — For Now

The mandate does not require airlines to cut international routes. United, Southwest and Delta say long-haul flights remain in place. However, travelers with domestic connections may still face disruptions if their U.S. segments are canceled or delayed.

Airports Impacted Nationwide

The FAA flight reductions are affecting 40 high-traffic airports, including:

  • IAH – George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston)
  • HOU – William P. Hobby Airport (Houston)
  • ATL, ORD, LAX, DFW, JFK, MIA, DEN, SEA, SFO, BOS, BWI and others.

Why the Reductions Are Happening

With the shutdown now stretching over a month, FAA officials say the air traffic system is “stressed.” Many controllers are still working without pay, leading to fatigue and staffing shortages. Reducing the number of flights, officials say, is necessary to maintain safety.

As the holiday travel season approaches, travelers are advised to monitor flights frequently, stay flexible and rebook early when possible.

For more on the effects of the government shutdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Breezy but beautiful Sunday, downright cold by Monday

ABC13 Houston
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Breezy but beautiful Sunday, downright cold by Monday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Current weather aside, we should start with this important note: A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Sunday afternoon for Polk County. Specifically this is for areas downstream of the Carter Lake Dam near Camden. Late Saturday evening there were reports of damage to the dam and a possible breach. Residents downstream are being advised to evacuate until further notice.

As for our current weather, the first thing you’ll notice today is the gusty winds. We’ll see winds out of the north gusting up to 40 mph, which will help keep afternoon highs only near 70 degrees. This breeze will lead to higher-than-normal fire weather concerns for both Sunday and Monday. A Fire Weather Warning is in effect for all of Southeast Texas through Sunday, then a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Monday.

When does the cool down begin?

It’s already ongoing! Temperatures will only warm into the low 70s with the north wind blowing at around 25 mph. Combine those gusty winds with extremely dry air, and we’ll have a very high to extreme fire danger. Keep in mind that burn bans are in effect for most of Southeast Texas. An even stronger cold front will reach us on Sunday night as a cold high pressure cell from the Canadian arctic slides down the Plains and into Texas. Monday morning lows will be in the low 40s and upper 30s with wind chill factors near freezing! Sunshine will only allow temperatures to barely clear 60 degrees in the afternoon.

What does the weather forecast look like for Veterans Day?

It looks chilly in the morning! In fact, frost is possible at sunrise with lows in the 30s. Abundant sunshine and the return of the Gulf breeze should warm those temperatures into the low 70s in the afternoon.

How long does the cold air stick around?

It’s basically gone after Veterans Day. Starting Wednesday, highs will be back in the 80s, and starting Wednesday night lows will bump back up into the 60s. Highs average in the 70s and lows in the 50s for this time of year.

Any more rain on the horizon?

Not really. We are out of the main storm track over the next week or so. Therefore, more drought-building conditions are expected through mid-November. We do have some 20% chances for rain in the 7-10 days forecast period, but there’s nothing there that looks super promising.

What is happening in the tropics?

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!

Houston Reps. Al Green and Lizzie Fletcher respond to shifting political landscape amid shutdown

Edward Saenz
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Houston Reps. Al Green and Lizzie Fletcher respond to shifting political landscape amid shutdown

Two of Houston’s most prominent Democratic members of Congress, U.S. Reps. Al Green and Lizzie Fletcher, made moves as they responded to new political realities reshaping the city’s delegation in Washington.

Green, who has represented the 9th Congressional District since 2005, announced he will seek reelection in the newly redrawn 18th District, which was reshaped in Texas’ mid-cycle redistricting plan. The move positions the longtime lawmaker to run for the seat left vacant after the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner, which will hold a runoff election to cover the remainder of the term.

Speaking from Houston, Green said his decision was about “continuing the fight for the people” while denouncing former President Donald Trump’s influence on national politics.

“I will never surrender to authoritarianism or bigotry,” Green said in a statement to the Texas Tribune.

“The people of this district deserve a representative who will always stand for justice.”

The redrawn 18th District now includes much of Green’s former base in southwest Houston, as well as parts of Missouri City and the Texas Medical Center area. Political observers expect a competitive Democratic primary, with potential challengers including Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former City Council member Amanda Edwards.

While Green reshuffled his political footing, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, who represents the 7th District, turned her focus to the immediate concerns of her constituents amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Fletcher hosted a virtual town hall Friday to address the growing financial and logistical strain on federal workers and families in the Houston area. Joined by representatives from the American Federation of Government Employees and Community Health Choice, Fletcher outlined available resources and called on congressional Republicans to return to Washington to end the impasse.

“The government shutdown continues to hurt families, federal workers, and our entire community.” Fletcher said during her virtual townhall.


‘It’s past time to reopen the government and get back to work for the American people.”

The shutdown, now in its sixth week, has affected thousands of federal employees across Texas, delaying paychecks and disrupting programs such as health insurance enrollment and food assistance.

Green’s campaign announcement and Fletcher’s town hall illustrate two fronts of Houston’s political response — one adapting to redistricting and succession battles, the other managing the local fallout from national gridlock.

As the 2026 election season approaches, Houston’s Democratic leaders face a dual challenge: defending seats in newly drawn districts while confronting the real-world consequences of Washington’s dysfunction.

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