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Robbery Suspect Uses Employee as Human Shield, Shot by HPD

Incident at North Houston Check-Cashing Business

A robbery attempt at an Ace Cash Express in north Houston turned violent Monday morning when a suspect held an employee at gunpoint and used her as a human shield, according to the Houston Police Department. The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. off West Greens Road near I-45.

Rapid Police Response

HPD Sgt. Luis Menendez-Sierra told our news partner ABC13 Houston that officers responded within minutes to a panic hold-up alarm. When the first patrol unit arrived, the officer saw a male suspect and a female employee inside the business.

Confrontation Outside the Store

Police said the suspect forced the woman outside with a gun pressed to her back. An officer fired at the suspect, striking him multiple times. Once he fell, officers moved in and secured the scene. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital.

Employee Unharmed

The employee, who had just arrived to open the store, was not injured. “She’s an innocent bystander in this whole situation,” Sgt. Menendez-Sierra said.

Robbery Trends in the Area

HPD crime data shows 21 commercial robberies within a five-mile radius over the past month, slightly fewer than the 25 reported during the same period last year.

Suspect Not Yet Identified

Police have not released the suspect’s name and say it appears he did not steal anything during the attempted robbery.

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

A chilly and dry Tuesday before our next rainmaker moves in Wednesday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After a cold and wet Monday, we are expecting the rain clouds to clear out overnight making way for even colder weather Tuesday morning. And while we do get the sunshine back Tuesday, it won’t stick around for long as the next rainy weather system blows in Wednesday through Friday.

Temperatures this morning will begin in the mid-to-upper 30s across most of Southeast Texas, and with the breeze it will feel about 5-10 degrees colder than the thermometer reads around sunrise. Patchy frost is even possible north of Houston where the wind settles down enough for frost to form. We should get a healthy dose of sunshine Tuesday afternoon to warm temperatures back into the low-to-mid 50s, but that’s still about 15 degrees cooler than normal.

How long will the cold air stick around?

We are in for another round of cold temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s Wednesday morning, then a warm front will push temperatures back into the mid 60s Wednesday. This little warm up will be short-lived as the next rainmaker rolls in Wednesday night and a cold front arrives on Thursday. That will make for two more days of cloudy, chilly, and wet weather to round out the work week.

When else could it rain this week?

Another rainmaker looks to blow in Wednesday afternoon and depart on Friday. For now we have a 30% chance of rain Wednesday afternoon, climbing to 60-70% Wednesday night and Thursday, then dropping to a 40% chance of showers on Friday. And while this might seem like a lot of rain over the next few days, we’re only expected around an inch or two to fall across the region by Friday. The exception is along the coast where we could see a few heavier thunderstorms Wednesday night into Thursday.

When could we get our first freeze?

We have no freezing weather in forecast over the next 10 days, and long range signals indicate we probably have to wait until mid December at the earliest for a chance of freezing weather in Houston. On average, Houston historically gets its first freeze during the second week of December.

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!

Sen. Kelly Demands Investigation into Caribbean Strikes, Criticizes Hegseth

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Refusing Intimidation

Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona said Monday he will not be silenced by President Donald Trump or Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, even after the Department of Defense announced a “thorough review” of Kelly following reports of alleged misconduct.

“I will not be intimidated by this president. I am not going to be silenced by this president or the people around because I’ve given too much in service to the country to back down,” Kelly said.

Call for Accountability

Kelly criticized Hegseth as “unqualified for this position” and called for him to testify about the Caribbean Sea boat strikes in September, where two survivors were reportedly killed after a second strike on a drug-smuggling vessel.

“There needs to be an investigation into these strikes,” Kelly said. “If there is anyone who needs to answer questions in public and under oath, it is Pete Hegseth.”

Legal Concerns

Kelly emphasized the importance of following international law, including the Law of the Sea and the Geneva Conventions. He expressed concern that targeting survivors clinging to a damaged vessel could cross a legal line: “I hope what we are hearing is not accurate,” he said.

Political Tensions

The senator also addressed the broader context of political pressure, responding to Trump’s social media posts calling Democrats “traitors” for posting a video telling service members they could refuse illegal orders. Kelly argued the president’s statements aim to intimidate Americans from speaking out:

“This isn’t about me and it’s not about the others in that video. They’re trying to send a message to retired service members, government employees, military members, and elected officials: ‘You better keep your mouth shut, or else,’” Kelly said.

Commitment to Lawful Process

When asked if he would cooperate with the FBI or Defense Department investigations, Kelly affirmed: “I will follow the law.” He also urged Trump to help reduce political tensions rather than inflame them, citing past attacks on his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, as a reminder of the consequences of violent rhetoric.

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

Putin Claims Control of Ukrainian Cities; Ukraine Denies

Unverified Claims

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed without evidence that Russian forces have taken Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, two cities in eastern Ukraine experiencing intense fighting. The claims came a day before his meeting in Moscow with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss a peace plan, seemingly aimed at projecting Russian strength and minimizing the need to compromise.

Ukraine Rejects Claims

The Ukrainian military denied Putin’s statements. The 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces said Ukrainian troops continue to hold back Russian advances in Pokrovsk. Despite heavy fighting and significant destruction, key areas remain under Ukrainian control.

Vovchansk and the Kharkiv Front

Vovchansk, near the Russian border, has also seen months of conflict without a decisive Russian capture. Viktor Tregubov, Head of Communications for the Ukrainian Joint Forces, said the city “has not been taken, but it effectively no longer exists.” Russian forces control much of the ruins, but Ukrainian troops still defend the southern areas.

Pattern of Premature Claims

This is not the first time Russia has made such claims. Putin previously said Kupiansk had fallen, yet Ukraine now reports progress in reclaiming it. A video posted by the Russian Ministry of Defense showing a soldier raising a Russian flag in Pokrovsk does not reflect full control, as the city remains contested.

On the Ground

Ukrainian forces continue to hold key positions, and independent analysts confirm that neither Pokrovsk nor Vovchansk has fully fallen. Putin’s statements appear intended more for political messaging than reflecting the reality on the frontlines.

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

METRO Updates IAH 500 Downtown Direct Service for Holiday Travelers

New Terminal Location

Starting Dec. 7, METRO’s IAH 500 Downtown Direct bus will operate from Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, moving from Terminal C. This change provides easier access for both international and domestic travelers, connecting directly to baggage claim and arrival areas.

Improved Accessibility and Convenience

Terminal E offers a covered driveway, dedicated bus lane, and clear signage, making it simpler for visitors to locate the bus, even during busy holiday periods. The wider roadway and dedicated bus space also reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

Service Highlights

While the terminal location has changed, all other service features remain:

  • Buses run every 30 minutes
  • $4.50 one-way fare
  • Comfortable buses with Wi-Fi and luggage storage
  • Reliable and affordable travel between IAH and Downtown Houston

Stay Informed

Travelers are encouraged to visit RideMETRO.org for updated terminal maps and additional information.

METRO thanks partners for helping share this update, ensuring a smooth travel experience for visitors this holiday season.

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

BARC Houston Launches Reduced-Fee Holiday Adoptions Through Empty the Shelters Event

Holiday Hope for Houston’s Shelter Pets

BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, is joining the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s national Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope event from Dec. 1–15, 2025. The initiative aims to help more pets find homes during a time when shelters nationwide are stretched to capacity.

Reduced Adoption Fees

Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation’s sponsorship, BARC is offering significantly lowered fees during the two-week event:

  • $50 for puppies four months or younger
  • $20 for dogs five months and older
  • $10 for all cats and kittens

All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, dewormer, flea prevention, a microchip and a one-year City of Houston pet registration.

Extended Adoption Hours

To give more families a chance to adopt, BARC will open on Mondays during the event—typically a closed day. Adoption hours will run 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 3300 Carr St.

Helping Pets During a Challenging Year

Shelters nationwide have experienced increased surrenders due to financial strain and housing instability, said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. She emphasized that adopting a shelter pet offers families an affordable, meaningful alternative to buying from breeders or pet stores.

BARC Shelter Director Jarrad Mears added that reducing fees and expanding hours makes adoption possible for more households: “A loving home is the greatest gift a pet can receive.”

National Impact

Empty the Shelters is the largest funded adoption event in the country, helping more than 374,000 pets find homes since 2016. Participating shelters set their own adoption procedures, and all pets come spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Houston families interested in adopting are encouraged to contact BARC directly for details.

For more on animal welfare, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

TSA to Charge $45 for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting Feb. 1

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New Fee for Non-Compliant IDs

Beginning Feb. 1, travelers who arrive at airport security without a REAL ID or passport will be required to pay a $45 identity-verification fee, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday. The amount is significantly higher than the previously proposed $18 fee.

Part of REAL ID Implementation

The fee supports the next phase of the REAL ID rollout. Travelers without compliant identification will need to verify their identity through TSA’s biometric or biographic system before being allowed through security.

TSA official Steve Lorincz said the fee helps modernize and secure the verification system and ensures costs are covered by travelers rather than taxpayers.

How the Process Works

Individuals can visit TSA.gov to complete the online verification steps and submit payment. Afterward, they’ll receive an email confirmation to show officers at the checkpoint. The process typically takes 10–15 minutes but may take up to 30 minutes or longer.

TSA warns that verification isn’t guaranteed—travelers may still be denied if their identity can’t be confirmed.

Impact on Travelers at Airports

Anyone who reaches the checkpoint without acceptable ID will be removed from the line to complete the online process. Those with a lost or stolen REAL ID or passport must also pay the fee.

Once approved, the verification is valid for up to 10 days. If travelers fly again without a REAL ID after that window, the fee must be paid again.

Most Travelers Already Compliant

According to TSA, roughly 94% of passengers already use a REAL ID or another approved form of identification.

For more updates on travel guidelines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

WHO releases 1st global guidelines on GLP-1 weight-loss medications

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New Recommendations for Obesity Care

The World Health Organization has issued its first-ever guidelines on GLP-1 medications for adults with obesity, recommending long-term, continuous use when medically appropriate. The guidance covers semaglutide (Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda) and tirzepatide (Zepbound).

GLP-1s Aren’t a Standalone Solution

Published in JAMA, the guidelines stress that GLP-1 drugs must be paired with healthy eating, regular physical activity and ongoing counseling. WHO officials emphasize that obesity is a chronic disease requiring lifelong management, not a short-term fix.

Dr. Louis Arrone of Weill Cornell Medicine said the recommendations validate obesity treatment as mainstream medical care: “Treating obesity early — as a chronic disease — is finally moving into the mainstream.”

Access, Cost and Supply Remain Barriers

The WHO notes significant hurdles, including high drug prices, limited supply and unequal access globally. The organization urges countries to create fairer pathways to ensure those with the greatest medical needs receive treatment first.

How the Medications Help

GLP-1 drugs often reduce hunger and make it easier for patients to follow nutrition plans, according to Arrone. Many people feel full sooner and report less emotional pull toward certain foods. He also highlighted the importance of resistance training to prevent loss of muscle mass during rapid weight loss.

“Medicines work best when they go hand in hand with changes in eating habits and daily behaviors,” he said.

A Growing Global Crisis

More than 1 billion people currently live with obesity, a number projected to reach 2 billion by 2030. The WHO says future guidelines will focus on identifying and prioritizing those at highest risk.

A Call for System-Wide Change

The organization is urging member nations to “reboot” their approaches to obesity care by strengthening prevention, treatment and health-system capacity. Arrone described the shift as unprecedented: a move toward treating obesity proactively rather than waiting for complications to develop.

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

Trump Convenes High-Level Meeting on Venezuela Amid Intensifying U.S. Pressure

White House Plans Next Steps

President Donald Trump will meet with top national security officials Monday evening to discuss the administration’s next moves on Venezuela, according to sources familiar with the planning. The Oval Office meeting is set for 4 p.m. CT.

Key Attendees

Expected participants include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

Escalating Military Pressure

The meeting comes as the U.S. ramps up its campaign against Venezuela, launching strikes on suspected drug vessels and deploying more than a dozen warships and 15,000 troops to the Caribbean under “Operation Southern Spear.” Trump also signaled the U.S. will soon target land-based trafficking routes.

Warnings and Diplomatic Moves

Over the weekend, Trump urged airlines, pilots and criminal networks to avoid Venezuelan airspace—an order he later downplayed. He also confirmed speaking by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, days after the U.S. designated Maduro and his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization to broaden military options.

Legal Concerns Over Deadly Strikes

The administration faces growing scrutiny over U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats that have killed more than 80 people. Lawmakers from both parties question the legality of the operations since the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela.

A CNN report revealed the U.S. conducted a second strike on survivors of an initial attack. Sen. Angus King of Maine called such action “a stone-cold war crime” if confirmed, adding that Congress will question officials “up and down the chain of command.”

Congressional Oversight Ahead

King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said lawmakers will investigate whether defense orders were properly executed and who authorized the actions.

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

Cold, breezy, and rainy for Monday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Get ready for a chilly and messy start to the week as widespread showers are expected across Southeast Texas Monday.

An area of low pressure attached to our most recent cold front will track northeast through the Gulf and sling rain over us. We are expecting widespread rain through most of the day with rain become a bit more scattered into the evening. A few claps of thunder will be possible but not widespread. With all the clouds and rain, temperatures will struggle to get out of the 40s.

What more can you tell me about Monday’s weather?

It’s going to feel like winter has arrived! Monday will be cold all day with widespread rain showers. The rain will likely keep our temperatures trapped in the 40s all day, so it will be a rude welcome back to work and school after the long holiday weekend.

How long will the cold air stick around?

It will stay chilly through noon Tuesday, then warm slightly Wednesday and Thursday as the mild Gulf breeze returns. Speaking of Tuesday, temps will start off in the middle and upper 30s. Even though we aren’t expecting a freeze, it’ll feel like with wind chills ranging from the upper 20s to the middle 30s to start the day.

When else could it rain this week?

Another rainmaker looks to blow in Wednesday night and depart on Friday. For now we have a 60% chance of thunderstorms on Thursday and a 40% chance of showers on Friday.

When could we get our first freeze?

We have no freezing weather in forecast over the next 10 days, and long range signals indicate we probably have to wait until mid December at the earliest for a chance of freezing weather in Houston. On average, Houston historically gets its first freeze during the second week of December.

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!