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Can a Hand Signal Save a Life?

Que Onda Editorial
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Can a Hand Signal Save a Life?

Police in California say a silent hand gesture helped them rescue a victim of domestic violence last month at a 7-Eleven. The signal, created by the Canadian Women’s Foundation in 2020, is designed to discreetly indicate someone needs help.

What the Signal Looks Like

The gesture involves tucking your thumb into your palm and folding your fingers over it. It can be done behind the back or subtly in public so an abuser doesn’t notice.

Advocates say it’s a safe way to ask for help without leaving a digital trail, unlike texts or phone calls.

Why It Matters

Domestic violence experts note that victims are often isolated and heavily monitored. Small windows of time away from an abuser—at a store, gas station, or on the street—may be their only chance to signal distress.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline says it hears from thousands of people every day. Barriers like surveillance, threats, and fear of retaliation make it hard for victims to speak out.

What To Do If You See the Signal

The Canadian Women’s Foundation suggests:

  • Approach safely and discreetly.
  • Ask the person how they want help—whether that means calling police, connecting them to resources, or just checking in later.
  • If immediate danger is clear, call 911.
  • Consider enlisting someone nearby, like a store manager or security guard, if you’re not sure what to do.

Past Cases

The signal has saved lives before:

  • In 2021, a missing 16-year-old girl in Kentucky used it from a passing car window, leading to her rescue.
  • In 2022, a Tennessee woman used it at a gas station to escape a kidnapping.

Most recently, the Alhambra Police Department confirmed a California victim used it behind her back, alerting a bystander who called 911. The suspect was arrested.

Resources for Houstonians

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the live chat at thehotline.org.
  • Locally, Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) offers a 24/7 hotline at (713) 528-2121 and services including emergency shelter and counseling.

For more life-saving stories, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Moves to Rename Pentagon the ‘Department of War’

Indira Zaldivar
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Trump Moves to Rename Pentagon the ‘Department of War’

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Sept. 5 that will restore the Pentagon’s historic name, the Department of War, a title abandoned in 1947 when the modern Department of Defense was created.

A Return to “Warrior Ethos”

The White House says the change reflects the administration’s goal of reviving a “warrior ethos” within the military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explained, “We want warriors, folks that know how to exact lethality on the enemy. We don’t want endless contingencies and just playing defense.”

The order will allow officials to use titles such as Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War in official documents and communications. Hegseth is also tasked with recommending steps to permanently rename the department.

Historical Context

The Department of War was created in 1789 to oversee the Army, while the Navy had its own department. After World War II, the National Security Act of 1947 reorganized U.S. military leadership, creating the Air Force and merging branches into the newly named Department of Defense in 1949. Historians note the shift was intended to emphasize preventing wars in the nuclear age.

Mixed Messaging

Trump has often cast himself as a dealmaker and peacemaker, yet this change signals a harder edge. “It used to be called the Department of War, and it had a stronger sound,” Trump told reporters last month.

What Houstonians Should Watch

  • Military Families: Houston has thousands of veterans and active-duty families who may be watching closely to see if the rebranding signals deeper policy changes.
  • Taxpayer Costs: No estimate has been given for updating federal documents, signage, and communications with the new name.
  • Global Messaging: The symbolic shift could affect how allies and adversaries perceive U.S. military posture.

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

Hurricane Kiko and Tropical Storm Lorena: What to Know

Que Onda Editorial
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Hurricane Kiko and Tropical Storm Lorena: What to Know

Two storms in the Pacific—Hurricane Kiko and Tropical Storm Lorena—are being closely monitored for potential impacts to the U.S., including flooding rains, rip currents, and high surf.

Lorena Brings Flooding Risk to the Southwest

Once a hurricane, Tropical Storm Lorena is now tracking toward northwestern Mexico. Its remnants could dump heavy rain across the U.S. Southwest Friday and Saturday, with Arizona, Phoenix, and Tucson under flood watches. Some areas could see 1–2 inches of rain per hour.

The Baja California Peninsula could see up to 8 inches of rain, plus dangerous surf and rip currents over the next few days.

Hurricane Kiko Nears Hawaii

Farther out in the Pacific, Hurricane Kiko has reached Category 4 strength about 1,500 miles east of Hawaii. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves into cooler waters, but it could still bring 70 mph wind gusts, heavy rain, and high surf to Hawaii by Tuesday or Wednesday.

A Busy Hurricane Season

These storms follow Hurricane Erin, which recently battered North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and come during what forecasters say will be an above-normal hurricane season.

Tips for Houstonians

While these Pacific storms are not forecast to hit Texas, they’re a reminder that hurricane season is still active through Nov. 30. Houstonians should:

  • Keep hurricane kits stocked with food, water, and flashlights.
  • Review evacuation routes, even if you live inland.
  • Sign up for local alerts through ReadyHarris or your county’s emergency system.

For more hurricane preparedness information, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Shein Pulls Ad After Model Resembles Murder Suspect

Que Onda Editorial
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Shein Pulls Ad After Model Resembles Murder Suspect

Fast-fashion giant Shein is facing backlash after shoppers noticed a model in one of its shirt ads looked strikingly similar to Luigi Mangione—the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione has pleaded not guilty and remains behind bars awaiting trial.

Social Media Reactions

The ad quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), with some users blasting the brand for insensitivity and speculating that AI may have been involved. One person wrote, “Using AI for this is so disrespectful,” while another quipped, “Now you too can have the look of a CEO slayer.” Others suggested it could have been just a look-alike, not intentional.

Shein Responds

Shein told the BBC and TMZ that the image came from a third-party vendor and was removed “immediately upon discovery.” The company added it is conducting a full investigation and tightening its monitoring process to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Mangione’s Ongoing Case

Mangione, 27, was arrested in December 2024 and has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of murder and stalking. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if he is convicted. A hearing is set for December 5, 2025, with his federal trial expected in 2026. He also has a separate court appearance scheduled in New York on September 16.

Shopper Safety

Shein’s controversy highlights a growing concern with online retailers relying on third-party vendors and possibly AI-generated content without proper oversight. For shoppers, it’s a reminder to stay alert:

  • Be cautious of misleading or AI-altered product photos.
  • Check seller details when shopping online.
  • Report questionable listings to platforms quickly.

For more shopping safety tips, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Men in Houston: Don’t Skip Prostate Cancer Screenings

Michael Esparza
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Men in Houston: Don’t Skip Prostate Cancer Screenings

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and health experts are reminding men in Houston that early detection saves lives. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S., and about 1 in 8 will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

Why Early Detection Matters

Prostate cancer usually shows no symptoms in its early stages, making screenings critical. Doctors often recommend a simple PSA blood test to catch the disease early—when survival rates are close to 100%.

Free Screening Event in Houston

Harris County Public Health is teaming up with Texas Southern University to offer free screenings:

When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Progressive New Hope Church, 3106 Paige Street, Houston, TX 77004

No appointment is needed, but spots are first-come, first-served—so getting there early is a smart move.

Who’s Most at Risk

  • Age: Most cases are diagnosed after 65.
  • Race: Black men and men of African ancestry face a higher risk and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease compared to white men.
  • Family History: Having relatives with prostate cancer raises your risk.

Doctors recommend men at average risk start talking about screening at age 55, but Black men and those with family history should start earlier, even in their 40s.

For weekly health tips, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 2,205

Indira Zaldivar
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Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 2,205

Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 2,205

The death toll from Sunday’s 6.0 magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has climbed to 2,205, with another 3,640 people injured, according to Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Fitrat said tents have been set up for displaced families and humanitarian aid is being distributed in multiple locations. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing in the hardest-hit villages near the Pakistan border.

Quake and Aftershocks

The earthquake struck just before midnight Sunday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. Since then, several aftershocks have rattled the region, including a 5.2 magnitude tremor northeast of Jalalabad on Tuesday, complicating relief efforts.

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake shook eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing more than 800 people and destroying several villages near the border with Pakistan, officials confirmed.

For more on the devastating earthquake, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Emma Stone Faces Backlash Over ‘Bugonia’ Comments

Que Onda Editorial
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Emma Stone Faces Backlash Over ‘Bugonia’ Comments

Emma Stone has come under fire for remarks linking her new film “Bugonia” to the real-life Luigi Mangione case, where the suspect is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York.

During a Q&A at the Telluride Film Festival, Stone reflected on unsettling parallels between the film’s plot and the crime, saying, “It was wild… the world is so deeply fraught and terrifying in so many ways.”

Critics online slammed the comments as “tone-deaf” and “out of touch,” with some accusing the actress of using tragedy to promote her film.

Stone Opens Up About Shaving Her Head

In an earlier Vogue interview, Stone revealed she shaved her head for the role and wore wigs in public to hide it. She described the experience as “amazing” and said it reminded her of when her mother lost her hair during breast cancer treatment.

Close friend Jennifer Lawrence admitted she initially opposed the drastic change but later said Stone “pulled it off.”

Critics Praise ‘Bugonia’

Despite controversy, “Bugonia” has earned strong reviews. The Hollywood Reporter called it a “genre-hopping blast of suspense, sci-fi, paranoia, and dark comedy.”

Stone’s performance has been widely celebrated, with Time describing her as “bold, creative, and bracingly convincing,” though the film itself was labeled “punishing.”

Director Yorgos Lanthimos pushed back against the “dystopian” label, noting, “Not much of the dystopia in this film is fictional… this is happening now.”

For more on Stone’s controversial remarks, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Lower humidity expected next couple of days, but tropical moisture returns this weekend

Indira Zaldivar
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Lower humidity expected next couple of days, but tropical moisture returns this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Get ready for a nice break from that Southeast Texas humidity today as dry air moves in! Enjoy it today though, because moisture will move back in quickly by Friday into the weekend.

With the drier air in place, parts of Southeast Texas are starting off in the mid 60s… mainly north of I-10. Most areas near or south of I-10 are starting off in the mid to upper 70s. A warm, southwesterly breeze will crank the heat up into the upper 90s during the afternoon, and there is an Air Quality Alert for the possibility of high ozone pollution levels. Ozone is a lung irritant that can trigger a dry cough and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. The day will be mostly sunny with the rain chance close to zero percent.

Whatever dry air remains Thursday evening is gone by Friday morning with the return of the Gulf breeze. Moisture levels will continue to climb over the weekend.

So what’s in store for us this weekend?

More opportunities for rain. Tropical moisture is blowing in on Saturday and increasing more on Sunday, and some of this moisture is from a Pacific hurricane named Lorena. We won’t get any wind from that system, but the higher moisture levels will boost the chances for heavy rainfall. We currently have a 30% chance for a downpour Saturday, and that rain chance doubles up to 60% Sunday as the tropical moisture sits overhead and gets squeeze by a front pushing in from the north.

A front?! Will it bring us any cooler weather?

Maybe. We don’t want to get your hopes up too much, but our best read on the front right now is that it will bring a strong enough push of drier and slightly cooler air to possibly drops lows into the upper 60s and highs into the upper 80s for a day or two. The last time Houston’s official thermometer dropped into the upper 60s was at the end of May! Look for the front to blow in drier air as early as Monday.

What is happening in the tropics?

A tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic has a high chance for development and becoming Gabrielle. While the Gulf is quiet now, we continue to see signs activity will pick up across the Atlantic basin by mid-September. Meanwhile we have now hit the time of year where we pay closer attention to Pacific hurricanes that can send their moisture and rains toward Texas, and Hurricane Lorena may do just that early next week. 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.

September 2025 Corn Moon: When and How to See It

Edward Saenz
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September 2025 Corn Moon: When and How to See It

Peak Illumination

The final full moon of summer, known as the corn moon, will reach peak brightness at 1:09 p.m. CT on Sunday, Sept. 7. Since it will be below the horizon at that moment, the best viewing will be later that evening when the moon rises in the eastern sky. The moon will also appear nearly full the nights before and after.

Why It’s Called the Corn Moon

The term “corn moon” comes from Algonquin tribes, who named it for the harvest season of corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice. Europeans also called it the fruit moon or barley moon as late-summer crops ripened.

Weather Outlook

According to the National Weather Service, much of the U.S. is expected to have clear skies on Sept. 7, offering ideal conditions for moonwatchers.

Eclipse Abroad

This corn moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse, creating a “blood moon” in parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Unfortunately, it won’t be visible in the U.S.

Next U.S. Eclipse

The next total lunar eclipse visible in the Americas will occur on March 3, 2026. A partial lunar eclipse will follow in August 2026, along with a total solar eclipse visible in parts of Europe and the Arctic.

For more on celestial phenomenon, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

‘Ketamine Queen’ Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry’s Death

Indira Zaldivar
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‘Ketamine Queen’ Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry’s Death

Guilty Plea in Los Angeles

Jasveen Sangha, a 42-year-old drug dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen,” pleaded guilty in Los Angeles federal court to charges linked to the fatal overdose of “Friends” star Matthew Perry.

She admitted to maintaining a drug premises, distributing ketamine, and providing the fatal dose that caused Perry’s death in October 2023.

Details of the Case

Prosecutors said Sangha and co-defendant Erik Fleming sold Perry 51 vials of ketamine. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s personal assistant, injected the actor multiple times on Oct. 28, 2023, leading to his death. Sangha has been in custody since her arrest in August 2024.

Other Convictions

Sangha is the fifth person convicted in the case. Iwamasa, Fleming, and doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez also pleaded guilty to related charges. Each admitted roles in obtaining or administering ketamine to Perry.

Additional Admissions

In her plea agreement, Sangha also admitted to selling ketamine that led to another man’s overdose death in 2019. Authorities previously seized dozens of vials of ketamine and drug trafficking equipment from her North Hollywood home.

Sentencing Ahead

Sangha faces up to 65 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 10. Her lawyer said she “feels horrible” and has accepted responsibility for her actions.

For more details on Perry’s death case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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