Trump said the U.S. could destroy Iran’s power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure within hours if Tehran refuses to meet his demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He framed the potential strikes as a path to force political change in Iran.
Experts Cite International Law Violations
Legal analysts say the broad targeting of civilian infrastructure could breach rules outlined in the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit collective punishment and attacks on non-military targets.
Former U.S. government attorney Brian Finucane noted that while some infrastructure can be considered military targets, this requires clear evidence. “Not all power plants are legitimate targets,” he said, emphasizing that each strike must meet strict legal standards.
Debate Over Military Justification
Experts say a facility like a power plant could be targeted only if it directly supports military operations. However, Trump’s sweeping proposal to destroy all such facilities raises concerns about proportionality and civilian harm.
Past U.S. military actions, including NATO operations in Yugoslavia, often aimed to disable infrastructure temporarily rather than destroy it بالكامل—reflecting legal obligations to minimize civilian impact.
Broader Concerns Over Escalation
Critics also warn that rhetoric promoting large-scale destruction signals a shift away from long-standing norms designed to limit the human cost of war. Military leaders have historically cautioned that attacks on civilian populations often strengthen resistance rather than weaken it.
What’s at Stake
Under international law and the United Nations Charter, the use of force is generally prohibited unless in self-defense or authorized by the U.N. Security Council.
As tensions rise, experts stress that adherence to these rules is critical—not only to protect civilians but to prevent further escalation of conflict.
Rapper Offset was hospitalized after being shot Monday evening outside a South Florida casino, authorities and his spokesperson confirmed.
Shooting Outside Casino Entrance
The incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Police say the scene was quickly secured, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Offset was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition and under close monitoring, according to his team.
Suspects Detained, Investigation Ongoing
The Seminole Police Department confirmed that two individuals have been detained in connection with the shooting. Authorities have not released further details as the investigation continues.
Artist Background and Personal Life
Offset, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, rose to fame as a member of the rap group Migos. He was previously married to Cardi B, and the two share children together.
The shooting comes years after the tragic loss of fellow Migos member Takeoff, who was fatally shot in 2022.
What’s Next
Authorities are continuing to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No additional details about a motive or charges have been released.
Offset’s condition remains stable as fans and fellow artists await further updates.
According to the family’s attorney, 22-year-old Annie Ramos was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on April 2 at Fort Polk, Louisiana. She had accompanied her husband, Staff Sgt. Matthew Blank, 23, to register as a military spouse and begin the process for benefits and legal residency.
Blank said the couple expected to start their life together—not face separation. “Instead of preparing for our future, I’m now fighting for her freedom,” he said.
Old Removal Order at Center of Case
Ramos, who was born in Honduras, has lived in the U.S. since infancy. An attorney for the family says she was issued a removal order in 2005 when she was just 20 months old. That order remains active and could lead to her deportation.
Advocates note that spouses of military service members may qualify for immigration relief, though policies vary. Ramos had also sought protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but new applications remain blocked amid ongoing legal challenges.
Government Response
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Ramos was detained due to her lack of legal status and a final removal order issued after she failed to appear at an immigration hearing in 2005.
Family and Advocates Push Back
Supporters argue the detention highlights tensions between immigration enforcement and support for military families. Ramos, a biochemistry student and scholarship recipient, has lived in the U.S. for nearly two decades.
“She is kind, dedicated, and deeply committed to her family,” Blank’s mother said, urging officials to reconsider the case.
What’s Next
Ramos is currently being held at an ICE detention facility in Louisiana. Her husband says he will continue advocating for her release as he prepares for a potential overseas deployment.
For more on Trump’s anti-immigration agenda and its effects, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
Russia’s defense ministry reported shooting down 7,347 Ukrainian drones in March—its highest monthly total. Meanwhile, Ukraine said it faced 6,462 Russian drones and 138 missiles, intercepting the majority.
Despite Russia launching more combined weapons overall, the figures suggest Ukraine is increasing its offensive drone operations.
Shifting Battlefield Strategy
Long-range drone and missile strikes have become central to the الحرب, with both sides targeting infrastructure and economic resources. Ukraine has focused heavily on striking Russian energy facilities, aiming to disrupt funding for Moscow’s military efforts.
Rising Capabilities
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized expanding domestic weapons production, particularly drones and long-range missiles. Ukraine is increasingly relying on locally made, low-cost drones to carry out attacks deep inside Russian territory.
Unverified but Significant
The data released by both sides cannot be independently verified and may be exaggerated. Still, analysts say the trend points to a potential shift, as Ukraine strengthens its long-range strike capabilities.
Bigger Picture
The surge in drone warfare highlights the evolving nature of the conflict, with both nations investing heavily in unmanned technology as the war continues with no clear end in sight.
The whale was discovered near Raymond, Washington in the Willapa River after drawing attention from residents who gathered to watch its rare inland journey. The river connects to Willapa Bay, where gray whales pass during their annual migration.
Migration and Growing Concerns
Each year, gray whales travel about 5,000 miles from breeding grounds in Baja California to feeding areas in Alaska. Scientists believe this whale may have entered the river searching for food.
Researchers from the Cascadia Research Collective say food shortages in Arctic feeding grounds are a growing issue. Many whales have been observed as underweight, suggesting malnutrition.
Population Decline
According to NOAA Fisheries, gray whale populations have been struggling for years. An “unusual mortality event” between 2018 and 2023 led to hundreds of strandings.
Recent estimates show the population has dropped to about 13,000 whales—the lowest since the 1970s.
What Happens Next
Researchers plan to examine the whale to confirm the cause of death. Experts say the incident reflects a broader crisis, as environmental changes continue to reduce the whales’ food supply and impact their survival.
The Artemis II crew is awake and making final preparations for a historic lunar flyby, marking a major milestone in human space exploration.
Mission Overview
Launched on April 1 at 05:35 p.m. CT from Kennedy Space Center, the mission is a 10-day, 685,000-mile journey around the Moon. It is the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years and a key step toward returning humans to the lunar surface.
Crew Ready for Flyby
NASA confirmed the four-person crew woke up around 09:35 a.m. CT on April 6 and began routine preparations aboard the Orion spacecraft. The agency described the moment as both ordinary and extraordinary—combining daily tasks with the rare opportunity to witness the Moon’s far side, unseen by most humans.
During the flyby, astronauts will travel farther from Earth than any humans before them, capturing data and images critical for future missions. The mission is designed to test systems that will support upcoming crewed landings under the Artemis program.
Why It Matters
Artemis program aims to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon, including the development of a sustainable lunar base. Artemis II serves as a crucial proving ground for technology and human capability beyond low Earth orbit.
As the crew approaches this historic moment, the mission continues to draw global attention, signaling a new era of deep space exploration.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — It’s been one week since a deadly shooting left one teenager dead and two others injured after a fight at a Galena Park basketball court.
In response to the gunfire, the city enforced a nightly park curfew starting on last Thursday.
“All city parks will be closed from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice,” said Galena Park Mayor Esmeralda Moya.
The city also rolled out 24/7 security monitoring stations that they said are connected directly to dispatch to speed up law enforcement response.
Those are changes one woman, who asked ABC13 to remain anonymous, said she supported.
“I think they should keep the curfew here for now on. I think that’s what the kids need,” the woman said.
The Harris County Sheriff’s office said nearly 20 shots were fired last Sunday when the fight broke out and a car drove up, opening fire at the basketball court. The woman told us that wasn’t the first shooting at that park.
“My son called me. He told me, ‘Mom, something happened at the park again.’ I’m like, ‘what do you mean?’ And he’s like, ‘another kid passed away,'” the woman said.
The woman told ABC13 she hopes the added security measures don’t stop there. She’d like to see more law enforcement presence in the area as well.
“I really think there should be patrolling once in a while, passing by, checking on everybody, making sure everybody’s safe,” she said.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston Police Department officers said they’re investigating two separate hit-and-run crashes that killed two people overnight.
According to HPD, one incident happened in the Midtown area on Wheeler and Fannin, and the other in west Houston, on Eldridge and Westheimer.
In west Houston, police said a woman may have been in a crosswalk when she was hit by a car around 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Sgt. Kevin Bui with HPD said the suspect initially stayed at the scene and then left.
A person of interest was later detained and brought back to the scene, the sergeant added.
It’s unclear if that person has been charged.
Then, in Midtown, at about 1 a.m. on Monday, police said the victim was a man who walked into the middle of Wheeler Avenue, covered himself with a blanket, and laid down in the street.
Police said he was hit by two vehicles — a black sedan and a black Tahoe, and neither stopped to render aid.
“There was a third vehicle behind that that saw the complainant sit up after coming out from under the second vehicle, and that’s the one that stopped and called 911,” HPD Sgt. Dallas said. “That lady did not strike the pedestrian that was in the street.”
The man was taken to the hospital, where he died, according to police.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The weekend cold front has paved the way for a mild start to the next week with cool mornings and sunny and warm afternoons with low humidity.
We’re waking up to a cool start this morning with mostly cloudy skies, but we’re expecting these clouds to gradually clear into the afternoon as temperatures climb into the low-mid 70s. We’ll also have a gusty northeasterly breeze Monday.
How cold will it be behind this cold front?
Temperatures Monday and Tuesday morning will start in the low-mid 50s and only climb into the low-mid 70s. The cooler weather is also coming with lower humidity too, so enjoy it while it lasts! Thursday we’ll begin a small warmup that will last into the weekend with highs in the low-mid 80s. That is, unless it’s a rainy day… which we could see several over the next 7-10 days.
So more rain is in the forecast?
Yes! We are expecting a stormy pattern to settle in heading into the weekend that could send several rounds of showers and storms to Texas and Houston. This begins as early as Thursday with a daily chance for rain possibly through Wednesday of next week. While the exact timing and placement of any showers and storms is still to be ironed out, more drought-helping and much needed rain looks like it’s on the way. Friday looks to be the rainiest as of now with a 60% chance for showers and storms and 40% Saturday and Sunday.
Any severe weather in the forecast?
The weather pattern we’re expecting into next weekend is one that could send severe weather to the state of Texas, especially this time of year. So that has definitely caught our attention! However, it’s still too early to pinpoint when or where Southeast Texas could expect severe weather and what the potential threats could be. You’ll want to stay weather aware though and check in on the forecast throughout the week for the latest updates.
Does next weekend look like a compete washout then?
At this time no. But we are expecting scattered showers and storms each day. It’s likely that one day next weekend will be rainier than the other, but it’s still too early to say which.
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With the arrival of spring, pollinators such as the beloved Monarch butterfly need our help more than ever. These tiny yet mighty species travel through our neighborhoods and across vast distances, playing a crucial role in ecosystems by pollinating plants that sustain both wildlife and humans. From ensuring the food on our tables to maintaining the stunning bluebonnet fields that characterize Houston’s spring landscape, pollinators are indispensable. Here are five ways you can support them in their essential work.
Understanding the Monarch Butterfly’s Role
The Monarch butterfly is an iconic pollinator, known for its remarkable two-way migration from Mexico to Canada and back.
“They are a really special butterfly here in Texas and all throughout their range, all the way to Canada and down to Mexico,” said Erin Mills, a certified entomologist. Monarchs act as indicators of broader environmental health, reflecting the status of other pollinators that depend on similar resources.
By tracking Monarch populations, researchers can assess the impact of climate change, pesticide use, habitat loss, and other challenges affecting pollinators.
“Each year, you can see on the bar graph that is going up and down, but it’s trending down south,” Mills noted, emphasizing the species’ continued decline.
Plant Native Flowers and Milkweed
A critical step in supporting Monarchs and other pollinators is planting native plants.
“Native plants have created long-lasting and special relationships with our native wildlife, pollinators, and insects,” Mills explained. Unlike exotic plants, native species provide the right kind of nectar and pollen, supporting the natural lifecycle of pollinators.
Houston-area gardeners should prioritize planting native milkweed, which serves as the Monarch caterpillar’s primary food source. However, Mills cautions against tropical milkweed, which can disrupt migration patterns in the fall.
“If we have milkweeds that are up and green and thriving, that confuses the Monarchs into stopping here instead of going to Mexico. We want to keep them going to Mexico because it’s very special there.”
Antelope horns milkweed (Asclepias asperula) – A preferred host plant for Monarch caterpillars.
Gregg’s mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) – A butterfly magnet that attracts Queen and Monarch butterflies.
Texas lantana (Lantana urticoides) – Provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Supports various pollinators with its bright yellow flowers.
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – A robust perennial that attracts bees and butterflies.
Mexican hat (Ratibida columnifera) – A drought-tolerant wildflower that provides ample nectar.
Winecup (Callirhoe involucrata) – A sprawling groundcover that supports bees and other pollinators.
If you do have tropical milkweed, she asks if you can help by cutting the tropical milkweed in your garden in the fall to mimic the native species as Monarch butterflies travel south to Mexico for their wintering sites.
Keep Gardens Pesticide-Free
Chemical pesticides and herbicides harm not only pests but also beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
“Making your gardens pesticide-free and ready for pollinators and other insects… just doing those things will help Monarchs all along their way,” Mills advised.
Opt for organic gardening methods, such as companion planting and natural predators, to control unwanted pests while maintaining a safe habitat for pollinators.
Provide Water and Shelter
Pollinators need water sources to stay hydrated, especially in the warm Texas climate. A shallow dish with stones or a birdbath can serve as a resting and drinking station for bees and butterflies. Additionally, leaving natural elements such as logs, brush piles, and undisturbed soil in your yard can create nesting sites for solitary bees and other beneficial insects.
Support Conservation Efforts
Beyond gardening, participating in local conservation initiatives can make a significant difference. Houston Botanic Garden offers a variety of educational programs and events focused on pollinator conservation.
The Flower Power Festival on Saturday, April 13th will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about supporting pollinators.”
To explore these opportunities, visit hbg.org and check out their events calendar for upcoming workshops, nature journaling classes, and gardening courses tailored to native pollinators.
Every Garden Counts
By incorporating native plants, avoiding pesticides, providing water sources, and engaging in conservation efforts, every gardener can contribute to the survival of Monarchs and other pollinators. As Mills put it, “That’s really all that we can do to kind of help—plant lots of native milkweed and pollinator plants.”
This spring, take action to create a pollinator-friendly space in your garden. The future of these essential species depends on our collective efforts.
