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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Highlights Hurricane Preparedness

Indira Zaldivar
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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Highlights Hurricane Preparedness

Harris County Enters Hurricane Season With Expanded Flood Protection Efforts

As the 2026 hurricane season begins, Harris County officials say the region is better prepared for major storms than it was before Hurricane Harvey, thanks to billions of dollars invested in flood mitigation, infrastructure improvements, and emergency preparedness.

In an interview with Que Onda Magazine, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo highlighted the county’s efforts to reduce flood risks while urging residents to remain prepared for severe weather.

Flood Projects Showing Results

Since voters approved the $2.5 billion flood bond in 2018, Harris County has completed nearly 60 flood mitigation projects, with dozens more under construction. More than half of the county’s 250 flood bond projects have now been approved.

The county also accelerated drainage improvements in neighborhoods heavily impacted by Hurricane Harvey, helping some communities avoid flooding during recent storms.

“Flooding is personal for all of us,” Hidalgo said. “We must build back faster, fairer, and smarter.”

Preparing for Stronger Storms

County leaders have adopted stricter floodplain development standards, expanded detention requirements for new developments, and invested in updated rainfall modeling designed to account for increasingly intense storms.

Additional investments include flood warning technology, resiliency projects, and data-driven planning aimed at protecting the county’s most vulnerable areas.

Officials say these efforts are intended to improve long-term preparedness as extreme rainfall events become more common.

Residents Encouraged to Prepare Now

Despite ongoing progress, Hidalgo stressed that flood risks remain across the Houston area and urged residents not to become complacent during hurricane season.

“We live in a swamp,” she said. “Wherever the rain falls heavily, flooding can happen.”

Residents are encouraged to review evacuation plans, stock emergency supplies, protect important documents, and consider purchasing flood insurance before a storm threatens the region.

With hurricane season underway, county leaders say preparation at both the community and household level remains the best defense against future disasters.

For more on our Harris County leadership, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Appeals Court Blocks Removal of Transgender Service Members

Indira Zaldivar
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Appeals Court Blocks Removal of Transgender Service Members

A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration cannot remove current transgender service members from the military while a legal challenge to the policy continues.

In a 2-1 decision issued Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a lower court order preventing the Department of Defense from discharging active-duty troops based on gender dysphoria.

Court Questions Constitutionality of Policy

The majority opinion found that the administration’s policy is likely unconstitutional and may violate equal protection rights.

Judge Robert Wilkins wrote that the policy appears arbitrary and motivated by animus toward a politically unpopular group, concluding that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in their constitutional challenge.

The ruling applies only to the service members involved in the lawsuit and does not prevent the military from restricting transgender individuals from joining the armed forces.

Active Troops Receive Temporary Protection

The court said current service members face greater harm because they risk losing established military careers if discharged before the case is resolved.

Judges noted that prospective recruits can seek legal remedies later, while active-duty personnel could suffer immediate and lasting consequences from separation.

Dissent Argues Courts Should Defer to Military

Judge Justin Walker dissented, arguing that decisions about military personnel policies should be left to Congress and the commander in chief rather than the courts.

Walker wrote that judges lack the authority and expertise to determine who may serve in the military.

The case stems from President Donald Trump’s executive order directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to revise Pentagon policies regarding transgender military service. The broader legal challenge is expected to continue in federal court.

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

ACLU Sues DHS Over Conditions at Texas Immigration Detention Center

Indira Zaldivar
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ACLU Sues DHS Over Conditions at Texas Immigration Detention Center

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and several civil rights organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging widespread mistreatment of migrants at the Camp East Montana Detention Facility in El Paso, Texas.

Located on the Fort Bliss military base, Camp East Montana is the nation’s largest immigration detention center, with a capacity of 5,000 beds. The lawsuit claims detainees have faced poor medical care, unsafe living conditions, excessive use of force, sexual harassment, and prolonged solitary confinement.

Allegations of Abuse and Neglect

The complaint describes conditions at the facility as a “civil rights catastrophe,” alleging that detainees are housed in windowless tents and exposed to inadequate health care and unsanitary conditions.

The lawsuit also references three deaths that have occurred at the facility since it opened in 2025, including the death of a Cuban migrant that was ruled a homicide by a local medical examiner.

In addition, plaintiffs claim some detainees have experienced inappropriate searches, retaliation after reporting misconduct, and health issues linked to dusty conditions around the camp.

DHS Rejects Claims

DHS strongly denied the allegations, stating that detainees have access to medical, dental, and mental health care and that no one is denied treatment while in ICE custody.

A department spokesperson said claims of abuse are “categorically false” and maintained that the agency provides a high standard of care for detainees.

Inspection Report Raised Concerns

The lawsuit follows an internal ICE inspection conducted earlier this year that identified dozens of safety and security violations at the facility, including issues involving use-of-force documentation, medical evaluations after incidents, and video recording procedures.

The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of four current detainees and is seeking class-action status to represent all individuals held at the center.

Civil rights groups argue that because immigration detention is civil rather than criminal, conditions of confinement should not be punitive while detainees await the outcome of their immigration cases.

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

Tropical moisture blows in thunderstorm chances this week

ABC13 Houston
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Tropical moisture blows in thunderstorm chances this week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We are saying goodbye to a very wet May that brought almost 9″ of rain to Houston, and it looks like June wants to continue that streak of wet weather. Tropical moisture starts blowing in tomorrow and really cranks up by the end of the week, bring afternoon downpours back to Houston just in time for the start of Hurricane Season.

What should we expect for Monday?

It’s a sticky start to the day with temps in the mid 70s and humidity near 100%. That moisture will convert into a 30% chance of an afternoon downpour as the sea breeze front blows in from the Gulf. The highest chances in Houston will occur around the evening drive time with high temperatures again topping out in the low 90s.

What can you tell me about this week’s rain chances?

Monday starts off at a 30% chance, and it grows to 40% Tuesday as a weak front approaches from Louisiana late in the day. Moisture levels will dip a bit on Wednesday, then really climb up for Friday and Saturday. This will increase the chances of tropical downpours to at least 40%.

Hurricane season starts Monday. Is there anything brewing out there?

The National Hurricane Center expects no tropical development over the next 7 days across the Atlantic basin, but we will be watching a lot of moisture pile up over the western Gulf during this first week of June. There are some signs low pressure could spin up in that mess of moisture, but more than likely it just stays disorganized as it flows toward Texas and Louisiana. That will still lead to a chance of scattered heavy downpours heading into June’s first weekend.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Texas Tech Stays Alive at WCWS, Eliminates UCLA in Extra-Inning Thriller

Indira Zaldivar
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Texas Tech Stays Alive at WCWS, Eliminates UCLA in Extra-Inning Thriller

Texas Tech Advances After Dramatic Win Over UCLA at Women’s College World Series

Texas Tech kept its Women’s College World Series title hopes alive Sunday night, defeating UCLA 8-7 in nine innings in a dramatic elimination game at Oklahoma City.

The No. 11 Red Raiders rallied behind former UCLA pitcher Kaitlyn Terry, who delivered the go-ahead RBI against her former team and struck out seven batters while allowing just two runs over five innings of relief.

Texas Tech now faces a difficult path to the championship series, needing to defeat top-seeded Alabama twice on Monday to advance.

Terry Shines Against Former Team

Terry’s standout performance came against one of the most powerful offenses in college softball history. UCLA entered the tournament after setting a Division I record with 209 home runs this season.

“KT is the ultimate competitor,” Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco said after the game, praising Terry’s ability to generate swings and misses in key moments.

UCLA’s Sluggers Go Out Swinging

UCLA stars Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery continued their record-setting seasons despite the loss. Woolery hit two home runs, including a game-tying two-run blast in the seventh inning that forced extra innings.

Grant, who set UCLA’s career home run record and finished the season with 42 homers, represented the tying run in the ninth inning. However, Texas Tech ace Nijaree Canady ended the threat by striking out Bri Alejandre with two runners on base.

The victory sends Texas Tech one step closer to the WCWS championship series, while UCLA’s season ends after a historic year powered by one of the most prolific offenses in NCAA softball history.

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

Carnival customer information, including passport details, impacted by data breach, cruise line says

ABC13 Houston
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Carnival customer information, including passport details, impacted by data breach, cruise line says

MIAMI (KTRK) — Carnival Corporation said a data breach enabled hackers to access sensitive information, including passengers’ dates of birth and passport numbers.

The cruise line announced on Wednesday that the incident, which happened in April, began when an unauthorized actor used social engineering to deceive an employee and gain access to the company’s system.

Carnival claims that although the company quickly blocked the unauthorized activity, the hackers were still able to access passengers’ personal information. The cruise line outlined the following as the impacted data it knew to be involved in the incident:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Government-issued identification number (such as driver’s licenses and passports)

The cruise line said it had reached out to customers affected by the breach and was providing them with credit monitoring services at no charge. Carnival advised its customers to remain vigilant against identity theft and fraud and to contact local police if they suspect they are victims.

The cruise line said it was reviewing its cybersecurity measures and taking steps to further safeguard its systems.

Carnival did not say how many customers were impacted by the data breach.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Iran Halts Talks, Blocks Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

Edward Saenz
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Iran Halts Talks, Blocks Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

Iran has suspended diplomatic communications and the exchange of messages through mediators following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

Tasnim also reported that Iran has moved to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. The reported action raises concerns about potential disruptions to international energy markets and regional security.

U.S. Says Iranian Missiles Intercepted in Kuwait

Meanwhile, the U.S. military said it intercepted two Iranian missiles aimed at American forces in Kuwait on Sunday night.

In a statement, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the missiles were “immediately defeated” and confirmed that no American personnel were injured in the attack.

The developments mark a sharp escalation in regional tensions as diplomatic efforts stall and military activity increases across the Middle East.

For more on the U.S. war with Iran, stay informed with Que Onda Magazine.

Man shot to death after being released by officers hours earlier over trespassing call, HPD says

ABC13 Houston
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Man shot to death after being released by officers hours earlier over trespassing call, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Police Department says a man was shot to death after he had been questioned for possible trespassing hours earlier.

Officers said they were called to the shooting just after 9 p.m. Sunday on Canal Street near West Hedrick in the Greater East End area.

When they arrived, officers found a man who had been shot, HPD said. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Investigators said that earlier that night, they got a call about a man roaming in a backyard in the same area. In that instance, officers arrived and found two men — one in the backyard and another in the front.

Police said one of the men was arrested and the other was questioned and released. HPD Lt. J.P. Horelica said the man who was released was the one who was later found shot.

“When they arrived what they found was the victim that had been shot was the male that was released a few hours ago,” Horelica said. “At this time, it’s unknown if the two incidents are related, but it is the same male.”

HPD said any suspect remains at large, and it’s unclear what led up to the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call HPD at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Hot and dry Sunday, thunderstorm chances return during the work week

ABC13 Houston
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Hot and dry Sunday, thunderstorm chances return during the work week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re closing out May on a dry note, but tropical moisture could bring downpours back to Houston next week, just in time for the start of Hurricane Season.

What should we expect today?

Mostly rain-free and hot with highs around 90 degrees. I say “mostly” dry, because there’s about a 10% chance of a stray coastal shower on Sunday. The Gulf breeze will kick back in to help clean up the air quality under a partly cloudy sky, but also make for noticeable humidity throughout the day.

What can you tell me about next week’s rain?

Monday should be mostly dry with only a 20% chance. Deeper moisture moves in on Tuesday giving us scattered storms. Much deeper moisture may not make it here until late next week. Friday and next weekend will feature scattered, heavy downpours of rain.

Hurricane season starts next week. Is there anything brewing out there?

The National Hurricane Center expects no tropical development over the next 7 days across the Atlantic basin, but we will be watching a lot of moisture pile up over the western Gulf during the first week of June. There are some signs low pressure could spin up in that mess of moisture, but it’s too soon to know where the tropical moisture will end up. For now we have our rain chances low at 20%-40% most days next week.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Shot fired, officer assaulted as police respond to crowd of over 500 people in parking lot: HPD

ABC13 Houston
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Shot fired, officer assaulted as police respond to crowd of over 500 people in parking lot: HPD

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Police Department said an officer was assaulted while authorities responded to gunfire that erupted in a large, chaotic crowd overnight.

Police said they received calls at 11 p.m. Saturday reporting a large crowd in the parking lot on the North Freeway near Fallbrook.

According to HPD, about 500 people were in the parking lot, and another 500 were inside Cowgirls Bikini Bar when someone fired a gun.

Officers said the gunfire scared the crowd, and people started to run.

Before the incident was over, police said one of their own was assaulted, but was not injured.

Investigators said they don’t know if the shot was fired accidentally or intentionally.

HPD said the fire marshal was called to the club, and it was closed. By 8:30 a.m. Sunday, an ABC13 crew on the scene heard music coming from the club. A large sign was posted on the door, affirming it was a private club with a bring-your-own-bottle policy.

This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.

Watch live breaking news coverage from ABC13 on our 24/7 streaming news channel.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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