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Annual event held to help searching families in Houston find missing loved ones

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2 May, 2026

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Annual event held to help searching families in Houston find missing loved ones

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Inside the Children’s Assessment Center, many spent their Saturday morning searching for hope.

For Crystal Lopez, that hope centers on one wish: being reunited with her son.

“Jonathan went missing in 2022, I believe. It’s been so long now,” Lopez said.

Four years later, she still remembers the exact day.

“January 14, 2022, from the 8700 block of Broadway by Hobby Airport.” Lopez recounted.

Despite the difficulty of the past few years, Lopez refuses to give up her search.

To help find her son, she, along with others looking for missing loved ones, turned to the Texas Center for the Missing, which hosts an annual event to help families navigate the search process.

“They can report their loved one missing, they can get their DNA swab, they can be entered in national databases. They can get age progression artwork done,” CEO Mel Turnquist said

Organizers said more than 20 agencies came together to make the event happen, giving families multiple paths when it comes to finding answers.

“Running the gamut from Moxy Forensics, which does DNA genealogy research, ourselves Texas Center for the Missing. We have podcasters here,” Turnquist said.

As the search process continues, some families are leaving the event not only with hope, but also with the support they need in the meantime.

“We’re a family here. It’s the club no one wants to belong to. We all kind of stick together and support each other, help each other out,” Lopez said.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Mechanic awaiting trial accused of taking money from another customer, victim says

ABC13
scam

ABC13 Houston

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2 May, 2026

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Mechanic awaiting trial accused of taking money from another customer, victim says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston mechanic already awaiting trial on accusations he stole cars and parts from customers is now facing new allegations from another customer who says the charges haven’t stopped him.

Last year, Carlos Mireles was charged with theft after multiple customers accused him of taking vehicles and parts without completing repairs. One victim previously told ABC13 that Mireles even bragged that police wouldn’t take action.

Now, another alleged victim says he had a similar experience.

“This person is just going to continue doing this,” said Garrett Jester.

Jester says his troubles began last October when the transmission in his Ford Transit Connect failed. The 58-year-old disabled Army veteran says he found a mechanic online and took his van to a repair shop on Jensen Drive.

He says he paid $1,200 upfront for parts and labor to begin the repair.

But weeks turned into months. When he returned in January, he says both the mechanic and his transmission were gone.

“The owner of the property said he left a bunch of vehicles there from customers, owed money, and just vanished,” Jester said.

Jester filed a report with the Houston Police Department.

In May 2025, ABC13 reported on Mireles’ arrest after investigators accused him of stealing roughly $40,000 worth of cars and parts from customers.

Another customer, Juan Agosto, said instead of repairing his Jeep, Mireles sold it.

“I don’t know how he keeps doing it to people. It’s heartless,” Agosto said at the time.

After seeing that report, Jester says he recognized the same man.

“How many times does a person have to commit these crimes before they’re held accountable?” he said.

On Friday, ABC13 visited the auto repair shop on Jensen Drive, where workers verified Jester’s claims. They said Mireles worked out of the location but had his own customers.

Mireles, who has been out on bond for nearly a year, is scheduled to stand trial in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Jester’s van remains at the repair shop and is no longer drivable.

“Other people have to know that he’s out there so that when they see him, they can run away,” Jester said.

Mireles’ attorney, Jacob Vela, tells ABC13 he is not aware of the new allegations and notes his client has not been charged in this latest case. He also maintains that the previous accusations are civil, not criminal.

The Better Business Bureau advises customers to be cautious about paying for auto repairs upfront, as it is not standard industry practice.

HPD says Jester’s case is still under investigation.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Houston’s “Freedom Parade” Set for Today

Indira Zaldivar

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2 May, 2026

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Houston’s “Freedom Parade” Set for Today

HOUSTON, Texas — A new Cinco de Mayo celebration is moving forward this weekend after the traditional parade was canceled due to immigration concerns.

Alternative Event Moves Ahead

While LULAC District VIII canceled its long-running Cinco de Mayo parade, LULAC District 18 is hosting a “Freedom Parade” this Saturday in downtown Houston near City Hall.

Organizers say the event aims to celebrate culture, unity, and resilience within the Latino community.

Community Response

The cancellation of the original parade followed concerns about immigration enforcement and fears of family separation at large public gatherings. Despite those worries, organizers of the Freedom Parade say it’s important to continue honoring traditions.

Event Details

The Freedom Parade is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and will include local participants, community leaders, and cultural celebrations.

Spirit Airlines Shuts Down Operations, Cancels All Flights

Indira Zaldivar

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2 May, 2026

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Spirit Airlines Shuts Down Operations, Cancels All Flights

Spirit Airlines has begun an immediate wind-down of operations, canceling all scheduled flights as uncertainty continues over a proposed $500 million federal rescue deal. The airline confirmed its final flight landed early Saturday, marking the end of its 34-year run.

Final Flights and Mass Cancellations

The airline’s last journey—Flight 1833 from Detroit to Dallas—touched down just after midnight. More than 50,000 passengers were flown in the airline’s final day of service, but all 277 flights scheduled for Saturday have now been canceled. Customers are being told not to go to the airport, as all operations and customer service have ceased.

Employees and Industry Reaction

A spokesperson said many employees learned about the shutdown through media reports, raising concerns about communication during the closure. Meanwhile, major carriers are stepping in to assist stranded travelers.
American Airlines is offering fare caps on overlapping routes, while United Airlines and Frontier Airlines say they are preparing support options.

Financial Struggles and Bankruptcy

Spirit’s shutdown follows mounting financial pressure, including rising jet fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions and repeated bankruptcy filings. The airline had entered Chapter 11 restructuring twice since 2024, but failed to stabilize its finances in time.

What Travelers Should Know

Passengers who booked directly with Spirit will receive automatic refunds to their original form of payment. Those who used travel agencies must contact them directly. Refunds for vouchers or loyalty points will be handled through bankruptcy proceedings.

Travel experts advise passengers not to cancel tickets prematurely, as doing so may forfeit refund eligibility. Credit card users may dispute charges, while those with travel insurance should review their coverage carefully.

Impact on Airfare Prices

Industry analysts warn that the loss of Spirit—once a dominant low-cost carrier—could lead to higher ticket prices, especially in key markets like Florida and the Caribbean. While other budget airlines remain, fewer ultra-low-cost options may push fares higher in the months ahead.

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

Beautiful weekend ahead for Houston

ABC13 Houston

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2 May, 2026

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Cooler air flowing in on a northeast breeze is here, bringing us a morning with temperatures in the the 50s and an afternoon high in the 70s. Sunday also looks spectacular with sunshine warming temps from the mid 50s into the upper 70s!

How long does that nice weather stick around?

We’ll get to enjoy it through Monday, then the strong Gulf breeze whips the warm, humid air back in here by Tuesday. The early outlook for the rest of next week also looks stormy with a similar pattern setting up again Wednesday through Saturday. We’ll refine the details on next week’s storm system in the days ahead.

How much rain did we get on Friday?

One to three inches fell across most of Southeast Texas with 2-4″ more common over most of Houston and Harris County.

Does this mean the drought is over?

In some places, yes! We’ve already seen the drought end over parts of Houston, and this round of rain likely ended it over more of Houston and Harris County. We’ll get official word on Thursday when the new Drought Monitor report is released. Expect drought improvement just about everywhere in Southeast Texas.

Will it rain again soon?

Maybe not “soon”, but I like our chances for seeing some rain on Wednesday as a front pushes through. We could see a bit more rain into next weekend as well.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Dive team search suspended after witnesses report woman swept away in Brays Bayou, HFD says

ABC13

ABC13 Houston

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2 May, 2026

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Dive team search suspended after witnesses report woman swept away in Brays Bayou, HFD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Fire Department said crews never found a victim as they searched Brays Bayou after witnesses reported a woman being swept away in its current.

According to HFD, several crews assisted by the Houston Police Department Dive Team responded to the waterway along Chimney Rock Road and South Braeswood Boulevard in southwest Houston.

Eyewitness News first reported the search underway shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, and fire officials announced the search was suspended shortly after 7:30 p.m.

Submit a tip or story idea to ABC13

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story you think we should cover? Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Report: Alleged Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Note Found by Ex-Cellmate

Crime

Edward Saenz

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2 May, 2026

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Report: Alleged Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Note Found by Ex-Cellmate

Claim Emerges from Former Inmate

A purported suicide note written by Jeffrey Epstein was reportedly discovered by his former cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, following an earlier suicide attempt in 2019. The note is now sealed within Tartaglione’s criminal case file.

Discovered After Initial Jail Incident

According to reports, Tartaglione said he found the note in July 2019, shortly after Epstein was discovered injured in his Manhattan jail cell with what officials described as a possible suicide attempt. Epstein died by suicide weeks later, on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Contents of the Alleged Note

Tartaglione previously described the note as handwritten on yellow legal paper and hidden inside a book. He claimed it included references to federal investigations and ended with a phrase suggesting farewell, though its authenticity has not been independently confirmed.

Legal Battle Over Sealed Evidence

The document remains under seal, but The New York Times has petitioned a federal judge to make it public. A court deadline has been set for responses to the request, as legal teams weigh whether the note should be released.

Questions Remain

Federal prosecutors have said they were not aware of any suicide note, though internal Justice Department records reportedly reference its existence. Tartaglione’s attorney declined to comment, citing the sealed nature of the case.

Ongoing Scrutiny of Epstein Case

Epstein’s death has continued to draw intense public and legal scrutiny, with new details — including this alleged note — raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his final days in custody.

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

Trump Announces 25% Tariff on EU Vehicles

Indira Zaldivar

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2 May, 2026

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Trump Announces 25% Tariff on EU Vehicles

New Trade Move Targets Imports

Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States will impose a 25% tariff on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, starting next week. The president said the decision stems from the EU’s failure to comply with an existing trade agreement.

Justification and Legal Authority

In a social media post, Trump argued the EU was “not adhering” to agreed terms. While he did not specify the legal mechanism, the administration is expected to rely on Section 232, which allows tariffs on imports deemed a threat to national security.

Push for U.S. Manufacturing

Trump also promoted domestic auto production, claiming that more than $100 billion is being invested in new manufacturing plants across the U.S. He emphasized that vehicles produced domestically would not face tariffs, signaling an effort to encourage companies to shift production stateside.

Unanswered Questions

The White House has not yet clarified details about how the tariffs will be implemented or whether negotiations with the EU are ongoing. It also remains unclear how the move could impact global trade relations or vehicle prices for consumers.

Potential Economic Impact

The tariff increase could escalate tensions between the U.S. and EU, while potentially reshaping the automotive market. Analysts say the policy may boost domestic manufacturing but could also lead to higher costs for imported vehicles.

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

Second Missing USF Student Identified in Murder Case

Crime

Indira Zaldivar

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1 May, 2026

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Second Missing USF Student Identified in Murder Case

Remains Confirmed as Nahida Bristy

Authorities have identified human remains found this week as 27-year-old Nahida Bristy, a doctoral student at the University of South Florida. Investigators said the identification took several days due to the advanced state of decomposition.

Two Victims in Ongoing Investigation

Bristy’s death comes a week after officials confirmed the killing of her friend, 27-year-old Zamil Limon, who was also reported missing on April 16. Both victims were graduate students, and their deaths have shaken the campus community.

Suspect Charged with Double Murder

Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, Limon’s roommate, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a weapon. He was arrested on April 24 after a standoff with law enforcement and is being held without bond.

Details Emerge from Investigation

According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Limon was stabbed multiple times. The cause of Bristy’s death has not yet been disclosed as the investigation continues.

Authorities allege the suspect used an apartment complex cart to move the bodies and later transported them by car. Investigators also revealed that Abugharbieh conducted disturbing online searches related to committing and concealing the crime.

Motive Still Unknown

Officials say a clear motive has not yet been determined. However, digital evidence — including search history obtained with help from tech companies — may provide further insight.

“We are still searching for the why,” Chronister said.

Families Await Return of Remains

Officials are working to return the victims’ remains to their families in Bangladesh for religious services, bringing a measure of closure as the case continues to unfold.

For more on the Bristy and Limon murder case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston’s “Freedom Parade” Set for This Saturday

Indira Zaldivar

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1 May, 2026

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Houston’s “Freedom Parade” Set for This Saturday

HOUSTON, Texas — A new Cinco de Mayo celebration is moving forward this weekend after the traditional parade was canceled due to immigration concerns.