The World Health Organization says the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is worsening rapidly, with nearly 750 suspected cases reported so far.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Friday that the WHO raised the national risk level in the DRC from “high” to “very high” as the virus continues spreading in conflict-affected regions.
Hundreds of Suspected Cases Reported
According to the WHO, the outbreak has led to nearly 750 suspected infections and 177 suspected deaths. At least 82 cases and seven deaths have been officially confirmed, though officials believe the true numbers are much higher.
The outbreak is centered in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, areas impacted by ongoing violence and displacement.
Security Challenges Hampering Response
WHO officials said medical tents and supplies were set on fire during a security incident in Ituri, disrupting response efforts and contact tracing operations.
Meanwhile, Uganda has confirmed a small number of linked Ebola cases after travelers arrived from the DRC.
An American doctor infected while treating patients in the DRC remains hospitalized in Germany, where he is reported to be severely weakened but stable.
For more on the recent ebola outbreak and health recommendations, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — Coast Guard officials said they found a body during a training exercise in Galveston’s East End on Saturday morning.
According to authorities from the Coast Guard Houston-Galveston Sector, the training crew discovered the body partially submerged in shallow water at the Big Reef at about 10 a.m.
Coast Guard officials said they immediately notified the Galveston Police Department about the incident. Authorities said that the Galveston PD is currently leading the investigation.
This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that intelligence from the U.S. and European allies suggests Russia could be preparing to launch an Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile attack.
“We are verifying this information,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X, adding that Ukraine is strengthening its air defenses ahead of any potential strike.
U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv warned of a “potentially significant” air attack within the next 24 hours and urged American citizens to be ready to shelter immediately if air raid sirens sound.
The warning comes as tensions escalate following recent Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russia and Russian-occupied territory.
Russia Threatens Response
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscow is considering a response after accusing Ukraine of attacking a dormitory in the Luhansk region. Ukraine denied the claim, saying it targeted a Russian military drone unit instead.
Ukraine’s military said its operations are aimed only at military infrastructure and comply with international humanitarian law.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect is in custody after two people were injured in the Kings Colony neighborhood on Saturday afternoon.
MCSO said deputies responded to multiple 911 calls about an active shooter at about 4:20 p.m. in the 19000 block of Nottingham Street.
Authorities said when deputies arrived at the scene, they heard multiple gunshots, which prompted an even larger law enforcement response. MCSO said its SWAT team was then called to the scene.
Officials said when the SWAT unit arrived at the scene, the suspect, identified as a 60-year-old Hispanic man, came out of a residence and surrendered to the officers.
MCSO said two people with minor injuries were taken to the hospital. Officials added that no law enforcement officer was injured in the incident.
Authorities said the investigation is still ongoing, with detectives interviewing the suspect, an additional person, as well as multiple victims. Officials said the exact charges are pending the investigation.
The shooting happened around 6 p.m. near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to a White House security checkpoint. Authorities said the suspect removed a firearm from a bag and began shooting toward officers stationed in the area.
Secret Service Returned Fire
In a statement, the Secret Service said officers “returned fire, striking the suspect,” who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
A bystander was also struck during the exchange of gunfire. Officials said it remains unclear whether the individual was hit by the suspect’s shots or by return fire from law enforcement. The bystander’s condition has not been released.
No Secret Service personnel were injured.
Suspect Previously Known to Authorities
Multiple officials told ABC News the suspect was a 21-year-old man previously known to the Secret Service.
Court records reportedly show the suspect had a stay-away order from the White House issued in July 2025 after allegedly attempting to breach a security checkpoint. Authorities said he previously claimed to be “Jesus Christ” and wanted to be arrested.
The same records also indicate the suspect had been involuntarily committed in a separate incident in June 2025.
White House Temporarily Locked Down
The White House North Lawn was quickly cleared after the gunfire erupted. Reporters at the scene were ordered to run into the White House Press Briefing Room for safety.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident, according to officials.
The FBI is assisting the Secret Service in the ongoing investigation.
The Houston Dynamo FC are navigating an uneven but encouraging 2026 Major League Soccer season, with the club sitting in the Western Conference playoff mix while still searching for consistency under head coach Ben Olsen.
Houston entered the season looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign and made several roster additions aimed at reshaping the attack and midfield. The early results have shown both promise and volatility.
The Dynamo have picked up key wins against teams including Chicago Fire FC, Portland Timbers and Orlando City SC, but have also suffered setbacks against rivals such as FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids. A 6-2 road loss in Colorado highlighted ongoing defensive issues, though the team has also responded with improved performances in stretches of the season.
Much of Houston’s optimism has centered on its revamped roster. Offseason moves brought in midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, Brazilian attacker Guilherme and midfielder Jack McGlynn, while veteran leader Héctor Herrera returned to provide experience in the midfield.
Guilherme has emerged as one of the team’s most productive players early in the year, contributing goals and assists that have helped stabilize Houston’s attack. Still, inconsistency away from home and struggles in closing out matches have limited the club’s rise in the standings.
Outside of MLS play, Houston also made a run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup before being eliminated in a quarterfinal penalty shootout loss to St. Louis City SC.
Supporters remain cautiously optimistic as the season progresses, pointing to improved depth and attacking creativity, while concerns persist about defensive reliability and overall consistency at Shell Energy Stadium.
Upcoming May Matches
Houston faces a pivotal stretch to close out May as the MLS regular season approaches its midyear break for the FIFA World Cup. The Dynamo’s remaining schedule includes a road match at LA Galaxy on May 23, followed by the league pause beginning May 25.
The outcome of these late-May fixtures could prove important in determining whether Houston stays firmly in the Western Conference playoff race heading into the summer break.
Texas Children’s Hospital has become the focus of a growing national debate over transgender health care after reaching a legal settlement with Texas officials that critics say could reshape how hospitals across the country treat transgender youth.
The Houston-based hospital agreed earlier this month to pay $10 million, sever ties with several physicians involved in transgender care and establish what state officials described as the nation’s first youth “detransition clinic,” according to court filings and statements from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office.
The settlement stems from investigations into the hospital’s treatment of transgender minors following the passage of Senate Bill 14, a Texas law that prohibits gender-affirming medical treatments for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and transition-related surgeries.
Texas officials accused the hospital of continuing certain treatments after the law took effect and questioned whether some services were improperly billed through Medicaid programs. State leaders called the agreement a major enforcement victory.
“This settlement sends a clear message that Texas law will be enforced,” Paxton said in a statement announcing the agreement.
The hospital has not publicly admitted wrongdoing but said it would comply with state law and continue providing other forms of pediatric and mental health care to patients and families.
The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, civil rights organizations and medical groups that support access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Critics argue the settlement reflects political pressure rather than established medical standards and could discourage hospitals nationwide from offering care to transgender patients.
Several major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have supported evidence-based gender-affirming care for minors, though the issue remains highly contested politically and legally across the United States.
Texas has emerged as one of the leading states pursuing restrictions on transgender health care. The legal and political battles have expanded beyond state borders, with federal and state investigators seeking records from hospitals in other states that continue providing gender-affirming care to minors.
Supporters of Texas’ restrictions say the measures protect children from irreversible medical decisions and provide oversight of treatments they believe require stricter regulation.
Opponents say the policies threaten access to medically recognized care and increase risks for transgender youth already facing elevated rates of depression, anxiety and suicide.
The controversy surrounding Texas Children’s Hospital is expected to continue fueling national legal challenges and political debates over transgender rights, parental authority and the role of government in medical decision-making.
As Houston prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, community leaders and corporate partners are investing in the city’s neighborhoods through soccer and youth development programs.
Visa, Street Soccer USA and Bank of America officially opened the Visa Street Soccer Park at Chimney Rock Center this week, unveiling a new community space that includes two professional-grade soccer fields, a financial education learning center and youth programming designed to serve families long after the World Cup concludes.
The opening celebration brought together more than 100 children and families for the park’s inaugural youth matches, featuring local teams including the Blue Monsters and the Admirals. The event also included soccer clinics led by Street Soccer USA coaches and athletes, local food vendors and family-friendly activities.
“This is about community,” said Rob Kahn, co-founder of Street Soccer USA. “This is about teaching life skills through soccer and giving access to the beautiful game.”
Kahn said the project is part of a broader initiative between Street Soccer USA, Visa and Bank of America to build soccer parks in cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Credit; Edward Saenz
“Our mission is to strengthen communities through soccer across 20 cities in the U.S.,” Kahn said. “Long after the World Cup is gone, our neighborhoods have access to awesome places to play.”
The facility includes a modified shipping container that serves as a learning center focused on financial literacy, digital literacy, mentorship and homework assistance. Organizers said the educational component is intended to complement the athletic programming and provide broader support for neighborhood youth.
Kahn said the goal is to create opportunities for children who may not otherwise have access to organized sports.
“Playing on teams and playing in youth sports can be hard,” he said. “Getting to practices, traveling — we want to build an awesome soccer culture in the neighborhoods, particularly neighborhoods that traditionally don’t have field access and don’t have the resources to play in clubs.”
Bank of America Houston Market Executive Rick Jaramillo said the company wanted to ensure local communities benefit from the international attention and economic impact expected from the World Cup.
“It’s really important for Bank of America to be part of this because there’s just so many things that are going to be beneficial for Houston in terms of the FIFA World Cup coming to Houston,” Jaramillo said. “Business is going to do well. The city is going to do well. And we want to make sure that the neighborhoods do well.”
Jaramillo said the soccer fields give local children a chance to feel connected to the global event while gaining life skills through sports.
“These kids are our future, and these neighborhoods are our future,” he said. “This is an opportunity for these kids to learn how to play the game that they love, soccer. It’s an opportunity for them to learn teamwork, resiliency and how to play together.”
The new fields at Chimney Rock Park are permanently open to the public at no cost, according to organizers.
The event also featured remarks from Lawrence Cann, Lila Nieves-Lee and local nonprofit and community leaders.
Organizers said the Houston park is part of a growing national network of community soccer spaces aimed at strengthening neighborhoods through accessible recreation and educational programming.
“We want to see this today just be the beginning,” Kahn said. “A long-term commitment to growing the sport, investing in youth and giving opportunities for them to achieve the goals they want in life on the field and off the field.”
As another round of severe weather moves toward Southeast Texas, renewed power outages across the Houston area are reviving concerns over the region’s electric grid and CenterPoint Energy’s storm preparedness ahead of hurricane season.
Strong thunderstorms this week left roughly 133,000 customers without power across the Houston region, according to reports from utility officials and local media. Although most outages were restored within a relatively short period, the disruptions quickly reignited public frustration lingering from Hurricane Beryl’s devastating impact on the area last year.
Houston-based CenterPoint Energy said it activated emergency operations ahead of additional storms expected during Memorial Day weekend, positioning crews, contractors and equipment throughout the region to respond more quickly to outages.
The latest outages come as residents and local officials continue scrutinizing the utility company’s response to Hurricane Beryl in 2024, when millions of Texans lost power and some Houston-area residents remained without electricity for days during extreme summer heat.
Following widespread criticism over communication failures, outage maps and storm preparation, state regulators and elected officials launched investigations into CenterPoint’s response. Residents also raised questions about infrastructure investments, including underground power lines and vegetation management near electrical equipment.
Since then, CenterPoint officials say the company has invested billions of dollars into strengthening the grid through projects such as installing storm-resistant utility poles, expanding tree trimming operations and adding automated grid technology designed to isolate outages more quickly.
Still, utility officials have acknowledged that major hurricanes and severe flooding could continue causing widespread outages despite the upgrades.
The renewed debate comes just days before the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season on June 1 and as Houston prepares to host major international events expected to bring increased tourism and attention to the city over the coming years.
For many residents, concerns remain centered on whether the region’s infrastructure can withstand another major storm without prolonged outages during dangerous summer temperatures, particularly for elderly and medically vulnerable populations.
Concerns over flood preparedness are once again at the center of discussion across Texas as forecasters warn that another round of heavy rain could bring flash flooding to parts of the state during the Memorial Day weekend.
The renewed focus comes nearly a decade after Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston region and prompted billions of dollars in proposed flood mitigation projects aimed at reducing future storm damage.
Meteorologists warned this week that Southeast Texas could receive several inches of additional rainfall over already saturated ground, increasing the risk of street flooding, rising bayous and dangerous travel conditions. Emergency management officials across the region have urged residents to monitor weather alerts and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
The latest storm threat has revived longstanding questions about whether Texas communities — particularly the fast-growing Houston area — are adequately prepared for increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
After Harvey struck in 2017, Harris County voters approved a multibillion-dollar flood control bond program intended to fund drainage improvements, detention basins, channel expansions and neighborhood mitigation projects. County officials say dozens of projects have either been completed or are currently under construction.
Still, some residents and advocacy groups argue that progress has not moved quickly enough for communities that continue to experience repeated flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Critics have also pointed to rapid urban development across Southeast Texas as a contributing factor. As new subdivisions, roads and commercial developments replace open land, less ground remains available to naturally absorb rainfall, increasing runoff into streets, creeks and bayous.
Flood preparedness has increasingly become both an infrastructure and political issue in Texas. Some local leaders and environmental advocates are calling for stronger statewide flood planning standards and additional investment in drainage systems and resiliency projects.
Others argue flood control decisions should remain primarily under local authority, with counties and municipalities best positioned to determine their infrastructure priorities.
The debate arrives as emergency officials warn that even moderate rainfall totals can create dangerous conditions in areas where drainage systems are overwhelmed or soil is already saturated from previous storms.
With millions of Texans expected to travel during the holiday weekend, state and local agencies are continuing to monitor weather conditions and prepare for possible flood response operations.
