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Senate Blocks Iran War Powers Resolution Again

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Senate Vote Fails to Advance Measure on Iran Conflict

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance a War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting military action against Iran without congressional approval.

The resolution, introduced by Jeff Merkley, was rejected in a narrow 49-50 vote, marking the seventh unsuccessful attempt to move forward with similar legislation.

Bipartisan Support Emerges

Republican senators Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul and Susan Collins joined most Democrats in supporting the measure.

However, John Fetterman voted with Republicans to block the resolution from advancing.

White House Says Iran Conflict Has Ended

The failed vote comes as White House officials argue congressional authorization is unnecessary because the conflict with Iran effectively ended after the April 8 ceasefire agreement.

President Donald Trump previously acknowledged the ceasefire remained fragile, though administration officials maintain offensive military operations have stopped.

Debate Over Congressional Authority Continues

The War Powers Resolution is designed to give Congress oversight of military action, but lawmakers have never successfully used it to force a president to end hostilities.

Murkowski has also been working on a potential Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) related to Iran, which would formally allow Congress to debate and approve military action.

Still, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said earlier this week there appears to be little Republican support for an AUMF, arguing it is unnecessary while military operations remain paused.

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

Ronald Greene Family Reaches Tentative $4.8M Settlement with Louisiana State Police

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Settlement Nears Resolution in 2019 Death Case

The family of Ronald Greene has reached a tentative $4.8 million settlement with Louisiana State Police over his 2019 death following a violent encounter with troopers.

State police confirmed Wednesday that negotiations are ongoing and declined to discuss final terms until the agreement is officially completed. Under Louisiana law, the settlement still requires approval from the state legislature.

Greene’s Death Sparked National Outrage

Greene, a 49-year-old Black motorist, died on May 10, 2019, after a high-speed police pursuit near Monroe, Louisiana.

Authorities initially told Greene’s family he died after crashing his vehicle into a tree. However, body camera footage released nearly two years later showed troopers beating, restraining and repeatedly using stun guns on Greene after the chase ended.

The footage fueled widespread criticism and renewed calls for police accountability.

This image from video from Louisiana state trooper Lt. John Clary’s body-worn camera shows trooper Kory York standing over Ronald Greene on his stomach on May 10, 2019, outside of Monroe, La.
Louisiana State Police via AP

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Family

Greene’s family filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit in May 2020, alleging excessive force and a cover-up by law enforcement.

His mother, Mona Hardin, has been a leading voice demanding justice and transparency throughout the years-long legal battle.

No Jail Time for Officers

Five Louisiana law enforcement officers were initially charged in connection with Greene’s arrest, but none will serve jail time after several charges were reduced or dismissed.

In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice informed Greene’s family it would not pursue federal criminal charges, closing another avenue for prosecution.

If approved, the settlement would mark a significant legal resolution in one of Louisiana’s most closely watched police misconduct cases.

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

Woman found dead in apartment after family didn’t hear from her for several days, HCSO says

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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says a homicide investigation is underway after a woman was found dead at an apartment in north Harris County on Tuesday evening.

According to the sheriff’s office, crime scene investigators and homicide detectives responded to the scene at the apartment complex on Cypress Station Drive at about 5:30 p.m.

HCSO said that apartment management found the woman’s body after her family, who hadn’t heard back from her for several days, requested a welfare check.

Deputies said that the woman, who was in her early 20s, suffered severe trauma.

According to HCSO, there were no signs of forced entry. Deputies said they’re working to talk to neighbors and look for surveillance video inside and outside the complex.

“We’re still in the process of interviewing family members, so we don’t have any obvious suspects at this time. That will be something that we’ll be doing as far as trying to get her information — as far as what she had been doing lately, as far as whether or not she had boyfriend, whether or not she had any issues, that kind of thing,” HCSO Sgt. Jason Brown said.

Brown said it’s not yet clear exactly when she died, but likely sometime in the last couple of days.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Princess Kate Begins First Solo Overseas Trip Since Cancer Diagnosis

Kate Middleton Visits Italy for Early Childhood Initiative

Catherine, Princess of Wales arrived in Italy on Wednesday for her first solo international trip outside the United Kingdom since revealing her cancer diagnosis in 2024.

The princess was welcomed by large crowds in Piazza Prampolini in the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia, where supporters waved signs reading “Ciao Kate” and gathered to greet her during the two-day visit.

Focus on Early Childhood Education

During her visit, Kate met with local officials, educators, parents and schoolchildren while supporting The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, an organization she launched in 2021 focused on child development and family support.

At Reggio Emilia’s town hall, the princess received the “Primo Tricolore,” the city’s highest honor, recognizing her advocacy for early childhood initiatives. She also spent time speaking with children and well-wishers in Italian.

Why Reggio Emilia Matters

The visit highlights Reggio Emilia’s internationally recognized approach to early childhood education, which emphasizes creativity, collaboration and child-centered learning. Kensington Palace said the trip will allow the princess to learn from educators and community leaders connected to the program.

Return to Royal Duties After Cancer Treatment

Kate’s trip marks another step in her gradual return to public life after announcing in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and underwent preventative chemotherapy.

In January 2025, the princess confirmed she was in remission and would slowly resume royal engagements. Since then, she has appeared at several official events alongside Prince William and other members of the royal family.

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

Captain of barge lost control after strong tide current, causing bridge strike: NTSB

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two years after a barge struck the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, leaving some people stranded, the National Transportation Safety Board released its final report on the strike.

The video above is from a previous report.

The incident happened on May 15, 2024. Officials said a barge broke loose from a tug boat and crashed into the Pelican Island Causeway.

The NTSB said the captain of the barge was unable to overcome the effect of the tidal current, which was stronger than predicted, which then caused the attached tow to break free.

According to the agency, no injuries were reported, but about 20,000 gallons of vacuum gas oil were released into the waterway.

The total cost of the damage was estimated to be about $8.4 million.

At the time, people who lived and worked on the island told ABC13 they needed to find creative ways to get to and from.

The Pelican Island Causeway was constructed in 1960 and was actually set to be replaced in 2025. The bridge is more than 3,200 feet long and about 164 feet wide.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

After a delightful morning, ozone pollution is possible in Houston Wednesday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Take advantage of this humidity drop while we’ve got it, because a major moisture surge is coming in this weekend. Ahead of the weekend, warm afternoons could help increase ozone pollution problems, too.

Temperatures Wednesday morning will fall back into the low-to-mid 60s, and there could be a touch of fog, especially southwest of Houston.

Abundant sunshine throughout the day will boost high temperatures toward 90-degrees. With light and variable winds, ozone pollution problems could pop up in Houston-area neighborhoods. Ozone is a lung irritant that can trigger asthma attacks and dry coughs in sensitive individuals.

Are there any other days with ozone problems expected this week?

Thursday could be another day with unhealthy levels of ozone pollution, but the Gulf breeze will start to kick in helping to clean up the air for the rest of the week.

When does the moisture surge back in?

You’ll really feel the humidity going up this weekend as a strong Gulf breeze kicks in. The rise in moisture levels will also increase rain chances to 20% Saturday and 30% Sunday.

I hear a bigger rainmaker is coming next week. What’s the latest on that?

We are eyeing an upper level storm to impact us Monday through Wednesday of next week that could bring more widespread rain to Southeast Texas. There are also signs that a weak front could slide underneath it, which could enhance rain totals even more. Details are sketchy at this time, but we’ll keep you posted! For now we have rain chances at 40% all three of those days.

SEE ALSO: ABC13 Weather Watch: Widespread storms could bring street flooding, severe weather Friday

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Appeals Court Temporarily Revives Trump’s 10% Global Tariffs

Federal Court Pauses Ruling Against Tariffs

A federal appeals court on Tuesday temporarily halted a lower court ruling that declared President Donald Trump’s global 10% tariffs unlawful.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued an administrative stay, giving judges additional time to review the case while litigation continues.

Trade Dispute Continues

The decision temporarily blocks last week’s ruling from the United States Court of International Trade, which found the tariffs illegal after Trump imposed them following an earlier Supreme Court decision that struck down his first round of tariffs.

The appeals court emphasized that it has not yet ruled on the legality of the tariffs and is still considering whether a longer-term stay should remain in place during the appeal process.

The Trump administration previously received a similar temporary stay in an earlier tariff-related case.

For the latest on the Trump tariffs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Dave Venturella Named Acting ICE Director

DHS Announces Leadership Change at ICE

The Department of Homeland Security announced that Dave Venturella will become acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following Todd Lyons’ departure later this month.

Venturella, a former career ICE agent and close ally of border czar Tom Homan, previously worked with a private prison company and is expected to continue the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies.

Todd Lyons Leaving ICE

Current acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said he is stepping down to spend more time with his family, according to his resignation letter.

During Lyons’ tenure, ICE expanded operations nationwide under President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, increasing enforcement actions in major cities including Chicago and Los Angeles.

It remains unclear whether Venturella will be nominated permanently or continue serving in an acting role.

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

Top 5 Native Plants & Bushes for Houston

Spring in Houston is prime planting season. These native picks thrive in local heat, humidity, and unpredictable rain—while supporting pollinators.

1. Texas Lantana

Texas Lantana
Bright orange and yellow blooms attract butterflies and bees. Drought-tolerant and perfect for full sun.

2. American Beautyberry

American Beautyberry
A standout shrub with vibrant purple berries in fall. Great for shady areas and supports local wildlife.

3. Turk’s Cap

Turk’s Cap
Thrives in Houston’s heat and partial shade. Its red flowers are a favorite for hummingbirds.

4. Gulf Muhly

Gulf Muhly
An ornamental grass with soft pink plumes. Low-maintenance and ideal for adding texture to landscapes.

5. Texas Sage

Texas Sage
Also called “cenizo,” this hardy shrub produces purple blooms after rain and handles drought with ease.

Why Native?

Native plants require less water, fewer chemicals, and are better adapted to Houston’s climate—making them a smart, sustainable choice for April planting.

For more garden and environmental tips, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

French Hantavirus Patient in Intensive Care After Cruise Ship Exposure

French Health Officials Confirm Severe Case

French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said Tuesday that a French cruise passenger infected with hantavirus is in critical condition and receiving intensive medical treatment.

According to officials, the patient developed a severe cardiopulmonary form of the virus and is currently on extracorporeal oxygenation support — a life-support system that temporarily replaces lung function while doctors attempt to stabilize the patient.

Health authorities said the patient remains in serious condition as doctors monitor lung damage caused by the virus.

Other French Passengers Test Negative

Four additional French nationals removed from the cruise ship were hospitalized for observation but tested negative for hantavirus and are reportedly recovering well.

Officials emphasized that all confirmed cases so far involve passengers connected to the cruise ship.

France Monitoring More Than 20 Contacts

French authorities launched contact tracing efforts after identifying possible exposures during international flights connected to the passengers’ travel route.

Officials said eight French nationals were identified on a flight between Saint Helena and Johannesburg. Additional travelers were also monitored on a second flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam, where exposure risk was considered lower because an infected passenger was quickly removed.

In total, France has identified 22 potential contact cases. Authorities said all individuals have been contacted, tested, hospitalized or placed under close medical monitoring as a precaution.

For the latest on the hantavirus, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.