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Next big round of thunderstorms arrives in Houston on Wednesday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got an ABC13 Weather Watch for Wednesday as another stormy weather system could bring street flooding.

Until then, things should stay fairly quiet. We should remain rain-free Tuesday morning with temperatures falling down toward 70 degrees under a partly cloudy sky. Tuesday afternoon only brings a 20% chance of a downpour with high temps making another run toward 90 degrees. Then Tuesday night we will be monitoring a line of thunderstorms pushing this way from West Texas.

When should we expect the stormy weather on Wednesday?

These storm complexes remain challenging to pin down more than 24 hours in advance, but the general timing is for the storms to blow in during the morning, continue into the afternoon, and clear out by evening. Prepare for a wet and stormy morning drive in to work and school with wet streets sticking around for the evening commute, even if the rain clouds have moved on.

Is severe weather possible on Wednesday?

Yes, there is a slim chance some of the storms could produce damaging wind gusts and large hail, but the overall risk is low at this time. You are more likely to encounter heavy rain and street flooding.

Any 90-degree days on the way?

Yes. We’ll get close to the mark on Tuesday, then after a rain-cooled Wednesday, temperatures will trend up toward 90 quickly The last weekend of May is looking hotter with highs at or near 90 degrees. And even if the thermometer doesn’t hit 90 Saturday or Sunday, it’ll certainly feel like it with heat index values in the low-mid 90s each day.

Hurricane season starts in less than a week! Anything of note?

Nope! No activity is expected in the next 7 days across the Atlantic. The main reason why is because of large plume of Saharan dust moving across the deep tropics this week.

SEE YOUR FULL WEATHER FORECAST

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

New York Knicks Reach NBA Finals for First Time Since 1999

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The New York Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years after dominating the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 on Monday night to complete a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference finals.

Knicks Cruise Past Cavaliers

Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while OG Anunoby added 17 points. Landry Shamet scored 16 off the bench as the Knicks built a massive lead and rested starters late in the fourth quarter.

Fans loudly chanted “Knicks in four!” as New York secured its 11th straight postseason win.

Awaiting NBA Finals Opponent

The Knicks will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, which begin June 3.

It marks New York’s third Finals appearance since winning its last NBA championship in 1973. The franchise previously reached the Finals in 1994 and 1999.

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

US Launches ‘Self-Defense’ Strikes on Iranian Targets, CENTCOM Says

U.S. forces carried out limited “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran on Monday, according to United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

Missile Sites and Boats Targeted

CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said the operation targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats that were allegedly attempting to place naval mines near the strategic area of Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s primary naval base.

“U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” Hawkins said in a statement.

The military added that operations were carried out while “using restraint” during the ongoing ceasefire.

Limited Scope of Operation

A U.S. official described the strikes as “very small” in scope, signaling the operation was intended to counter immediate threats rather than escalate tensions further.

Bandar Abbas is considered a critical military and shipping hub in the region, making it a sensitive location amid continued instability in the Middle East.

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

Ebola health screenings at Bush Airport for certain passengers begin Tuesday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re starting to learn more about the Ebola health screenings that federal officers said will start Tuesday at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

On Friday, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol announced it would funnel travelers who visited certain African countries connected with the deadly Ebola outbreak. One of the three airports would be IAH in Houston.

Federal officials said the passengers would be required to go through health screenings at those airports. CBP said the impacted passengers are those who visited, or flew through, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda within the last three weeks.

A current Ebola strain that the World Health Organization said has more than 900 suspected cases, and 200 deaths in Africa.

Over the weekend, Judge Linda Hidalgo shared more information about what the IAH screenings would look like. “When someone flies into our airport from these countries, or even if they’re coming from a layover, they’re screened for a fever, asked a series of questions,” Hidalgo explained.

Here’s what Hidalgo said happens next. If someone doesn’t have a fever or show symptoms, they’re allowed to travel.

They’re supposed to share contact information. Hidalgo said they’re asked to check their temperature, and county health officials may even make at-home visits.

If a passenger has a fever or symptoms, Hidalgo said they’re brought to one of two hospitals in Houston, where they’ll be isolated. She didn’t say which hospitals those are.

Federal officials said if they test positive for Ebola, they’ll notify passengers from their flight as well. Just flying with or being near someone with Ebola, health experts said, isn’t a concern.

“Ebola is not like COVID,” UTHealth Houston/Memorial Hermann Chief of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Luis Ostrosky, said. “It’s not airborne. It’s not thought to transmit before you’re symptomatic.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Fireworks stand catches on fire in Highlands, fire marshal’s office says

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HIGHLANDS, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities say an investigation is underway after a fireworks stand in east Harris County caught on fire on Monday afternoon.

According to the fire marshal’s office, the fire was in the 400 block of North Main Street in Highlands.

ABC13 viewers captured video of the fire, including fireworks going off from inside the stand.

Officials from the fire marshal’s office said that preliminary information indicates the fire was accidental, adding that welders were working on the stand when the fire started.

Authorities said they are investigating to see if the fireworks were being stored properly.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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.

Southern California Chemical Tank No Longer at Risk of Explosion, Officials Say

Officials in Southern California say a damaged chemical tank that forced the evacuation of nearly 50,000 people is no longer at risk of a catastrophic explosion, though evacuation orders remain in effect.

The incident began at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, California, where a 34,000-gallon tank containing methyl methacrylate showed signs of overheating last week.

Explosion Threat Eliminated

During a Monday update, the Orange County Fire Authority said temperatures inside the tank are now decreasing, reducing fears of a massive fireball or boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE).

“We are happy to report that the threat of a BLEVE is now off the table,” Interim Chief TJ McGovern said.

Officials noted the chemical inside the tank has started to solidify as temperatures dropped, helping stabilize the situation.

Evacuation Orders Still Active

Despite the improved conditions, authorities warned the emergency is not fully over. Residents inside the evacuation zone were told to remain away from the area as crews continue monitoring the tank and surrounding air quality.

OCFA Division Chief Craig Covey said any future leak or incident would likely be far smaller than the original worst-case scenario.

The evacuation area covers roughly 10 square miles and includes schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and critical infrastructure. Several roads also remain closed.

Toxic Chemical Raised Health Concerns

Methyl methacrylate, commonly used in plastic manufacturing, can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system with short-term exposure, according to the EPA.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom previously declared a state of emergency in Orange County as firefighters worked around the clock to cool the bulging tank and prevent a disaster.

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

New York Forest Rangers Rescue Hiker Trapped in Cave Crevice for 6 Hours

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A dramatic cave rescue in upstate New York ended safely after forest rangers freed a hiker who had been trapped in a narrow rock crevice for nearly six hours.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the unidentified man from Brooklyn became stuck while exploring Merlin’s Cave in the town of Canaan on May 17 with a group of friends.

Hiker Trapped 400 Feet Inside Cave

Officials said the man slipped into a tight crevice roughly 400 feet from the cave entrance and became completely immobilized. His friends attempted to pull him free before rescuers arrived, but the cold, damp cave conditions caused several people to develop hypothermia.

Forest Ranger Lt. John Gullen described the situation as one of the most difficult rescues he has encountered.

“He was really jammed in there more than I expected,” Gullen said in a video shared by the department. “It was basically the exact shape of him.”

Rescue Crew Used Rock Drill to Free Man

Rescuers carefully used a rock drill to chip away stone only inches from the man’s body and head. After hours of work, the hiker was finally able to wiggle himself free.

Despite the dangerous situation, Gullen said the trapped man stayed calm and positive throughout the ordeal.

“We were telling jokes, and he was giving thumbs up,” the ranger recalled.

Man Walks Out Safely

Once freed and warmed up, the hiker was able to walk out of the cave on his own, officials said.

Gullen called the emotional moment unforgettable, saying the rescue team celebrated with high-fives after finally reaching the man.

For more uncanny survivor stories, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

DOJ Cites White House Shooting in Fight Over Trump Ballroom Project

The Department of Justice is using Saturday’s deadly shooting near the White House to support the Trump administration’s push for a new White House ballroom project.

According to the DOJ filing, the shooting demonstrated the need for a more secure facility after an armed man allegedly opened fire toward a Secret Service checkpoint near the White House.

Shooting Near White House

The United States Secret Service said officers fatally shot 21-year-old Nasire Best of Maryland after he allegedly fired a high-caliber weapon near the White House grounds. A bystander was also injured during the incident.

The DOJ described the shooting as another attempted attack targeting Donald Trump, his family, and staff.

Ballroom Project Faces Legal Challenge

Federal officials argued the planned ballroom would act as a “safe haven” during major White House events, replacing temporary outdoor tents that they say are vulnerable to gunfire and drone threats.

Court filings revealed new security details, including bullet-resistant walls and glass, a drone-proof roof, missile-resistant columns, and rooftop sniper positions.

The project remains tied up in a legal battle after preservation groups challenged the construction. Appeals court arguments are scheduled for June 5 while work on the ballroom continues.

For more on the Trump’s controversial ballroom project, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Strong AI Regulation in New Vatican Manifesto

Pope Leo XIV has called for tougher regulation of artificial intelligence, warning that AI must serve humanity instead of corporate profit or military power.

In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), the pope described AI as one of the greatest challenges facing modern society. The Vatican document urges governments, tech companies, and world leaders to establish stronger legal oversight and ethical safeguards for rapidly advancing AI systems.

Pope Warns Against AI in Warfare

Leo strongly criticized the growing use of AI in warfare and said lethal decisions should never be left entirely to machines.

“Artificial Intelligence now demands to be disarmed,” the pope said during the Vatican presentation of the document, condemning technologies that promote “domination, exclusion and death.”

The manifesto also warned about the concentration of data and power among a small number of technology companies, arguing that ethical promises alone are not enough without independent oversight and regulation.

Focus on Human Dignity and Jobs

The pope raised concerns about AI replacing human workers and harming vulnerable communities. He stressed that economic growth and profits should never come at the expense of human dignity.

The Vatican compared today’s AI revolution to the Industrial Revolution addressed by Pope Leo XIII in the landmark 1891 document Rerum Novarum, which focused on workers’ rights and social justice.

Tech Industry Reacts

Executives and AI experts, including leaders connected to Anthropic and Microsoft, said the encyclical could become a major global reference point in debates over AI ethics, regulation, labor, and warfare.

For more on the Vatican, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.