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About 20 arrests made during after-hours club raids in southeast Houston, HPD says

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two after-hours clubs were busted early Saturday morning in southeast Houston, off the Gulf Freeway.

The Houston Police Department said they’ve arrested around 20 people in connection with illegal activity, ranging from drugs to not having proper permits.

Investigators said all of this unfolded at La Zona Bar & Lounge and Los Corrales South.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire was also on scene and said the raid was a joint effort that he wanted to witness firsthand.

“Witnessing the Houston Police Department in collaboration with state officials to close down illegal bars and all kinds of vice going on right here near our neighborhoods,” Whitmire said.

ABC13 spoke off camera to a worker at a business next door to one of the facilities. They said they’ve had chaotic encounters, including one of the bars with bullet holes through their windows.

Police added that these types of illegal businesses are a nuisance to everyone.

“These facilities, unfortunately, give us a lot of calls for service because it never closes,” HPD Chief Noe Diaz said. “We have legitimate businesses that close at 2 a.m. and then young people making bad decisions come here between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., continuing to drink where no one regulates their consumption of alcohol.

“(Bar patrons) get back on our roads, and it’s dangerous for our community and dangerous for our officers who are actually doing the work out here,” he added.

Whitmire added that he will take the issue to the council and hopes it shows they do everything they can to keep the streets safe.

“Sending a strong message to those that would involve themselves either as customers or the owners of these — no permits, no documentation, and they’re closing them down. That’s the goal, we’re closing them down, send a strong message that we won’t tolerate that,” Whitmire said.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Help sought finding these fugitives: Crime Stoppers of Houston Fugitive Friday

In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help locating the following individuals that have active Felony and/or Misdemeanor Warrants. 

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of the suspects featured. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

All warrants are active at the time this post was created and is subject to change. Crime Stoppers of Houston is not making any legal claims that this is the most current legal status. 

The following individuals all have active warrants as of May 8, 2025 at 1:30 pm.

TYRONE ORLANDO BELTCHER

B/M      5’07”/150 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1908045
THEFT >=2,500 <30,000
Last known location: Houston Texas

TONY ALLEN COOPER

W/M      6’00”/195 Lbs.      Bro/Blu
Warrant #: 1863680
PROB VIOL INJ TO ELDERLY BI 
Last known location: Baytown Texas

BRITTANY DESHIA LEIGH

B/F      5’03”/122 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1912298, 1907299
PROH SUBSTANCE CORRECT FACILIT
POSS CS PG 1/1-B <1G 
Last known location: Humble Texas

DENISE TUPPER MARTIN

W/F      5’03”/115 Lbs.      Bro/Blu
Warrant #: 1912848
RETALIATION  
Last known location: Baytown Texas

TAFFY R MORGAN

B/F      5’05”/180 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1912155, 1899798
INJ TO CHILD BI  
ENDANGER CHILD  
Last known location: Houston Texas

NATALIE RENEE OWENS

W/F      5’02”/130 Lbs.      Bln/Bro
Warrant #: 1912284
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF >=$2,500<30K
Last known location: Houston Texas

KEVIN JOVAN ROBINSON

B/M      5’08”/175 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1908148
SEX ASSLT CHILD 14-17        
Last known location: Houston Texas

BRANDY DENISE SANTIAGO

W/F      5’04”/180 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1912443
FRAUD/USE/POSS ID INFO < 5 – E
Last known location: Houston Texas

RAYMUNDO SOLIZ JR

W/M      5’07”/180 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1909372
BURGLARY OF A BUILDING    
Last known location: Houston Texas

JOSEPH ALEXANDER STURROCK

W/M      5’11”/165 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1912709
CONTINUOUS VIOL AGAINST THE FAMILY
Last known location: Houston Texas

Things you should know about the Crime Stoppers Tip Line Program:

  • Crime Stoppers will NEVER ask you for your name, phone number, address, or any other information that could identify you.
  • We do not record phone calls or have caller id. No one will know you called us unless you tell them.
  • Once you give us your tip, you will be given a code numberThis is the only way Crime Stoppers can identify you.
  • You need to remember this number and provide it when you call back to check the status of your tip.
  • CRIME STOPPERS CANNOT CALL YOU with the status because we don’t ask for your phone number.
  • When you call back with your code number, we will let you know if your tip helped law enforcement arrest or charge a felony suspect/fugitive. If it did, we will give you instructions to go to a specific bank on a certain date to pick up your cash reward. You will not be asked to show any id and the money you get does not have to be reported to anyone.
  • Crime Stoppers may pay cash rewards of up to $5,000 on serious crime in the Greater Houston Area. There may be increased rewards available. 
  • The only requirement is you must report your tip directly to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line.

There are 3 ways to report anonymously

  • By phone by calling 713-222-TIPS(8477)
  • By using our mobile app called Crime Stoppers Houston – download here Crime Stoppers Houston on the App Store OR Crime Stoppers Houston – Apps on Google Play
  • Online at Tip Form

For more Fugitive Friday lists, keep up with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Senators Warren and Banks Press DOJ on Egg Price Hikes, Call for Deeper Antitrust Probe

Bipartisan Scrutiny on Egg Industry Practices

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and Republican Senator Jim Banks are urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to intensify its antitrust investigation into major U.S. egg producers. In a joint letter to Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, the senators expressed concern over prolonged high egg prices and questioned whether large companies are engaging in anticompetitive behavior.

Consumer Costs Under Pressure

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cost of a dozen eggs rose from $4.95 in January to $6.22 in March — a 25% surge. While wholesale prices have dropped in recent weeks, retail prices remain elevated. The senators argue that this gap may reflect manipulation rather than market conditions.

Avian Flu or Corporate Greed?

The egg industry has blamed the price hikes on avian flu outbreaks, but Warren and Banks remain skeptical.

“We’re concerned that record high egg prices reflect noncompetitive behavior among large producers,” they wrote. The letter also noted that prices only began dropping after the DOJ launched its investigation.

In this April 8, 2025, file photo, Sen. Elizabeth Warren is shown during a Senate Finance Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.
Courtesy: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images, FILE
Republican Sen. Jim Banks joins Sen. Elizabeth Warren in pressing for the egg price surge investigation.

History of Price Fixing Raises Red Flags

Citing past cases of price fixing among egg companies, the senators stressed that similar coordination may be happening again. “Given this history, we urge DOJ to thoroughly review whether recent trends in egg prices reflect impermissible coordination,” they stated.

Senators Demand Answers

Both lawmakers are requesting the DOJ provide updates by mid-May, including whether bird flu can fully explain price increases, how much profits have risen among top egg producers, and if prices fell significantly after the investigation began.

Political Flashpoint

Egg prices became a key talking point during the 2024 presidential race. President Donald Trump has claimed that prices are now falling due to his administration’s actions. Economists, however, dispute attributing such market shifts to any single president.

Public Interest at Stake

“Americans deserve to know if those sky-high prices are the result of out-of-control corporate greed,” said Warren, according to ABC News. Banks added, “It’s long overdue for an antitrust investigation to bring down prices and create more competition.”

Keep up with the egg price surge with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Rain isn’t done with us yet as we head into Mother’s Day weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re not quite done with this wet and active weather pattern. Scattered showers and isolated storms could slow down your Friday morning commute especially along the coast.

The sky turns mostly sunny by the afternoon and high temperatures warm in the upper 70s to low 80s. If you have plans Friday evening, you may want to keep your umbrella close by as another weak disturbance rolls in between 8-10 pm for the Houston area.

So is the weather still looking good for Mother’s Day weekend?

Well, mostly. The upper low bringing all our stormy weather looks like it may not push as far away from us this weekend as we originally thought. If it does linger nearby, we’ll get more clouds this weekend with a few showers possible, especially on Saturday. Mother’s Day now looks mostly dry but somewhat cloudy. We’ll still enjoy a little humidity drop with the breeze coming in from the north. Lows will be near 60 with highs near 80.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Justice David Souter Dies at 85

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a reserved New England intellectual who defied conservative expectations and shaped key liberal rulings, died May 8 at his home in New Hampshire. He was 85. The court confirmed his death but did not release a cause.

From “Stealth Candidate” to Unexpected Liberal Voice

Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 to replace Justice William Brennan Jr., Souter was initially hailed by conservatives as a safe, quiet pick. With little public record, he was dubbed the “stealth candidate.” Yet he quickly emerged as a key moderate voice, siding with the liberal wing in landmark decisions on abortion, gay rights, church-state separation, and the death penalty.

Defending Precedent in Landmark Abortion Case

In one of his most consequential rulings, Souter co-authored the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision with Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy, upholding the core protections of Roe v. Wade. He warned that reversing precedent “under fire” would damage the court’s legitimacy.

President George H.W. Bush named Justice Souter to the high court in 1990.Courtesy: Gerald Martineau/The Washington Post

A Reclusive Life Devoted to Law and History

Souter, famously shy of Washington’s spotlight, described the Supreme Court as the “world’s best job in the world’s worst city.” He spent summers alone in his New Hampshire farmhouse, reading and hiking. He disliked giving speeches and had no computer in his chambers, preferring to write opinions longhand with a fountain pen.

Disillusionment After Bush v. Gore

Souter’s quiet demeanor masked deep concern about the court’s direction. He was among the dissenters in Bush v. Gore (2000), the decision that halted Florida’s recount and secured George W. Bush’s presidency. The case left him demoralized. Former clerk Kermit Roosevelt said it “broke Souter’s heart” and made judging feel like “an act of political will.”

Unexpected Retirement and Lasting Legacy

In 2009, at age 69, Souter retired voluntarily — younger than many justices — to return to New Hampshire and his books. He continued hearing cases at the federal appellate level. President Obama praised his fairness and independence, calling him a justice who “never sought to promote a political agenda.”

Early Life and Legal Rise

Born in Melrose, Massachusetts, in 1939, David Hackett Souter moved to Weare, New Hampshire, as a child. A top student, he graduated from Harvard, studied at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and earned a Harvard Law degree. He served as New Hampshire’s attorney general, then ascended through the state and federal judiciary. His nomination to the Supreme Court came just months after joining the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Judicial Philosophy and Courtroom Presence

Souter embraced a philosophy of judicial restraint and precedent. He was known for long, precise opinions and persistent questioning during oral arguments. Though personally cordial with conservative justices like Antonin Scalia, he often clashed with them over constitutional interpretation.

Quiet but Principled in a Shifting Court

During his nearly 20 years on the bench, Souter often found himself in dissent as the court leaned right. He opposed decisions weakening desegregation and voting rights, and his draft dissent in Citizens United — never published — reportedly accused Chief Justice Roberts of manipulating procedure for ideological ends.

Final Years and Reflection

After retirement, Souter lived in Concord, New Hampshire, in a modest home with a library for his vast book collection. Close friends described him as principled and deeply patriotic. On the day of the Bush v. Gore ruling, he gave his clerks a Robert Frost poem. One line stayed with him: “What to make of a diminished thing.”

For more on the U.S. justices, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Moves Toward Local Agreement on Toll Road Emergency Funding Amid State Legislation

Following the Texas Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 2722, which would redirect a portion of Harris County’s toll road surplus funds to the City of Houston, county leaders are taking steps to reach a local solution before the legislation becomes law.

The bill, authored by Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), passed the Senate in a 21-10 vote. It would require 30%—or roughly $80 million—of Harris County Toll Road Authority’s (HCTRA) surplus funds to go to Houston to reimburse emergency services. The remaining 70% would remain with the county, to be distributed among its four precincts based on the percentage of county roads within each.

But Harris County leaders are working to resolve the issue locally. On Thursday, Commissioners instructed the Harris County Attorney and the Department of Intergovernmental and Global Affairs to begin negotiations with the City of Houston and its legal counsel on a compensation agreement for first responders operating on the HCTRA system.

“The county is ready to work in any form or fashion with the city going forward,” said Commissioner Tom Ramsey from the dais. “The message today is we want to work with the city.”

“We’re deeply invested in infrastructure and public safety, and we’re deeply committed to working out a local solution to a local issue,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “So, we thank in advance the county Attorney’s office for their ongoing partnership.”

Commissioners emphasized the need for a local, data-driven approach. The Court is scheduled to meet again on May 22, when members could formalize a proposed interlocal agreement.

Local Collaboration Over State Intervention

Tension between the City of Houston and Harris County has grown in recent weeks over the legislation. In a letter sent to Mayor John Whitmire, Commissioners Lesley Briones and Adrian Garcia said the county had not been informed or consulted before the bill was introduced.

“It was only when the city introduced SB 2722 — and its companion HB 5177 — that we were first made aware of the desire to seek substantial compensation for tollway responses,” the commissioners wrote. “As you know, Harris County was not consulted before this bill was filed, nor did we receive any inquiries or requests. As we have done many times in the past, we are always open to collaboration with Houston and the other 33 cities within Harris County that ultimately benefit our shared constituents.”

During a recent City Council meeting, Mayor Whitmire expressed gratitude for the bill’s advancement and encouraged open discussion.

“First of all, I will meet with anyone anywhere if they’re wanting to work to improve Houston. I’ve met with all the commissioners in recent days. … This idea was brought to me by Houston legislators [who asked], ‘Would we document what [emergency services] we provide?’”

The Numbers Behind the Dispute

HCTRA, which operates 132 miles of toll road in Harris County, currently funds public safety operations on its system. According to the agency, between 2022 and 2024, Harris County resources responded to more than 300,000 incidents, while the Houston Fire and Police Departments responded to fewer than 3,000, or just 1% of total incidents.

To maintain this service level, HCTRA’s FY 2025 budget includes $42.7 million for toll road public safety, with $25 million allocated to agreements with all eight county constables.

At a Texas Senate Transportation Committee hearing earlier this month, Commissioner Tom Ramsey argued in support of the bill, saying the current funding distribution shortchanges areas like his.

“My precinct has 47% of the county roads in Harris County, yet I get less than 25% of the [surplus] funding,” Ramsey said. “So, the bill that I’m supporting here deals with that, that they would disperse the fund based on the county road responsibility.”

But Commissioner Adrian Garcia, speaking through representative Kristen Lee, opposed the bill’s rigid funding formula.

“This bill would significantly undermine our ability to manage and fund the critical infrastructure we rely on every day, especially in regions like mine where roadways carry a disproportionate burden for the freight industry,” Lee read from Garcia’s statement. “In Precinct 2, we see that impact firsthand. We have more maintenance demands than any other area in Harris County.”

As legislative interest in SB 2722 continues, Harris County officials say they’ve been working with lawmakers to explore a collaborative alternative. Local leaders are hopeful the issue can be resolved through a mutually beneficial agreement, avoiding what they see as a state overreach into local matters.

Keep up with Harris County and Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1324

Domestic Violence Accounts for 30% of Murders in Harris County, HCSO Reports

Recent findings from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reveal that nearly 30% of murders in the area are linked to domestic violence—a statistic that has remained consistent despite increased investigative resources.

Insight Into Case Dynamics

HCSO Major Ben Katrib noted a key challenge: while domestic violence cases have the advantage of a known offender, they rely heavily on the victim’s sustained cooperation.

“The disadvantage is that you need the initial and continued cooperation by the victim,” Katrib told our news partner ABC13 Houston. He also pointed out that, on average, it takes about seven violent incidents before many victims take steps to leave or seek help.

Barriers to Reporting

Victims often hesitate to come forward due to feelings of shame or fear of losing critical ties such as their homes or custody of their children. This reluctance complicates the ability of law enforcement to effectively manage these cases.

Community Support for Survivors

In an effort to combat domestic violence, the Houston Area Women’s Center has recently expanded its facilities, adding a new campus dedicated to housing survivors. The center also offers round-the-clock support via a hotline at (713) 528-2121 for anyone in need of assistance or simply someone to talk to.

For more on domestic violence and prevention, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

House Approves Bill to Permanently Rename Gulf of Mexico

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to permanently rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” advancing an effort started by President Donald Trump.

Narrow Vote Reflects Partisan Divide
The measure, introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), passed narrowly with a 211–206 vote. Only one Republican, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, voted against the bill.

From Executive Order to Law
The bill would codify Trump’s executive order issued during his second term, officially changing all references in U.S. laws, maps, and documents from “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America.” Federal agencies would be required to update all related materials under the supervision of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

Greene: ‘It’s a Priority for the American People’
“Codifying the rightful renaming of the Gulf of America isn’t just a priority for me and President Trump, it’s a priority for the American people,” Greene posted on X, emphasizing the Gulf’s economic and military significance to the U.S.

Senate Passage Uncertain
The bill faces steeper odds in the Senate, where it would need bipartisan support to overcome a filibuster. Senate Republican Leader John Thune has yet to commit to bringing the measure to a vote.

Johnson: Protecting Trump’s Agenda
House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced strong support for the legislation. “We’ve been working around the clock to codify so much of what President Trump has been doing,” he said, “so that it can’t be reversed and erased by an upcoming administration.”

Keep up with developments related to the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico with us on Que Onda Magazine.

A few storms return late Thursday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Yesterday’s thunderstorms zapped enough moisture from our atmosphere that we’ll enjoy a dry spell through the middle afternoon hours Thursday.

Pleasant conditions as you head out the door Thursday morning with lower humidity and slightly cooler temperatures. High temperatures will warm in the mid to upper 80s.

What’s on tap for the rest of the work week?

An upper-level low centered west of Texas will once again spin up showers and thunderstorms over Southeast Texas late Thursday into Thursday night. We have a minor chance for rain on Friday at 20%.

So is the weather still looking good for Mother’s Day weekend?

Well, mostly. The upper low bringing all our stormy weather looks like it may not push as far away from us this weekend as we originally thought. If it does linger nearby, we’ll get more clouds this weekend with a few showers possible, especially on Saturday. Mother’s Day now looks mostly dry but somewhat cloudy. We’ll still enjoy a little humidity drop with the breeze coming in from the north. Lows will be near 60 with highs near 80.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

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This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.