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FBI and Police Thwart Potential School Attack in Texas, Two Teenage Girls in Custody

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Federal and local law enforcement swiftly intervened to prevent what officials described as a planned “mass casualty attack” targeting Memorial High School in Harris County.

Two teenage girls, ages 15 and 16, were taken into custody after the FBI identified credible threats involving the use of pipe bombs and firearms.

The FBI became aware of the threats on Tuesday and deemed them serious enough to prompt immediate action. By 2:45 p.m., the agency contacted local law enforcement partners in Montgomery County, Harris County, and the Spring Branch Independent School District. Working together, authorities located and detained both suspects within just 30 minutes.

“I got the call from the FBI agent we work closely with, who provided credible information. We immediately located the student and went to the school, where she was detained and interviewed,” said Spring Branch ISD Police Chief Larry Baimbridge in a statement to ABC News.

Baimbridge credited the rapid response to strong collaboration between federal and state law enforcement. “This is exactly how information like this should be handled. I’m grateful to the FBI for getting us the information right away, allowing us to act quickly,” he added.

According to FBI Houston spokesman Connor Hagan, the successful operation was a result of coordinated efforts between the FBI’s Houston office, Spring Branch ISD Police, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Houston Police Department.

“We took concerning information, conducted a rapid investigation, turned our findings over to trusted law enforcement partners, and ultimately saved innocent lives,” Hagan stated. “This type of situation is exactly why the FBI exists.”

The 16-year-old suspect, a student at Memorial High School, faces a charge of making a terroristic threat, while the 15-year-old is in custody in Montgomery County on an unrelated charge.

Authorities have not yet recovered firearms, explosives, or bomb-making materials in Harris County, but investigations are ongoing in both Harris and Montgomery Counties.

This case comes just a week after the FBI helped law enforcement in Mooresville, Indiana, disrupt another potential school attack following online threats.

Hagan emphasized the importance of collaborative threat mitigation efforts. “We have officers from dozens of local agencies embedded with our agents, working on these threats daily. FBI agents and federally deputized task force officers are essential to keeping our communities safe,” he said.

Keep up with local news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Firma Orden Ejecutiva para Bloquear Beneficios Federales a Inmigrantes Indocumentados

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El presidente Donald Trump firmó una orden ejecutiva la noche del miércoles para prohibir que los inmigrantes indocumentados reciban beneficios financiados con fondos federales.

“Mi Administración defenderá el estado de derecho, protegerá los recursos de los contribuyentes y garantizará que los beneficios sean para los ciudadanos estadounidenses que realmente los necesiten, incluidos veteranos y personas con discapacidades”, establece el documento firmado por Trump.

El expresidente destacó que la Ley de Responsabilidad Personal y Reconciliación de Oportunidades de Trabajo de 1996 (PRWORA, por sus siglas en inglés) ya prohíbe a los inmigrantes indocumentados acceder a la mayoría de los beneficios financiados por los contribuyentes. Sin embargo, argumentó que, desde su aprobación, diversas administraciones han debilitado las restricciones establecidas por el Congreso.

Trump acusó a la administración de Joe Biden de haber violado la ley federal y expandido el acceso a beneficios financiados con dinero de los contribuyentes para los inmigrantes indocumentados. Según él, estas acciones han generado un “mal uso significativo de los recursos públicos” y han servido como un “imán” que incentiva la inmigración ilegal a Estados Unidos.

La orden ejecutiva de Trump instruye a los directores de todas las agencias federales a identificar programas que actualmente permitan a los inmigrantes indocumentados recibir beneficios, ya sean en efectivo o en especie, y a tomar las medidas necesarias para alinearlos con la PRWORA y otras leyes federales.

Asimismo, el expresidente ordenó a las agencias gubernamentales garantizar que los pagos federales a estados y municipios no subsidien ni promuevan la inmigración ilegal, ni respalden las llamadas “políticas santuario” que protegen a los inmigrantes indocumentados de la deportación.

Trump también pidió a las agencias federales mejorar los sistemas de verificación de elegibilidad para evitar que inmigrantes indocumentados accedan a beneficios financiados con fondos públicos.

Además, la orden asigna al Departamento de Eficiencia Gubernamental (DOGE), liderado por el empresario Elon Musk, la tarea de identificar todas las fuentes de financiamiento federal que puedan estar beneficiando a inmigrantes indocumentados y recomendar acciones adicionales para alinear el gasto público con la nueva política.

Finalmente, la orden ejecutiva exige que cualquier caso de beneficios indebidos otorgados a inmigrantes indocumentados sea remitido al Departamento de Justicia y al Departamento de Seguridad Nacional para que tomen las medidas correspondientes.

Esta medida forma parte de la estrategia de Trump para endurecer las políticas migratorias, uno de los principales compromisos de su campaña. El expresidente ha elogiado a Musk y al equipo del DOGE por ayudar a ejecutar sus órdenes ejecutivas, asegurando que sin ellos muchas de sus iniciativas serían ignoradas dentro del aparato burocrático del gobierno.

Para actualizaciones sobre inmigracion siguenos en Que Onda Magazine.

Pope Francis Shows Signs of Recovery Amid Pneumonia Battle

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Pope Francis is making progress in his recovery from pneumonia, with the Vatican reporting that he had breakfast outside of bed on Thursday morning following a restful night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. This marks his sixth consecutive night of stable condition, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

Bruni provided an update on the 88-year-old pontiff’s health, revealing that recent blood tests indicated a slight improvement in inflammation markers. Francis, who has a history of respiratory issues and previously battled an acute case of pneumonia in 2023, remains under medical supervision, particularly given the heightened risks posed by winter infections.

On Wednesday, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni became the first high-profile visitor to meet with the pope during his hospital stay. After their 20-minute conversation, she noted that Francis appeared to be in good spirits, even displaying his characteristic sense of humor.

The pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after his bronchitis worsened. Medical evaluations later confirmed pneumonia in both lungs, along with a polymicrobial respiratory infection—a complex mix of bacterial, viral, and other pathogens. He is currently undergoing treatment with antibiotics and cortisone to manage his condition, which doctors have also classified as asthmatic bronchitis.

Despite his resilient heart, Francis faces additional health challenges. His limited mobility, reliance on a wheelchair due to knee issues, and a past lung surgery have made him particularly vulnerable to complications. His medical team remains cautious, as pneumonia in elderly patients often presents difficulties in clearing fluid from the lungs. The pope himself has acknowledged that he is not always the most cooperative patient, adding a layer of complexity to his recovery process.

For now, the Vatican remains optimistic, with signs of progress suggesting that the pope is gradually regaining strength. His condition continues to be closely monitored as the world watches and prays for his full recovery.

Keep up with updates on the Pope with us on QueOndaMagazine.com

Apple Unveils iPhone 16e with High-End Features

Apple has expanded its latest smartphone lineup with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, a more affordable addition to the iPhone 16 series.

Announced on Wednesday, the iPhone 16e is designed to offer impressive performance, enhanced battery life, and advanced features at a lower price point. Customers will be able to pre-order the new device starting Friday, with an official launch date set for February 28.

iPhone 16e: A Balance of Affordability and Performance

New iPhone 16e: Courtesy of Apple.

The iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s A18 chip, the same processor found in the base model of the iPhone 16. It also features a 6.1-inch display, ensuring users get a premium screen experience without paying the full price of higher-end models. Additionally, the device boasts a 48-megapixel camera system capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second, making it an appealing choice for photography and video enthusiasts.

One of the key highlights of the iPhone 16e is its integration of Apple Intelligence, the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence system, which was previously limited to the iPhone 15 and 16 series. This inclusion enhances the phone’s capabilities in areas such as smart suggestions, automation, and on-device learning.

Pricing and Storage Options

Apple has positioned the iPhone 16e as a cost-effective alternative within the iPhone 16 lineup. The base model, which comes with 128GB of storage, starts at $599—$200 less than the standard iPhone 16. Customers looking for additional storage can opt for the 256GB variant at $699 or the 512GB model at $899.

Breaking Apple’s Traditional Release Cycle

Historically, Apple has catered to budget-conscious consumers through its iPhone SE series, which featured smaller displays, Lightning charging ports, and lower-end processors. However, the iPhone 16e marks a shift in Apple’s strategy, as it arrives just five months after the initial iPhone 16 launch. This move deviates from Apple’s usual annual release cycle and could indicate a new approach to capturing a wider range of consumers.

Apple’s Market Performance and Sales Outlook

The launch of the iPhone 16e comes at a time when Apple faces challenges in key markets. In the most recent quarter, Apple reported $69.1 billion in iPhone sales, falling short of Wall Street’s expectations by nearly $2 billion. The company also struggled in China, where sales were $2.4 billion below projections, totaling $18.5 billion. Despite these setbacks, Apple still managed to achieve a 4% year-over-year increase in overall sales and a 10% rise in net profits.

By introducing the iPhone 16e, Apple is likely aiming to appeal to a broader customer base, including those who want premium features at a more accessible price. With its competitive pricing and high-end capabilities, the iPhone 16e could help Apple maintain its strong presence in the smartphone market while addressing affordability concerns among consumers.

Keep up with technological advances with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trump’s Approval Rating Declines Amid Economic Concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dipped slightly as more Americans express concerns about the economy, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The survey found that 44% of respondents approve of Trump’s job performance, down from 45% in late January. Meanwhile, disapproval has risen to 51%, compared to 41% shortly after he took office.

Economic Anxiety on the Rise

A key factor in the shift is growing unease about the U.S. economy. The percentage of Americans who believe the country is on the wrong economic track climbed from 43% to 53% in just over a week. Trump’s approval rating for economic management has also declined, dropping from 43% to 39%.

Despite this dip, his economic approval remains higher than former President Joe Biden’s final rating of 34%. However, it is significantly lower than the 53% approval Trump received in February 2017, during his first month in office.

Concerns Over Inflation and Tariffs

Economic uncertainty has been fueled by rising inflation and Trump’s trade policies. A recent U.S. Labor Department report showed the biggest increase in consumer prices in nearly 18 months, with many Americans facing higher costs for everyday goods and services.

Adding to concerns, Trump announced steep tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada, set to take effect in March. Though the Mexico and Canada tariffs have been delayed, the planned March 12 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports remain on schedule. These policies have sparked divided opinions, with 54% of Americans opposing new tariffs on imported goods, 41% in favor of increased tariffs, and support for tariffs on Chinese goods slightly higher at 49% in favor and 47% opposed.

Mixed Approval on Key Policies

While his economic rating has declined, Trump continues to see stronger support for his immigration policies, with 47% approval—unchanged from earlier polls. His approach includes promises to ramp up deportations of undocumented immigrants.

However, inflation remains a major challenge, with only 32% of respondents approving of his handling of the issue. This could be an early sign of public dissatisfaction with his economic policies, particularly after several years of rising prices weakened Biden’s standing ahead of the last election.

Poll Details

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online with 4,145 U.S. adults nationwide and has a margin of error of about 2 percentage points. The results highlight growing public concerns about Trump’s economic leadership as he faces increasing scrutiny over inflation, tariffs, and the future of U.S. trade policy.

Keep up with the U.S. economy with us on QueOndaMagazine.com

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Final Season: What to Expect

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The long-awaited sixth and final season of The Handmaid’s Tale is set to premiere on April 8, 2025, bringing the intense story of June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) and the rebellion against Gilead to a dramatic conclusion. Hulu has heightened anticipation with a new trailer, offering a glimpse of the impending battle.

Premiere Date and Episode Release Schedule

Hulu has confirmed that the season will kick off with a three-episode premiere on April 8, followed by weekly episodes leading up to the series finale on May 27, 2025.

What to Expect in the Final Season

With June’s revolution in full swing, the final season promises high-stakes drama and intense confrontations:

  • June’s Fight Against Gilead – She’s more determined than ever, rallying allies like Luke and Moira.
  • Serena Joy’s Role – Attempting to reform Gilead from within, she could face a major showdown with June.
  • Commander Lawrence & Aunt Lydia – Both must reckon with their past choices as Gilead teeters on the edge.
  • Nick’s Fate – His torn loyalties between June and his position of power will finally be tested.

Revolution Teased in the First Trailer

The newly released trailer hints at an all-out uprising, with handmaids seen preparing for battle. It also suggests that every major character will be forced to make pivotal decisions that will define their fate. The showrunner has promised the season will explore the consequences of power, resistance, and survival.

Filming Wraps & Emotional Goodbyes

Filming officially wrapped in early February 2025, and cast members, including Elisabeth Moss, shared their gratitude with fans. Moss, who also directed several episodes, described the experience as deeply emotional and promised a powerful and satisfying conclusion.

The Future: The Testaments Adaptation

As The Handmaid’s Tale comes to a close, fans are curious about its connection to Margaret Atwood’s sequel novel, The Testaments. Hulu has already announced plans to adapt the book, which follows events after The Handmaid’s Tale through the perspectives of Aunt Lydia and two young women. The final season may introduce new characters as a setup for this next chapter.

Stay tuned for more updates as Hulu prepares to close out this gripping dystopian saga with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Comparing this week’s freeze to that of 2021 based on the forecast and the grid

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As Texans wait for temperatures to drop below freezing this week, many can’t help but think about the historic freeze of February 2021. That said, ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith reports on how this upcoming freeze compares to the one that occurred four years ago.

The bitter cold and the extent of frozen precipitation across the state are not expected to be as extreme. In 2021, Houston experienced below-freezing temperatures for almost 48 hours and received an inch of snow during the event. This week, temperatures could fall below freezing for up to 12 hours at most, mainly Wednesday night into Thursday morning. No frozen precipitation is expected.

Since we know the weather conditions farther north across the state also affected the event in 2021, here’s a comparison for the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In 2021, Dallas was below-freezing for nearly six days. Furthermore, there were two mornings when temperatures dropped below zero degrees in the city. This time around, the cold front will move through Dallas Tuesday and could drop temperatures below freezing for about two days, but no weather conditions with below-zero temperatures are expected. That’s a huge difference.

Not only are the weather conditions for this freeze going to be different, but the state of the grid has also changed. Specifically, how much backup power does the grid have access to? Supposedly, that number has been around 10,000 megawatts since 2021. This is done by investing in both solar power and battery storage sites. A report from energy journal Factor states that battery storage for the Texas grid has nearly doubled every year since 2021. These battery storage sites act as a backup during times of high demand or when other power sources, like natural gas, solar, or wind, are low.

So, when comparing this week’s freeze to that of 2021, the overall impact is not expected to be as significant. Nothing’s guaranteed, so preparing plants, pipes, and pets for the cold is advised. As for power, outages are not expected, but they can never be ruled out. In a press conference earlier this week, Gov. Greg Abbot said he is “100% confident in the power grid” ahead of this freeze. The governor said this could be “the coldest weather event of the year” for Texans, even though the Houston area already faced its winter weather event last month with the January snowstorm.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with weather news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Arctic front brings end to rain as freeze line enters Southeast Texas

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Get ready for a cold and blustery Wednesday as arctic air charges through Southeast Texas. A widespread freeze is coming Wednesday night as the wind chills drop into the single digits and teens.

Get ready for a cold and blustery Wednesday as arctic air charges through Southeast Texas. A widespread freeze is coming Wednesday night as the wind chills drop into the single digits and teens.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Arctic air blasts in making for a cold and blustery Wednesday. A widespread freeze is coming Wednesday night with a hard freeze still possible north and west of Houston by Thursday morning.

The arctic front has brought in significantly colder and drier air, putting an end to any chances of rain. By sunrise, the freeze line will be in many communities north and west of Houston. High temperatures today will only warm in the low 40s, but with the wind it will feel like the low 30s.

How cold will it get with the Arctic front, and when does the freeze line reach Houston?

At this time, we are predicting a low in the mid to upper 20s for Houston on Thursday morning, which will be the coldest of this Arctic cold snap. The freeze line should reach Houston around 10 p.m. Wednesday and may not get above freezing until around 10 a.m. Thursday. This is technically a “light freeze” for Houston, but a hard freeze is still possible north and west of Houston, where temperatures dip to 24 and colder. People, pets, plants, and pipes will need to be protected from this incoming cold air. Temperatures Friday morning will also dip into light freeze territory for most, with a low of 31 predicted in Houston. Because of the cloudy sky, highs on Friday will likely peak only in the upper 30s.

Is any wintry precipitation possible with this arctic front?

Not in our part of the state. The roadways will be just fine here in Southeast Texas.

How long does this cold air stick around?

Temperatures will stay well below normal through Saturday, with a cold rain in the 40s for the first half of the weekend. By Sunday, the sunshine is back, and temperatures are warming into the 60s. On Monday next week, we’ll warm well into the 70s and might even hit 80 on one or two afternoons!

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with weather news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Popular mobile game ‘Pokémon Go’ reportedly nears sale for $ 3.5 billion

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Niantic Inc., the developer behind the 2016 global sensation Pokémon Go, is in negotiations to sell its video game business to Saudi Arabia-owned Scopely Inc.

A deal, valued at an estimated $3.5 billion, could be announced in the coming weeks, one source said. The agreement, if finalized, would include Pokémon Go and other mobile games. However, there is no guarantee the deal will be completed.

Despite the global success of Pokémon Go, Niantic struggled to replicate its success. The company laid off employees and scrapped several projects in 2022 and 2023, most notably shutting down Harry Potter: Wizards Unite in 2022.

Scopely is owned by Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Originally spun off from Google in 2015, Niantic was founded by CEO John Hanke, who previously led Google’s Geo product division after working in satellite mapping. Pokémon Go encouraged players to explore real-world locations using an interactive map to find Nintendo Co.’s beloved characters. The company claims it is the most downloaded and profitable augmented reality app of all time.

Based in San Francisco, Niantic also develops technology for capturing and sharing 3D scans of real-world environments. In November, it announced that data from its apps has contributed to a large-scale geospatial model designed to understand and connect scenes worldwide using machine learning.

Scopely was acquired for $4.9 billion in 2023 by Savvy Games. In 2024, Savvy CEO Brian Ward told Bloomberg News that the company aimed to acquire a “genre-leading” mobile title through Scopely, positioning it as the focal point of its mobile gaming strategy.

In August, Niantic partnered with Savvy to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. The investment is part of the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s broader strategy to diversify the nation’s economy through the video game industry.

Preparing for Freezing Temperatures: A Call for Community Action and Common Sense

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On Feb. 18, ahead of the upcoming freeze, Houston Mayor John Whitmire held a press conference.

As temperatures are expected to drop tomorrow night, it’s important for all citizens to take steps to ensure their safety and well-being. While the cold snap may not be life-threatening, it is still vital to be prepared. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and do in the coming days.

Protect Our Vulnerable Populations

One of the most important things we can do is look out for our seniors and those in residential facilities. Many of our community members are especially vulnerable to extreme weather, and we must ensure they have the support they need during this cold snap. Make sure elderly neighbors or family members are properly sheltered, have adequate heating, and are not at risk of exposure to the cold.

HFD Chief Thomas Munoz gave tips on space heater safety and encouraged everyone to have working smoke detectors.

Warming Centers and Service Availability

Warming centers will be available across Houston for anyone who needs refuge from the cold. Several service centers across the city will be open to assist residents, and special attention will be paid to mental and emotional well-being. The Health and Mental Health departments will be on-site to offer support, especially for those experiencing anxiety or stress due to the weather conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, help is available.

For families with children, the NE Houston Service Center will be a designated space for family units to stay together in a warm and safe environment. It’s essential that families have access to these services, so please share this information with those who may benefit.

Starting Wednesday night at 8 p.m., the city will be opening all 12 of its multiservice warming centers:

  • Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Road
  • Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center: 6402 Market Street
  • Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market Street
  • Fonde Community Center: 110 Sabine Street
  • Kashmere Multi-Service Center: 4802 Lockwood Drive
  • Magnolia Multi-Service Center: 7037 Capitol Street
  • Metropolitan Multi-Service Center: 1475 W. Gray Street
  • Moody Community Center: 3725 Fulton Street
  • Northeast Multi-Service Center: 9720 Spaulding Street
  • Southwest Multi-Service Center: 6400 High Star Drive
  • Sunnyside Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed Road
  • Third Ward Multi-Service Center: 3611 Ennis Street

Be Smart, Plan Ahead

While it’s not anticipated to be a life-threatening freeze, temperatures are expected to drop to around 31°F, with a wind chill potentially making it feel even colder. The National Weather Service has forecasted rain throughout tonight and into tomorrow, with temperatures continuing to fall through the night on Thursday. We advise all residents to be prepared for chilly conditions tomorrow morning, and stay tuned for further updates.

In the meantime, we urge you to check in with your apartment complex manager or residential facility operator, especially in areas like Spring Branch. Ensure that any vulnerable individuals—particularly young children—are properly taken care of in these conditions. If you have a vehicle, make sure it’s ready for potential travel.

Generator Safety

For those relying on generators to keep their homes warm, please be sure you understand how to use them safely. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk, so never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Make sure all exhausts are properly ventilated. It’s crucial that you follow safety protocols to avoid accidents.

If you have any questions about how to safely operate your generator, there are resources available. Local authorities, including the Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Fire Department, will also be offering guidance to ensure everyone remains safe.

Mayor Whitmire encouraged Houstonians to use common sense and said the current outlook for the freeze doesn’t look bad with no rain predicted.

Collaboration and Community Support

We must all work together to get through this weather event safely. If you know someone who may need assistance, whether it’s a ride to a warming center or help with securing necessities, don’t hesitate to offer support. Stay connected with your neighbors, family, and friends, and share any important updates about resources or changes to the weather forecast.

The City Council is working diligently with all relevant agencies to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need. Please remain vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and exercise common sense as we face this cold front together.

In Conclusion

While the freezing temperatures may not be extreme, they still pose risks that we can avoid with proper preparation. By keeping an eye on our seniors, utilizing available service centers, ensuring the safety of our homes and generators, and supporting each other, we can minimize the impact of this cold snap. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s work together to keep our community warm and protected.