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Senate Confirms Markwayne Mullin as DHS Secretary

Indira Zaldivar
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Senate Confirms Markwayne Mullin as DHS Secretary

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security, approving his nomination in a 54–45 vote on Monday.

Mullin, a Republican and close ally of Donald Trump, will replace former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem following her dismissal earlier this month.

Divided Vote Amid Political Tensions

The confirmation saw limited bipartisan support, with two Democrats joining Republicans in favor. However, Republican Sen. Rand Paul broke ranks and voted against Mullin, citing prior concerns.

The vote comes during heightened scrutiny of DHS operations, including immigration enforcement policies and an ongoing partial department shutdown.

Challenges Facing DHS

Mullin takes leadership at a critical moment. Several DHS agencies—including the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency—are impacted by funding disruptions, leaving workers unpaid.

As a result, airports nationwide are experiencing long security lines due to staffing shortages. In response, the Trump administration has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist TSA operations.

Mullin’s Priorities and Controversy

During his confirmation hearing, Mullin pledged to restore stability and public confidence in DHS, stating his goal is to reduce the agency’s presence in negative headlines and focus on national security.

However, his nomination drew criticism over his limited homeland security experience and past remarks related to a deadly law enforcement incident. Mullin later acknowledged his comments were made without full information, calling it a mistake and promising greater accountability moving forward.

Looking Ahead

Supporters, including Border Czar Tom Homan, have expressed confidence in Mullin’s leadership, emphasizing his ability to work across party lines. As DHS navigates operational challenges and political pressure, Mullin’s tenure begins under intense national attention.

For the latest DHS changes, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

LaGuardia Airport Crash: Pilot Identified After Deadly Runway Collision

Indira Zaldivar
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LaGuardia Airport Crash: Pilot Identified After Deadly Runway Collision

A pilot killed in the fiery runway collision at LaGuardia Airport has been identified as Antoine Forest, according to his family. The crash, which occurred late Sunday night, claimed the lives of both pilots and left dozens injured.

What Happened

The incident involved an Air Canada regional flight operated by Jazz Aviation. Flight 8646 had just landed from Montreal around 11:45 p.m. when it collided with a Port Authority rescue vehicle on the runway.

Preliminary data shows the aircraft was traveling between 93 and 105 mph at the time of impact. The fire truck had been responding to another aircraft when the collision occurred.

Injuries and Emergency Response

Officials reported that at least 43 people—including passengers and crew—were transported to nearby hospitals. The flight was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.

Passengers described a sudden, forceful stop moments before impact. One traveler said those seated near emergency exits quickly opened doors and evacuated onto the wing before being guided to safety by first responders.

Airport Shutdown and Ongoing Investigation

Following the crash, LaGuardia Airport shut down operations for more than 12 hours, resuming limited service Monday afternoon. The affected runway is expected to remain closed through Friday morning.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision, including reviewing air traffic control procedures and runway activity at the time.

Remembering the Victims

Passengers credited the pilots with preventing a greater tragedy, saying their actions likely saved lives. As the investigation continues, the aviation community is mourning the loss of two crew members who died in the line of duty.

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

HISD’s Walnut Bend Elementary placed on ‘hold’ due to bomb threat, school officials say

ABC13 Houston
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HISD’s Walnut Bend Elementary placed on ‘hold’ due to bomb threat, school officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An HISD elementary school is being swept after reports of a bomb threat on Tuesday, according to officials.

In a letter to parents, officials said Walnut Bend Elementary School was placed on “hold” as of 8:48 a.m. due to the threat.

“As a precaution, students and staff are asked to remain in their classrooms in order to keep the hallways empty. Classroom learning will continue throughout the Hold, but students will not be able to change classes,” the school said in the letter, adding that HISD police are on site conducting a “systematic sweep” as the campus remains on hold.

School officials said they will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates once they learn more.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Shelter-in-place lifted after explosion at Valero facility in Port Arthur, police say

ABC13 Houston
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Shelter-in-place lifted after explosion at Valero facility in Port Arthur, police say

PORT ARTHUR, Texas (KTRK) — An investigation is underway after an explosion occurred at a Valero facility in Port Arthur on Monday evening, according to the Port Arthur Police Department.

Port Arthur police said residents in the city’s west side were advised to shelter in place. That shelter-in-place has since been lifted, officials said.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said it was responding to the incident, which led to road closures in and around the area of Highway 82 and 87.

Details are limited to what led up to the explosion.

Sabine Pass ISD said it could be closed on Tuesday, adding that officials told them the shelter-in-place would continue until later in the morning.

Port Arthur ISD, however, said Washington Elementary and Lincoln Fine Arts Academy would be open at 9 a.m.

For more news updates, follow Courtney Carpenter on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Southwest Houston townhome owners say they’re being terrorized by ‘menace’ neighbor

ABC13 Houston
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Southwest Houston townhome owners say they’re being terrorized by ‘menace’ neighbor

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — People living in a southwest Houston townhome complex want one of their neighbors to get help.

Records show Daniel Atnafu, 39, has been arrested 10 times in the last two years for damaging property and threatening his neighbors at the complex off Fondren.

Police said he was arrested at the complex on Sunday for slashing a man’s tires and threatening a woman with a gun.

“It’s just really annoying,” neighbor Jonathan Tegegne said. “He’s screaming and always going back and forth with different neighbors and stuff like that.”

Court records show Atnafu was previously accused of hitting a dog with a wooden plank, hitting a woman with a plastic pipe, brandishing a gun in full view of a neighbor’s doorbell camera, and breaking a woman’s window.

He was also accused of slashing tires on multiple vehicles and telling a witness he would “slice her throat.”

A different woman told Eyewitness News that Atnafu has slashed 13 tires belonging to her and her family members over the last two years.

He was the subject of an Eyewitness News report in 2024 when he was seen on camera harassing a complex security guard.

Eyewitness News found multiple broken windows at Atnafu’s home on Monday. On the door were handwritten messages scrawled in marker reading, ‘Property of Daniel Atnafu’ and ‘trespassers will be dealt with.’

A dog could be heard barking inside. BARC told Eyewitness News that they’ve been in contact with Atnafu’s mother, who said she’s been stopping by to care for the dog.

Records show Atnafu’s last three criminal cases were dismissed on the grounds that he’d already been convicted in a 2024 criminal mischief case.

In that case, he was initially given one year of deferred adjudication.

A guilty verdict was rendered when prosecutors said he violated his probation terms, and in February, a judge sentenced him to one year in jail with credit for time served.

“He’s just off his rocker; he needs some help. Like mental help. He’s off his rocker,” Tegegne said.

As happened during previous arrests, Atnafu was ordered to undergo a mental health screening after Sunday’s arrest.

For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Fog is possible in Houston Tuesday morning, cool down coming this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Fog is possible in Houston Tuesday morning, cool down coming this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Foggy mornings and warm afternoons are in the forecast until a cool front blows in for the weekend. Rain chances remain elusive, but we do have higher storm chances in the forecast for the opening days of April.. Rain chances remain elusive, but we do have higher storm chances in the forecast for the opening days of April.

Humidity levels should hit 100% Tuesday morning, leading to widespread dew on the ground and patchy dense fog in Southeast Texas. Temperatures will start off in the low 60s, and once the fog burns off, temperatures will warm back up into the low 80s. Oak pollen levels are expected to remain extremely high until we can get some rain to help wash it away.

When will it cool down again?

We do have a weak cool front penciled in to arrive late Friday or early Saturday. This will cool off temperatures to near normal for Saturday and Sunday. At this time of year, average highs are in the mid 70s and average lows are in the mid 50s.

When can we expect more rain?

The best we can offer up this week is a 10% chance on Tuesday and again Saturday when the cool front arrives. However things do look more promising roughly 9 or 10 days out as we close out the month of March and move into April.

Are we expecting any more frosty mornings or light freezes before summer?

Nope. It looks like we are done with that risk until next fall.

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

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Live-Action ‘Moana’ Trailer Reveals Dwayne Johnson as Maui

Michael Esparza
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Live-Action ‘Moana’ Trailer Reveals Dwayne Johnson as Maui

Disney Unveils First Look

The Walt Disney Company has released the official trailer for its live-action remake of Moana, giving fans a first look at Dwayne Johnson as the shape-shifting demigod Maui.

The film, set to hit theaters July 10, stars newcomer Catherine Laga’aia in the title role, bringing the beloved Polynesian heroine to life in a reimagined version of the hit animated story.

A Familiar Story, Reimagined

The trailer opens on Moana’s home island of Motunui, where she feels called to explore beyond the reef. Guided by her grandmother, played by Rena Owen, Moana learns of a growing darkness threatening her people.

She is tasked with finding Maui and restoring the heart of Te Fiti—a mission that sets the stage for an epic ocean adventure.

Maui Returns

Johnson’s Maui makes a dramatic entrance, complete with his signature humor and iconic “chee-hoo.” The trailer teases his shapeshifting abilities, including a transformation into a whale, as he joins Moana on her journey.

Their dynamic highlights both humor and heroism, with Moana declaring her identity as a leader—not a princess—before embarking on a mission to save her world.

Creative Team and Cast

The film is directed by Thomas Kail, with a screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. Original songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda also returns as a producer.

Supporting cast includes John Tui and Frankie Adams as Moana’s parents.

Release Date

The live-action Moana sails into theaters on July 10, continuing Disney’s trend of reimagining its animated classics for a new generation.

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

DHS Seeks to Resume Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Edward Saenz
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DHS Seeks to Resume Deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Government Pushes to Lift Court Block

The Department of Homeland Security has asked a federal judge to remove a legal block preventing the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, stating it is prepared to send him to Liberia.

The request was filed with U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland. According to court filings, officials say her current order is the only obstacle stopping the deportation from moving forward.

Deportation Plans Already in Motion

The Trump administration indicated that Liberia is willing to accept Abrego Garcia. Officials added that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could arrange a charter flight within days if the court lifts the restriction.

An ICE official stated that deportation could happen quickly, with DHS requesting a ruling by mid-April to proceed “expeditiously.”

Background on the Case

Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, previously lived in Maryland. He was deported to El Salvador last year, where authorities alleged ties to the MS-13 gang—claims he has denied.

A prior 2019 court order had blocked his deportation to El Salvador due to concerns for his safety. Despite this, he was initially removed before being returned to the U.S. in 2025.

Criminal Charges and Legal Fight

Following his return, Abrego Garcia faced federal charges related to alleged human smuggling. Prosecutors claim he transported undocumented migrants into the United States.

He has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys argue the charges are retaliatory, linked to a civil lawsuit he filed against the federal government over his earlier deportation.

What Comes Next

The case now hinges on whether the court lifts the deportation block. If approved, DHS says Abrego Garcia could be removed from the U.S. within days—potentially sending him to Liberia as legal and political tensions continue to surround the case.

For more on Garcia’s wrongful deportation case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

De’Aaron Fox Calls Out Viral Video Targeting Hispanic Spurs Fans

Indira Zaldivar
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De’Aaron Fox Calls Out Viral Video Targeting Hispanic Spurs Fans

Incident at Spurs Game Sparks Backlash

A viral video from the San Antonio Spurs’ narrow 101-100 win over the Phoenix Suns at Frost Bank Center has ignited controversy online. The clip shows a woman texting disparaging remarks about Hispanic fans in attendance, questioning their presence and affordability.

The video quickly drew criticism across social media, with many calling out the comments as offensive and out of touch—especially given San Antonio’s strong Latino cultural roots.

Fans Respond with Unity

During the Spurs’ next home game against the Indiana Pacers, fans turned the moment into a show of solidarity. Many wore shirts reading “Crazy Hispanic Fan,” reclaiming the phrase and sending a clear message of inclusion and pride.

De’Aaron Fox Reacts

Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox addressed the situation after learning about the video postgame. The Texas-raised All-Star expressed disbelief at the remarks.

“It’s like going to Boston and complaining there’s a bunch of White people,” Fox said. “What type of sense is that?”

Fox, who grew up in the Houston area, emphasized the importance of diversity, noting his own background and family ties to Hispanic culture. He added that seeing people from different backgrounds should be normalized in today’s society.

Spurs Organization Issues Statement

The Spurs organization also responded, reaffirming its commitment to inclusion and respect. In a statement, the team highlighted San Antonio’s Latino community as a vital part of the city’s identity and culture.

The team closed its message with “Por Vida”—Spanish for “for life”—a phrase widely embraced by the franchise and its fanbase.

A Broader Conversation

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about diversity in sports and the importance of respect in public spaces. While the viral moment drew criticism, the response from fans and players underscored a stronger message: inclusion remains central to the Spurs’ culture and the city they represent.

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

Deadly Collision at LaGuardia Airport

Indira Zaldivar
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Deadly Collision at LaGuardia Airport

A late-night crash at LaGuardia Airport left two pilots dead and dozens injured after an Air Canada regional jet collided with an airport vehicle.

What Happened

The incident occurred around 11:47 p.m. Sunday when Air Canada Flight 8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, struck a Port Authority rescue and firefighting truck on the runway shortly after landing from Montreal.

Officials said the ground vehicle had been cleared to cross the runway while responding to another incident. Moments later, air traffic control urgently instructed the vehicle to stop, but the collision could not be avoided.

Speed and Impact

Preliminary data shows the aircraft was traveling between 93 and 105 mph at the time of impact, causing severe damage to the front of the plane.

Casualties and Injuries

The pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash. At least 41 people were taken to hospitals, including passengers and two Port Authority officers. Most injuries were minor, and 32 people were later released. Several others remain hospitalized, with some reported in serious condition.

All 72 passengers and four crew members onboard were accounted for, and an unaccompanied minor was safely reunited with family.

Airport Shutdown and Investigation

The crash forced the temporary closure of LaGuardia Airport, disrupting travel into Monday.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with assistance from Canadian authorities and airline representatives. Officials are working to determine how the runway clearance and communication breakdown led to the deadly collision.

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

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