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Former U.S. Attorney charged with hit-and-run in crash caught on camera

ABC13 Houston
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Former U.S. Attorney charged with hit-and-run in crash caught on camera

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas is now facing felony charges. Investigators say she left the scene of a crash in Houston that injured another driver.

Jennifer Lowery spent over twenty years prosecuting crimes in the Southern District of Texas. The Department of Justice announced her appointment as U.S. attorney in 2022. Now, court documents accuse her of failing to stop and help after a crash that was caught on camera.

Surveillance video obtained by ABC13 shows a black sedan heading north on Asbury Street around 8:07 p.m. on Thursday, May 14. The sedan crashes into a car going west on Memorial Drive. Gabriel Fonseca was driving that car after attending a downtown church service and heading to Memorial Park to exercise.

“Last second, didn’t have time to swerve, so I just laid down my horn and smacked me right on the driver’s side,” recalled Fonseca. “After that, I just heard a really loud ringing in my ear, and there was dust everywhere.

Fonseca says he remembers the airbags deployed, and he was confused as he tried to get help moments after the impact.

“I remember pulling into the closest parking lot. Somehow, I called 911. I couldn’t open the door, so I crawled out,” he said.

Witnesses ran over to help Fonseca, but investigators say the driver of the black sedan, identified in court records as Lowery, did not. The video shows the black sedan staying at the scene for only about two and a half minutes before leaving.

“She didn’t even check to see if I was dead, ” Fonseca said. “It’s a selfish and cowardly thing to do, to hit someone and run away without even being concerned.”

According to court documents, a witness followed the damaged car to a nearby home and later gave police a description of both the car and the driver. Officers then went to the house and reportedly found the damaged sedan.

Records show that on the night of the crash, police spoke to Lowery’s husband, who is also an attorney. He told police that Lowery would not be making a statement that night.

Lowery, who often appeared at news conferences as U.S. Attorney, was arrested at her home Monday afternoon and charged with felony failure to stop and render aid.

At a probable cause hearing, Lowery was escorted out of the courtroom before the charges were formally read. She has since posted bond and left jail.

ABC13 went to the home listed in court records as Lowery’s address. No one answered the door, but the damaged car was still in the driveway. The missing front bumper seemed to match the crash site.

Fonseca says he did not know the woman accused of hitting him was a former top federal prosecutor until reporters showed him the court documents.

“It’s quite ironic,” he said. “Her career is holding people accountable.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment on personnel matters. However, sources tell ABC13 that Lowery is still employed by the Department of Justice.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Federal indictment adds new victims to case against ex-Houston park ranger

ABC13 Houston
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Federal indictment adds new victims to case against ex-Houston park ranger

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Federal prosecutors have expanded the case against a former Houston park ranger, adding four new alleged victims and bringing the total to 12 in a superseding indictment unsealed Tuesday.

Prosecutors say Joey Ellis, 35, abused his position as a City of Houston park ranger, using his badge, uniform, and city vehicle to make people believe he had police authority when he did not. The indictment accuses him of detaining, threatening, robbing, and sexually assaulting men in Houston parks between December 2023 and June 2024.

Ellis now faces 12 counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, along with charges of brandishing a firearm and witness tampering.

ABC13 first reported on Ellis’ arrest in 2024 and spoke with one of the first victims to come forward, Joshua Beedee, who says the experience still affects him.

“He targeted people knowing that they wouldn’t be able to stand up for themselves and wouldn’t be able to speak out about it, and he made the wrong decision when he thought I would do the same.”

Federal prosecutors now allege Ellis’ crimes began at least six months before Beedee publicly shared his story. He said he encountered Ellis at Cullen Park on Saums Road in west Houston. Ellis pointed a gun at him, threatened him with arrest and towing his car, and forced him to strip, Beedee said.

“He had me turn around, show every part of my body. It was super violating.”

Tuesday, Beedee said his encouraged to see more alleged victims coming forward.

“I’m happy that prosecutors are going to be able to seek justice for all those other victims,” he said. “You never know how big that number is, but it was definitely scary for all of us.”

Ellis first faced state charges but has been in federal custody since late 2024 following an FBI investigation.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Raises Concerns Over Supreme Court’s Political Image

Indira Zaldivar
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Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Raises Concerns Over Supreme Court’s Political Image

Jackson Questions Court’s Handling of Louisiana Voting Rights Case

Ketanji Brown Jackson is warning that the U.S. Supreme Court risks being viewed as political following its recent decision involving Louisiana’s congressional voting map.

Speaking Monday at the American Law Institute in Washington, Jackson criticized the court’s expedited certification of its ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that limited protections under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. She said the move could create the perception that the court was favoring one political side during an election cycle.

“It can so easily be perceived that the court is doing something political,” Jackson said during a conversation with U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel.

Debate Over Fast-Tracked Ruling

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority allowed Louisiana Republicans to quickly implement a revised congressional map after ruling against challenges tied to minority voting representation. The decision is expected to reduce the number of majority-Black districts in the state.

Jackson objected to the court bypassing its standard 32-day waiting period before a ruling officially takes effect. She argued that accelerating the process — despite objections from Black Louisiana voters considering a rehearing request — could make the court appear partisan.

According to Jackson, the request for immediate certification came amid an ongoing political dispute over election maps, making the court’s actions especially sensitive.

Conservative Justices Push Back

Jackson’s earlier dissent drew criticism from conservative justices, including Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Clarence Thomas, who accused her of making unfair claims of partisanship.

Alito defended the ruling, arguing that delaying certification would have forced Louisiana to use a congressional map already deemed unconstitutional.

The dispute highlights growing tensions inside the nation’s highest court as voting rights and redistricting battles continue ahead of future elections.

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

Early Voting Ongoing for Texas Primary Runoff Election

Indira Zaldivar
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Early Voting Ongoing for Texas Primary Runoff Election

Early voting is now underway for Texas’ May 26 primary runoff election, with polls open from May 18 through May 22 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

One of the state’s most closely watched races is the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate, where incumbent Sen. John Cornyn faces Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. A recent University of Houston Hobby School survey showed Paxton holding a slim lead.

On the Democratic side, attention is focused on Congressional District 18. Christian Menefee was sworn into office earlier this year, while longtime Congressman Al Green is now running in the district following Texas’ congressional redistricting.

Voters who participated in the March primary must vote in the same party’s runoff election.

Harris County residents can review sample ballots and find polling locations through Harris Votes

For the latest election coverage, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Bush IAH Terminal E Officially Renamed in Honor of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Indira Zaldivar
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Bush IAH Terminal E Officially Renamed in Honor of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

The late Sheila Jackson Lee was officially honored on May 18, 2026, as Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport was formally renamed the Sheila Jackson Lee Terminal E during a public ceremony attended by family members, elected officials, and community leaders.

The dedication marked the final step in a renaming effort approved unanimously by Houston City Council in 2025 to recognize Jackson Lee’s decades of public service and advocacy for Houston.

Family, City Leaders Attend Dedication Ceremony

Among those present were Jackson Lee’s widower, Dr. Elwyn Lee, son Jason Lee, daughter and former congresswoman Erica Lee Carter, and several grandchildren.

“History is being made in Houston today,” Lee Carter said during the ceremony. She described the terminal as a permanent symbol of her mother’s perseverance, compassion, and lifelong fight for social justice.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the moment should inspire renewed commitment to public service, calling Jackson Lee’s work an example for future generations.

‘May Travelers Around the World Know Her Name’

Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas, one of the sponsors of the renaming effort alongside Council Member Edward Pollard, said the terminal would introduce millions of travelers to Jackson Lee’s legacy.

“May travelers from around the world come to know her name, her work, and the impact of our great city,” Thomas said.

Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum noted that more than 2,000 Houstonians submitted public comments during the naming process, with roughly 80% supporting the change.

Pollard described the renaming as a “bold statement,” reflecting Jackson Lee’s fearless leadership and outspoken advocacy.

Lasting Legacy in Houston

Jackson Lee represented Texas’ 18th Congressional District from 1995 until her death from pancreatic cancer in 2024. During her career, she secured more than $125 million for the Houston Airport System and championed transportation security, civil rights, voting rights, and the effort to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Closing the ceremony, Lee Carter said her mother’s greatest legacy was the lives she impacted through service and advocacy for vulnerable communities.

“Through the Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Terminal E, may it symbolize energy, excellence, and forever moving forward,” she said.

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

Trump Says White House Ballroom Project Will Include Military Hospital, Research Facilities

Indira Zaldivar
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Trump Says White House Ballroom Project Will Include Military Hospital, Research Facilities

President Donald Trump said his planned White House ballroom project will also include military-related facilities, including a hospital, research centers, and secure meeting spaces.

Speaking Tuesday near the South Lawn construction site, Trump said the ballroom would help protect critical operations tied to national security.

“They’re building a hospital, they’re building all sorts of research facilities,” Trump told reporters, adding the ballroom would act as a “shield” for the complex.

Controversy Surrounds Project

The expansion plan has faced criticism from preservation groups and opponents who argue the project bypasses traditional federal review procedures and lacks transparency.

Trump has defended the development by emphasizing its security and medical purposes. He also repeated claims that the ballroom itself is being privately funded, while Congress considers separate funding for security upgrades.

Larger Washington Renovation Push

The ballroom project is part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape landmarks in Washington. Other proposals include renovations to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a new golf course in East Potomac Park, and a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery.

The ballroom project remains tied up in legal challenges from historic preservation advocates.

For more on Trump’s ballroom controversy, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Security Guard Hailed as Hero After Deadly Shooting at San Diego Mosque

Indira Zaldivar
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Security Guard Hailed as Hero After Deadly Shooting at San Diego Mosque

A security guard killed during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego is being remembered as a hero after authorities said his actions helped prevent an even greater tragedy.

Police identified the guard as Amin Abdullah, one of three people killed in Monday’s shooting at the largest mosque in San Diego County.

Police Say Guard Helped Save Lives

According to Scott Wahl, Abdullah played a “pivotal role” in containing the violence near the front of the mosque.

“His actions were heroic and undoubtedly saved lives,” Wahl said during a press conference.

Authorities said officers first responded to reports of gunfire at the mosque shortly before noon. Additional calls about active gunfire nearby soon followed.

Investigators believe Abdullah’s response helped keep the attack from spreading further inside the building, where worshippers and students were present.

Hate Crime Investigation Underway

Police said the two suspects, ages 17 and 18, died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Investigators are treating the case as a possible hate crime.

Authorities also confirmed anti-Islamic writings were discovered inside the suspects’ vehicle.

“We strongly condemn this horrifying act of violence,” said Council on American-Islamic Relations Executive Director Tazheen Nizam. “No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school.”

Community Mourns Victims

Taha Hassan said the community is devastated by the attack.

“We have never experienced a tragedy like this before,” Hassan said, while offering prayers and support to the victims’ families and the wider community.

Friends and community members described Abdullah as caring and selfless, saying he always looked out for others.

For more on the tragic shooting in the San Diego Islamic Center, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Police investigating homicide after they say tip led them to find man shot in E. Houston parking lot

ABC13 Houston
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Police investigating homicide after they say tip led them to find man shot in E. Houston parking lot

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Police Department says an anonymous tip led them to a homicide scene in east Houston on Monday night.

The tip, according to a lieutenant, led authorities to a parking lot on Fidelity Street and Delaware Street, where they found the body of an unknown man believed to be in his 70s.

“The Houston Fire Department arrived on scene, worked on him, and transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead,” Lt. J.P. Horelica said.

Horelica said the victim suffered from an unknown number of gunshot wounds.

There is currently no one in custody.

“Officers are scanning the area,” Horelica said when asked if there was any surveillance video of the shooting.

Police ask anyone with information to call their homicide division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

ABC13 Weather Watch Tuesday, rounds of scattered storms expected through the holiday weekend

ABC13 Houston
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ABC13 Weather Watch Tuesday, rounds of scattered storms expected through the holiday weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday through Memorial Day, and we now have an ABC13 Weather Watch for the first round of storms arriving Tuesday morning with another round expected in the evening to overnight hours.

A large thunderstorm continues to track along the Texas coast early Tuesday morning and will likely hold together to impact portions of Southeast Texas south and west of Houston through sunrise. These storms could produce gusty winds, heavy rainfall and will be loud with lots of thunder and lightning. This storm complex will weaken this morning as it moves into Houston, but we’ve gone ahead and increased rain chances to 40% for the day with the chance for showers and storms to hang around for the morning commute and into the early afternoon. Besides that, Tuesday will be cloudy and humid from any rain and this warm pattern. Temperatures this morning will start in the mid-upper 70s and climb into the mid 80s. Areas that stay rain free during the day could reach close to 90 today.

Later on Tuesday evening a cold front will begin to approach the region from North Texas with a line of storms developing along it. These storms will push ahead of the front and begin to track from north to south across the region beginning around 6 to 7 p.m. for College Station, Huntsville and Livingston and then moving into Houston between 10 p.m. and Midnight. Severe wind gusts over 60 mph are possible along the leading edge of the thunderstorms. Hail and street flooding are also possible in the heaviest storms. Rain will continue off and on through much of the night, tapering off just before or during the Wednesday morning commute. The good news for our Wednesday plans is that the rain chances looks to be significantly lower once the rain clears out. The atmosphere will be somewhat stable and rain-cooled during the day on Wednesday, which has us lowering our chance for redeveloping storms down to 40%.

How do rain chances look for the rest of the week?

Multiple jet stream disturbances are expected to bring more rounds of rain Thursday through Memorial Day. At this time we have rain chances at 60% Thursday, 70% Friday, 40% Saturday, 60% Sunday, and 40% for Memorial Day. Because these jet stream disturbances can be a little tricky to time this far out, adjustments to these rain chances are likely, so it’s wise to stay weather aware this week as you finalize your plans for the holiday weekend ahead.

What weather should we prepare for Memorial Day weekend?

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible every day, so make sure that if you have outdoor plans you also have a place to run for cover should you cross paths with a heavy thunderstorm. When it is not raining, it will be warm and humid. We have highs in the low-to-mid 80s and lows in the low 70s all three days. There is a chance an upper-low will spin up over Central Texas and stall out for the weekend, and if that happens we will need to raise rain chances even more and rain totals will go higher.

How much rain are we talking for this week?

We now expect 3-6″ of rain to be fairly common with over 9″ possible in spots. Remember that these totals are spread out over several days, so it should be a manageable rainfall for the most part. However, each passing round of showers and storms will increase the risk of street and creek flooding. The bayous could also be running high all week long, but no bayou flooding is anticipated at this time.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Long Island Rail Road Strike Ends as Service Set to Resume Tuesday

Indira Zaldivar
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Long Island Rail Road Strike Ends as Service Set to Resume Tuesday

The Long Island Rail Road strike is officially over after New York officials and union leaders reached a labor agreement late Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.

LIRR Service Returning Tuesday

Hochul said phased train service will begin resuming at noon Tuesday, with full service expected by the afternoon commute. The governor added that operations should be fully restored in time for Tuesday night’s New York Knicks game.

“The strike is ending at midnight tonight,” MTA CEO Janno Lieber said during a press conference alongside Hochul and LIRR President Rob Free.

Commuters are encouraged to check the LIRR app and website for updated train schedules as service ramps up. Morning commuters will still rely on buses and shuttle services before trains fully return.

Deal Reached After Intense Negotiations

The strike began Saturday after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five unions representing LIRR workers failed to agree on a new contract. It marked the railroad’s first strike in 32 years.

The unions had pushed for 14.5% wage increases over four years, while the MTA proposed slightly lower raises combined with a lump-sum payment.

Hochul said the agreement provides raises for workers while protecting taxpayers and riders. She declined to release additional contract details until union members ratify the deal.

The governor also emphasized that train fares will not increase to fund the agreement.

Hundreds of Thousands Impacted

The Long Island Rail Road serves more than 300,000 daily riders, and the strike caused major commuter disruptions across the New York region.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised both sides for reaching a deal and said city agencies would continue monitoring traffic and commuter conditions as service resumes.

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

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