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Tourist dies after falling from Central Park horse carriage

Indira Zaldivar
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Tourist dies after falling from Central Park horse carriage

An 18-year-old tourist died Wednesday after falling from a runaway horse carriage in New York City’s Central Park, police said.

Horse carriage lost control

Police said the teenager, identified as Romanch Mahajan by the Central Park Conservancy, was riding with his family when the horse took off for unknown reasons.

The carriage driver was reportedly near the horse when it suddenly ran away. The carriage struck another carriage wheel and overturned, according to the Transport Workers Union.

Mahajan was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in critical condition but later died from his injuries.

Investigation underway

No other people were injured. The horse, which had been in the park for about six weeks, will be retired from the carriage business, according to the union.

The incident happened eight days after another carriage horse, Deniz, died in Central Park after collapsing during a ride.

Calls grow to ban horse carriages

The Central Park Conservancy renewed calls to ban horse-drawn carriages in the park, calling the death a tragedy.

City officials also announced plans to hold a hearing on proposed reforms to the horse carriage industry in July.

For more on the Central Park horse carriage controversy, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Supreme Court rules in favor of Texas man in marijuana-related gun case

Indira Zaldivar
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Supreme Court rules in favor of Texas man in marijuana-related gun case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of Ali Hemani, a Texas man who was charged with unlawful gun possession after admitting he regularly used marijuana.

The justices unanimously decided that the federal law, as applied to Hemani’s case, is unconstitutional.

The ruling could affect how courts handle cases involving firearm restrictions for people who use marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law but is permitted for medical or recreational use in many states.

The decision comes as legal challenges continue over the conflict between federal gun laws and changing marijuana policies across the country.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Stay informed on high-profile Supreme Court cases with Que Onda Magazine.

Heavy rain moves away, Heat Advisory issued for Thursday

ABC13 Houston
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Heavy rain moves away, Heat Advisory issued for Thursday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Tropical Storm Arthur formed off the Texas coast and brought strong winds, coastal flooding and highs seas to the coastline Wednesday. It’s heavy rain is moving away from the upper Texas coast and into Louisiana where it’ll produce flooding overnight. Arthur is no longer a tropical system.

A few showers are still possible overnight but Arthur’s rain and wind are moving away. We’ll keep a partly to mostly cloudy sky overnight with temperatures falling into the upper 70s by Thursday morning. Thursday will be drier and much hotter with afternoon highs in the low-mid 90s under a mostly sunny sky. A Heat Advisory Heat Advisory begins at 11 a.m. Thursday and goes until 10 p.m. for all of Southeast Texas. Heat index values could range between 107 and 114 thanks to hot temperatures in the 90s and high humidity from recent rain.

What’s the latest on Arthur?

Arthur’s heavy rain and gusty winds are now located well south of us in the Gulf, far away from its circulation center in Galveston County. That circulation will move over us overnight but not bring us any more heavy rain or wind. As the storm tracks over Louisiana overnight, heavy rain totals up to a foot or more could flood some areas.

How much rain Southeast Texas pick up the last few days?

Most of Houston and Harris County averaged around 2 to 5 inches of rain since Monday. So areas though saw upwards of 6 inches of rain, and the same can be said for much of the region The exception would be for some communities south of I-10 who saw more tropical downpours Wednesday with some rain totals reaching upwards of 8 inches.

What’s the weekend look like after this rainy week?

Well, Saturday and Sunday there’s the chance for a few scattered showers and storms each day. But at this time neither is a complete washout nor are we excepting as heavy of tropical downpours. Both days will feature muggy mornings with temperatures starting in the mid-upper 70s with afternoon highs in the low 90s.

When will all of this tropical moisture clear out?

That depends on the track and speed of the low pressure expected to develop within the tropical moisture. The tropical air should be gone by Thursday, but it could occur at some point on Wednesday if the low pressure system speeds up more than currently predicted. Once that tropical moisture clears out, rain will still be possible, but it should be less intense than what the atmosphere will bring our way the next few days.

What are you tracking in the tropics?

Besides Tropical Storm Arthur in the western gulf, there’s not much else in the Atlantic. Get the latest track and how much rainfall we can expect in our tropical update Tropical Update page for our daily tropical weather discussion and forecast.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Houston Expands Assistance Program as New Residential Trash Fee Takes Effect

Edward Saenz
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Houston Expands Assistance Program as New Residential Trash Fee Takes Effect

Houston residents who qualify for utility assistance will soon be eligible for help paying the city’s new residential trash fee after the Houston City Council unanimously approved an expansion of an existing aid program Wednesday.

The ordinance expands the city’s Water Aid to Elderly Residents, or W.A.T.E.R., program to cover Houston’s newly approved $5 monthly residential solid waste fee, which is scheduled to take effect July 1 and appear on utility bills beginning in August.

The move comes days after City Council approved Mayor John Whitmire’s $7.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, which includes the city’s first dedicated residential trash collection fee. City officials estimate the fee will generate approximately $24 million annually to support sanitation services and help address Houston’s ongoing budget challenges.

Under the expanded assistance program, eligible low-income residents, seniors and people with disabilities may receive financial assistance to offset the additional monthly charge.

City officials have argued that the fee is necessary to create a dedicated funding source for solid waste services, which have historically been funded through the city’s general revenue. Houston has long been one of the few major Texas cities that does not charge residents a separate fee for garbage collection.

Supporters of the fee say it will provide a more stable source of funding for sanitation operations while helping the city avoid property tax increases. The Whitmire administration has also said the revenue will be used to improve service reliability and strengthen accountability within the Solid Waste Management Department.

The fee has nevertheless drawn criticism from some residents and city leaders who argue it places an additional financial burden on households already facing rising costs for housing, utilities and insurance. Others have expressed concerns about the possibility of future fee increases and whether residents will see meaningful improvements in service.

Questions about sanitation performance have become a recurring issue at City Hall in recent years, with residents frequently raising concerns about missed trash pickups, delays in heavy trash collection and recycling service disruptions.

City officials have indicated that performance metrics and service benchmarks will be used to measure the effectiveness of the new funding source. Council members are expected to closely monitor whether the additional revenue leads to improvements in collection schedules and overall sanitation services.

The debate surrounding the trash fee has become one of the most prominent issues in Houston’s budget discussions this year, reflecting broader concerns about the city’s long-term financial outlook and the costs associated with maintaining core municipal services.

For many residents, the key question remains whether the new charge will translate into noticeable improvements in the services they receive.

Nearly Half of U.S. Grasslands Have Disappeared. Experts Warn What’s at Risk

Indira Zaldivar
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Nearly Half of U.S. Grasslands Have Disappeared. Experts Warn What’s at Risk

Native grasslands are vanishing across America

The United States has lost about half of its historic grasslands, putting one of the nation’s most important ecosystems at risk, according to conservation experts.

Once stretching “from sea to shining sea,” native grasslands covered areas across the country, including regions now known for forests, cities and farmland. Today, about 98% of native tallgrass prairies have disappeared.

Experts with the America’s Grasslands Coalition say protecting the remaining grasslands is essential for preserving biodiversity, wildlife and healthy ecosystems.

Grasslands face growing threats

Grasslands continue to decline due to invasive plant species, expanding development and intensive agriculture. Housing projects, highways, shopping centers and new industrial sites are increasingly replacing open prairie areas.

Some of the largest remaining grassland ecosystems are found in the Flint Hills and the Nebraska Sandhills, which still contain millions of acres of native habitat.

More than 1,000 native grass species have been documented in the U.S., including big bluestem, which can grow up to 10 feet tall, and little bluestem, a grass adapted to dry, sandy soils.

Why protecting grasslands matters

Grasslands provide critical benefits for the environment. They store large amounts of carbon, help protect soil, regulate water and support wildlife, including bison, elk, deer, birds, pollinators and prairie dogs.

Experts estimate grasslands hold about 30% of the world’s soil-based carbon, with most of it stored underground.

Indigenous communities have long relied on grasslands for food, materials and land management practices, including controlled burns that helped maintain healthy ecosystems.

Conservation efforts aim to protect what remains

Home lawns are the perfect way to support local wildlife and biodiversity. Courtesy. NPSOT.

Scientists warn that climate change, habitat loss and poor land management continue to weaken grassland ecosystems. Raising awareness is considered a key step toward protecting these landscapes for future generations.

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, conservation groups say the country’s grasslands represent an important part of its natural heritage — and preserving them is essential for the future.

For Houstonians and Texans interested in learning more about native wildflowers and grasses, visit Native Plant Society of Texas.

Follow along for more environmental news and updates with Que Onda Magazine.

“Michael” Biopic Breaks Box Office Record as Highest-Grossing Musical Film

Indira Zaldivar
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“Michael” Biopic Breaks Box Office Record as Highest-Grossing Musical Film

Michael Jackson movie reaches historic milestone

The Michael biopic has officially become the highest-grossing musical biographical film of all time, surpassing the previous record held by Bohemian Rhapsody.

The film, which stars Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, has earned more than $932 million worldwide, beating “Bohemian Rhapsody’s” $911 million global box office total.

Film succeeds despite controversy

The movie’s success comes after facing criticism before and after its release. Some critics questioned the film’s decision to focus on an earlier period of Jackson’s life and not address the sexual abuse allegations that emerged later in his career.

Reviews were largely negative, with critics describing the film as overly protective of Jackson’s image. However, audiences responded strongly, helping the movie achieve a record-breaking opening weekend of $97 million in North America.

Jaafar Jackson praised for performance

While the film sparked debate, Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle received widespread praise. The actor previously said Michael Jackson’s story is “not finished being told,” hinting that more chapters could come in future projects.

Lionsgate has confirmed that a sequel is in development, with producers suggesting it could explore more of Jackson’s career and include parts of his music catalog that were not featured in the first film.

With its continued box office success, “Michael” is now one of the biggest films of 2026 and is approaching the possibility of becoming the first musical biopic to surpass $1 billion worldwide.

Keep up with world of film with Que Onda Magazine.

Uruguay Soccer Team Sparks Debate After Luggage Search Before World Cup Match

Indira Zaldivar
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Uruguay Soccer Team Sparks Debate After Luggage Search Before World Cup Match

Viral video shows security check before opening game

A video showing the Uruguay national football team undergoing a luggage inspection with sniffer dogs has sparked criticism from fans ahead of the team’s opening match against Saudi Arabia.

The footage showed players standing outside their team bus with luggage placed on the sidewalk while a security officer walked a German Shepherd around their bags. The location and timing of the search have not been confirmed, but the video spread online shortly before the team’s match in Miami.

Travel issues added to frustration

The incident came after Uruguay faced travel delays while leaving its training base in Cancun. A paperwork issue prevented their scheduled flight from departing, leaving the team waiting for hours before alternative travel arrangements were made.

FIFA said the delay was caused by an airline paperwork error and that it worked with airport officials to help the team continue its travel plans.

Fans question security measures

Many fans criticized the public nature of the luggage inspection, questioning why the search was conducted outside and recorded on video.

Despite the disruption, Uruguay managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia after scoring late in the match. The team will next face Cabo Verde in Miami.

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

ABC13 Weather Alert: Scattered heavy downpours possible Wednesday, potential tropical storm offshore

ABC13 Houston
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ABC13 Weather Alert: Scattered heavy downpours possible Wednesday, potential tropical storm offshore

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Much of Southeast Texas has picked up between 2 to 5 inches of rain within the past two days, which led to street and flash flood concerns at the time. Now there’s another round of scattered heavy, tropical downpours on the way for Wednesday, which could lead to street and flash flooding once again. This too coming from the first potential tropical storm of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season that could bring coastal flooding of a minor surge and tropical like wind gusts to the Texas coast. This is why Wednesday is an ABC13 Weather Alert Day with another day of potentially impactful weather.

Deeper tropical moisture is pushing onshore as a tropical low could become a tropical storm Wednesday off the Texas coast. This tropical moisture will push into Southeast Texas Wednesday with scattered showers and storms producing heavy rainfall at times Wednesday morning and afternoon. This could another round of street and flash flooding depending on where the heavier rain bands move through. The widespread Flood Watch for Southeast Texas is now in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

What’s the latest on Wednesday’s forecast with this potential tropical storm?

Yes, there is the potential for the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season to develop in the western gulf Wednesday. This tropical low, potentially becoming named storm Arthur, is expected to track along the Texas coast Wednesday where a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for coastal Brazoria, coastal Galveston and Chambers County. Tropical storm force wind gusts between 30 to 40 mph, a potential surge of 1 to 4 feet and life-threatening flash flooding are potential impacts for communities within the Watch. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, we could experience gusty winds at times upwards of 30 mph as well as some tropical downpours that could lead to street and area flooding, possibly even flash flooding depending on how saturated the ground is. Overall, any impacts to the Houston area should be minimal because of the region being on the lefthand side of the low.

How much rain could we get over the next few days?

At this time we expect rain totals to average between 4 to 7 inches through Thursday, and while some will get less than this range, others could easily pick up over 10 inches of rain. Remember, it only takes 2″ of rain in one hour to overwhelm the storm drainage, causing streets to flood. Drivers will need to be extremely careful on the roadways as flooding downpours are possible at any time these next few days. Lightning is also a big concern with many outdoor events happening around town, so just remember when thunder roars, go indoors!

When will all of this tropical moisture clear out?

That depends on the track and speed of the low pressure expected to develop within the tropical moisture. The tropical air should be gone by Thursday, but it could occur at some point on Wednesday if the low pressure system speeds up more than currently predicted. Once that tropical moisture clears out, rain will still be possible, but it should be less intense than what the atmosphere will bring our way the next few days.

What are you tracking in the tropics?

Besides Potential Storm One in the western gulf, there’s not much else in the Atlantic. Get the latest track and how much rainfall we can expect in our tropical update Tropical Update page for our daily tropical weather discussion and forecast.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

UT-Austin Fires KUT Leader After Dispute Over Festival Security Plans

Edward Saenz
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UT-Austin Fires KUT Leader After Dispute Over Festival Security Plans

The University of Texas at Austin has fired the head of its public radio station KUT, weeks after a public disagreement between station leadership and university officials over security planning for a major festival, a move that has sparked concerns about editorial independence within public media.

Debbie Hiott, the general manager of KUT Public Media since 2019, announced Monday that she had been terminated by the university. Hiott said university officials gave her the option to resign or be fired. She declined to resign and was dismissed from her position.

The termination follows a dispute surrounding the inaugural KUT Festival, a multi-day event that brought together journalists, authors, musicians and public figures in Austin.

In April, university officials ordered several festival events to be moved off the UT campus, citing concerns over security planning, crowd management, emergency services and weather preparedness. University leaders said festival organizers had not adequately addressed safety requirements for hosting large public gatherings on campus.

Hiott publicly challenged those claims, arguing that KUT had worked closely with university officials throughout the planning process and had met the requested safety standards. The disagreement quickly became public and drew attention from journalists and media organizations across Texas.

UT officials have maintained that the decision to relocate portions of the festival was based solely on safety considerations and not related to the station’s journalism or editorial operations.

The firing has since fueled a broader debate about the independence of public media organizations that operate within universities and other public institutions.

KUT serves as Austin’s National Public Radio affiliate and is one of the largest public media organizations in Texas. The station is operated through UT-Austin’s Moody College of Communication, creating a unique relationship between the newsroom and the university that oversees it.

Media advocates and journalists have questioned whether the removal of a news executive following a public dispute with university leadership could have implications for editorial autonomy. Others have argued the disagreement centered on administrative and operational matters rather than newsroom content.

The controversy arrives at a time when public media organizations nationwide continue to navigate questions about governance, funding and institutional oversight.

University officials have appointed interim leadership to oversee KUT while the station moves forward following Hiott’s departure.

Neither the university nor KUT’s newsroom has indicated whether additional personnel or organizational changes are expected.

The dispute has become one of the most closely watched media stories in Texas, drawing attention from journalists, educators and public media supporters concerned about the balance between institutional authority and newsroom independence.

Brown Returns From Injury as Valdez Makes Emotional Return to Houston

Que Onda Editorial
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Brown Returns From Injury as Valdez Makes Emotional Return to Houston

Two of the most important pitchers in recent Houston Astros history found themselves on opposite sides Tuesday night as Hunter Brown returned from injury while former Astros ace Framber Valdez made his first appearance at Daikin Park since leaving the organization.

Brown, who had not pitched in the majors since March because of a Grade 2 shoulder strain, rejoined Houston’s rotation after completing a series of minor league rehabilitation starts. His return comes at a critical point in the season for an Astros team looking to regain consistency and remain in the American League playoff race.

The 27-year-old right-hander emerged as one of baseball’s top pitchers in 2025, earning an All-Star selection and establishing himself as a cornerstone of Houston’s pitching staff before the injury sidelined him for more than two months.

“It’s huge for us,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before the game. “Any time you get a pitcher of Hunter’s caliber back, it strengthens your club.”

Brown’s return coincided with the homecoming of Valdez, who spent eight seasons with Houston and helped lead the franchise through one of the most successful stretches in team history.

Valdez signed with the Detroit Tigers during the offseason after becoming a free agent, ending a tenure that included multiple All-Star appearances, postseason runs and a key role on Houston’s championship-era pitching staff.

Before Tuesday’s game, the Astros honored Valdez with a tribute video recognizing his contributions to the organization. The left-hander received a warm reception from fans and spent time reconnecting with former teammates, coaches and clubhouse staff.

Valdez told reporters he was grateful for his time in Houston and said he harbored no ill feelings toward the organization despite the two sides not reaching a new contract agreement.

“Houston will always be special to me,” Valdez said. “This is where I grew as a player and as a person.”

The matchup highlighted the Astros’ ongoing transition from the core that helped bring multiple American League pennants and a World Series championship to Houston. Over the past several seasons, the club has seen several cornerstone players depart through free agency or trades, including Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker and now Valdez.

Brown has emerged as one of the players expected to lead the franchise’s next chapter.

For Astros fans, Tuesday’s game represented both a look back at one of the organization’s most successful eras and a glimpse at its future. While Valdez’s return served as a reminder of the championship teams that defined Houston baseball for much of the past decade, Brown’s return offered hope that the Astros can continue contending in the years ahead.

With Brown back atop the rotation and Valdez beginning the next phase of his career in Detroit, the evening underscored the changing of the guard within one of baseball’s most successful franchises.

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