A new COVID-19 strain from China, known as NB.1.8.1, has been detected in six U.S. states and is described by health experts as “more transmissible.”
International travelers first brought this variant to New York, Washington state, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Hawaii since March. California recently reported cases as well, prompting state health officials to raise concerns.
“In other words, it is more transmissible,” stated Verma. The strain has grown significantly in California, jumping from two percent to 19% of cases since April, fueling fears of increased hospitalizations and infections.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet begun monitoring the NB.1.8.1 strain, the World Health Organization reports that it now accounts for more than half of the world’s cases. Despite these concerns, WHO says the risk level remains “low at the global level,” and “currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective” against it.
The California Department of Public Health has warned that the strain’s rise could prompt reinstatement of mask mandates, although no travel restrictions have been imposed.
Symptoms of this strain mirror those of earlier COVID variants—fever, cough, chills, nausea, congestion, and loss of taste or smell. China, meanwhile, is seeing a surge in respiratory illnesses, with a rise in COVID-positive cases among emergency room patients.
HOUSTON — The Houston Public Library (HPL) is celebrating Pride Month with a series of dynamic events honoring the voices and contributions of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
From lively storytimes and crafts to thought-provoking talks and fashion shows, HPL’s Pride programming invites all Houstonians to join in the festivities.
Highlights include Pride-a-Palooza at Central Library on June 7 and Kendall Neighborhood Library on June 9, featuring “storytimes, crafts, resources, and more in these family-friendly festivals.”
Genealogist Stewart Blandon Traiman will host a session on uncovering LGBTQ+ family histories at the Clayton Library Campus and online on June 10.
Fashion lovers can enjoy Pride Fashion Shows at Park Place on June 12 and Henington-Alief on June 26, where “local talent takes the runway to showcase expressive and diverse fashion.”
Author Jonny Garza will discuss romance, identity, and fútbol at Freed-Montrose on June 12, while Rice University’s Brian Riedel will explore “how LGBTQ+ history shapes civic identity, equity, and collective memory” at the Houston History Research Center on June 14.
A special Pride edition of the LGBTQ+ Story Hour for Adults will be held at Freed-Montrose on June 26.
All events are free and open to the public. For a full schedule, visit the HPL events calendar.
The girls vanished on Friday after failing to return from a planned visitation with their father, Travis Decker, 32. Law enforcement quickly mobilized, deploying local detectives, federal officers, and even a Homeland Security helicopter to help locate them.
Bodies Discovered Near Father’s Vehicle
Authorities located the children’s bodies near Rock Island State Park around 3:45 p.m. on Monday, close to Decker’s car. According to the Wenatchee Police Department, Decker is now wanted on suspicion of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker.
Likely Cause of Death
Police determined the likely cause of death was asphyxiation. The New York Times reported that the girls were found with plastic bags over their heads and their hands zip-tied.
Public Safety Concerns
Authorities warned the public not to approach Decker, who has extensive military training and may be armed. He was described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, last seen in a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.
Troubling History
Decker, a former U.S. Army infantryman who served from 2013 to 2021, is a member of the Army National Guard. In 2024, the children’s mother, Whitney Decker, raised concerns in court about his emotional instability and outbursts that frightened the girls.
“Travis just keeps getting more and more unstable. He has made huge sacrifices to serve our country and loves his girls very much but he has got to get better for our girls. I do not want to keep Travis from the girls at all,” she wrote.
Under their custody agreement, Decker had visitation rights every other weekend but was not allowed overnight visits.
Search Efforts and Alert Denied
Whitney Decker first contacted police on Friday evening. Officers swept local motels and requested an Amber Alert, but it was denied by Washington State Patrol because it didn’t meet the criteria of imminent danger of death or serious injury.
“We just didn’t have that,” Washington State Patrol spokesperson Chris Loftis told The New York Times. “Everyone wishes we could turn back the clock.”
Warrant Issued and Arrest Sought
On Saturday, police issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert. Detectives determined Decker was still in the area and obtained a warrant for his arrest on Monday. A deputy later located his vehicle, and the sisters’ bodies were found shortly afterward.
Community Support and Condolences
A GoFundMe page has been established to help the family with funeral expenses. The organizer wrote, “Their light touched so many, and the pain of this loss is immeasurable.”
Wenatchee School District Superintendent Kory Kalahar also expressed condolences to the Lincoln Elementary community: “Our thoughts are with the family, the entire Lincoln Elementary community, and everyone touched by this situation.”
Harris County has just opened a new violence prevention center to address the root causes of violence in Houston’s historically high-crime Cypress Station community.
Led by Harris County Public Health, several county partners hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday to inaugurate the new Relentless Interrupters Serving Everyone (RISE) Empowerment Center, located at 16940 Ella Blvd., Suite B-107, Houston, TX 77090. The center is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Friday. It will be fully open once they officially finisn the process of hiring two on-site staff.
Survivor-Led Leadership
“I’ve been shot 17 times, three different incidents, three different states,” said the new RISE Empowerment Center supervisor.
“Two friends were shot 70-something times right a mile from this location.”
Drawing from his own experiences as a survivor of gun violence and trauma, the supervisor welcomed everyone to be heard and helped.
“What brings me to this work is compassion for the things I’ve been through and advocating for people who’ve been in my situation,” he said. “We are relentless interrupters [of violence] who serve everyone.”
Services and Programs at RISE
The RISE center offers a range of anti-violence social services and programs, including training workshops, trauma support, healing programs, and job assistance. A computer lab, gym, recording studio, mindfulness room, kitchen, and two conference rooms are also available to the community.
The computer lab aimed to provide services such as job assistance to the community. Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine.
The RISE program began in 2022 as a community-based solution to reduce gun violence through a public health approach that operates outside of and complements law enforcement efforts. Currently, the RISE team includes around 10 to 15 outreach staff, with two on-site staff members ready to welcome the public.
Sheriff Gonzalez: “Law Enforcement Can’t Do It Alone”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez gives remarks at the press conference in regard to the new violence prevention center on June 3, 2025. Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez praised violence interruption programs like RISE, calling them “visionary” and noting that they meet people where they are.
“Law enforcement can’t do it alone,” Gonzalez said. “Law enforcement for too long has been on the front lines of three important issues: mental illness, addiction, and poverty. We need supporters and everyone at the table.”
He added: “We can’t incarcerate our way out of every issue in society. We need outreach, mental health care, trauma counseling, and job readiness programs—exactly what the RISE Center is offering right here in the community.”
Gonzalez emphasized that this approach aligns with the county’s holistic strategy.
“I’m grateful that we now have a place in RISE where we can make referrals, stop by, and visit the community in a supportive way,” he said.
A High-Crime Community Linked with Resources
“Cypress Station has historically been a high-crime area in Harris County. Our residents have experienced far too much trauma, too much violence, and for far too long, too little access to support,” Gonzalez added. “The RISE center is more than just a building; it’s a hub of opportunity—a place where young people and adults affected by violence, whether as victims or at risk of becoming offenders, can find resources and real second, fourth, and fifth chances.”
Commissioner Ellis Highlights Proven Success
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis gives remarks at the press conference in regard to the new violence prevention center on June 3, 2025. Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis also spoke at the opening ceremony.
“This space will serve as a hub for those seeking violence prevention services,” Ellis said. “This work is just one key piece in a broader effort to address systemic inequalities that fuel cycles of violence.”
He cited data showing the effectiveness of similar violence interruption programs across the country:
Four years after introducing Save Our Streets in the South Bronx, the number of shooting victims decreased by 63%.
In Richmond, California, Operation Peacemaker led to a 55% reduction in annual homicides by firearms and a 43% decrease in annual assaults by firearms.
In Cherry Hill, Baltimore, Maryland, homicides dropped by 56% and nonfatal shootings by 34% just 18 months after implementing a violence interruption program.
Since the hospital-based violence interruption programs began in 2022, Harris County’s outreach specialists have prevented at least 85 shootings.
A Commitment to Community Safety
“Programs like RISE are so important,” Ellis emphasized. “They reduce the likelihood of gun violence by linking people to the services that have worked—and will help nurture and sustain the connections that keep people away from violence.”
“Through the work of these programs, we’ve seen a decrease in homicides in Harris County over the last four years,” he said. “It’s proven that when we invest in innovation, we can save lives and taxpayer dollars. While the state of Texas may refuse to do so, we are not refusing to do so in Harris County.”
A Vision for the Future
“The groundbreaking work we are doing today is part of a larger vision that imagines law enforcement agencies responding to violent crimes—not mental health emergencies—while providing access to wraparound support to individuals experiencing a crisis. We want every Harris County resident to feel safe in their neighborhoods,” Ellis added.
Harris County has committed nearly $1.6 billion to justice and public safety, the largest allocation in the county’s history. Most of that funding goes to traditional law enforcement, but leaders emphasized that innovative solutions like the RISE Empowerment Center are critical to building safer, healthier communities.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Saharan haze and a heat ridge are building in later this week, but there’s still a small chance for showers and thunderstorms the next couple of days.
A pocket of moisture will blow in Tuesday bringing a few showers and an isolated thunderstorm to the area. Temperatures will warm into the low 90s, which is fairly typical for early June.
Tuesday night we’ll be monitoring a line of storms blowing this way from North Texas. While most evidence points to the line fizzling out overnight, if the line holds together, then we could have some wet streets for the Wednesday morning drive. On the other hand, if we don’t get any storms in the morning, the afternoon heat could bubble up a few showers and thunderstorms. For now we have Wednesday’s rain chance at 40%.
When does the Saharan haze impact us?
A light to moderate about of Saharan haze will blow overhead on Friday, linger through Saturday, and be gone by Sunday. Yes, it is Saharan haze season, which also means it is now hurricane season.
Now that we’re in the summer months, how soon could it hit 100 degrees in Houston?
It could happen as early as this Sunday. We currently have a high of 99 predicted for the day, which would tie the record from 1980. Houston normally doesn’t register the first high of 100 until the second half of July.
How long will that near-triple-digit heat last?
It looks short-lived at this time. We are expecting a major pattern change next week that will bring back a chance for daily downpours. If the rain is widespread enough, high temperatures may not make it out of the 80s.
What’s happening in the tropics?
At this time the Atlantic basin is filled with a Saharan dust cloud, limiting tropical development. There are signs that something may try to spin up over the Gulf late next week, but it’s too far out to get more specific than that. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.
It’s that time of year when thick clouds of Saharan dust can traverse across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean. And when conditions are right, weather patterns will send that dust towards the Gulf Coast.
With that being a possibility later this week, ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith takes a closer look at the Saharan Dust forecast and how it can impact the weather and air quality.
Saharan dust is a staple of hurricane season and something forecasters anticipate seeing each year, usually between April and August. These clouds of dust begin off the west coast of Africa and have to travel seven thousand miles across the ocean to reach Houston.
One larger dust cloud over the Caribbean Monday night is expected to travel north, swirl into the Gulf later this week, and linger across the Gulf Coast into the weekend. Current model projections place the highest concentration of dust farther east across Florida and the Bahamas, but southeast Texas isn’t out of the woods yet.
Here are two impacts to know about Saharan dust. When it comes to the tropics, these clouds of dust limit potential storm development during hurricane season. So, good news, it’s a quiet start to the season. The dust clouds are made up of microscopic particles of sand and minerals, which can impact air quality and irritate our respiratory system. The extent of any health impacts from Saharan dust depends on the concentration and how long it lingers overhead. If that’s a possibility, air quality alerts and ozone pollution watches could be issued as a preventative measure.
Dr. Jennifer Ukwu is a primary care physician with Memorial Hermann. In a conversation with ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith, Dr. Ukwu confirmed that Saharan dust doesn’t necessarily lead to new health problems, but it could further agitate the symptoms of those with existing health concerns such as asthma, allergies, or underlying lung conditions.
“Keep an eye on the air quality levels to exercise additional precautions to kind of minimize their triggers for you know, worsening coughing, sneezing, runny nose, things of that nature,” Ukwu said.
And while this may be the first Saharan dust event for the Gulf Coast, it may not be the last. That depends on the status of the West African Monsoon and the trade winds. Which both, at this point, could continue to send plumes of Saharan dust across the deep tropics and parts of the Caribbean this month.
According to an FBI affidavit, Soliman expressed a desire to “kill all Zionist people” and planned the attack for a year.
Attack Details and Victims
Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails at the “Run for Their Lives” demonstration, shouting “Free Palestine.” Twelve people, ages 52 to 88, were burned; at least two remain hospitalized. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn noted that authorities initially reported eight victims, but four more came forward.
Suspect’s Background and Arrest
Soliman, who lived in El Paso County, Colorado, was arrested at the scene. He allegedly learned to make firebombs online and targeted the event after searching for it on the internet. He’s being held on a $10 million bond and faces state charges of attempted murder, assault, and possession of an incendiary device.
Community Reacts to Attack
The attack shocked Boulder’s Jewish community. Linda Foster of Jewish Family Services called the incident “disillusioning” and “brutal.” Rabbi Marc Soloway said six victims were members of Congregation Bonai Shalom; two remain hospitalized, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.
Witnesses Describe Horror
Witness Lisa Turnquist, a regular at the protests, helped extinguish flames on a victim’s legs. She said Soliman appeared suspicious in landscaping clothes and carried a sprayer. “All he had to do would have been to spray me,” she said.
Government Response and Security Concerns
Governor Jared Polis called the attack part of a disturbing trend of antisemitic violence. The Department of Justice charged Soliman with a federal hate crime. Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell emphasized that “no one should be subjected to violence because of their race, ethnicity, or national origin.”
Jewish Organizations on Alert
The Community Security Service, which trains Jewish communities in self-defense, is ramping up efforts. “We have to be vigilant,” said CEO Richard Priem. His organization has trained 15,000 people across the country.
Additional Details
Soliman, an Egyptian national, entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa in 2022 and overstayed it. Authorities found 16 unused firebombs at the scene. The FBI labeled the attack a “terrorist incident,” though Soliman has not been formally charged with terrorism.
Political Fallout
Donald Trump blamed Biden’s border policies, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as “antisemitic” and praised U.S. authorities for acting swiftly.
Community Perseverance
Despite the trauma, the Jewish Community Center and others vowed to continue their events, with increased security.
“When events like this enter our own community, we are shaken,” center officials wrote. “Our hope is that we come together for one another.”
For more updates on the survivors and this tragic story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
A new study from Healthy Babies, Bright Futures, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, reveals that the rice you buy at the store might contain toxic heavy metals. Researchers analyzed 145 rice samples from stores in 20 U.S. cities and found arsenic in 100% of them.
Heavy Metals and Health Risks
The report found “four toxic heavy metals in rice – arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.” According to the study, these contaminants can cause “cancer, developmental harm including IQ loss and accumulation in the body over time.”
Arsenic was found at the highest levels, followed by cadmium. One in four rice samples exceeded the federal limit set for arsenic in infant rice cereal. However, there’s no similar limit for regular rice sold for family meals.
Differences by Type and Origin
Brown rice grown in the southeastern U.S. had the highest levels of heavy metals.
“White rice from the same region also showed higher arsenic levels than rice grown in California,” the study noted. Thai jasmine and Indian basmati rice contained lower levels of heavy metals than other varieties tested.
However, basmati rice from India and arborio rice from Italy had the highest cadmium levels. Lead and mercury were found at lower levels overall.
Industry Response
Michael Klein, a spokesperson for the USA Rice Federation, said that American-grown rice “contains the lowest levels of inorganic arsenic in the world.” He added that “America’s rice farmers and rice companies are fully committed to providing wholesome, high-quality and nutritious food.”
“We know that arsenic in food is alarming for many consumers,” he said.
“And while we do not agree that there is a public health safety issue as a result of trace amounts of arsenic in rice, we will continue to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the U.S. rice supply meets any threshold established.”
Practical Recommendations
Jane Houlihan, research director at Healthy Babies, Bright Futures, recommends practical steps for families to reduce exposure: “cooking rice in extra water and draining it, swapping in other grains like quinoa or barley, and choosing lower-arsenic rice types such as California-grown, Thai jasmine, or Indian basmati.”
The organization is also urging the FDA to set enforceable limits on arsenic in all rice, not just baby cereal, to better protect children and families nationwide.
A powerful eruption at Italy’s Mt. Etna on Monday forced tourists to flee as a plume of gas, ash, and rock rose “several kilometers high” above the popular volcano, Italian authorities reported.
Tour Groups Caught in the Chaos
Footage on social media shows long lines of tourists escaping downhill.
“We were nearly grazed—look at this cloud here,” Giuseppe Panfallo said, a guide with Go Etna, in a video shared with CNN.
Sicilian Civil Protection confirmed that tour operators were being contacted to ensure everyone was safe. Authorities have closed roads near the eruption to keep people away.
Observatory: Partial Collapse and Lava Flows
The eruption—one of the largest since 2014—caused a partial collapse of the northern flank of the southeast crater, producing lava flows. Explosions were heard as far as Taormina and Catania.
Airports Remain Open, Flights Diverted
No ash is expected to reach Catania city, but authorities remain vigilant. Airports in Catania and Palermo remain open, though some flights have been diverted.
Pyroclastic Eruption Confirmed
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory described the event as a pyroclastic eruption, with a deadly mix of gases, lava grains, ash, and rock fragments descending the slopes.
No Immediate Threat to Nearby Cities
While Mt. Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, eruptions like this often subside quickly. Nonetheless, authorities remain on high alert to protect residents and tourists.
The Supreme Court on June 2 let Maryland’s ban on assault-style weapons and Rhode Island’s ban on high-capacity magazines stand, choosing not to weigh in on whether they meet constitutional standards.
Divided Opinions Among Justices
Conservative Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Clarence Thomas dissented, saying they would have taken up the issue. “I would not wait to decide whether the government can ban the most popular rifle in America,” Thomas wrote, referencing AR-15s.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh also suggested the court should address the AR-15 issue soon, noting they’re in “common use” and potentially protected under the Second Amendment.
History-Based Test Creates Confusion
Maryland argued its ban is constitutional because it targets exceptionally dangerous weapons. Gun rights advocates countered that AR-15s are popular, showing there’s a history of allowing them.
Since the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision, lower courts have struggled with applying the “history and tradition” test. Chief Judge Albert Diaz of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals described the standard as a “labyrinth” in need of clarity.
Recent Rulings Offer Limited Guidance
In a 2024 decision, the Supreme Court upheld a gun law for domestic violence victims, but provided little clarity on how the test applies to assault weapons bans. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that regulations only need a “historical analogue” — not an exact match — to be constitutional.
Maryland and Rhode Island Restrictions
Maryland enacted its ban after the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, prohibiting dozens of firearms including AK-47s and certain AR-15s. Nine other states and D.C. have similar laws.
Rhode Island’s 2022 ban makes it a felony to possess magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld it, arguing large-capacity magazines aren’t necessary for self-defense.
Gun Control Debate Continues
Gun rights groups warn that if AR-15s can be banned, other firearms could face restrictions too. Courts are still determining how to apply the Supreme Court’s evolving Second Amendment standards, meaning the debate is far from over.
