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Cuba Warns U.S. Against Military Action Amid Rising Tensions

Cuban Foreign Minister Says Conflict Could Trigger “Bloodbath”

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla warned Thursday that escalating tensions with the United States could lead to a “bloodbath in Cuba” after recent remarks from President Donald Trump about possible action against the island nation.

In an interview with ABC News in Havana, Rodríguez said Cuba would defend itself if faced with military intervention.

“It seems the U.S. government has chosen a dangerous path,” Rodríguez said, warning of possible humanitarian catastrophe and loss of both Cuban and American lives.

Trump Escalates Pressure on Cuba

Trump has repeatedly criticized Cuba’s political system and recently suggested the U.S. could take action against the country “very soon.” Speaking in Florida last week, Trump said, “Cuba is going to be next,” following U.S. operations involving Iran.

He also referenced sending the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) near Cuba as a show of force.

So far, the administration has focused on economic pressure, including sanctions targeting Cuban officials and restrictions affecting oil shipments from Venezuela.

No Progress in U.S.-Cuba Talks

Rodríguez said ongoing behind-the-scenes talks between the two countries have shown “no progress.” He added that Cuba remains open to discussions on bilateral issues but rejected demands tied to political reforms or internal affairs.

The Cuban government also denied accusations of political persecution and human rights abuses, arguing that military action would violate international law.

Despite growing tensions, Rodríguez insisted Cuba does not threaten U.S. national security and emphasized that the country would defend its sovereignty “to the very last consequences.”

For more on the Trump administration’s international affairs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Federal Court Rules Trump’s 10% Global Tariffs Unlawful

Trade Court Says Administration Misinterpreted Law

A federal trade court ruled Thursday that President Donald Trump acted unlawfully when imposing a 10% global tariff earlier this year.

In a 2-1 decision, the United States Court of International Trade said the Trump administration incorrectly interpreted Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to justify the sweeping tariffs.

Second Major Legal Defeat for Tariff Policy

The ruling marks the second time Trump’s tariff strategy has faced a legal setback. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld a separate decision blocking an earlier round of tariffs.

At the center of the case was the definition of “balance-of-payments deficits.” The administration argued the term was equivalent to a trade deficit, but the court disagreed.

“It is clear that Congress was aware of the differences in the words it chose,” the majority opinion stated.

Limited Immediate Impact

The court granted an injunction benefiting two small businesses and the state of Washington. However, judges dismissed claims from a larger coalition of states, ruling they lacked legal standing.

The judges noted that Congress defined “balance-of-payments deficits” differently when the law was written in 1974 and rejected the administration’s broader interpretation.

Trump’s 10% global tariff policy took effect in February and is currently scheduled to expire in late July unless extended or overturned through further legal action.

For the latest Trump tariffs controversy, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

BARC Marks 10 Years of ‘Empty the Shelters’ with Discounted Adoptions

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HOUSTON – BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions is joining the BISSELL Pet Foundation to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its nationwide “Empty the Shelters” event, offering reduced adoption fees from May 1–17, 2026.

The initiative spans more than 335 shelters across 39 states, aiming to connect pets with families while easing overcrowding in shelters.

Lower Fees, More Opportunities

During the event, adoption costs at BARC will drop significantly:

  • $55 for puppies four months or younger
  • $30 for dogs five months and older
  • $10 for all cats and kittens

All adopted pets come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, along with additional services like flea prevention and city registration.

Extended Hours for Adopters

To increase access, BARC will open daily from noon to 5 p.m., including Mondays — a day the shelter is typically closed. Officials say the expanded hours and lower fees are designed to remove barriers for families considering adoption.

A Nationwide Impact

Since launching in 2016, “Empty the Shelters” has helped nearly 400,000 pets find homes across the U.S. and Canada. Organizers say the milestone highlights the growing need for adoption as shelters continue to face high intake numbers.

Local leaders emphasize that every adoption not only gives an animal a second chance but also frees up space and resources to help more pets in need.

Residents interested in adopting are encouraged to visit BARC in person or check available pets online during the event.

For more animal welfare efforts, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

DHS, Secret Service Say $1 Billion White House Ballroom Funding Would Support Broader Security Efforts

Security Package Includes More Than Ballroom Upgrades

The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Secret Service say a proposed $1 billion Senate Republican funding package tied to the new White House ballroom would also support broader national security operations and training efforts.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Secret Service Director Sean Curran described the funding as necessary to address rising threats against the president and other public officials.

Funds Would Expand Security Operations

According to officials, the money would help modernize security systems linked to the White House East Wing project while also funding:

  • Secret Service agent training
  • Upgrades to training facilities
  • Protection against drone and biological threats
  • Security planning for high-profile national events
  • Protection for “frequently visited venues” outside the White House

The proposal comes amid heightened security concerns following recent shootings near the National Mall and at last month’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

White House Ballroom Project Draws Scrutiny

The Senate proposal specifically allocates funding for “security adjustments and upgrades” connected to the East Wing modernization and ballroom construction project. Officials emphasized that none of the money would pay for non-security-related improvements.

Critics, however, have questioned the scale of the spending and noted that the bill does not explicitly mention outside venues referenced in the DHS and Secret Service letter.

Part of Larger Presidential Security Push

Officials called the funding a “critical infusion” aimed at protecting both current and future presidents. For comparison, the Secret Service currently receives more than $3 billion annually through the regular congressional appropriations process.

For more on the ballroom controversy, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Alma Gonzalez: Una historia de sabor, expandiendo la cocina mexicana en Estados Unidos

Alma González, originaria de Monterrey, cuenta con más de 40 años de experiencia en la industria restaurantera, consolidándose como una de las pioneras en la apertura de restaurantes de comida mexicana en Houston.

Adquirió conocimientos de comercio en Monterrey (México) y emigró a los Estados Unidos siendo muy joven, lo que posteriormente resultaría fundamental en la administración y crecimiento de sus negocios.

Durante su juventud, tuvo la oportunidad de trabajar en uno de los restaurantes más exitosos de Houston, experiencia que marcó el inicio de su formación práctica en la industria gastronómica.

Fue a partir de una propuesta de su suegro —quien recibió la oportunidad de adquirir un restaurante— que surgió el proyecto que daría origen a su trayectoria empresarial. Ante el reto de asumir la responsabilidad operativa, Alma González respondió con determinación, visión de futuro y una combinación estratégica de conocimientos y operación restaurantera.

La adquisición del primer establecimiento se realizó mediante ahorros personales y préstamos familiares, dando inicio a una historia de crecimiento sostenido. En este proceso, fue clave el apoyo de su madre, quien contribuyó tanto en la crianza de sus hijos como en la preservación y transmisión de recetas tradicionales de la cocina mexicana, tales como el mole poblano, los chiles rellenos, los caldos de res y pollo, y la carne guisada.

Complementariamente, y con la colaboración de un chef profesional, se desarrollaron otros platillos emblemáticos como los tacos al trompo y las fajitas, enriqueciendo así la propuesta gastronómica.

Hasta el día de hoy, Alma González mantiene una participación activa en la operación de sus restaurantes, supervisando personalmente la calidad de los alimentos, el servicio al cliente y el correcto funcionamiento de cada unidad.

Alma Gonzalez y su familia.

Desde sus inicios, su visión ha estado orientada no solo al crecimiento empresarial, sino también a la construcción de un legado familiar y al bienestar de las futuras generaciones.

Sigue las historias de nuestra comunidad latina en Houston con Que Onda Magazine.

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edition 1350

Hantavirus Cruise Ship Heads to Canary Islands Amid Global Health Monitoring

The cruise ship MV Hondius is heading to Spain’s Canary Islands as international health officials work to contain a suspected hantavirus outbreak linked to multiple deaths and illnesses aboard the vessel.

Multiple Cases Reported on Expedition Cruise

Authorities have identified eight hantavirus cases connected to the ship, including three confirmed infections and five suspected cases. Three passengers have died, while others remain hospitalized or under medical observation.

The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, had been anchored near Cape Verde before departing for Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. Nearly 150 passengers and crew remain onboard, including 17 Americans.

WHO Investigates Possible Human-to-Human Spread

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare version known to allow limited human-to-human transmission among close contacts.

Health officials believe the outbreak may have started before passengers boarded the ship, possibly during wildlife excursions in Argentina. Investigators are examining whether infected rodents exposed travelers during a bird-watching tour near Ushuaia.

Contact Tracing Expands Across Countries

Authorities in Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States are conducting contact tracing efforts. Officials are monitoring passengers, flight travelers, and close contacts who may have been exposed.

Several former passengers in the U.S. are under observation but currently show no symptoms, according to health departments in Georgia and Arizona.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease typically spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Early symptoms resemble the flu, including fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches, but severe cases can rapidly progress to respiratory failure.

According to the CDC, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a mortality rate of nearly 38% in patients who develop severe respiratory complications.

Canary Islands Arrival Under Strict Protocols

Spanish health officials say the ship will dock safely in Tenerife under strict quarantine and medical screening procedures. Passengers are expected to undergo evaluations before repatriation or transfer to medical facilities.

For more updates on the hantavirus, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

3 arrests made in Memorial Park Post Office mail theft operation 

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Three men are facing felony charges after investigators with the U.S. Postal Service Inspector’s Office say mail theft investigations uncovered multiple pieces of stolen mail and postal keys.

In surveillance video shared by investigators from April 19, a vehicle pulls up to a mailbox at the Memorial Park Post Office, and someone gets out of the car; moments later, the vehicle is surrounded by patrol vehicles.

According to the Postal Inspection Service, more than 80 pieces of mail and nine postal keys were recovered in the multi-agency operation that included the Memorial Villages Police Department.

The agency identified 23-year-old Terrance Griffin Jr. and 24-year-old Demetri Lambert as the suspects. Both are charged with felony offenses of mail theft and unlawful conduct involving a mail receptacle key or lock.

A third suspect, identified as 29-year-old Lekie-Ken Kponi, is also facing charges related to alleged mail theft following a March 25 investigation into identity theft and stolen checks from the Spring Branch ISD Tax Assessor’s Office.

All three suspects in both cases have bonded out of jail.

Investigators say they’re continuing to work the cases, and additional charges are forthcoming.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of mail theft should contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Traveler’s Table issues statement after owners, 2 kids, found dead in River Oaks murder-suicide

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston’s Traveler’s Table restaurant asks for unity and respect after its owners were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide on Monday.

Family members confirmed that Thy and Matthew Mitchell, and their two children, were found dead in their River Oaks-area home. The Houston Police Department said the discovery was made during a welfare check on Monday evening.

HPD is calling Matthew the suspect in the case. The news sent shockwaves across the city, as the couple had a thriving business.

RELATED: Owners of Traveler’s Table and their 2 children killed in River Oaks murder-suicide

On Wednesday, Traveler’s Table issued the following statement since the tragedy:

To our community,

As Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart remain open for business, we want to thank our loyal staff, who have shown up and worked through these difficult circumstances, ensuring that we continue to serve our community.

We are asking for unity and respect for our privacy as we navigate this immense loss. Hospitality comes from within, and to honor the Traveler’s Legacy, we will continue to welcome you into our restaurants.

– The Traveler’s Team

The Texas Restaurant Association also issued a statement expressing their condolences to Thy’s family and saying they are ready to help in any way. Read the full statement below:

We stand with the Greater Houston hospitality community as we try to process the horrific deaths of Thy Mitchell and her family. To say that Thy will be missed is an understatement. She served on the board of the Greater Houston Chapter of the TRA, and she was selected by her peers to represent the chapter as Greater Houston Restaurateur of the Year for 2025. We will remember Thy as a ray of light who inspired everyone around her.

Our leaders in Houston have reached out to the team at Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart, and we stand ready to help in any way that we can. We also want to encourage anyone who needs assistance processing this tragedy to ask for help. For those who don’t have access to mental health services through insurance or a telehealth plan, there are non-profits and public resources available to help. Harris County residents can access resources here, and a full list of resources across the state is available here.

We do not plan to comment further as there is an ongoing criminal investigation and we want to respect a family and a restaurant team who are going through an unthinkable time.

In moments like this, we are reminded that our industry is more than workplaces-it is a community. May we all honor Thy’s memory by continuing to show up for each other with compassion and care.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Cloudy and cool Thursday, ABC13 Weather Watch for storms Friday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A cool front will stall out over Houston Friday, leading to multiple rounds of rain that could flood streets, so we now have an ABC13 Weather Watch for Friday.

First we have a mostly dry Thursday to get through. Shower activity will be limited on Thursday as the weak cool front continues to blow offshore and over the Gulf. Temperatures Thursday will start off cooler, in the mid 60s in most places, which is about 10 degrees cooler than the previous morning. It will stay mainly cloudy throughout the day, keeping high temperatures in check. Instead of a high in the mid 80s, it should only warm into the mid 70s. Isolated showers are possible, especially in the morning, but your chance of getting measurable rain is only 20%.

Why is there an ABC13 Weather Watch for Friday?

The front will return on Friday as a warm front, then stall out somewhere near or over Houston. At the same time, an upper-level storm will approach from the west, activating the front with widespread thunderstorm activity. As moisture continues to blow into the front, storms will regenerate, leading to multiple rounds of rain. It’s difficult at this time to pinpoint exactly where the highest rain totals will stack up, but 1-3″ should be common with totals up to half a foot possible where the storms train one after another. There is also a slim chance for a severe hailstorm. Your chance of getting rain is at 80%, but your chance of being near a severe hailstorm is 5% or less.

How does it look for Mother’s Day weekend?

Saturday is looking stormy but not as wet as Friday. We expect the rain chances to be highest in the first half of the day, then dry out toward the late afternoon and evening. Temperatures will range from near 70 in the morning to the low 80s in the afternoon. Mother’s Day should be warm and humid with lows near 70 and highs in the upper 80s, but we are tracking another front that will blow in late in the day. This front will come with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

What’s the latest on drought conditions with all this rain?

We’ve already seen the drought end over parts of Houston, and last week’s round of rain likely ended it over more of Houston and Harris County. We’ll get official word on Thursday morningwhen the new Drought Monitor report is released. Expect drought improvement just about everywhere in Southeast Texas.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC1d3 Houston.