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Hantavirus Cruise Ship Heads to Canary Islands Amid Global Health Monitoring

Indira Zaldivar
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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 

ABC13 Houston
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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

ABC13 Houston
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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

ABC13 Houston
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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.

DACA Nurse’s Assistant Detained by ICE in Texas Faces Possible Deportation

Indira Zaldivar
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DACA Nurse’s Assistant Detained by ICE in Texas Faces Possible Deportation

Arrest and Ongoing Detention

A 32-year-old nurse’s assistant and DACA recipient, Yenniffer England, remains in ICE custody at the El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville, Texas, after her arrest on Feb. 16. Authorities say she was stopped by state troopers while driving with a suspended license, reportedly linked to an unpaid traffic ticket.

England has now spent nearly three months in detention and is scheduled for a final immigration hearing in Houston, where a judge will decide whether she can remain in the U.S. or be deported to Mexico.

Family and Community Speak Out

England’s family says her detention has caused emotional and financial strain. She is the primary provider for her two daughters, ages 12 and 14.

“This is tearing us apart,” her brother said, describing her as the “glue” holding the family together.

Supporters, including members of La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), gathered outside the detention center calling for her release, arguing she poses no threat to the community.

Legal Fight Ahead

Her attorney, Carlos Garcia, says England’s valid DACA status should protect her from deportation. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program allows certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to live and work legally, with renewals required every two years.

Garcia confirmed that England, who moved to New York during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist hospitals, is “extremely scared” as she awaits the court’s decision. Her legal team is seeking cancellation of removal.

Broader Concerns Over ICE Detentions

Local officials and advocates say England’s case reflects growing concerns about immigration enforcement in the Rio Grande Valley, particularly involving essential workers.

Critics argue such detentions undermine trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, while supporters continue urging federal authorities to reconsider cases involving individuals with legal protections like DACA.

What Happens Next

The immigration judge could either grant relief or order England’s deportation. For now, her family and supporters remain hopeful as they await the outcome of Wednesday’s hearing.

For more on Trump’s anti-immigration enforcement and its effects, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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

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

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.

Utz Recalls Zapp’s and Dirty Chips Over Salmonella Risk

Edward Saenz
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Utz Recalls Zapp’s and Dirty Chips Over Salmonella Risk

Nationwide Recall Announced

Utz Quality Foods has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of select Zapp’s and Dirty potato chip products due to potential salmonella contamination. The company said the issue is linked to a seasoning containing dry milk powder supplied by a third-party vendor.

Although the seasoning batches previously tested negative, Utz initiated the recall “out of an abundance of caution.”

Affected Products

Nine varieties across different flavors and bag sizes are impacted, including popular options like Bayou Blackened Ranch, Salt and Vinegar, Maui Onion, Big Cheezy, and Sour Cream and Onion. The products were sold at retail stores across the United States.

Utz clarified that no other products are included in the recall.

Health Risk and Symptoms

So far, no illnesses have been reported. However, salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms typically appear within six hours to six days after exposure and usually resolve within a week.

Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness.

What Consumers Should Do

Customers are advised not to eat the recalled chips and to discard them immediately. Retailers have been instructed to remove affected items from shelves.

Consumers seeking refunds or more information can contact Utz customer service directly.

For more health recommendations, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Homeowner detained after masked burglary suspect shot, killed in north Harris Co., Pct. 4 says

ABC13 Houston
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Homeowner detained after masked burglary suspect shot, killed in north Harris Co., Pct. 4 says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — An investigation is underway after a burglary suspect was reportedly shot when attempting to break into a home on Wednesday morning, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.

Deputies arrived at the 16900 block of Spring Creek Oaks Court after officials said there was a call that shots had been fired.

Pct. 4 learned that a suspect wearing a ski mask gained entry into a home on the block through a back door and was confronted by the homeowner just before 6 a.m.

Officials said the masked suspect was shot and fled the scene, prompting deputies to search the area.

A short time later, Pct. 4 said the suspect was found with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead.

The homeowner was detained and is being questioned, according to Pct. 4.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Suspected Hantavirus Cluster on Cruise Ship Prompts Evacuations

Indira Zaldivar
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Suspected Hantavirus Cluster on Cruise Ship Prompts Evacuations

Cases and Deaths Reported

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that three passengers have been medically evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius amid a suspected hantavirus cluster.

Health officials report eight total cases — three confirmed and five suspected — including three deaths linked to the outbreak.

Evacuations and Medical Response

The evacuated passengers were transferred from the ship near Cape Verde and flown to the Netherlands for treatment. Two are in serious condition, while a third is being monitored as a close contact of a deceased passenger.

Additional medical teams, including infectious disease specialists, have been deployed to assist onboard as authorities monitor remaining passengers and crew.

Spread and Ongoing Investigation

Officials identified the virus as Andes hantavirus, a rare strain that can spread between people. A confirmed case has also been reported in Switzerland involving a passenger who had already left the ship.

The WHO says the overall public health risk remains low but continues to coordinate international tracking and follow-up.

Travel Disruptions and Next Steps

The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is expected to head toward Spain’s Canary Islands, where further screenings and possible repatriation of passengers are planned. However, local officials have raised concerns about allowing the vessel to dock.

Health authorities are continuing investigations as efforts focus on containing the outbreak and safely returning passengers home.

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

Man accused of attacking 2 boys over ‘bad language’ during Wiffle ball game, authorities say

ABC13 Houston
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Man accused of attacking 2 boys over ‘bad language’ during Wiffle ball game, authorities say

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A Katy-area man is facing charges after he attacked two boys during a Wiffle ball game, the Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office said.

According to court documents, Robert Brajenovich told investigators he was frustrated by the teens’ use of “bad language” during the April 30 game.

Tymothe Duret, 14, said he was playing with his 10-year-old brother and 14-year-old friend, Noah Barrios, on Birchwood Meadow Court when the suspect emerged from his home and confronted them about their language use.

“He was like, ‘Who said shut the eff up? Who said shut the eff up?'” Duret said.

“We were like, ‘Sir, nobody was cursing out here,’ and then he was like, ‘Really?’ And, ‘We’re gonna fix this right now,'” Barrios said.

After that initial exchange, the victims say things quickly escalated.

“Then he comes up to me and he, like, pushed me and he took the bat,” said Duret, who added that the shove caused his ankle to roll.

According to court documents, Brajenovich then pushed Barrios’ e-bike, causing $500 in damage.

“I was about to go call my mom, and then he slapped the phone out of my hand,” Barrios said.

Barrios said he was still able to make it home to alert his parents, while Duret says a quick-thinking neighbor intervened.

Duret’s mother was filming as she and Barrios’ parents confronted the man they identified as Brajenovich.

“Dealing with children,” one woman can be heard saying. “What’s wrong with you? Why don’t you come to the parents?”

Brajenovich, who had no adult criminal history in Texas, is charged with two counts of injury to a child and one count of criminal mischief.

He was released from jail on a $31,000 bond but didn’t answer his door on Tuesday or return a text message from Eyewitness News.

According to the criminal complaint, Brajenovich corroborated both victims’ accounts.

“My question to him was why?” Barrios’ father, Robert, said. “Why would you put – why would you think it’s okay to put your hands on a child?”

Duret’s mother, Gaelle, said Brajenovich’s alleged conduct isn’t completely out of character.

“Everybody has a story to share about this person,” she said. “Everybody’s scared of him. This is why nobody has been pressing charges until now.”

As part of Brajenovich’s bond conditions, he’s been ordered not to “strike a child or adult for any reason.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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