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Trump-Backed Candidates Win Indiana GOP Primaries

Candidates supported by Donald Trump defeated at least five of seven Indiana Republican state senators who had opposed him on redistricting, according to projections by the Associated Press.

Redistricting Dispute

The targeted incumbents were among Republican lawmakers who joined Democrats last year to block a redistricting plan that would have favored the GOP. Trump had warned he would back primary challengers against those who voted against the proposal.

Mixed Results in Key Races

While most incumbents lost, State Sen. Greg Goode secured reelection. Another race involving State Sen. Spencer Deery remained too close to call. In a separate contest, a Trump-backed candidate also won a seat previously held by a senator who did not seek reelection.

Millions Spent on Campaigns

The races saw an unusual surge in spending, with more than $13 million poured into primary ads—far exceeding previous cycles. Groups aligned with Trump, including Turning Point USA and Club for Growth, invested heavily to support challengers.

Test of Political Influence

The primaries were widely viewed as a test of Trump’s influence over Republican voters. In one notable race, a Trump-endorsed candidate defeated a contender backed by former Vice President Mike Pence, highlighting divisions within the party.

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

FDA Withdraws Vaccine Studies Publication

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The Food and Drug Administration has withdrawn the publication of studies examining the safety of COVID-19 and shingles vaccines, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Reason for Withdrawal

An HHS spokesperson said the studies were pulled because their conclusions were not fully supported by the underlying data. The agency emphasized the decision was made to maintain scientific integrity and uphold research standards.

Ongoing Vaccine Debate

The move comes during the tenure of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has faced criticism for his views on vaccines. Despite ongoing debates, health officials stress that COVID-19 vaccines remain among the most studied and have proven to be safe and effective.

Health Experts Raise Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to support the safety of vaccines, including the shingles shot, which is not linked to serious adverse effects. Some experts warn that withdrawing such studies could impact public trust in science and future vaccination policies.

Keep up with the changes in health recommendations and guidelines under the Trump administration with Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County criminal court judge sanctioned over handling of child sex crime cases

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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A Harris County judge has been publicly warned by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct over her handling of four child sex crime cases and other conduct the commission said violated judicial ethics rules.

The commission issued the sanction against Judge Melissa Morris, calling her actions “willful and persistent” and saying they cast “public discredit on the judiciary or on the administration of justice.”

According to the commission’s findings, Morris improperly ended probation early for four sex offenders who pleaded guilty to crimes involving children and were required to register as sex offenders.

The commission also found Morris failed to be “patient, dignified, and courteous” toward a prosecutor who requested hearings to reconsider her rulings and breached grand jury secrecy by forwarding confidential information to a defense attorney.

In its three-page public warning, the commission concluded Morris violated judicial ethics rules and damaged public confidence in the judiciary.

The complaints stemmed from cases in 2024.

The public warning is one of the more serious sanctions issued by the commission, though it does not remove Morris from the bench. She will continue presiding over the 263rd District Court and can appeal the sanction.

This is not the first controversy involving Morris. Last year, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office sought to remove her from a possible retrial in a domestic violence shooting case, arguing her comments and facial expressions showed bias against victims. Another judge denied that request.

In response to the latest allegations, Morris told the commission her mistakes were not intentional or made in bad faith. She acknowledged the grand jury breach was a single mistake made as a “novice jurist,” the records state.

A spokesperson for the courts did not respond to a late request for comment.

Morris is running for reelection in November.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Whitmire Proposes $7.5B Budget with New Trash Fee

John Whitmire unveiled a $7.5 billion Houston city budget that introduces a $5 monthly trash fee while aiming to close a major deficit.

Key Changes

The proposed fee would apply to residents using city garbage services for at least two years, helping fund the struggling Solid Waste department and reduce a roughly $180 million shortfall. The plan also shifts Solid Waste costs out of the general fund and into Houston Public Works’ utility system.

Few Details on Improvements

While the mayor says the fee will support better routes, equipment, and services, he offered limited specifics on how operations will improve. Future increases beyond $5 remain undecided and would require City Council approval.

Bigger Picture

The proposal marks Whitmire’s first push for new revenue, as he seeks to stabilize city finances without raising taxes. Meanwhile, public safety sees boosts, with increased funding for police and fire departments under the plan.

For more on Houston City Hall, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

FAA Employee Arrested for Alleged Threats Against Trump

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A Federal Aviation Administration employee has been arrested for allegedly threatening to kill President Donald Trump, according to federal prosecutors.

Allegations and Investigation

Dean DelleChiaie, 35, of New Hampshire, is accused of using a government computer to research weapons, past assassination attempts, and other related topics. Authorities say he also sent an email to the White House in April containing a direct threat.

The United States Secret Service had previously interviewed DelleChiaie in February, when he allegedly admitted to making concerning online searches and disclosed he owned firearms.

Charges and Potential Penalties

DelleChiaie faces a charge of communicating an interstate threat. If convicted, he could receive up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

What’s Next

He is expected to appear in federal court as the case moves forward. Officials have not yet released details about his legal representation.

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

Supreme Court Fast-Tracks Louisiana Redistricting Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed a major voting rights decision to take effect immediately, granting an unusual request from Louisiana Republicans to bypass the court’s typical waiting period.

What the Decision Means

By skipping the standard 32-day delay before rulings are finalized, the court cleared the way for Louisiana to move quickly in redrawing its congressional map. State officials are seeking to pause an ongoing primary election so they can implement new district lines ahead of the upcoming midterms.

The move follows a recent 6–3 ruling by the court’s conservative majority that significantly weakened a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The decision allows states to defend redistricting plans by citing partisan advantage, even in cases where minority voting strength is challenged.

Currently, Louisiana has two majority-Black congressional districts held by Democrats, while Republicans control the remaining four seats. The new map could reshape that balance.

Sharp Disagreement Among Justices

The expedited decision sparked a heated exchange between Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Samuel Alito.

In a dissent, Jackson criticized the court for abandoning its usual procedures, warning that the move effectively endorses Louisiana’s effort to halt an active election process. She argued the court typically avoids last-minute election changes and called the intervention “unwarranted and unwise.”

Alito, who authored the original ruling, fired back in a sharply worded response, dismissing Jackson’s claims as “baseless and insulting” and accusing her of making irresponsible accusations about the court’s conduct.

Broader Implications

The decision underscores the court’s shifting approach to voting rights and election law, with potential nationwide consequences. Legal experts say it could open the door for more states to redraw districts in ways that prioritize political advantage, even when minority representation is at stake.

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

Family of 4 found dead after shooting reported at million dollar home in River Oaks, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two adults and two children were found dead inside a home in the River Oaks area on Monday, according to the Houston Police Department.

HPD said officers responded to a welfare check at around 5:26 p.m. in the 2100 block of Kingston Street. Police say that a babysitter alerted officers after having concerns that she hadn’t heard from the family. Upon arrival, HPD said officers first entered the home.

Police said that the two adults and the two children are all family members. Detectives believe that the incident is a murder suicide, HPD said.

Eyewitness News is gathering the facts on this breaking news story.

Report a correction or typo

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Father dies after allegedly being placed in chokehold by teenage son n W. Harris County, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A family disturbance turned fatal following an apparent incident with a father and his young son, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez posted on social media that deputies responded to the 21400 block of Sagrantino Court on Tuesday morning.

HCSO said that deputies found the man being held in a chokehold by his teenage son. Officials said the son may be 15-years-old.

Gonzalez said the man was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

It is unclear at this time what led to the incident or who called the authorities. HCSO said investigators are on scene to try to determine the timeline.

ABC13 has a crew on the way to the scene to uncover additional information.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Mom accused of abandoning 2 daughters for weeks in Katy-area home, authorities say

KATY, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities in Katy are searching for a woman they said left her two young daughters’ home alone for weeks, according to court documents.

Rayshawna Dowdell is accused of leaving her 11-year-old and 6-year-old in mid-February. Court documents state that the 11-year-old told investigators she was responsible for caring for her younger sister, including preparing for school and getting food.

Documents add that a neighbor called authorities at the end of March, saying the girls were staying with her after she met them at the park, and they told her they’d been living alone.

Deputies said they found messages from the 11-year-old girl to Dowdell, “expressing distress, lack of food, fear,” and inability to care for her 6-year-old sister.

During an investigation into the case, court documents state Dowdell admitted to being out of state, claiming she was at a funeral. Investigators said the children were eventually found at a home in Ohio, where Dowdell has deep ties, during a welfare check, but didn’t elaborate.

Authorities said Dowdell is still on the run.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Here comes the humidity! Stormy front to follow Wednesday night

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Humid Gulf air is flowing back over Houston, and this will set the stage for showers and thunderstorms when our next cool front arrives Wednesday night.

Instead of lows in the 50s, lows Tuesday morning will settle closer to the 70-degree mark. We should start the day with a mostly cloudy sky. Sunshine breaking through the clouds will push highs toward seasonal averages in the mid 80s. While we cannot rule out a stray shower, most will stay rain-free.

When do the rain chances peak this week?

This will occur Wednesday night and Thursday. That’s when a cool front will slowly push through Southeast Texas. Rain chances are low during the daytime at just 30%, but it will come to 60% at night. Some of the storms that develop late Wednesday could even turn severe with gusty winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall the main hazards. A tornado cannot be ruled out. Rain chances remain at 60% in the cooler air behind the front on Thursday. Temperatures will warm from the 60s into the 70s, so it won’t be as cool as our last front.

How does it look for Mother’s Day weekend?

It looks humid all over again! The Gulf air will be blowing back in, pushing lows back toward 70 and highs into the mid 80s. There’s also a 30% chance of rain on Saturday and a 40% chance on Sunday. Most of the rain Sunday is expected to occur late in the day and at night when another weak cool front blows toward Houston.

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

In some places, yes! 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 when 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 ABC13 Houston.