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Intoxicated, near-naked suspect arrested after allegedly rear-ending school bus, and beating man

ABC13 Houston
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Intoxicated, near-naked suspect arrested after allegedly rear-ending school bus, and beating man

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A man is recovering after he was attacked while working his landscaping job in downtown Houston.

According to authorities, the suspect had already hit a bus full of students before beating down the victim, Ramon Bautista.

Bautista never considered his job dangerous, but that all changed on Monday.

A man Houston police identify as Dalton Draeger can be seen on video beating Bautista mercilessly.

Draeger’s actions allegedly came right after he derailed a Fort Bend ISD field trip to Daikin Park. HPD said he rear-ended a bus full of 47 people, most of them fifth graders.

Nine people were taken to the hospital, but fortunately, nobody was seriously injured.

Bautista said he was happy to escape with his life, but the attack put him out of work.

He suffered scrapes, head bruising, and a broken hand that required surgery.

Bautista worries, beyond recovery, how his bills are going to get paid.

The only silver lining here is Draeger being behind bars and charged for his alleged crimes.

Bautista said Draeger was only wearing underwear when he identified him in a lineup.

According to court records, the 30-year-old suspect was found to be intoxicated and disrobed before running from the scene.

For updates on this story, follow Alex Bozarjian on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Astronomers Capture the Most Detailed ‘Baby Pictures’ of the Universe

Edward Saenz
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Astronomers Capture the Most Detailed ‘Baby Pictures’ of the Universe

The universe’s earliest moments have been revealed in unprecedented detail, thanks to new images captured by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. These groundbreaking snapshots provide the clearest view yet of the cosmic microwave background, the afterglow of the Big Bang, and offer remarkable insights into the infancy of the cosmos.

A Window Into the Universe’s First Steps

The CMB represents the oldest light in the universe, dating back 13.8 billion years to a time just 380,000 years after the Big Bang. At this point in cosmic history, the universe had cooled enough for free electrons to combine with protons, allowing light to travel freely for the first time. The ACT’s observations provide an exceptionally precise depiction of this ancient radiation, giving scientists a clearer picture of how the universe’s first structures began to form.

A piece of the new image that shows the vibration directions (or polarization) of the radiation. The zoom-in on the right is 10 degrees high. Polarized light vibrates in a particular direction; blue shows where the surrounding light’s vibration directions are angled towards it, like spokes on a bicycle; orange shows places where the vibration directions circle around it. (Image credit: ACT Collaboration; ESA/Planck Collaboration. )

Unraveling the Universe’s Earliest Movements

These new images do more than capture a static moment in time; they reveal the intricate movements of primordial gas clouds as they were shaped by gravitational forces. Hydrogen and helium, the first elements to emerge, gradually coalesced under gravity’s pull, forming the dense regions that would eventually give birth to the first stars and galaxies.

Suzanne Staggs, director of ACT and researcher at Princeton University, emphasized the significance of these findings: “We are witnessing the universe’s first steps toward creating stars and galaxies. What sets these images apart is their remarkable clarity in showing the polarization of this ancient light.”

Precision Beyond Previous Observations

Prior to ACT’s findings, the most detailed images of the CMB came from the European Space Agency’s Planck satellite. However, ACT’s advanced resolution and sensitivity have enhanced the clarity of this cosmic relic. According to Sigurd Naess from the University of Oslo,

“ACT has five times the resolution of Planck, making the polarization signal visible in extraordinary detail.”

This polarization signature allows researchers to map the subtle shifts in cosmic matter, much like tracking ocean currents by observing the tides. Such measurements help refine our understanding of the gravitational forces shaping the universe’s earliest epochs.

Shedding Light on the ‘Hubble Tension’

Despite its successes, ACT’s findings have not resolved one of modern cosmology’s most persistent puzzles: the Hubble tension. This discrepancy refers to the differing values of the Hubble constant— the rate of the universe’s expansion— depending on the method of measurement. Observations of nearby galaxies suggest an expansion rate of about 73–74 kilometers per second per megaparsec (km/s/Mpc), while CMB-based measurements, including those from ACT, yield a lower rate of approximately 67–68 km/s/Mpc.

Hoping to identify alternative explanations, researchers examined whether modifications to cosmic models— such as the behavior of neutrinos or early bursts of accelerated expansion— could resolve this tension. However, as Columbia University researcher Colin Hill noted, “Despite exploring uncharted territory, we found no evidence of new physics beyond the standard model.”

A Glimpse Into the Universe’s Mass Composition

Beyond refining the age of the universe— estimated with 0.1% precision at 13.8 billion years— the ACT data has also contributed to understanding the universe’s mass distribution. The observable cosmos is calculated to contain the mass equivalent of approximately 1,900 billion trillion suns. Of this mass:

  • Hydrogen and helium comprise the majority of ordinary matter.
  • Dark matter accounts for a significant portion, influencing cosmic structure formation.
  • Dark energy, the mysterious force driving the universe’s accelerated expansion, constitutes the largest share of mass-energy in the cosmos.
  • Ghostly neutrinos, nearly massless particles that permeate the universe, contribute a small but measurable fraction.

The Future of Cosmic Exploration

With ACT completing its observations in 2022 and subsequently being decommissioned, astronomers are now turning to even more advanced observatories. The Simons Observatory, located at the same Chilean site, is set to push the boundaries of CMB research even further.

All ACT data is publicly available via NASA’s LAMBDA archive, and research papers detailing these discoveries can be accessed through Princeton University’s Atacama Cosmology Telescope website. As scientists continue to refine our understanding of the cosmos, these groundbreaking observations will serve as a vital foundation for future exploration of the universe’s origins.

Keep up with space exploration with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Cool front brings slim chance of rain Wednesday morning, fire weather risk in the afternoon

ABC13 Houston
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Cool front brings slim chance of rain Wednesday morning, fire weather risk in the afternoon

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our next weather change arrives Wednesday morning as a Pacific cool front blasts in some ultra-dry air from the northwest. The combination of low humidity and gusty winds will increase the risk of wildfires spreading across Texas.

There is a 20% chance of showers ahead of the cool front, but even if you do get rain it will likely be just a few hundredths of an inch.

The sun will be out in full force during the afternoon hours, warming the dry air into the low 80s. The winds will settle down in the evening allowing temperatures to fall into the upper 40s by sunrise Thursday.

It’s been pretty dry lately. Is there any hope for rain over the next 10 days?

Our next chance for rain is late Sunday, when the odds increase to 40%. The air will be unstable, and isolated severe thunderstorms with large hail and gusty winds are possible.

Are we warming back into the 90s anytime soon?

We currently have no 90 degrees in our forecast, but there are plenty of mid 80s highs predicted over the next 10 days. Spring weather is here, and we usually start hitting 90 on a regular basis in May.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with Houston local news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Millions Advised to Stay Indoors as High Winds and Wildfire Risks Sweep Across 11 States

Que Onda Editorial
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Millions Advised to Stay Indoors as High Winds and Wildfire Risks Sweep Across 11 States

Residents across 11 states are being urged to stay indoors and avoid windows as powerful windstorms, dust advisories, and heightened wildfire risks impact large portions of the central and western United States.

Widespread Warnings Issued

The National Weather Service has issued high wind warnings and blowing dust advisories stretching from Texas to California, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 90 mph in some areas. These extreme conditions have raised serious safety concerns, with officials warning of downed power lines, flying debris, and treacherous driving conditions.

The threat of wildfires is also growing, as strong winds and dry conditions have triggered red flag warnings from South Dakota to Texas. The extreme weather follows a devastating weekend of storms that left more than 40 people dead across multiple states.

Regions Under High Wind Alerts

The NWS has identified several areas facing the most severe conditions:

  • Texas Panhandle and El Paso: Sustained winds between 35 and 45 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph.
  • Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado: Southwest winds reaching 40 to 50 mph, with gusts up to 90 mph.
  • New Mexico: Blowing dust advisories remain in effect, with reduced visibility making travel dangerous.
  • California’s Coachella Valley: Air quality alerts due to windblown dust, posing health risks to those with respiratory conditions.
  • Additional high wind warnings have been issued in Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

Officials Urge Residents to Take Precautions

The NWS is advising residents to take safety measures, including securing loose objects, minimizing travel, and staying in the lower levels of their homes during the storm’s peak.

“Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive,” the NWS office in Topeka, Kansas, warned in a high wind advisory.

Meteorologists have also cautioned drivers about the potential for blowing dust, which can create sudden drops in visibility and increase the risk of multi-car pileups.

AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys emphasized the dangers, stating, “Blowing dust can lead to poor air quality and visibility issues, which will cause travel delays. The stronger the winds, the greater the likelihood of tractor-trailers being blown over, as we saw last Friday.”

What’s Next?

The high winds are expected to persist over the next few days, with continued threats of power outages, travel disruptions, and hazardous conditions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and urging residents to stay alert for updates.

Keep up with extreme weather conditions with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Australian Beaches Closed After Toxic Foam and Dead Fish Wash Ashore

Indira Zaldivar
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Australian Beaches Closed After Toxic Foam and Dead Fish Wash Ashore

Authorities in South Australia have closed two popular beaches after dead fish and an unusual off-white foam were found along the shoreline, with surfers reporting symptoms of illness.

Experts suspect a microalgal bloom, triggered by rare weather conditions, may have caused the phenomenon, harming both marine life and beachgoers. South Australian Environment Protection Authority principal scientific officer Sam Gaylard described the event as “very concerning” due to its scale.

“At this time of year, we do occasionally get isolated blooms but something of this scale is definitely unusual,” Gaylard told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Beaches Closed Amid Health Concerns

Waitpinga Beach and neighboring Parsons Beach, located south of Adelaide, have been closed to the public since Monday following reports of a “fish mortality event,” according to the Department for Environment and Water. Officials assured that the beaches would reopen once conditions were deemed safe.

Dozens of dead fish have already washed ashore, and concerns are growing over the impact on public health.

Surfers Report Symptoms

Local surfers described experiencing symptoms shortly after entering the water: coughing sore eyes, sore throats after contact with the water.

Scientists Investigate Toxic Foam

Marine scientists collected water samples from the foam on Monday to identify the exact organism responsible. However, results may not be available until later in the week, Gaylard said.

He explained that the microalgal bloom—comprised of microscopic, single-celled organisms—may have been caused by an extended period of hot and dry weather with little wind and low tides. A recent increase in ocean swell could be breaking up the algae, producing even more foam.

“At the moment, we’re not sure how long this will last,” Gaylard said.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging the public to avoid affected waters until further notice.

Keep up with environmental news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Israel Resumes Airstrikes in Gaza, Killing Hundreds and Shattering Ceasefire

Edward Saenz
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Israel Resumes Airstrikes in Gaza, Killing Hundreds and Shattering Ceasefire

Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The surprise bombardment broke a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war.

What to Know:

Death Toll: Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that at least 404 people were killed in the strikes, with more than 560 wounded. Rescuers are still searching the rubble, making it one of the deadliest days of the war. According to local health officials, the conflict has killed over 48,000 Palestinians and displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population.

Israel’s Position: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes due to a lack of progress in negotiations to extend the ceasefire. The White House confirmed that it had been consulted and expressed support for Israel’s actions. The Israeli military has ordered evacuations from eastern Gaza, including much of Beit Hanoun in the north and other southern communities, signaling a potential renewed ground operation.

Hamas’ Response: The militant group accused Netanyahu of abandoning the ceasefire and putting Israeli hostages at greater risk. An estimated two dozen Israeli hostages are still believed to be alive in Gaza.

UN: Israeli Strikes Have Erased Humanitarian Progress

The United Nations’ humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, told the Security Council that all of the “modest gains” made during the ceasefire have been wiped out by Israel’s surprise airstrikes.

“Overnight, our worst fears materialized after strikes resumed across the entire Gaza Strip,” Fletcher said in a briefing to the U.N.’s highest body. He urged the international community to ensure that pre-ceasefire conditions do not return.

The monthlong truce had allowed some humanitarian relief, including food, shelter, and medical aid, to reach Gaza. It also enabled hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what remained of their homes. However, the renewed conflict has once again plunged the region into crisis.

This is a developing story. More details will be provided on Que Onda Magazine as they emerge.

Plane Crashes into Sea Near Roatán, Honduras, with 17 Aboard

Indira Zaldivar
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Plane Crashes into Sea Near Roatán, Honduras, with 17 Aboard

A tragic aviation accident occurred Monday evening when a Jetstream 32 aircraft crashed into the sea near Roatán, Honduras, shortly after takeoff. According to local officials, the plane carried 17 people on board, including 15 passengers and two crew members.

Honduras Civil Aviation confirmed that the crash took place at 6:18 p.m. local time, near Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport. The aircraft was en route to La Ceiba, a city along Honduras’ north coast, but plummeted into the water just seconds after departure.

Rescue teams, including members of the Honduran police, quickly responded to the scene, working to save those involved. Images released by Honduran authorities captured the dramatic efforts to extract an injured man from the water. The full extent of casualties remains unknown as emergency teams continue their operations.

In response to the crash, Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced the immediate activation of the Emergency Operations Committee.

“They have immediately arrived at the scene of the plane crash that occurred 1 km from Roatán International Airport and are tirelessly assisting in the unfortunate incident,” President Castro stated.

She further assured the public that hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba are prepared to receive and treat any injured survivors.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine what led to the catastrophic failure. Aviation and government officials are expected to release further updates as more information becomes available.

This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they emerge on Que Onda Magazine.

Wind Advisory issued for Tuesday as oak pollen surges into extreme territory

ABC13 Houston
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Wind Advisory issued for Tuesday as oak pollen surges into extreme territory

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Hold on to your hats! We’ve got another windy day ahead Tuesday as our next cool front approaches. These winds will elevate the fire danger across the state and keep knocking more oak pollen into the air.

Otherwise, we remain in a fairly comfortable temperature range this week. High temperatures will warm toward 80 under a partly cloudy sky. The winds will pick up through the morning and peak in the afternoon with south winds sustained between 20-30 mph and gusts up to 40 mph. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for most of Southeast Texas from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It’s been pretty dry lately. When’s our next chance for rain?

We’ve got our eyes on another cold front moving through Southeast Texas on Wednesday morning. Rain chances are slim once again with this front only bringing a 20% chance for the morning hours. However, this front will drop temperatures for the first day of Spring on Thursday. Next best chance for rain after that is Sunday, when the odds increase to 40%.

So does that mean the risk for wildfires will continue?

Unfortunately, yes. And drought conditions could also get worse over the next two weeks with only a few small chances for rain over the next 10 days. While most of Southeast Texas is not under a burn ban at this tsime, outdoor burning is not advised on these windy days with low humidity.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

From Shamrocks to Science: How March 17 Changed the World in More Ways Than One

Indira Zaldivar
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From Shamrocks to Science: How March 17 Changed the World in More Ways Than One

March 17 is widely recognized for St. Patrick’s Day, a celebration of Irish heritage filled with parades, shamrocks, and—of course—wearing green to avoid getting pinched. But beyond the festivities, this date also marks a pivotal moment in scientific history.

On March 17, 1905, a young Albert Einstein completed a groundbreaking paper on the photoelectric effect—an achievement that would later win him the Nobel Prize in Physics and help lay the foundation for quantum mechanics.

Einstein’s Big Idea

At the time, physics was at a crossroads. Scientists were struggling to understand how light interacted with matter. The prevailing theory suggested that light behaved strictly as a wave, but there were puzzling experiments that didn’t fit this idea.

Einstein’s paper, submitted in 1905, proposed something revolutionary: light isn’t just a wave—it also behaves as particles, or “quanta” (later called photons). His explanation of the photoelectric effect showed that when light hits a metal surface, it can eject electrons, but only if the light has a high enough energy. This concept challenged traditional physics and set the stage for the development of quantum mechanics—the science that governs everything from smartphones to MRI machines today.

The “Miracle Year” of 1905

This wasn’t just any paper—1905 is known as Einstein’s “Annus Mirabilis” (Miracle Year) because, in just a few months, he published four groundbreaking papers:

  1. March 17 – His paper on the photoelectric effect, proving that light behaves as particles.
  2. May 11 – His paper on Brownian motion, helping prove that atoms exist.
  3. June 30 – His paper on special relativity, introducing the famous equation E = mc².
  4. September 27 – His paper on mass-energy equivalence, changing our understanding of physics forever.

These works reshaped modern science, and it all started with that first paper on March 17.

A Day for Shamrocks and Science

While St. Patrick’s Day is best known for celebrating Irish heritage, it turns out March 17 is also a day that changed the course of physics. So, as you raise a glass of green beer or wear your lucky shamrock, take a moment to appreciate that this date also marks the beginning of a scientific revolution.

Did you like this random fact on this day in history? Keep up with more historical facts on Que Onda Magazine.

St. Patrick’s Day in Houston: Where to Celebrate & Why We Wear Green

Indira Zaldivar
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St. Patrick’s Day in Houston: Where to Celebrate & Why We Wear Green

The Origin of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland, was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century. Kidnapped by Irish raiders at the age of 16, he was enslaved in Ireland but later escaped. After becoming a priest, he returned to Ireland as a missionary, credited with converting much of the country to Christianity. Legends claim he used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, which is why shamrocks are widely associated with the holiday.

The day of his death, March 17, became an annual feast day, and over the centuries, the observance transformed from a religious event into a cultural celebration. Today, cities worldwide—including Houston—embrace the holiday with festivals, parades, and plenty of Irish cheer.

Why Do We Wear Green? And What Happens If You Don’t?

Originally, blue was the color most associated with St. Patrick. However, over time, green became linked to the holiday due to Ireland’s lush landscapes, the shamrock, and its nickname, “The Emerald Isle.” During the Irish Rebellion of 1798, Irish soldiers wore green uniforms to stand out against the British redcoats, further solidifying green as the color of Irish pride.

The tradition of pinching those who don’t wear green stems from American folklore. It is said that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, mischievous fairy creatures who supposedly pinch anyone they can see. If you’re not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, you risk getting a playful pinch from friends (or unseen leprechauns)!

In Houston, the festivities are vibrant and diverse, offering numerous events and venues to celebrate. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Mo’s Irish Pub

On Monday, enjoy house-made cuisine, live music performances, including a concert by the Harris County Band, and a festive atmosphere. With multiple locations in the greater Houston area, it’s a convenient spot to join the festivities.

2. Celtic Celebration at Kemah Boardwalk

Immerse yourself in Celtic culture during the weekend of April 5th and 6th at the Kemah Boardwalk. The celebration includes live dance performances, vendors, beer, live music, and more, offering fun for all ages.

3. St. Patrick’s Day at 1886 Humble Backyard

Celebrate at 1886 Humble Backyard with live music, green beer, and traditional Irish fare on March 17th.

4. St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Griff’s Irish Pub

Griff’s Irish Pub is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Festival featuring live music, food vendors, and plenty of green beer on March 17th.

5. Lucky’s Pub St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Join the festivities at Lucky’s Pub with live music, multiple bars, and a festive atmosphere on March 17th.

6. St. Patrick’s Day at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

Enjoy live Irish music and traditional cuisine at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck on March 17th.

7. St. Patrick’s Day at The Rustic

Celebrate at The Rustic with live music, green beer, and a festive atmosphere on March 17th.

With such a variety of events and venues, Houston offers numerous opportunities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. Whether you’re seeking a lively parade, a traditional Irish pub experience, or a family-friendly festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Keep up with Houston’s diversity and cultural events with us on Que Onda Magazine.

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