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Harris County to Resume Normal Operations Tuesday Following Winter Weather

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Harris County officials announced that all county operations will return to normal on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as conditions improve after recent severe winter weather.

All county buildings are expected to reopen to the public, and departments will resume regular business hours after temporary service adjustments were put in place to ensure public and employee safety.

County Officials Thank Residents and Employees

Jesse Dickerman, Interim County Administrator for the Harris County Office of County Administration, expressed gratitude to both residents and county employees for their cooperation during the weather-related disruptions.

“Our first responders, essential personnel, and Commissioners Court offices worked around the clock to support the community,” Dickerman said. “County employees across departments showed flexibility and professionalism to maintain continuity of services during challenging conditions.”

Some Facilities May Reopen Gradually

While most services will return to normal schedules, some county parks and community centers may continue operating on modified hours as reopening efforts are completed. Residents are encouraged to check individual department, park, and precinct websites for the latest updates before visiting.

Ongoing Safety and Preparedness Efforts

County leadership emphasized that safety remains a top priority as operations resume. Departments will continue coordinating to ensure services are delivered efficiently and safely.

For updated information on county services, emergency preparedness, and community resources, residents can visit ReadyHarris.org.

For more county and city alerts, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Lifetime Alcohol Use Linked to Higher Colorectal Cancer Risk, Study Finds

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A new study published in the journal Cancer has found that long-term alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer, with consistent heavy drinking posing a much greater danger than previously understood.

Heavy Drinking Shows Strongest Risk

Researchers followed more than 88,000 adults with no prior cancer history for nearly a decade. Participants tracked their alcohol use from early adulthood, allowing scientists to analyze long-term patterns rather than short-term habits.

Those who drank heavily throughout their lives had up to a 91% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared with people who drank very little. Even people who averaged more than 14 drinks per week faced a 25% higher risk, with rectal cancer risk nearly doubling in that group.

Why Long-Term Exposure Matters

Doctors say prolonged alcohol exposure damages the colon and rectum over time, interfering with the body’s ability to repair tissue — a key pathway to cancer development.

“The longer someone drinks, the longer their colon and rectum are exposed to damage and impaired repair,” said Dr. Lynn M. O’Connor, a colon and rectal surgery specialist in New York.

Rectal Cancer Raises Special Concern

The study found particularly strong links between alcohol and rectal cancer, a form of the disease that is often harder to treat and more complex clinically.

With colorectal cancers already rising in younger adults, physicians warn that these findings are especially concerning as drinking patterns increase among younger populations.

Quitting Alcohol May Lower Risk

Researchers also found encouraging news: people who stopped drinking showed lower odds of developing precancerous polyps compared to light drinkers, suggesting the body can recover when risk factors are reduced.

“These are modifiable risks,” said Dr. Jeffrey Farma of Fox Chase Cancer Center. “The choices people make over time matter, and the body can respond when those risks are reduced.”

Screening Remains Critical

Health experts emphasize that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early, yet fewer than 70% of eligible adults get screened.

U.S. guidelines recommend screening starting at age 45, using options such as stool tests, CT scans, or colonoscopies. Doctors say people with long-term heavy alcohol use may need earlier or more frequent screening, especially if symptoms like bleeding or persistent bowel changes appear.

“Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers we can actually prevent or catch early,” said Dr. Fola May of UCLA. “But only if people get screened.”

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

Minute-by-Minute Timeline of the Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti

ABC News has compiled a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, based on five verified witness videos recorded in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday morning.

Videos Raise Questions About Official Account

Federal officials initially claimed Pretti approached Border Patrol officers armed and intent on harming law enforcement. However, video evidence reviewed by ABC News appears to contradict that narrative, showing Pretti recording officers with his phone moments before the confrontation escalated.

Former acting DHS undersecretary and ABC News contributor John Cohen said the footage does not support claims that Pretti posed an immediate threat prior to the use of force.

Initial Encounter Begins With Recording

At 8:58:11 a.m., more than three minutes before any shots were fired, Pretti is seen holding up his phone toward a federal officer on Nicollet Avenue, apparently recording an immigration detention nearby. A second officer carrying pepper spray approaches him seconds later.

Over the next minute, Pretti continues filming as officers detain another individual. One officer appears to push Pretti toward the sidewalk as tensions rise.

Escalation and Use of Pepper Spray

By 9:00 a.m., multiple civilians are involved, and officers are seen shouting commands. At 9:00:50 a.m., an officer deploys pepper spray on Pretti. Video shows Pretti raising a hand, which Cohen says appears to be an attempt to signal he was not a threat.

Moments later, Pretti stumbles and appears to grab another person to steady himself after being sprayed. An officer then pulls him into the street by the hood of his coat.

Struggle in the Street

At 9:01:02 a.m., at least three officers are seen holding Pretti down while others surround him. Witnesses can be heard shouting accusations of police brutality, with one woman screaming that officers were kicking Pretti in the face.

An officer is captured on video repeatedly striking Pretti as he lies pinned on the ground.

Gun Removed and Shots Fired

At 9:01:12 a.m., one officer draws a handgun. Seconds later, another officer appears to remove a firearm from Pretti’s waist — a weapon federal officials say belonged to Pretti.

Despite this, the first shot is fired at 9:01:14 a.m. Within one second, three more shots follow. Pretti appears to go limp. Six additional shots are fired within the next three seconds as officers step back from his body.

Aftermath and Forensic Findings

Nearly 30 seconds after the first shot, an officer approaches Pretti. According to a sworn affidavit from a doctor at the scene, Pretti sustained at least three gunshot wounds to his back, one to his upper chest, and a possible wound to his neck.

More than a minute later, an officer is heard repeatedly saying, “I got the gun,” as he walks toward other agents.

A forensic audio analysis conducted by Montana State University professor Robert Maher concluded that 10 shots were fired in less than five seconds.

Ongoing Scrutiny

The videos and timeline have intensified public scrutiny of the shooting and federal officials’ statements, as protests and calls for accountability continue across Minneapolis.

For more on Trump’s immigration enforcement, which has claimed several lives in violent operations and face public scrutiny, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

NBA Crowd Reacts After Tribute to Minneapolis Shooting Victim Alex Pretti

A tribute to Alex Pretti at Target Center sparked an emotional and controversial response from Minnesota Timberwolves fans, underscoring growing anger over recent federal enforcement actions in Minneapolis.

Moment of Silence Turns Into Protest

Ahead of Sunday’s game in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves honored Pretti with a moment of silence. Immediately afterward, the crowd erupted into loud, profane chants directed at ICE, reflecting deep frustration among fans over the federal presence in the city.

Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed Saturday morning by a Border Patrol officer. Homeland Security later claimed he posed a threat, though video circulating online shows Pretti on the ground, restrained by multiple people, in footage that has fueled public outrage.

Alex Pretti's death has led to further protests across Minneapolis

Federal Operation Under Scrutiny

Pretti’s death occurred amid ICE’s Operation Metro Surge, which began in December. Within a month, three people were shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, two of whom died. Local advocates have also reported sweeping arrests, regardless of immigration status, intensifying protests and community tensions.

A newly surfaced angle of Pretti’s shooting has further escalated criticism, revealing what witnesses describe as disturbing actions by a federal agent moments after the incident.

NBA Response and Game Postponement

In the wake of the shooting, the NBA postponed a scheduled matchup between the Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch delivered an emotional statement before the game, calling Pretti’s death “unconscionable” and saying playing basketball “didn’t feel like the right thing to do.”

“For the second time in less than three weeks, we’ve lost another beloved member of our community,” Finch said, adding that the organization stands with Minneapolis during a period of grief.

Voices From Around the League

While many NBA figures have remained quiet, Charles Barkley and Isaiah Thomas publicly criticized ICE’s actions. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, known for speaking out on social justice issues, supported the decision to postpone the game and expressed sorrow for the city.

“There’s a pall over Minneapolis,” Kerr said. “When the unrest settles, those families won’t be getting their loved ones back. That’s devastating.”

Ongoing Protests and Community Impact

Pretti’s death has prompted renewed protests across Minneapolis, with residents demanding accountability and transparency from federal authorities. As demonstrations continue, the reaction inside Target Center highlighted how deeply the incident has resonated—not just in the community, but across the sports world.

For more on Trump’s immigration crackdown which has claimed several lives now, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Woman in her 70s shot, killed in shootout with home invasion suspects, HPD says

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By Courtney Carpenter, ABC13 Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston police say a woman in her 70s was killed during a shootout with home invasion suspects early Monday morning.

The Houston Police Department says the shooting happened at a home on Lockwood near Cavalcade. HPD says they were called to the home around 1:50 a.m.

According to HPD, two masked suspects, one man and one woman, broke into the home.

Police say the homeowner, a woman in her late 70s, and the two suspects got into a gunfight.

HPD says both of the suspects were shot, and the older woman was killed.

So far, authorities have not revealed a motive or what the suspects were going after.

“The homeowner was an elderly, late 70s female. She exchanged gunfire with the suspects. She struck both suspects. They were transported to a local area hospital, where one is in critical condition. The other is stable,” HPD Lt. JP Horelica said.

HPD says other people were at the house when the shooting happened, but so far, they believe the shots fired back and forth were just between the suspects and the homeowner.

For more news updates, follow Courtney Carpenter on FacebookX and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

ABC13 Weather Alert: Hard freeze, dangerously cold conditions Monday for Houston

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re done with the wintry precipitation but not the winter weather. Dangerously cold conditions will lead to a hard freeze Monday morning.

An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect for all of Southeast Texas until noon Tuesday. Temperatures will fall well below freezing by sunrise on Monday. The daily record low temperature for January 26th is 23 degrees, which will be challenged Monday morning with a forecast low of 21 degrees for Houston. Factor in the gusty northerly breeze and we’ll have wind chill values in the single digits.

Conditions this cold can pose a risk to your health and lead to frostbite or hypothermia if proper precautions aren’t taken. Thankfully will see more sunshine on Monday helping us warm into the mid-upper 30s. But that’s still pretty cold for Southeast Texas standards, especially seeing that the normal high temperatures for late January is in the mid 60s.

Is this is a dangerous, pipe-bursting type of cold?

Yes. We expect temperatures to drop into the teens and low 20s on Sunday night and Monday morning everywhere except around Galveston Island. That’s when you’ll need to make sure your interior pipes are adequately insulated and protected from the cold. The wind will still be blowing, so wind chill factors will drop into the single digits and teens Monday morning, and some places northwest of Houston could have wind chills below zero. The National Weather Service has placed all of Southeast Texas under an Extreme Cold Warning during this timeframe. It’s important that all people, pets, and livestock are protected from the cold to avoid hypothermia.

What about any ice?

For areas that picked up ice accumulations from freezing rain and sleet Saturday night, those icy surfaces could last into Monday morning. This will be mainly north and west of Harris County. Additionally, if trees and powerline near you still have ice on them, the combination of the breeze tonight and duration for having this kind of weight on the liens could lead to localized power outages Sunday night.

When will we be done with the freezing weather?

Temperatures should climb above freezing on Monday afternoon, but we expect another hard freeze on Monday night and Tuesday morning. A light freeze is possible Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, especially north of Houston. Then we should be done with this round of arctic air.

I heard another arctic front is coming this weekend. Is that true?

We do predict another round of arctic air will arrive Friday. Our focus right now is on helping you get through our current winter storm, then we’ll spend more time nailing down the details of the next cold, wintry blast.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
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This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

GRAMMY-Nominated Folklorist Juan Díes Brings Corridos, Stories, and Songwriting to Houston

Houston audiences will have a rare opportunity to experience the power of the Mexican corrido tradition when GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Juan Díes presents two free events at MECA Downtown at the end of January.

On Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m., Díes will lead Stories and Corridos, an evening of music and storytelling performed in both Spanish and English. The program will feature classic corridos alongside newly composed songs that recount real-life Mexican and American tragic heroes. Known for blending scholarship with performance, Díes draws on more than 35 years of experience as a folklorist, ethnomusicologist, performer, and educator to bring these historical ballads to life.

Díes is a co-founder of the Chicago-based Sones de México Ensemble, which has earned both GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominations for its dedication to preserving and innovating traditional Mexican music. The evening is supported in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and MECA-Houston.

The experience continues on Friday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an intensive, hands-on Mexican Tragic Ballad Songwriting Workshop. During the five-hour session, participants will explore the 180-year-old corrido tradition, learning its history, structure, and poetic rules. By the end of the workshop, the group will collaboratively write an original song following the traditional tragic corrido form.

Both events take place at MECA DOW, 1900 Kane St., Houston, TX 77007, and are free to attend. Registration is required for the workshop.

Harris County to Close Public-Facing Services Monday Due to Winter Weather

Harris County officials announced that all public-facing county services will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026, due to anticipated impacts from severe winter weather. The closure is intended to protect the safety of residents and county employees.

County Buildings and Services

While county facilities will continue operating for internal functions, buildings will not be open to the public and in-person services will be unavailable throughout the day. County leadership says it is closely monitoring weather conditions in coordination with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Libraries, Courts, and Jury Duty

All Harris County Public Library locations will be closed Monday. Court operations will also be affected, with Harris County Jury Service canceled for the day, including proceedings at the Jury Assembly Building on Congress Street.

Residents summoned for jury duty are not required to appear on January 26. Empaneled jurors should contact their assigned court directly for guidance. Courts, including district, justice, juvenile, criminal, and probate courts, as well as the Juvenile Justice Center, will be closed.

Warming Centers and Resources

Information on warming centers, overnight shelters, and transportation assistance is being updated as conditions change. Residents can find the latest updates at ReadyHarris.org. Transportation assistance may be available by calling 311, though services may vary based on weather conditions.

Staying Informed

County officials urge residents to remain weather-aware and follow local advisories. Updates on county operations and safety preparedness are available through official Harris County communication channels and at ReadyHarris.org. Residents can also text FREEZE to 888777 to receive winter weather alerts.

For more important weather information and updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

METRO Gradually Restores Service as Conditions Improve

METRO is resuming transit service in phases as weather conditions across the Houston area continue to improve. Officials say safety remains the agency’s top priority as crews inspect roadways, tracks, and equipment in real time before fully restoring operations.

Phased Service Restart

Service is returning gradually throughout the morning and midday to ensure safe and reliable travel for riders.

HOV and HOT lanes are scheduled to reopen at approximately 9 a.m. METROLift, curb2curb, and Community Connector services are expected to begin around 11 a.m. Local bus service and the 500 Downtown Direct are planned to resume by noon, depending on roadway conditions.

Park & Ride service will remain suspended for the day.

Bus and Park & Ride Updates

Local bus routes will return as they are cleared for safe travel, with the goal of restoring full service by midday. Riders should anticipate possible delays or route adjustments while inspections continue.

Park & Ride routes will not operate Monday. METRO urges motorists using reopened HOV lanes to remain cautious, especially in areas with standing water.

Rail and Specialized Services

METRORail will operate on a weekend service schedule, with crews monitoring tracks, signals, and platforms throughout the day.

METROLift, curb2curb, and Community Connector services will prioritize trips to medical facilities and warming centers as recovery efforts continue.

Coordination and Rider Guidance

METRO is coordinating closely with the City of Houston and partner agencies to support essential travel needs. Riders are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check for updates through RideMETRO.org, the RideMETRO app, or METRO’s social media channels. Customer service is available at 713-635-4000.

For more METRO service updates and more important weather information, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County sued after early voting sites close amid winter storm during CD-18 runoff

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Harris County is facing an emergency lawsuit after closing all early voting locations for two days amid severe winter weather, disrupting voting in the runoff election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in state court, argues that the closures violated Texas election law by effectively shortening the early voting period for the special runoff election. The suit was brought by voting rights groups Houston Justice and Pure Justice and is being represented by the Texas Civil Rights Project.

County election officials shut down early voting locations Sunday and Monday as icy conditions and freezing temperatures made travel hazardous across the Houston area. Officials said the decision was made to protect the safety of voters and poll workers during the winter storm.

Plaintiffs argue the closures eliminated two of the final days of early voting, which state law requires to be consecutive and include extended hours in special elections. They are asking a judge to issue an emergency order restoring the lost voting time by extending early voting later in the week.

The runoff election will determine who fills the long-vacant seat in Congressional District 18, which covers much of Houston. The race is between Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards. Both candidates have publicly supported efforts to extend early voting following the weather disruptions.

Advocates say failing to restore the lost voting days could disenfranchise voters, particularly those with limited transportation or inflexible work schedules who rely on early voting.

Election Day for the runoff is scheduled for Saturday, January 31st.

Harris County has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit, and a court hearing on the emergency request is expected soon.