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Texas 988 Hotline Stretched After LGBTQ+ Option Is Eliminated

Texas crisis centers are under growing strain following the removal of the LGBTQ+ youth option from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a change that coincides with rising call volumes and unstable funding.

Loss of Targeted Support

The Trump administration ended the “Press 3” option last summer, which had connected LGBTQ+ youth to specially trained counselors, arguing the program was too costly and that services should be unified. Advocates say the move erased a trusted entry point for a group with a higher risk of suicide.

Calls Rise as Resources Shrink

Since 2022, the LGBTQ+ subnetwork handled nearly 1.3 million contacts nationwide. In Texas, monthly calls to 988 have climbed sharply, topping 25,000 in December 2025, reports the Texas Tribune. Crisis centers, already facing millions in funding shortfalls, must now handle calls previously routed to specialized networks.

Funding at Risk

Texas’ 988 system depends largely on federal grants, with key funding set to expire later this year. Although lawmakers created a state trust fund in 2025, no money has been allocated, leaving the hotline’s future uncertain.

Advocates Warn of Consequences

Mental health leaders caution that removing tailored services places additional pressure on overburdened counselors and could leave vulnerable youth without the support that once helped them through moments of crisis.

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

ABC13 Weather Alert: Winter Storm Watch issued for Houston, most of Southeast Texas this weekend

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) —  A winter storm is coming to Texas, and the National Weather Service still has most of Southeast Texas under a Winter Storm Watch from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday for the possibility of freezing rain. Additionally, an Extreme Cold Watch is also in effect Saturday through Monday as an arctic airmass will move in, leading to a hard freeze and the chance for single-digit wind chills Monday morning. Our ABC13 Weather Alert starts Saturday night and runs through Monday morning for the threat of ice and bitterly cold conditions.

We’ve got one more day of mild temperatures and mostly dry weather to prepare for this winter blast. Another round of dense fog is possible Friday morning, especially near the coast. Temperatures will basically hover in the 60s all day under a mainly cloudy sky. There is a 30% chance of mainly light showers.

The cold front arrives late Friday, but the arctic air will hold off until late Saturday when the wind turns more from the northwest. While we should have no frozen precipitation in Southeast Texas on Friday, the winter storm will start cranking up in the northern parts of the state with freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

What are the details on these weather alerts for the weekend?

The Winter Storm Watch includes all of our local counties at this time except for Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda, Jackson, and Calhoun Counties. Between one-tenth and three-tenths of an inch of ice are possible, with the higher end of that range expected north of Houston. Power outages, tree damage, and travel hazards are possible due to the icy conditions. Our ABC13 Weather Alert Days remain in effect Saturday night through Monday morning as the arctic front and winter storm bring the potential for freezing rain over the weekend. Then a hard freeze is coming for nearly all of Southeast Texas Monday morning and possibly again on Tuesday morning.

What should I be preparing for with the winter storm this weekend?

You need to be prepared to stay warm, stay put, and to possibly go without power should you receive a high amount of freezing rain. The freeze line now looks like it will stay just north of Southeast Texas most of Saturday, then blow through Saturday night. That means most of Saturday will be cold and rainy with nothing freezing except for in northern parts of Trinity, Polk, Walker, and Grimes Counties. That is likely to change after sunset Saturday, with freezing rain spreading south toward the Texas coast. Where freezing rain accumulations occur, it could lead to significant travel and power disruptions as ice accretes on bridges, elevated roadways, powerlines, and tree branches. Some parts of Southeast Texas north of I-10 could spend more than 48 hours below freezing as a result. These more significant impacts are more likely the farther north and west you go from Houston.

Why are we expecting freezing rain instead of snow?

The arctic air is expected to be shallow, meaning the layer of freezing air will not be thick enough to support snow. Instead, if we get anything frozen at all, it would likely be in the form of freezing rain or sleet (ice pellets). There is a brief window late Sunday when it will be cold enough to snow, but by then most of the precipitation is over.

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. The National Weather Service has placed all of Southeast Texas under an Extreme Cold Watch during this timeframe. It’s important that all people, pets, and livestock are protected from the cold to avoid hypothermia.

When will we be done with the freezing weather?

Temperatures should climb above freezing on Monday, 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.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

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Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Mother of Fallen British Soldier Slams Trump’s Afghanistan Claims

The mother of a British soldier killed in Afghanistan has condemned Donald Trump after he claimed UK troops stayed “a little off the front lines” during the war.

Comments Spark Anger in the UK

Trump’s remarks to Fox News prompted backlash from British politicians, veterans and bereaved families, who said his comments dismissed the sacrifices made by UK forces.

Pte Gregg Stone, 20, was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2012

A Son Killed in Combat

Angie Moore’s son, Private Gregg Stone of The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in Helmand province in June 2012 while on a mission to rescue an Afghan police officer kidnapped by the Taliban. The 20-year-old was one of 457 British service members who died during the conflict.

Moore said the comments reopened the trauma of losing her son and were deeply disrespectful to families of the fallen.

UK Role Reaffirmed

British troops joined the war after the 9/11 attacks and were heavily involved in frontline combat, particularly in Helmand. UK officials said Trump was wrong to suggest NATO allies avoided fighting and emphasized the sacrifices made by British forces.

For more international headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Braces for Arctic Blast as Officials Assure Preparedness

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Nearly five years after Winter Storm Uri devastated Texas, state and local officials say they are better prepared as another round of severe winter weather bears down on much of the state. An arctic blast is expected to arrive Friday, bringing dangerously cold temperatures along with the potential for snow, sleet and freezing rain through early next week.

Disaster Declaration and Weather Outlook

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that he issued a disaster declaration for more than 130 counties. He said the northern two-thirds of Texas — stretching from the Panhandle to areas as far south as San Antonio — is expected to see the worst conditions.

Abbott emphasized that while the storm is not expected to rival the scale of Winter Storm Uri, Texans should still take it seriously. Officials do not anticipate widespread power outages, though localized outages remain possible if ice or falling tree branches damage power lines.

State and Local Preparations Underway

State agencies have ramped up preparations, including coordinating with local governments on warming centers and monitoring water and wastewater systems. Firefighters, state troopers and National Guard teams have been positioned across the state.

The Texas Department of Transportation began treating roadways earlier this week to prevent ice buildup. TxDOT officials said the agency will operate at peak capacity with about 5,000 personnel and hundreds of vehicles statewide.

Law enforcement leaders urged residents to stay off roads if possible during the worst conditions. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard are prepared to respond to crashes, assist stranded motorists, and deliver food and water if needed.

Is the Power Grid Ready?

Concerns about the electrical grid loom whenever Texas faces extreme weather. Officials and energy experts say the grid is in stronger shape than it was in 2021. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vargas said the agency does not expect reliability issues and projects enough power to meet demand through the weekend.

Experts point to increased generation capacity — particularly from solar, wind and battery storage — as well as stricter weatherization requirements for natural gas facilities enacted after Uri. State regulators inspected more than 7,400 natural gas facilities last year, and Abbott said Texas has ample natural gas supply.

Utilities, Cities Prepare for Ice Risks

Even with improved grid conditions, ice remains a major threat to power lines. Utilities across the state say crews are on standby to restore service quickly. Recent investments in stronger poles and expanded vegetation management aim to reduce outages, though officials acknowledge ice-related damage is difficult to prevent entirely.

Cities are also preparing warming centers. Dallas officials plan to open facilities at Fair Park for people experiencing homelessness and, if needed, additional sites with backup generators — a major upgrade since Uri.

While officials remain cautious, many say current forecasts fall short of a worst-case scenario, and they continue to monitor conditions closely as the storm approaches.

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

Ms. Rachel Faces Backlash Over Antisemitic Instagram Interaction

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Children’s entertainer Rachel Accurso, widely known as Ms. Rachel, is facing public criticism after screenshots circulated online appearing to show her Instagram account liking an antisemitic comment that read, “Free America from the Jews.”

The comment was posted beneath a now-deleted Instagram post from Accurso that expressed support for several countries, including Palestine, Sudan, Congo and Iran, according to reports.

Screenshots Spark Condemnation

Images of the comment and the apparent “like” spread quickly across X and other platforms, prompting condemnation from Jewish advocacy groups and concern from parents and educators who follow Accurso’s work.

The backlash intensified scrutiny of Accurso, whose brand is closely associated with young children and families.

Accurso Denies Intent, Calls It an Accident

In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Accurso denied endorsing antisemitism and said the interaction was unintentional.

“I thought I deleted a comment and I accidentally hit ‘like,’” she said, adding that the mistake reflected how easy it is to err online. Accurso also joked about struggling with technology, saying she is “not that good at touching things online.”

Her representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Additional Screenshots Fuel Criticism

Further controversy followed after screenshots emerged showing an account claiming the comment may have been self-posted. Accurso responded with a brief comment that critics said echoed antisemitic conspiracy tropes, further intensifying backlash.

Advocacy Groups Push Back

HonestReporting, a media watchdog focused on anti-Israel bias, rejected Accurso’s explanation, arguing the incident aligned with what it described as a broader pattern of engaging with or amplifying antisemitic narratives.

StopAntisemitism.org has also previously criticized Accurso, including over her past amplification of Gaza-based photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, who has been accused of praising Hamas and making antisemitic statements.

A Beloved Brand Under Scrutiny

Accurso, a former preschool teacher, rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic with educational sing-along videos aimed at supporting early language development. She now has millions of followers across Instagram and YouTube and has expanded her reach through a partnership with Netflix.

Given her enormous audience of young children, parents and media analysts say Accurso faces heightened expectations around her online conduct, with critics arguing that children’s entertainers are held to a different standard than creators with adult-focused audiences.

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

Jack Smith Says Trump Caused Jan. 6 Capitol Attack

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Former special counsel Jack Smith told the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee on Thursday that President Donald Trump was responsible for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, delivering his most direct public assessment of Trump’s actions to date.

“Our investigation revealed that Donald Trump is the person who caused Jan. 6,” Smith testified, adding that the violence was foreseeable and that Trump sought to exploit it to remain in power.

First Public Testimony on Trump Probes

Smith, who led investigations into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents, testified publicly for the first time about his work. Trump pleaded not guilty in both cases, which were later dropped following his reelection under Justice Department policy barring prosecution of a sitting president.

Smith said his decisions were based solely on facts and law, not politics, and emphasized that many key witnesses were Republicans who supported Trump but testified truthfully despite personal and professional costs.

Election Interference Findings

According to Smith, Trump was not seeking legitimate answers about alleged election fraud but was instead “looking for ways to stay in power.” He said Trump rejected information that contradicted that goal, including statements from state officials who told him his claims were false.

Smith also defended his office’s use of phone toll records for some members of Congress, calling it a routine step in investigating a conspiracy to block the peaceful transfer of power.

Classified Documents Allegations

In his opening remarks, Smith reiterated allegations that Trump illegally retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving office and obstructed efforts to recover them. He said sensitive national security materials were improperly stored in unsecured locations, including a ballroom and bathroom.

Smith stated that the evidence supported prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt and that he would make the same decision regardless of a defendant’s political party.

Clashes With Lawmakers

Republicans on the committee sharply criticized Smith, with Chairman Jim Jordan calling the investigations partisan. Rep. Troy Nehls argued that responsibility for Jan. 6 lay with Capitol leadership, not Trump.

Democrats defended Smith’s work. Rep. Jamie Raskin said the former special counsel demonstrated that Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the election, while Rep. Eric Swalwell accused Republicans of ignoring the historical record.

Rule of Law Warning

Smith closed by warning against political retaliation toward prosecutors and investigators, stressing that the rule of law depends on a collective willingness to uphold it, even when doing so comes at a cost.

For the latest news on politics, tune in to Que Onda Magazine daily.

US Completes Withdrawal From World Health Organization

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The United States has officially exited the World Health Organization, completing a yearlong withdrawal process initiated by President Donald Trump through an executive order signed last year, the administration announced Thursday.

The decision was confirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of State, marking a major shift in U.S. involvement in global public health efforts.

Administration Criticizes WHO’s Role and Leadership

A senior HHS official said the WHO had “strayed from its core mission” and repeatedly acted against U.S. interests, with much of the criticism centered on the agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The administration argued the WHO delayed declaring COVID-19 a global health emergency and unfairly criticized U.S. policies, including early travel restrictions. Officials also pointed to what they described as unequal financial contributions from member nations and noted that the WHO has never had an American director-general despite significant U.S. funding.

Public Health Experts Warn of Consequences

Health experts have pushed back strongly, warning that the withdrawal could weaken the nation’s ability to respond to future health threats.

Ronald Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, called the move “shortsighted and misguided,” emphasizing that global coordination is essential to monitor emerging diseases such as Ebola and to track seasonal flu strains. He warned that leaving the WHO could also disrupt efforts to properly match flu vaccines to circulating variants.

“Global cooperation is not a luxury; it is a biological necessity,” Nahass said.

U.S. Plans to Rely on Bilateral Efforts

Administration officials said the U.S. will continue to play a leading role in global health through other channels. HHS currently has more than 2,000 staff members working in 63 countries and maintains bilateral agreements with hundreds of nations.

Officials said alternative plans are in place to handle disease surveillance, diagnostics and outbreak response without WHO involvement.

Outstanding Dues and Next Steps

Under United Nations rules, countries must give one year’s notice and settle outstanding dues to leave the WHO. While the U.S. met the notice requirement, it currently owes more than $270 million for the 2024–2025 period, according to the U.N. The administration disputes that it is legally required to pay the balance.

The WHO said the U.S. withdrawal will be addressed at its upcoming Executive Board meeting in early February. The Trump administration has said there are no plans to rejoin the organization or participate as an observer.

For more health-related news and recommendations, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Here’s how to stay warm and safe in Houston during this weekend’s winter storm

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — This weekend’s winter storm is on everyone’s mind as government officials, utility companies, and residents prepare for the potential of freezing rain and sleet.

Many will stay in their homes as severe weather moves across southeast Texas, and those who need them will seek shelter at warming centers throughout the Houston area.

Below are some helpful tips for weathering the storm safely.

Staying safe inside your home

Officials say people should stay indoors during a winter storm. But home heating systems running for hours can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as the deadly fumes can be produced by furnaces, stoves, and heaters, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Carbon monoxide can also be created when people use portable generators or run cars in their garages to stay warm or charge their phones.

Dr. Alex Harding, assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said that because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, people won’t necessarily be aware of it.

“The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be really insidious. They can sneak up on patients and can range from just developing a headache or maybe a little bit of nausea to all the way to losing consciousness and seizures,” he said.

Dealing with hypothermia

Cold weather can be dangerous or deadly due to unsafe exposure to the elements.

The cold temperatures could catch people off guard in parts of the country that earlier might have largely experienced a mild winter.

“Really cold temperatures and winds can make temperatures feel a lot colder, and the result of that could be cold air that could eventually lead to frostbite at a much faster rate or hypothermia at a much faster rate than normal,” said Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine.

Prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures can put people at risk of hypothermia, a condition that happens when one’s body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

“Hypothermia is definitely one of the bigger concerns, especially if we do have any kind of certainty in like power grids or electricity failing,” Harding said.

The danger of hypothermia is greater for someone outside, exposed to wind gusts, and not wearing appropriate clothing, or for someone whose clothing gets wet.

“If they have a safe place that’s warm, where they can hunker down, where they have water and food and all those kinds of necessities … then that’s going to limit their exposure to those risks,” Harding said.

But vulnerable populations like people with disabilities or homeless individuals can have problems finding a warm and safe place to stay.

Warming centers throughout the Houston area

Below is a list of warming centers throughout the Houston area, including unincorporated parts of Harris County.

Harris County Precinct Four

Bayland Community Center, open 24 hours starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday
6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074

City of Houston

Officials said these shelters open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, but the exact operating hours may vary by location.

Acres Homes MSC
6719 West Montgomery Road, 77091

Denver Harbor MSC
6402 Market Street, 77007

Fifth Ward MSC
4014 Market Street, 77077

Fonde CC
110 Sabine Street, 77007

Kashmere MSC
4802 Lockwood Drive, 77026

Magnolia MSC
7037 Capitol Street, 77011

Metropolitan MSC
1475 West Gray Street, 77019

Moody MSC
3725 Fulton Street, 77009

Northeast MSC
9720 Spaulding Street, 77016

Southwest MSC
6400 High Star Drive, 77074

Sunnyside MSC
4410 Reed Road, 77051

Third Ward MSC
3611 Ennis Street, 77004

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

5-Year-Old Detained in Minnesota ICE Operation

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A 5-year-old boy was taken into federal custody alongside his father Tuesday in Minnesota, drawing sharp criticism from school officials who say the incident reflects intensified immigration enforcement in the state.

The child, Liam Conejo Ramos, was detained shortly after returning home from preschool while his father was in the driveway, according to officials at Liam’s school. The family has a pending asylum case and no active deportation order, the school said.

School Officials Describe Confrontation

In a statement, school officials said another adult in the home pleaded with agents to allow them to care for the child but was refused. Officials alleged that an agent removed the child from a running vehicle and instructed him to knock on the home’s door to check if anyone else was inside, describing the act as using a young child “as bait.”

Both the father and child remain in government custody, officials said.

DHS Disputes Account

The Department of Homeland Security rejected the school’s version of events, stating that ICE “did NOT target a child” and that the child was “abandoned” when his father fled on foot as agents attempted to make an arrest.

According to DHS, agents were executing a targeted operation to arrest Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, an Ecuadorian national, when he ran from officers. One agent stayed with the child to ensure his safety while others apprehended the father. DHS said parents are asked whether they wish to be detained with their children or designate a safe caregiver.

Pattern of Student Detentions Raises Alarm

School officials said Liam’s case is not isolated. They reported that three other students in the district have recently been detained by immigration authorities.

Two weeks earlier, a 10-year-old girl was detained with her mother while walking to school and later transferred to a Texas detention center. On Wednesday, a 17-year-old student was detained by what officials described as armed, masked agents.

Community Leaders Voice Concern

“Our children should not be afraid to come to school or wait at the bus stop,” said school board chair Mary Granlund. “Families should not fear dropping off or picking up their children from school.”

Others sound the alarm, accusing DHS of denying the constitutional right to see an attorney for those detained in federal custody.

For more on immigration enforcement, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Civil Rights Attorney Arrested After Church Protest in Minnesota

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A prominent civil rights attorney and at least one other protester were arrested following a disruption of a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, as tensions over federal immigration enforcement continue to escalate in the state.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday that Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested after protesters entered Cities Church during Sunday worship services. A second person, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, was also taken into custody, Bondi later confirmed.

Protest Targets ICE-Affiliated Pastor

The protest took place at Cities Church, where one of the pastors, David Easterwood, also serves as head of the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office. Demonstrators chanted slogans including “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referencing a 37-year-old mother of three fatally shot by an ICE officer earlier this month in Minneapolis.

Levy Armstrong has publicly called for Easterwood to resign, arguing that his leadership role within ICE creates a moral conflict with pastoral duties. She said federal officials were using intimidation to silence peaceful protest.

Justice Department Responds Swiftly

The Justice Department quickly opened a civil rights investigation into the church disruption. Bondi said the administration would not tolerate interference at places of worship, emphasizing that such actions cross legal and ethical boundaries.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Levy Armstrong faces a charge under a statute barring intimidation of individuals exercising protected rights. FBI Director Kash Patel said Allen is charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which also applies to houses of worship.

Political Backdrop and Vance Visit

The arrests come as Vice President JD Vance prepares to visit Minnesota amid heightened conflict between federal immigration authorities and local officials who oppose the crackdown. Speaking ahead of his visit, Vance said the protesters frightened children and warned that those responsible could face prison time.

Vance’s visit follows the killing of Renee Good on Jan. 7. Administration officials have said the ICE officer acted in self-defense, a conclusion that led the Justice Department to decline opening a civil rights investigation into her death.

Wider Enforcement and Legal Battles

Federal prosecutors have also subpoenaed the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and several local leaders as part of an investigation into whether Minnesota officials obstructed immigration enforcement.

Meanwhile, a federal appeals court has temporarily allowed agents to continue using crowd-control measures such as tear gas, after suspending a lower court ruling that restricted their use against protesters.

Growing Community Tensions

ICE and Border Patrol officials have defended their actions, saying enforcement efforts are necessary for public safety. Critics argue the administration’s aggressive response to protests contrasts sharply with its handling of civilian deaths linked to immigration enforcement, deepening mistrust across Minnesota communities.

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