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Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, Texas’ Largest Space-Themed Holiday Show

Indira Zaldivar
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Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, Texas’ Largest Space-Themed Holiday Show

HOUSTON — Space Center Houston has once again transformed for the holidays into a cosmic celebration as Galaxy Lights returns now through Jan. 4, 2026. Now in its seventh year, the immersive light experience brings together space exploration, family tradition, and dazzling technology—this time with a brand-new presenting sponsor, Wellby Financial.

A New Partnership Lights the Way

This season marks the beginning of an expanded partnership between Space Center Houston and Wellby Financial, the Official Credit Union of Space Center Houston. The collaboration strengthens both organizations’ ties to the NASA Johnson Space Center community while elevating a beloved holiday experience.

“We’re thrilled to launch this season of Galaxy Lights with our presenting sponsor, Wellby Financial, where the season of giving meets purpose,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston.

Wellby Financial president and CEO Marty Pell said the partnership reflects Houston’s “spirit of exploration,” adding that Galaxy Lights celebrates both innovation and the city’s storied connection to space.

What to Expect at Galaxy Lights 2025

This year’s show blends holiday magic with NASA-inspired displays across Space Center Houston’s sprawling campus. Visitors can walk through a 200-foot LED tunnel, stand beneath a towering 30-foot Space Launch System rocket display, and snap photos beside Apollo-themed lantern installations.

Other crowd favorites return as well, including:

  • LED swings positioned beneath the historic 747 carrier aircraft at Independence Plaza
  • A crystal fireworks light show synchronized to an upbeat playlist
  • A 40-foot-tall, 100-foot-long shooting star installation
  • Daily screenings of the fan-favorite film “Holidays in Space”

A glowing replica of the lunar lander, illuminated for the season, is also among the standout pieces creating a dreamlike atmosphere for guests.

A Cozy Finale

Visitors can end the night around complimentary fire pits with hot cocoa and s’mores, or try Go for Launch, a new Starbase brew. The experience is designed for families, explorers, and space lovers of all ages.

Special Dates and Hours

Galaxy Lights Operating Hours:
Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Low Sensory Nights:
Nov. 20, 2025
Jan. 5, 2026
Designed for guests who prefer a calmer, less stimulating environment.

New Year’s Eve Hours:
Dec. 31, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Closed Dates:
Nov. 17–19
Nov. 27
Dec. 10
Dec. 24–25

Tickets

For admission prices and reservations, visit the official Galaxy Lights ticket page.

Inside Astros Light Up the Park: New downton Houston’s Holiday Attraction

Indira Zaldivar
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Inside Astros Light Up the Park: New downton Houston’s Holiday Attraction

Downtown Houston is glowing brighter than ever as City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic returns with eleven festive villages — and this year, one dazzling newcomer is stealing the show. Astros Light Up the Park, presented by Methodist and hosted at Daikin Park, transforms the home of the Houston Astros into a full-scale holiday lights experience perfect for families, fans, and anyone ready to step into the spirit of the season through Jan. 4, 2026.

A Holiday Home Run at Daikin Park

Astros Light Up the Park invites visitors to wander through 12 immersive light exhibits celebrating the ballclub and the city that loves them. From northern-lights-inspired tunnels to Houston landmark displays and baseball-themed wonderlands, every corner feels like a chapter in a sparkling Astros story.

The centerpiece is a winter scene complete with gentle snowfall swirling around a massive holiday tree built from oversized baseball ornaments — a whimsical twist that blends sports pride with seasonal magic. Interactive installations and photo-ready moments at every turn keep fans of all ages entertained. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Astros Foundation, extending the holiday cheer into the greater Houston community.

Eleven Villages, One Connected Holiday Adventure

While Astros Light Up the Park headlines the season’s festivities, the full City Lights experience offers a holiday playground stretching across Downtown. Visitors can explore:

  • Winter Wonderlawn at POST Houston, a rooftop winter escape glowing with thousands of lights and skyline views.
  • Tinsel Town at Market Square Park, filled with free family activities, Santa photos, and nightly entertainment.
  • Deck the Trees at Alley Theatre, where artist-designed holiday trees accompany the theater’s seasonal productions.
  • Jingle Town at Lynn Wyatt Square, blending live performances, cocoa, crafts, and pre-show fun.
  • City Hall-iday Lights, presenting the annual tree lighting celebration hosted by Mayor John Whitmire and Reliant.
  • Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis, a rooftop Texas-style winter wonderland with snowfall, music, and photo ops.
  • Ice @ Discovery Green, the city’s beloved outdoor ice rink with themed skate nights and a new custom light display.
  • Peppermint Plaza at the George R. Brown Convention Center, showcasing an artistic tree exhibition and live holiday performances.
  • Land of Sweets at Hilton Americas–Houston, dressed in sparkling lights and featuring a life-size Disneyland-themed chocolate installation.
  • Twinkle Town at Trebly Park, complete with a Candy Cane Tunnel, Texas’ largest mistletoe ball, pet photos with Santa, and hands-on holiday workshops.

Together, these villages turn Downtown Houston into a walkable winter escape, connected by METRORail’s festive Holiday Express, Park Once zones, and even new “Reindeer Rides” — complimentary electric vehicle shuttles on select nights.

A Season to Explore

With sights, sounds, flavors, and lights stretching across the city center, Houston’s holiday season promises an experience sweeter and brighter than ever. But for Astros fans and festive explorers alike, Astros Light Up the Park at Daikin Park is the must-see attraction that brings hometown magic to life — one glowing pitch at a time.

For more things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Holiday Travel Faces Storms and Fire Danger Nationwide

Indira Zaldivar
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Holiday Travel Faces Storms and Fire Danger Nationwide

One of the busiest holiday travel days of the season could be disrupted Friday as severe weather stretches from coast to coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds in the East, fire danger in the Rockies and lingering storms along the West Coast.

Rain and Wind in the Northeast

A powerful cross-country storm is moving into the Northeast, producing widespread rain and strong wind gusts. Areas from Washington, D.C., to Boston could see wet and windy conditions through the evening, while parts of Appalachia, New England and coastal Maine may experience the strongest gusts.

Lake-effect snow is also possible near the Great Lakes, raising the risk of airport delays. Conditions are expected to improve later Friday, with a milder weekend ahead aside from lingering snow and gusts near the lakes.

Extreme Fire Weather in the West

Dry, windy conditions are creating dangerous fire weather across parts of Colorado and Wyoming. The Denver area is under a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag Warning, with winds strong enough to rapidly spread fires.

Red Flag Warnings also extend into parts of the Texas Panhandle and Nebraska. Power outages remain a concern in Colorado, where tens of thousands are without electricity due to fire-related risks.

Storms Continue on the West Coast

Rain, wind and mountain snow will persist across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. Flood Watches remain in effect along coastal Oregon and Washington as rivers continue to rise.

Additional rounds of rain are expected through the weekend, with more wet and windy weather forecast for much of the West Coast around Christmas. Some mountain resorts have temporarily closed due to conditions but expect the storms to help build snowpack.

Calmer Weather Elsewhere

Outside the affected regions, much of the central and southern U.S. is expected to see milder and warmer conditions heading into the holiday week, offering some relief for travelers.

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

Trump Takes Economic Message on the Road Amid Low Approval

Que Onda Editorial
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Trump Takes Economic Message on the Road Amid Low Approval

President Donald Trump is bringing his economic agenda directly to voters as new polls show widespread dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy. He is set to deliver remarks Friday in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, continuing a series of public appearances focused on economic issues.

Polling Shows Voter Discontent

A new Quinnipiac University poll found nearly 6 in 10 registered voters disapprove of Trump’s economic performance, while 65% rate the economy as “not so good” or “poor.” The survey also shows most voters blame Trump more than former President Joe Biden for current economic conditions.

A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll found just 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, though that figure has ticked up slightly in recent weeks.

White House Pushes Back

Trump and Vice President JD Vance have defended the administration’s record by pointing to easing inflation and lower energy costs, while continuing to blame Biden-era policies for high prices. Vance said voters understand economic damage “is not going to be fixed in a week.”

The White House also cited better-than-expected inflation data and argued Trump was reelected largely because of voter frustration with the economy under Biden.

Experts See Messaging Challenges

Political analysts say voter frustration, including among working-class Republicans, reflects unmet expectations that prices would fall more quickly. Some strategists argue the administration has failed to sufficiently acknowledge cost-of-living pressures, while others warn that blaming a predecessor becomes less effective over time.

Will Travel Help?

Trump’s renewed travel schedule mirrors a traditional political strategy, but experts say speeches must clearly acknowledge economic pain and outline solutions to be effective. Some Republicans worry the message is getting muddled when Trump veers into grievances instead of focusing on the economy.

Whether taking the economic pitch directly to voters will improve public confidence remains uncertain as concerns over affordability continue to dominate voter sentiment.

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

New Details in Brown and MIT Shooting Investigation

Indira Zaldivar
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New Details in Brown and MIT Shooting Investigation

Authorities have released additional information on Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, the former Brown University graduate student accused of a deadly shooting at Brown and the killing of an MIT professor, following a dayslong manhunt across multiple states.

Manhunt Ends in New Hampshire

Police said Valente, 48, was found dead in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, after investigators tracked his movements using surveillance footage, license-plate reader technology and a detailed tip about a gray Nissan with Florida plates. Officials later confirmed he died by suicide.

Key Tip and Surveillance Breakthrough

A tipster alerted police to the vehicle Valente was driving, describing suspicious behavior. That information, combined with video evidence, led authorities to a Massachusetts car rental agency, where records and footage linked Valente to the vehicle and to images captured on the Brown campus on the day of the shooting.

Weapons and Evidence Recovered

Officials said Valente was found with a satchel containing two firearms. Evidence recovered from the rental car matched material found at the Providence crime scene. Financial records and video also confirmed the storage unit belonged to him.

Background and University Ties

Valente was identified as a Portuguese national whose last known address was in Miami. Brown University confirmed he was enrolled as a physics graduate student from fall 2000 to spring 2001 and had no affiliation with the university for more than 20 years. Authorities believe Valente and the slain MIT professor previously attended the same university in Lisbon, Portugal.

No Ongoing Threat

Police said Valente acted alone and there is no indication of additional planned attacks. Investigators have not identified a clear motive or any writings connected to the case. Forensic teams are continuing to analyze evidence, including firearms, ballistic data and DNA.

Campus Security Review

Brown University President Christina Paxson said the building where the shooting occurred was unlocked due to exams and that the university is reviewing its security procedures. Officials also reported that all six people who remained hospitalized have now been upgraded to stable condition.

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

DOJ Faces Deadline to Release Remaining Epstein Files

Edward Saenz
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DOJ Faces Deadline to Release Remaining Epstein Files

After years of legal disputes and widespread speculation, the U.S. Department of Justice is facing a Friday deadline to release the remaining investigative files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The release follows congressional action aimed at increasing transparency around one of the most scrutinized criminal cases in recent history.

Congress Orders Transparency

Last month, Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, directing the DOJ to make the remaining records public. The move came after backlash against the administration over earlier efforts to withhold the materials. The law allows the department to redact victims’ identities and withhold information that could jeopardize active investigations or prosecutions.

Reversal After Initial Refusal

In July, the Justice Department and FBI said no further Epstein files would be released, despite prior accusations from now-senior officials—made before joining the administration—that the government was shielding information. That stance shifted after the House passed the transparency bill, which was later approved by the Senate and signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Political Scrutiny Intensifies

The impending release has fueled speculation about the extent to which powerful figures appear in the files. Critics of Trump have questioned what the records may reveal about his past friendship with Epstein, which reportedly ended around 2004. Trump, meanwhile, has accused prominent Democrats of having ties to the disgraced financier and has framed the release as a path to exposing those connections.

Background on Epstein’s Crimes

Epstein owned multiple high-profile properties, including private islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands and homes in New York City, New Mexico, and Palm Beach, Florida. He was first investigated for allegedly luring underage girls to his Palm Beach estate, serving 13 months of an 18-month sentence after a controversial non-prosecution agreement.

In 2019, federal prosecutors in New York indicted Epstein on charges of sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of minor girls across several states. He died by suicide in a New York jail later that year while awaiting trial, leaving many questions unanswered—questions the forthcoming files are expected to further illuminate.

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

TikTok Signs Deal to Form New US Joint Venture

Indira Zaldivar
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0
TikTok Signs Deal to Form New US Joint Venture

TikTok has signed an agreement to create a new U.S.-based joint venture controlled primarily by American investors, marking a major step toward resolving the app’s long-running legal and political uncertainty in the United States.

Deal Aims to Prevent U.S. Ban

The agreement follows a law passed by Congress last year that requires TikTok to be banned nationwide unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests control of its U.S. operations. The new deal begins the process of complying with that requirement and keeping the platform available to its more than 170 million American users.

Ownership Structure Outlined

According to an internal memo from TikTok CEO Shou Chew, Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX will each own 15% of the new entity. ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake, while affiliates of existing ByteDance investors will hold the remaining 30.1%. MGX is based in the United Arab Emirates. Oracle and Silver Lake declined to comment on the agreement.

Timeline and Next Steps

Chew said the deal is not yet final and that “there’s more work to be done” ahead of a targeted closing date of Jan. 22, 2026. He described the agreement as a way to allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. while addressing government concerns.

Data Security and Governance

The memo states that the U.S. joint venture will be majority-owned by American investors and overseen by a seven-member board with a majority of U.S. directors. The new entity will be responsible for U.S. data protection, algorithm security, content moderation and software assurance.

Oracle will serve as the “trusted security partner,” tasked with auditing and validating compliance with national security requirements once the transaction is completed.

Privacy and Political Concerns

Privacy and free speech experts have raised concerns about the deal, noting Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison’s close ties to President Donald Trump and the Ellison family’s broader influence in media ownership. Critics warn the structure could raise new questions about independence and oversight, even as it addresses national security issues.

Algorithm Oversight

Under a previously announced framework deal between the U.S. and China, a copy of TikTok’s algorithm will be brought into the U.S. joint venture and overseen by Oracle. The arrangement is intended to comply with both U.S. and Chinese laws while safeguarding user data and platform operations.

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

Funeral service to be held for legendary Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward

ABC13 Houston
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Funeral service to be held for legendary Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houstonians are saying one final goodbye to legendary Anchor Emeritus Dave Ward on Friday, Dec 19.

Dave’s funeral service, open to the public, is at noon at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church at 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056.

ABC13 will carry the funeral live on television and our streaming platforms.

On Thursday, people paid their respects during a public visitation at George Lewis and Sons Funeral Directors.

ABC13 memorabilia, honoring Dave, was on display as those who knew him over this storied career came to honor him in person.

Dave died Saturday at the age of 86.

For more than 50 years, Dave was Houston’s anchorman. He began each newscast with his signature line, “Good evening, friends.” That’s how the legendary newsman felt about the viewers who shared his love for the city he was so proud to call his home.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Seasonal and sunny Friday ahead of major warmup for Christmas week

ABC13 Houston
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Seasonal and sunny Friday ahead of major warmup for Christmas week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s going to feel more like December again on Friday with morning lows in the 40s and afternoon highs in the 60s. This happens under a sunny sky with low humidity. Don’t get too used to it because a massive warmup is on the way starting this weekend.

What weather can we expect this weekend?

Saturday starts off cool in the upper 40s and low 50s, then the temperature rockets up toward 80 degrees on a strong southwest wind. We’ll get plenty of sunshine on Saturday, but Sunday brings the return of sea fog and higher humidity. Temperatures will only drop into the upper 60s for lows, then arm into the low 80s in the afternoon, very close to the record high of 82. There’s also a 30% chance of showers.

Is it still looking warm for Christmas week?

Yep. December’s version of a heat ridge will park it over Texas for the week of Christmas. This will push highs toward record levels in the low 80s just about every day of the week. Bah humbug!

Are there any more freezes in the forecast?

Not for awhile! We are looking at above average low temperatures all the way through Christmas Day…and beyond. It’s hard to get a freeze when lows only drop into the 60s. We do have a cold front penciled in for the closing days of 2025, but we likely have to wait until January for our next chance at a freeze.

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

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

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!

Harris County Wins Early Court Round Against Ken Paxton Over Immigrant Legal Aid

Edward Saenz
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Harris County Wins Early Court Round Against Ken Paxton Over Immigrant Legal Aid

A Texas judge on Tuesday dealt Attorney General Ken Paxton a legal setback by denying his attempt to immediately halt Harris County’s immigrant legal services program, a fight that marks another chapter in a high-profile dispute between the Republican state official and the county’s Democratic leadership.

District Judge Takasha Francis rejected Paxton’s request for a preliminary injunction against the Immigrant Legal Services Fund, which uses county tax dollars to support nonprofit organizations that provide legal representation to immigrants facing deportation. The decision allows the program to continue operating while the broader case moves forward.

“We’ll keep fighting,” Paxton’s office said in a statement announcing an appeal of the ruling, which county officials called a win for due process and public safety.

Paxton filed the lawsuit in November after the Harris County Commissioners Court voted in October to allocate about $1.3 million to renew contracts with five nonprofit groups that provide deportation defense services. He argued the program violates the Texas Constitution’s gift clause, which bars public entities from giving money to private individuals or organizations.

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee countered that the fund serves a clear public purpose by helping residents navigate complex immigration proceedings, reducing lengthy detentions and related costs. Menefee said in a news release that Paxton’s challenge was politically motivated and would harm immigrant communities.

“These programs were properly created by Harris County Commissioners Court for the benefit of Harris County and its residents,” the county wrote in a court response, noting the fund’s operation since 2020.

The judge also declined Harris County’s bid to dismiss the entire lawsuit, allowing the dispute to proceed toward a trial scheduled for December 2026.

Harris County, which includes Houston, is home to one of the nation’s largest immigrant populations. The Immigrant Legal Services Fund, established in 2020, sends county dollars to organizations including BakerRipley and the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services to assist immigrants who otherwise may lack legal counsel in deportation proceedings.

Paxton’s office has pursued similar challenges against local programs in other jurisdictions, and the case adds to ongoing tensions between state authorities and Democratic-led counties over immigration policy and fiscal authority.

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