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Hayden Christensen Kicks Off Comicpalooza 2025 in Houston through Sunday

Darth Vader Has Landed

Comicpalooza 2025 officially blasted off Friday, June 20, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, with Star Wars icon Hayden Christensen making his much-anticipated appearance — and Que Onda Magazine was there to capture it all.

Fans of all things pop-culture still have time to attend the action-packed festival, which runs through Sunday, June 22.

Que Onda Magazine reporters at Comicpalooza pose with storm troopers after they guarded Darth Vader’s appearance before an enthusiastic crowd of “Star Wars” fans at George R. Brown on June 20.

Star-Studded Lineup Lights Up Houston

Christensen leads a stacked guest list that includes MythBusters host Adam Savage, actors Sosie Bacon, Patton Oswalt, Alicia Witt, and voice actor Sean Schemmel (best known as the voice of Goku in Dragon Ball). Attendees can also meet bestselling authors, pro wrestlers, and renowned comic creators throughout the weekend.

A Celebration of Fandoms

With panels, autograph sessions, cosplay, exclusive merch, and more, Comicpalooza continues to be Houston’s ultimate celebration of all things pop culture. Whether you’re into sci-fi, fantasy, horror, or comics, there’s something for every fan.

You Can Still Join the Fun

Comicpalooza runs through Sunday, June 22 — and it’s not too late to be part of it. Come out, meet your favorite stars, and join the excitement with thousands of fans. For schedules and tickets, head to comicpalooza.com.

For more on Comicpalooza and more fun things to do in Houston, Texas, check in with Que Onda Magazine.

Things to Do: Space Center Houston Honors 42 Years Since 1st American Woman in Space Today

Space Center Houston will celebrate Sally’s Night on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., marking the 42nd anniversary of Dr. Sally Ride’s groundbreaking spaceflight aboard NASA’s STS-7 mission.

Ride became the first American woman in space on June 18, 1983, forever changing the course of human spaceflight history.

A Tribute to Inclusion and Discovery

Guests are invited to reflect on Ride’s legacy and her message that “space is for everyone,” honoring her role as both a trailblazing woman and a gender-expansive individual in science. Her mission aboard the space shuttle Challenger remains one of NASA’s most celebrated milestones.

Houston’s ‘BeSomeone’ Artist Joins Celebration

Space Center Houston is partnering with the anonymous BeSomeone artist, known for the iconic graffiti over I-45, to create a live mural inspired by Ride’s message: “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity.” The artwork will reflect Houston’s vital role in space exploration.

Sally’s Night Schedule Highlights

  • 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Main Plaza):
    • EarthKAM Pop-up Lab
    • Sally Ride’s Timeline Tech Wall
    • BeSomeone Live Mural
  • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Main Plaza):
    • Sally Ride Special Artifacts
    • Kinetic Lights
  • 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. (Mission Briefing Center):
    • Astronaut Presentations
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. (Mission Briefing Center):
    • Screening of the National Geographic documentary “SALLY”, directed by Cristina Costantini

Event Location

Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058

For more information, visit the official event page: Sally’s Night – Space Center Houston.

For more information, visit Sally’s Night – Space Center Houston.  

Tornado Kills At Least 3 in North Dakota, Officials Confirm

Severe Storms Hit Rural Enderlin

At least three people were killed in North Dakota late Friday as severe weather, including a tornado, tore through rural parts of the state, officials confirmed.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded around 11:40 p.m. to reports of tornado damage near Enderlin. Upon arrival, they were informed by the Enderlin Fire Department that storm chasers had discovered two bodies at the scene.

Third Victim Discovered Nearby

Soon after, emergency crews were dispatched to another nearby location where a third person was found dead, also believed to be a tornado victim. Authorities reported significant damage in the area and began conducting wellness checks alongside other first responders.

Ongoing Investigation and Response

Law enforcement and emergency agencies are continuing search efforts and damage assessments. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing as they work to determine the full scope of the disaster.

Check in with Que Onda Magazine for more updates on this fatal natural disaster.

Columbia Activist Released After Over 3 Months in ICE Custody

Mahmoud Khalil Freed from Louisiana Detention

Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was released Friday evening from an ICE facility in Jena, Louisiana, after spending over three months in custody. Khalil, a lawful permanent U.S. resident, was arrested outside his Columbia University apartment in March.

His arrest came amid heightened scrutiny of pro-Palestinian student activism.

Judge Cites Lack of Risk

Federal Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered Khalil’s release on bail, stating Khalil is not a flight risk nor a threat to public safety. The judge also found that Khalil’s detention appeared to be a punitive response to his role in campus protests.

Legal Fight Continues

Though freed, Khalil’s legal battle is not over. An immigration judge reaffirmed a deportation order during Friday’s hearing, which Khalil’s legal team will appeal. The charge centers on allegedly incomplete information in Khalil’s green card application—an accusation his lawyers deny.

Columbia Protester Mahmoud Khalil released from immigration detention center -Screenshot courtesy: Matthew Hinton/AP

Government’s Position and Criticism

The Department of Homeland Security maintained that Khalil’s detention was legal. His attorneys argue the Trump-era arrest was politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent. Khalil was among the first student activists detained under policies critics say target free speech.

Family Reunification and Restrictions

Khalil’s release terms include surrendering his passport and limiting his travel to certain U.S. states. He is now allowed to return to New York, where he will reunite with his wife and their newborn son, born while Khalil was in custody.

Ongoing Advocacy

Despite the ordeal, Khalil’s supporters and legal team say he will continue advocating for Palestinian rights. “He’s a peace activist and he’s not going to stop,” said his attorney Baher Azmy.

Broader Implications

Khalil’s case has drawn national attention, highlighting concerns about due process, free speech, and the use of immigration law to penalize political activism. As the appeals process continues, his supporters remain hopeful for a final ruling in his favor.

For more on Khalil, stay tuned for more updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Hazy, hot Saturday ahead, but daily downpours return next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Saharan dust cloud is expected to start blowing into southeast Texas on Friday, dropping rain chances for the weekend and turning the sky hazy and gray. The hazy sky and dry weather will be short-lived as a stormy weather pattern returns next week.

Friday is the summer solstice, which brings us the most daylight of the year. The sun will rise around 6:21 a.m. and set around 8:24 p.m., resulting in a total of 14 hours, 3 minutes, and 31 seconds of daylight.

Temperatures on Friday morning will start off in the upper 70s. By noon, it will be around 90, and the afternoon high will peak in the mid-90s between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. There’s only a 20% chance of rain under a partly cloudy sky with southeast winds blowing at 10 to 15 mph.

How much rain should we expect to pick up?

About one to two inches are expected at this time. There could be some pockets with significantly higher amounts that lead to localized street flooding.

What’s happening in the tropics?

At this time, the Atlantic basin is filled with a Saharan dust cloud, limiting tropical development and bringing a slightly hazy sky to Southeast Texas. Meanwhile, another storm is threatening to form south of Mexico in the eastern Pacific. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Ohio Teen Soccer Star Deported Weeks After Graduation Amid Growing Outcry

Emerson Colindres Deported Without Family After ICE Check-In

Nineteen-year-old Emerson Colindres Baquedano, a recent high school graduate and standout soccer player in Cincinnati, was deported to Honduras on June 18—just two weeks after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in in Hamilton, Ohio.

Colindres, who had lived in the U.S. since the age of 8 and had no criminal record, was taken into custody on June 4 and held at Butler County Jail before reportedly being transferred to Louisiana. His family and supporters say they were not informed of his whereabouts until after his deportation.

His mother, Ada Bell Baquedano-Amador, and his sister—also under the same 2023 deportation order—remain in Cincinnati but were given 30 days to leave the country. “How is my son going to make it over there?” she told The Cincinnati Enquirer. “He doesn’t know anything, and the country where we come from is very insecure.”

Emerson Colindres loves playing soccer, and has now been deported to Honduras weeks after his high school graduation in the U.S.

Community Protests and Pleas for Mercy

The deportation sparked protests outside the jail where Emerson was held. Many of his classmates, teachers, and teammates from the Cincy Galaxy Soccer Club rallied, describing him as a role model and “one of the best kids” they’ve known.

Coach Bryan Williams, who accompanied Colindres to previous ICE check-ins, said the teen was handcuffed and taken away without explanation during his June 4 appointment. “Sadly, he’s not the only one,” Williams said. “There are a lot of Emersons in the same situation right now.”

Background on the Case

The Colindres family fled Honduras in 2014, seeking asylum from gang violence. Their request was eventually denied, and they were issued a final removal order in August 2023. Despite this, Emerson was placed under ICE’s Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), a Biden-era initiative meant to avoid detaining low-priority individuals.

However, changes under former President Donald Trump expanded ICE’s discretion to deport anyone with a final order of removal—regardless of criminal background. Critics say this shift has led to a rise in sudden detentions of people like Colindres, who had complied with all ICE requirements.

Calls for Reform and Compassion

Department of Homeland Security defended the deportation, stating that “those arrested had executable final orders” and that ISAP is designed to “ensure compliance.”

Yet for Colindres’s community, the legal explanation isn’t enough. Teammate Joshua Williams said, “He didn’t do anything wrong. They just took him away.” Preston Robinson, another teammate, added, “He had a dream to play college soccer. It was possible for him.”

As Emerson begins life in a country he hasn’t known since childhood, his friends, family, and coaches continue to call on federal officials to reconsider the human cost of current deportation practices.

Stay tuned to developments from this tragic story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Rep. Max Miller Claims Driver Waving Palestinian Flag Ran Him Off the Road

Ohio Congressman Cites Threat to His Family

U.S. Rep. Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, says he and his family were nearly run off the road in Rocky River by a driver waving a Palestinian flag. The congressman shared the claim on social media, calling it a targeted and dangerous act.

Incident Under Investigation

Miller stated he filed reports with both Capitol Police and local law enforcement. “We know who this person is and he will face justice,” he said.

Rising Political Violence Across the U.S.

The alleged incident follows a series of politically motivated attacks nationwide, including the fatal shooting of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and the critical injury of State Sen. John Hoffman.

Miller Denounces Anti-Semitism

“As a Marine, a proud Jewish American and a staunch defender of Israel, I will not hide in the face of this blatant anti-Semitic violence,” Miller said.

Calls for Civil Engagement

Addressing broader concerns, Miller urged constituents to seek dialogue rather than violence: “The appropriate thing to do is to reach out… What is not okay is to assault anyone.”

Unrelated Kidnapping Attempt in Memphis

In a separate case, Memphis police arrested Trenton Abston, 25, who allegedly attempted to kidnap the city’s mayor. Authorities found a Taser, gloves, rope, and duct tape in his vehicle. He remains in custody pending a court appearance.

For more updates on U.S. politicians, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Saharan haze is coming back, but rain chances climb again next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Saharan dust cloud is expected to start blowing into southeast Texas on Friday, dropping rain chances for the weekend and turning the sky hazy and gray. The hazy sky and dry weather will be short-lived as a stormy weather pattern returns next week.

Friday is the summer solstice, which brings us the most daylight of the year. The sun will rise around 6:21 a.m. and set around 8:24 p.m., resulting in a total of 14 hours, 3 minutes, and 31 seconds of daylight.

Temperatures on Friday morning will start off in the upper 70s. By noon, it will be around 90, and the afternoon high will peak in the mid-90s between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. There’s only a 20% chance of rain under a partly cloudy sky with southeast winds blowing at 10 to 15 mph.

What should we expect for the weekend?

It will feel like a typical summer weekend with highs in the mid-90s and lows in the upper 70s. The sky will also be hazy gray from Saharan dust, especially on Saturday. Rain chances both days are 20% or less.

How high will the rain chances go next week?

For now, we have a chance of rain at 40% Wednesday through Saturday, but there is room for those rain chances to climb. Tropical moisture will flow in around a major heat ridge over the northeastern part of the country. This type of pattern often produces funnel clouds and waterspouts in the morning near the coast. The showers and storms should also bring rain-cooled highs in the upper 80s for at least a couple of days.

What’s happening in the tropics?

At this time, the Atlantic basin is filled with a Saharan dust cloud, limiting tropical development and bringing a slightly hazy sky to Southeast Texas. Meanwhile, Hurricane Erick made landfall in Mexico as a major hurricane. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Things to Do: Space Center Houston Honors 42 Years Since 1st American Woman in Space

Space Center Houston will celebrate Sally’s Night on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., marking the 42nd anniversary of Dr. Sally Ride’s groundbreaking spaceflight aboard NASA’s STS-7 mission.

Ride became the first American woman in space on June 18, 1983, forever changing the course of human spaceflight history.

A Tribute to Inclusion and Discovery

Guests are invited to reflect on Ride’s legacy and her message that “space is for everyone,” honoring her role as both a trailblazing woman and a gender-expansive individual in science. Her mission aboard the space shuttle Challenger remains one of NASA’s most celebrated milestones.

Houston’s ‘BeSomeone’ Artist Joins Celebration

Space Center Houston is partnering with the anonymous BeSomeone artist, known for the iconic graffiti over I-45, to create a live mural inspired by Ride’s message: “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity.” The artwork will reflect Houston’s vital role in space exploration.

Sally’s Night Schedule Highlights

  • 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Main Plaza):
    • EarthKAM Pop-up Lab
    • Sally Ride’s Timeline Tech Wall
    • BeSomeone Live Mural
  • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Main Plaza):
    • Sally Ride Special Artifacts
    • Kinetic Lights
  • 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. (Mission Briefing Center):
    • Astronaut Presentations
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. (Mission Briefing Center):
    • Screening of the National Geographic documentary “SALLY”, directed by Cristina Costantini

Event Location

Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058

For more information, visit the official event page: Sally’s Night – Space Center Houston.

For more information, visit Sally’s Night – Space Center Houston.  

Chris Brown Appears in London Court Over Nightclub Assault Charge

Singer Faces Grievous Bodily Harm Allegation

R&B artist Chris Brown appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London to enter a plea in connection to an alleged assault that took place at a nightclub in February 2023.

The 36-year-old is accused of attacking Abraham Diaw with a bottle at Tape nightclub in Mayfair.

Court Appearance with Co-Defendant

Brown arrived in a dark blue suit, walking silently past photographers. He appeared alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, 38, for a plea and trial preparation hearing. Both are U.S. nationals.

Details of the Incident

According to Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Diaw was struck multiple times with a bottle at the bar, then chased and beaten in another section of the club. The altercation allegedly took place on February 19, 2023.

Arrest and Bail Conditions

Brown was arrested in Manchester on May 15 after flying into the UK on a private jet. He was released from prison on May 21 after paying a £5 million security fee as part of his conditional bail.

Continuing Tour Amid Legal Trouble

Despite the charges, Brown has continued performing, including a concert in Cardiff. Shortly after his release, he referenced his tour in an Instagram story, writing: “FROM THE CAGE TO THE STAGE!!! BREEZYBOWL.”

For more on this story, stay tuned for more updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.