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Houston’s MLK Unity Parade kicks off downtown Monday

Houston is preparing for a historic moment. For the first time in more than 30 years, the city will host one unified Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, bringing together traditions, communities, and cultures under a single vision of unity, justice, and inclusion.

Que Onda Magazine sat down for an exclusive interview with Alexa Davis, pastor, Hispanic community leader, and key organizer of the newly unified MLK Unity Parade, scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. in downtown Houston.

A Historic First for Houston

“For the first time ever in the city of Houston, it’s going to be just one parade,” Davis said. “Traditionally, there were two parades. But the mayor of this city, John Whitmire, along with my husband, City Councilmember Willie Davis, worked hard to make this a reality. It is one parade in unity.”

Who Is Alexa Davis?

Alexa Davis is a pastor, community servant, businesswoman, and doctoral candidate whose work bridges faith, education, and civic engagement.

“I’m a leader in the Hispanic community,” Davis shared.

“I have the honor of pastoring alongside my husband, Pastor and Councilmember Willie Davis. We love people, and that’s what we do—we serve the community.”

She holds a master’s degree in Christian leadership and is currently pursuing her doctorate at Houston Christian University. Before moving to Houston eight years ago, Davis worked more than 15 years in the financial sector and owned a call center, living between Florida, Washington, D.C., and Colombia.

“My background is rooted in faith,” she said. “I truly believe God has a purpose for everybody, and I believe this parade has a purpose for the Hispanic community.”

Why Unity Matters Now

The unification of the MLK Jr. Parade and the MLK Grande Parade marks a turning point for Houston.

“For 30 years, there were two parades,” Davis explained. “But Dr. King stood for unity. It didn’t make sense to stay divided.”

Asked how Dr. King’s legacy applies today, Davis answered with a familiar phrase:

“‘I have a dream.’ He had a dream, and I have a dream—to see America as one, regardless of race or color.”

Turning Words Into Action

Dr. King once said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish as fools.”

“The MLK Unity Parade brings that message into action,” Davis said. “It’s about showing up together—Black, Hispanic, White, Asian—and living that legacy, not just talking about it.”

A Call to the Hispanic Community

Davis encouraged Hispanic families, business owners, and youth to take part.

“This is the time to show who we are.”

Event Details

  • Date: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
  • Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Location: Downtown Houston
  • Route: The parade will take place near Houston City Hall. It is scheduled to start at the intersection of Lamar Street and Smith Street, and end at Dallas Street and Smith Street.

The parade will feature more than 300 entries, including bands, dancers, floats, and live performances.

“As a mother, I want my children to see this,” Davis said. “This is about legacy. This is about the next generation.”

A Final Message

“Let’s show the power of being together,” Davis said. “This is not just a dream anymore—it’s a reality.”

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

At Least 21 Killed in High-Speed Train Collision in Spain

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At least 21 people were killed and about 100 others were injured after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday night, officials said.

Derailment Near Adamuz

According to Spain’s interior minister, a train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed near the town of Adamuz and crossed onto an adjacent track, where it struck another train heading from Madrid to Huelva.

Injuries and Emergency Response

Officials said at least 25 of the injured suffered serious injuries. Rescue crews remain at the scene as emergency operations continue.

Rail Service Suspended

Train service between Madrid and the Andalusia region has been suspended while authorities respond to the crash and assess damage.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the derailment has not yet been released, and an investigation is ongoing.

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

Second suspect charged with capital murder in deadly Houston taco truck shooting, court docs show

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Court records show that a second suspect has been charged in the killing of a Houston taco truck operator.

Yaddua Barraza-Hernandez, 36, was shot and killed while working at a taco truck on West Dyna Drive on the night of Dec. 4.

Court records show that Oscar Armando Roland Menjevar, 20, is the second suspect charged in connection with Barraza-Hernandez’s shooting death.

Both Angel Adonis Saldivar-James and Menjevar are now charged with capital murder in Barraza-Hernandez’s death.

Both Saldivar-James and Menjevar have been in jail since December for murder and aggravated robbery, respectively, but the new capital murder charges, according to court documents, were filed on Friday.

Records indicate that before the new charges on Friday, Saldivar-James was the only person accused in Barraza-Hernandez’s killing.

According to the Houston Police Department, two men approached the business. One shot into the taco truck while the other took money. Police said family members discovered the scene after not hearing from Barraza-Hernandez, who had told them he was closing up.

Court documents allege that both suspects committed several crimes over seven days, including the homicide of Barraza-Hernandez.

Records show that both suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Rep. McCaul Warns U.S. Invasion of Greenland Could Trigger Conflict With NATO

Republican Rep. Michael McCaul said on Sunday that any U.S. military attempt to seize Greenland from Denmark would put the United States at odds with its NATO allies and could undermine the alliance itself.

Strategic Access, Not Invasion

McCaul, chair emeritus of both the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security committees, acknowledged Greenland’s strategic importance but noted that the U.S. already has a treaty granting “full military access” to the island to defend it if necessary — making a military invasion unnecessary and, in his view, dangerously counterproductive.

Turning NATO on Its Head

McCaul warned that using force to take Greenland would violate NATO’s core principle of collective defense. Under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, an armed attack against any member is considered an attack against all — meaning a U.S. attack on Greenland, part of the Kingdom of Denmark and a NATO member through that relationship, could force alliance members into conflict with one another.

Diplomacy vs. Military Action

While McCaul said the U.S. could expand its military presence in Greenland through existing agreements, he stressed that an invasion would be a grave mistake.

“If he wants to purchase Greenland, that’s one thing,” McCaul said, “but for him to militarily invade would … press a war with NATO itself.”

Wider Tensions With Allies

The remarks come amid broader tensions over U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to gain control of Greenland — including threats of tariffs on European allies who oppose the idea — and strong pushback from Denmark and other NATO members who say the island is not for sale and should remain under its current governance.

For more on the U.S. proposed takeover of Greenland and rising international tensions, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Minneapolis Mayor Pushes Back on DOJ Probe Reports

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey defended himself and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz amid reports of a new Justice Department investigation, saying both officials have “done nothing wrong.”

‘Of Course We’ll Comply’

Speaking on ABC News’ This Week, Frey said his office has not received a subpoena but would cooperate fully if an investigation moves forward. He argued that speaking out on behalf of residents and defending constitutional rights is part of his job as mayor, not a crime.

Investigation Still Unconfirmed

ABC News reported that the DOJ is examining whether Frey and Walz obstructed federal law enforcement. Walz responded by accusing the administration of weaponizing the justice system, while Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that “no one is above the law.”

Tensions Over Federal Agents

The reported probe comes as tensions rise in Minnesota following a surge of federal immigration agents and protests after an ICE officer fatally shot Minneapolis resident Renee Good. Frey blamed the heavy federal presence for escalating tensions and reiterated calls for ICE to leave the city.

Calls to De-escalate

Republican Rep. Michael McCaul called investigations of political leaders “uncommon” and urged both sides to lower the rhetoric. The White House has not ruled out stronger federal action but said there is no current plan to invoke the Insurrection Act.

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

Green Day to Open Super Bowl 60 With MVP Tribute

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The NFL will mark the 60th anniversary of the Super Bowl with a hometown celebration led by Green Day, the league announced Sunday.

Hometown Band Sets the Stage

Green Day will open Super Bowl 60 with a live ceremony on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The performance will honor six decades of Super Bowl history by ushering generations of MVPs onto the field.

A Celebration of Legacy and Sound

Formed in the East Bay, the trio—Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool—is expected to perform a mix of their signature anthems as part of the tribute to the game’s most iconic players.

“We are super hyped to open Super Bowl 60 right in our backyard,” Armstrong said, calling it an honor to welcome the MVPs who helped shape the league.

Where to Watch

The opening ceremony will air live at 3 p.m. Pacific on NBC, Telemundo, Peacock and Universo.

Pregame Performances Announced

The ceremony will precede pregame performances, with Charlie Puth singing the national anthem, Brandi Carlile performing “America the Beautiful,” and Coco Jones delivering “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

For the latest on music and entertainment, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texans’ Front Four Power Houston’s Relentless Pass Rush

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Houston’s defensive line has become one of the NFL’s most disruptive units, a group coach DeMeco Ryans describes as “four Tasmanian devils” tearing through opposing offenses.

A Dominant Playoff Debut

The Texans showcased that dominance in a wild-card win over the Steelers, holding Pittsburgh to 175 total yards in a 30-6 victory. Houston recorded four sacks, forced two fumbles and scored twice on defense, including a strip sack by Will Anderson Jr. that Sheldon Rankins returned for a touchdown.

Built on Balance and Trust

The starting front—ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, with tackles Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai—anchors a unit that thrives on cohesion. Defensive line coach Rod Wright summed up the philosophy simply: “Four equals one,” emphasizing that success comes only when everyone does their job.

Star Power on the Edges

Anderson and Hunter are the headliners, combining for 27 sacks during the regular season. Their ability to win one-on-one matchups has made Houston dangerous without relying on blitzes, as 45 of the team’s 47 regular-season sacks came from defensive linemen.

Why Houston Rarely Blitzes

Ryans credits personnel over scheme, noting the Texans can rush four and still collapse the pocket. That approach has helped Houston rank among the league leaders in yards and points allowed while keeping coverage intact behind the rush.

A New Challenge Ahead

The Texans face a different test against the Patriots and mobile quarterback Drake Maye, but the message remains the same: stick to what works. Discipline, technique and execution—not drastic changes—are the focus as Houston looks to reach the AFC championship game for the first time in franchise history.

Learning From Each Other

Veteran Hunter and young star Anderson have formed a mutual mentorship, each pushing the other to maintain high standards. The result is a pass rush that blends experience, energy and relentless effort—one that continues to drive Houston’s postseason run.

For more on the Houston Texans, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Waking up to a light freeze with beautiful weather this afternoon

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s a freezing cold start for most of Southeast Texas, including officially at Bush airport. Despite the freezing start, it will be a wonderful day with sunny skies, light winds, and high temperatures quickly rebounding into the upper 50s in the afternoon.

How about the forecast for Foxborough Sunday for the AFC Divisional Matchup?

There’s a Winter Weather Advisory in effect Sunday in Foxborough. We could see light snow early, with heavier snow likely in the 2nd half. Around 1 to 2 inches of snow could fall in total during the Divisional game at Gillette Stadium Sunday and temperatures will hover near freezing too. Go Texans!

How long does the cooler weather stick around?

It will stay seasonally chilly through Tuesday, then warmer weather arrives the second half of next week along with a chance for rain.

How much rain are we expecting?

We’ve got a 60% chance for showers on Wednesday with rain developing ahead of a cold front. As of now, rain totals look to average around an inch for most of the region. It’s not much, but we’ll take it as Houston has only seen around an inch of rain this month when we typically see over tow inches by mid-January.

Any other freezes in the forecast?

Not as of right now. It’ll be pretty cold on Monday morning to start MLK Day with temperatures in the mid 30s, but no freezing conditions are expected. We are monitoring the chance for another strong cold front that could pass through Southeast Texas towards the end of the month that could bring a possible light freeze too.

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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This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Houston area leads Texas in first year of school voucher approvals

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The Houston area has emerged as the state’s leading region in the first year of Texas’ new school voucher program, with more private schools approved to participate than any other metro area, according to early state data.

More than 200 private schools in the Greater Houston region have been approved to accept funds through the state’s Education Freedom Account program, giving the area the largest share of participating schools statewide. Across Texas, roughly 775 private schools and prekindergarten providers have been approved so far.

The program, created by the Texas Legislature and signed into law in 2025, allows families to use state funds to pay for private school tuition and other education-related expenses. Most students are eligible for about $10,474 annually, while students with disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000. Homeschooling families can receive up to $2,000.

Private schools began applying for approval late last year, and families will be able to submit applications for funding beginning in early February. Funds are expected to be distributed starting July 1.

Education officials and analysts say Houston’s dominance reflects the region’s long-standing and diverse private school network, which includes faith-based schools, independent campuses and specialized programs that were already operating before the voucher law took effect.

Supporters of the program argue it gives families more flexibility and access to educational options, particularly in large urban areas like Houston. Critics warn the program could divert public funds from traditional public schools and raise questions about accountability and oversight for private institutions.

The rollout has become one of the most closely watched education policy shifts in Texas in decades, with Houston positioned at the center of its early implementation.

As applications from families begin and funds are distributed later this year, education leaders say the Houston region’s participation will likely play a significant role in shaping how the program evolves statewide.

Mitsubishi to acquire U.S. shale gas assets in $7.5B deal, expanding footprint near Gulf Coast

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Mitsubishi Corp. announced plans to acquire U.S. shale gas assets from Aethon Energy Management in a deal valued at about $7.5 billion, marking the Japanese conglomerate’s largest natural gas acquisition in the United States and a significant expansion of its presence in the Gulf Coast energy corridor.

The deal includes Aethon’s natural gas production and midstream infrastructure in the Haynesville shale, a major gas-producing region spanning East Texas and northern Louisiana. Mitsubishi said the transaction includes roughly $5.2 billion in equity and $2.3 billion in assumed debt.

The Haynesville formation is one of the most productive natural gas basins in the country and sits near pipelines supplying liquefied natural gas export terminals along the Texas and Louisiana coasts. Mitsubishi said the assets currently produce about 2.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, with capacity for future growth.

Company officials said the acquisition strengthens Mitsubishi’s ability to supply natural gas to both domestic markets and global customers through LNG exports. The company already has stakes in LNG infrastructure, power generation and energy marketing operations in North America, including Houston-based CIMA Energy.

“This investment enhances our integrated value chain from upstream production to downstream sales,” Mitsubishi said in a statement, citing rising global demand for natural gas driven by power generation, industrial growth and expanding data center usage.

The transaction represents a strategic shift for Mitsubishi, which has traditionally focused on energy trading and LNG marketing rather than direct ownership of U.S. upstream shale assets. Analysts say the move reflects growing interest among international energy companies in securing long-term access to U.S. natural gas supplies.

The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

For Houston and the broader Gulf Coast region, the deal reinforces the area’s role as a global energy hub, particularly as LNG exports continue to expand and international companies deepen their investment in U.S. energy infrastructure.