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Governor Orders Guard to Prepare After ICE Shooting

Indira Zaldivar
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Governor Orders Guard to Prepare After ICE Shooting

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he has issued a warning order to prepare the National Guard following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent during federal operations in Minneapolis, while urging residents to protest peacefully.

Victim Identified, Accounts Disputed

The woman killed was identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis resident. Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey strongly disputed federal claims that the shooting was an act of self-defense, with Walz calling the death “preventable” and “unnecessary.”

Federal Officials Defend Agent’s Actions

The Department of Homeland Security said the ICE agent fired “defensive shots,” claiming Good attempted to run over officers with her vehicle. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump both said the agent acted lawfully in self-defense.

Protests Erupt Near Scene

The shooting sparked protests less than a mile from where George Floyd was killed in 2020. Law enforcement deployed tear gas and pepper spray as crowds gathered, and some protesters threw snowballs at officers.

City Leaders Push Back

Mayor Frey said video of the incident does not support claims of self-defense and accused ICE of reckless use of force, telling agents to leave Minneapolis. City officials said Good was not the target of any law enforcement action.

Investigation Underway

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, working with the FBI, is investigating the shooting. State officials said no formal request has been made yet to deploy the National Guard, but preparations are in place if needed.

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

Council Approves Stormwater Demolition Plan

Indira Zaldivar
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Council Approves Stormwater Demolition Plan

Houston City Council voted 9–7 to approve spending $30 million in stormwater funds to demolish abandoned and dangerous buildings that officials say interfere with drainage and contribute to flooding concerns across the city.

Debate Over Use of Funds

The proposal drew pushback from several council members and City Controller Chris Hollins, who questioned whether demolishing buildings is an appropriate use of stormwater funds. Councilmember Edward Pollard called the connection between building demolition and drainage maintenance “very far-fetched.”

City Defends Legal Authority

City attorneys told council the plan is legally sound, and Mayor John Whitmire defended the measure as a response to urgent neighborhood safety concerns. “People are pleading with us to demolish dangerous buildings,” Whitmire said during the meeting.

Thousands of Properties Under Review

The city has identified more than 300 properties already declared dangerous, while Houston Public Works maintains a list of over 2,000 properties that could qualify. Officials said the list will be reviewed and prioritized before final approvals are issued.

Supporters Cite Root Cause of Flooding Issues

Backers of the plan argue abandoned buildings often attract illegal dumping that clogs nearby drainage systems. Councilmember Amy Peck said demolition could reduce repeated maintenance costs by addressing the source of debris entering stormwater infrastructure.

Opposition Raises Legal Concerns

Councilmember Abbie Kamin, who voted against the measure, warned of potential legal challenges, pointing to past court rulings that restricted the use of flood mitigation funds for unrelated purposes. Despite those concerns, the city attorney’s office reaffirmed its conclusion that the funding use complies with the law.

Follow along with the weekly Houston City Council sessions with us on QueOndaMagazine.com

Teagan Croft & Milo Manheim Swing Into Disney’s Live-Action Tangled As Rapunzel And Flynn Rider

Michael Esparza
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Teagan Croft & Milo Manheim Swing Into Disney’s Live-Action Tangled As Rapunzel And Flynn Rider

Disney’s live-action Tangled has officially found its central duo, with Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim set to bring Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from animation into a new big-screen reimagining. Their casting signals a major step forward for one of Disney’s most requested modern remakes, as the studio turns its 2010 CG hit into a live-action musical adventure for a new generation.

Croft, known for her breakout role as Rachel Roth/Raven in DC’s Titans, brings a mix of vulnerability and quiet power that aligns closely with Rapunzel’s journey from isolated dreamer to determined heroine. Manheim, a familiar face to Disney fans from the Zombies franchise and his musical theater background, appears well positioned to match Flynn Rider’s signature roguish charm, wit, and physical comedy. Together, the pairing aims to recapture the snappy banter and emotional core that defined the original film’s beloved relationship between the lost princess and the reluctant thief.

The original 2010 animated Tangled helped usher in Disney’s modern musical era, blending fairy-tale romance, buddy-comedy energy, and memorable songs against the now-iconic lantern-lit skies. With the live-action version, Disney faces the challenge of preserving that tone while updating the story’s visual language, stunt work, and musical staging for a more grounded, tactile world. The casting of two relatively young but established genre performers suggests the studio is betting on chemistry and character-driven performances over pure marquee name recognition.

Behind the scenes, Croft and Manheim’s selection follows a lengthy search and months of speculation about who would inherit the roles originally voiced by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi. Fan discussion has been especially intense around Flynn Rider, where Manheim’s look and charisma have already sparked conversations about how closely he matches long-standing fancasts for the character. As more roles are filled and creative details emerge, attention will increasingly center on how the film approaches key sequences like Rapunzel’s tower escape and the lantern boat scene that became defining images of the animated classic.

With its leads now in place, the live-action Tangled stands at a pivotal moment, poised to test how well Disney can translate one of its most visually and musically stylized CG fairy tales into live action. For many viewers who grew up with the original, Croft and Manheim will become the new faces of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, carrying the weight of nostalgia while introducing the story to audiences discovering it for the first time.

For more movie and entertainment news, stay tuned with Que Onda Magazine.

Texas launches advanced nuclear energy office, invests $350 million in new technology

Edward Saenz
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Texas launches advanced nuclear energy office, invests $350 million in new technology

Texas has created a new state office dedicated to advancing nuclear energy development, part of a $350 million investment aimed at strengthening the state’s power grid and positioning Texas as a leader in next-generation nuclear technology.

The Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, established by lawmakers in 2025, operates under the governor’s office and is tasked with coordinating nuclear energy projects, supporting research and development, and helping companies navigate regulatory and permitting processes.

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Jarred Shaffer as the office’s director, charging him with building partnerships among universities, private developers and federal agencies while accelerating the deployment of advanced reactor technologies across the state.

State leaders say the effort is focused on advanced nuclear systems, including small modular reactors and molten salt reactors, which are designed to be safer, more efficient and less costly than traditional nuclear plants.

The funding comes from the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, which lawmakers approved to support research, workforce training and early-stage project development. Universities including Texas Tech University and Abilene Christian University have already received funding for nuclear research initiatives.

Supporters of the office say nuclear energy could play a key role in meeting Texas’ rapidly growing electricity demand, driven by population growth, industrial expansion and energy-intensive sectors such as data centers.

Abbott and other state officials have emphasized nuclear power as a way to improve grid reliability following recent extreme weather events while also diversifying the state’s energy mix, which already leads the nation in wind power and oil and gas production.

Critics have raised concerns about the long-term costs, waste storage and regulatory challenges associated with nuclear energy, though supporters argue advanced reactor designs address many of those issues.

The new office will serve as a central hub for nuclear policy in Texas as lawmakers and regulators consider how the technology fits into the state’s long-term energy strategy.

Houston Pride moves 2026 parade and festival to early June due to World Cup

Edward Saenz
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Houston Pride moves 2026 parade and festival to early June due to World Cup

Houston’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration will move to an earlier date in 2026 as the city prepares to host matches for the FIFA World Cup.

Pride Houston, the organization that produces the annual Pride Festival and Parade, announced that the event will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, shifting from its traditional late-June schedule. The change is intended to avoid conflicts with World Cup matches and the influx of visitors expected in Houston next summer.

Houston is scheduled to host seven World Cup matches at NRG Stadium during the international tournament, which runs from mid-June into early July. City officials and event organizers anticipate heavy demand on hotels, transportation and public safety resources during that period.

Pride Houston said the earlier date allows the organization to celebrate before World Cup activity intensifies and gives the LGBTQ+ community the opportunity to use the rest of June for additional Pride-related events.

The 2026 celebration will mark the 48th annual Houston Pride Festival and Parade, making the schedule change one of the most significant adjustments in the event’s history.

Pride Houston, formally known as Pride Houston® 365, hosts the city’s largest Pride event each year, drawing tens of thousands of participants and spectators downtown. The celebration typically includes a parade, live performances, community programming and vendor booths.

Organizers said planning is already underway, with parade registration open for community groups, nonprofits and businesses. Additional events tied to Pride Month are expected to be announced closer to June.

The schedule shift comes as Houston prepares for one of the largest sporting events in the world, while local LGBTQ+ leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining visibility and celebration during Pride Month.

Further details about the 2026 festival, parade route and programming will be released at a later date.

Texas teachers union sues state education agency over social media investigations

Edward Saenz
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Texas teachers union sues state education agency over social media investigations

A major Texas teachers union has filed a federal lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency, alleging the state unlawfully investigated and punished educators for constitutionally protected speech made on personal social media accounts.

The Texas American Federation of Teachers, which represents about 66,000 educators statewide, sued the agency and Education Commissioner Mike Morath this week, claiming the investigations violate the First Amendment.

The lawsuit stems from a September directive sent by Morath to school superintendents after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In the letter, Morath urged districts to report educators who posted what he described as “vile” or “inappropriate” comments online following Kirk’s death.

Union officials say the guidance was vague and led to widespread disciplinary actions against teachers for posts made outside work hours, on personal accounts, and unrelated to classroom instruction.

According to the lawsuit, the agency received more than 350 complaints about educators’ social media activity. About 95 cases remain under review, while others resulted in reprimands, suspensions or job losses, the union said.

“This is an unconstitutional attempt to chill political speech,” Texas AFT President Zeph Capo said in a statement. “Educators should not fear losing their jobs for expressing personal views on their own time.”

The union argues the agency’s actions amount to retaliation and have created a climate of fear among teachers, discouraging them from participating in public discourse.

The Texas Education Agency has defended its actions, saying it has a responsibility to ensure educators uphold professional standards and that districts — not the agency — ultimately decide disciplinary outcomes. The agency declined to comment in detail, citing ongoing litigation.

The lawsuit asks a federal judge to block further investigations related to the directive, rescind Morath’s letter and require the agency to clarify that teachers will not be disciplined for lawful personal speech that does not disrupt school operations.

The case comes amid broader political tensions in Texas over public education, educator conduct and free speech, with lawmakers and advocacy groups increasingly scrutinizing teachers’ online activity.

No court date has been set, yet.

Alejandra Salinas sworn in as Houston City Council member

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Alejandra Salinas sworn in as Houston City Council member

Attorney Alejandra Salinas was sworn in Tuesday as Houston’s newest at-large City Council member, making history as the city’s first openly LGBTQ+ Latina to serve on the council.

Runoff victory secures seat

Salinas, 35, won the position in a December runoff election, defeating former council member and lobbyist Dwight Boykins with 59% of the vote. She is filling the at-large seat vacated by former council member Letitia Plummer and will serve as one of five at-large members representing the entire city.

First remarks highlight optimism

After taking the oath of office, Salinas addressed the council and audience, quoting former U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan and describing Houston as a city defined by resilience, growth, and opportunity.

Policy priorities ahead

Salinas said the council faces difficult decisions on storm infrastructure, affordability, public safety, and balancing relationships with state and federal leaders, while also protecting civil liberties.

Call for unity and action

Emphasizing collaboration despite differences, Salinas expressed hope that shared commitment to Houston would guide the council’s work. She closed her remarks with a nod to Mayor John Whitmire’s mantra: “Let’s get to work.”

Follow along with Houston City Council’s weekly sessions with Que Onda Magazine.

Michael Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, dies at 80

Michael Esparza
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Michael Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, dies at 80

Michael Reagan, the son of former President Ronald Reagan, has died, his family announced Tuesday.

Death announced by family

Reagan died Sunday in Los Angeles while surrounded by family, according to a statement. He was 80 years old. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Public life and career

One of Ronald Reagan’s five children, Michael Reagan was a conservative political commentator and a nationally syndicated radio talk show host, known for advocating the values associated with his father’s legacy.

Tributes pour in

Conservative leaders and organizations offered condolences, remembering Reagan as an influential voice who encouraged younger generations to engage in public life and defend core democratic principles.

For more news on political figures, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Wyoming Supreme Court overturns state abortion bans

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Wyoming Supreme Court overturns state abortion bans

The Wyoming Supreme Court struck down the state’s near-total abortion ban and its first-in-the-nation prohibition on abortion pills, ruling the laws violate the Wyoming Constitution.

Court affirms abortion as health care

The justices rejected the state’s argument that abortion is not health care, finding instead that the decision to end a pregnancy is a medical choice protected under a woman’s constitutional right to make her own health care decisions. Chief Justice Lynne Boomgaarden wrote that while abortion ends fetal life, it remains a decision about a woman’s health care.

Background on the laws

Wyoming passed the abortion ban in 2023, following the fall of Roe v. Wade, allowing only narrow exceptions. Later that year, it became the first state to explicitly outlaw abortion pills, imposing fines and prison time for providers. Both laws had been blocked by courts while legal challenges proceeded.

Governor calls for constitutional amendment

Republican Gov. Mark Gordon, who signed the laws, criticized the ruling and urged lawmakers to pursue a constitutional amendment on abortion. If approved by the legislature, such an amendment would go before voters in the 2026 election.

Limited national impact

Because the ruling is based on Wyoming’s constitution, it does not directly affect abortion laws in other states. However, it comes as medication abortion remains heavily restricted across much of the country, even as its use has increased.

Clinic and advocates react

The case was brought by Wyoming’s only abortion clinic, Wellspring Health Access, along with advocacy groups and residents. Clinic leaders and abortion access advocates welcomed the decision, saying it clarifies that abortion remains legal in the state and offers relief to patients who often travel long distances for care.

For more on the abortion pill ruling and updates on reproductive rights, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Flu Cases Expected to Keep Rising in the US

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Flu Cases Expected to Keep Rising in the US

Flu activity across the United States is likely to remain elevated for several more weeks, according to a senior epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Millions Sick So Far This Season

The CDC estimates at least 11 million flu illnesses nationwide so far, along with about 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Officials say those figures are likely undercounts based on early data.

New Variant Becomes Dominant

A newer strain known as subclade K has become the dominant variant this season. It is part of the H3N2 influenza A virus and has mutations that make it somewhat different from recent strains and the current vaccine.

Vaccine Still Recommended

Despite the mismatch, health experts stress that the flu vaccine still provides meaningful protection, particularly against severe illness, hospitalization and death. The CDC continues to recommend annual vaccination for nearly everyone 6 months and older.

No Sign of Increased Severity Yet

CDC officials say the new variant has not yet been linked to more severe disease, though trends are being closely monitored as flu activity continues.

Treatment Options Available

Antiviral medications are available for people who get sick, especially those at higher risk for complications. When taken early, antivirals can shorten illness and reduce the risk of severe outcomes.

Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated

Health officials emphasize that it’s still worthwhile to get a flu shot, noting that flu season often extends into the spring and vaccination can still offer protection in the weeks ahead.

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

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