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Arctic front brings storms Tuesday, hard freeze possible Wednesday night

ABC13 Houston
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Arctic front brings storms Tuesday, hard freeze possible Wednesday night

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Get ready for frigid air to blast in behind an arctic cold front arriving Tuesday night. A widespread freeze still looks likely with a hard freeze still possible north and west of Houston by Thursday morning.

Temperatures Tuesday morning will hover in the 50s as clouds build back in ahead of the front. The increase in moisture will yield a few spotty showers for the morning that transition to scattered thunderstorms for the afternoon. High temperatures will range from the upper 50s north of Houston to the mid 70s in our coastal counties. Houston should warm into the mid 60s. In the warmer air near the coast, some of the thunderstorms that develop could turn severe with gusty winds and hail. While the risk of severe weather is low, your chance of rain is high, climbing from 40% in the morning to 90% in the evening.

The arctic cold front will arrive in the evening hours, putting an end to our rain chances as the cold air rushes in. By Wednesday morning, the freeze line could be in communities north and west of Houston from Huntsville to Navasota to Columbus. Lows in Houston will end up in the upper 30s. Wind chill factors north and west of Houston will dip into the teens, prompting a Cold Weather Advisory for Austin, Colorado, Grimes, Trinity, Walker, and Washington counties.

How cold will it get with the arctic front, and when does the freeze line reach Houston?

At this time we are predicting a low in the mid to upper 20s for Houston on Thursday morning, which will be our coldest of this arctic cold snap. The freeze line should reach Houston around midnight Thursday and may not get above freezing until around 11 a.m. Thursday. This is technically a “light freeze” for Houston, but a hard freeze is still possible north and west of Houston where temperatures dip to 24 and colder. People, pets, plants, and pipes will need to be protected from this incoming cold air,. Temperatures Friday morning will will also dip into light freeze territory for most with a low of 31 predicted in Houston.

Is any wintry precipitation possible with this arctic front?

Yes, but only in northern parts of Texas. By the time the freeze line moves through Southeast Texas Wednesday night, the sky should be clear.

How long does this cold air stick around?

Temperatures will stay well below normal through Saturday with a cold rain in the 40s for the first half of the weekend. By Sunday the sunshine is back and warming temps into the 60s, and on Monday next week we’ll warm well into the 70s.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with weather updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.

U.S. and Russia Hold Talks on Ukraine War Without Kyiv

Indira Zaldivar
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U.S. and Russia Hold Talks on Ukraine War Without Kyiv

High-Level Discussions in Saudi Arabia

In a significant diplomatic move, the United States and Russia met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

Notably, Ukraine was not part of the talks, a fact that has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials. According to the U.S. State Department, the discussions aimed to find a path toward an “enduring peace” to the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and followed years of aggression since 2014.

Progress Toward Normalization and Peace

The talks, which lasted around five hours, marked the first senior-level engagement between Washington and Moscow since President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Geneva before the war began. The U.S. delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. Representing Russia were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called the meeting “an important step forward,” emphasizing that both sides agreed to establish a “consultation mechanism to address irritants” in their diplomatic relationship. Rubio confirmed to the Associated Press that this effort includes restoring embassy staffing.

Additionally, Bruce noted that high-level teams would begin working on a plan to “end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible in a way that is enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides.” She also highlighted discussions on future cooperation in areas of “geopolitical interest and economic opportunities” that could emerge from a successful resolution to the war.

Ukraine’s Strong Opposition

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in Turkey at the time, expressed frustration over being excluded from the negotiations. “Again, about Ukraine without Ukraine,” he said. “If Ukraine didn’t yield to ultimatums in the most difficult moment, where does the feeling come from that Ukraine will agree to this now?” Zelenskyy firmly reiterated that he has never and will never yield to Russia’s demands.

Zelenskyy also declared that Ukraine “cannot acknowledge any … agreements about us without us, and will not recognize such agreements.” His comments reflect Ukraine’s longstanding position that any negotiations about its future must include its representatives.

Putin, Trump, and Future Talks

Ahead of the U.S.-Russia meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke, raising speculation about renewed diplomatic efforts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later stated that Putin is open to negotiations with Zelenskyy, though he once again questioned the Ukrainian president’s legitimacy due to Ukraine’s delayed elections under martial law.

According to Bruce, the Biden administration saw the Riyadh meeting as a “second step to determine if the Russians perhaps are serious, and if they’re on the same page” about ending the conflict.

European Leaders Respond

French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting of European leaders in Paris on Monday, just before the U.S.-Russia talks. Macron also spoke with Trump for nearly 30 minutes, discussing Ukraine and the upcoming negotiations.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who attended the Paris meeting, suggested that the UK could contribute troops to a peacekeeping mission if a deal is reached. “If there is a peace deal, and everybody wants a peace deal, then it’s got to be a lasting peace deal, not just a pause for Putin to come again,” Starmer said.

The ongoing diplomatic efforts signal a potential shift in the approach to resolving the war, but without Ukraine’s direct involvement, the viability of any proposed agreement remains uncertain.

Keep up with the Russia-Ukraine war with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Asteroid 2024 YR4: Tracking the Risks and Reality

Indira Zaldivar
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Asteroid 2024 YR4: Tracking the Risks and Reality

Slight Increase in Impact Probability

The newly discovered asteroid 2024 YR4 has drawn global attention as astronomers closely monitor its trajectory.

Recent calculations show a 2.6% chance of impact in 2032, a slight increase from the 2.2% estimate the previous day. However, the probability remains low, and fluctuations in risk assessments are expected as new data becomes available.

NASA and ESA’s Monitoring Efforts

NASA and the European Space Agency are tracking the asteroid using telescopes worldwide. The Webb Space Telescope will observe the asteroid in March 2025 before it becomes temporarily unobservable until 2028.

Size and Potential Impact

Discovered in December 2024 by a telescope in Chile, 2024 YR4 is estimated to be between 130 and 300 feet wide. Its impact potential depends on its final size determination:

  • Smaller end of the estimate: Any impact would likely be localized, comparable to the Tunguska event in 1908, which flattened miles of forest in Siberia.
  • Larger end of the estimate: The consequences could be more severe, prompting further risk assessments.

What Happens Next?

  • Astronomers expect the impact probability to fluctuate as more data is gathered.
  • Experts, including NASA’s Paul Chodas, emphasize that there is no need for concern, as probabilities are likely to drop to zero.
  • If necessary, planetary defense measures, such as asteroid deflection, could be explored. In 2022, NASA successfully altered an asteroid’s orbit using its DART mission.

Final Verdict: No Immediate Threat

While the discovery of 2024 YR4 is a scientific curiosity, it is not a cause for panic. Astronomers remain confident that further observations will likely rule out any impact risk.

Keep up with space news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Tremendas y Divinas y la salud preventiva

Que Onda Editorial
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Tremendas y Divinas y la salud preventiva

En este episodio de Tremendas y Divinas, nos acompaña nuestra invitada especial, la Dra. Iliana Solano, para hablarnos de la salud preventiva de los niños, vacunas y el aumento de casos de sarampión. También, coach Marlene Bruten con 45 años de experiencia en natación, nos informa de los beneficios de nadar a la salud.

A cold front to bring chance for storms then below-freezing temps this week

ABC13 Houston
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A cold front to bring chance for storms then below-freezing temps this week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Temperatures Monday afternoon will climb quickly with the help of the sun and winds shifting out of the Gulf. High temperatures will rise into the low 60s with all that sunshine, making for a nice President’s Day.

What’s the latest on this active weather pattern we’re expecting this week?

After a calm and cool start to the week Monday, things change quickly by Tuesday. A weak surface low will bring the chance for showers and thunderstorms. A few storms could intensity enough to bring gusty winds and even small hail. The hail threat is thanks to how cold temperatures will be behind the Arctic front that arrives late Tuesday night.

How cold will it get with the arctic front, and when does the freeze line arrive?

The arctic cold front is slated to arrive Tuesday night, but the freeze line may not blow in until about 24 hours later. Extreme Cold Watches were issued farther north across the state from the panhandle to Dallas/Fort Worth. No cold weather alerts for Houston or Southeast Texas yet. At this time we are predicting a low in the mid-upper 20s for Thursday morning. People, pets, plants, and pipes will need to be protected from this incoming cold air, so you might need to devote some time this weekend to making sure you are ready for the freeze. Temperatures Friday morning to will be near freezing as well.

Is any wintry precipitation possible with next week’s front?

Possible? Yes, but it’s not likely at this time. By the time the freeze line enters Southeast Texas, most of the moisture is expected to be gone, but it’s still early in the game. If enough moisture is left around late Wednesday when the freeze line arrives, then the primary mode of wintry precipitation in this case looks like it would be freezing rain. The mid-levels of the atmosphere look to be too far above freezing to support any snow in our part of Texas. Again, stay tuned!

This storm comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Measles Outbreak in Texas Expands Rapidly, Raising Public Health Concerns

Indira Zaldivar
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Measles Outbreak in Texas Expands Rapidly, Raising Public Health Concerns

A growing measles outbreak in Texas has alarmed health officials as the number of confirmed cases doubled within days.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the outbreak surged from 24 cases on Tuesday to 48 cases by Friday, marking the state’s largest measles outbreak in more than three decades.

The outbreak’s epicenter is Gaines County, where 42 cases have been reported. Health officials confirmed that all affected individuals were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. As of now, 13 people have been hospitalized due to complications from the disease.

Neighboring states are also reporting new cases. The New Mexico Department of Health recently confirmed three unrelated cases in Lea County, which borders Gaines County. While a connection to the Texas outbreak is suspected, it remains unverified.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 14 measles cases in five states so far in 2024, excluding the recent outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Experts warn that the situation could escalate if vaccination rates continue to decline.

Dr. Alok Patel, a pediatrician at Stanford Children’s Health, emphasized the potential severity of the outbreak.

“What we’re seeing right now is a crack in the foundation of a building, and we do not want this building to collapse,” Patel told ABC News. “A small measles outbreak could be the start of a public health catastrophe that is completely preventable.”

The rise in measles cases correlates with a decline in vaccination rates. In Gaines County, vaccine exemption rates among kindergarteners have more than doubled over the past decade, rising from 7.5% in 2013 to over 17.5% in 2023. Nationally, the CDC reported that only 93% of kindergarteners met school vaccination requirements during the 2022-23 academic year, while vaccine exemptions reached a record 3%.

Health professionals attribute the increase in measles cases to growing vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, expressed concerns over the declining trust in vaccines. “People have seemed to forget how dangerous these illnesses are because of how well vaccines work,” he said.

Measles remains one of the most contagious diseases, capable of spreading to nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals exposed to an infected person. The CDC strongly recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97% effective at preventing measles.

With cases expected to rise, public health officials are urging communities to stay vigilant and ensure immunizations are up to date. While fully vaccinated individuals face minimal risk, experts warn that continued vaccine hesitancy could lead to even larger outbreaks nationwide.

Keep up with health updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Mexican Icon Paquita la del Barrio Dies at 77, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Feminist Anthems

Indira Zaldivar
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Mexican Icon Paquita la del Barrio Dies at 77, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Feminist Anthems

Paquita la del Barrio, the beloved Mexican singer known for her fearless lyrics and feminist rancheras, has passed away at the age of 77. Her team confirmed the news on her official social media accounts, stating that she died at her home in Veracruz.

“With profound pain and sadness, we confirm the passing of our beloved Paquita la del Barrio,” the statement read. “She was a one-of-a-kind and unmatched artist who left a permanent mark in the hearts of all who knew her and enjoyed her music.”

Born Francisca Viveros Barradas in Veracruz, Paquita la del Barrio built a career on her powerful voice and unapologetic attitude. She rose to fame in the late 1980s with songs that fearlessly denounced infidelity and misogyny, resonating deeply with women who had endured betrayal. Her most famous track, “Rata de Dos Patas,” became an anthem for those confronting unfaithful partners, thanks to its biting lyrics comparing a deceitful man to a “filthy rat” and a “specter of Hell.”

Over the course of her decades-long career, Paquita released more than 30 albums, cementing herself as a force in regional Mexican music. Her 2013 album, Romeo y Su Nieta, earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Regional Mexican Music Album, further solidifying her influence in the industry.

Beyond her music, she was a symbol of resilience and female empowerment. In 2023, she publicly supported Shakira after the Colombian singer released “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” which took aim at her ex-partner Gerard Piqué. In a heartfelt video message, Paquita encouraged Shakira to stay strong. “Give it your all. The important thing is that you have your children, someone to live for and everything in life,” she said.

In recent years, Paquita had been battling health issues and was seen using oxygen support. Earlier this year, she postponed a concert to focus on her recovery.

Fans, fellow musicians, and admirers across the world are mourning the loss of a legend whose music spoke for generations of women. As her family requested privacy during this difficult time, tributes have poured in, celebrating her fierce spirit and unforgettable contributions to Latin music.

Paquita la del Barrio may have left this world, but her music and message will continue to inspire. Rest in power, Paquita.

Keep up with entertainment news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Pilot uninjured after small plane crashes in field near Pearland Regional Airport

ABC13 Houston
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Pilot uninjured after small plane crashes in field near Pearland Regional Airport

PEARLAND, Texas (KTRK) — A pilot walked away unscathed after his plane crashed in a field near the Pearland Regional Airport overnight.

The crash happened around 10:45 p.m. Sunday off Hastings Friendswood Road near Dixie Farm Road. The Texas Department of Public Safety said there were no injuries and the pilot was the only person on board.

The plane is a single-engine Cessna 172.

ABC13 spoke to a man who lives in the area. He said he had just gotten home when he heard the crash and went to see what happened. He said another person also stopped to help and called out for the pilot. Thankfully, they said he responded and seemed just fine.

“It was upside down facing Dixie Farm. It was kinda crazy. We’ve lived here for a long time, and planes usually land going that way, and this one was facing the other way, upside down,” Jose Torres said. “It didn’t make a lot of sense how that happened. All that matters is that he’s OK.”

There are houses near the crash scene, but thankfully, the plane didn’t hit anything else on the way down.

DPS said the FAA has been notified about the crash.

Further information about what exactly led up to the crash or where the pilot was coming from was not immediately released.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

BAFTA 2025 Winners: ‘Conclave’ Dominates, Zoe Saldana shines

Indira Zaldivar
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BAFTA 2025 Winners: ‘Conclave’ Dominates, Zoe Saldana shines

The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards celebrated cinematic excellence with a diverse array of winners.

The night’s biggest victor was “Conclave,” which secured four awards, including Best Film and Outstanding British Film. Directed by Edward Berger, the film also earned accolades for Best Adapted Screenplay and Editing. Matching its four-award haul was Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist,” which triumphed in categories such as Best Director for Corbet, Best Actor for Adrien Brody, Best Cinematography, and Best Score.

Mikey Madison took home the Best Leading Actress award for her performance in “Anora,” which also won Best Casting. Zoe Saldaña claimed Best Supporting Actress for “Emilia Pérez,” while the film also won Best Film Not in the English Language for director Jacques Audiard and Pascal Caucheteux.

Kieran Culkin received Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain,” while Jesse Eisenberg’s work on the film was recognized with Best Original Screenplay. The Best Documentary award went to “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” with Reeve’s children receiving an emotional round of applause during the ceremony. “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” won Best Animated Film and the inaugural Children’s and Family award.

The ceremony, hosted by David Tennant at London’s Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, featured performances by British pop legends Take That and a musical tribute by Jeff Goldblum during the In Memoriam segment. Warwick Davis was honored with the BAFTA Fellowship, receiving a heartfelt standing ovation.

The night also saw recognition for emerging talent, with Mikey Madison among those nominated for the Rising Star award. While “Conclave” led nominations with 12, “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist” followed closely with 11 and nine, respectively. Director Rich Peppiatt made history with his film “Kneecap,” earning six nominations—the most ever for a debut filmmaker—securing one win for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.

However, the night was not without controversy, as “Emilia Pérez” star Karla Sofía Gascón was absent from the event after being phased out of Netflix’s awards campaign due to past controversial social media posts. Despite the tensions, director Jacques Audiard acknowledged her in his speech, offering a message of support.

Here is the full list of winners:

Best Film

  • ANORA – Alex Coco, Samantha Quan, Sean Baker
  • THE BRUTALIST – Nick Gordon, Brian Young, Andrew Morrison, D.J. Gugenheim, Brady Corbet
  • A COMPLETE UNKNOWN – Fred Berger, Alex Heineman, James Mangold
  • CONCLAVE – Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Michael A. Jackman
  • EMILIA PÉREZ – Pascal Caucheteux, Jacques Audiard

Leading Actress

  • Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
  • Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
  • Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths
  • Mikey Madison – Anora
  • Demi Moore – The Substance
  • Saoirse Ronan – The Outrun

Leading Actor

  • Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
  • Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
  • Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
  • Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
  • Hugh Grant – Heretic
  • Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice

Director

  • Anora – Sean Baker
  • The Brutalist – Brady Corbet
  • Conclave – Edward Berger
  • Dune: Part Two – Denis Villeneuve
  • Emilia Pérez – Jacques Audiard
  • The Substance – Coralie Fargeat

Rising Star

  • Marisa Abela
  • Jharrel Jerome
  • David Jonsson
  • Mikey Madison
  • Nabhaan Rizwan

Outstanding British Film

  • Bird
  • Blitz
  • Conclave
  • Gladiator II
  • Hard Truths
  • Kneecap
  • Lee
  • Love Lies Bleeding
  • The Outrun
  • Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Best Supporting Actress

  • Selena Gomez – Emilia Pérez
  • Ariana Grande – Wicked
  • Felicity Jones – The Brutalist
  • Jamie Lee Curtis – The Last Showgirl
  • Isabella Rossellini – Conclave
  • Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez

Best Supporting Actor

  • Yura Borisov – Anora
  • Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain
  • Clarence Maclin – Sing Sing
  • Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
  • Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
  • Jeremy Strong – The Apprentice

Best Documentary

  • Black Box Diaries
  • Daughters
  • No Other Land
  • Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
  • Will & Harper

Cinematography

  • The Brutalist – Lol Crawley
  • Conclave – Stéphane Fontaine
  • Dune: Part Two – Greig Fraser
  • Emilia Pérez – Paul Guilhaume
  • Nosferatu – Jarin Blaschke

Editing

  • Anora
  • Conclave
  • Dune: Part Two
  • Emilia Pérez
  • Kneecap

Casting

  • Anora
  • The Apprentice
  • A Complete Unknown
  • Conclave
  • Kneecap

The 2025 BAFTAs balanced celebration and reflection, highlighting industry achievements while emphasizing inclusivity and artistic excellence. The winners showcased a range of cinematic talent, reaffirming the awards as a significant platform for global filmmaking recognition.

Keep up with entertainment news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Fired Federal Workers Speak Out Amid Mass Layoffs

Indira Zaldivar
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Fired Federal Workers Speak Out Amid Mass Layoffs

Thousands of federal employees, many of them probationary workers, have been abruptly terminated in recent layoffs across multiple agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Education, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among those affected is Hanna Hickman, a former senior litigation counsel at the CFPB, who described the experience as “scary” and “shocking.”

Hickman, who spoke to ABC News, recounted the moment she received her termination notice late at night via phone notification.

“It was shocking, frankly — not just to us but to our direct managers, who had not been told this would happen and received notice of the terminations at the same time we did,” she said. She added that the sudden job loss leaves her uncertain about health insurance and financial stability.

The layoffs primarily impacted probationary employees—those who had been in their roles for less than two years—leaving them with fewer protections. Many, like Hickman, have been cut off from agency systems immediately, even while actively working on cases. “For a lawyer, it’s the equivalent of being escorted out of the building and fired,” she explained.

Elon Musk, head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, made headlines after the terminations by posting “CFPB RIP” on X.

Hickman believes these actions signal an attempt to dismantle the agency, which was created to protect consumers from financial misconduct. “We’re under attack by billionaires,” she told ABC News. “But I’m not a billionaire, so for me, the next steps are scary.”

Other terminated employees echoed similar frustrations. Chelsea Milburn, a disabled veteran who was fired from the Department of Education, told ABC News she received no explanation for her dismissal beyond a vague statement about her performance. “I’ve only ever gotten positive feedback from my team and leadership, so I was pretty surprised to get that email,” she said.

A former Federal Student Aid employee shared an emotional account of learning about their termination from a supervisor who was in tears. The employee, who spoke anonymously, described the abrupt loss of access to work systems and lingering questions about severance and benefits. “Nobody knows anything,” they said.

The mass terminations have sparked outrage among lawmakers and advocates. Senator Elizabeth Warren joined protests outside CFPB headquarters, denouncing the firings as a political maneuver. Meanwhile, new CFPB leadership has agreed to pause additional layoffs while a lawsuit challenging the dismissals proceeds.

As former employees explore legal options, Hickman emphasized the broader implications. “Civil servants do this work to fight for regular Americans. That’s why these protections exist—to keep these jobs insulated from partisan swings,” she said. “For me, this was a calling, and losing it like this is devastating.”

Keep up with the federal government with us on Que Onda Magazine.

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