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Measles Outbreak in Texas Expands Rapidly, Raising Public Health Concerns

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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

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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

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

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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

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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.

Cold front drops temperatures Sunday morning, even stronger Arctic front arrives next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A cold front moved through Southeast Texas overnight, bringing a chilly Sunday. An even stronger Arctic front arrives next week. We now have an ABC13 Weather Watch for next Wednesday night and Thursday morning when the coldest temperatures are expected to arrive.

Temperatures are starting off in the 30s and low 40s this morning, and will only climb back into the mid 50s by the afternoon. With a northerly breeze all day, temperatures will feel a bit cooler than that. Thankfully mostly sunny skies will make for pleasant conditions overall.

What should we expect for Presidents Day?

Monday will be similar to Sunday. The only difference is that the freeze line could make it into our northern counties. Monday will be fairly similar but less windy. Temperatures will start off in the mid-to-upper 30s then warm into the low 60s in the afternoon.

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. At this time we are predicting a low in the low-to-mid 20s for next Thursday morning, which is a hard freeze. 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.

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 story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Severe Winter Storms Leave Millions Under Alert Across the U.S.

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More than 110 million Americans faced dangerous winter weather conditions over the weekend as intense storms unleashed heavy rain, snow, and strong winds across multiple states.

The severe weather left thousands without power, forced evacuations, and tragically resulted in multiple deaths in Kentucky.

Widespread Flooding and Emergency Declarations

Heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in the Southern U.S., particularly in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Rapidly rising waters inundated roadways and led to evacuations in several areas. The National Weather Service issued numerous flash flood warnings, urging residents to remain cautious.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the flood damage as “massive,” stating that evacuations were ongoing. During a press conference, he confirmed eight storm-related fatalities, including a child, and reported that emergency responders had conducted more than 1,000 water rescues.

More than 300,000 homes and businesses in Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, and Virginia were without electricity on Sunday morning, according to Poweroutage.us. Governor Beshear issued a state of emergency on Saturday, warning residents of continued threats from extreme weather conditions.

Kentucky and Tennessee Hit Hard

Western Kentucky and northwestern Tennessee bore the brunt of the flooding, with rainfall amounts ranging from 4 to 7 inches. The Clarksville area in Tennessee received approximately 7.6 inches of rain, leading to dangerous flash flooding. Joe Pitts, mayor of Clarksville, called the conditions “alarming” and warned that additional rainfall could worsen the situation.

In Simpson County, Kentucky, emergency teams worked tirelessly to rescue residents stranded by floodwaters. Meanwhile, in Macon County, Tennessee, over 50 nursing home residents were evacuated as water levels continued to rise.

Federal Assistance Requested

Governor Beshear formally requested an emergency disaster declaration from President Donald Trump to secure federal aid for Kentucky. He also spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the acting FEMA director to coordinate relief efforts.

A hospital and a nursing home near Panbowl Lake in Jackson, Kentucky, were evacuated as a precaution due to rising water levels. In Louisville, river patrol and dive teams collaborated with local fire departments, carrying out nearly 30 water rescues across the city.

Severe Weather in Virginia and West Virginia

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for 10 counties as torrential rain caused major flooding along the Blue Stone River near Spanishburg. Authorities in Richlands, Virginia, urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately, warning that the river was expected to rise even higher.

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears mobilized National Guard troops to assist with rescue and relief efforts. “Don’t try to outrun a flood,” she advised in a social media post. “Get to higher ground if you need to.”

Tornadoes and High Winds Add to Chaos

While heavy rain and flooding dominated the South, strong storms also brought the threat of tornadoes. Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for parts of Georgia, including Atlanta, where wind gusts reached up to 71 mph. By early Sunday morning, over 215,000 power outages were reported across the state.

Across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, more than 86 million people remained under high wind alerts. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph were expected through Sunday night, with widespread power outages and hazardous conditions predicted.

Snow and Ice Create Hazardous Travel in the Northeast

Meanwhile, the storm system moved into the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, dumping heavy snow across several states. Cities such as Hartford and Boston braced for accumulations of 3 to 6 inches before a transition to sleet and rain created slushy, dangerous conditions.

Northern parts of New England and upstate New York faced the highest snowfall totals, with more than a foot of snow expected in some areas. Authorities urged travelers to exercise extreme caution as roads became treacherous due to ice and reduced visibility.

Ongoing Weather Threats

As the storm system continued its path, meteorologists warned of ongoing risks, including additional flooding, landslides, and rockslides in rain-soaked regions. Residents in affected areas were advised to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and stay updated on emergency alerts.

With more severe weather on the horizon, officials continue to assess damage and coordinate response efforts to ensure the safety of millions impacted by this extreme winter storm.

Keep up with natural disasters with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Storms possible Saturday, arctic front next week to bring hard freeze

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two more cold fronts are on the way to Houston, including an arctic front that could bring a hard freeze to most of Southeast Texas. We now have an ABC13 Weather Watch for next Wednesday night and Thursday morning when the coldest temperatures are expected to blow in.

Our first cold front is expected to blow in tonight, but out ahead of that a line of rain and storms will push through in the afternoon. We’ll warm into the mid to upper 70s this afternoon before the front arrives in the evening. Temperatures will fall into the low 60s for the evening then drop down into the upper 30s overnight.

How are Sunday and Presidents Day looking?

Sunday will be sunny but chilly with a low in the 30s and a high in the 50s. The freeze line could make it into our northern counties, and when you factor in the wind, it will feel like it’s in the 20s around sunrise! Monday will be fairly similar but less windy. Temperatures will start off in the mid-to-upper 30s then warm into the low 60s in the afternoon.

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. At this time we are predicting a low in the low 20s for next Thursday morning, which is a hard freeze. 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.

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 story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

El Papa Francisco muestra mejoría mientras permanece hospitalizado por una infección respiratoria

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El Papa Francisco muestra signos de mejoría mientras continúa hospitalizado por una infección en las vías respiratorias, anunció el Vaticano el sábado. El pontífice de 87 años pasó una noche tranquila y ya no tiene fiebre.

Su tratamiento ha sido ajustado según nuevos resultados médicos, y los doctores han recomendado reposo absoluto para facilitar su recuperación.

Como resultado, el Papa Francisco no dirigirá la oración del Ángelus el domingo 16 de febrero, pero planea publicar un mensaje escrito en su lugar. Fue ingresado en el Hospital Gemelli de Roma el viernes para realizarse más pruebas y continuar con el tratamiento para su bronquitis.

Según la agencia de noticias italiana ANSA, el Papa había experimentado dificultades para respirar debido a un exceso de flemas, y el tratamiento que estaba recibiendo en casa no había sido efectivo. Sin embargo, las autoridades vaticanas se mantienen optimistas sobre su recuperación, señalando que su estado se ha estabilizado desde que comenzó la nueva terapia médica.

El portavoz del Vaticano, Matteo Bruni, informó que el Papa Francisco desayunó y leyó los periódicos el sábado por la mañana. El pontífice ha expresado su gratitud por las numerosas muestras de apoyo y ha pedido que continúen las oraciones por su pronta recuperación.

Siguenos para las noticias que te importan en Que Onda Magazine.

Christy Carlson Romano Shares Recovery Journey After Accidental Shooting

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Actress Christy Carlson Romano has been keeping fans updated after a shocking accident at a clay shooting range left her with facial injuries.

On Feb. 8, a stray shot from another group hit Romano in five places, with one fragment lodging behind her right eye. Her husband, Brendan Rooney, quickly took her to the hospital, where doctors determined that removing the fragment surgically could be too risky.

Days later, Romano shared on Instagram that the fragment was just one millimeter away from blinding her permanently.

“It must stay in place, as surgery could leave me blind,” she explained, adding that while she is expected to fully recover, she may never be able to get an MRI again. Another fragment in her forehead will also remain to aid healing.

On Feb. 14, she opened up about her emotional struggles following the accident, revealing that she initially hesitated to share her story. Ultimately, she chose to do so as a way to heal and encourage awareness about firearm safety.

“My attitude is gratitude,” she wrote, emphasizing her determination to move forward and find strength in the experience. She concluded her message with an inspiring reminder: “Never give up, even on your hardest days.”