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U.S. Attorney Resigns Under Trump Pressure

Que Onda Editorial
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U.S. Attorney Resigns Under Trump Pressure

U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert resigned Friday after the Trump administration pushed him to bring criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to ABC News sources. Investigators had found no clear evidence to support mortgage fraud allegations against James.

Investigation Yields No Charges

The probe began in April after a referral claimed James falsified records in a 2023 home purchase. After five months and 15 witness interviews, investigators concluded there was no proof she knowingly falsified documents.

Trump’s Response

President Trump reportedly intended to fire Siebert, saying he wanted him “out” after Virginia’s two Democratic senators supported Siebert’s nomination. Trump argued James was “very guilty of something,” despite the lack of evidence.

Impact on the Office

Siebert’s departure leaves the Eastern District of Virginia without a confirmed leader, as his deputy has also stepped down. It’s unclear who will oversee ongoing prosecutions.

Political Backdrop

James, who previously led a successful civil fraud case against Trump, called the effort a “brazen attack on the rule of law.” Critics say the ouster underscores a pattern of retribution as Trump faces multiple investigations and ongoing political battles.

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

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: Family Day at Rienzi

Michael Esparza
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: Family Day at Rienzi

Prepare for a vibrant afternoon of art, culture, and family fun! The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is hosting Family Day at Rienzi – “Hispanic Heritage” on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77019
Admission: Free with ticket. Advance booking is highly recommended, as capacity is limited.

What to Expect

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this special Family Day will offer a rich array of activities designed to highlight the artistic and historical contributions of Spanish and Latino cultures. Visitors will be able to:

  • Explore the galleries of Rienzi — MFAH’s house museum specializing in European decorative arts — and discover how Spanish‐influenced art and decoration has shaped styles across centuries.
  • Enjoy family‐friendly programs that engage all ages in the stories, traditions, and aesthetic expressions rooted in Hispanic and Latino heritage.

The Experience

For families and individuals interested in art, history, or simply looking for a meaningful and fun way to spend a Sunday, this event offers a unique chance to connect with culture in an immersive and accessible way. Since Rienzi’s spaces are intimate and richly curated, the experience promises to be both educational and inspiring without the overwhelm of a large museum floor.

Planning & Other Details

  • Ticketing: Get your free ticket in advance to guarantee entry. Given the limited capacity, arriving without one may mean you’ll be turned away.
  • Location Directions: Rienzi is part of MFAH. The entrance is located at 1406 Kirby Drive. If you need maps or transportation options, MFAH provides helpful directions and visitor information.
  • Questions: For further details (including accessibility, program schedules, or special features), you can contact [email protected].

Celebrate, learn, and be inspired — Family Day at Rienzi is a wonderful way to honor Hispanic Heritage Month in Houston. Whether you’re a longtime follower of MFAH or seeking something enriching to do with family, this event is not to be missed. You can find out about the Museum of Fine Arts event here.

Heating Bills Set to Rise This Winter

Michael Esparza
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Heating Bills Set to Rise This Winter

American households face an average 7.6% jump in winter heating costs, reaching about $976, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. The increase comes from higher electricity and natural gas prices and forecasts for a colder season, adding to already elevated grocery, health care, and utility expenses.

Electric and Gas Costs Climb

Electric heat users—about 56 million households—could see bills surge 10.2% to roughly $1,205, with southern states bracing for spikes of more than 21%. Natural gas customers, about 60 million households, are projected to pay 8.4% more, around $693, with Midwesterners facing hikes of up to 16.4%. Over 100 utilities have raised or proposed rate increases, driven partly by growing demand from AI data centers and grid upgrades.

Oil and Propane Offer Relief

Families relying on heating oil or propane may see some relief. Heating oil costs are expected to fall 4% to about $1,455, while propane could drop 5% to around $1,250.

Limited Federal Assistance

Despite rising costs, federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) remains flat at about $4 million for a third year. States are scaling back outreach as demand climbs, leaving many households—especially in places like Philadelphia and Delaware—waiting in long lines for help.

A New Normal

Since 2021, electricity and natural gas prices have risen 31% and 27% respectively, and experts warn that higher heating bills are here to stay. “Customers should be prepared for this being a new normal,” said Mark Wolfe, the association’s executive director.

Stay informed with finances news and tips with Que Onda Magazine.

Notre Dame Towers Reopen After Six Years

Edward Saenz
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Notre Dame Towers Reopen After Six Years

French President Emmanuel Macron climbed to the belfry of Notre Dame Cathedral to mark the official reopening of the iconic north and south towers, nearly six and a half years after a devastating 2019 fire. Public access to the towers begins Saturday.

Global Leaders Gathered for Cathedral’s Return

The cathedral itself reopened in December 2024 with a grand ceremony attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including First Lady Jill Biden, then President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Prince William, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

A Monument of History and Architecture

Built around 1260 AD, Notre Dame has long been a centerpiece of Gothic architecture and French heritage, once welcoming more than 13 million visitors annually—more than the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre.

Massive Restoration Effort

Rebuilding required 1,200 oak trees from forests across France and the work of 1,000 construction workers to replace the cathedral’s destroyed roof framework and restore the landmark to its former glory.

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

Remains Believed to Be Travis Decker Found

Indira Zaldivar
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Remains Believed to Be Travis Decker Found

Nearly four months after a Washington man disappeared during a weekend custody visit that ended with the deaths of his three daughters, investigators say they may have found his remains. Deputies reported discovering human remains in a remote wooded area near Leavenworth, close to where Travis Decker was last seen. Personal items were nearby, but DNA testing will confirm the identity.

Three Daughters Killed

Decker took his daughters—5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Paityn—on a Memorial Day weekend camping trip and never returned them. Days later, authorities found the girls dead with plastic bags over their heads and their wrists zip-tied. Autopsies showed they suffocated, and the deaths were ruled homicides.

Manhunt and Disappearance

Decker’s truck was found near the girls’ bodies with two bloody handprints on the tailgate, but he was missing. An army veteran with survivalist skills, Decker was believed to be hiding in the Cascade wilderness. Weeks later, officials shifted efforts to locating his remains, citing a growing likelihood of his death.

Mental Health Concerns

According to court records, Decker was required to undergo mental health treatment and domestic violence counseling but had not complied. His ex-wife, Whitney, said he was homeless and struggling with mental health issues, though he had previously been reliable about returning the children.

Calls for Amber Alert Reform

Whitney Decker has urged changes to the AMBER Alert system. Local police requested an alert the Friday before the girls were found, but Washington State Patrol said the case did not meet federal criteria. A different alert was issued the next day. In late June, Whitney remembered her daughters, saying, “They were incredible. I truly hope that the legacy of the girls’ lives lives in everyone’s heart.”

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

Rain chances look higher for part of the weekend, weak front in the forecast for next week

ABC13 Houston
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Rain chances look higher for part of the weekend, weak front in the forecast for next week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Rain chances are looking lower for Friday when compared to the last few days, but they will rise quite a bit by Sunday as tropical moisture rolls in. Next week we are still expecting a weak cool front to deliver a dose of lower humidity.

Friday brings more benign summer weather with lows near 70, a high in the mid 90s, and a 10% chance of a passing shower.

Ozone pollution could also be an issue in some Houston-area neighborhoods from around 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

What can we expect for the weekend0?

Saturday looks similar to Friday with a slightly higher chance of rain at 20%. Then Sunday delivers a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms as tropical moisture blows inland. These showers will pop up in the morning and persist into the afternoon. With the widespread clouds and earlier onset of rain, highs will likely peak in the upper 80s.

What’s the early read on this front next week?

Don’t get your hopes too high with this one. Initially it will deliver a chance for rain Tuesday into early Wednesday. We now have a northerly breeze in the forecast for Wednesday through Friday, and that should deliver a brief dose of slightly drier and slightly cooler air. We might get a couple mornings in the 60s and afternoons in the 80s out of this one.

When does fall begin?

The autumnal equinox is on Monday, September 22, marking the end of astronomical summer and the beginning of astronomical fall. Meteorological Fall began on September 1st.

What is happening in the tropics?

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is struggling over the central Atlantic and a tropical wave over Africa could develop as it heads westward toward the Caribbean. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

FTC Sues Ticketmaster Over Alleged Illegal Tactics

Indira Zaldivar
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FTC Sues Ticketmaster Over Alleged Illegal Tactics

The Federal Trade Commission, joined by a bipartisan group of state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation of driving up ticket prices for concerts and events through deceptive and anti-competitive practices.

Alleged Deception

According to the FTC, Ticketmaster advertises lower prices than consumers actually pay and falsely claims to limit ticket purchases. The agency says the company works with brokers who create fake accounts to buy large numbers of tickets, later reselling them at steep markups on Ticketmaster’s own platform—allowing Ticketmaster to collect extra fees.

Market Power and Consumer Impact

Ticketmaster controls more than 80% of primary ticketing for major U.S. venues. Between 2019 and 2024, consumers spent over $82.6 billion on tickets through the company. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson said live entertainment “should not cost an arm and a leg” and called for fairer access to events.

Legal Action

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, is backed by attorneys general from Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. Live Nation has not publicly commented.

Industry Under Scrutiny

Ticketmaster has faced mounting criticism since the 2022 Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticketing fiasco. The Biden administration responded with new “junk fee” rules in May requiring upfront price disclosure. Former President Donald Trump also issued an executive order earlier this year urging stronger oversight of ticket resellers.

Ongoing Enforcement

The FTC continues broader enforcement, including an August lawsuit against a Maryland-based broker accused of using thousands of fake accounts to scoop up tickets for resale. The case against Ticketmaster aims to curb practices that regulators say harm artists and fans alike.

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

Stalker Opens Fire on Pennsylvania Officers, Killing Three in Deadly Ambush

Indira Zaldivar
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Stalker Opens Fire on Pennsylvania Officers, Killing Three in Deadly Ambush

A domestic violence investigation in southern Pennsylvania turned deadly when a man accused of stalking his ex-girlfriend opened fire on law enforcement officers. Three detectives with the Northern York County Regional Police Department were killed and two other officers wounded during the Wednesday afternoon attack in rural North Codorus Township.

Suspect Identified

The shooter, identified as 31-year-old Matthew Ruth of Hanover, was facing charges of stalking, loitering, and criminal trespass. His ex-girlfriend had reported that he was armed and looking into her home the night before. She and her mother had already left the residence for safety.

Confrontation and Gunfire

Officers entered the unlocked house while serving an arrest warrant and were met with a burst of gunfire from an AR-15-style rifle equipped with a suppressor. Four detectives were struck. A fifth detective and a York County sheriff’s deputy returned fire; the deputy was also hit. The detective fatally shot Ruth, ending what officials called a “murderous rampage” that lasted about two minutes.

Investigation and Aftermath

Authorities later found the ex-girlfriend’s Labrador dead in the basement, killed by Ruth. Pennsylvania State Police are leading the ongoing investigation, which spans multiple locations. Northern York County police had searched Ruth’s own residence earlier that day and plan additional search warrants.

Community Response

York County District Attorney Timothy Barker condemned the attack as rooted in “the hateful scourge of domestic violence” and praised the detective who ended the assault, saying he “saved many lives that day.”

Police Chief Dave Lash called it a “dark day” for the department, while Governor Josh Shapiro met with families of the wounded, commending the officers’ bravery.

The Broader Danger of Abuse

This tragedy underscores how abusive relationships can endanger not only victims but the wider community. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788
  • Love Is Respect (for teens and young adults): 1-866-331-9474 or text LOVEIS to 22522
  • RAINN (for sexual assault survivors): 1-800-656-4673

Support is confidential and available 24/7.

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

Venezuela Holds Caribbean Military Drills After US Strikes

Michael Esparza
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Venezuela Holds Caribbean Military Drills After US Strikes

Venezuela began three days of large-scale military exercises in the Caribbean in response to recent U.S. attacks on boats Washington claims were smuggling drugs.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the operation, called Sovereign Caribbean, includes air-defense deployments, armed drones, and “electronic warfare actions” to counter what he described as the “threatening, vulgar voice” of the United States.

Show of Force on La Orchila Island

The Venezuelan defense ministry said 12 ships, 22 aircraft, and 20 small militia boats are participating in the drills around La Orchila, home to a key military base.

U.S. Strikes on Suspected Traffickers

President Donald Trump announced a second “kinetic” strike on a vessel he claimed was carrying narcotics to the United States. He said three suspected “terrorists” were killed, but offered no evidence the boat held drugs. A similar attack earlier this month targeted a vessel allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which the Trump administration has designated a terrorist group.

Rising Threats and Warnings

Trump has labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a “narcoterrorist” and placed a $50 million bounty on his arrest. He has not ruled out strikes on the Venezuelan mainland. U.S. naval forces have recently increased their presence in the southern Caribbean.

Maduro’s Response

Maduro accused Washington of mounting “criminal” aggression—political, diplomatic, judicial, and military. He warned he would “respond in kind” to any attack and could declare a “republic in arms.” Caracas also alleged that a U.S. destroyer intercepted and occupied a Venezuelan tuna boat for eight hours in its economic zone.

Background to Escalating Tensions

The Trump administration has long blamed Venezuela for funneling narcotics, including fentanyl, into the United States, a charge Caracas denies. Both governments now face a standoff marked by naval maneuvers, mutual threats, and warnings of further escalation.

For more on U.S. international affairs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Pope Leo XIV Speaks on US, Technology, and Global Crises

Edward Saenz
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Pope Leo XIV Speaks on US, Technology, and Global Crises

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, gave his first major interview since his May election, outlining concerns about U.S. politics, artificial intelligence, and global conflicts while signaling continuity with many of Pope Francis’ priorities.

Concerns About U.S. Decisions

Leo said there are “some things going on in the United States that are of concern,” noting decisions “based on economics more than human dignity.”

He praised U.S. bishops who spoke out after Pope Francis rebuked the Trump administration’s immigration plans, but stressed he will not “get involved in partisan politics.” Although he has not met President Donald Trump, Leo said he is willing to “raise issues” and engage directly if given the chance.

Rejects an ‘Artificial Me’

Addressing the role of technology, Leo revealed he rejected a proposal to create an AI-powered “pope” for virtual audiences. While not opposed to artificial intelligence, he warned that wealthy investors often ignore “the value of human beings and of humanity,” and said faith and science must remain connected.

Grave Situation in Gaza

Leo described conditions in Gaza as “very, very grave,” acknowledging rising accusations of genocide but stopping short of declaring it himself, citing the technical definition and the need for further assessment.

Clerical Abuse Still Unresolved

Calling clerical abuse a “real crisis,” Leo said the Church must show “deep sensitivity and compassion” to survivors while also protecting the rights of the accused. He warned that abuse must not become “the center focus of the Church.”

Sexuality and Family Teaching

The pope said Church teaching on sexuality is “highly unlikely” to change, though he will maintain Francis’ welcoming stance toward LGBTQ Catholics. He criticized formal rituals blessing same-sex couples and emphasized support for the “traditional family.”

Role of Women in the Church

Leo plans to continue appointing women to leadership roles and to encourage ongoing study of ordaining women as deacons, without committing to immediate changes.

China Policy Maintained

On relations with Beijing, Leo said he will continue the Vatican’s cautious dialogue and the 2018 accord on bishop appointments, while engaging both official and underground Chinese Catholic communities.

A Cautious but Open Approach

From U.S. politics to global conflicts, Pope Leo XIV signaled a willingness to challenge leaders when necessary while following Francis’ path of dialogue and gradual reform.

For more on the Catholic Church and religious trends, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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