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Sean Teare’s Vision for a Revitalized Harris County District Attorney’s Office

2025 welcomes Sean Teare as the new Harris County district attorney. Teare emerged victorious in the race for Harris County District Attorney back in November 2024.  

Defeating Republican nominee Dan Simons, Teare’s win follows his March primary victory over two-time incumbent and former boss Kim Ogg. Now, as the new DA-elect, Teare is poised to implement a series of reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and compassion within the county’s criminal justice system drawn from his 13-year experience in the Harris County District Attorney.

A Prosecutor’s Dedication to Public Service 

Sean Teare’s commitment to justice traces back to his early days as a law school intern with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Reflecting on that formative experience, Teare told Que Onda Magazine: “I fell in love with the work of the District Attorney’s office as a law school intern and believe in the prosecutor’s oath to serve justice in every case.”  

This passion guided his career trajectory, ultimately leading him back to the DA’s office in 2016 with fresh ideas and a renewed dedication to public service. Now, Teare plans to overhaul the office, addressing its longstanding issues.  

“Harris County deserves a functioning criminal justice system that prioritizes public service over politics,” he said, citing challenges such as a backlog of felony cases, high turnover among prosecutors, and a need for morale-boosting reforms. 

Comprehensive Experience and a Leadership Track Record 

With decades in the criminal justice system as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Teare brings a unique perspective to the role.  He emphasized his managerial experience. 

“Over the last six and a half years, I have demonstrated my leadership capabilities by supervising well over a hundred different attorneys and staff members. This experience has equipped me with the skills needed to manage and lead a diverse and dynamic team effectively.”  His extensive trial experience, including over 50 jury trials, reinforces his readiness to lead Harris County’s DA’s office effectively. 

Addressing Key Challenges 

Teare recognizes the complex challenges facing the Harris County DA’s office. From a backlog of cases to issues with the intake process, he’s ready to confront these hurdles head on.  

“The intake process, designed in the early 70s as a gatekeeper to prevent wrongful arrests, is currently being mismanaged. Traditionally, line prosecutors spent significant time ensuring cases were appropriately filed,” he explains, highlighting his intent to restore the intake and ensure each case is carefully evaluated before prosecution. 

Teare also aims to tackle the low morale and high turnover within the office. He sees these internal issues as crucial to restoring the office’s functionality and public image. 

Balancing Public Safety with Fairness 

Public safety is central to Teare’s approach, but he emphasizes the need for a balanced strategy that addresses the root causes of crime.  

“Sometimes, [public safety] will mean pushing for incarceration. Sometimes, it will mean offering a diversion program that addresses the root causes of crime. Sometimes, that means dismissing a case,” he says. 

By examining each case individually, Teare aims to deliver justice that’s both effective and fair. Teare is also committed to supporting victims, particularly in communities facing discrimination. 

“Hate crimes are on the rise against the LGBTQIA+ community, people of color, and people of non-majority religions,” he notes. He vows to prioritize the prosecution of hate crimes and ensure that culturally competent prosecutors are available to support victims.

Key Policy Initiatives 

Teare’s platform outlines several initiatives focused on systemic change and public safety:- Expanded Diversion Programs: “I will establish and enhance a comprehensive diversion program that covers both misdemeanor and felony cases,” says Teare. 

Collaborating with local trade unions, he envisions programs that offer job training and life skills, helping individuals reintegrate into society.- Revamping Probation Conditions: Teare plans to shift probation focus to practical rehabilitation, moving away from “busy work” and towards vocational training and useful life skills. 

“I will initiate a thorough review and revamping of the conditions surrounding probation, deferred adjudications, and diversions,” he says.- Lawful Arrest Protocols: To ensure fairer policing, Teare advocates requiring probable cause before arrests, aiming to protect individual rights while enhancing justice.- Regular Program Evaluation: For diversion programs to remain effective, Teare plans to implement evaluations that track recidivism and adjust programs based on data. “Data-driven insights will inform necessary adjustments and improvements,” he emphasizes.

Building Public Trust 

Restoring trust in the DA’s office is a core part of Teare’s vision. He calls for hiring a diverse team and establishing fair and transparent standards to ensure that the community feels represented. 

“To improve the community’s trust in our office, we have to show that we have the tools to think about each case with compassion and to combat the internal biases we have,” Teare explains. “We must hire and empower a diverse group of leaders—both in terms of race, sexual orientation, economic background, and religion.” 

White House says Colombia agrees to take deported migrants after Trump tariff showdown

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The following story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this developing story, click here.

BOGOTA, Colombia — The White House claimed victory in a showdown with Colombia over accepting flights of deported migrants from the U.S. on Sunday, hours after President Donald Trump threatened steep tariffs on imports and other sanctions on the longtime U.S. partner.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a late Sunday statement that the “Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay.”

Leavitt said the tariff orders – which would have put in place 25% tariffs on all Colombian incoming goods, and then raised to 50% in one week – will be “held in reserve, and not signed.” But Leavitt said Trump would maintain visa restrictions on Colombian officials and enhanced customs inspections of goods from the country, “until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.”

There was no immediate reaction from the Colombian government.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) – The United States and Colombia, long close partners in anti-narcotics efforts, clashed Sunday over the deportation of migrants and imposed tariffs on each other’s goods in a show of what countries could face if they intervene in the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Presidents Donald Trump and Gustavo Petro, in a series of social media posts, defended their views on migration, with the latter accusing Trump of not treating immigrants with dignity during deportation and announcing a retaliatory 25% increase in Colombian tariffs on U.S. goods.

Earlier, the U.S. president had ordered visa restrictions, 25% tariffs on all Colombian incoming goods, which would be raised to 50% in one week, and other retaliatory measures sparked by Petro’s decision to reject two Colombia-bound U.S. military aircraft carrying migrants.

Trump said the measures were necessary because Petro’s decision “jeopardized” national security in the U.S.

“These measures are just the beginning,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States.”

Later Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he was authorizing the visa restrictions on Colombian government officials and their families “who were responsible for the interference of U.S. repatriation flight operations.” They were being imposed on top of the State Department’s move to suspend the processing of visas at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia’s capital, Bogota.

The restrictions will continue, Rubio said, “until Colombia meets its obligations to accept the return of its own citizens.”

Earlier in the day, Petro said his government would not accept flights carrying migrants deported from the U.S. until the Trump administration creates a protocol that treats them with “dignity.” Petro made the announcement in two X posts, one of which included a news video of migrants reportedly deported to Brazil walking on a tarmac with restraints on their hands and feet.

“A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity that a human being deserves,” Petro said. “That is why I returned the U.S. military planes that were carrying Colombian migrants… In civilian planes, without being treated like criminals, we will receive our fellow citizens.”

After Trump’s announcement, Petro said in a post on X that he had ordered the “foreign trade minister to raise import tariffs from the U.S. by 25%.”

Colombia has traditionally been the U.S.’s top ally in Latin America. But their relationship has strained since Petro, a former guerrilla, became Colombia’s first leftist president in 2022 and sought distance from the U.S.

Colombia accepted 475 deportation flights from the U.S. from 2020 to 2024, fifth behind Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, according to Witness at the Border, an advocacy group that tracks flight data. It accepted 124 deportation flights in 2024.

Colombia is also among the countries that last year began accepting U.S.-funded deportation flights from Panama.

The U.S. government didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press regarding aircraft and protocols used in deportations to Colombia.

“This is a clear message we are sending that countries have an obligation to accept repatriation flights,” a senior administration official told AP. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss issue publicly.

Rubio in a statement said Petro “canceled his authorization” for the flights when the aircraft were in the air.

Colombians emerged in recent years as a major presence on the U.S. border with Mexico, aided in part by a visa regime that allows them to easily fly to Mexico and avoid trekking though the treacherous Darien Gap. They ranked fourth with 127,604 arrests for illegal crossings during a 12-month period through September, behind Mexicans, Guatemalans and Venezuelans.

Mexico hasn’t imposed visa restrictions on Colombians, as they have on Venezuelans, Ecuadoreans and Peruvians.

Petro’s government in a statement later announced that the South American country’s presidential aircraft had been made available to facilitate the return of migrants who were to arrive hours earlier on the U.S. military airplanes and guarantee them “dignified conditions.”

As part of a flurry of actions to make good on Trump’s campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration, his government is using active-duty military to help secure the border and carry out deportations.

Two U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo planes carrying migrants removed from the U.S. touched down early Friday in Guatemala. That same day, Honduras received two deportation flights carrying a total of 193 people.

In announcing what he called “urgent and decisive retaliatory measures,” Trump explained that he ordered the tariffs and “A Travel Ban and immediate Visa Revocations” on Colombian government officials, allies and supporters.

“All Party Members, Family Members, and Supporters of the Colombian Government,” Trump wrote will be subject to “Visa Sanctions.” He did not say to which party he was referring to or provide any additional details on the visa and travel restrictions.

Trump added that all Colombians will face enhanced customs inspections.

Trump’s actions would seem to undercut his goal to reduce his country’s trade deficit. Unlike Mexico or China, Colombia is one of the few countries with a trade deficit with the U.S., of around $1.4 billion, according to U.S. trade data.

Colombia is the U.S.’s second biggest buyer of corn and corn feed, according to the U.S. grains council, helping boost U.S. commodity exports from farm belt states like Iowa, Indiana and Nebraska to more than $733 million last year.

The U.S. export boom has been driven by a two-decade-old free trade agreement between the two countries, which have for long been close partners in the war on drugs. It is unclear if Trump’s tariffs are allowed under the agreement, which contains a dispute mechanism to resolve trade fights.

Colombia is the U.S.’s fourth-largest overseas supplier of crude oil, shipping about 209,000 barrels of oil per day last year, although booming domestic production has reduced the U.S.’ dependence on foreign oil. The South American country is also the U.S.’s largest supplier of fresh cut flowers.

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Regina Garcia Cano reported from Caracas, Venezuela. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Jill Colvin in New York, Joshua Goodman in Miami, and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report.

Carrie Underwood’s streaming numbers drop following Trump 2nd inauguration performance

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Carrie Underwood’s performance of “America the Beautiful” at President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration became a viral sensation, but not for reasons she might have hoped.

Technical difficulties during the performance garnered widespread attention, yet this visibility didn’t translate to a boost in her music streams.

According to entertainment analysts at Luminate, Underwood’s streaming numbers dropped on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025. Her songs were streamed 1.46 million times, down six percent from 1.55 million the previous Monday. Similarly, rapper Nelly, who performed at the Liberty Ball the same day, experienced a dip in listenership, with streams decreasing from 1.63 million to 1.54 million.

While both artists saw modest increases in digital download sales, neither surpassed 1,000 downloads that day.

The decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration drew mixed reactions, particularly on social media. Underwood faced significant backlash.

“Carrie Underwood is performing at Trump’s inauguration, so I’m blocking her on all apps and boycotting her music,” wrote one listener on X.

Another commented on her Instagram: “So gross that you’re supporting Trump! History won’t forget.”

Despite the controversy, Underwood defended her choice in a statement to The Independent.

“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

Nelly also faced criticism for his participation but offered a different perspective during an interview on the Willie D Live podcast. “I respect the office,” he said. “The politics for me is over—he won. He’s the president, the commander-in-chief. This is the best country in the world.”

Drawing on his upbringing in St. Louis and his father’s Air Force service, Nelly emphasized his sense of duty. “If these people can give their life for the office, Nelly can perform. It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”

The controversy surrounding their performances underscores the divisive nature of political affiliations in the entertainment industry and the scrutiny faced by artists who engage in high-profile political events.

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

Lin-Manuel Miranda Brings Latino Flair to ‘SNL’ Without Missing a Beat

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Lin-Manuel Miranda returned to “Saturday Night Live,” taking the stage in the show’s cold open to reprise his iconic role as Alexander Hamilton. But instead of sticking strictly to the Revolutionary War vibe, the Tony-winning creator of “Hamilton” embraced the opportunity to poke fun at modern politics and, subtly, at himself.

The sketch opened with a dramatic reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Miranda’s Hamilton delivered a fiery speech that transitioned into a rap.

“In America, we will never have a king.”

Enter James Austin Johnson as President Donald Trump, who quipped, “Never say never! Kidding, of course, though in many ways, I’m not. I’m in my king era.”

The skit took aim at Trump’s eccentricities, with Johnson delivering a spot-on impression of rambling monologues and self-aggrandizement. While the rest of the cast portraying the founding fathers stood frozen, Johnson’s Trump riffed about everything from his inauguration (“a tremendous success held indoors due to cold and fear”) to Melania Trump’s fashion choices, likening her hat to that of Kung Lao from Mortal Kombat.

However, the humor turned self-referential when Johnson’s Trump mocked Miranda directly, blurring the lines between actor and character. “Look at Lin,” he said, pointing out Miranda’s visible eagerness to rap while remaining frozen. “He wrote a whole rap, and he doesn’t get to do it. Oh, the audience would have eaten that right up. But we’re not going to hear it.”

Miranda, known for his expressive performances, struggled to hold back laughter as Johnson delivered the roast with surgical precision. The tension broke when Miranda “unfroze” to deny Trump’s fabricated claim that he had anonymously donated $1 million to his campaign.

While Miranda’s performance in the skit showcased his theatrical talents and comedic timing, it also reflected his willingness to engage with satire—even when he’s the target. His Latino roots, a central element of his artistic identity, were present without being overly celebrated, grounding the performance in a nuanced take on representation.

Miranda’s return to SNL was a reminder of his ability to balance humor, politics, and culture without taking himself too seriously—a quality that continues to set him apart in the entertainment world.

Keep up with Latino artists with us on Que Onda Magazine.

North Korea’s Cruise Missile Test Escalates Regional Tensions

North Korea conducted a significant strategic cruise missile test on Saturday, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

The launch, which involved underwater-to-surface missiles, was personally overseen by leader Kim Jong Un and described as a critical demonstration of the country’s military capabilities.

Details of the Test
The missiles reportedly traveled over 900 miles during a flight duration of approximately 7,500 seconds before successfully hitting their targets, marking another milestone in Pyongyang’s pursuit of advanced weaponry. KCNA emphasized the test as part of North Korea’s broader strategy to bolster its defense capabilities in response to evolving regional threats.

Kim Jong Un reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening its military might, stating that North Korea’s deterrence measures are being “perfected more thoroughly.” He further pledged to continue efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability through enhanced military power.

Rising Regional Tensions
In a separate statement on Sunday, North Korea’s foreign ministry criticized the United States and South Korea for their joint military exercises, blaming the alliance for escalating tensions in the region. The ministry warned of the “toughest counteraction” against Washington as long as it refuses to recognize Pyongyang’s sovereignty.

The missile test coincided with remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who, during a recent interview, suggested he might reconnect with Kim Jong Un, citing the rapport they developed during his first term in office.

South Korea’s Response
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the missile launches, reporting that multiple cruise missiles were fired from inland areas toward waters off the country’s west coast on Saturday afternoon. Officials noted that the test reflects North Korea’s ongoing efforts to adapt its defense strategies to shifting regional security dynamics.

A Pattern of Provocations
This latest test follows earlier demonstrations of North Korea’s military capabilities, including the successful launch of a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile earlier this month. These developments underscore Pyongyang’s intent to solidify its position as a formidable military power despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

A Global Concern
North Korea’s growing arsenal and continued missile tests have raised alarms among its neighbors and the broader international community. While Kim Jong Un frames these actions as necessary for national defense, critics argue that they undermine regional stability and hinder efforts toward denuclearization.

As North Korea pushes forward with its military ambitions, the global community faces increasing challenges in navigating the delicate balance between diplomacy and deterrence in addressing Pyongyang’s provocations.

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

Why Gulf of Mexico name change may not be internationally recognized

In a controversial move, the Trump administration announced the official renaming of two prominent landmarks: the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Denali, North America’s tallest peak, back to Mount McKinley. While these decisions align with President Donald Trump’s campaign promises, experts suggest the changes are unlikely to gain international recognition due to historical and geopolitical factors.

A Legacy Renamed
The Gulf of Mexico, a name deeply entrenched in global maritime history, has served as a vital navigational reference for centuries. The Trump administration’s Interior Department justified the change as a way to preserve and honor U.S. heritage, aligning it with the nation’s historical narrative. Similarly, Denali—restored to its Indigenous Koyukon name in 1975 at Alaska’s request—has once again been renamed Mount McKinley, paying homage to President William McKinley, who served from 1897 to 1901. Trump lauded McKinley’s expansionist policies and economic leadership in his inaugural address, stating that the president “made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent.”

International Implications
Despite these domestic efforts, the likelihood of these name changes being recognized on a global scale remains slim. The Gulf of Mexico, shared by both the U.S. and Mexico, holds a name that transcends political boundaries. Mexican officials, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, have dismissed the renaming as symbolic rather than substantive. Sheinbaum even humorously proposed renaming the United States as “Mexican America,” highlighting the historical name once seen on early maps of the region.

Furthermore, international organizations such as the United Nations and maritime authorities are unlikely to adopt the new nomenclature without broad consensus. The long-standing recognition of the Gulf of Mexico underscores its importance in global navigation, trade, and diplomacy, making a unilateral name change difficult to enforce internationally.

Cultural and Historical Resistance
The renaming of Denali also reignites debates about cultural identity and heritage. Indigenous communities and Alaskans have long championed the name Denali, meaning “tall” in the Koyukon language, as a symbol of respect for the region’s original inhabitants. Restoring its colonial-era name risks alienating local populations and undermines decades of progress toward recognizing Indigenous contributions to American history.

A Symbolic Gesture, Not a Global Shift
While the Trump administration’s name changes reflect its emphasis on reviving traditional symbols of U.S. heritage, their impact may remain largely symbolic. The resistance from international communities and local stakeholders highlights the challenges of rewriting historical and cultural narratives in an interconnected world. For now, the Gulf of Mexico and Denali’s identities, as recognized by the broader global community, are unlikely to shift under these new designations.

Keep up with Trump’s second administration with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Following the Yellow Brick Road to Education and Career Success | A conversation with HCC-Southeast President Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover

Houston Community College Southeast College (HCC SE) has garnered significant attention with its recent $200,000 grant award from Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program.

In an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine, HCC SE President Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover shared her insights on how this transformative funding will support first-generation and low-income students through an initiative dubbed “The Yellow Brick Road Project.” 

“The Yellow Brick Road Project aims to address challenges by connecting students to vital community resources and ensuring they have the tools to succeed.”- DR. FRANCES VILLAGRAN-GLOVER 

Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program typically extends its support to community-based nonprofit organizations. 

However, this year, HCC SE became the first college invited to apply. “We were so honored to be the first college to be selected to apply. “This grant will give us the flexibility to address our community’s unique needs.” 

Inspiration Behind “The Yellow Brick Road Project” 

The project’s name draws inspiration from The Wizard of Oz. “Dorothy didn’t get to Oz on her own. She had the help of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion, and even Glinda the Good Witch.”

“Just like Dorothy, our students don’t need to navigate their paths alone. We want to create a network of support to guide them toward their goals.” 

The college plans to enhance collaborations with local nonprofit organizations, such as BakerRipley, Capital IDEA, Community Family Centers, and Catholic Charities, to provide wraparound resources like childcare, transportation, and career counseling. 

“It’s about connecting students to the resources they need, so they don’t have to choose between school and life responsibilities,” she added. 

Dr. Villagran-Glover shared a compelling example of how HCC SE’s partnerships have already made a difference. Angelica, a single mother with dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner, found support through the college and Capital IDEA. 

“Angelica had the drive but needed guidance and financial assistance. Through this partnership, she received the resources to pursue her dream,” Dr. Villagran-Glover said.

Addressing Barriers to Success 

Dr. Villagran-Glover, herself a first-generation college graduate, understands the hurdles many students face. 

“The barriers are not always academic,” she noted. “Sometimes students tell us, ‘I want to go to school, but I don’t have daycare,’ or, ‘I can’t afford transportation.’” 

The Yellow Brick Road Project aims to address these challenges by connecting students to vital community resources and ensuring they have the tools to succeed. Financial literacy workshops offered by Bank of America volunteers will also play a critical role. 

“This partnership is about more than just funding. It’s about empowering our community members to build better financial futures.”

From Community Partnerships to College Completion 

Dr. Villagran-Glover highlighted the critical role community partnerships play in ensuring students not only enroll but also complete their education. “It’s not just about getting students into college; it’s about making sure they graduate and succeed beyond the classroom,” she said. 

She discussed how HCC SE is expanding its collaboration with industry leaders to provide mentorship opportunities, internships, and job placement programs. 

“Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring students have a clear pathway from the classroom to their careers.”

 One of the strategies involves tailoring resources to meet the diverse needs of the student body. 

“Many of our students are balancing jobs, families, and coursework,” Dr. Villagran-Glover explained.

“By working closely with community partners, we can provide personalized support to help them achieve their goals.” 

She emphasized that the Yellow Brick Road Project is designed to be a comprehensive model of support, addressing not only immediate needs like childcare and transportation but also long-term success through skill-building and professional development.

Long-Term Impact 

When asked about the project’s long-term goals, Dr. Villagran-Glover highlighted economic mobility. 

“We strive to place students in careers that offer more than just a paycheck-to-paycheck existence. We want them to achieve their dreams and gain financial stability,” she said. The grant’s leadership development component will further strengthen the college’s impact Dr. Villagran-Glover and an emerging leader from HCC SE will participate in Bank of America’s leadership training. 

“Continuous learning is vital for effective leadership. We’ll share these insights with our team and across the HCC system to ensure every student benefits.”

Measuring Success 

The ultimate success of the Yellow Brick Road Project will be reflected in the stories of students who overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. “A year or two from now, I hope we’ll see more students like Angelica thriving in their careers and contributing to our community.” Through innovative partnerships and a commitment to student success, HCC SE’s Yellow Brick Road Project is paving the way for a brighter future for 

Work for Houston Rodeo!

Howdy! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is hiring for a variety of roles to support its upcoming 2025 season, running from March 4 through 23, 2025. This is your chance to be part of the team behind Houston’s most iconic event at NRG Park.

Available Positions:

  • Buildings and Grounds Seasonal Labor
  • Intern
  • Seasonal Mail Center Support
  • Seasonal Video Production Technician
  • Security
  • Part-Time Seasonal Support
  • Studio Intern

Whether you’re looking for seasonal work or an internship to build your skills, there’s something for everyone.

How to Apply:

Visit the Rodeo Houston Jobs Portal to explore available positions and submit your application today.

Yeehaw!

Keep up with all things Houston on Que Onda Magazine.

Justin Baldoni’s Wife Shares Birthday Tribute Amid Legal Drama with Blake Lively

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Justin Baldoni’s wife, Emily, recently posted a heartfelt birthday message for her husband on Instagram, marking her first public statement amid Baldoni’s legal dispute with Blake Lively.

Emily shared a family photo with their two children.

“Happy birthday my love. Celebrating the man, husband, and father that you are. I’d choose you again and again,” the caption reads.

This is her first post in over a year and her first public acknowledgment of the controversy surrounding her husband.

The legal battle began when Lively, 37, accused Baldoni, 41, of sexual harassment and alleged efforts to damage her reputation following the release of their film “It Ends With Us.”

Baldoni has denied the allegations and countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, claiming they are trying to ruin his career.

Recently, Baldoni’s legal team released behind-the-scenes footage of a dance scene from the movie, which Lively described as supporting her claims. Meanwhile, Baldoni and his producing partner, Jamey Heath, strongly deny the accusations.

Their film, based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, explores themes of domestic violence. However, Lively faced criticism during its promotion for her “tone-deaf” handling of the sensitive subject matter. Both sides now accuse the other of orchestrating smear campaigns.

The legal proceedings have drawn public attention, with accusations and counter-accusations continuing to dominate headlines.

Keep up with the Lively-Baldoni legal feud with us on Que Onda Magazine.

New Mexico Tops List as Riskiest State for Families

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A recent analysis based on FBI crime data has labeled New Mexico the most dangerous state in the U.S. for raising a family, citing its high rates of violent crime, property crime, and homicides.

Key Findings:

  • New Mexico: Highest violent crime rate, second in homicides (12 per 100,000 residents), and third in property crimes (2,998 per 100,000 people).
  • Washington & Colorado: Ranked second and third most dangerous states.
  • Top Five Most Dangerous: New Mexico, Washington, Colorado, Louisiana, and Oregon.
  • Safest States: New Hampshire, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with New Hampshire boasting crime rates far below the national average.

New Hampshire stands out as the safest state, with a violent crime rate one-third of the national average. Idaho also ranks high for safety, showing the lowest rate of motor vehicle theft and the second-lowest aggravated assault rate.

Keep up with state data news with Que Onda Magazine.