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Voodoo Doughnut Houston Closures Leave Chain With One Area Location

Que Onda Editorial
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Voodoo Doughnut Houston Closures Leave Chain With One Area Location

Voodoo Doughnut Houston closures have reduced the Portland-based chain’s local footprint once again. The company has quietly closed its Montrose and Katy shops, leaving only its Washington Avenue location operating in the Houston area.

Voodoo Doughnut Houston Closures Confirmed

The closed shops were located at 1214 Westheimer Road in Montrose and 1301 North Fry Road in Katy, according to Chron. A visit to both sites showed the storefronts were no longer open.

At the Montrose shop, the brand’s bright pink windows were covered. At the Katy location, the drive-thru menu had been removed and marked with graffiti.

The closures appear to have happened without a major public announcement. Staff at the remaining Washington Avenue shop declined to comment to Chron and referred questions to Voodoo Doughnut’s corporate office.

As of Monday, June 29, the company had not responded to Chron’s request for comment.

One Houston-Area Shop Remains Open

The closures leave Voodoo Doughnut with one Houston-area location: 3715 Washington Avenue. That shop opened in 2020 and was the company’s first store in the city.

The Washington Avenue location helped introduce Houston customers to Voodoo’s colorful doughnuts, pink boxes and late-night service. The chain built its reputation on playful flavors, bold toppings and a quirky brand identity.

The shop now operates as an all-day location. Chron reported its hours as 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Chain Had Expanded Across the Area

Voodoo Doughnut started in Portland, Oregon, in 2003. The chain later expanded into several U.S. markets, including Texas.

Houston became part of that expansion in 2020. The brand later added more area shops, including locations in Montrose, Katy and Cypress.

The Montrose shop gave the brand a presence in one of Houston’s busiest dining corridors. The Katy store extended the chain’s reach into the western suburbs.

However, the local footprint has narrowed in recent years. Voodoo Doughnut also closed its Cypress location in 2024 after roughly two years in business.

A Quiet Shift in Houston’s Doughnut Scene

The Voodoo Doughnut Houston closures come as Houston remains a competitive market for doughnut shops. Local favorites, regional chains and national brands all compete for morning customers, late-night crowds and delivery orders.

Voodoo stood out with novelty doughnuts and a strong visual identity. Its menu has included items such as the Voodoo Doll, Bacon Maple Bar and The Homer, along with vegan options.

Still, novelty alone does not guarantee long-term success in a crowded food market. Houston diners have many options, from classic glazed doughnuts to kolaches and specialty pastries.

The closures also show how quickly restaurant and dessert chains can adjust their local presence. Some locations open with major buzz, then close quietly when business conditions change.

What Customers Should Know

Customers looking for Voodoo Doughnut in the Houston area now have one remaining option on Washington Avenue. The company has not publicly detailed why the Montrose and Katy locations closed.

For now, the chain’s Houston presence is smaller but not gone. The Washington Avenue shop remains the local stop for fans of the brand’s signature pink boxes and over-the-top doughnuts.

The closures mark another change in Houston’s fast-moving food scene. Diners who followed Voodoo Doughnut’s local expansion will now have to head closer to the city’s core for a box.

Brazil vs Japan Houston Match Ends With Late Brazil Winner

Michael Esparza
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Brazil vs Japan Houston Match Ends With Late Brazil Winner

Brazil vs Japan Houston delivered a dramatic World Cup knockout match Monday at Houston Stadium. Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 after Gabriel Martinelli scored the game-winning goal deep into stoppage time. As a result, the five-time champions advanced to the Round of 16 after surviving a major scare.

Brazil vs Japan Houston Draws a Sellout Crowd

Houston Stadium hosted 68,777 fans for the Round of 32 match, according to the Houston Chronicle. Meanwhile, the sellout crowd created one of the loudest atmospheres of Houston’s World Cup schedule.

Brazil fans filled sections of the stadium in yellow and green. Japan supporters, however, answered with chants, flags, and steady noise throughout the match.

The energy also spread beyond the stadium. In addition, fans gathered at the FIFA Fan Festival in EaDo, where thousands watched the match on big screens despite the summer heat.

Japan Takes a Stunning Lead

Japan opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano. The midfielder struck from distance to give Japan a 1-0 lead and, in turn, put Brazil under immediate pressure.

The goal shifted the rhythm of the first half. Although Brazil controlled long stretches of possession, Japan stayed compact and defended with discipline.

Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also made important stops. Because of his work, Japan carried its lead into halftime.

Brazil Responds After Halftime

Brazil came out stronger in the second half. Then, Casemiro tied the match in the 55th minute with a header from a Gabriel Magalhães delivery.

The equalizer changed the mood inside the stadium. After that, Brazil pushed forward with more urgency and forced Japan to defend deeper.

Vinícius Júnior nearly gave Brazil the lead soon after. However, his shot hit the post after Suzuki got a touch on the attempt.

Martinelli Scores the Winner

The match appeared headed toward extra time before Brazil found one final chance. Finally, Gabriel Martinelli scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time to seal the 2-1 win.

The late goal sent Brazil into the Round of 16. At the same time, it ended Japan’s tournament after a disciplined and determined performance.

Brazil’s comeback showed its depth and patience under pressure. Still, Japan’s performance showed why the team entered the knockout stage with confidence.

Houston Gets a World Cup Thriller

The match gave Houston one of its biggest soccer moments of the tournament. Overall, fans saw a tight knockout game with a stunning opener, a second-half response, and a stoppage-time winner.

Brazil now moves forward with momentum. However, questions remain after a difficult match against a well-organized Japan team.

Japan exits after pushing one of the tournament favorites to the final moments. For Houston, the game delivered what World Cup knockout soccer promises: pressure, noise, drama, and a finish that fans will remember.

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Sends Rhaenyra Back to the Iron Throne

Michael Esparza
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House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Sends Rhaenyra Back to the Iron Throne

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 delivers a major turning point in the Targaryen civil war. The episode, titled “Queen’s Landing,” follows Rhaenyra as grief hardens into action and King’s Landing becomes the center of the conflict.

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Recap

The episode picks up after the devastating Battle of the Gullet. Rhaenyra faces the loss of her son Jacaerys, whose death leaves Team Black shaken at a critical moment.

That grief does not stop the war. Instead, it pushes Rhaenyra toward a more decisive path. Her claim to the Iron Throne becomes more urgent, and her patience with the Greens begins to disappear.

At Dragonstone, the mood is heavy. The battle has taken a personal and political toll. Rhaenyra must mourn while also leading a divided realm through a war that keeps growing more brutal.

Rhaenyra Moves Toward King’s Landing

Rhaenyra’s return to King’s Landing becomes the episode’s biggest moment. The capital, long held by the Greens, starts to shift as loyalties weaken.

The City Watch plays an important role in the takeover. Support inside King’s Landing helps Rhaenyra and Daemon move with less resistance than expected.

Still, the episode does not present victory as simple. Rhaenyra enters the city carrying grief, anger and the weight of her claim. Her return to the throne room feels powerful, but it also feels unstable.

The Iron Throne is not just a prize. It is a trap, a symbol and a burden.

Otto Hightower’s Fate Changes the War

One of the episode’s most dramatic moments comes with Otto Hightower. The former Hand of the King is found imprisoned, turning his political decline into a final reckoning.

Rhaenyra’s decision to execute Otto marks a sharp change in her rule. It shows a queen no longer willing to rely only on restraint or negotiation.

Otto’s death also deepens the emotional divide between Rhaenyra and Alicent. Their shared history has always shaped the series. Now, that past becomes even harder to separate from the bloodshed around them.

The execution sends a message to the realm. Rhaenyra has returned, and her rule will not begin with forgiveness.

Alicent Faces a Broken Future

Alicent spends much of the episode trying to protect what remains of her family. Her position has grown weaker as the Greens fracture from within.

Her attempt to escape King’s Landing with Helaena shows how far her power has fallen. Once a central force in court, Alicent now moves through the Red Keep with fear and urgency.

By the end, she faces Rhaenyra under terrible circumstances. The personal and political wounds between them are no longer hidden behind court language.

Their conflict remains one of the show’s strongest emotional anchors. It also shows how family, duty and ambition have destroyed nearly every path to peace.

Why the Episode Matters

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 changes the shape of the war. Rhaenyra may have taken King’s Landing, but the conflict is far from over.

Aemond, Aegon and the remaining Green forces still pose major threats. The realm remains divided, and dragons continue to make every political move more dangerous.

The episode also pushes Rhaenyra into a darker phase. Her victory carries the cost of death, trauma and fear. That makes her return to the Iron Throne feel less like triumph and more like the start of another crisis.

For fans following the Dance of the Dragons, “Queen’s Landing” is a major chapter. The war has entered a new stage, and the fight for power is becoming more personal with every loss.

Comcast NBCUniversal Spinoff Would Create Separate Media Company

Michael Esparza
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Comcast NBCUniversal Spinoff Would Create Separate Media Company

Comcast announced plans Monday for a Comcast NBCUniversal spinoff that would separate NBCUniversal and Sky into a new public company. The move would split Comcast’s media assets from its broadband, wireless and technology businesses.

Comcast NBCUniversal Spinoff Plan

The proposed transaction would create two independent publicly traded companies. Comcast said shareholders would own shares in both Comcast and NBCUniversal after the separation.

The new NBCUniversal company would include Universal film and television studios, NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, Bravo, Universal theme parks and Sky. Comcast would continue to focus on broadband, wireless, business services and entertainment platforms.

Comcast said the tax-free spinoff is expected to close in about one year. The deal still needs final Comcast board approval, tax opinions, regulatory approvals and financing arrangements.

Leadership Changes Ahead

Mike Cavanagh, Comcast’s co-chief executive officer, would become CEO of NBCUniversal after the split. Former Comcast Chief Financial Officer Michael Angelakis would become CEO of Comcast.

Brian L. Roberts, Comcast chairman and co-CEO, is expected to remain involved with both companies. Comcast said he would work with the leadership teams at Comcast and NBCUniversal.

The company said the split would give each business more focus. Comcast said media and communications markets continue to change because of technology, competition and consumer habits.

What NBCUniversal and Sky Would Include

NBCUniversal would become a global media and entertainment company with major film, television, streaming, sports, news and theme park assets. Sky would also be part of that company.

Sky is Comcast’s European media business. Comcast bought Sky in 2018, giving the company a larger international television and entertainment footprint.

The NBCUniversal side would also include Peacock, Comcast’s streaming platform. Streaming has become a central part of the media business as traditional cable television faces pressure.

What Comcast Would Keep

The remaining Comcast company would focus on internet, wireless and business services. It would also continue operating entertainment platform services tied to its technology business.

Comcast said its network reaches more than 65 million homes and businesses. The company also pointed to its wireless growth and business services platform as key parts of its future.

The company expects to keep up to a 19.9% stake in NBCUniversal for up to one year after the spinoff. Comcast said it plans to monetize that stake over time in a tax-efficient way.

Why the Split Matters

The announcement comes as major media companies rethink their structures. Cable television has lost viewers to streaming services, while broadband and wireless remain core businesses for Comcast.

Comcast already moved to separate several cable networks into Versant, including CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, E!, Syfy and Golf Channel. The new announcement goes further by separating NBCUniversal and Sky from Comcast’s technology-focused business.

For viewers, the immediate impact may be limited. NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, Universal and Sky would continue operating under NBCUniversal. However, the company’s strategy, investments and partnerships could change after the separation.

The Comcast NBCUniversal spinoff marks one of the biggest media restructurings in years. The final outcome will depend on approvals, timing and market conditions, but the plan shows how sharply the media and technology businesses are moving in different directions.

Supreme Court Mail Ballot Ruling Allows States to Count Some Ballots After Election Day

Que Onda Editorial
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Supreme Court Mail Ballot Ruling Allows States to Count Some Ballots After Election Day

The Supreme Court mail ballot ruling gives states room to count certain mailed ballots that arrive after Election Day. The 5-4 decision, issued June 29, upheld a Mississippi law covering ballots postmarked by Election Day and received up to five business days later.

Supreme Court Mail Ballot Ruling Centers on State Deadlines

The case, Watson v. Republican National Committee, focused on whether federal Election Day laws require mailed ballots to arrive by Election Day.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion. Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s three liberal justices joined her.

The court said federal law sets the deadline for voters to cast ballots. However, it does not set one national deadline for when mailed ballots must be received.

Mississippi’s law allows certain absentee ballots to count if they are postmarked by Election Day and arrive within five business days. The court said that rule does not conflict with federal law.

Why the Ballot Case Matters

The Republican National Committee, the Mississippi Republican Party and others challenged the law. They argued that counting ballots after Election Day violated federal statutes.

A federal appeals court had sided with the challengers. The Supreme Court reversed that decision.

The ruling matters beyond Mississippi. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, several states allow at least some mail ballots to arrive after Election Day if voters mailed them on time.

The decision does not require every state to accept late-arriving ballots. Instead, it allows states to set their own receipt deadlines, as long as voters cast the ballots by Election Day.

What the Court Said

The majority said the key act in an election is the voter’s choice. In mail voting, that choice happens when the voter casts the ballot.

The court also pointed to federal laws for military and overseas voters. Those laws often refer to state deadlines for receiving ballots.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote the main dissent. He argued that federal Election Day laws should require ballots to arrive by Election Day.

The dissent warned that longer receipt windows could raise concerns about public confidence in elections. The majority said those policy arguments should go to lawmakers, not courts.

What It Means for Texas Voters

The decision does not change who can vote by mail in Texas. Texas limits mail voting to voters who meet specific eligibility rules, including voters age 65 or older, voters with disabilities, certain voters outside their county, eligible jailed voters and voters expecting to give birth near Election Day.

Texas also has its own ballot return rules. State guidance says a domestic mail ballot with a valid postmark or delivery receipt showing it was submitted by 7 p.m. on Election Day must arrive by 5 p.m. the next business day.

That means Texas voters should still follow state and county election deadlines closely. A postmark alone may not be enough if the ballot arrives after the state deadline.

Election Officials Prepare for 2026 Voting

The ruling arrives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. It gives election officials clearer guidance in states with postmark-based mail ballot rules.

For voters, the safest option remains simple. Mail ballots early, track them when possible and check county election guidance before deadlines.

The Supreme Court mail ballot ruling keeps state-level ballot deadlines in place for now. Texas voters should confirm their local rules before every election.

Gulf Freeway Construction Worker Killed During Overnight Houston Project

Que Onda Editorial
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Gulf Freeway Construction Worker Killed During Overnight Houston Project

A Gulf Freeway construction worker killed during an overnight project in Houston died after being struck by a work vehicle, according to police. The crash happened late Sunday, June 28, near the Dixie Farm Road exit.

Houston police said the worker was part of a crew handling a lane closure on the southbound Gulf Freeway. The worker died at the scene.

Gulf Freeway Construction Worker Killed Near Dixie Farm Road

The incident happened around 11 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-45, also known as the Gulf Freeway. Investigators said a work vehicle was backing up when it struck the worker.

The vehicle was described by local reports as a Scorpion truck. That type of truck is commonly used in road work zones as a crash attenuator. It helps protect crews from traffic impacts.

Police said the driver worked for the same construction company as the worker who died. The driver and a passenger stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Authorities also said workers at the site were wearing required safety gear, including high-visibility clothing.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

As of Monday morning, officials had not released the worker’s identity. Authorities typically wait until family members are notified before releasing a name.

Houston police are continuing to review what happened before the crash. No charges had been announced in initial reports.

Investigators are expected to examine the work zone, the vehicle’s movement, and statements from people at the scene. Police have not said whether speed, visibility, equipment failure, or other factors played a role.

Work Zone Death Highlights Roadway Risks

The fatal crash comes during a busy period for highway construction across the Houston area. Many crews work overnight to reduce traffic delays and protect drivers during major lane closures.

However, overnight work also carries serious risks. Crews often operate near moving traffic, large vehicles, heavy equipment, and limited visibility.

Work zones depend on clear communication, safe vehicle movement, and driver caution. Even inside a closed lane, construction workers can face hazards from work trucks and passing vehicles.

Drivers Urged To Use Caution Near Crews

The Gulf Freeway remains one of the region’s busiest corridors. Construction zones can change quickly, especially at night.

Drivers should slow down near lane closures, watch for workers, and follow posted signs. Extra caution can help protect crews who maintain and improve Houston-area roads.

The death is a reminder that roadway construction affects real families and workers across the community. Anyone driving through a work zone should stay alert and give crews space.

Texas Becomes First State to Require Bible Readings in Public Schools

Que Onda Editorial
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Texas Becomes First State to Require Bible Readings in Public Schools

Texas Bible required reading rules are set to begin in public schools after the State Board of Education approved a statewide literary list Friday. The decision makes Texas the first known state to require students to read direct Bible passages as part of a required public school reading list.

The Republican-led board approved the list in a 9-5 vote. The new requirements are expected to roll out in phases beginning with elementary students during the 2030-2031 school year.

Texas Bible Required Reading List Approved

The required literary list covers students from kindergarten through high school. It includes nearly 200 works, with about a dozen Bible passages and Bible-based stories.

The list includes stories such as “David and Goliath” and “Daniel and the Lion’s Den” for younger students. Older students are expected to encounter selections from Genesis, Job, Lamentations and New Testament passages.

The reading list will also be tied to annual standardized exams. That means the selected works will become part of the state’s broader academic expectations.

Texas created the list under a 2023 law that called for at least one required literary work at each grade level. The final list goes much further, setting a larger statewide reading framework.

Supporters Say Bible Passages Add Historical Context

Supporters of the measure argue that biblical texts shaped American history, literature and civic life. They say students should understand references that appear throughout major works and public documents.

Backers also describe the list as literary and historical, not devotional. They say the goal is to teach cultural context rather than promote religious practice.

The vote comes as Texas leaders have pushed several measures involving religion in public schools. In recent years, the state allowed districts to hire chaplains and required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

Supporters say those efforts reflect the role of faith traditions in public life. They also say the Bible remains one of the most influential texts in Western literature.

Critics Raise Church-State Concerns

Critics argue the required list favors Christianity over other religions. They also say it could blur the line between public education and religious instruction.

Some educators and advocacy groups have questioned why the list includes Bible passages but does not give similar attention to other faith traditions. They also raised concerns about specific translations and how teachers will explain religious material in diverse classrooms.

Opponents say the state should allow local districts and teachers to choose reading materials. They argue that a statewide mandate limits classroom flexibility and may crowd out other books.

Some teachers also warned that the list could be difficult to complete within one school year. They said the number of required texts may reduce time for writing, discussion and locally selected reading.

New Rules Could Shape Classrooms Beyond Texas

Texas has one of the largest public school systems in the country, with about 5.5 million students. Because of that size, state curriculum decisions often draw national attention.

Education groups are expected to watch how districts prepare teachers for the new list. Legal challenges are also possible, especially from groups concerned about religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

For now, Texas schools have several years before the requirements begin. Families, educators and state officials will likely continue debating how Bible passages should be taught in public classrooms.

The decision marks a major shift in Texas education policy. It also places the state at the center of a national debate over religion, literature and public school instruction.

Harris County Immigrant Legal Services Program Paused During Court Fight

Que Onda Editorial
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Harris County Immigrant Legal Services Program Paused During Court Fight

The Harris County immigrant legal services program is on hold after the Texas Supreme Court issued a temporary order Friday, June 26. The order blocks county officials from funding legal aid for immigrants facing deportation cases while the state’s lawsuit continues.

Texas Supreme Court Pauses Harris County Immigrant Legal Services

The Texas Supreme Court said Harris County must stop disbursing funds tied to the program “until further order.” The court did not make a final ruling on whether the program is legal.

Instead, the order keeps the program paused while a state appeals court continues reviewing the case. The court said there is serious doubt about whether Harris County has the authority to operate the program.

The case centers on the county’s Immigrant Legal Services Fund. The program supports nonprofit organizations that help eligible residents navigate immigration court and deportation proceedings.

Paxton Lawsuit Challenges County Funding

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Harris County in November 2025. His office argued that the county improperly used more than $1.3 million in public funds for private legal services.

Paxton’s lawsuit claims the program violates the Texas Constitution’s ban on certain gifts of public funds. His office argues the county has no legal authority to spend taxpayer money on deportation defense.

Harris County officials have defended the program. They argue that legal representation helps residents follow court processes and supports due process in a complex federal system.

The county has also said the program includes oversight rules. Those include eligibility checks, monthly reporting, invoices, audits and county review before payments are approved.

Earlier Courts Allowed the Program to Continue

Before Friday’s order, Harris County had won key rulings in lower courts. District judges rejected Paxton’s efforts to block the program.

The 15th Court of Appeals also denied the state’s request for emergency relief earlier this year. In that ruling, the court said the state had not shown that the program caused actual harm to Harris County residents or Texas.

The appeals court also noted that Texas has recognized legal help for low-income people in civil cases as a public service. Immigration court is civil, not criminal, although deportation cases can carry major consequences for families.

The Texas Supreme Court’s new order changes the program’s status for now. However, it does not settle the larger constitutional question.

What the Program Does

Harris County created the Immigrant Legal Services Fund in 2020. The county initially allocated $2.5 million to help people facing immigration proceedings.

The program has worked with organizations including BakerRipley, the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, Justice for All Immigrants, KIND and the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Service.

According to court findings reported by The Texas Tribune, the program has helped 373 people over five years. Many closed cases ended in removal or voluntary departure from the United States.

Supporters say the program helps people understand their rights and responsibilities in immigration court. Opponents say county tax dollars should not fund legal defense in deportation cases.

Court Battle Still Continues

The pause leaves the program’s future uncertain. The Texas Supreme Court ordered the appeals court to continue reviewing the case.

That means Harris County’s immigrant legal services funding could remain frozen until the courts issue further direction. A final ruling could affect similar local programs across Texas.

For immigrant families and service providers, the immediate impact is clear. Legal aid tied to the Harris County program cannot move forward while the temporary order remains in place.

Supergirl Box Office Outlook Softens as Critic Ratings Come In Mixed

Michael Esparza
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Supergirl Box Office Outlook Softens as Critic Ratings Come In Mixed

“Supergirl” opened in theaters Friday with a cautious box office outlook and mixed critic ratings. The Supergirl box office forecast now points to a softer start than DC Studios likely hoped for after last year’s “Superman” reboot.

The Warner Bros. release stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl. Craig Gillespie directed the film, which is part of the new DC Universe led by James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Supergirl Box Office Tracking Points to Soft Opening

As of Friday morning, final opening-day grosses had not yet been posted by Box Office Mojo. The site listed “Supergirl” as a June 26, 2026, domestic release, with domestic, international, and worldwide totals still blank.

Industry tracking suggests the film could open below earlier expectations. Deadline reported a projected domestic opening of about $40 million to $50 million.

MarketWatch also described the debut as underwhelming for the DC reboot. The outlet noted that the film follows “Superman,” which helped rebuild momentum for Warner Bros. and DC last year.

That comparison matters because “Supergirl” is not a small release. It carries a reported production budget around $170 million before marketing, according to multiple industry reports.

Critic Ratings Show a Divided Response

Critics have not rejected “Supergirl,” but they have not fully embraced it either. Rotten Tomatoes listed the movie at 59% on the Tomatometer and 77% on the Popcornmeter in its first-review roundup.

Metacritic showed a score of 50 out of 100, based on 49 critic reviews. The site classified the response as “mixed or average.”

That puts “Supergirl” in a difficult position. The film has enough praise to avoid a total critical collapse. However, the ratings may not be strong enough to create major urgency among casual moviegoers.

For a superhero film opening in a crowded summer market, that gap can matter. Strong word of mouth often helps a movie hold through its second weekend.

Milly Alcock Earns Praise Despite Uneven Reviews

Many critics singled out Alcock as the film’s strongest element. Rotten Tomatoes summarized the early reviews by saying the movie may not be the summer’s must-see blockbuster, but Alcock makes the most of the role.

The film also features Jason Momoa as Lobo. His appearance has drawn attention because it marks a new DC role after his years as Aquaman.

The story follows Kara Zor-El on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice. The movie is rated PG-13 and runs one hour and 48 minutes.

Several reviews praised the cast and some action sequences. Others criticized the script, tone, and pacing.

DC Faces Another Test With Audiences

The performance of “Supergirl” will be closely watched because DC Studios is still building its new slate. “Superman” gave the franchise a cleaner launch point, but “Supergirl” now tests whether that momentum can spread beyond Clark Kent.

A lower opening does not automatically mean the film will fail. A strong audience response could still help the movie over several weeks.

Still, the early signs are mixed. The box office projections are modest, and the critic ratings suggest a film that divides viewers more than it unites them.

For moviegoers, “Supergirl” arrives as a superhero film with a praised lead performance and a less certain overall reception. Its next test will come from audiences filling theaters through the weekend.

Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland Reopens With New Treasure Grotto Magic

Michael Esparza
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Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland Reopens With New Treasure Grotto Magic

Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland reopens Friday, June 26, with a new effect inside one of the attraction’s most famous scenes. Guests sailing through the New Orleans Square ride will now see a pirate transform from a living buccaneer into a skeleton while sitting on cursed gold.

The update adds new technology to the treasure-filled grotto, a classic part of the Anaheim attraction. The scene has long featured skeletal pirates, eerie treasure, and the famous warning that “dead men tell no tales.”

Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland Adds New Grotto Effect

The new figure appears in the treasure grotto, where guests pass piles of gold and remnants of cursed pirates. For the first time, the scene includes a pirate who visibly changes before riders’ eyes.

The effect shows the character shifting from flesh and blood into a skeleton. The transformation is designed to happen in real time as boats move through the scene.

Disneyland’s official attraction page describes the grotto as a place where pirate treasure remains “eternally guarded” by those who captured it. The new figure builds on that story by showing the curse in action.

The change gives the classic scene a stronger visual payoff. It also keeps the ride’s original ghostly tone while adding a modern layer of showmanship.

New Audio-Animatronics Technology Drives the Transformation

The effect was developed by the Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development team. It uses advanced Audio-Animatronics technology paired with real-time front projection.

The figure includes a mechanical head that supports expressive movement. Projection technology then adds changing visual details to the face and body.

Together, the systems create the illusion of a pirate decaying into skeletal form. The result is meant to feel physical, not just digital.

This type of technology gives Imagineers more tools for storytelling. It allows a figure to change appearance while still existing as a dimensional character in the set.

A Classic Disneyland Ride Gets a Modern Touch

Pirates of the Caribbean opened at Disneyland in 1967. It remains one of the park’s most recognized attractions and one of the last major rides developed during Walt Disney’s lifetime.

The Disneyland version is located in New Orleans Square. Guests board boats and travel through caverns, pirate battles, a raided town, and treasure-filled scenes.

Over the years, Disney has updated parts of the ride while preserving its core identity. Previous changes included refreshed scenes and characters connected to the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise.

The new treasure grotto figure continues that tradition. It updates the experience without replacing the attraction’s familiar atmosphere.

Reopening Comes After Refurbishment

The June 26 reopening follows a refurbishment period for the Disneyland attraction. Fans had been watching closely for the return date because Pirates of the Caribbean remains a major draw for park visitors.

The reopening also arrives during the busy summer travel season. That timing gives many guests a chance to see the new effect during peak vacation months.

For longtime fans, the update offers a fresh reason to revisit a classic ride. For first-time visitors, it adds another memorable moment to one of Disneyland’s signature boat attractions.

The new transformation effect shows how Disney continues to blend nostalgia with new technology. Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland now returns with a familiar song, a cursed treasure room, and a new piece of magic waiting in the dark.

Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., has reopened with new magic to one of the attraction’s classic scenes: the treasure-filled grotto. Guests floating past this scene witness a pirate sitting atop a pile of cursed gold transform from a flesh-and-blood buccaneer to a skeleton right before their eyes. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
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