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Astros Reshape Roster for 2025 Season with Key Moves and New Additions

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During the 2024-2025 offseason, the Houston Astros implemented substantial roster changes in preparation for the 2025 season.

Key Departures:

Kyle Tucker: In a significant trade, the Astros exchanged outfielder Kyle Tucker with the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and third base prospect Cam Smith.

Alex Bregman: Third baseman Alex Bregman entered free agency following the 2024 season. As of early February 2025, negotiations between Bregman and the Astros have reached an impasse, with the team engaging in internal discussions regarding his potential return.

New Additions:

Christian Walker: The Astros signed free-agent first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract. Walker, renowned for his power hitting and defensive prowess, is expected to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities and infield defense.

Isaac Paredes: Acquired in the Tucker trade, Paredes is anticipated to fill the void at third base vacated by Bregman’s departure. His addition aims to bolster the Astros’ infield depth.

Coaching Changes:

The Astros bid farewell to long-time third base coach Gary Pettis after a decade with the team. Tony Perezchica has been appointed as his successor, bringing a new perspective to the coaching staff.

Outlook for 2025:

Despite substantial roster alterations, the Houston Astros remain confident in their prospects for the 2025 season. The team will rely on key returning players, including José Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, and Yainer Diaz, to spearhead their offensive efforts.

The pitching rotation, bolstered by Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, and Ronel Blanco, is anticipated to be a formidable asset. The bullpen, bolstered by Bryan Abreu, Ryan Pressly, and the recently acquired Josh Hader, is expected to provide additional support. The Astros are committed to maintaining their competitive standing within the American League West and securing another postseason berth.

Sony’s State of Play February 2025: Biggest Announcements and Reveals

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Sony’s first State of Play for 2025 delivered an exciting lineup of upcoming PlayStation 5 games, with major reveals, highly anticipated sequels, and fresh IPs. From Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds to Sega’s revival of Shinobi, here’s a breakdown of the most significant announcements from the showcase.

Monster Hunter Wilds Roars Onto PS5

Capcom officially unveiled Monster Hunter Wilds, set for release on February 28, 2025. The game promises an expansive open-world experience with new creatures, dynamic weather systems, and a deeper hunting ecosystem. Fans can expect refined combat mechanics and breathtaking environments to explore.

Sega Brings Back Shinobi

Sega surprised fans with the return of its classic ninja franchise in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Developed by Lizardcube, known for Streets of Rage 4, this 2D action platformer features stunning hand-drawn visuals and is slated for release on August 29, 2025.

Borderlands 4 Officially Revealed

Gearbox Software confirmed the long-awaited Borderlands 4, set to launch on September 22, 2025. The game introduces new characters, intergalactic locations, and an expanded arsenal of outlandish weaponry, staying true to the series’ signature humor and fast-paced gameplay.

Hell Is Us – A Mysterious New Action Adventure

Rogue Factor showcased Hell Is Us, a semi-open world action-adventure game centered around melee combat and supernatural creatures. With a focus on exploration and storytelling, the game is set to launch on September 4, 2025.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Announced

Sega expanded its Sonic universe with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, a high-speed kart racer featuring tracks and characters from various Sega franchises. A release date has not yet been confirmed, but the game aims to deliver a fresh take on the arcade racing genre.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger Unveiled

To the rejoice of many of the storied franchise, Bandai Namco introduced Digimon Story: Time Stranger, an RPG focused on time-traveling narratives within the Digimon universe. While details are scarce, the game is expected to launch later in 2025.

Lost Soul Aside Pre-Orders Coming Soon

Fans of action RPGs will soon be able to pre-order Lost Soul Aside, an ambitious title blending fast-paced combat with cinematic storytelling. While a release date has yet to be confirmed, pre-orders open on February 19, 2025.

Onimusha Returns with Way of the Sword

Capcom revealed Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the next installment in the legendary samurai action series. A gameplay preview was shown, with the full release expected in 2026.

Housemarque’s New Game: Saros

The studio behind Returnal, Housemarque, introduced Saros, an action-packed experience featuring a persistent progression system. Starring actor Rahul Kohli, the game is set for a 2026 launch.

Yakuza Meets Dave the Diver in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Rounding out the showcase, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was revealed, including a unique crossover with Dave the Diver. This unexpected collaboration is sure to intrigue fans of both franchises.

Watch the Full Presentation

For those who missed the live event, the full State of Play presentation is available on YouTube: State of Play | February 12, 2025.

Sony’s first major showcase of the year has set the stage for an exciting lineup of PlayStation 5 games, with a mix of beloved franchises and fresh experiences. Which reveal are you most excited for?

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1318

Sheinbaum’s Diplomatic Strategy Secures Tariff Pause with Trump

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s ability to strike a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump has positioned her as a diplomatic force in navigating trade disputes.

Analysts suggest her approach could serve as a model for other world leaders facing similar economic pressures from Washington.

The agreement, which resulted in a pause on blanket tariffs against Mexico, came after tense negotiations. Sheinbaum stood firm on trade, drug enforcement, and migration policies while steering clear of direct confrontation with Trump. Ultimately, Mexico pledged to deploy 10,000 troops to its border to combat human and drug smuggling, particularly fentanyl trafficking.

The February 3 call between the two leaders followed escalating tensions, with the White House accusing Mexican drug organizations of government ties—an allegation Sheinbaum dismissed as unfounded. While Canada prepared retaliatory tariffs, Sheinbaum opted for diplomacy, delaying countermeasures until she had the chance to negotiate.

Her strategy appeared to earn Trump’s respect, as he later praised her leadership. Canada soon reached a similar arrangement, agreeing to appoint a fentanyl czar, allocate $140 million to organized crime intelligence, and classify Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations.

Sheinbaum’s high approval ratings—currently at 75%—reflect public support for her handling of trade negotiations. However, another round of discussions looms on March 4 when the tariff pause expires. Business leaders in Mexico remain confident in her ability to maintain stability.

Meanwhile, fentanyl trafficking remains a contentious issue. While Trump has vowed aggressive action against cartels, experts note that most fentanyl smuggling is carried out by U.S. citizens using concealed transport methods. Mexico is expected to ramp up its crackdown on organized crime in response to ongoing U.S. pressure.

Speculation continues over Trump’s past remarks about military action against cartels. While he previously hinted at potential strikes on Mexican soil, it remains unclear whether such plans are still under consideration.

As Sheinbaum prepares for future negotiations, her diplomatic balancing act underscores Mexico’s efforts to safeguard its economic and security interests while maintaining a working relationship with the U.S.

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

Trump Faces Inflation Challenges as Economic Pressures Mount

As a candidate, President Donald Trump confidently claimed he could swiftly tackle inflation, assuring voters he would “deflate” rising prices with ease. However, recent economic indicators suggest that inflation remains a persistent challenge, potentially complicating Trump’s efforts to fulfill his promises.

The latest Consumer Price Index report reveals that inflation has risen to 3% over the past three months, despite Trump’s assurances that his return to the White House would lead to increased oil production and lower energy costs. Gasoline prices have continued to climb, reflecting broader economic forces that even a sitting president struggles to control.

Market Forces and Presidential Limits

Trump’s broad economic pledges often encounter the realities of market dynamics. While he has proposed expanding tariffs and pressuring the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, economic experts warn that such moves could have unintended consequences. The Federal Reserve, led by Chairman Jerome Powell, has made it clear that its monetary policies will remain independent, emphasizing that interest rates will only be adjusted based on economic data rather than political pressure.

Consumer sentiment surveys indicate that many Americans view Trump’s proposed tariffs as a potential driver of inflation. His administration recently announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, along with plans to remove exemptions on steel and aluminum tariffs enacted in 2018. Additionally, Trump is considering tariff hikes on Canada and Mexico, which could further impact trade relations and pricing structures.

The Inflation Debate and Economic Proposals

The persistence of inflation has led to growing concerns among financial markets. Rising consumer spending, steady job growth, and historically low unemployment levels are contributing to price pressures, particularly as wealthier consumers continue to drive demand. The cost of goods, from auto parts to household items, has increased even before new tariffs take effect, raising concerns about long-term price stability.

In response, Trump allies are exploring drastic measures to curb inflation. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, now serving as the head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, has suggested cutting federal spending by $1 trillion within a year. Musk argues that such a move would eliminate inflation by reducing government borrowing and lowering interest rates on loans and mortgages. However, economic analysts caution that a budget cut of this magnitude could trigger a significant recession, with estimates suggesting a 4% drop in GDP.

Uncertainty in Economic Policy

Financial markets are already responding to inflation concerns, with the yield on 10-year Treasury notes climbing to 4.62% following the latest inflation report. Investors anticipate that higher inflation and interest rates could persist, raising questions about the effectiveness of Trump’s economic strategies.

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey also reflects heightened inflation expectations among Americans. Many respondents cite tariffs as a primary concern, fearing that protectionist trade policies could exacerbate price increases rather than control them.

When questioned about Trump’s economic strategy, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the president’s commitment to reducing inflation but provided few specifics. “He wants interest rates to be lower,” she stated. “He wants inflation to be lower. And he believes that the administration’s economic approach will achieve these goals.”

As Trump’s presidency unfolds, his administration faces mounting pressure to deliver on its economic promises. With inflation showing resilience and global trade policies in flux, the path to economic stability remains uncertain.

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

A noticeable drop in temps before our next cold front arrives

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Grab your jackets! Temperatures will take a tumble Thursday morning with most of Southeast Texas cooling off into the upper 30s and low 40s by sunrise, but the freeze line could get really close to our northernmost communities from College Station to Huntsville to Livingston. When you factor in the wind, those sunrise “feels like” temps will be in the upper 20s and low 30s!

If sunshine breaks through the clouds like we are expecting, temperatures should warm back into the 50s. However, if the clouds hold thick through the day, temperatures will struggle to climb out of the 40s.

What can we expect for Valentine’s Day?

It will be a seasonably chilly day with a low in the 40s and afternoon temps in the 50s. There’s also a 30% chance for a shower, so keep that in mind for those outdoor picnics! A warm front will blow in during the evening, warming temperatures up through the 60s after the sun sets.

How is the weekend shaping up?

Another cold front is expected to blow in Saturday night with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. It will warm to near 80 Saturday afternoon before the front arrives in the evening. 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!

Could temperatures get back to freezing in Houston?

That’s not currently in our 10 day forecast, but it will be a close call on the morning of Presidents Day and again on Thursday of next week. We are currently predicting the temperatures in Houston to drop to 35 on both mornings, so you might consider protecting cold sensitive plants over the weekend, especially if you live north and west of Houston.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Man charged with murder after mother found beaten to death in her E. Harris Co. home

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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Investigators say a son may have used a hammer to beat his mother to death in the garage of their east Harris County home.

Harris County sheriff’s deputies said the victim’s stepson found 69-year-old Eva Peavy unresponsive around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Ellesmere Drive in the Woodforest neighborhood and called 911.

When deputies arrived, they reportedly found her son, Jarell Joseph, holding a hammer. Investigators believe he may have used it to kill his mother.

“He called 911. His stepbrother was also home. He observed his stepbrother with a hammer. His brother was not really speaking to him and was acting indifferent, and so the individual that came home and observed all this just kept his distance,” Sgt. Michael Ritchie said.

The 35-year-old was arrested, charged with murder, and booked into the Harris County Jail.

Peavy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said they are speaking to family members, trying to get to the bottom of why this happened.

Ritchie said HCSO has previous history with the family involved, but he did not provide further details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Police report another robbery at University of Houston ahead of student protest over campus safety

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Recent crime at the University of Houston campus in the Third Ward is the focus of a student protest planned for Wednesday.

Just overnight, there was another robbery reported near campus. The incident comes after a sexual assault on campus last week sparked safety concerns.

University of Houston police said the man who was robbed on Tuesday night is a member of the University of Houston community.

The victim told police that around 9:15 p.m., a group of four people came up to him and demanded his cellphone at METRO bus stop #11424, which is located south of University Drive on Martin Luther King Boulevard, in front of the Welcome Center and across the street from the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

One of the suspects was armed with a silver semi-automatic pistol, according to police.

Thankfully, the victim wasn’t hurt, but the suspects did get away with his phone.

UHPD described the suspects as one male and three females. They were last seen leaving the location on foot, heading southbound on MLK Boulevard.

This is the latest in a string of violent crimes that have happened on campus.

READ MORE: University of Houston student sexually assaulted at knifepoint in parking garage, police say

University of Houston police are investigating a series of crimes reported on and near campus, including an armed sexual assault and two robberies.

Last Friday, the university said a student was sexually assaulted at knifepoint in the Welcome Center Student Parking Garage . A suspect has since been arrested in that case, according to UHPD.

There was also a recent assault and a robbery of two people. All of this, understandably, has students concerned.

“We’re not in like a super safe area in general, but I feel like before, I’ve felt fairly safe on campus. But now, there’s been like several things happening in a very short amount of time, and that makes you feel more scared,” said student Hedda Grelz.

In the past three years, the number of crime reports at the University of Houston has increased, and the university does not clear a high percentage of the reported sex offenses.

PREVIOUS REPORT: University of Houston promises safety action as students demand more

UH students are planning a march and rally to demand more safety measures on campus because of recent violent crimes. Here’s what the university had to say about the crime on campus.

Meanwhile, during that same period of time, the city of Houston’s reported crimes have trended down.

Students who have spoken to ABC13 say the lighting around campus should be improved and that they’d like to see the school invest in more programs that can help keep them safe.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Trump and Putin Discuss Ukraine War Resolution in Lengthy Phone Call

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President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he engaged in a substantial discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The conversation comes three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as efforts toward a diplomatic resolution gain momentum.

“I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump shared on his social media platform. “We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects.”

Trump emphasized that both leaders agreed to collaborate closely, even suggesting future diplomatic visits between their nations. “We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy of Ukraine to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now,” he added. The call between Trump and Putin reportedly lasted about an hour and a half, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

In his social media post, Trump noted that Putin echoed his campaign motto of “COMMON SENSE” during their conversation. According to Peskov, both leaders expressed their commitment to a peaceful resolution, with Putin stating the importance of addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently advocated for the full territorial liberation of Ukraine. However, recent reports indicate that he may be open to negotiating a territorial agreement with Russia.

Adding to the discourse, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth weighed in, describing a return to Ukraine’s pre-war borders as an “unrealistic objective.” His comments, made at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, further emphasized the challenges of brokering peace while ensuring Ukraine’s security.

Trump also used the opportunity to thank Putin for the release of American teacher Marc Fogel, who had been imprisoned in Russia on drug charges since 2021. Fogel arrived at the White House late Tuesday night, marking a significant diplomatic development.

With peace talks and diplomatic negotiations intensifying, global attention remains on how these discussions will shape the future of Ukraine and broader geopolitical stability.

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

2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees Announced, Featuring Maná, Mariah Carey and Oasis

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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has unveiled its list of nominees for the highly anticipated 2025 induction class.

This year’s diverse lineup includes legendary artists spanning multiple genres, reflecting rock’s ever-evolving influence. Among the 14 performers under consideration are Mariah Carey, Oasis, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Idol, Outkast, and Phish.

The complete nominee list, released by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, also features Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Notably, Mexican rock band Maná makes history as the first Spanish-language group to receive a nomination.

Of the 14 contenders, eight are making their debut on the ballot: Bad Company, The Black Crowes, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Maná, Outkast, and Phish. Each artist brings a unique style and legacy that has shaped rock and popular music.

“These remarkable nominees have each created their own musical style and attitude, impacting generations of music lovers and contributing to the ever-evolving sounds and continued growth of Rock & Roll,” said John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, in a statement.

A voting body of more than 1,200 international artists, historians, and music industry professionals will determine which nominees will be inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Voters will assess each artist’s complete body of work and overall impact on the music industry.

Alongside the performer category, the foundation will also recognize inductees in three special categories: Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award. The final list of 2025 inductees will be revealed in late April.

Music fans can look forward to the official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, set to take place in Los Angeles in Fall 2025. Last year’s event honored icons such as Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest.

With a stellar list of nominees, the upcoming induction class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history. Music enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the final announcement to see which artists will cement their legacy in rock history.

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