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Witness Helped Lead Police to Minnesota Shooting Suspect

Que Onda Editorial
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Witness Helped Lead Police to Minnesota Shooting Suspect

A Minnesota woman says she spotted the suspect in the deadly political shootings while on the phone with her father — a key moment that led to the arrest of 57-year-old Vance Boelter.

Wendy Thomas told KSTP that on Sunday night, she saw someone crouching near a culvert in a field in Green Isle.

“I was like, ‘Dad, that’s somebody,’” she said. Her father urged her to call for help. She flagged down law enforcement, who then arrested Boelter after a 43-hour manhunt.

Boelter Faces Federal and State Charges

Boelter is accused of killing Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in what authorities have called politically motivated attacks.

“He stalked his victims like prey and shot them in cold blood,” said acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson.

Boelter faces federal charges for stalking and firearms violations and state charges including first-degree murder. He made a brief appearance in federal court on Monday.

Chilling Evidence Found

Investigators found detailed surveillance notes in Boelter’s possession, including a list of public officials. A note next to Hortman’s name read, “married Mark 2 children 11th term.” Another notebook mentioned her “big house off golf course” and noted “2 ways in to watch from one spot.”

Officials say Boelter showed up at the victims’ homes early Saturday impersonating a police officer while wearing a realistic mask. Two other lawmakers were reportedly spared that same night.

Political Leaders React to Rising Threats

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan urged public officials to “turn down the temperature,” calling for more humanity and bipartisan empathy. Gov. Tim Walz said, “The way our nation moves forward is not through hate. It is not through violence. It is through humility, and grace, and compassion.”

State Sen. Scott Dribble linked the violence to increasingly extreme political rhetoric.

“It’s very concerning… those at the highest levels are calling for violent responses instead of real policy debate,” he said.

Trump Refuses to Call Walz

Despite the tragedy, former President Donald Trump refused to offer condolences to Gov. Walz. “I don’t want to call him… the guy doesn’t have a clue,” Trump said Tuesday. “I could be nice and call, but why waste time?”

The investigation into Boelter’s motive continues.

For more on the Minnesota killer whose charged with the death of Congresswoman Melissa Hortman,

Mount Lewotobi Erupts, Triggers Red Alert and Evacuations

Edward Saenz
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Mount Lewotobi Erupts, Triggers Red Alert and Evacuations

Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia has erupted, blasting volcanic ash 32,000 feet into the air and prompting immediate evacuations and travel warnings. The Australian Government issued a red alert for aircraft as the ash cloud posed serious aviation risks.

Evacuations Underway

Authorities ordered evacuations within a two-mile radius of the volcano due to the threat of pyroclastic flow — deadly surges of hot gas and volcanic debris that can rush down the slopes at terrifying speeds.

Volcano Activity Reached Critical Levels

Indonesia’s volcanic agency had recently raised the alert for Mount Lewotobi to its highest level after days of increasingly volatile activity. Visual observations revealed a sharp uptick in seismic events and rising concerns about possible lava flows.

Timeline of the Eruption

The eruption began at 5:34 p.m. local time (5:34 a.m. Central Time) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Volcano Observation Post Officer Yohanes Kolli Sorywutun reported that the ash column reached a height of 10,000 meters above the volcano’s peak — more than 11,500 meters (7.1 miles) above sea level.

No Casualties Reported So Far

While no casualties have been confirmed from this current eruption, officials remain cautious. Last November, an eruption of nearby Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki resulted in nine deaths and dozens of injuries.

Tsunami Concerns Prompt Japan Investigation

Japan’s Meteorological Agency is investigating the eruption’s potential to trigger a tsunami, though no warnings have yet been issued.

Powerful Images Emerge

Incredible videos and photos show towering clouds of volcanic smoke billowing into the sky — a dramatic reminder of Indonesia’s position within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most volcanically active regions on Earth.

Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine as this story develops.

Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ David Hekili Kenui Bell, Actor, Dies

Indira Zaldivar
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Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ David Hekili Kenui Bell, Actor, Dies

David Hekili Kenui Bell, known for his role in Disney’s live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” has passed away. His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced his death on Facebook. No cause of death has been made public.

“It is with a heavy heart I share that my sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother David H K Bell will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father,” she wrote.

Role in “Lilo & Stitch”

In the 2025 adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch,” Bell played Big Hawaiian Dude, a character who nods to the recurring Ice Cream Man joke from the original animated films. In the film, his character drops a shaved ice in shock when Jumba and Pleakley open a portal to the island.

Just two weeks ago, Bell shared his audition tape and behind-the-scenes photos on social media. He also praised the local Hawaiian crew, writing: “Now, Mahalo to all who worked on this film!…Was also happy to see so much of the cast, especially those of us that round out the world of live-action Lilo & Stitch that the filmmakers so masterfully constructed.”

A Versatile Talent

Bell’s acting credits also include appearances in “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum P.I.” His IMDb page notes he was working on “The Wrecking Crew,” an upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa.

His sister also reflected on his passions: “David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew… He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max … made him a diamond in the rough.”

Remembering His Voice and Spirit

Bell’s voice lives on in Hawaii — quite literally.

“You can hear him over the PA system on arrival at Kona Airport where he loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience,” his sister added.

For the latest on film news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Universities Under Federal Scrutiny Over DEI and Academic Freedom

Edward Saenz
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Texas Universities Under Federal Scrutiny Over DEI and Academic Freedom

Texas universities are navigating increasing pressure from the federal government—particularly under the Trump administration in its second term—over their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and perceived ideological bias.

  • Federal agencies have begun reviewing the accreditation and funding of universities suspected of maintaining or defending DEI policies.
  • There is growing concern among university leaders that expressing public support for DEI or social justice issues might jeopardize federal funding or lead to retaliatory measures.

University Responses

  • Rice University has taken a relatively bold stance, issuing statements defending academic freedom and institutional independence.
  • Most other institutions, including major public universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M, have been cautious and largely silent.
    • Their legal teams are advising them not to engage in public discourse that could draw political backlash.
    • Some are quietly phasing out DEI programs or relabeling them under different titles to avoid scrutiny.

Background Context

  • In 2023, Texas passed Senate Bill 17, which banned DEI offices and initiatives in public higher education.
  • This created a chilling effect, with universities dismantling DEI departments and reassigning staff to avoid noncompliance.
  • Now, even private universities are feeling heat due to federal funding dependencies, especially in research grants and financial aid.

Legal and Ethical Tensions

  • There’s a legal gray area where federal free speech protections clash with state-imposed DEI restrictions.
  • Accreditation bodies are now being used as levers of enforcement or threat, intensifying the conflict.

Voices from Campus

  • Faculty at several institutions have quietly organized resistance efforts, publishing anonymous op-eds or lobbying accrediting agencies to intervene.
  • Student activists have mostly shifted strategies, using non-DEI-branded advocacy to continue diversity work under the radar.

Texas Senate Bill 6: A New Era of Regulation for High-Energy Industries

Edward Saenz
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Texas Senate Bill 6: A New Era of Regulation for High-Energy Industries

As Texas continues to attract energy-intensive industries like data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and advanced manufacturing, lawmakers are moving swiftly to ensure the state’s power grid remains reliable and resilient. Texas Senate Bill 6 (SB6), introduced by Sen. Phil King in early 2025, represents a comprehensive effort to regulate large electricity users amid projections that statewide power demand could nearly double by 2030.

Why SB6 Matters

Texas has seen explosive growth in demand for electricity, fueled by the influx of large-scale technology operations. While this trend brings economic benefits, it also places increasing strain on the state’s electric grid, managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). SB6 is designed to manage that strain by creating a regulatory framework to ensure that large consumers contribute their fair share to infrastructure costs and grid stability.

Key Provisions of SB6

1. New Transmission Charges

SB6 mandates the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to impose transmission charges on customers with behind-the-meter generation (e.g., on-site solar or backup generators). The goal is to ensure these users help fund the transmission system they still rely on during outages or peak demand.

2. Interconnection & Planning Requirements

To improve planning and reliability, the bill introduces:

  • A minimum $100,000 fee for transmission screening studies.
  • Financial security requirements before a project is formally reviewed.
  • Disclosure of backup generation facilities to ERCOT, with conditions for mandatory use during emergencies.

3. Backup Generation & Emergency Response

Large facilities must:

  • Register backup generators with local utilities.
  • Participate in a voluntary program to reduce power usage during grid stress in exchange for compensation.
  • Use on-site power generation or curtail consumption when ERCOT declares an emergency.

4. Improved Forecasting

SB6 tightens load forecasting protocols and requires large users to report power requests across projects. It also calls for a reassessment of existing programs like the “Four Coincident Peak” model to better reflect modern energy usage patterns.

Legislative Status & Industry Reaction

As of mid-June 2025, SB6 has passed the Texas Senate and is pending approval in the Texas House. Its passage would mark a significant shift in how the state regulates high-load electricity users and plans for future infrastructure needs. Supporters of SB6, including grid operators and consumer advocacy groups, praise the bill for addressing infrastructure fairness and enhancing grid reliability.

Critics, including some technology companies and crypto advocates, argue that the bill could create barriers to entry and stifle investment in Texas—a state that has marketed itself as a haven for energy innovation and deregulation.

Looking Ahead

SB6 underscores a broader transformation in how Texas balances economic growth with infrastructure sustainability. If passed, it will serve as a national model for integrating energy-intensive technologies into legacy power systems without compromising reliability or shifting costs to residential consumers.

Houston Sees Nation’s Largest Surge in Millionaire Renters

Edward Saenz
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Houston Sees Nation’s Largest Surge in Millionaire Renters

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston has seen a dramatic rise in millionaire renters, leading the nation in the growth of high-income households choosing to rent rather than own homes, according to a new study.

Between 2019 and 2023, the number of Houston-area households earning $1 million or more annually and renting their homes increased from just seven to 179 — a 25-fold jump — the largest increase among the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, according to apartment listing platform RentCafe.

The trend reflects a broader shift in housing preferences among the affluent, as high-income individuals increasingly favor renting for reasons ranging from financial strategy to lifestyle flexibility.

Rising mortgage rates and soaring home prices have made renting more attractive, even for those who can afford to buy. In addition, the growth of luxury apartment complexes in Houston — many offering amenities such as fitness centers, pools and concierge services — has helped draw in wealthy renters.

Experts also cite the rise in remote and hybrid work as a key factor, enabling professionals to live in cities that offer more space and lower costs without sacrificing quality of life. Houston’s strong job market, lack of state income tax and comparatively affordable cost of living have made it a prime destination.

Nationwide, the number of millionaire renter households grew from 1,068 in 2019 to over 3,400 by 2023. Millennials now make up nearly half of this group, according to RentCafe, signaling a generational shift away from traditional notions of homeownership.

While the study did not specify which Houston neighborhoods saw the most growth, luxury rentals in Midtown, Montrose, The Heights and the Galleria area are likely contributors to the surge.

As the trend continues, analysts say the rise in affluent renters could reshape local housing markets and influence future residential development across the region.

HISD Overhauls Transportation System Ahead of 2025–26 School Year

Edward Saenz
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HISD Overhauls Transportation System Ahead of 2025–26 School Year

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is launching a major overhaul of its student transportation system for the 2025–26 school year, aimed at reducing costs, shortening commute times and offering more flexible travel options for students.

District officials announced the plan includes a partnership with Houston METRO, staff restructuring, route optimization, and updated policies for school choice transportation.

Under the new plan, eligible high school students will receive free METRO transit passes. The district hopes this option will alleviate pressure on traditional bus routes and give students more reliable access to school and extracurricular activities.

The district is also replacing 125 central office and terminal positions with 155 new roles focused on efficiency and accountability. HISD emphasized that no bus drivers or attendants will be laid off, and all current employees are encouraged to reapply.

“We are modernizing the way students get to school,” HISD Superintendent Mike Miles said in a statement. “This is about making transportation safer, faster, and more responsive to the needs of our families.”

HISD plans to reduce the number of bus routes from 508 to about 423, which is expected to save $3 million annually. The average ride time for students is projected to decrease from 1 hour and 45 minutes to about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Additionally, the district is adjusting its bus stop policy for students enrolled through the school choice program. Starting in the fall, students may need to travel up to three miles to reach their designated bus stop — an increase from the current two-mile limit.

Parents will also have the option to request transportation directly through online surveys or text messages, allowing for more personalized service.

The new system includes updated ride time targets: 50 minutes or less for students attending their zoned schools and 80 minutes or less for those in magnet programs. Clear guidelines on attendance, behavior and METRO use will be provided to participating students and families.

Students eligible for METRO passes include those who live more than two miles from their zoned campuses, travel on hazardous routes, or are classified under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Families are expected to receive updated route information by the end of July.

For questions or to confirm transportation eligibility, parents are encouraged to contact the HISD transportation department directly.

Space Center Houston Honors 42 Years Since 1st American Woman in Space

Indira Zaldivar
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Space Center Houston Honors 42 Years Since 1st American Woman in Space

Space Center Houston will celebrate Sally’s Night on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., marking the 42nd anniversary of Dr. Sally Ride’s groundbreaking spaceflight aboard NASA’s STS-7 mission.

Ride became the first American woman in space on June 18, 1983, forever changing the course of human spaceflight history.

A Tribute to Inclusion and Discovery

Guests are invited to reflect on Ride’s legacy and her message that “space is for everyone,” honoring her role as both a trailblazing woman and a gender-expansive individual in science. Her mission aboard the space shuttle Challenger remains one of NASA’s most celebrated milestones.

Houston’s ‘BeSomeone’ Artist Joins Celebration

Space Center Houston is partnering with the anonymous BeSomeone artist, known for the iconic graffiti over I-45, to create a live mural inspired by Ride’s message: “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity.” The artwork will reflect Houston’s vital role in space exploration.

Sally’s Night Schedule Highlights

  • 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Main Plaza):
    • EarthKAM Pop-up Lab
    • Sally Ride’s Timeline Tech Wall
    • BeSomeone Live Mural
  • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Main Plaza):
    • Sally Ride Special Artifacts
    • Kinetic Lights
  • 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. (Mission Briefing Center):
    • Astronaut Presentations
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. (Mission Briefing Center):
    • Screening of the National Geographic documentary “SALLY”, directed by Cristina Costantini

Event Location

Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058

For more information, visit the official event page: Sally’s Night – Space Center Houston.

For more information, visit Sally’s Night – Space Center Houston.  

Shakira Speaks Out on Immigration Fears in the U.S.

Indira Zaldivar
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Shakira Speaks Out on Immigration Fears in the U.S.

Colombian singer Shakira is raising her voice about the fear immigrants face under President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown. Speaking with BBC News, she reflected on how much the country has changed since she arrived in Miami at 19 to pursue a music career.

Early Life and Learning English

“When I moved to the U.S., like many other Colombian immigrants, I was looking for a better future,” Shakira said. She shared that she learned English by studying Leonard Cohen, Walt Whitman, and Bob Dylan, using their poetry and lyrics to understand songwriting in a new language.

Career Highlights and Recent Wins

Shakira has achieved global success, with hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” topping the Billboard charts even 20 years later. She recently earned her fourth Grammy Award for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, which won best Latin pop album at the 2025 Grammys.

Immigrant Experience Under Trump

Despite her success, Shakira expressed deep concern for immigrant communities in the U.S. as Trump intensifies immigration enforcement.

“It means living in constant fear,” she said. “And it’s painful to see.” She urged unity and compassion: “The treatment of all people must always be humane.”

Dedication to Immigrant Communities

At the 2025 Grammys, Shakira dedicated her award “to all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country,” telling them, “You are loved, you are worth it, and I will always fight with you.”

National Guard Deployment Controversy

As protests against ICE raids unfold in Los Angeles, Trump has deployed the National Guard to intervene. California Governor Gavin Newsom has challenged the move, demanding that the troops be returned to state control. The matter is now in the hands of the appeals court, which has temporarily blocked the federal order and will hold a hearing on Tuesday.

Keep up with the Queen of Latin music Shakira with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Jenna Ortega Speaks Out Amid ICE Raids and Global Conflicts

Indira Zaldivar
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Jenna Ortega Speaks Out Amid ICE Raids and Global Conflicts

Actress Jenna Ortega used her Instagram story to share emotional reflections on ongoing immigration raids in Los Angeles and violence in the Middle East.

“The world is crying all over,” the “Wednesday” star wrote, mourning the toll of forced separations and armed conflict on innocent civilians.

Message of Solidarity and Urgency

Ortega called on her followers to stay informed and engaged.

“Never stop paying attention,” she urged. “Human freedoms spanning across seas are being violated with such violence.”

She encouraged people to listen, love, get angry, and educate themselves—warning that ignoring these issues is “a privilege under abuse.”

ICE Raids and Riots in L.A.

Her post referenced the ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles, which sparked protests and later violent riots damaging local businesses. Ortega expressed deep concern for those being “torn away from their everyday lives and love.”

Broader Global Concerns

The actress also pointed to escalating violence in the Middle East, including Israeli airstrikes on Iran and the Israel-Gaza war. These issues have created ripple effects in Hollywood, as seen when Ortega’s “Scream” co-star Melissa Barrera was dropped from a sequel after speaking out on Palestine.

Support from Olivia Rodrigo

Singer Olivia Rodrigo echoed Ortega’s sentiments in her own Instagram story.

“I’ve lived in LA my whole life and I’m deeply upset about these violent deportations,” Rodrigo wrote. “LA simply wouldn’t exist without immigrants.” She affirmed her support for immigrants’ rights and the freedom to protest.

Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests

Ortega’s post came as “No Kings” rallies were held across the country to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Fox News reported on the unrest but did not receive immediate comment from Ortega’s representatives.

For the latest news on celebrities and advocacy efforts, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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