State Sen. Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican and former judge, announced Monday she is entering the race for Texas attorney general, emphasizing her deep legal and legislative experience as she seeks to become the state’s top lawyer.
Huffman, who has represented the Houston area in the Texas Senate since 2009, chairs the Senate Finance, State Affairs and Redistricting committees and serves as the chamber’s lead budget writer. She previously worked as an assistant district attorney and later as a state district judge in Harris County.
“You want an experienced attorney, not someone who’s never seen the inside of a courtroom,” Huffman said in her campaign launch, drawing a contrast with other GOP contenders whom she described as “young politicians climbing the ladder.”
Huffman enters a crowded Republican primary field that already includes State Sen. Mayes Middleton and former Justice Department official Aaron Reitz. Her current term in the Senate runs through 2028, allowing her to seek the attorney general post without relinquishing her seat.
If elected, Huffman would be the first woman to serve as Texas attorney general.
Want help drafting an op-ed on this or breaking down where each candidate stands? I’m on it.
CareerBuilder and Monster, two of the most recognizable names in online job recruitment, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday in a move that signals the end of an era for legacy job boards struggling to compete in a rapidly evolving employment market.
The combined company filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, listing estimated assets between $50 million and $100 million and liabilities between $100 million and $500 million. As part of the restructuring, the firm is seeking to sell off key business units and downsize its operations.
The filing comes amid steep revenue declines, increased competition from tech-forward rivals like LinkedIn and Indeed, and what executives described as a “challenging and uncertain macroeconomic environment.”
Planned Asset Sales
To facilitate the restructuring, CareerBuilder and Monster have lined up several “stalking horse” bids—baseline offers that can be topped by competing buyers during the court-supervised auction process.
Job board operations, including the core CareerBuilder and Monster platforms, are set to be sold to JobGet Inc., a mobile-first job app focused on the gig economy.
Monster Government Solutions, which provides software to government agencies, is slated for sale to Valsoft, a Canadian software acquisition company.
Monster’s digital media assets, including Military.com and Fastweb.com, are to be sold to Valnet, a Montreal-based digital media publisher.
The company has secured up to $20 million in debtor-in-possession financing from Blue Torch Capital to continue operating during the bankruptcy process.
Downsizing and Operational Impact
CareerBuilder and Monster plan to lay off approximately 390 employees and close their main office at 200 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago by August. Despite the downsizing, the company said it intends to continue paying employees and vendors as usual throughout the reorganization process.
The companies’ owners, Apollo Global Management and Randstad NV, backed the decision to seek Chapter 11 protection. Apollo became the majority stakeholder after a merger deal in 2024.
A Digital Pioneer in Decline
CareerBuilder and Monster were pioneers in online recruiting during the early 2000s, once dominating the market before the rise of more adaptive platforms. In recent years, however, the companies struggled to keep pace with trends like AI-powered recruitment tools, mobile-first platforms, and social-media-integrated job matching.
Analysts say the bankruptcy marks a large shift in the employment services industry, with legacy platforms falling out of favor amid technological disruption and changing employer behavior.
The bankruptcy case is being overseen by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kate Stickles.
What’s Next
The company hopes to complete its asset sales by the end of the summer. Court hearings to approve the stalking-horse bidders are expected in the coming weeks.
For now, both CareerBuilder and Monster remain operational, though the future of their brand identities remains uncertain as new ownership takes shape.
Houston’s LGBTQ+ community is celebrating Pride Month with a vibrant schedule of events throughout June, spotlighting inclusivity, culture, and community.
Grand Marshal Reception – Sunday, June 15
Montrose Country Club will host a free afternoon event honoring the 2025 Grand Marshals. Guests can enjoy lite bites, a cash bar, and community recognition.
Location: 202 Tuam Street Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Rock The Runway – Wednesday, June 25
Pride Houston’s annual fashion show returns to Warehouse Live with LGBTQIA+ designers, models, and DJs in a night of style and performance.
Location: 2600 Travis Street Time: 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets: Starting at $16
Eden Girl+ Party – Friday, June 27
This inclusive celebration uplifts Houston’s LGBT+ women with music, empowerment, and fun at Warehouse Live.
Location: 2600 Travis Street Time: Starts at 9 p.m. Tickets: $15 plus fees
47th Annual Houston Pride Celebration – Saturday, June 28
The city’s signature Pride event features a day-long festival and evening parade in front of City Hall, drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands. The parade is free but tickets to specific areas and the festival are available for purchase.
Festival Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parade Time: 7 to 10 p.m. Location: Houston City Hall
7th Annual Pride Brunch – Date TBA
Enjoy a festive brunch at The Heights Social with drinks and a drag performance by Mistress Isabelle Brooks of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Location: 1213 W 20th St, Houston, TX Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets: Drink tickets start at $15
For the latest updates and ticket info from pridehouston365.org., stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine as more events may be added throughout the month.
Trump dismissed Pentagon findings that Iran may have moved enriched uranium before the June 22 attacks, saying the operation acted fast enough to prevent such measures. He maintained the program is “gone for years.”
Mixed Signals from Israeli Sources on Nuclear Facility Damage
Israeli officials offered conflicting accounts of the airstrikes’ impact, especially on the Fordo enrichment facility. While some sources said the damage was underwhelming, another Israeli official insisted the site was “damaged beyond repair,” citing intelligence from human and cyber sources inside Iran. The source denied that enriched uranium was removed before the attack, claiming it was buried under rubble.
US Embassy in Jerusalem Resumes Operations Amid Ceasefire
With a ceasefire between Israel and Iran appearing to hold, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem lifted a shelter-in-place order for its personnel and resumed normal operations. Officials urged continued caution, especially amid the possibility of sudden rocket or drone attacks.
Trump Defends Airstrikes on Social Media
Trump took to social media to condemn news reports questioning the effectiveness of the Iran strikes, calling the mission “one of the most successful military strikes in history.” Intelligence assessments, however, continue to suggest Iran’s program may only be set back a few months.
Special Envoy Slams Leak of Strike Report
Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff labeled the leak of preliminary intelligence as “treasonous” and emphasized that the ceasefire was holding. He rejected the idea that Iran could quickly resume enrichment, saying it was “not even conceivable.”
Satellite Images Reveal Surface Damage to Nuclear Sites
Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shows damage at Fordo and Isfahan nuclear facilities, including cratered roads and bombed tunnel entrances. However, analysts noted these visuals don’t confirm destruction of underground structures critical to Iran’s program.
Senators Review Classified Report on Strike Damage
Key U.S. senators reviewed a classified report assessing the nuclear strikes. Lawmakers withheld details but raised concerns over whether Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles were truly destroyed. Some questioned the feasibility of penetrating Iran’s hardened underground sites.
IAEA Confirms Iran Nuclear Setback, But Duration Unclear
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been “significantly” set back but could not confirm for how long. He stressed that without resumed inspections, it remains unclear where Iran’s enriched uranium is now located.
Two Holocaust Survivors Killed in Iranian Strikes on Israel
Two Holocaust survivors, aged 94 and 95, were killed during Iranian missile strikes on Israeli cities before the ceasefire. About 20 more survivors were displaced after missiles damaged their homes, according to Israeli authorities.
Initial Intelligence: Iran Nuclear Program Only Set Back Months
Early intelligence reviewed by ABC News indicated the U.S. strikes damaged above-ground infrastructure but failed to destroy enriched uranium or most centrifuges. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained the mission’s success, the findings suggest Iran’s capabilities may recover sooner than claimed.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Rain chances are increasing as tropical moisture surges into Houston on Wednesday. This tropical moisture will remain disorganized, but these storms could drop a quick inch or two of rain that floods streets along with frequent lightning strikes that could temporarily knock out the power. This type of pattern also can produce funnel clouds and waterspouts in the morning near the coast.
These storms will start to develop during the morning commute, and this early onset of the rain will keep highs for most only in the mid-to-upper 80s. The rain chances will drop during the afternoon from I-10 south, but the storm chances will climb north of I-10 for the afternoon. Those afternoon storms north of Houston could turn a bit stronger like some did late Tuesday. Remember, if you hear thunder roar, head indoors!
How much longer will this wet weather last?
The tropical moisture will start moving away Wednesday night, dropping the rain chance to 40%. By Friday and Saturday, drier air will take over dropping the rain chance to 20% or less. Another wave of tropical moisture will clip us on Sunday to bring the rain chance up to 40%, then the faucet will shut off for the first days of July.
What’s the early outlook for July 4th and the Freedom Over Texas fireworks show?
At this time it looks dry but hot! Temperatures will peak near 100 with heat index values well above 100.
What’s happening in the tropics?
Tropical Storm Andrea, the first storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season formed over the Atlantic on Tuesday. A short-lived storm, it should dissipate by Wednesday. Meanwhile, another storm is threatening to form south of Mexico in the eastern Pacific. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.
A political rift is deepening within Houston’s Democratic leadership as approximately 30 Harris County Democratic precinct chairs call for the removal of Mayor John Whitmire from the party. At a press conference held Sunday, June 22, in the East End, precinct officials and community members accused the mayor of violating party principles and aligning too closely with Republican interests.
A Party Split in Public View
The most pointed criticism centered around Whitmire’s attendance at a Republican fundraiser in April for Congressman Dan Crenshaw. For precinct leaders, the appearance symbolized a broader pattern of bipartisan cooperation they see as betrayal.
“Anybody in the boat rowing in the opposite direction is not a teammate,” said precinct chair Cameron “Coach Cam” Campbell. “That moment was a moment when you were no longer our teammate.”
In response, the chairs drafted a formal resolution seeking Whitmire’s removal from the Democratic Party, citing internal rules against endorsing or aiding political opponents. The resolution also recommends that he be ineligible for future party endorsements.
Policy Moves Prompt Additional Backlash
Critics also highlighted the mayor’s perceived support for federal immigration enforcement measures resembling Trump-era policies, as well as budget priorities that diverge from Democratic values—particularly regarding infrastructure and policing.
While Whitmire’s office has not issued a direct response to the resolution, he has previously defended his bipartisan outreach as necessary for Houston’s broader interests. He has argued that working with leaders across party lines is key to effective governance in a city as diverse as Houston.
Recall Movement Gaining Steam
This party-led admonishment comes on the heels of a growing recall campaign. A grassroots group called Recall For Houston aims to gather more than 63,000 signatures to trigger a special election. Organizers cite frustrations over infrastructure delays, public safety concerns, and unresolved disputes with the fire department.
Whitmire has publicly dismissed the recall as “silly” and emphasized that he was elected to serve all Houstonians, not just party loyalists.
What’s Next?
This rare public rebuke marks a significant turning point for Houston politics. The intra-party tension not only signals fractures in local Democratic unity but could also shape the city’s 2026 electoral landscape. Whether the resolution gains formal party approval or the recall effort reaches the ballot, Whitmire’s leadership will remain under intense scrutiny.
Texas is taking a major step to address its mental health workforce shortage by abandoning the national psychologist licensing exam and developing its own state-based alternative.
The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists announced the move following a contentious decision by the national licensing board to require an additional $450 “skills” test on top of the existing $800 knowledge exam, known as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Texas officials argued the change would pose a financial burden on aspiring psychologists, further deepening the state’s critical mental health care gap—particularly in underserved communities. In response, Gov. Greg Abbott signed off on funding to create a new, more affordable state-level exam.
“This decision is about increasing access to care and reducing unnecessary barriers to entry in a field that desperately needs more professionals,” the board said in a statement.
Texas is the first state to formally reject the national exam structure, in place since 1965. Officials say they hope the initiative will inspire other states to reconsider similar reforms.
The timeline for rolling out the new exam has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, current licensure requirements remain in effect.
F1: The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski, is a high-octane, IMAX-fueled racing blockbuster that delivers spectacle and thrills, even if it doesn’t reinvent the sports-movie formula. Brad Pitt stars as aging driver Sonny Hayes, anchoring the film with a believable world-weariness and charm. He’s joined by a solid supporting cast—including Damson Idris as the rookie teammate and Javier Bardem as the wisecracking team manager—whose camaraderie and rivalries bring both heart and humor to the story.
Visually, the film is a technical marvel. Cinematographer Claudio Miranda employs innovative camera work, with breathtaking on-car placements and dynamic trackside shots that genuinely put you right there in the cockpit. Each race sequence immerses you in the heart-pounding action, delivering a visceral sense of speed and danger. Hans Zimmer’s synth-heavy score and the thunderous sound design amplify the adrenaline rush, making every lap feel like a white-knuckle experience. The production’s access to real F1 events adds an extra layer of authenticity and excitement, heightening the film’s sense of realism.
Beyond its technical bravado, F1: The Movie captures the unique world of Formula 1 with a reverence fans will appreciate. The filmmakers’ dedication to authenticity shines through, from meticulous recreations of pit stops and strategy meetings to the smallest details on every car and helmet. This attention to detail brings the relentless pursuit of perfection and teamwork of the sport to life, making the stakes of every turn and finish line moment feel real.
Although the storyline treads familiar ground, the film’s energy and immersive visuals ensure it never loses momentum. The way the movie highlights not just the drivers, but also the unsung heroes working behind the scenes—mechanics, engineers, strategists—adds depth and humanity. It’s a reminder that Formula 1 isn’t just about individual glory, but about precision, resilience, and a team’s shared drive for greatness. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or just looking for an electrifying night at the movies, F1: The Movie delivers an unforgettable cinematic ride.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team concluded their defense Tuesday with a brief 20-minute presentation, ending a high-profile federal trial in New York that has lasted nearly seven weeks.
Diddy Declines to Testify
Mr. Combs spoke in court for the first time in weeks, confirming he would not take the stand. “It’s my decision with my lawyers,” he said, while also complimenting the judge: “I want to tell you thank you.”
Charges and Potential Sentence
Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
Defense Strategy and Evidence
The defense called no witnesses and instead entered text messages between Combs and two alleged victims, including singer Casandra Ventura and another woman referred to as Jane. One message read aloud stated Jane “always [has] fun” during “hotel nights,” or what were referred to as “freak-offs.”
Why Combs Didn’t Testify
Legal expert Mitchell Epner noted that calling Combs to the stand could have been risky, potentially shifting the case’s weight entirely onto his testimony.
Defense Pushes for Acquittal
Combs’ team filed a motion for acquittal, arguing prosecutors failed to prove any charges. Attorney Alexandra Shapiro stated, “Domestic violence is not sex trafficking,” and claimed the women involved had the autonomy to leave.
Prosecution’s Case
Prosecutors alleged Combs used his fame and businesses to run a sex trafficking ring, presenting over 30 witnesses who described being coerced into unwanted sex acts using drugs and violence.
Closing Arguments Ahead
Final arguments are set for Thursday and Friday, where both sides will make their last pitch to the jury.
Check back in with Que Onda Magazine regarding closing remarks on Thursday and Friday.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden was sued for negligence for the conduct of his security team, according to court documents.
The lawsuit says the NBA All-Star’s nephew sexually assaulted a woman at a New Year’s Eve party in 2024 at his mansion in Houston.
Eyewitness News obtained the lawsuit, which was filed in Harris County, Texas, on Monday.
During the party, guests were allegedly asked to leave their personal belongings, including cell phones, inside their vehicles or at the gate, according to the lawsuit.
It details that the victim drank from a bottle given to her by Justice Armani Blackburn, who is Harden’s nephew, which she says led to her quickly losing consciousness.
The 18-page lawsuit claims she was sexually assaulted by Blackburn while unconscious.
The lawsuit says the victim’s two friends were removed by Harden’s security, even though she was still inside the residence, which prevented them from intervening in the alleged attack.
Records show that her friends found her phone after being kicked out, called her sister, who then contacted Harden’s sister, who is Blackburn’s mother.
The filing stated that the victim’s sister sent a photo of her to Harden’s security, who claimed that the woman inside was not her, despite the lawsuit alleging that she was in fact at the mansion at that time.
The negligence claim against Harden stems from the conduct of Harden’s in-home security, which they say failed to act responsibly in response to outside calls for help and could have prevented the alleged sexual assault.
The lawsuit also says that Harden is “vicariously liable for the actions of his guards and their corporate employer,” who were also named as defendants in the case.
Harden’s legal team hasn’t commented about the case.
