A new nonpartisan campaign led by the nonprofit Free Speech for People is gaining traction in its call for U.S. President Donald Trump’s impeachment. Dubbed “Impeach Trump Again,” the initiative has already amassed over 100,000 petition signatures, signaling widespread public support for an investigation.
A Renewed Push for Accountability
The campaign urges Congress to launch an impeachment inquiry into Trump, citing multiple alleged violations.
Alexandra Flores-Quilty, campaign director for Free Speech for People, emphasized the significance of public support.
“The overwhelming support for impeachment shows that the American public is not willing to accept King Trump. We need bold leaders in Congress willing to stand up and hold Trump accountable for his abuses of power.”
Grounds for Impeachment
The petition, launched on Inauguration Day, highlights concerns regarding Trump’s alleged violations of the U.S. Constitution’s emoluments clauses, his pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, and questionable campaign practices. Free Speech for People had previously advocated for Trump’s impeachment during his first term.
The emoluments clauses prohibit the president from profiting from federal or state government dealings. Watchdog groups, including Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, argue that Trump has failed to divest from his extensive business empire, which now extends beyond real estate to include a social media platform and cryptocurrency ventures.
A History of Impeachment Attempts
Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives during his presidency, though he was acquitted by the Senate both times. With both chambers of Congress now under Republican control, the likelihood of a successful impeachment remains uncertain.
While the campaign faces an uphill battle, its organizers hope that sustained public pressure will compel lawmakers to act. Whether or not Congress takes up the issue, the movement underscores ongoing concerns about Trump’s influence and accountability in American politics.
On December 27, 2024, astronomers using the ATLAS survey telescope in Chile discovered a small asteroid, 2024 YR4, moving away from Earth. Follow-up observations indicate that this celestial body has a chance—albeit slim—of colliding with our planet on December 22, 2032.
The Reality of Earth’s Celestial Risk
Space debris constantly bombards Earth, mostly in the form of harmless dust and small meteors. However, history has shown that larger impacts, while rare, can have catastrophic consequences. The most infamous was the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, an event that occurs roughly once every 50 million years.
More recent encounters, such as the Tunguska explosion in 1908 and the Chelyabinsk event in 2013, highlight the potential dangers. The Tunguska event leveled 2,200 square kilometers of Siberian forest, while the Chelyabinsk asteroid exploded mid-air, injuring nearly 1,500 people.
Assessing the Threat of 2024 YR4
Observations suggest that 2024 YR4 has a 1-in-77 chance of impacting Earth. However, with current models carrying an uncertainty margin of 100,000 kilometers, further tracking is necessary. The asteroid will become too distant to observe by April 2025, but it will make another close approach in December 2028, allowing for more precise calculations.
Potential Impact Scenarios
The size of 2024 YR4 remains uncertain, estimated between 40 and 100 meters in diameter. If composed of rock, its impact would likely resemble the Tunguska event, causing localized but severe damage. If metallic, it could form a crater similar to Arizona’s Meteor Crater, spanning over a kilometer wide.
A New Era in Planetary Defense
Unlike past civilizations, humanity now has the capability to detect and even deflect hazardous asteroids. NASA’s successful DART mission demonstrated the feasibility of altering an asteroid’s trajectory. As tracking improves, we may eventually develop solutions to neutralize such threats before they become disasters.
For now, 2024 YR4 remains a subject of observation and study, reminding us of our planet’s place in a cosmic shooting gallery—but also of our growing ability to protect it.
In a move set to reshape international trade dynamics, President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on the United States’ key trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China.
The new tariffs, taking effect Tuesday, have already triggered swift retaliatory responses from Canada and Mexico, while China has vowed to take “necessary countermeasures.”
North America’s Economic Crossroads
Trade between the U.S. and its North American neighbors now surpasses its economic ties with China. In 2023, U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade amounted to $1.8 trillion, dwarfing the $643 billion exchanged between the U.S. and China. The tariffs could disrupt this significant economic partnership, causing ripple effects across multiple industries.
Declaring an economic emergency on Saturday, Trump authorized a 10% tariff on all imports from China and a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Energy imports, including oil, natural gas, and electricity from Canada, will be taxed at a reduced 10% rate.
Automotive Industry Faces Supply Chain Shock
Earns General Motors
One of the hardest-hit sectors will be the auto industry, where manufacturers have long relied on supply chains that traverse North American borders. According to S&P Global Mobility, more than one in five vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2023 were assembled in Canada or Mexico. The U.S. imported $69 billion worth of cars and light trucks from Mexico and $37 billion from Canada, along with billions in auto parts from both countries.
“You have engines and car seats crossing the border multiple times before going into a finished vehicle,” said Scott Lincicome, a trade analyst at the Cato Institute.
“A 25% tariff is like lobbing a grenade into the industry.”
S&P Global Mobility predicts that automakers will pass most, if not all, of these costs to consumers. TD Economics estimates that U.S. car prices could rise by an average of $3,000, adding to the already soaring cost of new and used vehicles.
Oil and Gas Prices on the Rise
The impact of the tariffs extends to energy markets as well. Canada remains the U.S.’s largest crude oil supplier, shipping $90 billion worth of crude oil in 2023.
“For many U.S. refineries, there’s little choice—Canadian crude is the type of oil that American refineries are set up to process,” Lincicome explained.
“A tariff on Canadian oil could translate into higher gas prices, particularly in the Midwest.”
TD Economics estimates that gas prices in the U.S. could rise by 30 to 70 cents per gallon as a result of the new tariffs.
The Cost of a Toast: Tequila, Whisky, and Spirits
Alcoholic beverages are also set to become more expensive. The U.S. imported $4.6 billion worth of tequila and $108 million of mezcal from Mexico in 2023, along with $537 million in Canadian spirits, including $202.5 million in whisky.
Chris Swonger, CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, warned that these tariffs could hurt the hospitality industry.
“Tariffs on spirits from Canada and Mexico will ultimately burden U.S. consumers and cost American jobs, just as the industry recovers from the pandemic,” he said.
The U.S. is already bracing for a 50% tariff on American whiskey from the European Union, set to take effect in March, further exacerbating tensions in the global spirits market.
Grocery Prices Under Pressure
For U.S. consumers already facing high grocery prices, the tariffs could deal another blow. In 2023, the U.S. imported $45 billion worth of agricultural products from Mexico and $40 billion from Canada. Mexico alone supplied 63% of imported vegetables and nearly half of all imported fruits and nuts.
“Grocery stores operate on razor-thin margins,” Lincicome said. “They can’t absorb these costs, so consumers will feel the pinch, especially on products like avocados—90% of which come from Mexico. That means pricier guacamole just in time for the Super Bowl.”
Farmers Brace for Retaliation
U.S. farmers are also on edge, fearing retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico. American agricultural exports, including soybeans and corn, were previously targeted in response to Trump’s first round of tariffs. To compensate for losses, Trump authorized billions in federal aid to farmers, a move that some in the industry remain uneasy about.
“It softened the blow, but we’d rather make money from the market than rely on government checks,” said Mark McHargue, a Nebraska farmer and president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau.
As trade tensions escalate, the impact of these tariffs will unfold in the coming months, reshaping consumer costs, industry dynamics, and U.S. relations with its largest economic partners.
LOS ANGELES — In a stunning move that reshapes the NBA landscape, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired superstar guard Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round pick, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania on Saturday night.
As part of the blockbuster deal, the Lakers will also receive forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while Dallas adds young guard Max Christie to its roster. The Utah Jazz, a third party in the trade, will receive Lakers rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino as well as second-round picks in 2025 from both the LA Clippers and Mavericks.
Yes, this is real. Sources tell ESPN: Full trade:
– Lakers: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
– Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LAL 1st
The decision to move Doncic, a four-time NBA All-Star and the face of the Mavericks franchise, comes as a shock to fans, but sources indicate that concerns over his conditioning and the financial commitment of another impending supermax contract extension played a significant role in Dallas’ willingness to part ways with the 25-year-old Slovenian phenom.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon when discussing the motivation behind the trade. “Getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
Davis, an eight-time All-Star and one of the league’s premier defensive anchors, will provide Dallas with a formidable presence in the paint alongside star guard Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, Doncic joins forces with LeBron James in Los Angeles, forming one of the most dynamic offensive duos in NBA history. The move also signals the Lakers’ commitment to remaining in championship contention as James nears the twilight of his illustrious career.
While reactions from fans and analysts continue to pour in, the implications of this seismic trade will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. With the 2024-25 NBA season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Dallas and Los Angeles as they navigate their new-look rosters in pursuit of an NBA championship.
Actor and director Justin Baldoni’s legal team has launched a public website sharing key documents from his ongoing legal dispute with actress Blake Lively.
The site, which went live on Saturday, comes just days before the first court hearing scheduled for Monday in what has become a high-profile case.
The legal battle stems from allegations made by Lively, who co-starred with Baldoni in the 2024 film “It Ends With Us.”
She has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the project and subsequent professional retaliation. Baldoni has vehemently denied the claims, asserting that Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, attempted to derail his career by wresting control of his film’s creative direction.
The newly launched website currently hosts two public legal documents: Baldoni’s amended $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds and a 168-page timeline of events, which has been submitted as an exhibit to support his claims.
“The decision to amend our lawsuit was a logical next step due to the overwhelming amount of new proof that has come to light,” Baldoni’s attorney, Freedman, stated in a press release on Saturday.
Lively and Reynolds have yet to publicly respond to the website’s release, though their legal team has consistently pushed back against Baldoni’s claims. Last month, Baldoni’s representatives released footage from It Ends With Us, which they argued disproves some of Lively’s allegations. However, her lawyers countered that the footage instead supports Lively’s claims in her original complaint.
In an effort to maintain judicial integrity, Lively’s attorneys have requested media restrictions on Freedman, arguing that his public statements could unfairly influence the case. They have also signaled their intention to seek dismissal of Baldoni’s lawsuit.
While both legal teams are set to appear in New York court on Monday, neither Baldoni nor Lively is expected to attend in person, according to sources familiar with the proceedings. The trial is scheduled for March 2026, leaving ample time for additional legal maneuvers before a resolution is reached.
As the case unfolds, the public release of legal documents signals a strategic move by Baldoni’s team, further amplifying what is already a closely watched Hollywood dispute.
Keep up with the legal battle of the “It Ends with Us” co-stars with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Midtown Houston’s long-vacant Greyhound bus station has a new owner with big aspirations for the site.
Adam Brackman, well-known for his successful Midtown beer garden, Axelrad, recently partnered with the Oxberry Group to acquire the property. Though the purchase price remains undisclosed, the acquisition marks a significant step in revitalizing the area.
Since Greyhound’s relocation to the East End in December 2023, the 33,000-square-foot building at 2121 Main Street has remained empty, leaving the community eager for new developments. The property, which spans a 62,000-square-foot lot just a block from downtown, offers ample opportunities for transformation.
Brackman and his team are still in the early stages of planning.
“We’ve been focusing on the Midtown area, and when it became available at the right price, we decided to make the move,” he told our news partner ABC13 Houston.
Partial interior demolition has already begun, but there are no definitive plans for the site’s future use.
However, Brackman envisions a mix of businesses revitalizing the space. Potential tenants could include restaurants, bars, or even nightclubs.
“A club user could take advantage of this ceiling height, the open space,” he noted.
At the same time, he remains open to the idea of selling the property to a developer interested in constructing a high-rise.
“Maybe a 20 or 30-story residential building with some retail on the ground floor,” he speculated.
The former bus station has long been associated with concerns about crime in the area. Brackman believes that increased business activity could help address safety issues.
“Greyhound has been holding Midtown back,” he remarked.
While some evidence of past concerns lingers—with loitering still visible in the surrounding blocks—Brackman sees a promising future.
“If somebody was walking five blocks and there’s activity, activity, activity, and then something vacant, that really drops off. It doesn’t feel safe,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of continuous foot traffic to create a more secure environment.
As plans take shape, Brackman is working on renderings to attract potential tenants. He remains optimistic that within two years, the building will be fully leased, bringing new life to a prime Midtown location. The transformation of the former Greyhound station could be a key turning point for the neighborhood, fostering growth and safety in an area poised for change.
Keep up with development projects in Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Black History Month, celebrated every February, is a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience of African Americans throughout U.S. history. What began as a weeklong observance has evolved into a nationwide celebration, recognizing Black excellence in civil rights, education, sports, arts, politics, and beyond.
Black History Month traces its roots to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, ASALH) established Negro History Week. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures instrumental in Black liberation.
Over the decades, the observance grew, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, encouraging Americans to honor the achievements of African Americans that had often been overlooked. Today, it is celebrated across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with each year highlighting a specific theme.
Prominent Black Figures in U.S. History
Throughout history, many Black leaders have played pivotal roles in shaping America. Some of the most influential figures include:
Harriet Tubman, abolitionist who helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) – An abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad who helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968) – A civil rights leader known for his leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Rosa Parks (1913–2005) – A key figure in the Civil Rights Movement whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked nationwide activism.
Barack Obama (b. 1961) – The first Black president of the United States, serving two terms from 2009 to 2017.
Maya Angelou (1928–2014) – A celebrated poet, author, and activist who used her work to highlight racial and gender struggles.
From left: former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, Malia Obama, former President Barack Obama, and Sasha Obama.
Zoe Saldaña, (b. 1978) an Afro-Latina of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, uplifts Black and Latinx representation in Hollywood. Through roles in Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek, she breaks barriers while advocating against colorism and Afro-Latino erasure, amplifying diverse Black histories.
Houston’s Impact on Black History
Houston has been home to many influential Black figures who have made lasting contributions in politics, education, culture, and social justice. Some key individuals include:
Barbara Jordan
Barbara Jordan (1936–1996) – A Houston native and the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate (1966) and the first Southern Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (1972). Her powerful speeches on justice and democracy left a lasting legacy.
Beyoncé (b. 1981) – One of the most successful and influential artists of all time, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter was born and raised in Houston. From her early days in Destiny’s Child to her groundbreaking solo career, she has used her platform to celebrate Black culture, advocate for social justice, and empower women worldwide.
Megan Thee Stallion (b. 1995) – Another Houston-born superstar, Megan Thee Stallion has taken the rap world by storm. She has championed body positivity, Black women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness while earning multiple Grammy Awards and accolades for her lyrical talent.
George Floyd (1973–2020) – Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but raised in Houston’s Third Ward, George Floyd became a global symbol for racial justice following his tragic death at the hands of police in Minneapolis. His killing sparked worldwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism, leading to renewed discussions on civil rights, law enforcement reform, and racial equality. Floyd’s legacy lives on through the continued fight for justice and the work of organizations dedicated to reforming policing and social justice policies.
Houston continues to shape Black history with its rich cultural contributions, activism, and community leadership. As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to reflect on the past while uplifting the voices and legacies that continue to inspire future generations.
Celebrate Black historical figures and leaders with us on Que Onda Magazine
Houston residents can expect a beautiful weekend with clear skies, low humidity, and cool mornings.
Saturday and Sunday will bring morning lows in the low-to-mid 40s, with highs reaching the 70s—perfect weather to enjoy outdoor activities before changes arrive next week, according to our news partner ABC13 Houston.
Fog and Warmer Temperatures on the Way
While the weekend stays crisp and clear, sea fog is set to make a comeback starting Sunday evening as warm Gulf air moves into the region. Expect foggy mornings from Monday through at least Thursday, along with occasional drizzle or mist.
Temperatures will climb significantly next week, with highs near record levels in the low 80s and morning lows in the mid-to-upper 60s. Though rain chances remain low, the increased humidity will bring a spring-like feel to Houston.
Could Freezing Weather Return?
Despite next week’s warm-up, winter isn’t over yet. A strong cold front is expected in early February, potentially bringing freezing temperatures back as Valentine’s Day approaches. Houstonians should stay prepared for another possible cold snap before winter officially ends.
A medical evacuation plane carrying a child, mother, and four crew members crashed near Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia on Friday night, killing everyone on board and one on the ground.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the operator of the Learjet 55, confirmed the aircraft went down shortly after departing Northeast Philadelphia Airport around 6:30 p.m. All six victims were Mexican nationals, including a pilot, co-pilot, physician, and paramedic.
The Learjet 55 had just departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was scheduled to stop in Springfield for refueling. The young patient had been receiving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia and was returning home when the tragedy occurred.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the victims’ families. Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia confirmed that the child was one of their patients but did not release further details.
Debris scattered across the crash site, and several people on the ground were injured, including an 11-year-old boy, a 31-year-old man, and a 30-year-old woman. Officials praised the swift response of emergency crews, though the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
A devastating plane crash rocked a Philadelphia neighborhood Friday evening when a medical transport jet carrying a child patient and five others went down shortly after takeoff, exploding into a fiery inferno.
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport en route to Springfield, Missouri, when it quickly lost altitude and vanished from radar.
The jet crashed just three miles from the airport, igniting several homes and vehicles. Authorities have not confirmed any survivors.
“Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, and anyone impacted on the ground,” Jet Rescue Air Ambulance stated.
Doorbell footage captured the terrifying moment as the plane streaked through the sky before crashing near Roosevelt Mall. Witnesses described hearing a loud roar before seeing an explosion that sent a plume of black smoke into the sky.
Michael Schiavone, a local resident, said his house shook from the impact. “It felt like an earthquake. When I checked my security camera, it looked like a missile coming down.”
Governor Josh Shapiro assured full state support in response to the incident, while the National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
