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Private lunar lander Blue Ghost aces moon touchdown with a special delivery for NASA

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This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A private lunar lander carrying a drill, vacuum and other experiments for NASA touched down on the moon Sunday, the latest in a string of companies looking to kickstart business on Earth’s celestial neighbor ahead of astronaut missions.

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander descended from lunar orbit on autopilot, aiming for the slopes of an ancient volcanic dome in an impact basin on the moon’s northeastern edge of the near side.

Confirmation of successful touchdown came from the company’s Mission Control outside Austin, Texas, following the action some 225,000 miles (360,000 kilometers) away.

“You all stuck the landing. We’re on the moon,” Firefly’s Will Coogan, chief engineer for the lander, reported.

An upright and stable landing makes Firefly – a startup founded a decade ago – the first private outfit to put a spacecraft on the moon without crashing or falling over. Even countries have faltered, with only five claiming success: Russia, the U.S., China, India and Japan.

A half hour after landing, Blue Ghost started to send back pictures from the surface, the first one a selfie somewhat obscured by the sun’s glare.

Two other companies’ landers are hot on Blue Ghost’s heels, with the next one expected to join it on the moon later this week.

Blue Ghost – named after a rare U.S. species of fireflies – had its size and shape going for it. The squat four-legged lander stands 6-foot-6 (2 meters) tall and 11 feet (3.5 meters) wide, providing extra stability, according to the company.

Launched in mid-January from Florida, the lander carried 10 experiments to the moon for NASA. The space agency paid $101 million for the delivery, plus $44 million for the science and tech on board. It’s the third mission under NASA’s commercial lunar delivery program, intended to ignite a lunar economy of competing private businesses while scouting around before astronauts show up later this decade.

Firefly’s Ray Allensworth said the lander skipped over hazards including boulders to land safely. Allensworth said the team continued to analyze the data to figure out the lander’s exact position, but all indications suggest it landed within the 328-foot (100-meter) target zone in Mare Crisium.

The demos should get two weeks of run time, before lunar daytime ends and the lander shuts down.

It carried a vacuum to suck up moon dirt for analysis and a drill to measure temperature as deep as 10 feet (3 meters) below the surface. Also on board: a device for eliminating abrasive lunar dust – a scourge for NASA’s long-ago Apollo moonwalkers, who got it caked all over their spacesuits and equipment.

On its way to the moon, Blue Ghost beamed back exquisite pictures of the home planet. The lander continued to stun once in orbit around the moon, with detailed shots of the moon’s gray pockmarked surface. At the same time, an on-board receiver tracked and acquired signals from the U.S. GPS and European Galileo constellations, an encouraging step forward in navigation for future explorers.

The landing set the stage for a fresh crush of visitors angling for a piece of lunar business.

Another lander – a tall and skinny 15-footer (4 meters tall) built and operated by Houston-based Intuitive Machines – is due to land on the moon Thursday. It’s aiming for the bottom of the moon, just 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the south pole. That’s closer to the pole than the company got last year with its first lander, which broke a leg and tipped over.

Despite the tumble, Intuitive Machines’ lander put the U.S. back on the moon for the first time since NASA astronauts closed out the Apollo program in 1972.

A third lander from the Japanese company ispace is still three months from landing. It shared a rocket ride with Blue Ghost from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 15, taking a longer, windier route. Like Intuitive Machines, ispace is also attempting to land on the moon for the second time. Its first lander crashed in 2023.

The moon is littered with wreckage not only from ispace, but dozens of other failed attempts over the decades.

NASA wants to keep up a pace of two private lunar landers a year, realizing some missions will fail, said the space agency’s top science officer Nicky Fox.

“It really does open up a whole new way for us to get more science to space and to the moon,” Fox said.

Unlike NASA’s successful Apollo moon landings that had billions of dollars behind them and ace astronauts at the helm, private companies operate on a limited budget with robotic craft that must land on their own, said Firefly CEO Jason Kim.

Kim said everything went like clockwork.

“We got some moon dust on our boots,” Kim said.

Trump’s Executive Order on English as Official Language Sparks National Debate

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President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order declaring English the official language of the United States, a move that has ignited widespread debate over its implications for immigration, voter access, and government services.

The order, announced Friday, gives federal agencies and organizations receiving government funding the option to discontinue providing documents and services in languages other than English. It effectively reverses a directive from former President Bill Clinton that required language assistance for non-English speakers.

The White House argues that the policy will promote unity, streamline government operations, and encourage civic participation. However, immigrant advocacy groups and civil rights organizations warn that the order could alienate millions of non-English speakers, making it harder for them to access essential services.

Impact on Immigration and Citizenship

Critics of the executive order argue that restricting multilingual government services will disproportionately affect immigrants navigating the path to U.S. citizenship. Under current policies, certain elderly and long-term residents can take the citizenship test in their native language, but limiting language access could create new barriers.

“Trump is sending a clear message: If you don’t speak English, you don’t belong,” said Anabel Mendoza, communications director for United We Dream, an immigrant advocacy organization.

The potential impact extends beyond naturalization. Immigrants rely on government-issued materials in their native languages to understand legal rights, healthcare options, and employment resources.

Concerns Over Voter Access

Voting rights groups fear the order could suppress participation among naturalized citizens and non-English speakers. The policy could reduce language assistance at polling places, affecting millions of eligible voters who require translated ballots and election materials.

“It will make civic engagement more difficult for those with limited English proficiency,” said a spokesperson for APIAVote, a nonprofit that advocates for Asian American and Pacific Islander voter rights.

With over 350 languages spoken in the United States, the change could create significant challenges, particularly in states with large immigrant populations.

A Step Backward or a Path to Unity?

Supporters of the order argue that designating English as the official language will encourage assimilation and simplify government processes. U.S. English, a group advocating for the policy, claims it will provide a common means of communication and reinforce a shared national identity.

Currently, more than 30 states have already adopted English as their official language, with Hawaii being the only state to recognize two official languages—English and Hawaiian.

However, opponents argue that the order ignores the country’s linguistic diversity and risks fueling discrimination. Critics also point out that many nations with official languages, such as Canada, have policies protecting linguistic minorities.

George Carrillo, CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council, warned of potential consequences for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, where Spanish is the dominant language. “This is not just about efficiency; it’s about cutting off access to vital resources,” he said.

As the debate continues, the executive order marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, with long-term implications for immigrants, communities of color, and the nation’s broader approach to inclusivity.

Keep up with Trump’s second term with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trump-Zelenskyy Clash Signals Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy and Ukraine’s Uncertain Future

In a dramatic Oval Office confrontation, President Donald Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, unraveling weeks of diplomatic efforts to align U.S. and European approaches to the war in Ukraine. Trump’s insistence on a swift peace deal—regardless of Ukraine’s position—underscored his shift toward an “America First” foreign policy.

Trump told Zelenskyy, “You either make a deal, or we are out,” signaling a potential withdrawal of U.S. support if Ukraine refused negotiations with Russia. The tense exchange marked one of the most contentious public disputes between world leaders in recent history.

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, had lobbied Trump to maintain U.S. backing for Ukraine. Starmer’s visit even included an invitation from King Charles III in an effort to sway Trump. Yet, Trump continued his divergence from traditional allies, downplaying Russia’s past breaches of diplomacy and suggesting a direct dialogue with Vladimir Putin.

Amid the fallout, Zelenskyy took to social media to express gratitude to the American people and Congress, emphasizing the historical bond between the two nations. However, the meeting’s failure left uncertainty over Ukraine’s future security, especially as Trump’s administration pushed for a mineral deal in exchange for continued aid.

The confrontation further signaled a major shift in U.S. foreign policy. Trump dismissed Ukraine’s skepticism toward Russia’s intentions, criticized Zelenskyy’s “hatred” of Putin, and questioned continued military support. Following the exchange, Trump’s aides abruptly ended the meeting, canceling a joint press conference and lunch.

Zelenskyy later acknowledged the difficulties ahead, stating Ukraine seeks a “just and lasting peace” but needs strong U.S. backing. Without it, Kyiv’s ability to resist Russian aggression remains in jeopardy. The fallout from this meeting may shape the next chapter of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global diplomacy.

Keep up with the U.S. international affairs with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Pope Francis Recovering After Respiratory Health Scare, Vatican Reports

Pope Francis is resting and recovering following a sudden respiratory decline, the Vatican announced on Saturday.

The 87-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital since February 14, experienced a “sudden worsening” of his condition on Friday due to an “isolated attack of bronchospasm” that led to vomiting with inhalation.

Following the episode, doctors performed a broncho-aspiration procedure and placed him on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which has so far yielded positive results in terms of breathing and oxygen levels.

Despite the recent health scare, Vatican officials reported that the pope had a peaceful night and remains alert. However, they acknowledged that his prognosis is uncertain, with the next 24 to 48 hours being crucial in assessing the full impact of the respiratory distress.

Pope Francis was diagnosed with pneumonia last week and has been under close medical supervision. His hospitalization has drawn attention from the faithful worldwide, with crowds gathering outside the hospital and at the Vatican to pray for his recovery.

The pope, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has faced several health challenges in recent years, including previous respiratory infections and mobility issues. Despite his condition, he has remained engaged in church affairs, often delivering messages and continuing his duties as much as possible from his hospital room.

As the Vatican monitors his condition, well-wishes and prayers continue to pour in from leaders and followers across the globe, hoping for his swift recovery.

Keep up with Pope Francis recovery from his respiratory diagnosis with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Houston Health Department Offers Free Measles Vaccination Clinic Amid Rising Cases

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HOUSTON – With measles cases on the rise across the country, the Houston Health Department is stepping up efforts to keep the community protected.

This Saturday, HHD will host a free measles vaccination clinic for eligible children and adults at the Sunnyside Health Center, located at 4410 Reed Road.

The clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Health officials stress the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles, a highly contagious virus that can cause severe complications, particularly in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we face, and it can lead to serious health consequences,” said Dr. David Persse, Houston’s chief medical officer. “The best protection against measles is vaccination, which is both safe and highly effective.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to ensure immunity. Additionally, adults born after 1956 who have never had measles or have not been vaccinated should receive at least one dose. Some high-risk individuals may require two doses for full protection.

HHD urges families to take advantage of this free clinic to safeguard their health and prevent further outbreaks in the community.

“With measles outbreaks occurring in various parts of the country, now is the time to get vaccinated,” Dr. Persse added. “We want to provide as much information as possible and ensure our community is protected.”

For more information about vaccine eligibility or additional health resources, visit the Houston Health Department’s website.

Keep up with the measles outbreak with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Amazing weather ahead this weekend, ABC13 Weather Watch declared for storms on Tuesday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our weekend weather ahead looks spectacular, but we do have a potent weather system arriving Tuesday that could bring severe storms to Southeast Texas. For that reason, we have declared an ABC13 Weather Watch for Tuesday.

We are starting off Saturday mostly clear with some patchy fog. Any fog should burn off by mid morning. Sunny skies will quickly warm temperatures into the low to mid 80s this afternoon. If your are heading to the Rodeo parade downtown, then make sure you stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun!

By the evening, some sea fog could return along the coast for Mardi Gras in Galveston. Temperatures at the time of the Knights of Momus Grand Night parade should stay in the 60s.

How does the weather look for the rest of the weekend?

Sunday looks spectacular! Temperature will warm from the low 50s to the mid 70s with a mix of clouds and sun. It will be a breezy day ahead of the storm system coming our way on Tuesday.

What are the chances we get severe weather on Tuesday?

At this time it looks like there’s about a 70% chance you’ll get rain with a 15% chance one of the storms near you could turn severe. The winds will be rather strong around this storm system, so even without any storms we expect wind gusts over 40 mph which could lead to isolated power outages. Any storm that does turn severe could produce wind gusts over 60 mph, hail, and tornadoes. The core of the anticipated severe weather outbreak will be well to our northeast, but we will be on the southern edge of where severe weather could occur.

Are we done with freezes now?

While we cannot 100% rule out a late season freeze just yet, more than likely we are done with freezes. On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know!

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Houston family mourns loss of woman murdered, allegedly by her husband, in Maine

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston family is mourning the loss of a lifestyle blogger who police say was murdered by her husband while visiting her mother-in-law in Maine.

Family members told ABC13 that Margaux and Samuel Whittemore had only been married since September. They said Margaux seemed happy and was a yoga instructor who was thriving creatively. They said Samuel is a graduate of MIT and a former engineer.

Now, the family is understandably desperate to figure out where things went wrong.

“She was there to inspire people,” said Roger Risley, Margaux’s cousin.

Much of Margaux’s Instagram feed was picture perfect. At a young age, she caught the travel bug, and Risley was often there for the ride.

“I feel like I lost myself, in a sense, because that is how close we were,” Risley said.

Margaux was from France, but her grandparents and Risley live in Houston.

Risley said Margaux had recently moved to Belfast, Maine, where she started a life with her newlywed husband, Samuel.

“Sam, I don’t know much about his history. I never got the opportunity to actually meet him,” Risley said.

On Feb. 19, authorities say Margaux was at her in-laws’ home in Maine when things went horribly wrong.

Belfast police say when they responded to the scene, Margaux was dead outside the home and Samuel’s mother was inside with critical injuries.

“To go from zero to 100 like that, that’s the biggest question for all of us,” Risley said. “It’s just mind-boggling. You would think there would be signs.”

In photos posted to Instagram, the couple looks happy, and according to Risley, none of Margaux’s friends saw the warning signs either.

“It doesn’t change the outcome, but maybe if we can get a picture of the moments leading up to it or those days, I don’t know,” Risley said.

Police say Whittemore took off after the murder but was arrested shortly after.

He made his initial court appearance on Friday afternoon, but was ordered to undergo a competency evaluation before criminal proceedings can resume.

Risley says despite her brutal end, he will forever celebrate Margaux for living her life to the fullest.

“I’ll see her again. I have to, you know? That energy doesn’t just disappear,” Risley said.

Risley told ABC13 he’s working with other family members to get Margaux’s body back to France so her mother can bury her.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Ohio Bus Driver Saves Middle School Students from Fire

A routine school bus ride turned into a terrifying ordeal Thursday morning when a vehicle carrying 15 middle school students caught fire. Thanks to the swift actions of the bus driver and prior safety training, all students evacuated safely, avoiding what could have been a tragic incident.

The fire, which broke out near a rear wheel of the bus heading to Monticello Middle School in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, was reported by Cleveland ABC affiliate WEWS. Witnesses described hearing loud booms before seeing flames engulf the vehicle.

“There were a couple of booms,” 13-year-old Britt Mosby told ABC News. “The bus driver said, ‘Everybody get off the bus.’ That’s when we ran from it and the bus just caught on fire. We were all scared. We called our parents. Luckily, the bus driver got us off safely.”

Nearby residents also witnessed the chaotic scene. Maureen Ottman, a neighbor, described seeing a child board the bus just before the explosion. “I heard a big boom. I looked out the window and saw flames coming from the side of the bus,” she said.

Another district vehicle quickly arrived to transport the students to school. Parents expressed immense relief at the driver’s quick thinking. “I’m highly grateful that everybody survived and was able to escape,” said Antwone Jones, whose child was on board.

Devin Morris Meadows, who had both a son and nephew on the bus, commended the driver’s composure. “It was very comforting hearing the bus driver had it under control,” he said.

The Cleveland Heights Fire Department and Ohio State Highway Patrol are now investigating the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, school officials credit regular bus evacuation drills for ensuring students knew how to respond in the emergency.

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

Lawmakers Renew Push for Dreamer Protections with American Dream and Promise Act

A coalition of lawmakers has reintroduced the American Dream and Promise Act of 2025, aiming to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, known as Dreamers. The bill also seeks permanent legal status for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders.

“Dreamers are American in every way but on paper,” said Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), one of the bill’s sponsors. The legislation, backed by 201 congressional cosponsors and nearly 120 advocacy groups, was introduced by a bipartisan group including Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL).

If enacted, the bill would grant Dreamers conditional permanent residency for ten years, protect them from deportation, and provide a pathway to full lawful status. It would also allow TPS and DED recipients to apply for permanent residency. Additionally, Dreamers could access federal financial aid and apply for relief even if living outside the U.S.

Supporters emphasize the economic benefits of the legislation. The Center for American Progress estimates that granting citizenship to Dreamers could boost the U.S. GDP by $799 billion over the next decade. DACA recipients alone contribute billions in federal, state, and local taxes despite being ineligible for federal benefits.

Advocates stress the urgency of passing the bill, particularly amid calls for stricter immigration policies. “Dreamers are an essential part of our communities,” said Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA). “They deserve the opportunity to be Americans.”

While previous versions of the bill have stalled in Congress, lawmakers remain hopeful that growing public support will drive action.

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

While Texas Faces Worst Measles Outbreak in Decades, Abbott and other state officials remain quiet

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Texas is grappling with its worst measles outbreak in decades, with cases surging from two to 124 in just one month. One child has died, 18 are hospitalized, and experts warn the situation could worsen as low vaccination rates leave communities vulnerable.

Limited Government Response

State and local health officials have launched vaccine clinics and urged residents to get the highly effective measles shot. However, Gov. Greg Abbott and lawmakers from the hardest-hit areas have not publicly addressed the crisis. Unlike other states that enforce stricter public health measures, Texas has yet to enact policies such as preemptive school exclusions for unvaccinated students or mandatory quarantines after exposure.

Public health experts say the state’s response reflects lingering skepticism from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Everybody is so sensitive to the vaccine topic due to COVID,” said Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett. Infectious disease expert Catherine Troisi added, “There’s less political will now… People don’t want to be told what to do, forgetting that what they do can affect others.”

Urgency of Vaccination

The outbreak has highlighted Texas’ declining immunization rates. Gaines County, the epicenter of the outbreak, has a vaccination rate of just 82%, far below the 95% threshold needed to prevent measles from spreading.

“This is entirely due to low vaccination rates,” Troisi told The Texas Tribune. “And kids aren’t vaccinated because there is so much misinformation out there.”

Some areas have taken more drastic steps during past outbreaks. In 2019, New York imposed fines on residents in affected communities who refused the measles vaccine. But such measures are unlikely in Texas, where state leaders continue to oppose vaccine mandates.

“I don’t know what brings us back,” vaccine expert Dr. Peter Hotez told The Texas Tribune. “There was no auto-correction after 40,000 Texans needlessly died because they refused the COVID vaccine.”

With the outbreak still unfolding, public health officials stress that increasing vaccination rates remains the best defense against measles’ rapid spread.

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