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GRAMMY-Nominated Folklorist Juan Díes Brings Corridos, Stories, and Songwriting to Houston

Indira Zaldivar
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GRAMMY-Nominated Folklorist Juan Díes Brings Corridos, Stories, and Songwriting to Houston

Houston audiences will have a rare opportunity to experience the power of the Mexican corrido tradition when GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Juan Díes presents two free events at MECA Downtown at the end of January.

On Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m., Díes will lead Stories and Corridos, an evening of music and storytelling performed in both Spanish and English. The program will feature classic corridos alongside newly composed songs that recount real-life Mexican and American tragic heroes. Known for blending scholarship with performance, Díes draws on more than 35 years of experience as a folklorist, ethnomusicologist, performer, and educator to bring these historical ballads to life.

Díes is a co-founder of the Chicago-based Sones de México Ensemble, which has earned both GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominations for its dedication to preserving and innovating traditional Mexican music. The evening is supported in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and MECA-Houston.

The experience continues on Friday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an intensive, hands-on Mexican Tragic Ballad Songwriting Workshop. During the five-hour session, participants will explore the 180-year-old corrido tradition, learning its history, structure, and poetic rules. By the end of the workshop, the group will collaboratively write an original song following the traditional tragic corrido form.

Both events take place at MECA DOW, 1900 Kane St., Houston, TX 77007, and are free to attend. Registration is required for the workshop.

Partial Government Shutdown Takes Effect as Funding Deal Awaits House Vote

Edward Saenz
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Partial Government Shutdown Takes Effect as Funding Deal Awaits House Vote

A partial federal government shutdown began early Saturday after the Senate passed a revised funding package hours before the deadline, leaving final approval in the hands of the House, which is not expected to vote until Monday at the earliest.

Senate Advances Funding Plan, Excludes DHS

The Senate voted 71–29 on Friday to approve government funding through September, while separating out funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Under a deal reached with the White House, DHS will be funded for an additional two weeks at current levels to allow negotiations over immigration enforcement reforms.

Five Republicans voted against the package: Sens. Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, and Rick Scott.

House Vote Expected Monday

The bill now moves to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to bring it to the floor under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. That approach would demand significant bipartisan support to send the measure to President Donald Trump for signature.

Final House passage is expected Monday evening.

Graham Lifts Hold After Securing Future Votes

The Senate was able to proceed after Sen. Lindsey Graham lifted his hold on the legislation. Graham said he received commitments from Senate Majority Leader John Thune for future votes on banning so-called sanctuary cities and on separate provisions related to congressional surveillance protections.

“I will lift my hold and vote for the package,” Graham said Friday.

Democrats Signal Uncertainty in the House

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to say whether Democrats would support the agreement, noting that no final deal had yet been presented to House members.

“There’s no agreement that’s been before us,” Jeffries said.

DHS Dispute Fueled by Recent Removals

The fight over DHS funding intensified following the recent death of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse killed in a shooting involving federal law enforcement in Minneapolis. The incident sharpened Democratic demands for changes to immigration enforcement practices.

Schumer Lays Out Democratic Demands

After the Senate vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will push for significant DHS reforms during the two-week funding extension. These include ending roving patrols, mandating body cameras be turned on, and prohibiting officers from wearing masks.

“If our colleagues are not willing to enact real change, they should not expect Democratic votes,” Schumer said, warning that negotiations will be closely watched nationwide.

Schumer said he plans to work directly with Thune to set negotiation terms, emphasizing that bipartisan cooperation will be necessary to avoid a deeper shutdown once the DHS extension expires.

For more on the federal government shutdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

DOJ Releases Millions of Epstein Records Under New Transparency Law

Indira Zaldivar
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DOJ Releases Millions of Epstein Records Under New Transparency Law

The U.S. Department of Justice has begun releasing more than 3 million pages of records tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA). Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the release marks the end of an extensive review process aimed at increasing public transparency.

What’s Included — and What’s Withheld

According to Blanche, the DOJ possesses roughly 6 million pages related to Epstein. About half are being released, including approximately 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. Nearly 3 million pages remain withheld due to the presence of child sexual abuse material, victims’ personal and medical information, ongoing investigations, and other sensitive content. An additional 200,000 pages were withheld because of legal privilege.

Concerns Over Survivors’ Privacy

Despite DOJ assurances, attorneys for Epstein survivors say the latest release includes unredacted names and identifying details of victims, some of whom had never been publicly linked to the case. Lawyers reported receiving urgent calls from clients shortly after the files went live.

Survivors and their advocates criticized the release, arguing it exposes victims to retraumatization under the guise of transparency. The DOJ acknowledged possible errors and said it has set up a process for victims to report redaction issues so documents can be corrected or removed.

Trump Mentions and DOJ Pushback

President Donald Trump’s name appears thousands of times in the released records, largely in media references. Blanche rejected claims that the DOJ sought to shield Trump, stating the department complied strictly with the law and that the White House had no role in overseeing the release.

Blanche added that if evidence shows others abused victims, the DOJ would pursue charges regardless of status or identity.

FBI Interviews Detail Alleged Operation

The release includes numerous FBI interview records from alleged victims, offering detailed accounts of how Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell allegedly operated a network that recruited and exploited minors and young women. Witnesses described private flights, multiple properties, recruitment through massage or modeling fronts, and the use of money, gifts, and intimidation.

Several well-known figures are mentioned in these interviews, including former Prince Andrew and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Internal FBI and DOJ Records

Internal documents outline how investigators categorized associates and potential co-conspirators following Epstein’s 2019 arrest and death. While many names are redacted, Ghislaine Maxwell and modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel are repeatedly referenced. Maxwell remains the only person convicted in connection with Epstein’s crimes.

Epstein’s Trust and Estate Details Revealed

Newly released records include Epstein’s previously unseen trust agreement, signed just days before his death. The document details plans to distribute more than $288 million and multiple global properties to at least 44 beneficiaries, including his longtime girlfriend, lawyers, associates, and Maxwell. Court filings show the estate now holds far less than originally outlined.

Elon Musk Correspondence Included

The files also contain years-old emails and calendar entries showing correspondence between Epstein and Elon Musk about potential meetings and island visits. Musk has denied ever visiting Epstein’s island, stating he refused such invitations.

Ongoing Releases Expected

Friday’s disclosure is part of a larger, ongoing rollout mandated by the EFTA, which requires the DOJ to release unclassified Epstein-related records while protecting victims’ privacy. So far, only a fraction of the total materials reviewed have been made public, and additional releases are expected as the review process continues.

For more on the Epstein files involving minor victims, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

District 18 voters head to the polls in pivotal runoff election after winter storm poll closures

ABC13 Houston
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District 18 voters head to the polls in pivotal runoff election after winter storm poll closures

By Brianna Willis, ABC13 Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s election day in a Houston-area Congressional district that has seen many changes.

Voters in Congressional District 18 are deciding between former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards and former Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee to represent them in Washington, D.C.

The person elected will serve for about one year, filling the term left by former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who died in March 2025, two months after taking office. Turner replaced Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who died while in office in 2024

Saturday is the last day to cast your ballot in the race, after the winter storm closed voting centers, and two additional early voting days were added.

ABC13 spoke with Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, who said voter turnout is typically low in runoff elections, but it’s important to ensure you have a say in who represents you in Washington.

For news updates, follow Brianna Willis on Facebook, x and Instagram.

Hundreds protest ICE outside Houston detention center near Bush Airport

ABC13 Houston
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Hundreds protest ICE outside Houston detention center near Bush Airport

By Luke Jones, ABC13 Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Anti-ICE demonstrators turned their attention to the immigration detention center near Bush Airport Friday evening.

Well past sunset, people stood with signs. Some used bullhorns to blast messages like “ICE off our streets now” and “free our people, free them all.”

It’s the latest local demonstration following the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.

“White people even now are being killed, and ICE is overstepping their boundaries. They’re not following the rule of law,” said Nathan Thornal.

Friday’s protest was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, although some demonstrators said they weren’t opposed to all immigration enforcement.

“Sometimes some of the things that they’re doing maybe aren’t so terrible, but it’s the way they’re doing it, and there’s no accountability, and the stuff that happened in Minneapolis could happen here,” said Hal Puckett.

Data ICE provided for a six-week period last year shows the vast majority of Houston area arrests were purely for immigration violations.

However, 26% of those arrested were also wanted for other crimes. ICE said 13 were wanted for murder, 51 for preying on children, and 67 for sex offenses.

“Illegal is illegal,” said Maria Espinoza with The Remembrance Project. “If you broke the law, then there’s some consequences to pay. Citizens are not given a break. Our officers don’t look the other way when citizens commit crimes.”

For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Arctic air brings more freezing weather to Houston this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Arctic air brings more freezing weather to Houston this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Arctic air continues to funnel into Southeast Texas Saturday, making for a cold day with frigid wind chills too.

The true arctic air will blew in overnight and has paved the way for a cold and blustery Saturday despite a sunny sky. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for most of Southeast Texas until 10 a.m. Saturday morning as wind chills drop down into the 15-25 range near sunrise. The freeze line will make it to the I-10 corridor by sunrise, then temperatures will struggle to make it back into the mid 40s.

A Freeze Watch is also in effect from 9 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday because some spots north of Houston could drop down into hard freeze territory. Make sure all people, pets, and livestock have a warm place to shelter through Sunday morning. While temperatures may start off in the 20s Sunday morning, the sunshine will warm things nicely into the 50s during the afternoon.

This is too cold for Houston! When will it warm up again?

After this frigid weekend, we should have more seasonal temperatures with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. And when our next cold front arrives late Tuesday, no arctic air will follow it, keeping our temperatures in a more “seasonal” range.

How about our next chance for rain?

That’s on the way as well! Tuesday’s cold front will also bring the chance for showers ahead of and along the front. Looks like most of Southeast Texas could pick up around half an inch of rain on average with higher totals possible.

Any more cold blasts possible in February?

After this weekend and the cold front next week, it looks like we’ll be able to enjoy a gradual warm up to more seasonal, mild weather into the first full weekend of February. We could even be in the 70s by then! However, there are some signs in our long-range weather models that hint at another big cool down into mid-February. No guarantees at this point, but it’s something we’ll continue to monitor.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

U.S. stocks fall as investors react to Fed leadership uncertainty, inflation concerns

Edward Saenz
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U.S. stocks fall as investors react to Fed leadership uncertainty, inflation concerns

U.S. stocks fell sharply this week as investors reacted to uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s future leadership, renewed inflation concerns and rising Treasury yields, prompting a broad selloff across major indexes.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 500 points, or about 1%, while the S&P 500 fell roughly 0.8%. The Nasdaq composite slid about 1%, weighed down by losses in major technology stocks, which tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rate expectations.

The downturn followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor, as the next Fed chair. The move surprised markets, which had been anticipating a nominee more closely aligned with aggressive interest rate cuts.

Warsh is widely viewed as more hawkish on inflation, meaning he is less likely to support rapid or deep rate reductions. That perception unsettled investors who had been betting on looser monetary policy later this year to support economic growth and stock prices.

“Markets don’t like uncertainty, especially when it comes to the Fed,” said one Wall Street analyst. “Any shift in expectations around interest rates can quickly ripple through stocks, bonds and commodities.”

Adding to the pressure, recent inflation data suggested price pressures remain persistent. A hotter-than-expected reading in producer prices raised concerns that the Federal Reserve may have limited room to cut rates in the near term. As a result, yields on U.S. Treasury bonds climbed, making bonds more attractive relative to stocks and increasing borrowing costs for companies and consumers.

Technology stocks bore the brunt of the selloff. Shares of major tech firms declined as higher yields reduced the appeal of growth stocks, whose valuations are based heavily on expectations of future earnings. Financial stocks also slipped, while energy and industrial shares posted more modest losses.

The selloff extended beyond equities. Gold and silver prices fell sharply after weeks of gains, as traders reassessed the likelihood of prolonged tight monetary policy. Cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, also declined as investors pulled back from riskier assets.

Despite the recent losses, markets remain up for the year, and some analysts described the pullback as a reassessment rather than a sign of deeper trouble.

“This looks more like a reset of expectations than a panic,” said another market strategist. “Investors are recalibrating after a strong run and responding to the reality that inflation is still a challenge.”

Global markets also felt the impact. European and Asian stocks declined in sympathy with U.S. markets, reflecting concerns that changes in U.S. monetary policy could influence global financial conditions.

Investors will be watching closely for upcoming economic data and comments from Federal Reserve officials for clues about the path of interest rates. Confirmation of Warsh’s nomination and future signals from the Fed could determine whether the recent slide deepens or stabilizes in the weeks ahead.

For now, Wall Street remains on edge, balancing hopes for economic growth against lingering inflation and uncertainty at the top of the central bank.

Texas education board advances sweeping overhaul of social studies curriculum

Edward Saenz
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Texas education board advances sweeping overhaul of social studies curriculum

The Texas State Board of Education has advanced a sweeping overhaul of the state’s K-12 social studies curriculum, setting the stage for the most significant rewrite of history and civics standards in more than a decade and reigniting debates over how Texas students should learn about the past.

The board voted this week to move forward with a proposed framework that would restructure how social studies is taught across grade levels, with a heavier emphasis on Texas history and U.S. civics. The changes are still in draft form and will undergo months of revisions before a final vote, but they signal a major shift in priorities for the nation’s second-largest public school system.

Under the proposal, Texas history would be spread across as many as six grade levels rather than being concentrated primarily in fourth and seventh grades. Supporters say the change would allow students to build a deeper understanding of the state’s role in U.S. history over time, rather than encountering it in isolated courses.

The draft also calls for the creation of a standardized social studies assessment in eighth grade, a move proponents argue would elevate the subject to the same level of importance as math and reading. Social studies is currently tested at fewer grade levels than other core subjects.

Critics, however, warn the proposed standards attempt to cover too much material, potentially overwhelming teachers and students alike. Educators and historians told the board that the lengthy list of required topics could make it difficult to explore complex historical issues in depth.

“There is simply not enough instructional time to meaningfully teach everything that’s been included,” several teachers testified during public comment.

Opponents have also raised concerns about balance. They argue the draft reduces emphasis on world history and global cultures while prioritizing Texas and U.S.-centered narratives. Some advocacy groups and educators say the framework does not sufficiently address Black history and the experiences of other historically marginalized communities.

Board members who support the changes counter that global topics are still included and that the framework is intended as a guide rather than a rigid script. They say revisions will continue as public feedback is incorporated.

The debate reflects broader national tensions over education, curriculum content and cultural issues in public schools. In Texas, the State Board of Education — a 15-member elected body with a Republican majority — has long played an influential and sometimes controversial role in shaping classroom instruction.

The board is expected to continue refining the standards during upcoming meetings, with a final vote anticipated later this year. If approved, the new social studies standards would not take effect until the 2030–31 school year, giving school districts and textbook publishers time to adjust.

Until then, the proposal is likely to remain a flashpoint in Texas politics, as educators, parents and lawmakers weigh in on how history should be taught to millions of students statewide.

Dow to cut about 4,500 jobs in global restructuring tied to AI, automation

Edward Saenz
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Dow to cut about 4,500 jobs in global restructuring tied to AI, automation

Dow Inc., one of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers with a significant presence along the Texas Gulf Coast, announced plans this week to cut about 4,500 jobs globally as part of a major restructuring aimed at lowering costs and expanding the use of artificial intelligence and automation.

The layoffs represent roughly 13% to 15% of Dow’s worldwide workforce and come as the company faces weakening demand, higher operating costs and pressure to improve financial performance. Dow is headquartered in Midland, Michigan, but operates major facilities across the Houston region, including in Freeport, Baytown, Deer Park and La Porte.

The company said the workforce reduction is part of its “Transform to Outperform” initiative, a multi-year effort designed to streamline operations, simplify management structures and improve productivity through digital tools and automation.

Dow executives said demand has softened in several core markets, including packaging, construction materials and specialty plastics, following slower global economic growth. The company reported weaker earnings in recent quarters, prompting renewed focus on cost controls and operational efficiency.

Dow expects the restructuring to eventually generate up to $2 billion in additional operating earnings through reduced expenses and productivity gains. To carry out the plan, the company said it will take one-time charges of between $1.1 billion and $1.5 billion, including hundreds of millions of dollars for severance and related costs.

The company has not yet detailed how many of the job cuts will occur in Texas or which facilities will be most affected. However, analysts say Dow’s large Gulf Coast footprint makes the Houston area particularly vulnerable to workforce reductions, especially in administrative, technical and support roles that are more easily consolidated or automated.

Dow’s Freeport complex south of Houston is one of the company’s largest and most important manufacturing hubs, producing chemicals and plastics used in consumer goods, industrial products and infrastructure projects worldwide.

The announcement adds to growing concerns about job losses in the U.S. chemical and manufacturing sectors, as companies increasingly turn to automation and artificial intelligence to offset rising labor costs and uncertain demand. While AI investments are often promoted as tools to improve safety and efficiency, labor advocates warn that rapid adoption can also accelerate job displacement.

Dow said it plans to reinvest savings from the restructuring into high-growth areas, including advanced materials, sustainability initiatives and digital technologies. Company officials emphasized that the changes are intended to position Dow for long-term competitiveness, even as short-term impacts are felt by workers and local communities.

The layoffs are expected to be implemented over the next year, with additional details to be released as the restructuring moves forward.

Catherine O’Hara, Beloved Film and TV Icon, Dies at 71

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Catherine O’Hara, Beloved Film and TV Icon, Dies at 71

Award-winning actress Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and Best in Show, has died at the age of 71. Her manager confirmed she passed away Friday, Jan. 30. Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

A Legendary Career in Comedy and Film

Born in Canada in 1954, O’Hara began her career with Toronto’s famed Second City comedy troupe before becoming a breakout star on the sketch series SCTV. Her work on the show earned her an Emmy in 1982 and helped launch a generation of comedy icons, including Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis and Martin Short.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, O’Hara built a steady film career, appearing in projects such as After Hours, Heartburn and Beetlejuice. She later voiced characters in Tim Burton’s animated classics The Nightmare Before Christmas and Frankenweenie.

‘Home Alone’ and Pop Culture Fame

O’Hara became a household name worldwide in 1990 as Kate McCallister, the frantic but loving mother in the holiday classic Home Alone. She reprised the role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, cementing her place in pop culture history.

Mockumentary Royalty and Critical Acclaim

She was a frequent collaborator with director Christopher Guest, starring in mockumentary favorites including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration. Her performances were widely praised for their sharp wit and emotional depth.

In television, O’Hara earned acclaim for guest roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Six Feet Under, later receiving her first acting Emmy nomination for the TV movie Temple Grandin.

A Late-Career Renaissance With ‘Schitt’s Creek’

O’Hara reached new heights of fame with Schitt’s Creek, which premiered in 2015 and became a global hit after landing on Netflix. Her portrayal of Moira Rose earned her an Emmy in 2020 and solidified her status as one of comedy’s greats.

She continued working steadily in recent years, appearing in Apple TV+’s The Studio and HBO’s The Last of Us, earning Emmy nominations for both.

Remembered for Talent and Joy

Over her career, O’Hara won multiple Emmys, a Golden Globe and numerous acting honors. In a 2025 interview, she reflected on comedy and career longevity, saying, “It’s a beautiful gift to be able to laugh, and especially to laugh at yourself.”

Tributes continue to pour in as fans and colleagues remember her as a fearless performer whose work shaped decades of film and television.

For more celebrity news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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