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Honoring Selena: 30 Years Later

Indira Zaldivar
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Honoring Selena: 30 Years Later

Three decades after her tragic passing, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez continues to be an enduring symbol of Tejano music, cultural pride, and artistic excellence.

A Life Cut Short

On March 31, 1995, the world lost a rising star when Selena was fatally shot at just 23 years old in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her murderer, Yolanda Saldívar, had been the president of Selena’s fan club and managed her boutique stores before being dismissed amid allegations of financial misconduct. The confrontation over these discrepancies led to the tragic shooting at a Days Inn motel. Selena managed to reach the lobby, identifying Saldívar as the shooter before collapsing. Despite efforts to save her, she passed away that afternoon.

Saldívar was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, where she remains today. Recently, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied her request for parole, citing the severity and brutality of the crime. Her next review is scheduled for 2030.

Selena’s Lasting Influence

Selena was more than a talented singer—she was a trailblazer for Latin music. In 1994, she made history as the first female Tejano artist to win a Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album with Live!. Her fourth studio album, Amor Prohibido, dominated the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart with hits like Bidi Bidi Bom Bom and No Me Queda Más. Following her passing, her crossover album, Dreaming of You, topped the Billboard 200, solidifying her status as a Latin music icon.

The Continuing Celebration of Selena

In Houston and beyond, fans continue to honor Selena’s contributions to music and culture. Her legacy lives on through murals, tribute concerts, and biopics, including the latest documentary shedding new light on her life. From her unforgettable Houston Rodeo performances to inspiring new generations of artists, Selena’s influence remains stronger than ever.

As the world marks 30 years since her passing, one thing is certain: Selena’s music, spirit, and impact will never fade.

Siempre Selena.

Keep up with Tejano music with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Zelenskyy Calls for Stronger Measures Against Russia as Trump Expresses Frustration with Putin

Edward Saenz
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Zelenskyy Calls for Stronger Measures Against Russia as Trump Expresses Frustration with Putin

Amid escalating tensions and continued attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged for stricter measures against Russia, emphasizing that Moscow has shown no real interest in diplomacy. His remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following another wave of deadly drone strikes in Ukraine.

Escalating Attacks Despite Ceasefire Proposals

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a U.S.-proposed unconditional ceasefire, long-range strikes between Russia and Ukraine persist. Both nations had agreed to halt military actions in the Black Sea and cease attacks on energy infrastructure, yet accusations of ceasefire violations have surfaced from both sides.

In a recent video address, Zelenskyy highlighted Russia’s continued aggression, stating that “the geography and brutality of Russian strikes, not just occasionally, but literally every day and night, show that Putin couldn’t care less about diplomacy.” He reported renewed assaults across seven Ukrainian regions, emphasizing that these attacks directly counter ceasefire efforts.

“For weeks, there has been a U.S. proposal for an unconditional ceasefire,” Zelenskyy said. “And almost every day, in response, we face Russian drones, bombs, artillery shelling, and ballistic strikes.”

Call for Tougher Sanctions and Military Support

Zelenskyy reinforced the need for increased global pressure on Russia, calling for tighter sanctions, additional air defense systems for Ukraine, and stronger unity among international allies.

“Russia deserves increased pressure—every tough measure that can weaken its ability to wage war and sustain its aggressive system,” he stated. “Sanctions against Russia are essential. More air defense for Ukraine is essential. More cooperation and unity among all partners is essential.”

Trump’s Frustration with Putin

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Putin’s latest actions, particularly regarding his comments about Zelenskyy. In an interview with NBC News, Trump said he was “very angry” at Putin after the Russian leader criticized Zelenskyy and suggested the installation of a transitional government in Ukraine.

Trump hinted at potential economic consequences for Russia, stating he might consider new sanctions targeting the country’s oil exports and nations purchasing Russian energy. This could put pressure on China and India, both of whom remain significant buyers of Russian oil.

Despite his frustration, Trump remained confident in his diplomatic rapport with Putin, telling reporters aboard Air Force One, “I don’t think he’s going to go back on his word.” He added, “I’ve known him for a long time. We’ve always gotten along well despite the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax.”

When asked whether he had set a deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, Trump responded that there was a “psychological deadline” and warned, “If I think they’re tapping us along, I will not be happy about it.”

Continued Hostilities on Both Sides

Despite ceasefire discussions, Russia and Ukraine continued cross-border strikes overnight. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched two missiles and 131 drones across Ukrainian territories, with 57 drones successfully intercepted. The attack impacted the regions of Sumy, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Zhytomyr.

On the Russian side, the Defense Ministry claimed its forces shot down 66 Ukrainian drones—41 over Bryansk, 24 over Kaluga, and one over Kursk.

Putin’s Stance on Diplomatic Talks

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed that Putin remains open to discussions with Trump if necessary, stating, “There is no scheduled conversation at the moment, but President Putin remains open to direct communication, and a meeting can be arranged promptly if needed.”

As the war drags on into its third year, the international community watches closely to see whether diplomatic efforts will succeed or if further escalations will cement the prolonged conflict. Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s allies continue to push for increased military aid and economic sanctions, while Trump seeks to balance diplomacy with pressure on Putin to reach a resolution. Whether these efforts will yield tangible progress remains to be seen.

Keep up with the Russia-Ukraine war with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake Update: Worst Devastation in Asia in a Century, NGO Says

Indira Zaldivar
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Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake Update: Worst Devastation in Asia in a Century, NGO Says

A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, leaving behind a trail of destruction that experts are calling the worst natural disaster in Asia in a century. The quake, centered in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, has caused widespread devastation, toppling buildings, crippling infrastructure, and claiming thousands of lives.

A Rising Death Toll Amidst Destruction

Rescue efforts are underway as officials warn that casualties could continue to rise. As of the latest reports, at least 1,644 people have been confirmed dead in Myanmar, with over 3,400 injured and 130 still missing. In Bangkok, at least 18 people were killed, including 11 who died in the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper in the Chatuchak area. Authorities report that dozens remain trapped beneath the rubble.

The Worst Disaster in 100 Years

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has described the earthquake as “a level of devastation that hasn’t been seen in Asia for over a century.” Acting head Marie Manrique warned that the disaster’s impact will be felt for weeks, if not months, as Myanmar struggles with widespread destruction.

“This is not just a disaster; it is a complex humanitarian crisis layered over existing vulnerabilities,” said IFRC regional director Alexander Matheou. Myanmar was already facing political instability, internal displacement, and food insecurity, and now, the earthquake has worsened an already fragile situation.

A Nation in Crisis

Beyond the immediate loss of life, critical infrastructure across Myanmar has been severely damaged. Airports in Mandalay and Naypyidaw remain closed due to safety concerns, and telecommunications blackouts are hampering rescue coordination. The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal, urging global solidarity to help Myanmar recover from this historic catastrophe.

Relentless Aftershocks and a Race Against Time

Since Friday’s initial quake, a 5.1 magnitude aftershock has shaken Myanmar, compounding fears of further collapses. Another 4.2 magnitude tremor struck near Shwebo, about 68 miles northwest of Mandalay.

Rescue workers are racing against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble, but the scale of destruction has made operations perilous. The global community watches in horror as Myanmar and Thailand grapple with the deadliest earthquake the region has seen in a century.

With thousands displaced and infrastructure in ruins, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. For now, every second counts as rescuers fight to save lives in the aftermath of this devastating disaster.

Keep up with the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake recovery with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Houston Cougars Dominate Tennessee, Punch Ticket to Final Four

Edward Saenz
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Houston Cougars Dominate Tennessee, Punch Ticket to Final Four

The University of Houston men’s basketball team is making a statement in March Madness, securing a dominant 69-50 win over No. 2 Tennessee in the Elite Eight. With the victory, the top-seeded Cougars advance to their seventh Final Four in program history and their first since 2021.

Houston’s suffocating defense set the tone early, holding the Volunteers to just 15 first-half points—the lowest ever for a No. 2 seed in NCAA Tournament history. Tennessee also struggled from beyond the arc, going just 1-for-15 from three-point range.

L.J. Cryer led the charge for UH with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Emanuel Sharp ignited in the second half, pouring in 14 of his 16 points from deep.

The Cougars now turn their focus to a high-stakes battle against Duke and their star freshman, Cooper Flagg. The showdown is set for Saturday, April 5, at 7:49 p.m. in San Antonio.

Houston fans—get ready, the Coogs are one step closer to a championship!

Keep up with the UH men’s basketball team as they climb to the top with us on Que Onda Magazine.

U.S. Stocks Plunge as Trump’s Tariffs Loom

Indira Zaldivar
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0
U.S. Stocks Plunge as Trump’s Tariffs Loom

U.S. stocks tumbled on Monday ahead of the expected rollout of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs set to take effect Wednesday. The tariffs, which Trump said will impact “all countries,” sent markets into a global downturn.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 315 points (0.75%), while the S&P 500 declined 1.1%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq saw the steepest fall at 1.75%. Tesla, led by Trump advisor Elon Musk, plummeted nearly 6%.

Global markets followed suit. Japan’s Nikkei fell over 4%, South Korea’s KOSPI dropped 3%, and European markets also slumped, with the British FTSE 100 down 1.18%, Germany’s DAX losing 1.82%, and France’s CAC 40 declining 1.76%. Meanwhile, gold—often a safe-haven asset—hit a record $3,128 per ounce.

Trump defended the tariffs over the weekend, saying they would be “kinder” than the unfair treatment the U.S. has received in trade deals. The measures include a 25% auto tariff on imported passenger vehicles, SUVs, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, set to take effect April 3.

Analysts expect car prices to rise as importers pass the costs to consumers. Even U.S.-made vehicles could see price hikes due to higher costs for imported parts and increased demand for domestic alternatives. However, Trump downplayed concerns, insisting automakers will benefit. “American automakers or international automakers, if you’re talking about them, are going to build in the United States,” he said.

The markets remain on edge as investors brace for the full impact of Trump’s trade measures.

Keep up with more business news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Humid conditions kick off the week with high temperatures near record warmth

ABC13 Houston
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Humid conditions kick off the week with high temperatures near record warmth

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After a muggy morning, a weak cool front will bring a brief break from the warm and humid conditions. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for our coastal communities until 10 a.m.

Behind the front a northly wind shift will bring a slight drop in the humidity. Monday will remain warm with afternoon highs in the low-mid 80s under a partly cloudy sky.

Is more stormy weather coming this week?

Probably. The new month of April begins with more powerful weather systems tracking across the country, bringing gusty south winds and occasional lines of thunderstorms blowing in from the north. Rain chances may trend even higher by the weekend with the potential for a slow-moving rainmaker in Texas. The first weekend of April could be especially stormy for Houston and the state of Texas as a whole, so if you have any outdoors plans or are heading to San Antonio for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, this is a forecast you’ll want to stay aware of!

Does this mean drought conditions will improve?

Likely improve, yes! Completely relieved? Not for everyone. The rain from this past week and what’s expected this week will be beneficial though for those with drought conditions.

Have the recent rains helped tame the pollen count?

Yes! Oak pollen earlier in the week came in at over 9,000 pollen particles per cubic meter of air, which was a new record in Houston for the month of March. By Friday, that count had dropped down to just over 1200, which is below the threshold for an “extreme” tree pollen count. However, with this humid and rainy pattern expected into the following week, mold spore counts are expected to rise.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Miami ICE Detention Center Severely Overcrowded, Detainees Report Inhumane Conditions

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Miami ICE Detention Center Severely Overcrowded, Detainees Report Inhumane Conditions

Miami’s Krome North Processing Center is facing a humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating that the facility is holding more than twice its intended capacity. Originally built to accommodate 600 detainees, the center now houses over 1,200 individuals amid the U.S. government’s intensified immigration enforcement policies.

Overcrowding Pushes Detainees to Desperation

With detainees packed into cramped spaces and lacking basic necessities, some are opting to sign deportation orders just to escape the facility’s deteriorating conditions. “A lot of people are just signing orders to be removed because the conditions are so horrible,” said Paul Chavez, director of litigation at Americans for Immigrant Justice, in an interview with Axios.

While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) maintains that the overcrowding is temporary and that efforts are underway to transfer detainees and expedite case processing, firsthand accounts from within Krome suggest a far graver situation.

Reports of Neglect and Mistreatment

Detainees describe unhygienic conditions, lack of medical care, and even physical mistreatment. One woman, who spoke to USA TODAY anonymously, recounted being chained to other detainees and transported for hours without access to food, water, or restrooms.

“We smelled worse than animals,” she told USA Today. “We were packed in like sardines.”

Others report being denied showers for days and forced to sleep on crowded floors. Some detainees have been left with no choice but to relieve themselves on the floor due to limited access to restrooms.

Deaths Raise Alarms Over Facility’s Conditions

Concerns over Krome’s ability to provide humane treatment intensified following the deaths of three detainees since October. Despite ICE’s claims that it adheres to proper detention standards, past inspections have raised red flags. A 2023 Homeland Security report found that multiple ICE detention centers, including Krome, failed to meet federal standards for detainee care.

ICE has yet to confirm or address specific allegations made by detainees, with a spokesperson stating that such conditions do not align with the agency’s policies. However, with the total number of detainees in ICE custody surpassing its 41,500-bed national capacity, overcrowding in detention facilities has become a growing crisis across the country.

As immigration enforcement intensifies, advocates are calling for urgent reforms to improve detainee conditions and ensure basic human rights are upheld within the detention system.

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

Houston Advances to Elite Eight After Nail-Biting Win Over Purdue

Edward Saenz
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0
Houston Advances to Elite Eight After Nail-Biting Win Over Purdue

The Houston Cougars are one step closer to the Final Four after a dramatic 62-60 victory over Purdue in the Sweet 16 on Friday night. Now, the No. 1 seed is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against No. 6 Tennessee in the Elite Eight.

Uzan’s Last-Second Heroics Lift Houston

The game against Purdue came down to the final seconds. With just 0.9 seconds left on the clock, UH guard Milos Uzan drove to the basket for an uncontested layup, securing Houston’s place in the next round. Uzan led all scorers with 22 points in a standout performance.

Emanuel Sharp contributed 17 points, while L.J. Cryer played a well-rounded game, finishing with five points, five assists, and two steals. The Cougars’ defense held strong against Purdue’s offensive threats, ensuring their seventh trip to the Elite Eight in program history.

Next Stop: Tennessee

Houston will now face the Tennessee Volunteers at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday at 1:20 p.m. The winner of the matchup will advance to the Final Four, where a showdown with Duke awaits.

With their championship hopes alive and momentum on their side, the Cougars are ready for another intense battle on their road to the national title.

Keep up with the UH Men’s basketball team’s climb to the top with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Warm days ahead, with rain chances increasing late-week

ABC13 Houston
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0
Warm days ahead, with rain chances increasing late-week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s going to be another warm and humid day across Southeast Texas, though we’ll see more clouds today and won’t get quite as hot as the 87 degrees we hit yesterday afternoon.

A weak cool front will be nearby, bringing the possibility for an isolated shower or storm. This will be in the afternoon hours and mainly north of the city of Houston, where gusty winds and small hail would be the primary concerns with the strongest storms.

Is more stormy weather coming next week?

Probably. The new month of April begins with more powerful weather systems tracking across the country, bringing gusty south winds and occasional lines of thunderstorms blowing in from the north. Rain chances may trend even higher next weekend with the potential for a slow-moving rainmaker in Texas.

Does this mean drought conditions will improve?

Likely improve, yes! Completely relieved? Not for everyone. The rain from this past week and what’s expected over the next two weeks will be beneficial though for those with drought conditions.

Have the recent rains helped tame the pollen count?

Yes! Oak pollen earlier in the week came in at over 9,000 pollen particles per cubic meter of air, which was a new record in Houston for the month of March. By Friday, that count had dropped down to just over 1200, which is below the threshold for an “extreme” tree pollen count. However, with this humid and rainy pattern expected into the following week, mold spore counts are expected to rise.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Myanmar Earthquake’s Death Toll Rises to 1600 in Myanmar

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Myanmar Earthquake’s Death Toll Rises to 1600 in Myanmar

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, leaving a trail of devastation in Myanmar and neighboring countries. By Saturday, the confirmed death toll had surged to 1,600 in Myanmar alone, with experts warning that the true number of fatalities could climb as high as 10,000.

Widespread Destruction and Desperate Search Efforts

The quake, which struck around midday, reduced buildings and bridges to rubble. Rescue teams from multiple countries poured into Myanmar on Saturday, working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Htet Min Oo, a 25-year-old resident of Mandalay, recounted his harrowing experience of being pulled from the wreckage of a fallen wall by fellow survivors. Despite his desperate attempts to locate his grandmother and uncles in the debris, he was ultimately forced to abandon his search.

“I don’t know if they are still alive under the debris,” he said, his voice breaking. “After so long, I don’t think there’s any hope.”

Disaster Spreads Beyond Myanmar

The earthquake’s impact was felt far beyond Myanmar’s borders. In Bangkok, Thailand—nearly 600 miles from the epicenter—a high-rise building collapsed, trapping dozens of construction workers. On Saturday, rescue teams deployed drones, sniffer dogs, and heavy machinery in a frantic effort to locate at least 47 missing individuals, including many Myanmar nationals.

Despite the devastation, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed optimism. “We always have hope,” he assured reporters. “We’re still working around the clock.”

Myanmar Faces Humanitarian Crisis

As the crisis deepened on Saturday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) painted a grim picture of conditions in Myanmar. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injured victims, while critical infrastructure—including medical facilities, power grids, and communication networks—has sustained severe damage.

The agency reported that thousands of displaced residents were sleeping in the open, fearing aftershocks or lacking habitable shelter. Water and electricity shortages, coupled with a disrupted telecommunications network, have exacerbated the suffering of survivors.

Death Toll Expected to Climb

Myanmar’s military government confirmed on Saturday that at least 1,644 people had perished in the disaster, with nine additional deaths reported in Thailand. However, projections from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggest the actual toll could be far higher, potentially exceeding 10,000.

USGS experts warned that much of Myanmar’s population resides in structures highly vulnerable to earthquake damage, amplifying the risk of casualties. Their assessments also indicate that the financial cost of the disaster may surpass the country’s annual economic output.

“High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS stated.

International Aid and Relief Efforts

Rescue and humanitarian assistance efforts ramped up over the weekend, with hundreds of international personnel arriving in Myanmar to aid in recovery operations. However, damaged roadways have hindered the delivery of crucial supplies.

A key transport artery, the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay expressway, sustained significant damage, with large cracks and surface distortions forcing a halt in bus operations, according to OCHA.

Several nations, including Russia, Malaysia, India, China, and Singapore, have pledged aid and manpower to support Myanmar’s recovery. In a statement, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China would provide $13.77 million in relief, including emergency medical kits, tents, and blankets.

Despite past tensions between Washington and Myanmar, former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. would contribute to recovery efforts. “We’re going to be helping,” he said on Friday. “We’ve already spoken with the country.”

The Road to Recovery

As search and rescue operations continue, the full scale of the disaster is only beginning to emerge. With thousands still unaccounted for and critical infrastructure in ruins, Myanmar faces a long and challenging path to recovery. Rescue teams remain on the ground, holding onto the hope of finding survivors amid the devastation.

Keep up with Myanmar’s recovery from the earthquake with us on Que Onda Magazine.

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