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Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard Headline Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Michael Esparza
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Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard Headline Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year—both individually and as members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team.” The Class of 2025 also includes LeBron James and Chris Paul as part of the Olympic team, marking a rare moment where active players are honored before retirement.

The Redeem Team’s Legacy
The 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team earned its “Redeem Team” nickname by reclaiming gold in Beijing after a disappointing bronze finish in 2004. Going undefeated with an average win margin of nearly 28 points, the team helped restore America’s dominance in international basketball. The roster featured legends like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Jason Kidd—now receiving Hall of Fame recognition a second time.

Dwight Howard reflects on his journey.

Anthony Reflects on the Moment
“When the call came in and I saw Springfield on the screen, I knew what time it was,” Carmelo Anthony said on the televised announcement.

“When you hear ‘You’re in,’ it’s a burden off your shoulders.” For both Anthony and Howard, the honor cements their status as two of the most impactful players of their generation.

WNBA Legends Join the Class
Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles will also be inducted, further highlighting the impact of UConn’s powerhouse women’s program. “They’re hall of famers for everybody—even UConn haters,” legendary coach Geno Auriemma told AP News. Their achievements in the WNBA and on the international stage have made them icons in women’s sports.

Coaches, Executives, and Officials Recognized
Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan will be inducted for his back-to-back NCAA titles with the University of Florida. Miami Heat managing general partner Micky Arison, who oversaw three NBA titles, will be honored for his contributions to the game. Veteran NBA referee Danny Crawford, who officiated for 32 seasons and appeared in 23 NBA Finals, rounds out the group of influential off-court figures.

Enshrinement Weekend Details
The Hall of Fame induction events will take place September 5–6 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and the Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley said the Redeem Team’s selection marks a “pivotal moment” in Olympic history that led to five consecutive gold medals.

A Celebration of Basketball Excellence
From Olympic champions to WNBA icons and coaching greats, the Class of 2025 represents a diverse and dynamic group whose influence continues to shape the sport. Whether on the court or behind the scenes, their legacies are now officially etched into basketball history.

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

Experts Warn Against Panic Buying Amid Trump Tariffs: “Don’t Go Into Debt to Beat the Hike”

Edward Saenz
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Experts Warn Against Panic Buying Amid Trump Tariffs: “Don’t Go Into Debt to Beat the Hike”

As new tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump begin to take effect, Americans are rushing to stores in a bid to make major purchases before prices climb. From electronics to car parts, and even household goods like toothpaste and soap, shoppers are racing to buy now—fearing sticker shock in the coming weeks

What the Tariffs Mean for Prices

The recent tariffs—25% on imported vehicles and 10% across nearly all trading partners, with even steeper “reciprocal” tariffs set for April 9—are expected to raise the cost of everyday goods. Some consumers, fearing price hikes and potential shortages, are engaging in what some are calling “tariff panic buying.”

Auto sales alone jumped 11.2% in March, as many rushed to purchase imported vehicles before the tariffs kicked in on April 3.

Experts Advise Financial Caution

Despite these consumer reactions, financial experts warn against dipping into savings or taking on new debt just to get ahead of the tariffs.

“Don’t let fear drive your spending,” Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, told ABC News.

“If you’re already dealing with high credit card balances or limited savings, now might not be the time to buy big-ticket items.”

Rossman urges consumers to think long term: “It might be smarter to hold off on a new car or appliance and make do with what you have for a little while longer.”

Memories of Pandemic Shortages Fuel Concer

The idea of empty shelves—something Americans vividly remember from the COVID-19 pandemic—has only intensified the rush. Billionaire investor Mark Cuban fueled the fire this week by posting on BlueSky, encouraging people to “buy lots of consumables” now before prices increase across the board.

“Even if it’s made in the USA,” Cuban wrote, “they will jack up the price and blame it on tariffs.”

Will There Be Shortages? Experts Say Unlikely

Still, experts say that supply chains today are far more stable than they were during the pandemic.

“Of course, if everyone heeded [Cuban’s] advice, there probably would be some issues, but we’re not seeing evidence this is happening at scale,” Rossman explained. “Thankfully the supply chain is in much better shape than it was during the pandemic.”

Household Debt Already High

With the average American household carrying around $6,600 in credit card debt, according to TransUnion, experts say it’s essential to stay grounded and realistic about purchases.

“I realize sometimes people need to carry debt for various reasons,” Rossman said. “But don’t make it worse by panic buying. Rushing to make a big purchase often doesn’t end well.”

The Bottom Line

While buying now to avoid price hikes may seem like a smart move, financial advisors stress that it’s not worth sacrificing your financial health. In the face of economic uncertainty, a measured and thoughtful approach will likely serve consumers far better than impulse purchases driven by fear.

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

Senate Republicans Pass Budget Resolution Advancing Trump’s Priorities

Indira Zaldivar
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Senate Republicans Pass Budget Resolution Advancing Trump’s Priorities

In a pivotal step toward reviving and expanding former President Donald Trump’s policy legacy, Senate Republicans passed a sweeping budget resolution early Saturday after an intense overnight “vote-a-rama”—an hours-long flurry of amendment votes.

The 70-page budget framework, introduced Wednesday, sets the stage for making Trump’s first-term tax cuts permanent, while greenlighting an additional $1.5 trillion in tax reductions and authorizing an increase to the debt ceiling by up to $5 trillion. The resolution also outlines spending priorities aligned with Trump’s agenda, including border security, defense, and energy.

The Senate cleared the resolution with a narrow 51-48 vote, as Republican Senators Rand Paul (Kentucky) and Susan Collins (Maine) broke ranks to oppose the measure. Despite the opposition, the procedural momentum now shifts to the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson (Louisiana) may schedule a vote as early as next week.

During the marathon voting session, Democrats introduced a slew of politically charged amendments to force Republicans to take stances on hot-button issues such as Social Security, Medicaid, and tariffs. However, the resolution survived without major changes.

“This budget keeps our promises to secure the border, rebuild the economy, and strengthen national defense,” said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the Senate’s second-ranking Republican, reflecting on the November electoral mandate that gave Republicans the majority.

Although the Senate and House had developed their own budget blueprints earlier in the year, this compromise resolution marks a unification of GOP strategy. Yet, divisions remain over the specifics of spending cuts. The Senate’s plan sets minimal mandatory reductions for various committees—only in the billions—whereas the House calls for $1.5 trillion in cuts over the next decade. Leaders say the lower Senate figures are a floor, not a ceiling, offering leeway for further trimming.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) defended the resolution as a foundation for “transformational investment” in border infrastructure and national defense, and he dismissed Democratic objections as exaggerated.

Democrats, however, raised alarm over the use of a controversial accounting method known as the “current policy baseline.” This technique treats the Trump tax cuts as if they are permanent, masking their actual cost to the federal budget. Critics argue that this move disguises the true fiscal impact—an estimated $4.5 trillion over 10 years.

“Republicans want to pretend their trillion-dollar tax cuts are free—like magic,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), criticizing the budget’s math. “Even middle schoolers would know that doesn’t add up.”

Under the traditional “current law baseline” approach required by the 1974 Budget Control Act, expiring tax provisions must be counted as new costs if extended—something the resolution effectively sidesteps.

With the Senate vote complete, attention now turns to the House, where GOP leaders aim to finalize the resolution by Memorial Day. If both chambers approve identical versions, Republicans can move forward with reconciliation—a special legislative process that allows bills to pass with a simple majority, bypassing potential Democratic filibusters in the Senate.

The coming weeks will be critical as Republicans seek to solidify a legislative framework that not only revives Trump-era policies but also tests the unity of their newly regained congressional majority.

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

Markets continue to crash following Trump “Liberation Day” Tarriffs

Edward Saenz
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Markets continue to crash following Trump “Liberation Day” Tarriffs

​On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs known as the “Liberation Day” tariffs, aiming to address what he described as unfair trade practices contributing to the United States’ trade deficits. The policy introduced a two-tier tariff structure:

Universal Baseline Tariff: A 10% tariff imposed on all imports from countries that maintain any tariffs on U.S. goods. This measure was intended to encourage other nations to eliminate their tariffs on American products.

Country-Specific Tariffs: Higher tariffs targeting specific countries based on trade deficits and other factors. For example:​Business Insider

  • China faces an additional 34% tariff, totaling 54% on its exports to the U.S.
  • Vietnam is subject to a 46% tariff.​
  • The European Union faces a 20% tariff.
  • Japan is subject to a 24% tariff.
  • Other nations, including Thailand, Taiwan, and India, face tariffs ranging between 26% and 36%.

Automobile Imports: An additional 25% tariff on imported cars.

The administration asserts that these tariffs are designed to encourage domestic manufacturing and rectify unfair trade practices. However, the announcement has elicited significant domestic and international criticism.

inancial markets responded negatively, with major indices experiencing significant declines. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 4%, the S&P 500 dropped 4.8%, and the Nasdaq declined almost 6%.

Economists expressed concern that these tariffs could lead to a global economic downturn, with sustained high tariffs potentially pushing multiple economies into recession.

U.S. Job Growth Surges in March, But Tariffs Could Threaten Gains

Edward Saenz
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U.S. Job Growth Surges in March, But Tariffs Could Threaten Gains

The U.S. economy delivered a stronger-than-expected performance in March, adding 228,000 jobs, according to the Labor Department. The job growth exceeded economists’ forecasts, which had predicted around 135,000 new jobs.

Unemployment Rate Ticks Up Slightly

Despite the job growth, the unemployment rate edged up to 4.2% from 4.1% in February. Wage gains remained solid, supported by historically low layoffs, helping to keep the economic expansion on track.

Business Caution Grows Over Tariffs

Economists warn the labor market’s momentum could face challenges in the coming months. President Donald Trump’s recently announced 10% minimum import tariff has sparked concerns across the business sector, raising fears of retaliatory measures and global supply chain disruptions.

Some experts estimate that the new duties have pushed the U.S. effective tariff rate to its highest point in over a century. If trade tensions persist, companies could scale back hiring—or even cut jobs—as prices rise and consumer spending slows.

Short-Term Strength, Long-Term Uncertainty

While March’s job numbers provide short-term relief for volatile markets, analysts caution that underlying economic risks remain. GDP growth estimates for the first quarter are hovering below 0.5%, with some suggesting a possible contraction.

Retail jobs may be the first to take a hit as rising prices force consumers to tighten their budgets. Some economists even say a recession within the next year can’t be ruled out.

What’s Next for the Federal Reserve?

With economic uncertainty building, many analysts expect the Federal Reserve to resume interest rate cuts by June. The Fed had paused its easing cycle in January but signaled two rate cuts might be needed this year to support growth.

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

First Measles Case in Harris County Since 2019 Involves Untraveled Child

Edward Saenz
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First Measles Case in Harris County Since 2019 Involves Untraveled Child

Health officials have confirmed the first measles case in Harris County since 2019, involving a child under 18 living in the northwest part of the county.

Case Details & Investigation

Harris County Public Health reported on Thursday that the child had no recent travel history and had received only one dose of the recommended two-dose measles vaccine. The child was not hospitalized and has since fully recovered.

The case is awaiting secondary confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services. In the meantime, HCPH is conducting contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been exposed.

Low Risk of Widespread Outbreak

Dr. Ericka Brown of HCPH says there is no immediate concern about a broader outbreak due to Harris County’s high vaccination rate—94%, just shy of the 95% recommended by the CDC for herd immunity.

“Even with strong coverage, breakthrough cases can happen, but we are well protected,” Brown said.

Understanding Measles

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus spread through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Rash appearing 3–5 days after initial symptoms

Vaccination and Exposure Guidance

The first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is recommended between 12–15 months, with a second dose at 4–6 years. If exposed, individuals should quarantine and monitor symptoms for 21 days.

Declining Vaccination Rates Raise Concerns

A recent national report shows fewer children are getting vaccinated on time. In 2024, only 69% received their first dose by 15 months, down from 77% in 2020. By age six, only 80% had received both recommended doses.

Measles in Texas

As of April 1, the state has reported 422 measles cases, highlighting the importance of timely immunizations.

Though mask-wearing is not currently advised, officials stress that vaccination remains the best defense—especially for children and those unable to be vaccinated.

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

Weather Watch in effect Saturday for the risk of strong to severe storms

ABC13 Houston
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Weather Watch in effect Saturday for the risk of strong to severe storms

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We are declaring Saturday an ABC13 Weather Watch Day for the possibility of severe weather. Areas especially along and east of the I-45 corridor have a chance for hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.

But before we get to Saturday, we have a warm and muggy end to the week. It will also be windy on Friday with gusts to 40 mph. A Wind Advisory will be in effect from 7am-7pm Friday.

Rain chances go up a bit more Friday with a 30% chance of rain for Houston and a 40% chance for areas north of Conroe. A couple of strong to severe storms are possible Friday in our northern counties. Make sure you stay weather aware in case you end up with a strong storm near you. Rain chances become widespread Saturday and severe storms will be a possibility.

What can you tell me about Saturday’s strong cold front?

The cold front will pass through our area Saturday afternoon. Our atmosphere will be unstable enough for strong to severe storms to occur with the front. Once the front passes, most of the rain will end and temps will fall. We’re talking highs in the 60s Sunday and Monday. Lows will drop to the lower 50s and upper 40s Monday and Tuesday mornings.

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.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

RodeoHouston 2026 Adds Bonus Day with Major Headliner Concert—Details Inside

Indira Zaldivar
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RodeoHouston 2026 Adds Bonus Day with Major Headliner Concert—Details Inside

Houston’s biggest annual event is getting even bigger. RodeoHouston has announced that the 2026 edition of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will include an extra day of festivities—marking the first expansion of the event since 2022.

Mark Your Calendars: March 2–22, 2026

Traditionally a 20-day celebration, RodeoHouston will now stretch to 21 days, running from March 2 to March 22, 2026. The rodeo competitions themselves will take place over the first 20 days, culminating in the exciting Rodeo Finals on March 21.

But the fun doesn’t stop there.

A Concert-Only Finale at NRG Stadium

On March 22, the spotlight will shine on a yet-to-be-announced musical superstar who will headline a special concert-only night at NRG Stadium. There will be no rodeo events that day—just music, lights, and what promises to be a massive crowd.

This bonus show format echoes the unforgettable 2022 performance by George Strait, who closed out RodeoHouston that year with a legendary standalone concert. Fans can expect a similar high-profile act for 2026, with the official headliner announcement expected next month. The full concert lineup will be released in early 2026.

Everything You Love—Still There on the Final Day

Rodeo enthusiasts can still enjoy their favorite attractions on the final day, including:

  • The Carnival
  • Champion Wine Garden
  • AGVENTURE kids’ activities
  • Rodeo shopping and food vendors

From deep-fried delicacies to dazzling rides and live country performances, the last day will be packed with experiences, even if the bulls and broncs take a break.

Who Should Headline the Final Show?

RodeoHouston fans are already buzzing about who should take the stage for this bonus concert. Would you love to see a country legend like Reba McEntire or a crossover star bring down the house?

Jump into the conversation and share your dream headliner! Keep up with RodeoHouston news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

NASA Updates Risk of Asteroid Hitting Moon in 2032—Earth Still in the Clear

Indira Zaldivar
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NASA Updates Risk of Asteroid Hitting Moon in 2032—Earth Still in the Clear

NASA has provided a new update on asteroid 2024 YR4, a space rock once thought to pose a minimal threat to Earth. The latest calculations show the asteroid is now slightly more likely to impact the Moon—though the odds remain low.

Initially discovered in December 2024 by astronomers using a telescope in the Chilean desert, 2024 YR4 had a very slim chance of colliding with Earth in 2032. However, NASA has now reduced that already small possibility to a near-negligible 0.004%.

In a twist, scientists report that the asteroid’s chances of striking the Moon on December 22, 2032, have increased—from 1.7% to 3.8%. This new assessment is based on refined tracking data from several observatories, including the powerful James Webb Space Telescope.

Courtesy of NASA.gov.

Still, NASA emphasized that there’s a 96.2% probability the asteroid will miss the Moon entirely. Even in the unlikely event of an impact, it would not affect the Moon’s orbit.

Infrared imaging from the Webb telescope has also helped scientists better understand the asteroid’s size, which is estimated to be between 53 to 67 meters—roughly the height of a 10-story building.

Since its discovery, dozens of other near-Earth objects have traveled closer to Earth than the Moon. Many of these small bodies either passed by unnoticed or burned up in Earth’s atmosphere without incident.

Although a lunar impact remains unlikely, scientists say it could present a rare and valuable opportunity. “It would be a great experiment and a perfect opportunity,” said Professor Mark Burchell, a space science expert at the University of Kent, in an interview with New Scientist.

“Telescopes would certainly be able to observe it—and possibly even binoculars,” he added.

NASA and the James Webb Space Telescope are scheduled to monitor 2024 YR4 again next month for more data and to continue refining the asteroid’s predicted path.

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

CinemaCon 2025: Major Studio Announcements and Exciting Upcoming Releases

Michael Esparza
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CinemaCon 2025: Major Studio Announcements and Exciting Upcoming Releases

CinemaCon 2025, held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, brought the film industry together to celebrate the magic of cinema and unveil an impressive slate of upcoming theatrical releases. From superhero blockbusters to family-friendly adventures and spine-chilling horror films, here’s a detailed breakdown of the biggest announcements from Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Disney, Paramount, and Amazon MGM.

Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. focused on its 2025 slate, offering glimpses of both franchise staples and standalone projects:

  • “Superman!”: The highly anticipated reboot directed by James Gunn was the centerpiece of the presentation. Gunn emphasized the film’s blend of humanity and spectacle, with stars David Corenswet (Superman) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) joining him on stage to discuss their roles.
  • “Mortal Kombat II”: A sizzle reel featured Karl Urban as Johnny Cage in action-packed sequences alongside Scorpion’s iconic “Get over here!” moment.
  • “Final Destination 6”: The franchise returns with a fresh take on its death-defying premise, teasing a darker tone and more elaborate set pieces.
  • Other titles included The Conjuring: Last Rites and Wonka Returns, though no major updates were shared about future DC projects like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Universal Pictures

Universal delivered a mix of blockbuster franchises and original titles:

  • “Wicked: For Good”: Stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo introduced a trailer showcasing the emotional fallout between Elphaba and Glinda. Musical numbers like “For Good” and “No Good Deed” were highlighted.
  • “Jurassic World: Rebirth”: Scarlett Johansson headlined the new trailer, which included a thrilling high-seas chase involving a Mosasaurus. The film promises to expand the Jurassic universe with fresh characters and settings.
  • Blumhouse Projects: Trailers for M3GAN 2.0, Black Phone 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, and SOULM8TE reinforced Universal’s dominance in the horror genre.
  • Family-friendly films like The Bad Guys 2 and a live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake (with its sequel already greenlit) rounded out the slate.

Disney & Marvel Studios

Disney’s presentation was packed with updates across its divisions:

  • Marvel Cinematic Universe:
    • “Thunderbolts” (May 2025): Footage introduced the anti-hero ensemble featuring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.
    • “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (July 2025): The first family of Marvel was formally introduced, with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards leading the cast.
  • Animated Features:
    • Inside Out 2 and Elio showcased Pixar’s continued commitment to heartfelt storytelling.
  • Live-Action Adaptations:
    • A sneak peek at Lilo & Stitch revealed faithful recreations of beloved characters, while Freakier Friday teased Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprising their roles.
  • Disney also teased its ambitious 2026 slate, including Avengers: Doomsday, a live-action Moana, and Toy Story 5.

Paramount Pictures

Paramount leaned heavily on its flagship franchises while also introducing new projects:

  • “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”: Tom Cruise appeared via video to discuss the film’s groundbreaking stunts. A new trailer highlighted Ethan Hunt’s most dangerous mission yet.
  • Family-Friendly Films:
    • Smurfs will feature Smurfette leading a daring rescue mission into the real world.
    • The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants blends animation with live action in an underworld adventure featuring Mark Hamill as the Flying Dutchman.
  • Other notable mentions included Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man and an animated Avatar: The Last Airbender movie slated for late 2025.

Amazon MGM Studios

Making their CinemaCon debut, Amazon MGM emphasized their commitment to theatrical releases:

  • “Project Hail Mary”: Ryan Gosling joined directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller to present footage from this adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel. The sci-fi epic promises humor, heart, and stunning visuals when it releases in March 2026.
  • James Bond Franchise:
    • Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are working on a “fresh chapter” for Bond while respecting its legacy. Although no casting updates were provided, excitement remains high for this next installment.
  • Other projects included Luca Guadagnino’s thriller Mercy and Travis Knight’s live-action Masters of the Universe, which aims to balance nostalgia with modern fantasy aesthetics.

CinemaCon 2025 reaffirmed Hollywood’s dedication to theatrical experiences with a diverse array of films that cater to all audiences. From superhero sagas to musical adaptations, studios are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting year at the movies.

Read the Sony presentation here at Que Onda Magazine!

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