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Warner Bros. Board Urges Shareholders to Reject Paramount Bid

The board of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. has unanimously recommended that shareholders reject a takeover offer from Paramount Skydance, throwing its support behind an earlier bid from Netflix instead.

Board Cites Inadequate Value and High Risk

In a letter to shareholders released Wednesday, board chair Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr. said the Paramount offer failed to deliver sufficient value and would expose shareholders to significant risks and costs. After reviewing the proposal, the board concluded it was not in the company’s best interest.

Netflix Offer Deemed Superior

The board described Netflix’s bid as a “superior” proposal that offers more certain value to shareholders. Paramount’s bid, the board said, fell short by comparison and lacked the financial and strategic certainty provided by Netflix.

Market Reaction

Following the announcement, Warner Bros. Discovery shares dipped about 1.3% in early trading. Netflix stock rose roughly 1.7%, while Paramount shares fell about 2.2%.

Netflix Welcomes Decision

Netflix praised the board’s recommendation, with co-CEO Ted Sarandos calling the talks a competitive process that produced the best outcome for consumers, creators, shareholders and the broader entertainment industry. He said the decision reinforced that Netflix’s agreement is in the best interest of Warner Bros. Discovery stockholders.

Developing Story

The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as shareholders weigh the competing offers.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Miss Finland Stripped of Title After Racist Gesture Backlash

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Finland’s representative at last month’s Miss Universe pageant in Thailand has lost her national title after a social media post sparked widespread outrage across East Asia. A photograph shared by Sarah Dzafce showed her making a slanted-eye gesture that is widely considered racist toward East Asians.

Outrage Spreads Across Asia

The image, posted in late November with the caption “eating with a Chinese,” quickly drew condemnation in China, Japan and South Korea. Online users accused the 22-year-old model of racial mockery, prompting Miss Finland organizers to remove her title amid mounting criticism.

Dzafce Apologizes After Backlash

Dzafce said the gesture was a response to severe headaches and claimed a friend added the caption without her consent. She later issued a public apology, saying she never intended to offend and emphasizing that respect for people and their backgrounds is important to her.

Finnish Leaders Condemn the Incident

The controversy escalated into a national issue when Finland’s prime minister, Petteri Orpo, publicly criticized the act as “thoughtless and stupid,” saying it had damaged the country’s international reputation. He reiterated that racism is unacceptable in any form.

Political Fallout and Airline Impact

Two Finnish lawmakers worsened the backlash after posting similar images in apparent support of Dzafce, triggering further criticism and apologies. The controversy also spilled over to Finnair, which faced boycott calls in Japan despite having no connection to the incident. The airline issued a statement distancing itself from the posts and reaffirming its commitment to respect and inclusion.

New Miss Finland Named

Tara Lehtonen, who finished second at the national competition, was appointed the new Miss Finland. She said she would carry the title with pride and respect. Meanwhile, Mexico’s Fatima Bosch won the Miss Universe crown in Bangkok, closing a pageant season marked by controversy both on and off the stage.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

‘There’s a hole in my chest’: Uber driver says he was shot after dropping off passenger

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By Luke Jones, ABC13 Houston.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An Uber ride ended last month with the driver taking an ambulance ride.

Ezekiel Gonzales said it happened Nov. 3 after he’d dropped off a woman at an apartment complex on Bennington near Homestead in northeast Houston.

“There was nothing that really set me off to think, ‘You’re in danger, you’re in the hood, you’re in a place where you’re gonna get robbed,'” Gonzales said.

After completing the ride, Gonzales said he exited his car to relieve himself behind a garbage bin.

As he was returning to his car, he said he was approached by two men.

“He’s like, ‘Hey, what’s up? Where you from?'” Gonzalez said.

Gonzales said he barely had time to respond when the man pulled a gun and pointed it at his chest. He said a smaller man then began frisking him.

“I kind of took a step and then shoved him,” Gonzales said of the smaller man.

It caused enough of a distraction for Gonzales to take off running. He estimates he made it about 50 feet when he turned around to see the smaller man pull a gun and begin firing.

“Next thing I know, there’s a hole in my chest. Immediately, I knew I’d been shot, you know, blood on my hand,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales said the man fired twice. One of the bullets tore through his back and hit one of his lungs.

“If I had turned just one millimeter more, it would have hit my heart, and I would have died,” he said.

Gonzales said both suspects took off while bystanders swooped in to tend to his wound.

Brandon Caldwell was arrested on Monday and charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. He’s being held without bond.

The other man, who Gonzales claims pulled the trigger, remains unaccounted for.

“Honestly, I would have respected it more if he would have saw it through and robbed me,” Gonzales said. “I would have been like, ‘Okay, you’re truly a villain, you’re truly a bad guy.’ But the fact that you gave me two shells and took nothing from me, that shows me that you were really a coward.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Dreary and damp conditions could slow your commute

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Prepare for rain to roll in Wednesday morning, just in time to dampen streets for the rush-hour commute.

An upper-air disturbance is blowing overhead from the west, and this will lead to widely scattered showers and a few rumbles of thunder on Wednesday. Rain chances will be highest in the coastal counties, with most of the rain occurring in the first half of the day. Scattered showers are still possible in the afternoon, but we should be mostly dry by the evening. Temperatures will warm toward 70 in the afternoon.

How much rain should we expect, and is any severe weather possible?

A few pockets of 1-2″ are possible in the coastal counties, but most of us will be measuring the totals in hundredths of an ich or tenths of an inch. No severe weather is expected, but noisy rumbles of thunder are possible and even pea size hail cannot be ruled out.

When will we get our next cold front?

Our next cold front arrives late Thursday to bring us a more seasonal day with low humidity and sunshine for Friday. We’ll get one day with a low in the 40s and a high in the 60s before it warms up toward the 80s this weekend.

What’s the early outlook for Christmas week?

We are seeing a strong signal for a very warm weather pattern developing the week of Christmas. In fact, we currently have highs at record levels in the low 80s to kick off Christmas week, and that warm pattern is likely to stick around most if not all of the holiday week.

Are there any more freezes in the forecast?

Not for awhile! We are looking at above average low temperatures all the way through Christmas Day…and beyond. By the time we get to the weekend, low temperatures will be back in the 50s and 60s! We likely have to wait until January for our next chance at a freeze.

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!

Houston City Council hosts last evening public session of 2025

Houston City Council is wrapping up its first-ever evening public comment pilot program with the last session scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

The evening sessions are part of a new pilot program designed to make it easier for Houstonians to participate in local government. Traditionally, public hearings are scheduled at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, limiting access for residents juggling work, traffic, and family responsibilities.

“This is about meeting people where they are,” said Council Member Mario Castillo, who proposed the change. “We want to hear from more Houstonians—not just those who can take off in the middle of the day.”

Last Wednesday, the council voted to make the monthly evening public hearings permanent with a few tweaks.

During the Dec. 10 meeting, council members discussed what worked and what could be improved. Council member Fred Flickinger, District E, proposed changing the sessions from monthly to quarterly, citing concerns about staffing burdens and repeat speakers. His amendment failed in an 8-9 vote.

“I kind of hoped that when we did this, that it would be an opportunity for people who have never been up here,” Flickinger said.

Despite those concerns, the ordinance passed unanimously with several adjustments:

  • The start time shifts from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Proclamations will be eliminated during evening sessions.
  • The final public session is clarified as a non-consolidated meeting.

How the Pilot Program Works

How to Register to Speak

If you want to address City Council during an evening session, you must register by 3 p.m. on the Monday before the meeting.

Residents can sign up by:

  • Calling 832.393.1100
  • Emailing speakers@houstontx.gov
  • Visiting the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, Room P101

What’s Next

While not formally voted on, council members suggested additional ways to enhance participation in the future. Ideas included shifting the following day’s council meeting start time from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and expanding virtual participation options. Council members also discussed potentially hosting sessions at community locations such as libraries and cultural centers.

The final pilot session is scheduled for Dec. 16, marking the transition from a test program to a permanent feature of Houston’s civic process.

“This is a step toward more inclusive civic participation,” Castillo said. “We’re making space for voices that have too often been left out.”

Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine for weekly coverage of Houston City Council.

FDA Warns Major Retailers Over Recalled Infant Formula

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has sent warning letters to major retailers, including Albertsons, Kroger, Target and Walmart, for failing to fully remove recalled ByHeart infant formula products from store shelves.

Recall Linked to Infant Botulism Outbreak

All ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products were voluntarily recalled on Nov. 11 after being linked to an outbreak of infant botulism. Federal health agencies say at least 51 infants, ages 2 weeks to 9 months, have been hospitalized across 19 states.

Recalled Products Found on Store Shelves

The FDA said it conducted more than 4,000 retail inspections nationwide and found recalled formula still available in over 175 store locations across 36 states. In one case, the product remained on shelves for more than three weeks after the recall.

Retailers Urged to Improve Recall Practices

The agency stressed that retailers play a critical role in protecting consumers by promptly removing recalled items, especially during public health emergencies involving infant food. Companies have 15 days to respond and explain how they will prevent future violations.

Retailer and Company Responses

Walmart and Albertsons said they acted quickly to remove the recalled products and will respond to the FDA’s concerns. ByHeart said testing found Clostridium botulinum in multiple samples and that it is continuing its investigation while offering refunds to affected customers.

Health Warning for Parents

Health officials urge parents to seek immediate medical care if infants who consumed the formula show symptoms such as poor feeding, weak crying, loss of head control or difficulty swallowing. The multistate investigation remains ongoing.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Humble PD chief on leave without pay amid investigation, officials said

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By Miya Shay, ABC13 Houston

HUMBLE, Texas (KTRK) — Days after the Humble Police Department Chief Daniel Zientek was placed on leave, ABC13 learned he has been relieved of duty without pay, according to officials.

Last week, it was mentioned that Zientek was placed on paid leave after the city manager said they were investigating the department’s management and operations. On Tuesday, the city said Zientek was relieved.

“New information and allegations came to light beyond the scope of the original investigation. Due to the severity of those allegations, Dan Zientek has now been relieved of duty without pay pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” the department shared in a statement.

Capt. Kris Battenfield is now the acting chief of the department.

It’s still unclear why the city began the investigation in the first place.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Nick Reiner Charged in Parents’ Killings, DA Says

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Los Angeles County prosecutors announced first-degree murder charges against Nick Reiner, the son of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and photographer-producer Michele Singer Reiner, in the stabbing deaths of his parents.

Facing Life Without Parole

District Attorney Nathan Hochman said Reiner, 32, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances for multiple victims. The charges carry a possible sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, though no decision has been made on seeking capital punishment. Reiner is being held without bail.

Parents Found Dead in Brentwood Home

Authorities said the couple was found stabbed to death Sunday at their Brentwood residence after their daughter discovered the bodies. Prosecutors confirmed a knife was used, though details about the weapon will be presented in court.

Arrest and Investigation

Reiner had been living on his parents’ property but was not home when the bodies were found, according to law enforcement sources. Police located and arrested him later Sunday night near the University of Southern California.

Background and Community Reaction

Reiner’s attorney said his client has not yet completed medical clearance to appear in court. Reiner has previously spoken publicly about long-term struggles with drug addiction and worked with his father on a film inspired by those experiences.

Tributes have poured in from across Hollywood and public officials, honoring Rob Reiner’s decades-long impact on film and Michele Singer Reiner’s creative work.

For more on this tragic story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

November Jobs Report Signals Slower Hiring

U.S. hiring cooled in November, extending a sluggish trend seen throughout much of the year, according to new federal data. Still, job growth came in slightly above economists’ expectations.

Job Growth Slows, Unemployment Edges Up

Employers added 64,000 jobs in November, down sharply from 119,000 in September, the most recent month with complete data. The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% from 4.4%, reaching its highest level in years but remaining low by historical standards, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

Healthcare Drives Most Gains

Healthcare accounted for the majority of hiring, adding 46,000 jobs. Construction and social assistance also posted gains, while transportation and warehousing lost 18,000 jobs in November.

Federal government employment fell by a combined 168,000 jobs in October and November, largely due to workers accepting deferred resignation offers.

Fed Rate Cuts Aim to Boost Labor Market

The report follows the Federal Reserve’s third interest rate cut of the year, lowering its benchmark rate to between 3.5% and 3.75%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said policymakers are cautiously assessing further cuts as they balance inflation control with the goal of strengthening employment.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

No Breakthrough on Territory After Berlin Peace Talks, Zelenskyy Says

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said no agreement was reached on territorial issues following two days of U.S.-Ukraine-Europe peace talks in Berlin, calling land disputes one of the most difficult obstacles to ending Russia’s war.

Partial Progress Reported in Negotiations

Speaking to Ukrainian reporters, Zelenskyy said negotiations advanced in other areas, though territory remains unresolved. U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, suggested a potential deal may be closer than ever, claiming roughly 90% of key issues have been addressed.

Territory and Security Guarantees at the Center

The fate of four partially occupied Ukrainian regions — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson — along with Ukraine’s demand for firm U.S.-backed security guarantees, continue to dominate talks. Russia also occupies Crimea, which it seized in 2014.

Moscow has demanded Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk, collectively known as the Donbas, in exchange for ending hostilities.

Zelenskyy Rejects Ceding the Donbas

Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s position that it will not recognize Russian control over the Donbas, either legally or in practice. He said proposals for a demilitarized zone or free economic area cannot place the region under Russian leadership.

“Territories are one of the key issues,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine continues to discuss the matter despite firm red lines.

Security Guarantees Seen as Key Progress Area

Zelenskyy hinted at movement on Western security guarantees, which Kyiv says are essential to preventing future Russian aggression. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised the guarantees discussed in Berlin, calling them a significant step forward.

Christmas Truce Proposed

Merz also suggested a possible Christmas truce, a proposal Zelenskyy said he supports. Meanwhile, Russia’s deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said Moscow is prepared to reach a deal and believes diplomacy could succeed soon.

More Talks Planned as Fighting Continues

Additional meetings are expected in the coming days, including between U.S. and Russian negotiators. Ukrainian officials may travel to the United States as early as this weekend for further discussions.

Despite diplomacy, fighting continues. Ukraine and Russia exchanged drone strikes overnight, with Ukraine reporting dozens of Russian drones launched and Russia claiming it intercepted more than 100 Ukrainian drones.

Zelenskyy Urges Accountability

Addressing the Dutch parliament on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said the talks represent the most focused peace effort since the war began, stressing Ukraine seeks a lasting settlement, not a temporary pause.

He warned against pressuring Ukraine to make concessions, saying such logic has only enabled further bloodshed.

For more on the Russia-Ukraine war, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.