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BLAST.tv Austin Major: The World of Esports Hits Texas in a Big Way

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AUSTIN, Texas — Austin has taken center stage this June as the city hosts the BLAST.tv Austin Major, one of the world’s biggest events in esports — a fast-growing form of competitive video gaming that draws huge crowds and online audiences.

What Is the BLAST.tv Austin Major?

Think of it as the Super Bowl of gaming. This tournament features the top professional players of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), a popular team-based video game that combines strategy, quick reflexes, and teamwork. For the first time in over seven years, the United States is hosting a major Counter-Strike tournament, and Austin was chosen for the honor.

Over 32 teams from around the world have gathered to compete for a $1.25 million prize pool, with the winning team earning $500,000.

When and Where Is It Happening?

The tournament began on June 3 and will conclude on June 22, 2025.

The final stage — where the top teams battle for the championship — is happening at the Moody Center, a large arena in downtown Austin that can hold up to 16,000 fans. Earlier matches took place at smaller venues around the city.

Why Does This Matter?

Hosting the BLAST.tv Austin Major is a big deal for Austin:

  • Economic boost: The event is expected to generate about $30 million for the local economy through hotels, restaurants, and tourism.
  • Massive audiences: Around 50,000 people are attending in person over the course of the event, and millions more are watching online from all over the world.
  • Spotlight on esports: This marks Austin’s rise as a major destination for live entertainment, beyond its well-known music and film festivals.

What’s Happening in the Competition?

The tournament is split into stages. Teams play against each other in a series of matches to determine who advances to the next round and who is eliminated. The final stage is a knockout round: lose, and you’re out. The last team standing wins the championship.

What Is Counter-Strike 2?

Counter-Strike 2 is a video game where two teams of five players face off in virtual arenas. One team attacks, and the other defends. The game emphasizes communication, precision, and quick decision-making. It’s been a staple of esports for over 20 years.

Why Are People So Excited?

Fans describe attending the Major as a once-in-a-lifetime experience — like seeing a World Series or NBA Finals game. Tickets to the playoffs sold out in just six hours. The event is being called the most significant esports tournament ever held in Texas.

How Can People Watch?

If you’re in Austin, you can catch the final matches live at the Moody Center from June 19 to June 22. Globally, millions are tuning in through streaming platforms like BLAST.tv, where matches are broadcast free of charge.

Texas Faces Showdown Over THC Ban: Economy, Health, and Politics Collide

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AUSTIN, Texas — Texas is at a crossroads as lawmakers, businesses, patients, and the public await Governor Greg Abbott’s decision on Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) — a sweeping measure that would outlaw all hemp-derived THC products across the state. The bill, passed by the Legislature this spring, has sparked intense debate over health risks, economic impact, and the future of cannabis regulation in Texas.

What’s in the Bill?

SB 3, authored by Sen. Charles Perry and strongly supported by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, would ban the production, sale, and possession of all hemp-derived THC products — including popular items like delta-8 and delta-9 gummies, beverages, vapes, and smokable flower. Non-intoxicating cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG would remain legal.

If signed into law, the measure would impose stiff penalties: possession could result in up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine, while manufacturing or selling could lead to felony charges with up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The ban would take effect September 1, with retailers given until January 2026 to comply.

Why the Push Now?

Supporters of the bill argue that Texas’s rapidly growing hemp market — now valued at over $5 billion annually and employing more than 50,000 people — has outpaced regulation. Law enforcement agencies have reported finding products with THC levels far above legal limits, and Patrick has described the market as a threat to public health, especially for children.

“These unregulated products are poisoning our kids,” Patrick said in a statement. “Texas must act before more lives are harmed.”

Critics Warn of Economic Fallout

Industry leaders, small-business owners, and advocates warn that SB 3 would devastate a thriving sector that has become a lifeline for entrepreneurs, farmers, and veterans. Thousands of retailers could be forced to close, wiping out jobs and tax revenue.

Opponents argue that rather than banning products outright, Texas should adopt stricter regulations: limit sales to adults 21 and older, mandate child-resistant packaging, and require independent lab testing to ensure product safety.

“There’s a way to protect kids without destroying an industry that helps so many,” said a spokesperson for the Texas Hemp Coalition.

Patients and Veterans Voice Concerns

Many Texans who rely on hemp-derived THC for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain fear the ban would cut off affordable, accessible relief.

“This bill would hurt veterans like me who use these products to cope,” said John Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran from San Antonio. “Without them, we’re left with fewer options — or we’re forced into the black market.”

Public Opinion and Political Stakes

A recent poll of likely Republican primary voters shows the issue dividing Abbott’s base: 45% oppose the ban, 35% support it, and the rest remain undecided. Nearly two-thirds favor regulating THC rather than banning it, and over half believe prohibition would fuel black-market activity and benefit criminal cartels.

The decision places Abbott in a difficult spot, balancing public safety concerns, economic implications, and political pressure from his party’s leadership. He has until June 22 to either sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.

What’s Next?

Advocacy groups, business owners, and patients have flooded the governor’s office with letters urging a veto. Meanwhile, supporters of the ban are pressing Abbott to act swiftly in the name of public health.

As the deadline approaches, Texans are watching closely — with the future of the state’s hemp industry, and thousands of jobs, hanging in the balance.

TEA Extends Control of HISD Through 2027 Amid Board Shakeup

June 12, 2025 | Houston, TX – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has extended its state takeover of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) through June 2027, marking a significant development in the ongoing effort to reform the state’s largest public school district.

The extension comes as TEA Commissioner Mike Morath announced the removal of four members from HISD’s appointed Board of Managers: Audrey Momanaee, Cassandra Auzenne Bandy, Rolando Martinez, and Adam Rivon. While no specific reasons were publicly cited for the removals, Morath stated that the decision reflects a need for leadership that “better represents Houston’s diversity.”

Superintendent Mike Miles Responds

In the wake of the shakeup, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles offered praise for the outgoing board members, crediting them with supporting district reforms during a turbulent first year of state oversight. “They played a key role in helping implement changes that have already begun to show results,” Miles said.

Among the improvements cited by Miles were:

  • Rising student test scores
  • Increased teacher compensation
  • Expanded implementation of the New Education System (NES), focused on standardized instruction and curriculum

Despite these gains, HISD continues to face challenges, including declining student enrollment and concerns over teacher turnover.

What the TEA Takeover Means

The state takeover of HISD began in June 2023, originally prompted by years of underperformance at certain campuses, governance concerns, and failures in special education compliance. Under the terms of the extended intervention, the TEA will continue to oversee the district’s operations until it satisfies three key benchmarks:

  1. No campuses receive failing grades for multiple years
  2. The district fully complies with federal and state special education standards
  3. Governance improves to emphasize student achievement and outcomes

Community Reaction and Concerns

The sudden removal of four board members—some of whom were vocal community advocates—has sparked renewed debate over the state’s role in local education. Critics argue the prolonged takeover undermines local control, while supporters say continued oversight is needed to stabilize and improve HISD after years of dysfunction.

The TEA has not yet named replacements for the removed board members, but it has emphasized a commitment to transparency and community representation moving forward.


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Fort Bend ISD Proposes Bold Budget Plan to Balance Staff Support with Fiscal Reality

June 12, 2025 | Fort Bend County, TX – In a bold move to support its staff and maintain district stability, the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) has unveiled a proposed $1.1 billion budget for the 2025–26 school year, confronting a projected $34 million deficit head-on.

The proposed budget focuses on staff compensation, mental wellness, and operational efficiency—all while navigating the rising costs of running one of the largest school districts in Texas.

Investing in Teachers and Staff

At the heart of the proposal is a $30.7 million compensation package designed to attract and retain talent. Highlights include:

  • A $1,200 one-time stipend for full-time employees ($600 for part-time)
  • Two additional paid wellness days to support staff mental health
  • A base salary increase for teachers, raising the starting salary to $63,000
  • Mandatory raises of $2,500–$5,000 for eligible teachers
  • Raises of $515 for qualifying non-instructional staff
  • Hiring bonuses of up to $5,000 for high-need roles
  • No changes to employee health insurance contributions, maintaining current coverage levels

“This is not just a budget—it’s a commitment to our people,” said a district spokesperson. “Our educators and staff are the backbone of the community, and this plan acknowledges that.”

Temporary Tax Adjustment Using ‘Disaster Pennies’

To help bridge the budget gap, FBISD is proposing a temporary tax rate increase—from $0.99 to $1.06 per $100 of assessed property value. This increase leverages a state provision known as “disaster pennies,” which allows school districts to raise additional revenue without a voter referendum when recovering from a disaster—in this case, Hurricane Beryl.

Importantly, due to statewide tax compression laws recently passed in Austin, most homeowners are still expected to see a net tax break, even with the rate hike.

Warning Signs for 2026–27

While the 2025–26 plan aims to stabilize the district, projections for the following school year are less optimistic. A $26.2 million deficit is already forecast for 2026–27. If unaddressed, the shortfall could force school consolidations, staff cuts, or a voter-approved tax election.

The district is proactively exploring cost-saving measures, including the potential closure of under-enrolled elementary schools, administrative reductions, and reevaluation of non-essential programs.

What’s Next

The proposed budget will be debated and likely finalized by the FBISD Board of Trustees in late June. The district is also planning public engagement opportunities to address taxpayer concerns and solicit community input.

For Fort Bend ISD, the message is clear: balancing financial responsibility with staff support is not easy—but it’s necessary.

Mayor Whitmire and Reliant Launch Cooling Centers to Combat Houston Heat

HOUSTON, TX – June 12, 2025 — As scorching summer temperatures settle over Houston, Mayor John Whitmire, in partnership with Reliant Energy, has unveiled a major relief initiative aimed at protecting residents from the dangers of extreme heat. The new “Beat the Heat” program includes the opening of 22 public cooling centers across the city and Harris County, providing essential respite for vulnerable communities.

A Citywide Effort to Stay Cool

Twelve city-run and ten county-operated cooling centers will remain open through September, offering not only air-conditioned refuge but also a suite of helpful amenities. Visitors to the centers can enjoy snacks, social activities, and access free monthly consultations to better manage their electricity bills.

“The summer heat in Houston isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be deadly, especially for our seniors and low-income residents,” Mayor Whitmire said during a press conference. “This program is about keeping people safe, cool, and connected.”

Supporting Seniors with A/C Units

As part of the initiative, Reliant Energy is donating 153 portable air conditioners, which will be distributed to senior residents most in need. These units are expected to make a life-saving difference for those living without adequate home cooling systems.

Resilience for the Long Haul

This push for preparedness comes on the heels of last year’s powerful derecho and Hurricane Beryl, both of which left thousands without power or communication for days. In response, Houston will receive an estimated $314 million in federal aid to fortify its infrastructure against future crises.

Among the top priorities is the installation of permanent generators at critical facilities. The Kashmere Gardens Multi-Service Center, one of the city’s designated resilience hubs, is already slated to receive a $900,000 generator upgrade. Mayor Whitmire has committed to installing 100 such generators across the city by 2027.

“Being prepared for the next storm starts now,” said Whitmire. “We’re not just reacting—we’re building a city that’s ready to withstand what comes next.”

Where to Find Help

Cooling centers are strategically located across neighborhoods to ensure accessibility. Residents can check the City of Houston’s website or call 311 for up-to-date information on center locations and hours.

As temperatures continue to climb, city officials are urging residents to check on their neighbors, especially seniors and those without reliable air conditioning.

House Narrowly Approves Cuts to NPR, PBS, and Foreign Aid

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, left, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise conduct a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center after a meeting of the House Republican Conference on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.© Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

The House of Representatives voted 214-212 on Thursday to pass a controversial rescissions package aimed at slashing $9.4 billion in previously approved funding, including cuts to NPR, PBS, and international aid programs. All Democrats opposed the measure, and only four Republicans broke ranks to vote against it. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Trump Pressures GOP for Support

Former President Donald Trump urged Republicans to back the measure, calling it a “no brainer” in a post on Truth Social. “Every single Republican in Congress should vote, ‘YES,’” he wrote.

Focus on Cutting Foreign Aid and Public Broadcasting

The package primarily targets international assistance and media funding. It would cancel $8.3 billion in funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and eliminate $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the cuts, calling them part of the “DOGE effort” — the Department of Government Efficiency initiative. “Today’s passage of this initial rescissions package marks a critical step toward a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of the American taxpayers first,” Johnson said.

Funding for NPR and PBS Under Fire

PBS received $325 million from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting this year, and Johnson argued such funding is outdated. “There is no reason for any media organization to be singled out to receive federal funds — especially those who appear to have so little regard for the truth,” he said.

Controversy Over Cuts to Global Health

Some Republicans expressed concern over proposed reductions to global health programs. The package includes cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program launched by George W. Bush that has been credited with saving millions of lives.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine strongly objected. “PEPFAR cuts make no sense to me whatsoever, given the extraordinary record of PEPFAR in saving lives,” she said.

Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska initially opposed the bill due to the PEPFAR cuts but eventually supported it after closed-door GOP meetings.

Scalise and GOP Leaders Signal Strong Support

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise called the vote a major first step. “Our members are ready to go lock in some of those DOGE cuts,” he said. “It’s a good start.”

Speaker Johnson added, “House Republicans are serious about getting our fiscal house in order, and we’ll do that.”

What’s Next in the Senate

The rescissions package now heads to the Senate, where it needs only a simple majority to pass. Senate Majority Whip John Thune said the chamber is currently prioritizing a broader budget bill aligned with Trump’s agenda. He indicated that work on the rescissions package may not begin until July.

For more updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Disneyland Resort revela las festividades de Halloween de 2025

Las celebraciones otoñales más esperadas regresan al Disneyland Resort a partir del 22 de agosto con experiencias espeluznantes, homenajes culturales y entretenimiento para toda la familia. El resort ha revelado un calendario lleno de actividades que incluyen la tradicional Halloween Time, la vibrante Plaza de la Familia y el exclusivo evento nocturno Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party.

Halloween Time: Magia Otoñal del 22 de agosto al 31 de octubre

El espíritu de Halloween se apodera de Disneyland Resort con decoraciones encantadas, atracciones transformadas y personajes disfrazados. Los visitantes podrán disfrutar de la icónica calabaza gigante de Mickey en Main Street, U.S.A., y nuevas versiones espeluznantes de atracciones como:

  • Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween
  • Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree
  • Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspirada en The Nightmare Before Christmas

También regresa el espectáculo nocturno Halloween Screams con fuegos artificiales en noches selectas, y la búsqueda interactiva Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit por todo el resort.

Los hoteles del Disneyland Resort se suman a la experiencia con dulces exhibiciones en Disney’s Grand Californian, un menú de cócteles inspirado en los Villanos Disney en el nuevo Broken Spell Lounge del Disneyland Hotel, y desayunos temáticos como Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween y Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Buffet.

Plaza de la Familia: Un Tributo al Día de los Muertos

Del 22 de agosto al 2 de noviembre, Disney California Adventure Park celebrará el legado del Día de los Muertos con Plaza de la Familia, una experiencia inspirada en la película Coco. Este homenaje cultural incluye:

  • El espectáculo musical The Storytellers of the Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco!
  • Música en vivo, manualidades y decoración tradicional
  • Un menú mexicano especial en Paradise Garden Grill
  • El lanzamiento de la nueva Disney Pixar Coco Collection en septiembre

Además, Frontierland en Disneyland Park también honrará esta tradición con coloridas ofrendas cerca del Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante.

Oogie Boogie Bash: Fiesta Nocturna del 17 de agosto al 31 de octubre

Courtesy:(Disneyland Resort)

La esperada fiesta “after-hours” Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party regresa a Disney California Adventure Park en noches selectas. Este evento requiere boleto por separado y estará disponible al público general el 26 de junio a partir de las 9 a.m. PT.

Durante el evento, los visitantes podrán disfrutar:

  • El desfile Frightfully Fun Parade
  • El recorrido inmersivo Villains Grove
  • Apariciones especiales de personajes
  • Acceso anticipado al parque y a atracciones selectas
  • Descargas ilimitadas de fotos con Disney PhotoPass

También estará disponible la Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party, que incluye postres temáticos y asientos reservados para el desfile.

Continúa la Celebración del 70 Aniversario

Las experiencias del 70º Aniversario de Disneyland siguen presentes durante el otoño, con espectáculos como:

  • Paint the Night
  • Tapestry of Happiness en “it’s a small world”
  • World of Color – Happiness! en noches seleccionadas

Además, detalles decorativos, experiencias interactivas con MagicBand+ y fotos conmemorativas continúan disponibles en todo el resort.

What you need to know about flood-prone areas to avoid in Houston this week

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Much of southeast Texas has already picked up around 1 to 2 inches of rain this week. And with more rounds of heavy rain expected through Saturday, the ABC13 Weather Team has the region on Weather Watch for street and area flooding this week.

As the ground continues to get more and more saturated with each passing round of rain, any future rain will fall as runoff instead of getting soaked into the ground. This leads to a higher risk of street and area flooding, especially street flooding as runoff can pool and linger, leading to ponding on roads and even some minor flooding at times.

Underpasses and frontage roads have the highest likelihood of flooding this week. It only takes about 10 inches of rain to stall a car, and then about a foot of rain can float most vehicles. The danger here is the car could continue to float away or take on more water while sitting in the flooding. And many roads that can be covered in standing water are deceiving, with the depth of the water usually being much deeper than it appears.

Flash flooding and other area flooding near rivers, creeks, and streams also can’t be ruled out this week when the heaviest storms are overhead and linger. On average, rainfall rates of about 2 to 3 inches an hour with slow-moving showers and storms will prompt a Flood Advisory if not a Flash Flood Warning. And remember, Flash Flood Warning means take immediate action to either avoid an area or seek higher ground.

Thankfully, the expected dry time between raindrops will allow for all this rainwater to drain through the region’s rivers, creeks, and bayou system. Prolonged or major bayou flooding is not expected this week.

Houston Seeks $4.6 Million State Grant for Pedestrian Bridge Near McReynolds Middle School

Houston is seeking a $4.6 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to help fund a $5.8 million pedestrian bridge over the Union Pacific train tracks near McReynolds Middle School.

The request is being made under TxDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program.

The project aims to address long-standing safety concerns in the Denver Harbor neighborhood—concerns that intensified following the tragic death of 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez, who was struck and killed by a train last year while crossing the tracks on his way to Milby High School.

Council Member Mario Castillo, who represents District H, emphasized the urgent need for safer pedestrian infrastructure.

There were instances of kids crawling under the train to get to class,” Castillo said. “The residents were absolutely convinced that if something was not done, a kid was going to get hurt or potentially killed.

Castillo said residents first raised these safety issues during a town hall shortly after he took office. They reported that trains would often stall next to the school, blocking students from getting to and from class.

Despite widespread support, the project has encountered setbacks. The city is now applying for its second grant after a previous federal funding request was denied. On Wednesday, the Houston City Council approved an ordinance greenlighting Houston Public Works to apply for the state grant.

Although nine Union Pacific train tracks run near Houston Independent District schools across Houston, Castillo said this particular crossing has become a priority for Union Pacific, which has been “cooperative” in working toward a solution alongside the city, Harris County, and other stakeholders.

Union Pacific is funding and managing the design phase of the pedestrian bridge, helping to reduce overall project costs.

So far, funding for the project includes contributions from:

  • City of Houston: $465,364.40 (local match)
  • Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia: $698,046.60 (60% of local share)
  • Union Pacific: design phase contributions

The remaining funds—just over $4.6 million—are being requested from the state. If the grant is approved, funds are expected to be distributed in the fall.

In the meantime, the city and Union Pacific implemented a train curfew to restrict rail activity during the start and end of the school day.

That has helped, but it’s not a total solution,” Castillo said. “Prior to the curfew, if the train stalled, it would block kids from getting to school—sometimes right before class started. They want to be on time; they don’t want to get in trouble. It creates an unsafe situation.”

If the state grant is denied, Castillo assured that the city would continue to work towards finding funding sources including, re-applying to the federal grant or requesting Union Pacific to fund more of the project.

For more on Houston City Council, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine every week.

City of Houston working to decommission homeless encampments Downtown

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The City of Houston is working to decommission homeless encampments Downtown.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s Office confirmed his administration is working with case managers from several non-profits to decommission homeless encampments Downtown. Case managers visit sites for several weeks, working to move homeless Houstonians into housing before a camp is decommissioned, according to Whitmire’s office.

Houston Housing and Community Development Department Director Mike Nichols said 46 people were connected with a “housing solution” from a Chartres site; at least 19 from Allens Landing; and 15 from Bayou Place.

“Housing Solutions means a variety of different housing options to include permanent housing, temporary shelter, family reunification, diversion or other intervention services,” Nichols explained.

ABC13 spoke with a woman who asked only to be identified by her first name, Jennifer. She said she had been homeless for more than a decade before she was approached at her encampment by non-profit case managers last year. After several weeks of visits, Jennifer said she, her boyfriend, and her dog all agreed to move into housing.

“We’re all good people. Just because we lost a roof over our head or something went bad in our life or we had something unlucky happen to us – we still have the same heart in our chest and the same brain in our head and we still have the same emotions that everybody else has,” she said.

On Wednesday, District K Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum expressed the need for greater city coordination around the effort. She said her office has received an uptick in complaints regarding “more homeless individuals in spaces that we traditionally have not seen,” including neighborhoods.

Whitmire’s office said they’re looking to open a new shelter but have yet to identify a site.

“I also want to make sure that when we’re looking at these transition facilities, we’re being equitable as well. We’ve had several already on the East End,” District I Council Member Joaquin Martinez said.

“There are more vacant buildings on this planet than there are homeless people. It’s just astonishing the way the politics are all involved in this,” Jennifer said. “Everybody needs a fair chance, OK? We’re all God’s children. We all stumble and fall.” Fall down seven times, get up eight.”

On Monday, the initiative is slated for discussion at a Houston City Council Committee meeting.