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Young Musician Brings Comfort to Shelter Animals Through Live Music

Indira Zaldivar
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Young Musician Brings Comfort to Shelter Animals Through Live Music

A 12-year-old from Houston is helping calm anxious shelter animals by playing music for them. Yuvi Agarwal, who began playing keyboard at age 4, was inspired by how his dog Bozo responded to music and wondered if it could help other animals in stressful environments, The Associated Press reported.

Wild Tunes Expands Across States

In 2023, with support from his parents, Agarwal founded Wild Tunes, a nonprofit that organizes live music performances in animal shelters. The initiative has grown to include about 100 volunteer musicians performing at nine shelters across Houston, New Jersey, and Denver.

Music That Transcends Species

Agarwal believes music connects beyond language and species. At the Denver Animal Shelter, he recently played songs like “Hey Jude” and “Perfect” for dogs and cats. He noted that while animals often greet him with excitement, they calm down or even fall asleep once he starts playing.\

Screenshot courtesy: The Associated Press

From Nervous to Affectionate

One memorable moment for Agarwal involved a fearful dog named Penelope in Houston. Initially too frightened to leave her kennel, Penelope eventually warmed up to him during his music session and showered him with affection.

Volunteers Add Variety and Enrichment

Professional flutist Sarah McDonner, who met Agarwal in Houston, now performs in Denver and helped expand Wild Tunes there. She believes the interaction provides enrichment for the animals and increases their chances of adoption.

Science Offers Mixed Views

While some studies suggest classical music has calming effects on dogs, experts like Colorado State University professor Lori Kogan urge caution. The impact of music can vary based on many factors, including the type of music and the animal’s past experiences. Kogan recommends pet owners test what works on a case-by-case basis.

Mutual Benefits for Musicians and Pets

Despite the uncertainty in the research, Agarwal remains confident in the power of music. He hopes to expand Wild Tunes nationwide and believes both animals and volunteers benefit. “You get to practice in front of a nonjudgmental audience, which can boost your confidence,” he said.

For more heartwarming stories spotlighting kind humans like Agarwal, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Senate Advances Trump’s Tax and Spending Plan After Dramatic Vote

Edward Saenz
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Senate Advances Trump’s Tax and Spending Plan After Dramatic Vote

The Senate narrowly advanced President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax break and spending cut plan late Saturday, pushing forward a key procedural vote despite internal party tensions and opposition from Democrats.

The 51–49 vote came after hours of stalled negotiations, with Vice President JD Vance on standby to break a tie.

Divisions Within the GOP

Two Republicans—Sens. Thom Tillis and Rand Paul—joined all Democrats in voting against the bill. Tillis objected to proposed Medicaid cuts, warning they could strip healthcare from thousands in his state. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would leave 11.8 million more Americans without health insurance by 2034.

Contentious Policy Proposals

The 940-page bill includes permanent extensions of Trump-era tax cuts, new tax breaks like untaxed tips, and $350 billion for national security and Trump’s deportation agenda. But it also proposes sharp cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy investments. Critics like Sen. Ron Wyden called the environmental rollbacks “a death sentence” for the clean energy sector.

High-Stakes Negotiations

Senators engaged in intense, last-minute negotiations, with figures like Majority Leader John Thune and JD Vance huddling with holdouts behind closed doors. Sen. Rick Scott later said, “We all want to get to yes,” signaling ongoing GOP efforts to unify around the bill.

Revisions and Parliamentarian Hurdles

Republicans revised portions of the bill to comply with Senate rules after proposals related to food stamps and consumer protections were initially struck down. A revised Medicaid cutback now includes a delayed start and a $25 billion fund to support rural hospitals.

Tax Impact and SALT Dispute

The bill’s benefits would favor top earners, giving them an average $12,000 tax cut, while low-income Americans could lose around $1,600, according to the CBO. A contentious provision on state and local tax (SALT) deductions was amended to raise the cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for five years, a compromise still dividing lawmakers.

Next Steps Toward Final Passage

All-night debate and further amendments await in the Senate. If passed, the legislation will head back to the House. With narrow GOP majorities, leaders must rally nearly every Republican vote to meet Trump’s goal of signing the bill by July 4.

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

Marilyn Manson’s Brighton Concert Cancelled After Public Pressure

Indira Zaldivar
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Marilyn Manson’s Brighton Concert Cancelled After Public Pressure

The opening UK show of Marilyn Manson’s “One Assassination Under God” tour, scheduled for 29 October at the Brighton Centre, has been cancelled. Fans trying to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster received a message stating, “this event has been cancelled.”

MP and Advocacy Groups Call for Cancellation

Green Party MP Sian Berry of Brighton Pavilion urged Brighton and Hove City Council to cancel the concert in an open letter co-signed by victim support organizations and the University of Sussex students’ union. Berry cited concerns from survivors of abuse and the potential impact on the community.

Background on Legal Allegations

Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, was under investigation in Los Angeles for alleged sexual assault and domestic violence between 2009 and 2011. However, earlier this year, the LA County District Attorney declined to press charges, citing statutes of limitations and insufficient evidence. Manson has consistently denied the accusations.

Public Reaction and Remaining Tour Dates

The cancellation sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting the decision while others criticized it as censorship, noting that Manson has not been convicted of any crimes. Despite the Brighton cancellation, five other UK concerts in October and November are still listed on ticketing platforms.

For more on this story, follow every update with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Tropical Update: T.D. 2 forms in the Gulf, could become a Tropical Storm

ABC13 Houston
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Tropical Update: T.D. 2 forms in the Gulf, could become a Tropical Storm

June 29 7 a.m.

Tropical Depression 2 is gaining steam in the southwestern Gulf today, and become the 2nd name storm of the season later today. The limiting factor in any potential development is simply time, as T.D. 2 will be moving northwest in to Mexico by tonight or early tomorrow, and will immediately weaken upon landfall.

Regardless of whether or not this storm becomes Tropical Storm Barry, our local impacts are the same, just an increase in moisture leading to about a 60% chance of showers and storms.

Starting tonight we’ll be monitoring a batch of Saharan Dust moving into Southeast Texas, which could stick around through at least midweek.

June 28 4 p.m.

Potential Storm Two has developed in the Bay of Campeche and will likely become the next named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Barry. This tropical system will continue to slowly track northwest over the weekend and is expected to strengthen to a tropical storm Sunday. This will be a short-lived system though as Potential Storm Two will move ashore over Mexico late Sunday night or early Monday morning, potentially making landfall as a weak tropical storm with 40 mph winds. Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for parts of the Mexico coast.

June 28

A disturbance in the Bay of Campeche and southwestern Gulf now has a 50% chance of development over the next 2 days. The core of the moisture from this potential system will push west in to Mexico, which means the budding storm only has today and tomorrow to develop before it will weaken over land. Regardless of whether or not this becomes a named system, the greatest impacts will miss us well to the south. We will see an uptick in moisture spreading in to Southeast Texas on Sunday, which will bring our rain chances up to 60% to close out the weekend.

As we move into the work week a plume of Saharan Dust will settle into Southeast Texas, creating hazy skies Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The dust can also be a lung irritant, so people with asthma or allergies may want to limit time outside.

June 27

Monitoring an area of showers and storms in the northwest Caribbean for potential tropical development. Formation odds are currently 20 percent over the next 7 days as the system moves into the Bay of Campeche.

A plume of Saharan dust is expected to move into the Gulf Coast early next week.

June 26

The Atlantic is quiet once again with no tropical development expected over the next 7 days. That’s partly because of a large Saharan dust cloud that will blow into southeast Texas by Monday. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Pacific another storm is threatening to form south of Mexico over the next couple of days.

June 25

Tropical Storm Andrea has dissipated over the middle Atlantic. No other tropical development is expected over the next 7 days.

In the eastern Pacific, conditions are favorable for tropical development southwest of Central America. This storm may further develop into a tropical depression or storm as it tracks northwestward this week.

June 24 9 a.m.

Tropical Storm Andrea has formed in the middle of the Atlantic ocean and brings no threat to land. Andrea should be short lived become a post-tropical remnant low by Wednesday morning.

June 24

Tropical moisture brings an increase in rain chances to southeast Texas this week, no tropical development is expected.

A small area of thunderstorms east of Bermuda has become better organized and is likely to become a short-lived tropical storm later today before the system encounters an unfavorable environment. The system would get the name Andrea.

June 23

As deeper tropical moisture brings increasing rain chances to southeast Texas this week, no tropical development is expected. There is an area that the NHC is monitoring for a high risk for development. A cluster of showers and thunderstorms have formed east of Bermuda. Formation odds around 70% during the next 48 hours. If this system strengthens to a tropical storm, it would get the name Andrea.

In the eastern Pacific, conditions are favorable for tropical development south of Mexico this week.

June 22

Rain chances will climb in Southeast Texas this week as Gulf moisture moves in, but the tropics remain quiet. No tropical development is expected over the next 7 days anywhere in the Atlantic Basin, and it looks increasingly likely we will close out June without any named storms.

June 21

You may notice a bit of a hazy sky today thanks to some Saharan dust that has blown into Southeast Texas. While the dust can be an irritant for those with asthma or allergies, it’s also been helping to keep tropical development at bay. So far there have been zero named storms in the Atlantic, and none are expected over the next 7 days.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

‘F1: The Movie’ Speeds Toward $55M-$58M U.S. Opening

Indira Zaldivar
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‘F1: The Movie’ Speeds Toward $55M-$58M U.S. Opening

Brad Pitt’s “F1: The Movie” is off to a powerful start at the domestic box office, earning $25 million on Friday, including $10 million from previews. The Apple Original Films release is projected to open between $55 million and $58 million across 3,661 theaters. Internationally, it’s expected to earn another $85 million, bringing the global debut to around $140 million — the biggest of Pitt’s career unadjusted for inflation.

Apple partnered with Warner Bros. for distribution, and “F1” has locked down Imax and other premium screens for the next three weeks. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, the film stars Pitt as a retired driver teaming up with a rising star, played by Damson Idris. It’s a key milestone for Apple’s push into theatrical releases after previous box office disappointments.

“M3GAN 2.0” Struggles with $10M Debut

Universal’s “M3GAN 2.0” is falling flat in its opening weekend with a projected $10.3 million, a steep drop from the original film’s $30.4 million launch in 2023. Despite a modest $25 million production budget, the horror sequel only managed $3.4 million on Friday, including $1.5 million in previews.

Blumhouse and Atomic Monster hoped the film would attract young female audiences as counter-programming to “F1,” but interest lagged. The sequel, which earned a B+ CinemaScore compared to the first film’s B, features returning cast members Violet McGraw and Allison Williams alongside new additions like Jemaine Clement. Critics and some fans noted the character has lost her charm, becoming too robotic.

Other Box Office Movers

DreamWorks’ live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” is performing steadily in its third weekend, earning $19 million and approaching the $200 million domestic mark. Meanwhile, Pixar’s “Elio” continues its rocky run, dropping nearly 50 percent with an estimated $10.5 million to $11 million in its second weekend.

Sony’s “28 Years Later” is also fading fast, falling 68 percent to an estimated $9.5 million, bringing its 10-day total to $50 million.

For more updates on their box office success or fail, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Senate Stalls on ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Vote

Michael Esparza
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Senate Stalls on ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Vote

The Senate entered a state of limbo Friday as Republicans struggled to secure enough votes to move forward with President Donald Trump’s ambitious “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

With the vote stuck at 47-50, three GOP senators—Mike Lee, Rick Scott, and Cynthia Lummis—had yet to weigh in. Their support is essential to proceed with debate. Vice President JD Vance was on standby to cast a tie-breaking vote if needed. Even if the bill advances, uncertainty remains over final passage.

Trump Presses for July 4 Deadline

President Trump continues to push for passage of the sweeping immigration and tax legislation before Independence Day. “The Great Republicans in the U.S. Senate are working all weekend,” Trump wrote online. Despite acknowledging that the deadline is flexible, Trump emphasized the symbolic importance of finalizing the bill by July 4. He encouraged the House to be ready to send the bill to his desk in time for a national celebration.

Judge Blocks Trump Executive Order Targeting Law Firm

In a major legal setback for the administration, a federal judge permanently blocked Trump’s executive order aimed at punishing the law firm Susman Godfrey. The ruling by Judge Loren AliKhan found the order unconstitutional and a threat to judicial independence. The decision marks the fourth such ruling against similar efforts by the administration. The Justice Department has not yet appealed.

Trump Terminates Trade Talks with Canada

Trump also announced Friday he is ending all trade negotiations with Canada. The move comes in response to Canada’s planned digital services tax on U.S. tech companies, which Trump described as a “direct and blatant attack.” He promised retaliatory tariffs would be announced within a week. The White House has yet to issue an official comment.

Supreme Court Issues Partial Stay on Birthright Citizenship Order

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court granted a partial stay on lower court injunctions that had blocked Trump’s executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship. The decision allows limited implementation of the order while legal challenges continue.

For more on the U.S. Senate stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Beyoncé Faces Backlash Over Buffalo Soldiers Shirt

Que Onda Editorial
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Beyoncé Faces Backlash Over Buffalo Soldiers Shirt

During a Juneteenth performance in Paris on her “Cowboy Carter” tour, Beyoncé wore a T-shirt featuring the Buffalo Soldiers that sparked controversy for describing Native Americans and Mexican revolutionaries as “enemies of peace.” The back of the shirt included historical language that critics say promotes anti-Indigenous sentiment.

Shirt’s Language Draws Criticism from Indigenous Communities

Images of the shirt, also seen on Beyoncé’s website, ignited social media backlash. Indigenous influencers and fans expressed disappointment that the pop star used imagery that glorifies U.S. imperialism and frames Native resistance as criminal. A spokesperson for Beyoncé has not responded to the criticism.

Who Were the Buffalo Soldiers?

Buffalo Soldiers were Black U.S. Army troops formed after the Civil War in 1866. They served in various wars, including World War I and II, but also participated in U.S. military campaigns against Indigenous tribes during westward expansion. While once celebrated for bravery, historians are now reexamining their role in suppressing Native populations.

Houston Museum Pushes for Historical Nuance

At the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, staff are working to present a more balanced account of the soldiers’ legacy. Director Cale Carter said romanticized narratives often overlook their role in violence against Native Americans. Education director Michelle Tovar noted schools are increasingly reluctant to teach the complex history, leaving museums to fill the gap.

Artists and Historians React to Beyoncé’s Symbolism

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album reclaims American cowboy imagery for Black Americans. Historians like Tad Stoermer say her use of Buffalo Soldier symbolism is intentional but also reinforces myths of U.S. nationalism. Scholar Alaina E. Roberts emphasized that while the imagery may aim to empower, it can’t ignore the soldiers’ role in Indigenous oppression.

Online Outcry Grows Ahead of Houston Shows

As Beyoncé prepares to perform in her hometown, Native influencers and educators continue calling for accountability. Some say her tour reinforces the idea that Black Americans can also participate in American nationalism at the expense of immigrants and Indigenous people. TikTok user Chisom Okorafor criticized the symbolism as promoting pride in empire rather than solidarity with marginalized communities.

Senate Races to Meet Trump’s July 4 Tax Deadline

Que Onda Editorial
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Senate Races to Meet Trump’s July 4 Tax Deadline

The U.S. Senate is preparing for a rare weekend session as Republicans scramble to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending cuts package before his self-imposed July Fourth deadline.

Divisions Within GOP on Spending Cuts

The 940-page bill, released late Friday, includes plans to extend $3.8 trillion in Trump-era tax breaks and introduce new provisions such as eliminating taxes on tips and allocating $350 billion for national security and mass deportation efforts. However, some GOP senators are uneasy about cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and other safety net programs proposed to offset the cost.

Long Debate Ahead

A procedural vote to begin debate was expected Saturday, though the timeline remained unclear. The bill must survive 10 hours of debate and an overnight voting session on amendments before potentially heading back to the House for final approval.

Resistance From Key Republicans

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he won’t support the motion to proceed, citing concerns about the package’s fundamentals. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin is pushing for even deeper cuts and said he needs to review the final legislative text.

Parliamentary Roadblocks and Revisions

The bill has already hit snags with the Senate parliamentarian, who ruled some proposals violated Senate rules. Rejected provisions included a plan to shift food stamp costs to states and major changes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Republicans quickly rewrote and reintroduced the proposals.

Impact on Health Care and Aid

The revised bill includes a delayed cut to a Medicaid provider tax, paired with a $25 billion fund to help rural hospitals. Critics argue these changes still threaten health care access. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the House version of the bill would leave 10.9 million more Americans uninsured and cut food aid to 3 million people.

Tax Break Disparities

CBO analysis also shows the top earners would receive $12,000 in tax cuts, while the poorest Americans would see a $1,600 tax increase. The Senate’s version is expected to contain steeper reductions, though it has not been formally scored.

SALT Deduction Remains Unresolved

Lawmakers continue to debate the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. A compromise to raise the cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for five years has met resistance from Senate Republicans and House GOP members in high-tax states.

Trump Applies Pressure on Holdouts

Trump has publicly urged Republican lawmakers to unite and pass the bill, calling out “grandstanders” and pushing for a holiday-weekend finish. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson remain in close contact with the White House to keep members in line.

Democrats Cry Foul Over Rushed Process

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the GOP for fast-tracking the bill before the public understands its implications. “There’s no good reason for Republicans to chase a silly deadline,” Schumer said.

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

Pride Month events and parade today

Indira Zaldivar
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Pride Month events and parade today

Houston’s LGBTQ+ community is celebrating Pride Month with a vibrant schedule of events throughout June, spotlighting inclusivity, culture, and community.

Grand Marshal Reception – Sunday, June 15

Montrose Country Club will host a free afternoon event honoring the 2025 Grand Marshals. Guests can enjoy lite bites, a cash bar, and community recognition.

Location: 202 Tuam Street
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.

Rock The Runway – Wednesday, June 25

Pride Houston’s annual fashion show returns to Warehouse Live with LGBTQIA+ designers, models, and DJs in a night of style and performance.

Location: 2600 Travis Street
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $16

Eden Girl+ Party – Friday, June 27

This inclusive celebration uplifts Houston’s LGBT+ women with music, empowerment, and fun at Warehouse Live.

Location: 2600 Travis Street
Time: Starts at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $15 plus fees

47th Annual Houston Pride Celebration – Saturday, June 28

The city’s signature Pride event features a day-long festival and evening parade in front of City Hall, drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands. The parade is free but tickets to specific areas and the festival are available for purchase.

Festival Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parade Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: Houston City Hall

7th Annual Pride Brunch – Date TBA

Enjoy a festive brunch at The Heights Social with drinks and a drag performance by Mistress Isabelle Brooks of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Location: 1213 W 20th St, Houston, TX
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets: Drink tickets start at $15

For the latest updates and ticket info from pridehouston365.org., stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine as more events may be added throughout the month.

Tropical downpours likely Sunday afternoon

ABC13 Houston
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Tropical downpours likely Sunday afternoon



HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ll see a few storms around this afternoon, but the coverage should stay around 30%. Tropical moisture moving in from the Gulf will spark scattered, heavy downpours Sunday afternoon and evening, with rain chances climbing to 60%.

How much longer will this wet weather last?

After a wave of tropical moisture clips us on Sunday to bring the rain chance up to 60%, the faucet will shut off for the first days of July as a Saharan dust cloud blows overhead.

What’s the early outlook for July 4th and the Freedom Over Texas fireworks show?

At this time it looks dry but hot! Temperatures will peak near 100 with heat index values well above 100.

What’s happening in the tropics?

A disturbance we’re monitoring in the southern Gulf is up to a 50% chance for development over the next 2 days. Most of the moisture from that tropical wave is headed to Mexico but a small amount of it will give us some tropical downpours on Sunday. Meanwhile, another storm is threatening to form south of Mexico in the eastern Pacific. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

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