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Rockets Stumble in Crushing Loss to Nets After Late-Game Collapse

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The Houston Rockets experienced a devastating collapse Tuesday night, letting two separate multi-possession leads slip away in the final 90 seconds of a stunning 99-97 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

The game unraveled in the last 10 seconds, as a chaotic sequence of errors turned what should have been a victory into a heartbreaking defeat.

With Houston leading 97-93, Brooklyn inbounded the ball to Cameron Johnson, who drilled a quick three-pointer to cut the deficit to one. The Rockets still had control—until an errant inbounds pass from Amen Thompson to Fred VanVleet ended up in the hands of D’Angelo Russell. The veteran guard didn’t hesitate, sinking a clutch three-pointer with just 3.4 seconds left, sending Barclays Center into a frenzy.

Jalen Green had a last-second chance to redeem Houston, but his desperation three-pointer missed the mark. It wasn’t his only costly decision—earlier, with 57 seconds left and the Rockets up by four, he launched a contested three instead of running down the clock. The miss led to a quick Nets three-pointer by Ziaire Williams, setting the stage for Brooklyn’s stunning comeback.

The collapse overshadowed a monster performance from Rockets center Alperen Şengün, who dominated with 24 points, 20 rebounds, and four assists. However, postgame, head coach Ime Udoka didn’t hold back, criticizing his team’s toughness.

“More of the same. Lack of physicality, toughness. All those things. We didn’t really deserve to win the game,” Udoka said. “Basketball gods got us at the end.”

Ironically, Udoka’s own words had fired up the Nets. Before the game, he had referred to Brooklyn as a “low-level team,” a comment that Keon Johnson said added fuel to their fire.

With the loss, the Rockets have now dropped four straight games, sitting at 32-18—still third in the Western Conference but now dangerously close to slipping toward the play-in tournament. If Tuesday’s collapse is any indication, Houston has plenty to clean up before the postseason.

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

Fabiola Guajardo Anuncia el Gran Estreno de ‘La Jefa’ el 18 de Febrero: ‘Representar a la mujer como lo que somos: mujeres fuertes, decididas’

La nueva super serie La Jefa está a solo dos semanas de estrenarse en tu canal local de Telemundo a las 9 p.m. (hora centro) en Houston, Texas.

En un adelanto del gran estreno, la actriz mexicana Fabiola Guajardo platica con Que Onda Magazine sobre su nuevo papel protagónico como Gloria Guzmán, una madre luchadora que, con tal de proteger a su hijo, se envuelve en el peligroso mundo del lavado de dinero.

“Estoy feliz de poder representar a la mujer como lo que somos: mujeres fuertes, decididas, con carácter, y plasmarlo en la pantalla. Para mí, es un honor ser Gloria Guzmán,” nos comenta Guajardo en nuestra entrevista desde Houston, Texas.

Fabiola Guajardo es Gloria Guzman en la super serie de Telemundo “La Jefa”. Cortesia de Telemundo.

Guajardo, anteriormente conocida como la villana de novelas como Los ricos también lloran y Enamorándome de Ramón, dice estar enamorada de su nuevo papel y agradecida con el equipo de producción, desde la productora ejecutiva Mónica Vizzi hasta su equipo de peinado y maquillaje, por hacer de su primer papel protagónico una experiencia inolvidable.

“Estoy feliz de tener en mis manos una gran historia por contar y no solamente mi historia, sino un gran personaje que la productora Mónica Vizzi confió en mí para dármelo,” expresó Guajardo.

Producida por Telemundo Studios y escrita por José Vicente Spataro, La Jefa desenvuelve una historia llena de acción y pasión que gira alrededor de Gloria, un personaje complejo que debe enfrentar muchos desafíos.

Gloria pasa de disfrutar el día de su boda a sufrir el asesinato de su prometido a manos de sicarios, viendo su mundo puesto al revés. Decidida a sobrevivir junto a su hijo, deberá enfrentar las consecuencias de los negocios sucios y secretos de su prometido. La audiencia verá a Gloria superar cada reto usando sus armas más poderosas: su inteligencia y su belleza.

La actriz comentó sentirse “muy bien acompañada” por un elenco estelar que incluye a sus dos amores en la serie, interpretados por Cristian de la Fuente en una participación especial como su prometido Juan José e Iván Arana como Eduardo. También forman parte del elenco Mauricio Henao, Andrés Almeida, Azela Robinson, Verónica Merchant, José María Galeano, Jorge Luis Moreno y Yany Prado.

“De verdad que tengo un equipo maravilloso y me siento muy afortunada de poder contar esta historia con ellos,” expresó la actriz.

Los fans de Guajardo disfrutarán verla en su primer papel de ficción como madre del actor Dante Aguiar en la pantalla.

“Tengo un hijo espectacular,” expresó la actriz. “Mis respetos en su preparación actoral.”

Para todos los houstonianos que esperan el gran estreno de La Jefa, Fabiola reveló que es fan de la ciudad espacial y que espera la “oportunidad de entrar a sus casas” por medio de la pantalla.

“Amo a Houston, tengo familia acá, entonces soy muy, muy fan de Houston.”

Ya solo quedan dos semanas para el gran estreno de La Jefa, el martes 18 de febrero a las 9 p.m. (hora centro) por Telemundo.

“No se pueden perder La Jefa. Denos la oportunidad de entrar a sus casas para que se enamoren de estos personajes… de esta historia, porque de verdad los va a mantener todo el tiempo al filo.”

“Preparen las palomitas el 18 de febrero.”

Indira Zaldivar de Que Onda Magazine entrevista a la actriz mexicana Fabiola Guajardo acerca de su nuevo protagonico en la nueva superserie de Telemundo “La Jefa” desde Houston, Texas el 3 de febrero del 2025: Credito: Edward Saenz / QOM.

Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer Unveils Retro-Future Aesthetics, Cosmic Threats, and Family Dynamics

Marvel Studios has released the first teaser trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, offering a vibrant glimpse into the MCU’s long-awaited adaptation of Marvel’s First Family. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s world inspired by the optimism of the Space Age.

A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Setting

The trailer immerses viewers in a stylized 1960s retrofuture, blending mid-century design with advanced technology. The aesthetic draws inspiration from the 1964 World’s Fair and NASA’s space race era, featuring sleek astronaut suits, vintage gadgets, and the Baxter Building’s retro-modern headquarters. Director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) emphasizes the film’s departure from an origin story, instead focusing on the team’s post-powers dynamic as celebrities and defenders of Earth.

Meet the Cast

The core quartet’s portrayals blend classic charm with fresh energy:

Villains and Cosmic Stakes

  • Galactus (Ralph Ineson): Teased in the trailer, the planet-devouring entity appears in his comic-accurate purple armor, a stark contrast to his cloud-like depiction in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
  • Silver Surfer (Julia Garner): The enigmatic herald of Galactus, though her role remains shrouded in mystery.

Family First

Central to the trailer is the team’s familial bond, juxtaposing their celebrity status with intimate moments. Scenes of Sunday dinners, playful banter, and public adoration (including kids dressed as The Thing for Halloween) highlight their dual roles as explorers and icons. Michael Giacchino’s score amplifies the optimistic tone, blending orchestral grandeur with retro synth touches.

Release Details

The Fantastic Four: First Steps launches in theaters on July 25, 2025. Directed by Matt Shakman and produced by Kevin Feige, the film aims to reinvigorate the MCU amid recent superhero fatigue. With its blend of retro charm, cosmic stakes, and heartfelt storytelling, Marvel’s First Family is poised to clobber the competition.

China Retaliates with Tariffs and Antitrust Probe Against U.S.

China has announced retaliatory tariffs on select American imports and an antitrust investigation into Google, just as new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Chinese goods took effect.

This latest escalation in trade tensions raises concerns over the potential for a prolonged economic standoff between the two global superpowers.

The Latest Trade Dispute

Trump’s sweeping tariff policy, which also includes levies on Canadian and Mexican imports, was temporarily paused for 30 days for those two countries as they work to address border security concerns. Meanwhile, Trump plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming days, signaling possible negotiations.

This isn’t the first time the U.S. and China have engaged in a trade war. A similar tit-for-tat conflict erupted in 2018 when Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods, and Beijing responded in kind. However, analysts suggest that China is better prepared this time, using a broader range of measures beyond tariffs while being cautious not to destabilize its own economy.

China’s Response

China’s newly announced tariffs include a 15% levy on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), along with a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars from the U.S. These tariffs are set to take effect next Monday.

“The U.S.’s unilateral tariff increase seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization,” stated the State Council Tariff Commission. “It is not only unhelpful in solving its own problems but also damages normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.”

Economic Implications

Despite the aggressive stance, the actual impact on U.S. exports may be limited. The U.S., a major exporter of LNG, ships only a small fraction to China. Additionally, fewer than 110,000 American-made vehicles were imported into China last year. However, analysts believe that U.S. automakers such as General Motors and Ford, which have been expanding their vehicle offerings in China, may feel the pressure.

The Risk of Escalation

Stephen Dover, chief market strategist at Franklin Templeton Institute, warns that this could be the beginning of another prolonged trade war. “A risk is that this is the beginning of a tit-for-tat trade war, which could result in lower GDP growth everywhere, higher U.S. inflation, a stronger dollar, and upside pressure on U.S. interest rates,” he said.

For now, the world watches closely as tensions rise, with hopes that diplomatic talks between Trump and Xi may prevent further economic fallout.

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

Texans Tap Nick Caley as New Offensive Coordinator: A Fresh Playbook for Houston’s Super Bowl Aspirations

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The Houston Texans have named Nick Caley as their new offensive coordinator, replacing Bobby Slowik after a 2024 season marked by offensive struggles. Caley, previously the Los Angeles Rams’ tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, brings a blend of experience from working under Sean McVay and Bill Belichick, along with ties to Texans general manager Nick Caserio.

Background and Coaching Pedigree

Caley, 42, spent two seasons with the Rams (2023–2024), where he contributed to a top-10 rushing offense led by Kyren Williams (1,299 yards in 2024). Before Los Angeles, he spent eight years with the New England Patriots (2015–2022), coaching Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski and winning two Super Bowls. His connection to Caserio—both are John Carroll University alumni and worked together in New England—likely played a role in his hiring.

Challenges Ahead

Caley inherits an offense that regressed in 2024, ranking 19th in scoring (21.9 PPG) and 22nd in total yards (319.7 per game). Key issues include:

  • Protecting C.J. Stroud: The offensive line allowed 52 sacks (second-most in the NFL).
  • Reviving the run game: Houston’s rushing attack stalled, contributing to Stroud’s sophomore slump.
  • Tight end production: Dalton Schultz underperformed after signing a $36M extension.

Caley’s experience with tight ends and McVay’s run-centric system could address these gaps. His work with Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles and Stroud’s admiration for Stafford may also foster a productive partnership.

First-Time Play-Caller

While Caley has never called plays in the NFL, he earned praise for his leadership and strategic acumen. Rams coach Sean McVay promoted him to passing game coordinator in 2024, and he previously interviewed for OC roles with the Buccaneers and Jets. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized Caley’s ability to “build game plans and develop relationships,” critical for maximizing Stroud’s potential.

Reaction and Expectations

The hire reflects Houston’s bet on upside. Analysts note Caley’s “smart, innovative ideas” and familiarity with modern schemes. However, his success hinges on upgrading personnel, particularly at wide receiver and offensive line. The Texans’ playoff-ready roster—featuring Stroud, Nico Collins, and Joe Mixon—provides a strong foundation for Caley to implement his vision. As Houston aims to contend in 2025, Caley’s mix of Belichick-era discipline and McVay-inspired creativity could reignite an offense with Super Bowl aspirations.

Houston faces financial crisis after court ruling

Houston’s financial stability is in jeopardy after the city lost a lawsuit over mismanaged funds, forcing leaders to allocate an additional $100 million annually to street and drainage improvements—money that was never budgeted, according to our news partner ABC13 Houston.

A Growing Deficit

The city is already operating at a significant deficit, spending roughly $200 million more than it generates. Officials had previously appealed the case to delay the inevitable financial burden, but after losing, they must now find a way to pay up despite the already strained budget.

City Controller Chris Hollins warns that the lawsuit will push the deficit to at least $300 million by the end of the fiscal year in June. That amount is nearly equivalent to the entire general fund, which serves as the city’s financial safety net.

The Origin of the Lawsuit

The financial crisis stems from a 2010 voter-approved plan intended to improve Houston’s streets and drainage systems. However, two engineers accused city officials of manipulating fund allocation formulas, shortchanging the initiative by more than $600 million.

“The city has deprived the citizens of over $600 million in improvements,” Bob Jones, one of the engineers who sued, told ABC13 Houston. “I’m ecstatic.”

His excitement comes from a decisive Texas Supreme Court ruling in his favor, which now mandates immediate increased spending on infrastructure projects across the city.

Tough Decisions Ahead

With the city’s financial reserves at risk, officials face difficult choices. “We have to make one of two choices, and they’re both difficult,” Hollins told ABC13 Houston. “It’s either making serious cuts to critical city services, or it’s finding new revenue sources, or some combination of both.”

At this point, concrete plans to bridge the budget gap remain unclear. However, findings from a forthcoming Ernst & Young citywide audit, set to be released in the coming weeks, may provide direction on how to manage the crisis.

Uncertain Future

As Houston struggles to address its financial predicament, city leaders must navigate tough decisions that could impact essential services. Whether through budget cuts, new revenue streams, or a mix of both, the resolution of this crisis will shape the city’s fiscal future for years to come.

Keep up with updates on City Hall with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trevor Noah’s Grammy Monologue Sparks Mixed Reactions

Trevor Noah, known for his sharp wit and effortless stage presence, found himself at the center of controversy after his monologue at the 2025 Grammy Awards. The former “Daily Show” host, who has built a reputation for his incisive social and political commentary, seemed to struggle with delivery Sunday night, leading to some of his jokes being misinterpreted—or outright criticized.

A Rushed and Awkward Opening

Noah’s usual breezy charm appeared to falter as he rushed through his opening monologue, causing some punchlines to land awkwardly. His jokes, which leaned heavily on political themes, particularly those aimed at former President Donald Trump, left audiences divided.

His first stumble came mere seconds into the show when he quipped about how the Grammys operate:

“We’re going to be honoring the best in music as voted on by the 13,000 members of the Recording Academy and 20 million illegal immigrants.”

The joke, seemingly aimed at Trump’s longstanding and baseless claims about voter fraud, was met with visible disapproval from some attendees. Musician Doechii, seated near Noah, was caught on camera rolling her eyes in response. While her reaction’s exact meaning is unclear, many on social media felt the joke was poorly timed, given the heightened tensions surrounding immigration policies and mass deportation efforts. Others defended Noah, interpreting the quip as satire targeting Trump’s rhetoric rather than immigrants themselves.

Shakira Joke Draws Criticism

Another contentious moment arose when Noah introduced Colombian pop icon Shakira:

“Three-time Grammy winner Shakira is in the house, everybody! The greatest thing out of Colombia that isn’t a Class-A felony.”

This remark sparked immediate backlash, with critics arguing that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes about Colombia, a nation often unfairly linked to drug-related crime. Many felt the joke was particularly ill-advised in the current political climate, where Latino immigrants have frequently been the targets of inflammatory rhetoric.

Political Jabs Land Unevenly

Noah’s monologue continued with more politically charged jokes, including one about Trump’s proposed tariffs:

“Yesterday, Beyoncé announced a new tour … I will say, though, Beyoncé, there’s tariffs, we can’t afford a new tour. Maple syrup is about to be $50.”

Later, he referenced Lady Gaga’s upcoming album, using it as a commentary on the state of 2025:

“Lady Gaga in the house! She’s going to be performing tonight, and she just announced her new album, ‘Mayhem,’ dropping next month. Which is really impressive, Lady Gaga. I don’t know how you knew the theme of 2025 when you named your album.”

While some appreciated the humor, others felt Noah’s delivery hindered the impact of his satire, making it unclear whether he was lampooning the artists or using them as vehicles for broader commentary.

A Self-Reflective Closing

Noah concluded his monologue with a self-deprecating remark that acknowledged the precariousness of his position as an immigrant in America:

“I’m gonna enjoy tonight because this may be my last time I get to host anything in this country.”

This closing line, delivered in his signature deadpan style, resonated with some viewers but also underscored the tension surrounding his performance.

A Polarizing Performance

Ultimately, Noah’s monologue at the 2025 Grammys left audiences split. While some appreciated his attempt at blending humor with social critique, others felt his delivery fell short, leading to misinterpretation and backlash. Whether this was simply an off night or a sign of shifting comedic sensibilities remains up for debate, but one thing is certain—Noah’s performance won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Shakira Dedicates Grammy Win to Immigrants: ‘You Are Worth It’

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Shakira used her Grammy moment to send a powerful message of support to immigrants in the United States. The Colombian superstar, 48, won Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran at the 2025 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, and she took the opportunity to honor those seeking a better future.

“I want to dedicate this award to all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country,” Shakira said as she accepted her trophy, drawing cheers from the audience. “You are loved. You are worth it. And I will always fight with you.”

Her words resonated as the topic of immigration continues to be a major point of political debate. While Shakira did not directly reference former President Donald Trump, her remarks came just days after tensions flared between the U.S. and Colombia over immigration policies. Trump had threatened steep tariffs on Colombian imports following a dispute with Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the handling of deported migrants. The issue was quickly resolved after diplomatic talks, but it underscored the ongoing challenges surrounding immigration.

Shakira, known for hits like Hips Don’t Lie and Waka Waka, has long been an advocate for social causes. Through her Pies Descalzos Foundation, she has supported education and opportunities for disadvantaged children, particularly in Latin America.

Her latest album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, marks a significant moment in her career, blending personal resilience with cultural pride. By dedicating her Grammy to immigrants, she reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform to uplift and inspire those facing adversity.

As one of the most influential Latin artists in history, Shakira’s words carried weight beyond the glitz of the awards show. In a time of heightened debate over immigration, her message was clear: immigrants are valuable, deserving of dignity, and an essential part of the country they now call home.

Keep up with the latest entertainment news on Que Onda Magazine

Beyoncé Finally Wins Album of the Year at the Grammys with ‘Cowboy Carter’

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After four previous losses, Beyoncé secured her long-awaited Album of the Year Grammy on Sunday for her genre-blending LP “Cowboy Carter.”

The historic win makes the 43-year-old singer only the fourth Black woman to earn the award and the first in over 25 years, following Lauryn Hill (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, 1999), Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard, 1994), and Natalie Cole (Unforgettable… With Love, 1992).

In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé acknowledged the significance of the moment with a heartfelt dedication to Black country singer Linda Martell, whose voice is featured on Cowboy Carter discussing the complexity of genre. “It’s been many, many years,” Beyoncé said with a laugh, reflecting on the Grammys’ long history of overlooking her in major categories.

The album triumphed over stiff competition, beating out projects from André 3000, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Jacob Collier, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift. Swift, who holds the record for the most Album of the Year wins with four, was seen toasting with Beyoncé’s husband, Jay-Z, after the historic announcement.

The win brings Beyoncé’s career Grammy total to 35—the most of any artist in history. However, despite her dominance, she had previously won only one of the Grammys’ prestigious “big four” categories: Song of the Year for Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) in 2010.

Beyoncé’s repeated snubs in major Grammy categories have long been a source of controversy, fueling criticism of the Recording Academy’s track record in recognizing Black artists—particularly Black women—in top honors. Landmark albums like Beyoncé, Lemonade, and Renaissance were all widely considered frontrunners but ultimately lost to Beck, Adele, and Harry Styles, respectively. In 2010, Swift’s Fearless defeated Beyoncé’s” “I Am … Sasha Fierce” for Album of the Year, a decision that sparked debate at the time.

At last year’s Grammys, Jay-Z used his acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement award to call out the academy’s perceived bias. “Even by your own metrics, it doesn’t work,” he said. “We want you to get it right—at least get it close to right.”

Sunday’s win, seen as a long-overdue correction, marked a turning point for both Beyoncé and the Grammys, signaling a broader recognition of diverse artistry in the industry’s highest honor.

Keep up with the latest Entertainment news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Houston Braces for Near-Record Heat and Muggy Conditions in Early February

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Houston is set to experience an unseasonably warm start to February, with temperatures climbing to near-record highs.

However, this warming trend will be accompanied by increased humidity and foggy mornings, which could disrupt commutes through the end of the week, according to our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Unseasonable Warmth and Humidity Build Up

Sunday saw high temperatures reaching the upper 70s, marking the beginning of several days where afternoon highs will hover between the upper 70s and low 80s across Southeast Texas. With rising humidity levels, nighttime temperatures will remain elevated, providing little relief from the warmth.

Monday will kick off a stretch of foggy mornings that could slow down commuters. While fog is expected to lift by the afternoon, it may persist as a light mist or low cloud cover, particularly along coastal areas. Daytime temperatures will continue to reach the upper 70s to low 80s.

What to Expect for the Week Ahead

A strong heat ridge over the southern U.S. will keep temperatures significantly above average. Morning lows will settle in the mid-to-upper 60s, while daytime highs push into the low 80s, flirting with record levels. Rain chances remain low at around 20%, though most mornings will feature drizzle or mist within the fog.

Is Freezing Weather Still a Possibility?

Despite the spring-like temperatures, winter may not be over just yet. A cold front is projected to arrive in the second week of February, potentially bringing frost or even freezing conditions as Valentine’s Day nears.

When Will the Cold Front Arrive?

Forecast models indicate that a significant cold front will push through the area by Sunday. While it may produce scattered showers, the primary impact will be a sharp drop in temperatures heading into early next week. Houstonians should be prepared for a shift back to cooler conditions after this brief taste of spring.

Keep up with the latest weather news with us on Que Onda Magazine.