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‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Live-Action Soars Toward $200M Global Debut

Indira Zaldivar
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‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Live-Action Soars Toward $200M Global Debut

Universal’s live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” is exceeding expectations, taking flight with a projected global opening of $200.4 million through Sunday.

Fourth-Biggest Worldwide Opening of 2025 So Far

As of Saturday, the film had earned $54.9 million internationally, including $29.1 million from previews. Factoring in domestic estimates, it’s set to rank as the fourth-largest global opening of the year, behind “A Minecraft Movie,” “Lilo & Stitch,” and China’s “Ne Zha 2.” It also becomes the seventh biggest debut ever for a live-action remake.

Strong International Numbers for Dean DeBlois’ Adaptation

Directed by original franchise creator Dean DeBlois and starring Gerard Butler, the film is now playing in 81 overseas markets. It’s on track to collect $117.7 million internationally during its debut weekend, making it the fourth biggest Hollywood international opener of 2025.

It also ranks as the sixth highest offshore launch ever for a live-action remake, behind hits like “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Aladdin.”

Top Market Highlights:

  • Mexico: $4.4M total including $2.3M on Friday. It’s the No. 1 film with a 68% market share.
  • UK & Ireland: $4.8M total through Friday, with $1.5M that day alone. It marks Universal’s fourth No. 1 opening this year in the region.
  • China: $2.3M opening day across 35,000 screens and a strong 9.5 Maoyan rating. It’s the best live-action adaptation debut in five years.
  • Brazil: $689K on Friday, pushing the total to $4.9M—on par with “Mufasa” and ahead of “The Little Mermaid” and “Sonic 3.”
  • Korea: $5.3M so far, with a near-perfect 99% CVG Egg score. It has already outgrossed “Mufasa” and “Little Mermaid.”
  • France: $2.8M
  • Germany: $2.4M
  • Australia: $1.5M
  • Spain: $2M (fourth best Friday of the year, best ever for the franchise)
  • Italy: $1.4M
  • Thailand: $1.1M (biggest opening Friday of 2025)

A full update on worldwide totals is expected Sunday. Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine for the update!

Hollywood Stars Join Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump Administration

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Hollywood Stars Join Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump Administration

As cities across the country, including Houston, Texas, saw waves of protest on Saturday, Hollywood celebrities joined crowds rallying against President Donald Trump and his policies, just hours before his planned military parade in Washington, D.C.

@queondamagazine Millions including celebrities such as Jimmy Kimmel, Anna Kendrick, Moby, Kerry Washington; and Gina Rodriguez, protested President Trump during the “No Kings” nationwide movement which coincided on Trump’s birthday. #nokingsday #nokingsprotest #trumpsbirthday #presidenttrump #trumpprotest #celebritiesprotesting ♬ There She Goes – CYRIL & MOONLGHT & The La's

Nationwide Demonstrations Coincide With Trump’s Birthday

The “No Kings Day” protests took place in major cities including Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco, timed to coincide with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade — and Trump’s birthday. Protesters criticized the administration’s immigration raids and perceived authoritarianism.

Kerry Washington, Jimmy Kimmel, Ayo Edebiri, and More Speak Out

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel marched with his parents in San Francisco, describing the turnout as “huge, inspiring and yes — peaceful.” He shared, “I met many people who love this country and still believe it to be a force for good… The most important words ever spoken are ‘Love one another.’”

Actress Ayo Edebiri posted a message of solidarity on Instagram: “I love you & I have your back! Stay brave!”

Other Celebrities Join In Across the Country

  • Moby urged followers to “protest, donate, post, run for office, vote, organize,” adding, “now is absolutely not the time for any in-fighting.”
  • Gina Rodriguez-LoCicero shared footage from a protest in Woodstock, saying, “The OG’s are out!”
  • Mary Elizabeth Ellis posted, “Felt great to peacefully protest this administration in the streets today with fellow Los Angelenos.”
  • Glenn Close, Anna Kendrick, Tessa Thompson, and Amy Lee also posted protest clips on social media.
  • Kathy Griffin highlighted a photo of actress Morgan Fairchild protesting, writing, “Yep, that’s our gal.”

Protest Message: Defend Democracy

Demonstrators carried banners with messages invoking the Constitution and defending democratic norms. Many emphasized peaceful protest, love, and unity as core values in their pushback against Trump’s administration.

The military parade began at 6:30 p.m. ET in Washington as demonstrators across the country continued to make their voices heard.

Keep up with the Trump administration with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Gunman’s Target List Included Dozens of Minnesota Democrats, Sources Say

Que Onda Editorial
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Gunman’s Target List Included Dozens of Minnesota Democrats, Sources Say

Officers canvas the neighborhood after what police said was a targeted shooting in the area around Edinburgh Golf Course in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, June 14, 2025.

Ellen Schmidt/Reuters

The gunman responsible for Saturday’s deadly attacks on Minnesota lawmakers had compiled a hit list of Democratic officials, including high-profile leaders such as Gov. Tim Walz and U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, according to law enforcement sources.

List Recovered from Suspect’s Police-Style Vehicle

Authorities discovered the list inside a vehicle disguised to look like a police cruiser parked in the driveway of Rep. Melissa Hortman’s home, where she and her husband, Mark, were found fatally shot. The same list also included State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were both shot hours earlier at their home in Champlin.

Potential Motive: Anti-Abortion Extremism

Sources told ABC News the suspect may have been motivated by extreme anti-abortion views. Officials are still investigating the gunman’s background and ideology.

High-Ranking Democrats Among Intended Targets

Along with Walz and Omar, others named on the suspect’s list include U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Hortman, the former Speaker of the Minnesota House, and Hoffman, who chairs the Senate’s Human Services Committee, were the most immediate targets.

Security Tightened Amid Ongoing Manhunt

Authorities have increased protection for those named on the list. Capitol Police stated they are coordinating efforts with federal, state, and local agencies. Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for the suspect, who fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police outside Hortman’s home around 3:35 a.m.

Governor Condemns Political Violence

Gov. Walz, speaking at a news conference, called the attacks “a politically-motivated assassination attempt” and urged unity. “We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint,” he said. “We must stand united against all forms of violence.”

Brooklyn Park Remains Under Shelter-in-Place Order

With the suspect still at large, Brooklyn Park officials have issued a shelter-in-place order. Law enforcement continues to search the area and has warned residents not to open their doors to any individual officer unless confirmed through 911.

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

Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator and Wife Injured

Indira Zaldivar
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Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator and Wife Injured

Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed early Saturday in what Governor Tim Walz called “an act of targeted political violence.” State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot and wounded in a separate but related attack near Minneapolis.

Gunman Impersonated Police Officer

Authorities say the suspect impersonated a police officer, complete with vest, badge, Taser, and police-style vehicle. He opened fire on responding officers at Hortman’s home in Brooklyn Park after earlier shooting the Hoffmans in Champlin. The suspect escaped on foot and remains at large.

Victims Were Named on Suspect’s Target List

Police recovered a list from the suspect’s vehicle that included Hortman, Hoffman, and dozens of other Minnesota Democrats, such as Gov. Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. Sources say the shooter may have been driven by extreme anti-abortion views.

Tributes Pour In for Melissa Hortman

Governor Walz described Hortman as “a formidable public servant” and said, “She is irreplaceable.” Hortman had served as Minnesota House Speaker and most recently as DFL leader. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, a longtime friend, called her “the very best Speaker of the House that Minnesota has ever had.”

Sen. Hoffman and Wife Recovering After Surgery

Governor Walz said both Hoffman and his wife are recovering from surgery and that “we’re cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt.”

Increased Security and Shelter-in-Place Orders

Security has been increased for those named on the suspect’s list. Brooklyn Park remains under a shelter-in-place order, and residents have been urged not to open their doors to a lone officer without verifying through 911. Licensed officers are now patrolling in pairs.

National Reaction and Warnings

President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the violence. Walz urged the public to avoid political rallies until the suspect is caught, warning, “This threat remains active.”

Family Members Mourn Loss

Hortman’s sister-in-law told ABC News, “We loved them dearly. I hope they catch him and they get justice… It’s devastating.”

This is a developing story. Keep up with more updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities

Que Onda Editorial
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Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities

Israel launched a major airstrike Friday targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, reportedly killing several nuclear scientists and top military commanders.

According to Israeli officials, the operation struck key sites in Isfahan, damaging four critical buildings, including the Uranium Conversion Facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the damage but reported no radiation leaks.

Iran Responds with Missile Barrage

In retaliation, Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel. The strikes killed at least three people and injured 41, Israeli authorities confirmed. Air raid sirens were heard across Israeli cities, warning of further incoming attacks.

Netanyahu: ‘There’s More to Be Done’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement vowing continued action. “We paved the way to Tehran… our pilots over the skies of Tehran will deal blows to the Ayatollah regime that they cannot even imagine,” he said. Netanyahu claimed Iranian leaders were “already packing their bags.”

Death Toll Rises in Iran

Iranian officials said at least 78 people were killed and 320 injured in the Israeli strikes, which included the killing of over 20 high-ranking members of Iran’s security apparatus, according to the IDF.

Putin Offers Mediation in Call with Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke separately with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging de-escalation. During a call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin expressed Russia’s readiness to mediate.

U.S. Not Involved in Israeli Attack

A U.S. official told ABC News that the United States had no involvement in Israel’s operation and provided no military support.

Oman Confirms Diplomatic Talks Canceled

Oman’s Foreign Minister announced that indirect talks between Iran and the U.S., previously scheduled for Sunday, would not take place. Still, he emphasized that diplomacy remains the only path to lasting peace.

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

Mexico Demands Answers After Death of Citizen in ICE Custody

Que Onda Editorial
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Mexico Demands Answers After Death of Citizen in ICE Custody

Mexico is seeking legal action and transparency after the death of a Mexican national in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia.

Unresponsive in Cell, Declared Dead Hours Later

Jesús Molina-Veya, 45, was found unresponsive in his cell on June 7 with a ligature around his neck, according to ICE. Despite CPR efforts, he was transported to Phoebe Sumter Hospital in Americus, where he was pronounced dead later that evening.

Consulate Officials Report Denied Access

Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) has accused ICE of preventing its consular staff in Atlanta from speaking with detainees following Molina-Veya’s death. “The Consulate is analyzing the existing legal alternatives in this case,” the SRE stated, while also confirming communication with both ICE and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

President Sheinbaum Demands Full Investigation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on June 13 that her administration has asked ICE for details on the conditions surrounding Molina-Veya’s death and stressed the importance of a thorough investigation. “We always seek to ensure respect for the human rights of Mexicans abroad,” she said.

ICE Cites Criminal History

In a June 11 statement, ICE noted that Molina-Veya had a long criminal record, including arrests for DUI, drug possession, and child molestation. He had been deported several times since 1999 and was most recently convicted in April following a February arrest.

Pattern of Deaths at Stewart Detention Center

Molina-Veya is the second Mexican national to die this year in connection with the Stewart facility. In May, Abelardo Avellaneda-Delgado died while being transferred to the same center. The facility has faced growing criticism for alleged poor conditions and medical neglect.

Spike in ICE Deaths Raises Alarm

ICE has reported eight deaths in custody so far in 2025. That figure already accounts for 72% of all deaths in ICE custody reported in 2024, sparking renewed concern among immigrant rights advocates.

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

Texas Data Centers Turn to Natural Gas to Fuel the AI Boom

Edward Saenz
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Texas Data Centers Turn to Natural Gas to Fuel the AI Boom

AUSTIN, Texas — As artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency mining ramp up across Texas, data center operators are increasingly sidestepping the state’s electricity grid by building their own natural gas power plants on site. This trend raises pressing questions about energy reliability, environmental impact, and community balance.

⚡ Why the Shift to On-Site Natural Gas Plants?

Massive Energy Demands

  • Texas’s electricity needs are projected to nearly double by 2030, largely due to new data centers, AI systems, and crypto mining operations mrt.com+12tpr.org+12texasstandard.org+12.
  • Traditional grid upgrades can take years, making private gas plants a faster solution for uninterrupted power webpronews.com.

Speed and Control

  • On-site power ensures reliability and scalability, giving operators full control over their energy supply, free from grid constraints .
  • Companies are forming partnerships—such as CloudBurst and Energy Transfer—to build these dedicated facilities chron.com+15texastribune.org+15webpronews.com+15.

🌍 The Broader Expansion of Gas-Fired Plants

A Statewide Construction Boom

Environmental Concerns

🎯 Community Implications

Local Impact

  • Residents near proposed plants—like in New Braunfels—are voicing concerns over noise, pollution, and a changing landscape expressnews.com+3texastribune.org+3grist.org+3.
  • The scale of these sites—some producing more power than a major city—threatens local air quality and the rural character of nearby areas .

Grid Reliability vs. Sustainability

  • Texas’s grid operator, ERCOT, says the investment in gas plants, batteries, and even nuclear could help prevent outages; however, reliance on fossil fuels could hinder climate goals webpronews.com+11expressnews.com+11expressnews.com+11.
  • Lawmakers have proposed policies to regulate data center demands—such as requiring backup generators and environment-friendly infrastructure—but public sentiment remains mixed houstonchronicle.com+1expressnews.com+1.

🧩 Mixed Future Ahead

  • Data center developers emphasize the need for immediate, reliable power to support AI and crypto operations.
  • Energy planners recognize that gas plants fill a gap as renewable projects and grid connections lag.
  • Environmental advocates argue that Texas should invest more in clean energy—solar, wind, battery storage—to meet demand sustainably en.wikipedia.org+10webpronews.com+10en.wikipedia.org+10mrt.com+15chron.com+15webpronews.com+15.
  • Residents and communities continue to push back against new fossil fuel infrastructure near homes and rural areas.

🔎 Final Takeaway

Texas stands at a crossroads. The growth of AI, data processing, and digital infrastructure is reshaping power generation—from renewables to a major wave of new natural gas plants. The question now is whether the Lone Star State can balance innovation, energy reliability, environmental health, and community well-being—and whether it will turn to sustainable solutions or lean further into fossil fuels.

Dallas County on High Alert After Confirmed Measles Case

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Dallas County on High Alert After Confirmed Measles Case

A woman in her mid-20s has tested positive for measles in Dallas County, Texas, sparking concerns of widespread exposure in one of the most populous counties in the U.S.

Vaccinated But Contagious

Despite being fully vaccinated, the woman was contagious between May 30 and June 7. During that period, she visited Lemma Coffee in Plano on May 31 and attended First Baptist Church on June 1. Health officials are now working to identify and alert anyone who may have been exposed.

First Case in County Amid Ongoing Outbreak

This is the first confirmed case in Dallas County during a broader Texas outbreak, which has already seen 744 infections and two child deaths since January. Across the U.S., more than 1,100 cases have been confirmed this year, with three reported deaths.

CDC Issues Travel Warning

The CDC has warned travelers about potential exposure to measles in airports, public transportation, and crowded events. It strongly recommends full vaccination before any international travel to reduce the risk of infection and community spread.

What to Watch For

Early symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and white spots inside the mouth, followed by a red rash that spreads from the head down. In severe cases, measles can cause pneumonia or even death.

Vaccination Rates Falling Below Safe Levels

While the measles vaccine offers 97% protection, the country’s overall vaccination rate has dropped to 91%, below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. A study by Johns Hopkins University warned that falling vaccination rates could bring back measles as a common U.S. illness.

Health Officials Urge Action

Dallas officials are urging residents who may have been exposed to contact their healthcare providers and watch for symptoms. The source of the woman’s infection remains unknown, and the case is considered isolated for now.

For more on the measles outbreak, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

The End of the Texas Dream Act: What It Means for Students and the State

Edward Saenz
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The End of the Texas Dream Act: What It Means for Students and the State

AUSTIN, Texas — A law that once made Texas a national leader in supporting undocumented students is no more. This month, the Texas Dream Act—a measure that for over two decades helped thousands of young immigrants afford college—was struck down in federal court. The decision affects not only students and families but also the future of Texas’s workforce and economy.

What Was the Texas Dream Act?

Passed in 2001, the Texas Dream Act (officially House Bill 1403) allowed undocumented students who grew up in Texas to pay the same lower tuition rates as other Texas residents at public colleges and universities. To qualify, students had to:

  • Attend a Texas high school for at least three years
  • Graduate from a Texas high school
  • Sign a promise to apply for legal status as soon as they could

The law helped thousands of students, often called “Dreamers,” pursue careers in fields like nursing, teaching, and engineering.

What Changed in 2025?

In June 2025, a federal judge struck down the Texas Dream Act after a legal challenge. The U.S. Department of Justice and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argued that the law violated federal rules by offering benefits to undocumented immigrants that some U.S. citizens from other states couldn’t get.

Importantly, this wasn’t a decision made by Texas lawmakers—it happened through the courts. Some critics have called it a “back-door repeal”, because it ended a major policy without a public debate or a new law.

Who Is Affected?

The end of the Dream Act puts tens of thousands of students in a difficult position:

  • Many will now have to pay out-of-state tuition, which can cost three times more than in-state rates.
  • Some students may struggle to stay in school or graduate on time.
  • Families across Texas could face serious financial strain.

Texas universities don’t track students’ immigration status, so it’s unclear how quickly schools will adjust or how the change will be enforced.

What Does It Mean for Texas?

Supporters of the Dream Act warn that ending it could hurt Texas in several ways:

  • The state may lose millions of dollars in economic activity that comes from having more college graduates in the workforce.
  • Businesses could face a shortage of skilled workers.
  • Texas risks falling behind in innovation and job growth.

Immigrant families in Texas contribute billions in taxes each year, and many advocates argue that investing in their education benefits everyone.

What Happens Next?

Legal advocacy groups, including MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), are trying to challenge the court ruling. They’ve asked to step into the case on behalf of students who would be harmed by the repeal. But for now, the future of in-state tuition for undocumented students in Texas remains uncertain.

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

Edward Saenz
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0
BLAST.tv Austin Major: The World of Esports Hits Texas in a Big Way

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.

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