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Houston announces Freedom Over Texas lineup and details

Que Onda Editorial
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Houston announces Freedom Over Texas lineup and details

This year’s Freedom Over Texas event promises to be more accessible than ever, with city officials focusing on inclusivity for all attendees for the festivity scheduled for the Fourth of July.

Cashless Convenience

Most vendors will go cashless, so leave the bulk of your cash at home.

Fireworks and Live Music

As always, the celebration will end with a dazzling fireworks display following the live performances, maintaining the tradition that festivalgoers have come to expect.

Star-Studded Musical Lineup

In anticipation of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026, Houston is rolling out the red carpet for top country talent. Multi-platinum artist Lee Brice will headline the main stage, returning to Freedom Over Texas after his 2021 appearance. Brice is known for hits like “One of Them Girls,” “I Don’t Dance,” and “Hard to Love,” with over 10 billion streams to his name. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde, celebrated for her albums Girl Going Nowhere and The Devil I Know, will open the show.

Mayor John Whitmire called this lineup “a cherished tradition for many Houston families,” promising a bigger, more exciting, and unforgettable celebration for all.

Activities at Eleanor Tinsley Park

Bud Light Bayou Bash
Enjoy a tropical beer garden atmosphere with prime stage views and the grand fireworks finale.

Dr Pepper Flavor Zone
Sip on floats, meet Houston’s pro sports teams, and dance to live music at the Dr Pepper Stage.

Red, White & Play Kids Zone
Face painting, interactive games, and DJ London’s beats await kids of all ages, alongside performances by G.W. Carver High School’s Dance Team.

Liberty Park
Salute the military and first responders with exhibits, military vehicles, and photo ops that honor America’s heroes.

Tickets and Parking

Admission is $10 per person; children 5 and under are free. Purchase tickets online at the Freedom Over Texas page or at the gates on the day of the event.

Parking is available for a fee at the Hobby Center Garage (800 Bagby Street) and Theater District garages on Rusk between Bagby and Smith.

Road Closures to Note

Plan ahead—several roads will be closed from Wednesday, July 2 through Saturday, July 5, including key sections of Allen Parkway, Sabine Street, and Memorial Drive. The Buffalo Bayou Waterway will also close from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4 between Capitol Street Bridge and Montrose Boulevard.

About Freedom Over Texas

Celebrated at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks along Buffalo Bayou, Freedom Over Texas draws around 50,000 attendees each year. The event also supports the Houston Food Bank through a percentage of food and beverage sales. ABC13 is the exclusive television sponsor, bringing the entire celebration to your screens.

Where to watch?

As you enjoy the Fourth of July holiday from home, tune in to our news partner ABC13 Houston, to enjoy the televised event exclusively on channel 13.

For more on cultural events, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Nice weekend continues with the small chance for a big storm Sunday

ABC13 Houston
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Nice weekend continues with the small chance for a big storm Sunday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Humidity levels will begin to creep back up Sunday for a summer-like start to June. There’s also the small chance for a big storm on Sunday in portions of Southeast Texas.

High temperatures will climb into the low 90s under a mostly sunny sky Sunday. There is the chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms to develop in the afternoon and evening and track from north of south across Southeast Texas. Hail, damaging winds and an isolated tornado cant be ruled out if a storm were to become severe Sunday. The overall storm coverage will stay around 40%, so not everyone will see a storm.

What’s the latest on the storm threat for Sunday?

Portions of Southeast Texas are within the Storm Prediction Center’s severe weather outlook for Sunday. A Marginal to Slight risk that storms could be strong to severe, with large hail being the primary threat for areas north of Houston. Timing looks to be early afternoon through late evening. And though most of these storms will be isolated and individual in nature, a few clusters of storms could also track south into the region and make it to the coast before weakening. Best keep an eye on 13 Alert Radar if you have outdoor plans Sunday.

How about the outlook for the first full week of June?

It’s definitely going to feel like summer next week! Our Gulf Coast humidity will be back next week and lead to humid mornings and steamy afternoons. Afternoon highs will consistently be in the low-mid 90s each day and we can’t necessarily rule out a stray shower or storm any day next week.

Hurricane season begins Sunday. What can we expect this season?

Hurricane season begins on June 1, and this year we are anticipating another active one. Both hurricane outlooks from NOAA and Colorado State University predict an above-normal season. But at this time, the tropics are quiet heading into the 2025 season with several plumes of Saharan Dust limiting tropical activity for now.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

FDA Approves New Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Edward Saenz
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FDA Approves New Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Moderna’s latest COVID-19 vaccine for adults 65 and older and for individuals aged 12 to 64 with at least one underlying condition that puts them at higher risk of severe illness.

First Approval Under New Standards

This marks the first COVID-19 vaccine approval since the FDA tightened its standards, requiring drugmakers to conduct more studies before approving updated vaccines for healthy adults under 65.

New Vaccine Restrictions

Under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., regulators are now restricting COVID vaccines, including no longer recommending them for healthy children and pregnant women.

Moderna’s Statement

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel emphasized that COVID-19 remains a serious public health threat, with over 47,000 American deaths last year. He called the approval “an important new tool to help protect people at high risk of severe disease from COVID-19.”

New Vaccine Data and Availability

The vaccine, named mNEXSPIKE, is expected to be available for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. In a Phase 3 trial of approximately 11,400 participants, mNEXSPIKE demonstrated a 9.3% higher efficacy in those 12 and older and a 13.5% higher efficacy in adults 65 and older compared to the original Spikevax.

Keep up with updates on this story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Drier air moves in for the start of the weekend but a chance for storms return Sunday

ABC13 Houston
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Drier air moves in for the start of the weekend but a chance for storms return Sunday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We have slightly lower humidity to enjoy Saturday in the wake of Friday’s front. This will limit any rain chances to just a stray shower or two.

Sunday will bring hotter temperatures and a few showers with isolated storms. We currently have a 30% chance of storms on Sunday, with a chance for an isolated severe storm, especially in our northern-most counties.

How does next week look?

Summer’ish. We’ll be in a typical summer-like pattern next week, with high temperatures in the low 90s and about a 20% chance of an afternoon thunderstorm or shower every day.

Hurricane season begins Sunday. What can we expect this season?

Hurricane season begins on June 1, and this year we are anticipating another active one. Both hurricane outlooks from NOAA and Colorado State University predict an above-normal season. From NOAA specifically, the prediction is 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and possibly three to five major hurricanes. Two big reasons are the lack of an El Niño or La Niña and the trend of seeing warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures. And while these outlooks aren’t landfall forecasts for the United States, given these conditions, there is the possibility for storms to move into the Gulf this year.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Biden Shares Optimism After Cancer Diagnosis

Que Onda Editorial
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Biden Shares Optimism After Cancer Diagnosis

After announcing he had been diagnosed with “aggressive” prostate cancer, former President Joe Biden spoke publicly for the first time on Friday, expressing confidence about his treatment and recovery.

“I Feel Good,” Biden Says

Speaking to reporters after a veterans memorial event in Delaware, Biden said, “Well, the prognosis is good. You know, we’re working on everything. It’s moving along. So, I feel good.” He confirmed that his treatment includes medications and emphasized, “My bones are strong. It hasn’t penetrated, so I’m feeling good.”

Family Support and Leading Doctors

Biden said his family is also optimistic, noting that “one of the leading surgeons in the world” is working with him. Despite the cancer’s metastasis to the bone, he remains hopeful.

Responding to Critics

When asked about concerns over his mental and physical fitness, Biden joked, “You can see that—I’m mentally incompetent and I can’t walk,” before clarifying that he was being sarcastic. Regarding Democrats who say he shouldn’t have run again, Biden responded, “Why didn’t they run against me then? Because I’d have beaten them,” adding that he has no regrets.

Memorial Day Reflections

At the Veterans Memorial Park in New Castle, Delaware, Biden delivered heartfelt remarks honoring fallen service members and marking the 10th anniversary of his son Beau’s death from brain cancer. “Memorial Day is about something profound,” he said. “Our politics have become so divided and so bitter, but our troops don’t wear a uniform that says Democrat or Republican; it says American.”

Honoring Beau Biden

Biden reflected on Beau’s military service, his time in Iraq, and the honor of pinning bars on his son’s uniform. He acknowledged the pain of Memorial Day, saying, “It’s a hard day,” and assured attendees they’re not alone in their grief.

A Commitment to Veterans

Biden spoke passionately about supporting veterans, saying, “Let’s renew our pledge to honor our heroes,” and criticized claims that veterans seek “too much.” He emphasized his commitment to legislation supporting Gold Star families and veterans’ services.

Defending His Record

Biden also responded to recent claims in the book Original Sin that allege physical and mental impairments while he was in office. He dismissed those allegations, stating, “They are wrong. There’s nothing to sustain that,” and emphasized that nothing in the book suggests he didn’t do his job.

For more on Biden’s prognosis, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Summer 2025 Forecast: A Hot Season Ahead

Indira Zaldivar
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Summer 2025 Forecast: A Hot Season Ahead

Meteorologists warn that summer is just around the corner—and it’s shaping up to be a scorcher. June 1 marks the beginning of meteorological summer, the start of the three hottest months of the year, even though the calendar officially says spring until June 20.

Hotter-Than-Normal Temperatures Expected Nationwide

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center and other private forecasters predict above-normal temperatures across the U.S. Johnna Infanti, a NOAA meteorologist, said model guidance is “overwhelmingly above normal across the U.S. and most of Alaska.” No region is expected to see cooler-than-average weather. This heat will impact cooling bills, increase wildfire risk, and raise the danger of heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Where Will It Be Hottest?

Expect particularly high temperatures in the West, Southwest, Florida, and New England.

Rainfall and Drought Outlook

A hotter and drier pattern is forecast for much of the country, according to DTN meteorologist John Baranick. The Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Great Plains are likely to see below-normal precipitation, with drought persisting or expanding. The East Coast and Southwest may see wetter-than-normal conditions, offering some drought relief in the East later in June.

Wildfire Risks This Summer

The National Interagency Coordination Center forecasts a higher risk of significant wildfires in several areas. In June, that risk is highest in the coastal Southeast, central Texas, the Four Corners, and parts of California and the Pacific Northwest. By July and August, the fire risk shifts to Hawaii, the Southern Plains, and areas of the Great Basin, California, and the Northwest.

Smoke from Canada Could Impact U.S. Air Quality

Canadian wildfires could bring smoke to the northwestern and north-central U.S. throughout the summer, exacerbating health concerns related to poor air quality, warned AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok.

The Eras Complete: Taylor Swift Reclaims Her Masters and Creative Legacy

Michael Esparza
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The Eras Complete: Taylor Swift Reclaims Her Masters and Creative Legacy

Taylor Swift has achieved a milestone long sought after by artists worldwide: she now owns the master recordings of her first six albums, reclaiming control over the body of work that made her a global superstar. This landmark moment, announced on May 30, 2025, marks the culmination of a six-year saga that transformed the conversation around artistic ownership in the music industry.

The Origins of the Dispute

Swift’s journey began in Nashville at age 14, when she signed with Big Machine Records. As was standard in the pre-streaming era, the label retained ownership of the master recordings in exchange for financing her early career. Swift’s contract with Big Machine ended in 2018, but the rights to her first six albums—Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation—remained with the label.

In June 2019, music executive Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings acquired Big Machine, including Swift’s masters, for an estimated $300 million. Swift publicly objected, citing years of personal and professional conflict with Braun and expressing dismay that she was not given the opportunity to buy her own work.

“All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I’ve received at his hands for years,” Swift said at the time, calling the sale her “worst-case scenario”.

The Fight for Ownership

Unable to regain her masters directly, Swift launched a bold strategy: re-recording her first six albums as “Taylor’s Version.” This move allowed her to control new recordings of her songs, reducing the value of the originals and giving fans an alternative to support her ownership. Over the next several years, she released four re-recorded albums, each with bonus content, while continuing to campaign for artists’ rights.

In 2020, Braun sold Swift’s masters to Shamrock Capital, a private equity firm, for a reported $300–$360 million. Swift revealed she had tried to negotiate with Braun but was asked to sign an “ironclad NDA” that would prevent her from speaking negatively about him, which she refused.

The Final Victory: Buying Back Her Masters

On May 30, 2025, Swift announced that she had purchased her masters from Shamrock Capital, finally gaining full control over her original recordings, music videos, concert films, album art, photography, and unreleased tracks. While the exact purchase price remains undisclosed, sources estimate it closely matches Shamrock’s original acquisition cost, around $360 million.

“All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs… to me,” Swift wrote in an emotional letter to fans. “I can finally say these words: All of the music I ever created… now belongs… to me. And all my music videos. All the concert films. The album art and photography. The unreleased songs. The memories. The magic. The madness. Every single era. My entire life’s work”.

Swift credited her fans and the success of her “Taylor’s Version” albums and the record-breaking Eras Tour for making this moment possible.

What This Means for Artists and the Industry

Owning her masters gives Swift complete autonomy over the use, distribution, and licensing of her music—a right most artists have historically lacked. She can now decide if her songs appear in films, commercials, or video games, and she alone benefits from their continued success. This victory is seen as a watershed moment for artist rights, inspiring others to seek greater control over their work.

Taylor Swift’s acquisition of her masters is more than a personal triumph; it is a turning point in the music industry’s approach to artist ownership. Through determination, business savvy, and public advocacy, Swift has set a new precedent for creative control, ensuring that her legacy—and her life’s work—remains truly hers.

Read Taylor’s personal letter on her webiste The Official Website of Taylor Swift

Trump Administration Deported Venezuelans Without U.S. Convictions, Records Reveal

Que Onda Editorial
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Trump Administration Deported Venezuelans Without U.S. Convictions, Records Reveal

Newly obtained Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data shows that the Trump administration deported 238 Venezuelan men to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador—despite knowing that more than half had no criminal record in the U.S.

Deportation Amid Controversy

In March 2025, these Venezuelan immigrants were branded as “terrorists” and forcibly removed under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Officials claimed they belonged to Tren de Aragua, a violent gang, yet government data reveals that only 32 of them had U.S. convictions—mostly for minor offenses like retail theft and traffic violations.

Few Violent Offenses, Many with None

Of the deported group, only six had been convicted of violent crimes in the U.S. Moreover, 130 were found to have no criminal record beyond immigration violations.

“Many of these people had no due process,” Lee Gelernt, lead attorney with the ACLU, told the Texas Tribune calling the deportations “a fundamental violation of due process.”

Discrepancies in Gang Allegations

Although DHS claimed tattoos and social media posts were evidence of gang ties, no deportees matched known gang member lists from Interpol or Venezuelan police. Law enforcement experts emphasized that tattoos are unreliable indicators of gang affiliation.

Political Motivations

Immigration experts noted that the administration appeared to use the deportations to bolster its anti-immigrant narrative.

“There’s a gap between rhetoric and reality,” said John Sandweg, former acting director of ICE.

Personal Stories of Loss

Families were left reeling. Leidys Trejo Solórzano said her brother, Leonardo José Colmenares Solórzano, was a youth soccer coach with no criminal record.

“Even talking about it is hard for me,” she told the Texas Tribune.

Ongoing Legal Challenges

Legal battles are underway, with courts examining the administration’s authority to deport immigrants without trial. The controversy also highlights concerns over indefinite detention and potential suspension of habeas corpus rights.

Conclusion

Despite administration claims, DHS data shows that most deported Venezuelans were not dangerous criminals, raising questions about the true motives behind their removal and the human toll of immigration enforcement.

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

Fugitive Friday: Crime Stoppers seeks help locating the following fugitives

Que Onda Editorial
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Fugitive Friday: Crime Stoppers seeks help locating the following fugitives

HOUSTON – In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help locating the following individuals that have active Felony and/or Misdemeanor Warrants. 

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of the suspects featured. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

All warrants are active at the time this post was created and is subject to change. Crime Stoppers of Houston is not making any legal claims that this is the most current legal status. 

The wording in this press release is intentional and may have legal implications. Please ensure that the reward information paragraph above remains unchanged.

AUSTIN JEFFREY MIKAEL BAKER

W/M      6’04”/170 Lbs.      Bln/Blu
Warrant #: 1914488
EVADING ARREST/DETENTION W/VEH
Last known location: Houston Texas

NELSON BROWN

B/M      5’09”/155 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1901618
UNL POSS FIREARM BY FELON
Last known location: Houston Texas

JANICE MARIE CELESTINE

B/F      5’04”/206 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1913276
THEFT <$2,500 2/MORE PREV CONV
Last known location: Houston Texas

SAKIA DENISE DAVIS

B/F      5’02”/202 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1915416
ENGAGING IN ORG CRIMINAL ACTIV
Last known location: Houston Texas

JENNIFER MARIE GALLEGOS

W/F      5’02”/150 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1915092
THEFT <$2,500 2/MORE PREV CONV
Last known location: Houston Texas

TAYLOR GLEN HAYDEL

W/M      5’08”/165 Lbs.      Bro/Grn
Warrant #: 1905567
THEFT >=2,500 <30,000
Last known location: Houston Texas
 

ANGELA MACE HEILIGER

W/F      5’02”/100 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1880238
DWI THIRD
Last known location: Houston Texas

PHILLIP JAMES-LEWIS KING

B/M      6’04”/305 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1902116
SOLICIT PROST/OTHER PAYOR
Last known location: Pearland Texas

JOSE ORTIZ

W/M      5’07”/180 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1900681
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF >=$2,500<30K
Last known location: New Caney Texas

JAMIE ALLISON WARREN

W/F      5’05”/140 Lbs.      Bro/Blu
Warrant #: 1908914
BURGLARY OF HABITATION
Last known location: Houston Texas

Things you should know about the Crime Stoppers Tip Line Program:

  • Crime Stoppers will NEVER ask you for your name, phone number, address, or any other information that could identify you.
  • We do not record phone calls or have caller id. No one will know you called us unless you tell them.
  • Once you give us your tip, you will be given a code number. This is the only way Crime Stoppers can identify you.
  • You need to remember this number and provide it when you call back to check the status of your tip.
  • CRIME STOPPERS CANNOT CALL YOU with the status because we don’t ask for your phone number.
  • When you call back with your code number, we will let you know if your tip helped law enforcement arrest or charge a felony suspect/fugitive. If it did, we will give you instructions to go to a specific bank on a certain date to pick up your cash reward. You will not be asked to show any id and the money you get does not have to be reported to anyone.
  • Crime Stoppers may pay cash rewards of up to $5,000 on serious crime in the Greater Houston Area. There may be increased rewards available. 
  • The only requirement is you must report your tip directly to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line.

There are 3 ways to report anonymously:

  • By phone by calling 713-222-TIPS(8477)
  • By using our mobile app called Crime Stoppers Houston – download here Crime Stoppers Houston on the App Store OR Crime Stoppers Houston – Apps on Google Play
  • Online at Tip Form

Texas Legislature Approves $8.5 Billion Boost for Public Schools

Edward Saenz
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Texas Legislature Approves $8.5 Billion Boost for Public Schools

The Texas Legislature has passed House Bill 2, providing an $8.5 billion increase in funding for public schools — the largest boost in years.

Key Priorities Funded

HB 2 focuses on salaries for teachers and staff, special education, early childhood education, school safety, and operational costs. Lawmakers finalized the package after weeks of negotiations between the House and Senate.

Raises and Supports for Educators

The bill includes raises of up to $8,000 for teachers, with adjustments based on experience and district size. Schools will also get funding to expand the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, rewarding teachers who show student progress.

Additional Funding, But Not Enough?

Districts will receive $55 per student in basic funding — far below the $395 originally proposed — leaving many school officials concerned about keeping up with inflation.

Addressing Long-Standing Challenges

Beyond raises, HB 2 sets aside funds to help districts cover transportation, utilities, insurance, and other operational costs, plus supports for counselors, librarians, and nurses.

New Programs and Special Education

The legislation also overhauls Texas’ special education funding, launches new mentorship and educator preparation programs, and boosts pre-K and learning disability identification efforts.

Historic Context

This funding package follows years of stagnant support since 2019. Lawmakers delayed significant increases amid debates over vouchers. HB 2 comes after a heated legislative session where vouchers were approved alongside new funding.

Next Steps

Gov. Greg Abbott has pledged to sign the bill into law. Once signed, school districts can begin planning for long-overdue raises and resources to meet their growing needs.

Keep up with the Texas Legislature along with us on Que Onda Magazine.

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