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Friday, June 19, 2026

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Tony Awards 2026 Bring Broadway’s Biggest Night to CBS and Paramount+

Tony Awards 2026 arrive Sunday night with Broadway’s top productions competing at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Grammy winner Pink will host the ceremony, which airs live on CBS and streams on Paramount+ from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern.

Broadway Prepares for a Competitive Night

The Associated Press reported Sunday that 24 Broadway shows hope to win at least one award across 26 Tony categories. For many productions, a Tony win can bring national attention, stronger ticket sales and a longer run.

This year’s field includes major musicals, revivals and plays. “The Lost Boys” and “Schmigadoon!” lead the nominations with 12 each. Meanwhile, the revival of “Ragtime” follows with 11 nominations.

“Death of a Salesman” also enters the night with nine nominations. As a result, the awards could spread across several high-profile productions.

The season’s nominees reflect Broadway’s mix of familiar titles and new interpretations. For example, “The Lost Boys” adapts the 1987 vampire film. “Schmigadoon!” draws from the Apple TV series that parodies classic Broadway musicals.

Pink Hosts for the First Time

Pink brings a major pop presence to this year’s Tony Awards. AP reported that she plans to open the show with a large production number. Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Mark Sonnenblick wrote the opening, which will feature about 170 people on stage.

The singer is known for athletic live performances. Therefore, the opening may include costume changes and wire work. Her role as host could also draw viewers who know her music but do not regularly follow Broadway.

The ceremony will air live to both U.S. coasts. In addition, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday that pre-show coverage will stream on Pluto TV. Tony nominee Laura Benanti and actor Tituss Burgess will host “Act One.”

History Could Be Made

One of the night’s closely watched nominees is June Squibb. At 96, Squibb became the oldest Tony-nominated actor in history, according to AP. If she wins, she would become the oldest Tony winner.

That record currently belongs to Lois Smith. She won in 2021 at age 90.

The awards also carry business weight. A strong Tony night can help a show gain momentum with tourists and local theatergoers. In turn, that attention can support future touring audiences.

Productions that win or perform on the telecast often reach viewers beyond New York. Consequently, the ceremony can shape which shows attract national interest over the next year.

Why It Matters Beyond Broadway

For Texas audiences, the Tonys can offer an early look at productions that may later tour through Houston, San Antonio, Austin or Dallas/Fort Worth. Award-winning shows often influence regional theater programming and national touring schedules.

The ceremony also highlights the workers behind live performance. Actors, musicians, designers, stage crews, writers, directors and producers all help shape Broadway’s impact.

Moreover, the awards show how live theater continues to compete in a crowded entertainment market. Streaming, concerts and sports all fight for attention. Still, Broadway uses the Tonys to remind audiences why live performance matters.

As the Tony Awards 2026 begin, Broadway will celebrate creativity, endurance and live storytelling. For theater fans watching from home, the night offers a glimpse of which shows may define the next year of American theater.

Houston World Cup Businesses Prepare for Major Crowds Before First Match

Houston World Cup businesses are preparing for a surge of visitors before the city’s first FIFA World Cup match. Restaurants, bars, hotels, retailers and entertainment venues are adding staff, stocking supplies and adjusting hours. As a result, many local operators expect seven matches to bring international crowds across the region.

Businesses Brace for a Visitor Surge

ABC13 reported Sunday that local businesses are preparing for large World Cup crowds. Houston’s first match takes place Sunday, June 14, when Germany faces Curaçao at Houston Stadium, the tournament name for NRG Stadium.

Houston will host matches from June 14 through July 4. The schedule includes group-stage games and knockout-round play. Therefore, the city will see several weeks of visitor traffic rather than one busy weekend.

The stadium area will see the most direct game-day traffic. However, visitors will also head to downtown, Midtown, EaDo, Montrose, the Galleria area and other restaurant and nightlife districts.

For many small businesses, the tournament creates a rare chance to reach customers from around the world. In addition, owners can expect larger reservations, longer service windows and higher demand for food and drinks. Parking, rideshare access and delivery timing may also require extra planning.

Regional Economic Impact

Houston leaders and business groups expect a major financial boost from the World Cup. Houston Public Media reported Sunday that the region expects about 500,000 visitors and more than $1.5 billion in economic activity. The report cited estimates from Partners, a Houston-based commercial real estate firm.

That spending could reach hotels, restaurants, shops, transportation providers and entertainment venues. Meanwhile, nearby cities also want to attract fans before and after matches.

Sugar Land is one example. Houston Public Media reported that the city is investing $2.5 million as a FIFA World Cup host city supporter. In turn, local officials hope to bring visitor spending into Fort Bend County and connect the broader Houston area to the tournament.

Planning Beyond Game Day

The World Cup will not only affect the stadium. Fans will gather for watch parties, restaurant specials and neighborhood events. Because of that, businesses may need to prepare for shifting traffic throughout the day.

Public safety planning is also underway. Axios reported that Houston approved a $5.4 million contract with Acadian Ambulance Service to add emergency medical support. The plan includes 50 ambulances on call during the tournament period.

City officials say the added coverage will support visitors and residents. Additionally, the extra EMS capacity could help Houston during future major events and emergencies.

Transportation will remain a major concern. Fans may use MetroRail, buses, rideshare services and private vehicles. Consequently, businesses near major corridors should prepare for heavier traffic and possible delays.

A Global Stage for Houston

The World Cup will put Houston in front of a global audience. Fans will arrive from Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America and other regions. At the same time, Houston’s immigrant communities, food scene and multilingual culture give the city a strong chance to stand out.

The tournament could become both a sports event and a cultural showcase. For Hispanic and Latino communities, soccer carries deep family and neighborhood ties. Even residents who do not attend matches may join watch parties or local gatherings.

As Houston enters the final countdown, businesses are moving from planning to action. The coming weeks will test the city’s hospitality, transit and public safety systems. More importantly, they will give Houston a chance to welcome the world with energy, service and community pride.

Monaco GP 2026: Antonelli Wins Chaotic Race as Mercedes Extends Lead

The Monaco GP 2026 delivered drama on the streets of Monte Carlo, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli taking a commanding victory in one of the season’s most eventful races. Lewis Hamilton finished second for Ferrari, while Isack Hadjar completed the podium for Red Bull after late penalties reshaped the final order.

Antonelli Controls the Race From Pole

Antonelli started from pole position and held the lead into the first corner, setting the tone for a composed performance on Formula 1’s tightest and most unforgiving circuit. The win marked his fifth victory of the 2026 season and strengthened his position at the top of the Drivers’ Championship.

The Mercedes driver avoided the mistakes and mechanical trouble that affected several rivals. His teammate George Russell, however, finished outside the points after penalties and a difficult race.

Verstappen and Norris Suffer Major Retirements

Max Verstappen’s race unraveled almost immediately after a problem at the start dropped him through the field. The Red Bull driver later retired, marking one of the biggest shocks of the afternoon.

Lando Norris also failed to finish after power issues ended his race. The result was a setback for McLaren and opened the door for other teams to gain valuable points in a race where track position and reliability proved decisive.

Late Crashes Bring Safety Car and Red Flag

The closing stages brought more chaos when Lance Stroll crashed at the final corner, triggering a Safety Car. Soon after, Charles Leclerc crashed in the same area, forcing a red flag as officials inspected the track surface.

The restart changed the final order, with Pierre Gasly dropping back after penalties despite finishing ahead of Hadjar on track. Oscar Piastri finished fourth, followed by Liam Lawson in fifth and Arvid Lindblad in sixth.

Monaco Delivers Another Defining Moment

The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix reinforced the circuit’s reputation as one of Formula 1’s most demanding races. Passing remained difficult, but strategy, penalties, retirements and late-race pressure created a dramatic result.

Scary Movie Leads as Horror Keeps Driving Summer Crowds

The latest box office news shows horror and comedy continuing to power movie theaters as June begins. As of Saturday, June 6, “Scary Movie” is tracking for a No. 1 domestic debut while last weekend’s breakout hit “Backrooms” remains a major draw.

Scary Movie Returns With a Strong Start

Paramount and Miramax’s new “Scary Movie” is expected to open around $52.7 million for the weekend after earning about $23.5 million from Thursday previews and Friday sales.

The return of the spoof franchise appears to be benefiting from nostalgia, the Wayans family’s involvement, and the current popularity of horror titles. Earlier weekend tracking had projected a $45 million to $55 million opening.

Backrooms Extends Its Breakout Run

“Backrooms,” released by A24, shocked the industry last weekend with an $81.4 million domestic opening. Its domestic total had reached about $117.1 million by Friday.

The film, based on an internet horror concept and directed by YouTube creator Kane Parsons, has become one of the year’s biggest surprise hits. The movie reportedly cost about $10 million to produce and has drawn a young audience, with most viewers under 35.

Masters of the Universe Faces a Tough Opening

Amazon MGM’s “Masters of the Universe” is opening below “Scary Movie,” with estimates around $31 million for the weekend. The result puts the He-Man revival in a competitive but challenging position, especially given its large production budget and the crowded marketplace.

The weekend also includes continued strength from “Obsession” and interest in “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act,” adding to a summer box office shaped by younger audiences, online fandoms, and genre films.

Weston Higginbotham, Missing Auburn Student, Found Dead In Japan

Weston Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student who went missing during a family trip to Japan, has been found dead outside Kyoto. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news Saturday after days of searching in mountainous terrain.

Search Ends In Tragedy

James “Weston” Higginbotham had been missing since May 29 while visiting Japan with his parents and brother. The family had been in Kyoto when he separated from them and went out on his own.

His body was found by a volunteer search-and-rescue group in a mountainous area outside the city. A cause of death has not been released.

The search had drawn attention in the United States and Japan as family members, local authorities and volunteers worked to find him. Search teams used police officers, K-9 units and helicopters while combing wooded areas and hiking trails near Kyoto.

A Family Trip Turns Heartbreaking

Higginbotham was a junior at Auburn University in Alabama, where he studied biosystems engineering. He was from Hoover, Alabama.

His family had traveled to Japan to celebrate his younger brother’s academic achievement. They had visited Tokyo and other areas before arriving in Kyoto.

After Higginbotham stopped responding to messages and his phone location was turned off, his parents reported him missing. Authorities reviewed surveillance footage, followed his movements and searched areas where they believed he may have gone hiking.

Family Asks For Privacy

In a public message, Higginbotham’s mother thanked the people in the United States, Japan and around the world who shared his story, prayed for the family and helped in the search.

She said the family is grateful for the time they had with Weston, but is now facing an unimaginable loss.

The family has asked for privacy as they grieve.

New York Escapes San Antonio With 105-104 Win

The Knicks vs Spurs Game 2 matchup gave NBA fans in Texas a Finals finish worth talking about all weekend. New York edged San Antonio 105-104 Friday night, taking a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals and sending the series to Madison Square Garden.

A Painful Finish For San Antonio

The Spurs had a chance to complete a late comeback at Frost Bank Center, but the final seconds slipped away. Victor Wembanyama turned the ball over with the game tied, and Jalen Brunson hit the go-ahead free throw with 9.5 seconds left.

San Antonio still had one last shot. De’Aaron Fox helped set up Wembanyama for a potential game-winner, but the jumper missed as time expired.

For Spurs fans, it was a tough ending after the team had erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Knicks Keep Finding A Way

New York did not have a perfect night, but the Knicks again showed the toughness that has defined their playoff run. Brunson struggled with his shot for much of the game, yet delivered when the moment got tight.

Karl-Anthony Towns added a strong inside presence, while Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Landry Shamet and Mitchell Robinson gave New York key support.

The Knicks now return home with a 2-0 series lead and a 13-game playoff winning streak, putting them two wins away from their first NBA title in decades.

Wembanyama And Spurs Look Ahead

Wembanyama finished with 29 points, while Fox scored 20 for San Antonio. The Spurs showed fight, especially in the fourth quarter, but now face a difficult road.

After the game, Wembanyama kept the focus forward, saying the team was already thinking about Game 3.

For San Antonio, the message is simple: respond quickly or watch the series slip further away.

Game 3 Moves To New York

Game 3 is set for Monday night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks will have the crowd, the momentum and a chance to move within one win of the championship.

But for Spurs fans across Texas, there is still belief. San Antonio has young talent, star power and enough fight to make this series interesting if it can clean up the late-game mistakes.

Woman stabs man to death during argument in southeast Houston apartment, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A woman is accused of stabbing a man to death on Friday morning inside an apartment in southeast Houston.

Houston Police Department officers responded to the scene at the Wesley Square Apartments on Calhoun Road near the South Loop just before 2:30 a.m.

According to investigators, a man and a woman were arguing inside an apartment when the woman allegedly stabbed the man.

The man was then carried out about 100 yards from the apartment, HPD said, where people tried to help him before first responders arrived. The man was then taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries, police added.

HPD said three children were inside the apartment when the stabbing happened, though they did not say what ages.

Crime scene investigators told ABC13 that no one is in custody at this point.

It’s unclear who moved the man out of the apartment and whether the woman will be arrested, as police said they are still interviewing witnesses.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Men’s Health Month: Ways to Prevent Chronic Diseases

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HOUSTON, Texas — June is Men’s Health Month, and health officials are encouraging men across Harris County to take proactive steps toward better health through regular screenings, preventive care, and healthy lifestyle choices.

According to Harris County Public Health, men typically live about six years less than women and are more likely to die from preventable conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

Key Health Risks Facing Men

Data from Harris County highlights several health concerns affecting local men:

  • Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men.
  • Hypertension is more common in men and increases the risk of stroke and kidney disease.
  • Prostate cancer continues to disproportionately affect Black men, who experience the highest incidence and mortality rates.
  • Lung cancer rates remain significantly higher among men than women.

Health experts say routine screenings can help detect many of these conditions before symptoms appear, improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Steps Men Can Take Today

HCPH recommends several simple but effective ways to improve long-term health:

  • Schedule annual wellness exams and preventive screenings.
  • Discuss prostate cancer screening with a healthcare provider, especially if over age 50 or at higher risk.
  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
  • Prioritize quality sleep and stress management.
  • Avoid tobacco products and limit unhealthy habits.

Local Resources Available in Harris County

Harris County Public Health offers low-cost and preventive health services, including:

  • Wellness checkups and physical exams
  • Prostate cancer screenings and referrals
  • Diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure screenings
  • HIV testing and prevention services
  • STI testing and treatment
  • Mental health screenings
  • Nutrition counseling and family planning services

Residents can also access programs focused on diabetes prevention, tobacco cessation, asthma management, nutrition, and physical activity.

For more health guidelines and recommendations, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Anthropic Warns Self-Improving AI Could Outpace Human Control

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SAN FRANCISCO — Artificial intelligence company Anthropic is warning that AI technology may soon advance to a point where systems can improve themselves without human involvement, potentially creating risks that society is not prepared to manage.

In a new blog post, Anthropic leaders Marina Favaro and co-founder Jack Clark said the industry is approaching what is known as “full recursive self-improvement,” where AI systems could build more advanced versions of themselves.

While such technology could accelerate scientific and medical breakthroughs, the authors warned it could also make it harder for humans to monitor, secure and control AI behavior.

Anthropic is urging AI companies to develop safeguards — described by Clark as a “brake pedal” for AI development — and consider slowing or temporarily pausing work on the most advanced systems until researchers better understand the potential risks.

Speaking with CNN, Clark compared the current pace of AI development to driving a car with only an accelerator. “All I have is a gas pedal,” he said. “I don’t have a brake pedal.”

The warning comes as competition intensifies among major AI developers, including OpenAI and SpaceX, which are investing billions of dollars in AI infrastructure and research.

Despite fierce competition, Clark argued that cooperation among companies is possible, comparing the challenge to international efforts that helped manage nuclear risks during the Cold War.

Anthropic recently filed confidential paperwork for a public stock offering, a move expected to help fund future AI development and computing infrastructure.

For more AI news and updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston-area ranchers worry about reemergence of screwworm

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A flesh-eating parasite that was eradicated from the United States decades ago has been detected in Texas for the first time since 1966, prompting an aggressive response from state and federal agriculture officials.

The New World Screwworm was found in the umbilical area of a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, southwest of San Antonio, according to agriculture officials. The discovery has alarmed ranchers and livestock producers who fear the parasite could further strain an already struggling cattle industry.

Officials have established a 20-kilometer control zone around the detection site and implemented quarantines, movement restrictions and increased surveillance. Authorities are also releasing millions of sterile New World screwworm flies to suppress the population.

The parasite’s larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, female flies lay eggs in open wounds, and the emerging larvae burrow into and consume healthy tissue.

“It’s very scary. The screwworm is a nasty critter,” said Ray Law, owner of Law Ranch Cattle Company in Crosby.

Law said the timing could not be worse for cattle producers, who are already facing high cattle prices and shortages in beef cows.

“They like to get into the navel of newborn calves, and it is really nasty because they eat the animal alive,” Law said.

Law said widespread government intervention is necessary to stop the parasite from spreading.

“The best method is releasing sterile males,” he said. “A female can only mate one time. If she mates with an infertile male, she can’t produce offspring.”

Agriculture officials said no additional detections of the parasite have been reported in the United States. They also emphasized that the screwworm does not infest food products.

Texas health officials are urging residents and livestock owners to remain alert for signs of infestation. Gov. Greg Abbott said state officials will provide an update on the response during a news conference scheduled for Friday morning in Austin.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.