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Colombia Increases Film Tax Credits to Record $90 Million for 2026

Michael Esparza
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Colombia Increases Film Tax Credits to Record $90 Million for 2026

Colombia will allocate a record COP 350 billion, or about $90 million, in tax credits for foreign film, television and video game productions in 2026, marking a 49% increase from 2025. The expanded budget is the largest in the history of the country’s Audiovisual Investment Certificate (CINA) program.

Confidence in Growing Audiovisual Sector

The Colombia Film Commission said the increase reflects government confidence in the continued growth of the audiovisual industry and the success of incentives in attracting international productions. The 2025 CINA budget was fully allocated by September, following what officials described as a record year.

How the Incentives Work

CINA offers foreign productions a transferable tax credit worth 35% of eligible audiovisual and logistical expenses incurred in Colombia. A separate incentive, the Colombia Film Fund, provides cash rebates of up to 40% on audiovisual services and 20% on logistics.

Global Productions Drawn to Colombia

Since its launch, CINA has supported more than 165 international projects, generating over $860 million in investment and creating more than 130,000 direct jobs. Recent beneficiaries include productions for Netflix, Amazon and Disney+, with upcoming releases such as One Hundred Years of Solitude season 2 and The Night Manager season 2.

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

U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes on ISIS in Syria

Edward Saenz
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U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes on ISIS in Syria

The U.S. military carried out large-scale retaliatory strikes Friday against dozens of ISIS targets in Syria following the killing of three Americans in an ambush last weekend, according to U.S. officials.

Operation Hawkeye Strike

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation, dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, targeted ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites in response to a Dec. 13 attack near Palmyra, Syria. U.S. Central Command said more than 70 ISIS targets were struck using about 100 munitions.

The strikes involved F-15 and A-10 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters and HIMARS rocket artillery, with Jordanian fighter aircraft also participating.

Response to Deadly Ambush

The retaliatory action followed the deaths of two Iowa National Guardsmen and a U.S. civilian interpreter, who were killed by a lone ISIS gunman during a key leader engagement. Three additional Guardsmen were wounded in the attack. The gunman was later killed, according to CENTCOM.

President Donald Trump said the strikes were delivering “very serious retaliation” against ISIS strongholds in Syria and added that Syria’s new government supported the action.

U.S. Officials Emphasize Deterrence

Hegseth said the strikes were not the start of a broader war but a decisive response meant to defend U.S. forces and deter future attacks. Military officials said the operation aimed to deliver a significant blow to remaining ISIS elements in central Syria.

ISIS Remains Active in Region

U.S. intelligence estimates that between 1,500 and 3,000 ISIS militants remain active in Syria and Iraq. Officials said recent partner-led raids, supported by U.S. forces, captured or killed dozens of militants and provided intelligence that helped guide Friday’s strikes.

U.S. Troop Presence in Syria

About 1,000 U.S. troops remain stationed in Syria, primarily in the east, as part of an ongoing mission to prevent an ISIS resurgence. The fallen Iowa National Guardsmen were based at a remote outpost near the Jordanian border, which was visited Friday by the commander of U.S. Central Command.

The ambush marked the first U.S. combat deaths in Syria since 2019, underscoring the continued threat posed by ISIS remnants despite the group’s territorial defeat years ago.

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

Epstein Files Released With Few New Revelations

Indira Zaldivar
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Epstein Files Released With Few New Revelations

The Justice Department has begun a rolling release of long-awaited files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but the documents made public so far have not revealed evidence of previously unknown accomplices among powerful or well-known figures. The partial release comes as the DOJ works to meet a legal deadline while continuing to review records to protect victims’ identities.

DOJ Cites Victim Protection for Partial Release

Officials said the files could not be fully released by Friday despite a mandate under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, citing the extensive vetting required to avoid exposing victims. The initial batch includes photographs, court records and investigative materials, with more documents expected in the coming weeks.

Political Pushback Over Redactions

Democratic lawmakers criticized the limited scope of the release. Rep. Ro Khanna of California, a co-author of the transparency law, said the DOJ failed to explain redactions as required. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche denied any effort to shield President Donald Trump, saying all documents mentioning Trump would be released if consistent with the law.

Early FBI Complaint Brought to Light

Among the most significant disclosures is a 1996 FBI complaint accusing Epstein of child sexual exploitation, filed years before his first known criminal investigation. The complainant, later confirmed as artist Maria Farmer, alleged Epstein stole and attempted to sell photographs of her underage sisters and threatened her to remain silent.

Farmer said the release vindicates her after decades of seeking proof that she reported Epstein to authorities. She has also accused the federal government of failing to properly follow up on her complaint.

Victims’ Attorney Condemns Missing Records

Brad Edwards, an attorney who has represented more than 200 alleged Epstein victims, sharply criticized the release, saying key documents remain absent. He pointed specifically to a 2007 prosecution memo and draft indictment prepared by federal prosecutor Marie Villafaña that could explain why Epstein was not charged at the time.

Edwards called the omission inexcusable and said the handling of Farmer’s complaint should be investigated.

Clinton Camp Responds to Released Photos

The files include photos of Epstein traveling with former President Bill Clinton, some taken during international trips in the early 2000s. Clinton’s spokesperson pushed back, saying the release of decades-old images without context unfairly fuels speculation and distracts from the broader issue of Epstein’s crimes.

Flight logs previously made public show Clinton took several trips on Epstein’s plane between 2002 and 2003, before Epstein was publicly investigated.

Graphic Images and Evidence Inventories Included

Thousands of newly released photos depict Epstein’s properties, including his New York townhouse, and evidence seized during FBI searches. Many images are heavily redacted, while others were withheld entirely due to suspected child sexual abuse material. Additional records show boxed-up evidence, digital media and items linked to Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

More Releases Expected Beyond Deadline

The DOJ says additional documents will continue to be released after the deadline as officials process newly identified victims and their families. Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein’s abuse scheme, has separately asked a court to set aside her conviction.

Epstein, who owned properties across the U.S. and private islands in the Virgin Islands, died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving dozens of underage girls.

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

Suspect dies by suicide following overnight standoff at north Houston apartment, officials say

ABC13 Houston
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Suspect dies by suicide following overnight standoff at north Houston apartment, officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A suspect is dead after an hours-long standoff at an apartment complex in north Houston overnight, officials said.

Police confirmed to ABC13 on Saturday morning that the barricaded suspect inside an apartment at Warner Street and Tidwell Road died by suicide.

Streets were blocked, and police lights flashed while police, SWAT, and K9 officers surrounded the building, video showed.

In a video shot at the scene, police can be heard through a loudspeaker, telling the suspect, “Come out with your hands in the air.”

Officers said they responded just after midnight, and SWAT members responded once the man went back inside. The man was later found dead in his apartment, police said.

“We were next door, and we heard eight gunshots. We got up and heard police telling him, ‘drop the gun, drop the gun,'” Kaesha Lewis said. “When I tried to take my kids into the room, he started beating on our wall. I had to call and tell (police) we were inside, and they came and cut the window, and we had to get inside the SWAT truck.”

Lewis told ABC13 that before they were rescued, she had to hide with her kids inside a closet. After being evacuated, she said her family spent the rest of the night at the complex’s leasing office.

Lewis described her neighbor as a “nice” man who would feed homeless people and described this incident as “crazy.” She said that officers instructed her to wait until they could get him out, but her neighbor has refused to surrender.

“He came out twice, maybe. The first time he came out, he had a gun pointed at them, and he was smoking a cigarette at the same time,” Lewis recounted.

“I was terrified, my kids were terrified, they were crying…it was scary,” she added.

Lewis said she doesn’t think she’ll be living at the apartment complex much longer. Video showed Lewis was allowed back into her apartment around 7 a.m.

According to police, officers never returned fire, and officers were not injured.

HPD said streets have reopened and an investigation is underway.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Weekend weather changes include record highs, plus Sunday fog and showers

ABC13 Houston
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Weekend weather changes include record highs, plus Sunday fog and showers

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got a lot of weather changes coming this weekend as a major pattern change brings record warmth for Christmas week.

Saturday started off cool with temps in the 40s and low 50s, but with plentiful sunshine and southerly winds the temps are heating up toward record highs in the low 80s this afternoon. You’ll notice the moisture levels climbing throughout the day. We’ll get plenty of sunshine on Saturday, but Sunday brings the return of sea fog, rain clouds, and higher humidity. Temperatures will only drop into the upper 60s for lows, then warm into the upper 70s and low 80s in the afternoon…for most. There is a weak, sneaky cool front that may slip in to communities northwest of Houston. Where that happens, temperatures will be stuck in the 50s and 60s under a cloudy sky. There’s a 30% chance of light showers, drizzle, and mist.

Is it still looking warm for Christmas week?

Yep. December’s version of a heat ridge will park it over Texas for the week of Christmas. This will push highs toward record levels in the low 80s just about every day of the week. Bah humbug!

Are there any more freezes in the forecast?

Not for awhile! We are looking at above average low temperatures all the way through Christmas Day…and beyond. It’s hard to get a freeze when lows only drop into the 60s. We do have a cold front penciled in for the closing days of 2025, but we likely have to wait until January for our next chance at a freeze.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, Texas’ Largest Space-Themed Holiday Show

Indira Zaldivar
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Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, Texas’ Largest Space-Themed Holiday Show

HOUSTON — Space Center Houston has once again transformed for the holidays into a cosmic celebration as Galaxy Lights returns now through Jan. 4, 2026. Now in its seventh year, the immersive light experience brings together space exploration, family tradition, and dazzling technology—this time with a brand-new presenting sponsor, Wellby Financial.

A New Partnership Lights the Way

This season marks the beginning of an expanded partnership between Space Center Houston and Wellby Financial, the Official Credit Union of Space Center Houston. The collaboration strengthens both organizations’ ties to the NASA Johnson Space Center community while elevating a beloved holiday experience.

“We’re thrilled to launch this season of Galaxy Lights with our presenting sponsor, Wellby Financial, where the season of giving meets purpose,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston.

Wellby Financial president and CEO Marty Pell said the partnership reflects Houston’s “spirit of exploration,” adding that Galaxy Lights celebrates both innovation and the city’s storied connection to space.

What to Expect at Galaxy Lights 2025

This year’s show blends holiday magic with NASA-inspired displays across Space Center Houston’s sprawling campus. Visitors can walk through a 200-foot LED tunnel, stand beneath a towering 30-foot Space Launch System rocket display, and snap photos beside Apollo-themed lantern installations.

Other crowd favorites return as well, including:

  • LED swings positioned beneath the historic 747 carrier aircraft at Independence Plaza
  • A crystal fireworks light show synchronized to an upbeat playlist
  • A 40-foot-tall, 100-foot-long shooting star installation
  • Daily screenings of the fan-favorite film “Holidays in Space”

A glowing replica of the lunar lander, illuminated for the season, is also among the standout pieces creating a dreamlike atmosphere for guests.

A Cozy Finale

Visitors can end the night around complimentary fire pits with hot cocoa and s’mores, or try Go for Launch, a new Starbase brew. The experience is designed for families, explorers, and space lovers of all ages.

Special Dates and Hours

Galaxy Lights Operating Hours:
Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Low Sensory Nights:
Nov. 20, 2025
Jan. 5, 2026
Designed for guests who prefer a calmer, less stimulating environment.

New Year’s Eve Hours:
Dec. 31, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Closed Dates:
Nov. 17–19
Nov. 27
Dec. 10
Dec. 24–25

Tickets

For admission prices and reservations, visit the official Galaxy Lights ticket page.

Inside Astros Light Up the Park: New downton Houston’s Holiday Attraction

Indira Zaldivar
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Inside Astros Light Up the Park: New downton Houston’s Holiday Attraction

Downtown Houston is glowing brighter than ever as City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic returns with eleven festive villages — and this year, one dazzling newcomer is stealing the show. Astros Light Up the Park, presented by Methodist and hosted at Daikin Park, transforms the home of the Houston Astros into a full-scale holiday lights experience perfect for families, fans, and anyone ready to step into the spirit of the season through Jan. 4, 2026.

A Holiday Home Run at Daikin Park

Astros Light Up the Park invites visitors to wander through 12 immersive light exhibits celebrating the ballclub and the city that loves them. From northern-lights-inspired tunnels to Houston landmark displays and baseball-themed wonderlands, every corner feels like a chapter in a sparkling Astros story.

The centerpiece is a winter scene complete with gentle snowfall swirling around a massive holiday tree built from oversized baseball ornaments — a whimsical twist that blends sports pride with seasonal magic. Interactive installations and photo-ready moments at every turn keep fans of all ages entertained. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Astros Foundation, extending the holiday cheer into the greater Houston community.

Eleven Villages, One Connected Holiday Adventure

While Astros Light Up the Park headlines the season’s festivities, the full City Lights experience offers a holiday playground stretching across Downtown. Visitors can explore:

  • Winter Wonderlawn at POST Houston, a rooftop winter escape glowing with thousands of lights and skyline views.
  • Tinsel Town at Market Square Park, filled with free family activities, Santa photos, and nightly entertainment.
  • Deck the Trees at Alley Theatre, where artist-designed holiday trees accompany the theater’s seasonal productions.
  • Jingle Town at Lynn Wyatt Square, blending live performances, cocoa, crafts, and pre-show fun.
  • City Hall-iday Lights, presenting the annual tree lighting celebration hosted by Mayor John Whitmire and Reliant.
  • Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis, a rooftop Texas-style winter wonderland with snowfall, music, and photo ops.
  • Ice @ Discovery Green, the city’s beloved outdoor ice rink with themed skate nights and a new custom light display.
  • Peppermint Plaza at the George R. Brown Convention Center, showcasing an artistic tree exhibition and live holiday performances.
  • Land of Sweets at Hilton Americas–Houston, dressed in sparkling lights and featuring a life-size Disneyland-themed chocolate installation.
  • Twinkle Town at Trebly Park, complete with a Candy Cane Tunnel, Texas’ largest mistletoe ball, pet photos with Santa, and hands-on holiday workshops.

Together, these villages turn Downtown Houston into a walkable winter escape, connected by METRORail’s festive Holiday Express, Park Once zones, and even new “Reindeer Rides” — complimentary electric vehicle shuttles on select nights.

A Season to Explore

With sights, sounds, flavors, and lights stretching across the city center, Houston’s holiday season promises an experience sweeter and brighter than ever. But for Astros fans and festive explorers alike, Astros Light Up the Park at Daikin Park is the must-see attraction that brings hometown magic to life — one glowing pitch at a time.

For more things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Holiday Travel Faces Storms and Fire Danger Nationwide

Indira Zaldivar
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Holiday Travel Faces Storms and Fire Danger Nationwide

One of the busiest holiday travel days of the season could be disrupted Friday as severe weather stretches from coast to coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds in the East, fire danger in the Rockies and lingering storms along the West Coast.

Rain and Wind in the Northeast

A powerful cross-country storm is moving into the Northeast, producing widespread rain and strong wind gusts. Areas from Washington, D.C., to Boston could see wet and windy conditions through the evening, while parts of Appalachia, New England and coastal Maine may experience the strongest gusts.

Lake-effect snow is also possible near the Great Lakes, raising the risk of airport delays. Conditions are expected to improve later Friday, with a milder weekend ahead aside from lingering snow and gusts near the lakes.

Extreme Fire Weather in the West

Dry, windy conditions are creating dangerous fire weather across parts of Colorado and Wyoming. The Denver area is under a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag Warning, with winds strong enough to rapidly spread fires.

Red Flag Warnings also extend into parts of the Texas Panhandle and Nebraska. Power outages remain a concern in Colorado, where tens of thousands are without electricity due to fire-related risks.

Storms Continue on the West Coast

Rain, wind and mountain snow will persist across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. Flood Watches remain in effect along coastal Oregon and Washington as rivers continue to rise.

Additional rounds of rain are expected through the weekend, with more wet and windy weather forecast for much of the West Coast around Christmas. Some mountain resorts have temporarily closed due to conditions but expect the storms to help build snowpack.

Calmer Weather Elsewhere

Outside the affected regions, much of the central and southern U.S. is expected to see milder and warmer conditions heading into the holiday week, offering some relief for travelers.

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

Trump Takes Economic Message on the Road Amid Low Approval

Que Onda Editorial
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Trump Takes Economic Message on the Road Amid Low Approval

President Donald Trump is bringing his economic agenda directly to voters as new polls show widespread dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy. He is set to deliver remarks Friday in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, continuing a series of public appearances focused on economic issues.

Polling Shows Voter Discontent

A new Quinnipiac University poll found nearly 6 in 10 registered voters disapprove of Trump’s economic performance, while 65% rate the economy as “not so good” or “poor.” The survey also shows most voters blame Trump more than former President Joe Biden for current economic conditions.

A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll found just 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, though that figure has ticked up slightly in recent weeks.

White House Pushes Back

Trump and Vice President JD Vance have defended the administration’s record by pointing to easing inflation and lower energy costs, while continuing to blame Biden-era policies for high prices. Vance said voters understand economic damage “is not going to be fixed in a week.”

The White House also cited better-than-expected inflation data and argued Trump was reelected largely because of voter frustration with the economy under Biden.

Experts See Messaging Challenges

Political analysts say voter frustration, including among working-class Republicans, reflects unmet expectations that prices would fall more quickly. Some strategists argue the administration has failed to sufficiently acknowledge cost-of-living pressures, while others warn that blaming a predecessor becomes less effective over time.

Will Travel Help?

Trump’s renewed travel schedule mirrors a traditional political strategy, but experts say speeches must clearly acknowledge economic pain and outline solutions to be effective. Some Republicans worry the message is getting muddled when Trump veers into grievances instead of focusing on the economy.

Whether taking the economic pitch directly to voters will improve public confidence remains uncertain as concerns over affordability continue to dominate voter sentiment.

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

New Details in Brown and MIT Shooting Investigation

Indira Zaldivar
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New Details in Brown and MIT Shooting Investigation

Authorities have released additional information on Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, the former Brown University graduate student accused of a deadly shooting at Brown and the killing of an MIT professor, following a dayslong manhunt across multiple states.

Manhunt Ends in New Hampshire

Police said Valente, 48, was found dead in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, after investigators tracked his movements using surveillance footage, license-plate reader technology and a detailed tip about a gray Nissan with Florida plates. Officials later confirmed he died by suicide.

Key Tip and Surveillance Breakthrough

A tipster alerted police to the vehicle Valente was driving, describing suspicious behavior. That information, combined with video evidence, led authorities to a Massachusetts car rental agency, where records and footage linked Valente to the vehicle and to images captured on the Brown campus on the day of the shooting.

Weapons and Evidence Recovered

Officials said Valente was found with a satchel containing two firearms. Evidence recovered from the rental car matched material found at the Providence crime scene. Financial records and video also confirmed the storage unit belonged to him.

Background and University Ties

Valente was identified as a Portuguese national whose last known address was in Miami. Brown University confirmed he was enrolled as a physics graduate student from fall 2000 to spring 2001 and had no affiliation with the university for more than 20 years. Authorities believe Valente and the slain MIT professor previously attended the same university in Lisbon, Portugal.

No Ongoing Threat

Police said Valente acted alone and there is no indication of additional planned attacks. Investigators have not identified a clear motive or any writings connected to the case. Forensic teams are continuing to analyze evidence, including firearms, ballistic data and DNA.

Campus Security Review

Brown University President Christina Paxson said the building where the shooting occurred was unlocked due to exams and that the university is reviewing its security procedures. Officials also reported that all six people who remained hospitalized have now been upgraded to stable condition.

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

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