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City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic Kicks Off Tonight in Houston

Downtown Houston shines as the 2025 City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic are brighter than ever this holiday season.

Explore Eleven Themed Holiday Villages

Visitors can stroll through 11 uniquely themed holiday villages across Downtown’s North and South Poles. Favorites such as Tinsel Town, Winter Wonderlawn, Ice @ Discovery Green, Peppermint Plaza, and Texas Winter Lights return with immersive lights, decorated trees, photo-friendly surprises, and new festive touches. Most villages are free, only Winter Wonderlawn, Texas Winter Lights, Astros Light up the Park, and the Ice Rink at Discovery Green require a ticket purchase.

This year’s 11 Villages: 

  • Winter Wonderlawn (POST Houston) – ticket purchase required.
  • Tinsel Town (Market Square Park) – free
  • Deck the Trees (Alley Theatre) – free
  • Jingle Town (Lynn Wyatt Square) – free
  • City Hall-iday Lights (City Hall) – free
  • Astros Light Up the Park (Daikin Park) – ticket purchase required.
  • Texas Winter Lights (Marriott Marquis) – ticket purchase required.
  • Ice @ Discovery Green (Discovery Green) – ticket purchase required.
  • Peppermint Plaza (Avenida Plaza) – free
  • Land of Sweets (Hilton Americas) – free
  • Twinkle Town (Trebly Park)  – free

For more details on activations at each village, schedules, purchasing tickets, parking, a map and more, go here.

Entrance to Winter Wonderlawn requires a ticket.

A Holiday Tradition for the City

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic brings together local organizations, arts partners, and businesses to create a joyful, family-friendly celebration. With glowing installations, seasonal music, and plenty of sparkling moments, the event marks the start of a magical holiday season in the heart of Houston.

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

Houston Texans and Kroger to Provide 1,000 Thanksgiving Meals

The Houston Texans and Kroger are teaming up to distribute 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to fans in Houston on Tuesday, November 25, at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the Kroger Gate at NRG Stadium (8825 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77054).

Meal Contents

Meals, available while supplies last, will include:

  • One turkey
  • Canned corn
  • Canned green beans
  • Boxed stuffing
  • Boxed mac and cheese
  • Canned cranberry
  • Desserts donated by Houston Texans players

How to Pick Up Meals

Attendees should enter Gate #9 from Kirby Drive and notify the NRG Park Security Booth that they are there for Turkey Time with the Texans presented by Kroger. They will receive a voucher for their meal.

Fans should then follow directions toward the Kroger Gate, where Houston Texans staff will place the food directly into vehicles. After receiving meals, vehicles will exit via Gate #10 onto NRG Parkway.

This drive-through distribution is designed to keep fans safe and in their vehicles while picking up their Thanksgiving meals.

For more holiday festivities, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Teen Dies on Carnival Cruise, FBI Investigates

Eighteen-year-old Anna Kepner was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Nov. 8. A source told ABC News that she died of asphyxiation resulting from a bar hold, with bruises found on the side of her neck.

Family Remembers Kepner

Kepner’s family described her as a happy, bubbly, straight-A student with a bright future. They said they will remember her positivity and accomplishments despite the tragedy.

Investigation Details

Preliminary information indicates no signs of sexual assault and no drugs or alcohol in her system, though autopsy and toxicology reports have not yet been completed. She was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests.

Stepsibling Under Review

A court filing related to an unrelated family matter noted that Kepner’s stepsibling could face criminal charges. The FBI is actively investigating her death, and authorities have declined further comment due to the ongoing investigation.

Ongoing Investigation

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office and the FBI continue to review the circumstances surrounding Kepner’s death, with officials withholding details until the investigation concludes.

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

Officer Acquitted in Shooting Death of Ta’Kiya Young

A jury found Ohio police officer Connor Grubb not guilty of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault in the 2023 shooting death of 21-year-old Ta’Kiya Young, who was seven months pregnant. Young was fatally shot in a Blendon Township grocery store parking lot after officers suspected her of shoplifting and body camera video showed her vehicle moving toward Grubb.

Family Reacts to Verdict

Young’s grandmother, Nadine Young, cried out in court after the verdict, calling it unjust. The family’s attorney, Sean Walton Jr., said they did not blame the jury, but emphasized that “Connor Grubb is the one who pulled the trigger.” The family announced plans to pursue a civil lawsuit.

Defense and Prosecution Arguments

Prosecutors argued that departmental policy requires officers to step out of a moving vehicle’s path rather than fire, noting that Grubb’s partner did not perceive Young as a threat. The defense maintained that the car posed deadly force and that Grubb acted reasonably, urging jurors to separate emotion from the facts.

Trial Details and Dismissed Charges

Judge David Young dismissed counts related to the unborn child, finding no evidence that Grubb knew Young was pregnant. During the encounter, Young repeatedly questioned officers’ commands and asked, “Are you going to shoot me?” before attempting to drive away, at which point Grubb fired once through the windshield.

Aftermath and Ongoing Questions

Young and her unborn daughter were pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the shooting. In a statement, the family vowed to continue seeking accountability, saying, “Ta’Kiya’s life mattered. Her daughter’s life mattered. And we will prove it.”

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

Mamdani Heads to White House for High-Stakes Meeting

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New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will meet President Trump at the White House on Friday afternoon to discuss affordability, public safety, and federal cooperation. The meeting carries major implications for the city, from infrastructure funding to immigration enforcement, as Mamdani also seeks federal security clearance for briefings on terror threats.

Tense Relationship Sets the Stage

Despite months of hostility, including Trump labeling Mamdani a “communist” and threatening deportation, the mayor-elect says he is willing to work with the president on anything that benefits New Yorkers. “I will work with anyone to make life more affordable,” Mamdani said, reaffirming his vow to “Trump-proof” the city.

White House Signals Ongoing Skepticism

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trump’s criticism, calling Mamdani’s visit noteworthy because “a communist” was meeting the president. Still, officials have not disclosed the full agenda for the 3 p.m. Oval Office meeting.

Possibility of Common Ground

Gov. Kathy Hochul believes progress is possible, urging the two leaders to focus on finishing the Gateway Tunnel, improving subway funding, and reducing unnecessary federal intervention as crime continues to fall.

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

Small chance of rain Friday as weak front slowly pushes through Southeast Texas

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A weak front will slowly push through Southeast Texas Friday, bringing a 40% chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms. Eventually it will bring a humidity drop for the weekend, but a stronger cold front arriving next week will bring both higher rain chances and colder air just in time for Thanksgiving Day.

Friday morning will again start off humid, warm, and cloudy with a touch of fog. The weak front will be pushing in from the northwest, bringing scattered showers for some on the morning drive. This weak front will stall out over Houston, keeping highs warm in the mid 80s and triggering a second round of scattered showers and thunderstorm for the evening commute.

What does the weekend look like then?

The weak front now looks like it will push offshore Saturday morning, bringing scattered showers south of I-10 in the morning with dry air and sunshine prevalent north of I-10. Drier air will overspread all of Southeast Texas Saturday afternoon, pushing humidity lower for the rest of the weekend. Highs will still climb into the 80s on Saturday, but Sunday will bring lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s with only a 10% chance of a shower.

Will it be cooler for Thanksgiving?

Yes! Another storm system will track across the southern Plains Monday and Tuesday, and this one should flip the pattern to a cooler northerly flow for multiple days. At this time we expect temps to be near seasonal averages around Thanksgiving, which is highs in the upper 60s and lows in the upper 40s. There’s also a chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning when the stronger cold front pushes in.

What is happening in the tropics?

Tropical development is not expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. The last day of hurricane season is November 30th. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

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

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Crowned Miss Universe 2025

In a dazzling finale in Thailand, Fátima Bosch of Mexico claimed the Miss Universe 2025 crown, igniting celebrations across the globe. Her emotional coronation marked a historic moment for Mexico as the arena erupted with cheers, confetti and an outpouring of pride.

A Powerful Final Answer

Bosch’s winning moment was secured during the question round, where she was asked about the challenges women face in 2025 and how she would use the Miss Universe title to create safer spaces worldwide. She delivered a confident and impassioned response, highlighting ongoing barriers to safety and equality while emphasizing a new era of women unafraid to speak out and lead. “We are here to speak up, to make changes, and together, we will make history,” she said.

A Historic Walk for Mexico

As the crown was placed on her head, Bosch visibly trembled with emotion. Her first walk as Miss Universe 2025 radiated joy and disbelief as fellow contestants and fans celebrated around her. Social media erupted instantly, with messages of pride pouring in from across Mexico and beyond.

A Symbol of Empowerment

Bosch’s victory resonated deeply with viewers, especially young women who felt inspired and represented by her message. Her win marks a new chapter for the Miss Universe Organization—one centered on empowerment, leadership and the courage to create change.

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

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1338

Thousands of US Hazardous Sites at Risk from Sea Level Rise, Study Finds

A new study warns that if heat-trapping pollution from coal, oil, and gas continues unchecked, thousands of hazardous sites along the U.S. coast could face flooding by the end of the century, posing serious health risks to nearby communities.

Scope of the Risk

Researchers identified 5,500 sites that store or handle sewage, trash, oil, gas, and other hazards. Many of these risks are already locked in from past emissions, with over half the sites projected to face flood threats as soon as 2050. Low-income and marginalized communities are disproportionately at risk. Even moderate reductions in emissions could reduce the number of threatened sites by roughly 300 by 2100.

Study Approach

The team analyzed hazardous sites near the coasts of Puerto Rico and 23 states, calculating each site’s flood risk using historical sea level data and projected rises for 2050 and 2100 under different emissions scenarios. Communities within 1 kilometer (0.621 miles) of high-risk sites were flagged for potential exposure.

Potential Health Impacts

Flooding near industrial sites could expose residents to bacteria, heavy metals, and other chemicals. Health risks range from gastrointestinal illnesses and skin irritation to long-term organ damage and reproductive effects, especially for vulnerable populations.

Expert Insights

Lara J. Cushing, co-author and associate professor at UCLA, emphasized that “we do have time to respond and try to mitigate the risks and also increase resilience.” Experts not involved in the study noted the importance of integrating climate risk into hazard mitigation planning at local, state, and federal levels.

Locations Most at Risk

Nearly 80% of the sites are concentrated in Louisiana, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, California, New York, and Massachusetts. The sites include fossil fuel ports and terminals (44%), power plants (30%), refineries (24%), and sewage treatment facilities (22%).

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

Trump Signs Bill Releasing Epstein Files, DOJ Given 30-Day Timeline

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President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that he signed the bill requiring the Department of Justice to release Jeffrey Epstein files. In a social media post, Trump repeated claims that Democrats had ties to Epstein and said alleged links “will soon be revealed,” calling the files a distraction from his agenda and a “Democratic hoax” that will backfire.

Timeline for Release

Two congressional aides confirmed the bill reached the White House at 4:38 p.m. Wednesday. Once signed, the DOJ has 30 days to release the materials, putting the expected deadline at Dec. 19. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the department “will follow the law.”

Exceptions and Redactions

The bill allows the DOJ to withhold or redact certain information, including:

  • Personal and medical files of victims
  • Material that would constitute an invasion of privacy
  • Content depicting child sexual abuse
  • Information that could jeopardize ongoing investigations or prosecutions

However, the law prohibits withholding records solely due to embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity. Any redactions must be justified within 15 days of release.

Survivors React

Epstein survivors expressed cautious optimism about the release. Dani Bensky said, “This is a survivor issue…we are cautiously optimistic that the release will focus on transparency so that the evil doers can no longer live in the shadows.” Jena-Lisa Jones added, “What a great day for all survivors. Now, let’s see what happens next.”

For more on the Epstein files released, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.