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Houston Police Department Hosts Toy Drive to Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Families

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Houston Police Department Hosts Toy Drive to Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Families

The Houston Police Department is spreading holiday joy with a special toy distribution event on Saturday, December 13, at 6227 Southwest Fwy. Families are invited to participate, but children must be registered and present to receive their toy.

Donations Still Accepted Through Today

Toy donations will remain open until Friday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. Community members wishing to contribute can help ensure more children receive a gift this holiday season.

For questions or registration details, residents can email justin.rivera@houstonpolice.org.

Community Partners Make It Possible

This year’s toy drive is made possible with support from several community partners, including Abogado José Lopez of The Lopez Law Firm, who is featured on the latest cover of Que Onda Magazine. Additional sponsors include McDonald’s and the Southwest District.

The event aims to bring neighbors together and brighten the holidays for children across the city. Families are encouraged to participate, donate and share the spirit of giving.

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

Democrats Release New Epstein Photos Featuring Trump, Clinton and VIPs

Edward Saenz
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0
Democrats Release New Epstein Photos Featuring Trump, Clinton and VIPs

House Democrats have released dozens of new photos obtained from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, showing President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton alongside other high-profile figures. The images are part of a broader Democratic push for the Justice Department to fully release its Epstein investigation files.

Pressure Builds Ahead of DOJ Deadline

The photo release comes as the Justice Department faces a Dec. 19 deadline to disclose its Epstein-related records under a law approved by Congress and signed by Trump. Multiple federal judges have already authorized the release of grand jury transcripts and other materials tied to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Scope of the Photo Dump

Democrats received roughly 95,000 images from Epstein’s estate and publicly released 89 of them. The photos include images of Epstein’s properties, personal spaces and items, as well as snapshots of well-known political, business and entertainment figures whose past associations with Epstein have been previously reported.

Democrats Cite Transparency

Members of the House Oversight Committee said the release is about transparency while protecting survivors’ identities. Faces of some individuals were redacted, though Democrats did not fully explain why certain faces were obscured while others were left visible.

“All we want is full transparency,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, adding that survivors have long demanded the full release of information tied to Epstein’s crimes.

Images Draw Mixed Reactions

Some photos show Trump posing with women whose faces are blacked out, while others depict Clinton, Bill Gates, Woody Allen and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Additional images include scenes from Epstein’s island, personal interiors and provocative displays, expanding beyond the initial batch of 19 photos released earlier.

Trump Responds to Release

Trump said he had not seen the images but downplayed their significance, saying Epstein was well known in Palm Beach and had photographs with many people. He denied having any knowledge tied to the implications raised by the photo release.

Criticism Over Privacy Concerns

Legal scholars and defense attorneys criticized the selective release, arguing it risks humiliating individuals who have not been accused of wrongdoing. Critics said the presentation of certain images creates damaging implications without context as broader Epstein files near public release.

White House Pushback

The White House accused Democrats of “cherry-picking” images to advance a misleading narrative, saying the administration has already supported releasing extensive documentation related to the Epstein investigation as the Dec. 19 deadline approaches.

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

George Clooney Signals Shift Away From Romantic Roles

Michael Esparza
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0
George Clooney Signals Shift Away From Romantic Roles

George Clooney says his days as Hollywood’s go-to onscreen heartthrob are coming to an end. The 64-year-old actor recently shared that he no longer plans to play roles that involve “kissing girls” on screen, marking a clear shift in how he approaches his career.

Choosing Projects More Selectively

The decision aligns with comments Clooney has made in recent years about becoming more selective as he grows older. With decades of experience and financial security, he says he now has the freedom to choose projects that better fit where he is in life.

Inspired by a Classic Career Path

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Clooney said he has been inspired by Paul Newman’s later career choices, moving away from romantic leads. After a conversation with his wife, Amal, he felt it was the right time to follow a similar path.

Family Comes First

Clooney has frequently spoken about how becoming a father later in life reshaped his priorities. He shares twins Ella and Alexander with Amal and says having children at an older age allowed him to dedicate more time to family without the same career pressures he faced when he was younger.

Reflecting on Aging and Longevity

The actor acknowledged that while he still feels active and fit, time inevitably changes perspective. Looking ahead, Clooney said he wants to focus on meaningful work and personal fulfillment rather than maintaining a romantic leading-man image.

Looking Back on a Long Career

With a career spanning more than four decades, Clooney has played some of Hollywood’s most iconic roles, from blockbuster franchises to award-winning dramas. He earned an Academy Award for his performance in “Syriana” and remains one of the industry’s most respected figures.

A Steady Home Life

Beyond his career, Clooney has also shared rare insights into his marriage, revealing that he and Amal have never argued in their decade together. As he continues to balance family life with selective acting projects, Clooney appears content embracing a new chapter both on and off screen.

For more celebrity news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Appeals Court Halts Contempt Hearings in AEA Deportation Case

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Appeals Court Halts Contempt Hearings in AEA Deportation Case

A federal appeals court has temporarily paused contempt hearings related to the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. The hearings were set to begin next week and would have examined whether the administration defied a federal judge’s order to halt the deportations.

Emergency Motion Granted

In a 2–1 decision Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit granted an emergency request from the Justice Department to block the proceedings. The pause stems from concerns raised by the DOJ about the scope and implications of the inquiry, according to court filings.

Judge’s Order and DOJ Testimony

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg had ordered senior Justice Department attorney Drew Ensign and former DOJ lawyer Erez Reuveni to testify. The inquiry focused on why two planes carrying migrants continued to El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison despite Boasberg’s verbal instruction to turn them around.

Justice Department Pushback

In its emergency filing, the DOJ sharply criticized the hearings, calling them a potential “circus” and accusing the judge of harassment. Attorneys argued the proceedings threatened the separation of powers and attorney-client privilege.

Use of the Alien Enemies Act

The deportations occurred in March after the administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century wartime law that allows removals with limited due process. Officials argued the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua constituted a foreign criminal force invading the United States, justifying the action.

Dispute Over Court Orders

Although Judge Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order to stop the deportations, Justice Department lawyers claimed his oral instructions were legally insufficient. As a result, the flights continued, transporting more than 250 alleged gang members to El Salvador.

Ongoing Legal Battle

Boasberg ordered testimony after stating the administration failed to provide enough information to determine whether Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem willfully violated his order. The appeals court’s pause now delays further scrutiny as the legal fight continues.

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

New jobs forecast shows Houston’s economy expected to cool, some job growth in 2026

ABC13 Houston
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0
New jobs forecast shows Houston’s economy expected to cool, some job growth in 2026

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — New job forecasts show the Houston area economy could cool next year, but job growth is still expected.

When it comes to help-wanted signs across the Houston area, experts said they’ll still be out there next year, but maybe not as many as before.

“I wouldn’t say it’s like a rapid growth, but I would say it’s really healthy and consistent with a city that’s really growing,” Workforce Solutions economist Mohammad Ahmadizadeh explained.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that following the pandemic, the Houston area added about 100,000 jobs a year. A figure that fell last year, according to data.

However, the Greater Houston Partnership still forecasted a strong number of 70,000 jobs for 2025. Now, Greater Houston Partnership economic research manager Colin Baker isn’t sure it’ll reach half of that figure.

“We were expecting a bit of a rosier environment going into 2025,” Baker explained. “We’ve seen a lot of uncertainty really grip many businesses.”

Experts say tariffs, immigration, and oil prices impacted our area. Now, they’ve forecasted what next year could bring.

Normally, experts said the Houston area adds between 50,000 and 60,000 jobs a year. Workforce Solutions and the Greater Houston Partnership are forecasting about 20,000 less than that number.

One reason why is that oil prices could continue to decline, impacting jobs locally, experts say. “We know that with upstream companies, once you reach that level, many begin to pull back on new exploration and new drilling,” Baker said.

There are industries the forecasts show could add jobs next year, including health care, government, and leisure and hospitality. Other careers are growing as well, experts say.

“There is a lot of growth in what we call middle-skilled jobs,” Greater Houston Partnership senior vice president of research, Holly Heard, explained. “Jobs that require some sort of post-secondary education or training, but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree.”

Some Houston City College students are hoping this training pays off. Cheyenne Hathaway graduates in May with a degree in artificial intelligence.

“I think it would be a lot more complicated and potentially nerve-wracking,” Hathaway said. To help students, HCC offers several programs, including the reconnect scholarship, which gives students a second chance to come back to school and earn their degree.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

After warm, foggy start to weekend, light freeze now predicted for Houston Sunday night

ABC13 Houston
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0
After warm, foggy start to weekend, light freeze now predicted for Houston Sunday night

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A light freeze is now predicted for Houston Sunday night, but first we have to get through a warm, foggy Saturday before winter rolls in.

What’s in store for the weekend?

Saturday will feel like spring, and Sunday will feel like winter again. Expect dense fog to start off Saturday, with sea fog remaining along the coast most of the day. Temperatures will start near 60 and warm to the upper 70s with a 30% chance of a passing shower. Then get ready to bring the jackets and coats back out on Sunday. A strong cold front will arrive before sunrise for most of us, and while temperatures might start near 60 degrees at sunrise, they will fall into the 40s before sunset. There’s a 30% chance of scattered showers along the front when it moves through in the morning, but we should be dry for the majority of the day with the sun coming out in the afternoon.

How cold will it get behind this front?

After temperatures drop into the 40s Sunday afternoon, they’ll just keep on dropping Sunday night. The freeze line will make it into Houston before sunrise Monday, and it would be wise to spend some time this weekend preparing for a light freeze. Any exposed pipes outside should be wrapped, cold sensitive plants should be protected, and pets and livestock will need warm shelter. Your interior pipes will be just fine. Also, make sure everyone is bundled up Monday morning going back to work and school with the morning wind chills dropping into the 20s!

How long will the cold air stick around?

It’s really just a three day shot of colder air that arrives on Sunday, bottoms out on Monday, is still felt on Tuesday, and is gone by Wednesday.

What’s the early outlook for Christmas week?

We are seeing a strong signal for a very warm weather pattern developing the week of Christmas. In fact, we currently have highs at record levels in the low 80s to kick off Christmas week, and that warm pattern is likely to stick around most of the holiday week.

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!

MECA Houston Hosts Free Holiday Events Celebrating Mexican and Latin American Traditions

Indira Zaldivar
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0
MECA Houston Hosts Free Holiday Events Celebrating Mexican and Latin American Traditions

Houston’s historic Old Sixth Ward will come alive this December as MECA Houston, a community-based nonprofit arts organization, presents a series of free festive events honoring Mexican and Latin American holiday traditions. Located at 1900 Kane Street, MECA invites the public to celebrate Catholic faith, cultural heritage, and the spirit of community togetherness.

Fiesta Guadalupana – December 12

On Friday, December 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., MECA will host its Fiesta Guadalupana, a vibrant celebration in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe. The evening will feature mariachi serenades and dance performances by MECA’s Ballet Folklórico. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and pan dulce provided by El Bolillo Bakery. This event welcomes families and community members to join in the holiday festivities.

Noche Buena in the Arts District – December 13

Saturday, December 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Noche Buena in the Arts District Festival will highlight Houston’s dynamic arts scene. Attendees can enjoy performances by MECA Ballet Folklórico, live music, and a curated market of local artisans offering handmade goods. The event also includes an arts and crafts section, seasonal treats, and raffle prizes. Noche Buena offers a festive evening of culture, creativity, and community connection.

La Posada in the Old Sixth Ward – December 16

MECA will recreate the traditional La Posada on December 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., guiding participants through Mary and Joseph’s journey in search of shelter. The event features live music, complimentary pan dulce and hot chocolate from El Bolillo Bakery, and provides a reflective, communal experience for attendees to walk together and celebrate the season.

El Nacimiento: Ángeles, Pastores y Migrantes – December 8 to January 10

Complementing the holiday events, MECA will present its December exhibition, El Nacimiento: Ángeles, Pastores y Migrantes, curated by Victor Ancheta and Luis Gavito. The exhibition showcases a variety of Nacimientos and artistic interpretations of the Holy Family and El Santo Niño, blending Spanish Colonial and Indigenous cultural traditions. Visitors can explore the exhibition Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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

Houston Police Department Hosts Toy Drive to Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Families

Indira Zaldivar
-
0
Houston Police Department Hosts Toy Drive to Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Families

The Houston Police Department is spreading holiday joy with a special toy distribution event on Saturday, December 13, at 6227 Southwest Fwy. Families are invited to participate, but children must be registered and present to receive their toy.

Donations Still Accepted Through Today

Toy donations will remain open until Friday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. Community members wishing to contribute can help ensure more children receive a gift this holiday season.

For questions or registration details, residents can email justin.rivera@houstonpolice.org.

Community Partners Make It Possible

This year’s toy drive is made possible with support from several community partners, including Abogado José Lopez of The Lopez Law Firm, who is featured on the latest cover of Que Onda Magazine. Additional sponsors include McDonald’s and the Southwest District.

The event aims to bring neighbors together and brighten the holidays for children across the city. Families are encouraged to participate, donate and share the spirit of giving.

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

Commissioner Lesley Briones Hosts Free Winter Festival at Bayland Community Center

Edward Saenz
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0
Commissioner Lesley Briones Hosts Free Winter Festival at Bayland Community Center

Commissioner Lesley Briones is inviting families across the community to celebrate the season at the 3rd Annual Winter Festival, an afternoon filled with free, family-friendly holiday activities at the Bayland Community Center.

Festivities for All Ages

This year’s event will include holiday-themed games, cookie decorating, hayrides, photos with Santa, and live performances — all designed to bring neighbors together and offer affordable fun during the holidays.

Committed to Community

Commissioner Briones continues her mission to provide accessible, community-centered events that help close affordability gaps and strengthen neighborhood connections.

Event Details

When:
Saturday, December 13
3 – 7 p.m.

Where:
Bayland Community Center
6400 Bissonnet Street

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

Federal Judge Blocks Re-Detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Federal Judge Blocks Re-Detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

A federal judge has stopped immigration authorities from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia again, just hours before he was set to check in with officials in Baltimore. The move may shape what happens next in his long-running immigration battle.

Temporary Restraining Order Granted

According to attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, the legal team filed an emergency request shortly after midnight. By 7:30 a.m., U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis granted a temporary restraining order preventing Abrego Garcia’s arrest at his scheduled check-in.

Conflicting Immigration Records

Xinis ruled Thursday that Abrego Garcia could not be held in detention because no removal order had ever been issued. But later that night, Immigration Judge Philip Taylor filed a rare decision “correcting” what he called an omission from a 2019 hearing by adding a removal order to Abrego Garcia’s record.

Judge Xinis’ Sharp Criticism

In her ruling, Xinis said Abrego Garcia had been “wrongfully detained” and re-detained without lawful authority. She argued the government’s actions did not align with the basic purpose of detention, which is to carry out removal — something officials could have done by sending him to Costa Rica, his preferred destination.

Costa Rica’s Willingness to Receive Him

Xinis noted that Costa Rica reaffirmed its longstanding offer to grant Abrego Garcia residence and refugee status. She wrote that efforts to remove Costa Rica “off the table” had backfired once the country publicly restated its commitment.

A Long and Extraordinary Case

Xinis previously blocked Abrego Garcia’s removal in August while his habeas petition was pending. That petition was granted Thursday, marking the latest development in a case the judge described as “extraordinary.”

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

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