An electrical fire stole the thunder mid-song from the iconic rock band Journey at Rodeo Houston, prompting the cancelation of the show just three songs after the legendary band rocked the star-shaped stage on Friday night at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
The chants of Journey fans heard through NRG Stadium after Arnel Pineda’s rendition of smash hit “Don’t Stop Believin” was interrupted by a stage blackout and loss of audio. The crowd carried on the song as to fulfill a planned-out concert theatric.
Stage TV blackout and audio loss at NRG Stadium during Journey’s concert at Rodeo Houston on March 14, 2025.
However, just a few minutes later, the stage’s power outage remained, and Journey band members were seen getting off stage. And a Houston rodeo official announced that crew were working to restore the power outage. About 5 minutes later, the same official announced that the concert will no longer be able to continue due to an electrical fire and directed people to exit the stadium.
No casualties have been reported and Houston Rodeo said they will follow up with concertgoers regarding their ticket purchase.
Keep up with Rodeo Houston’s entertainer lineup at NRG Stadium with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Episode 3 of Daredevil: Born Again offers a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of justice, identity, and heroism. While the episode is light on action, it compensates with emotional depth and a thought-provoking storyline.
Plot Overview
The episode focuses on a courtroom drama that explores the nuances of vigilantism and the legal system. Matt Murdock, as a lawyer, navigates these complexities with his characteristic intensity. The episode’s conclusion sets the stage for future developments in the series.
Strengths
Emotional Resonance: The episode explores themes of identity and purpose, adding depth to the characters and their motivations.
Performances: The cast delivers strong performances, particularly in conveying the emotional stakes of the story.
Engaging Storytelling: The courtroom setting provides a unique backdrop for exploring moral dilemmas and societal issues.
Weaknesses
Pacing Issues: Some viewers might find the episode’s focus on legal drama less thrilling compared to more action-oriented episodes.
Character Development: Certain supporting characters could benefit from more screen time to enhance their impact on the story.
Key Themes
The episode delves into the intersection of justice and vigilantism, raising questions about the role of heroes in addressing systemic issues. It also explores the personal costs of heroism and the struggle to balance identity with purpose. These themes are woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Verdict
While not as action-packed as earlier episodes, Episode 3 succeeds as a thought-provoking drama with emotional weight. Its focus on character development and thematic exploration sets up intriguing possibilities for future episodes. However, uneven pacing and limited character development prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Disney has released the highly anticipated first trailer for “Freakier Friday,” the sequel to the beloved 2003 film “Freaky Friday.” The new trailer promises a fresh take on the classic body-swap comedy, with a multigenerational twist that expands the family dynamics.
The Return of Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprise their iconic roles as mother-daughter duo Tess and Anna Coleman. The trailer showcases their chemistry as they navigate a new set of challenges, including a four-way body swap involving Anna’s daughter and her boyfriend’s daughter. This time around, the body swaps are not just between Tess and Anna but also involve two younger characters, played by Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons.
New Cast Additions
The sequel introduces new cast members, including Manny Jacinto as Anna’s husband and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Returning from the original film are Mark Harmon, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Rosalind Chao.
Plot and Themes
The story picks up years after Tess and Anna’s initial identity crisis. Anna now has a daughter and a soon-to-be stepdaughter, and as they merge two families, they discover that lightning might strike twice, leading to another body-swapping adventure. The trailer hints at comedic moments, including teenagers in adult bodies engaging in wild antics, such as flying through the air in a car.
Release and Reception
“Freakier Friday” is set to premiere in theaters on August 8, 2025. The trailer has already generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see the return of Lohan and Curtis on the big screen. The film is directed by Nisha Ganatra, known for her work on “You Me Her”.
Trailer Highlights
Comedic Moments: The trailer features Jamie Lee Curtis delivering memorable one-liners, including a humorous comment about her face resembling a worn-out Birkin bag.
Body-Swapping Chaos: The four-way body swap promises more chaos and laughter, with teenagers navigating adult lives and vice versa.
Reunion and New Beginnings: The film marks a significant return for Lindsay Lohan and offers a heartwarming reunion with Jamie Lee Curtis, blending nostalgia with new family dynamics.
Overall, the “Freakier Friday” trailer suggests a fun, family-friendly film that builds upon the original while introducing fresh characters and situations. With its release just around the corner, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of this beloved comedy franchise.
HOUSTON – The Houston Texans are maintaining their aggressive approach in free agency, bolstering their defense with the addition of former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Nick Niemann. Head coach DeMeco Ryans and his team are determined to make the leap from good to great this offseason, executing a series of key roster upgrades.
The Texans have signed Niemann to a two-year, $6.5 million deal. The 27-year-old linebacker brings versatility and high-level special teams play to Houston’s defense. A 2021 draft pick out of the University of Iowa, Niemann has spent his entire career with the Chargers, amassing 87 total tackles, one interception, and three passes defended. His athleticism and physical style of play make him a valuable asset, particularly in run defense and special teams.
Ryans has led an impressive turnaround in Houston, transforming the team from a 3-13-1 squad into a legitimate AFC contender. Under his leadership, the Texans have won back-to-back AFC South titles and secured playoff victories in consecutive seasons. However, their most recent campaign ended in a narrow playoff loss to the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs, marking the second consecutive year Houston was eliminated by the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
The Texans have made a trade with the Super Bowl champion Eagles. Philadelphia is sending C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston in exchange for guard Kenyon Green, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. As part of the deal, the Eagles will also trade a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Texans, who will send back a 2026 fifth-round pick.
The Texans’ defense performed admirably in the 2024-2025 season, allowing an average of 21.9 points per game, ranking 14th in the league. They also finished in the top ten in both rushing and passing defense. Despite their solid performance, the front office has prioritized defensive reinforcements this offseason, aiming to elevate the unit into one of the NFL’s elite. With a stacked AFC featuring several top-tier quarterbacks, an upgraded defense is essential for Houston’s championship aspirations.
While the defense continues to improve, the Texans also have high expectations for quarterback C.J. Stroud’s development. The former Ohio State standout took the league by storm in his rookie season, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. However, his second season was more uneven, underscoring the need for further growth as Houston strives for a deep playoff run. At just 23 years old, Stroud remains one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks, but he will need to close the gap between himself and the AFC’s elite signal-callers.
With their latest defensive acquisition, the Texans are signaling their intent to compete at the highest level in the 2025-26 season. As Houston pushes for its first AFC Championship Game appearance in franchise history, Ryans and his squad remain focused on building a roster capable of contending with the best in the league.
As Spring Break 2025 winds down, Houston is turning up the heat with an action-packed weekend filled with culture, music, film, and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of Tejano music, indie cinema, or outdoor fun, the city has something unforgettable in store. From Go Tejano Day at the Rodeo to the Houston Latino Film Festival and interactive activities at Discovery Green, here’s how to make the most of your last days of freedom before Monday rolls around.
Go Tejano Day: A Celebration of Heritage and Music (March 16, 2025)
Rodeo Houston features Mexican baile folkorico at NRG Park in honor of Go Tejano Day.
NRG Park will be buzzing with energy as Go Tejano Day brings the best of Mexican-American culture to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The day is packed with exciting events, including the Mariachi Invitational Finals inside the stadium before the highly anticipated concert. For a taste of tradition, don’t miss the Fiesta Charra at 2 p.m. inside NRG Center, where skilled horseback riders and folklórico dancers put on a stunning display of talent.
New this year is the Grito Competition, where kids and adults can compete to see who has the most powerful and passionate “grito”—the iconic Mexican celebratory yell. Winners will take home a sombrero and, for adults, a special prize from Miller Lite Ice House.
Music lovers can enjoy live performances throughout the day at the Junction Stage, featuring a stellar lineup including Grupo Vendangi, Los Hermano Lara, and Nortenos Internacional. The Hideout stage will keep the party going late into the night with DJ Rulow and Los Bohemios de Michoacán as the headlining act.
Houston Latino Film Festival: A Cinematic Journey Through Latin America (March 12-16, 2025)
For film buffs, the Houston Latino Film Festival at MATCH offers a deep dive into the rich storytelling traditions of Latin America. Over five days, attendees can watch award-winning narrative features, documentaries, and short films, many of which will include Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.
The festival, now in its 9th year, has become a cornerstone event for Latino filmmakers, giving them a platform to share powerful and diverse stories. This year’s lineup includes films from Houston’s own rising talent, as well as international hits that showcase the triumphs and struggles of Latino communities worldwide. The prestigious Jury’s “Ojo” Awards will be announced on Sunday, recognizing excellence in various categories, including Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary, and Best Texas Film.
For those who love art in all its forms, the festival will also feature poetry readings, live music, and visual art exhibitions, making it an immersive cultural experience.
Family-Friendly Fun at Discovery Green (March 15, 2025)
Skating rink at Discovery Green.
Houston’s beloved Discovery Greenis the place to be for families looking for interactive and educational fun. On Saturday, the Little BIPOC Book Fest invites young readers (ages 3-10) to explore books that celebrate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color experiences. The event will feature special guests, including Mexican-American artist Mr. Pendlum, as well as the Harris County Public Library’s Curiosity Cruiser.
For those looking to give back to the planet, Recycling Saturdays runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing visitors to drop off sorted glass, paper, plastic, and aluminum for recycling.
Gamers of all ages can also enjoy Game Day at Discovery Green from noon to 3 p.m., featuring board games like chess and checkers, plus an UNO tournament hosted by the UH Clear Lake Board Game Association. It’s a perfect way to meet new friends and enjoy some friendly competition.
And for superhero fans, Superhero Saturdays at The Rink will feature a special Batman-themed skating session. Dress as your favorite comic book character and hit the rink for a fun-filled afternoon!
Bank of America’s Screen on the Green: Hidden Figures (March 15, 2025, 7-10 p.m.)
As the sun sets over Discovery Green, settle in for an outdoor movie screening of Hidden Figures as part of Bank of America’s Screen on the Green series. The Oscar-nominated film tells the inspiring true story of three African-American women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played a crucial role in NASA’s space program during the 1960s.
Grab a blanket, bring some snacks, and enjoy this empowering and entertaining film under the stars. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up in advance.
Don’t Let Spring Break End Without a Bang!
Houston is pulling out all the stops for the final days of Spring Break, offering a vibrant mix of cultural celebrations, entertainment, and community events. Whether you’re dancing at Go Tejano Day, watching thought-provoking films, or enjoying a day outdoors with the family, there’s no shortage of ways to make this weekend one to remember.
Make sure to grab your tickets, plan your schedule, and savor every last moment before reality kicks back in!
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On Friday morning, on Pi Day, no less, take a moment to look up at the night sky.
Our moon, sun, and Earth will align, causing the moon to turn red.
NASA scientist Dr. Noah Petro joined Eyewitness News live on Thursday morning to discuss what will happen in our upper atmosphere.
“That glow is the projection of every sunrise and sunset on the earth onto the lunar surface,” he said. “So, when you’re out looking and see the moon turn that red color, you can thank the atmosphere, the moon, and the sun for this amazing celestial treat.”
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story,click here.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A judge ordering federal workers who’ve been let go by the Trump administration, to be reinstated. That includes the Department of Education.
The Trump administration laid off half the Education Department’s workforce on Tuesday night.
And the teachers’ union here in Houston says those workers are crucial when it comes to funding school districts.
Union president Jackie Anderson says many employees from the department are ones that help with funding that goes to school districts. Those funds go to things like pell grants, student loans, financial aid, speech & occupational therapy, and special education programs.
So how much do school districts rely on federal funding? Our ABC News team looked at some of the larger ones in the Houston area.
In the 2021-2022 school year, HISD received 23% of its revenue from the DOE, Cy-Fair ISD received 16%, and Fort Bend received 15%.
This is what President Trump said about education this week. “We want education to be moved back, where the states run education, where the parents of the children will be running education, where governors that are doing a very good job will be running education,” he said.
If layoffs go into effect and federal funding shrinks, schools, which critics say are already underfunded by the state, will feel long-term effects.
“I think the students are being set up for failure. The things that they would have gotten to ensure success or for teachers. Even professional development from teachers even comes from the DOE. And so, teachers can provide high-quality instruction. Who is going to provide that now?” Anderson said.
his story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story,click here.
WASHINGTON — The Senate finds itself on Friday in a familiar position, working to avoid a partial government shutdown with just hours to spare as Democrats confront two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting a funding lapse ensue.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration about the options before them, but late Thursday made clear he will not allow a government shutdown. His move gives Democrats room to side with Republicans and allow the continuing resolution, often described as a CR, to come up for a vote as soon as Friday.
A procedural vote Friday will provide a first test of whether the package has the 60 votes needed to advance, ahead of final voting likely later in the day. At least eight Democrats will need to join with Republicans to move the funding package forward.
“While the CR still is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse,” Schumer said.
Congress has been unable to pass the annual appropriations bills designed to fund the government, so they’ve resorted to passing short-term extensions instead. The legislation before the Senate marks the third such continuing resolution for the current fiscal year, now nearly half over.
The legislation would fund the federal government through the end of September. It would trim non-defense spending by about $13 billion from the previous year and increase defense spending by about $6 billion, which are marginal changes when talking about a topline spending level of nearly $1.7 trillion.
The Republican-led House passed the spending bill on Tuesday and then adjourned. The move left senators with a decision to either take it or leave it. And while Democrats have been pushing for a vote on a fourth short-term extension, GOP leadership made clear that option was a non-starter.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and others used their floor time Thursday to make the case that any blame for a shutdown would fall squarely on Democrats.
“Democrats need to decide if they’re going to support funding legislation that came over from the House, or if they’re going to shut down the government,” Thune said when opening the chamber.
Progressive groups urged Democratic lawmakers to insist on the 30-day extension and oppose the spending bill, saying “business as usual must not continue” while Trump and ally Elon Musk dismantle critical agencies and programs.
But Schumer said Trump would seize more power during a shutdown, because it would give the administration the ability to deem whole agencies, programs and personnel non-essential, furloughing staff with no promise they would ever be rehired.
“A shutdown would give Donald Trump the keys to the city, the state and the country,” Schumer said.
Democrats have been critical of the funding levels in the bill. They note that both defense and non-defense spending is lower than what was agreed to nearly two years ago when Congress passed legislation lifting the debt ceiling in return for spending restraints.
But they are even more worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump administration on spending decisions. Many Democrats are referring to the measure as a “blank check” for Trump.
Spending bills typically come with specific funding directives for key programs, but hundreds of those directives fall away under the continuing resolution passed by the House. So the administration will have more leeway to decide where the money goes.
For example, a Democratic memo said the bill would allow the administration to steer money away from combating fentanyl and instead use it on mass deportation initiatives. At the Army Corps of Engineers, funding levels for more than 1,000 projects to enhance commerce, flood control and healthy ecosystems would be determined by the administration rather than Congress.
Democrats also object to the treatment of the District of Columbia, as the bill effectively repeals its current year budget and forces it to go back to the prior year’s levels, even though the district raises most of its own money. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the district would have to cut spending by $1.1 billion over just a few months.
Democrats also object to clawing back $20 billion in special IRS funding, on top of the $20 billion rescission approved the year before. The changes essentially cut in half the funding boost that Congress intended to give the agency through legislation passed by Democrats during Joe Biden’s presidency.
The spending bill before the Senate is separate from the GOP effort to extend tax cuts for individuals passed in Trump’s first term and to pay for those with spending cuts elsewhere in the budget.
That second package will be developed in the months ahead, but it was clearly part of the political calculus Democrats were considering as they argued against the six-month extension. Both efforts are designed to help the well-off at the expense of other Americans, they said.
“You’re looking at a one-two punch, a very bad CR, then a reconciliation bill coming down, which will be the final kick in the teeth for the American people,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the Democratic arguments were hypocritical because they were essentially calling for shutting down the government to protect the government.
“Democrats are fighting to withhold the paychecks of air traffic controllers, our troops, federal custodial staff,” Cotton said. “They can’t be serious.”
In Houston’s vast workforce, breaking into the job market as a Latina often requires overcoming language and cultural barriers, underrepresentation, and a lack of support. Created as a response to the glaring lack of representation for Latinas in the blogging and media space, the Houston Latina Collaborative (HLC) began as Houston Latina Bloggers in 2014. Over the last 11 years, it has evolved into a thriving community supporting Latina entrepreneurs, media professionals, fashion and makeup artists, and other creatives. Today, HLC continues to fill the gaps in access, support, and resources for Latinas, fostering collaboration and empowerment across industries.
A Vision Born from Exclusion
Connie Leon, a founding member of the HLC and of Mexican descent, recalls the moment the idea was born.
“We were at a conference, and it was a predominantly white female conference,” Leon said in an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine. “We realized that there weren’t a lot of people of color in general, and it was only about eight of us who were actually Latinas.”
Determined to create a space for Latina voices, Leon and her peers took immediate action.
“Literally sitting at that conference, we looked it up and thought, ‘THIS CAN’T BE RIGHT. WE ARE NOT THE ONLY LATINAS AT CONFERENCES,’” she recalled. “And there was nothing else. That’s crazy—so let’s create something.”
What began with a simple Twitter account, Facebook group, and Instagram page has now flourished into a thriving network. From an initial group of six to eight women, the HLC has grown to include over 800 members in its private Facebook group and 17,000 followers on Instagram.
“It’s work, but it’s a community effort, and so it’s definitely been something that we’ve grown and love to see grow,” Leon said.
A Space for Growth and Opportunity
Carolina “Caro” Rodriguez, a tech enthusiast of Salvadoran and Venezuelan descent, joined the Houston Latina Collaborative when she was searching for guidance in blogging and social media.
“I met Connie at a panel, and I kind of stalked her,” Rodriguez admitted with a laugh. “I wanted to be a blogger and work in social media. I reached out and got introduced to the community.”
Rodriguez quickly realized the impact of the HLC.
“What Connie created was something great because a lot of people would come up to us at events and ask, ‘How do I get started? Where do I go? What do I do?’” she said.
HLC became that launching pad.
“The goal is to get as many people as we can not just involved, but to just know that the community exists and that you can be a part of it,” Leon said.
Representation and Collaboration
Desiree Klaus, a Mexican American entrepreneur and founder of Let’s Vámonos Network, has played an instrumental role in expanding HLC’s reach. She currently serves as the Chief Collaborative Officer, leading partnerships and brand initiatives.
“Once the community started to grow, that representation also started to grow,” Klaus said. “Cultivating future bloggers to create their own audiences and platforms grew immensely because Houston Latina Bloggers was that first step for so many.”
Klaus, who produces two shows—Let’s Vámonos Live and Mornings with Madre—leverages her expertise in media and community advocacy to uplift Latina entrepreneurs. She believes in the power of collaboration.
“There’s growth in our community,” Klaus said. “It’s not just me being the marketing manager or social media manager. There’s opportunity for me to grow and bring in other people to fill in the gaps.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Running a large-scale collaborative effort isn’t without its difficulties.
Leon reflected on HLC’s evolution.
“Where it has come from—from being a small group of six or seven people that we didn’t know what it was going to turn into—to now, it has been huge,” she said.
Before the pandemic, HLC hosted numerous workshops, panels, and networking events. COVID-19 forced a shift to virtual engagement, but it also reinforced the group’s resilience.
“During COVID, our team kind of disintegrated, but we kept going. We all have our own platforms now,” Leon said. “Wherever there is a need to fill in that space, we can pull from a lot of different places.”
HLC’s adaptability allows it to remain a central hub for Latina professionals and entrepreneurs. Members actively post about needs, job opportunities, and collaborative projects, ensuring those seeking support can find it.
Beyond business and networking, HLC has taken a stance on social issues.
“Over the last two years, we’ve found ourselves in controversial moments,” Klaus said. “We needed to let the community know where we stand. We are here for the immigrant community; we are families of immigrants. We are a collaborative community of immigrants.”
Speaking out has strengthened the community’s trust in HLC.
“When people know where you stand and that you’re willing to speak out for them, it creates a sense of unity and a bond that some of these other platforms might not do because they’re too scared,” Klaus said. “But we are not just about the pretty pictures—we want to make sure our voices are heard.”
Balancing Growth and Self-Care
For many involved, particularly working mothers, balancing personal and professional responsibilities is a constant challenge.
“Something’s always going to be sacrificed,” Leon said. “It’s really important for me to be present in every single space. When I have my kids, I disconnect from work and everything else.”
Rodriguez, who once burned out from overcommitting, learned to set boundaries.
“I started being available 24/7, and I burned out,” Rodriguez said. “Now, I know how to delegate, say no, and recognize what I can handle.”
Impact and Future Plans
For Klaus, the impact of HLC is clear.
“Without HLC, I don’t think it would’ve pushed me to where I am now with my own business,” she said. “I am a product of being able to show what opportunities and growth can happen when you work with the right people.”
Rodriguez takes pride in watching members flourish.
“I still follow women who were just starting, and now they’re huge,” she said. “It makes me happy because they found what they loved and are thriving.”
Moving forward, HLC aims to assess community needs and form strategic partnerships.
“We’ve learned that we can’t be everything for everybody,” Klaus said. “So, we will continue to be more purposeful and authentic in our collaborations.”
