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Senators Warren and Banks Press DOJ on Egg Price Hikes, Call for Deeper Antitrust Probe

Indira Zaldivar
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Senators Warren and Banks Press DOJ on Egg Price Hikes, Call for Deeper Antitrust Probe

Bipartisan Scrutiny on Egg Industry Practices

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and Republican Senator Jim Banks are urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to intensify its antitrust investigation into major U.S. egg producers. In a joint letter to Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, the senators expressed concern over prolonged high egg prices and questioned whether large companies are engaging in anticompetitive behavior.

Consumer Costs Under Pressure

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cost of a dozen eggs rose from $4.95 in January to $6.22 in March — a 25% surge. While wholesale prices have dropped in recent weeks, retail prices remain elevated. The senators argue that this gap may reflect manipulation rather than market conditions.

Avian Flu or Corporate Greed?

The egg industry has blamed the price hikes on avian flu outbreaks, but Warren and Banks remain skeptical.

“We’re concerned that record high egg prices reflect noncompetitive behavior among large producers,” they wrote. The letter also noted that prices only began dropping after the DOJ launched its investigation.

In this April 8, 2025, file photo, Sen. Elizabeth Warren is shown during a Senate Finance Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.
Courtesy: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images, FILE
Republican Sen. Jim Banks joins Sen. Elizabeth Warren in pressing for the egg price surge investigation.

History of Price Fixing Raises Red Flags

Citing past cases of price fixing among egg companies, the senators stressed that similar coordination may be happening again. “Given this history, we urge DOJ to thoroughly review whether recent trends in egg prices reflect impermissible coordination,” they stated.

Senators Demand Answers

Both lawmakers are requesting the DOJ provide updates by mid-May, including whether bird flu can fully explain price increases, how much profits have risen among top egg producers, and if prices fell significantly after the investigation began.

Political Flashpoint

Egg prices became a key talking point during the 2024 presidential race. President Donald Trump has claimed that prices are now falling due to his administration’s actions. Economists, however, dispute attributing such market shifts to any single president.

Public Interest at Stake

“Americans deserve to know if those sky-high prices are the result of out-of-control corporate greed,” said Warren, according to ABC News. Banks added, “It’s long overdue for an antitrust investigation to bring down prices and create more competition.”

Keep up with the egg price surge with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Rain isn’t done with us yet as we head into Mother’s Day weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Rain isn’t done with us yet as we head into Mother’s Day weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re not quite done with this wet and active weather pattern. Scattered showers and isolated storms could slow down your Friday morning commute especially along the coast.

The sky turns mostly sunny by the afternoon and high temperatures warm in the upper 70s to low 80s. If you have plans Friday evening, you may want to keep your umbrella close by as another weak disturbance rolls in between 8-10 pm for the Houston area.

So is the weather still looking good for Mother’s Day weekend?

Well, mostly. The upper low bringing all our stormy weather looks like it may not push as far away from us this weekend as we originally thought. If it does linger nearby, we’ll get more clouds this weekend with a few showers possible, especially on Saturday. Mother’s Day now looks mostly dry but somewhat cloudy. We’ll still enjoy a little humidity drop with the breeze coming in from the north. Lows will be near 60 with highs near 80.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Justice David Souter Dies at 85

Indira Zaldivar
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Justice David Souter Dies at 85

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a reserved New England intellectual who defied conservative expectations and shaped key liberal rulings, died May 8 at his home in New Hampshire. He was 85. The court confirmed his death but did not release a cause.

From “Stealth Candidate” to Unexpected Liberal Voice

Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 to replace Justice William Brennan Jr., Souter was initially hailed by conservatives as a safe, quiet pick. With little public record, he was dubbed the “stealth candidate.” Yet he quickly emerged as a key moderate voice, siding with the liberal wing in landmark decisions on abortion, gay rights, church-state separation, and the death penalty.

Defending Precedent in Landmark Abortion Case

In one of his most consequential rulings, Souter co-authored the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision with Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy, upholding the core protections of Roe v. Wade. He warned that reversing precedent “under fire” would damage the court’s legitimacy.

President George H.W. Bush named Justice Souter to the high court in 1990.Courtesy: Gerald Martineau/The Washington Post

A Reclusive Life Devoted to Law and History

Souter, famously shy of Washington’s spotlight, described the Supreme Court as the “world’s best job in the world’s worst city.” He spent summers alone in his New Hampshire farmhouse, reading and hiking. He disliked giving speeches and had no computer in his chambers, preferring to write opinions longhand with a fountain pen.

Disillusionment After Bush v. Gore

Souter’s quiet demeanor masked deep concern about the court’s direction. He was among the dissenters in Bush v. Gore (2000), the decision that halted Florida’s recount and secured George W. Bush’s presidency. The case left him demoralized. Former clerk Kermit Roosevelt said it “broke Souter’s heart” and made judging feel like “an act of political will.”

Unexpected Retirement and Lasting Legacy

In 2009, at age 69, Souter retired voluntarily — younger than many justices — to return to New Hampshire and his books. He continued hearing cases at the federal appellate level. President Obama praised his fairness and independence, calling him a justice who “never sought to promote a political agenda.”

Early Life and Legal Rise

Born in Melrose, Massachusetts, in 1939, David Hackett Souter moved to Weare, New Hampshire, as a child. A top student, he graduated from Harvard, studied at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and earned a Harvard Law degree. He served as New Hampshire’s attorney general, then ascended through the state and federal judiciary. His nomination to the Supreme Court came just months after joining the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Judicial Philosophy and Courtroom Presence

Souter embraced a philosophy of judicial restraint and precedent. He was known for long, precise opinions and persistent questioning during oral arguments. Though personally cordial with conservative justices like Antonin Scalia, he often clashed with them over constitutional interpretation.

Quiet but Principled in a Shifting Court

During his nearly 20 years on the bench, Souter often found himself in dissent as the court leaned right. He opposed decisions weakening desegregation and voting rights, and his draft dissent in Citizens United — never published — reportedly accused Chief Justice Roberts of manipulating procedure for ideological ends.

Final Years and Reflection

After retirement, Souter lived in Concord, New Hampshire, in a modest home with a library for his vast book collection. Close friends described him as principled and deeply patriotic. On the day of the Bush v. Gore ruling, he gave his clerks a Robert Frost poem. One line stayed with him: “What to make of a diminished thing.”

For more on the U.S. justices, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Moves Toward Local Agreement on Toll Road Emergency Funding Amid State Legislation

Indira Zaldivar
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Harris County Moves Toward Local Agreement on Toll Road Emergency Funding Amid State Legislation

Following the Texas Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 2722, which would redirect a portion of Harris County’s toll road surplus funds to the City of Houston, county leaders are taking steps to reach a local solution before the legislation becomes law.

The bill, authored by Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), passed the Senate in a 21-10 vote. It would require 30%—or roughly $80 million—of Harris County Toll Road Authority’s (HCTRA) surplus funds to go to Houston to reimburse emergency services. The remaining 70% would remain with the county, to be distributed among its four precincts based on the percentage of county roads within each.

But Harris County leaders are working to resolve the issue locally. On Thursday, Commissioners instructed the Harris County Attorney and the Department of Intergovernmental and Global Affairs to begin negotiations with the City of Houston and its legal counsel on a compensation agreement for first responders operating on the HCTRA system.

“The county is ready to work in any form or fashion with the city going forward,” said Commissioner Tom Ramsey from the dais. “The message today is we want to work with the city.”

“We’re deeply invested in infrastructure and public safety, and we’re deeply committed to working out a local solution to a local issue,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “So, we thank in advance the county Attorney’s office for their ongoing partnership.”

Commissioners emphasized the need for a local, data-driven approach. The Court is scheduled to meet again on May 22, when members could formalize a proposed interlocal agreement.

Local Collaboration Over State Intervention

Tension between the City of Houston and Harris County has grown in recent weeks over the legislation. In a letter sent to Mayor John Whitmire, Commissioners Lesley Briones and Adrian Garcia said the county had not been informed or consulted before the bill was introduced.

“It was only when the city introduced SB 2722 — and its companion HB 5177 — that we were first made aware of the desire to seek substantial compensation for tollway responses,” the commissioners wrote. “As you know, Harris County was not consulted before this bill was filed, nor did we receive any inquiries or requests. As we have done many times in the past, we are always open to collaboration with Houston and the other 33 cities within Harris County that ultimately benefit our shared constituents.”

During a recent City Council meeting, Mayor Whitmire expressed gratitude for the bill’s advancement and encouraged open discussion.

“First of all, I will meet with anyone anywhere if they’re wanting to work to improve Houston. I’ve met with all the commissioners in recent days. … This idea was brought to me by Houston legislators [who asked], ‘Would we document what [emergency services] we provide?’”

The Numbers Behind the Dispute

HCTRA, which operates 132 miles of toll road in Harris County, currently funds public safety operations on its system. According to the agency, between 2022 and 2024, Harris County resources responded to more than 300,000 incidents, while the Houston Fire and Police Departments responded to fewer than 3,000, or just 1% of total incidents.

To maintain this service level, HCTRA’s FY 2025 budget includes $42.7 million for toll road public safety, with $25 million allocated to agreements with all eight county constables.

At a Texas Senate Transportation Committee hearing earlier this month, Commissioner Tom Ramsey argued in support of the bill, saying the current funding distribution shortchanges areas like his.

“My precinct has 47% of the county roads in Harris County, yet I get less than 25% of the [surplus] funding,” Ramsey said. “So, the bill that I’m supporting here deals with that, that they would disperse the fund based on the county road responsibility.”

But Commissioner Adrian Garcia, speaking through representative Kristen Lee, opposed the bill’s rigid funding formula.

“This bill would significantly undermine our ability to manage and fund the critical infrastructure we rely on every day, especially in regions like mine where roadways carry a disproportionate burden for the freight industry,” Lee read from Garcia’s statement. “In Precinct 2, we see that impact firsthand. We have more maintenance demands than any other area in Harris County.”

As legislative interest in SB 2722 continues, Harris County officials say they’ve been working with lawmakers to explore a collaborative alternative. Local leaders are hopeful the issue can be resolved through a mutually beneficial agreement, avoiding what they see as a state overreach into local matters.

Keep up with Harris County and Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1324

Indira Zaldivar
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¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1324

Domestic Violence Accounts for 30% of Murders in Harris County, HCSO Reports

Que Onda Editorial
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Domestic Violence Accounts for 30% of Murders in Harris County, HCSO Reports

Recent findings from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reveal that nearly 30% of murders in the area are linked to domestic violence—a statistic that has remained consistent despite increased investigative resources.

Insight Into Case Dynamics

HCSO Major Ben Katrib noted a key challenge: while domestic violence cases have the advantage of a known offender, they rely heavily on the victim’s sustained cooperation.

“The disadvantage is that you need the initial and continued cooperation by the victim,” Katrib told our news partner ABC13 Houston. He also pointed out that, on average, it takes about seven violent incidents before many victims take steps to leave or seek help.

Barriers to Reporting

Victims often hesitate to come forward due to feelings of shame or fear of losing critical ties such as their homes or custody of their children. This reluctance complicates the ability of law enforcement to effectively manage these cases.

Community Support for Survivors

In an effort to combat domestic violence, the Houston Area Women’s Center has recently expanded its facilities, adding a new campus dedicated to housing survivors. The center also offers round-the-clock support via a hotline at (713) 528-2121 for anyone in need of assistance or simply someone to talk to.

For more on domestic violence and prevention, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

House Approves Bill to Permanently Rename Gulf of Mexico

Indira Zaldivar
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House Approves Bill to Permanently Rename Gulf of Mexico

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to permanently rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” advancing an effort started by President Donald Trump.

Narrow Vote Reflects Partisan Divide
The measure, introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), passed narrowly with a 211–206 vote. Only one Republican, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, voted against the bill.

From Executive Order to Law
The bill would codify Trump’s executive order issued during his second term, officially changing all references in U.S. laws, maps, and documents from “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America.” Federal agencies would be required to update all related materials under the supervision of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

Greene: ‘It’s a Priority for the American People’
“Codifying the rightful renaming of the Gulf of America isn’t just a priority for me and President Trump, it’s a priority for the American people,” Greene posted on X, emphasizing the Gulf’s economic and military significance to the U.S.

Senate Passage Uncertain
The bill faces steeper odds in the Senate, where it would need bipartisan support to overcome a filibuster. Senate Republican Leader John Thune has yet to commit to bringing the measure to a vote.

Johnson: Protecting Trump’s Agenda
House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced strong support for the legislation. “We’ve been working around the clock to codify so much of what President Trump has been doing,” he said, “so that it can’t be reversed and erased by an upcoming administration.”

Keep up with developments related to the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico with us on Que Onda Magazine.

A few storms return late Thursday

ABC13 Houston
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A few storms return late Thursday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Yesterday’s thunderstorms zapped enough moisture from our atmosphere that we’ll enjoy a dry spell through the middle afternoon hours Thursday.

Pleasant conditions as you head out the door Thursday morning with lower humidity and slightly cooler temperatures. High temperatures will warm in the mid to upper 80s.

What’s on tap for the rest of the work week?

An upper-level low centered west of Texas will once again spin up showers and thunderstorms over Southeast Texas late Thursday into Thursday night. We have a minor chance for rain on Friday at 20%.

So is the weather still looking good for Mother’s Day weekend?

Well, mostly. The upper low bringing all our stormy weather looks like it may not push as far away from us this weekend as we originally thought. If it does linger nearby, we’ll get more clouds this weekend with a few showers possible, especially on Saturday. Mother’s Day now looks mostly dry but somewhat cloudy. We’ll still enjoy a little humidity drop with the breeze coming in from the north. Lows will be near 60 with highs near 80.

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.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

No más facturas sorpresa: Comcast revoluciona el internet con la garantía deprecio por cinco años de Xfinity

Que Onda Editorial
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No más facturas sorpresa: Comcast revoluciona el internet con la garantía deprecio por cinco años de Xfinity

En la economía impredecible de hoy, hay algo seguro: el cambio es constante. Desde
el aumento en los precios del supermercado hasta la incertidumbre sobre cuánto
costará un nuevo teléfono, una laptop o incluso una casa, son temas que se discuten
en las mesas de cocina de todo el país. ¿La buena noticia? Al menos en lo que se
refiere al servicio de internet, ahora hay una forma de garantizar estabilidad en el
precio.


Por primera vez, Comcast ha lanzado una garantía de precio por cinco años en su
servicio de internet Xfinity para nuevos y actuales clientes, con un precio fijo mensual,
total transparencia, sin contratos, velocidades gigabit y el mejor gateway WiFi de su
clase. Los precios mensuales comienzan en $55, con la flexibilidad de cancelar en
cualquier momento sin penalización.


“Estamos abordando dos de las mayores preocupaciones de los consumidores —el
aumento de los costos y la falta de transparencia— con un valor increíble y precios
fáciles de entender, garantizados por cinco años”, dijo Steve Croney, Director de
Operaciones de Conectividad y Plataformas en Comcast. “Nuestra nueva garantía de
precio elimina la complejidad y, cuando nuestros clientes también contratan el servicio
móvil, obtienen la red convergente más grande del país, que ofrece velocidades gigabit
automáticamente dondequiera que vayan”.


Los nuevos y actuales clientes que se suscriban a Xfinity Internet y opten por la nueva
garantía de precio por cinco años recibirán:

WiFi confiable y potente: un Xfinity Gateway con un ancho de banda increíble, capaz
de conectar más de 100 dispositivos en todo el hogar, además de acceso a la red WiFi
de Comcast, la más grande y rápida del país.


Datos ilimitados: datos ilimitados para cada cliente que elija un plan con garantía de
precio.


Xfinity Mobile incluido: una línea móvil ilimitada de Xfinity sin costo durante un año.


Velocidades gigabit en casa y fuera de ella: acceso a WiFi PowerBoost, que entrega
sin interrupciones velocidades de hasta 1 Gbps al conectarse a WiFi tanto dentro como
fuera del hogar.


Internet con latencia ultra baja: tecnología de internet con latencia ultra baja para
usar FaceTime en iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV y Apple Vision Pro, aplicaciones en los
visores de realidad mixta de Meta, NVIDIA GeForce NOW o muchos juegos en la
plataforma Steam de Valve.

Protección de ciberseguridad: los clientes con Xfinity Gateway recibirán Xfinity
Advanced Security en todos los dispositivos conectados.


Controles parentales: control total de la red doméstica con controles parentales,
pruebas de conexión para nuevos dispositivos que se unen a la red, opción de pausar
el WiFi, establecer horarios de uso para los miembros de la familia y más.


Los consumidores pueden suscribirse a Xfinity Internet y Xfinity Mobile en línea en
www.xfinity.com o en su tienda local de Xfinity.

HIJA DE AYLÍN MÚJICA LUCE ESPECTACULAR EN SUS XV AÑOS

Que Onda Editorial
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HIJA DE AYLÍN MÚJICA LUCE ESPECTACULAR EN SUS XV AÑOS

Violeta cumple su sueño gracias al regalo de ‘Ragazza Fashion’

La actriz Aylín Mújica está viviendo uno de los mejores papeles de su vida junto a su hija Violeta Valenzuela Mújica, quien acaba de cumplir 15 años.  Y aunque Violeta no deseaba una fiesta tradicional de Quinceañera, la idea de una sesión fotográfica para recordar el memorable momento, se hizo realidad al recibir una llamada inesperada de la compañía Ragazza Fashion, quienes le enviaron un catálogo para que eligiera entre sus vestidos de ensueño.

“Cuando Ragazza Fashion se acercó a nosotras y Violeta vió los vestidos, comenzó a gritar y brincar de emoción, ¡todos los vestidos le encantaron!”, recuerda la actriz que participa en “Velvet, el nuevo Imperio”, la nueva serie que Telemundo estrenará a mediados de mayo

Violeta eligió tres vestidos para fotografiarse en uno de los lugares más icónicos de Miami, donde residen. “Elegí uno en color violeta, haciéndole honor a mi nombre, uno rojo como homenaje a mi abuelita materna, pues ella usó uno en ese color, algo poco usual en su época. Y al final uno rosa, para sentirme como una princesa”, reveló la joven quien quiere ser abogada para ayudar a los más vulnerables.

Aylín dice que todo lo que sucede con su hija es cósmico y mágico. Y que en un sueño antes de nacer Violeta eligió su propio nombre.  “Ha venido a enseñarme muchas cosas, es como mi maestra. Es educada, buena estudiante… un regalo de Dios, lo mejor que me ha pasado en la vida, al igual que mis otros dos hijos (Mauro y Alejandro)”. 

Foto cortesía: Humberto Marchante @Anaysbf y Román L García @Nomar_Serrot

Esta famosa mamá también dijo sobre su hija menor, “Violeta me eligió a mí, es mi mejor amiga y la mejor compañera de viaje. Es muy enfocada y muy aterrizada”.

Aylín agradeció a Carolina Vázquez, CEO y fundadora de Ragazza Fashion por hacer posible el sueño de Violeta, con esa colección de espectaculares vestidos. Por su parte, Vásquez enfatizó que están buscando distribuidores en Estados Unidos, “Este es un negocio de ilusiones, uno nunca se cansa de ver este producto porque es muy colorido, y tiene una energía y una estética fabulosa”.

Los interesados pueden enviar un correo electrónico a Luis Tejeda ltejeda@corporativoandalucia.com .  Visite www.Ragazzafashion.com.mx

Si necesitas una entrevista, videos o fotos, contacta a Martha Saldaña marthasaldana00@gmail.com o (708) 743-4144.

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