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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.

REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 7: What You Need to Know Before You Fly

As of today, travelers in the United States must carry a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights or access federal buildings. The long-delayed federal mandate, originally passed by Congress in 2005, is now officially in effect across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

What Is REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act was established in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, aiming to strengthen the security standards for state-issued identification like driver’s licenses. It sets specific requirements for documents that will be accepted at TSA airport checkpoints and federal facilities such as military bases and courthouses.

Although the law has faced multiple implementation delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security now requires all travelers to comply—unless they’re prepared for alternative screening measures.

Can I Still Fly Without a REAL ID?

Yes—for now. According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, travelers without a REAL ID won’t be completely barred from flying domestically. However, they should expect additional screening and possible delays at security checkpoints.

“You may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said during a congressional hearing on May 6. “But people will be allowed to fly.”

What Do I Need to Get a REAL ID?

While the application process varies slightly by state, all applicants must provide:

  • Proof of full legal name and date of birth
  • Social Security number (via card, W-2, or pay stub)
  • Two documents proving address of residence
  • Proof of lawful status in the U.S.

You must visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person to apply.

To find state-specific requirements, visit the DHS REAL ID page.

What Does a REAL ID Look Like?

REAL ID cards closely resemble current driver’s licenses but include a distinctive star in the upper right corner. Each state has its own variation. For example, in California, the compliant ID features a golden bear with a star.

If your license says “Federal Limits Apply,” it does not meet REAL ID standards and cannot be used to fly domestically or enter federal facilities after today.

Do I Still Need a Passport?

Yes—for international travel, your U.S. passport remains necessary. However, a valid passport can also be used in place of a REAL ID for domestic flights or federal building access.

Also accepted: Enhanced Driver’s Licenses issued by New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and Washington, which meet REAL ID standards.

Why Is This Important?

Without a REAL ID or federally approved alternative, travelers could face missed flights and denied entry to secure government sites. With millions expected to travel this summer, airport lines may be longer than usual as travelers adjust to the new rules.

Whether you’re preparing for a family vacation or heading to a courthouse, make sure your ID is up to date—and compliant.

Keep up with more updates on REAL ID with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Cardinals Enter Historic Conclave to Elect Next Pope Amid Global Crossroads for the Catholic Church

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The College of Cardinals began the highly anticipated process of electing a new pope on Wednesday afternoon inside the Sistine Chapel, with 133 eligible cardinal-electors casting their initial ballots. The secretive and sacred tradition, known as a papal conclave, will continue until one candidate achieves the required two-thirds majority vote.

The length of the conclave remains uncertain. While some modern papal elections have concluded within two or three days, the outcome of this particular vote could hinge on deep ideological divides within the Church.

A defining feature of this year’s conclave is its extraordinary diversity. The majority of electors were appointed by the late Pope Francis, whose global outreach and emphasis on inclusion reshaped the College of Cardinals. However, experts caution that this does not guarantee the election of a like-minded successor, as some of his appointees hail from regions with traditionally conservative leanings.

During the conclave, cardinals are completely cut off from external contact. Their phones have been surrendered, and communications from the Sistine Chapel have been disabled to preserve the secrecy of the proceedings.

Who Might Succeed Francis?

No single candidate has emerged as a clear favorite, though a handful of names are generating significant buzz in Vatican circles and on betting markets. Italy’s Pietro Parolin, the current Vatican secretary of state, is considered a pragmatic moderate. Meanwhile, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines is viewed as a progressive voice aligned with Francis’s vision, known for his humility and advocacy for the poor.

Other potential frontrunners include Italian Cardinals Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Matteo Zuppi, along with cardinals from around the world such as Fridolin Ambongo (Congo), Peter Erdo (Hungary), Peter Turkson (Ghana), and Jean-Marc Aveline (France).

The Election Process

The conclave formally opened with a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before the cardinals proceeded to the Sistine Chapel. From then on, they will vote up to four times daily. Each ballot is handwritten with the Latin phrase, “Eligo in summum pontificem” (“I elect as supreme pontiff”).

After each round, ballots are burned with chemicals that produce either black smoke (indicating no decision) or white smoke (signaling a successful election). Pilgrims and press from around the world are gathered in St. Peter’s Square, scanning the skies for the next plume.

A Pivotal Moment for the Church

This conclave carries significant implications for the direction of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis left a complex legacy—praised by many for his progressive stances on LGBTQ inclusion and women’s leadership, yet criticized by traditionalists who felt he steered too far from orthodoxy.

Some cardinals are eager to continue Francis’s reforms. Others, however, believe the Church must course-correct. “Some want someone in the mold of Francis,” Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Sweden told reporters.

“Others absolutely do not.” Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini emphasized a need to “return the church to Catholics,” signaling the intensity of competing visions within the conclave, according to Forbes.

Dean of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re acknowledged the gravity of the moment, calling it “a difficult and complex turning point in history” and praying for a pope who would lead “for the good of the Church and of humanity.”

Pop Culture Meets Papal Politics

In a surprising twist, some cardinals reportedly watched Conclave, the Oscar-winning drama released earlier this year, in preparation for the real-life event. Viewership of the film surged by nearly 300% in the wake of Francis’s passing, according to Luminate. One cleric described the movie as “remarkably accurate.”

Background on Pope Francis’s Passing

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, following complications from pneumonia and bronchitis. He suffered a cerebral stroke and heart failure during what became his longest hospitalization as pontiff. His death marks the end of a transformative era and sets the stage for what may be one of the most consequential papal elections in modern Church history.

Keep up with the conclave with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Scattered thunderstorms will continue into Wednesday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The threat for widespread severe weather and flooding has ended for most of southeast Texas. Scattered thunderstorms will continue on Wednesday, so don’t put away your umbrellas quite yet. Thunderstorms near the coast Wednesday morning will still pose a street flooding threat.

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

An upper-level low centered west of Texas will continue to spin up showers and thunderstorms over Southeast Texas for Wednesday through Thursday, some of which could be severe. Rain chances gradually decrease from 40% Wednesday to 20% Friday.

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 both Saturday and Sunday. 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.

Texas could recoup up to $800M for border effort under latest House spending bill

Texas could receive nearly $800 million in federal reimbursements for Governor Greg Abbott’s border security initiatives during the Biden administration, as Congress considers the allocation. This potential funding, though significantly less than the $11 billion sought by Abbott and Texas Republicans in Congress, would provide a substantial financial boost to the state’s efforts.

The proposed reimbursement is included in a large spending bill under development in the U.S. House, which also incorporates tax cuts advocated by President Donald Trump. While the legislation allows any state to seek reimbursement for border immigration enforcement, Texas stands out as the only southern border state with a Republican governor who has invested billions in such measures through Operation Lone Star.

Governor Abbott utilized state funds for various border security activities, including transporting migrants to northern cities, deploying state troopers, installing miles of razor wire, and constructing approximately 60 miles of border wall after federal construction was halted.

U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw emphasized the need to “pay Texas back” and noted that while the current spending bill doesn’t meet the full $11 billion request, there is still opportunity for further negotiation. The House aims to finalize its budget package by Memorial Day, with Senate Republicans expected to develop their version in June. Agreement between both chambers is necessary before the bill can reach President Trump for his approval.

U.S. Senator John Cornyn affirmed his commitment to advocating for increased funding for Texas in the Senate, stating his expectation that Texas will be reimbursed for expenses incurred by state taxpayers that should have been a federal responsibility by the end of July.

Governor Abbott has framed the reimbursement as a “real estate” transaction during White House visits, offering the transfer of existing border wall and easements to the federal government. He also joined a formal letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune requesting full reimbursement.

Despite the change in administration, Texas continues to allocate significant state funding for border security. The Texas House has voted to allocate an additional $6.5 billion, including $2.8 billion for further barrier construction along the Rio Grande, $2.3 billion for the Texas Military Department, and $1.2 billion for the Department of Public Safety for border patrol personnel.

This continued funding occurs against a backdrop of declining border crossings, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection reporting only 7,000 apprehensions along the entire U.S.-Mexico border in March, a 95% decrease from the 137,000 apprehensions reported a year prior.

Texas lawmakers reach deal that gives property tax breaks to homeowners

State lawmakers have reached a deal on how to allocate more than $3 billion in new property tax relief, with the bulk of the cuts set to benefit homeowners.

The agreement, revealed in Senate and House committee hearings Monday, would increase the homestead exemption to $140,000 for most homeowners and to $200,000 for seniors and those with disabilities. The proposal would also increase the exemption for property owned by businesses from $2,500 to $125,000, effectively reducing the taxes they pay on inventory and office expenses.

State Rep. Morgan Meyer, a Dallas Republican who chairs the House Ways & Means committee, thanked Republican leadership for “working together to provide meaningful property tax relief.” 

Both proposals still need final sign-off by the Texas House and Senate. Gov. Greg Abbott, who has made property tax relief a priority this year, has yet to weigh in.

The deal largely mirrors legislation favored by the state Senate, which voted unanimously in February to raise the homestead exemption from the current $100,000. The exemption lowers the taxable value of a home and only applies to someone’s primary residence. 

The increased exemption would save homeowners an average of $363 annually, said state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican and the bill’s author, when he proposed the bill in February.

The House had originally proposed spending the bulk of the money to reduce school property tax rates across the board, a mechanism known as compression. Business interests have supported the approach because it spreads tax relief to commercial properties as well as primary residences. 

The House plan appears all but dead, as Meyer said his committee would vote out the Senate tax proposal “as is.” 

“I think compression is the fairer method of lowering property taxes for everyone,” said Cody Vasut, a Republican from Angleton. “But certainly homeowners are seeing probably some of the heaviest effects of rising property taxes.” 

Vasut said that even if the final property tax legislation doesn’t include any reduction in overall tax rates, compression passed in previous legislative sessions would carry forward. 

The deal follows a contentious fight in 2023, when lawmakers returned for special sessions to hammer out details on a $12.7 billion property tax relief package. Ultimately, they agreed to a compromise deal that increased the homestead exemption to $100,000 from $40,000 and compressed school tax rates by 10.7 cents for every $100 of property value.

Democrats have mostly supported increasing homestead exemptions, which tax experts say deliver the most relief for low-income households. “If we’re going to cut taxes, the best and most equitable way to do it is the homestead exemption,” said state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, a San Antonio Democrat. 

But lawmakers from both parties have questioned whether continued property tax cuts are prudent. The budget for the coming biennium sets aside a whopping $51 billion to pay for past cuts and fund new ones – 22% of the state’s total spending, according to estimates from the Legislative Budget Board.

“What’s good today could be a major challenge tomorrow,” Martinez Fischer said. “I wish the legislature would be as focused on the needs of the state as they are on cutting people’s taxes. 

On Monday, a Senate committee also considered House Bill 9 by Meyer, which would reduce taxes charged on business property like inventory and office expenses. The original bill proposed a $250,000 exemption at a cost to the state of $566 million over the coming two-year budget cycle, but a committee substitute reduced that to $125,000. That translates to roughly $2,500 annually in savings for the average business owner, Bettencourt said.

“It’s a great idea… to do targeted property tax relief for businesses,” Bettencourt said. “We’re happy that the homestead exemption bills are moving too. That means we’ve got home and business property tax relief on the way in the Texas legislature and that’s a happy day.”

Netflix Axes Four Shows Ahead of 2025–26 Season

Despite its growing library of original content, Netflix is once again making room by trimming its lineup. The streamer confirmed that four series won’t be returning.

What’s Getting Cut

According to DirecTV, two shows—”The Empress” and “The Sandman”—will conclude with their upcoming seasons. Meanwhile, “Territory” and “The Recruit” have been canceled outright, with no plans for closure through a final season.

The Empress’ Ends After Season 3

“The Empress,” a German historical drama about Empress Elisabeth of Austria, found early international success. It ranked as Netflix’s second-most-watched series globally for two weeks and was the seventh most popular non-English title in 2022. Still, its run will end after the third season.

The Sandman’ Won’t Return After Season 2

Based on Neil Gaiman’s iconic DC comic series, “The Sandman” was renewed for a second season, but that will be its last. Despite a passionate fan base, Netflix is calling it quits after two installments.

Territory’ Cut After One Season

The Australian neo-western drama “Territory” only managed one season before Netflix pulled the plug. While visually striking and thematically bold, it didn’t survive the network’s content shuffle.

‘The Recruit’ Falls Short of a Finale

“The Recruit,” a fast-paced spy thriller about a rookie CIA lawyer thrown into global chaos, also ends without resolution. Netflix canceled it before a second season could materialize.

Why This Happens

Though some fans are sure to be disappointed, the streaming industry thrives on tough choices. Even shows with strong followings sometimes don’t meet the metrics Netflix needs to justify renewal.

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

Hispanic Consumers Pull Back on Grocery Spending

Major consumer companies like Coca-Cola, Constellation Brands, and Colgate-Palmolive are reporting weaker North American sales due to reduced spending by Hispanic shoppers.

Why It Matters

Hispanic Americans represent about 20% of the U.S. population and are the second-largest and second-fastest-growing demographic group. Their spending has historically outpaced non-Hispanic consumers, especially on consumer packaged goods.

What’s Behind the Decline

Executives point to rising economic anxiety and stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration as reasons for the shift. A Goldman Sachs note highlighted a sharp dip in Hispanic net purchase intent in January, citing fear around immigration as a key factor.

Beer Sales Hit Hard

Constellation Brands, known for Modelo and Corona, has seen notable pullback. Modelo Especial, the top-selling U.S. beer, owes much of its success to Hispanic consumers—more than 50% of its drinkers identify as Hispanic. But in 2024, CEO Bill Newlands said consumer anxiety, job concerns, and fewer social gatherings have dampened spending.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages Feel the Impact

Keurig Dr Pepper and Coca-Cola also reported decreased spending from Hispanic shoppers. Keurig noted fewer trips and smaller purchases. Coca-Cola pointed to false social media rumors about reporting undocumented workers, which hurt traffic in Southern states.

Beyond Beverages: Grocery Staples See Drop

Associated British Foods, maker of Mazola cooking oil, and Colgate-Palmolive both experienced reduced purchases by Hispanic shoppers. ABF’s CEO George Weston described the market as “recessionary” in Hispanic-heavy regions of the U.S. Colgate reported a 2.3% volume drop in North America in Q1.

Walmart Stays Neutral

Despite the trend, Walmart has not seen significant changes tied to immigration policy. CEO Doug McMillon called it a “nonevent” so far.

The Bigger Picture

The Latino economy reached $3.6 trillion in 2022, but current pressures may reshape how companies connect with Hispanic consumers. While some brands are adjusting strategies, the long-term importance of this demographic remains clear.

Keep up with the impact of Latinos on the U.S. economy with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Search continues for 10-year-old who was swept away by rising water in Brenham park, fire dept. says

BRENHAM, Texas (KTRK) — A search and rescue effort is underway after a 10-year-old girl was swept away by quickly rising water in Brenham on Monday, according to fire officials.

The incident happened on Monday evening near Fireman’s Park for a swift water rescue.

Fire officials say the girl was walking home from Brenham Elementary with her sister in the rain. The girls crossed a bridge, but water quickly rose and splashed up around the side of the bridge, sweeping one of them away.

A male neighbor was able to grab hold of the child initially, but the water was too powerful, and she was swept out of his arms, according to fire officials.

A Brenham police officer also got in the water, but was unable to make contact with the child, authorities said.

“This is normal behavior for her to walk home and walk by the creek and get to her house. This was nothing unusual. This was a quickly rising creek that nobody could have seen coming,” Melinda Gordon, with the City of Brenham, said.

Search and rescue efforts are underway, and a six-person Conroe Swift Water Rescue Team is en route to help with the search.

In a 7:58 p.m. update, Brenham fire officials say they are actively searching for the child in coordination with more than a dozen supporting agencies.

Land-based search teams worked hard overnight but had to scale back their efforts as rain came through.

Authorities said search crews will resume operations at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, as soon as it is safe to do so.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

ABC13 Weather Alert Day: Tornado Watch in effect for southeast Texas counties

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Tuesday is an ABC13 Weather Alert Day. All severe hazards will be possible as we head through the afternoon hours.

The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch until 4 p.m. for parts of southeast Texas, including the following counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Houston, Madison, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton. Isolated tornadoes, hail up to 3″ in diameter, and winds up to 70 mph will be the main risks.

There’s also a Flood Watch in effect for Tuesday for our northern counties.

We are starting off this morning with scattered showers which should blossom into storms by the mid to late morning hours. Storms should become more numerous into the afternoon and it’s possible we also could see a broken line of storms try to move in during the evening hours. The greatest risk of severe weather will be in the mid morning through the afternoon hours.What else should we know about the ABC13 Weather Alert Day for Tuesday?

Tuesday is an ABC13 Weather Alert Day because of the potential for severe storms and flash flooding. These storms could produce hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. Street flooding is likely where a quick 1 to 3 inches falls in the heavier storms. Our coastal counties are least likely to get these storms, so the risk for bad weather will increase the farther north you go from the coast.

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

An upper-level low centered west of Texas will continue to spin up showers and thunderstorms over Southeast Texas for Wednesday through Thursday, some of which could be severe. Rain chances gradually decrease from 60% Wednesday to 30% Friday. Then a lovely “cool” front will blow in just in time for the weekend.

How much rain are we expecting this week?

Depends on the intensity of the showers and storms and how many roll through your neighborhood. But on average most of Southeast Texas will pick up around 1 to 3 inches of rain this week. Some areas could see more though, which is why there’s a localized flood concern. Flash flooding could be a localized threat when the heavy rain falls Tuesday and Wednesday.

So things are still looking good for Mother’s Day weekend?

Thankfully it looks like that upper-level low will finally pull away from the region just in time for Mom, leaving behind a calmer weekend of weather similar to last weekend. Both days look dry with low humidity, abundant sunshine, and pleasant temperatures warming from around 60 in the morning to around 80 in the afternoon.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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