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Lewis Hamilton Shakes Up Formula One with Shock Move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025

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Lewis Hamilton Shakes Up Formula One with Shock Move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025

In a surprising twist that marks the most significant shift in the Formula One driver market in recent history, Lewis Hamilton has announced his departure from Mercedes at the end of the current season. The seven-time world champion will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025, signing a multi-year deal that reflects a major milestone in his illustrious career.

Hamilton, who has been an integral part of Mercedes since 2013, described the decision as one of the most challenging in his life. At 39 years old, the British driver has amassed six world championships with Mercedes and holds the record for the most wins in Formula One, with 103 victories. Despite the difficulty of leaving the team where he has grown up, Hamilton believes it’s the right time for a new challenge.

“Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right for me to take this step, and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge,” said Hamilton.

The move comes after Hamilton activated a release option in his two-year contract with Mercedes, signed in August of the previous year. While Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed disappointment, he acknowledged that their successful partnership was bound to have a natural end.

“Lewis will always be an important part of Mercedes history. We accept Lewis’s decision to seek a fresh challenge, and our opportunities for the future are exciting to contemplate,” said Wolff.

Ferrari officially confirmed the signing, stating, “Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that Lewis Hamilton will be joining the team in 2025, on a multi-year contract.”

Hamilton’s connection with Mercedes began when he joined McLaren as a junior driver, and Mercedes was the team’s engine supplier. His relationship with Ferrari has been the subject of speculation in the past, but Hamilton consistently reaffirmed his commitment to Mercedes. This move to Ferrari is a significant coup for the Italian team, securing the services of the most successful driver in Formula One.

Despite Mercedes’ recent struggles on the track, with Red Bull dominating, Hamilton remains committed to delivering his best performance in his final season with the Silver Arrows. The upcoming transition to Ferrari adds a new dimension to Hamilton’s storied career, and fans will be eagerly watching how the British driver adapts to his new team and whether he can contribute to Ferrari’s quest for championship glory.

Recent Poll Shows Gen Z Males More Inclined to View Feminism as Harmful Compared to Baby Boomers

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Recent Poll Shows Gen Z Males More Inclined to View Feminism as Harmful Compared to Baby Boomers

Recent research conducted by Ipsos for King’s College London’s Policy Institute and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership indicates a significant generational divide among males aged 16 to 29 regarding attitudes toward feminism and masculinity. The study, polling over 3,600 people, reveals that boys and men from Generation Z are more likely than older baby boomers to believe that feminism has done more harm than good, suggesting a potential risk of fractious division within this emerging generation.

The survey shows that one in four UK males aged 16 to 29 believes it is harder to be a man than a woman. Additionally, a fifth of those surveyed expressed a favorable view of social media influencer Andrew Tate, a British-American former kickboxer with 8.7 million followers on X, despite facing charges in Romania related to human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women. Tate has openly identified as a misogynist.

The research further highlights that 16% of Gen Z males feel that feminism has done more harm than good, compared to 13% among those over 60. Bestselling author and Canadian academic Jordan Peterson, known for advocating for “demoralized young men,” is viewed favorably by 32% of 16 to 29-year-old men, as opposed to 12% among women of the same generation.

Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute, notes, “This is a new and unusual generational pattern. Normally, it tends to be the case that younger generations are consistently more comfortable with emerging social norms, as they grew up with these as a natural part of their lives.”

The study reveals that 37% of men aged 16 to 29 consider the phrase “toxic masculinity” unhelpful, indicating a divide in perceptions within this age group.

Prof Rosie Campbell, director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s, suggests that the rise of social media as the primary source of information for this generation may contribute to these contrasting views. She notes, “Young women feel they can own the idea of feminist identity … [Young men] hear a lot about girl power but don’t, at this stage in their lives, understand the inequalities that we know are in the world when you hit work and childcare.”

Ethnic minority men, particularly those following Andrew Tate, express a higher likelihood of agreeing with his views on male identity and gender roles. However, the researchers caution that sample sizes are too small to determine which ethnic minority groups might be driving this trend.

As societal discussions around gender, feminism, and masculinity continue to evolve, the research underscores the importance of understanding the varied perspectives within Generation Z, particularly as they navigate the influence of social media in shaping their attitudes and beliefs.

Harris County Pets Resource Center to Host 5 Low-cost Spay and Neuter Events in February

Indira Zaldivar
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Harris County Pets Resource Center to Host 5 Low-cost Spay and Neuter Events in February

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Harris County Pets Resource Center, the open-admission animal shelter for unincorporated Harris County, is set to host five low-cost spay and neuter events in February, in recognition of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month. 

Aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership and tackling pet overpopulation, these events will offer spay and neuter surgeries for $25 each for a total of 35 owned pets in unincorporated Harris County. 

Corey Steele, the Veterinary Public Health Division Director for Harris County Public Health, emphasizes the importance of spaying and neutering in addressing the high stray animal population, reducing disease spread, and enhancing public safety.

“Spaying and neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can do as a responsible pet owner,” Steele said.

 “Harris County continues to face a high stray animal population. Spaying and neutering your pet addresses these challenges head-on. By preventing unwanted litter, we also minimize the risk of stray animals contributing to spreading disease and posing potential threats to public safety. These events make it easier and more affordable for pet owners in our community to spay or neuter their pets.”

Spaying and neutering pets contribute to improved pet health by reducing the risk of certain cancers and infections, leading to a longer lifespan. Behavioral issues are minimized, aggression is calmed, and pets become more trainable. On a community level, spaying and neutering help reduce pet overpopulation, curb the number of stray animals, and lower costs associated with animal control services.

Licensed veterinarians will conduct the surgeries, and pet owners are required to schedule appointments by calling (281) 999-3191, with walk-ins not accepted. Proof of residency in unincorporated Harris County, such as a driver’s license or valid ID, is necessary. 

The events will take place at the Harris County Pets Resource Center on Canino Road in Houston on the following dates: Feb 6, 10, 17, 20, and 24. For more details or to register, visit CountyPets.com or call (281) 999-3191.

#SpayNeuterAwareness #ResponsiblePetOwnership #HarrisCountyPets

New Downtown Murals Draw Attention to Houston’s Air Pollution and Rehabilitation of Detained Youth

Indira Zaldivar
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New Downtown Murals Draw Attention to Houston’s Air Pollution and Rehabilitation of Detained Youth

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine

Downtown Houston officials and leaders unveiled two new murals adding to the large-scale public art gallery “Big Art, Bigger Change” addressing environmental issues and United Nations sustainability goals.

The latest mural, “When Tomorrow Comes” by Polish street artist Bezt, centers on Houston’s air pollution. The mural, located on 1111 Main St. at the intersection with Dallas Street, depicts a girl wearing a flowery scarf over her nose and mouth to protect herself against air pollution. The flowers represent native blooms in clean areas, conveying the message of clean air for future generations.

In the list of U.S cities with the worst air quality, Houston ranks sixth. Additionally, in Houston’s most polluted neighborhoods, 80% of the population comprises individuals from ethnic or racial minority groups.

Credit: Edward Saenz / Que Onda Magazine

Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis highlighted how the murals aim to address these socio-environmental concerns through large-scale public art to “inspire change.” 

“This is more than creating a culture of public art or transforming downtown into a fine arts museum,” Ellis said. “It is also about framing these vital issues in ways that speak to the public and convey them with our words.” 

 “Everyone deserves to breathe… clean air, but our region has some of the dirtiest air in the country,” Ellis said. It’s our communities of color that have borne the brunt of lax regulations and corporate recklessness for far too long.”

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said that neighborhoods like Aldine and Fifth Ward, etc, house more polluting facilities than other parts of town.

“There are people who wake up every day in our community who have higher incidence of asthma or heart disease, or lung disease because they live in a community that is overburdened with facilities that dirty our air,” Menefee said.

The second mural symbolizes support and guidance for youth. Painted by Houston-based artist Alexander Arzu and Emmanuel Jarus Harris on the outside of Harris County’s Juvenile Detention Center, the mural pays tribute to John Biggers, a late renowned Houstonian artist known for his social realist murals. The mural features a large replica of his painting “the return,” symbolizing the humanization of the judicial system and support for the rehabilitation of young individuals. 

“The return” is located at 1200 Congress St, Houston, TX. 

The murals, curated by Street Art for Mankind, are commissioned by Harris County, Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Downtown Houston. 

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1291

Adversavvy
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¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1291

Gracias por SEGUIRNOS, este artículo contiene la edición 1291 de la revista digital de HOUSTON de ¡Que Onda! Magazine.

Del 1 de febrero al 7 de febrero del 2024

Financial Fallout: Trump’s Save America PAC Dwindles to $5.1 Million Amid Legal Battles

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Financial Fallout: Trump’s Save America PAC Dwindles to $5.1 Million Amid Legal Battles

In the wake of escalating legal challenges, former President Donald Trump’s political fundraising committees have reportedly expended over $50 million on legal fees in 2023, significantly impacting their financial standing, as indicated by the latest campaign disclosures. The repercussions of these mounting legal bills have left Trump’s once robust leadership PAC, Save America, with a mere $5.1 million in the bank as the year 2024 commences.

This financial setback precedes a recent court order requiring Trump to pay writer E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages for defamation, an outcome he is currently appealing. Additionally, a New York judge is contemplating imposing fines of up to $370 million plus interest on Trump in a civil fraud trial.

As Trump’s legal battles intensified in the latter part of 2023, so did his legal expenditures. His political action committees reported a total of $34 million in legal spending during the second half of the year, compared to approximately $26 million in the first half.

Save America continued to shoulder a significant portion of Trump’s legal bills, spending nearly $26 million on legal fees and related expenses while only raising $6 million in the second half of 2023. The leadership PAC, which once boasted a $100 million war chest post-2020 election, entered 2024 with only $5.1 million in cash.

Trump’s former presidential campaign committee, Make America Great Again PAC, reported $4.1 million in legal spending during the latter half of 2023, while his current campaign committee reported roughly $3.8 million in legal bills.

Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, refunded over $42 million to Save America last year as the latter’s cash on hand dwindled. Among Trump’s legal expenses, the civil fraud case’s legal team received $11 million through Save America PAC.

Trump’s joint fundraising committee, despite raising $75 million in the second half of 2023, spent nearly $28 million on fundraising and operational costs, leaving around $50 million to be distributed between the campaign committee and Save America PAC.

While Trump’s campaign reported $33 million in cash on hand by the end of 2023, surpassing the $14 million of his Republican rival Nikki Haley, the legal challenges have significantly impacted the financial landscape of his political entities as they navigate the complexities of ongoing legal battles.

Houston FBI Special Agent Accused of Stealing and Providing False Statements

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Houston FBI Special Agent Accused of Stealing and Providing False Statements

A federal agent from Houston, Nicholas Anthony Williams, is facing charges of theft of personal and government property, as well as providing false statements, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Williams, 36, was arrested and indicted on Wednesday after allegedly stealing money or property from residents while executing a search warrant between March 2022 and July 2023. The charges indicate that he then converted the stolen items for personal use.

In addition to the theft accusations, Williams is also alleged to have stolen multiple cell phones classified as FBI property. Furthermore, he is accused of providing false statements regarding fraudulent charges on his government-issued credit card.

Williams, an FBI special agent in the Houston Field Office since 2019, served in both the criminal violent gang and counterterrorism squads. Authorities assert that the misconduct occurred during his tenure in these roles.

Scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Williams is now awaiting legal proceedings. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000.

The FBI, in response to the allegations, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to holding employees accountable for misconduct. The FBI reported the allegations to the Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG), an independent entity responsible for investigating allegations involving DOJ employees.

The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General will oversee the investigation into Williams’ actions. The prosecution of the case will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia and Sarina DiPiazza.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the FBI reiterated its dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity among its employees, emphasizing their commitment to the FBI mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution of the United States. All further inquiries about the case have been directed to the USAO-SDTX due to its pending prosecution.

Walmart Announces Ambitious Plan to Add 150 Stores in the U.S. Amidst Strong Financial Performance

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Walmart Announces Ambitious Plan to Add 150 Stores in the U.S. Amidst Strong Financial Performance

In a significant expansion move, Walmart declared its intention to open 150 new stores across the United States over the next five years, signaling a major growth initiative for the retail giant. The announcement, made in a statement on Wednesday, outlined the company’s plan to invest millions of dollars in this ambitious endeavor.

Currently employing approximately 1.6 million people in the U.S., Walmart emphasized its commitment to hiring hundreds of new employees with the opening of each store. As of October, the retail giant operated just over 4,600 stores nationwide, a slight decrease from the previous year’s figure of over 4,700. Notably, Walmart has not introduced a new U.S. store since late 2021.

The upcoming stores will primarily consist of newly constructed locations, with some involving the conversion of existing sites into new formats. The initial two stores are set to open in the spring, located in Florida and Georgia, while plans for the construction of an additional 12 stores are already in progress for this year. Walmart also announced intentions to remodel 650 existing locations.

This week, Walmart unveiled plans to raise salaries and benefits for store managers, coupled with stock grants as an incentive. The retail giant reported a significant increase in profit during the first three quarters of 2023, and its stock price is currently near a record high. Earnings for the latest quarter, inclusive of the holiday season, are yet to be reported.

Despite challenges posed by high inflation and rising interest rates, consumer spending in the U.S. has remained resilient. Credit card data from the holiday season indicated a year-over-year increase in retail sales, reflecting robust consumer activity.

Walmart’s decision to expand its store footprint aligns with its strategic focus on enhancing in-store and pickup experiences, even in the face of growing e-commerce trends. The company’s emphasis on physical retail locations reflects a belief in the enduring appeal of traditional brick-and-mortar stores, noted Edward Yruma, an analyst at Piper Sandler. Walmart’s move has been interpreted as a “huge vote of confidence in the American consumer” by Craig Johnson, founder of retail consultancy Customer Growth Partners.

While Walmart’s expansion plans received positive attention, some investors expressed concerns about potential implications for Walmart’s Sam’s Club stores. The shift from a business-centric supply destination to a grocery-focused retail space for individual consumers has prompted scrutiny. However, Walmart remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing both in-store and online shopping experiences, adapting to the evolving retail landscape.

U.S. Senate Grills Social Media CEOs Over Child Safety Concerns, Calls for Urgent Legislation

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U.S. Senate Grills Social Media CEOs Over Child Safety Concerns, Calls for Urgent Legislation

Senators on Wednesday interrogated leaders of major social media companies, asserting that Congress must swiftly enact legislation to address the escalating threats of sexual predation targeting children on their platforms. The hearing, prompted by mounting concerns from parents and mental health experts, underscores lawmakers’ determination to ensure social media companies prioritize child safety over profits.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham didn’t mince words, accusing Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other companies of having “blood on their hands” for failing to protect children. “You have a product that’s killing people,” Graham asserted during the hearing, where Zuckerberg testified alongside other social media CEOs, including X CEO Linda Yaccarino, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, and Discord CEO Jason Citron.

Democratic Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Dick Durbin, cited alarming statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, highlighting the surge in financial “sextortion” cases involving predators coercing minors into sending explicit content. Durbin attributed this concerning trend to technological changes.

The hearing commenced with a video featuring children sharing their victimization experiences on social media. Parents present in the room held pictures of their affected children, voicing their grievances during the proceedings. Some parents directed objections at Zuckerberg, while Senator Josh Hawley challenged him to apologize directly to the families. Although expressing regret, Zuckerberg stopped short of taking direct responsibility for the abuse facilitated on his platforms.

A tense exchange unfolded as internal emails rejecting safety improvement requests were displayed, and the committee confronted Zuckerberg with Meta’s decisions. X’s Yaccarino expressed support for the STOP CSAM Act, an initiative by Senator Durbin holding tech companies accountable for child sexual abuse material.

The hearing also addressed concerns surrounding X (formerly Twitter), which faced criticism over moderation policies after Elon Musk’s acquisition. This week, the platform blocked searches related to Taylor Swift following the spread of fake explicit images.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, making his first appearance before U.S. lawmakers since March, disclosed that over 170 million Americans use TikTok monthly. Chew faced questions on the app’s impact on children’s mental health and committed to investing over $2 billion in trust and safety efforts.

During the hearing, Senator Ted Cruz pressed Zuckerberg about Instagram warning screens for potential child sexual abuse images, questioning the efficacy of allowing users to view such content.

Senator Amy Klobuchar criticized the tech industry’s perceived inaction, drawing a parallel to decisive actions taken in other industries. She questioned why similar urgency wasn’t applied to address the dangers posed by social media platforms, especially when children’s well-being is at stake.

Taxpayer Backlash: Fort Bend School District’s $1.2 Billion Bond Program Exceeds Budget by Millions

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Taxpayer Backlash: Fort Bend School District’s $1.2 Billion Bond Program Exceeds Budget by Millions

Despite groundbreaking ceremonies just months ago, Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) finds itself grappling with budgetary challenges in its 2023 bond program. The overspending has raised concerns among some taxpayers who feel the district may be straying from the promised financial parameters.

Missouri City resident Yvonne Smith urged vigilance, stating, “Keep an eye on the money. Us as taxpayers, we’re already giving a lot of money. But, you’re going to ask for more, but you told us this is what it would be, and now you’re saying, ‘I need more.'”

Vashon Reynolds, another Missouri City resident, echoed similar sentiments, questioning the district’s request for additional funds when it had assured taxpayers of specific project costs.

One of the inaugural ventures under the 2023 bond program, the construction of Briargate Elementary School, is already facing cost overruns. Last week, the school board approved an extra $14 million expenditure on the project to ensure its timely completion next fall. However, this approval came with a caveat from board members that more funding requests might be imminent.

During a board meeting, Sonya Jones sought clarification on potential budgetary issues, asking, “Let’s put this on record. Are there any projects that you can foresee that may be over budget that we haven’t discussed or haven’t come before us yet?” A school leader responded, admitting concerns about some projects exceeding their allocated budgets.

With Briargate Elementary currently 11% over budget, the implications for taxpayers are substantial, considering the voters had greenlit a $1.2 billion bond. If other projects follow a similar trajectory, the additional financial burden on taxpayers could reach $130 million.

Fort Bend ISD Deputy Superintendent Steven Bassett acknowledged the need for cost reduction, stating, “We do think there are ways to bring the numbers down. Whether or not it’s going to be enough, we just don’t know right now.”

Efforts to obtain comments from school board members proved unsuccessful, as they referred ABC13 to board president Judy Dae, who did not respond.

In response to the budget concerns, a district spokesperson released a statement, noting that FBISD faces construction inflation issues similar to other Texas school districts. The statement mentioned ongoing efforts to conduct value engineering, realign scope-to-budget, and reforecast to ensure projects meet high standards at economical costs.

Despite concerns over potential future requests for additional funds, some residents, like Vashon Reynolds, expressed a willingness to support the projects if they benefit the community and the students.

As FBISD grapples with unforeseen budget challenges, the community eagerly anticipates the completion of new schools. However, the ultimate cost may surpass what taxpayers had originally approved just months ago.

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