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Pokémon GO Fest 2025 Confirms Zacian & Zamazenta Alongside A Fan-Favorite Mythical Pokémon From Gen 6

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Niantic, the company behind Pokémon GO, has shared new details about its upcoming annual event, Pokémon GO Fest, including the debut of a powerful new Pokémon.

Every year, Pokémon GO hosts a Pokémon GO Fest that combines in-person experiences at a handful of locations around the world with a global event that all players can enjoy. These global events and others like them are some of the highlights of Pokémon GO, with thousands of attendees at the official events and even more at unofficial events organized by players.

This year, Niantic will host in-person Pokémon GO Fest events in Osaka, Japan (May 29–June 1), Jersey City, New Jersey (June 6–8), and Paris, France (June 13–15). These events will feature special Pokémon spawns, including regional exclusives and the Crowned forms of Zacian and Zamazenta. A global event will follow on June 28 and 29, introducing the Mythical Pokémon Volcanion for the first time.

The in-person events are divided into morning and afternoon sessions, and ticket holders must choose one. When not in their session, players can continue playing with special Pokémon appearing citywide and higher Shiny rates.

Players can also buy optional add-ons for extra perks. These include bonuses for hatching eggs, additional raid rewards, and an extra day of citywide gameplay. However, these add-ons are not required to join the event.

Houston First unveils plans for revitlized George R. Brown

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Houston officials unveiled plans for a significant expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center, promising to transform the city’s convention district and stimulate economic growth.

The first phase of the 700,000-square-foot expansion, aptly named GRB South, will feature a new pedestrian plaza that provides direct access to the Toyota Center. Michael Heckman, president of Houston First Corporation, highlighted the project’s impressive offerings, including a spacious ballroom, the largest in the state of Texas, which will enable the center to accommodate more business events, benefiting the community.

However, the project has faced opposition from East End residents who claim to have been excluded from discussions and express concerns about losing access to Polk Street, a crucial thoroughfare that connects their neighborhood to downtown.

Trump Delays Tariffs on Mexican Goods Amid Trade Negotiations

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday a one-month delay of tariffs on select products from Mexico, temporarily exempting goods compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The decision followed a conversation between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, both leaders confirmed. The delay is part of ongoing trade negotiations and cooperation on border security and the fight against fentanyl trafficking.

“Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation!”

Sheinbaum echoed the sentiment on social media, calling the conversation “excellent and respectful” while emphasizing their mutual commitment to border collaboration and sovereignty.

Impact on Trade and Markets

The temporary tariff exemption will apply to all Mexican goods meeting USMCA content requirements, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed. The decision is expected to ease tensions among U.S. automakers and other industries dependent on cross-border supply chains.

However, the broader impact of tariffs remains significant. Earlier this week, the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariffs on Chinese imports, doubling the rates from the previous month.

Despite the tariff delay, financial markets continued to react negatively. On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell approximately 400 points (0.9%), the S&P 500 dropped 1.5%, and the Nasdaq plunged 2%. Major U.S. automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, saw their stock prices decline.

Industry Reactions

The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), which represents Ford, GM, and Stellantis, praised the temporary exemption. AAPC President Matt Blunt stated, “American Automakers applaud President Trump for recognizing that vehicles and parts that meet the high USMCA content requirements should be exempt from these tariffs.”

The delay marks a critical moment in the evolving trade landscape, as both countries continue negotiations on long-term solutions for border security, immigration, and economic cooperation.

Keep up with the U.S.-Mexico trade with us on Que Onda Magazine.

U.S. Immigration Plans Nationwide Operation to Arrest Migrant Families with Children

U.S. immigration authorities are preparing a new nationwide operation to arrest migrant families with children, according to three sources familiar with the plan. The crackdown targets adults and minor children who entered the country together and have existing deportation orders.

Once apprehended, families will be placed into detention before facing removal, the sources stated. The operation is part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy amid ongoing border concerns.

Additionally, a separate effort is underway to locate unaccompanied children who were released into the U.S. without court dates. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lawyers are working to obtain warrants to enter homes and arrest both families and unaccompanied minors, the sources added.

Spokespeople from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not responded to requests for comment.

Changing Immigration Policies

During the 2024 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump and his border czar, Tom Homan, indicated that mass deportations would initially target migrants with criminal records. However, the new plans show that many families and children without criminal histories are also among those targeted.

The Trump administration is reportedly collaborating with private prison companies to reopen family detention centers closed under the Biden administration. CoreCivic, a private prison company, announced on Wednesday that it would reopen its family detention center in Dilley, Texas, with a capacity of up to 2,400 people.

History of Family Detention Policies

Efforts to deter families and unaccompanied minors from crossing the border date back to 2014 under the Obama administration. Both the Obama and first Trump administrations detained families at border facilities before releasing them with pending court dates.

In 2018, the first Trump administration introduced a controversial “zero-tolerance” policy that separated more than 5,000 children from their parents, sparking widespread condemnation. The policy was later reversed.

The Biden administration, which took office in 2021, implemented a program for expedited removal of families, requiring heads of households to wear ankle monitors until deportation. However, the program was costly and limited to certain cities, according to former ICE officials.

Legal Challenges

Under the Flores agreement, a longstanding federal court settlement, minors held with their parents cannot remain in ICE custody for more than 20 days. Former ICE officials suggest this restriction could make the new large-scale family detention plans more expensive and logistically challenging than deporting single adults.

As the immigration enforcement landscape continues to shift, the proposed operations raise significant humanitarian and legal concerns for migrant families across the country.

Keep up with immigration news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Lovely weather Thursday and Friday before showers return by the weekend

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Temperatures this afternoon peak in the low 70s with a few wispy cirrus clouds blowing overhead from time to time.

We’ll enjoy more nice weather on Friday with lows in the upper 50s and highs in the low 80s. There is also a 20% chance of rain.

How does the opening weekend of Spring Break look?

We’ve got another weather change arriving Saturday as a cold front blows in during the late afternoon and early evening. This front brings a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures on Saturday warm from the mid 60s to the upper 70s, then cool off into the 40s Sunday morning. Sunday looks dry but still cloudy. It will also be breezy with highs in the mid 60s.

Are we still doing this time change thing?

Like it or not, Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. The clocks will “spring” an hour forward early Sunday morning, meaning the sun will rise and set an hour later than it does on Saturday. Saturday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 6:39 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. Sunday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 7:37 a.m. and 7:26 p.m.

Do we have any major weather changes coming during Spring Break?

Once the front clears on Saturday, we get a really nice stretch of weather for most of Spring Break! Expect lots of sunshine and pleasant temperatures on most days. By next Friday we could see another powerful storm system swing through the southern Plains to bring us a chance for thunderstorms.

Are we done with freezes now?

It sure looks that way! On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise, it’s generally considered safe to put plants into the ground if you haven’t done so already..

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Condado de Harris Ofrece Vacunas Gratuitas Contra el Sarampión

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En respuesta al creciente brote de sarampión en Texas, la Comisionada del Precinto 4 del Condado de Harris, Lesley Briones, se ha asociado con el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Harris para proporcionar vacunas gratuitas contra el sarampión a niños y adultos.

La iniciativa busca proteger a la comunidad contra esta enfermedad altamente contagiosa, especialmente en un momento crítico para la salud pública.

Las vacunas estarán disponibles en diversos centros comunitarios del Precinto 4 a través de unidades móviles de salud. Esta colaboración ofrece una oportunidad accesible para que los residentes se inmunicen y reduzcan el riesgo de propagación del virus.

“Proteger la salud pública es una de nuestras principales prioridades. Queremos asegurarnos de que todos los residentes tengan acceso a vacunas que puedan salvar vidas, especialmente durante este brote de sarampión,” expresó la Comisionada Briones.

Horarios y Ubicaciones de Vacunación

Los residentes pueden acudir a las siguientes ubicaciones para recibir la vacuna gratuita:

  • 6 de marzo, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Centro Comunitario Freed
    6818 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, TX 77055
  • 7 y 10 de marzo, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Burnett Bayland Community Center
    6026 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, TX 77081
  • 11 de marzo, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Centro Comunitario Tracy Gee
    3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, TX 77042
  • 11 y 12 de marzo, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Bayland Community Center
    6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074

Cómo Programar una Cita

Se recomienda encarecidamente que los residentes programen una cita con anticipación llamando al 832-927-7350. Sin embargo, también se aceptarán visitas sin cita previa mientras haya disponibilidad.

La Comisionada Briones estará disponible para entrevistas con los medios de comunicación hoy, entre las 10:45 a.m. y las 11:15 a.m., en el Centro Comunitario Bayland para hablar sobre la importancia de la vacunación y el compromiso del Precinto 4 con la salud pública.

Para más información, los residentes pueden visitar el sitio web del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Harris o comunicarse directamente con las oficinas del Precinto 4.

Keep up with health news with us on Que Onda Magazine

Houston to implement hiring freeze for all departments except fire, police

HOUSTON — Mayor John Whitmire plans to impose a hiring freeze affecting all city departments except fire and police, a city spokesperson confirmed.

An exact timeline has not been set, but an official announcement from the mayor’s office is expected within a week, the spokesperson said. The freeze aims to cut expenses and improve efficiency, according to a statement from the mayor’s office.

“A hiring freeze is an opportunity to cut expenses, ensuring that our personnel needs are reassessed to benefit the organization and taxpayers,” the statement read. “Houston has many great, hardworking employees, but the efficiency study indicated that there are too many for an organization the size of the city.”

The study, conducted by Ernst & Young and published in February, reviewed city spending and resource allocation. It found issues including misuse of city credit cards, contracting irregularities and instances of “fake promotions” where employees were given managerial titles with few or no subordinates.

Following the study’s release, Whitmire wrote in a Feb. 11 memo to city council members that the findings presented an opportunity to rebuild public trust.

“This assessment confirms what many of us already knew: We have work to do to build a government that truly earns the trust of its residents,” Whitmire wrote.

“By acting on these findings, we can create a city government that is more transparent, efficient and focused on delivering results. We can show Houstonians that their government works for them and that every decision we make is rooted in accountability and service.”

The hiring freeze comes as city officials face a $350 million budget shortfall. City Controller Chris Hollins warned in early February that without “drastic” spending cuts, he would be unable to certify next year’s budget.

A recent court ruling in a yearslong dispute over drainage funding will require the city to allocate an additional $100 million toward street and drainage improvements, further straining the budget, Hollins said.

“That means simply that we are going to run out of money,” he said.

The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen Rises: Daredevil: Born Again Premiere Review

Daredevil: Born Again roars back onto screens with a visceral and emotionally charged premiere that sets a new standard for superhero television in the MCU. The two-part debut, consisting of episodes “Heaven’s Half Hour” and “Optics,” seamlessly blends the gritty, street-level storytelling fans loved from the Netflix era with the polished production values of Disney+.

Charlie Cox reprises his role as Matt Murdock/Daredevil with the same intensity and nuance that made him a fan favorite. The series wastes no time in reestablishing the dynamic between Matt, Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), before dramatically altering their world.

Episode 1: “Heaven’s Half Hour”

The premiere episode opens on a deceptively light note, lulling viewers into a false sense of security before unleashing a torrent of action. It reintroduces a formidable antagonist from Daredevil’s past, leading to one of the most intense and well-choreographed fight sequences in Marvel history. This no-holds-barred brawl, seamlessly shot in one take, showcases the series’ commitment to pushing boundaries in action and intensity.

The episode skillfully sets up the season’s central conflicts, introducing new characters and hinting at the challenges that lie ahead for Matt Murdock, both in and out of the mask. It ends with a shocking twist that will have significant repercussions for the rest of the season.

Episode 2: “Optics”

The second episode shifts gears, delving into the legal and political landscape of Hell’s Kitchen. It introduces new characters and plotlines, including an intriguing case that draws Matt back into the courtroom and, inevitably, back to vigilantism. This episode also reintroduces Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk, whose menacing presence looms large over the series, even as he attempts to present a more polished public image.

“Optics” explores the consequences of past events and sets up multiple storylines that promise to intersect in compelling ways. It balances character development with tense action sequences, showcasing Matt’s skills both as a lawyer and a vigilante.

Performances and Themes

Cox and D’Onofrio continue to deliver powerhouse performances, with their characters’ evolving dynamic promising to be a central focus of the season. The series also explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance, particularly through Matt’s internal struggle with his dual identities.

Production and Tone

Visually, Born Again maintains the noir-inspired aesthetics of its predecessor while incorporating a slightly more polished look befitting its Disney+ budget. The series successfully balances its darker, more mature content with moments of levity and character development, creating a tonally complex narrative.

Daredevil: Born Again’s first two episodes deliver a powerful and promising start to the series. It honors its roots while carving out a distinct identity within the broader MCU. With its complex characters, intense action, and intricate plotting, Born Again sets the stage for what could be one of the most compelling superhero series to date.

New episodes of Daredevil: Born Again drop every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Disney+. Stay tuned each week for our in-depth episode reviews!

Reba McEntire Returns to RodeoHouston, Kicks Off Opening Night in Sparkling Fashion

Reba McEntire, the undisputed “Queen of Country,” made her triumphant return to RodeoHouston on Tuesday, March 4, opening this year’s concert series with a dazzling performance in front of 69,934 fans.

Marking her first appearance at the iconic Houston event in 11 years, McEntire’s performance delivered a powerful blend of timeless hits and modern surprises —notably during Women’s History Month.

Dressed in a sparkling black cowgirl outfit with silver fringes and a statement belt buckle, the 69-year-old icon radiated Western glamour as she took center stage. McEntire kicked off the night with her 2010 hit “Turn On The Radio,” immediately drawing the crowd to a roar. Her commanding stage presence and infectious energy set the tone for a night filled with nostalgia and celebration.

McEntire’s setlist wove together decades of country classics, including “One Promise Too Late,” “You Lie,” and “Maggie Creek Road.” She also paid tribute to female artists who paved the way with covers of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and The Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” In a surprising twist, she seamlessly blended Dua Lipa’s pop hit “Don’t Start Now” into the set, proving that music knows no generational bounds.

“I’m a Survivor,” the theme song from her beloved sitcom, brought the crowd to its feet, with McEntire humbly introducing each of her band members during the performance. The emotional ballad “Back to God” and empowering anthem “Is There Life Out There” showcased McEntire’s enduring vocal prowess, while the crowd eagerly joined her in call-and-response during the rollicking “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.”

Despite turning 70 later this month, McEntire showed no signs of slowing down. She kicked and danced on the rotating stage, exuding the same charm and vitality that have made her a country music legend for more than four decades. The night culminated with a show-stopping performance of her signature hit “Fancy,” as the stage bathed in red lights and the stadium transformed into a massive karaoke bar.

McEntire’s connection to RodeoHouston runs deep, dating back to her debut in 1984 alongside Charley Pride at the Astrodome. She was inducted into the rodeo’s Star Trail of Fame in 2007, solidifying her place among legends like George Strait and Elvis Presley. Her return to the Houston stage proved that her reign as country royalty remains as strong as ever.

With a mix of classic hits, heartfelt tributes, and modern flair, McEntire’s opening night performance was a testament to the enduring power of women in country music — and the perfect kickoff to RodeoHouston 2025.

Keep up with all the Houston Rodeo buzz with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to retaliate on US for tariffs on Mexican imports

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo denounced the newly imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican imports by U.S. President Donald Trump, calling the measure unjustified and harmful to both nations. The announcement came during Sheinbaum’s regular morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on Tuesday.

“There is no reason, rationale or justification to support this decision that will affect our people and nations … Nobody wins with this decision,” Sheinbaum Pardo stated.

The tariffs, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. in Washington, followed a 30-day pause that allowed for negotiations between Mexican and U.S. officials. During that period, Mexico ramped up security at the U.S.-Mexico border and strengthened its efforts against organized crime and fentanyl trafficking.

Trump defended the tariffs by accusing Mexico, along with Canada and China, of not doing enough to curb the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the U.S.

“In these 30 days, decisive actions were taken against organized crime and fentanyl trafficking, as well as bilateral meetings on security and trade,” Sheinbaum said, highlighting Mexico’s cooperation with U.S. authorities.

Despite the collaborative efforts, the tariff implementation has put a strain on the two countries’ economic relationship. The Mexican peso responded to the news by weakening approximately 1% against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday morning.

Sheinbaum Pardo announced that Mexico would retaliate with tariff and non-tariff measures, with further details to be unveiled during a public event at Mexico City’s Zocalo on Sunday.

The escalating trade tensions come at a critical time for both nations, with significant economic and security implications on the horizon.

Keep up with U.S.-Mexico relations with us on Que Onda Magazine.