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Luke Bryan Inducted into RodeoHouston’s Star Trail of Fame, Closes 2025 Season in Style

Indira Zaldivar
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Luke Bryan Inducted into RodeoHouston’s Star Trail of Fame, Closes 2025 Season in Style

On Sunday, March 23, just hours before wrapping up the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Luke Bryan received the event’s highest honor—induction into the prestigious Star Trail of Fame. The accolade cements Bryan’s legacy as one of RodeoHouston’s most beloved performers, making him only the 11th artist to receive this distinction.

Bryan’s impact on RodeoHouston is undeniable. With four of his shows ranking among the top 25 most-attended in the event’s history, he remains a major draw for country music fans. His 12th performance at the rodeo, held on Sunday afternoon, drew an impressive crowd of 71,103, further proving his enduring popularity.

A Star Among Legends

Country superstar Luke Bryan joins RodeoHouston’s Star Trail of Fame with 12 sold-out concers under his belt. Courtesy of RodeoHouston.

The 48-year-old country superstar joins an elite group of artists enshrined in the Star Trail of Fame, including Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Charley Pride, Elvis Presley, Gene Autry, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Roy Rogers, and Selena. The last artist to receive the honor was Brad Paisley in 2023.

A High-Energy Performance to Close RodeoHouston 2025

Bryan took the stage just after 6:45 p.m., kicking off the final concert of the rodeo season with his 2012 hit “That’s My Kind of Night.” Even as he approaches 50, his signature energy, hip-swiveling moves, and skinny jeans still manage to electrify audiences. Since his first RodeoHouston appearance in 2012, Bryan has played for over a million fans in Houston, with his record attendance reaching 75,242 in 2013.

Adding to the night’s festive atmosphere, Bryan led a tequila toast before performing “One Margarita,” raising a red Solo cup in celebration. He also gave a nod to his business ventures, as he now partners with the tequila brand Casa Azul.

Nostalgia and Connection with Fans

Sunday’s setlist balanced Bryan’s biggest hits with songs from his latest album, Mind of a Country Boy, released in September 2024. He performed “Love You, Miss You, Mean It,” a track that resonates with longtime fans.

A standout moment of the evening came when Bryan performed the emotional ballad “Drink a Beer.” Written by Chris Stapleton, the song offered a reflective interlude, allowing Bryan to connect deeply with the crowd. His ability to blend high-energy anthems with heartfelt ballads continues to win over both new listeners and country traditionalists.

Closing Out the Rodeo with a Bang

For the grand finale, Bryan brought the house down with his genre-defining hit “Country Girl (Shake It for Me).” Taking a victory lap around the rodeo arena, he high-fived fans, signed cowboy hats, and tipped his baseball cap in gratitude, ensuring an unforgettable close to RodeoHouston 2025.

As the dust settles and the city recovers from another legendary season, Bryan’s name now stands permanently among the greats in RodeoHouston history.

Luke Bryan’s RodeoHouston 2025 Setlist:

  • That’s My Kind of Night
  • Rain Is a Good Thing
  • One Margarita
  • Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
  • Love You, Miss You, Mean It
  • What Makes You Country
  • Knockin’ Boots
  • Drunk on You
  • Country Song Came On
  • Drink a Beer
  • Buy Dirt
  • Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day
  • Play It Again
  • I Don’t Want This Night to End
  • Country Girl (Shake It for Me)

With another unforgettable performance in the books, Luke Bryan continues to prove why he’s a staple of RodeoHouston and a country music icon.

Keep up with Houston’s cultural events with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Drying out after a round of morning storms, but storms return later this week

ABC13 Houston
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Drying out after a round of morning storms, but storms return later this week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After a stormy start to Monday morning, drier and warmer conditions on the way. These storms developed along a weak cool front. Unfortunately, that front won’t do much for temperatures though. Temperatures will climb into the low-mid 80s Monday afternoon under a partly cloudy sky.

Are there any more rain chances besides Monday?

There is! Looking ahead to later in the week, another system could bring scattered showers and thunderstorms Friday with small rain chances for the weekend too. And this time, it does appear that this pattern could produce more heavy, soaking downpours for areas that receive rain.

Any concerns with drought conditions?

Many of our counties west of I-45 and along the Gulf are now included in the latest statewide drought map. Many coastal counties are now seeing abnormally dry soils with areas long the Brazos River even seeing more moderate drought conditions. It’s around Matagorda Bay though who has more serious drought concerns at this point with a severe drought there. And with the drier and warmer forecast expected over the next two weeks, drought conditions could begin to become more of a concern for the Houston area too. It’s been two weeks since the city, and much of the region, has seen measurable rainfall.

Are we warming back into the 90s anytime soon?

We currently have no 90 degrees in our forecast, but there are plenty of mid 80s highs predicted over the next 10 days. Even in the upper 80s on Tuesday! Spring weather is here, and we usually start hitting 90 on a regular basis in May.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

IRS Nearing Controversial Data-Sharing Agreement with ICE to Aid Deportation Efforts

Edward Saenz
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IRS Nearing Controversial Data-Sharing Agreement with ICE to Aid Deportation Efforts

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reportedly close to finalizing a data-sharing agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that could significantly impact immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration. Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that the agreement would grant ICE access to confidential taxpayer information to help identify and locate undocumented immigrants.

If approved, the deal would allow ICE to submit names and addresses of suspected undocumented immigrants for verification against the IRS’s private tax records. The Washington Post first broke the story, reporting that discussions between the two agencies have been ongoing for weeks.

Concerns Over Confidentiality and Legal Protections

The prospect of using sensitive tax data for immigration enforcement has raised alarms among career officials within the IRS. Under Section 6103 of the federal tax code, taxpayer information is strictly protected, with only limited exceptions for law enforcement agencies conducting non-tax-related criminal investigations—requiring court approval.

Immigrants without legal status have long been permitted to file tax returns using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), contributing billions to the U.S. economy. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, these individuals paid approximately $25.7 billion in Social Security taxes through borrowed or fraudulent Social Security numbers.

Awaiting Official Confirmation

Despite the potential implications, both the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security have declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations. The agreement has yet to be finalized, and it remains unclear whether legal challenges could arise over the use of taxpayer data in immigration enforcement.

As the discussions progress, the agreement’s impact on both tax confidentiality and immigration policies will likely draw further scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups.

Keep up with this developing story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Brooks & Dunn deliver nostalgic RodeoHouston performance, drawing highest 2025 season concert attendance

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Brooks & Dunn deliver nostalgic RodeoHouston performance, drawing highest 2025 season concert attendance

Country music legends Brooks & Dunn brought their signature sound and undeniable stage presence to RodeoHouston, shaking off a rough start to deliver a crowd-pleasing performance.

The duo, known for their chart-topping hits and honky-tonk energy, had to reschedule a recent show in Lubbock due to an explosion at a Texas Tech substation. Reflecting on the incident, Ronnie Dunn recalled seeing “green fire and purple smoke blasting out of potholes.”

“They tried to blow us up,” Dunn joked to the crowd of 71,256, marking the largest audience of the season—edging out Parker McCollum’s record by just 38 attendees.

Texas native Dunn, who had been battling a sore throat after the explosion, later discovered he was also fighting both COVID-19 and strep throat. While his vocals sounded slightly strained during the opening songs, the energy and nostalgia carried the performance. Fans eagerly sang along to classics like “Brand New Man,” “My Next Broken Heart,” and “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone,” with each song greeted by cheers of recognition.

Fan photo of Brooks & Dunn performing at NRG Stadium for RodeoHouston on March 22, 2025.

Kix Brooks expressed his excitement about returning to “the world’s biggest honky-tonk” for their 19th RodeoHouston appearance. The duo made history in 2008 as the first group inducted into the RodeoHouston Star Trail of Fame.

“Hard Workin’ Man” ignited the night, transforming from a honky-tonk anthem into a full-blown rock spectacle that had the entire band energized. Dunn made sure to include everyone in the lyrics, adding, “And women, too!”

The highlight of the night came with “Neon Moon,” one of the defining ballads of ’90s country, which turned into a heartfelt singalong.

“You sound better than we do,” Dunn admitted before hitting the song’s final note with gusto.

At one point, Dunn playfully asked, “They told us to play for an hour—should we make it two?” The audience roared in approval before he quipped, “We can barely sing an hour.”

Closing out the night, Brooks & Dunn powered through crowd favorites like “My Maria,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and “Only in America,” keeping the energy high until the last note. After such a performance, they certainly earned a round of hot tea—and maybe a well-deserved shot of whiskey.

Keep up with RodeoHouston updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Bernie Sanders Launches ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour Against Trump Agenda

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Bernie Sanders Launches ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Tour Against Trump Agenda

Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has embarked on a nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, aiming to push back against what he describes as an emerging oligarchic system under President Donald Trump. Speaking during a tour stop in Denver, Sanders made it clear that his campaign is about mobilizing the American people to resist concentrated economic and political power.

“I’m trying to make it clear to people throughout the world and throughout our own country that the American people are not going to sit idly by and allow Trump to establish an oligarchic form of government where Musk and other billionaires are running our government,” Sanders said in an exclusive interview with ABC’S “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl.

Sanders warned against what he sees as Trump’s broader authoritarian ambitions, arguing that they threaten the foundations of American democracy. “We’re not going to sit back and allow him to form an authoritarian form of society, undermining the Constitution, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and undoing what the Founding Fathers of this country did in the 1790s—separation of powers, making sure that no one person had an extraordinary amount of power. That is precisely what Trump is trying to do,” he added.

The tour seeks to rally grassroots support in key states, emphasizing the importance of democratic institutions and economic fairness. As Sanders continues his efforts, his message is resonating with progressives who see the 2024 election cycle as a critical moment in the fight against corporate influence and political consolidation.

Keep up with this developing story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Few showers expected Sunday, small chance for isolated strong storm too

ABC13 Houston
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0
Few showers expected Sunday, small chance for isolated strong storm too

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s a cloudy and muggy start with temperatures around 70 degrees for most early this Sunday. We’re seeing a few spotty showers this morning too, and that will continue throughout the day and evening. It’s hit or miss light showers, so not everyone will see rain Sunday. Most of the rain that does fall will stay light, and rainfall totals likely stay at just a few hundredths of an inch. Otherwise, it’s going to be muggy and warm with temperatures climbing into the low 80s.

What’s the latest of the potential storm threat Sunday night?

A weak cool front will swing through Southeast Texas Sunday night into Monday morning. Along it is where a few stronger storms could develop, but the best chance for that will be far north of Houston into east Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. That being said an isolated strong storm is possible from Brenham to College Station, Conroe and near Lake Livingston. A few counties north of Houston are included in a marginal risk for severe weather Sunday night and early Monday morning. Main threats if storms were to become sever would be gusty winds, small hail and a brief tornado.

Are there any more rain chances besides Sunday and Monday?

There is! Looking ahead to later in the week, another system could bring scattered showers and thunderstorms Friday with small rain chances for the weekend too. And this time, it does appear that this pattern could produce more heavy, soaking downpours for areas that receive rain.

Any concerns with drought conditions?

Many of our counties west of I-45 and along the gulf are now included in the latest statewide drought map. Many coastal counties are now seeing abnormally dry soils with areas long the Brazos River even seeing more moderate drought conditions. It’s around Matagorda Bay though who has more serious drought concerns at this point with a severe drought there. And with the drier and warmer forecast expected over the next two weeks, drought conditions could begin to become more of a concern for the Houston area too. It’s been two weeks since the city, and much of the region, has seen measurable rainfall.

Are we warming back into the 90s anytime soon?

We currently have no 90 degrees in our forecast, but there are plenty of mid 80s highs predicted over the next 10 days. Even in the upper 80s on Tuesday! Spring weather is here, and we usually start hitting 90 on a regular basis in May.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Pope Francis Makes Triumphant Return After Hospitalization

Que Onda Editorial
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Pope Francis Makes Triumphant Return After Hospitalization

Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after spending over five weeks in Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic battling bilateral pneumonia. His presence brought relief and joy to the faithful gathered outside the hospital and in St. Peter’s Square, where they watched the momentous occasion via large screens.

Seated in a wheelchair, the 88-year-old pontiff greeted the crowd from a hospital window, his voice weak but filled with warmth. He waved, offered a blessing, and made a special remark about a woman holding yellow flowers, calling her “brava”—a simple but heartfelt acknowledgment of those who had shown support during his health struggles.

The atmosphere outside the hospital was one of deep reverence and celebration as people chanted “Francesco! Francesco!” in unison. The Vatican had previously assured the public that the pope’s condition had been stable for the past two weeks, and his appearance was a testament to his resilience.

Pope Francis gives a thumbs up as he appears at a window of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Sunday, March 23, 2025, where he has been treated for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia since Feb. 14.
Domenico Stinellis/AP

Following his address, Pope Francis was escorted out of the hospital in a motorcade consisting of at least seven vehicles. He was seen in the front seat of a white Fiat 500, signaling a return to the Vatican and his papal duties. His departure marked the end of a challenging health ordeal but also underscored his enduring connection with the people who continue to draw inspiration from his leadership and compassion.

The pope’s return is expected to reinvigorate Vatican affairs, with many anticipating his gradual resumption of responsibilities. As he continues to recover, the faithful remain hopeful that Pope Francis will soon be back to full strength, guiding the Church with his signature humility and dedication.

Keep up with Pope Francis’ recovery with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Disney and Pixar’s “Elio” Set for an Out-of-This-World Adventure in 2025

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Disney and Pixar’s “Elio” Set for an Out-of-This-World Adventure in 2025

Get ready for a cosmic journey like never before! Disney and Pixar are set to release their latest animated film, Elio, on June 20, 2025, and the highly anticipated trailer has just dropped. This intergalactic adventure promises to be a heartwarming, hilarious, and visually stunning experience that will captivate audiences of all ages.

A Story Beyond the Stars

For centuries, humanity has reached out to the universe, searching for answers. But in Elio, the universe finally calls back! The story follows Elio, a young space enthusiast with a vivid imagination and a deep fascination with extraterrestrial life. When he is unexpectedly beamed up to the Communiverse—a grand interplanetary organization representing galaxies far and wide—he is mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador. Now, he must navigate a universe beyond his wildest dreams, forge new friendships with eccentric alien beings, and ultimately discover his true purpose.

A Stellar Cast & Creative Team

The film boasts an impressive voice cast, including Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Academy Award® winner Zoe Saldaña as his Aunt Olga, and Remy Edgerly as his first alien friend, Glordon. Rounding out the star-studded ensemble are Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa, and Shirley Henderson as the mysterious OOOOO.

Elio is helmed by a powerhouse team of directors—Madeline Sharafian (Burrow), Domee Shi (Turning Red), and Adrian Molina (Coco)—with production led by Mary Alice Drumm, associate producer of Coco. Their combined storytelling expertise ensures a cinematic experience filled with adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments.

A Must-Watch for Families & Sci-Fi Fans

Designed to resonate with audiences across generations, Elio is a fresh and innovative addition to Pixar’s legendary filmography. Packed with humor, wonder, and an emotional journey of self-discovery, this film is perfect for families, teens, young adults, and multicultural moviegoers.

Mark your calendars for June 20, 2025, and prepare for an unforgettable voyage through the cosmos with Elio! Stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime, check out the newly released trailer on Pixar’s official platforms:

Follow Pixar for More Updates:
TikTok: @pixar
YouTube: Pixar
Facebook: Pixar
Instagram: @pixar
X (Twitter): @Pixar

Keep up with more udpates on the animated film Elio with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Winds calm down overnight leading to cold Friday morning in the 30s and 40s

ABC13 Houston
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0
Winds calm down overnight leading to cold Friday morning in the 30s and 40s

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our weather is starting to calm down, and that means we’re in for some colder weather Friday morning.

As high pressure slides over us, temperatures will cool into the low 40s for Houston and as cold as the mid 30s outside of town, especially north and east of Houston. These readings are cold enough to put a little frost on the ground outside of Houston.

Abundant sunshine will warm temperatures into the mid 70s during the afternoon. It’ll be a beautiful day, but there will still be an elevated fire danger due to the dry air. Oak pollen levels may also remain at extreme levels. The City of Houston pollen sample from Thursday morning was a record for the month of March with an oak count of nearly 8,000.

Is there any hope for rain over the next 10 days?

Our next chance for rain now looks to occur from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning with the approach of a weak cool front. The storm system pushing this front looks to be trending farther away from us, so our rain chances have come down in the 30% to 40% range. Due to the unstable atmosphere, we’ll still need to be on guard for an isolated severe thunderstorm, especially north of Houston.

Are we warming back into the 90s anytime soon?

We currently have no 90 degrees in our forecast, but there are plenty of mid 80s highs predicted over the next 10 days. Spring weather is here, and we usually start hitting 90 on a regular basis in May.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Venezuelan Soccer Player Deported Under Alien Enemies Act Over Misinterpreted Tattoo

Edward Saenz
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0
Venezuelan Soccer Player Deported Under Alien Enemies Act Over Misinterpreted Tattoo

A Venezuelan soccer player seeking asylum in the United States has been deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, allegedly due to a tattoo resembling a soccer logo. His attorney argues that the deportation was based on a misinterpretation, raising concerns about due process and mistaken identity.

Deportation Sparked by Soccer Tattoo

Linette Tobin, the attorney representing Jerce Reyes Barrios, stated in court filings that her client was wrongfully deported due to suspicions linking him to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). Barrios, a professional soccer player and children’s coach, was an outspoken critic of the Maduro regime and participated in protests earlier in 2024. Following one demonstration, he was detained and tortured in Venezuela before fleeing to the U.S.-Mexico border through the CBP One app in September 2024.

Despite entering the U.S. legally, Barrios was detained under maximum security, accused of having a gang-affiliated tattoo, and allegedly seen displaying gang signs in photos. However, Tobin contends that the tattoo in question—a crown over a soccer ball with a rosary and the word “Dios” (God)—was inspired by the Real Madrid logo, as confirmed by the tattoo artist. She also noted that the supposed gang signs were actually common gestures for rock and roll and “I love you” in sign language.

Evidence Ignored?

Tobin provided records from Venezuela proving Barrios had no criminal history and was employed as a professional athlete. After this evidence was submitted, Barrios was transferred out of maximum security and scheduled for a hearing on April 17. However, on March 10 or 11, he was suddenly moved to Texas without notice and then deported to El Salvador on March 15.

Barrios’ family and legal team lost all contact with him. His aunt, Ayari del Carmen Pedroza Guerrero, identified him in photos from the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador, recognizing a distinctive scar on his hand.

DHS Defends Deportation Decision

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that Barrios was affiliated with the TdA gang. “Jerce Reyes Barrios was not only in the United States illegally, but he has tattoos that are consistent with those indicating TdA gang membership,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated. She also claimed that his social media activity indicated ties to the gang.

When pressed for additional evidence, an administration official stated that Barrios had other tattoos associated with TdA, though specifics were not disclosed.

Family Left in the Dark

Barrios’ family has not yet informed his young children about his imprisonment. His daughter, in a heartfelt video, spoke about her father: “I love him so much… he always tells me fairy tales and we always go to soccer games together. He loved me so much and always made me my breakfast of bread, eggs, and juice. I love you so much, Dad.”

Legal Battle Over Deportations

The deportation occurred despite a legal challenge to the use of the Alien Enemies Act. President Donald Trump recently declared the Tren de Aragua gang a national security threat, using the 1798 law to justify mass deportations. However, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg temporarily blocked the deportations and ordered the return of flights carrying alleged gang members. The administration has resisted compliance, citing national security concerns, and the Justice Department is considering invoking the state secrets privilege to withhold further details from the court.

Barrios’ case highlights growing concerns about potential misidentifications in deportation proceedings and the consequences of expanded immigration enforcement under the Alien Enemies Act.

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

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