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Meta Cuts Jobs in Reality Labs

Indira Zaldivar
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Meta Cuts Jobs in Reality Labs

Meta Platforms Inc. is laying off more than 1,000 employees from its Reality Labs division as it shifts resources away from virtual reality and metaverse projects and toward AI-powered wearables and mobile features.

Layoffs Affect About 10% of Division

According to an internal memo from Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth, employees began receiving layoff notifications Tuesday morning. The cuts represent roughly 10% of Reality Labs’ workforce, which totals about 15,000 employees.

Shift From Metaverse to Wearables and Mobile

Bosworth said the company is refocusing its metaverse strategy on mobile devices and scaling back VR investments to make the business more sustainable. Meta confirmed it is redirecting funding from metaverse projects to support growth in AI wearables this year.

Costly Division With Limited Returns

Reality Labs oversees Meta’s experimental and hardware efforts, including VR headsets, AI glasses and virtual world products. Since 2021, the division has lost more than $70 billion, as many of its products have yet to generate significant revenue.

Metaverse Vision Scaled Back

The metaverse has proven especially expensive, with Meta pouring resources into advanced VR headsets and digital features in anticipation of competition that never fully emerged. Adoption has also lagged behind the ambitious vision laid out by CEO Mark Zuckerberg when Facebook rebranded as Meta in 2021.

AI Glasses Gain Momentum

Executives have discussed budget cuts of up to 30% for the metaverse group, while increasing investment in AI glasses. Meta has partnered with EssilorLuxottica to develop smart glasses under brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, which Zuckerberg has said are performing better than expected.

Focus on Mobile Experiences

Meta plans to continue developing metaverse software, now branded as Horizon, with a strong emphasis on mobile platforms rather than fully immersive VR. Teams are being shifted to prioritize mobile growth, which the company views as offering a larger and faster-growing user base.

VR to Operate as Leaner Unit

While Meta will continue investing in VR headsets, it will do so less aggressively. Bosworth said the VR group will move forward as a leaner organization with a more focused roadmap aimed at long-term sustainability.

For more business trends and updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

HFD investigating cause of church fire near the North Freeway, searching for person of interest

ABC13 Houston
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HFD investigating cause of church fire near the North Freeway, searching for person of interest

By Daniela Hurtado, ABC13 Houston.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Firefighters worked to put out a fire in north Houston on Monday afternoon.

The Houston Fire Department said more than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze at a church in the 5600 block of the North Freeway near W. Parker.

SkyEye flew over the very active scene as crews were working to contain the fire, and heavy smoke could be seen covering the area.

HFD said units were dispatched at 12:40 p.m. to the three-alarm fire. In an update, HFD Senior Capt. Raul Reyes said no injuries or fatalities were reported and that no one was inside the building at the time.

Reyes added that there are multiple buildings on the property that are on fire.

ABC13 spoke with church staff, with Assistant Pastor Benjamin Cowpersmith saying that the building was bought by TxDOT in April 2025. According to Cowpersmith, the agency purchased the property for future freeway expansion. Cowpersmith added that the church stood for 24 years.

TxDOT gave ABC13 the following statement:

“Currently, we have purchased about 200 properties for the future I-45 expansion. We fence these properties and make sure they are secure as we work towards getting them demolished. We were working through the process to get this building demolished.

We had not received any reports of unhoused folks breaching the property.

We will continue to work with fire officials to address the current emergency situation, and address the demolition and removal of what remains at a later time.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Seasonably cool weather continues this week with two more cold fronts on the way

ABC13 Houston
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Seasonably cool weather continues this week with two more cold fronts on the way

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It will feel like winter in Houston all week long, and even colder air is coming by MLK weekend that could bring the first frost of 2026 to parts of Southeast Texas.

While most of the week will be sunny, a cloudy weather disturbance is rolling in Tuesday that also brings a small chance for rain. While dry air will remain in the lower levels, moisture aloft will eventually allow some light rain to fall down to the ground. Your chance of getting measurable rain is just 30%, and if you do get rain, it will probably be less than a tenth of an inch.

With more clouds than sunshine, temperatures will have a tough time climbing out of the 50s.

How long does the cold weather stick around?

For all of this week…and beyond! In fact, two more cold fronts are coming this week, the first late Wednesday, the second late Friday. We are expecting mostly seasonal temperatures with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s most days this week, but the front coming MLK Day weekend will push our lows down into the 30s.

Are any freezing temperatures possible with these cold fronts?

It now looks like a freeze is possible with the cold front coming in MLK Day weekend. A high pressure cell from western Canada will move all the way down to Southeast Texas by Sunday morning, and with a clear sky and very dry air, a light freeze and frost are possible. Beyond that, signals are growing that a colder pattern will develop across Canada and the United States near the end of January, but it remains to be seen if any of that arctic air will make a move down to Texas.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

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.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Mamdani Condemns ICE Detention of City Council Staffer

Edward Saenz
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Mamdani Condemns ICE Detention of City Council Staffer

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “outraged” after a City Council employee was detained by ICE during what officials described as a routine immigration appointment on Long Island.

Detained During Court Visit

According to City Council Speaker Julie Menin, the employee was taken into custody Monday in Bethpage, Nassau County, despite having legal authorization to remain in the U.S. until October. The council learned of the detention after the employee used his one phone call to contact the council’s human resources department.

City Officials Demand Release

Mamdani called the arrest “an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values,” and demanded the employee’s immediate release. Menin said DHS confirmed the worker attended a required court appointment and offered no further justification for the detention.

Lawmakers Push Back

Rep. Dan Goldman identified the employee as a Venezuelan-born, law-abiding immigrant with work authorization and said there was no indication the arrest was based on anything beyond immigration status. New York Attorney General Letitia James also called for the staffer’s release, pledging to oppose what she described as attacks on city workers and residents.

Ongoing Case

The employee, a data analyst who has worked for the council for about a year, has since been transferred to a detention facility in Manhattan as city and federal officials continue to press ICE for answers.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Kelly Files Lawsuit Over Pentagon Censure

Michael Esparza
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Kelly Files Lawsuit Over Pentagon Censure

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona filed a lawsuit Monday against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, challenging a censure issued last week over a video in which Kelly urged U.S. service members to refuse unlawful orders.

Constitutional Claims

Kelly argues the censure violates his First Amendment rights, the speech and debate clause protecting lawmakers, and his right to due process. The lawsuit also names the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, and Navy Secretary John Phelan as defendants.

Background on the Censure

Hegseth censured Kelly on Jan. 5, calling the video “seditious in nature.” The censure could result in a reduction of Kelly’s retired Navy rank and retirement pay. Kelly retired as a Navy captain after more than 20 years of service.

Kelly Stands Firm

Kelly has defended the message in the video as consistent with the Constitution and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He has said he would “absolutely not” change his stance or back down following the censure.

For more updates on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Iranian Leader Pushes Back as Trump Threatens Action Over Protests

Edward Saenz
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Iranian Leader Pushes Back as Trump Threatens Action Over Protests

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei lashed out at President Donald Trump after the U.S. leader warned of possible military action in response to Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.

Khamenei Responds to Trump’s Warnings

In a post on his Farsi-language X account, Khamenei mocked Trump and predicted his downfall, comparing him to historical tyrants. The message came as Trump suggested Iran may have crossed a U.S. “red line” by killing protesters.

Trump Signals Possible Negotiations — and Force

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said Iran’s leaders reached out to him to discuss negotiations, but warned the U.S. could still act before any meeting takes place. He said the military has “strong options” if the crackdown continues.

Protest Death Toll Continues to Rise

Activist group Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported at least 544 protesters killed and more than 10,600 arrested since demonstrations began in late December over economic conditions and government rule. ABC News has not independently verified the figures.

Iran Calls Unrest a ‘Terrorist War’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the protests as a “terrorist war,” blaming foreign involvement and accusing the U.S. and Israel of fueling the unrest. He said the situation is under control and promised internet access would be restored after days of nationwide blackouts.

Tensions Escalate at Home and Abroad

While state media aired footage of pro-government rallies, exiled opposition figures called for continued protests. With unrest spreading and international pressure mounting, tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to escalate.

Follow every update on this story with Que Onda Magazine.

Celebrities Wear Anti-ICE Pins at Golden Globes

Indira Zaldivar
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Celebrities Wear Anti-ICE Pins at Golden Globes

Several celebrities used the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet to honor Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen fatally shot by an ICE agent last week in Minneapolis. Black-and-white pins reading “BE GOOD” and “ICE OUT” appeared at the Beverly Hilton as a tribute and protest.

Mark Ruffalo Leads Red Carpet Statements

Mark Ruffalo wore the pin and told USA Today, “This is for Renee Nicole Good, who was murdered,” while sharply criticizing President Donald Trump and his administration. Ruffalo also posted online that he could not “pretend like this is normal” after an American citizen was killed by ICE.

More Stars Speak Out

Natasha Lyonne wore the pin on her clutch, urging the public not to normalize what is happening and saying, “Renee Good. Say her name.” Wanda Sykes called the killing “really sad” and said people must speak up.

Jean Smart Brings Message Onstage

Jean Smart wore the pin during the ceremony and while accepting her Golden Globe for Hacks, urging the audience to “do the right thing.” She later said she was speaking as a citizen and a mother, not just an actress.

#BeGood Campaign Continues

The pins are part of the #BeGood campaign organized by Working Families Power and Latino advocacy group Maremoto. Organizers say the campaign will continue through awards season as protests grow nationwide demanding accountability for Good’s death.

For more celebrity headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Largest Nurses’ Strike in NYC History Begins After Talks Stall

Indira Zaldivar
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Largest Nurses’ Strike in NYC History Begins After Talks Stall

The largest nurses’ strike in New York City history began Monday morning after contract negotiations between hospital officials and the nurses’ union broke down.

Nearly 15,000 Nurses Walk Off the Job

About 15,000 nurses represented by the New York State Nursing Association walked off the job at Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian hospitals across the city. Picket lines formed early Monday as nurses demanded higher pay, safer staffing levels and stronger workplace protections.

Union and Hospital Responses

Union leaders accused hospital executives of prioritizing profits over patient safety, saying management failed to address concerns about staffing, health benefits and violence in the workplace. Hospital officials countered that union demands were excessive and said they are prepared to continue operating with temporary and reassigned nurses.

State Response and Political Support

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency ahead of the strike and urged both sides to reach a deal, warning that prolonged walkouts could endanger patients. Several state leaders, including Attorney General Letitia James, publicly voiced support for the nurses.

Patient Care During the Strike

Hospitals said emergency departments remain open and urged patients not to delay seeking care. The union echoed that message, saying patients should still seek treatment while nurses continue to push for a contract they say will improve care and safety citywide.

For more on the nurses’ strike, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Judge Orders Hearing on Seizure of Luigi Mangione’s Backpack

Edward Saenz
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Judge Orders Hearing on Seizure of Luigi Mangione’s Backpack

A federal judge has ordered an evidentiary hearing to determine whether Luigi Mangione’s backpack was lawfully seized and searched during his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, a key issue in the case tied to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Judge Reverses Course

U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett said she reconsidered her earlier decision after weighing arguments from both sides and the seriousness of the charges Mangione faces. She had previously ruled a hearing was unnecessary but now says the issue warrants further review.

What the Hearing Will Examine

The hearing will likely include testimony from an Altoona police officer about departmental procedures for securing and inventorying personal property during arrests in public places. The judge said the witness does not need to be among the officers who arrested Mangione.

Evidence at the Center of the Case

Defense attorneys are seeking to suppress items seized from Mangione’s backpack, including the alleged murder weapon, a notebook and written materials. Similar challenges have already been raised in state court, where officers testified during a lengthy suppression hearing.

Charges and Next Steps

Mangione has pleaded not guilty in both state and federal court. He is accused of stalking and fatally shooting Brian Thompson on a New York City sidewalk in 2024. If convicted federally, Mangione could face the death penalty.

For more on Mangione’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Mattel Introduces Its First Autistic Barbie

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Mattel Introduces Its First Autistic Barbie

Mattel is adding an autistic Barbie to its Barbie Fashionistas line, expanding the company’s long-running effort to reflect diversity and inclusion through its dolls.

Developed With Autism Advocates

The doll was created over more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, with the goal of representing how some autistic people experience and interact with the world. Advocates emphasized that autism does not look one single way, making thoughtful design choices especially important.

Design Details Reflect Lived Experiences

The new Barbie features slightly averted eyes to reflect how some autistic people avoid direct eye contact, along with articulated elbows and wrists that acknowledge stimming behaviors. She wears an A-line dress chosen to minimize sensory discomfort, flat shoes for stability, and comes with accessories including a fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones and a communication tablet.

Part of a Broader Inclusive Line

The autistic Barbie joins a Fashionistas collection that already includes dolls with Down syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, and a wide range of body types and skin tones. Mattel also said the doll’s facial features were inspired by Indian backgrounds, highlighting an underrepresented segment of the autistic community.

Availability and Price

The doll is set to launch Monday at Mattel’s online store and Target locations for $11.87, with Walmart expected to begin carrying it in March.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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