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Texans Eye AFC South Title Entering Season Finale

Michael Esparza
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Texans Eye AFC South Title Entering Season Finale

The Houston Texans are playoff-bound again and could secure their third straight AFC South title with the right results Sunday. Houston needs a win over the Indianapolis Colts and a loss by division-leading Jacksonville to Tennessee to claim the crown.

Houston’s Remarkable Turnaround

The Texans (11-5) clinched their third consecutive postseason berth with a Dec. 27 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, eliminating the Colts from playoff contention. Houston has won eight straight games and became just the fifth team since 1990 to reach the playoffs after starting a season 0-3, matching a feat the franchise last accomplished in 2018.

Coach DeMeco Ryans credited belief and consistency for the turnaround, saying the team never wavered despite the rough start.

Colts’ Season Unravels

Indianapolis (8-8) will finish the season out of the playoff picture after a late collapse that included six straight losses and seven defeats in its last eight games. The Colts became the sixth team since the AFL-NFL merger to start 8-2 and miss the playoffs.

Despite the skid, coach Shane Steichen said the locker room has remained united through injuries and adversity.

New Quarterback for Indianapolis

The Colts will start rookie Riley Leonard at quarterback in the finale, marking his first NFL start. His debut ends the brief comeback of 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement to start three games in a last-ditch playoff push.

Ryans said Leonard’s athleticism presents challenges, particularly his ability to run if plays break down.

Jonathan Taylor Chases Rushing Crown

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor remains in the hunt for the NFL rushing title, though his production dipped during the team’s second-half slide. Taylor enters the final weekend with 1,559 yards, trailing Buffalo’s James Cook, who has 1,606 yards.

With a rookie quarterback under center, Indianapolis could lean heavily on Taylor in hopes of closing the gap.

Texans Defense Dominates

Houston’s defense has been the league’s best, leading the NFL in points and yards allowed per game. The unit is on pace to set a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a season, surpassing the 2011 mark.

The Texans rank among the league leaders in interceptions and sacks and are closing in on rare benchmarks in both pass and run defense.

Ryans Outpaces Steichen

Ryans and Steichen both became head coaches three seasons ago, but their trajectories have diverged. Ryans holds a 31-19 record with three straight playoff appearances and double-digit win seasons behind quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Steichen is 25-25, has yet to reach the playoffs, and has not topped nine wins in a season, leaving uncertainty around the Colts’ future as Houston continues its rise.

For more on the Houston Texan’s climb to the top, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Questions Opposition Leader’s Ability to Govern Venezuela

Edward Saenz
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Trump Questions Opposition Leader’s Ability to Govern Venezuela

President Donald Trump said Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado lacks the “respect” needed to govern the country following the ousting of longtime leader Nicolás Maduro. Speaking Saturday, Trump said he has not spoken with Machado and does not believe she has sufficient support inside Venezuela to assume leadership.

U.S. Operation Leads to Maduro’s Capture

The comments came after U.S.-led military strikes in Venezuela early Saturday resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The pair were taken to the United States to face narco-terrorism charges, marking a dramatic escalation in U.S. involvement in the country.

Machado Celebrates ‘Hour of Freedom’

Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, praised the operation in a statement, calling it Venezuela’s “hour of freedom.” She said Maduro would now face international justice after refusing a negotiated solution and urged Venezuelans to remain vigilant as the country moves toward a democratic transition.

Trump Says U.S. Will Oversee Transition

Trump announced that the United States will temporarily oversee Venezuela during a transition period. He said the goal is a “safe, proper and judicious” transfer of power that ensures peace, liberty and justice for the Venezuelan people.

Analyst Pushes Back on Trump’s Claim

Political analyst Liz Alarcón disputed Trump’s assertion that Machado lacks legitimacy, saying the opposition already represents the democratic will of Venezuelans. Alarcón said leadership could come from Machado or from Edmundo González Urrutia, who ran against Maduro in last July’s contested election.

Disputed Election and Calls to the Military

Independent exit polls indicated González Urrutia won by a wide margin, a result the U.S. has said is backed by overwhelming evidence. Maduro claimed victory and refused to step down. Machado has called on the military to recognize González Urrutia as Venezuela’s rightful president.

Celebration and Uncertainty on the Ground

Scenes of celebration broke out in Caracas following Maduro’s removal, though uncertainty remains over how the military and remaining government officials will respond. Analysts warned that Venezuelans want change without replacing one authoritarian system with another.

Supporters Condemn U.S. Action

Maduro’s allies sharply criticized the U.S. operation. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded Maduro’s immediate release, calling him Venezuela’s only legitimate president and accusing Washington of seeking regime change and control of the country’s resources. She urged civilians and the armed forces to mobilize in defense of the nation.

Conflicting Signals From Caracas

Rodríguez’s public condemnation contrasted with Trump’s claim that she told Secretary of State Marco Rubio she was open to working with Washington. As Venezuela enters an uncertain period, international attention remains focused on whether a peaceful democratic transition is possible.

For more on the aftermath of Maduro’s capture, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

14 hospitalized after METRO bus flips in crash with vehicle on SH-288 at McGowen: METRO officials

ABC13 Houston
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14 hospitalized after METRO bus flips in crash with vehicle on SH-288 at McGowen: METRO officials

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An investigation is underway after a crash involving a METRO bus and a vehicle left 14 people transported to the hospital on Saturday afternoon, according to METRO officials.

METRO officials said that a METRO bus operating on Route 54 was involved in a traffic collision while traveling on McGowen Street on the overpass for Highway 288. METRO officials said that the bus is believed to have been hit from behind by another vehicle and subsequently went off the bridge.

“We make these all the time, but this was one of the more difficult rescues that we had to deal with,” said HFD Captain Mario Gordon.

At the time of the incident, the METRO bus had 13 passengers on board plus the bus operator, according to METRO officials. METRO said that the bus operator was not hurt, but the driver of the vehicle that allegedly struck the bus was transported to the hospital and is in critical but stable condition. All other injuries were minor, according to METRO.

According to METRO officials, all passengers and the bus operator have been safely removed from the bus.

“Most of the people were out of the vehicle, the pedestrians or passengers on the vehicle were out when we got here,” Cpt. Gordon said.

HFD said there was one person who was pinned in the bus and needed help getting out.

“We use jaws of life and almost every cutting tool that we had so that we can remove those elements to get her leg out and free her,” Cpt. Gordon said. “She was in great pain, and we were doing everything to try to comfort her.”

Wayne Lewis said he was just a couple of blocks away when he heard the crash.

“I finally get up here and I realized that it was a bus and I got so scared because that’s one of my coworkers, because I work for Metro,” Lewis said. “It just gave me goosebumps because I’d never seen something so bad.”

As of late Saturday afternoon, METRO said the scene remains an active, developing situation.

ABC13 has real-time traffic data to help you navigate Houston’s roads and avoid traffic delays. Sign up for traffic alerts that are sent straight to your phone through our ABC13 app. Manage your notifications from the settings tab. 

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Comfortably cool Sunday before a major warmup with record temps move in next week

ABC13 Houston
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Comfortably cool Sunday before a major warmup with record temps move in next week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Another beautiful day on the way! We’re starting with temperatures in the upper 40s and low 50s, and as early clouds break, we should warm into the upper 60s this afternoon. This comfortably cool weather will be short-lived, we’ll see record high temps next week.

Is this warmup going to be as hot as it was the week of Christmas?

Not exactly, but we do have a few days popping into the low 80s, starting on Tuesday. This means more records could fall during the first full work week of the New Year. Sea fog will also be a possibility as the humid air returns next week.

How’s marathon weekend looking?

A strong cold front will pass through next Friday night. That will end our streak of above normal temperatures and bring cool weather. The latest data also supports increasing rain chances starting late in the day Saturday. Marathon Sunday is starting to look like a cool, wet day.

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no more freezes in our 10 day forecast.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

Are any other freezes on the horizon?

We have no more freezes in our 10 day forecast. The next opportunity for freezing temperatures looks to open up around mid-January.

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!

U.S. launches strikes in Venezuela; Maduro and wife face sweeping drug and terrorism charges

Edward Saenz
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U.S. launches strikes in Venezuela; Maduro and wife face sweeping drug and terrorism charges

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela early Saturday, striking targets in and around the capital and other regions as U.S. officials said President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody and removed from the country.

Explosions were reported before dawn in Caracas and nearby states, with residents describing loud blasts, low-flying aircraft and intermittent power outages. Venezuelan authorities said military and civilian areas were hit, calling the attack a violation of the nation’s sovereignty.

U.S. officials said the operation was aimed at dismantling what they described as a criminal state apparatus led by Maduro. President Donald Trump said the United States would oversee a transition process following Maduro’s removal, a statement that drew swift condemnation from Venezuela and criticism from foreign governments.

Venezuela’s government disputed U.S. claims surrounding Maduro’s capture, with senior officials demanding proof and accusing Washington of spreading disinformation amid what they called an act of aggression.

According to U.S. prosecutors, Maduro and Flores face multiple federal charges in the Southern District of New York, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and weapons-related offenses involving machine guns and destructive devices. The indictment alleges the pair used state institutions to protect and facilitate international drug trafficking networks.

Prosecutors say the alleged conspiracy involved cooperation with armed groups and drug trafficking organizations to move large quantities of cocaine through Venezuela and into the United States and Europe. They also accuse Maduro and his inner circle of using government resources, including diplomatic channels, to shield criminal activity.

Flores, a former member of Venezuela’s National Assembly, is charged alongside Maduro in the broader conspiracy. Public filings do not detail separate acts by Flores but describe her alleged role as part of the leadership structure prosecutors say directed the operation.

The case builds on years of U.S. accusations against Maduro’s government and follows earlier prosecutions tied to Venezuela’s leadership, including the 2015 arrest and later conviction of Flores’ nephews on drug trafficking charges in the United States.

International reaction was swift. Several governments, including U.S. rivals and regional allies of Venezuela, condemned the strikes as illegal under international law, while others called for restraint and diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation in the region.

Maduro and Flores have long denied all allegations against them. Neither has been tried or convicted in the current case, and legal experts say the proceedings could take years to resolve if the defendants remain in U.S. custody.

Enhanced ACA Health Subsidies Expire, Millions Face Higher Costs in 2026

Edward Saenz
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Enhanced ACA Health Subsidies Expire, Millions Face Higher Costs in 2026

Millions of Americans are facing higher health insurance costs in 2026 after the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, lawmakers and health policy experts said.

The temporary expansions, initially enacted under the 2021 American Rescue Plan and later extended through 2025 by the Inflation Reduction Act, helped reduce premiums for people buying coverage on the federal and state health marketplaces. They also extended eligibility to higher-income Americans who previously did not qualify for subsidies.

Those enhanced credits expired Dec. 31, 2025. Without them, enrollees in the ACA marketplace could see premiums more than double, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Many still qualify for the original ACA tax credits, but the amount of assistance is smaller, and households with incomes above roughly 400% of the federal poverty level generally lose eligibility altogether.

“The expiration of these enhanced credits brings back the so-called ‘subsidy cliff,’” said a health policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “Families just above the income threshold can experience sudden, significant increases in costs.”

The change affects millions of low- and middle-income individuals, self-employed workers, and gig economy employees who rely on marketplace plans because their employers do not provide insurance. Estimates suggest more than 20 million Americans were receiving enhanced subsidies last year.

Congress debated extending the credits during 2025 but failed to pass legislation before the deadline. Lawmakers could revisit the issue, but for now, the enhanced assistance is no longer available.

Houston council proposal to limit police cooperation with ICE stalls

Edward Saenz
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Houston council proposal to limit police cooperation with ICE stalls

A proposal aimed at limiting how Houston police interact with federal immigration authorities during traffic stops failed to advance after it did not receive enough support from City Council members, highlighting ongoing political and legal tensions around immigration enforcement in Texas.

The measure, introduced by at-large Council Member Letitia Plummer, would have restricted Houston Police Department officers from prolonging routine traffic stops to wait for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and would have given officers discretion over whether to contact ICE when encountering immigration detainers or warrants.

The proposal never made it onto the City Council agenda after Plummer secured only one co-sponsor, falling short of the three required to move the item forward. It also faced legal hurdles amid concerns that it could conflict with state law mandating cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration officials.

Texas Senate Bill 4, passed in 2017, requires local police departments to honor immigration detainers and cooperate with federal authorities. City attorneys and several council members raised concerns that Plummer’s proposal could violate state law, exposing the city to legal challenges.

Plummer said the proposal was intended to address what she described as a dramatic increase in referrals from HPD to ICE in recent years and to prevent traffic stops from turning into immigration enforcement actions. She said she was disappointed by the lack of support but hoped the effort would spark broader discussion about public trust and community policing.

Opponents of the proposal argued that Houston has limited authority to alter immigration enforcement practices under state law and warned that the city could face penalties for noncompliance. Some council members also expressed concern about putting police officers in a legally uncertain position.

The proposal’s failure comes as immigration enforcement remains a politically sensitive issue in Houston, one of the nation’s most diverse cities. Advocates have continued to press city leaders to reduce cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while state officials have emphasized strict enforcement of existing laws.

With Plummer leaving office, the measure is not expected to be revisited in its current form, though immigration policy is likely to remain a point of debate in future City Council discussions.

Texans Defy Odds, Extend Win Streak and Clinch Playoff Spot

Que Onda Editorial
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Texans Defy Odds, Extend Win Streak and Clinch Playoff Spot

The Houston Texans continued their late-season surge, closing December with a string of victories that pushed them into the NFL playoffs for the third consecutive season — a franchise first.

After a 0-3 start that had fans and analysts doubting their postseason prospects, the Texans won eight straight games to improve to 11-5 and secure a spot in January’s tournament. The pivotal victory came Saturday night in Inglewood, Calif., where Houston beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 to clinch at least a wild-card berth.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud sparked the Texans with two explosive touchdown passes on Houston’s first two drives, connecting for a 75-yard strike to Jayden Higgins and a 43-yard score to Jaylin Noel. Despite throwing two interceptions, Stroud finished with 244 yards through the air as the Texans extended their winning streak to eight games, their longest such stretch since 2018. 

“It’s what you fight for during the season, for an opportunity to be in the playoffs and go win it all,” said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. “We earned that. It wasn’t given to us.” 

Houston’s defense also played a significant role, recording multiple sacks and holding the Chargers in check during key moments. Los Angeles missed a field goal and an extra point in the fourth quarter, mistakes that proved costly in the final outcome. 

The win snapped the Chargers’ four-game winning streak, handed the Denver Broncos the AFC West title, and effectively eliminated Indianapolis from playoff contention.

Earlier in the week, the Texans defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 23-21 at NRG Stadium Dec. 21, a hard-fought game that marked Houston’s seventh straight win and kept momentum building as they entered the final stretch of the regular season.

Houston enters Week 18 still alive in the AFC South title race, needing a win over the Indianapolis Colts and a Jacksonville loss to capture the division crown. If that doesn’t materialize, the Texans are poised to remain in the playoff field as a wild-card team.The Texans’ turnaround from an early 0-3 mark to an 11-5 finish (entering Week 18) and a third straight postseason appearance underscores a season of resilience and growth.

Texas begins controversial rewrite of K-12 social studies curriculum

Edward Saenz
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Texas begins controversial rewrite of K-12 social studies curriculum

Texas education officials have begun a sweeping rewrite of the state’s K-12 social studies curriculum, a process that will shape how millions of students learn history for the next decade and has already sparked sharp political debate.

The State Board of Education, which is elected and currently controlled by Republicans, voted to adopt a new framework that restructures how history is taught across grade levels. Under the plan, students would study history in a largely chronological sequence, beginning with Western civilization in elementary school and progressing to Texas history by eighth grade.

Supporters say the approach offers a more cohesive understanding of historical events and aligns with state laws passed in recent years. Critics, including Democratic board members, educators and civil rights advocates, argue the framework could limit instruction on world cultures and reduce attention to the experiences of people of color.

The rewrite comes as state law requires schools to include lessons on the “perils of communism,” including atrocities committed under communist regimes. Those topics will be incorporated into the new standards and are expected to reach classrooms as early as the 2026–27 school year.

Opponents say the proposed changes compress or delay discussions of slavery, Indigenous history and civil rights, potentially minimizing their impact. They also warn the new structure could reduce flexibility for teachers and diminish exposure to non-Western history.

The Texas Education Agency and the board will continue drafting specific curriculum standards with input from educators and the public. Final standards are not expected to be fully implemented until the fall of 2030.

Texas’ social studies standards often influence textbook publishers nationwide, making the outcome of the rewrite significant beyond the state’s borders.

Industrial boom reshapes Deep South Texas economy

Edward Saenz
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Industrial boom reshapes Deep South Texas economy

A wave of industrial, manufacturing and technology investment is transforming Deep South Texas, shifting the region’s economy from its long agricultural roots toward a more diversified industrial hub centered in the Rio Grande Valley.

Major projects tied to aerospace, logistics, energy and advanced manufacturing are driving the growth, particularly in and around Brownsville, Edinburg and McAllen. Local leaders say the surge marks one of the most significant economic changes the region has seen in decades.

A central force behind the expansion is SpaceX, whose Starship launch and manufacturing operations near Brownsville have attracted suppliers, infrastructure investment and related industries. Industrial gas company Linde is building a plant in Brownsville to support aerospace and other industrial uses, adding to the region’s manufacturing footprint.

Technology and logistics companies are also expanding. Zoho Corp. has acquired more than 1,000 acres in Edinburg for a long-term technology and industrial campus, while Amazon has opened and expanded distribution facilities in the Valley, reinforcing the area’s growing role in regional supply chains.

Energy projects are another key driver. Renewable investments such as large wind farms near Edinburg are being built alongside major liquefied natural gas and pipeline projects near the Port of Brownsville, where billions of dollars in private investment are fueling industrial land development and port activity.

Manufacturing growth extends beyond large corporations. A $50 million aluminum recycling plant planned for Mission and new metal fabrication facilities in Brownsville are expected to create construction jobs and permanent positions while broadening the region’s industrial base.

To support the influx of companies, cities and economic development groups are planning large industrial parks and technology districts designed to attract advanced manufacturing and data-driven industries. Improved port access, available land and relatively low costs have made the region attractive to developers.

Officials say the industrial boom is creating jobs, increasing tax revenue and diversifying an economy long dependent on agriculture. At the same time, the rapid growth has raised questions about infrastructure demands, workforce training and environmental impacts as the region continues to evolve.

For now, business and civic leaders see the momentum as a sign that Deep South Texas is emerging as a major industrial player in the state’s economy.

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