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SpaceX’s Starship Faces Crucial 10th Test Flight

Michael Esparza
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SpaceX’s Starship Faces Crucial 10th Test Flight

SpaceX is preparing for the 10th test of its Starship rocket on Sunday evening, following a string of fiery failures that have raised questions about the program’s future.

A History of Explosive Setbacks

The previous three test flights — and even a static engine test in June — ended in explosions. Flight nine concluded with what the company calls a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” just minutes after liftoff. Earlier missions have also been lost due to engine failures, vibrations, and propellant leaks.

Despite these setbacks, SpaceX continues to push forward with rapid testing. CEO Elon Musk argues the trial-and-error process is essential to building the world’s first fully reusable deep-space rocket.

The Stakes of Flight Ten

Sunday’s launch from Starbase in South Texas is seen as a pivotal moment. The company has never successfully launched and landed the stainless-steel spacecraft, which is designed to carry up to 100 people to destinations like the Moon and Mars.

MIT aerospace expert Olivier de Weck says while the booster stage has shown promise, doubts remain about the Starship upper stage. “I’m starting to have serious doubts about whether they’ll be able to make it work — certainly with the payload they have in mind,” he said.

Musk’s Mars Ambition

Musk maintains his long-term vision is to make humanity multiplanetary. “Rapidly reusable reliable rockets is the key,” he said in a May presentation. He has acknowledged the challenge, calling fully reusable rocketry “an insanely hard problem” but essential for reaching Mars.

Engineering Challenges

Experts point to a recurring issue: every fix seems to create new problems. De Weck described the process as a game of “Whac-A-Mole,” where one solution reveals another flaw. That cycle has plagued the program, but it’s also part of SpaceX’s “agile engineering” philosophy — test fast, fail fast, and fix fast.

Lessons from Past Failures

  • Flight 9 (July 2025): Ended in midair explosion after mechanical failures.
  • Flight 8 (March 2025): Upper-stage engine failure caused fuel ignition and self-destruction.
  • Flight 7 (January 2025): Strong vibrations led to a propellant leak and explosion.
  • June 2025 Static Fire: A nitrogen tank failure destroyed the rocket during ground testing.

Each time, SpaceX has made hardware and operational changes aimed at improving reliability.

What to Watch This Time

De Weck says the critical test will come after booster separation. Success would mean clean ignition of the upper-stage Raptor engines, followed by a smooth coasting phase and reentry without explosions.

Even if this flight fails, analysts expect SpaceX to continue testing for at least 20 launches before considering major design changes.

The Bigger Picture

SpaceX has achieved milestones along the way, including catching and reusing its giant booster and reaching suborbital space. Musk envisions a future where multiple Starships launch daily, ferrying people and cargo across the solar system.

“We could be out there among the stars making science fiction no longer fiction,” Musk said.

For more on space news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas House Approves GOP-Favored Congressional Maps

Edward Saenz
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Texas House Approves GOP-Favored Congressional Maps

After a heated day of debate, the Texas House of Representatives approved a new congressional map on Wednesday that could strengthen Republican control in the state’s delegation.

Potential Flip of Five Democratic Districts

The plan, passed during a special session, could shift five Democratic-held seats into Republican-leaning districts. It merges Democratic areas in Houston, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth while making two Rio Grande Valley districts more competitive.

The maps put pressure on seats currently held by Democratic Reps. Al Green, Marc Veasey, Julie Johnson, Greg Casar, and Lloyd Doggett.

Democrats Call It Gerrymandering

Democrats sharply criticized the mid-decade redistricting effort, labeling it blatant gerrymandering meant to increase GOP seats. The new map does not significantly weaken Republican-held districts but could benefit from continued Hispanic support for the GOP, according to political analysts.

Trump and Abbott’s Influence

The redistricting push was strongly backed by former President Donald Trump and is expected to pass the state Senate by the end of the week before reaching Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for approval.

Abbott praised Republicans for “staying true to Texas,” promising to sign the measure once it clears the Senate.

Democrats Plan Legal Challenge

House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu admitted the chamber fight was lost but said the battle was not over.

“This part of the fight is over, but it is merely the first chapter,” Wu said, promising a lawsuit after Abbott signs the legislation.

Filibuster Attempts Fail

Democrats spent hours attempting to stall the vote with long-shot amendments, including one linking the maps to the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files, which was quickly dismissed.

Other amendments aimed at tabling or killing the bill also failed. Ultimately, all 88 Republicans voted in favor, while 52 of 62 Democrats opposed it.

Tensions Run High

Democrats accused Republicans of carrying out Trump’s wishes.

“You may not understand redistricting, but I hope you understand lying, cheating, and stealing,” Wu said.

Rep. Joe Moody warned the maps deepened struggles for communities of color, while Rep. Harold Dutton said Republicans may win the “battle” but not the “war.”

Republican Rep. Todd Hunter, who authored the bill, fired back, blaming Democrats for fleeing the state earlier in the session to block a quorum. “You own the walkout,” he said.

Emotions on the Floor

Some Democrats, including Rep. Nicole Collier, stayed overnight in the House chamber to avoid being escorted out by law enforcement.

“I want to cry, but I’m too furious,” Collier said after the vote. “The fact that I’m still angry means I still want to fight.”

Outside Pressure and Protests

The Capitol was briefly evacuated earlier in the week after a social media threat, though lawmakers remained inside. Protests also gathered outside the chamber as the debate unfolded.

Republican Victory Lap

Republicans celebrated the passage as a reflection of Texas voters’ will.

“You will not silence the majority in Texas,” said GOP Rep. Katrina Pierson, dismissing accusations of racism as “old rhetoric.”

Democratic Governors Respond

Outside Texas, Democratic governors quickly signaled countermeasures.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom blasted Abbott as Trump’s “most loyal lapdog” and said his state would move forward with its own redistricting plan. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul posted a terse response: “Game on.”

For more coverage on the Texas Legislature and the new congressional maps, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

We’re not done with the storms. Storm chances climb as a summer front approaches Houston

ABC13 Houston
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We’re not done with the storms. Storm chances climb as a summer front approaches Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — There will be a lull in the stormy pattern Thursday morning, but another round of heavy downpours and storms will be possible as a summer cool front pushes south toward Southeast Texas. The tropical moisture will stick around the rest of the week, bringing more mainly afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

How will Thursday’s front impact our weather?

This front doesn’t really cool us off much, but the combination of widespread rain clouds and thunderstorms will keep high temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s Thursday and Friday. Thursday’s rain chance is at 70%, then it drops slightly to 60% Friday as moisture lingers overhead. We’ll actually get a light northeast winds with this front for a few days, which will bring the humidity down over the weekend, but not in a significant way until Sunday. That drier air still heats up quickly under the August sun, so we are in for a dry heat as highs reach into the mid-to-upper 90s.

What is happening in the tropics?

Erin continues churning off the East Coast U.S. as a category 2 hurricane and will bring big swells and rip currents through the end of the week. We are also tracking two tropical waves in the eastern Atlantic, but their future impacts to land, if any, remain uncertain at this time. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Israel Launches Gaza City Offensive, Calls Up Reservists

Que Onda Editorial
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Israel Launches Gaza City Offensive, Calls Up Reservists

First Stages of the Attack

Israel has begun what it calls the “first stages of the attack on Gaza City”, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Eddie Defrin. “IDF forces are already holding the outskirts of Gaza City,” Defrin said Wednesday.

Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved the military plan, codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots II,” which includes calling up 50,000 to 60,000 reservists to occupy the city.

Rising Death Toll

In the past 24 hours, at least 58 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

This offensive comes just days after Hamas said it agreed to a ceasefire proposal brokered by Qatar and Egypt. Israel has not yet commented on that decision.

International Pushback

The plan has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. On Aug. 8, UN human rights chief Volker Turk warned the offensive “must be immediately halted,” calling it a step toward “more killing, more unbearable suffering, senseless destruction.”

Aid groups have also sounded the alarm, with over 100 organizations last month describing the worsening food shortages as “mass starvation.”

Israel’s Response

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected claims of a starvation policy, arguing that Hamas has been “violently looting aid trucks meant for Palestinian civilians.” Hamas denies those accusations.

Soldier Shortage

The IDF is also struggling with manpower. Officials estimate a shortage of 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers, partly due to low enlistment from Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community.

To fill the gap, military leaders are looking to Jewish communities abroad, particularly in the United States and France, hoping to recruit 600–700 young Jews each year for service in Israel.

For more on the Israel-Hamas war, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Protesters Boo Vance and Hegseth During DC Guard Visit

Michael Esparza
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Protesters Boo Vance and Hegseth During DC Guard Visit

Jeers at Union Station

Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller were met with loud boos and chants of “Free D.C.” during a visit with National Guard troops at Union Station on Wednesday.

The officials stopped at a Shake Shack to buy lunch for the troops, but much of their appearance was overshadowed by demonstrators.

Officials Defend Deployment

Vance praised the troops, saying, “You guys are doing a hell of a job. I’m proud of you and we’re grateful.” He and Miller brushed off the protesters, labeling them “crazy” and “communists.”

When asked why troops were stationed at Union Station, Vance argued the site had become unsafe due to homelessness: “This should be a monument to American greatness.” He added that official crime data fails to capture the full extent of problems on the streets.

Bowser Pushes Back

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser disagreed, noting crime in D.C. has dropped sharply over the past two years thanks to local reforms. She argued the National Guard should not be used for law enforcement, only for specific federal missions.

“Crime has gone down in our city and it has gone down precipitously,” Bowser said, crediting community-driven efforts.

Police Perspective

D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said her department has worked closely with federal agencies and acknowledged mixed but sometimes helpful feedback from both officers and community members about the Guard’s presence.

For more on the federal government, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

What to Know Ahead of Houston City Council’s 1st Evening Public Session

Indira Zaldivar
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What to Know Ahead of Houston City Council’s 1st Evening Public Session

Houston City Council will hold its first-ever evening public comment session on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

The evening session is part of a new pilot program designed to make it easier for Houstonians to participate in local government. Traditionally, public hearings are scheduled at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, limiting access for residents juggling work, traffic, and family responsibilities.

“This is about meeting people where they are,” said Council Member Mario Castillo, who proposed the change. “We want to hear from more Houstonians—not just those who can take off in the middle of the day.”

How the Pilot Program Works

  • Schedule: The last Tuesday of each month, from Aug. 26 through Dec. 16, will feature an evening session.
  • Time: Public comment begins at 6 p.m. instead of 2 p.m.
  • Goal: To expand civic engagement and allow more residents to share their concerns and ideas.

While the first session will take place at City Hall, officials are considering rotating future evening sessions to community spaces such as libraries and cultural centers. Bringing back hybrid meetings that were first implemented due to COVID-19, were also discussed in prior meetings to encourage both in-person and virtual comments. Furthermore, staff also acknowledged potential costs, including security and broadcasting, but emphasized the value of community accessibility.

“This is a small but meaningful change,” Castillo added. “We’re hoping it opens the door for more voices to be heard.”

How to Register to Speak

If you want to address City Council during an evening session, you must register by 3 p.m. on the Monday before the meeting.

Residents can sign up by:

  • Calling 832.393.1100
  • Emailing speakers@houstontx.gov
  • Visiting the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, Room P101

What’s Next

The pilot will run through Dec. 16, after which City Council will review participation numbers and public feedback to determine whether evening sessions should become permanent in 2026.

The dates of the 5 evening public sessions are the following.

  • Tuesday, Aug. 26
  • Tuesday, Sept. 16
  • Tuesday, Oct. 28
  • Tuesday, Nov. 18
  • Tuesday, Dec. 16

“This is a step toward more inclusive civic participation,” Castillo said. “We’re making space for voices that have too often been left out.”

Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine for weekly coverage of Houston City Council.

Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages joins FIFA World Cup 26 Houston effort

Que Onda Editorial
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Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages joins FIFA World Cup 26 Houston effort

Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB) has been named an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host City.

The company will take part in Houston’s tournament programming, including the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown, and plans to roll out community-focused activities before, during, and after the matches. Custom-branded delivery trucks and other citywide promotions are already in place.

CCSWB leaders said the partnership is about tapping into Houston’s passion for soccer while building programs that last beyond 2026. Host Committee President Chris Canetti added that Coca-Cola’s long history with the sport makes it a natural fit for Houston’s role in the tournament.

Houston is one of 16 host cities across North America for FIFA World Cup 26, which will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches in June and July 2026.

For more on the FIFA World Cup 2026, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

DNA evidence points to father as sole suspect in suffocation deaths of three daughters

Indira Zaldivar
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DNA evidence points to father as sole suspect in suffocation deaths of three daughters

Authorities in Washington state say Travis Decker is the only suspect in the suffocation deaths of his three daughters after new DNA evidence was confirmed.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that DNA found on plastic bags and cable ties matched Decker. Each victim—5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 9-year-old Paityn—was discovered with multiple bags over their heads near a Cascades campsite. No other DNA was recovered at the scene.

The Tragedy Unfolds

The girls were reported missing in late May when Decker failed to return them after a court-ordered visit. Days later, their bodies were located about 100 yards from Decker’s abandoned truck at Rock Island Campground. Investigators also recovered plastic bags, zip ties, and a bloody fingerprint.

A Challenging Manhunt

Decker, an Army veteran with survival training, vanished into the rugged wilderness with a three-day head start. Search teams have used drones, cadaver dogs, and swift-water crews, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

“We do not have any evidence to suggest Travis Decker is either alive or deceased,” the sheriff’s office said.

Reward for Capture

The U.S. Marshals Service has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker’s arrest. Authorities hope that with more hikers and campers in the area during summer, someone may spot him.

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

Houston Speeds Up I-69 Beautification and Major Reconstruction Ahead of World Cup

Edward Saenz
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Houston Speeds Up I-69 Beautification and Major Reconstruction Ahead of World Cup

A long-planned makeover of Houston’s I-69 corridor is moving forward faster than expected as the city prepares to welcome visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Texas Department of Transportation has accelerated a beautification project near Hazard Street that includes repainting walls, removing graffiti and invasive plants, and replanting fig ivy along the freeway. Officials say the upgrades will give a fresh look to one of Houston’s most traveled corridors.

The work is part of the broader North Houston Highway Improvement Project, a multibillion-dollar effort to modernize I-69 and its connections to downtown. Major construction is already underway on Segment 3B, which stretches from Texas 288 to I-45.

A $121 million drainage system along St. Emanuel Street, now under construction, will help funnel storm runoff into Buffalo Bayou. Once complete, TxDOT will begin a $695 million rebuild of about 1.5 miles of I-69. The plan calls for three signature arch bridges at Elgin, Tuam and McGowen streets to reconnect neighborhoods split by the freeway.

Other changes include widening lanes to as many as 12 in each direction, adding express lanes for transit and high-occupancy vehicles, and lowering sections of the freeway. TxDOT also plans to install “caps” over depressed portions of I-69, creating space for parks and plazas near the George R. Brown Convention Center, Midtown and the Museum District.

Supporters say the upgrades will not only improve traffic flow but also help stitch together neighborhoods long divided by highway construction. The improvements are also designed with flood control and green space in mind, addressing issues that have grown increasingly urgent in Houston.

TxDOT officials have said the beautification near Hazard Street should be completed before the World Cup, while the larger reconstruction effort is expected to continue for several years.

Texas Mexican Mafia Leader Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison

Edward Saenz
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Texas Mexican Mafia Leader Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison

A high-ranking leader of the Texas Mexican Mafia has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring, federal prosecutors said.

David Botello, 54, of San Antonio, was sentenced Aug. 14 by U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of meth, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas announced.

Botello, who went by the nicknames “Torito,” “Bully” and “Bully-Man,” served as a “lieutenant of lieutenants” in the gang, overseeing meth distribution operations in the San Antonio area. Prosecutors said he was arrested in July 2020 after a traffic stop in which police found 150 grams of methamphetamine, nine new cellphones and cash.

A 2021 indictment charged Botello and 11 others with meth-related crimes and weapons offenses. He pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of meth distribution conspiracy.

Botello has previous convictions for murder and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, court records show.

“This sentence demonstrates our office’s commitment to dismantling dangerous criminal organizations that fuel violence and drug trafficking in our communities,” U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons said in a statement.

The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including the DEA, FBI, San Antonio police, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Botello was among several Texas Mexican Mafia members targeted in recent federal prosecutions aimed at weakening the gang’s grip on narcotics distribution in South Texas.

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