HOUSTON — Mayor John Whitmire plans to impose a hiring freeze affecting all city departments except fire and police, a city spokesperson confirmed.
An exact timeline has not been set, but an official announcement from the mayor’s office is expected within a week, the spokesperson said. The freeze aims to cut expenses and improve efficiency, according to a statement from the mayor’s office.
“A hiring freeze is an opportunity to cut expenses, ensuring that our personnel needs are reassessed to benefit the organization and taxpayers,” the statement read. “Houston has many great, hardworking employees, but the efficiency study indicated that there are too many for an organization the size of the city.”
The study, conducted by Ernst & Young and published in February, reviewed city spending and resource allocation. It found issues including misuse of city credit cards, contracting irregularities and instances of “fake promotions” where employees were given managerial titles with few or no subordinates.
Following the study’s release, Whitmire wrote in a Feb. 11 memo to city council members that the findings presented an opportunity to rebuild public trust.
“This assessment confirms what many of us already knew: We have work to do to build a government that truly earns the trust of its residents,” Whitmire wrote.
“By acting on these findings, we can create a city government that is more transparent, efficient and focused on delivering results. We can show Houstonians that their government works for them and that every decision we make is rooted in accountability and service.”
The hiring freeze comes as city officials face a $350 million budget shortfall. City Controller Chris Hollins warned in early February that without “drastic” spending cuts, he would be unable to certify next year’s budget.
A recent court ruling in a yearslong dispute over drainage funding will require the city to allocate an additional $100 million toward street and drainage improvements, further straining the budget, Hollins said.
“That means simply that we are going to run out of money,” he said.
Daredevil: Born Again roars back onto screens with a visceral and emotionally charged premiere that sets a new standard for superhero television in the MCU. The two-part debut, consisting of episodes “Heaven’s Half Hour” and “Optics,” seamlessly blends the gritty, street-level storytelling fans loved from the Netflix era with the polished production values of Disney+.
Charlie Cox reprises his role as Matt Murdock/Daredevil with the same intensity and nuance that made him a fan favorite. The series wastes no time in reestablishing the dynamic between Matt, Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), before dramatically altering their world.
Episode 1: “Heaven’s Half Hour”
The premiere episode opens on a deceptively light note, lulling viewers into a false sense of security before unleashing a torrent of action. It reintroduces a formidable antagonist from Daredevil’s past, leading to one of the most intense and well-choreographed fight sequences in Marvel history. This no-holds-barred brawl, seamlessly shot in one take, showcases the series’ commitment to pushing boundaries in action and intensity.
The episode skillfully sets up the season’s central conflicts, introducing new characters and hinting at the challenges that lie ahead for Matt Murdock, both in and out of the mask. It ends with a shocking twist that will have significant repercussions for the rest of the season.
Episode 2: “Optics”
The second episode shifts gears, delving into the legal and political landscape of Hell’s Kitchen. It introduces new characters and plotlines, including an intriguing case that draws Matt back into the courtroom and, inevitably, back to vigilantism. This episode also reintroduces Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk, whose menacing presence looms large over the series, even as he attempts to present a more polished public image.
“Optics” explores the consequences of past events and sets up multiple storylines that promise to intersect in compelling ways. It balances character development with tense action sequences, showcasing Matt’s skills both as a lawyer and a vigilante.
Performances and Themes
Cox and D’Onofrio continue to deliver powerhouse performances, with their characters’ evolving dynamic promising to be a central focus of the season. The series also explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance, particularly through Matt’s internal struggle with his dual identities.
Production and Tone
Visually, Born Again maintains the noir-inspired aesthetics of its predecessor while incorporating a slightly more polished look befitting its Disney+ budget. The series successfully balances its darker, more mature content with moments of levity and character development, creating a tonally complex narrative.
Daredevil: Born Again’s first two episodes deliver a powerful and promising start to the series. It honors its roots while carving out a distinct identity within the broader MCU. With its complex characters, intense action, and intricate plotting, Born Again sets the stage for what could be one of the most compelling superhero series to date.
Reba McEntire, the undisputed “Queen of Country,” made her triumphant return to RodeoHouston on Tuesday, March 4, opening this year’s concert series with a dazzling performance in front of 69,934 fans.
Marking her first appearance at the iconic Houston event in 11 years, McEntire’s performance delivered a powerful blend of timeless hits and modern surprises —notably during Women’s History Month.
Dressed in a sparkling black cowgirl outfit with silver fringes and a statement belt buckle, the 69-year-old icon radiated Western glamour as she took center stage. McEntire kicked off the night with her 2010 hit “Turn On The Radio,” immediately drawing the crowd to a roar. Her commanding stage presence and infectious energy set the tone for a night filled with nostalgia and celebration.
McEntire’s setlist wove together decades of country classics, including “One Promise Too Late,” “You Lie,” and “Maggie Creek Road.” She also paid tribute to female artists who paved the way with covers of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and The Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” In a surprising twist, she seamlessly blended Dua Lipa’s pop hit “Don’t Start Now” into the set, proving that music knows no generational bounds.
“I’m a Survivor,” the theme song from her beloved sitcom, brought the crowd to its feet, with McEntire humbly introducing each of her band members during the performance. The emotional ballad “Back to God” and empowering anthem “Is There Life Out There” showcased McEntire’s enduring vocal prowess, while the crowd eagerly joined her in call-and-response during the rollicking “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.”
Despite turning 70 later this month, McEntire showed no signs of slowing down. She kicked and danced on the rotating stage, exuding the same charm and vitality that have made her a country music legend for more than four decades. The night culminated with a show-stopping performance of her signature hit “Fancy,” as the stage bathed in red lights and the stadium transformed into a massive karaoke bar.
McEntire’s connection to RodeoHouston runs deep, dating back to her debut in 1984 alongside Charley Pride at the Astrodome. She was inducted into the rodeo’s Star Trail of Fame in 2007, solidifying her place among legends like George Strait and Elvis Presley. Her return to the Houston stage proved that her reign as country royalty remains as strong as ever.
With a mix of classic hits, heartfelt tributes, and modern flair, McEntire’s opening night performance was a testament to the enduring power of women in country music — and the perfect kickoff to RodeoHouston 2025.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo denounced the newly imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican imports by U.S. President Donald Trump, calling the measure unjustified and harmful to both nations. The announcement came during Sheinbaum’s regular morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on Tuesday.
“There is no reason, rationale or justification to support this decision that will affect our people and nations … Nobody wins with this decision,” Sheinbaum Pardo stated.
The tariffs, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. in Washington, followed a 30-day pause that allowed for negotiations between Mexican and U.S. officials. During that period, Mexico ramped up security at the U.S.-Mexico border and strengthened its efforts against organized crime and fentanyl trafficking.
Trump defended the tariffs by accusing Mexico, along with Canada and China, of not doing enough to curb the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the U.S.
“In these 30 days, decisive actions were taken against organized crime and fentanyl trafficking, as well as bilateral meetings on security and trade,” Sheinbaum said, highlighting Mexico’s cooperation with U.S. authorities.
Despite the collaborative efforts, the tariff implementation has put a strain on the two countries’ economic relationship. The Mexican peso responded to the news by weakening approximately 1% against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday morning.
Sheinbaum Pardo announced that Mexico would retaliate with tariff and non-tariff measures, with further details to be unveiled during a public event at Mexico City’s Zocalo on Sunday.
The escalating trade tensions come at a critical time for both nations, with significant economic and security implications on the horizon.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got your on Weather Watch for Tuesday as a powerful storm system swings through the southern Plains. This will lead to a windy day in Southeast Texas with widespread showers and a few thunderstorms for the morning drive.
What are the chances we get severe weather on Tuesday?
At this time it looks like there’s about a 90% chance you’ll get rain with a 5 to 15% chance one of the storms near you could turn severe. The best chance for storms to turn severe will be east of I-45 Tuesday, where Houston is included in a Marginal risk for storms and portions of Liberty, Chambers, Walker, Trinity, San Jacinto and Polk counties are included in the Slight risk area. The winds will be rather strong around this storm system, so even without any storms we expect wind gusts over 40 mph which could lead to isolated power outages. Any storm that does turn severe could produce wind gusts over 60 mph, hail, and tornadoes. The first few storms of the day could develop as early as sunrise Tuesday morning with threat of storms lasting through noon.
So what could the forecast hold for the first day of the Houston Rodeo Tuesday?
With showers and storms in the forecast Tuesday, this is something you have to be aware of if you’re heading to NRG. The threat of thunderstorms lasts through late morning, so try to limit any time spent outdoors on rodeo grounds until the afternoon. It should be completely sunny but rather windy for the afternoon, and it will feel rather comfortable by the time Reba takes the stage! Besides the storms, Tuesday will be breezy with winds gusting over 40 mph at times as temperatures hover in the 70s during the day. After the sun sets, temperatures could fall into the upper 50s or low 60s by the time the concert is over.
Are we done with freezes now?
While we cannot 100% rule out a late season freeze just yet, more than likely we are done with freezes. On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know!
Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, has died at the age of 82. The news was shared in a statement on Parton’s social media accounts Monday.
“Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82,” the statement read. “He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending. He was survived by his siblings Sandra and Donnie,” according to GMA.
Parton shared heartfelt words about her late husband, saying, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.” She thanked fans for their support, adding, “Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”
The couple, who married in 1966, maintained a notably private relationship throughout Parton’s illustrious career. Dean rarely appeared in public, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. However, Parton often spoke about their deep bond and the positive influence Dean had on her life.
Dean’s love of rock ‘n’ roll music inspired Parton’s 2023 album, “Rockstar.” She told GMA, “Most of these songs I chose because of Carl, and because I knew they were good songs, ’cause he knows good music.”
In 2022, Parton revealed the secret to their lasting marriage, attributing their longevity to having different interests while still enjoying special moments together. “I like it when people say, ‘How did it last so long?’ I say, ‘It’s stay going,'” she told GMA. “We’re not in each other’s face all the time. He’s not in the business so we have different interests, but yet we have the things we love to do together.”
Parton also highlighted their shared sense of humor as a key factor. “We both have a warped sense of humor,” she said. “Even if you have a problem, if you have a great sense of humor, if you say something you can’t take back [you] usually have some crazy way of getting out of it.”
The statement concluded by asking for privacy during this difficult time.
President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China went into effect Tuesday, sparking swift retaliation from Beijing and threats of further countermeasures from Canada.
The new tariffs impose a 25% duty on goods entering the U.S. from Mexico and Canada, while products from China face a 10% increase on existing tariffs, according to the White House. The administration described the move as part of Trump’s broader strategy to protect American interests in global trade.
“President Trump continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring U.S. trade policy serves the national interest,” the White House said in a statement.
The U.S. tariffs are now at their highest level since 1943, Yale’s Budget Lab reported. The immediate economic impact rippled across global markets, with Wall Street suffering sharp losses on Monday ahead of the tariffs’ implementation. The S&P 500 closed down 1.76%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.48%, and the Nasdaq dropped 2.64%.
China swiftly retaliated by announcing additional tariffs of 10% to 15% on U.S. agricultural products such as chicken, wheat, soybeans, and beef. Those duties will take effect on March 10, adding to existing tariffs from the 2018 trade war, though some previous levies had been eased under the 2020 “phase one” trade deal.
Canada also vowed to impose tariffs on American goods in response. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement Monday that Canada would impose “tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately and tariffs on the remaining $125 billion on American products in 21 days’ time.” The Canadian government is considering additional non-tariff measures if the U.S. trade action is not reversed, Trudeau added.
The tariffs arrive a month after Trump granted temporary relief to Mexico and Canada following agreements on border security and drug trafficking cooperation. However, the reprieve proved short-lived as the administration pressed forward with its broader protectionist trade agenda.
Stock markets around the world reacted to the escalating trade tensions. Asian markets showed mixed results, with Japan’s Nikkei falling 1.2%, while the Shanghai Stock Exchange edged higher. European markets largely traded lower, with Germany’s DAX down 1.6% and the FTSE 100 in London slipping 0.3%.
As the trade dispute unfolds, economists warn the standoff could weigh heavily on global economic growth if the retaliatory measures continue to escalate.
As of February 28, 2025, Texas is experiencing its most significant measles outbreak in decades, with 146 confirmed cases reported since late January. citeturn0search0 The outbreak has predominantly affected the South Plains region, with cases spanning multiple counties, including Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Lubbock, Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum.
Key Details
Hospitalizations and Fatality: Twenty patients have been hospitalized due to severe symptoms, and tragically, an unvaccinated school-aged child succumbed to the disease—the first measles-related death in the United States since 2015.
Vaccination Status: A significant number of those infected were unvaccinated, highlighting concerns about declining vaccination rates in certain communities.
Public Health Response: Health officials have intensified efforts to contain the outbreak by setting up vaccination clinics and urging the public to ensure they are vaccinated. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is over 97% effective in preventing measles.
Travel Advisories: The Mexican government has issued a travel advisory for citizens planning to visit Texas, recommending they verify their vaccination status before traveling.
National Context: This outbreak is part of a broader increase in measles cases across the United States. As of March 1, 2025, there have been 160 reported cases nationwide, with 93% linked to outbreak clusters.
Health Recommendations
Vaccination: Individuals are strongly encouraged to receive the MMR vaccine if they haven’t already.
Symptom Awareness: Recognize measles symptoms, which include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic red rash.
Isolation: Those exhibiting symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and avoid contact with others to prevent further spread.
The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to monitor the situation closely and provides updates on containment efforts and vaccination campaigns.
Did you know that climate change is threatening global coffee production? Rising temperatures, droughts, and unpredictable weather patterns are making it harder for traditional coffee-growing regions to thrive. However, a rare species called excelsa coffee might offer a solution.
Excelsa coffee, discovered over a century ago in South Sudan, is gaining attention for its ability to withstand extreme conditions such as heat and drought. Unlike arabica and robusta, excelsa has deep roots, thick leaves, and a sturdy trunk that help it resist harsh climates and common coffee pests. Yet, it accounts for less than 1% of the global market.
South Sudan’s Coffee History and Potential
South Sudan, unlike Ethiopia or Uganda, has never been a major coffee producer. While British colonizers once grew robusta and arabica there, decades of conflict disrupted farming. Coffee requires regular care and takes at least three years to bear fruit.
In Nzara County, Western Equatoria—South Sudan’s agricultural hub—locals recall their ancestors growing coffee, though many younger farmers had not done so. Excelsa, often called “the big tree,” can reach 15 meters (49 feet) in height but is sometimes pruned for easier harvesting. It has a sweet flavor with hints of chocolate, dark fruits, and hazelnut, similar to arabica but less bitter.
Ian Paterson, managing director of Equatoria Teak, a sustainable agroforestry company operating in South Sudan, says there’s still much to learn about excelsa’s potential. His company has conducted trials showing that excelsa withstands heat better than other coffee species.
Three years ago, Equatoria Teak provided seedlings and training to about 1,500 farmers. These farmers can sell their harvest back to the company for processing and export. Many trees produced fruit for the first time this year, and Paterson hopes to export an initial batch of seven tons to specialty shops in Europe. By 2027, the industry could generate $2 million annually, with major buyers like Nespresso showing interest. However, production must triple to attract large-scale investment.
Challenges in Scaling South Sudan’s Coffee Industry
South Sudan’s lack of infrastructure and ongoing instability pose major hurdles. A single truck carrying 30 tons of coffee must travel 1,800 miles (3,000 km) to reach Kenya’s port, with transportation costs up to five times higher than in neighboring countries.
Despite a 2018 peace deal ending a five-year civil war, sporadic violence persists. In Western Equatoria, tensions flared after the president removed the governor in February, sparking unrest. AP reporters visiting Nzara found roads blocked by gunfire as villagers fled their homes.
The government insists businesses can operate safely but urges them to steer clear of politics.
“Once you mix business with politics, you will end up in chaos,” warned Alison Barnaba, South Sudan’s minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment.
Plans to revive old coffee plantations and build an agricultural school remain vague, given the government’s financial struggles—it has not paid civil servants in over a year. A damaged oil pipeline through Sudan has further drained revenue.
Farmers also face environmental challenges. Wildfires, often set by hunters or farmers clearing land, spread quickly during the dry season, destroying crops. There are few measures to hold people accountable, residents say.
Coffee as a Path to Climate Resilience and Economic Stability
Despite the obstacles, many locals see coffee as a path to financial stability. Some farmers turned to coffee after other crops failed, hoping it would provide a more reliable income. With excelsa’s climate resilience, experts believe it could help stabilize the coffee industry while offering economic opportunities for struggling communities.
Community leaders emphasize that excelsa could help South Sudan become more financially independent while contributing to global coffee sustainability. However, they stress the need for long-term stability to support the industry.
Elia Box, a local farmer, lost half his coffee crop to fire in February. While determined to replant, he is frustrated by the lack of accountability and the challenges of farming in an unstable environment.
“People aren’t thinking long-term like coffee crops during war,” Box told AP News. “Coffee needs peace.”
Keep up with sustainability news and climate change solutions with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia for over two weeks, experienced two new acute respiratory crises on Monday. These crises necessitated a return to noninvasive mechanical ventilation, another setback in his fight against the infection.
During two bronchoscopies, doctors extracted substantial amounts of mucus from his lungs. These bronchoscopies involved inserting a camera-tipped tube into his airways with a suction device to remove fluid. The Vatican clarified that the mucus was a reaction to the original pneumonia infection and not a new one, as laboratory tests indicated no new bacteria.
Despite these setbacks, Francis remained alert, oriented, and cooperative with medical personnel. However, the prognosis remains uncertain. Doctors did not specify whether he remained in stable condition, but they referred to the crises in the past tense, suggesting they had resolved.
These crises represent a new challenge for the 88-year-old pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed. The respiratory infection he is battling is complex and demanding.
Dr. John Coleman, a pulmonary critical care doctor at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, noted that the episodes were more concerning than the one on Friday. On Friday, Francis experienced a coughing fit, inhaled vomit that required extraction, and was subsequently put on noninvasive mechanical ventilation for a day before no longer needing it.
Coleman expressed concern about the level of mucus and phlegm in Francis’ lungs, noting that the manual removal of mucus during bronchoscopies indicated that he was not clearing his secretions effectively. He described Francis’ progress as “taking little steps forward and then steps back.”
In a recent update, the Vatican revealed that the episodes of difficulty breathing were caused by a substantial accumulation of mucus in the Pope’s lungs and bronchial spasms. During the bronchoscopies, “copious secretions” were extracted, and the Pope was transitioned back to non-invasive mechanical ventilation, a mask that covers his nose and mouth and provides oxygen to his lungs.
The Vatican has not released any photographs or videos of Francis since his hospitalization on February 14 due to a complex lung infection. This prolonged absence marks the longest in his 12-year papacy.
Doctors often resort to non-invasive ventilation to prevent the need for intubation, a procedure that involves inserting a tube into the trachea. Francis has not been intubated during his current hospitalization. It remains uncertain whether he has expressed any advance directives regarding the limits of his care if he declines or loses consciousness.
Catholic teaching emphasizes the protection of life from conception until natural death. While it acknowledges the need for “ordinary” care, such as hydration and nutrition, for chronically ill patients, including those in vegetative states, it permits the suspension of “extraordinary” or disproportionate care if it ceases to be beneficial or prolongs a precarious and painful existence.
In 2017, Francis addressed a meeting of Paglia’s bioethics body, stating that there is no obligation to resort to every possible remedy in all circumstances. He clarified that this allows for a morally qualified decision to withdraw “overzealous treatment.”
Paglia, who serves as a spokesperson for the Catholic Church’s stance on end-of-life care, emphasized that Francis, like any other Catholic, would adhere to church teachings if necessary.
