Pope Francis is making progress in his recovery from pneumonia, with the Vatican reporting that he had breakfast outside of bed on Thursday morning following a restful night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. This marks his sixth consecutive night of stable condition, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.
Bruni provided an update on the 88-year-old pontiff’s health, revealing that recent blood tests indicated a slight improvement in inflammation markers. Francis, who has a history of respiratory issues and previously battled an acute case of pneumonia in 2023, remains under medical supervision, particularly given the heightened risks posed by winter infections.
On Wednesday, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni became the first high-profile visitor to meet with the pope during his hospital stay. After their 20-minute conversation, she noted that Francis appeared to be in good spirits, even displaying his characteristic sense of humor.
The pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after his bronchitis worsened. Medical evaluations later confirmed pneumonia in both lungs, along with a polymicrobial respiratory infection—a complex mix of bacterial, viral, and other pathogens. He is currently undergoing treatment with antibiotics and cortisone to manage his condition, which doctors have also classified as asthmatic bronchitis.
Despite his resilient heart, Francis faces additional health challenges. His limited mobility, reliance on a wheelchair due to knee issues, and a past lung surgery have made him particularly vulnerable to complications. His medical team remains cautious, as pneumonia in elderly patients often presents difficulties in clearing fluid from the lungs. The pope himself has acknowledged that he is not always the most cooperative patient, adding a layer of complexity to his recovery process.
For now, the Vatican remains optimistic, with signs of progress suggesting that the pope is gradually regaining strength. His condition continues to be closely monitored as the world watches and prays for his full recovery.
Apple has expanded its latest smartphone lineup with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, a more affordable addition to the iPhone 16 series.
Announced on Wednesday, the iPhone 16e is designed to offer impressive performance, enhanced battery life, and advanced features at a lower price point. Customers will be able to pre-order the new device starting Friday, with an official launch date set for February 28.
iPhone 16e: A Balance of Affordability and Performance
New iPhone 16e: Courtesy of Apple.
The iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s A18 chip, the same processor found in the base model of the iPhone 16. It also features a 6.1-inch display, ensuring users get a premium screen experience without paying the full price of higher-end models. Additionally, the device boasts a 48-megapixel camera system capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second, making it an appealing choice for photography and video enthusiasts.
One of the key highlights of the iPhone 16e is its integration of Apple Intelligence, the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence system, which was previously limited to the iPhone 15 and 16 series. This inclusion enhances the phone’s capabilities in areas such as smart suggestions, automation, and on-device learning.
Pricing and Storage Options
Apple has positioned the iPhone 16e as a cost-effective alternative within the iPhone 16 lineup. The base model, which comes with 128GB of storage, starts at $599—$200 less than the standard iPhone 16. Customers looking for additional storage can opt for the 256GB variant at $699 or the 512GB model at $899.
Breaking Apple’s Traditional Release Cycle
Historically, Apple has catered to budget-conscious consumers through its iPhone SE series, which featured smaller displays, Lightning charging ports, and lower-end processors. However, the iPhone 16e marks a shift in Apple’s strategy, as it arrives just five months after the initial iPhone 16 launch. This move deviates from Apple’s usual annual release cycle and could indicate a new approach to capturing a wider range of consumers.
Apple’s Market Performance and Sales Outlook
The launch of the iPhone 16e comes at a time when Apple faces challenges in key markets. In the most recent quarter, Apple reported $69.1 billion in iPhone sales, falling short of Wall Street’s expectations by nearly $2 billion. The company also struggled in China, where sales were $2.4 billion below projections, totaling $18.5 billion. Despite these setbacks, Apple still managed to achieve a 4% year-over-year increase in overall sales and a 10% rise in net profits.
By introducing the iPhone 16e, Apple is likely aiming to appeal to a broader customer base, including those who want premium features at a more accessible price. With its competitive pricing and high-end capabilities, the iPhone 16e could help Apple maintain its strong presence in the smartphone market while addressing affordability concerns among consumers.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dipped slightly as more Americans express concerns about the economy, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The survey found that 44% of respondents approve of Trump’s job performance, down from 45% in late January. Meanwhile, disapproval has risen to 51%, compared to 41% shortly after he took office.
Economic Anxiety on the Rise
A key factor in the shift is growing unease about the U.S. economy. The percentage of Americans who believe the country is on the wrong economic track climbed from 43% to 53% in just over a week. Trump’s approval rating for economic management has also declined, dropping from 43% to 39%.
Despite this dip, his economic approval remains higher than former President Joe Biden’s final rating of 34%. However, it is significantly lower than the 53% approval Trump received in February 2017, during his first month in office.
Concerns Over Inflation and Tariffs
Economic uncertainty has been fueled by rising inflation and Trump’s trade policies. A recent U.S. Labor Department report showed the biggest increase in consumer prices in nearly 18 months, with many Americans facing higher costs for everyday goods and services.
Adding to concerns, Trump announced steep tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada, set to take effect in March. Though the Mexico and Canada tariffs have been delayed, the planned March 12 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports remain on schedule. These policies have sparked divided opinions, with 54% of Americans opposing new tariffs on imported goods, 41% in favor of increased tariffs, and support for tariffs on Chinese goods slightly higher at 49% in favor and 47% opposed.
Mixed Approval on Key Policies
While his economic rating has declined, Trump continues to see stronger support for his immigration policies, with 47% approval—unchanged from earlier polls. His approach includes promises to ramp up deportations of undocumented immigrants.
However, inflation remains a major challenge, with only 32% of respondents approving of his handling of the issue. This could be an early sign of public dissatisfaction with his economic policies, particularly after several years of rising prices weakened Biden’s standing ahead of the last election.
Poll Details
The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online with 4,145 U.S. adults nationwide and has a margin of error of about 2 percentage points. The results highlight growing public concerns about Trump’s economic leadership as he faces increasing scrutiny over inflation, tariffs, and the future of U.S. trade policy.
The long-awaited sixth and final season of The Handmaid’s Tale is set to premiere on April 8, 2025, bringing the intense story of June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) and the rebellion against Gilead to a dramatic conclusion. Hulu has heightened anticipation with a new trailer, offering a glimpse of the impending battle.
Premiere Date and Episode Release Schedule
Hulu has confirmed that the season will kick off with a three-episode premiere on April 8, followed by weekly episodes leading up to the series finale on May 27, 2025.
What to Expect in the Final Season
With June’s revolution in full swing, the final season promises high-stakes drama and intense confrontations:
June’s Fight Against Gilead – She’s more determined than ever, rallying allies like Luke and Moira.
Serena Joy’s Role – Attempting to reform Gilead from within, she could face a major showdown with June.
Commander Lawrence & Aunt Lydia – Both must reckon with their past choices as Gilead teeters on the edge.
Nick’s Fate – His torn loyalties between June and his position of power will finally be tested.
Revolution Teased in the First Trailer
The newly released trailer hints at an all-out uprising, with handmaids seen preparing for battle. It also suggests that every major character will be forced to make pivotal decisions that will define their fate. The showrunner has promised the season will explore the consequences of power, resistance, and survival.
Filming Wraps & Emotional Goodbyes
Filming officially wrapped in early February 2025, and cast members, including Elisabeth Moss, shared their gratitude with fans. Moss, who also directed several episodes, described the experience as deeply emotional and promised a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
The Future: The Testaments Adaptation
As The Handmaid’s Tale comes to a close, fans are curious about its connection to Margaret Atwood’s sequel novel, The Testaments. Hulu has already announced plans to adapt the book, which follows events after The Handmaid’s Tale through the perspectives of Aunt Lydia and two young women. The final season may introduce new characters as a setup for this next chapter.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hulu prepares to close out this gripping dystopian saga with us on Que Onda Magazine.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As Texans wait for temperatures to drop below freezing this week, many can’t help but think about the historic freeze of February 2021. That said, ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith reports on how this upcoming freeze compares to the one that occurred four years ago.
The bitter cold and the extent of frozen precipitation across the state are not expected to be as extreme. In 2021, Houston experienced below-freezing temperatures for almost 48 hours and received an inch of snow during the event. This week, temperatures could fall below freezing for up to 12 hours at most, mainly Wednesday night into Thursday morning. No frozen precipitation is expected.
Since we know the weather conditions farther north across the state also affected the event in 2021, here’s a comparison for the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In 2021, Dallas was below-freezing for nearly six days. Furthermore, there were two mornings when temperatures dropped below zero degrees in the city. This time around, the cold front will move through Dallas Tuesday and could drop temperatures below freezing for about two days, but no weather conditions with below-zero temperatures are expected. That’s a huge difference.
Not only are the weather conditions for this freeze going to be different, but the state of the grid has also changed. Specifically, how much backup power does the grid have access to? Supposedly, that number has been around 10,000 megawatts since 2021. This is done by investing in both solar power and battery storage sites. A report from energy journal Factor states that battery storage for the Texas grid has nearly doubled every year since 2021. These battery storage sites act as a backup during times of high demand or when other power sources, like natural gas, solar, or wind, are low.
So, when comparing this week’s freeze to that of 2021, the overall impact is not expected to be as significant. Nothing’s guaranteed, so preparing plants, pipes, and pets for the cold is advised. As for power, outages are not expected, but they can never be ruled out. In a press conference earlier this week, Gov. Greg Abbot said he is “100% confident in the power grid” ahead of this freeze. The governor said this could be “the coldest weather event of the year” for Texans, even though the Houston area already faced its winter weather event last month with the January snowstorm.
Get ready for a cold and blustery Wednesday as arctic air charges through Southeast Texas. A widespread freeze is coming Wednesday night as the wind chills drop into the single digits and teens.
Get ready for a cold and blustery Wednesday as arctic air charges through Southeast Texas. A widespread freeze is coming Wednesday night as the wind chills drop into the single digits and teens.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Arctic air blasts in making for a cold and blustery Wednesday. A widespread freeze is coming Wednesday night with a hard freeze still possible north and west of Houston by Thursday morning.
The arctic front has brought in significantly colder and drier air, putting an end to any chances of rain. By sunrise, the freeze line will be in many communities north and west of Houston. High temperatures today will only warm in the low 40s, but with the wind it will feel like the low 30s.
How cold will it get with the Arctic front, and when does the freeze line reach Houston?
At this time, we are predicting a low in the mid to upper 20s for Houston on Thursday morning, which will be the coldest of this Arctic cold snap. The freeze line should reach Houston around 10 p.m. Wednesday and may not get above freezing until around 10 a.m. Thursday. This is technically a “light freeze” for Houston, but a hard freeze is still possible north and west of Houston, where temperatures dip to 24 and colder. People, pets, plants, and pipes will need to be protected from this incoming cold air. Temperatures Friday morning will also dip into light freeze territory for most, with a low of 31 predicted in Houston. Because of the cloudy sky, highs on Friday will likely peak only in the upper 30s.
Is any wintry precipitation possible with this arctic front?
Not in our part of the state. The roadways will be just fine here in Southeast Texas.
How long does this cold air stick around?
Temperatures will stay well below normal through Saturday, with a cold rain in the 40s for the first half of the weekend. By Sunday, the sunshine is back, and temperatures are warming into the 60s. On Monday next week, we’ll warm well into the 70s and might even hit 80 on one or two afternoons!
Niantic Inc., the developer behind the 2016 global sensation Pokémon Go, is in negotiations to sell its video game business to Saudi Arabia-owned Scopely Inc.
A deal, valued at an estimated $3.5 billion, could be announced in the coming weeks, one source said. The agreement, if finalized, would include Pokémon Go and other mobile games. However, there is no guarantee the deal will be completed.
Despite the global success of Pokémon Go, Niantic struggled to replicate its success. The company laid off employees and scrapped several projects in 2022 and 2023, most notably shutting down Harry Potter: Wizards Unite in 2022.
Scopely is owned by Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Originally spun off from Google in 2015, Niantic was founded by CEO John Hanke, who previously led Google’s Geo product division after working in satellite mapping. Pokémon Go encouraged players to explore real-world locations using an interactive map to find Nintendo Co.’s beloved characters. The company claims it is the most downloaded and profitable augmented reality app of all time.
Based in San Francisco, Niantic also develops technology for capturing and sharing 3D scans of real-world environments. In November, it announced that data from its apps has contributed to a large-scale geospatial model designed to understand and connect scenes worldwide using machine learning.
Scopely was acquired for $4.9 billion in 2023 by Savvy Games. In 2024, Savvy CEO Brian Ward told Bloomberg News that the company aimed to acquire a “genre-leading” mobile title through Scopely, positioning it as the focal point of its mobile gaming strategy.
In August, Niantic partnered with Savvy to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. The investment is part of the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s broader strategy to diversify the nation’s economy through the video game industry.
On Feb. 18, ahead of the upcoming freeze, Houston Mayor John Whitmireheld a press conference.
As temperatures are expected to drop tomorrow night, it’s important for all citizens to take steps to ensure their safety and well-being. While the cold snap may not be life-threatening, it is still vital to be prepared.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and do in the coming days.
Protect Our Vulnerable Populations
One of the most important things we can do is look out for our seniors and those in residential facilities. Many of our community members are especially vulnerable to extreme weather, and we must ensure they have the support they need during this cold snap. Make sure elderly neighbors or family members are properly sheltered, have adequate heating, and are not at risk of exposure to the cold.
HFD Chief Thomas Munoz gave tips on space heater safety and encouraged everyone to have working smoke detectors.
Warming Centers and Service Availability
Warming centers will be available across Houston for anyone who needs refuge from the cold. Several service centers across the city will be open to assist residents, and special attention will be paid to mental and emotional well-being. The Health and Mental Health departments will be on-site to offer support, especially for those experiencing anxiety or stress due to the weather conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, help is available.
For families with children, the NE Houston Service Center will be a designated space for family units to stay together in a warm and safe environment. It’s essential that families have access to these services, so please share this information with those who may benefit.
Starting Wednesday night at 8 p.m., the city will be opening all 12 of its multiservice warming centers:
Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Road
Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center: 6402 Market Street
Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market Street
Magnolia Multi-Service Center: 7037 Capitol Street
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center: 1475 W. Gray Street
Moody Community Center: 3725 Fulton Street
Northeast Multi-Service Center: 9720 Spaulding Street
Southwest Multi-Service Center: 6400 High Star Drive
Sunnyside Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed Road
Third Ward Multi-Service Center: 3611 Ennis Street
Be Smart, Plan Ahead
While it’s not anticipated to be a life-threatening freeze, temperatures are expected to drop to around 31°F, with a wind chill potentially making it feel even colder. The National Weather Service has forecasted rain throughout tonight and into tomorrow, with temperatures continuing to fall through the night on Thursday. We advise all residents to be prepared for chilly conditions tomorrow morning, and stay tuned for further updates.
In the meantime, we urge you to check in with your apartment complex manager or residential facility operator, especially in areas like Spring Branch. Ensure that any vulnerable individuals—particularly young children—are properly taken care of in these conditions. If you have a vehicle, make sure it’s ready for potential travel.
Generator Safety
For those relying on generators to keep their homes warm, please be sure you understand how to use them safely. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk, so never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Make sure all exhausts are properly ventilated. It’s crucial that you follow safety protocols to avoid accidents.
If you have any questions about how to safely operate your generator, there are resources available. Local authorities, including the Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Fire Department, will also be offering guidance to ensure everyone remains safe.
Mayor Whitmire encouraged Houstonians to use common sense and said the current outlook for the freeze doesn’t look bad with no rain predicted.
Collaboration and Community Support
We must all work together to get through this weather event safely. If you know someone who may need assistance, whether it’s a ride to a warming center or help with securing necessities, don’t hesitate to offer support. Stay connected with your neighbors, family, and friends, and share any important updates about resources or changes to the weather forecast.
The City Council is working diligently with all relevant agencies to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need. Please remain vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and exercise common sense as we face this cold front together.
In Conclusion
While the freezing temperatures may not be extreme, they still pose risks that we can avoid with proper preparation. By keeping an eye on our seniors, utilizing available service centers, ensuring the safety of our homes and generators, and supporting each other, we can minimize the impact of this cold snap. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s work together to keep our community warm and protected.
A man accused of sexually assaulting a University of Houston student was captured more than a week after the attack, thanks to a civilian who spotted him riding the METRORail, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
Today at approximately 3pm, Eric Brown, accused to sexually assaulting a UH student at knifepoint on 2/7/25, was arrested at the Texas and St. Emanuel St intersection.
Authorities say Brown was riding the METROrail when a civilian recognized him. Photo c/o officers on scene. pic.twitter.com/8noOD9BIhI
— Harris County District Attorney (@HarrisCountyDAO) February 18, 2025
Arrest and Background Eric Brown, 40, was taken into custody on Tuesday after being recognized by a member of the public while using public transportation. Brown faces charges of sexual assault and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in connection to the February 7 attack on a 21-year-old student.
Authorities believe Brown was homeless and had been frequenting public spaces, including the METRORail and local libraries, since the crime occurred. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that law enforcement had received reports of his presence in these locations but did not disclose how they were able to verify those sightings.
Details of the Crime According to court documents, the attack took place on the second floor of the University of Houston’s Welcome Center Student Parking Garage at around 5:30 p.m. The victim was cleaning her vehicle in preparation for a sorority event when Brown approached, asking to borrow a pen. He then allegedly forced his way into her vehicle, held her at knifepoint, and assaulted her before stealing $30.
Later that evening, officers encountered Brown and found him in possession of cash and a knife. At the time, he became confrontational and was subdued with a Taser before being arrested by the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). However, due to what officials are now calling communication failures, Brown was released shortly after.
Investigation Errors and Response University of Houston Police Chief Ceaser Moore acknowledged missteps in the handling of the case but did not provide specifics. He cited communication breakdowns, shift changes, and timing issues as contributing factors to Brown’s initial release, despite being apprehended just hours after the crime.
Prosecutors from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office revealed that when UHPD officers first arrested Brown, they focused on an assault charge related to his altercation with police rather than the sexual assault allegations. The latter was only briefly mentioned, which led to the suspect being released.
District Attorney Sean Teare admitted that his office also failed to flag the case appropriately, stating, “We should have had a more experienced prosecutor review this case. There were internal missteps that we need to address, but ultimately, he was released when he shouldn’t have been.”
Criminal History and Campus Safety Concerns Court records show that Brown has a criminal record dating back to 2002, including multiple offenses. His most recent charge was for misdemeanor assault on a family member in 2018.
The incident has heightened safety concerns among UH students, particularly following additional recent crimes near campus. In recent weeks, there have been reports of scooter thefts and an armed robbery involving a stolen cell phone. Authorities recently arrested 28-year-old Steven Simon in connection with the scooter thefts, though no suspects have been apprehended for the armed robbery.
In response to the assault and other safety concerns, the University of Houston has pledged to increase police presence on campus and improve coordination between law enforcement agencies to ensure suspects are held accountable.
Brown remains in custody as the investigation continues, with officials vowing to close gaps in their processes to prevent similar failures in the future.
If you owe money to the IRS and are struggling to pay, you may have options beyond a standard installment plan. One such option is an IRS Offer in Compromise —a program that allows eligible taxpayers to settle their debt for less than the total amount owed. However, qualifying for this relief can be challenging.
What Is an IRS Offer in Compromise?
An Offer in Compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to settle tax debt for a reduced amount. There are three main types of OICs:
Doubt as to Collectibility – The most common type, used when a taxpayer proves they cannot afford to pay the full amount owed.
Doubt as to Liability – Used when a taxpayer disputes the IRS’s assessment and believes they owe less than what is claimed.
Effective Tax Administration – Applied in cases where paying the full tax liability would cause significant hardship, even though the taxpayer technically can afford it.
The Doubt as to Collectibility option is the one most people consider when looking to reduce their tax burden.
State Tax Debt and Offers in Compromise
While OICs are typically associated with federal taxes, some states also offer similar programs. However, qualifying for a state-level OIC can be even more difficult since states often have stricter guidelines and longer collection windows.
Being current on past tax returns and estimated payments (if self-employed).
Demonstrating financial hardship or the inability to fully pay the debt.
Showing that assets and income are insufficient to cover the tax bill.
The IRS assesses an applicant’s financial situation, including income, expenses, and assets, before deciding whether to accept the offer.
How to Apply for an Offer in Compromise
Applying for an OIC involves detailed paperwork and financial disclosures. The IRS requires applicants to submit:
Form 433-A (OIC) for individuals or Form 433-B (OIC) for businesses.
Form 656, detailing the specific offer.
A $205 application fee (which may be waived for low-income applicants).
An initial payment, which varies based on the type of offer submitted.
Supporting documentation such as bank statements, pay stubs, and asset valuations must be included. Given the complexity, consulting a tax professional can improve the chances of approval.
What Happens After You Apply?
The IRS review process can take up to a year or more. If the offer is accepted, the taxpayer must adhere to one of the following payment structures:
Lump Sum Offer – Requires a 20% initial payment, with the remainder paid in five or fewer installments.
Periodic Payment Offer – Requires continued payments while the IRS reviews the application, followed by ongoing installment payments until the agreed amount is fully paid.
If the IRS rejects the offer, applicants still have other options, including setting up an installment agreement or seeking penalty reductions.
Is an Offer in Compromise Right for You?
While an OIC can provide significant tax relief, it’s not suitable for everyone. The application process is rigorous, and the IRS expects taxpayers to exhaust all available financial resources before granting approval. For those who qualify, however, an accepted OIC can provide a fresh financial start by resolving tax debt permanently.
If you’re considering an Offer in Compromise, consult a tax expert to assess your eligibility and navigate the application process effectively.
