60.6 F
Houston
Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Home Blog Page 23

Former Greyhound Station Acquired for Redevelopment in Houston

Indira Zaldivar
-
0
Former Greyhound Station Acquired for Redevelopment in Houston

Midtown Houston’s long-vacant Greyhound bus station has a new owner with big aspirations for the site.

Adam Brackman, well-known for his successful Midtown beer garden, Axelrad, recently partnered with the Oxberry Group to acquire the property. Though the purchase price remains undisclosed, the acquisition marks a significant step in revitalizing the area.

Since Greyhound’s relocation to the East End in December 2023, the 33,000-square-foot building at 2121 Main Street has remained empty, leaving the community eager for new developments. The property, which spans a 62,000-square-foot lot just a block from downtown, offers ample opportunities for transformation.

Brackman and his team are still in the early stages of planning.

“We’ve been focusing on the Midtown area, and when it became available at the right price, we decided to make the move,” he told our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Partial interior demolition has already begun, but there are no definitive plans for the site’s future use.

However, Brackman envisions a mix of businesses revitalizing the space. Potential tenants could include restaurants, bars, or even nightclubs.

“A club user could take advantage of this ceiling height, the open space,” he noted.

At the same time, he remains open to the idea of selling the property to a developer interested in constructing a high-rise.

“Maybe a 20 or 30-story residential building with some retail on the ground floor,” he speculated.

The former bus station has long been associated with concerns about crime in the area. Brackman believes that increased business activity could help address safety issues.

“Greyhound has been holding Midtown back,” he remarked.

While some evidence of past concerns lingers—with loitering still visible in the surrounding blocks—Brackman sees a promising future.

“If somebody was walking five blocks and there’s activity, activity, activity, and then something vacant, that really drops off. It doesn’t feel safe,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of continuous foot traffic to create a more secure environment.

As plans take shape, Brackman is working on renderings to attract potential tenants. He remains optimistic that within two years, the building will be fully leased, bringing new life to a prime Midtown location. The transformation of the former Greyhound station could be a key turning point for the neighborhood, fostering growth and safety in an area poised for change.

Keep up with development projects in Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Celebrating Black History Month and Prominent Black Figures in Houston

Indira Zaldivar
-
0
Celebrating Black History Month and Prominent Black Figures in Houston

Black History Month, celebrated every February, is a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience of African Americans throughout U.S. history. What began as a weeklong observance has evolved into a nationwide celebration, recognizing Black excellence in civil rights, education, sports, arts, politics, and beyond.

The Origins of Black History Month

Black History Month traces its roots to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, ASALH) established Negro History Week. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures instrumental in Black liberation.

Over the decades, the observance grew, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, encouraging Americans to honor the achievements of African Americans that had often been overlooked. Today, it is celebrated across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with each year highlighting a specific theme.

Prominent Black Figures in U.S. History

Throughout history, many Black leaders have played pivotal roles in shaping America. Some of the most influential figures include:

Harriet Tubman, abolitionist who helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
  • Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) – An abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad who helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
Civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968) – A civil rights leader known for his leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and his “I Have a Dream” speech.
  • Rosa Parks (1913–2005) – A key figure in the Civil Rights Movement whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked nationwide activism.
  • Barack Obama (b. 1961) – The first Black president of the United States, serving two terms from 2009 to 2017.
  • Maya Angelou (1928–2014) – A celebrated poet, author, and activist who used her work to highlight racial and gender struggles.
From left: former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, Malia Obama, former President Barack Obama, and Sasha Obama.

Cultural Black icons

Zoe Saldaña, (b. 1978) an Afro-Latina of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, uplifts Black and Latinx representation in Hollywood. Through roles in Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek, she breaks barriers while advocating against colorism and Afro-Latino erasure, amplifying diverse Black histories.

Houston’s Impact on Black History

Houston has been home to many influential Black figures who have made lasting contributions in politics, education, culture, and social justice. Some key individuals include:

Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan (1936–1996) – A Houston native and the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate (1966) and the first Southern Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (1972). Her powerful speeches on justice and democracy left a lasting legacy.

Beyoncé (b. 1981) – One of the most successful and influential artists of all time, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter was born and raised in Houston. From her early days in Destiny’s Child to her groundbreaking solo career, she has used her platform to celebrate Black culture, advocate for social justice, and empower women worldwide.

Megan Thee Stallion (b. 1995) – Another Houston-born superstar, Megan Thee Stallion has taken the rap world by storm. She has championed body positivity, Black women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness while earning multiple Grammy Awards and accolades for her lyrical talent.

George Floyd (1973–2020) – Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but raised in Houston’s Third Ward, George Floyd became a global symbol for racial justice following his tragic death at the hands of police in Minneapolis. His killing sparked worldwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism, leading to renewed discussions on civil rights, law enforcement reform, and racial equality. Floyd’s legacy lives on through the continued fight for justice and the work of organizations dedicated to reforming policing and social justice policies.

Houston continues to shape Black history with its rich cultural contributions, activism, and community leadership. As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to reflect on the past while uplifting the voices and legacies that continue to inspire future generations.

Celebrate Black historical figures and leaders with us on Que Onda Magazine

Sunny Weekend Ahead for Houston, But Fog and Warmth Return Soon

Indira Zaldivar
-
0
Sunny Weekend Ahead for Houston, But Fog and Warmth Return Soon

Houston residents can expect a beautiful weekend with clear skies, low humidity, and cool mornings.

Saturday and Sunday will bring morning lows in the low-to-mid 40s, with highs reaching the 70s—perfect weather to enjoy outdoor activities before changes arrive next week, according to our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Fog and Warmer Temperatures on the Way

While the weekend stays crisp and clear, sea fog is set to make a comeback starting Sunday evening as warm Gulf air moves into the region. Expect foggy mornings from Monday through at least Thursday, along with occasional drizzle or mist.

Temperatures will climb significantly next week, with highs near record levels in the low 80s and morning lows in the mid-to-upper 60s. Though rain chances remain low, the increased humidity will bring a spring-like feel to Houston.

Could Freezing Weather Return?

Despite next week’s warm-up, winter isn’t over yet. A strong cold front is expected in early February, potentially bringing freezing temperatures back as Valentine’s Day approaches. Houstonians should stay prepared for another possible cold snap before winter officially ends.

Keep up with weather updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.com.

Mom and daughter among the 7 victims of the Philadelphia plane crash

Indira Zaldivar
-
0
Mom and daughter among the 7 victims of the Philadelphia plane crash

A medical evacuation plane carrying a child, mother, and four crew members crashed near Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia on Friday night, killing everyone on board and one on the ground.

Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the operator of the Learjet 55, confirmed the aircraft went down shortly after departing Northeast Philadelphia Airport around 6:30 p.m. All six victims were Mexican nationals, including a pilot, co-pilot, physician, and paramedic.

The Learjet 55 had just departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was scheduled to stop in Springfield for refueling. The young patient had been receiving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia and was returning home when the tragedy occurred.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the victims’ families. Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia confirmed that the child was one of their patients but did not release further details.

Debris scattered across the crash site, and several people on the ground were injured, including an 11-year-old boy, a 31-year-old man, and a 30-year-old woman. Officials praised the swift response of emergency crews, though the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The tragedy follows a deadly aircraft collision near Washington, D.C., earlier in the week.

Medical Transport Jet Crashes in Philadelphia, Erupting in Flames

Indira Zaldivar
-
0
Medical Transport Jet Crashes in Philadelphia, Erupting in Flames

A devastating plane crash rocked a Philadelphia neighborhood Friday evening when a medical transport jet carrying a child patient and five others went down shortly after takeoff, exploding into a fiery inferno.

The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport en route to Springfield, Missouri, when it quickly lost altitude and vanished from radar.

The jet crashed just three miles from the airport, igniting several homes and vehicles. Authorities have not confirmed any survivors.

“Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, and anyone impacted on the ground,” Jet Rescue Air Ambulance stated.

Doorbell footage captured the terrifying moment as the plane streaked through the sky before crashing near Roosevelt Mall. Witnesses described hearing a loud roar before seeing an explosion that sent a plume of black smoke into the sky.

Michael Schiavone, a local resident, said his house shook from the impact. “It felt like an earthquake. When I checked my security camera, it looked like a missile coming down.”

The crash follows another tragic aviation disaster just days earlier, when an American Airlines jet collided midair with a military helicopter in Washington, D.C., leaving no survivors.

Governor Josh Shapiro assured full state support in response to the incident, while the National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

White House says Trump tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China will come Saturday

ABC13 Houston
-
0
White House says Trump tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China will come Saturday

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will put in place 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on goods from China effective on Saturday, the White House said, but it provided no word on whether there would be any exemptions to the measures that could result in swift price increases to U.S. consumers.

Trump had been threatening the tariffs to ensure greater cooperation from the countries on stopping illegal immigration and the smuggling of chemicals used for fentanyl, but he has also pledged to use tariffs to boost domestic manufacturing and raise revenues for the federal government.

“Starting tomorrow, those tariffs will be in place,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “These are promises made and promises kept by the president.”

MORE | These prices could climb within days if Trump slaps tariffs on Canada and Mexico

The tariffs carry both political and economic risks for Trump, who is just two weeks into his second term. Many voters backed the Republican on the promise that he could tamp down inflation, but the possibility of tariffs could trigger higher prices and potentially disrupt the energy, auto, lumber and agricultural sectors.

Trump had said he was weighing issuing an exemption for Canadian and Mexican oil imports, but Leavitt said she had no information to share on the president’s decision on any potential carveouts.

The United States imported almost 4.6 million barrels of oil daily from Canada in October and 563,000 barrels from Mexico, according to the Energy Information Administration. U.S. daily production during that month averaged nearly 13.5 million barrels a day.

Trump has previously stated a 10% tariff on Chinese imports would be on top of other import taxes charged on products from the country.

Shortly after Leavitt spoke, the S&P 500 stock index sold off and largely erased its gains on the day.

Both Canada and Mexico have said they’ve prepared the option of retaliatory tariffs to be used if necessary, which in turn could trigger a wider trade conflict that economic analyses say could hurt growth and further accelerate inflation.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that Canada is ready is a respond if Trump goes ahead with the tariffs, but he did not give details.

“We’re ready with a response, a purposeful, forceful but reasonable, immediate response,” he said. “It’s not what we want, but if he moves forward, we will also act.”

Trudeau said tariffs would have “disastrous consequences” for the U.S, putting American jobs at risk and causing prices to rise. Trudeau reiterated that less than 1% of the fentanyl and illegal crossings into the U.S. come from Canada.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that Mexico has maintained a dialogue with Trump’s team since before he returned to the White House, but she emphasized that Mexico has a “Plan A, Plan B, Plan C for what the United States government decides.”

“Now it is very important that the Mexican people know that we are always going to defend the dignity of our people, we are always going to defend the respect of our sovereignty and a dialogue between equals, as we have always said, without subordination,” Sheinbaum said.

A study this month by Warwick McKibbin and Marcus Noland of the Peterson Institute for International Economics concluded that the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on China “would damage all the economies involved, including the US.”

“For Mexico,” the study said, “a 25% tariff would be catastrophic. Moreover, the economic decline caused by the tariff could increase the incentives for Mexican immigrants to cross the border illegally into the US – directly contradicting another Trump administration priority.”

___

AP writers Paul Wiseman in Washington, Jim Morris in Vancouver, Canada, and Christopher Sherman in Mexico City contributed.

Gridlock Alert: Several Houston traffic closures to look out for this weekend

ABC13 Houston
-
0
Gridlock Alert: Several Houston traffic closures to look out for this weekend

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Drivers may want to watch out for major traffic slowdowns across Houston this weekend.

Construction projects this weekend will close some lanes along the Gulf Freeway, South Loop, and Westpark Tollway.

I-45 Gulf Freeway

Beginning Friday, numerous lanes in both directions of I-45 will be closed between Highway 3/Monroe Road and Edgebrook/Clearwood near Hobby Airport.

To get around this, you can take Highway 3.

Lanes will reopen on Monday.

I-610 South Loop

Also happening on the southeast side, crews will close one lane of the South Loop westbound between Woodridge and Broad each night starting at 9 p.m. and will reopen them Monday.

Westpark Tollway ramps

On the Westpark Tollway, the westbound entrance and exit ramps at the Beltway will also close each night.

For the exit ramp closure, drivers will need to continue through the Bellaire intersection and take the entrance ramp to Beltway 8 southbound main lanes.

Those wanting to get around the entrance ramp closure will need to take the Harwin exit from Beltway 8 northbound, continue to Westpark Tollway West, and turn left.

Check out the up-to-date TranStar map here.

Ford Confirms Factory Hypercar Program for 2027 Debut, Will race 24 hours of LeMans

Edward Saenz
-
0
Ford Confirms Factory Hypercar Program for 2027 Debut, Will race 24 hours of LeMans

Ford is making a big return to the highest level of endurance racing. Starting in 2027, the company will compete for overall victories in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and race in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford confirmed the news at its ‘Season Launch’ event, revealing that it will build and race a new LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) car in the Hypercar category.

Details about Ford’s race car remain a secret, as the company has yet to reveal any images or information. We’ll also have to wait to find out more about the team, including who will drive Ford’s top race car. One of the potential drivers could be German Dirk Müller, the man who guided the Ford GT to a class victory at Le Mans in 2016. 

This endeavor marks Ford’s first factory-backed top-class prototype effort at Le Mans since 1982. However, Ford-powered cars have competed there before, including models from Riley & Scott and Panoz in the 1990s and early 2000s. Ford has a storied history at Le Mans, famously defeating Ferrari with its GT40 in the 1960s and returning over 50 years later to win the GTE-Pro class with the Ford GT in 2016.

Currently, Ford competes in GT3 racing with the Multimatic-built Mustang, which recently won the GTD Pro class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford expressed excitement about the return, calling it part of a “new era for performance and racing.” He emphasized that Ford races to win and highlighted the brand’s historic victories at Le Mans, saying the company is ready to “challenge the world and ‘go like hell!’”  

“When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans.

“It is where we took on Ferrari and won in the 1960s. It is where we returned 50 years later and shocked the world and beat Ferrari again.”

With this announcement, Ford becomes the eighth manufacturer to commit to the LMDh category and will be one of at least ten brands in WEC’s Hypercar class by 2027. Other competitors include Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota, and Aston Martin. 

Le Mans organizers and WEC officials welcomed Ford’s return, noting its rich history in the race and its famous rivalry with Ferrari. They also praised the growing competition in the series, which continues to attract major car manufacturers.

City Brew Tours brings craft beer exploration to Houston

Edward Saenz
-
0
City Brew Tours brings craft beer exploration to Houston

BY EDWARD SAENZ & INDIRA ZALDIVAR

In January, Que Onda Magazine toured three local breweries with City Brew Tours which recently launched their bilingual “educational beer experience” in Houston.

“We’ll take you around three different breweries so you can experience the taste and process of how [beers] are made here in Houston, cheers!” Javier Zelaya told Que Onda Magazine.

City Brew Tours is making waves in Houston’s craft beer scene. Leading this bilingual venture are Jenny Samara and her husband, Javier Zelaya, both from Honduras.

Motivated by Javier’s lifelong enthusiasm for craft beer, the couple decided to dive headfirst into Houston’s expansive beer culture.

Que Onda Magazine reporters try three different kinds of craft beer at True Anomaly Brewery as part of City Brew Tours’ one-on-one tour on Jan. 8. Credit: Indira Zaldivar



“This journey has brought us full-circle,” said Jenny.
“We’re thrilled to combine our passion for craft beer with Houston’s diverse flavors and thriving breweries. It’s an honor to spotlight local talent and celebrate the incredible community that makes this city so special.”

The City Brew Tours Houston Branch aims to provide residents and visitors with curated experiences that showcase the best of the city’s craft beer offerings. From spotlighting hidden gems, such as Gristworkz and Frost Town, to sharing the unique stories behind Houston’s breweries, such as with True Anomaly Brewery, Jenny and Javier are on a mission to make beer lovers out of everyone.

You drink, and they drive you in their van to each brewery safely.

From Humble Beginnings to Nationwide Expansion

City Brew Tours was founded in 2008 by Chad Brodsky, then a college student at the University of Vermont. Chad’s love for craft beer began while studying abroad in Vienna, Austria. Upon his return, he took a beer-making class but quickly realized his talents lay elsewhere. Undeterred, Chad purchased a used church van, donned lederhosen, and began offering brewery tours in Burlington, Vermont.

Supported by local pioneers like Greg Noonan, founder of Vermont Pub and Brewery, Chad’s venture flourished. By 2012, he refined his business model, left his job in finance, and expanded to Boston. The company rebranded as City Brew Tours to reflect its growing footprint.


Today, City Brew Tours operates in 24 cities across North America, including the newest addition in Houston. Each location offers guided tours led by knowledgeable beer enthusiasts, ensuring every experience is educational, entertaining, and delicious.

Raising a Glass to Houston’s Breweries

Jenny and Javier’s leadership in Houston reflects City Brew Tours’ commitment to connecting communities through the creation of craft beer. As they embark on this exciting venture, the couple invites everyone to join them in exploring Houston’s finest breweries.

“Craft beer is about more than just great flavors—it’s about the stories, the people, and the community that come together to make it,” Javier said.

“We’re excited to share that with Houston.”

“We hope we can have you in our tours in the future and enjoy craft beers from all around.”

So, whether you’re a beer aficionado or a curious newcomer, raise a glass with City Brew Tours Houston and discover the flavors, culture, and camaraderie that define the city’s craft beer scene. Newcomers be warned, you will drink a fair amount of beer.

Tours occur every Wednesday-Sunday and will take you around three of the 12 breweries listed below, around the Houston-area based on the option of tour you pick. There’s three public tour options plus private tours available.

Spanish-speaking tours will be performed upon requests.

  1. New Magnolia Brewery
  2. Walking Sticks Brewery
  3. Big Owl Craft House and Turkey Forrest Brewery
  4. Elderson Brewery
  5. Gristworkz
  6. True Anomaly
  7. Frost Town Brewery
  8. Spindletap Brewery
  9. City Acre
  10. Deca
  11. 11 Below
  12. Mad Llama

Keep up with local adventures and business in Houston with Que Onda Magazine.

Cooler weather blows in overnight, sunshine returns Friday

ABC13 Houston
-
0
Cooler weather blows in overnight, sunshine returns Friday

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Pacific cool front has pushed through Southeast Texas, and it will usher in fantastic weather for Friday and the weekend ahead!

Grab a jacket before you head outside in the morning. Temperatures overnight will dip into the upper 40s and low 50s across Southeast Texas. An abundance of sunshine returns Friday for the first time in about a week, and that will warm temperatures back into the upper 60s. We’ll have a steady breeze out of the northwest at about 20 mph, making it feel more winter-like again.

How is our weekend shaping up?

It’s looking really good! Plentiful sunshine continues Saturday and Sunday with low humidity. Temperatures will dip into the mid 40s for morning lows both days this weekend, with highs in the 70s. Enjoy!

Are we done with the sea fog?

We are done with this round of sea fog, but another one is likely next week as warm, humid air from the Gulf returns to Southeast Texas. We expect the sea fog to start forming on Monday, giving us foggy mornings Tuesday through at least Thursday.

Given how warm it should get next week, are we done with freezes?

Don’t be fooled by our spring-like warmth next week! We are not done with the risk for freezing weather just yet. In fact, a cold front is expect to blow in next Friday, and that one could put us into freeze or frost territory for the second week of February.

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

1...222324...685Page 23 of 685

Houston’s premier Hispanic news network, dedicated to keeping you informed with the latest updates on local and national breaking news, community events, entertainment, chisme, and much more. We strive to be your trusted source for engaging and timely content that connects with our vibrant community and celebrates the culture and stories that matter most to you.

Contact us: contact@queondamagazine.com

© Copyright - Que Onda Magazine 2024