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Social media isn’t the only cause of mental health woes among Texas youth, advocates say

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

Over the last four months, a joint committee of state House and Senate members has met twice to listen to hours of testimony on the effects the online world is having on minors, with lawmakers classifying social media as “the most dangerous thing our kids have legal access to in Texas.”

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made examining social media for youth a legislative priority for the Senate, and so far, six bills have been filed this state legislative session to address the issue, including one that would prohibit minors from creating accounts on social media sites and require age verification for new users.

No bills have been filed yet to meaningfully address workforce shortages beyond sharing workers with other states and loan repayment programs that have been in place for years, and the state is unlikely to fully replace the more than $19 billion Texas schools have received over the last four years in COVID-19 funds, with a large percentage of it going to address youth mental health needs.

Even though it has received heavy attention from lawmakers, social media is just one reason for the surge in youth mental health problems, according to mental health providers, advocates and school officials, and addressing social media shouldn’t come at the expense of building up the state’s mental health providers and funding life-changing programs on the brink of extinction.

“The surge in youth mental health challenges stems from multiple interconnected factors. Today’s youth face intense academic and social pressures, often without adequate (mental health) support systems,” said Lyssette Galvan, public policy director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Texas. “The 89th legislative session presents a vital opportunity to address these challenges comprehensively.”

Roughly one in five of Texas’ 7 million youth report having a mental, emotional, behavioral or developmental problem.

And the mental health of young Texans has only gotten worse. Over the last five years, the rate of Texas youth who reported at least one major depressive episode has increased from 12% to 19% – or 483,000, according to Mental Health America.

Programming needs

Andrea Guerrero, director of public health for Bexar County, said that when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, she witnessed a different level of investment in youth mental health.

“It allowed us to expand our reach and approach to community-based mental health, especially youth mental health,” she said.

About $100 million of $350 million in COVID-19 relief funds that Bexar County received were used to hire clinicians and start programs, including a Boys and Girls Clubs mental health initiative and multiple school programs catered for each district.

This is why Guerrero considers the rise in mental health referrals in Texas and across the nation as an awakening, not a crisis being brought on by one specific thing, such as social media. The rising number of cases shows that the stigma around mental health is dropping, she said.

However, meeting the mental health needs of so many young Texans will become even more challenging as COVID-19 funds expire in the coming year or two, putting programs across the state in danger, she warns.

The pandemic emergency funding helped create and sustain many innovative mental health efforts in Texas, including telepsychiatry programs in rural schools, peer-to-peer services done by fellow students, and library programs for teenage mental health.

Pandemic relief funding is also supporting 11 of the 48 teams that provide specialty outpatient treatment for people who experience psychosis for the first time, often children. These teams are made up of a psychiatrist, case manager, and education specialist, among other providers, who treat patients for up to three years.

The service helps families who might not have financial resources. Without additional funding, several of these teams are at risk of going away, Galvan said.

House Bill 1594 by Rep. Mihaela Plesa, D-Dallas, which would require commercial insurance policies to cover these crisis team services, would plug just one of many holes in the mental health system that the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds leaves behind.

Guerrero said the county does not have funding to immediately replace the $100 million in pandemic relief funding that went toward mental health. The county has already contacted school districts it has supported for their plans to stay afloat.

“For example, if you hired five clinicians, can you keep one of them? How much can they budget for themselves? We are also working on creating an ecosystem of additional partners to try and provide a warm handoff,” she said.

Galvan said schools currently receive a $400 million safety allotment from the state, and because schools must spend so much on security, only a mere 1.6% of these funds are being directed toward mental health support.

A 2023 statewide survey found that 714 school districts that participated reported using the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund for mental health, primarily to provide services for students to transition back into the classroom after the pandemic. These $19 billion in funds must have been committed by the end of 2024 and be spent by March 2026.

Sen. José Menéndez has offered a way to help keep funding these services with Senate Bill 176. It would allow schools to partner with local mental health authorities to provide on-campus services for eligible low-income students that are funded with Medicaid reimbursements.

House Bill 462, by Rep. Ryan Guillen, R-Rio Grande City, and House Bill 1728, also by Plesa, would create a mental health allotment for schools. Guillen’s bill would provide $100,000 a year, and Plesa’s would provide funding based on student attendance.

Provider shortage

Round Rock school district superintendent Hafedh Azaiez said he welcomes any help from lawmakers to address social media because his top priority right now for youth mental health is funding.

“The last session, they wanted a police officer on every campus and all these security measures, but it was an unfunded mandate,” Azaiez said. “Some school districts, including ours, were able to fulfill it and provide some mental health resources, but a lot of school districts aren’t as big, and they have to make tough choices between security and mental health.”

Azaiez said his school district, one of the largest in the state, takes pride in providing mental health resources to their students, but he needs more funding for providers.

“We have over 47,000 students, and we have 12 or 11 social workers at a time,” Azaiez said. “With that ratio, can you confidently say that you meet every kid’s needs?”

Social workers on their campus spend most of their time responding to crises, even though they prefer to be more proactive and use skills like case management, basic needs, and mental wellness.

“Right now, we have two individuals to cover 11 campuses,” said Byron Gerard, Round Rock’s assistant superintendent of student support services. “That is a heavy lift.”

Today, the federal government has designated 246 of Texas’ 254 counties wholly or partly as “mental health professional shortage areas.” This has had a profound effect in rural, border, and frontier counties, where there may only be one or none.

“If we hired 10 clinical providers right now for mental health services, we would probably keep all 10 of them busy,” Guerrero, the director of public health for Bexar County, said. “It’s really about building up that workforce specifically for youth because it takes an additional thousands of hours to be clinically certified to provide mental health services to kids.”

Texas has 4,017 licensed school psychology specialists, a 27.6% increase from the 3,148 providers in 2015. However, in 2023, there were 97 counties without licensed school psychology specialists.

Galvan said the state’s crisis response infrastructure also requires significant improvements. Among 39 local mental health authorities, the state only has eight youth crisis outreach teams and six youth crisis respite units.

“Proper staffing, funding, and youth-specific resources are essential for an effective crisis continuum of care, including 988 call centers,” she said.

Social media’s advantages

Although research on the effects of it is still new, social media has been shown to put young people at a greater risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

“While technology is an integral part of modern life, its use must be balanced to ensure children develop the critical and social life skills necessary to thrive,” said Bryan Mares, government relations director for the Texas chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Lawmakers have suggested several initiatives in the next session to address the online dangers affecting Texas children, including training teachers about cyberbullying, banning the use of people’s likenesses in artificially created pornographic images, and even adding warning labels on social media platforms that state what social media can do to a minor’s mental health.

“We have heard youth talk about how social media creates intense levels of comparison for them and their peers. For girls specifically, social comparison is the number one predictor of poor body image,” said Ana O’Quin, advocacy manager for the Girls Empowerment Network.

A sign of the state’s increased effort to lessen social media’s negative impacts, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission recently awarded Bexar County’s mental health authority a $1.2 million grant to create a program to educate teens and parents on the pros and cons of social media and video games.

Jelynne LeBlanc Jamison, head of the mental health authority, said the goal of the program is not to villainize social media, but to have parents understand the critical role these platforms play in their children’s lives and for children to understand the dangers of this digital landscape. She said most of the problems with social media come from a lack of understanding between generations.

“I think we have been really lazy in terms of really guiding people on how to use these tools,” said Jamison, who is using the new social media funding to expand their outreach specialists from one to nine. “And I think we’ve made some mistakes, and I hope we don’t go much further without making some common sense rules about usage and access.”

Jennifer Edwards, executive director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute at Tarleton State University, said there are clear benefits of social media, especially for those who live in rural areas, as they get the opportunity to become positively exposed to different viewpoints and issues and to find their own community that might not exist in their small town.

Youth can use social media to learn, create content and express themselves because they have information at their fingertips, according to researchers.

“Having that sense of community is especially beneficial for wellness and mental health,” she said.

Putting all the blame on social media for the adverse mental health outcomes of young Texans ignores the pandemic’s varying effects on children’s developmental years, according to mental health advocates.

After schools reopened after pandemic-related closures, a majority of students returned with what appeared to be generalized anxiety, Guerrero said.

In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children’s Hospital Association declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health due to the pandemic.

These organizations predicted mental health disorder rates are likely to increase over time, given that sustained COVID-19 stressors may result in years-long mental health impacts.

“There isn’t a magic wand or one policy solution to youth mental health. But instead, we need to tackle this issue from multiple angles,” Mares said.

A few more showers Tuesday and Wednesday, widespread rain Thursday

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

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Keep your umbrellas nearby the next 3 days! We are back in the jet stream storm track, and that will lead to plentiful clouds, widely scattered showers, and eventually some thunderstorms on Thursday.

Widespread clouds will keep highs from warming much Tuesday. Temperatures will only rise into the low 60s. Another round of scattered showers is possible off and on throughout the day. Your chance of getting measurable rain is 30%.

What’s the rain outlook look like for the rest of this week?

Compared to last week, this week’s forecast is much more typical for Houston. It’s going to be much warmer with a daily rain chance through Thursday. Our best chance of rain is Thursday as a Pacific cold front moves in. Some of those storms will bring heavy rain and could turn severe with hail and high winds.

How is our weekend shaping up?

It’s looking really good! After Thursday’s storm system clears out, we’ll get an abundance of sunshine Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Temperatures will dip into the mid 40s for morning lows both days this weekend, with highs in the 60s on Saturday and highs in the 70s on Sunday. Enjoy!

Any more snow in the forecast?

At this time, nope. Snow looks highly unlikely for the next two weeks with temperatures climbing back to their seasonal range and even above average into the 70s some afternoons. So any upcoming precipitation will be rain. Remember, snow events in southeast Texas are pretty rare, so we hope you enjoyed the rare snow storm last week!

What about another cold blast of freezing temperatures?

There are signs that another push of arctic air could dip down the Plains around the second weekend of February. It’s still too early to be confidence about exact impacts and to tell how cold it could be, but there is the chance for below normal temperatures and a freeze during that timeframe.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
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Worker rescued after being trapped in elevator at downtown building where scaffolding collapsed

This developing story comes from our news partners, ABC13. For more information, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A construction worker was rescued after being trapped in an elevator at a construction site in downtown Houston where a scaffolding collapsed, according to officials.

Brent Taylor with the Houston Fire Department said crews responded to an investigative high-rise incident at about 12:19 p.m. Tuesday.

When first responders arrived, they saw a scaffolding from a construction site in the concrete near Main Street and Rusk, updating the report to a rescue call.

Investigators said a piece of concrete fell on top of the scaffolding, possibly from the eighth floor, and landed on an elevator box.

The construction supervisor told HFD that people were potentially trapped due to the collapse.

Taylor said crews searched all 10 floors of the building. They found a construction worker stuck in the elevator, and everyone else was able to escape.

The man was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

The METRORail service has been temporarily disrupted during the investigation.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s ‘It Ends With Us’ Legal Showdown Set for March 2026

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The highly publicized legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over their film “It Ends With Us” is headed to court next year.

Federal Judge Lewis J. Liman has scheduled the trial for March 9, 2026, with a pre-trial hearing set for Feb. 3, according to court documents.

The two stars, embroiled in a series of lawsuits and countersuits, are taking their disputes to a New York federal court. Lively, 37, filed a $250 million lawsuit last month, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign. Baldoni, 41, responded with a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation and extortion.

Judge Liman has announced plans to consolidate the lawsuits, streamlining the legal proceedings. However, both sides remain entrenched, with little indication of a potential settlement.

The ongoing drama includes Lively’s request for a gag order against Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, after he released behind-the-scenes footage from the movie to refute Lively’s claims. Lively and Reynolds’ legal team has also accused Freedman of attempting to sway public opinion, prompting the judge to expedite the pre-trial hearing.

Freedman, meanwhile, has stood firm, declaring Baldoni’s team won’t be “bullied” and hinting at plans to launch a website supporting Baldoni’s case.

Lively’s lawsuit targets Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and several associates, alleging harassment and a subsequent public relations smear campaign. Baldoni has vehemently denied these allegations, countersuing Lively, Reynolds, and their public relations team for defamation and civil extortion.

In a statement, Lively’s legal team criticized Baldoni’s defense as an attack on her character, stating, “The strategy of attacking the woman is desperate, it does not refute the evidence in Ms. Lively’s complaint, and it will fail.”

Adding another layer to the feud, Baldoni has also filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for libel, accusing the outlet of misrepresenting Lively’s allegations in its reporting.

While legal experts predict a protracted battle, all eyes will be on the courtroom next year as Lively and Baldoni prepare to face off. Whether the trial proceeds or is delayed by further legal wrangling, the stakes for both stars remain exceptionally high.

Keep up with Entertainment news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Houston Texans tap Mike Tomon as new team president after parting ways with Greg Grissom

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Texans have announced their third team president in franchise history.

On Monday, the club named Mike Tomon as the next team president after parting ways with former team president Greg Grissom. Tomon takes the helm after 10 years at Legends, which is a marketing firm founded by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the Steinbrenner family.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mike Tomon to our Texans family,” Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair said. “Mike is a proven leader who brings more than 20 years of experience in sports and entertainment to our team. His extensive background in stadium development and passion for inspiring those around him shined during our conversations. As we enter this next chapter as an organization, I’m looking forward to the future of our business operations under his leadership.”

Legends made a number of strategic investments under Tomon’s leadership, which resulted in significant expansion and the formation of groundbreaking partnerships with global organizations, including Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, FIFA, and the Rugby World Cup.

Tomon was Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships at AEG before joining Legends. He developed and managed the global premium sales strategy for all of AEG’s assets globally while serving as the new business development manager for AEG Global Partnerships.

Tomon also played football for the Hoyas football team at Georgetown University, where he graduated. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children, Ben and Olivia.

“I’m honored to join the Texans during such a fun and exciting time,” Tomon said. “I want to thank Janice, Cal, Hannah, and the McNair family for giving me this incredible opportunity to join the NFL. I love working with people who are passionate about their work and love what they do, and it was clear in our conversations that the McNairs love this organization and the city of Houston. Their vision for this team and aspirations to be champions in every way allowed us to connect immediately. I also want to thank my wife, Lauren, and my two children for their support. We’re all thrilled about the opportunity to move to Houston. I know that Texans fans are among the most passionate in the NFL, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Tomon’s role with Houston will focus on the business side, including building new partnerships and sponsorships to give the Texans money to compete with the best in the NFL.

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

Amen Thompson’s Clutch Shot Lifts Rockets Over Celtics in Thrilling Finish

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The Houston Rockets edged out the Boston Celtics 114-112 in a nail-biter at TD Garden on Monday, thanks to a game-winning floater by Amen Thompson with just 0.7 seconds left on the clock.

Thompson’s heroic moment capped off a chaotic final sequence. After Jayson Tatum tied the game for the Celtics with a layup, the Rockets advanced the ball with a timeout. Thompson received the inbounds pass, stutter-stepped past Jaylen Brown, and nailed the decisive shot, leaving Boston with no time to recover.

The win marks the Rockets’ second consecutive road victory against a top Eastern Conference team, following their triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

Thompson Shines in Breakout Role
Thompson delivered a career-high 33 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists on 13-of-19 shooting. His clutch performance continues a hot streak since joining Houston’s starting lineup on Jan. 5, where he’s averaged 19.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over 10 games.

“This is my first game-winner,” Thompson said with a grin after the game. “I feel like Kobe.”

Dillon Brooks also played a pivotal role, scoring 36 points to help secure the Rockets’ 31st win of the season.

Rockets on a Roll
The Rockets, now 31-14, remain second in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’ve won eight of their last 10 games and nine of their last 11 overall. With Thompson leading the way, Houston is emerging as a legitimate contender.

Clutch City is rooting for the Rockets at tonight’s game against the Hawks at 6:30 p.m.

Keep up with Houston sports with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Signs Executive Order Directing New Policy on Transgender Troops and Military Programs

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President Donald Trump has issued an executive order instructing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to revise Pentagon policies on transgender troops, likely paving the way for a future ban on their military service.

This move echoes Trump’s earlier attempt during his first term, which faced prolonged legal challenges before being overturned by former President Joe Biden in 2021. Trump claimed Monday that troops identifying as a gender other than their biological one conflict with military values and readiness, as reported by the Associated Press. Lawyers who successfully opposed the initial ban have vowed to fight any new restrictions.

The directive is part of a series of executive actions announced Monday. Trump also promised to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines and to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the military. Addressing a Republican audience at his Miami resort, Trump stated that discharged service members would be reinstated with full pay and rank.

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Reversal
At least 8,200 troops were discharged in 2021 for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, but only a small number have since re-enlisted. Notices permitting their return were sent in 2023. Trump’s new order may slightly impact military budgets due to back pay provisions.

Rollbacks on DEI Programs
Trump’s initial ban on DEI initiatives, enacted shortly after his inauguration, has already led to sweeping changes, including the temporary removal of content on the Tuskegee Airmen and Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) from Air Force training courses. Defense Secretary Hegseth affirmed that future training would focus on military readiness, and clarified that historical content on these groups would remain in training programs.

Hegseth’s First Day as Defense Secretary
Starting his tenure, Hegseth highlighted plans to prioritize military readiness, including reinforcing border security and preparing for additional executive orders. The Senate narrowly confirmed his appointment last Friday.

Keep up with the latest politic news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Ramps Up Border Security Efforts in Collaboration with Trump Administration

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The state of Texas is ramping up its border security initiatives in collaboration with the Trump administration, signaling a significant shift in the relationship between Austin and Washington, D.C.

Our news partner ABC13 Houston reports that top Texas officials, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott, are actively working with federal authorities to address border concerns.

Gov. Abbott recently announced the deployment of the “Texas Tactical Border Force,” which includes over 400 additional soldiers, C-130 aircraft, and Chinook helicopters. These resources will bolster the thousands of Texas National Guard members already stationed at the border, working in tandem with U.S. Border Patrol agents to strengthen enforcement.

Lt. Gov. Patrick emphasized the cooperative dynamic, stating, “We will be working with President Trump to secure the border as fast as it can be done.” Patrick noted that both he and Abbott have direct lines of communication with the former president, enabling swift collaboration on border policies.

Constitutional law expert Josh Blackman from South Texas College of Law explained that while border protection and immigration are typically federal responsibilities, exceptions exist. “A state could declare an invasion, as Abbott has done, or the federal government could deputize a state to assist in border enforcement,” Blackman said.

This approach contrasts sharply with the stance taken during the Biden administration, where Texas often found itself at odds with federal border policies. Under the Trump administration, Texas officials appear to be leveraging their relationship with the White House to play a more active role in securing the southern border.

Keep up with news on the U.S-Mexico border with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Doom: The Dark Ages – A New Chapter in the Doom Franchise

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The godfather of arena shooters is returning in 2025 with a new game. 

The Doom franchise is set to take players on a journey into the past with the upcoming release of Doom: The Dark Ages, scheduled for May 15. Developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, this new entry serves as a prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, diving into the origins of the iconic Doom Slayer and offering a fresh take on the franchise.

A Medieval Twist on Doom’s Signature Combat

While the Doom series is known for its fast-paced, acrobatic combat, Doom: The Dark Ages introduces a more deliberate, strategic approach to gameplay. Departing from the breakneck speed of previous titles, this installment encourages players to “stand and fight,” with an emphasis on tactical combat rather than rapid movement. This shift provides a refreshing challenge for longtime fans of the franchise and new players alike.

New Weapons and Melee Options

As with any Doom title, The Dark Ages introduces a variety of new weapons designed for intense, high-powered combat. Among the new arsenal is the Skull Crusher, a devastating weapon that launches bone fragments at enemies. Melee combat takes center stage in this entry, with players gaining access to an array of brutal close-range weapons, including a gauntlet, iron mace, and flail.

Doom: The Dark Ages introduces the Shield Saw, an innovative weapon that combines the function of blocking and parrying with the ability to deliver powerful attacks. This new combat mechanic adds depth and strategy to melee encounters, ensuring that players stay on their toes throughout the game.

Epic Battles and Large-Scale Foes

In line with the Doom franchise’s legendary over-the-top action, The Dark Ages offers large-scale battles that push the player to the limit. Players will have the opportunity to ride a cybernetic dragon into combat, adding a new layer of excitement to the game. Additionally, players can pilot a massive 30-story Atlan mech, unleashing destruction on formidable enemies and creating epic moments within the game.

A Deeper Narrative Experience

While the Doom franchise has often focused on relentless action, Doom: The Dark Ages aims to provide a richer narrative experience. The game delves into the Doom Slayer’s origins, offering deeper insight into his character and motivations. Featuring more cutscenes and character development, this entry enriches the story, providing a more immersive experience for players.

Platforms and Release Information

Doom: The Dark Ages will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, allowing players to experience this new chapter in the Doom universe across multiple platforms. For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass for PC and Game Pass Ultimate from day one, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players.

With the upcoming release of Doom: The Dark Ages, fans of the franchise can look forward to a fresh take on the series, featuring strategic combat, new weapons, epic battles, and a deeper narrative that explores the origins of the legendary Doom Slayer.

Houston Kicks Off 500-Day Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™

Houston recently took center stage in the buildup to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ marking 500 days until the global sporting event. On Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10 a.m., the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee spoke at NRG Stadium, bringing together local leaders and officials to provide crucial updates on the city’s preparations.

Mayor John Whitmire speaking to attendees

The event featured a distinguished group of local leaders and officials, including Mayor John Whitmire, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee Chairman John Arnold, and Host Committee President Chris Canetti. Additional attendees included Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis, Adrian Garcia, and Lesley Briones, along with key figures from various city departments and organizations, demonstrating the broad support and collaboration behind Houston’s World Cup preparations.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo

Updates and Announcements

During the press conference, officials provided comprehensive updates on Houston’s World Cup preparations:

  • Safety and security measures were outlined, emphasizing the city’s commitment to hosting a secure event.
  • Details of stadium upgrades at NRG Stadium were revealed, showcasing the venue’s readiness for international matches.
  • Plans for the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Fan Festival were discussed, highlighting the city’s efforts to create an immersive experience for fans.
  • Transportation arrangements were explained, addressing how the city plans to manage the influx of visitors.

Houston’s Role in FIFA World Cup 2026™

Mayor Whitmire and other officials reaffirmed Houston’s significant role in the tournament, with the city set to host seven matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The event is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Significance of the Event

This was a coordinated effort across North America, as all FIFA World Cup 2026™ host cities marked the 500-day milestone. It served as a platform for Houston to demonstrate its progress and commitment to delivering a world-class experience for football fans globally. Representatives from FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ stakeholders, supporters, and donors were also present, underscoring the collaborative effort behind Houston’s World Cup preparations. As the countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues, this marked a significant milestone in Houston’s journey. With 500 days to go, the city showcased its readiness, enthusiasm, and dedication to hosting an unforgettable World Cup experience, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in Houston’s sporting history.

@queondamagazine

Que Onda Magazine present in the FIFA World Cup 2026 press conference. Houston is ready to host the World Cup for 7 matches, just a mere 500 days away. #worldcup #futbol #fifaworldcup #houstontx #houstonmayor #foryou #fyp

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Stay tuned for more updates on FIFA World Cup 2026™ with Que Onda Magazine.