HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures can cause damage that may be visible after the winter storm passes.
The sun and warmer weather on Wednesday afternoon brought a trickle of water from homes across Houston. However, melted snow could also reveal issues.
Paul Puente from the Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council said it’s because the materials used to build homes here are different from what’s used up north where snow’s more common.
“(Gutters here) are aluminum, and they’re made to withstand corrosion because we’re so close to the saltwater,” Puente explained. “I’m assuming the ones up north are a lot thicker.”
Puente said if ice and snow fill the gutter, it could cause them to bend.
“It’s best just to leave it alone,” Puente said. “It’s best just to let the sun melt it. It doesn’t stay cold too often here, so you wouldn’t have to manage it.”
If you lost water pressure, your pipes may have frozen. Experts said you’ll know if there’s a problem from that.
“All these lines are under pressure,” Puente explained. “You’ll see them kind of spew out like a sprinkler.”
If you have a sprinkler system, you may have turned it off. Puente said leave it that way until the snow is gone.
“(Sprinklers) may have some ice on the top of them and it’ll prevent them from popping up,” Puente said.
The snow didn’t just pile up on the grass but on the roof, too. Experts believe this could cause damage.
However, a lack of snow on the roof can reveal an issue, too. If one area on your roof wasn’t covered in snow, head to the attic and look for a possible leak.
“Sometimes, if it’s a day like today where it’s bright, you’ll see light come through,” Puente said.
Winter storms can cause big property issues. Four years ago, a University of Texas study found the storm that caused power problems caused nearly $200 billion in property damages.
With the majority of power staying on this time, experts believe the number shouldn’t be anywhere near that.
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story, click here.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Stacking up the 2021 freeze to the snowfall in 2025 is an apples-to-oranges comparison.
The first big difference is the size of the storms.
In 2021, the cold weather impacted every single Texas county; this week’s storm impacted the southeast. This fact made all the difference in the outcome.
Because the 2021 storm was so widespread, everyone was drawing large amounts of power from the independent Texas power grid.
Unable to borrow supply from other states, people used more than the grid had available, resulting in a catastrophic failure.
In 2021, over half the state lost power, plunging people into the dark and cold for weeks.
People died of hypothermia. Some resorted to using generators at home and died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A lack of power made it hard for some to cook or follow boil water notices.
Some parts of Texas don’t have snowplows or brine trucks, and iced-over roads cause intense crashes. Emergency crews couldn’t get to destinations, and trucks had a hard time delivering food, resulting in a grocery shortage.
In total, almost 250 people died.
According to Houston Mayor John Whitmire, it’s hard to compare the two events.
“Each storm, whether it’s a hurricane or the loss of electricity, which was 2021, is different and unique,” Whitmire said.
With a smaller portion of the state putting demand on the grid this time, CenterPoint Energy said 99% of customers kept their power. Even so, they had 3,000 workers at three staging areas ready to respond to outages.
People also stayed off the roads and at home, much to the pleasure of city leaders. On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, Houston had three inches of snow.
“I give Houstonians so much credit for listening to us, being smart, using common sense, having some fun, but also staying off the roads. That was the key,” Whitmire said.
Houston rarely sees snowfall. The top five snow events are:
Feb. 14-15, 1895, with 20 inches of snow
Feb. 12, 1960, with 4.4 inches of snow
Jan. 30, 1949, with 3.1 inches of snow
Jan. 21, 2025 with 3 inches of snow
So far for this winter storm, the city is commenting on the death of one person. The city reports an unhoused man was asked to go to a warming center but refused.
He was found dead, but it’s not known if the death was caused by the cold or a preexisting condition.
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13, for more on this story, click here.
Since taking office on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders that signal a bold shift in U.S. policy. These orders cover a wide range of issues, from immigration and energy to social programs and international agreements.
Immigration and Border Security
One of the hallmark actions of the Trump administration has been the declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, a decision aimed at addressing what the president described as a crisis of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. By invoking emergency powers, the administration redirected billions of dollars in federal funds—primarily from military construction budgets—to facilitate the construction of additional border wall infrastructure. Supporters hailed this move as a decisive step toward strengthening national security and enforcing immigration laws, while critics challenged its legality and effectiveness, arguing that the situation did not constitute a genuine emergency. Legal battles over the funding reallocation further underscored the divisive nature of the policy.
In another controversial move, President Trump signed an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants. This policy challenges the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. Proponents of the measure argue that it addresses what they perceive as a misuse of the system, often referred to as “birth tourism,” and serves as a deterrent to unauthorized immigration. Opponents, however, contend that the order undermines constitutional protections and could set a dangerous precedent for altering foundational legal principles.
These actions have sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. While supporters view them as bold measures to uphold sovereignty and enforce immigration laws, detractors warn of potential humanitarian and legal consequences, as well as the erosion of constitutional rights. Both policies underscore the Trump administration’s hardline approach to immigration reform and its broader vision of prioritizing national interests over traditional interpretations of federal law.
Reversal of International Commitments
President Trump has maintained a consistent stance of withdrawing the United States from international agreements, emphasizing his “America First” policy. Under his leadership, the U.S. has formally exited the Paris Climate Agreement, a global accord aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. Trump argued that the agreement placed unfair economic burdens on American industries while giving competitive advantages to other nations, such as China and India. Environmental advocates, however, have criticized the move, warning it jeopardizes global efforts to address a rapidly warming planet.
In a similar vein, the U.S. withdrew from the World Health Organization, citing claims of the organization’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and accusations of being overly influenced by China. Trump redirected funding previously allocated to the WHO, asserting that the money would be better spent on domestic healthcare initiatives. Public health experts and international leaders expressed concerns about the decision, suggesting it could weaken global pandemic preparedness and hinder collaborative efforts to address health crises.
These decisions reflect a broader strategy aimed at prioritizing national sovereignty over multilateral commitments. Trump has consistently argued that international agreements often disadvantage the U.S., favoring a unilateral approach to policy that he contends better serves American interests. Critics, however, warn that such moves risk isolating the United States on the world stage and undermining long-standing alliances.
Social Policies
The Trump administration has implemented significant changes to federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives. Notably, federal funding for these programs has been eliminated, effectively halting efforts designed to promote workplace diversity and create equitable opportunities across government agencies. This decision has sparked considerable debate, with supporters arguing for a focus on merit-based policies, while critics warn that it undermines progress toward addressing systemic inequalities.
Furthermore, a newly issued executive order redefines gender in all federal documentation, limiting it strictly to male or female as determined at birth. This marks a stark departure from the policies of the previous administration, which recognized gender as a spectrum and allowed individuals to self-identify. Advocates of the new policy assert that it provides clarity and consistency in government processes, while opponents contend it marginalizes transgender and non-binary individuals, potentially eroding their civil rights. These changes represent a significant shift in the federal government’s stance on diversity and inclusion.
Pardons
President Trump has issued over 1,500 pardons to individuals connected to the January 6 Capitol riot. This decision underscores his commitment to what he describes as addressing the “unjust treatment” of those involved in the events of that day.
Energy and Environmental Policies
In a move to boost domestic energy production, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska has been reopened for exploration. In addition, the administration has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” in all federal documents, a symbolic gesture aligning with nationalist rhetoric.
Technology and Trade
On the economic front, President Trump has imposed new tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, signaling a renewed focus on reshaping trade agreements. Meanwhile, a potential ban on TikTok has been delayed for 90 days, allowing more time for deliberation on the popular app’s future in the U.S.
The Road Ahead
These executive orders highlight President Trump’s determination to reshape U.S. policy in line with his “America First” agenda. Supporters view these actions as bold steps toward national sovereignty and security, while critics argue that they could deepen divisions and alienate international allies.
As the administration moves forward, these policies are likely to face both legal challenges and intense public debate, setting the tone for the next phase of Trump’s presidency.
HOUSTON, Texas – (Que Onda Magazine) The winter chill gripped Houston Wednesday morning as temperatures dipped into the tens and 20s, creating icy hazards for commuters.
While the region avoids a hard freeze tonight, lingering upper 20s temperatures, combined with leftover moisture and freezing fog, continue to pose black ice risks, as reported by our news partner ABC13 Houston.
Why Is Black Ice Still a Problem? Despite Wednesday’s sunshine bringing afternoon highs into the upper 40s, it wasn’t enough to fully melt the ice and snow on bridges and overpasses. Residual moisture and freezing fog are expected to refreeze once temperatures drop below freezing again, which could happen around 10 p.m. Drivers should exercise caution, especially in elevated areas prone to black ice.
What Is Freezing Fog? Freezing fog forms when air temperatures are below 32 degrees. Unlike regular fog made of water droplets, freezing fog consists of tiny ice crystals. This unique formation can create small patches of black ice on bridges and overpasses, making driving more dangerous. The ice crystals also reduce visibility, creating additional challenges for motorists.
What’s in Store for the Weekend? Starting Saturday, warmer Gulf air colliding with the cold ground will bring widespread fog, clouds, and drizzle. Temperatures will rise from the upper 30s to the 60s by Saturday afternoon, thanks to a lifting warm front. On Sunday, the city will experience milder mornings in the 50s, highs near 70 degrees, and an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. This marks the start of a wet weather pattern expected to last through most of next week.
Stay Prepared and Stay Safe Houston residents should monitor road conditions, stay informed about weather updates, and drive cautiously during this transitional weather period.
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting event, with teams looking to address key needs and secure potential franchise-changing talents. As we approach the draft, set to take place in April 2025, here’s a preview of what to expect with our 2025 NFL Mock Draft:
Picks 1-10: Teams looking for their next star players
The Titans select quarterback Shedeur Sanders to address their requirement for a new franchise quarterback. Sanders had an impressive 2024 season, accumulating 4,134 yards, 37 TDs, and 10 INTs. He is regarded as mentally prepared and confident for the NFL level.
The Browns chose the versatile Travis Hunter to enhance both their cornerbacks and receivers. Hunter recorded 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 TDs in 2024. His elite athleticism and instincts are expected to translate well to either position.
3. New York Giants – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Giants select quarterback Cam Ward as a potential long-term starter. Ward completed 67% of his passes for 4,313 yards with 39 TDs during the 2024 season. He is viewed as having adequate arm strength and a good football IQ.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New England selects tackle Will Campbell to improve protection for Drake Maye. Campbell has experience starting at left tackle and possesses significant size (6’6″, 325 lbs), although he needs to work on balance issues.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Jaguars select cornerback Will Johnson to enhance depth alongside Tyson Campbell. Johnson scored 2 INT TDs and made 3 PDs in 2024. He is considered one of the top cover corners in this draft class.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Las Vegas selects running back Ashton Jeanty to add a dynamic rushing element to their offense. Jeanty averaged 7.0 YPC with 29 rushing TDs in 2024. Additionally, he caught 23 passes for 138 yards.
7. New York Jets – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Jets select wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to replace Davante Adams. McMillan recorded 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and 8 TDs in 2024. His height (6’5″) poses matchup challenges.
8. Carolina Panthers – Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
Carolina selects edge rusher Abdul Carter to fill the void left by Brian Burns. Carter recorded 12 sacks and 68 tackles in 2024. He is known for his quickness and pass-rushing potential.
9. New Orleans Saints – James Pearce Jr., DE/OLB, Tennessee
The Saints select young edge rusher James Pearce to pair with Carl Granderson. Pearce recorded 7.5 sacks and 38 tackles in 2024. He needs to gain strength for regular duty.
10. Chicago Bears – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Chicago selects interior lineman Kenneth Grant to strengthen their defensive line. Grant showed promise as a sophomore with 3.5 sacks and 29 tackles. He possesses rare speed and athleticism for his size.
Picks 11-32: From teams that need help to get over the hump, to teams who hope for post-season success
11. San Francisco 49ers – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The 49ers select another defensive tackle, Mason Graham, to pair with Javon Hargrave. Graham has good size (6’3″, 318 lbs) and disruptiveness but needs to work on his technique.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Dallas selects interior defender Tyleik Williams to add depth. Williams can push the pocket with power or speed while being stout against the run.
13. Miami Dolphins – Kelvin Banks, OT/G, Texas
Miami selects versatile lineman Kelvin Banks who could start at either tackle or guard. Banks performed well at left tackle for Texas and moves well for his size.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Colts select cornerback Benjamin Morrison to address secondary needs. Morrison shined as a freshman with 6 INTs and 33 tackles in 2022.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
Atlanta selects edge rusher Mykel Williams to add youth to their defensive front. Williams recorded 5 sacks and 16 tackles in 2023 as a backup.
The Cardinals select more defensive line talent in Omarr Norman-Lott. He is quick off the snap and disruptive against both the run and pass.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Bengals select wide receiver Luther Burden III to address their need for a receiver and enhance their offense. Burden is described as a shifty receiver who can also serve as a ball-carrier, adding versatility to the Bengals’ offense.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M
The Seahawks select defensive end Nic Scourton to improve their pass rush. Scourton had a breakout 2023 season with 10 sacks and has a large frame with significant upside as a potential defensive end or five-technique.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Buccaneers select linebacker Jihaad Campbell to address their need for coverage at middle linebacker. Campbell has impressive athleticism for a larger linebacker, which could help improve the Buccaneers’ coverage issues in the middle of the field.
20. Denver Broncos – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Broncos select tight end Tyler Warren to provide another weapon for quarterback Bo Nix. Warren is described as a big tight end with impressive receiving ability, potentially becoming the next Jimmy Graham for Sean Payton.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Alfred Collins, DE/DT, Texas
The Steelers select defensive lineman Alfred Collins to bolster their defensive line. Collins is known as a tough run defender who can also apply pressure on quarterbacks, which could help replace Cameron Heyward in the future.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Chargers select defensive tackle Kenneth Grant to improve their interior line. Grant has shown potential and is considered an underrated talent, which could help address the Chargers’ issues in the middle of their defensive line.
23. Green Bay Packers – Jordan Burch, DE/DT, Oregon
The Packers select defensive lineman Jordan Burch to enhance their pass rush. Burch has immense potential with his athletic build and large frame, though he needs to work on consistency.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Vikings select safety Nick Emmanwori to address their need at the position. Emmanwori possesses rare cover skills for a safety built like a linebacker, with excellent instincts.
25. Houston Texans – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
The Texans select guard Tyler Booker to strengthen their interior offensive line, a clear area of need for the team. After allowing a concerning 63 sacks across the regular season and playoffs, including 8 in their matchup against the Chiefs, addressing this weakness is critical. Booker may not be an elite athlete, but his impressive length provides an advantage in protecting quarterback CJ Stroud. This pick is a promising first step toward improving their offensive line and securing better protection for their franchise quarterback.
26. Los Angeles Rams – Omar Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
The Rams select defensive tackle Omar Norman-Lott to improve their run defense. Norman-Lott is a large defensive tackle who generates a strong pass rush despite his impressive size.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia
The Ravens select outside linebacker Jalon Walker to enhance their pass rush. Walker possesses great speed and athleticism on the edge, which could help address the Ravens’ struggles in stopping the pass.
28. Detroit Lions – Bradyn Swinson, DE, LSU
The Lions select defensive end Bradyn Swinson and add another edge rusher improving their pass rush. Swinson has a good combination of speed and strength, potentially complementing Za’Darius Smith and Aidan Hutchinson.
29. Washington Commanders – Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
The Commanders select wide receiver Elic Ayomanor to provide more depth at the position. Ayomanor is a tough receiver with good size, which could help Jayden Daniels alongside Terry McLaurin.
30. Buffalo Bills – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Bills select safety Malaki Starks to address their secondary needs. Starks was a high school quarterback who is now a star prospect, potentially becoming the next prominent safety in the NFL.
31. Philadelphia Eagles – Harold Perkins, OLB, LSU
The Eagles select outside linebacker Harold Perkins to bolster their defensive line. Perkins is an explosive player with tremendous instincts who recorded 7.5 sacks as a freshman.
32. Kansas City Chiefs – Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
The Chiefs select offensive tackle Emery Jones Jr. to address their left tackle position. Jones has impressive athleticism for his size and comes from a basketball background, which could aid in his transition to the NFL.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NFL season comes to an end and we enter into free agency.
President Donald Trump has begun his second term in office with a sweeping array of executive actions aimed at reshaping the U.S. government and its policies.
The directives, which touch on immigration, trade, civil rights, and environmental regulations, reflect his campaign promises and signal a determined shift in governance.
Some of the orders have immediate implications, while others are largely symbolic or already facing legal challenges. The overarching theme is a consolidation of executive power in the West Wing and a clear pivot toward Trump’s vision for the country.
Immigration and Border Policies
Trump declared the situation at the southern border a national “invasion,” empowering his administration to use military resources for enforcement. Service members from the National Guard and Ready Reserve may now support border operations, a move raising questions about the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
Refugee admissions have been suspendedpending a 90-day review,and a new interpretation of the 14th Amendment seeks to redefine birthright citizenship. Construction of the border wall is prioritized, and new agreements are being encouraged between federal and local law enforcement to target criminal organizations. DNA collection and stricter detention policies are being mandated for immigration enforcement.
Trade and Economic Policy
The administration has ordered reviews of trade agreements like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and is considering new tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico. Trump has also initiated steps to create an “External Revenue Service” to oversee trade-related revenues and has paused the U.S. ban on TikTok while the administration evaluates national security risks.
Climate and Energy
The U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, with Trump declaring a “national energy emergency” to expedite fossil fuel development. Agencies are directed to eliminate regulations hindering oil, gas, and coal production. Renewable energy initiatives, including wind energy leases and electric vehicle incentives, have been rolled back.
Civil Rights and Federal Workforce
The administration has eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies, discontinued protections for transgender individuals, and dissolved the White House Gender Policy Council. Federal hiring has been frozen, and steps have been taken to make it easier to terminate senior career officials.
A Bold Start
Trump’s aggressive start to his second administration highlights his commitment to fulfilling campaign pledges and reversing many Biden-era policies. As legal battles and political debates unfold, the nation braces for significant changes in governance and policy direction.
Keep up with important updates from Trump’s second administration with us on QueOndaMagazine.com.
Attorneys general from 22 states have filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump to block his executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, a longstanding immigration principle. This constitutional guarantee, part of the 14th Amendment, ensures that individuals born in the United States are granted citizenship regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Trump’s Executive Order and Legal Challenges
The executive order, issued on January 20, 2025, aligns with Trump’s campaign promises but faces significant legal challenges. Critics, including Democratic attorneys general and immigrant rights groups, argue that the order contradicts settled law and exceeds presidential authority.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin stated, “The president cannot, with a stroke of a pen, write the 14th Amendment out of existence, period.” Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, himself a birthright citizen, emphasized that the amendment’s language is unequivocal: “If you are born on American soil, you are an American. Period.”
White House Defense of the Order
The Trump administration defends the order as a reflection of public will. White House Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields dismissed the lawsuits as political resistance, urging opponents to cooperate with the administration instead of opposing the “overwhelming will of the people.”
Understanding Birthright Citizenship
Birthright citizenship, also known as jus soli or “right of the soil,” is applied in approximately 30 countries, primarily in the Americas. In contrast, most nations base citizenship on parental status (jus sanguinis or “right of blood”) or restrict automatic citizenship to specific conditions.
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1868, states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Trump’s order contends that children of noncitizens are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction and are therefore excluded from automatic citizenship.
Implications of the Executive Order
Scheduled to take effect on February 19, the order would bar federal agencies from recognizing citizenship for affected individuals. It remains unclear if the policy would retroactively impact existing birthright citizens.
Historical Context and Legal Precedents
The debate over birthright citizenship has historical roots. In 1898, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Wong Kim Ark that a man born in the U.S. to Chinese immigrants was a citizen. Advocates of the executive order argue that the case applies only to children of legal immigrants, while critics contend it reinforces the broad protections of the 14th Amendment.
Broader Opposition and Specific Cases
The lawsuits against the order involve a coalition of states, cities, and advocacy groups. Plaintiffs argue that the executive order would harm families and communities, as illustrated by cases like that of “Carmen,” a pregnant woman with longstanding U.S. residency but no formal immigration status.
The Road Ahead
The legal battle over Trump’s executive order is set to become a landmark case in defining the future of birthright citizenship in the United States. With 22 states, Washington, D.C., and advocacy groups pushing back, the decision will have profound implications for immigration policy and constitutional rights.
Keep up with the legal battle of the birthright citizenship executive order on QueOndaMagazine.com.
Mayor John Whitmire is doing a tremendous job leading our thriving city. Since the day he was elected into office on January 1, 2024, Whitmire has been living his status quo, “Let’s get to work,” a phrase he repeatedly declares when it is time to make a change. Teamwork truly does make a dream work, with Whitmire at the head, the successful results in Houston in safety and structured assessment of weather conditions in an area where snow is close to foreign, shows a different light in our city that has not been here before. The amount of times Whitmire’s face is shown around the city is making the idea of cloning people not so far fetched. Mr. Whitmire appears to be putting the patriotic spirit back into our city, consciously or unconsciously, Houston is changing for the better at a rapid rate.
The beautiful snow we received Tuesday morning, requires an amount of respect that holds no prisoners, and the fact that there have been no fatalities from traffic collisions or carbon monoxide is truly a miracle and a blessing. The city as a whole, along with the city’s administration have handled a rare occasion in Houston tremendously. John Whitmire was given a test, an extremely challenging one with the amount of snow we received, because there was at least 3 inches of snow, an amount that has not fallen to our city since 1993.
Mayor Whitmire has a deep passion in being a public servant, a deep passion that has inspired the writer of this article. His empathy clearly radiates when he is seen helping others in the streets who are in need of assistance, such as our homeless citizens who are the most vulnerable in this freeze we have.
“We’ve had 1300 individuals visit and stay with us in a warming center. 10 locations across the city. No one was turned around,” Whitmire says this morning at his winter weather response. “It finally hit its maximum numbers yesterday, and I was contacted, and I said, ‘There’s no such thing in weather like this as reaching capacity’ No one was turned around.” A true Houston hero who will be acknowledged after he is out of office, but hopefully sooner.
Transportation was furnished for our citizens who needed a place to stay warm in, in areas such as Acres ’44’ Homes where some citizens were heavy in appetite, so Whitmore came in aid, worked with the Houston Food Bank and filled up their bellies. Collaborations in our city have truly sparked a light, bringing faith based communities in to help one another.
“Houston is working, and I could spend the rest of the day telling you why we’ve been successful.. It’s the teamwork. It’s the preparation. It’s putting the right people in the right positions with experience and their passion and commitment for public service.” Mayor Whitmire places the citizens of Houston first.
The largest marathon took place this past Sunday, with more than 33,000 5K runners. With the teamwork of all of our city departments, Solid Waste, Public Works, Fire Department, Houston Police, and the Health Department putting the safety of our citizens at the forefront. Over hundred of thousands cheerleading their friends and family who were marathon participants were also kept safe. We even had 2 Martin Luther King Jr. parades in our city simultaneously, a great homage shown from collaboration and passion.
Houston is the model for major cities with the great success we had from the amount of collaboration and passion that accomplished this feat in this storm. CIty employees are the real hidden heroes that receive little to no recognition, as all heroes seem to go through. They slept on the floor and in their cars, just to do their part in keeping Houston safe. There were a few accidents on I-10, but these were out of towners, not local Houstonians, however they are still safe.
There was one individual who did die on the Houston streets, who refused to go to a warming center, which highlights the mental health problem that is thriving well in our city. A final problem that Mayor Whitmire tackled in his winter weather response, mental health conditions are worth going beyond budget barriers and protocol stipulations.
“I don’t care what it takes, we’ve got to scrub our budget and find better resources for mental health.” Houston is the greatest city when it comes to health care across the world, so this mental health issue will be faced with no remorse.
City operations return to normal Thursday morning. We are truly thankful for the right amount of snow we received. We are thankful for the safety that came along with it, and we are also thankful our children got to experience a once in a lifetime experience in Houston. Thank you Houston, and thank you Mayor John Whitmire for placing Houston at the forefront of your vision, a fellow Ram is proud.
In his final statements of the day, Mayor Whitmire ended on a note of gratitude, “Thank you for allowing me to lead this city. It’s my passion.”
Each January, Americans come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man whose unwavering commitment to justice and equality forever changed the course of history. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. King emerged as the face of the Civil Rights Movement during one of the most turbulent periods in U.S. history. His leadership, rooted in nonviolence and inspired by his deep faith, continues to resonate as a call to action for people across the globe.
Dr. King’s most iconic moment came on August 28, 1963, when he delivered his monumental “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Standing before a crowd of more than 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial, he proclaimed:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
This powerful vision encapsulated his hope for a future free of racial discrimination, inspiring generations to work toward making that dream a reality.
A Champion for Equality and Justice
Dr. King’s leadership extended beyond speeches. His strategic organization of nonviolent protests, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Birmingham Campaign, brought national attention to the systemic racism entrenched in American society. His famous quote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity and the necessity of standing up against all forms of oppression.
In 1964, Dr. King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 35. In his acceptance speech, he declared:
“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.”
These words underline his unwavering belief in the potential for a world where all people could thrive without the barriers of poverty and inequality.
A Legacy That Lives On
Tragically, Dr. King’s life was cut short on April 4, 1968, when he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. However, his legacy endures. The passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were direct outcomes of the movement he led. His work laid the foundation for subsequent social justice movements, inspiring activists worldwide to use nonviolence as a powerful tool for change.
Today, his words continue to guide us. His reminder that “The time is always right to do what is right” challenges each of us to act with integrity and courage. As we celebrate his life, we are called to reflect on our individual roles in building a more just and equitable society.
Conclusion
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a better world remains a beacon of hope and a call to action. Whether through community service, education, or activism, honoring his legacy means continuing the work he began—striving for justice, equality, and peace. Let us remember his words:
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
As we answer this question, we keep his dream alive.
Keep up with QueOndaMagazine.com for more lessons on prominent historical figures.
The buddy comedy “One of Them Days,” starring Keke Palmer and SZA, debuted at the top of the North American box office charts during a subdued Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
The Sony-produced film, which earned $11.6 million from 2,675 theaters, narrowly edged out Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King.” However, projections indicate “Mufasa” may reclaim the lead by Monday’s holiday totals.
The R-rated comedy follows Palmer and SZA as friends and roommates racing against time to gather rent money before their landlord evicts them. Praised by critics, the film holds an impressive 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With a modest $14 million production budget, “One of Them Days” is expected to break even by the end of the holiday weekend. The film also marks a milestone as the first Black female-led theatrical comedy since “Girls Trip” in 2017.
A Challenging Weekend for Theaters
While “One of Them Days” shines as a success story, overall box office performance for the weekend was underwhelming. According to Comscore, the total revenue for Friday through Sunday will fall below $80 million—making it one of the weakest MLK holiday weekends since 1997.
“For ‘One of Them Days,’ this was an excellent opening,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. “But in the context of the broader theatrical market, the weekend’s numbers were sluggish.”
Close Competition and New Debuts
Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King,” directed by Barry Jenkins, brought in $11.5 million in its fifth weekend, pushing its global total to $588 million. The film narrowly beat “Wolf Man,” a new Blumhouse horror entry directed by Leigh Whannell. Starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, “Wolf Man” earned $10.6 million but faced tepid reviews (53% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a poor audience CinemaScore of C-.
Other top performers included “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” which earned $8.6 million, and “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” rounding out the top five with $6.6 million.
Specialty Releases Find Niche Success
In limited release, Brady Corbet’s post-war epic “The Brutalist” expanded to 388 screens, earning nearly $2 million. The 215-minute feature received additional interest from sold-out 70mm and IMAX showings. Meanwhile, A24 re-released its Colman Domingo-led drama “Sing Sing,” with unique screenings in prisons, allowing over 1 million incarcerated individuals to view the film.
Past Holiday Hits and Future Outlook
Historically, the MLK holiday weekend has delivered standout box office hits, including “Bad Boys for Life” in 2020 ($62.5 million) and “American Sniper” in 2016 ($89.3 million in wide release). Analysts predict a significant boost to this year’s theatrical market with anticipated February releases such as “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Paddington in Peru.”
Weekend Box Office Top 10 (Friday-Sunday Estimates)
