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Transportation secretary cuts planned $64 million grant for Houston-Dallas high-speed rail

ABC13 Houston
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Transportation secretary cuts planned $64 million grant for Houston-Dallas high-speed rail

The federal government is cutting a roughly $64 million grant for a high-speed train that would’ve connected Houston and Dallas, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Monday, citing it would be a waste of taxpayer money.

This project, Duffy said, was originally announced as a private venture, but he claims capital costs have ballooned and are believed to be over $40 billion, “making construction unrealistic and a risky venture for the taxpayer.”

“If the private sector believes this project is feasible, they should carry the pre-construction work forward, rather than relying on Amtrak and the American taxpayer to bail them out. My department will continue to look for every opportunity to save federal dollars and prioritize efficiencies,” Duffy wrote.

The $63.9 million grant was awarded to Amtrak last fall under the Corridor Identification and Development (CID) Program for the Amtrak Texas High-Speed Rail Corridor previously known as the Texas Central Railway project.

But to Texans who have been promised action for more than a decade, it’s simply known as a high-speed bullet train that can’t seem to get moving.

The 240-mile route was first talked about in 2012 and proposed getting people between Houston and Dallas in 90 minutes on a train going 205 miles per hour. Driving a vehicle takes about four hours.

If completed, developers have said the project is estimated to remove 12,500 cars per day from I-45. In addition, developers have claimed the rail would bring thousands of well-paying construction jobs and nearly 1,000 long-term positions to the region.

In 2017, a firm was hired to work on the project’s design and engineering. By 2020, the same year a train was promised to be up and running, the project was still missing necessary permitting applications.

The project faced a legal challenge in 2021 over land rights, with many rural landowners opposing it. The ruling ultimately went in Texas Central’s favor to use eminent domain.

Starts and stops: High-speed bullet train project through the years

The following year, in 2022, Texas Central Railway’s CEO left the company, saying he couldn’t secure the agreements to move it forward. The following year, in 2023, Texas Central and Amtrak announced they’d applied for federal grants to study the project and build the rail line.

The $63.9 million grant was awarded in September, but months later, has been cut.

The Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak agreed that was the right move. “Today’s announcement reflects a recognition by Amtrak and FRA that federalizing the Texas Central Railway proposal is not the best use of taxpayer funding,” FRA Chief Kyle Fields said.

Amtrak also has issues to fix, Duffy said, including “significant” operating deficits and high-profile operational challenges such as delays on its own Northeast Corridor and the loss of its Horizon coach fleet to corrosion.

While it’s not immediately clear what the cut means for the future of the Texas bullet train, Duffy said the government is still interested in new rail projects. The $60 million cut will go toward supporting other rail plans that are “safe,” “reliable” and “efficient,” Duffy added.

You can read the full announcement on the U.S. Department of Transportation website.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Latino Stars Who Stole the Spotlight at Coachella 2025’s Opening Weekend

Indira Zaldivar
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Latino Stars Who Stole the Spotlight at Coachella 2025’s Opening Weekend

Latino artists brought powerful performances and unforgettable moments to Coachella’s opening weekend in Indio, California. From indie pop to Amazonian cumbia, Latin trap, and regional Mexican hits, here are the highlights.

The Marías Set the Tone

Puerto Rican-led indie pop band The Marías returned to Coachella for their third appearance, opening Friday on the Mojave Stage. Though Selena Gomez didn’t join as rumored, fans were treated to “El Muchacho de los Ojos Tristes,” sung by María Zardoya, capturing hearts with dreamy vocals and psychedelic soul.

Latin Sounds Across Stages

On the Sonora Stage, Peru’s Los Mirlos hypnotized the crowd with their Amazonian cumbia and psychedelic guitar riffs. Brazilian DJ Vintage Culture kept the energy high with a progressive house set at Yuma, while Mexican-American star Becky G made her first of two weekend appearances as a guest during Tyla’s set.

Mexican Powerhouses Unite

Mexican regional favorite Junior H surprised fans by bringing out viral sensation Peso Pluma and his cousin Tito Doble P, amplifying the Mexican presence at the festival.

A Historic Saturday with Gustavo Dudamel

Saturday marked a groundbreaking moment as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Venezuela’s Gustavo Dudamel, performed for the first time at Coachella. The orchestra opened with “Ride of the Valkyries” and later blended genres with:

  • Becky G, singing her pop hit “Shower”
  • Jazz-pop singer Laufey, debuting “Silver Lining”
  • Hip-hop legend LL Cool J, delivering a symphonic “Mama Said Knock You Out”

Genre Fusion on the Gobi Stage

The highlight came with Argentine duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso, who fused trap and electronic beats with Dudamel’s classical artistry. Their bold performance on the Gobi Stage showcased the evolution of Latin urban music.

Emerging Voices and Cultural Pride

Judeline from Spain enchanted with flamenco-electronic fusion and Andalusian aesthetics. Mexican singer Iván Cornejo delivered melancholic regional ballads on the Mojave Stage, while El Malilla fired up the Sonora Stage with energetic reggaetón. Brazilian DJ Alok brought vibrant rhythms to the Sahara Stage, blending intense beats with cultural flair.

Sunday: Caribbean Vibes and Global Beats

Venezuelan band Rawayana brought a full-on Caribbean fiesta to the Gobi Stage, joined by guests Danny Ocean, Akapellah, and Servando Primera. Their tropical-electronic mix kept the audience moving. Meanwhile, Spanish DJ Dennis Cruz had thousands dancing at Yuma, proving the universal appeal of Latin-influenced electronic music.

Latino artists didn’t just participate in Coachella 2025—they defined it. With genre-blending performances and cultural pride, they left an unforgettable mark on the desert stage. Keep up with the influence of Latino artists with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Arsonist Targets Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence While Shapiro, Family Were Inside

Edward Saenz
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Arsonist Targets Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence While Shapiro, Family Were Inside

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — An arsonist set fire to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence early Sunday April 13, while Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests were inside, authorities said. No injuries were reported, but the blaze caused significant damage to the historic home and has prompted a terrorism investigation.

The attack occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday—hours after the Shapiro family had celebrated the start of Passover with a Seder. According to officials, 38-year-old Cody Allen Balmer of Penbrook, Pennsylvania, allegedly threw two Molotov cocktails at the residence. He later turned himself in to police and was charged with terrorism, attempted murder, aggravated arson and aggravated assault.

In a statement released Monday, Shapiro expressed gratitude that his family and guests were unharmed. 

“We are safe, and we are grateful to the first responders whose swift action prevented an even more devastating outcome,” he said.

Authorities said the fire severely damaged the southern portion of the residence, which has served as the official home of Pennsylvania governors since 1968. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to the main living quarters.

Balmer’s mother told investigators her son has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and that he had recently stopped taking his medication. According to law enforcement, Balmer harbored hatred toward Shapiro and had intended to assault the governor with a sledgehammer if given the opportunity.

The attack came during a weekend of heightened national attention for Shapiro, who had canceled a scheduled fundraising trip to the Hamptons amid speculation he might be selected as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election. That speculation ended Sunday evening when Harris announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her choice.

Despite the political buzz, the arson quickly became the focus of the weekend. A joint investigation is now underway involving state police, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“An attack on the Governor’s Residence is an attack on the safety and security of all Pennsylvanians,” said State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris. “We will pursue justice with the full weight of the law.”

Balmer is being held without bail and is expected to undergo a mental health evaluation. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this week.

Houston’s Love for Live Streaming Is Growing – And the Internet Needs to Keep Up

Que Onda Editorial
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Houston’s Love for Live Streaming Is Growing – And the Internet Needs to Keep Up

If there’s one thing Houston isn’t slowing down on, is its love for live streaming. Whether catching the big
game, binge-watching a new series, or diving into the latest gaming releases, Houstonians are using the
Internet more than ever. With nearly 4 million more people expected to move to the area by 2040,
networks have to be ready.

More Devices, More Streaming, More Demand

“Internet usage has been skyrocketing year after year. The average Xfinity household now has 36 WiFi- connected devices, from smart TVs and phones to tablets, speakers, and even smart fridges,” said Foti Kallergis, Comcast Texas spokesperson . More than 70% of all Internet traffic is entertainment, with sports, streaming apps, and games leading the charge — especially here in Houston, where fans never miss a Texans game or a Rockets highlight.

In fact, the past year set records for Comcast’s Xfinity network, with the five biggest days of Internet consumption ever happening just in the last few months of 2024, driven by huge sports events and gaming downloads.

A Network Built for What’s Next

As more people move in and more devices come online, Xfinity is constantly upgrading its network to keep up — and stay ahead. Whether you’re working on your laptop, FaceTiming on your iPad, or scrolling on your phone, at home or on the go, the goal is simple: fast, reliable, and seamless connection.

Over the last decade, Comcast has poured $80 billion into strengthening its network and infrastructure across the country. That includes 300,000 miles of fiber — enough to circle the globe 12 times — supporting everything from everyday streaming to powering FEMA and the Department of Defense. And here in the greater Houston area, that same network supports thousands of small businesses too.

Speed, Security, and Smarts Built In

“It’s not just about staying connected — it’s about staying connected smarter,” added Kallergis. “Comcast’s network is constantly working behind the scenes to make your experience better. In fact, Comcast rolled out over 350,000 upgrades last year alone, including faster speeds at no extra cost.” And, every 20 minutes, it tests over 4,000 data points across tens of millions of devices to keep things optimized.
Kallergis added if there’s extra bandwidth, Xfinity modems automatically adjust. If there’s a network issue, AI-powered tools fix 60% of cases before users even know something’s wrong. And if a fiber line is cut, Xfinity technicians are alerted instantly and know exactly where to go and what to do.

Powerful Tools for Your Home

Great Internet also depends on what’s inside your home. That’s why Comcast is rolling out the new XB10 modem — their fastest and most powerful yet. It can handle up to 300 devices at once (because let’s be real, we’re all tech-heavy households now). And when it comes to security, Xfinity’s network has your back. Every device that connects is automatically shielded from sketchy sites — like having a mini cybersecurity team 24/7.

Looking Ahead

At the end of the day, Houston’s Internet needs are only going to grow. And Comcast is ready. Whether you’re streaming the playoffs, jumping on a work call, or video chatting with family across the country, Xfinity is here to keep you connected to the moments that matter most.

Harris County Charts Bold Path with Nation’s First Countywide Climate Justice Plan

Edward Saenz
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Harris County Charts Bold Path with Nation’s First Countywide Climate Justice Plan

Harris County is taking a landmark step in environmental leadership with the launch of its first-ever Climate Justice Plan. Designed to address climate change through the lens of equity and resilience, the plan marks a historic milestone—not just for the county, but for the nation.

Developed in partnership between the Office of County Administration’s Office of Sustainability and the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience, the plan outlines a roadmap toward a sustainable future that centers community voices and environmental justice.

“This initiative is the first time a US County has prepared a resiliency plan that covers its entire population, as opposed to its bureaucracy alone,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo. “At the heart of this plan are realistic steps to advance issues like clean air, resilient infrastructure, and housing affordability and availability. Many portions of the plan are already in progress, and I look forward to continued advancement over the years.”

Commissioner Rodney Ellis of Precinct 1 highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis, emphasizing the need for bold and coordinated responses. “The climate crisis is among the most urgent and complex challenges facing government and society which demands coordinated action to safeguard our future,” Ellis said.

“All communities deserve equitable solutions that protect the most vulnerable and ensure a livable planet for everyone. I am proud to have championed the creation of the Office of Sustainability, and I am equally proud to see this work culminate in the Climate Justice Plan.”

Community engagement is central to the initiative, and the inclusion of resident voices has been vital to its development.

“I’m honored to see the voices of Precinct 2 residents reflected in this bold Climate Justice Plan. Their time, energy, and lived experiences helped shape a roadmap that speaks to our shared vision for a healthier, more just Harris County. I look forward to continuing this work together to turn these ideas into action and build a future where every community can thrive,” said Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2.

Commissioner Lesley Briones of Precinct 4 noted that elements of the plan are already being implemented locally. “I am proud that Harris County is leading the way as the first county in the nation to adopt a community-driven Climate Justice Plan. In Precinct 4, we’ve already been putting this vision into action—expanding green spaces through the Burnett Bayland Master Plan, planting trees in the Barbara Quattro Forest to reduce the urban heat island effect, and fortifying community centers with backup generators so they can serve as resilience hubs. I’m deeply grateful to the community for your input, passion, and partnership. Together, we’re turning bold ideas into real progress for a greener, healthier, and more resilient Harris County,” she said.

Core Elements of the Plan

The Harris County Climate Justice Plan is rooted in a long-term vision for inclusive, community-led sustainability. It includes:

  • A Cross-Cutting Sustainability Framework: Targeting five areas—Ecology, Infrastructure, Economy, Community, and Culture—the plan aims to shape a thriving and sustainable Harris County.
  • Residents First: The plan emphasizes climate justice by addressing unequal environmental impacts and engaging affected communities to co-create tailored solutions.
  • Community-Driven Approach: Informed by the voices of over 340 residents and organizations, the plan reflects the priorities and diversity of Harris County’s neighborhoods.
  • Integrated Systems Thinking: The approach links climate actions to broader systemic issues such as utility stability, housing affordability, food access, and economic opportunity.
  • Ongoing Collaboration: The plan is designed as a living document, built to evolve through continued community engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and interdepartmental collaboration.

“We’re at an important moment for Harris County, and this plan is our blueprint for the future. It’s not just about tackling climate change—it’s about ensuring that every resident, no matter where they live or what they do, has a chance to thrive in a healthier, more sustainable community. Together, we’re creating a legacy of justice, resilience, and opportunity for generations to come,” said Diana Ramirez, Harris County Administrator.

The Road Ahead

Implementation is the next key phase. County departments and community partners will work together to assess the potential emissions reductions and social impacts of proposed actions. A detailed implementation roadmap will follow, assigning responsibilities, tracking metrics, and establishing timelines for progress.

“There is a lot of momentum around some of these actions today,” said Lisa Lin, Director, Office of Sustainability, OCA. “The implementation phase will bring focus and clarity, ensuring that we work together across departments, organizations, and communities to achieve these goals.”

The initiative is also a realization of long-standing community advocacy.

“From the founding of the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER), we have called upon our local elected officials to commit to a vision of our region rooted in equity that addresses pollution, place, and the public’s health. Harris County’s Climate Justice Plan will build a more resilient region. The people of Harris County have been hit hard by disaster after disaster. Now is the time to support our communities so that people can thrive, not merely survive,” said Stefania Tomaskovic, Ph.D., Coalition Director, CEER.

As Harris County moves into action, it sets a national precedent—demonstrating how large local governments can lead climate action with equity and resilience at the core.

Keep up with more environmental news with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Historic All-Female Crew including Katy Perry Fly Through Space

Indira Zaldivar
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Historic All-Female Crew including Katy Perry Fly Through Space

Blue Origin made history Monday morning with its first all-female crewed mission, which included pop icon Katy Perry among its six trailblazing passengers. The brief but powerful suborbital flight marked a milestone in space travel, lasting approximately 11 minutes and reaching over 60 miles above Earth.

Breaking the Boundary of Space

The mission aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket soared beyond the Kármán line—an internationally recognized boundary of space located 62 miles above sea level. This achievement officially places the crew among the select group of individuals who have traveled to outer space.

The launch, known as NS-31, lifted off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in western Texas just after 8:30 a.m. CDT.

A Star-Studded Space Crew

In addition to Katy Perry, the all-woman flight included:

  • Lauren Sanchez, journalist, helicopter pilot, and fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos
  • Gayle King, renowned broadcast journalist and television host
  • Aisha Bowe, former NASA rocket scientist and aerospace entrepreneur
  • Amanda Nguyen, bioastronautics researcher and civil rights advocate
  • Kerianne Flynn, film producer

This diverse group of women represents a wide range of professional backgrounds—from science and journalism to entertainment and activism.

Perry’s Emotional Tribute and Onboard Serenade

After a safe landing, Katy Perry was seen emotionally raising her hand to the sky and kissing the ground. Speaking afterward, she revealed that she brought a daisy flower onboard in honor of her 4-year-old daughter, Daisy, whom she shares with actor Orlando Bloom.

Fellow crewmate Gayle King shared that Perry sang “What a Wonderful World” during their time in space, adding a poetic touch to the group’s shared cosmic moment.

A Flight Decades in the Making

This flight marks the first all-female space mission since 1963, when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel to space alone. Blue Origin’s mission celebrates not only technological advancement but the increasing representation of women in all areas of exploration.

In a heartfelt social media post the night before the launch, Perry wrote:
“I’ve dreamt of going to space for 15 years and tomorrow that dream becomes a reality.”

The successful NS-31 mission is Blue Origin’s 11th crewed launch, and with it, the company continues to push boundaries in commercial spaceflight.

Keep up with more space updates with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Our sunny and warm week will come to an end with rain chances increasing Easter Weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Our sunny and warm week will come to an end with rain chances increasing Easter Weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our sunny and warm week will eventually come to an end with rain chances increasing Easter weekend.

Monday will be a tad more humid but not oppressively so. And with a sunny day ahead high temperatures will climb into the upper 80s once again. The current forecast high for Monday is 87 degrees, which is just a couple degrees shy of the daily record high temperature of 89 set back in 1996.

Are anymore cool fronts on the way?

Another weak front is predicted to arrive on Tuesday. This front will bring us one morning in the upper 50s before the sticky air returns with a strong Gulf breeze. Those winds will be powered by an upper-level storm system approaching Texas for Easter weekend.

What’s the early outlook for Easter weekend?

We’ll be keeping a watchful eye on that upper-level Pacific storm that should approach the state of Texas around Easter weekend. At this time it looks like the low will track just north of the state, giving us warm, humid, and breezy weather with just a 30% chance for rain on Easter Sunday. If the low tracks farther south, then our rain chances will go up.

Any more severe weather on the horizon?

In the near-term, nope! The next best chance Houston and Southeast Texas could be in the storm zone would be Easter Sunday and the few days following that. Still, lot’s can change between now and then.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

City of Houston to honor boxing legend George Foreman with memorial service today

ABC13 Houston
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City of Houston to honor boxing legend George Foreman with memorial service today

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Family, friends, and the public are preparing to remember boxing legend, pastor, and entrepreneur George Foreman during a memorial service in his hometown of Houston.

George Foreman IV, one of five sons of the boxing legend, along with Houston Mayor John Whitmire and former boxer Michael Moorer, whom Foreman defeated in 1994 to become the oldest man, at age 45, to win the heavyweight championship, are expected to speak at the service on Monday.

The service, which ABC13 will have available to stream live at 11 a.m. CT, will be hosted by Foreman’s family and the city of Houston at the Wortham Theater Center, a performing arts center home to the city’s ballet and opera companies.

“We’re going to celebrate the life of George Foreman, two-time heavyweight champion of the world and certainly the face of how great Houston is,” Whitmire said.

Foreman died on March 21 at age 76. Foreman’s family has not disclosed his cause of death, only saying on social media that he “peacefully departed … surrounded by loved ones.”

Born in Marshall, Texas, Foreman was raised in Houston’s Fifth Ward, one of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods.

He began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist in 1968, turning pro the next year.

Foreman became the world’s heavyweight champion when he beat Joe Frazier in 1973. But he lost the title the following year when Muhammad Ali beat Foreman in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in Zaire.

Foreman then gave up boxing and after a religious awakening, became an ordained minister in 1978. He began preaching in Houston, later founding The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1980.

The middle-aged fighter returned to the ring after a 10-year absence and, in 1994, pulled off one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history, flooring Moorer – 19 years his junior – with a surgical right hand to claim Moorer’s two heavyweight belts.

Foreman retired in 1997 with a 76-5 career record.

He then moved to the next chapter in his life as a businessman, pitchman, and occasional actor.

He became known to a new generation as the face of the George Foreman Grill. The simple cooking machine sold more than 100 million units and brought him more wealth than boxing. A biographical movie based on his life was released in 2023.

Foreman had 12 children, including five sons, all of whom were famously named George Edward Foreman.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

IRS Grants Tax Extension in 9 States Due to Disasters: What You Need to Know

Indira Zaldivar
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IRS Grants Tax Extension in 9 States Due to Disasters: What You Need to Know

While most Americans are racing to file their taxes before the April 15 deadline, residents across nine states are getting a bit more breathing room thanks to the Internal Revenue Service.

Why the Extension?

Every year, April 15 is the cut-off for filing individual federal income tax returns. The IRS, which opened tax season on January 27, anticipated over 140 million filings this year. But by late March, they’d received nearly a million fewer returns compared to last year—possibly due to economic uncertainty or taxpayer confusion.

Ordinarily, if someone can’t file by April 15, they can request an extension to submit their return by October 15. However, any taxes owed are still due in April to avoid penalties.

But for millions of Americans living in federally declared disaster zones, the IRS has automatically extended the filing and payment deadline to May 1—no paperwork required. In some areas, the extension goes even further.

Who Qualifies for the Tax Extension?

The IRS has confirmed that taxpayers in the following areas qualify for the May 1 deadline:

  • Entire states:
    • Alabama
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
  • Selected localities:
    • Alaska – City and Borough of Juneau
    • New Mexico – Chaves County
    • Tennessee – Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties
    • Virginia – Numerous counties and cities including Albemarle, Roanoke, Montgomery, Danville, and others

Additional extensions include:

  • Los Angeles County, California – Deadline moved to October 15 due to severe wildfires in January
  • Kentucky (entire state) and parts of West Virginia – Residents now have until November 3 to file

Disasters Behind the Delay

The IRS tax relief is a response to significant natural disasters that affected these areas:

  • Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction across several southeastern states in September 2024
  • Flooding in Juneau, Alaska in August and severe storms in New Mexico in October disrupted daily life and local infrastructure
  • Parts of Tennessee and Virginia were also hit hard by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, further justifying the tax reprieve

What Happens if You Miss Your Deadline?

Failing to file by the appropriate deadline—even with an extension—can be costly. The IRS imposes a 5% penalty per month on unpaid taxes, up to a maximum of 25%. So while disaster-affected areas have some relief, everyone is encouraged to file or pay as soon as they’re able.

For those in unaffected areas, April 15 remains the deadline. If you think you may need extra time and aren’t in a declared disaster zone, you’ll need to request an extension the traditional way—and still pay your estimated taxes by Tuesday to avoid penalties.

Keep up with more financial tips with us on Que Onda Magazine.

The Legacy of Healthcare Continues at Newly Renovated Harris Health Casa de Amigos Health Center in Near Northside

Que Onda Editorial
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The Legacy of Healthcare Continues at Newly Renovated Harris Health Casa de Amigos Health Center in Near Northside

Harris Health recently completed a major renovation and construction project of its Harris Health Casa de Amigos Health Center to modernize the facility located in Houston’s historic Near Northside. The $19 million multi-year project involved the renovation and addition of new space.

“This renovation signals to the community that we’re keeping up,” says Kelsie Reed, MSN, senior operations manager, Casa de Amigos Health Center. “Sometimes there’s a perception that a safety-net healthcare provider doesn’t provide the same quality care as other systems. The new Casa de Amigos dispels that myth.”

The center offers expanded services, greater access to high quality care and beautification of the facility in a rapidly changing part of the city. Through its bright, open and airy remodel, Casa de Amigos has 29,000 square feet of space, including 3,000 square feet of new construction.

“We’re almost like a brand-new facility at this point,” says Hammad Mahmood, MD, MBA, medical director, Casa de Amigos, Harris Health. “We offer family medicine and pediatrics. Altogether, we have eight primary care providers who are internists and family medicine specialists, and two pediatricians on staff.” 

Originally built in 1982, the newly expanded facility now houses obstetric and gynecological care, as well as midwifery services, rheumatology, optometry, psychiatry, behavioral health, podiatry, clinical pharmacy and nutrition under one roof. Additionally, the remodel expanded radiology capabilities by adding state-of-the-art digital equipment—considered the best on the market. 

“With this expansive renovation, the community knows we’re here to stay,” Mahmood adds. 

For Jennifer Small, AuD, CEO, Ambulatory Care Services, Harris Health, a key aspect of the renovation is its lasting positive impact on healthcare accessibility. 

“Harris Health and the medical school partnership is something that fosters excellence and derives a lot of quality improvement, performance enhancement, meaningful change and advocacy for our patients,” she says. “Our partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and UTHealth is invaluable. We can’t do this alone.”

To learn more about Harris Health and the services it provides, visit harrishealth.org

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