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Sylvester Turner: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Lasting Impact

Edward Saenz
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Sylvester Turner: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Lasting Impact

Sylvester Turner, a life long dedicated public servant and former mayor of Houston, passed away on March 5, 2025, at the age of 70. His life was defined by resilience, commitment to his community, and an unwavering passion for improving the lives of those he served.

Born on September 27, 1954, in Houston, Texas, Sylvester Turner was the sixth of nine children. Raised in a working-class family, he excelled academically and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Houston. He later attended Harvard Law School, where he obtained his juris doctor, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to law and public service.

Que Onda Magazine Publisher, Gabriel Esparza with late Houston politicians, Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvester Turner

Political Ambitions

Turner’s political journey began in 1988 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 139 in Harris County. He served in this role for nearly three decades, establishing himself as a formidable leader in Texas politics. In the early 90’s he set his sights on leading his hometown. While his early mayoral bids in 1991 and 2003 were unsuccessful, his unwavering persistence paid off in 2015 when he was elected as the 62nd mayor of Houston.

As mayor, Turner led Houston through one of its most challenging periods, including the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. His leadership during the crisis was widely praised, as he spearheaded relief efforts, mobilized resources, and worked tirelessly to rebuild the city. Throughout his tenure, he focused on infrastructure improvements, flood prevention, and initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s development.

Congressional Service and Final Years

From Left: Gabriel Esparza, Publisher of QOM, Samuel Pena, former HFD Chief, Mayor Sylvester Turner, and former HPD Chief Art Acevedo

In 2024, following the passing of Sheila Jackson Lee, Turner transitioned to national politics after being elected to represent Texas’s 18th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite facing health challenges, including a battle with bone cancer, he remained steadfast in his advocacy for healthcare access and environmental justice.

Turner’s passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, community members, and Houston’s vibrant hip-hop scene, which he had long supported.

A Lasting Impact

Sylvester Turner’s life was a testament to perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Houston. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

Authors Note

Sylvester Turner was the one of the first politicians I interviewed when I joined Que Onda Magazine just over a year ago. In the short time I covered his projects he was nothing but incredibly kind and caring to myself and my colleague. Despite his busy schedule he always stopped each time he saw us to not only let us interview him but check on us, thank us for being there and seeing how we were doing and if we liked our jobs.He also never said no to us taking photos with him. 

As one of the busiest people in Houston, he did not have to do that, yet he always did. And for a young journalist just getting started in the daunting field of political writing it was an incredibly kind thing for him to do. 

Thank you Congressmen Turner, for your kindness and commitment to your community. Que Onda Magazine, and all of Houston, will deeply miss you and we can’t thank you enough for your lifetime of service. 

Mayor Turner with two Que Onda reporters after his 2023 thanksgiving turkey charity giveaway.

Pope Francis’ Health Improves Amid Hospitalization for Pneumonia

Indira Zaldivar
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Pope Francis’ Health Improves Amid Hospitalization for Pneumonia

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis experienced another restful night in the hospital and awoke shortly after 8 a.m. on Friday as he marked three weeks of hospitalization.

The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14. On Thursday evening, Pope Francis shared an audio message to express gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, offering a heartfelt yet frail testament to his condition.

The message, recorded from his hospital room, played during the nightly Rosary recitation in St. Peter’s Square. Speaking in his native Spanish, the pope’s voice trembled with labored breathing as he said, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square. I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”

Medical Condition Update

Doctors reported Thursday that Pope Francis remains in stable condition, without any new respiratory crises or fever. He is continuing respiratory and physical therapy while balancing work, rest, and prayer from the 10th floor papal suite at the hospital. Despite the stable status, doctors maintain a guarded prognosis as the pope is not yet out of danger.

To aid his recovery, the pope uses a non-invasive mechanical mask at night to help his lungs expand properly. During the day, he receives high-flow oxygen through a nasal tube.

The Vatican has provided twice-daily updates on his condition but has not released any photos or videos of the pope since his hospitalization. His health struggle marks the longest absence of his 12-year papacy, raising concerns about the future of his leadership.

Public Support and Prayers

The pope’s message touched the hearts of many. Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime described the audio recording as a “beautiful gift” to the faithful. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, who has been standing in for Pope Francis during Lenten services, expressed unity with him, saying, “We thank him for the offering of his prayer and his suffering for the good of the entire church in all the world.”

Support from around the globe poured in. Bishop James D. Conley of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, posted on X: “We are praying for you, Holy Father! May God grant you healing and peace! Know that my prayers and the prayers of so many are with you.”

Similarly, Catholic devotee Paula Rondon-Burgos wrote, “It is so beautiful to hear the Holy Father’s voice, God bless him.”

The Vatican continues to request prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery as the world watches and waits for further updates on the beloved pontiff’s health.

Keep up with Pope Francis’ recovery with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Fair weather Friday before a cold front brings chance of rain Saturday

ABC13 Houston
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Fair weather Friday before a cold front brings chance of rain Saturday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ll enjoy more nice weather on Friday with highs approaching 80, then the chance of rain goes up a bit Saturday as our next cold front rolls in.

You’ll notice more clouds in the sky Friday than the last couple of days, but those clouds only have about a 10% chance of bringing you a brief shower.

How does the opening weekend of Spring Break look?

We’ve got another weather change arriving Saturday as a cold front blows in during the late afternoon and early evening. This front brings a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures on Saturday warm from the mid 60s to the upper 70s, then cool off into the 40s Sunday morning. Sunday looks dry but still cloudy. It will also be breezy and chilly with highs only in the upper 50s.

Are we still doing this time change thing?

Like it or not, Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. The clocks will “spring” an hour forward early Sunday morning, meaning the sun will rise and set an hour later than it does on Saturday. Saturday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 6:39 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. Sunday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 7:37 a.m. and 7:26 p.m.

Do we have any major weather changes coming during Spring Break?

Once the front clears on Saturday, we get a really nice stretch of weather for most of Spring Break! Expect lots of sunshine and pleasant temperatures on most days. By next Friday we could see another powerful storm system swing through the Plains, but its path is trending north and away from Texas, so we’ve lowered our rain chance down to 20%.

Are we done with freezes now?

It sure looks that way! On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise, it’s generally considered safe to put plants into the ground if you haven’t done so already..

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Tesla set to open Massive Battery Factory Near Houston, Bringing over 1,000 Jobs

Edward Saenz
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0
Tesla set to open Massive Battery Factory Near Houston, Bringing over 1,000 Jobs

HOUSTON – Tesla is expanding its footprint in Texas with a new manufacturing facility near Houston. The electric vehicle and clean energy company plans to establish a battery production plant in Brookshire, approximately 30 miles west of the city, focused on producing Megapacks—high-capacity energy storage units designed to support electrical grids.

The facility, located within the Empire West Business Park at 111 Empire West Blvd., will convert an existing 1 million-square-foot space and add an additional 600,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution site. Tesla expects to create up to 1,500 jobs within three years as part of the project.

To facilitate the development, Waller County officials have approved a tax abatement agreement with Tesla, set to run from 2026 to 2035. The agreement includes $44 million in facility improvements and the installation of $150 million in manufacturing equipment. The Brookshire City Council is also considering a similar tax incentive package for the project.

The Brookshire plant will be Tesla’s first Megapack factory in Texas, adding to its energy storage production sites in California, Nevada, and Shanghai. Megapacks can store enough energy to power approximately 3,600 homes for one hour, helping stabilize electrical grids and prevent outages.

Tesla has been increasing its presence in Texas, with its Gigafactory in Austin serving as a key hub for vehicle production. The company is also developing a lithium refinery near Corpus Christi to support battery production.

The Brookshire facility marks another step in Tesla’s commitment to clean energy solutions, providing large-scale battery storage as demand for renewable energy infrastructure continues to rise.

Pokémon GO Fest 2025 Confirms Zacian & Zamazenta Alongside A Fan-Favorite Mythical Pokémon From Gen 6

Edward Saenz
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0
Pokémon GO Fest 2025 Confirms Zacian & Zamazenta Alongside A Fan-Favorite Mythical Pokémon From Gen 6

Niantic, the company behind Pokémon GO, has shared new details about its upcoming annual event, Pokémon GO Fest, including the debut of a powerful new Pokémon.

Every year, Pokémon GO hosts a Pokémon GO Fest that combines in-person experiences at a handful of locations around the world with a global event that all players can enjoy. These global events and others like them are some of the highlights of Pokémon GO, with thousands of attendees at the official events and even more at unofficial events organized by players.

This year, Niantic will host in-person Pokémon GO Fest events in Osaka, Japan (May 29–June 1), Jersey City, New Jersey (June 6–8), and Paris, France (June 13–15). These events will feature special Pokémon spawns, including regional exclusives and the Crowned forms of Zacian and Zamazenta. A global event will follow on June 28 and 29, introducing the Mythical Pokémon Volcanion for the first time.

The in-person events are divided into morning and afternoon sessions, and ticket holders must choose one. When not in their session, players can continue playing with special Pokémon appearing citywide and higher Shiny rates.

Players can also buy optional add-ons for extra perks. These include bonuses for hatching eggs, additional raid rewards, and an extra day of citywide gameplay. However, these add-ons are not required to join the event.

Houston First unveils plans for revitlized George R. Brown

Edward Saenz
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0
Houston First unveils plans for revitlized George R. Brown

Houston officials unveiled plans for a significant expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center, promising to transform the city’s convention district and stimulate economic growth.

The first phase of the 700,000-square-foot expansion, aptly named GRB South, will feature a new pedestrian plaza that provides direct access to the Toyota Center. Michael Heckman, president of Houston First Corporation, highlighted the project’s impressive offerings, including a spacious ballroom, the largest in the state of Texas, which will enable the center to accommodate more business events, benefiting the community.

However, the project has faced opposition from East End residents who claim to have been excluded from discussions and express concerns about losing access to Polk Street, a crucial thoroughfare that connects their neighborhood to downtown.

Trump Delays Tariffs on Mexican Goods Amid Trade Negotiations

Que Onda Editorial
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Trump Delays Tariffs on Mexican Goods Amid Trade Negotiations

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday a one-month delay of tariffs on select products from Mexico, temporarily exempting goods compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The decision followed a conversation between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, both leaders confirmed. The delay is part of ongoing trade negotiations and cooperation on border security and the fight against fentanyl trafficking.

“Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation!”

Sheinbaum echoed the sentiment on social media, calling the conversation “excellent and respectful” while emphasizing their mutual commitment to border collaboration and sovereignty.

Impact on Trade and Markets

The temporary tariff exemption will apply to all Mexican goods meeting USMCA content requirements, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed. The decision is expected to ease tensions among U.S. automakers and other industries dependent on cross-border supply chains.

However, the broader impact of tariffs remains significant. Earlier this week, the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariffs on Chinese imports, doubling the rates from the previous month.

Despite the tariff delay, financial markets continued to react negatively. On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell approximately 400 points (0.9%), the S&P 500 dropped 1.5%, and the Nasdaq plunged 2%. Major U.S. automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, saw their stock prices decline.

Industry Reactions

The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), which represents Ford, GM, and Stellantis, praised the temporary exemption. AAPC President Matt Blunt stated, “American Automakers applaud President Trump for recognizing that vehicles and parts that meet the high USMCA content requirements should be exempt from these tariffs.”

The delay marks a critical moment in the evolving trade landscape, as both countries continue negotiations on long-term solutions for border security, immigration, and economic cooperation.

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

U.S. Immigration Plans Nationwide Operation to Arrest Migrant Families with Children

Indira Zaldivar
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0
U.S. Immigration Plans Nationwide Operation to Arrest Migrant Families with Children

U.S. immigration authorities are preparing a new nationwide operation to arrest migrant families with children, according to three sources familiar with the plan. The crackdown targets adults and minor children who entered the country together and have existing deportation orders.

Once apprehended, families will be placed into detention before facing removal, the sources stated. The operation is part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy amid ongoing border concerns.

Additionally, a separate effort is underway to locate unaccompanied children who were released into the U.S. without court dates. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lawyers are working to obtain warrants to enter homes and arrest both families and unaccompanied minors, the sources added.

Spokespeople from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not responded to requests for comment.

Changing Immigration Policies

During the 2024 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump and his border czar, Tom Homan, indicated that mass deportations would initially target migrants with criminal records. However, the new plans show that many families and children without criminal histories are also among those targeted.

The Trump administration is reportedly collaborating with private prison companies to reopen family detention centers closed under the Biden administration. CoreCivic, a private prison company, announced on Wednesday that it would reopen its family detention center in Dilley, Texas, with a capacity of up to 2,400 people.

History of Family Detention Policies

Efforts to deter families and unaccompanied minors from crossing the border date back to 2014 under the Obama administration. Both the Obama and first Trump administrations detained families at border facilities before releasing them with pending court dates.

In 2018, the first Trump administration introduced a controversial “zero-tolerance” policy that separated more than 5,000 children from their parents, sparking widespread condemnation. The policy was later reversed.

The Biden administration, which took office in 2021, implemented a program for expedited removal of families, requiring heads of households to wear ankle monitors until deportation. However, the program was costly and limited to certain cities, according to former ICE officials.

Legal Challenges

Under the Flores agreement, a longstanding federal court settlement, minors held with their parents cannot remain in ICE custody for more than 20 days. Former ICE officials suggest this restriction could make the new large-scale family detention plans more expensive and logistically challenging than deporting single adults.

As the immigration enforcement landscape continues to shift, the proposed operations raise significant humanitarian and legal concerns for migrant families across the country.

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

Lovely weather Thursday and Friday before showers return by the weekend

ABC13 Houston
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0
Lovely weather Thursday and Friday before showers return by the weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Temperatures this afternoon peak in the low 70s with a few wispy cirrus clouds blowing overhead from time to time.

We’ll enjoy more nice weather on Friday with lows in the upper 50s and highs in the low 80s. There is also a 20% chance of rain.

How does the opening weekend of Spring Break look?

We’ve got another weather change arriving Saturday as a cold front blows in during the late afternoon and early evening. This front brings a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures on Saturday warm from the mid 60s to the upper 70s, then cool off into the 40s Sunday morning. Sunday looks dry but still cloudy. It will also be breezy with highs in the mid 60s.

Are we still doing this time change thing?

Like it or not, Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. The clocks will “spring” an hour forward early Sunday morning, meaning the sun will rise and set an hour later than it does on Saturday. Saturday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 6:39 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. Sunday’s sunrise and sunset times are at 7:37 a.m. and 7:26 p.m.

Do we have any major weather changes coming during Spring Break?

Once the front clears on Saturday, we get a really nice stretch of weather for most of Spring Break! Expect lots of sunshine and pleasant temperatures on most days. By next Friday we could see another powerful storm system swing through the southern Plains to bring us a chance for thunderstorms.

Are we done with freezes now?

It sure looks that way! On average, Houston’s last night in the 30s occurs around mid March. If we see any signs of a light freeze or frost on the horizon, we’ll be sure to let you know! Otherwise, it’s generally considered safe to put plants into the ground if you haven’t done so already..

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Condado de Harris Ofrece Vacunas Gratuitas Contra el Sarampión

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Condado de Harris Ofrece Vacunas Gratuitas Contra el Sarampión

En respuesta al creciente brote de sarampión en Texas, la Comisionada del Precinto 4 del Condado de Harris, Lesley Briones, se ha asociado con el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Harris para proporcionar vacunas gratuitas contra el sarampión a niños y adultos.

La iniciativa busca proteger a la comunidad contra esta enfermedad altamente contagiosa, especialmente en un momento crítico para la salud pública.

Las vacunas estarán disponibles en diversos centros comunitarios del Precinto 4 a través de unidades móviles de salud. Esta colaboración ofrece una oportunidad accesible para que los residentes se inmunicen y reduzcan el riesgo de propagación del virus.

“Proteger la salud pública es una de nuestras principales prioridades. Queremos asegurarnos de que todos los residentes tengan acceso a vacunas que puedan salvar vidas, especialmente durante este brote de sarampión,” expresó la Comisionada Briones.

Horarios y Ubicaciones de Vacunación

Los residentes pueden acudir a las siguientes ubicaciones para recibir la vacuna gratuita:

  • 6 de marzo, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Centro Comunitario Freed
    6818 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, TX 77055
  • 7 y 10 de marzo, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Burnett Bayland Community Center
    6026 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, TX 77081
  • 11 de marzo, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Centro Comunitario Tracy Gee
    3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, TX 77042
  • 11 y 12 de marzo, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    Bayland Community Center
    6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074

Cómo Programar una Cita

Se recomienda encarecidamente que los residentes programen una cita con anticipación llamando al 832-927-7350. Sin embargo, también se aceptarán visitas sin cita previa mientras haya disponibilidad.

La Comisionada Briones estará disponible para entrevistas con los medios de comunicación hoy, entre las 10:45 a.m. y las 11:15 a.m., en el Centro Comunitario Bayland para hablar sobre la importancia de la vacunación y el compromiso del Precinto 4 con la salud pública.

Para más información, los residentes pueden visitar el sitio web del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Harris o comunicarse directamente con las oficinas del Precinto 4.

Keep up with health news with us on Que Onda Magazine

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