Texas has struggled to keep up with soaring numbers of inactive and orphaned wells for decades.
More than 150,000 oil and gas wells remain idle and unplugged across Texas, often outlasting their financially struggling owners who abandon them after dying, going bankrupt, or shutting down their companies. A bill proposed by Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton—a Galveston oilman—aims to change that by requiring companies to seal inactive wells while they’re still in business. Currently, operators can leave these wells open indefinitely. Middleton’s legislation would mandate that wells be plugged after 15 years of inactivity, addressing a growing number of aging wells that pose increasing risks to public health and the environment.
The Texas Senate May Vote Soon on Controversial University Bill
Texas lawmakers may vote this week on Senate Bill 37 (SB 37) — a bill that could heavily change how public universities teach about history, race, and inequality. Critics say it might limit academic freedom and create fear among professors about what they can teach.
What’s Changing in the Bill:
1. Control Over What’s Taught
The bill would require universities to review courses every 5 years to make sure they don’t:
Distort major historical events,
Claim one race is better or responsible for others’ actions,
Teach that racism or inequality is built into U.S. institutions.
Critics worry this could lead to censorship, like banning lessons about LGBTQ history or systemic racism.
2. Complaint System
Anyone could file a complaint if they believe a university is breaking the law.
An ombudsman (a new position) would investigate. If schools don’t fix issues within 30 days, the state could sue them or cut their funding.
Experts warn this could flood schools with unfair complaints and scare off top professors.
3. Faculty and Hiring Rules
The bill originally limited who could serve on faculty councils, but that’s changed.
Now, any member using their role for “political advocacy” can be removed.
Also, university presidents must personally hire key leaders (like deans), and the board of regents can still override them.
4. Focus on Job-Ready Degrees
The bill pushes universities to cut degree programs that don’t lead to clear job outcomes.
The state could stop funding programs that don’t show a good “return on investment.”
Some experts agree with the job focus but warn not to cut valuable programs like philosophy, which still lead to meaningful careers after grad school.
In honor of National Burrito Day, Que Onda Magazine had the privilege of speaking with Nelly Quijano, a pioneering entrepreneur in the food industry. Alongside her late husband, Dominic Quijano, she played a key role in co-inventing the McDonald’s Sausage Burrito in Houston during the 1980s. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey from Cuba to the United States, the obstacles she overcame, and the impact she made on the fast-food industry.
A Journey of Resilience
Born in 1962, Quijano was among the 18,000 children flown to the United States as part of an effort by the U.S. government, the Department of State, and a Christian organization in Miami to provide freedom from Fidel Castro’s communist regime.
“For me, it was a very challenging time not being able to be with my parents,” Quijano recalls. “At the same time, it was terrifying, but it was also exciting. I arrived in a new country. I needed to learn the culture. I knew English, so that helped me a little bit. But trying to adapt to the new customs, it was kind of hard at the beginning—very, very hard. But I always lived by the words persistence and determination, so that really helped me get through, even at that age.”
From Entrepreneurial Spirit to McDonald’s Success
Quijano went on to own 30 McDonald’s locations.
“We were really busy,” she says. “I always had that entrepreneurial spirit, and my husband too, so we were both the same. We worked together.”
They initially ran a textiles business in New Jersey, but when it burned down in 1982, they sought new opportunities.
“When it happened, and we got the opportunity to get into McDonald’s, we figured McDonald’s is the American dream. What better company to get associated with?” she says. “So we took the opportunity and started training, and about a year and a half later, we became operators.”
In 1983, they moved to Houston and opened their first McDonald’s restaurant in 1984 in the heart of Magnolia. “The first few months were kind of hard because every business is different, and it’s hard at the beginning,” Quijano explains. “Even though it was McDonald’s, we had tough times at the beginning. But, like I said, hard work—that did it all.”
Overcoming Challenges
Challenges were inevitable, but Quijano was never one to back down.
“Challenges were many, but to me, there’s nothing that stops me,” she says. “The harder the challenge, the harder I work. So that’s how I was able to go through all of that. Don’t forget, there were also two of us, so it was easier between the two of us to go through all of that together and succeed.”
The Birth of the McDonald’s Sausage Burrito
Dominic Quijano, Ronald McDonald and Nelly Quijano.
Quijano and her husband introduced a breakfast item that millions of people enjoy daily—the McDonald’s Sausage Burrito.
“Being Cuban and being used to Latin flavors, coming from New York and getting into Houston, we saw so many Hispanics in the community and realized that McDonald’s had nothing to cater to our customers,” Quijano says. “My husband actually was the one that thought, ‘We need something for the Hispanic community here.’”
They experimented with different ingredients, working with their team and gathering feedback from customers. “Every day, we tried something different. We made burritos with hash browns because we didn’t want to bring new products to the restaurant. We wanted to do it with the products we already had. We made them with hash browns, with sausage, even with chorizo to try to bring a different flavor.”
They took their creations straight to the customers.
“We came out to the lobby every day, shared with them, and they would say, ‘A little more salt, less salt, more of this, more of that.’ So actually, it was a group effort, including our customers.”
A National Staple
Quijano never imagined the burrito becoming a national menu item.
“No, I didn’t, but I was hoping for it,” she says. “Every year when we celebrate another year, I know it’s a milestone. And I wish my husband was here to see it, but it just didn’t work that way.”
Though it was initially developed with the Hispanic community in mind, the burrito has gained widespread popularity. “It’s actually not only a Hispanic product. Many, many people of different nationalities enjoy it.”
The Influence of Cuban Heritage
Quijano’s Cuban roots played a major role in shaping her approach to food.
“In my house, food was the key,” she says. “In any Spanish house, really. We always got together with our family, and it all revolved around food. We cook food with love, and we celebrate traditions with food.”
While the Sausage Burrito isn’t specifically Cuban, the rich spices and flavors reflect her upbringing.
“It started with my Cuban roots,” she explains. “Although we don’t eat anything too hot, we eat very spicy—flavorful.”
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Seeing the McDonald’s breakfast menu still fills Quijano with pride. “It is an incredible feeling when I see that McDonald’s breakfast menu and I know that we created those products,” she says. “I feel very proud, not only because of the burrito itself, but because of the road that led me here. It’s a reminder that no matter where you come from, with hard work and passion, you can leave a lasting mark in everything you do.”
Words of Wisdom for Latinas and Hispanic Youth
Quijano encourages Latinas to dream big while understanding that success requires effort.
“I always say, no matter where you come from, don’t ever forget where you’re going. That’s the most important part,” she says.
“Don’t be afraid to dream big, but remember that dreams are built with effort. Surround yourself with good people, look for mentors, and never stop learning. And don’t be afraid to take risks. We took a lot of risks.”
She urges Hispanic youth to stay persistent. “Set your goals. Don’t get disappointed if you fall. If you fall, pick yourself up again. You will get there. If you have your goals and you are persistent about them, eventually you will get there. It’s just a matter of time.”
A Message to the Latino Community
Quijano highlights the abundance of community resources, from business mentors to financial advisors, that can help Latinos achieve their goals.
“People sometimes don’t know where to start. Look for help. There are a lot of people in our community willing to help. Getting help, looking for a mentor—that is key. And again, persistence.”
Final Thoughts
As the conversation concluded, Quijano expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her story.
“Thank you for inviting me. It’s been great.”
When asked about her go-to meal at McDonald’s, Quijano shares, “I love our classic Quarter Pounder, but I have to say that the Sausage Burrito has a special place in my heart. It’s a little bit of my story in every bite.”
Watch the full interview on YouTube. Keep up with more exclusive interviews featuring Houston’s Latino community with us on Que Onda Magazine.
Boston Court Weighs Block on Controversial Deportation Policy
A federal judge in Boston is set to review the Trump administration’s policy of deporting migrants to third countries where they have no prior connections, without allowing them to contest their safety concerns. The decision could determine the fate of many noncitizens at risk of deportation.
Lawsuit Challenges Risky Removals
A group of noncitizens with final removal orders filed a federal lawsuit last month, arguing that deportations to countries like El Salvador, Honduras, or Panama—where they have no ties—put their lives in danger. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, who temporarily blocked the policy, will consider extending his order and certifying a class of noncitizens to protect them from such removals.
Plaintiffs Fear Persecution, Torture
Lawyers for the plaintiffs stress the urgency of halting the policy, stating that it “may be the difference between safety and torture, life and death.” The lawsuit claims that migrants are being removed without a chance to express fears of persecution or torture. In one case, a Guatemalan man was sent to Mexico despite prior rape and threats against him there.
Allegations of Violating Court Orders
The Trump administration is accused of defying Judge Murphy’s order by deporting over a dozen migrants to El Salvador. Among them was Maiker Espinoza Escalona, allegedly linked to Tren de Aragua, a charge his family denies. Escalona was separated from his partner and infant and detained at El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison. His family insists he was wrongfully targeted.
Government Defends Policy, Critics Call It Inadequate
The Department of Justice argues that the court lacks jurisdiction over final removal orders and insists new policies ensure deported migrants will not face harm. They claim DHS now seeks diplomatic assurances and screens migrants for protection eligibility under the United Nations’ Convention Against Torture. However, plaintiffs’ lawyers call these safeguards “woefully inadequate,” citing recent deportations as evidence.
Families Demand Justice
Families of deported individuals continue to push for accountability. “They are liars,” said Raida, Escalona’s mother-in-law, rejecting claims that many Venezuelans are gang members. “We’re distraught—I don’t wish this on anyone.”
As Judge Murphy weighs his decision, the case underscores ongoing battles over U.S. immigration policies and human rights protections.
Keep up with this federal judiciary development on deportations with us on Que Onda Magazine.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Three suspects are at large after two students were injured in a shooting near Wisdom High School on Wednesday.
The shooting happened on Beverly Hill Street near Hillcroft in southwest Houston around 4:45 p.m.
Witnesses told HISD officials that one suspect was shooting at the students while another was shooting video of the violence.
According to HISD Police Chief Shamara Garner, about 150 students were still on campus and told to take cover inside. The campus was then placed on lockdown.
Garner said the suspects were seen on campus in a black Chevy Tahoe and then started following a 16-year-old student who was walking with his brother, who is not a student. They were fired upon at Beverly Hill and Unity, captured on video by one of the suspects. That victim sustained a leg injury, she said, and ran to the nurse’s office.
A second person was shot, an 18-year-old girl, the chief said. She was shot in the shoulder.
“It is believed the two brothers possibly were targeted. The female, who was preparing for an after-school activity, is not believed to be the target of the incident,” Garner said.
Garner added that the two victims were both hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and extra police and counselors will be at the school on Thursday.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got another sun-filled day coming our way on Thursday, and a weak cool front arriving Friday will keep the sunny weather going through the weekend ahead.
An abundance of sunshine, will rapidly warm temperatures toward 80 by noon and then reach the upper 80s for highs.
An Ozone Pollution Watch is also in effect as unhealthy levels of ozone could get develop in the afternoon hours and persist into the early evening. Ozone is a lung irritant that can trigger coughs and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
What will Friday’s cool front do for us, and are anymore on the way?
Friday’s front won’t move the mercury much, but it will usher in a fresh round of dry air. This front will reinforce the dry and sunny weather through the weekend. Another weak front is now scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. Both fronts will bring us one morning in the 50s, and both fronts should pass through without any rain.
When does rain return to the forecast?
It won’t be until late next week that we have enough moisture back for some rain chances to return. We’ll be keeping a watchful eye on an upper-level Pacific storm that should approach the state of Texas around Easter weekend.
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and two Russian crewmates arrived at the International Space Station early Wednesday morning aboard a Russian spacecraft.
A Soyuz booster rocket launched as scheduled from the Russia-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan, propelling the Soyuz MS-27 carrying the trio into orbit. The spacecraft docked with the station approximately three hours later.
Kim, along with Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, is scheduled to spend approximately eight months at the space outpost.
NASA has assigned Kim the responsibility of conducting scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to prepare the crew for future space missions and to provide benefits to Earth-bound individuals. A native of Los Angeles, Kim holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy and is a dual-designated naval aviator and flight surgeon.
Kim, Ryzhikov, and Zubritsky will join NASA astronauts Don Pettit, Anne McClain, and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner, and Kirill Peskov on the space outpost.
President Donald Trump announced a complete three-month pause on all the “reciprocal” tariffs that went into effect at midnight, with the exception of China, a stunning reversal from a president who had insisted historically high tariffs were here to stay.
Enormous tariffs on China, the world’s second-largest economy, will remain. Trump even increased them to 125% after China responded with tariffs of its own. Other countries affected by reciprocal tariffs will see rates drop to the universal 10% rate.
Trump stated, “I am raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. China will realize the days of ripping off the U.S.A. and other countries are unsustainable.”
Trump expressed optimism about future deals with China.
Wall Street welcomed the moderation, with stocks rallying despite the 10% universal tariff on imports.
The Dow surged over 2,700 points, the S&P 500 rose 9.2%, and the Nasdaq nearly 12% higher. Markets were hit hard by the prospect of higher tariffs Trump laid out last week.
Hours before the announcement, Trump said, “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!” He concluded the post with “DJT,” possibly a nod to Trump Media & Technology Group Corp, whose shares were down nearly 13% this month. After the announcement, shares rose over 20% for Wednesday alone.
Trump said the pause was partly due to people getting “yippy yappy.” He emphasized the need for flexibility, a stark contrast to recent comments asserting he wouldn’t back down on his promises.
The pause was part of Trump’s tariff strategy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was part of his plan but also praised Trump’s courage to stay the course. CNN reported that Bessent visited Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to encourage Trump to focus on reaching new deals with various countries.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testified at a House hearing that he wasn’t aware of the pause until after it was announced.
Greer acknowledged the policy change possibility Wednesday morning but denied knowing its effective date when asked directly. Trump personally involved in discussions seeking concessions, Bessent said, noting no one creates leverage like him. The message to other countries was: “Don’t retaliate and you’ll be rewarded,” signaling good faith trade negotiations.
Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick accompanied Trump when he posted on Truth Social. Lutnick confirmed on X that Bessent and he sat with the President while he wrote the post. Bessent offered limited details on the 90-day pause but emphasized ongoing discussions with other countries, like US government officials meeting with Vietnamese representatives on Wednesday. He believes countries will be more willing to compromise given Trump’s maximum willingness to escalate tariffs. Escalating tensions with China followed Beijing’s announcement of 84% retaliatory tariffs on US goods set to take effect Thursday. The Trump administration has targeted China’s trade practices. Bessent assured that China’s actions would harm its economy more than ours.
Trump intensifies pressure, hoping President Xi Jinping will back down. According to Wendong Zhang, an assistant professor at Cornell University, China may wait, as it risks more escalations despite reducing reliance on US products since the 2018-19 trade war. Chinese leaders now have public support to stand up to the US and pivot to domestic consumption.
The State Council Tariff Commission condemned the US escalation of tariffs, stating it was a mistake that damaged the multilateral trading system.
After China warned of retaliation, Trump proceeded with reciprocal tariffs, pushing economists to increase recession forecasts. While the 90-day pause may have pleased investors, it’s unlikely to prevent a recession, Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US, told CNN.
“The economy is likely to fall into recession due to simultaneous shocks,” Brusuelas said. “The pause postpones punitive import taxes on US trade allies, but it won’t prevent a recession.”
Goldman Sachs economists reversed their forecast, predicting a 45% chance of recession in the next 12 months, down from the “base case” of a recession.
Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, called the pause a positive step but cautioned against celebrating it as it still maintains a 10% tariff baseline on most countries, significant levies on China, steel, aluminum, and autos, with more duties to come.
Trump’s 25% tariffs on the three industries remain, and he has vowed to impose tariffs on other industries like lumber, pharmaceuticals, and copper.
The pause offers little relief to businesses from the uncertainty surrounding the tariff environment since Trump’s November victory.
The Associated Press has been reinstated to White House events after a federal judge ruled the government can’t bar its journalists from covering presidential events. The judge, a Trump appointee, affirmed the government can’t punish the news organization for its speech on First Amendment grounds.
The judge’s decision, a preliminary injunction, gave the AP a significant victory. The White House has been challenging the press on several levels. The judge ruled the government can’t retaliate against the AP’s decision not to follow the president’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
However, the White House may not immediately implement the judge’s ruling. The judge delayed implementing his order for a week to give the government time to respond or appeal. Shortly after the ruling, an AP reporter and photographer were turned away from joining the White House press pool to cover Trump’s appearance before the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Since February 11, the AP has been restricted from covering President Trump in the Oval Office or aboard Air Force One. They’ve also been limited to sporadic coverage of Trump at events in the East Room.
“We’re pleased with the court’s decision,” said AP spokeswoman Lauren Easton. “Today’s ruling affirms the press’s and public’s right to free speech without government retaliation, a fundamental right guaranteed to all Americans in the Constitution.”
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary named in the lawsuit, didn’t respond to a request for comment. The AP sued Leavitt, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, and deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich.
Since taking office, Trump has aggressively attacked the media. The FCC sued ABC, CBS, and NBC News. The administration has attempted to cut funding for government-run news services and threatened public funding for public broadcasters for allegedly being liberal.
The AP requested Judge McFadden rule that Trump’s officials violated the AP’s constitutional right to free speech because the president and his staff disagreed with the AP’s journalists’ words. However, McFadden had previously declined the AP’s request to reverse the changes through an injunction.
Due to its extensive reach, the AP has traditionally been included in “pools” for coverage of presidential events like the Oval Office and Air Force One. However, McFadden cautioned that his ruling doesn’t necessarily mean a return to those days.
The Court doesn’t order permanent access to the Oval Office or any other media event for the AP. It doesn’t bestow special treatment upon the AP either. In fact, the AP isn’t entitled to the ‘first in line every time’ permanent press pool access it enjoyed under the White House Correspondents Association. However, it can’t be treated worse than its peer wire service either.
The judge clarified that his decision doesn’t prohibit government officials from choosing which outlets to give interviews to or selecting which journalists’ questions they choose to answer at a news conference.
Katie Fallow, deputy litigation director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said, “This is a significant decision. The First Amendment ensures that the White House can’t ban news outlets from covering the president simply because they don’t conform to his preferred language.”
Floyd Abrams, a seasoned free-speech attorney, drew parallels to American history in his reaction: “What a remarkable and well-deserved First Amendment victory. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison would be pleased and relieved.”
Trump publicly explained his decision behind striking back at the AP. While there was little disagreement in a March 27 court hearing about the reasons behind Trump’s actions, the administration asserted that it had the discretion to determine who gets to question the president and when, rather than relying on White House correspondents or longstanding tradition.
Since the dispute with the AP, the White House has controlled who covers the president at smaller events and where journalists sit during Leavitt’s briefings. The administration argued that both need to adapt to information consumption.
The AP’s legendary stylebook influences journalists across the world. They’ve decided to continue using “Gulf of Mexico” for the body of water, recognizing its historical significance, despite President Trump’s decision to rename it “Gulf of America.” Different outlets have adopted varying approaches, some simply referring to it as the “Gulf.”
AP’s executive editor, Julie Pace, emphasized in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that the AP’s lawsuit against the Trump administration isn’t just about the name of a body of water. It explores whether the government can control what individuals say.
Testimony revealed that the AP’s coverage has been hindered due to the Trump administration’s actions. Trump dismissed the AP, founded in 1846, as “radical left lunatics” and vowed to exclude them until they agree to use the term “Gulf of America.”
For a news organization known for speed, the AP brought its chief White House correspondent and photographer to testify before McFadden on March 27. The witness explained how the AP’s absence from covering events delayed news and images. The AP’s lawyer also highlighted the loss of a $150,000 advertising contract.
The government’s lawyer presented evidence of the AP’s alternative strategies, such as livestreams and photos from other agencies. Hudak also noted the AP’s regular attendance at Leavitt’s daily briefings.
In Tuesday’s Associated Press v. Budowich et al ruling, Judge McFadden criticized the government’s exclusion of the AP, calling it “brazen” and citing the Constitution’s prohibition of viewpoint discrimination in non-public forums like the Oval Office.
