The Texas State Board of Education has advanced a sweeping overhaul of the state’s K-12 social studies curriculum, setting the stage for the most significant rewrite of history and civics standards in more than a decade and reigniting debates over how Texas students should learn about the past.
The board voted this week to move forward with a proposed framework that would restructure how social studies is taught across grade levels, with a heavier emphasis on Texas history and U.S. civics. The changes are still in draft form and will undergo months of revisions before a final vote, but they signal a major shift in priorities for the nation’s second-largest public school system.
Under the proposal, Texas history would be spread across as many as six grade levels rather than being concentrated primarily in fourth and seventh grades. Supporters say the change would allow students to build a deeper understanding of the state’s role in U.S. history over time, rather than encountering it in isolated courses.
The draft also calls for the creation of a standardized social studies assessment in eighth grade, a move proponents argue would elevate the subject to the same level of importance as math and reading. Social studies is currently tested at fewer grade levels than other core subjects.
Critics, however, warn the proposed standards attempt to cover too much material, potentially overwhelming teachers and students alike. Educators and historians told the board that the lengthy list of required topics could make it difficult to explore complex historical issues in depth.
“There is simply not enough instructional time to meaningfully teach everything that’s been included,” several teachers testified during public comment.
Opponents have also raised concerns about balance. They argue the draft reduces emphasis on world history and global cultures while prioritizing Texas and U.S.-centered narratives. Some advocacy groups and educators say the framework does not sufficiently address Black history and the experiences of other historically marginalized communities.
Board members who support the changes counter that global topics are still included and that the framework is intended as a guide rather than a rigid script. They say revisions will continue as public feedback is incorporated.
The debate reflects broader national tensions over education, curriculum content and cultural issues in public schools. In Texas, the State Board of Education — a 15-member elected body with a Republican majority — has long played an influential and sometimes controversial role in shaping classroom instruction.
The board is expected to continue refining the standards during upcoming meetings, with a final vote anticipated later this year. If approved, the new social studies standards would not take effect until the 2030–31 school year, giving school districts and textbook publishers time to adjust.
Until then, the proposal is likely to remain a flashpoint in Texas politics, as educators, parents and lawmakers weigh in on how history should be taught to millions of students statewide.
Dow Inc., one of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers with a significant presence along the Texas Gulf Coast, announced plans this week to cut about 4,500 jobs globally as part of a major restructuring aimed at lowering costs and expanding the use of artificial intelligence and automation.
The layoffs represent roughly 13% to 15% of Dow’s worldwide workforce and come as the company faces weakening demand, higher operating costs and pressure to improve financial performance. Dow is headquartered in Midland, Michigan, but operates major facilities across the Houston region, including in Freeport, Baytown, Deer Park and La Porte.
The company said the workforce reduction is part of its “Transform to Outperform” initiative, a multi-year effort designed to streamline operations, simplify management structures and improve productivity through digital tools and automation.
Dow executives said demand has softened in several core markets, including packaging, construction materials and specialty plastics, following slower global economic growth. The company reported weaker earnings in recent quarters, prompting renewed focus on cost controls and operational efficiency.
Dow expects the restructuring to eventually generate up to $2 billion in additional operating earnings through reduced expenses and productivity gains. To carry out the plan, the company said it will take one-time charges of between $1.1 billion and $1.5 billion, including hundreds of millions of dollars for severance and related costs.
The company has not yet detailed how many of the job cuts will occur in Texas or which facilities will be most affected. However, analysts say Dow’s large Gulf Coast footprint makes the Houston area particularly vulnerable to workforce reductions, especially in administrative, technical and support roles that are more easily consolidated or automated.
Dow’s Freeport complex south of Houston is one of the company’s largest and most important manufacturing hubs, producing chemicals and plastics used in consumer goods, industrial products and infrastructure projects worldwide.
The announcement adds to growing concerns about job losses in the U.S. chemical and manufacturing sectors, as companies increasingly turn to automation and artificial intelligence to offset rising labor costs and uncertain demand. While AI investments are often promoted as tools to improve safety and efficiency, labor advocates warn that rapid adoption can also accelerate job displacement.
Dow said it plans to reinvest savings from the restructuring into high-growth areas, including advanced materials, sustainability initiatives and digital technologies. Company officials emphasized that the changes are intended to position Dow for long-term competitiveness, even as short-term impacts are felt by workers and local communities.
The layoffs are expected to be implemented over the next year, with additional details to be released as the restructuring moves forward.
Award-winning actress Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for her roles in Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek and Best in Show, has died at the age of 71. Her manager confirmed she passed away Friday, Jan. 30. Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
A Legendary Career in Comedy and Film
Born in Canada in 1954, O’Hara began her career with Toronto’s famed Second City comedy troupe before becoming a breakout star on the sketch series SCTV. Her work on the show earned her an Emmy in 1982 and helped launch a generation of comedy icons, including Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis and Martin Short.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, O’Hara built a steady film career, appearing in projects such as After Hours, Heartburn and Beetlejuice. She later voiced characters in Tim Burton’s animated classics The Nightmare Before Christmas and Frankenweenie.
‘Home Alone’ and Pop Culture Fame
O’Hara became a household name worldwide in 1990 as Kate McCallister, the frantic but loving mother in the holiday classic Home Alone. She reprised the role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, cementing her place in pop culture history.
Mockumentary Royalty and Critical Acclaim
She was a frequent collaborator with director Christopher Guest, starring in mockumentary favorites including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration. Her performances were widely praised for their sharp wit and emotional depth.
In television, O’Hara earned acclaim for guest roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Six Feet Under, later receiving her first acting Emmy nomination for the TV movie Temple Grandin.
A Late-Career Renaissance With ‘Schitt’s Creek’
O’Hara reached new heights of fame withSchitt’s Creek, which premiered in 2015 and became a global hit after landing on Netflix. Her portrayal of Moira Rose earned her an Emmy in 2020 and solidified her status as one of comedy’s greats.
She continued working steadily in recent years, appearing in Apple TV+’s The Studio and HBO’s The Last of Us, earning Emmy nominations for both.
Remembered for Talent and Joy
Over her career, O’Hara won multiple Emmys, a Golden Globe and numerous acting honors. In a 2025 interview, she reflected on comedy and career longevity, saying, “It’s a beautiful gift to be able to laugh, and especially to laugh at yourself.”
Tributes continue to pour in as fans and colleagues remember her as a fearless performer whose work shaped decades of film and television.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Police Department said that they’ve released surveillance footage that captures an April 2025 shooting that left one man dead and another wounded.
According to HPD, the video shows two unknown men wearing hoodies and masks while driving a white Mercedes-Benz sedan.
Authorities said that the two men are suspected of shooting and killing 26-year-old Daylan Walker and shooting another man, also 26, leaving him with non life-threatening injuries.
Police said that on April 23, 2025, officers responded to a call at 10219 Rolleston Lane at around 8:15 p.m.
HPD said that when officers arrived at the home, they found Walker unresponsive inside the garage suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medical staff later pronounced him dead at the scene, they added.
The suspects then ran back to their car and took off, detectives said.
Officials said that the other man, whose name has not been made public, was found inside the home with one gunshot wound. He was taken to a nearby hospital.
HPD urges anyone with information on the suspects to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got another blast of arctic air blowing our way, and this pattern change will make for some chilly and windy weather today and Saturday.
A chilly northwest wind is being felt all across Southeast Texas today, plus the clouds are helping to filter out the sunshine. This is making it difficult for temperature to climb much above 50 degrees. But if you think it feels cold today, just wait until tomorrow! The true arctic air will blow in overnight, making for a cold and blustery Saturday despite a sunny sky.
How cold will it get behind the next arctic front?
It won’t be nearly as cold as what we just experienced. That said, we will likely see lows in the 20s again this weekend. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for most of Southeast Texas Saturday morning as wind chills drop down into the 15-25 range near sunrise. A Freeze Watch is also in effect from 9 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday because some spots north of Houston could drop down into hard freeze territory. Make sure all people, pets, and livestock have a warm place to shelter through Sunday morning.
Will we get a chance for any frozen precipitation with this arctic front?
No. This front will pass through dry, and no precipitation is expected behind the front.
This is too cold for Houston! When will it warm up again?
After this frigid weekend, we should have more seasonal temperatures with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. By next Wednesday we could even have a “warm” rain with temperatures near 60.
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Fitness influencer and competitive bodybuilder Bi Jiaqi has died suddenly in his sleep at the age of 26. Friends said he passed away Friday morning, just hours after discussing plans for an upcoming bodybuilding competition.
Concerns in the Days Before His Death
Those close to Jiaqi said he appeared unwell in the days leading up to his death but assumed it was due to intense training. Friends later pointed to warning signs seen in recent photos, including purple-colored lips, extreme fatigue, and abnormally bulging blood vessels in his neck.
They said the symptoms may indicate oxygen deficiency and circulatory issues, conditions that can increase the risk of cardiac arrest. The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Extreme Training and Dehydration Practices
Earlier this month, Jiaqi shared a selfie on social media joking that his “head was swollen like a steamed bun.” His training partners reportedly believed the condition was linked to extreme fat loss and dehydration ahead of competition.
Many competitive bodybuilders reduce water and salt intake to achieve muscle definition, a practice that experts warn can put severe strain on the heart.
Medical Experts Warn of Cardiovascular Risks
Zhang Yu, a cardiologist at Fuwai Hospital in Shenzhen, said prolonged high-intensity training can heavily burden the cardiovascular system.
He warned that dehydration and aggressive fat-cutting methods can thicken the blood, significantly increasing the risk of blood clots. Long-term overload training, he added, may also lead to heart muscle enlargement and fibrosis, raising the risk of sudden death.
Shock and Grief From Followers
Jiaqi, who was from Ningbo, China, had recently purchased a new home and planned to host friends once renovations were complete. He died before the work was finished.
Fans on Weibo expressed shock at his passing, with many saying they believed the young athlete was “invincible.” An autopsy is expected to determine the official cause of death.
For more health recommendations and guidelines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
Progressive political streamer Hasan Piker has been temporarily suspended from Twitch following remarks made during a recent livestream that linked U.S. immigration enforcement actions to anti-Israel protests. Piker confirmed on X that the ban would last “a couple of days,” though Twitch has not publicly clarified the length or specific reason for the suspension.
What Triggered the Suspension
During the stream, Piker discussed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and claimed immigration enforcement in the U.S. was being used to target “anti-Israel protesters.” He also used profanity and inflammatory language, including comparisons widely criticized as demeaning.
Twitch currently displays a notice on Piker’s channel stating it is “temporarily unavailable due to a violation of Twitch’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Service.”
Context Around ICE and Recent Protests
The comments came as Piker reacted to footage tied to ICE enforcement in Minnesota. The discussion referenced the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse, who was killed during a federal immigration operation. His death followed another fatal ICE-related shooting in the city earlier this month, intensifying public protests and scrutiny of ICE conduct.
Piker also cited reports alleging that federal agencies monitor pro-Palestinian and anti-ICE activists, claims previously denied by the Department of Homeland Security.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy has drawn sharp criticism from progressive groups, who argue some actions risk infringing on First Amendment protections. Supporters of the administration say the policies are necessary to combat antisemitism and extremism.
The controversy highlights growing tensions online over political speech, platform moderation, and where companies draw the line between criticism of governments and language considered hateful or abusive.
Twitch’s Rules on Hateful Conduct
Twitch’s policies prohibit content that is abusive, inflammatory, or hateful toward protected groups. A 2024 internal memo clarified that using the term “Zionist” to attack individuals or groups based on religion or background violates platform rules, while political discussion or criticism of Zionism as an ideology does not.
Piker Responds
Writing on X, Piker characterized the suspension as punishment for “criticizing Israel.” Twitch has not commented publicly, and it remains unclear which specific guideline the streamer was found to have violated.
First elected in 2022, Lozano made history as the first Latina, the first woman, and the youngest woman ever elected to the position in Harris County.
Now, as her name appears on the March 3, 2026 primary ballot, Lozano says her campaign is about continuing the work she started—making the justice system more accessible, compassionate, and community-centered.
Rooted in Community and Service
Lozano describes herself as “the proud daughter of a union carpenter and a Harris County police officer,” parents who, she said, “fostered all the resources they had to ensure that I had a better life.”
She was the first in her family to graduate from college and returned to Houston shortly after to give back to the community that raised her.
“When I took office in 2023, I made a commitment to make the courtroom more convenient, compassionate, and community-centered,” Lozano said. “And I’m proud to share that we’ve delivered on that commitment.”
Accomplishments From Her First Term
One of Lozano’s most notable achievements has been the launch of an eviction diversion initiative in her court. The program has received multiple accolades, including a Best Practices Award from the Texas Association of Counties—the first time a Harris County Justice of the Peace has received the honor.
“We’ve been able to help families with over half a million dollars in assistance,” Lozano said. “Awards are great, but what matters most to me are the stories.”
She pointed to single mothers on the brink of eviction and abuelas caring for their grandchildren who were able to stabilize their housing through the program.
In addition, Lozano helped bring a free legal kiosk to her courthouse in Pasadena, allowing residents to connect with an attorney within minutes.
“It’s the number one traffic kiosk in the state of Texas,” she said.
“I attribute that to my team and to us being out in the community and making sure people know there are resources available.”
Expanding Access and Education
Accessibility has been a cornerstone of Lozano’s judicial philosophy, both inside and outside the courtroom. Her court operates bilingually, with translations available in English and Spanish and interpreters present at all dockets upon request.
“The courtroom is very intimidating,” Lozano said. “I noticed very quickly the importance of accessibility.”
Beyond the courthouse, Lozano has prioritized fully translated community education to address issues she regularly sees on the bench, particularly disputes involving property and estate matters.
“What I see in my courtroom time and time again is family members fighting over property, but no one really has true ownership of the estate,” she said.
Historic Jacinto City Legal Workshop
That commitment was underscored in January 2026 when Lozano hosted Harris County’s first fully translated and interpreted family legal workshop in Jacinto City alongside county and judicial partners.
The free event provided multilingual guidance on probate, property ownership, and estate planning tools such as small estate affidavits and Transfer on Death Deeds (TODDs).
“No one should be prevented from understanding their rights and responsibilities because of language,” Lozano said.
The workshop addressed common challenges including frozen bank accounts and unclear property titles, and helped families take proactive steps to protect their homes and generational wealth.
Why She Ran—and Why She’s Running Again
Lozano said her decision to run for office was shaped during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when she was deeply involved in protests, coalitions, and public meetings.
“I noticed specifically in this seat, the previous judge had been sitting there for 36 years,” she said.
“That was longer than I had ever been alive. I knew it was time for a change.”
She ran her first campaign using her personal savings, with her husband serving as campaign manager. The experience, she said, taught her resilience—one word she uses to describe her first term.
“Being the youngest woman ever elected, being the first Latina in the seat, there were challenges,” Lozano said. “But through everything that hit me in my first year, I was still able to continue to rise.”
A Vision for a Second Term
Looking ahead, Lozano says her priority is expanding the eviction diversion initiative countywide and continuing partnerships with Harris County Commissioners Court.
“My goal in this next term is to expand it throughout all the courts in Harris County,” she said, noting the recent approval of $1 million to launch the Houston Eviction Advocacy Center, which provides free legal aid to tenants regardless of immigration status.
She also hopes to address what she sees as an imbalance in case distribution across justice courts.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Lozano said. She emphasized the importance of continued coordination to address disparities in caseloads.
Representation, Motherhood, and the Future
Lozano emphasized the importance of representation, especially for Latinas navigating the legal system.
“Having a friendly face, a Latina, somebody that’s always in the community is really comforting,” she said.
Recently becoming a mother has also shaped her perspective. Lozano worked alongside Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones to establish maternity leave for herself—the first time a sitting Harris County judge had been pregnant in office.
From left: Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and Harris County Precinct 2, Place 2 Justice of the Peace Dolores Lozano.
“Everything I do now is through a mother’s lens,” she said. “Everything I do is for my son, Xavi.”
Encouraging the Next Generation
A first-generation college graduate, Lozano is a strong advocate for education and civic engagement serving as assistant Secretary on the KIPP Texas Board of Directors and has been selected for leadership programs including the Aspen Ideas Festival, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Latinos for Education, HTXelerator, and New Leaders Council.
She also is an active member of the Junior League of Houston focusing her volunteer efforts at the Houston Food Bank.
Lozano encourages young people interested in public service to start by getting involved locally.
“Go to city council meetings, commissioners court, do your research,” she said. “Email us. DM us. I’m 100% available to share my journey.”
Broad Coalition of Endorsements
As she campaigns for a second term, Lozano has garnered widespread support from labor, progressive, and advocacy organizations, as well as dozens of elected officials across all levels of government.
She has been endorsed by the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO, Bay Area Democratic Movement, Area 5 Democrats, Houston Black American Democrats, Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, Run For Something, Latino PAC, the Latino Labor Leadership Council, the Houston Progressive Caucus, and Run Sister Run, along with more than 30 elected officials at the federal, state, county, and local levels.
Notable endorsers include U.S. Rep. Al Green; former U.S. Rep. Erica Lee Carter; Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis, Adrian Garcia, and Lesley Briones; Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo; District Attorney Sean Teare; Sheriff Ed Gonzalez; State Sen. Molly Cook; State Reps. Harold Dutton and Ron Reynolds; and Houston City Councilmembers Letitia Plummer, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, and Joaquin Martinez, among many others throughout Harris County and the greater Houston region.
Election Information and Final Message
Early voting runs from February 17 through February 27, with Election Day set for March 3, 2026. Lozano urges voters to bring their families and make their voices heard.
“To everyone at Que Onda,” Lozano said in closing, “continue following your dreams. No dream is too small or too big. Keep going, keep pushing. Sí se puede.”
For more stories on prominent Latino and Hispanic leaders in Houston like Judge Dolores Lozano, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
Brad Pitt has gained a significant advantage in his ongoing legal battle with ex-wife Angelina Jolie over their shared French winery, Château Miraval. A judge has ordered Jolie to turn over 22 previously undisclosed documents, including private text messages and emails, after ruling in Pitt’s favor.
Legal dispute over Château Miraval
Pitt sued Jolie in 2022 following her sale of her stake in the winery to a subsidiary of the Stoli Group. Jolie’s company, Nouvel, transferred her 50% ownership interest without Pitt’s consent, a move Pitt claims violated an agreement the former couple made when they purchased the property in 2008.
Why the documents matter
Legal experts say the newly ordered documents could be critical to the outcome of the case. Attorneys told Fox News Digital that the effort Jolie’s team made to shield the messages suggests the contents may weaken her legal position and potentially shift the case in Pitt’s favor.
Discovery ruling seen as major win
While discovery disputes are common in civil litigation, entertainment and family law attorneys described this ruling as a meaningful victory for Pitt. They noted that judges typically compel disclosure only when documents are deemed relevant and not legally protected.
Will the messages become public?
Whether Jolie’s private texts and emails ever become public remains uncertain. Legal experts explained that discovery materials are not automatically filed into the public record unless they are introduced as evidence during court proceedings or attached to court filings.
Possibility of early resolution
Attorneys also suggested the case could resolve sooner than expected if the documents significantly damage Jolie’s claims. In that scenario, a settlement could occur before the most sensitive materials are publicly disclosed.
Background on the long-running feud
Pitt and Jolie were together for 12 years and married for two before Jolie filed for divorce in 2016. Since then, their dispute over Château Miraval has escalated, with Jolie’s company accusing Pitt of mismanaging and depleting winery assets, claims Pitt has denied.
What’s next
Despite the recent ruling, Pitt and Jolie are still expected to face off in court over the winery dispute, with proceedings currently anticipated in 2027.
