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New jobs forecast shows Houston’s economy expected to cool, some job growth in 2026

ABC13 Houston
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New jobs forecast shows Houston’s economy expected to cool, some job growth in 2026

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — New job forecasts show the Houston area economy could cool next year, but job growth is still expected.

When it comes to help-wanted signs across the Houston area, experts said they’ll still be out there next year, but maybe not as many as before.

“I wouldn’t say it’s like a rapid growth, but I would say it’s really healthy and consistent with a city that’s really growing,” Workforce Solutions economist Mohammad Ahmadizadeh explained.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that following the pandemic, the Houston area added about 100,000 jobs a year. A figure that fell last year, according to data.

However, the Greater Houston Partnership still forecasted a strong number of 70,000 jobs for 2025. Now, Greater Houston Partnership economic research manager Colin Baker isn’t sure it’ll reach half of that figure.

“We were expecting a bit of a rosier environment going into 2025,” Baker explained. “We’ve seen a lot of uncertainty really grip many businesses.”

Experts say tariffs, immigration, and oil prices impacted our area. Now, they’ve forecasted what next year could bring.

Normally, experts said the Houston area adds between 50,000 and 60,000 jobs a year. Workforce Solutions and the Greater Houston Partnership are forecasting about 20,000 less than that number.

One reason why is that oil prices could continue to decline, impacting jobs locally, experts say. “We know that with upstream companies, once you reach that level, many begin to pull back on new exploration and new drilling,” Baker said.

There are industries the forecasts show could add jobs next year, including health care, government, and leisure and hospitality. Other careers are growing as well, experts say.

“There is a lot of growth in what we call middle-skilled jobs,” Greater Houston Partnership senior vice president of research, Holly Heard, explained. “Jobs that require some sort of post-secondary education or training, but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree.”

Some Houston City College students are hoping this training pays off. Cheyenne Hathaway graduates in May with a degree in artificial intelligence.

“I think it would be a lot more complicated and potentially nerve-wracking,” Hathaway said. To help students, HCC offers several programs, including the reconnect scholarship, which gives students a second chance to come back to school and earn their degree.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

After warm, foggy start to weekend, light freeze now predicted for Houston Sunday night

ABC13 Houston
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0
After warm, foggy start to weekend, light freeze now predicted for Houston Sunday night

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A light freeze is now predicted for Houston Sunday night, but first we have to get through a warm, foggy Saturday before winter rolls in.

What’s in store for the weekend?

Saturday will feel like spring, and Sunday will feel like winter again. Expect dense fog to start off Saturday, with sea fog remaining along the coast most of the day. Temperatures will start near 60 and warm to the upper 70s with a 30% chance of a passing shower. Then get ready to bring the jackets and coats back out on Sunday. A strong cold front will arrive before sunrise for most of us, and while temperatures might start near 60 degrees at sunrise, they will fall into the 40s before sunset. There’s a 30% chance of scattered showers along the front when it moves through in the morning, but we should be dry for the majority of the day with the sun coming out in the afternoon.

How cold will it get behind this front?

After temperatures drop into the 40s Sunday afternoon, they’ll just keep on dropping Sunday night. The freeze line will make it into Houston before sunrise Monday, and it would be wise to spend some time this weekend preparing for a light freeze. Any exposed pipes outside should be wrapped, cold sensitive plants should be protected, and pets and livestock will need warm shelter. Your interior pipes will be just fine. Also, make sure everyone is bundled up Monday morning going back to work and school with the morning wind chills dropping into the 20s!

How long will the cold air stick around?

It’s really just a three day shot of colder air that arrives on Sunday, bottoms out on Monday, is still felt on Tuesday, and is gone by Wednesday.

What’s the early outlook for Christmas week?

We are seeing a strong signal for a very warm weather pattern developing the week of Christmas. In fact, we currently have highs at record levels in the low 80s to kick off Christmas week, and that warm pattern is likely to stick around most of the holiday week.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

MECA Houston Hosts Free Holiday Events Celebrating Mexican and Latin American Traditions

Indira Zaldivar
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0
MECA Houston Hosts Free Holiday Events Celebrating Mexican and Latin American Traditions

Houston’s historic Old Sixth Ward will come alive this December as MECA Houston, a community-based nonprofit arts organization, presents a series of free festive events honoring Mexican and Latin American holiday traditions. Located at 1900 Kane Street, MECA invites the public to celebrate Catholic faith, cultural heritage, and the spirit of community togetherness.

Fiesta Guadalupana – December 12

On Friday, December 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., MECA will host its Fiesta Guadalupana, a vibrant celebration in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe. The evening will feature mariachi serenades and dance performances by MECA’s Ballet Folklórico. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and pan dulce provided by El Bolillo Bakery. This event welcomes families and community members to join in the holiday festivities.

Noche Buena in the Arts District – December 13

Saturday, December 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Noche Buena in the Arts District Festival will highlight Houston’s dynamic arts scene. Attendees can enjoy performances by MECA Ballet Folklórico, live music, and a curated market of local artisans offering handmade goods. The event also includes an arts and crafts section, seasonal treats, and raffle prizes. Noche Buena offers a festive evening of culture, creativity, and community connection.

La Posada in the Old Sixth Ward – December 16

MECA will recreate the traditional La Posada on December 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., guiding participants through Mary and Joseph’s journey in search of shelter. The event features live music, complimentary pan dulce and hot chocolate from El Bolillo Bakery, and provides a reflective, communal experience for attendees to walk together and celebrate the season.

El Nacimiento: Ángeles, Pastores y Migrantes – December 8 to January 10

Complementing the holiday events, MECA will present its December exhibition, El Nacimiento: Ángeles, Pastores y Migrantes, curated by Victor Ancheta and Luis Gavito. The exhibition showcases a variety of Nacimientos and artistic interpretations of the Holy Family and El Santo Niño, blending Spanish Colonial and Indigenous cultural traditions. Visitors can explore the exhibition Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For more things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston Police Department Hosts Toy Drive to Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Families

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Houston Police Department Hosts Toy Drive to Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Families

The Houston Police Department is spreading holiday joy with a special toy distribution event on Saturday, December 13, at 6227 Southwest Fwy. Families are invited to participate, but children must be registered and present to receive their toy.

Donations Still Accepted Through Today

Toy donations will remain open until Friday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. Community members wishing to contribute can help ensure more children receive a gift this holiday season.

For questions or registration details, residents can email justin.rivera@houstonpolice.org.

Community Partners Make It Possible

This year’s toy drive is made possible with support from several community partners, including Abogado José Lopez of The Lopez Law Firm, who is featured on the latest cover of Que Onda Magazine. Additional sponsors include McDonald’s and the Southwest District.

The event aims to bring neighbors together and brighten the holidays for children across the city. Families are encouraged to participate, donate and share the spirit of giving.

For more holiday cheer, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Commissioner Lesley Briones Hosts Free Winter Festival at Bayland Community Center

Edward Saenz
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Commissioner Lesley Briones Hosts Free Winter Festival at Bayland Community Center

Commissioner Lesley Briones is inviting families across the community to celebrate the season at the 3rd Annual Winter Festival, an afternoon filled with free, family-friendly holiday activities at the Bayland Community Center.

Festivities for All Ages

This year’s event will include holiday-themed games, cookie decorating, hayrides, photos with Santa, and live performances — all designed to bring neighbors together and offer affordable fun during the holidays.

Committed to Community

Commissioner Briones continues her mission to provide accessible, community-centered events that help close affordability gaps and strengthen neighborhood connections.

Event Details

When:
Saturday, December 13
3 – 7 p.m.

Where:
Bayland Community Center
6400 Bissonnet Street

For more holiday cheer, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Federal Judge Blocks Re-Detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Federal Judge Blocks Re-Detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

A federal judge has stopped immigration authorities from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia again, just hours before he was set to check in with officials in Baltimore. The move may shape what happens next in his long-running immigration battle.

Temporary Restraining Order Granted

According to attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, the legal team filed an emergency request shortly after midnight. By 7:30 a.m., U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis granted a temporary restraining order preventing Abrego Garcia’s arrest at his scheduled check-in.

Conflicting Immigration Records

Xinis ruled Thursday that Abrego Garcia could not be held in detention because no removal order had ever been issued. But later that night, Immigration Judge Philip Taylor filed a rare decision “correcting” what he called an omission from a 2019 hearing by adding a removal order to Abrego Garcia’s record.

Judge Xinis’ Sharp Criticism

In her ruling, Xinis said Abrego Garcia had been “wrongfully detained” and re-detained without lawful authority. She argued the government’s actions did not align with the basic purpose of detention, which is to carry out removal — something officials could have done by sending him to Costa Rica, his preferred destination.

Costa Rica’s Willingness to Receive Him

Xinis noted that Costa Rica reaffirmed its longstanding offer to grant Abrego Garcia residence and refugee status. She wrote that efforts to remove Costa Rica “off the table” had backfired once the country publicly restated its commitment.

A Long and Extraordinary Case

Xinis previously blocked Abrego Garcia’s removal in August while his habeas petition was pending. That petition was granted Thursday, marking the latest development in a case the judge described as “extraordinary.”

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Day 7: Evidence Fight Continues in Luigi Mangione Case

Edward Saenz
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0
Day 7: Evidence Fight Continues in Luigi Mangione Case

Accused killer Luigi Mangione returned to a Manhattan courtroom Friday as his defense team continued pushing to exclude key evidence from his upcoming murder trial. The 27-year-old is charged with fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan sidewalk last year.

What the Hearing Will Decide

The multi-day hearing will determine which evidence prosecutors can use at trial. Mangione’s lawyers argue some of the investigative steps taken in his capture and arrest violated proper procedure.

Supervisors Defend Warrantless Search

On Thursday, two supervisory officers from Altoona, Pennsylvania — where Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s five days after the shooting — testified that police did not need a warrant to search his backpack. Lt. William Hanelly said Pennsylvania law allows officers to search a person and their belongings under a warrant exception.

Defense Challenges Police Conduct

Defense attorneys have suggested Altoona police may have acted hastily, cutting corners as they rushed to assist in a case drawing national attention. They questioned whether standard procedures were followed during Mangione’s apprehension.

A Surprising Arrest

Hanelly also described texting a patrol officer a joking incentive — lunch from Luigetta’s — if he “collared the New York City shooter.” The wink emoji he included, he testified, reflected his disbelief that the suspect would actually turn up in a fast-food restaurant hours away from Manhattan.

What Happens Next

The suppression hearing is expected to continue into next week. Judge Gregory Carro is scheduled to issue a written decision in January, which will determine what evidence moves forward to trial.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Operation Golden Dynamite: Inside the Daring Rescue of María Corina Machado

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Operation Golden Dynamite: Inside the Daring Rescue of María Corina Machado

The extraction of Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado from Venezuela involved disguises, rough seas and a covert flight, according to Bryan Stern, founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation.

A High-Risk Mission

Stern told the BBC the team navigated pitch-black conditions using flashlights as waves reached 10 feet. Despite the cold and danger, Machado — who had been in hiding since Venezuela’s disputed election — remained calm and determined.

Arrival in Oslo

Machado arrived in Oslo just before midnight to collect her Nobel Peace Prize. There, she reunited with her adult children for the first time in two years.

Months of Preparation

Grey Bull, known for evacuations in conflict zones, had spent months building a presence in Venezuela and Aruba. A member of Machado’s team confirmed to CBS News that Grey Bull was behind the rescue effort.

Challenges of Extracting a Public Figure

Stern said none of their established infrastructure was designed for someone as recognizable as Machado. Even before he learned her identity, he suspected who the mission was for.

How the Plan Came Together

The rescue, named “Operation Golden Dynamite,” moved quickly. Contact was made on a Friday, deployment occurred on Sunday, and by Tuesday Machado was on a plane to Norway.

A Treacherous Sea Journey

Machado was moved from her safe house to a small boat, then transferred to a larger vessel in rough waters. Throughout the journey, teams took measures to disguise her face and scramble any digital trails.

Machado’s Determination

Stern described her as “formidable,” noting she endured the cold, wet conditions without complaint. He emphasized the risk: “If I blow an engine, I’m swimming back to Venezuela.”

Protecting Those Involved

To shield Venezuelans who assisted, Grey Bull relied on deception tactics. Many helpers didn’t know who they were aiding, and identities were carefully concealed.

Funding and Cooperation

Stern said the mission was funded by private donors, not the U.S. government, though he coordinated informally with several countries’ intelligence and diplomatic services.

Will Machado Return?

Machado has expressed her intention to return to Venezuela. Stern advised against it, citing the danger she still faces, but acknowledged she is likely to follow her convictions as “a hero to her people.”

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

City of Houston dashboard tracks and grades 311 service requests

ABC13 Houston
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City of Houston dashboard tracks and grades 311 service requests

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — There are issues that affect the everyday lives of Houstonians: potholes, trash pickup, and water service. And when there’s an issue, residents can call 311 to report it. The city also keeps track of those service requests and grades them.

For Ruth Quintero, her dogs are more than just pets.

“They are like a family member,” Quintero said.

As someone who calls herself an animal lover, she says she felt the need to help a stray cat outside of her home last week. Quintero said that after it died the next day, she called the city to pick it up.

“I was upset, you know?” Quintero said.

But she told ABC13 no one showed up until Wednesday.

“I hate that. I don’t like that. I didn’t like it all,” she said.

According to a dashboard that compiles a list of services based on opening and closing service requests, the city gave itself a D for dead animal collection.

ABC13 looked to see how the city says it’s doing in other areas that impact Houstonians. The city gave itself an A when it comes to dealing with parking violations. When Eyewitness News asked people about that, some said the city should put its efforts elsewhere.

“You’re interested in driving revenue, but you’re not interested in finding ways to deliver the services on the other end of it,” Eric Certernberg said.

Eyewitness News also looked at how the city is doing with garbage and recycling pickups, an issue that’s been reported on frequently. Data from the same dashboard shows that both categories received an F, a grade that some people agreed on.

“They can do better. I know they are really spread out and folks would say that’s an issue,” Certernberg said.

“I know that a lot of people experience delays in trash pickup. Again, in underserved communities and it’s visibly lagging,” Simone McGowan said.

In a place where heavy traffic and long commutes are common, fixing potholes is an issue some say needs to be prioritized.

The data from the same dashboard shows the city gave itself a D.

“Despite all the work that they are doing with the construction, I’m thinking more along the lines of F. I mean, a city like this, with fourth overall in size. There has to be a better way to handle it,” Ceternberg said.

When ABC13 reached out to city officials to see if there’s a plan to improve service requests that weren’t given A’s, they didn’t provide an answer. In the meantime, longtime Houston residents like Quintero are hoping to see changes.

“I want to see A, A plus,” she said.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Dense sea fog possible until strong cold front arrives Sunday

ABC13 Houston
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0
Dense sea fog possible until strong cold front arrives Sunday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our streak of sunny days is coming to an end, and lots of weather changes are on the way through the weekend.

First, moisture level have returned Friday to bring a round of dense fog to Southeast Texas for the morning commute. A Dense Fog Advisory is in place for most counties across our area until 9 a.m. Temperatures will start off in the 50s then warm into the 70s once the sun breaks through the low clouds and fog. Sea fog may persist near the coast throughout the day, and there’s a 20% chance you’ll cross paths with an isolated shower, especially in the afternoon.

What’s in store for the weekend?

Saturday will feel like spring, and Sunday will feel like winter again. Expect dense fog again to start off Saturday, with sea fog remaining along the coast most of the day. Temperatures will start near 60 and warm to the mid 70s with a 30% chance of a passing shower. Then get ready to bring the jackets and coats back out on Sunday. A strong cold front will arrive before sunrise for most of us, and while temperatures might start near 60 degrees at sunrise, they will fall into the 40s during the afternoon under a cloudy sky. There’s a 30% chance of scattered showers along the front when it moves through in the morning, but we should be dry for the majority of the day after that.

How cold will it get behind this front?

After temperatures drop into the 40s Sunday afternoon, they’ll just keep on dropping Sunday night. The freeze line will make a run at Houston, and it would be wise to spend some time this weekend preparing for a light freeze. Any exposed pipes outside should be wrapped, cold sensitive plants should be protected, and pets and livestock will need warm shelter. Your interior pipes will be just fine. Also, make sure everyone is bundled up Monday morning going back to work and school with the morning wind chills dropping into the 20s!

When could we get our first freeze?

There’s now almost a 50% chance Houston will register its first freeze of the season on Monday morning. The wind will be blowing, making it feel up to 10 degrees colder. If we miss out on a freeze early next week, long range signals indicate we probably have to wait until late December or early January for a chance of freezing weather in Houston. On average, Houston historically gets its first freeze during the second week of December.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

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