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Houston City Council to host last evening public session of 2025

Indira Zaldivar
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Houston City Council to host last evening public session of 2025

Houston City Council is wrapping up its first-ever evening public comment pilot program with the last session scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

The evening sessions are part of a new pilot program designed to make it easier for Houstonians to participate in local government. Traditionally, public hearings are scheduled at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, limiting access for residents juggling work, traffic, and family responsibilities.

“This is about meeting people where they are,” said Council Member Mario Castillo, who proposed the change. “We want to hear from more Houstonians—not just those who can take off in the middle of the day.”

Last Wednesday, the council voted to make the monthly evening public hearings permanent with a few tweaks.

During the Dec. 10 meeting, council members discussed what worked and what could be improved. Council member Fred Flickinger, District E, proposed changing the sessions from monthly to quarterly, citing concerns about staffing burdens and repeat speakers. His amendment failed in an 8-9 vote.

“I kind of hoped that when we did this, that it would be an opportunity for people who have never been up here,” Flickinger said.

Despite those concerns, the ordinance passed unanimously with several adjustments:

  • The start time shifts from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Proclamations will be eliminated during evening sessions.
  • The final public session is clarified as a non-consolidated meeting.

How the Pilot Program Works

How to Register to Speak

If you want to address City Council during an evening session, you must register by 3 p.m. on the Monday before the meeting.

Residents can sign up by:

  • Calling 832.393.1100
  • Emailing speakers@houstontx.gov
  • Visiting the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, Room P101

What’s Next

While not formally voted on, council members suggested additional ways to enhance participation in the future. Ideas included shifting the following day’s council meeting start time from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and expanding virtual participation options. Council members also discussed potentially hosting sessions at community locations such as libraries and cultural centers.

The final pilot session is scheduled for Dec. 16, marking the transition from a test program to a permanent feature of Houston’s civic process.

“This is a step toward more inclusive civic participation,” Castillo said. “We’re making space for voices that have too often been left out.”

Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine for weekly coverage of Houston City Council.

Russia Signals Readiness for Peace Deal

Edward Saenz
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Russia Signals Readiness for Peace Deal

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Moscow believes Russia and Ukraine are “on the verge” of a diplomatic agreement to end the war, according to an exclusive interview with ABC News. Ryabkov said Russia is prepared to reach a deal and expressed hope that an agreement could come sooner rather than later.

U.S. Officials See Progress

U.S. administration officials echoed cautious optimism, telling reporters that roughly 90% of the issues separating the two sides have been resolved. Both Moscow and Kyiv are currently working with American representatives as part of the White House’s latest effort to broker an end to the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Territorial Demands Remain a Major Obstacle

Despite the optimistic tone, Ryabkov reaffirmed Russia’s long-standing demand for control over Crimea and four other partially occupied regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. He said Moscow cannot compromise on these territories, a position Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected.

Opposition to NATO Troops in Ukraine

Ryabkov also ruled out any agreement that would allow NATO troops to be stationed in Ukraine after the war, even as part of a security guarantee. He said Russia would not accept the presence of foreign NATO forces on Ukrainian soil under any circumstances.

Kremlin Language and War Framing

In the interview, Ryabkov avoided calling Russia’s actions a war, instead using the Kremlin’s term “special military operation.” He said the conflict would end depending on whether Ukrainian authorities and their supporters accept what he described as Russia’s inevitable success.

Justification of the Invasion

Russian officials have consistently framed the invasion as a measure to protect ethnic Russians in Ukraine. Ryabkov said he sympathized with those affected by the fighting, arguing that Russia’s actions were intended to ensure that many of them would ultimately be better off as part of Russia.

Broader U.S.-Russia Relations

Ryabkov, a senior figure in Russia’s Foreign Ministry since 2008, said progress on broader issues such as nuclear and arms control talks with the United States would depend on what he called irreversible changes in Washington’s policy toward Moscow. He also suggested that a future meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump remains possible as peace discussions continue.

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

U.S. Tariff Revenue Tops $200 Billion in 2025

Michael Esparza
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U.S. Tariff Revenue Tops $200 Billion in 2025

The United States has collected more than $200 billion in tariffs this year from new duties imposed by President Donald Trump since the start of 2025, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The figure reflects only the latest round of tariffs and excludes duties imposed during Trump’s first term.

Supreme Court Reviews Tariff Legality

The revenue milestone comes as the Supreme Court considers whether the new tariffs were imposed illegally. The duties were enacted through executive orders without congressional authorization, prompting legal challenges from businesses and trade groups.

Details of the New Tariffs

Trump introduced what he described as reciprocal tariffs on imports from most countries, along with additional “fentanyl tariffs” targeting goods from Canada, China and Mexico. He said those measures were intended to pressure the countries to curb the flow of the drug into the United States.

Customs Agency Defends Enforcement

Customs and Border Protection said it collected the more than $200 billion between Jan. 20 and Dec. 15, 2025, under more than 40 executive orders. The agency said the collections highlight its role in enforcing trade laws and protecting U.S. economic and national security.

Recent Dip in Monthly Collections

Tariff collections declined slightly in November, totaling $30.75 billion, down from $31.15 billion in October. The decrease coincided with slower freight shipments and reductions to some duties.

Potential Refunds if Court Rules Against Tariffs

If the Supreme Court finds the tariffs unlawful, companies that have already paid the duties could be entitled to refunds. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit previously ruled that Trump lacked authority to impose the tariffs without congressional approval, emphasizing that tariff powers rest with Congress.

Businesses Push Back

Several companies have sued the Trump administration seeking refunds and an end to tariff collections. In late November, Costco joined other firms asking courts to block the duties while the Supreme Court case is pending.

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

Maduro Accuses Opposition of Plot to Impose Maria Corina Machado as New Leader

Indira Zaldivar
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Maduro Accuses Opposition of Plot to Impose Maria Corina Machado as New Leader

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused the opposition of attempting to impose María Corina Machado as the country’s leader by force, claiming without evidence that foreign actors plan to bring her to Venezuela “on a warship.” He made the remarks during the virtual XXV Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA).

Comparison to Juan Guaidó

Maduro likened Machado to former opposition figure Juan Guaidó, who was recognized by the United States and several allies as interim president in 2019. He alleged that Machado and other opposition leaders are part of a criminal network and accused them of profiting from human trafficking, offering no proof to support the claims.

Claims of Economic Recovery and Migrant Returns

In his address, Maduro asserted that Venezuela’s economy is rebounding, saying growth has resumed. He also claimed that nearly 1.4 million of the 2.4 million Venezuelans who migrated abroad have returned to the country, according to local outlet Caraota Digital.

Deportation Flights and U.S. Repatriation Program

Maduro said deportation flights from the United States are continuing under an existing repatriation agreement and expressed hope that the program would remain in place for the long term.

Renewed Attacks on Machado

The comments follow Maduro’s recent criticism of Machado after she reappeared publicly abroad following months in hiding inside Venezuela. He previously accused her of encouraging foreign intervention and backing U.S. actions against the country, including the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker.

Detention of Opposition Party Official

As tensions escalated, Venezuelan security forces detained Melquiades Pulido García, a senior member of Vente Venezuela, the party led by Machado. The party said agents detained Pulido in Caracas without a judicial warrant and did not disclose his whereabouts.

Health Concerns and Calls for Release

Vente Venezuela warned that Pulido, 70, suffers from Parkinson’s disease and a blood clotting disorder requiring continuous medical care. The party described his detention as a forced disappearance and demanded his immediate release.

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

Hollywood Mourns Rob Reiner and Wife Michele Singer

Indira Zaldivar
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Hollywood Mourns Rob Reiner and Wife Michele Singer

Tributes poured in across Hollywood and Washington after director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead in their Brentwood home. The Emmy-winning filmmaker behind classics like The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, and This Is Spinal Tap was remembered for both his storytelling and his advocacy.

A Legacy of Storytelling and Empathy

Former President Barack Obama praised Reiner’s body of work and character, writing that his films reflected “a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.” California Gov. Gavin Newsom echoed that sentiment, calling Reiner a “big-hearted genius” whose empathy made his stories timeless.

Colleagues Remember a Friend and Mentor

Actor Jerry O’Connell shared a simple message—“Love you, Rob”—alongside a photo from Stand By Me. Josh Gad remembered Reiner as “one of the greatest directors of our time” and described both Rob and Michele as “kind and caring souls.”

Impact Beyond Film

James Woods, who worked with Reiner on Ghosts of Mississippi, said their friendship endured despite political differences, noting, “Rob fought for me… I am devastated by this terrible event.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the loss devastating for the city and the country, citing Reiner’s cultural impact and his advocacy for social and economic justice. Nancy Pelosi also mourned the couple, emphasizing Michele Singer’s role as Reiner’s “indispensable partner” in both life and work.

An Enduring Influence

Actors and filmmakers highlighted how Reiner shaped their careers. Paul Walter Hauser credited A Few Good Men as the reason he became an actor, while director Joe Russo wrote, “We lost one of the few good men.” Elijah Wood and Virginia Madsen also shared messages of grief and gratitude.

Family and Friends Pay Tribute

The family of Norman Lear, who often referred to Reiner as a son, said Rob and Michele “spent every breath trying to make this country a better place,” underscoring a legacy that extended far beyond the screen.

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

Freeze warning in effect Monday morning with temperatures dropping to or below freezing

ABC13 Houston
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Freeze warning in effect Monday morning with temperatures dropping to or below freezing

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Freeze Warning is in effect through 9 a.m. Monday for most of Southeast Texas including the city of Houston. Temperatures as low at 27 degrees are possible, lasting for about 2 to 5 hours early Monday morning.

As the warning expires Monday, we’ll see temperatures rise from the upper 20s or low 30s to low-mid 50s Monday afternoon. So while Monday is still a wintry day, we only have a brief window early in the morning before sunrise with freezing temperatures. Clouds will also begin to roll in during the second half of the day and make for more of a cloud day Tuesday.

Are there any more freezes in the forecast?

Thankfully, nope! Once we get through Monday morning’s light freeze we don’t have another freezing morning in sight at this point. This chilly air will stick around for Monday night though with temperatures falling into the upper 30 or low 40s, but that’s not old enough to warrant any weather alerts or major impacts.

What else should we expect this week?

The next thing on the way for Southeast Texas is the chance for scattered showers and storms on Wednesday. This will be paired with a warmup allowing for afternoon highs to climb into the low 70s Wednesday and then close to 80 degrees for Thursday! Our next cold front then arrives late Thursday night to bring us a more seasonal day with low humidity for Friday.

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

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Port of Beaumont trade surge delivers $23B boost to Texas economy

Edward Saenz
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Port of Beaumont trade surge delivers $23B boost to Texas economy

The Port of Beaumont has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economic engines in Texas, generating more than $23 billion in trade activity and supporting roughly 157,000 jobs statewide, according to a newly released economic impact study highlighted this week by state officials.

Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock visited the Southeast Texas port to present findings showing a dramatic rise in cargo volume and exports. The study found the port’s trade value has increased 182% since 2018, driven largely by shipments of mineral fuels, petroleum products and chemicals.

“This port plays a critical role not just for Southeast Texas, but for the entire state’s economy,” Hancock said during the visit. “The growth we’re seeing here reflects Texas’ strength in global trade and logistics.”

In 2024 alone, the Port of Beaumont handled approximately $23 billion in trade, accounting for about 5.4% of all seaport trade in Texas, the report said. That activity translated into an estimated $23.4 billion contribution to Texas’ gross domestic product.

Port officials credit the surge to years of infrastructure investments, including dock upgrades, rail connectivity improvements and expanded terminal capacity. Those improvements have positioned Beaumont as a key export hub along the Gulf Coast, particularly for energy-related commodities.

The port’s expansion has also fueled job growth beyond the docks, supporting employment in transportation, manufacturing, warehousing and supply-chain services across the state, according to the comptroller’s office.

While the Port of Houston and the Port of Corpus Christi remain Texas’ largest seaports by volume, Beaumont’s rapid growth underscores the increasing importance of smaller Gulf Coast ports in handling export-driven trade.

Founded in 1908, the Port of Beaumont has long served as a major petroleum and chemical shipping center. Recent investments and rising global demand for energy exports have helped transform it into one of Texas’ most impactful trade gateways, officials said.

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett emerges as rising Democratic force with U.S. Senate bid

Edward Saenz
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Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett emerges as rising Democratic force with U.S. Senate bid

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a first-term congresswoman known for her sharp rhetoric and civil rights background, has quickly become one of the most prominent Democratic voices in Texas politics as she campaigns for the U.S. Senate.

Crockett, a Dallas Democrat representing Texas’ 30th Congressional District, announced her Senate bid in December, entering a high-profile primary and reshaping the party’s strategy in a state long dominated by Republicans. Her candidacy follows a rapid political ascent that has taken her from the Texas House to Congress in just a few years.

Born in St. Louis, Crockett is a trained attorney who earned her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Before entering politics, she worked as a public defender and civil rights lawyer, experiences she frequently cites as shaping her views on criminal justice reform, voting rights and economic inequality.

She was elected to the Texas House in 2020, serving one term before winning a crowded Democratic primary in 2022 to succeed longtime U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. Crockett took office in January 2023 and quickly gained national attention through her confrontational questioning in congressional hearings and frequent media appearances.

In Congress, Crockett has focused on issues including voting access, reproductive rights and government accountability. She serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the Agriculture Committee, roles that have helped raise her profile among Democratic activists nationwide.

Her Senate campaign centers on mobilizing voters who historically turn out at lower rates, particularly Black, Latino and younger Texans. Crockett has argued that expanding turnout, rather than appealing to conservative voters, offers Democrats their best chance to compete statewide.

The race has already had ripple effects across Texas politics. Former congressman Colin Allred exited the Democratic Senate primary shortly after Crockett entered the contest, narrowing the field. Early polling has suggested Crockett holds an advantage among Democratic primary voters, though the general election remains an uphill battle for Democrats in Texas.

Supporters view Crockett as a bold, unapologetic candidate who energizes the party’s base, while critics question whether her confrontational style can attract the crossover support needed to win statewide office.

If elected, Crockett would become one of Texas’ most influential Democrats in decades. For now, her Senate run has cemented her status as a rising figure in both state and national Democratic politics.

Legendary Director Rob Reiner, wife, Michele, found dead

Edward Saenz
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Legendary Director Rob Reiner, wife, Michele, found dead

Rob Reiner, the acclaimed actor, director and producer whose work helped shape American television and film for decades, died at 78, according to reports from Variety and TMZ. His death, along with that of his wife, Michele Singer, 68, is under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department after the couple was found in their Brentwood home.

Born March 6, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, Reiner grew up immersed in entertainment. His father was comedy legend Carl Reiner, and his mother, Estelle Reiner, was an actress. He rose to prominence as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, earning two Emmy Awards for his role as Archie Bunker’s liberal son-in-law.

While Reiner accumulated numerous acting credits, his most lasting influence came behind the camera. He directed a series of widely beloved and influential films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally …, Misery and A Few Good Men.

In When Harry Met Sally …, Reiner famously cast his mother in the now-iconic deli scene in which Meg Ryan’s character fakes an orgasm. Reiner later recalled coaching Ryan through the moment by acting it out himself in front of Billy Crystal — and, unknowingly at first, his mother. Estelle Reiner’s improvised line, “I’ll have what she’s having,” became one of the most quoted lines in film history.

Reiner’s mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap became a cultural touchstone and was later inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. He said financial disputes over the original film were the driving force behind the sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, explaining in a 2025 interview with USA TODAY that the creators earned almost nothing from the original release due to complicated rights issues.

Beyond filmmaking, Reiner was a prominent progressive voice in Hollywood. He supported causes including marriage equality and gun control, and he was a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump. In 2006, he was briefly mentioned as a potential candidate for governor of California but chose not to run.

Reiner was married to actress and director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981 and adopted her daughter, Tracy Marshall, who later became an actress. In 1989, he married Michele Singer, a photographer. The couple had three children: Nick, Jake and Romy.

Reiner often credited Singer with inspiring the optimistic ending of When Harry Met Sally …, which he was filming when they met.

If you want this shortened, rewritten more cautiously, or formatted strictly in AP style, I can do that next.

Inside Astros Light Up the Park: New downton Houston’s Holiday Attraction

Indira Zaldivar
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Inside Astros Light Up the Park: New downton Houston’s Holiday Attraction

Downtown Houston is glowing brighter than ever as City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic returns with eleven festive villages — and this year, one dazzling newcomer is stealing the show. Astros Light Up the Park, presented by Methodist and hosted at Daikin Park, transforms the home of the Houston Astros into a full-scale holiday lights experience perfect for families, fans, and anyone ready to step into the spirit of the season through Jan. 4, 2026.

A Holiday Home Run at Daikin Park

Astros Light Up the Park invites visitors to wander through 12 immersive light exhibits celebrating the ballclub and the city that loves them. From northern-lights-inspired tunnels to Houston landmark displays and baseball-themed wonderlands, every corner feels like a chapter in a sparkling Astros story.

The centerpiece is a winter scene complete with gentle snowfall swirling around a massive holiday tree built from oversized baseball ornaments — a whimsical twist that blends sports pride with seasonal magic. Interactive installations and photo-ready moments at every turn keep fans of all ages entertained. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Astros Foundation, extending the holiday cheer into the greater Houston community.

Eleven Villages, One Connected Holiday Adventure

While Astros Light Up the Park headlines the season’s festivities, the full City Lights experience offers a holiday playground stretching across Downtown. Visitors can explore:

  • Winter Wonderlawn at POST Houston, a rooftop winter escape glowing with thousands of lights and skyline views.
  • Tinsel Town at Market Square Park, filled with free family activities, Santa photos, and nightly entertainment.
  • Deck the Trees at Alley Theatre, where artist-designed holiday trees accompany the theater’s seasonal productions.
  • Jingle Town at Lynn Wyatt Square, blending live performances, cocoa, crafts, and pre-show fun.
  • City Hall-iday Lights, presenting the annual tree lighting celebration hosted by Mayor John Whitmire and Reliant.
  • Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis, a rooftop Texas-style winter wonderland with snowfall, music, and photo ops.
  • Ice @ Discovery Green, the city’s beloved outdoor ice rink with themed skate nights and a new custom light display.
  • Peppermint Plaza at the George R. Brown Convention Center, showcasing an artistic tree exhibition and live holiday performances.
  • Land of Sweets at Hilton Americas–Houston, dressed in sparkling lights and featuring a life-size Disneyland-themed chocolate installation.
  • Twinkle Town at Trebly Park, complete with a Candy Cane Tunnel, Texas’ largest mistletoe ball, pet photos with Santa, and hands-on holiday workshops.

Together, these villages turn Downtown Houston into a walkable winter escape, connected by METRORail’s festive Holiday Express, Park Once zones, and even new “Reindeer Rides” — complimentary electric vehicle shuttles on select nights.

A Season to Explore

With sights, sounds, flavors, and lights stretching across the city center, Houston’s holiday season promises an experience sweeter and brighter than ever. But for Astros fans and festive explorers alike, Astros Light Up the Park at Daikin Park is the must-see attraction that brings hometown magic to life — one glowing pitch at a time.

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

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