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Texas lifts commercial drivers license ban for temporary agricultural workers

ABC13 Houston
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Texas lifts commercial drivers license ban for temporary agricultural workers

The Texas Department of Public Safety on Monday lifted a restriction on commercial drivers licenses and permits for immigrants with temporary agriculture work visas and removed the Spanish language option for CDL tests following changes in federal requirements.

In September, Texas halted commercial driver’s licenses for many immigrants, including refugees, people with asylum and DACA recipients. The change on Monday will allow those with H-2A visas, designed for temporary agriculture workers, to again hold valid CDLs in Texas. Those eligible who have current CDLs may continue to use them until their expiration date, and those with expired licenses can file to renew them, according to a DPS press release.

DPS indicated the shift was made in line with a new federal guideline from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published in mid-March, which permits H-2A workers to hold CDLs alongside H-2B and E-2 visa holders, which are temporary non-agricultural workers and treaty investors, respectively.

Under the new federal guidelines, Texas has only been approved to grant H-2A visa holders commercial driver’s licenses for now, the DPS release said. Eligibility for H-2B and E-2 visa holders in Texas “will be announced at a later date,” according to the release.

The limitation to the three types of visas was implemented to prevent “dangerous foreign drivers” from being given licenses, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a February statement, claiming that bad actors had previously been abusing access to commercial driver’s licenses.

The reinstatement came hours after DPS announced it would offer CDL license and permit knowledge tests only in English, removing the Spanish option previously offered, according to a DPS press release announcing the change.

The hands-on CDL skills test, which includes the driving and controls test, has always been conducted exclusively in English. Interpreters were previously barred from the skills portion of the test, and applicants were required to “be able to understand and respond to verbal commands and instructions in English by a skills test examiner,” according to a previous version of DPS’ website prior to Monday’s change.

Gov. Greg Abbott directed DPS in September to “strictly enforce” the federal government’s new English requirements and ordered the agency to conduct English Language Proficiency reviews for all commercial license operators. The changes are also designed to align Texas’ testing requirements with the FMCSA like the changes to CDL eligibility, the release said. The federal agency had its guidance on English language tests altered in May 2025 by Duffy.

“The issue is simple: We’re not putting up signs in any other language than English. We’re requiring drivers speak and read English as a bare minimum requirement,” Duffy said in an op-ed in Breitbart previewing the 2025 changes.

In late April, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced investigations into five trucking schools for allegedly disregarding English language requirements when administering CDL tests.

Texas’ Department of Motor Vehicles also introduced photo identification requirements for vehicle registrations and renewals in November aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from legally owning vehicles. Auto industry representatives and some county officials pushed back against the changes, citing safety and economic concerns for those affected.

On Tuesday, the DMV began enforcing new regulations for companies who operate driverless vehicles like Waymo, launching a registration lookup and complaint filing tool online. The restrictions were implemented in response to Senate Bill 2807, which was passed last year by the state Legislature to streamline regulation of private automated vehicles.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Trump Administration Proposes New Tariffs on Major Trading Partners

Indira Zaldivar
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Trump Administration Proposes New Tariffs on Major Trading Partners

New Trade Plan Targets Imports Over Forced Labor Concerns

The Trump administration has unveiled a proposal to impose new tariffs on dozens of major U.S. trading partners, including China, the European Union, Mexico, and Canada, citing concerns over forced labor practices.

The proposal, announced by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s office, would use Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to levy tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from countries accused of failing to prohibit or enforce bans on goods made with forced labor.

Countries Could Face Tariffs Up to 12.5%

Under the plan:

  • China, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, and several other nations could face tariffs of up to 12.5%.
  • Mexico, Canada, and the European Union could see additional 10% tariffs.

According to the report, the proposed measures would affect approximately 99% of U.S. imports.

Public Hearing Scheduled for July

The tariffs are not yet in effect. The USTR has scheduled a public hearing for July 7, 2026, before any final decision is made.

The proposal follows a February Supreme Court ruling that blocked the administration from using emergency powers to impose broad global tariffs. In response, officials launched new trade investigations in March under Section 301 authority.

Economic Impact Remains a Concern

While many Trump-era tariffs remain in place, economists note that U.S. tariff rates are already at their highest levels since the 1940s. Analysts at the Yale Budget Lab estimate current tariff policies could increase costs for the average American household by as much as $1,200 annually.

Greer said the administration is carefully reviewing trade relationships worldwide as it seeks to reshape the terms of international commerce.

“We’re trying to go very carefully to change the terms of trade between the United States and the rest of the world,” Greer said during a CNBC interview.

What Happens Next?

The proposed tariffs face a public review process before implementation. If approved, they could significantly expand U.S. trade restrictions and affect imports from many of America’s largest economic partners.

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

Houston’s $7.5 billion budget proposal soon to be finalized

ABC13 Houston
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Houston’s $7.5 billion budget proposal soon to be finalized

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s down to a matter of days before the City of Houston decides how it wants to spend billions of your tax dollars in the upcoming fiscal year.

This is a crucial week for Mayor John Whitmire’s $7.5 billion budget proposal, which is expected to be discussed at tomorrow’s city council meeting.

“Each councilmember will have the opportunity to submit budget amendments at tomorrow’s council meeting,” said Councilwoman Sallie Alcorn.

ABC13 asked Alcorn what it takes to successfully get an amendment into the final budget.

“It all depends on the day, the quality of the amendments, and the willingness of the (Whitmire) administration to support amendments,” said Alcorn.

The councilwoman believes “quite a few” will ultimately pass.

“Next week we’ll take the whole budget up with amendments,” she said.

The final version of the budget, which must be approved by council vote, goes into effect on July 1.

Alcorn, who is the head of the City of Houston’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, also noted this year’s budget season has been more contentious than in previous years.

“It seems a little acrimonious, right?” asked Alcorn. “There’s always a push-pull with the controller and the mayor, but this definitely seems a little harsher.”

Alcorn is referencing the recent war of words between Mayor Whitmire and Controller Chris Hollins.

Whitmire’s says his budget protects city services and puts Houston on a solid financial path moving forward.

He’s said it won’t raise property taxes, though it does include two new fees.

The most notable of those new fees would be a $5-a-month fee for trash collection.

“It’s just a practical solution,” said Whitmire of the trash fee when it was announced in May.

Whitmire says the fees will help bring the city’s deficit down to $25 million.

His office previously stated the deficit would have been at $209 million without any major changes.

Hollins doesn’t get a say in what goes into the budget, but he is responsible for certifying the final version of it.

His office has gained notoriety in recent weeks for posting memes online that criticize Whitmire’s proposal.

“This budget is so egregious,” said Hollins. “We’ve been on a path of spending like there’s no tomorrow without a path towards how we’re going to pay for it. We think that people need to know about it.”

Hollins said he believes Whitmire’s proposal is, among other criticisms, overestimating property-tax revenue and underestimating the overtime costs for first responders.

“We expect the deficit to be significantly higher than ($25 million),” said Hollins.

ABC13 interviewed Hollins this afternoon, but was sent a statement from Whitmire’s office.

The statement read in part:

“Mayor Whitmire does not have time for politics. His proposed budget has strong support from a cross-section of business, labor union and nonprofit organizations. This budget is about protecting services, protecting workers and putting Houston on solid financial planning.”

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Scattered storms possible each day this week and into the weekend

ABC13 Houston
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Scattered storms possible each day this week and into the weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Keep the umbrella handy this week! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible every day, and rain chances really crank up by the end of the week as tropical moisture streams overhead.

Wednesday we’re starting off slightly cooler than Tuesday thanks to the thunderstorms last night. Temperatures today will start in the upper 60s or low 70s and climb into the mid-upper 80s today. A stationary front is overhead today after pushing into the region last night. This plus an increase in moisture form the gulf will lead to more showers and storms today. Scattered storms could begin to develop also early as mid-morning and will continue off and on throughout the day. And while we’re not expecting these to be as strong to severe as what we instead yesterday, but these storms could bring thunder, lightning and heavy rains that could briefly impact your outdoor pans today.

This rainy outlook continues into the weekend with the daily chance for scattered showers and storms each day through Sunday.

Are my weekend plans ruined?

Not necessarily. Some plans may be significantly altered by the scattered, heavy thunderstorms, but it won’t rain all day. Typically the highest rain chances for Houston when tropical moisture blows in occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Then rain-cooled air stabilizes the atmosphere in the late afternoon and evening.

Is severe weather possible?

We don’t anticipate any severe weather this week, but there could some tropical funnels that occur in the morning over our coastal counties, and isolated pockets of street flooding are possible for brief stretches of time where the heaviest rains fall. Some storms could also produce gusty winds associated with the heavy downpours.

Now that it’s hurricane season, what are you tracking in the tropics?

There are two things we are tracking right now. The first is the tropical moisture over the Gulf that could bring us storms late in the week. The second is a large plume of Saharan dust currently stretching across the Atlantic from Africa to the Caribbean. For the latest on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our Tropical Update page for our daily tropical weather discussion and forecast.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

‘It was a murder’: Family awaits answers in deputy-involved shooting death of Texas State student

ABC13 Houston
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‘It was a murder’: Family awaits answers in deputy-involved shooting death of Texas State student

BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The father of 18-year-old John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. says he is waiting for answers after a Brazoria County Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot his son inside the garage of their Lake Jackson home.

John Mendoza Sr. says he was asleep in the house when the shooting happened shortly after midnight Monday. Despite being at the home, he says he has not spoken with investigators or heard from the sheriff’s office.

“We respect law enforcement,” Mendoza said, noting that officers are part of his extended family. But he believes his son’s death was unjustified and is calling for accountability as Texas Rangers lead the investigation.

Outside the family’s home, a memorial now honors Mendoza Jr., who had recently completed his freshman year at Texas State University and returned home for the summer.

“It’s tough. I can’t believe it,” Mendoza said. “I can’t live without my son.”

Mendoza said his son and two longtime friends had left a park where they had been exercising.

According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy attempted a traffic stop near FM 2004 in Lake Jackson. Instead, Mendoza, who was driving, continued to his home about two miles away.

New surveillance video shows the vehicle entering the neighborhood during a brief pursuit. Moments later, a single gunshot can be heard.

Mendoza says his son was not threatening and unarmed while sitting in his vehicle inside the garage when he was shot.

The sheriff’s office has confirmed that a deputy fired his weapon but has not released details about the reason for the traffic stop or what occurred immediately before the shooting.

“In any other situation, somebody would have been arrested for this murder. Somebody should be,” said Mendoza. “What we know from the details is my son was executed. There was no reason to pull his gun.”

Tuesday, Texas State University issued a statement expressing “heartfelt condolences’ to Mendoza’s “family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragedy.”

His father hopes the Texas Rangers and the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office will determine exactly what happened and whether the deputy involved should face consequences.

“I’m hopeful they do what they know is right,” he said. “This was a senseless act that should not have happened.”

The deputy’s name has not been released.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

U.S. Forces Intercept Iranian Missiles and Drones in Middle East

Edward Saenz
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U.S. Forces Intercept Iranian Missiles and Drones in Middle East

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. military forces successfully intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones targeting locations in the Middle East on Tuesday, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM said Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward neighboring countries, but none reached their intended targets.

Missiles Intercepted Over Kuwait and Bahrain

According to the military, two missiles fired toward Kuwait failed to strike their targets, while three missiles aimed at Bahrain were intercepted by U.S. and Bahraini air defense systems.

No injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or assets were reported.

Drone Attacks Thwarted

CENTCOM also reported that a second wave of Iranian drones targeting U.S. forces in Kuwait failed to hit their objectives. American air defense systems shot down multiple drones before they could cause harm.

The military said additional Iranian drones launched toward civilian vessels traveling through regional waters were also intercepted.

U.S. Conducts Defensive Strike

In response to the attacks, U.S. forces carried out what CENTCOM described as a self-defense strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island. The operation targeted an Iranian military ground control station believed to be involved in coordinating drone activity.

No U.S. Casualties Reported

Military officials said all American personnel remained safe throughout the attacks and subsequent response operations.

The incidents mark another escalation in regional tensions as U.S. forces continue to monitor security threats across the Middle East.

Stay informed on the U.S. war with Iran with Que Onda Magazine.

Wanted suspect dead after barricading himself inside SE Houston apartment, HPD says

ABC13 Houston
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Wanted suspect dead after barricading himself inside SE Houston apartment, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A wanted suspect is dead after he barricaded himself inside an apartment in southeast Houston on Tuesday, according to the Houston Police Department.

According to HPD Lt. Larry Crowson, officers with the U.S. Marshals Service were serving a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon at 5 p.m. in the 1200 block of Redford Street. Police say the warrant originated out of Friendswood PD. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted the scene including HPD K9 and Patrol Support along with Friendswood PD and Pct. Constable.

Upon arrival, police say SWAT units found the man dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

ABC13 was there at the scene, capturing the heavy police presence.

An investigation is still ongoing.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Houston Finalizes Security Plans for FIFA World Cup 2026

Indira Zaldivar
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Houston Finalizes Security Plans for FIFA World Cup 2026

HOUSTON, Texas — Houston officials say they are fully prepared to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, with security, emergency response, and public health plans already in place ahead of the global soccer tournament.

Mayor John Whitmire joined leaders from public safety agencies, emergency management, Harris County, the FBI, and the Houston FIFA World Cup Host Committee on June 2 to outline preparations during a briefing at the Houston Emergency Center.

Safety Remains Top Priority

Whitmire emphasized that protecting residents and visitors is the city’s primary focus as Houston welcomes thousands of fans from around the world.

“Our highest priority is keeping Houstonians and visitors safe,” Whitmire said.

Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz added that officers are fully staffed and ready for the influx of visitors, describing the operation as an “all-hands-on-deck” effort.

Emergency Management Director Larry Satterwhite said federal partners have identified no major threats to the city but encouraged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity.

“If you see something, say something,” Satterwhite said.

Houston to Host Seven World Cup Matches

Houston will host seven FIFA World Cup matches at NRG Stadium, temporarily renamed Houston Stadium during the tournament. The city’s first match is scheduled for June 14, featuring Germany and Curaçao.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins June 11 and will be played across cities in North America.

Health Officials Monitoring Risks

Houston health officials are also preparing for potential public health challenges. The city is coordinating with federal agencies and FIFA as it hosts the Democratic Republic of Congo national team amid an Ebola outbreak in parts of that country.

Health Director Dr. Theresa Tran said Houston has expanded laboratory capabilities and disease-monitoring systems to quickly detect and respond to health concerns.

Officials are also preparing for Houston’s summer heat, warning that visitors unfamiliar with the climate may face heat-related illnesses. Heat advisories will be issued when necessary.

City Ready for Global Spotlight

With security, health, and emergency plans in place, city leaders say Houston is ready to safely welcome the world for one of the largest sporting events on the planet.

For more sports news and Houston events, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Supreme Court Allows Alabama to Use Contested Congressional Map

Edward Saenz
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Supreme Court Allows Alabama to Use Contested Congressional Map

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for Alabama to use a Republican-backed congressional map that had been struck down by a lower federal court as discriminatory toward Black voters.

The ruling allows the state to move forward with new district boundaries ahead of upcoming elections, a decision expected to benefit Republicans and potentially reshape Alabama’s congressional delegation.

Court Cites New Voting Rights Standard

In an unsigned opinion, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority said the lower court failed to apply standards established in the recent Louisiana v. Callais decision. The justices concluded that Alabama lawmakers were entitled to a presumption of good faith and that the lower court improperly found discriminatory intent.

The ruling also found that challengers did not present an alternative map that achieved the same political goals sought by state lawmakers.

Concerns Over Voter Confusion

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey welcomed the decision, calling it a victory for the state and confirming that special primary elections using the new districts will move forward in August.

However, critics argued the late change could create confusion for voters and election officials, who must update hundreds of thousands of voter registrations and educate residents about new district boundaries.

Civil Rights Groups Condemn Decision

The decision drew strong criticism from civil rights advocates, including the NAACP, which argued the ruling weakens protections for minority voters.

In a dissent joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that the decision could disrupt elections and undermine equal participation in the democratic process.

The disputed map replaces a district configuration used in 2024 that included two majority-Black congressional districts. Political analysts say the new map could improve Republican chances of gaining a seat currently held by Democrats.

The ruling marks another major development in the ongoing national debate over voting rights and congressional redistricting.

Stay informed about Supreme Court rulings with Que Onda Magazine.

135 More Beagles Rescued From Wisconsin Research Facility

Indira Zaldivar
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135 More Beagles Rescued From Wisconsin Research Facility

BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. — Animal welfare groups are preparing to remove 135 additional beagles from a Wisconsin research and breeding facility, bringing the total number of rescued dogs to 1,635.

The latest rescue comes after Ridglan Farms agreed to transfer the dogs as part of a legal settlement with animal advocacy organizations.

Rescue Effort Continues

The beagles will be divided between two rescue organizations. Florida-based Big Dog Ranch Rescue will take 67 dogs, while the remaining animals will go to California’s Beagle Freedom Project. All are expected to be placed up for adoption.

“We just don’t have enough beagles,” said Beagle Freedom Project founder Shannon Keith, highlighting the overwhelming demand from families hoping to adopt the rescued dogs.

Legal Settlement Reached

The agreement follows months of negotiations, protests, and a lawsuit filed by animal rights groups alleging mistreatment of dogs bred for medical research. As part of the settlement, Ridglan Farms agreed to sell the beagles to rescue groups for an undisclosed amount and surrender its beagle breeding license.

The company has denied allegations of abuse, maintaining that the dogs were properly cared for and citing federal inspection records.

Strong Adoption Interest

Animal welfare advocates say public response to the rescue effort has been extraordinary. According to the Center for Humane Economy, there are currently more prospective adopters than available dogs from the facility.

It remains unclear how many beagles are still housed at Ridglan Farms as rescue groups continue efforts to relocate the remaining animals.

The large-scale rescue has attracted national attention and support from celebrities and animal welfare advocates, helping shine a spotlight on the future of dogs used in research facilities.

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

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