Houston’s transit system is gearing up for a global spotlight.
The board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County approved nearly $10 million in service upgrades ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Houston prepares to host seven matches at NRG Stadium this summer.
The temporary enhancements will run from June 7 through July 11 and are designed to handle an expected surge of more than 500,000 visitors.
More Rail, More Buses, Longer Hours
Under the plan, METRO’s Red Line will operate every six minutes with extended late-night service. The Green and Purple lines will run every 12 minutes, with two-car trains to boost capacity.
Several high-ridership bus routes — including Bellaire, Canal, Shepherd, Kirby and Westheimer — will see increased frequency. Park & Ride routes will operate daily every 30 minutes until midnight, offering expanded express service across key corridors.
Shuttles will also connect major hubs, including the Texas Medical Center, Rice Village and Fannin South, to stadium and fan zones near Shell Energy Stadium.
A Preview of Houston’s Transit Future?
Metro Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said the improvements are not just for international visitors but for everyday riders.
Nick Arcos, Director of Communications for LINK Houston, urged leaders to think beyond the tournament.
“I hope that METRO will see this not as a one-off event, but as a pilot program for expanded service year long,” Arcos said in a statement.
“Let’s show METRO that Houstonians crave better transit options!” Arcos addressed the public in a statement.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has also championed preparations for the global event.
With extended rail schedules, expanded bus routes and enhanced Park & Ride service, officials say Houston will be ready to move both fans and residents efficiently — potentially setting a new standard for public transit long after the final whistle.
Crisis Communication Playbook for Houston Businesses: Reaching Hispanic Customers Fast and With Care
Most Houston businesses know crisis communication Houston means speed and clarity. But reaching your Spanish-speaking customers Houston with care takes more than quick messages—it demands cultural understanding and bilingual readiness. This playbook breaks down practical steps to craft clear, timely alerts that your Houston Hispanic community trusts and acts on. Partner with Que Onda Magazine to make sure your emergency alerts Houston hit every channel with accuracy and heart. Learn more here.
Building Trust in Crisis
To connect with the Houston Hispanic community during a crisis, you must build trust. This involves understanding cultural nuances, crafting messages that resonate, and leveraging trusted community partners.
Understanding Cultural Nuances
Cultural nuances can make or break your message. To communicate effectively, you need to understand what matters to your audience. This might involve learning about cultural celebrations, traditions, and values that shape their daily lives. For instance, family and community are central to many Hispanic cultures. Messages that emphasize family safety and community support can be more effective. Remember, your message will be well-received if you show respect and understanding for cultural norms.
Effective Bilingual Messaging
Creating bilingual crisis messaging can ensure clarity and trust. Your goal is to provide information that is both accurate and easy to understand. Start by translating your message into Spanish using simple language. Avoid complex terms that might confuse your audience. Keep in mind that some phrases or idioms do not translate well, so it’s essential to find culturally relevant equivalents. Use both English and Spanish in your communications to reach a broader audience.
Utilizing Community Media Partners
Community media partners can help amplify your message. Que Onda Magazine, along with other local outlets like ABC13 Houston and Telemundo Houston, are trusted sources within the community. Collaborating with these partners can extend your reach and lend credibility to your communications. They can also provide insights into effective communication strategies that resonate with your audience. Engaging with media partners ensures your message is heard by those who need it most.
Multichannel Alert Strategies
Effective communication in a crisis requires a multichannel approach. By using various platforms, you ensure your message reaches everyone quickly and clearly.
Leveraging SMS and Email
SMS and email are powerful tools in crisis communication. They’re direct and can reach your audience quickly. SMS is particularly effective due to its high open rates. Ensure your messages are concise, clear, and actionable. Include essential information such as what action to take and where to find more details. Emails can provide more comprehensive information, including links to resources and updates. Use both channels to complement each other, ensuring your audience receives timely information.
Social Media and Radio Outreach
Social media and radio are vital for reaching diverse audiences. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow you to share updates in real-time. They’re also great for engaging with your audience, answering questions, and providing reassurance. Radio remains a trusted source for many, especially during emergencies. Collaborate with local stations to broadcast important updates in both English and Spanish. This ensures a wide reach and reinforces your message across different mediums.
Partnering with Local News Outlets
Local news outlets play a crucial role in crisis communication. They have established trust with their audiences and can help spread your message effectively. Partner with outlets like ABC13 Houston and Telemundo Houston to share updates and information. They can amplify your message through their broadcasts and digital platforms. Providing them with accurate and timely information ensures your message is consistent across all channels.
Preparing for Emergencies
Preparation is key to effective crisis communication. By planning ahead, you can respond swiftly and confidently when emergencies arise.
Crafting a Small Business Emergency Plan
Every small business needs an emergency plan. This plan should outline how you’ll communicate during a crisis, including who will be responsible for sending messages and which channels you’ll use. Identify potential risks your business might face and develop strategies to address them. This proactive approach ensures you’re ready to communicate quickly and effectively when it matters most. Regularly review and update your plan to reflect any changes in your business or potential risks.
Training Spokespersons for Urgent Situations
Having trained spokespersons is essential for conveying your message clearly and confidently. These individuals should be familiar with your crisis communication plan and have the skills to address the public under pressure. Offer regular training sessions to ensure they can handle various scenarios, from natural disasters to public safety updates. A well-prepared spokesperson can help maintain trust and provide assurance to your audience during a crisis.
Managing Rumors and Ensuring Accuracy
In times of crisis, misinformation can spread rapidly. It’s important to manage rumors and ensure your messages are accurate. Monitor social media and other channels for false information and address it promptly. Providing clear and factual updates can help counteract rumors and reassure your audience. Encourage your community to rely on trusted sources, such as your communications and local news outlets, for accurate information. This proactive approach helps maintain trust and control the narrative during a crisis.
Former President Bill Clinton is sitting for a closed-door deposition Friday before the House Oversight Committee in New York as part of its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It marks the first time a former U.S. president has been compelled to testify before Congress under subpoena.
Hillary Clinton appeared before the panel a day earlier. Republicans said she repeatedly deferred questions about Epstein to her husband.
Clinton Denies Wrongdoing
Bill Clinton has appeared in photographs with Epstein and acknowledged taking several trips on Epstein’s private plane in the early 2000s for Clinton Foundation work. In a sworn declaration, he denied ever visiting Epstein’s private island and said he had no knowledge of Epstein’s or associate Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal conduct.
“To be clear, I had no idea,” Clinton stated, adding he had not been in contact with Epstein for more than a decade before Epstein’s 2019 arrest.
Hillary Clinton echoed that defense, saying she is confident her husband was unaware of any crimes.
Trump Mentioned in Files
Top Democrat Robert Garcia called the deposition a new precedent and urged the committee to seek testimony from Donald Trump, whose name appears in recently released Epstein-related documents. Trump has denied wrongdoing and called the controversy a “hoax.”
While past presidents have voluntarily testified before Congress, compelling one under subpoena is unprecedented.
A U.S. military unit shot down a Customs and Border Protections drone with a laser near Fort Hancock, Texas, triggering criticism from Democratic lawmakers who cite serious coordination failures between federal agencies.
The incident unfolded within restricted military airspace, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to close nearby airspace for “special security reasons.” Fort Hancock sits roughly 50 miles southeast of El Paso along the U.S.-Mexico border, a region central to the Trump administration’s border security strategy.
Lawmakers Blast “Incompetence”
Democratic Reps. Bennie G. Thompson, Rick Larsen, and André Carsoncalled the episode alarming, blaming what they described as a lack of coordination between the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the FAA.
“Our heads are exploding,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement, criticizing the use of a high-risk counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) against what turned out to be a U.S. government drone.
Pentagon, DHS Cite Security Threats
In a joint statement, the FAA, CBP, and the Defense Department said the military acted under counter-drone authorities to neutralize a “seemingly threatening” unmanned aircraft in military airspace. Officials did not explicitly confirm the drone belonged to CBP but pledged improved communication to prevent similar incidents.
The administration maintains the action was part of broader efforts to counter alleged drone threats from Mexican cartels and foreign terrorist organizations operating near the southern border.
Previous Airspace Disruptions Raise Questions
Earlier this month, the FAA briefly halted flights at El Paso International Airport following what officials later described as a communication breakdown involving a laser-based counter-drone weapon deployed by DHS personnel. That ground stop was quickly reversed.
The laser system had reportedly been temporarily transferred from the Pentagon to DHS with approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Calls for Investigation
Sen. Tammy Duckworth called for a joint investigation, labeling the situation “alarming” and criticizing the lack of transparency.
The FAA’s current flight restrictions near Fort Hancock remain in place through June 24 as federal agencies review the incident.
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A procession honoring a Fort Bend County deputy, who investigators say was killed in a hit-and-run crash while helping a stranded driver, is set to begin Friday morning.
Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenneth Lewis was off-duty last weekend when Houston police said a driver hit him and fled along the Katy Freeway.
Authorities said the driver who hit him has yet to be found.
On Friday at 8 a.m., law enforcement and first responders will escort Deputy Lewis as he’s transported from the Harris County medical examiner’s office to the Schmidt Funeral Home in Katy.
The route will include the Westpark Toll Road westbound and Highway 99 northbound.
Drivers are being asked to be patient and expect possible delays along the route.
The sheriff’s office said a Wall of Honor will be conducted prior to the escort.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Warm, humid Gulf air is here and here to stay for awhile. Eventually we’ll get a chance of rain out of all this humid air, but that won’t occur until the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is well underway.
A weak cool front will roll into the area overnight. Areas south of the front may experience dense fog both Friday and Saturday mornings.
How is the weather looking for the Rodeo Cookoff and the Rodeo Parade?
Warm and humid! It should feel okay in the evenings for the BBQ Cookoff, but it will be humid. For the parade on Saturday, we expect a lot of sunshine with temperatures warming from the upper 60s to the upper 70s during the parade. Thankfully all of the opening festivities should be rain-free!
But we need the rain. When do we have a chance for some?
We foresee the pattern changing around the middle of next week to allow Pacific storm systems to get closer to Texas and bring in some chances of showers and thunderstorms. For now we have rain chances low at just 20-30%, but there is room for the rain chance to rise, especially around the first weekend of our local spring break.
Are we expecting any more frosty mornings this winter season?
Not at this time. While we can’t 100% rule out another run at frosty weather later in March or even April, odds favor those who want to start tending to their garden beds.
Are we expecting any more frosty mornings this winter season?
Not at this time. While we can’t 100% rule out another run at frosty weather later in March or even April, odds favor those who want to start tending to their garden beds.
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U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia says her journey from a small South Texas farming community to Congress continues to guide her priorities as she campaigns for re-election and advocates for Houston families facing rising costs, immigration fears, and healthcare challenges.
In an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine, Garcia discussed her work in Washington D.C. and her campaign as she seeks another term representing Texas’ 29th Congressional District. She appears on the ballot in the Tuesday, March 3 primary elections. Early voting is on now through Friday at 7 p.m.
A Historic Path to Congress
Garcia, first elected in 2018, became the first Latina to represent the district and one of the first two Latinas elected to Congress from Texas. A native of Palito Blanco, she grew up as the eighth of ten children in a farmworker family that struggled financially. She later earned a scholarship to Texas Woman’s University and a law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, working multiple jobs to pay for school.
Before serving in Washington, Garcia built a decades-long career in public service as a municipal judge, Houston city controller, Harris County commissioner, and Texas state senator.
“For me, it’s the honor of my life to represent Houston,” Garcia said. “This city gave me the opportunity to succeed, and I want to make sure others have that same chance.”
Housing Affordability Crisis Impacting Working Families
One of the biggest concerns she hears from constituents is housing affordability. Garcia said rising construction costs, labor shortages, tariffs on materials, and limited housing supply have created significant barriers for both homebuyers and renters.
“In our community, there’s always been pride in owning a home — ‘mi casa, su casa,’” she said. “But now there are so many barriers. Housing costs are up, down payments are harder, and there just isn’t enough supply.”
She described visiting affordable housing developments where units sell out within days and waiting lists can stretch for years.
“There just isn’t enough housing,” she said. “And it has to be affordable not only to buy but also to rent.”
Garcia has pushed for housing vouchers, first-time homebuyer assistance, and federal funding for local housing initiatives. She also advanced legislation through committee aimed at identifying regulatory and construction barriers that slow development while ensuring homes remain resilient to flooding and extreme heat.
Healthcare Access and Affordability
Healthcare affordability is another priority. Garcia recently fought to protect federal subsidies that help residents purchase health insurance, noting that more than 100,000 people in her district alone could have been affected.
“There’s nothing more important than making sure people have access to good quality healthcare,” she said.
She also emphasized funding for community health clinics, explaining that transportation challenges, costs like parking, and navigating large medical systems often prevent residents from seeking care.
“It’s not just healthcare — it has to be accessible,” she said. “If you can’t get there, it doesn’t matter.”
Immigration Enforcement and Community Fear
Immigration enforcement policies have created widespread fear across Houston communities, Garcia said, affecting businesses, schools, and access to medical care.
“I’ve heard from restaurant owners who don’t have customers anymore because people are afraid to go out,” she said. “I’ve heard about seniors who won’t even leave home to see a doctor.”
Garcia is leading federal legislation called the Restoring Community Trust Act, which would prevent the federal government from forcing local police departments to enforce immigration detainers or threatening to withhold funding if they decline.
“You cannot make police officers ICE officers,” she said. “Public safety priorities should be decided locally.”
She also called for greater accountability and transparency in federal immigration enforcement, including identification requirements, body cameras, and independent investigations of misconduct.
“Right now, people don’t trust ICE,” she said. “And without trust, communities are less safe.”
Serving in the Minority and Fighting for Economic Relief
Garcia acknowledged the challenges of serving in the minority party in Washington but said her focus remains on lowering costs, expanding healthcare, and protecting programs like Social Security and Medicare.
“My job is to help working people get a fair shot at the American Dream,” she said. “People don’t need to be rich. They just want a decent life.”
Redistricting Concerns and Latino Representation
Garcia also expressed concern over recent redistricting changes in Texas that she says dismantled historic Latino neighborhoods within her district and could dilute representation for the region’s growing Hispanic population.
“There are two million Latinos in Harris County,” she said. “We deserve a voice.”
Bringing Federal Dollars Back to Houston Communities
Despite political battles, Garcia highlighted federal funding she has helped secure for projects across the Houston area, including flood control improvements, public transit upgrades, port infrastructure, water systems, health clinics, and workforce training programs.
Sometimes, she said, the most meaningful projects are the smaller community grants.
“It might be a million dollars for a clinic expansion or equipment for a fire department,” she said. “But for those communities, it makes a huge difference.”
A Message to Voters Ahead of the March 3 Primary
As she seeks re-election, Garcia said her motivation remains rooted in the values her parents taught her growing up.
“My mother used to say, ‘Todos somos hijos de Dios,’” she said. “No matter who you are or where you come from, you deserve dignity and opportunity. And as long as I’m here, I’ll keep fighting for everyone.”
RODEOHOUSTON is firing up the pits once again as the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest returns Thursday through Saturday (Feb. 26-28), bringing three days of smoky flavors, live music and international competition — all for a cause that stretches far beyond the grill.
Organizers say the annual cook-off, held ahead of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, is a nonprofit event dedicated to raising funds for student scholarships and educational programs across Texas.
“All the funds that are raised through this championship are directly for student scholarships and educational programs for all of Texas,” event spokesperson Marlene Villarreal said.
The contest, billed as the world’s largest barbecue cook-off, draws 250 teams from across the globe, including Mexico, Venezuela, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Competitors spend months preparing to showcase their best brisket, ribs and chicken in hopes of earning top honors.
Tge Venezuelan team preparing a dish of picanha, plantain, guasacaca sauce and fresh cheese during the 2025 World’s Championship BBQ Contest. Credit: Indira Zaldivar
For attendees, the event offers more than just bragging rights for pitmasters. Adult tickets are $30, and children 12 and under can attend for $10. Admission includes a dinner plate featuring brisket, beans, potato salad and sauce, available at the Chuck Wagon station.
“It’s a world championship barbecue cook-off, so it is a world cook-off,” Villarreal said. “There’s a lot of hard work and dedication, and at the end of the day, you’re contributing to a very good cause.”
In addition to barbecue, ticketholders can expect a weekend packed with live entertainment. The Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon tent, open to the public, features live music each night of the three-day event. Families can also enjoy performances at the Garden Stage.
“We love the live music,” spokesperson Christina Martin said. “The public can enjoy live music every night, all three nights. They can bring the whole family and enjoy that live music.”
Organizers encourage attendees to visit RodeoHouston.com for information on parking, ticket details and a full schedule of events.
Both Villareal and Martin have volunteered with RodeoHouston for more than a decade. They say their continued involvement is rooted in the event’s mission to support Texas youth.
“It’s a way of giving back to the community and being there for the future of Texas,” Villarreal said. “All of our hard work and dedication is strictly for raising funds for Texas youth.”
Martin echoed that sentiment, noting that proceeds from ticket sales and team participation fees go directly toward scholarships.
“It’s important to me that the public come out,” she said. “All their funds are donated to scholarships for Texas youth.”
With international competition, family-friendly entertainment and a charitable mission at its core, the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest offers Houstonians a chance to celebrate food and music while investing in the state’s future.
The three-day event runs Thursday Feb. 26 through Saturday Feb. 28.
Appearing on Good Morning America, Knight called the exchange “distasteful,” saying it highlighted how language about women’s sports still matters.
“I thought the call in itself was distasteful and an awesome learning moment to refocus the narrative,” she said.
What Sparked the Controversy
During a Feb. 22 congratulatory call after the men’s team won gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, Trump joked that he would “have to” invite the women’s team to his State of the Union address too, prompting laughter from players.
The comment drew criticism from fans, especially since the U.S. women had also just won Olympic gold days earlier after defeating Canada in a dramatic overtime final.
Knight scored the tying goal before teammate Megan Keller netted the game-winner, securing the program’s third Olympic gold medal.
White House Visit Uncertain
While the men’s team attended the State of the Union and visited the White House, a spokesperson for USA Hockey said the women declined the invitation due to scheduling conflicts following the Games.
Trump later told Congress the women’s team would visit the White House in the future, but Knight said she has not received confirmation.
“I’m not really sure where that stands,” she said.
Reflecting on Olympic Legacy
After competing in her fifth and final Olympics, Knight described the gold medal victory as “pure joy” and said she hopes her career helped grow women’s hockey.
“I just want to be remembered as an awesome competitor… somebody who moved the needle in the sport,” she said.
The White House has not publicly responded to Knight’s remarks.
