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Amazon Considers Breaking From USPS and Expanding Its Own Delivery Network

Michael Esparza
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Amazon Considers Breaking From USPS and Expanding Its Own Delivery Network

A Major Shift Under Review

Amazon is reportedly weighing a major overhaul of its Prime delivery system, including the possibility of ending its longtime partnership with the U.S. Postal Service. The move, first reported by The Washington Post, would mark one of the biggest logistics shakeups in years and could reshape how millions of packages reach customers across the country.

Amazon declined detailed comment, and USPS said it had “no comment at this time.”

Why It Matters

The Postal Service, already struggling with financial challenges, relies heavily on Amazon as its largest customer—bringing in more than $6 billion in revenue in 2025. A split could create deep budget strains for USPS and further strengthen Amazon’s dominance in the delivery and e-commerce space.

Industry experts warn that no other client could replace Amazon’s volume, making the potential separation a threat to the agency’s stability.

What Amazon Is Exploring

Sources familiar with the discussions say Amazon may phase out its multi-billion-dollar USPS delivery contract by late 2026. The Postal Service currently handles millions of Amazon’s last-mile deliveries across urban, suburban, and rural regions—coverage Amazon cannot yet match on its own.

Amazon has confirmed that USPS remains a “long-standing and trusted partner,” but the company says it is evaluating all options to guarantee reliable service. Talks to renew the current contract have stalled, partly due to USPS’ move toward a reverse-auction pricing model, which Amazon described as a “surprising” shift.

Amazon’s Rapid-Delivery Experiments

As negotiations continue, Amazon is simultaneously testing new logistics approaches aimed at ultrafast delivery. Among them:

  • Amazon Now, a pilot offering 30-minute delivery of groceries and household essentials in parts of Seattle and Philadelphia
  • A network of micro-fulfillment centers
  • Gig-based delivery drivers
  • A $3.99 per-order fee for Prime members

Amazon says it delivered more than 9 billion items in a single day in 2024, reflecting the vast scale of its evolving system.

What Experts Are Saying

Industry analysts say the stakes are monumental. Leo Raymond of Mailers Hub warned that USPS cannot easily replace Amazon’s volume, while Amazon has the power to disrupt competitors like UPS and FedEx if it expands fully into last-mile delivery.

Elena Patel, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said that if a major partner like Amazon builds its own nationwide system, “that is a fundamental threat to the Postal Service.”

Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly echoed that the company is reviewing “all of our options” to maintain dependable delivery for customers.

What Comes Next

Amazon’s contract with USPS expires in October 2026. A final decision has not been made, though Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and Postmaster General David Steiner met virtually in November. A renewed agreement remains possible.

If Amazon opts for a fully independent delivery network, the company would face steep investments in vehicles, personnel, and regulatory compliance. Consumers could see changes in delivery times, costs, or service availability—especially in rural areas where USPS currently provides essential coverage.

For USPS, losing Amazon could mean deeper financial turmoil and renewed pressure on Congress to intervene or restructure the agency’s business model.

For more business news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Set to Enforce New ‘Bathroom Bill’ Under SB 8

Indira Zaldivar
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Texas Set to Enforce New ‘Bathroom Bill’ Under SB 8

What SB 8 Does

Beginning Dec. 4, Texas will implement Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act. The law restricts transgender people’s access to certain restrooms, showers, and changing rooms in government-owned buildings. These include:

  • County and city properties
  • State agency buildings
  • Public schools and charter schools
  • Public universities

Private businesses, such as restaurants, are not affected and may set their own restroom policies.

Exceptions Under the Law

SB 8 makes specific allowances for entering facilities that don’t align with one’s sex assigned at birth. These include:

  • Emergency medical assistance
  • Custodial, maintenance, or inspection duties
  • Law enforcement purposes
  • People helping someone who needs assistance
  • Children 9 or younger accompanied by an adult

Institutions may still offer single-user restrooms open to anyone.

Additional Rules for Prisons and Shelters

Two areas receive separate requirements:

Texas prisons: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice must classify housing based on sex assigned at birth. Officials say they already do so for the roughly 1,750 trans inmates in custody.

Family violence shelters: Shelters designed specifically for female victims may only serve those assigned female at birth and the victims’ children under 18. However, advocates note many shelters receive federal grants that require services for all survivors regardless of sex, suggesting SB 8 may not apply to most facilities.

Concerns Over Enforcement

The law instructs institutions to take “every reasonable step” to ensure compliance but provides no clear enforcement rules. This lack of guidance has raised alarms among civil rights groups who fear:

  • Harassment in public spaces
  • Over-surveillance
  • Requests for identification
  • Potential physical inspections

Although Sen. Mayes Middleton called physical inspections “extreme examples” during debate, SB 8 does not explicitly prohibit them.

Government entities are now drafting their own policies, while others say they already meet the law’s requirements and expect no major changes.

Penalties Target Institutions — Not Individuals

Individuals who use a restroom that doesn’t match their sex assigned at birth are not fined or prosecuted under SB 8. Instead, penalties fall on the public institution responsible for the facility.

The enforcement process works as follows:

  1. A Texas resident must first submit a written complaint to the agency where a violation occurred.
  2. The agency has three days to fix the issue.
  3. If unresolved, the Attorney General’s Office may investigate.
  4. Institutions with verified violations have 15 more days to comply.
  5. Fines begin at $25,000 for the first violation and $125,000 per day for each subsequent one.

Additionally, individuals “affected” by an institution’s failure to enforce the law can file lawsuits seeking court orders to force compliance.

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

College Student Deported Despite Judge’s Order

Que Onda Editorial
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College Student Deported Despite Judge’s Order

A Sudden Arrest at the Airport

Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old college freshman, says she was living her “American Dream” before immigration officers detained her at Boston Logan International Airport the week before Thanksgiving. She had planned to fly to Texas to surprise her parents for the holidays. Instead, she was handcuffed, questioned, and deported to Honduras—despite a federal judge’s order blocking her removal.

“I burst into tears because I couldn’t believe it,” she told ABC News from Honduras. “I had to spend the night sleeping on the floor.”

Judge Ordered Her Not to Be Removed

Court documents show that a judge ordered federal authorities not to deport or transfer Lopez Belloza outside Massachusetts within hours of her detainment. Yet she was flown to a Texas detention center that same night and deported the next day.

“How does it feel to know you were deported despite a judge saying you should not be?” ABC News asked.
“It feels unfair,” she said. “Why did everything happen so fast, within three days?”

DHS Cites Old Removal Order

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Lopez Belloza had a 2015 removal order issued when she was a child, claiming she “illegally stayed in the country since.” Lopez Belloza said she had no idea such an order existed.

DHS pointed to a voluntary return program offering migrants a free flight home and a $1,000 stipend—an option she was never told about during her arrest.

A Family Caught Off Guard

Lopez Belloza had hoped to surprise her parents in Texas with a holiday visit. Instead, she was deported to Honduras, a country she has not seen since arriving in the U.S. at age 8.

“They didn’t know I was at the airport,” she said. “I thought the surprise would be me coming home—not me getting arrested.”

Her family, she said, believes the deportation is deeply unjust, noting she has no criminal record and has been focused entirely on her education.

Dreams Interrupted

The freshman said she had earned strong financial aid and secured a spot at a college that believed in her.

“My dream was to be in college and be one of the first in my family to do it,” she said. “It felt like—wow—I’m doing this.”

Part of a Larger Crackdown

Her case comes as the Trump administration carries out an aggressive immigration enforcement effort that has already removed more than half a million migrants, with another 1.6 million choosing to self-deport.

Message to the President

Asked what she would say to President Donald Trump, Lopez Belloza responded:
“Why is he getting people who are living in the United States working day and night? People like me, who are in college, doing their dreams, having an education?”

For more on the impact of Trump’s administration immigration crackdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Another cold front blows in more damp and dreary weather

ABC13 Houston
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Another cold front blows in more damp and dreary weather

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Rain clouds are spreading into Southeast Texas again, and we are in for a wet, windy, and cold finish to the work week.

Numerous showers and an isolated thunderstorm will be possible on Thursday as a cold front moves through. Temperatures will hover in the 50s for most during the morning, but a building north breeze will push readings into the 40s through the day. While the radar may look quiet at times on Thursday, patches of drizzle and mist will continue, keeping the streets fairly wet throughout the day.

Any severe weather expected with this next rainy system?

Not at this time, but a severe hailstorm cannot be completely ruled out. Brief heavy rainfall, thunder, and lightning may wake the family up overnight, but after the cold front clears the coast, it’s mainly just rain after that.

How long will the rain chances and clouds stick around this time?

The rain chances will linger all the way into Saturday morning, and we won’t completely shake the clouds until sometime on Sunday. Thursday won’t be a washout, but there’s a 60% chance you’ll get some rain off and on through the day under an overcast sky. It now looks like Friday will be equally rain, except even colder. Widespread showers are most likely during the first half of the day with temperatures generally stuck in the 40s all day. Drier air eventually blows in on Saturday, but there’s still a 20% chance you’ll catch some rain from a lingering showers in the morning, especially in our coastal counties.

How much rain should we expect to get?

We expect 1-2″ of rain to be fairly common in Southeast Texas with the 2″ totals more likely in our coastal counties.

When could we get our first freeze?

We have no freezing weather in our forecast over the next 10 days, and long range signals indicate we probably have to wait until the second half of December for a chance of freezing weather in Houston. On average, Houston historically gets its first freeze during the second week of December.d

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!

Trump Sparks Outrage After Calling Somali Immigrants ‘Garbage’

Que Onda Editorial
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Trump Sparks Outrage After Calling Somali Immigrants ‘Garbage’

President Donald Trump drew widespread condemnation Tuesday after referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage” during a Cabinet meeting, escalating tensions with Minnesota officials and Rep. Ilhan Omar.

Remarks Target Somali Community and Rep. Ilhan Omar

Trump claimed the nation was “at a tipping point” and argued the U.S. was “going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country.” He used the same slur for Rep. Omar, who responded online, calling Trump’s fixation on her “creepy” and urging him to “get the help he desperately needs.”

The comments sharply contrasted with Trump’s outreach to Somali voters during his 2024 reelection campaign, when he praised their desire for “safety and security.”

Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Political Feud

The remarks came amid a political clash between Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz following a New York Times report alleging years of fraud within parts of Minnesota’s Somali community. Critics claimed state leaders hesitated to act out of fear of alienating Somali voters.

Walz pushed back, saying he supports prosecution of crime but criticized “indiscriminately targeting immigrants” as a political stunt. House Oversight Chair James Comer has since launched an investigation, seeking documents from Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

Minnesota Leaders Defend Somali Residents

Minneapolis officials rejected Trump’s rhetoric, noting the city’s Somali population—more than 80,000 strong—is largely made up of U.S. citizens. Mayor Jacob Frey warned that intensified ICE enforcement could result in wrongful arrests of American citizens.

City Council Member Jamal Osman criticized the administration for “othering” Somali Americans. “Our Somali American neighbors deserve to feel safe in their own country,” he said.

ICE Activity Expected to Increase

Federal border czar Tom Homan confirmed Tuesday that ICE operations in Minnesota will ramp up but offered no timeline. The escalation follows increasing anti-immigrant language from Trump, including references to the recent shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan national.

A Community Under Scrutiny

Somali Americans, many of whom arrived as refugees following the 1990s civil war, now number more than 260,000 nationwide. Census data shows about 73% are naturalized citizens.

As federal scrutiny intensifies and political rhetoric rises, Minnesota leaders emphasize that they will continue standing with the state’s Somali community—and push back against efforts to paint citizens and neighbors as threats.

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

Jonas Brothers Cement Their Legacy at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre

Michael Esparza
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Jonas Brothers Cement Their Legacy at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre

The Jonas Brothers marked another milestone in their two-decade career on Wednesday as they left their handprints and footprints in cement at Hollywood’s iconic TCL Chinese Theatre.

A “Surreal” Moment for the Brothers

During the ceremony, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas thanked fans for their support. Joe called the moment “totally surreal,” recalling their first visit to Los Angeles as young musicians dreaming of success.

“Walking around to see the stars, to see these handprints, and thinking like, one day maybe… but never this early in our career,” he said. “We were just normal kids from New Jersey. We never imagined this.”

Family Takes Center Stage

Nick Jonas used his remarks to honor his wife, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, noting that the ceremony fell on their wedding anniversary. “You inspire me, challenge me and support me in ways that make me better as an artist, father and a man,” he said.

Kevin Jonas thanked his wife, Danielle Jonas, calling her his “constant” and expressing excitement to one day show their daughters the cement prints.

20 Years of Music and Milestones

The honor aligns with the group’s 20th anniversary. Since forming in 2005, the brothers have delivered hit albums like It’s About Time, A Little Bit Longer, and Happiness Begins, while also becoming Disney Channel stars with Jonas and the Camp Rock films.

Their careers diverged after 2009 but reunited with major success in 2019 with “Sucker.” They’ve continued releasing new music, including The Album (2023) and Greetings From Your Hometown (2025).

They also starred in the holiday film A Very Jonas Christmas Movie and recently announced they are developing Camp Rock 3.

A Lasting Hollywood Tribute

With their handprints now part of Hollywood history, the Jonas Brothers cap off two decades of growth, reinvention, and enduring fan devotion—solidifying their place among entertainment icons.

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

Doctor Who Sold Ketamine to Matthew Perry Sentenced to 2½ Years in Prison

Edward Saenz
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Doctor Who Sold Ketamine to Matthew Perry Sentenced to 2½ Years in Prison

A Los Angeles physician who admitted to illegally selling ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the weeks before the Friends star’s fatal overdose has been sentenced to 2½ years in federal prison, followed by two years of probation.

Judge Condemns Exploitation of Addiction

U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett stressed that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 44, did not supply the specific ketamine that killed Perry. However, she said his illegal sales contributed to the actor’s long struggle with addiction.

“You exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction for your own profit,” Garnett told Plasencia, who was taken into custody immediately after sentencing.

Emotional Statements from Perry’s Family

Perry’s mother and half sisters spoke tearfully in court.

“The world mourns my brother,” his sister Madeleine Morrison said. “He was everyone’s favorite friend.”

Plasencia is the first of five defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case to receive sentencing.

Guilty Plea and Prosecutors’ Arguments

Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to four counts of ketamine distribution. Prosecutors said he knowingly took advantage of Perry, citing text messages in which he referred to the actor as someone who could be exploited. They asked for a three-year sentence, while the defense requested one day in custody and probation.

Though Plasencia’s attorneys portrayed him as a doctor who overcame hardship and was admired by patients, they acknowledged his conduct was “reckless” and “the biggest mistake of his life.”

Background on Perry’s Treatment

Perry, who struggled with addiction for decades, had been receiving ketamine legally as part of a treatment regimen for depression. When his primary doctor refused to increase his dosage, he sought the drug illegally from Plasencia, who admitted knowing Perry was vulnerable.

Federal prosecutors dropped five additional charges under the plea agreement, which carried no sentencing promises. Legally, the judge could have imposed up to 40 years.

What Comes Next

Four additional defendants who also reached plea deals are set to be sentenced in the coming months.

Perry died at age 54 in 2023. Beloved for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, he remained a cultural icon long after the show’s 10-season run from 1994 to 2004.

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

METRO’s 500 IAH Downtown Direct to Begin Serving Terminal E at Bush Intercontinental Airport

Indira Zaldivar
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METRO’s 500 IAH Downtown Direct to Begin Serving Terminal E at Bush Intercontinental Airport

New Terminal Location

Starting Dec. 7, METRO’s IAH 500 Downtown Direct bus will operate from Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, moving from Terminal C. This change provides easier access for both international and domestic travelers, connecting directly to baggage claim and arrival areas.

Improved Accessibility and Convenience

Terminal E offers a covered driveway, dedicated bus lane, and clear signage, making it simpler for visitors to locate the bus, even during busy holiday periods. The wider roadway and dedicated bus space also reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

Service Highlights

While the terminal location has changed, all other service features remain:

  • Buses run every 30 minutes
  • $4.50 one-way fare
  • Comfortable buses with Wi-Fi and luggage storage
  • Reliable and affordable travel between IAH and Downtown Houston

Stay Informed

Travelers are encouraged to visit RideMETRO.org for updated terminal maps and additional information.

METRO thanks partners for helping share this update, ensuring a smooth travel experience for visitors this holiday season.

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

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

Indira Zaldivar
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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 Thursday, 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

Friday, 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 Monday, 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.

Doctor Set to Be Sentenced in Matthew Perry’s Ketamine Case

Michael Esparza
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Doctor Set to Be Sentenced in Matthew Perry’s Ketamine Case

First Convicted Defendant to Face Sentencing

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who admitted to distributing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry weeks before his death, is set to be sentenced Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court. Plasencia pleaded guilty in July to four counts of ketamine distribution and is the first of five people convicted in connection with Perry’s fatal 2023 overdose.

Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home in October 2023. An autopsy attributed his death to the acute effects of ketamine.

Details of Plasencia’s Conduct

Plasencia, who ran an urgent care clinic in Malibu, distributed 20 vials of ketamine and ketamine lozenges to Perry and his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, between Sept. 30 and Oct. 12, 2023, according to his plea agreement. The agreement states the drugs were not provided for legitimate medical purposes, and Plasencia’s care fell below the standard expected of a physician.

Plasencia’s attorneys acknowledged his mistakes, noting he was not treating Perry at the time of his death and did not provide the ketamine that caused the overdose. They described the episode as a serious lapse in judgment and said he has already faced significant professional and personal consequences, including losing his medical license and clinic.

Government Recommendation and Evidence of Misconduct

Prosecutors recommended a 36-month prison sentence, arguing Plasencia “sought to exploit Perry’s medical vulnerability for profit.” The government cited text messages in which Plasencia joked about how much Perry would pay for treatment and pointed to instances where he left ketamine with Iwamasa to administer, even after Perry experienced adverse reactions.

The plea agreement also notes that Plasencia consulted with another doctor, Mark Chavez, to acquire additional ketamine vials and lozenges.

Other Defendants in the Case

Four other individuals involved in Perry’s ketamine use have also pleaded guilty:

  • Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, admitted to administering the drug and faces sentencing on Jan. 14, 2026.
  • Mark Chavez, a former ketamine clinic operator, is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 17, 2025.
  • Erik Fleming and Jasveen Sangha, who supplied the ketamine that caused Perry’s death, are scheduled for sentencing in early 2026. Sangha, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” faces a maximum of 65 years in prison.

The government maintains that Plasencia’s actions, while not directly causing Perry’s death, contributed to the circumstances that led to the actor’s fatal overdose.

Looking Ahead

Plasencia’s sentencing will mark the first resolution in a case that drew national attention due to the involvement of the late “Friends” star. Courts will continue to address the remaining defendants over the next few months, highlighting the legal consequences of distributing controlled substances that result in death.

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

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