Houston City Council Member Julian Ramirez introduced a set of amendments aimed at increasing transparency around the city’s $16.7 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), officials said Tuesday.
The proposed measures would require monthly reports from Mayor John Whitmire’s office detailing any changes to CIP projects, including cancellations, delays or alterations. The amendments also would allow council members to formally object to project changes in their districts if supported by at least three council members.
Additionally, the proposal calls for mandatory public hearings on procurement decisions tied to CIP projects to enhance community involvement.
Ramirez, joined by Council Member Abbie Kamin, said the goal is to improve communication and accountability in the city’s infrastructure planning and not to criticize the mayor’s office.
“The intent is to strengthen governance under Houston’s strong-mayor system,” Ramirez said.
The CIP outlines key infrastructure improvements, including storm drainage, fire stations and water systems, over a five-year period. Critics have raised concerns about the lack of notification when projects are altered or canceled.
The City Council is expected to vote on the proposed amendments alongside the CIP on June 25.
A 33-year-old COVID-19 survivor is breathing easier after undergoing a lifesaving double lung transplant at Houston Methodist Hospital, capping off a remarkable medical journey that included six months on a heart-lung machine.
Andrew Capen spent half a year on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, one of the longest durations recorded globally. ECMO is typically used as a last-resort life support system for patients with severe lung or heart failure.
Under the care of Dr. Eddie Suarez and Houston Methodist’s lung transplant team, Capen received donor lungs earlier this year. He is now on the road to recovery and says he is deeply grateful for the gift of life.
“I’m not gonna waste them,” Capen said of his new lungs.
Houston Methodist, which performed its first lung transplant in 1987, operates one of the busiest lung transplant programs in the nation. The hospital is known for taking on complex cases and for its use of innovative surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted procedures.
Online, other patients and families shared their own stories of recovery, praising the hospital’s care.
“My mom received a double lung transplant at Methodist and couldn’t be more happy with her team,” one user wrote on Reddit. “She is doing much better… going from basically dying to running errands with my dad and learning how to crochet.”
Another person added: “They saved my husband’s life… They transplant sicker patients than other hospitals, and successfully.”
The hospital continues to collaborate with organ procurement organizations such as LifeGift to improve donor availability and promote equity in transplantation.
Capen’s case is being hailed as an example of how medical innovation and patient resilience can combine to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
CONROE, Texas (June 17, 2025) — FluxWorks Inc., a growing aerospace and defense startup headquartered in Conroe, has been awarded up to $347,000 by the Texas Space Commission to support the development of its innovative magnetic gear system for space applications. The grant is part of a broader $20.7 million state initiative to boost Texas’ space technology sector.
The funding will help FluxWorks prepare its magnetic gear technology for testing aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026. The project aims to demonstrate how magnetic gears — which use magnetic forces rather than traditional gear teeth — can offer more efficient, quieter, and low-maintenance performance in the extreme environment of space.
From Texas A&M Lab to Conroe Factory
Founded by Dr. Bryton Praslicka, a Texas A&M University Ph.D. graduate, FluxWorks spun out of academic research focused on magnetic gear systems. The technology eliminates friction between gear teeth, delivering up to 99% efficiency with no need for lubrication — features ideal for aerospace, defense, robotics, and subsea energy systems.
FluxWorks gained national attention in 2023 when it won the Rice Business Plan Competition grand prize of $350,000. The company has since opened a 9,000-square-foot facility in Conroe, bringing design, manufacturing, and testing operations under one roof. The expansion has been supported by state and local leaders, including the Greater Houston Partnership and Governor Greg Abbott’s economic development office.
Building Partnerships and Momentum
In addition to the Texas Space Commission grant, FluxWorks has attracted funding and partnerships from:
The U.S. Army, with about $1.9 million in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts to adapt its magnetic gear technology for military applications.
NASA, to develop gearboxes for future lunar rovers designed to withstand harsh environments on the Moon.
Boeing and CASIS, through a MassChallenge Space Tech Prize supporting the upcoming ISS mission.
The company has also achieved federal security certifications, positioning it for work with NASA’s Johnson Space Center and key defense contractors.
A Bright Future for Texas Space Innovation
FluxWorks projects $1.8 million in revenue for 2025, with clients ranging from defense startups to government agencies. The ISS mission will provide crucial flight data as the company aims to commercialize its gear systems for a range of demanding environments.
“The Texas Space Commission’s investment not only accelerates our path to spaceflight testing, but reinforces the state’s role as a national leader in space technology and advanced manufacturing,” said Dr. Praslicka in a statement.
As Texas continues to position itself as a hub for space exploration and aerospace manufacturing, FluxWorks’ success highlights the growing ecosystem of innovative hardware startups contributing to that vision.
HOUSTON, Texas (June 17, 2025) — CenterPoint Energy and a coalition of Houston-area cities have reached a landmark $3.2 billion agreement aimed at fortifying the region’s power grid against extreme weather and future outages. The deal, announced Tuesday, comes in the wake of growing concerns about the grid’s reliability following major storm events.
The proposed plan, which still requires approval from the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUCT), focuses on targeted resiliency investments between 2026 and 2028. The initiative is expected to reduce outage durations and impacts for CenterPoint’s 2.8 million customers.
Strengthening the Grid
The agreement calls for:
The installation of 130,000 stronger utility poles, representing about 10% of CenterPoint’s total poles.
Expanding underground power lines from roughly 46% of the network to 50%, helping reduce exposure to wind and falling trees.
Accelerating vegetation management, with tree-trimming cycles shortened from five years to three years.
Company officials say these measures could prevent nearly 1 billion minutes of customer outages by 2029 and will help limit the size of areas affected by service disruptions.
Ratepayer Impact
To fund the project, CenterPoint estimates an average residential customer will see a $1.40 per month increase on their bill each year from 2026 through 2028, followed by an additional 60 cents per month in 2030. The company will earn a 9.65% return on most of the resiliency-related investments.
Importantly, the final plan drops about $2 billion in transmission-only projects that were part of earlier proposals, following feedback from city officials and regulators who urged a sharper focus on resilience.
A Response to Past Failures
CenterPoint’s grid performance came under scrutiny after Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which left 2.2 million customers without power. The company initially proposed a $2.7 billion upgrade package, later revising it to $5.75 billion before settling on the more focused $3.2 billion deal.
“We heard the concerns of our customers and city leaders,” a CenterPoint spokesperson said. “This plan represents a balanced, cost-effective approach to making our infrastructure stronger and more reliable.”
Next Steps
The PUCT will review and vote on the settlement in the coming months. If approved, work could begin in early 2026, with major components completed by 2028.
In addition to the resiliency package, CenterPoint is also expanding its investment in battery energy storage, including a 160-megawatt/320-megawatt-hour facility slated for completion this summer. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize and secure Houston’s energy infrastructure amid rising demand and climate challenges.
The “Hips Don’t Lie” star had the Houston she-wolf pack dancing, crying, and howling in unison during a performance that pays tribute to her iconic 34-year-old music career.
Colombian global superstar Shakira wrapped up her time in Space City on Tuesday night, delivering two back-to-back sold-out shows at Houston’s Toyota Center.
After a triumphant opening on Monday, the Queen of Latin Music left her she-wolf pack howling with delight, dazzling the crowd with a magical performance during her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour.
“Hello Houston, ¿cómo está mi gente?” Shakira beamed after dancing her way through the floor-level crowd to kick off two hours of iconic choreography, dynamic outfit changes, and soulful, empowering vocals.
Dressed in a sleeveless sparkly pink mini dress (one of her many outfits for the night), she greeted fans with heartfelt excitement.
“It’s so incredible to be here reunited with all of you,” she said. “To be here in Texas, I’ve been counting the days—this is a dream.”
“There’s absolutely no better feeling than when a she-wolf is back with her pack.”
Acknowledging recent setbacks “beyond her control”, including the cancellation of her San Antonio concert, that’s now been re-scheduled to July 5th, Shakira expressed deep gratitude for her fans’ patience and loyalty.
“Gracias por ser esa manada fiel que toda loba necesita,” she said.
“Estos días no han sido nada fáciles para mí por las cancelaciones que se han dado por las fallas técnicas que están fuera de mi control. No hay nada peor para un artista que no poder tocar cuando sabes que hay un estadio lleno esperando por ti; no hay nada peor.”
With fans ranging from children to lifelong supporters, Shakira guided the multi-generational crowd through three decades of genre-defining hits that transcended languages and borders.
“Houston, mi gente, esta noche y siempre somos uno.”
From the timeless “Hips Don’t Lie,” now celebrating its 20th anniversary, to “Antología” from her breakthrough “Pies Descalzos” 90s era, and her latest empowerment anthem “Soltera,” the 48-year-old star had the crowd dancing, crying, and howling in unison.
She closed the show the same way she started—walking among her fans to the viral hit “BZRP Music Sessions #53,” radiating empowerment with every beat, lyric, and fierce movement.
“Te quiero mucho, Houston,” she shouted with a wave, bidding “hasta luego” from the catwalk as she descended and disappeared from view.
Shakira is on tour across the U.S. and Latin America through Nov. 16
For more on the Queen of Latin Music, Shakira, and other Latino stars, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
A massive Russian airstrike overnight on June 17 killed at least 15 people in Kyiv, including a U.S. citizen, and wounded 177 more, according to Ukrainian officials. It was one of the deadliest attacks on the capital in months.
Hundreds of Missiles and Drones Launched
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 440 drones and 32 missiles. Of these, 402 drones and 26 missiles were intercepted. Despite the defenses, debris and direct hits were reported in over 40 locations, including 10 confirmed strike zones.
Widespread Damage and Ongoing Rescue
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said nearly 150 residential buildings in Kyiv were damaged. Rescue operations are still underway in at least two locations, with people believed to be trapped under rubble. “The work will not stop until everyone is found,” said Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
Cluster Munitions and Mourning Declared
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko shared a video showing what appeared to be Russian cluster munitions. He described an entire building entrance collapsing in the Solomianskyi district and declared a day of mourning for the victims.
Nationwide Impact Beyond the Capital
While Kyiv suffered the most, strikes were also reported in Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, and Mykolaiv. In Odesa, at least two were killed and 18 injured.
Zelenskyy Calls for Global Action
Calling the attacks “pure terrorism,” Zelenskyy demanded stronger international responses. “It is the terrorists who should feel the pain, not normal, peaceful people,” he said. He emphasized the need for the U.S. and Europe to act decisively.
Message Amid G7 Summit
The strike coincided with the G7 summit in Canada, where Ukraine is a key focus. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of trying to make world leaders “appear weak,” urging strong and unified action in response.
For more on the Russia-Ukraine war, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
A Minnesota woman says she spotted the suspect in the deadly political shootings while on the phone with her father — a key moment that led to the arrest of 57-year-old Vance Boelter.
Wendy Thomas told KSTP that on Sunday night, she saw someone crouching near a culvert in a field in Green Isle.
“I was like, ‘Dad, that’s somebody,’” she said. Her father urged her to call for help. She flagged down law enforcement, who then arrested Boelter after a 43-hour manhunt.
Boelter Faces Federal and State Charges
Boelter is accused of killing Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in what authorities have called politically motivated attacks.
“He stalked his victims like prey and shot them in cold blood,” said acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson.
Boelter faces federal charges for stalking and firearms violations and state charges including first-degree murder. He made a brief appearance in federal court on Monday.
Chilling Evidence Found
Investigators found detailed surveillance notes in Boelter’s possession, including a list of public officials. A note next to Hortman’s name read, “married Mark 2 children 11th term.” Another notebook mentioned her “big house off golf course” and noted “2 ways in to watch from one spot.”
Officials say Boelter showed up at the victims’ homes early Saturday impersonating a police officer while wearing a realistic mask. Two other lawmakers were reportedly spared that same night.
Political Leaders React to Rising Threats
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan urged public officials to “turn down the temperature,” calling for more humanity and bipartisan empathy. Gov. Tim Walz said, “The way our nation moves forward is not through hate. It is not through violence. It is through humility, and grace, and compassion.”
State Sen. Scott Dribble linked the violence to increasingly extreme political rhetoric.
“It’s very concerning… those at the highest levels are calling for violent responses instead of real policy debate,” he said.
Trump Refuses to Call Walz
Despite the tragedy, former President Donald Trump refused to offer condolences to Gov. Walz. “I don’t want to call him… the guy doesn’t have a clue,” Trump said Tuesday. “I could be nice and call, but why waste time?”
The investigation into Boelter’s motive continues.
For more on the Minnesota killer whose charged with the death of Congresswoman Melissa Hortman,
Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia has erupted, blasting volcanic ash 32,000 feet into the air and prompting immediate evacuations and travel warnings. The Australian Government issued a red alert for aircraft as the ash cloud posed serious aviation risks.
Evacuations Underway
Authorities ordered evacuations within a two-mile radius of the volcano due to the threat of pyroclastic flow — deadly surges of hot gas and volcanic debris that can rush down the slopes at terrifying speeds.
Volcano Activity Reached Critical Levels
Indonesia’s volcanic agency had recently raised the alert for Mount Lewotobi to its highest level after days of increasingly volatile activity. Visual observations revealed a sharp uptick in seismic events and rising concerns about possible lava flows.
Timeline of the Eruption
The eruption began at 5:34 p.m. local time (5:34 a.m. Central Time) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Volcano Observation Post Officer Yohanes Kolli Sorywutun reported that the ash column reached a height of 10,000 meters above the volcano’s peak — more than 11,500 meters (7.1 miles) above sea level.
No Casualties Reported So Far
While no casualties have been confirmed from this current eruption, officials remain cautious. Last November, an eruption of nearby Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki resulted in nine deaths and dozens of injuries.
Tsunami Concerns Prompt Japan Investigation
Japan’s Meteorological Agency is investigating the eruption’s potential to trigger a tsunami, though no warnings have yet been issued.
Powerful Images Emerge
Incredible videos and photos show towering clouds of volcanic smoke billowing into the sky — a dramatic reminder of Indonesia’s position within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most volcanically active regions on Earth.
David Hekili Kenui Bell, known for his role in Disney’s live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” has passed away. His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced his death on Facebook. No cause of death has been made public.
“It is with a heavy heart I share that my sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother David H K Bell will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father,” she wrote.
Role in “Lilo & Stitch”
In the 2025 adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch,” Bell played Big Hawaiian Dude, a character who nods to the recurring Ice Cream Man joke from the original animated films. In the film, his character drops a shaved ice in shock when Jumba and Pleakley open a portal to the island.
Just two weeks ago, Bell shared his audition tape and behind-the-scenes photos on social media. He also praised the local Hawaiian crew, writing: “Now, Mahalo to all who worked on this film!…Was also happy to see so much of the cast, especially those of us that round out the world of live-action Lilo & Stitch that the filmmakers so masterfully constructed.”
A Versatile Talent
Bell’s acting credits also include appearances in “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum P.I.” His IMDb page notes he was working on “The Wrecking Crew,” an upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa.
His sister also reflected on his passions: “David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew… He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max … made him a diamond in the rough.”
Remembering His Voice and Spirit
Bell’s voice lives on in Hawaii — quite literally.
“You can hear him over the PA system on arrival at Kona Airport where he loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience,” his sister added.
Texas universities are navigating increasing pressure from the federal government—particularly under the Trump administration in its second term—over their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and perceived ideological bias.
Federal agencies have begun reviewing the accreditation and funding of universities suspected of maintaining or defending DEI policies.
There is growing concern among university leaders that expressing public support for DEI or social justice issues might jeopardize federal funding or lead to retaliatory measures.
University Responses
Rice University has taken a relatively bold stance, issuing statements defending academic freedom and institutional independence.
Most other institutions, including major public universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M, have been cautious and largely silent.
Their legal teams are advising them not to engage in public discourse that could draw political backlash.
Some are quietly phasing out DEI programs or relabeling them under different titles to avoid scrutiny.
Background Context
In 2023, Texas passed Senate Bill 17, which banned DEI offices and initiatives in public higher education.
This created a chilling effect, with universities dismantling DEI departments and reassigning staff to avoid noncompliance.
Now, even private universities are feeling heat due to federal funding dependencies, especially in research grants and financial aid.
Legal and Ethical Tensions
There’s a legal gray area where federal free speech protections clash with state-imposed DEI restrictions.
Accreditation bodies are now being used as levers of enforcement or threat, intensifying the conflict.
Voices from Campus
Faculty at several institutions have quietly organized resistance efforts, publishing anonymous op-eds or lobbying accrediting agencies to intervene.
Student activists have mostly shifted strategies, using non-DEI-branded advocacy to continue diversity work under the radar.
