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Houston Bans HPD Traffic Stop Quotas Amid Push to Curb Racial Disparities

Indira Zaldivar
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Houston Bans HPD Traffic Stop Quotas Amid Push to Curb Racial Disparities

City Council Amends Ordinance to Ban Traffic Stop Quotas

The Houston City Council on Wednesday amended an ordinance to include specific language prohibiting the Houston Police Department from mandating officers to meet traffic stop quotas.

“No police officer shall be directed or required to have a quota on the minimum amount of traffic stops during a normal working shift,” the approved amendment states.

The ordinance, brought forth by Council Members Edward Pollard, Tiffany Thomas, and Tarsha Jackson through Proposition A, followed discussions with advocacy and law enforcement groups, including the Houston Police Union. The goal: to eliminate minimum traffic stop quotas and reduce unnecessary interactions between police and the public.

Civil Rights Advocates Applaud, Push for Further Reform

Christopher Rivera of the Texas Civil Rights Project and RISE Houston called the decision a “big win,” though he emphasized it is not a final solution.

“We know that traffic stops ultimately affect Black and brown communities at a disproportionately higher rate,” Rivera told Que Onda Magazine after the Houston City Council meeting.

“Black and Latino people are stopped, searched, arrested, issued citations, and even experience use of force at a higher rate compared to other racial demographics.”

He added, “This traffic quota ordinance will help deter these disparities and lower those numbers.”

Report Exposes Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops

A 2023 report by the Texas Civil Rights Project revealed that HPD conducted over 250,000 traffic stops, including more than 81,000 for non-moving violations such as expired tags or equipment issues. Black drivers, who make up 23% of Houston’s population, accounted for 42% of these stops and were 29 times more likely to experience use of force than white drivers. Despite comprising 46% of the city’s population, white drivers made up only 25% of stops.

Latino drivers, who make up nearly 44% of Houston’s population, accounted for 30% of stops. The report called on the city to ban non-safety-related traffic stops and create a voucher program to help low-income residents fix vehicle compliance issues.

“Ultimately, this is going to make the road safer for all low-income Black and brown people,” Rivera said.

HPD Rescinds Quotas as Council Moves Forward

Houston Police Department Chief Noe Diaz wrote a memo assuring the department rescinded the traffic stop quota under a previous administration. The memo was shared with reporters on May 28. 2025 Credit: Indira Zaldivar

In a memo to Mayor John Whitmire on Wednesday morning, HPD Chief Noe Diaz confirmed that the department had rescinded the minimum traffic stop quotas for patrol officers in line with the amended ordinance.

According to Council Member Tiffany Thomas, the directive originated during the pandemic under previous police leadership.

“Thank you for bringing attention to the longstanding directive, established under a prior administration, mandating a minimum of one traffic stop per day for patrol officers,” Diaz wrote. “After careful review, we’ve determined that this directive no longer aligns with current best practices for patrol officers. Effective immediately, we are rescinding this directive.”

At least eight speakers attended the council meeting to voice support for the amendment. Rivera said this marks a step toward deeper reform.

“Ultimately, the ordinance we want in the future is one that would make non-safety traffic stops a secondary issue,” he said, pointing to similar efforts in cities like Philadelphia and Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Keep up with Houston City Council with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Fort Bend County residents call out officials for holding precinct meetings on Memorial Day

ABC13 Houston
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Fort Bend County residents call out officials for holding precinct meetings on Memorial Day

RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) — Fort Bend County neighbors could soon get new representation, and some aren’t happy that the vote and public meetings on the proposals are taking place when people are honoring veterans and may not be paying attention.

New Census numbers show just how fast Fort Bend County is growing. Fulshear is the second fastest-growing city in the country.

Because of the growth, state leaders have asked commissioners to make changes to their election precincts, and Tuesday’s commissioners court agenda does just that.

There are items to change the precinct map, which determines commissioner representation. Ahead of it, Commissioner Andy Meyers is hosting three public meetings. However, the Memorial Day events aren’t sitting well with some.

“These are people who died for our right to vote and our ability to speak up, and this was done on this day of all days,” Fort Bend County resident Sumita Ghosh said.

Meyers said he had no choice. He said he learned about the election administrator’s plan to put the item on the agenda ten days ago. He spent about a week working on three other options.

“If there was any other way to have done it, I would’ve done so,” Meyers explained. “I don’t disagree with their complaints. Although most of them don’t understand the time constraints that I was under.”

The Election Administrator’s proposal wouldn’t change much, but Meyers’s maps would.

Experts said that if passed, it could impact many neighbors.

“What they could see if their county commissioner precinct changes,” Rice University political science professor Mark Jones said. “So, today they’re represented by one county commissioner, and after the change, they could be represented by a different one.”

It’s not just the Memorial Day meetings that have some neighbors upset. They don’t like the fact that the vote will take place this week, too.

“I find it very disrespectful,” Fort Bend County resident Anna Lykoudis Zafiris said. “I find it unaccountable to the public. I find it arrogant. Actually, the simpler word is sneaky.”

Meyers is a republican. Right now, there are more democrats on the commissioners court. However, experts say there’s a chance his map passes.

“The key actor here, the pivot player, is KP George,” Jones explained. “If he sides with democrats, not much changes, and it’s really more of a technical fix. On the other hand, if KP George sides with the two republicans, then we’re likely to see a more substantial change.”

Meyers believes the proposed map may face federal lawsuits. However, some democrats fear it goes too far and could impact neighbors.

“It’s the need and greed for power is what it is, and that is not what’s in the best interest of this county,” former Fort Bend County democratic party chair Cynthia Ginyard said.

Meyers’s meetings at the historical courthouse, University Branch, and Cinco Ranch libraries run until 8:00 p.m. If you can’t make it, you can voice your opinion before the commissioners court, which starts at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Jeep Wrangler removed after getting stuck on METRORail tracks overpass near downtown

ABC13 Houston
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Jeep Wrangler removed after getting stuck on METRORail tracks overpass near downtown

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Crews were able to remove a Jeep Wrangler from the METRORail tracks overpass after it was stuck for hours in the downtown Houston area.

On Wednesday morning, SkyEye spotted the bizarre scene near North Main Street that METRO officials said unfolded around 3:30 a.m.

SkyEye video shows the Jeep when it was blocking the METRORail Red Line that runs from Fannin South, in the NRG stadium area, to the Northline Transit Center, which is north of the North Loop I-610, and back.

ABC13 Pilot Don Armstrong said the driver didn’t appear to be nearby, and details on how this happened are unclear.

Crews used a crane to lift the Jeep off the overpass around 8 a.m.

METRO told Eyewitness News that they were single-tracking the Red Line trains in this area, allowing them to run northbound and southbound trains on shared tracks until the Jeep was removed from the tracks.

ABC13 has real-time traffic data to help you navigate Houston’s roads and avoid traffic delays.

Sign up for traffic alerts that are sent straight to your phone through our ABC13 app.

Ground stop issued at George Bush Intercontinental Airport due to thunderstorms

ABC13 Houston
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Ground stop issued at George Bush Intercontinental Airport due to thunderstorms

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A ground stop has been issued at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport due to thunderstorms, officials said.

Wednesday’s severe storms led to IAH departures being grounded.

Airport officials urge travelers to check directly with their airline for the latest updates on their flight.

You can keep track of flight delays on the Houston Airport System website.

Watch live breaking news coverage from ABC13 on our 24/7 streaming news channel.

The New Faces of Hogwarts: HBO Max Casts Harry, Ron, and Hermione for ‘Harry Potter’ Series

Michael Esparza
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The New Faces of Hogwarts: HBO Max Casts Harry, Ron, and Hermione for ‘Harry Potter’ Series

HBO Max has officially cast the new Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley for its upcoming television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, marking a fresh start for the iconic trio. After an extraordinary global search with over 30,000 children auditioning, the roles have been awarded to newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron.

The New Trio

  • Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter) is a relatively new face in the industry, with credits including an upcoming Sky comedy film Grow alongside Nick Frost and Golda Rosheuvel.
  • Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) brings strong stage experience, having starred in London’s West End productions such as Matilda the Musical and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express. This will be her screen debut.
  • Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley) has appeared in advertising campaigns and minor roles but is now stepping into a major franchise role.

Casting Process and Producers’ Comments

The casting was led by directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, who conducted an extensive search for children aged 9 to 11 from the UK and Ireland. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer/director Mark Mylod expressed enthusiasm about the trio’s chemistry and talent, stating, “The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.” They also thanked the tens of thousands of children who auditioned, highlighting the abundance of young talent discovered.

Series Details

The HBO Max series aims to be a faithful adaptation of Rowling’s seven-book saga, with each season expected to cover one novel, allowing for a more detailed exploration than the original films. J.K. Rowling is involved as an executive producer, underscoring the commitment to preserving the books’ integrity.

Filming is set to begin at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, with the series expected to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027. The show will stream exclusively on HBO Max and is planned to span at least a decade.

Supporting Cast

Alongside the new trio, the series has cast notable actors such as John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall.

In summary, HBO Max’s casting of Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout as Harry, Hermione, and Ron respectively heralds a new chapter for the Harry Potter franchise, promising a faithful, richly detailed retelling of the magical saga with a talented new generation of actors.

Texas Dream Act in Limbo: FIEL Houston Co-Founder Warns of Economic and Educational Impact

Indira Zaldivar
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Texas Dream Act in Limbo: FIEL Houston Co-Founder Warns of Economic and Educational Impact

HOUSTON, TX — As two controversial bills threaten to roll back in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students in Texas, community voices like Aura Espinosa, co-founder of FIEL Houston, are sounding the alarm on what’s at stake—not only for students, but for Texas’ future.

House Bill 232 and Senate Bill 1798 aim to undo the bipartisan Texas Dream Act of 2001, which has, for over two decades, allowed undocumented students who graduated from Texas high schools to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. Despite near-unanimous support when it passed, the law now faces the possibility of repeal.

“They deserve a right to go to college,” Espinosa told Que Onda Magazine.

In a recent interview, Espinosa emphasized the real-life consequences these bills could bring to immigrant students across the state.

“We know many people who are hard-working students, and they deserve a right to go to college and finish without worrying about their immigration status,” she said.

She warned that if in-state tuition is revoked, university enrollment could drop sharply.

“The enrollment will probably decrease and as the enrollment decreases; the less people will graduate because there will not be a lot of funds for them to cover to continue their higher education.”

Though universities would likely feel the immediate impact, Espinosa believes the ripple effect would extend much further. “At the beginning it will impact universities but in the long run it can affect institutions as well as workplaces.”

Public backlash builds

As of now, HB 232 remains pending in committee after an April 30 hearing in the Texas House. SB 1798 was not placed back on the Senate’s intent calendar after May 26. Despite this, neither bill is officially dead, leaving their fate—and the fate of thousands of students—in limbo.

The public response has been overwhelmingly negative. A review of public comments submitted to the Texas House Committee on Higher Education showed that over 97% of Texans who voiced their opinions on HB 232 were opposed to it. Among the 34 pages of comments were concerns about both the human and economic costs of repeal.

Business leaders, educators, and students argue that Texas has benefited from the Dream Act, with higher graduation rates contributing to an educated workforce and billions in economic activity. Repealing the act could lead to the loss of more than $460 million annually in state economic output, including significant declines in wages and spending power.

Message to undocumented students: ‘keep fighting’

Espinosa offered a direct message to undocumented high school students who may be disheartened by the uncertain future.

“Keep studying, keep fighting, unite [with] any organization that fights for this bill [Texas Dream Act] to stay as it is right now because it’s going to impact their future,” she said. “

If there is no in-state tuition, they will be able to go to college, but they will pay international fees. And I think that will be devastating for Texas.”

As the legislative session continues, advocates across the state are watching closely—and speaking loudly—to preserve a law that many say has paid off for both the state and its immigrant youth.

Resources for undocumented students pursuing a college degree

The following links are resources for students regardless of immigration status.

Stay tuned for more updates on these bills with us on Que Onda Magazine.

NPR Sues Trump Over Executive Order to Cut Public Media Funding

Indira Zaldivar
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NPR Sues Trump Over Executive Order to Cut Public Media Funding

Lawsuit Challenges Federal Funding Cuts

National Public Radio and three local stations have filed a federal lawsuit against President Donald Trump, claiming his recent executive order to eliminate public funding for NPR and PBS is unconstitutional.

Stations Join Legal Action in Washington

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Washington, D.C., includes NPR, Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio, and KUTE, Inc. The plaintiffs argue that the executive order violates the First Amendment by targeting public media based on its content.

NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher testifies during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol on March 26, 2025. NPR and several member stations are suing the Trump administration over an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to stop funding NPR and PBS.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/Getty Images North America

Executive Order Accuses NPR of Bias

Earlier this month, Trump signed an order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to halt funding to NPR and PBS. The order also instructs them to eliminate indirect financial support. Trump alleged the broadcasters show “bias” in their reporting.

First Amendment at the Center of Dispute

In the lawsuit, NPR and the stations argue the executive action is “textbook retaliation” for reporting the president finds unfavorable. They claim it represents “viewpoint-based discrimination” and interferes with their right to editorial independence and expressive association.

Broader Implications for Public Media

The case marks a significant legal challenge with broader implications for public broadcasting’s protection under the Constitution. The plaintiffs say the order threatens not only their funding but also press freedom nationwide.

Keep up with NPR’s lawsuit against the Trump administration with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Another round of rain and storms could impact the commute Wednesday morning

ABC13 Houston
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Another round of rain and storms could impact the commute Wednesday morning

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After a stormy start on Tuesday, the sky will turn mostly sunny, and we can expect drier but steamy conditions for the afternoon. High temperatures will climb in the upper 80s to the low 90s.

You don’t want to put away your umbrellas quite yet. We are in for multiple rounds of rain and storms for the rest of the week, with the risk of street flooding and severe weather as well.

Any more severe weather or flooding expected this week?

With the kind of pattern setting up this week, we can’t rule out a shower or storm being on the strong to severe side. Hail, gusty winds, and heavy rains will be the main threats with the strongest storms that develop. As for rainfall amounts, most of southeast Texas will pick up one to three inches of rain collectively over the next 7 days. Coastal communities could see less, and our far northern counties could see more. Street flooding will be a concern as the heavy rain falls.

Will it be just as hot with these rainy days?

Not necessarily! With rain and the inherent cloud cover we typically get during these rainy and stormy days, afternoon high temperatures for this week and into the first few days of June will likely be closer to their seasonal average, in the mid-to-upper 80s. The catch, though, is that if a shower or storm rolls through. While that will cool you off in the short term, it’ll also make it feel extremely muggy at times. We are also expecting mold counts to go up with the week during this unsettled and rainy stretch.

Hurricane season begins in less than a week. What can we expect this season?

Hurricane season begins on June 1, and this year we are anticipating another active one. Both hurricane outlooks from NOAA and Colorado State University predict an above-normal season. From NOAA specifically, the prediction is 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and possibly three to five major hurricanes. Two big reasons are the lack of an El Niño or La Niña and the trend of seeing warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures. And while these outlooks aren’t landfall forecasts for the United States, given these conditions, there is the possibility for storms to move into the Gulf this year.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Polk Street Exit in Downtown Houston Closes Through June for I-45 Expansion’s Major Drainage Work

Que Onda Editorial
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Polk Street Exit in Downtown Houston Closes Through June for I-45 Expansion’s Major Drainage Work

Exit Closed for Northbound US 59 Traffic

The Texas Department of Transportation has closed a key downtown Houston exit as part of ongoing freeway construction. Beginning Tuesday morning, the US 59 northbound exit to Polk Street is now shut down and will remain closed through the end of June.

Drainage Installation for Major Freeway Project

According to TxDOT, the closure allows crews to install massive drainage culverts beneath the freeway. These installations are necessary for future changes coming to I-45 and US 59 in downtown as part of the long-term North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP).

Impact on Access to Downtown Destinations

The Polk Street exit is commonly used to access major downtown landmarks, including the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB), Daikin Park, Toyota Center, Shell Energy Stadium, Discovery Green, and several prominent hotels and restaurants.

Suggested Detour Routes

Drivers heading north on US 59 are advised to take the Gray/Pierce exit instead. From there, motorists can reach Chartres Street or take Spur 527 into Midtown for alternate access to downtown.

Preparing for a New Downtown Freeway Layout

TxDOT spokesperson Danny Perez explained in an interview with our news partner ABC13 Houston that this drainage work lays the groundwork for a future transformation of Houston’s freeway system.

“The main lanes of I-45 and the main lanes of I-69, they’re going to be below grade, meaning they’re going to be depressed,” Perez said.

“To make that work, we’re going to have a significant drainage system in the area,” Perez told ABC13 Houston.

North Houston Highway Project Timeline

The North Houston Highway Improvement Project spans from North Beltway 8 down through downtown Houston. While the Polk exit closure is short term, the larger highway expansion will unfold in phases. Some parts of I-45 won’t see mainlane construction for years, and the full project isn’t expected to be completed until 2038.

Keep up with more developments on TxDOT’s North Houston Highway Improvement Project with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Thousands of power outages reported across Houston area during storms

ABC13 Houston
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Thousands of power outages reported across Houston area during storms

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Thousands of residents in the Houston area are in the dark as thunderstorms rolled in overnight.

According to data provided to ABC13 by FindEnergy.com, as of 9:28 a.m., more than 82,000 people are experiencing outages across several counties, including: Harris, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Polk, Liberty, Trinity, Brazoria, Austin, Fort Bend, Walker, Chambers, Grimes, Galveston, Matagorda, Waller, Jackson, Wharton, Washington, Colorado, and Calhoun counties.

At about 2 a.m., that number skyrocketed to more than 206,000 amid the powerful rain and wind.

Data shows that CenterPoint Energy has 63,092 customers who are impacted, and Entergy Texas has 13,847.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston alongside Que Onda Magazine and our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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