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Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2025: What You Need to Know

Indira Zaldivar
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Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2025: What You Need to Know

Texas shoppers can look forward to the state’s annual Tax-Free Weekend, happening from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025. The event allows families to save on essential items for the new school year.

Who Benefits and How

During the holiday, shoppers can buy qualifying items in stores, online, by mail, or other means without paying sales tax. However, purchases made before or after the holiday won’t qualify for a refund.

What’s Included

Eligible items priced under $100 include:

  • Clothing and footwear
  • Backpacks
  • A wide range of school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, folders, calculators, highlighters, and lunch boxes

What’s Not Covered

Items that do not qualify include:

  • Items priced at $100 or more
  • Athletic gear like golf cleats or football pads
  • Accessories such as watches, purses, and jewelry
  • Computer equipment, software, and textbooks
  • Rentals, alterations, or cleaning services for clothing

Stay informed with the latest news this weekend at QueOndaMagazine.com.

Zoo Asks Public to Donate Small Pets for Predator Feedings

Indira Zaldivar
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Zoo Asks Public to Donate Small Pets for Predator Feedings

Denmark’s Aalborg Zoo Mimics Natural Food Chain

Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark is requesting the public to donate small, healthy live animals—such as chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs—to be used as food for its predators, including the Eurasian lynx.

The zoo says the initiative supports animal welfare and maintains professional integrity by replicating the animals’ natural diet.

Pets Will Be Euthanised Humanely

According to the zoo, any donated animals will be “gently euthanised” by trained staff before being given to predators as food. The zoo emphasized that this practice prevents waste and promotes the natural behavior, nutrition, and well-being of their carnivores.

Mixed Reactions to Social Media Appeal

The zoo’s social media post, featuring a snarling wildcat and a link to its website, has sparked controversy. While some critics called the program “degrading” and “perverse,” others supported the idea. One woman shared her experience donating her horse to the zoo, describing the euthanasia process as peaceful and respectful.

Donations Include Horses With Tax Deduction Incentives

The zoo also accepts horse donations. Owners must provide a valid horse passport, and the donation may qualify for a tax deduction based on the horse’s weight. The zoo notes it also houses larger predators such as lions and tigers.

Donation Guidelines and Pick-Up Options

Small pet donations can be made on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a limit of four animals without an appointment. The zoo offers pick-up services for those donating more than four animals.

For more uncanny stories, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Dominican Republic

Edward Saenz
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5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Dominican Republic

Strong Quake Jolts Caribbean Region

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck early Tuesday off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, waking residents in both the Dominican Republic and neighboring Puerto Rico. The quake occurred about 24 miles southeast of Boca de Yuma at a depth of 104 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

No Damage Reported

Despite the intensity, no damage has been reported. The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico lie in a seismically active zone where the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates meet, making the region prone to frequent earthquakes.

Earlier Quake Shakes Haiti

Just hours before, a smaller 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. That tremor was shallow—only three miles deep—and was widely felt across the region. Officials also reported no damage.

Haiti’s History of Devastating Quakes

Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, has a long history of deadly earthquakes. A 7.2 magnitude quake in August 2021 killed hundreds, and the catastrophic 7.0 quake in January 2010 claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Both occurred along the same fault zone.

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

Dismembered Remains of 32 Victims Found in Abandoned House in Mexico

Indira Zaldivar
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Dismembered Remains of 32 Victims Found in Abandoned House in Mexico

Mass Discovery in Guanajuato

Prosecutors in Guanajuato, Mexico, have confirmed that human remains found in an abandoned house last week belong to at least 32 victims. The grim discovery was made during a search for missing persons in the city of Irapuato.

Challenges in Identification

According to the state prosecutor’s office, the remains were in a “fragmented and complex” condition, making identification difficult. So far, 15 victims have been positively identified. Local media reported the body parts were found inside plastic bags.

Families of the Missing Await Answers

Members of the search group Hasta encontrarte (“Until I find you”) visited the site, hoping to identify loved ones. One woman, speaking anonymously, said, “When these mass graves are found, we want to be present.”

Organized Crime Behind Disappearances

Guanajuato has become Mexico’s most violent state, with more than 3,100 murders and 3,600 missing persons cases recorded last year. Much of the bloodshed is linked to clashes between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the powerful Jalisco New Generation cartel.

A Pattern of Violence in Irapuato

In recent months, Guanajuato has seen multiple mass killings. In June, 11 people were killed at a neighborhood party in Irapuato. In May, 17 bodies were found in an abandoned house in the same city, and separate shootings left seven people dead, including children. Shootouts between criminals and security forces have also resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.

Mexico’s Ongoing Crisis of Disappearances

The country currently has nearly 132,000 officially registered disappeared people. As families continue their desperate search, mass graves like the one in Irapuato highlight the scale of the crisis.

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

The rain chance is down but not totally out on Tuesday

ABC13 Houston
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The rain chance is down but not totally out on Tuesday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Rain chances are on the way down while temperatures are on the way up for the rest of this week. The culprit is a heat ridge centered over New Mexico, but we are still near the edge of the heat ridge where isolated showers and thunderstorms can form.

Temperatures Tuesday morning will start off in the mid-to-upper 70s, and a few showers could pop up near the coast for the morning drive. Moisture levels generally south of I-10 will remain high enough for isolated showers and thunderstorms to pop up in the afternoon heat. Your chance of rain is 20% as temperatures climb up toward 97 degrees.

What’s in store for the rest of the week??

Heat levels will continue to climb with highs near 100 by Friday. Humidity levels may be high enough to warrant a Heat Advisory somewhere in Southeast Texas. Peak heat index values in the afternoon will range between 105 to 108 degrees. Rain chances will remain slim at 10-20%.

Will we finally get a rain-free weekend?

Maybe. The rain chance is still at 20%, but it does look less stormy than just about every weekend we had in July. Next week stormy weather pattern returns to the Gulf coast with a 30% chance of daily afternoon downpour.

What’s happening in the tropics?

Tropical Storm Dexter will remain a fish storm off the coast of the Carolinas. We are also monitoring two areas of potential development, one off the East Coast and one over the central Atlantic. We continue to see signs that the tropics may become more active by mid-August as wind shear relaxes across the Gulf, Caribbean, and West Atlantic. Meanwhile, the Eastern Pacific remains very active. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Denied Bail Ahead of October Sentencing

Michael Esparza
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Denied Bail Ahead of October Sentencing

A federal judge has denied bail for music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, citing concerns about his past violent behavior and the serious nature of his conviction.

No “Exceptional Reasons” for Release

Judge Arun Subramanian ruled Monday that Combs must remain in custody until his October 3 sentencing, following his conviction for transportation to engage in prostitution—a charge that requires incarceration under federal law. The judge determined there were no “exceptional reasons” to grant Combs pre-sentencing release.

Violence and Risk to Community Cited

The court pointed to 2016 hotel surveillance footage showing Combs kicking and dragging singer Cassie Ventura as part of the rationale for denying bail. Judge Subramanian said the record contains evidence of violence, coercion, and subjugation.

Defense Argues Lifestyle Context

Combs’ legal team claimed the case stemmed from his consensual swingers lifestyle and not from exploitation or profit, suggesting the unique context warranted release. However, the judge said that argument was not convincing given the “compelling” evidence of abuse.

Government Challenges Defense Framing

In the court opinion, the government argued that Cassie Ventura and another woman identified as Jane were “beaten, coerced, threatened, lied to, and victimized” by Combs, directly challenging the defense’s characterization of events.

Jail Conditions Not Grounds for Bail

Combs also cited concerns over the conditions at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where he has been held for 11 months, but the judge said staff had managed to keep him safe—despite one recent incident involving a threat from another inmate.

Convicted but Not of All Charges

After an eight-week federal trial, a jury convicted Combs on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

Judge Subramanian initially denied bail following the verdict, citing the “starkly depicted” violence in the surveillance video as central to the decision.

Combs is expected to remain in federal custody until his sentencing this fall. Stay tuned for more details on the Combs’ sex trafficking case with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Governor Orders Arrest of Democrats Over Redistricting Walkout

Edward Saenz
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Texas Governor Orders Arrest of Democrats Over Redistricting Walkout

A dramatic standoff is unfolding in Texas as Republican lawmakers escalate efforts to arrest Democratic legislators who fled the state to block a redistricting vote.

House Votes to Track Down Absent Democrats

On Monday, Texas House Republicans voted 85–6 to authorize civil arrests of Democratic members who left the state to deny a quorum on a GOP-backed redistricting bill. The measure would allow the House sergeant-at-arms and officers to detain lawmakers until further notice.

Governor Abbott Issues Arrest Order

Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate and arrest the absent Democrats, saying the order would remain in place until they are returned to Austin. However, legal experts note that Texas law enforcement lacks jurisdiction outside state lines, and it remains unclear how or whether other states will cooperate.

Redistricting Battle Could Shift National Politics

The proposed redistricting map, supported by former President Donald Trump, could add up to five new Republican congressional seats in Texas. Democrats argue the plan undermines minority voters and threatens fair representation.

Democrats Rally in Other States

Texas Democrats staged events Monday in New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois to protest the redistricting plan. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told the group, “You are on the right side of history. This is a war… and I say, bring it on.”

In Illinois, Rep. James Talarico told ABC News, “To be gone from my family, from my state, is not a happy thing… but the Republicans are trying to change the rules of the game midway through the decade.”

Threats of Legal Action and Political Fallout

Abbott warned that absent Democrats could face removal from office under Texas Attorney General guidance, claiming they “may also have committed felonies” by fundraising to cover daily fines. Attorney General Ken Paxton called for their immediate arrest, calling them “cowards.”

Broader Implications and National Response

The redistricting fight in Texas has triggered warnings of similar moves in Democrat-led states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he may call a special session to counter Texas’ plan with a Democrat-favorable map.

Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley of California plans to introduce a bill that would ban mid-decade congressional redistricting nationwide, though its chances of passing remain slim.

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

Box Office Update: ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Roars Past $750 Million

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Box Office Update: ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Roars Past $750 Million

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Roars Past $750 Million

“Jurassic World Rebirth” has passed $766 million globally after five weekends, making it one of three Hollywood films this year to surpass the $750 million mark. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali, the film has seen strong international performance, especially in the U.K. and Ireland ($42 million), Mexico ($34 million), and Germany ($28 million).

‘F1’ Becomes Brad Pitt’s Biggest Film Ever

Apple’s racing drama “F1” has reached $545 million globally, making it Brad Pitt’s highest-grossing film to date, topping 2013’s “World War Z.” It’s also Apple’s most successful theatrical release, surpassing both “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Napoleon.”

‘Superman’ Soars But Struggles Overseas

DC’s “Superman” has earned $550 million globally, including $316 million domestically. Though it’s a hit in North America, its international performance has lagged. Top overseas markets include the U.K. ($32 million), Mexico ($21.8 million), and Brazil ($15 million).

‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Tops International Charts

Disney and Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” earned $39.6 million from 52 territories in its second weekend, bringing its global total to $368.7 million.

‘The Bad Guys 2’ Starts Strong Worldwide

Universal and DreamWorks’ animated sequel “The Bad Guys 2” debuted with $44.5 million globally. The voice cast includes Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, and Craig Robinson. The film carries an $80 million budget and follows the crew of reformed criminals on one last mission.

‘The Naked Gun’ Reboot Opens With $28.5 Million

Paramount’s reboot of “The Naked Gun,” starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, brought in $28.5 million globally in its first weekend, including $17 million from North America.

Catch the latest entertainment news this week on Que Onda Magazine

Tropical Storm Dexter Forms in the Atlantic

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Tropical Storm Dexter Forms in the Atlantic

Dexter Not a Threat to Texas

Tropical Storm Dexter formed Sunday evening in the Atlantic and is expected to remain a tropical storm for several days. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm is not projected to make landfall and currently poses no threat to Texas.

Preparedness Starts at Home

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) urges residents to prepare now to build a more resilient community. Early action can make a big difference when severe weather strikes.

Check Your Emergency Kit

Ensure your emergency kit is stocked with at least seven days’ worth of non-perishable food, water, medications, a first aid kit, flashlights, and essential supplies for pets and babies. Visit www.readyharris.org for the full Emergency Essentials Checklist.

Make a Plan and Know Your Zone

If you live in an evacuation zone, identify your evacuation routes in advance. Use the Zip Zone Evacuation Map to check your status. Those who may need evacuation assistance can register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) online or by calling 2-1-1.

Get Flood Insurance

HCOHSEM recommends flood insurance for all residents—even those who have never experienced flooding. Check existing policies to ensure they are still active.

Stay Informed and Connected

Sign up for emergency alerts at www.readyharris.org and text GULF2025 to 888777 for hurricane updates. Follow HCOHSEM on social media and sign up for Ready Harris Alerts to stay updated throughout the season.

Stay prepared and informed this hurricane season at QueOndaMagazine.com.

2 Dead, 6 Injured in Mass Shooting at Los Angeles Afterparty

Edward Saenz
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2 Dead, 6 Injured in Mass Shooting at Los Angeles Afterparty

Deadly Shooting Follows Unofficial Festival Afterparty

Two people were killed and six others injured in a mass shooting early Monday following an apparent afterparty in downtown Los Angeles.

The incident occurred after the Hard Summer music festival.

Initial Police Response Hours Before Gunfire

Los Angeles police initially responded around 11 p.m. Sunday after seeing someone run into a crowded location with 50 to 60 people. One person was arrested for firearm possession. Officers secured the scene but left shortly after for another call.

Shots Fired Hours Later

Around 1 a.m. Monday, officers were called back to the same location after reports of gunfire. They found multiple people shot. All eight victims are adults, with one listed in critical condition.

No Suspect or Motive Identified

LAPD Commanding Officer Letisia Ruiz said there is no suspect information or known motive at this time. The investigation remains ongoing

Stay informed with breaking news updates at QueOndaMagazine.com.

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