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Trump Denies Ever Visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s Private Island

President Donald Trump dismissed claims that he ever visited the private island owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling the allegations “old history” during a press event in Scotland on Monday

Fallout Over Staff Theft, Trump Says

When asked about his past ties with Epstein, Trump said their relationship ended in the mid-2000s after Epstein allegedly poached staff from Trump’s businesses.
“He hired help, and I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again,’” Trump told reporters. “He did it again, and I threw him out of the place. Persona non grata… that was it.”

Conflicting Accounts from Past Reports

Trump’s explanation differs from other reported versions of their falling-out. In 2019, The Washington Post cited a bidding war over a Palm Beach mansion as the source of their rift. Meanwhile, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung claimed Trump banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago “for being a creep.”

Mentions of Clinton and Summers

Turning to Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trump brought up former President Bill Clinton and ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, claiming they accepted Epstein’s invitations. Trump said such offers were common among high-profile Palm Beach figures.

“I Never Had the Privilege”

“I never had the privilege of going to his island,” Trump said. “In one of my very good moments, I turned it down. I didn’t want to go to his island.”

Vance Defends Trump

Also on Monday, Vice President JD Vance defended Trump, stating he has “nothing to hide” about his connection to Epstein.
“Trump has been incredibly transparent about that stuff, and some of the stuff takes time,” Vance said. “He wants full transparency.”

For more on the Trump administration, stay informed at Que Onda Magazine.

Celebrate Astronaut Days at Space Center Houston This August

Don’t Miss the Fun: August 2–3, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Space Center Houston will celebrate Astronaut Days this upcoming weekend from Aug. 2 to 3, with a variety of interactive exhibits, presentations, and special guest appearances from veteran astronauts.

Meet the Astronauts

Special guests include astronauts Don Thomas, Anna Fisher, and Carl Walz. Dr. Thomas will speak on Saturday, Aug. 2, during “Astronaut Mission Memories” in the Mission Briefing Center. Walz will appear both days, and Fisher joins on Saturday only.

Tour the Astronaut Training Facility

Guests can take a tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center’s Astronaut Training Facility, nicknamed the “astronaut’s toybox.” This elevated path provides a view of where astronauts train for missions and engineers build next-gen space vehicles. The tour is included with general admission and subject to availability.

Breakfast with an Astronaut

For an upgraded experience, attendees can purchase tickets to “Breakfast with an Astronaut,” featuring a catered breakfast by Wolfgang Puck. Guests will hear firsthand stories from a veteran astronaut and join an interactive Q&A session.

Interactive Activities and Demos

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a variety of science activations, live demonstrations, and hands-on experiments:

  • The Smells of Space
  • Chef Kitchen Demo
  • Lunar Outpost Station featuring the new Lunar Terrain Vehicle
  • Science Deck and Postcards to Space
  • Space Playlist with Kinetic Lights, curated by astronauts

Pop-Up Labs

  • Radiation (UV Beads): Make bookmarks while learning about AstroRad suits.
  • Functional Training Test: Simulate astronaut recovery tests post-mission.
  • Under Pressure: Use marshmallows to demonstrate vacuum pressure in space.
  • Story Corner: Enjoy a reading of “You Are Going”, an Artemis generation story.

Photo Opportunities and Characters

Don’t miss photo ops with the floating astronaut, Mark III suit, and a meet-and-greet with Commander Quest. On Saturday only, view a special LEGO display near the Lunar Outpost.

For more ideas on exploring Houston and finding things to do, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Judge Blocks Trump-Era Effort to Cut Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood

A federal judge has ruled that Planned Parenthood clinics across the U.S. must continue receiving Medicaid reimbursements, halting the Trump administration’s latest attempt to defund the organization.

Nationwide Protection Restored

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston issued the order Monday, replacing an earlier, narrower ruling. Her decision blocks a provision in Trump’s tax law that aimed to strip Medicaid funding for one year from abortion providers that received over $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in 2023—even those that also provide other services like birth control, STI testing, and cancer screenings.

Judge Warns of Health Risks

Talwani cited serious health risks for patients if care is disrupted, including more unintended pregnancies and untreated STIs. “Patients are likely to suffer adverse health consequences where care is disrupted or unavailable,” she wrote in the decision.

More Than Just Abortion Services at Risk

While Planned Parenthood wasn’t named directly in the law, its leaders say the policy clearly targets their nearly 600 clinics across 48 states. Other healthcare providers have also been affected, including one in Maine. If the cuts were enforced, Planned Parenthood says it could be forced to close nearly 200 clinics in 24 states, leaving more than 1 million patients without care.

Planned Parenthood Responds

“We’re suing the Trump administration over this targeted attack,” said Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson. “This case is about making sure that patients who use Medicaid can still get birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment at their local Planned Parenthood health center.”

Lawsuit Targets Federal Health Department

The legal challenge was filed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its branches in Massachusetts and Utah against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Federal Government Pushes Back

The Department of Health and Human Services has not responded to the latest ruling but previously criticized the original injunction. Spokesperson Andrew Nixon said, “States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care.”

Medicaid’s Role

Medicaid provides healthcare coverage for millions of low-income and disabled Americans. Nearly half of all Planned Parenthood patients rely on Medicaid for essential health services.

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

Extreme Heat Grips Eastern U.S., affects 185 Million Americans

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More than 185 million Americans from South Dakota to Florida and up the East Coast to Boston are facing extreme heat warnings this week. Heat index values — which combine temperature and humidity — are expected to reach between 108 and 116 degrees across many regions.

Southeast Faces Most Intense Conditions

The most dangerous heat is forecast for the Southeast, where heat indices could soar up to 120 degrees in parts of Mississippi and Louisiana. The Carolinas through Florida may experience “feels-like” temperatures between 105 and 115 degrees.

Midwest and Northeast Also Under Alert

Sweltering temperatures are also impacting the Midwest, with weekend heat indices ranging from 97 to 111 degrees in cities like Lincoln and Minneapolis. The Northeast, including Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, is expected to see heat indices between the mid-90s and 104 through Monday.

Wildfire Smoke Adds to Hazards

Air quality in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut remains poor due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Hazy skies and another plume of smoke could affect the I-95 corridor by Tuesday afternoon.

No Relief Day or Night

High humidity and persistent tropical moisture are expected to keep “feels-like” temperatures between 105 and 115 degrees through Wednesday, especially in cities like St. Louis, Memphis, Charlotte, Savannah, Tampa, and Jackson. Nighttime temperatures are only expected to drop into the 70s, offering little overnight relief.

Record-Breaking Heat

Tampa hit 100 degrees on Sunday, breaking a 130-year-old record. Much of the Southeast, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee, will remain under a maximum-level extreme heat risk through midweek.

Health officials remind the public that nearly 2,000 Americans die annually from extreme heat and urge caution during this dangerous heat wave.

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

Four Adults Arrested for Abusing and Imprisoning Nine Children in Florida Home

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Four adults in Fort White, Florida, have been arrested for allegedly abusing and imprisoning nine children in their home, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Accused Family Members and Charges

Brian and Jill Griffeth, along with their adult children Dallin, 21, and Liberty, 19, face charges of aggravated child abuse. All four were taken into custody on July 22 and are being held on $500,000 bond each.

Alleged Abuse Inside the Home

Authorities say the children were locked in cages, forced to take non-prescribed medication, and denied proper schooling. The adults allegedly told the children to lie about what was happening inside the house.

One disturbing report claimed Jill Griffeth made a child lie on the floor, placed a sheet of plywood on them, and pressed down—causing splinters and pain. Punishments also included spraying vinegar into the children’s faces.

Church Report Led to Investigation

The investigation began after a mandatory reporter from the family’s church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—expressed concern. Around the same time, one child was found with a working stun gun at church camp.

Adopted Children Treated Worse

Of the nine children, five are biological and four are adopted. Deputies say the adopted children were treated more harshly. They didn’t know their birthdays or full names and were made to do chores while the biological children played and watched TV.

Additional Foster Child Found Safe

The couple had a 10th foster child who was not in the home. That child was located with a biological parent in Arizona and was found to be safe and healthy.

Further Allegations of Abuse

As the investigation continued, the adopted children said they were beaten with a cane and locked in their bedrooms by the adults.

All nine children in the home, ages 7 to 16, have now been removed by court order. The case remains under investigation. For more details, stay tuned at Que Onda Magazine.

NFL Players Face Penalties Over Super Bowl LIX Ticket Resale Scandal

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More than 100 NFL players are facing disciplinary action for allegedly reselling their Super Bowl LIX tickets at prices above face value, in violation of league rules, according to ESPN sources.

League Policy Violations and Penalties

Players from around half of the league’s 32 teams are expected to be fined and could be suspended. The NFL and the Players Association have agreed that violators will be fined the full face value of the tickets and will lose access to tickets for the next two Super Bowls. If the penalized players participate in those games, they’ll only be allowed to purchase seats.

Those who reject the fine risk suspension from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Sources said that many players have already accepted fines to avoid losing game time.

Ticket Resale Investigation Findings

An NFL memo obtained by ESPN stated that players and employees had sold tickets to a small number of “bundlers” working with ticket resellers. Prices on secondary markets for the February Super Bowl in New Orleans ranged from $2,588 to over $10,000, well above face value.

Stricter Penalties for Larger Roles

The memo noted that those who worked directly with the bundlers or played a larger role in the scheme will face harsher consequences. NFL chief compliance officer Sabrina Perel confirmed that both players and coaches were involved.

League Response and Future Safeguards

The league reminded all teams that its longstanding policy, which is part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, prohibits employees from reselling tickets for profit. To prevent future violations, the NFL plans to strengthen mandatory training ahead of Super Bowl LX, reinforcing that personal profit should never come at the fans’ expense.

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

Triple digit temperatures are back this week with a hot end to July

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — While we can’t rule out a stray shower Monday, but we’re transitioning to a warmer and drier pattern this week with triple digit temperatures possible Tuesday and Wednesday.

Monday is going to be a warmer and drier day, but a stray shower could roll through Southeast Texas during the afternoon. It’s a 20% chance for Monday compared to the 40% chance we had Sunday. Main story is the warmer afternoon with highs climbing into the upper 90s with an afternoon heat index around 100 to 104 degrees.

What’s on tap for the end of July?

Generally this week we’re drying out and warming up. We’re even forecasting two more triple digit days with highs of 100 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday. Humidity levels should also be somewhat manageable early on in the week, which will also keep rain chances minimal to none. However, we are expecting moisture levels to climb heading into the weekend. Pair that with highs in the upper 90s, that’s when we could see a few Heat Advisories issued across the region. Typically we’d need a heat index value of at least 108 to warrant a Heat Advisory be issued for Houston.

So how about the first weekend of August?

Rain chances start picking back up this upcoming weekend. The heat dome and drier air that will be preset during the work week will give way to another round of tropical moisture rolling in from the east. The highest rainfall totals will stay over Louisiana, but we’ll see daily rain chances return late-week and through next weekend.

What’s happening in the tropics?

All quiet in the Atlantic basin for now, but 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.

Virginia Man Charged with Double Murder After Confronting Wife Over Infidelity

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A Virginia man has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder after allegedly killing his wife and another man in a deadly domestic dispute.

Deadly Confrontation in Ridgeway

Police say 30-year-old Joshua Corbett Coleman shot and killed his 22-year-old wife, Mandy Coleman, during an argument about infidelity. The incident occurred in Ridgeway, Virginia, where Mandy lived with their two young children. Her body was found at the home with a fatal gunshot wound.

Second Victim Shot in the Street

Authorities responded to a separate report of a man shot in the road nearby. The victim, identified as 68-year-old William Leroy Morey, was pronounced dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. Coleman reportedly told police he went looking for Morey to kill him because he “knew he was going to jail.”

Children Found Safe in Suspect’s Vehicle

Police arrested Coleman during a traffic stop around 2:40 p.m. and found the children inside his vehicle unharmed. He was reportedly armed with both a handgun and an AR-15 rifle at the time of the arrest.

Confession and Charges

According to a criminal complaint, Coleman admitted to both killings. He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in a felony, child abuse, and shooting from an occupied vehicle. He is being held without bond at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.

Community Shocked by Violence

Sheriff Wayne Davis called the incident “heartbreaking and tragic,” adding that the community is deeply affected. A $2,500 reward is being offered for information related to the crime as the investigation continues.

Stay informed this weekend with Que Onda Magazine.

2-Year-Old Girl Accidentally Struck by Family Member

A heartbreaking accident occurred Saturday evening in southwest Houston, where a 2-year-old girl was accidentally run over by a relative in a parking lot at an apartment complex on Leonora Street.

Incident Happened During Grocery Unloading

According to the Houston Police Department, the family had just returned home and was unloading groceries around 9:54 p.m. when the child, who had been playing nearby with a sibling, ran behind a pickup truck. Unseen by the driver, the vehicle began to reverse and struck her.

Emergency Response Couldn’t Save the Child

Family members immediately stopped the vehicle, tried to help the child, and called 911. Paramedics from the Houston Fire Department rushed her to Texas Children’s Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead due to the severity of her injuries.

Police Say No Criminal Negligence Suspected

Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing, but early findings suggest the incident was a tragic accident with no signs of criminal negligence.

Stay updated on Houston local news at QueOndaMagazine.com.

US and EU Strike Last-Minute Tariff Deal

The United States and the European Union reached a sweeping trade agreement Sunday, just days before a White House deadline to impose steep tariffs on European imports.

President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen finalized the deal during a private meeting at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.

Trump and von der Leyen Reach ‘Across the Board’ Agreement

Following their meeting, both leaders confirmed that an “across the board” deal had been reached. Trump called the negotiations “very interesting” and said the result would benefit both sides. Von der Leyen noted the significance of the agreement, saying it could be “the biggest deal each of us has ever struck.”

Tariff Threats Narrowly Avoided

The talks were designed to prevent punitive tariffs from going into effect August 1. Without a deal, the EU had promised to retaliate with tariffs on American products such as beef, auto parts, and Boeing aircraft. Trump previously suggested tariff rates similar to a recent 15% agreement with Japan but refused to consider anything lower.

Tense Trade Talks Amid Scottish Golf Tour

Trump’s meeting with von der Leyen came during a five-day trip to Scotland centered around golf and promotion of Trump-branded properties. He played rounds with sons Eric and Donald Jr. as small groups of both demonstrators and supporters gathered nearby.

EU Negotiators Join Talks

Von der Leyen was accompanied by key EU trade officials, including Maros Sefcovic and Sabine Weyand. The Trump administration had warned that the tariff deadline was final, with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stating that Customs would begin collecting duties August 1 unless a deal was reached.

What’s Next

Trump is set to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday at Turnberry and will travel to Aberdeen on Tuesday to promote a new Trump golf course. Talks with the UK are ongoing following the announcement of a trade framework and partial deal earlier this year.

Stay informed on the latest headlines this weekend with Que Onda Magazine.