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Hope for rain fading as Gulf low looks to move in east of Houston

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Moisture levels are set to rise in the days ahead, boosting rain chances for the thirsty land of Southeast Texas. This moisture is wrapping around a weak area of low pressure over the Gulf that looks to move inland near Houston on Monday. Persistent easterly winds around the low pressure zone this weekend are also increasing the risk for rip currents along the Gulf-facing beaches of the Texas coastline.

What’s in store for our weekend weather?

We’ve got a 10% chance of rain both days this weekend as that low pressure slowly pushes the Gulf moisture closer to Southeast Texas. Like what we observed on Friday, any shower that pops up could bring briefly heavy rainfall. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and hot with lows near 70 and highs near 90. Not exactly pumpkin patch weather!

What’s in store for Sunday’s weather?

We’ve got a 10% chance of rain late Sunday mainly east of I-45. Like what we observed on Friday, any shower that pops up could bring briefly heavy rainfall. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and hot with lows in the mid-to-upper 60s and highs near 90. The northeasterly wind should keep the humidity levels on the low side for most.

So with the low pressure now tracking east of Houston, what are the rain chances looking like now for the early part of the work week?

We’ve lowered Monday’s rain chances from 30% down to 20% and held Tuesday and Wednesday steady at 20%. If you get any rain, it won’t be enough to turn around the drought that is creeping back toward Houston.

Are there any signs of cooler weather down the road?

Not for the next 10 days. In fact, October’s version of a heat ridge looks to build in after the Gulf moisture departs late in the week. This will keep high temperatures persistently at or above 90 degrees until something changes in the upper-air pattern.

What is happening in the tropics?

We are monitoring disturbances in the Gulf and the Atlantic, with the Atlantic disturbance most likely to produce the season’s next named storm. 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.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Diddy’s Lawyers Accuse Judge of Acting as ‘13th Juror’

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Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is vowing to appeal his conviction, arguing that the judge punished him for crimes the jury explicitly rejected. Combs was sentenced to over four years in prison and fined $500,000 after being found guilty on two prostitution-related charges. He will receive credit for 12 months already served.

Defense Claims Sentence Based on Acquitted Conduct

Lead attorney Teny Geragos told ABC News that the verdict made clear Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and RICO charges. “Not guilty means not guilty,” she said. Alexandra Shapiro, who will lead the appeal, argued that the judge “acted as a 13th juror” by basing the sentence on conduct tied to charges for which Combs was found not guilty.

Judge Cites Pattern of Violence

Judge Arun Subramanian emphasized the repeated nature of Combs’ crimes and his violence toward former partners. He said the sentence should send a message that “violence against women is met with real accountability” and that the court could not be assured Combs wouldn’t reoffend.

Defense Acknowledges Evidence, Pushes Rehabilitation

Shapiro admitted that video evidence of Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura was “the worst thing in the case” and contributed to the verdict. Geragos said Combs has taken responsibility for his violent past, though he wasn’t convicted of domestic violence. The defense argued the lengthy sentence undermines rehabilitation.

Lawyers Say Punishment Has Already Been Severe

Shapiro pointed to the damage to Combs’ reputation, career losses, civil lawsuits, and time already served as evidence that he’s been sufficiently punished. “That message has been sent in spades,” she said. The appeal will challenge the sentencing as inconsistent with the jury’s findings.

For more on Diddy’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Maduro Seeks to Appease Trump Amid Intensifying U.S. Pressure

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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has made repeated overtures to Donald Trump’s administration, offering cooperation in the war on drugs and cracking down on criminal groups like Tren de Aragua. But despite these gestures, Washington continues to target his regime as a central player in drug trafficking.

U.S. Strikes Drug Boats in the Caribbean

The U.S. announced the destruction of a fifth vessel in five weeks allegedly transporting narcotics to American shores. Maduro responded cautiously, questioning the evidence while maintaining cooperation on other fronts, including deportation flights and oil production with Chevron.

Cooperation Meets Escalating U.S. Military Presence

The U.S. Navy has deployed at least eight warships, a nuclear submarine, and thousands of troops to the southern Caribbean, signaling a readiness to target trafficking operations inside Venezuela. Behind the scenes, U.S. officials are considering shifting their focus from sea routes to land operations.

Venezuela Steps Up Its Own Anti-Drug Campaign

In response, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino launched weekly televised operations showcasing bombings of drug labs near the Colombian border, managed by FARC and ELN guerrillas. Analysts say these moves aim to demonstrate control and placate the Trump administration.

Indictment Complicates Diplomatic Efforts

Maduro faces a 2020 U.S. indictment for leading the Cartel de los Soles, with a $50 million reward for his capture. Despite ongoing migrant discussions, Maduro has described broader talks with the U.S. as “broken,” citing threats and blackmail.

Propaganda and Resistance at Home

Domestically, Maduro uses military imagery and nationalist messaging to rally support against U.S. pressure. State TV shows him in fatigues with troops and airs patriotic commercials calling for resistance.

Uncertain Endgame

Experts say Washington must decide whether to escalate or step back if Venezuela’s military remains loyal to Maduro. For now, his strategy hinges on cooperation abroad and defiance at home — a delicate balance with high stakes.

For more on international affairs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Small rain chance and high rip current risk this weekend

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Moisture levels are set to rise in the days ahead, boosting rain chances for the thirsty land of Southeast Texas. This moisture is wrapping around a weak area of low pressure over the Gulf that looks to move inland near Houston on Monday. Persistent easterly winds around the low pressure zone this weekend are also increasing the risk for rip currents along the Gulf-facing beaches of the Texas coastline.

What’s in store for our weekend weather?

We’ve got a 10% chance of rain both days this weekend as that low pressure slowly pushes the Gulf moisture closer to Southeast Texas. Like what we observed on Friday, any shower that pops up could bring briefly heavy rainfall. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and hot with lows near 70 and highs near 90. Not exactly pumpkin patch weather!

How promising are the rain chances looking early next week?

For now we have rain chances at 30% Monday and 20% for Tuesday and Wednesday. If the low pressure tracks directly into Galveston, then rain chances will go higher into the 40-60% range, especially for Monday.

Are there any signs of cooler weather down the road?

Not for the next 10 days. In fact, October’s version of a heat ridge looks to build in after the Gulf moisture departs late next week. This will keep high temperatures persistently at or above 90 degrees until something changes in the upper-air pattern.

What is happening in the tropics?

We are monitoring tropical waves near Florida and over the far eastern Atlantic. The wave near Africa now has a medium chance of becoming the season’s next named storm over the next 7 days. 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.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

U.S. Launches Deadly Strike on Alleged Venezuelan Narco-Trafficking Vessel

The U.S. military carried out a lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel off the coast of Venezuela, killing four people, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday. He said the action was carried out “on President Trump’s orders” as part of escalating pressure on the Venezuelan regime.

‘These Strikes Will Continue’

Hegseth stated that U.S. intelligence “without a doubt” confirmed the vessel was transporting large amounts of narcotics toward the U.S. “The people onboard were narco-terrorists, and they were operating on a known narco-trafficking transit route,” he wrote on social media. “These strikes will continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!!!”

Trump Declares Cartels Unlawful Combatants

The strike followed Trump’s declaration Wednesday that cartels are “unlawful combatants,” signaling that the U.S. is now in a “non-international armed conflict” with them. The Associated Press reported that Congress was notified of the decision, though some lawmakers criticized the Pentagon for not providing a full list of the designated terrorist organizations involved.

Rising Tensions with Venezuela

The operation is part of a series of U.S. military actions in the Caribbean targeting vessels allegedly tied to drug trafficking. Meanwhile, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused the U.S. of “military harassment” after five American jets reportedly approached the country’s coastline on Thursday. “This is a great threat,” he said in a televised address, though he did not specify whether the government plans to respond.

For more on U.S. affairs with Venezuela, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sentenced to 50 Months in Prison

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison after being convicted on two prostitution-related offenses. He will receive credit for the 12 months he has already served at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The sentence also includes five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine — the maximum allowed.

Emotional Apology and Judge’s Remarks

Before sentencing, Combs tearfully apologized in court, saying, “I’ve been humbled and broken to my core.” Judge Arun Subramanian acknowledged Combs’s achievements as a self-made artist and businessman but said his good works “cannot wash away the record in this case.”

The judge credited Cassie Ventura and “Jane” for their courage, saying, “You stood up to power. The number of people who you reached is incalculable.”

Prosecutors Sought Longer Sentence

Federal prosecutors argued that Combs deserved at least 11 years behind bars, citing the severity and duration of his actions. Combs’s defense requested no more than 14 months. Ultimately, the judge determined that 50 months was necessary to reflect the impact on victims and deter future misconduct.

Courtroom Reaction

Combs sat expressionless as the sentence was read, hands clasped in his lap, head lowered. The judge described his actions as “subjugation” that spanned more than a decade and left victims deeply traumatized.

For more updates on the Combs’ sentencing, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Hamas Responds to Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

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Hamas has agreed in principle to President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza but requested additional negotiations before finalizing the deal. The group said it would release all remaining hostages if Israel withdraws from Gaza and “proper field conditions are met,” and agreed to hand over Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian body.

Trump Issues Ultimatum

Trump announced on social media that Hamas has until Sunday at 6 p.m. ET to sign the agreement. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” he warned. He also urged civilians to evacuate certain areas of Gaza for their safety, saying Hamas fighters would be “hunted down” if they refuse the deal.

Netanyahu Rejects Palestinian Statehood

During Monday’s White House meeting, Trump presented his plan to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will not allow an independent Palestinian state. Meanwhile, the IDF continues its push to seize Gaza City despite mounting international pressure and multiple Western nations recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Flotilla Intercepted as Tensions Rise

The Israeli navy intercepted a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, calling it a “provocation.” Greta Thunberg was among activists detained during the operation. Israel confirmed it intercepted all but four vessels as fighting in Gaza City continues “at full force.”

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

Trump Administration Targets Blue States in Shutdown Funding Cuts

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The Trump administration has added Chicago to the growing list of Democrat-led cities and states losing federal funds during the government shutdown. White House Budget Director Russell Vought announced Oct. 3 that $2.1 billion promised for Chicago’s transit system is on hold.

Earlier, $18 billion in infrastructure funds for New York and $8 billion in Department of Energy projects across 16 blue states were also paused. Similar energy project funds in red states remain untouched, according to Notus.

Democrats Condemn ‘Mafioso Tactics’

Democratic leaders swiftly criticized the move. “We’re less than a day into this shutdown, and Trump & Vought are illegally punishing Democrat-led states,” Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., posted Oct. 1, calling the cuts “mafioso tactics.”

Florida Reimbursed for Immigration Facilities

In contrast, red Florida received $608 million from FEMA on Oct. 2 to cover construction and management of two state-run immigration detention centers, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot.” Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted the reimbursement just hours before the shutdown began.

Trump Eyes Permanent Cuts

Trump wrote Oct. 2 that he was meeting with Vought to decide “which of the many Democrat Agencies, most of which are a political SCAM,” should be cut, and whether those cuts will be temporary or permanent.

National Guard Deployment Considered in Chicago

The administration has clashed with Chicago officials amid discussions about deploying the National Guard. DHS recently requested Guard support in Illinois “to safeguard Federal personnel, property, and functions,” according to the Pentagon.

For more on the government shutdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

A glimmer of hope for needed rainfall early next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Near record heat and mostly dry weather to round out your week, but there are subtle signs that moisture levels will rise enough to bring an isolated shower or two in the days ahead.

Highs are on the way to rising into the low to mid 90s under a partly cloudy sky this afternoon, and while a spotty shower or downpour is possible, the coverage is very limited at just 10%.

When does the humid air return?

We’ll get a little bump in the humidity Friday, which will bring a 10% chance of passing showers primarily south of I-10. Otherwise, we’ll have to wait until early next week for some tropical moisture to bring higher rain chances.

How promising are the rain chances looking early next week?

For now we have rain chances at 10% Sunday, 30% Monday, and 30% Tuesday. These rain chances all hinge on the track of a weak zone of low pressure that will track westward across the Gulf from Florida to Texas.

What is happening in the tropics?

We are monitoring tropical waves near Florida, and over the far eastern Atlantic that have a low chance for development. 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.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank Break Ground on $3B Stargate AI Data Center in Milam County, Texas

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OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank are advancing their $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative, Stargate, with the construction of a new data center in Milam County, Texas.

The Milam County facility, a $3 billion investment, is part of a broader effort to establish five new data centers across the United States. These centers aim to provide nearly 7 gigawatts of computing capacity, contributing to the project’s goal of 10 gigawatts by the end of 2025. The initiative is expected to generate approximately 25,000 onsite jobs and bring total investment to over $400 billion.

The Milam County site was selected through a competitive process, with over 300 proposals from more than 30 states considered. The decision underscores Texas’s appeal due to its abundant energy resources and favorable business climate.

In addition to the Milam County development, other new Stargate sites include Shackelford County, Texas; Doña Ana County, New Mexico; Lordstown, Ohio; and an undisclosed Midwest location. These projects are part of a larger strategy to expand AI infrastructure nationwide. (

The Milam County data center is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the growing demand for AI technologies, including applications like ChatGPT and other advanced systems. As the project progresses, it is anticipated to have significant economic and technological impacts on the region