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Tariffs Cast a Shadow Over Amazon Prime Day 2025

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As Amazon gears up for its summer Prime Day sales from July 8 to July 11, economic uncertainty and trade tensions are influencing consumer behavior. Some shoppers are hesitant, while others are motivated to buy before prices potentially rise.

Prime Day Expected to Break Sales Records

Despite these challenges, Adobe forecasts record-breaking sales for this year’s event, predicting consumers will spend $23.8 billion — a 28.4% jump from last year’s $14.2 billion. Significant discounts, particularly in apparel, electronics, and appliances, are expected to drive sales.

Shoppers React to Tariffs

Surveys show mixed consumer responses to tariffs. Some shoppers plan to buy more before possible price hikes, while others are cutting back on spending. A Smarty survey found 32% of respondents are shopping more cautiously, while 25% are accelerating purchases in anticipation of rising costs.

Some Sellers Opt Out of Prime Day

Not all businesses are joining the event. Several third-party sellers are skipping Prime Day or reducing their inventory due to rising import tariffs, especially on goods from China. Smaller retailers, in particular, are working to protect their profit margins.

Deals Still Expected Despite Uncertainty

Retail experts say shoppers can still expect major daily deals from top brands. While some small sellers step back, big-name retailers will continue offering competitive discounts to attract bargain-hunting consumers.

Ongoing Trade Tensions Influence Prices

The ongoing trade disputes, including steep tariffs imposed by the U.S., China, and the EU, remain a major concern. Though some reciprocal tariffs have been delayed until August, uncertainty over future costs continues to shape both seller and shopper decisions.

For more on the effect of Trump’s tariffs, keep up with every update with us on Que Onda Magazine.

TSA to End Shoes-Off Requirement at Security Checkpoints

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Passengers at many major U.S. airports will soon be allowed to keep their shoes on during general security screening, marking the end of a nearly 20-year-old policy. The change begins Sunday at several airports and will expand nationwide.

Policy Shift Aims to Speed Up Screening

According to a TSA memo obtained by ABC News, the goal is to improve checkpoint efficiency. Until now, only TSA PreCheck passengers typically kept their shoes on. Travelers who trigger security alarms will still be asked to remove their shoes for further screening.

Origins of the Shoes-Off Rule

The policy was first implemented in 2006, five years after Richard Reid’s failed attempt to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a transatlantic flight.

Nationwide Rollout Planned

TSA plans to extend this change to all U.S. airports in the near future. The agency has been working for years on ways to streamline the security process without compromising safety.

TSA Has Not Yet Commented

ABC News has reached out to TSA officials for further clarification on the new policy.

For updates on travel policies and more, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine daily.

Another round of tropical downpours expected Tuesday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Tropical moisture remains over southeast Texas, and with an upper-level low swirling overhead Tuesday and Wednesday, widely scattered showers and thunderstorms will once again pop up as the temperatures clear 90 degrees.

The radar will be mostly rain-free overnight, save for a few showers near the coast. Temperatures will start off in the mid-to-upper 70s, with a touch of fog possible in some spots. Scattered showers are possible in the morning, mainly south of I-10. Those showers will intensify into larger thunderstorms over Houston by early afternoon. Locally heavy rain, thunder, and lightning are potential impacts from these summertime storms. No severe weather is expected at this time; however, minor street flooding is possible in areas where 1 to 3 inches of rain falls quickly. If it rains heavily in your neighborhood, temperatures will cool off from the 90s into the 70s.

What’s in store for us this week?

More widespread downpours are expected every day until Friday when a Saharan dust cloud blows back in. Tuesday’s rain chance is now 70%, Wednesday’s is 60%, and Thursday’s is 40%. Any storm could bring locally heavy rains that flood streets, gusty winds over 40 mph, and frequent lightning.

Is there any triple-digit heat in the forecast?

Not at this time. In fact, we still haven’t hit 100 so far this summer! Next week, the rain faucet should turn off, which should push temperatures closer to 100.

What’s happening in the tropics?

Another Saharan dust cloud is coming for Texas. 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.

Central Texas Flooding: Death Toll Rises Amidst Ongoing Search and Warnings

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The catastrophic floods in the Texas Hill Country have claimed at least 79 lives, with search and rescue operations continuing for 10 missing girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian camp severely impacted by the deluge. Kerr County alone accounts for 68 deaths, including 28 children and 40 adults, while 11 additional fatalities were confirmed in surrounding counties. This toll surpasses the 68 deaths directly attributed to Hurricane Harvey in southeast Texas in 2017.

Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts

More than 400 first responders from over 20 agencies are diligently combing the area. Dalton Rice, Kerrville city manager, noted the increased personnel navigating the challenging riverbanks. Officials warn that the true number of unaccounted individuals could be higher due to the influx of July 4th weekend visitors. Governor Greg Abbott has vowed a “relentless” effort to locate every victim.

Devastation and Official Response

Governor Abbott described the scene at Camp Mystic as “nothing short of horrific,” emphasizing the commitment to provide families with accurate information and closure. Colonel Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety anticipates the death toll will continue to rise.

President Donald Trump approved Abbott’s request for a federal disaster declaration for Kerr County, making it eligible for federal aid, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the involvement of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection in rescue efforts. Over 850 people have been rescued in 36 hours, many clinging to trees for survival.

Warning System Under Scrutiny

The National Weather Service issued another flash flood warning for Kerr County until 10 p.m. Sunday. The effectiveness of warnings issued prior to the flood has come under scrutiny. While both AccuWeather and the National Weather Service sent warnings hours before the devastation, local officials defended their actions, stating they did not anticipate such an intense downpour. AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter emphasized that warnings should always prompt safety precautions, regardless of forecast rainfall, as Flash Flood Warnings indicate an immediate risk to life and property.

Governor Abbott acknowledged the difficult decision local officials faced regarding evacuation orders, noting that some deaths occurred among those attempting to evacuate.

Community Impact and Recovery

As floodwaters recede, the extent of the damage is becoming clear: snapped trees, tangled power lines, and stripped bark from rushing water. Cross Kingdom Church, led by Pastor Justin Carpenter, has been collecting donations but faces challenges reaching those in need due to lost cell service.

Billy Lawrence, a 73-year-old who has experienced similar tragedies, described this flood as twice as bad as the 1987 flooding, during which he searched for bodies for over 30 days. He suggested that camp counselors should be trained to check weather forecasts nightly.

President Trump expressed his condolences on Truth Social, stating, “Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”

The area, historically prone to major flooding, saw the Guadalupe River rise 26 feet in 45 minutes after approximately 10 inches of rain fell within a few hours. Questions persist about whether sufficient warning was provided, particularly to vacationers in town for the Fourth of July weekend.

Netflix Sees Anime Boom With Half of Users Watching

Netflix revealed that more than 50% of its global users—over 150 million households—now watch anime, tripling the audience from five years ago. The announcement was made at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, where the streamer also previewed several new series.

New Anime Titles Announced

Popular manga adaptation Sakamoto Days, which topped Netflix’s Global Top 10 for 10 weeks across 54 countries, was among the highlights. Netflix also introduced My Melody & Kuromi, a series debuting July 24 based on beloved Sanrio characters. A sequel to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners—developed with TRIGGER and CD PROJEKT RED—is also in the works.

Other upcoming anime include Record of Ragnarok III, Blue Eye Samurai, and The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity.

Anime Goes Mainstream on Netflix

Anime has shifted from a niche interest to a global mainstream genre. A Dentsu study found 48% of anime fans worldwide watch on Netflix, while Disney+ and Prime Video trail behind. In the U.S., 63% of viewers say they watch anime on Netflix.

Netflix’s data shows anime content was viewed over 1 billion times globally in 2024.

Netflix’s Early Investments Pay Off

Netflix began investing heavily in anime years ago, pledging $8 billion in 2017 to develop new content. By 2023, Parrot Analytics estimated Netflix earned $2.07 billion from anime, surpassing Crunchyroll’s $1.16 billion that year.

Dubbed Versions Lead Viewership

Although Netflix features anime in its original Japanese, most viewers prefer dubbed versions. According to The Hollywood Reporter, 80–90% of anime viewers on Netflix choose dubbed audio, making the content more accessible to global audiences.

For the latest on streaming platforms, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Devastating Floods Leave Over 100 Dead in Texas

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Severe flooding across Texas has claimed the lives of more than 100 people, with Kerr County suffering the most. Officials confirmed 84 deaths there, including 28 children. President Trump signed a disaster declaration, and FEMA teams are on-site to assist recovery efforts.

Search and Rescue Efforts Continue

Search and rescue operations remain underway across the state. More than 850 high-water rescues have been carried out so far, according to Sen. Ted Cruz. Ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing after flash floods swept through the area.

National Weather Service Defends Response

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported it had increased staff and issued flood alerts hours before the disaster. Despite questions about prior federal budget cuts, NWS officials emphasized that warnings were sent with several hours of lead time.

Political Debate Over Disaster Response

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Sen. Cruz rejected claims blaming the Trump administration for the disaster, calling them politically motivated. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for an investigation into whether federal cuts affected the NWS’s response.

More Rainfall Threatens Already Soaked Regions

Central Texas remains under threat of further flash floods. Some areas could see over 5 inches of additional rainfall, worsening conditions in regions already overwhelmed by water.

Community Mobilizes to Help

Organizations like the American Red Cross are providing shelter, supplies, and support to those impacted. Officials have encouraged the public to donate and assist where possible.

President Trump Plans Visit to Texas

President Trump is expected to visit Texas on Friday. He called the floods a “horrible tragedy” and praised first responders for their efforts.

Camp Mystic Hit Hard by Tragedy

At least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic have died. Search teams continue to comb the area along the Guadalupe River, where the flash floods struck hardest.

Officials Call for Future Preparedness

Local leaders acknowledge that the region, known as “Flash Flood Alley,” is prone to flooding but stress that this event was unprecedented. Officials pledge to review warning systems and response efforts once immediate recovery concludes.

Follow every update on this story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

White House and Cruz Defend Weather Service After Texas Floods

The White House and Sen. Ted Cruz defended the National Weather Service following devastating floods in Texas, pushing back against criticism that federal cuts impacted forecasting. Cruz called for unity, saying, “this is not a time for partisan finger-pointing.”

Press Secretary Rejects Blame on Trump

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt forcefully denied claims that President Trump’s administration was to blame for the disaster. She criticized Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for what she called “falsehoods,” labeling the accusations as a “depraved lie.”

Schumer Calls for Investigation

Schumer urged the Commerce Department to investigate whether staffing shortages at NWS offices contributed to the loss of life and property damage. He raised concerns about potential impacts from budget cuts.

Weather Service Defends Response

The National Weather Service said it had extra staff in place before the storm. The Austin/San Antonio office doubled its usual staffing and issued flood watches and flash flood warnings well ahead of the event, providing several hours of lead time.

Leavitt Details Timeline of Alerts

Leavitt outlined the timeline of warnings, noting a flood watch was issued at 1:18 p.m. on July 3, with flash flood warnings following overnight. She said, “the National Weather Service did its job,” despite the tragedy striking while many people were asleep.

Cruz Urges Unity, Promises Future Review

Speaking in Kerr County, Cruz said there would be time later to analyze what happened but criticized those using the disaster for political attacks. He emphasized learning lessons without partisan bitterness.

Trump Rejects NWS Cuts as Cause

President Trump, set to visit Texas on Friday, dismissed suggestions that staffing cuts caused the disaster. He briefly blamed former President Biden but walked the comment back, calling the floods a “hundred-year catastrophe.”

For more updates on the deadly Texas floods, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

DOJ, FBI Find No Epstein ‘Client List,’ Confirm Suicide

A new memo from the Justice Department and FBI confirms that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and that investigators found no evidence of a “client list” of powerful individuals involved in his crimes.

No Additional Charges Expected

The memo states that no further charges will be filed in connection to Epstein’s case, as investigators found no basis to pursue uncharged associates. This finding contradicts long-standing conspiracy theories.

Records Release Promised but Limited

Attorney General Pam Bondi had pledged to release extensive Epstein case files. In February, she handed out binders to pro-Trump influencers containing little new information, frustrating supporters who had anticipated significant revelations.

A photo of Jeffrey Epstein’s prison cell after his death, Aug. 10, 2019, released by the Department of Justice.

Conspiracy Theories Persist Despite Findings

Despite the investigation’s conclusions, speculation about Epstein’s associates persists. Tech billionaire Elon Musk falsely suggested that President Trump was implicated in the files—a claim Trump has denied, calling it “old news.”

Pressure on DOJ to Release More Files

Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have faced pressure from Trump’s base to release remaining records. Bondi has said the department is working to release as much information as possible but cited the complexity of reviewing thousands of sensitive files.

Memo Emphasizes Focus on Victims

The DOJ memo stressed that its priority is fighting child exploitation and warned that spreading baseless theories about Epstein does not help victims or serve justice.

No Timeline for Further Releases

While Bondi has said more documents will be made public, no timeline has been confirmed. President Trump has claimed he is not involved in the release decisions.

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Launches with $318 Million Worldwide

The seventh film in the Jurassic franchise, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” opened to a massive $318.3 million global debut, surpassing expectations over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Strong Debut in North America and Overseas

In the U.S., the film earned $147.3 million over five days, including $91.5 million for the three-day weekend. Overseas, it brought in $171 million from over 80 markets, making it the second-best global opening for the franchise and the biggest worldwide launch of 2025 so far.

China and Other Key Markets Perform Strongly

Despite Hollywood’s declining box office in China, “Rebirth” earned $41.5 million there, the biggest Hollywood opening of the year. Other top markets included the U.K. with $16.6 million and Mexico with $14 million.

Mixed Reviews But Franchise Power Prevails

Critics and audiences gave the film mixed reviews, but the Jurassic brand’s appeal remained strong. Moviegoers embraced the dinosaur spectacle, calling it “popcorn entertainment” and “dumb fun.”

Reboot with New Director and Cast

Directed by Gareth Edwards and written by “Jurassic Park” screenwriter David Koepp, “Rebirth” introduces a new cast led by Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey. The story follows a rescue mission on an island inhabited by dangerous dinosaurs left behind from the original park.

Holiday Competition and Box Office Standings

The film ranks as the fourth-best July Fourth opening ever, despite stiff competition from “F1: The Movie,” which earned nearly $300 million globally, and “How to Train Your Dragon,” which crossed $500 million worldwide.

Jurassic Franchise Remains a Box Office Force

Although “Rebirth” opened slightly below earlier “Jurassic World” films, it cost less to produce at $180 million. The franchise continues to thrive more than 30 years after Steven Spielberg’s original “Jurassic Park” debuted in 1993.

For the latest on Hollywood, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Scattered showers and storms possible Monday and Tuesday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — With tropical moisture lingering across the state and a more seasonal sea breeze expected to return this week, there’s the chance for scattered showers and storms nearly every day this week.

Scattered showers and storms will begin to develop around noon and continue through the early evening hours. Right now, we expect about a 60% chance of storms on both Monday and Tuesday. Locally heavy rain, thunder, and lightning are potential impacts from these summertime storms. No severe weather is expected at this time.

What else should we know about the flooding in central Texas?

Eventually, all of that water will drain through the Colorado River Basin and out to the Gulf. In the meantime, both Lake Travis and Canyon Lake are going to hold the bulk of the rain and floodwaters. Meanwhile, both the Colorado and Guadalupe Rivers downstream closer to the gulf will begin to rise early this week and could crest in a minor flood stage between July 9th and 11th. This means minor, low-lying flooding could occur along these rivers later this week. No major river flood is expected at this time. Specifically, the Guadalupe River near Bloomington could crest just above 21 feet in a minor flood stage this week, where lowland areas could take on water. Again, this system will also not bring flash flooding to the city of Houston and Southeast Texas at this time.

What’s in store for us this week?

Unfortunately, the weather system that brought the catastrophic flooding to Central Texas continues to swirl over the region and won’t weaken until midweek this week. And while our Houston forecast isn’t directly impacted by this system, the extratropical moisture it keeps over the state of Texas will influence any showers and storms that develop along the seasonal sea breeze this week. That said, we’ve increased Monday and Tuesday’s rain chances to 60%, Wednesday to 40%, and Thursday to 30%. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon and evening, which could bring locally heavy rains, thunder, and lightning to Southeast Texas.

Is any triple-digit heat in the forecast?

Not at this time. In fact, we still haven’t hit 100 so far this summer! It no longer looks like a heat ridge will park on us next week, so we’re predicting highs in the mid-to-upper 90s with a slim chance for an afternoon shower most days next week. That being said, highs in the upper 90s Friday through Sunday of next week could allow for some spots to sneak into the triple digits.

What’s happening in the tropics?

Tropical Depression Chantal is bringing heavy rain through the Carolinas. 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.