In observance of Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2025, METRO will operate on the following schedule:
Local bus, METRORail, and curb2curb will operate on Sunday schedules.
Park & Ride service will not be provided, except for the 500 IAH Downtown Direct, which will operate on a Sunday schedule.
All METRO HOV/HOT lanes will be closed.
RideStores and Lost & Found will be closed.
METRO’s Customer Service Call Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be contacted by phone or text at 713-635-4000.
Reservations for METROLift
METROLift Reservations and Customer Service offices will be closed on Friday, July 4.
All subscription trips on July 4 will be cancelled. Customers should call the reservation line at 713-225-6716 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 3 to schedule trips for July 4-7.
Customers may schedule a trip one day prior to their travel date by using MACS at 713-739-4690 (5 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or online through MACS-WEB / EZ-WALLET. A client ID and password are required.
Kanye West’s visa to enter Australia has been officially revoked following the release of his controversial song “Heil Hitler.” The 48-year-old rapper, also known as Ye, was holding a low-level visa which was invalidated after the track’s debut in May.
A Line Crossed, Says Home Affairs Minister
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the decision, stating, “Once he released the Heil Hitler song, he no longer has a valid visa in Australia.” Though West has visited the country before and has family ties through his Australian wife Bianca Censori, Burke said, “We don’t need that in Australia.”
The visa in question was not issued for concerts but was still reviewed in light of West’s repeated offensive remarks and the content of his new album “WW3,” which includes antisemitic themes. Burke added, “What’s not sustainable is to import hatred. We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry.”
Uncertain Future Entry
It remains unclear if West is permanently banned, as visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This isn’t the first time his entry has been challenged. In 2023, Australian officials also considered blocking him over inflammatory Holocaust-related comments.
A Pattern of Controversy and Contrition
The song Heil Hitler has been removed from major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. West has faced ongoing backlash over antisemitic statements, Hitler praise, and even selling clothing with swastikas.
Despite this, West has recently expressed remorse. Following a video call with his children, he posted, “I am done with antisemitism. I love all people. God forgive me for the pain I’ve caused… GOD CALLS FOR PEACE. Share peace. Share love.”
Earlier this year, he also publicly stated, “I’ve come to the realization that I’m not a Nazi.”
For the top celebrity news, follow every update with us on Que Onda Magazine.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Storm chances drop to 10% on Wednesday as Saharan haze continues to linger over Southeast Texas.
Temperatures this morning are starting in mid-upper 70s and will quickly climb into the mid 90s Wednesday. Despite the dry, dusty air, there will still be enough moisture for a 10% chance of a late afternoon downpour, and we are right on the edge of some tropical moisture that will kick a few extra clouds our way. Nevertheless, the heat and the haze are the main impacts for Wednesday with heat index values expected to be around 100 Wednesday afternoon.
How long does this Saharan dust stick around?
The first dust cloud impacting us now will depart on Thursday. The second dust cloud is moving in for the Fourth of July and the day after. This Saharan dust will lead to a hazy gray sky, vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and a reduction in air quality for those who are sensitive to particulate matter, allergic to the dust, or have underlying respiratory issues.
What’s the outlook for July 4th and the Freedom Over Texas fireworks show?
At this time, it looks dry but hot! Temperatures will peak in the upper 90s with heat index values well above 100. Heat advisories are possible, and that heat will stick around for the entire weekend! There is also a 10% chance of a shower in the late afternoon, but we should have a rain-free sky for fireworks time!
What’s happening in the tropics?
We are watching a zone of potential development near Florida as a weak front stalls out just offshore from the Gulf Coast and the East Coast. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.
While visiting a new migrant detention center in Florida’s Everglades on July 1, President Donald Trump lashed out at Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, threatening him with arrest over his opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Trump also repeated false claims that Mamdani is in the U.S. illegally and labeled him a “communist.”
A Target of Political Attacks
Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and state representative, had pledged in his primary victory speech to protect undocumented immigrants from ICE. Trump responded, “We’ll have to arrest him,” adding, “We don’t need a communist in this country.”
The president went further, calling Mamdani a “total nut job” and “bad news” while threatening to withhold federal funding from New York if Mamdani, if elected mayor, refuses to comply with his administration’s immigration policies.
Mamdani Responds: “We Will Not Accept Intimidation”
In a public statement, Mamdani condemned Trump’s remarks as an attack on democracy and a warning to New Yorkers who speak out. “If you speak up, they will come for you,” he said. “We will not accept this intimidation.”
Speaking with ABC News and NBC’s Meet the Press, Mamdani firmly rejected being labeled a communist, saying, “I am not.” He emphasized his priorities lie in protecting New Yorkers and focusing on affordability and equity.
Balancing Collaboration and Resistance
Mamdani expressed willingness to work with the Trump administration only if it benefits New Yorkers. “If it comes at the expense of the people I look to represent, then no, I will not be working with the administration,” he said.
Primary Victory Over Cuomo
Mamdani now leads former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary by 12 points—56% to 44%—following the ranked-choice vote tally. Current Mayor Eric Adams and Cuomo are expected to continue their campaigns as independents, while Republican Curtis Sliwa is also running. The general election for NYC mayor is set for November 4.
Creating a more sustainable bathroom doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple changes, you can significantly cut back on waste and water use while saving money.
Sustainable Hygiene Swaps
Consider upgrading to bamboo combs and toothbrushes, which are renewable and naturally antimicrobial. Choose beauty products in reusable or recyclable packaging, and swap plastic floss for silk alternatives. Reusable cotton rounds can replace disposable makeup wipes, and safety razors are a long-lasting, plastic-free alternative to disposables.
Water-Saving Shower Habits
Showers use significantly less water than baths—so keep them under 10 minutes when possible. Replace your showerhead with a low-flow model to save up to 2,700 gallons of water annually. Switch to bar soap to reduce plastic waste, and capture cold water while waiting for your shower to heat up for other uses like watering plants.
Smart Bathroom Additions
Add houseplants such as peace lilies or pothos to purify the air naturally. Swap old light bulbs for LEDs to cut energy use. An easy water-saving trick is placing a bottle filled with pebbles in your toilet tank to reduce the water used per flush. Consider a bidet, which uses less water over time than manufacturing toilet paper. Also, check for and fix any leaks to avoid unnecessary water loss.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Laundry
Ditch harsh chemicals for homemade cleaners using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. For example, tackle tub stains with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste. Wait to do laundry until you have a full load and use cold water to conserve energy.
DIY Laundry Detergent
You can make your own detergent using simple ingredients like castile soap, washing soda, baking soda, and salt. Add essential oils for fragrance and use just ¼ cup per load.
Live Greener, One Step at a Time
Even small shifts in your bathroom habits can lead to big environmental benefits. Try a few of these changes and see how easy and rewarding it is to go green.
Nearly 20 years after the iconic fashion comedy debuted, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” has officially entered production, with filming set to take place in New York and Italy.
Original Stars Return, Branagh Joins
Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are all reprising their roles in the highly anticipated sequel. Kenneth Branagh is joining the cast as Miranda Priestly’s husband, according to sources.
The sequel will follow Miranda Priestly (Streep), still leading Runway magazine, as she navigates the modern struggles of the publishing industry. Emily Blunt’s character, once a fashion assistant, has climbed the corporate ladder to become an executive at a luxury brand that advertises with Runway.
Stanley Tucci returns as Nigel Kipling, the magazine’s former art director.
A Fashion Legacy Continues
The original 2006 film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel, became a pop culture phenomenon, grossing $326 million globally and earning Streep an Oscar nomination. The sequel was teased on social media with a nostalgic video featuring iconic lines from the first film, sparking excitement among longtime fans.
After days of tense negotiations and debate, the U.S. Senate passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and immigration bill on July 1, 2025, with a 50-50 vote. Vice President JD Vance cast the decisive tie-breaking vote, pushing the bill through despite opposition from three Republican senators.
Next Stop: The House
The legislation now heads back to the House of Representatives, where Republican Speaker Mike Johnson said the chamber will “immediately” begin work to finalize the bill. Johnson promised swift action to place the bill on the president’s desk by July 4, declaring it a core part of Trump’s “America First” agenda.
Trump Predicts Smooth Path in House
President Trump, speaking to ABC News after learning of the Senate’s passage, expressed confidence that the bill would fare even better in the House. He called it a “great bill” with “something for everyone” and dismissed concerns over Medicaid cuts projected to affect over 11 million Americans, saying the true number would be “much smaller.”
Real-Time Reaction from Trump
Trump was visiting a Florida migrant detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” when he received news of the Senate vote. Surprised by the announcement, he responded with a simple “Wow,” then said he would return to Washington to celebrate.
Republican Defections Over Medicaid and Spending
Senators Susan Collins, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis were the only Republicans to vote against the bill. Collins cited the bill’s harmful effects on Medicaid, which she said would impact hundreds of thousands in her home state of Maine. Paul criticized the bill’s projected $1 trillion addition to the national deficit, while Tillis shared concerns over rural healthcare impacts.
VP Vance’s Decisive Role
Vice President Vance also broke a tie earlier in the day on an amendment by Sen. Lindsey Graham, signaling his key role in navigating the bill through the evenly divided Senate.
Follow every update with the bill’s progress or not with us on Que Onda Magazine.
New data shows a shift in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, with a growing number of migrants being arrested despite having no criminal history.
Fewer Criminals, More Civil Violations
While President Trump initially campaigned on deporting criminals, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data reveals that by late May 2025, 44% of those arrested had no criminal convictions, up from 23% earlier in the year. The share of those with criminal convictions dropped to 30%.
Experts Question Focus
“It looks like there’s been a shift… to an increasing number of people who have been detained who have no criminal charges,” said Syracuse University professor Austin Kocher told ABC News. He and other experts argue the data doesn’t support claims that ICE is only going after “the worst of the worst.”
ICE Raids Target Interior Cities
Most arrests now happen away from the border, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and New York, where up to 60% of those detained recently had no criminal convictions or pending charges. ICE has also been arresting migrants at immigration courts immediately after their cases are dismissed, placing them into fast-track deportation proceedings.
DHS and Trump Officials Defend Strategy
Despite the shift, officials maintain that criminals remain the priority.
“We are continuing to go after the worst of the worst,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. She stated that 70% of ICE’s arrests are of “criminal illegal aliens,” though the data shows a growing number of arrests involve civil immigration violators.
Critics Cite Political Pressure and Quotas
Former ICE director John Sandweg said the administration is pushing ICE to meet deportation goals, even if it means targeting non-criminals.
“Now you are engaged in operations that are, frankly, more likely to find non-criminals than criminals,” he said.
Court Arrests Raise Alarm
Immigration advocates warn that courthouse arrests contradict claims of public safety.
“If there’s anything that says this isn’t about serious criminal enforcement, it’s this wholesale dismissal of cases of the people who are showing up in immigration court,” Sandweg added.
Criminal Arrests Continue Alongside Shift
Attorney General Pam Bondi said authorities have arrested over 2,700 alleged gang members since January.
She emphasized Trump’s authority, stating, “Not one district court judge can think they’re emperor over this Trump administration.”
President Donald Trump said Tuesday his administration would “have to take a look” at deporting Elon Musk after the Tesla CEO criticized his spending bill.
Musk Slams Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”
Elon Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from South Africa, posted on X criticizing the president’s “Big Beautiful Bill” for adding $5 trillion to the national debt. He called the U.S. a “one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!”
Trump Fires Back
Trump responded on Truth Social, claiming Musk was upset because the bill removes the electric vehicle mandate, which could hurt Tesla. He said Musk might “have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
Hints of Deportation
When asked by reporters if he was considering deporting Musk, Trump replied, “We’ll have to take a look,” and added, “We might have to put DOGE on Elon,” referencing a now-defunct government department Musk once helped lead.
Musk Responds with Caution
Musk posted on X in response: “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.”
Trump Doubles Down
Later, Trump insisted Musk should have known he wouldn’t support the EV mandate, saying, “He better be careful, because he might not get anything else.”
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Storm chances drop to 20% on Tuesday as Saharan haze continues to linger over Southeast Texas. This trend of hotter and drier afternoons will continue through the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
We are starting Tuesday off warm, with temperatures in the 70s. We are also seeing Saharan dust overhead, which is causing the sky to look a bit hazy. That’s the Saharan haze that will remain overhead for much of the week.
Despite the dry, dusty air, there will still be enough moisture for a 20% chance of a late afternoon downpour. High temperatures will reach the mid-90s, with heat indices between 100 and 105.
How long does this Saharan dust stick around?
Two plumes of Saharan dust are impacting us this week. The first dust cloud is already here and will impact Houston through Wednesday. The second dust cloud is moving in for the Fourth of July. This Saharan dust will lead to a hazy gray sky, vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and a reduction in air quality for those who are sensitive to particulate matter, allergic to the dust, or have underlying respiratory issues.
What’s the outlook for July 4th and the Freedom Over Texas fireworks show?
At this time, it looks dry but hot! Temperatures will peak in the upper 90s with heat index values well above 100. Heat advisories are possible, and that heat will stick around for the entire weekend!
What’s happening in the tropics?
Tropical Storm Barry fizzled out over Mexico, and now we are watching a zone of potential development near Florida. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.
