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Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Brand-Name Drug Imports Starting October 1

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President Donald Trump said Thursday that brand-name or patented pharmaceuticals will face a 100% tariff beginning Oct. 1 unless the manufacturer is building a U.S. plant. Trump framed the move as a way to pressure companies to expand domestic production and strengthen medicine supply chains.

Drugmakers Race to Expand U.S. Manufacturing

Major pharmaceutical firms have already unveiled plans worth hundreds of billions to build or expand U.S. facilities. Eli Lilly recently announced a $6.5 billion plant in Houston and a $5 billion site in Virginia. Trump clarified on Truth Social that projects counted as “building” if construction has broken ground.

Market Reaction and Industry Concerns

Stocks of large European drugmakers barely moved following the announcement, as many already operate U.S. facilities. Asian pharmaceutical stocks dipped more sharply. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America warned that tariffs could divert funds from research and U.S. investments.

Limited Impact Expected in Near Term

Analysts say the immediate effect will be modest. Many big drugmakers have U.S. production or stockpiles, and a global manufacturing network means the U.S. will still depend on foreign ingredients. Smaller manufacturers without U.S. plants may face higher costs.

Generics Largely Exempt—for Now

Trump’s plan targets only brand-name drugs, leaving generic imports untaxed. Experts caution that future action on generics could worsen shortages. India, a major generic supplier, is expected to avoid impact because of existing U.S. facilities and its focus on low-cost medicines.

Broader Tariff Push

The pharmaceutical tariff coincides with Trump’s new levies on other goods, including a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets, a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture, and a 25% tariff on heavy trucks made outside the U.S.

For more on Trump’s tariffs, stay informed with Que Onda Magazine.

Missing Man Found Alive in South Carolina Basement as Caregiver Faces 16 Charges

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The sister of a missing man found alive in a South Carolina basement after years of searching described the moment as devastating.

“He really didn’t say anything because I think he was still in trauma and shock,” Terisa Hinson told WSOC-TV. “I walked out the room and started crying because it was just so heartbreaking.”

Accused Caregiver Faces Multiple Charges

Donnie Ray Birchfield Jr. is accused of imprisoning several people in his basement and exploiting them financially. He faces 16 charges, including false imprisonment and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Birchfield’s attorney, M. Ryan Payne, said his client maintains his innocence.

Victims Trapped, One Found Dead

Hinson said her brother was discovered in the basement alongside his wife, who was found dead. “I wanna know why. Why them?” she asked. Police warrants state Birchfield, the sole caregiver for the couple, denied them food, medical care, and communication while preventing them from leaving.

Financial Exploitation Alleged

Investigators say Birchfield used the victims’ debit cards and bank accounts to make personal purchases and pay his own credit card bills since September 2022.

Brother’s Condition

Hinson said her brother appeared “feeble,” weighing about 70 pounds when hospitalized. He has a developmental disability and lived independently before disappearing several years ago.

Ongoing Investigation

Birchfield is held on a $150,000 bond. Lancaster Police told Newsweek the investigation continues and additional charges may follow.

For more on this story, tune in to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston Weather: Pleasant days ahead!

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Here come the 60s!

Dry air that blew in Thursday afternoon will stick around for the foreseeable future, bringing Houston pleasant mornings in the 60s and warm afternoons near 90.

Friday afternoon also brings the possibility of ozone pollution. Ozone is a lung irritant that can cause a dry cough and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

What can we expect for the weekend?

Basically the same weather as Friday! Morning lows will dip into the 60s, sunshine will warm highs to near 90, and unhealthy levels of ozone pollution could pop up.

When does the hot, humid air return?

Highs should get back above 90 in the second half of next week, but the higher humidity levels may hold off until after the first weekend of October!

What is happening in the tropics?

Gabrielle is no more, but Hurricane Humberto is gaining strength over the central Atlantic. Humberto is predicted to become a major hurricane and could interact with another tropical system with a high chance for development. These two could even swirl around each other off the U.S. East Coast. 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!

ASUS ROG Ally X Xbox Edition: Price and Release Date Officially Announced

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Gamers who have been eagerly awaiting news of the ASUS ROG Ally X Xbox Edition finally have all the details. ASUS and Microsoft unveiled both the price and global launch date in a major announcement at the end of September 2025. The ROG Ally X Xbox Edition will launch worldwide on October 16, 2025, giving fans a definitive day when the console will hit store shelves and pre-orders are already live.

The base ROG Xbox Ally is launching at $599.99 USD, while the premium ROG Ally X will retail for $999.99 USD. Both prices and the October 16 release date were confirmed together during the September 25–26 reveal event, matching widespread leaks and industry expectations.

Features and Specs

The ROG Ally X Xbox Edition builds on the foundation of the original ROG Ally, with major Xbox-focused enhancements meant to provide the ultimate portable Xbox experience:

  • Seamless Xbox Game Pass Ultimate integration and pre-installed apps
  • Custom Xbox UI within ASUS Armoury Crate SE
  • Upgraded battery and cooling systems for longer and smoother play
  • Enhanced hardware featuring AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, 24GB RAM, and 1TB storage in the X model

Pricing and Versions

With two distinct models, ASUS brings flexibility for different types of gamers:

  • ROG Xbox Ally X: $999.99 USD – flagship specs and features for the most demanding players
  • ROG Xbox Ally: $599.99 USD – a streamlined option for casual and hardcore gamers alike
    Prices and availability are confirmed at major retailers and on the Microsoft Store, though demand has already resulted in sellouts at some locations.

Official Launch and Availability

The ROG Ally X Xbox Edition, along with the standard Ally, launches globally on October 16, 2025, and midnight launch events are anticipated in several regions. Asus and Microsoft have confirmed these are the correct dates and prices, aligning with all major industry reports and partner retailers

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1334

Que Onda Magazine Celebrates 32 Years with Annual ‘Fiesta Mexicana’

Que Onda Magazine celebrated its 32nd anniversary with the annual Fiesta Mexicana, joining in the festivities of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event paid tribute to the magazine’s founders of Mexican roots while honoring prominent Hispanic community leaders and offering art performances and lively cultural traditions.

“Que Onda is in touch with the community, they know what’s happening, whether it’s social media or the paper. Tune in to Que Onda; they’re a great organization,” said Houston City Council Member District I, Joaquin Martinez, reflecting on the magazine’s long-standing community presence.

The evening also brought together members of the legal and public service sectors. Harris County Criminal Court Judge Erika Ramirez, Criminal Court at Law No. 4, recalled, “I remember going to restaurants as a young child and seeing those magazines there and flipping through the pages. I’m honored to be a Latina and be here to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez joined the celebration, saying, “I’m here joining my friends at Que Onda Magazine, Gabriel Esparza and his family, as we celebrate a special occasion, Fiestas Patrias.” Meanwhile, Judge Raul Rodriguez of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 13 praised the magazine’s dedication: “Que Onda Magazine has been in business for over 30 years. It serves the Hispanic community here in Houston. We are very grateful for all the hard work that Que Onda Magazine has done. They help and represent the Latino and Hispanic community.”

The Fiesta Mexicana, held Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Junior League of Houston (1811 Briar Oaks Ln), featured a full evening of celebration. The night kicked off with a VIP reception hosted by ABC13 anchor Erik Barajas, followed by an award ceremony recognizing community leaders. Performances by Mariachi Reyes de Mexico, singer Liliana Elizondo, and ballet folklórico Corazones Alegres brought the crowd together for a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, culminating with the traditional El Grito Mexicano.

Founded in 1993 by Mexican immigrants Lilia Esparza and the late Jose G. Esparza, Que Onda Magazine became Houston’s first Spanish-language magazine and has grown into a successful bilingual magazine over the past 32 years. Supported by sponsors and media partners such as ABC13, the magazine continues to engage the community through print, digital, and social platforms.

Que Onda Magazine remains committed to highlighting stories of perseverance and success that reflect the heart of Houston’s Latino community. This Hispanic Heritage Month, the publication reaffirmed its mission to give voice to Latinos, preserving traditions, cultural pride, and roots for generations to come.

U.S. Medtech Stocks Slide as Import Probe Begins

U.S. medical technology shares fell Thursday after the Commerce Department launched an investigation into imports of medical devices, raising the possibility of future tariffs.

Market Impact

GE HealthCare, Becton Dickinson, Stryker, Insulet, Intuitive Surgical, and ResMed each dropped between 3% and 9%. Abbott slipped 1.6% and Medtronic fell 1.7%, pushing the S&P Health Care Equipment index down 1.6% for the day.

Reasons for Concern

Analysts said the probe could weigh on companies that rely on globally sourced supply chains. Medtech stocks have already faced a turbulent year due to supply chain disruptions, higher costs, and slowing international demand.

Investigation Details

Earlier this month, the Commerce Secretary launched a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The review will determine whether imports of personal protective equipment, medical consumables, and devices threaten U.S. national security. Recommendations are expected within 270 days.

Industry Response

A GE HealthCare spokesperson said the company supports efforts to strengthen U.S. healthcare resilience and local manufacturing. J.P. Morgan analyst Robbie Marcus cautioned investors not to “hit the panic button,” noting the probe’s broad scope but uncertain outcome.

Global Ripple

Healthcare and industrial stocks in Europe also dipped, reflecting wider market unease over potential U.S. trade actions.

For more business news, tune in to Que Onda Magazine.

Rising Latin Acts Redefining Genres, Rolling Stone says

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Latin music’s influence keeps climbing, with U.S. revenues hitting $1.4 billion in 2024—over 8 percent of the entire music market. While megastars like Bad Bunny and Karol G dominate streaming, a fresh wave of innovators is reshaping the scene. From electro-pop to punk, these artists are breaking rules and forging new sounds

Saramalacara

Argentine electronic rebel Saramalacara turned heads with Heráldica, an album that fuses spirituality, rebirth, and internet chaos. Once a graffiti artist, she’s diving even deeper on her upcoming Interscope LP. “There was a euphoria of just going to the studio every day,” she says of her latest sessions.

MULA

Dominican trio MULA—Rachell Rojas and twins Cristabel and Anabel Acevedo—blend electro-pop with merengue across four adventurous albums. Their new release Eterna mixes 2000s reggaeton with the merengue of their youth. “People went crazy, because it was like, ‘Oh, I can be indie and cool, but also twerk to the ground,’” Cristabel told Rolling Stone.

Planta Industrial

Bronx duo Planta Industrial—Saso and Aka The Darknight—thrash through dembow and metal without boundaries. Viral COLORS performances and a 2025 LAMC Discovery Award have fueled their rise. They’re set to drop a debut album after opening for Morat at SummerStage.

Andry Kiddos

Venezuelan songwriter-turned-performer Andry Kiddos found his own voice with the vulnerable EP Confíen en Mí and viral hit “Son Tantas Cosas.” Now crafting a full-length album, he says Venezuela’s expanding music scene “keeps uplifting me” and inspires his next chapter.

These trailblazers prove Latin music’s future is as diverse and genre-defying as its roots, and Que Onda Magazine is proud of their recognition by giants such as Rolling Stone.

For more music news, tune in to Que Onda Magazine

Rain still possible Thursday morning, dry air arrives Thursday afternoon

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Scattered showers and storms are still possible early Thursday morning as the cool front slowly pushes offshore.

For many it will be another humid, sticky start to the day with lows in the mid 70s, but a north breeze will dry out the atmosphere during the day with highs topping out in the upper 80s. You’ll really feel a difference in the humidity by Thursday evening.

What can we expect after the cool front passes through?

It’s going to be rather delightful, but it will take much of Thursday for the atmosphere to really dry out. You’ll feel the humidity drop throughout the day as the northerly breeze pushes the moisture offshore. Friday through Sunday is when we get to experience drier, sunnier days with lower humidity and seasonal temperatures. That means morning lows in the mid-to-upper 60s and afternoon highs in the upper 80s. Keep in mind Houston normally doesn’t see it’s last high in the 90s until mid-October, so this refreshing air will not last forever.

When does the hot, humid air return?

Highs should get back above 90 in the second half of next week, but the higher humidity levels may hold off until after the first weekend of October!

What is happening in the tropics?

Hurricane Gabrielle is now moving eastward across the Atlantic toward Europe, and Tropical Storm Humberto has now formed in the central Atlantic. Humberto is predicted to become a hurricane and could interact with another tropical system with a high chance for development. These two could even swirl around each other off the U.S. East Coast. 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!

Harris County Commissioners Approve Balanced FY26 Budget

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Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a balanced billion general fund budget for fiscal year 2026. Finalizing a months-long process aimed at closing the county’s budget deficit while preserving essential services and making targeted investments.

The budget, which covers 70 departments, includes funding for public safety, the justice system, public health, and infrastructure. County officials say the plan reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability.

“Today’s approval is a result of deep coordination and unwavering dedication from every corner of Harris County government,” said Daniel Ramos, executive director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Key highlights of the FY26 budget include:

  • Funding to support pay parity initiatives for law enforcement and county employees
  • Expansion of the District Attorney’s Office
  • Increased investment in flood control maintenance
  • Continued efforts to preserve the county’s credit rating

Jesse Dickerman, interim county administrator, said the final budget represents “hard choices and shared commitment.”

“Despite a challenging fiscal environment, we’ve positioned Harris County to maintain essential services, support our workforce, and make targeted investments in public safety, health, and infrastructure,” he said.

The budget was developed through extensive collaboration between county departments, the public, and the Office of Management and Budget.

More information, including the full FY26 Approved Budget Book, is available on the Harris County Office of Management and Budget website. https://budget.harriscountytx.gov