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Senate Stalls on ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Vote

Michael Esparza
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Senate Stalls on ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Vote

The Senate entered a state of limbo Friday as Republicans struggled to secure enough votes to move forward with President Donald Trump’s ambitious “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

With the vote stuck at 47-50, three GOP senators—Mike Lee, Rick Scott, and Cynthia Lummis—had yet to weigh in. Their support is essential to proceed with debate. Vice President JD Vance was on standby to cast a tie-breaking vote if needed. Even if the bill advances, uncertainty remains over final passage.

Trump Presses for July 4 Deadline

President Trump continues to push for passage of the sweeping immigration and tax legislation before Independence Day. “The Great Republicans in the U.S. Senate are working all weekend,” Trump wrote online. Despite acknowledging that the deadline is flexible, Trump emphasized the symbolic importance of finalizing the bill by July 4. He encouraged the House to be ready to send the bill to his desk in time for a national celebration.

Judge Blocks Trump Executive Order Targeting Law Firm

In a major legal setback for the administration, a federal judge permanently blocked Trump’s executive order aimed at punishing the law firm Susman Godfrey. The ruling by Judge Loren AliKhan found the order unconstitutional and a threat to judicial independence. The decision marks the fourth such ruling against similar efforts by the administration. The Justice Department has not yet appealed.

Trump Terminates Trade Talks with Canada

Trump also announced Friday he is ending all trade negotiations with Canada. The move comes in response to Canada’s planned digital services tax on U.S. tech companies, which Trump described as a “direct and blatant attack.” He promised retaliatory tariffs would be announced within a week. The White House has yet to issue an official comment.

Supreme Court Issues Partial Stay on Birthright Citizenship Order

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court granted a partial stay on lower court injunctions that had blocked Trump’s executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship. The decision allows limited implementation of the order while legal challenges continue.

For more on the U.S. Senate stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Beyoncé Faces Backlash Over Buffalo Soldiers Shirt

Que Onda Editorial
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Beyoncé Faces Backlash Over Buffalo Soldiers Shirt

During a Juneteenth performance in Paris on her “Cowboy Carter” tour, Beyoncé wore a T-shirt featuring the Buffalo Soldiers that sparked controversy for describing Native Americans and Mexican revolutionaries as “enemies of peace.” The back of the shirt included historical language that critics say promotes anti-Indigenous sentiment.

Shirt’s Language Draws Criticism from Indigenous Communities

Images of the shirt, also seen on Beyoncé’s website, ignited social media backlash. Indigenous influencers and fans expressed disappointment that the pop star used imagery that glorifies U.S. imperialism and frames Native resistance as criminal. A spokesperson for Beyoncé has not responded to the criticism.

Who Were the Buffalo Soldiers?

Buffalo Soldiers were Black U.S. Army troops formed after the Civil War in 1866. They served in various wars, including World War I and II, but also participated in U.S. military campaigns against Indigenous tribes during westward expansion. While once celebrated for bravery, historians are now reexamining their role in suppressing Native populations.

Houston Museum Pushes for Historical Nuance

At the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, staff are working to present a more balanced account of the soldiers’ legacy. Director Cale Carter said romanticized narratives often overlook their role in violence against Native Americans. Education director Michelle Tovar noted schools are increasingly reluctant to teach the complex history, leaving museums to fill the gap.

Artists and Historians React to Beyoncé’s Symbolism

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album reclaims American cowboy imagery for Black Americans. Historians like Tad Stoermer say her use of Buffalo Soldier symbolism is intentional but also reinforces myths of U.S. nationalism. Scholar Alaina E. Roberts emphasized that while the imagery may aim to empower, it can’t ignore the soldiers’ role in Indigenous oppression.

Online Outcry Grows Ahead of Houston Shows

As Beyoncé prepares to perform in her hometown, Native influencers and educators continue calling for accountability. Some say her tour reinforces the idea that Black Americans can also participate in American nationalism at the expense of immigrants and Indigenous people. TikTok user Chisom Okorafor criticized the symbolism as promoting pride in empire rather than solidarity with marginalized communities.

Senate Races to Meet Trump’s July 4 Tax Deadline

Que Onda Editorial
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Senate Races to Meet Trump’s July 4 Tax Deadline

The U.S. Senate is preparing for a rare weekend session as Republicans scramble to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending cuts package before his self-imposed July Fourth deadline.

Divisions Within GOP on Spending Cuts

The 940-page bill, released late Friday, includes plans to extend $3.8 trillion in Trump-era tax breaks and introduce new provisions such as eliminating taxes on tips and allocating $350 billion for national security and mass deportation efforts. However, some GOP senators are uneasy about cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and other safety net programs proposed to offset the cost.

Long Debate Ahead

A procedural vote to begin debate was expected Saturday, though the timeline remained unclear. The bill must survive 10 hours of debate and an overnight voting session on amendments before potentially heading back to the House for final approval.

Resistance From Key Republicans

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he won’t support the motion to proceed, citing concerns about the package’s fundamentals. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin is pushing for even deeper cuts and said he needs to review the final legislative text.

Parliamentary Roadblocks and Revisions

The bill has already hit snags with the Senate parliamentarian, who ruled some proposals violated Senate rules. Rejected provisions included a plan to shift food stamp costs to states and major changes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Republicans quickly rewrote and reintroduced the proposals.

Impact on Health Care and Aid

The revised bill includes a delayed cut to a Medicaid provider tax, paired with a $25 billion fund to help rural hospitals. Critics argue these changes still threaten health care access. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the House version of the bill would leave 10.9 million more Americans uninsured and cut food aid to 3 million people.

Tax Break Disparities

CBO analysis also shows the top earners would receive $12,000 in tax cuts, while the poorest Americans would see a $1,600 tax increase. The Senate’s version is expected to contain steeper reductions, though it has not been formally scored.

SALT Deduction Remains Unresolved

Lawmakers continue to debate the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. A compromise to raise the cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for five years has met resistance from Senate Republicans and House GOP members in high-tax states.

Trump Applies Pressure on Holdouts

Trump has publicly urged Republican lawmakers to unite and pass the bill, calling out “grandstanders” and pushing for a holiday-weekend finish. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson remain in close contact with the White House to keep members in line.

Democrats Cry Foul Over Rushed Process

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the GOP for fast-tracking the bill before the public understands its implications. “There’s no good reason for Republicans to chase a silly deadline,” Schumer said.

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

Pride Month events and parade today

Indira Zaldivar
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Pride Month events and parade today

Houston’s LGBTQ+ community is celebrating Pride Month with a vibrant schedule of events throughout June, spotlighting inclusivity, culture, and community.

Grand Marshal Reception – Sunday, June 15

Montrose Country Club will host a free afternoon event honoring the 2025 Grand Marshals. Guests can enjoy lite bites, a cash bar, and community recognition.

Location: 202 Tuam Street
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.

Rock The Runway – Wednesday, June 25

Pride Houston’s annual fashion show returns to Warehouse Live with LGBTQIA+ designers, models, and DJs in a night of style and performance.

Location: 2600 Travis Street
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $16

Eden Girl+ Party – Friday, June 27

This inclusive celebration uplifts Houston’s LGBT+ women with music, empowerment, and fun at Warehouse Live.

Location: 2600 Travis Street
Time: Starts at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $15 plus fees

47th Annual Houston Pride Celebration – Saturday, June 28

The city’s signature Pride event features a day-long festival and evening parade in front of City Hall, drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands. The parade is free but tickets to specific areas and the festival are available for purchase.

Festival Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parade Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: Houston City Hall

7th Annual Pride Brunch – Date TBA

Enjoy a festive brunch at The Heights Social with drinks and a drag performance by Mistress Isabelle Brooks of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Location: 1213 W 20th St, Houston, TX
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets: Drink tickets start at $15

For the latest updates and ticket info from pridehouston365.org., stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine as more events may be added throughout the month.

Tropical downpours likely Sunday afternoon

ABC13 Houston
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Tropical downpours likely Sunday afternoon



HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ll see a few storms around this afternoon, but the coverage should stay around 30%. Tropical moisture moving in from the Gulf will spark scattered, heavy downpours Sunday afternoon and evening, with rain chances climbing to 60%.

How much longer will this wet weather last?

After a wave of tropical moisture clips us on Sunday to bring the rain chance up to 60%, the faucet will shut off for the first days of July as a Saharan dust cloud blows overhead.

What’s the early outlook for July 4th and the Freedom Over Texas fireworks show?

At this time it looks dry but hot! Temperatures will peak near 100 with heat index values well above 100.

What’s happening in the tropics?

A disturbance we’re monitoring in the southern Gulf is up to a 50% chance for development over the next 2 days. Most of the moisture from that tropical wave is headed to Mexico but a small amount of it will give us some tropical downpours on Sunday. Meanwhile, another storm is threatening to form south of Mexico in the eastern Pacific. 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.

Arizona 5th Graders Accused of Murder Plot at School

Indira Zaldivar
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Arizona 5th Graders Accused of Murder Plot at School

A group of fifth-grade students at Legacy Traditional School in Surprise, Arizona, were arrested last fall after allegedly plotting to murder a fellow student and stage it as a suicide, according to a newly released police report.

Plot Uncovered After Overheard Conversation

The alleged plan came to light on October 1, 2024, when a student overheard the group discussing it and informed a parent, who then alerted school officials. The plan reportedly involved luring the boy into a bathroom, stabbing him, wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints, and forging a suicide note.

Motive Tied to Personal Grudge

Investigators learned that one of the suspects, a girl, had been in a “relationship” with the victim and was upset after he allegedly cheated on her. She reportedly expressed hatred toward him and wanted him dead.

Mixed Reactions Among Students

One student claimed she joked about the plan but backed off when others became serious. Another said he pretended to go along with it to avoid being excluded, while a third only realized the seriousness of the plan when assigned the role of guard.

Students Arrested and Suspended

Four students—two aged 10 and two aged 11—were arrested on charges of threatening and disorderly conduct. They were released to their parents and suspended pending expulsion.

Parents and School Respond

The victim’s parent expressed a desire to pursue prosecution. While three students showed remorse, one reportedly laughed and made excuses. In a statement, Legacy Traditional School emphasized its commitment to student safety but said it could not comment on individual cases due to privacy laws.

Ongoing Investigation and Consequences

The school noted that threats could result in disciplinary action up to expulsion. The parents of the accused students have not responded publicly.

Follow along this story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

I-69/Hwy. 59 South HOV/HOT Lane Closed Saturday due to Construction

Que Onda Editorial
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I-69/Hwy. 59 South HOV/HOT Lane Closed Saturday due to Construction

The I-69 / Hwy. 59 South (Southwest Freeway) HOV/HOT lane will be closed on Saturday, June 28, 2025 due to a TxDOT construction project.

The lane will reopen on Sunday, June 29 during regular operating hours. All other HOV/HOT lanes will remain open throughout the weekend.

To learn more about METRO HOV/HOT lanes, visit METRO’s website.

For timely updates, follow METRO on X and Facebook. METRO also provides real-time information through its service alerts system. Riders are encouraged to plan their trips in advance by downloading and using the RideMETRO app.

Defense Closes with Bold Claims in Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial

Indira Zaldivar
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Defense Closes with Bold Claims in Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team wrapped up its case on day 34 of his federal trial by casting the allegations against him as an attack on his private sex life. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo described Combs’ relationship with Cassie Ventura as “one of the great modern love stories,” pushing back against claims of sex trafficking, coercion, and violence.

Closing Arguments Paint Contrasting Narratives

After prosecutors spent nearly five hours summarizing their case, Agnifilo responded with a four-hour rebuttal, portraying Combs and Ventura as passionate lovers. He cited romantic text messages as evidence of their emotional bond, dismissing claims that Combs used threats or violence to manipulate her. He acknowledged tensions in their relationship but insisted the government had exaggerated the criminal aspects.

Accusations of Coercion Called “Nonsense”

The prosecution’s case focused on Combs allegedly orchestrating sex parties involving Ventura and a woman identified as “Jane,” using manipulation, drugs, and intimidation to maintain control. Agnifilo countered that both women consented to the encounters and had sexual agency. He downplayed Ventura’s involvement with male escorts and suggested “Jane” was resentful after the fact.

Racketeering Charges Under Fire

Combs faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The defense rejected claims that Combs ran a criminal enterprise, mocking suggestions that his staff helped him commit serious crimes. Agnifilo also denied any involvement in the alleged firebombing of Kid Cudi’s car and efforts to bribe hotel staff for surveillance footage.

Defense Dismisses Kidnapping and Bribery Allegations

Agnifilo ridiculed the kidnapping claim made by Combs’ former assistant, Capricorn Clark, who testified about being held for multiple days over missing jewelry. The attorney argued she was never physically restrained and left each night. He also defended the payment of “Jane’s” rent as an act of kindness, not coercion.

Prosecution Rebuts: “That’s Ridiculous on Its Face”

In a final statement, prosecutor Maurene Comey criticized the defense’s portrayal of events. She described the grim conditions the women endured — sleep deprivation, physical pain, and sexual exploitation — calling the defense’s arguments absurd. Comey urged the jury to focus on whether force, fraud, or coercion was used in any instance, stating that Combs believed his victims would never speak out.

Jury Deliberation to Begin

The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, will begin deliberations Monday after receiving final instructions from the judge. If convicted on all counts, Combs faces the possibility of a life sentence.

For updates on the last stretch of Combs’ sex trafficking trial, keep up with this story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Rebekah Del Rio, ‘Mulholland Drive’ Singer, Dies at 57

Michael Esparza
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Rebekah Del Rio, ‘Mulholland Drive’ Singer, Dies at 57

Rebekah Del Rio, the acclaimed vocalist behind the haunting Spanish rendition of “Crying” in Mulholland Drive, has died at the age of 57. The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office confirmed she passed away at her home on June 23. No cause of death was disclosed.

Breakthrough with “Llorando”

Born in Chula Vista, California, Del Rio recorded “Llorando” — the Spanish version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” — in 1994. The track led to a record deal in Nashville and her debut album Nobody’s Angel that same year.

David Lynch Collaboration

Del Rio met director David Lynch through a shared agent. After performing “Llorando” for him at his studio, Lynch was inspired to create the unforgettable Club Silencio scene in Mulholland Drive (2001). Del Rio was cast in the film to perform the piece live on set.

In a 2022 interview with IndieWire, she explained, “I sang along for every take of that scene… I didn’t want anyone to think I was lip-syncing.” Though the scene depicts her collapsing mid-song, she emphasized the importance of live performance: “No hay banda. It’s all an illusion.”

Later Film Work

Del Rio reunited with Lynch in Twin Peaks: The Return, performing “No Stars” alongside Moby in one of the show’s moody roadhouse scenes. She also appeared in Southland Tales (2006) and contributed vocals to soundtracks for Sin City and Man on Fire.

Final Performance

Just weeks before her passing, Del Rio performed “Llorando” live during a charity screening of Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles.

For more on the farewell to the late actor, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ Officially in the Works

Edward Saenz
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‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ Officially in the Works

To celebrate “626 Day” on June 26, Walt Disney Studios announced that “Lilo & Stitch 2” is now in development. The news was revealed through a fun promotional video showing Stitch causing mischief on the Disney Studios lot.

Live-Action Success Paves the Way

The sequel follows the massive success of the live-action “Lilo & Stitch,” directed by Dean Fleischer Camp and starring Maia Kealoha as Lilo and Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani. The film broke records with the biggest 4-day Memorial Day opening in U.S. history and received an “A” CinemaScore from audiences.

Global Box Office Hit

Since its release, the live-action adaptation has grossed around $923 million worldwide, solidifying its popularity with fans both old and new.

Disney Executives Praise Stitch’s Legacy

Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, emphasized the enduring love for the characters, saying the goal was to bring their story back to the big screen in a way that felt joyful. David Greenbaum, President of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, called Stitch a prime example of Disney’s storytelling magic — a character born from animation who grew into a beloved icon with lasting fan support.

For more on Disney’s adorable Hawaiian characters, stay tuned with us on Que Onda Magazine.

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