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Eco-Friendly Bathroom Tips: Reduce Waste and Save Water

Indira Zaldivar
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Eco-Friendly Bathroom Tips: Reduce Waste and Save Water

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.

For more sustainability tips, learn more with us on Que Onda Magazine.

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Begins Filming With Original Cast and Kenneth Branagh

Michael Esparza
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‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Begins Filming With Original Cast and Kenneth Branagh

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.

A New Era at Runway

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.

For the latest news from Hollywood, learn more with us Que Onda Magazine.

Senate Passes Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ with Tie-Breaking Vote by VP Vance

Indira Zaldivar
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Senate Passes Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ with Tie-Breaking Vote by VP Vance

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.

Trump Immigration Arrest Strategy Shifts Toward Non-Criminal Migrants, Report Shows

Que Onda Editorial
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Trump Immigration Arrest Strategy Shifts Toward Non-Criminal Migrants, Report Shows

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.”

For more updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Suggests Deporting Musk Amid Renewed Feud

Que Onda Editorial
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Trump Suggests Deporting Musk Amid Renewed Feud

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.”

This story is developing. Follow every update with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Saharan haze sticks around Tuesday as rain chances drops

ABC13 Houston
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Saharan haze sticks around Tuesday as rain chances drops

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.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

METRO to Restrict Evening Access on I-69 Eastex HOV/HOT Lane for Single Drivers Starting July 7

Michael Esparza
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METRO to Restrict Evening Access on I-69 Eastex HOV/HOT Lane for Single Drivers Starting July 7

METRO is rolling out a new policy to ease rush-hour congestion by restricting solo drivers from using the I-69 North (Eastex) HOV/HOT lane during evening peak hours starting Monday, July 7.

Under the revised schedule, only high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) will be allowed to use the Eastex HOV/HOT lane from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Single-occupant vehicles (SOVs) will be prohibited during that time window in order to boost traffic efficiency and improve safety during the busiest part of the day.

The decision comes after traffic along the corridor began slowing to near standstill conditions, prompting concern from riders and METRO field personnel.

“Through the METRONow plan, we are focused on improving regional mobility not just for our riders, but for the entire community,” said Interim METRO President & CEO Tom Jasien. “Maintaining free-flowing HOV/HOT lanes is essential to meeting our system-wide standards for reliability, and it also helps make travel easier and more predictable for drivers.”

The new evening rule aligns I-69 North with METRO’s other major HOV/HOT corridors, which already have peak-hour restrictions in both directions. Morning HOV-only access from 6:30 to 8 a.m. will continue as usual.

To support enforcement, METRO has coordinated with its police department and operations contractor ahead of the July 7 launch.

For more on traffic and transportation updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Pets Urges Caution for Pets During Fourth of July

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Harris County Pets Urges Caution for Pets During Fourth of July

As Independence Day approaches, Harris County Pets is reminding residents to take steps to protect pets from the dangers of fireworks and holiday celebrations. The agency warns that while festivities may be fun for people, they can be frightening and even harmful to animals.

Fireworks and Loud Celebrations Can Harm Pets

“Fireworks may be exciting for us, but they can be terrifying for pets,” said Corey Steele, Director of Harris County Veterinary Public Health.

He noted that the organization typically sees an increase in calls about stray or frightened animals after the holiday. Harris County Pets advises owners to prepare ahead of time, keep pets indoors, and ensure microchip information is up to date.

Tips for Pet Safety

Harris County Pets recommends that pet owners leave animals at home during parades, parties, or fireworks displays. Instead, pets should stay in a quiet, secure area indoors, preferably with familiar bedding and soothing background noise such as a fan or television. Pet owners should also confirm their pets have proper ID tags and microchips with current contact information.

Owners are also urged to take a recent photo of their pets, check fences and doors for escape risks, and consult with a veterinarian if their pets show signs of noise anxiety. Additionally, holiday hazards like fireworks, grills, and party food should be kept out of reach.

Helping Reunite Lost Pets

Harris County Pets scans every stray animal for a microchip upon intake.

“A registered microchip significantly increases the chances of a happy reunion,” the agency said in its release. If you find a loose animal, call Harris County Pets at (281) 999-3191 to report it.

The agency emphasizes that preparing in advance is the best way to keep pets safe during the July Fourth holiday.

For more on pet and owner safety, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Supreme Court to Hear GOP Challenge to Campaign Spending Limits

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Supreme Court to Hear GOP Challenge to Campaign Spending Limits

The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday it will take up a Republican-led challenge to federal limits on coordinated campaign spending, a decision that could have major implications for the 2026 midterm elections.

Core of the Case

The case, NRSC v. Federal Elections Commission, questions whether federal limits on “coordinated party expenditures” violate the First Amendment. These limits cap how much national party committees and campaign organizations can spend in direct coordination with their candidates.

Potential Impact on 2026 Elections

A ruling in favor of the Republican plaintiffs could dismantle spending caps and allow for significantly more money to be funneled into campaigns through direct party coordination. Campaign finance experts warn this could reshape the political landscape heading into 2026.

Republican Leaders Applaud Court’s Move

Rep. Richard Hudson, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and Sen. Tim Scott, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, issued a joint statement praising the court’s decision. They argued that restricting a party’s ability to support its own candidates infringes on free speech and undermines campaign strategy.

Current Spending Limits

For 2025, coordinated spending caps range from $127,200 to nearly $4 million for Senate races, depending on the size of a state’s voting population. House races have caps of $63,600 in most states and $127,200 in states with a single at-large district.

Additional Cases Added to Docket

The justices added seven cases to the upcoming term, including Cox Communications v. Sony Entertainment Group, which addresses liability in online copyright infringement cases. More case announcements are expected later this week.

Senate Begins Vote on Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

Edward Saenz
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Senate Begins Vote on Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

The Senate launched a “vote-a-rama” Monday morning to debate amendments to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and immigration bill, part of his second-term agenda. The process follows a dramatic weekend session that included a close 51-49 vote to advance the measure and a forced reading of the 940-page bill by Senate Democrats.

Reconciliation Process Faces Hurdles

Several provisions in the bill were struck down overnight by the Senate parliamentarian, limiting what Republicans can include under the reconciliation process. If the Senate passes the amended bill, it will return to the House, which previously approved its version by a single vote.

Fierce Floor Debate

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill as favoring the wealthy, promising Democrats would introduce a wave of amendments to force Republicans on the record. Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the bill, calling it essential for cutting taxes and reforming government programs like Medicaid.

House Readies for a Potential Vote

House GOP leaders announced the earliest they could vote on the bill would be Wednesday, July 2. They warned members to be ready for a 48-hour notice, followed by 72 hours to review the bill. Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leadership continued negotiating through the weekend to secure enough votes, though opposition from both moderates and conservatives remains.

Pushback from Within the GOP

Rep. David Valadao said he would vote “no” over concerns about Medicaid cuts, while Reps. Chip Roy, Josh Breechen, and Eric Burlison also voiced objections to the Senate’s changes. Reports surfaced that Republican leaders urged members not to publicize internal dissent.

Senator Tillis Breaks Ranks

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina took a firm stand against the bill, citing broken promises on Medicaid and calling Trump’s July 4 deadline “artificial.” Tillis, who announced plans to retire after criticism from Trump, urged colleagues to slow the process and revise the legislation more carefully.

What Comes Next

The Senate will continue voting on amendments until the process concludes, followed by a final vote that requires a simple majority. If approved, the bill will head back to the House for consideration of the Senate’s revisions.

For more on the Senate’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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