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Fertitta Entertainment snags $6 billion sale acquiring Las Vegas Strip icon Ceasars Entertainment

Caesars Entertainment is being acquired by Fertitta, the company that owns Las Vegas’ Golden Nugget and chains like Rainforest Cafe and Morton’s, for almost $6 billion.

Caesars became an iconic name after the opening of Caesar’s Palace on the Las Vegas Strip in 1966. However, its roots date back to the 1930s in Reno, Nevada.

Fertitta Entertainment will pay $5.7 billion and take on close to $12 billion in debt from Caesars, putting the total value of the deal at about $17.6 billion.

RELATED: Before it closes July 17, Mirage casino in Las Vegas has to give away $1.6M

Ferititta Entertainment is a holding company that is owned by billionaire Tillman Fertitta. Houstonians are very familiar with the name, as he is the owner of the Houston Rockets. Back in March, Fertitta and family bought the Connecticut Sun for $300 million, paving the way for the revival of the beloved WNBA team, the Houston Comets. The team is set to play during the 2027 season.

RELATED: Fertitta family buys Connecticut Sun, paving way for WNBA team to come back to Houston: ESPN sources

As part of the agreement, Caesars can seek competing bids through July 11.

Caesars investors will get $31 in cash for each share they own, a 49% premium over the share price before chatter about a possible tie-up between the two entertainment companies began in February.

Shares of Caesars Entertainment Inc., which are up 15% since merger rumors emerged, rose almost 2% before the opening bell on Thursday.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Ebola Outbreak in Congo Spirals as Doctors Warn Situation Is ‘Out of Control’

Ebola Cases Surge in Eastern Congo

Doctors battling a growing Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) say the virus is spreading rapidly and overwhelming healthcare systems in the region.

More than 1,000 suspected cases and over 230 suspected deaths linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola have been reported, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak has also spread into neighboring Uganda.

Dr. Richard Kojan, a frontline physician in Bunia, described the outbreak as “completely out of control,” while hospital director Dr. Richard Lokudi warned the disease is spreading at an “exponential speed.”

Mistrust and Escapes Fuel Spread

Health officials say fear and distrust within local communities are making containment efforts difficult. Some patients have reportedly fled hospitals before receiving test results, creating new chains of infection.

Doctors also reported attacks on healthcare facilities and resistance to strict burial procedures designed to stop the virus from spreading through bodily fluids.

The Bundibugyo strain is especially concerning because there is currently no approved vaccine available.

Delayed Detection Raised Concerns

Experts believe the virus may have circulated undetected in Ituri province for up to three months before being officially identified. Limited laboratory capacity and shortages of protective equipment have slowed testing and contact tracing efforts.

Jeremy Konyndyk, former USAID official and president of Refugees International, called the outbreak one of the most urgent Ebola crises in recent years. He warned the actual number of infections could be significantly higher than reported.

Debate Over U.S. Aid Cuts

Humanitarian experts say recent cuts to U.S. foreign aid programs weakened international disease monitoring and response efforts in the region. The White House rejected claims that aid reductions contributed to the delayed response.

Meanwhile, doctors on the ground continue urging the international community for immediate support, medical supplies, and trained healthcare workers to prevent the outbreak from worsening.

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

UN Warns Next 5 Years Could Break Global Heat Records

Climate Report Predicts Dangerous Temperature Surge

A new report from the World Meteorological Organization warns that the next five years are likely to bring record-breaking global heat and push Earth beyond key climate thresholds.

Scientists say there is a 75% chance average global temperatures between 2026 and 2030 will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — the limit established under the Paris Climate Agreement.

The report also projects a 91% chance that at least one of the next five years will surpass the 1.5-degree mark, while there is an 86% chance a new hottest year on record will be set.

Extreme Weather Risks Growing

Climate experts warned rising temperatures fueled by coal, oil, and gas emissions could intensify heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires worldwide.

The report predicts the Arctic will continue warming much faster than the rest of the planet, while the Amazon region could face hotter and drier conditions that increase wildfire danger and threaten ecosystems that absorb carbon dioxide.

Scientists also warned stronger El Niño conditions could develop in coming years, potentially accelerating global warming and helping temperatures break records again by 2027.

UN Officials Urge Faster Climate Action

Simon Stiell said global efforts to slow climate change are failing to keep pace with rising temperatures.

Experts cautioned that even small increases in warming can lead to severe consequences, including food shortages, infrastructure strain, ecosystem collapse, and increased loss of life from extreme weather events.

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

Camp Mystic Health Officer Restricted by Texas Nursing Board After Deadly Flood

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Nursing License Restored With Major Restrictions

The Texas Board of Nursing restored the nursing license of Mary Liz Eastland but barred her from direct patient care following findings tied to the deadly 2025 flood at Camp Mystic.

According to the board’s order, Eastland failed to maintain proper emergency plans and did not contact 911 or emergency officials during the July 4 flood that killed 25 campers and two counselors.

Alleged Failures During Flood Response

The agreement also states Eastland failed to properly report the deaths to state health regulators and allowed camp nurses to improperly administer medication.

Under the restrictions, Eastland cannot provide direct nursing care, assess patients, or counsel clients. She must also complete additional training and notify future employers about the disciplinary action.

Eastland waived her right to a hearing and neither admitted nor denied the allegations, according to board records.

Camp Mystic Flood Aftermath

Eastland has served as Camp Mystic’s chief health officer since 2010. Her family has operated the camp for decades.

Her husband, Edward Eastland, managed the section of the camp where many of the victims were staying during the flood. His father, Dick Eastland, died while attempting to rescue campers.

Camp Mystic later abandoned plans to reopen after backlash from victims’ families and Dan Patrick.

For more on the Camp Mystic flooding tragedy, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Arrests made after illegal gambling investigation at SW Houston social club, police say

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Multiple people were taken into custody after an illegal gambling investigation at a social club on Wednesday, according to the Houston Police Department.

HPD says people living nearby have been complaining about alleged illegal gambling at a business on Richmond near Fondren in southwest Houston.

“Our vice division sent undercover investigators into this club over several times and determined there was illegal gambling going on in this club,” Lt. Larry Crowson said.

Crowson said a judge issued search and arrest warrants prior to Wednesday night’s activity.”The warrant was served successfully with no incident or no injury,” Crowson explained. “Approximately 80 to 90 people were inside of the club when we served the search warrant.”

Crowson said the activity required the use of a SWAT team because the club keeps its doors locked and uses armed security.

Four to five people were arrested, according to HPD.

Police say undercover officers found gaming tables, chips, and a cashier’s booth to collect the money inside.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Former CIA Officer Accused of Fraud, FBI Finds $40M in Gold Bars

Ex-CIA Official Charged With Theft of Public Money

Federal prosecutors have charged former Central Intelligence Agency officer David Rush with allegedly defrauding the U.S. government by lying about his education and military credentials.

According to a complaint filed in federal court in Virginia, Rush allegedly falsified academic degrees and military service records to secure higher pay and benefits while working in a senior government position with top-secret clearance.

FBI Seizes Gold Bars and Luxury Watches

During a search of Rush’s Virginia home, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents reportedly discovered more than 300 gold bars worth over $40 million, along with approximately $2 million in cash and dozens of luxury watches.

Investigators also allege Rush improperly claimed 744 hours of military leave after leaving the Navy in 2015, resulting in more than $77,000 in compensation.

CIA Referred Case to FBI

Officials said the CIA launched an internal investigation before referring the matter to the FBI.

Court documents allege Rush falsely claimed degrees from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, despite never attending either school.

Investigators are also examining missing foreign currency and gold Rush allegedly requested for work-related purposes. Rush was arrested on May 19 and is expected to appear in court for a detention hearing Friday.

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

Pockets of dense fog possible Thursday morning, drier weather for the rest of May

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Out with the rain, in with the fog! With the sky clearing out overnight but the humidity staying high, dense fog has formed across large part of Southeast Texas mainly west of I-45. You might want to pad in some extra time for your morning drive, especially if it involves any driving across more rural locations.

Thursday temperatures will start in the mid-upper 60s and climb into the upper 80s. The afternoon will be significantly drier after the morning fog and clouds lift. We’ll still keep about a 20% chance for a passing shower or two Thursday.

Do we have any more rainy weather systems on the way this week?

Nope! While isolated showers and storms are possible in the afternoons, we can generally expect a warmer and drier weather pattern through the weekend.

Does this mean it’s about to get really hot?

Not exactly, but it will be noticeably warmer with the lack of rain clouds. Temperatures will trend up toward 90 the next few afternoons.

Hurricane season starts next week. Is there anything brewing out there?

No activity is expected over the next 7 days across the Atlantic basic, but we will be watching a lot of moisture pile up near a stalled out front over the Gulf during the first week of June. There are some signs low pressure could spin up in that mess of moisture, but it’s too soon to know where the tropical moisture will end up. For now we have our rain chances low next week at just 30%.

SEE YOUR FULL WEATHER FORECAST

SEE ALSO: ABC13 Weather Watch: Widespread storms could bring street flooding, severe weather Friday

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Lawsuit Accuses Ohio Jail Staff of Assaulting Ecuadoran ICE Detainee

Butler County Jail Faces New Abuse Allegations

A federal lawsuit filed in Cincinnati accuses staff at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office of assaulting Ecuadoran immigrant detainee Luis Tenelanda while he was being held for federal immigration authorities.

The lawsuit alleges Sgt. Corneal Rowe used racial slurs before punching Tenelanda during a June 2025 incident at the Butler County Jail in Hamilton, Ohio. According to the complaint, Tenelanda lost consciousness, later vomited blood, and was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment.

Claims of Abuse and Poor Oversight

The lawsuit accuses jail officials of failing to properly supervise and train staff, while immigrant-rights advocates described the alleged incident as part of a broader pattern of mistreatment inside the jail.

Lynn Tramonte said the officer involved reportedly received only an oral reprimand for failing to file an incident report.

The sheriff’s office declined to comment on the pending litigation but said it remains committed to operating the jail professionally and safely.

Previous Allegations at Jail

Advocates noted the Butler County Jail has previously faced lawsuits from immigration detainees alleging excessive force and abuse. The facility has housed detainees for federal immigration authorities during both Trump administrations.

Tenelanda, who lived in the United States for decades and worked construction jobs in Ohio, was later deported to Ecuador. According to advocates, he continues to suffer from injuries that limit his ability to work.

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

Trump Administration Considers Halting International Processing at ‘Sanctuary City’ Airports

DHS Weighing Restrictions on International Flights and Cargo

Markwayne Mullin said the Trump administration is drafting plans that could suspend customs and immigration processing at airports located in so-called sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Speaking on Fox News, Mullin said discussions with the White House are ongoing, though no final decision has been made.

“We shouldn’t be processing international flights into their cities,” Mullin said, accusing local Democratic leaders of blocking federal immigration efforts.

Major Airports Could Be Affected

Cities listed by the U.S. Department of Justice as sanctuary jurisdictions include major travel hubs such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, and San Francisco.

Travel industry groups warned the proposal could severely disrupt international tourism, cargo shipments, and airline operations ahead of next month’s FIFA World Cup events in North America.

The U.S. Travel Association said administration officials confirmed the idea is under active consideration, while airline groups warned staffing reductions at customs checkpoints could create major delays and economic fallout.

For the latest on Trump’s anti-immigration enforcement, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Says Iran Nuclear Deal Talks Ongoing but ‘Not Satisfied’

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran is eager to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, but warned negotiations have not yet produced a satisfactory deal.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump said, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” adding that talks are continuing but the U.S. may “finish the job” if no agreement is reached.

White House Pushes Back on Iranian Reports

The White House said negotiations with Iran are “proceeding nicely,” while stressing that any final deal must prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said Trump’s “redlines” remain clear during ongoing discussions.

Meanwhile, Iranian state television released alleged details of a possible memorandum of understanding between the two countries, claiming it could include reduced U.S. military presence near Iran and the lifting of naval restrictions.

However, the White House Rapid Response team dismissed the report as “a complete fabrication,” urging the public not to trust Iranian state media claims.

For more on the U.S. war with Iran, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.