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Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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Israel Launches Major Ground Offensive in Gaza

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Israel began a new ground operation in Gaza alongside intense airstrikes that killed at least 103 people overnight, including dozens of children, according to hospitals and medics, according to AP News.

The offensive has forced the closure of the Indonesian Hospital, the last major medical facility in northern Gaza.

Heavy Casualties Across Gaza

Airstrikes killed 48 people in Khan Younis, striking homes and tents sheltering displaced civilians. Eighteen children and 13 women were among the dead, Nasser Hospital reported. In the Jabaliya refugee camp, strikes killed at least 19 people, including entire families.

In Gaza City, a mother, Um Mahmoud al-Aloul, mourned her daughter Nour.

“You took my soul with you… I used to turn off my phone from how much you called,” the mother told AP News.

Military Push and Humanitarian Crisis

Israel said it aims to seize territory, move residents south, and gain more control over aid distribution. A blockade on Gaza’s food and medicine is now in its third month, with experts warning of looming famine among the 2 million residents.

The military claimed to have killed dozens of militants and hit over 670 targets in the past week. It blames civilian casualties on Hamas for operating in civilian areas.

Ceasefire Talks in Qatar

While negotiations continue in Doha, Israel is pressing Hamas to accept a temporary ceasefire that would secure the release of Israeli hostages. Hamas is demanding a full Israeli withdrawal and a path to end the war.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office said it is “working to realize every chance for a deal,” but Hamas refuses to disarm or leave Gaza.

War’s Toll and Hospital Shutdowns

Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 53,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023. The current offensive follows the collapse of an earlier ceasefire in March. Israel’s attacks have damaged or shut down most hospitals, including Kamal Adwan and Beit Hanoun.

The Indonesian Hospital ceased operations Sunday, citing an Israeli siege and nearby combat. Israel said it was targeting “terror infrastructure” near the hospital.

Strikes Continue Across the Strip

Strikes in central Gaza killed at least 12, including families in Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat camp. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City said 15 children and 12 women were among the dead from recent strikes.

Houthi Rebels Fire Missiles

The Israeli military intercepted a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who claimed they fired two ballistic missiles — including a hypersonic one — toward Tel Aviv. The rebels say their actions support Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has responded with repeated strikes on Yemen.

Stay tuned to this developing story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

A few more record warm days on the way, relief in sight next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) –Saturday night will be another warm and humid one with temperatures falling into the upper 70s or low 80s by Sunday morning.

Low clouds and a few sprinkles are possible early in the morning before temperatures rise, and with it being such a warm start to the day already, temperatures will quickly climb into the mid 90s under a partly cloudy sky. The record high temperature for Sunday is 95 degrees, set back on the date in 2022.

How much longer will this heat stick around?

We are gaining confidence that a weak front will slip in Tuesday night, which will drop the humidity for a few days. If we do get that humidity drop, the mornings would feel more pleasant with lows in the upper 60s, but it would still heat up above 90 in the afternoon. Before that has a chance to happen, prepare for the hottest feeling weekend since last year. As the afternoon humidity continues to increase the next few days, the heat index will rise toward 105 as the temperatures rise into the mid 90s each day. Make sure you stay hydrated and take it easy if you’ll be outside a lot this weekend! Our bodies haven’t had a chance yet to adjust to this summer-like heat, so play it safe and stay cool.

When could we get some rain again?

We can’t rule out a shower or storm this weekend north of Houston, but our best hope for rain is next Tuesday as the weak front approaches. If that weak front rolls into Houston Tuesday night, then we could see the rain chance climb higher than the 30% chance we have now. Any thunderstorms that form along that front will be strong and need to be monitored for severe potential.

How long will that humidity drop stay around?

Our current thinking is that we’ll feel lower humidity Wednesday through Friday, then a surge of tropical moisture may reach us on Memorial Day weekend.

So then what is the outlook for Memorial Day weekend?

We shouldn’t have to worry about record heat for the holiday weekend, but if that surge of tropical moisture materializes, we will be dodging some downpours. Stay tuned!

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Pope Leo XIV Begins Papacy With Call for Unity

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Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural homily at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, urging the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics to embrace compassion and reject division.

Speaking before 100,000 people in St. Peter’s Square, the first American pope acknowledged the challenges ahead and said he would serve “with fear and trembling,” but also with “faith and joy.”

Rejecting Division, Embracing Mission

In his message, the pope denounced hatred, prejudice, and the exploitation of the planet’s resources. He encouraged believers to resist isolation and superiority, instead offering God’s love across cultures and communities. He emphasized the need to value diversity and history rather than erase it.

Dignitaries and Global Leaders Gather

Pope Leo XIV greets the crowd from the popemobile before a Holy mass for the beginning of his pontificate, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025.
Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images

The mass drew major world figures, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Leaders from multiple faiths were also present. Pope Leo later met privately with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

A Humble American Leader

Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, the 69-year-old was elected on May 8. During the ceremony, Cardinal Luis Tagle presented him with the Ring of the Fisherman, symbolizing the apostolic succession from Saint Peter. The pope recalled the harmony of the conclave, describing it as “our heartstrings vibrating in a single melody.”

Tribute to Pope Francis and a Plea for Peace

Leo paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died in April. He said he felt Francis’ “spiritual presence” during the mass. He concluded with a call to remember those suffering in war zones, naming Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine as places in desperate need of peace and justice.

For more on Pope Leo, stay tuned with us on Que Onda Magazine.

2 Dead, 19 Injured After Mexican Navy Sailboat Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

Deadly Collision on the Waterfront

A tragic maritime accident unfolded Saturday evening as a Mexican Navy sailboat crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, leaving two people dead and at least 19 injured.

The vessel, carrying 277 people, collided with a bridge pillar around 8:30 p.m., according to New York City officials.

Mechanical Failure Blamed for Crash

City authorities reported that the ship lost both power and mechanical function, leaving it vulnerable to strong currents that forced it into the bridge. NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles stated that the ship struck a bridge pillar directly where sailors were positioned, resulting in severe injuries. Four individuals remain in serious condition.

The Cuauhtemoc, a Mexican Navy sailing training vessel collides with the Brooklyn Bridge, in New York City, May 17, 2025. Courtesy:
@Corso52/X

Mayor Confirms Deaths, Praises First Responders

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed early Sunday that two people had died and two others remained in critical condition. He expressed gratitude for emergency responders, saying their swift action prevented further tragedy.

Dramatic Footage Captures the Moment

Cellphone videos from bystanders showed the ship’s masts—lit and decorated—colliding forcefully with the underside of the bridge. Several crew members were seen dangling from the masts after impact, adding to the chaos of the scene. Fortunately, no one fell into the water.

Bridge Reopened, No Structural Damage Detected

Officials conducted a preliminary inspection of the Brooklyn Bridge and found no structural damage. The bridge, which had temporarily closed, was reopened just after midnight. Mayor Adams confirmed the bridge’s safety in a social media statement.

Ship Was Headed to Iceland

The vessel, known as Cuauhtémoc, is a Mexican Navy sailing training ship. It had departed from Pier 17 and was en route to Iceland when the crash occurred.

Federal Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident. Early findings point to a mechanical malfunction as the likely cause of the crash. Inspectors from the New York City Department of Transportation will continue monitoring the bridge despite no immediate signs of damage.

Keep up with more updates on this story with us on Que Onda Magazine.

NASA Spots Giant Glowing Ocean Lifeform from Space

A massive, glowing patch of marine life was spotted from space off Australia’s southern coast.

NASA satellites revealed the turquoise light as a bioluminescent phytoplankton bloom stretching across the Great Australian Bight and the Tasman Sea.

The light comes from microscopic algae near the ocean’s surface.

Captured by NASA’s PACE Satellite

NASA’s PACE satellite first detected the glow in November 2024 using the Ocean Color Instrument. The bloom lit up waters between southeastern Australia and Tasmania, particularly in the Bass Strait—an area known for strong currents and deep marine channels.

Recurring Phenomenon

This isn’t the first time the region has glowed. Similar blooms were spotted in January 2024 by the Suomi NPP satellite and as early as December 2023 by NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites. These repeated sightings help scientists track the bloom’s growth over time.

Why the Ocean Glows

The glow is caused by chlorophyll-a in phytoplankton, which thrives in sunlit, nutrient-rich surface waters. Oceanographer Jochen Kaempf confirmed that the green glow follows the continental shelf, while blue hues may result from stirred-up sediment or other algae types.

Vital to Marine Life and the Planet

These blooms feed small sea creatures like krill, which in turn attract blue whales, sardines, tuna, and more. Beyond marine life, phytoplankton help produce oxygen and regulate the climate, making them essential to Earth’s ecosystems.

For more space news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Latin American Presidents Spend Millions Lobbying Trump Administration

Latin American and Caribbean governments are pouring millions into U.S. lobbying efforts to curry favor with the Trump administration, according to a joint investigation by The Guardian and the Quincy Institute.

These campaigns seek favorable trade agreements, military aid, energy deals, and high-level diplomatic access.

El Salvador Secures Deals Through Lobbying

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele invested $1.5 million in lobbying efforts that have already resulted in a U.S.-backed nuclear energy partnership, support for his controversial mega-prison expansion, an Oval Office meeting, and improved travel security status.

Argentina and Ecuador Join Influence Campaign

Argentina’s President Javier Milei used a combination of public appearances—dining at Mar-a-Lago and speaking at CPAC with Elon Musk—to secure a $20 billion IMF deal and a visit from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa hired Mercury Public Affairs to push for arms shipments and favorable U.S. intelligence assessments before his contested election victory.

Key Republican Power Brokers Drive Access

Much of the lobbying is coordinated through figures close to Trump, including Damian Merlo, who has advised both Bukele and Milei. Merlo is closely tied to firms like Tactic Global and plays a central role in arranging access to Trump’s circle. Other key players include veteran Republican operatives Otto Reich, Mauricio Claver-Carone, and Carlos Trujillo. Trujillo’s firm, Continental Strategy LLC, reportedly earned $3.6 million in early 2025 and helped broker a $23 billion port deal in Panama.

A Surge in Latin American Lobbying

Experts note that lobbying by foreign governments is not unusual but say Latin American interest in the Trump administration has surged. “Now that some of these folks are in government or have direct access to government, Latin American leaders will certainly find more fertile breeding ground to pursue their interests,” said Jake Johnston of the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

Keep up with Latin American governments with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Woman Found Alive After 3 Weeks Missing in California Mountains Speaks Out

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Outdoor Enthusiast’s Skills Put to the Test

Tiffany Slaton, 28, has long enjoyed foraging, gardening, and solo outdoor adventures. But her deep connection to nature became a lifeline during a harrowing three-week ordeal in the mountains of Fresno, California, where she was reported missing and later found alive.

Three-Day Camping Trip Turns Into Survival Mission

What began as a planned three-day solo camping trip quickly turned into a nightmare. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Slaton said, “I may never do a vacation longer than three days ever again.” The Georgia native was reported missing by her parents on April 29 after they hadn’t heard from her in nine days.

Early in her trip, she fell off a cliff, lost consciousness for two hours, and suffered injuries to both legs. Drawing on her background as a trained horticulturist and pre-Olympian in archery, she managed to splint one leg and pop her knee back into place.

Cut Off from Help and Forced to Survive

Blocked by a recent avalanche and unable to reach 911 due to poor cell service, Slaton was stranded.

She began a “long arduous journey” to reach civilization, enduring 13 snowstorms, scaling peaks up to 11,000 feet, and fending off wild animals. She survived on boiled snow and foraged leeks.

“Nature is quite terrifying. Once you start finding things that are scary for you, you do your best to keep moving and get over it,” she said.

Determined to Survive for Her Family

At one point, she was left with only a lighter and a knife. Despite her dwindling resources, she stayed motivated by the thought of reuniting with her family before her birthday on May 16. “I would rather live than have to deal with my parents seeing that I failed in such a dumb way,” she said.

Rescue Efforts and a Miraculous Call Home

Authorities conducted an extensive search from May 6 to May 10, covering nearly 600 square miles with no confirmed sightings. By May 14, they decided to scale back their efforts.

Then, on May 15, her parents Bobby and Fredrina Slaton received a life-changing phone call. “Dad, I’m alive,” Tiffany told them.

Shelter in a Cabin and a Peanut Butter Craving

Slaton had stumbled upon an unlocked cabin at a resort near Lake Edison after pushing through a blizzard. The resort’s owner, Christopher Gutierrez, had left it open for emergencies just like this. When Slaton arrived, she thought she was hallucinating.

“When the door opened, I saw the best sleeping bag in the world,” she recalled.

Gutierrez discovered her when he arrived to open the resort for the summer.

“She didn’t say a word, just ran up and all she wanted was a hug,” he said.

After confirming her identity, deputies said Slaton asked for just one thing: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Recovery and Reflection

Slaton was treated for dehydration, minor cuts and burns, and eye damage from sun exposure in the snow. She had lost about 10 pounds but said her blood work came back “perfect,” thanks to her foraging knowledge.

Her mother, Fredrina, said, “I’m very proud of her survival—but I’ll be prouder when she gets a GPS.”

Slaton plans to return home to Georgia with her family and said she documented her entire journey in a journal, which she plans to review as she continues to recover and readjust.

For more trending news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Forecasters Note an Unusual Pattern Ahead of Hurricane Season

No Tropical Cyclones Yet in 2025

As of May 17, 2025, not a single tropical cyclone—whether a tropical storm, hurricane, typhoon, or cyclone—has formed in the entire Northern Hemisphere. This includes the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans north of the equator, marking an unusual quiet stretch for this point in the year.

Historical Context and Past Comparisons

Though striking, this dry spell is not without precedent. Similar patterns were observed in 1973, 1983, 1984, 1998, and just last year in 2024. According to Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach, most of those years ended with below-average storm activity across the Northern Hemisphere. On average, 3.5 storms would have typically formed by now.

A Typically Quiet Time of Year

Klotzbach notes that it’s not uncommon for the Atlantic, eastern North Pacific, and North Indian Ocean to be quiet through mid-May. Usually, the western North Pacific is the main source of early storm activity. However, this year, even that region has been still.

Wind Patterns Behind the Silence

The lack of storms in the western Pacific is attributed to unusual wind conditions near the Philippines.

“This wind pattern creates anti-cyclonic flow, which is not supportive for storm formations,” Klotzbach explained to USA TODAY.

What This Means for the Season Ahead

Predicting the rest of the season remains difficult. “The average number of Northern Hemisphere named storms in a season is 62,” Klotzbach said. In previous years with a similar slow start, the total storm counts were:

1973 – 45
1983 – 51
1984 – 65
1998 – 53
2024 – 58

While four of those years had below-average totals, 2024 came close to the norm. Notably, 1973 set a record for the latest first storm, with Ava forming in the eastern North Pacific on June 2.

Southern Hemisphere Tells a Different Story

While the Northern Hemisphere has been unusually quiet, the Southern Hemisphere has seen significant activity. Since July 1, 2024, there have been 31 named storms—well above the average of 25 by mid-May. These storms include those that impact areas like Australia.

Forecast for the Rest of May

Meteorologist Ryan Maue has noted that while an early-season storm could still develop in the Eastern Pacific, models suggest a continued quiet pattern for the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico—now officially renamed the Gulf of America by the U.S. government.

Keep up with oceanic activity and storm potential with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Florida Man Mauled by Bear While Saving His Dog in Gulf Breeze

Early Morning Emergency in the Backyard

In a terrifying early morning encounter, a 45-year-old man from Gulf Breeze, Florida, was bitten by a bear while attempting to protect his dog. The man made a panicked call to 911 around dawn on Thursday, telling dispatchers, “I need an ambulance, I need – I just got bit by a bear in my backyard.

“It tried to attack my dog. I went to rescue my dog, and it bit me in my leg.”

@abcnews

A man in Gulf Breeze, Florida, was hospitalized after being attacked by a bear in his backyard while protecting his dog. Whit Johnson reports.

♬ original sound – ABC News

Caught on Camera: Bears Roaming Neighborhood

A neighbor’s Ring camera recorded two bears rummaging through a trash bag just moments before the attack. The footage has heightened concerns in the quiet Gulf Breeze neighborhood, where recent overdevelopment has been blamed for increased bear sightings.

Face-to-Face with Danger

The man explained that he rushed outside after hearing his dog yelp. That’s when he found himself face-to-face with a bear. “It bit my leg, my left leg, my whole left leg,” he said in the 911 call. “He charged me again after he bit me. I kicked him in the face, and I ran as fast as I could in the house.”

Wildlife Authorities Respond

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the bear has not been spotted since fleeing the scene. Authorities have placed a trap at the victim’s property and launched an investigation into the incident.

Community on Alert

The injured man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, residents in the area are expressing concern. Many believe unchecked development is pushing wildlife into closer contact with humans. This incident comes on the heels of other bear-related attacks in Florida, including a tragic case involving the death of an 88-year-old man and his dog.

For trending news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

The weekend stays hot and humid but some relief is coming next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — This hot, humid air going nowhere over the weekend, but we are eyeing some humidity relief behind a front next week.

Highs today are expected to top out near 94 degrees with a peak heat index around 100. Thunderstorms developing over the Hill Country could clip some of our northern counties from Huntsville to Lake Livingston in the evening, but the vast majority of us will stay dry.

How much longer will this heat stick around?

We are gaining confidence that a weak front will slip in Tuesday night, which will drop the humidity for a few days. If we do get that humidity drop, the mornings would feel more pleasant with lows in the upper 60s, but it would still heat up above 90 in the afternoon. Before that has a chance to happen, prepare for the hottest feeling weekend since last year. As the afternoon humidity continues to increase the next few days, the heat index will rise toward 105 as the temperatures rise into the mid 90s each day. Make sure you stay hydrated and take it easy if you’ll be outside a lot this weekend! Our bodies haven’t had a chance yet to adjust to this summer-like heat, so play it safe and stay cool.

When could we get some rain again?

We can’t rule out a shower or storm this weekend north of Houston, but our best hope for rain is next Tuesday as the weak front approaches. If that weak front rolls into Houston Tuesday night, then we could see the rain chance climb higher than the 30% chance we have now. Any thunderstorms that form along that front will be strong and need to be monitored for severe potential.

How long will that humidity drop stay around?

Our current thinking is that we’ll feel lower humidity Wednesday through Friday, then a surge of tropical moisture may reach us on Memorial Day weekend.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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