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Hamas Responds to Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

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Hamas has agreed in principle to President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza but requested additional negotiations before finalizing the deal. The group said it would release all remaining hostages if Israel withdraws from Gaza and “proper field conditions are met,” and agreed to hand over Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian body.

Trump Issues Ultimatum

Trump announced on social media that Hamas has until Sunday at 6 p.m. ET to sign the agreement. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” he warned. He also urged civilians to evacuate certain areas of Gaza for their safety, saying Hamas fighters would be “hunted down” if they refuse the deal.

Netanyahu Rejects Palestinian Statehood

During Monday’s White House meeting, Trump presented his plan to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will not allow an independent Palestinian state. Meanwhile, the IDF continues its push to seize Gaza City despite mounting international pressure and multiple Western nations recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Flotilla Intercepted as Tensions Rise

The Israeli navy intercepted a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, calling it a “provocation.” Greta Thunberg was among activists detained during the operation. Israel confirmed it intercepted all but four vessels as fighting in Gaza City continues “at full force.”

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

Trump Administration Targets Blue States in Shutdown Funding Cuts

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The Trump administration has added Chicago to the growing list of Democrat-led cities and states losing federal funds during the government shutdown. White House Budget Director Russell Vought announced Oct. 3 that $2.1 billion promised for Chicago’s transit system is on hold.

Earlier, $18 billion in infrastructure funds for New York and $8 billion in Department of Energy projects across 16 blue states were also paused. Similar energy project funds in red states remain untouched, according to Notus.

Democrats Condemn ‘Mafioso Tactics’

Democratic leaders swiftly criticized the move. “We’re less than a day into this shutdown, and Trump & Vought are illegally punishing Democrat-led states,” Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., posted Oct. 1, calling the cuts “mafioso tactics.”

Florida Reimbursed for Immigration Facilities

In contrast, red Florida received $608 million from FEMA on Oct. 2 to cover construction and management of two state-run immigration detention centers, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot.” Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted the reimbursement just hours before the shutdown began.

Trump Eyes Permanent Cuts

Trump wrote Oct. 2 that he was meeting with Vought to decide “which of the many Democrat Agencies, most of which are a political SCAM,” should be cut, and whether those cuts will be temporary or permanent.

National Guard Deployment Considered in Chicago

The administration has clashed with Chicago officials amid discussions about deploying the National Guard. DHS recently requested Guard support in Illinois “to safeguard Federal personnel, property, and functions,” according to the Pentagon.

For more on the government shutdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

A glimmer of hope for needed rainfall early next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Near record heat and mostly dry weather to round out your week, but there are subtle signs that moisture levels will rise enough to bring an isolated shower or two in the days ahead.

Highs are on the way to rising into the low to mid 90s under a partly cloudy sky this afternoon, and while a spotty shower or downpour is possible, the coverage is very limited at just 10%.

When does the humid air return?

We’ll get a little bump in the humidity Friday, which will bring a 10% chance of passing showers primarily south of I-10. Otherwise, we’ll have to wait until early next week for some tropical moisture to bring higher rain chances.

How promising are the rain chances looking early next week?

For now we have rain chances at 10% Sunday, 30% Monday, and 30% Tuesday. These rain chances all hinge on the track of a weak zone of low pressure that will track westward across the Gulf from Florida to Texas.

What is happening in the tropics?

We are monitoring tropical waves near Florida, and over the far eastern Atlantic that have a low chance for development. 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!

OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank Break Ground on $3B Stargate AI Data Center in Milam County, Texas

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OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank are advancing their $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative, Stargate, with the construction of a new data center in Milam County, Texas.

The Milam County facility, a $3 billion investment, is part of a broader effort to establish five new data centers across the United States. These centers aim to provide nearly 7 gigawatts of computing capacity, contributing to the project’s goal of 10 gigawatts by the end of 2025. The initiative is expected to generate approximately 25,000 onsite jobs and bring total investment to over $400 billion.

The Milam County site was selected through a competitive process, with over 300 proposals from more than 30 states considered. The decision underscores Texas’s appeal due to its abundant energy resources and favorable business climate.

In addition to the Milam County development, other new Stargate sites include Shackelford County, Texas; Doña Ana County, New Mexico; Lordstown, Ohio; and an undisclosed Midwest location. These projects are part of a larger strategy to expand AI infrastructure nationwide. (

The Milam County data center is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the growing demand for AI technologies, including applications like ChatGPT and other advanced systems. As the project progresses, it is anticipated to have significant economic and technological impacts on the region

Houston businessman Andrew White enters Texas governor’s race

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HOUSTON — Houston businessman Andrew White, son of former Texas Gov. Mark White, has launched a Democratic campaign for governor, positioning himself as a centrist alternative in a state long dominated by Republicans.

White formally announced his candidacy Sept. 24, pledging to focus on issues such as education, health care and infrastructure while criticizing Gov. Greg Abbott for what he described as an overemphasis on cultural battles. He has also faulted Abbott for rejecting Medicaid expansion, saying the decision has cost Texas billions in federal funds.

“Texans are tired of the culture wars,” White said in an interview.

“They want a governor who will focus on the things that matter: Schools, hospitals and infrastructure.”

White, who previously ran unsuccessfully in the 2018 Democratic primary, said he plans to self-fund part of his campaign, covering overhead costs himself. He faces a difficult challenge against Abbott, who is seeking a fourth term and has amassed a campaign war chest nearing $90 million.

Other Democrats in the race include Bobby Cole, a retired firefighter and rancher, and Bay City Councilman Benjamin Flores. White said he believes the political climate has shifted since his last run and that voters may now be more receptive to a pragmatic candidate.

Abbott, who was first elected in 2014, is expected to campaign heavily on his record of conservative governance as Texas prepares for the 2026 election.

Mid-decade redistricting sparks fight over minority voting rights in Houston

A mid-decade redistricting plan pushed by Texas Republicans is drawing sharp criticism from civil rights groups and community leaders who say the new congressional map dilutes Black political power in Houston.

For decades, Houston’s Black voters have held sway in two districts — the 9th and the 18th — represented by Democratic Reps. Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee. Under the new plan, much of the city’s Black population is shifted into a single district, leaving Houston with only one seat where Black voters can reliably elect a candidate of their choice.

Critics say the changes amount to racial gerrymandering and violate the Voting Rights Act. “This is inherently racist,” said one Houston community leader, adding that consolidating Black voters into one district strips them of representation that had taken generations to build.

Republicans argue the new map reflects political, not racial, considerations. The plan could flip as many as five Democratic-held seats statewide, bolstering the GOP’s majority in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 elections.

The redistricting also reconfigures Houston’s 29th District, held by Democratic Rep. Sylvia Garcia, reducing the share of Hispanic eligible voters despite the population remaining majority Latino. The changes are expected to spark competitive challenges from within her own party.

Civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, have filed lawsuits challenging the maps. A three-judge federal panel in El Paso began hearings in late September to determine whether the new districts unlawfully dilute minority voting strength. The outcome could decide whether Texas is allowed to use the new maps in the 2026 election.

Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda Spin Off the Coast

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The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has two months remaining, and forecasters warn more storms could develop. After Hurricane Humberto dissipated, two new systems appeared on the National Hurricane Center’s map, one near Florida and another in the central Atlantic.

A Season Below Average but With Powerful Storms

So far, the season has produced fewer named storms than expected but a higher number of major hurricanes. Researchers note that three major hurricanes have already formed, meeting the minimum predicted by NOAA. October and November often bring late-season storms, leaving the outlook uncertain.

Forecasts Suggest More Activity

Colorado State University’s early October forecast calls for slightly above-normal activity in the coming weeks, citing possible development in the Caribbean and central Atlantic. NOAA also projects a greater chance of tropical activity in the western Caribbean later this month.

The Rare Fujiwhara Effect

This season stands out for a rare meteorological event: Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto briefly interacted in late September, performing the “Fujiwhara effect” as they swirled around a common center. Their proximity—just 465 miles apart—was the closest any pair of Atlantic storms has come since 1966.

Warm Waters Could Fuel More Storms

With sea surface temperatures running hotter than average across the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, conditions remain favorable for storm development through the final stretch of hurricane season.

For more on hurricane preparedness, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Jane Goodall’s cause of death revealed

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Jane Goodall, the pioneering British primatologist whose research transformed the world’s understanding of chimpanzees, has died at age 91 from natural causes, the Jane Goodall Institute confirmed.

A Life of Groundbreaking Work

Goodall’s studies in Tanzania redefined science’s view of primates, revealing tool use and complex social behaviors. She went on to found the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and the global youth program Roots & Shoots, inspiring activism in more than 60 countries.

Final Days in California

Goodall passed away while on a speaking tour in California, continuing her mission well into her 90s. The Institute called her a “tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”

Tributes Pour In

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio described Goodall as “a true hero for the planet” who “never stopped” inspiring action. Maria Shriver called her “a legendary figure” and José Andrés remembered her as “the wisest and most compassionate person I’ve ever met.” Celebrities including Drew Scott and Jo Frost also shared tributes, praising her passion, empathy, and lasting impact.

For more updates of environmentalists around the globe, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Deadly Attack Outside Manchester Synagogue

Two people were killed and three others seriously injured on Thursday when a man drove into a crowd and carried out a stabbing near the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, police confirmed. The suspect was shot dead by officers at the scene.

Yom Kippur Targeted

The attack happened on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day. Police said injuries were caused by both the vehicle and knife, and the incident was declared a major emergency with a “PLATO” designation, indicating a potential terrorist attack.

National Leaders Respond

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was in Denmark for a summit, said he was “appalled” by the attack and would return to the U.K. to chair an emergency COBRA meeting. He called the violence “all the more horrific” given its timing on Yom Kippur and pledged more police protection for synagogues.

Community and Global Reactions

London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his horror and announced stepped-up patrols across the capital. King Charles III and Queen Camilla said they were “deeply shocked and saddened,” while the Israeli Embassy condemned the violence as “abhorrent and deeply distressing.”

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

A glimmer of hope for needed rainfall early next week

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We are in for another mild morning and hot afternoon in Southeast Texas, but there are subtle signs that moisture levels will rise enough to bring scattered showers and thunderstorms in the days ahead.

Temperatures Thursday morning will start off in the upper 60s over Houston, but the dry air and light northeasterly winds will work together to quickly heat temperatures into the mid 90s during the afternoon. The record high of 97 will be challenged.

Unhealthy levels of ozone pollution could also pop up once again in the afternoon sunshine. Ozone is a lung irritant that can cause a dry cough and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

Unhealthy levels of ozone pollution could pop up in the afternoon sunshine. Ozone is a lung irritant that can cause a dry cough and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

When does the humid air return?

We’ll get a little bump in the humidity starting late Thursday and continuing through Friday, which will bring a 10% chance of passing showers primarily south of I-10. Otherwise, we’ll have to wait until early next week for some tropical moisture to bring higher rain chances.

How promising are the rain chances looking early next week?

For now we have rain chances at 20% Sunday, 30% Monday, and 20% Tuesday and Wednesday. These rain chances all hinge on the track of a weak zone of low pressure that will track westward across the Gulf from Florida to Texas.

What is happening in the tropics?

The remnants of Humberto and Hurricane Imelda keep moving away from the United States. 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!