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Biden Shares Optimism After Cancer Diagnosis

Que Onda Editorial
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Biden Shares Optimism After Cancer Diagnosis

After announcing he had been diagnosed with “aggressive” prostate cancer, former President Joe Biden spoke publicly for the first time on Friday, expressing confidence about his treatment and recovery.

“I Feel Good,” Biden Says

Speaking to reporters after a veterans memorial event in Delaware, Biden said, “Well, the prognosis is good. You know, we’re working on everything. It’s moving along. So, I feel good.” He confirmed that his treatment includes medications and emphasized, “My bones are strong. It hasn’t penetrated, so I’m feeling good.”

Family Support and Leading Doctors

Biden said his family is also optimistic, noting that “one of the leading surgeons in the world” is working with him. Despite the cancer’s metastasis to the bone, he remains hopeful.

Responding to Critics

When asked about concerns over his mental and physical fitness, Biden joked, “You can see that—I’m mentally incompetent and I can’t walk,” before clarifying that he was being sarcastic. Regarding Democrats who say he shouldn’t have run again, Biden responded, “Why didn’t they run against me then? Because I’d have beaten them,” adding that he has no regrets.

Memorial Day Reflections

At the Veterans Memorial Park in New Castle, Delaware, Biden delivered heartfelt remarks honoring fallen service members and marking the 10th anniversary of his son Beau’s death from brain cancer. “Memorial Day is about something profound,” he said. “Our politics have become so divided and so bitter, but our troops don’t wear a uniform that says Democrat or Republican; it says American.”

Honoring Beau Biden

Biden reflected on Beau’s military service, his time in Iraq, and the honor of pinning bars on his son’s uniform. He acknowledged the pain of Memorial Day, saying, “It’s a hard day,” and assured attendees they’re not alone in their grief.

A Commitment to Veterans

Biden spoke passionately about supporting veterans, saying, “Let’s renew our pledge to honor our heroes,” and criticized claims that veterans seek “too much.” He emphasized his commitment to legislation supporting Gold Star families and veterans’ services.

Defending His Record

Biden also responded to recent claims in the book Original Sin that allege physical and mental impairments while he was in office. He dismissed those allegations, stating, “They are wrong. There’s nothing to sustain that,” and emphasized that nothing in the book suggests he didn’t do his job.

For more on Biden’s prognosis, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Summer 2025 Forecast: A Hot Season Ahead

Indira Zaldivar
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Summer 2025 Forecast: A Hot Season Ahead

Meteorologists warn that summer is just around the corner—and it’s shaping up to be a scorcher. June 1 marks the beginning of meteorological summer, the start of the three hottest months of the year, even though the calendar officially says spring until June 20.

Hotter-Than-Normal Temperatures Expected Nationwide

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center and other private forecasters predict above-normal temperatures across the U.S. Johnna Infanti, a NOAA meteorologist, said model guidance is “overwhelmingly above normal across the U.S. and most of Alaska.” No region is expected to see cooler-than-average weather. This heat will impact cooling bills, increase wildfire risk, and raise the danger of heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Where Will It Be Hottest?

Expect particularly high temperatures in the West, Southwest, Florida, and New England.

Rainfall and Drought Outlook

A hotter and drier pattern is forecast for much of the country, according to DTN meteorologist John Baranick. The Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Great Plains are likely to see below-normal precipitation, with drought persisting or expanding. The East Coast and Southwest may see wetter-than-normal conditions, offering some drought relief in the East later in June.

Wildfire Risks This Summer

The National Interagency Coordination Center forecasts a higher risk of significant wildfires in several areas. In June, that risk is highest in the coastal Southeast, central Texas, the Four Corners, and parts of California and the Pacific Northwest. By July and August, the fire risk shifts to Hawaii, the Southern Plains, and areas of the Great Basin, California, and the Northwest.

Smoke from Canada Could Impact U.S. Air Quality

Canadian wildfires could bring smoke to the northwestern and north-central U.S. throughout the summer, exacerbating health concerns related to poor air quality, warned AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok.

The Eras Complete: Taylor Swift Reclaims Her Masters and Creative Legacy

Michael Esparza
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The Eras Complete: Taylor Swift Reclaims Her Masters and Creative Legacy

Taylor Swift has achieved a milestone long sought after by artists worldwide: she now owns the master recordings of her first six albums, reclaiming control over the body of work that made her a global superstar. This landmark moment, announced on May 30, 2025, marks the culmination of a six-year saga that transformed the conversation around artistic ownership in the music industry.

The Origins of the Dispute

Swift’s journey began in Nashville at age 14, when she signed with Big Machine Records. As was standard in the pre-streaming era, the label retained ownership of the master recordings in exchange for financing her early career. Swift’s contract with Big Machine ended in 2018, but the rights to her first six albums—Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation—remained with the label.

In June 2019, music executive Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings acquired Big Machine, including Swift’s masters, for an estimated $300 million. Swift publicly objected, citing years of personal and professional conflict with Braun and expressing dismay that she was not given the opportunity to buy her own work.

“All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I’ve received at his hands for years,” Swift said at the time, calling the sale her “worst-case scenario”.

The Fight for Ownership

Unable to regain her masters directly, Swift launched a bold strategy: re-recording her first six albums as “Taylor’s Version.” This move allowed her to control new recordings of her songs, reducing the value of the originals and giving fans an alternative to support her ownership. Over the next several years, she released four re-recorded albums, each with bonus content, while continuing to campaign for artists’ rights.

In 2020, Braun sold Swift’s masters to Shamrock Capital, a private equity firm, for a reported $300–$360 million. Swift revealed she had tried to negotiate with Braun but was asked to sign an “ironclad NDA” that would prevent her from speaking negatively about him, which she refused.

The Final Victory: Buying Back Her Masters

On May 30, 2025, Swift announced that she had purchased her masters from Shamrock Capital, finally gaining full control over her original recordings, music videos, concert films, album art, photography, and unreleased tracks. While the exact purchase price remains undisclosed, sources estimate it closely matches Shamrock’s original acquisition cost, around $360 million.

“All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs… to me,” Swift wrote in an emotional letter to fans. “I can finally say these words: All of the music I ever created… now belongs… to me. And all my music videos. All the concert films. The album art and photography. The unreleased songs. The memories. The magic. The madness. Every single era. My entire life’s work”.

Swift credited her fans and the success of her “Taylor’s Version” albums and the record-breaking Eras Tour for making this moment possible.

What This Means for Artists and the Industry

Owning her masters gives Swift complete autonomy over the use, distribution, and licensing of her music—a right most artists have historically lacked. She can now decide if her songs appear in films, commercials, or video games, and she alone benefits from their continued success. This victory is seen as a watershed moment for artist rights, inspiring others to seek greater control over their work.

Taylor Swift’s acquisition of her masters is more than a personal triumph; it is a turning point in the music industry’s approach to artist ownership. Through determination, business savvy, and public advocacy, Swift has set a new precedent for creative control, ensuring that her legacy—and her life’s work—remains truly hers.

Read Taylor’s personal letter on her webiste The Official Website of Taylor Swift

Trump Administration Deported Venezuelans Without U.S. Convictions, Records Reveal

Que Onda Editorial
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Trump Administration Deported Venezuelans Without U.S. Convictions, Records Reveal

Newly obtained Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data shows that the Trump administration deported 238 Venezuelan men to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador—despite knowing that more than half had no criminal record in the U.S.

Deportation Amid Controversy

In March 2025, these Venezuelan immigrants were branded as “terrorists” and forcibly removed under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Officials claimed they belonged to Tren de Aragua, a violent gang, yet government data reveals that only 32 of them had U.S. convictions—mostly for minor offenses like retail theft and traffic violations.

Few Violent Offenses, Many with None

Of the deported group, only six had been convicted of violent crimes in the U.S. Moreover, 130 were found to have no criminal record beyond immigration violations.

“Many of these people had no due process,” Lee Gelernt, lead attorney with the ACLU, told the Texas Tribune calling the deportations “a fundamental violation of due process.”

Discrepancies in Gang Allegations

Although DHS claimed tattoos and social media posts were evidence of gang ties, no deportees matched known gang member lists from Interpol or Venezuelan police. Law enforcement experts emphasized that tattoos are unreliable indicators of gang affiliation.

Political Motivations

Immigration experts noted that the administration appeared to use the deportations to bolster its anti-immigrant narrative.

“There’s a gap between rhetoric and reality,” said John Sandweg, former acting director of ICE.

Personal Stories of Loss

Families were left reeling. Leidys Trejo Solórzano said her brother, Leonardo José Colmenares Solórzano, was a youth soccer coach with no criminal record.

“Even talking about it is hard for me,” she told the Texas Tribune.

Ongoing Legal Challenges

Legal battles are underway, with courts examining the administration’s authority to deport immigrants without trial. The controversy also highlights concerns over indefinite detention and potential suspension of habeas corpus rights.

Conclusion

Despite administration claims, DHS data shows that most deported Venezuelans were not dangerous criminals, raising questions about the true motives behind their removal and the human toll of immigration enforcement.

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

Fugitive Friday: Crime Stoppers seeks help locating the following fugitives

Que Onda Editorial
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Fugitive Friday: Crime Stoppers seeks help locating the following fugitives

HOUSTON – In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help locating the following individuals that have active Felony and/or Misdemeanor Warrants. 

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of the suspects featured. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

All warrants are active at the time this post was created and is subject to change. Crime Stoppers of Houston is not making any legal claims that this is the most current legal status. 

The wording in this press release is intentional and may have legal implications. Please ensure that the reward information paragraph above remains unchanged.

AUSTIN JEFFREY MIKAEL BAKER

W/M      6’04”/170 Lbs.      Bln/Blu
Warrant #: 1914488
EVADING ARREST/DETENTION W/VEH
Last known location: Houston Texas

NELSON BROWN

B/M      5’09”/155 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1901618
UNL POSS FIREARM BY FELON
Last known location: Houston Texas

JANICE MARIE CELESTINE

B/F      5’04”/206 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1913276
THEFT <$2,500 2/MORE PREV CONV
Last known location: Houston Texas

SAKIA DENISE DAVIS

B/F      5’02”/202 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1915416
ENGAGING IN ORG CRIMINAL ACTIV
Last known location: Houston Texas

JENNIFER MARIE GALLEGOS

W/F      5’02”/150 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1915092
THEFT <$2,500 2/MORE PREV CONV
Last known location: Houston Texas

TAYLOR GLEN HAYDEL

W/M      5’08”/165 Lbs.      Bro/Grn
Warrant #: 1905567
THEFT >=2,500 <30,000
Last known location: Houston Texas
 

ANGELA MACE HEILIGER

W/F      5’02”/100 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1880238
DWI THIRD
Last known location: Houston Texas

PHILLIP JAMES-LEWIS KING

B/M      6’04”/305 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1902116
SOLICIT PROST/OTHER PAYOR
Last known location: Pearland Texas

JOSE ORTIZ

W/M      5’07”/180 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1900681
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF >=$2,500<30K
Last known location: New Caney Texas

JAMIE ALLISON WARREN

W/F      5’05”/140 Lbs.      Bro/Blu
Warrant #: 1908914
BURGLARY OF HABITATION
Last known location: Houston Texas

Things you should know about the Crime Stoppers Tip Line Program:

  • Crime Stoppers will NEVER ask you for your name, phone number, address, or any other information that could identify you.
  • We do not record phone calls or have caller id. No one will know you called us unless you tell them.
  • Once you give us your tip, you will be given a code number. This is the only way Crime Stoppers can identify you.
  • You need to remember this number and provide it when you call back to check the status of your tip.
  • CRIME STOPPERS CANNOT CALL YOU with the status because we don’t ask for your phone number.
  • When you call back with your code number, we will let you know if your tip helped law enforcement arrest or charge a felony suspect/fugitive. If it did, we will give you instructions to go to a specific bank on a certain date to pick up your cash reward. You will not be asked to show any id and the money you get does not have to be reported to anyone.
  • Crime Stoppers may pay cash rewards of up to $5,000 on serious crime in the Greater Houston Area. There may be increased rewards available. 
  • The only requirement is you must report your tip directly to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line.

There are 3 ways to report anonymously:

  • By phone by calling 713-222-TIPS(8477)
  • By using our mobile app called Crime Stoppers Houston – download here Crime Stoppers Houston on the App Store OR Crime Stoppers Houston – Apps on Google Play
  • Online at Tip Form

Texas Legislature Approves $8.5 Billion Boost for Public Schools

Edward Saenz
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Texas Legislature Approves $8.5 Billion Boost for Public Schools

The Texas Legislature has passed House Bill 2, providing an $8.5 billion increase in funding for public schools — the largest boost in years.

Key Priorities Funded

HB 2 focuses on salaries for teachers and staff, special education, early childhood education, school safety, and operational costs. Lawmakers finalized the package after weeks of negotiations between the House and Senate.

Raises and Supports for Educators

The bill includes raises of up to $8,000 for teachers, with adjustments based on experience and district size. Schools will also get funding to expand the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, rewarding teachers who show student progress.

Additional Funding, But Not Enough?

Districts will receive $55 per student in basic funding — far below the $395 originally proposed — leaving many school officials concerned about keeping up with inflation.

Addressing Long-Standing Challenges

Beyond raises, HB 2 sets aside funds to help districts cover transportation, utilities, insurance, and other operational costs, plus supports for counselors, librarians, and nurses.

New Programs and Special Education

The legislation also overhauls Texas’ special education funding, launches new mentorship and educator preparation programs, and boosts pre-K and learning disability identification efforts.

Historic Context

This funding package follows years of stagnant support since 2019. Lawmakers delayed significant increases amid debates over vouchers. HB 2 comes after a heated legislative session where vouchers were approved alongside new funding.

Next Steps

Gov. Greg Abbott has pledged to sign the bill into law. Once signed, school districts can begin planning for long-overdue raises and resources to meet their growing needs.

Keep up with the Texas Legislature along with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Stocks Slide as Trump Blasts China Over Trade Deal

Indira Zaldivar
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Stocks Slide as Trump Blasts China Over Trade Deal

Stocks dipped Friday after President Donald Trump accused China of “totally violating” its trade agreement with the U.S., adding fresh uncertainty to already jittery markets.

The Dow fell by 130 points, or 0.3%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each dropped around 0.35%.

Trump’s Claims Fuel Trade Tensions

“China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US,” Trump posted online. “So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”

Markets, already uneasy over trade, saw volatility increase after the Court of International Trade blocked most of Trump’s tariffs midweek. That initial rally faded as investors braced for further legal battles.

Tariff Turmoil and Legal Uncertainty

A federal appeals court on Thursday paused the lower court’s ruling, leaving the status of Trump’s tariffs in limbo.

“The stunning, head-spinning, mind-boggling trade fiasco will not be resolved quickly,” noted Greg Valiere, chief U.S. policy strategist at AGF Investments. He expects the case could reach the Supreme Court, though even that might not end the dispute.

Inflation Data and Consumer Spending

New economic data Friday showed the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure cooled in April, but consumer spending dropped more than expected.

Market Resilience Despite Challenges

Despite the turmoil, the S&P 500 has climbed more than 6% this month, tracking toward its strongest May since 1990.

“Even though the stock market has staged a decisive rebound since the April lows, there is still plenty of uncertainty on tariffs, especially given the legal battle,” said Clark Bellin of Bellwether Wealth.

Dollar Edges Higher

The U.S. dollar gained slightly Friday, but the U.S. dollar index is on pace for its fifth monthly decline in a row.

Outlook: Volatility Ahead

“We expect bouts of market volatility ahead as investors continue to navigate a range of market, economic and geopolitical risks,” said Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO at UBS Global Wealth Management.

The benchmark S&P 500 is up roughly 0.5% year-to-date.

Keep up with U.S. tariffs’ effect on trade with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Weak front brings in scattered storms Friday

ABC13 Houston
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Weak front brings in scattered storms Friday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re not done with the rain quite yet!

A weak cool front moving in from the north brings our next round of showers and thunderstorms Friday morning. Periods of heavy rain and storms could make for a messy and difficult drive for your morning commute.

As the front pushes south toward the coast this afternoon, it will be the focusing mechanism for some additional showers and storms. Highs will remain in the mid to upper 80s.

In the wake of the front, you can expect slightly drier air moving in for the start of your weekend.

Can you time out the scattered thunderstorms on Friday?

There could be two rounds of storms Friday. One during the morning rush ahead of the front. The other during the afternoon behind the front, most likely south of I-10. The rain shouldn’t be as widespread or intense as what we’ve seen this week.

Will it be just as hot with these rainy days?

Not necessarily! With rain and the inherent cloud cover we typically get during these rainy and stormy days, afternoon high temperatures for this week and into the first few days of June will likely be closer to their seasonal average, in the mid-to-upper 80s. The catch, though, is that if a shower or storm rolls through. While that will cool you off in the short term, it’ll also make it feel extremely muggy at times. We are also expecting mold counts to go up with the week during this unsettled and rainy stretch.

Hurricane season begins Sunday. What can we expect this season?

Hurricane season begins on June 1, and this year we are anticipating another active one. Both hurricane outlooks from NOAA and Colorado State University predict an above-normal season. From NOAA specifically, the prediction is 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and possibly three to five major hurricanes. Two big reasons are the lack of an El Niño or La Niña and the trend of seeing warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures. And while these outlooks aren’t landfall forecasts for the United States, given these conditions, there is the possibility for storms to move into the Gulf this year.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Scattered storms are possible over the next two days

ABC13 Houston
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Scattered storms are possible over the next two days

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — You’ll want to keep your umbrella nearby Wednesday afternoon as a few showers and a couple of thunderstorms could form along the sea breeze. A strong to severe storm will be possible with the primary threat being gusty winds, hail and locally heavy rain.

High temperatures will climb into the upper 80s to low 90s with heat index values between 98 to 103.

Can you time out the scattered thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday?

Thursday’s storms will hit mainly during the afternoon when the sea breeze comes in. Friday’s scattered storms will hit mostly during the afternoon and evening as a weak cool front moves through. The rain shouldn’t be as widespread or intense as what we’ve seen this week.

Will it be just as hot with these rainy days?

Not necessarily! With rain and the inherent cloud cover we typically get during these rainy and stormy days, afternoon high temperatures for this week and into the first few days of June will likely be closer to their seasonal average, in the mid-to-upper 80s. The catch, though, is that if a shower or storm rolls through. While that will cool you off in the short term, it’ll also make it feel extremely muggy at times. We are also expecting mold counts to go up with the week during this unsettled and rainy stretch.

Hurricane season begins Sunday. What can we expect this season?

Hurricane season begins on June 1, and this year we are anticipating another active one. Both hurricane outlooks from NOAA and Colorado State University predict an above-normal season. From NOAA specifically, the prediction is 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and possibly three to five major hurricanes. Two big reasons are the lack of an El Niño or La Niña and the trend of seeing warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures. And while these outlooks aren’t landfall forecasts for the United States, given these conditions, there is the possibility for storms to move into the Gulf this year.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Texas Passes Bill Defining ‘Man’ and ‘Woman’

Indira Zaldivar
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Texas Passes Bill Defining ‘Man’ and ‘Woman’

Biological Definitions Now in State Law

House Bill 229, now headed to Gov. Greg Abbott, defines “man” and “woman” strictly by biological reproductive systems. The law will apply this binary definition across state records, though it does not include civil or criminal penalties.

If signed, Texas will become the 14th state to adopt such a law. Supporters argue it protects women’s rights and clarifies existing state code. Critics say it erases transgender and intersex people from legal recognition.

How the Law Defines Sex

Under HB 229, a “female” is someone with a system developed to produce ova; a “male,” someone with a system to fertilize them. An added amendment specifies intersex people are not a third sex but must be accommodated under existing laws.

The bill emphasizes “immutable biological differences,” citing physical strength and reproductive roles as reasons to maintain single-sex spaces such as bathrooms and shelters.

A Step Back for Trans Texans?

More than 120,000 Texans identify as transgender. Many have legal documentation that aligns with their gender identity. Legal experts warn the law could create daily difficulties — especially as Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have already directed agencies to stop recognizing court-ordered gender changes on documents.

“This could force people to out themselves in everyday interactions,” said attorney Shelly Skeen of Lambda Legal.

Impact on Intersex and Non-Reproductive Individuals

Critics, including Rep. Jessica González, warn the law ignores the complexity of human biology. Questions remain about how the law applies to intersex individuals and women who cannot reproduce.

“We should not reduce human identity to reproductive capacity,” González said on the House floor.

Potential Legal and Federal Fallout

Other states with similar laws have faced legal challenges. Montana’s law was struck down, and Kansas faces lawsuits. Experts say HB 229 may provoke similar constitutional debates around privacy and equal protection.

The ACLU of Texas is watching closely. “We don’t yet know how far the state will go in enforcing this law,” said Sarah Corning. “But if it goes too far, they’ll hear from us.”

Uncertain Future

While supporters celebrate the bill as a win for women’s rights, many in the trans and intersex communities see it as an attack on their identity. As state agencies begin applying the law, its full impact remains to be seen.

Keep up with the Texas Legislature with us on Que Onda Magazine.

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