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Scattered thunderstorms possible this afternoon

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Another round of scattered downpours is coming for Southeast Texas later today.

If you have outdoor plans, especially in the afternoon, be prepared for them to be interrupted for an hour or two when the scattered storms rumble through southeast Texas. Have a place where you could run for cover if a heavy thunderstorms impacts your outdoor plans. A quick 1-3″ could fall in short order, flooding Houston area streets. Sunday’s storms could also trigger some Strong Thunderstorm Alerts with wind gusts over 40 mph and pea size hail.

Is there any triple-digit heat in the forecast?

Not at this time. In fact, we still haven’t hit 100 so far this summer! Next week, the rain faucet should turn off for at least a few days, which should push temperatures back into the upper 90s but still shy of the triple digits.

What’s happening in the tropics?

We’re watching the Gulf for tropical development late next week. 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.

Mayor Bass Signs Executive Order Defending Immigrants Amid Federal Raids

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed an executive order Friday reaffirming the city’s support for immigrants in response to the Trump administration’s latest immigration enforcement efforts.

Seeking Transparency from Federal Authorities

Bass announced the city is filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to uncover when and where immigration enforcement has occurred in Los Angeles, who was targeted, and the reasons for arrests or detentions.

“We will also be requesting information exposing how much these raids cost taxpayers nationwide,” she said.

City Departments Ordered to Prepare

The executive order directs city departments to submit immigration enforcement preparedness plans within two weeks. It also establishes a working group composed of local law enforcement, immigrant rights groups, community leaders, and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs to coordinate responses and gather input.

Bass Condemns Raids, Promises Legal Action

Bass condemned the Trump administration’s tactics as “unlawful and chaotic” and pledged to continue defending immigrant rights. “I will never accept these unlawful and chaotic raids and will continue to do all that I can to defend the rights of the people of Los Angeles,” she said.

City Joins Lawsuit as Protests Grow

The executive order follows the city’s decision to join a lawsuit challenging the federal immigration raids. Demonstrations erupted in response to June raids that detained dozens of residents, including a prominent labor union leader.

The president responded by deploying the National Guard and Marines to suppress the protests.

For more on immigration, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

American Man Killed by Israeli Settlers in the West Bank, Family Says

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A 20-year-old American citizen from Florida, Sayfollah “Saif” Musallet, was allegedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers while visiting family in the West Bank town of Sinjil, according to his relatives and Palestinian health officials.

Family Alleges He Was Targeted While Protecting Land

Musallet was reportedly trying to defend his family’s land when settlers surrounded him for over three hours, his family said. They claim the group blocked emergency responders, and Musallet died before reaching the hospital. A second Palestinian man was also killed in the same incident, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Born in Florida, Remembered for His Generosity

Musallet was born in Florida, lived in Tampa, and ran a successful business there.

“He was a kind, hard-working, and deeply-respected young man… known for his generosity, ambition, and connection to his Palestinian heritage,” his family said in a statement.

Fifth American Killed in West Bank Since October 2023

Musallet is the fifth American to die in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023. The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 people in southern Israel.

Israeli Officials Investigating the Incident

The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged reports of a fatality and injuries in a “violent confrontation” that involved “vandalism, arson, physical clashes, and rock hurling.” The IDF said the matter is being investigated by Israeli authorities.

Family Demands U.S. Investigation

Musallet’s family is calling for immediate action.

“We demand the U.S. State Department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Musallet accountable,” they said. “This is an unimaginable nightmare and injustice that no family should ever have to face.”

The U.S. State Department confirmed it is aware of the incident but declined to comment further “out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones.”

For more on this tragic story, follow every update with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Announces 30% Tariffs on EU and Mexico Starting August 1

President Donald Trump has unveiled new 30% tariffs targeting imports from the European Union and Mexico, set to take effect on August 1.

The announcement was made through two letters posted on his social media platform.

Tariffs on Mexico Cited Over Fentanyl

In a letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump blamed drug trafficking for the decision.

“Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT what Mexico has done is not enough,” he wrote. “Mexico still has not stopped the Cartels who are trying to turn all of North America in a Narco-Trafficking Playground.”

While Mexico avoided new tariffs in Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” rollout, existing tariffs remain: 25% on non-USMCA-compliant goods and 50% on steel, aluminum, and related products. Major U.S. imports from Mexico include vehicles, machinery, electrical equipment, and agricultural products like beer, fruits, and vegetables.

Screenshot courtesy of AP News.

Trade Deficit Cited in EU Tariff Decision

Trump also addressed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, citing the U.S. trade deficit with the EU—$235.6 billion in 2024—as justification for the new tariffs.

He wrote that manufacturing companies operating in the U.S. would be exempt from the tariffs.

Pushback from EU and Mexico

Von der Leyen warned that the 30% tariff “would hurt businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic,” and said the EU would pursue countermeasures if necessary.

Mexican economic minister Marcelo Ebrard confirmed Mexico was already in talks with the U.S. and called the move “an unfair deal.”

“We stated at the meeting that this was an unfair deal and that we did not agree with it,” Ebrard posted on X.

For more on the effects of Trump’s tariffs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Threatens to Revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s Citizenship in Online Rant

President Donald Trump has reignited his years-long feud with comedian and actor Rosie O’Donnell, now threatening—without legal basis—to revoke her U.S. citizenship.

Truth Social Outburst

In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump called O’Donnell a “threat to humanity” and claimed she is “not in the best interests of our Great Country.” He added, “I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship… she should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

O’Donnell Responds: “I Stand in Direct Opposition”

O’Donnell quickly fired back on Instagram, accusing Trump of targeting her for simply seeing him “for who he is.” She wrote, “a criminal con man sexual abusing liar out to harm our nation to serve himself… ur a bad joke who can’t form a coherent sentence #nevertrump.”

Decades-Long Feud Reignited

In a follow-up post, O’Donnell emphasized her identity as everything Trump fears: “a loud woman, a queer woman, a mother who tells the truth, an American who got out of the country before you set it ablaze.” She noted she now lives in Ireland, where she’s building a life for her autistic son.

A New Life Abroad

O’Donnell first announced in March that she moved to Ireland on January 15, describing the decision as “pretty wonderful.” She added that she would consider returning to the U.S. “when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights.”

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

ABC13 Weather Watch for storms that could flood some streets today

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our active weather pattern continues as tropical moisture brings a higher chance for heavy rain that could flood streets this afternoon. While the overall weather pattern is similar to what we’ve seen over the past week, the storms today will be slow-moving, and we have declared an ABC13 Weather Watch for Houston and the surrounding suburbs. While there is also a chance for rain along the coast, they do not have the same potential to flood streets, so any beach plans are likely still good to go.

Will the weekend be a washout?

No. Despite the high rain chances on Saturday and Sunday, we do not expect it to rain all day, and many places along the coast may stay rain-free all day. If you have outdoor plans, especially in the afternoon, be prepared for them to be interrupted for an hour or two when the scattered storms rumble through Southeast Texas. Have a place where you could run for cover if a heavy thunderstorms impacts your outdoor plans. And be particularly careful when driving around on Saturday as a quick 1-3″ could fall in short order, flooding Houston area streets. Today’s storms could also trigger some Strong Thunderstorm Alerts with wind gusts over 40 mph and pea size hail.

Is there any triple-digit heat in the forecast?

Not at this time. In fact, we still haven’t hit 100 so far this summer! Next week, the rain faucet should turn off for at least a few days, which should push temperatures back into the upper 90s but still shy of the triple digits.

What’s happening in the tropics?

We’re watching the Gulf for tropical development late next week. 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.

FEMA and Texas Offer Funeral Assistance for Flood Victims

Following the devastating storms and floods that began July 2, survivors in Texas may be eligible for financial help covering funeral or burial expenses.

The Funeral Assistance program, managed by the State of Texas with FEMA’s support, aims to ease some of the burdens families face after a disaster-related loss.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or qualified aliens, and FEMA must be able to confirm their identity. The program covers deaths directly or indirectly caused by the disaster.

“Whether a loved one died from the disaster itself or from unsafe conditions during cleanup, we are here to help,” the program guidance states.

Understanding Disaster-Related Deaths

A direct disaster-related death could be caused by collapsing buildings or flying debris, officials explained. Indirect causes include dangerous conditions during preparations, the storm itself, or post-disaster cleanup, as well as worsening of pre-existing health conditions due to the disaster.

However, officials caution that documents stating a death “may have been caused by” the disaster do not qualify.

How to Apply

Survivors can apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app, calling 800-621-3362, or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. One such center is currently open daily at First Baptist Church in Kerrville, Texas.

What Costs Are Covered?

The assistance may help cover:

  • Funeral services, including clergy fees
  • Burial expenses like caskets, urns, burial plots, or cremation niches
  • Reinterment costs for displaced remains
  • Travel for up to two people to identify the deceased if required
  • Death certificate fees and other legally required expenses

Limits and Exclusions

Eligible families may receive up to $9,000 per death or disinterment. FEMA emphasized that some expenses are not covered, such as flowers, obituaries, catering, or transportation to the funeral.

Assistance for Out-of-State Families

Applicants do not need to live in Texas but must prove that the death or disinterment happened in the disaster area.

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide an official death certificate or a statement from a medical examiner or funeral home, along with receipts or estimates for funeral costs and proof that no other financial aid covered the expenses.

Appeals Process Available

“If you disagree with the amount of assistance, you can appeal,” the guidance states. Applicants must submit additional documents explaining why they need further help.

Continuing Support for Flood Recovery

FEMA reminds Texans that disaster recovery assistance is available to all eligible residents without regard to race, nationality, or income level.

For more information, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Iliamna Volcano Shows Signs of Activity After a Century of Dormancy

The Iliamna volcano in southern Alaska, quiet for more than 100 years, is showing signs of renewed seismic activity. NASA has described the volcano as “ready to rumble,” though scientists caution the shaking could signal a large avalanche rather than an imminent eruption.

Recent Seismic Activity Raises Concerns

Located near Cook Inlet, Iliamna last erupted in 1867 but has a history of producing avalanches powerful enough to register on seismic monitors. On June 15, the Alaska Volcano Observatory reported hours of nearly continuous shaking, following satellite images captured on June 10.

Avalanches Likely the Cause of the Shaking

Experts say the tremors resemble those caused by the slipping of ice and rock, which often lead to avalanches on the glacier-covered volcano. Iliamna’s unstable mix of volcanic heat, glacial ice, and weakened rock frequently causes these massive slides.

A History of Minor Eruptions and Smoke

Though it has not erupted in over a century, Iliamna has occasionally emitted smoke and light ash, with the last confirmed vapor columns seen in 1958. Other minor activity was reported in the early and mid-1900s but never confirmed as full eruptions.

Close Monitoring Despite Remote Location

Iliamna sits in the Chigmit Mountains of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. While remote, its activity is closely monitored because communities within 200 miles—including Pedro Bay, Port Alsworth, and Anchorage—could be affected by an eruption or significant avalanche.

No Current Eruption Warning

Despite the recent rumblings, the U.S. Geological Survey has kept Iliamna at a “normal” alert level. Volcanologists continue to monitor it alongside 51 other active volcanoes in Alaska, including the nearby Redoubt Volcano, which is known for more frequent eruptions.

For more updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Mahmoud Khalil Seeks $20 Million or Apology From Trump Administration

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, has filed an administrative complaint against the Trump administration seeking $20 million in damages or an official apology. Khalil spent more than three months in ICE detention before a federal judge ordered his release in June.

Allegations of False Arrest and Retaliation

Khalil’s complaint, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, accuses the administration of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He claims his detention was a retaliatory act against his role in leading Columbia’s pro-Palestinian protests during the 2024 Israel-Hamas war.

Activist Targeted Amid Trump’s Crackdown on Campus Protests

ICE agents arrested Khalil, a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, in March at his New York apartment. He became the first high-profile pro-Palestinian activist detained during Trump’s efforts to suppress campus protests, which he called “hotbeds of antisemitism.”

Administration Cited National Security Risk

The Trump administration alleged that Khalil supported Hamas, though his lawyers say no evidence was provided. Secretary of State Marco Rubio used a rare legal provision to justify Khalil’s deportation on foreign policy grounds.

Court Ordered Release but Deportation Effort Continues

While an immigration judge in Louisiana initially ruled against Khalil, a federal judge in New Jersey later barred his deportation and ordered his release on June 20. Despite the ruling, the administration is still pursuing his removal from the U.S.

Khalil: Damages Would Support Other Activists

According to the Center for Constitutional Rights, Khalil intends to use any awarded damages to assist others targeted by the Trump administration and Columbia University. The group said he would accept an apology and an end to the administration’s deportation policies instead of payment.

DHS Defends Its Actions

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the detention, saying the Trump administration acted within its legal authority. She dismissed Khalil’s claims as “absurd,” accusing him of promoting antisemitism and terrorizing Jewish students through his actions and rhetoric.

For more on Khalil’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Additional Assault Charges in London

Chris Brown appeared in a London court on Friday, July 11, where he pleaded not guilty to two additional charges stemming from an alleged nightclub assault on music producer Amadou “Abe” Diaw in February 2023.

Accused of Assault With a Tequila Bottle

Brown faces charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and carrying an offensive weapon. Prosecutors allege he attacked Diaw with a tequila bottle and stomped on him during the altercation.

Previous Plea and Courtroom Support

Last month, Brown pleaded not guilty to the most serious assault charge but delayed addressing the other charges while his legal team reviewed newly submitted evidence. During Friday’s hearing, about 20 supporters were present, with some shouting words of encouragement as Brown left court.

Arrest, Bond, and Tour

Brown was arrested in May at a Manchester hotel. Initially denied bail due to the severity of the allegations, he was later released on a $6.7 million bond. Despite the charges, Brown was permitted to continue his world tour, which kicked off in the U.K. and Europe and is set to reach North America later this month.

Rapper HoodyBaby Also Charged

HoodyBaby, also known as Omolulu Akinlolu, was charged alongside Brown. Akinlolu, a close friend and collaborator of the singer, pleaded not guilty to charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and causing actual bodily harm.

Related Civil Suit Dropped

The criminal case follows a civil lawsuit Diaw filed against Brown in October 2023 over the same alleged attack. Diaw dismissed the civil suit with prejudice recently, meaning it cannot be refiled. No settlement has been confirmed.

For more on Brown’s legal trouble, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.