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Saharan haze continues ahead of July 4th holiday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Storm chances drop to 10% on Wednesday as Saharan haze continues to linger over Southeast Texas.

Temperatures this morning are starting in mid-upper 70s and will quickly climb into the mid 90s Wednesday. Despite the dry, dusty air, there will still be enough moisture for a 10% chance of a late afternoon downpour, and we are right on the edge of some tropical moisture that will kick a few extra clouds our way. Nevertheless, the heat and the haze are the main impacts for Wednesday with heat index values expected to be around 100 Wednesday afternoon.

How long does this Saharan dust stick around?

The first dust cloud impacting us now will depart on Thursday. The second dust cloud is moving in for the Fourth of July and the day after. This Saharan dust will lead to a hazy gray sky, vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and a reduction in air quality for those who are sensitive to particulate matter, allergic to the dust, or have underlying respiratory issues.

What’s the outlook for July 4th and the Freedom Over Texas fireworks show?

At this time, it looks dry but hot! Temperatures will peak in the upper 90s with heat index values well above 100. Heat advisories are possible, and that heat will stick around for the entire weekend! There is also a 10% chance of a shower in the late afternoon, but we should have a rain-free sky for fireworks time!

What’s happening in the tropics?

We are watching a zone of potential development near Florida as a weak front stalls out just offshore from the Gulf Coast and the East Coast. 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.

Trump Threatens NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani with Arrest

Fiery Comments at Florida Detention Center

While visiting a new migrant detention center in Florida’s Everglades on July 1, President Donald Trump lashed out at Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, threatening him with arrest over his opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Trump also repeated false claims that Mamdani is in the U.S. illegally and labeled him a “communist.”

A Target of Political Attacks

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and state representative, had pledged in his primary victory speech to protect undocumented immigrants from ICE. Trump responded, “We’ll have to arrest him,” adding, “We don’t need a communist in this country.”

The president went further, calling Mamdani a “total nut job” and “bad news” while threatening to withhold federal funding from New York if Mamdani, if elected mayor, refuses to comply with his administration’s immigration policies.

Mamdani Responds: “We Will Not Accept Intimidation”

In a public statement, Mamdani condemned Trump’s remarks as an attack on democracy and a warning to New Yorkers who speak out. “If you speak up, they will come for you,” he said. “We will not accept this intimidation.”

Speaking with ABC News and NBC’s Meet the Press, Mamdani firmly rejected being labeled a communist, saying, “I am not.” He emphasized his priorities lie in protecting New Yorkers and focusing on affordability and equity.

Balancing Collaboration and Resistance

Mamdani expressed willingness to work with the Trump administration only if it benefits New Yorkers. “If it comes at the expense of the people I look to represent, then no, I will not be working with the administration,” he said.

Primary Victory Over Cuomo

Mamdani now leads former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary by 12 points—56% to 44%—following the ranked-choice vote tally. Current Mayor Eric Adams and Cuomo are expected to continue their campaigns as independents, while Republican Curtis Sliwa is also running. The general election for NYC mayor is set for November 4.

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

Eco-Friendly Bathroom Tips: Reduce Waste and Save Water

Creating a more sustainable bathroom doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple changes, you can significantly cut back on waste and water use while saving money.

Sustainable Hygiene Swaps

Consider upgrading to bamboo combs and toothbrushes, which are renewable and naturally antimicrobial. Choose beauty products in reusable or recyclable packaging, and swap plastic floss for silk alternatives. Reusable cotton rounds can replace disposable makeup wipes, and safety razors are a long-lasting, plastic-free alternative to disposables.

Water-Saving Shower Habits

Showers use significantly less water than baths—so keep them under 10 minutes when possible. Replace your showerhead with a low-flow model to save up to 2,700 gallons of water annually. Switch to bar soap to reduce plastic waste, and capture cold water while waiting for your shower to heat up for other uses like watering plants.

Smart Bathroom Additions

Add houseplants such as peace lilies or pothos to purify the air naturally. Swap old light bulbs for LEDs to cut energy use. An easy water-saving trick is placing a bottle filled with pebbles in your toilet tank to reduce the water used per flush. Consider a bidet, which uses less water over time than manufacturing toilet paper. Also, check for and fix any leaks to avoid unnecessary water loss.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Laundry

Ditch harsh chemicals for homemade cleaners using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. For example, tackle tub stains with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste. Wait to do laundry until you have a full load and use cold water to conserve energy.

DIY Laundry Detergent

You can make your own detergent using simple ingredients like castile soap, washing soda, baking soda, and salt. Add essential oils for fragrance and use just ¼ cup per load.

Live Greener, One Step at a Time

Even small shifts in your bathroom habits can lead to big environmental benefits. Try a few of these changes and see how easy and rewarding it is to go green.

For more sustainability tips, learn more with us on Que Onda Magazine.

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Begins Filming With Original Cast and Kenneth Branagh

Nearly 20 years after the iconic fashion comedy debuted, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” has officially entered production, with filming set to take place in New York and Italy.

Original Stars Return, Branagh Joins

Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are all reprising their roles in the highly anticipated sequel. Kenneth Branagh is joining the cast as Miranda Priestly’s husband, according to sources.

A New Era at Runway

The sequel will follow Miranda Priestly (Streep), still leading Runway magazine, as she navigates the modern struggles of the publishing industry. Emily Blunt’s character, once a fashion assistant, has climbed the corporate ladder to become an executive at a luxury brand that advertises with Runway.

Stanley Tucci returns as Nigel Kipling, the magazine’s former art director.

A Fashion Legacy Continues

The original 2006 film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel, became a pop culture phenomenon, grossing $326 million globally and earning Streep an Oscar nomination. The sequel was teased on social media with a nostalgic video featuring iconic lines from the first film, sparking excitement among longtime fans.

For the latest news from Hollywood, learn more with us Que Onda Magazine.

Senate Passes Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ with Tie-Breaking Vote by VP Vance

After days of tense negotiations and debate, the U.S. Senate passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and immigration bill on July 1, 2025, with a 50-50 vote. Vice President JD Vance cast the decisive tie-breaking vote, pushing the bill through despite opposition from three Republican senators.

Next Stop: The House

The legislation now heads back to the House of Representatives, where Republican Speaker Mike Johnson said the chamber will “immediately” begin work to finalize the bill. Johnson promised swift action to place the bill on the president’s desk by July 4, declaring it a core part of Trump’s “America First” agenda.

Trump Predicts Smooth Path in House

President Trump, speaking to ABC News after learning of the Senate’s passage, expressed confidence that the bill would fare even better in the House. He called it a “great bill” with “something for everyone” and dismissed concerns over Medicaid cuts projected to affect over 11 million Americans, saying the true number would be “much smaller.”

Real-Time Reaction from Trump

Trump was visiting a Florida migrant detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” when he received news of the Senate vote. Surprised by the announcement, he responded with a simple “Wow,” then said he would return to Washington to celebrate.

Republican Defections Over Medicaid and Spending

Senators Susan Collins, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis were the only Republicans to vote against the bill. Collins cited the bill’s harmful effects on Medicaid, which she said would impact hundreds of thousands in her home state of Maine. Paul criticized the bill’s projected $1 trillion addition to the national deficit, while Tillis shared concerns over rural healthcare impacts.

VP Vance’s Decisive Role

Vice President Vance also broke a tie earlier in the day on an amendment by Sen. Lindsey Graham, signaling his key role in navigating the bill through the evenly divided Senate.

Follow every update with the bill’s progress or not with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Immigration Arrest Strategy Shifts Toward Non-Criminal Migrants, Report Shows

New data shows a shift in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, with a growing number of migrants being arrested despite having no criminal history.

Fewer Criminals, More Civil Violations

While President Trump initially campaigned on deporting criminals, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data reveals that by late May 2025, 44% of those arrested had no criminal convictions, up from 23% earlier in the year. The share of those with criminal convictions dropped to 30%.

Experts Question Focus

“It looks like there’s been a shift… to an increasing number of people who have been detained who have no criminal charges,” said Syracuse University professor Austin Kocher told ABC News. He and other experts argue the data doesn’t support claims that ICE is only going after “the worst of the worst.”

ICE Raids Target Interior Cities

Most arrests now happen away from the border, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and New York, where up to 60% of those detained recently had no criminal convictions or pending charges. ICE has also been arresting migrants at immigration courts immediately after their cases are dismissed, placing them into fast-track deportation proceedings.

DHS and Trump Officials Defend Strategy

Despite the shift, officials maintain that criminals remain the priority.

“We are continuing to go after the worst of the worst,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. She stated that 70% of ICE’s arrests are of “criminal illegal aliens,” though the data shows a growing number of arrests involve civil immigration violators.

Critics Cite Political Pressure and Quotas

Former ICE director John Sandweg said the administration is pushing ICE to meet deportation goals, even if it means targeting non-criminals.

“Now you are engaged in operations that are, frankly, more likely to find non-criminals than criminals,” he said.

Court Arrests Raise Alarm

Immigration advocates warn that courthouse arrests contradict claims of public safety.

“If there’s anything that says this isn’t about serious criminal enforcement, it’s this wholesale dismissal of cases of the people who are showing up in immigration court,” Sandweg added.

Criminal Arrests Continue Alongside Shift

Attorney General Pam Bondi said authorities have arrested over 2,700 alleged gang members since January.

She emphasized Trump’s authority, stating, “Not one district court judge can think they’re emperor over this Trump administration.”

For more updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Suggests Deporting Musk Amid Renewed Feud

President Donald Trump said Tuesday his administration would “have to take a look” at deporting Elon Musk after the Tesla CEO criticized his spending bill.

Musk Slams Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”

Elon Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from South Africa, posted on X criticizing the president’s “Big Beautiful Bill” for adding $5 trillion to the national debt. He called the U.S. a “one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!”

Trump Fires Back

Trump responded on Truth Social, claiming Musk was upset because the bill removes the electric vehicle mandate, which could hurt Tesla. He said Musk might “have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”

Hints of Deportation

When asked by reporters if he was considering deporting Musk, Trump replied, “We’ll have to take a look,” and added, “We might have to put DOGE on Elon,” referencing a now-defunct government department Musk once helped lead.

Musk Responds with Caution

Musk posted on X in response: “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.”

Trump Doubles Down

Later, Trump insisted Musk should have known he wouldn’t support the EV mandate, saying, “He better be careful, because he might not get anything else.”

This story is developing. Follow every update with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Saharan haze sticks around Tuesday as rain chances drops

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Storm chances drop to 20% on Tuesday as Saharan haze continues to linger over Southeast Texas. This trend of hotter and drier afternoons will continue through the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

We are starting Tuesday off warm, with temperatures in the 70s. We are also seeing Saharan dust overhead, which is causing the sky to look a bit hazy. That’s the Saharan haze that will remain overhead for much of the week.

Despite the dry, dusty air, there will still be enough moisture for a 20% chance of a late afternoon downpour. High temperatures will reach the mid-90s, with heat indices between 100 and 105.

How long does this Saharan dust stick around?

Two plumes of Saharan dust are impacting us this week. The first dust cloud is already here and will impact Houston through Wednesday. The second dust cloud is moving in for the Fourth of July. This Saharan dust will lead to a hazy gray sky, vibrant sunrises and sunsets, and a reduction in air quality for those who are sensitive to particulate matter, allergic to the dust, or have underlying respiratory issues.

What’s the outlook for July 4th and the Freedom Over Texas fireworks show?

At this time, it looks dry but hot! Temperatures will peak in the upper 90s with heat index values well above 100. Heat advisories are possible, and that heat will stick around for the entire weekend!

What’s happening in the tropics?

Tropical Storm Barry fizzled out over Mexico, and now we are watching a zone of potential development near Florida. 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.

METRO to Restrict Evening Access on I-69 Eastex HOV/HOT Lane for Single Drivers Starting July 7

METRO is rolling out a new policy to ease rush-hour congestion by restricting solo drivers from using the I-69 North (Eastex) HOV/HOT lane during evening peak hours starting Monday, July 7.

Under the revised schedule, only high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) will be allowed to use the Eastex HOV/HOT lane from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Single-occupant vehicles (SOVs) will be prohibited during that time window in order to boost traffic efficiency and improve safety during the busiest part of the day.

The decision comes after traffic along the corridor began slowing to near standstill conditions, prompting concern from riders and METRO field personnel.

“Through the METRONow plan, we are focused on improving regional mobility not just for our riders, but for the entire community,” said Interim METRO President & CEO Tom Jasien. “Maintaining free-flowing HOV/HOT lanes is essential to meeting our system-wide standards for reliability, and it also helps make travel easier and more predictable for drivers.”

The new evening rule aligns I-69 North with METRO’s other major HOV/HOT corridors, which already have peak-hour restrictions in both directions. Morning HOV-only access from 6:30 to 8 a.m. will continue as usual.

To support enforcement, METRO has coordinated with its police department and operations contractor ahead of the July 7 launch.

For more on traffic and transportation updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County Pets Urges Caution for Pets During Fourth of July

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As Independence Day approaches, Harris County Pets is reminding residents to take steps to protect pets from the dangers of fireworks and holiday celebrations. The agency warns that while festivities may be fun for people, they can be frightening and even harmful to animals.

Fireworks and Loud Celebrations Can Harm Pets

“Fireworks may be exciting for us, but they can be terrifying for pets,” said Corey Steele, Director of Harris County Veterinary Public Health.

He noted that the organization typically sees an increase in calls about stray or frightened animals after the holiday. Harris County Pets advises owners to prepare ahead of time, keep pets indoors, and ensure microchip information is up to date.

Tips for Pet Safety

Harris County Pets recommends that pet owners leave animals at home during parades, parties, or fireworks displays. Instead, pets should stay in a quiet, secure area indoors, preferably with familiar bedding and soothing background noise such as a fan or television. Pet owners should also confirm their pets have proper ID tags and microchips with current contact information.

Owners are also urged to take a recent photo of their pets, check fences and doors for escape risks, and consult with a veterinarian if their pets show signs of noise anxiety. Additionally, holiday hazards like fireworks, grills, and party food should be kept out of reach.

Helping Reunite Lost Pets

Harris County Pets scans every stray animal for a microchip upon intake.

“A registered microchip significantly increases the chances of a happy reunion,” the agency said in its release. If you find a loose animal, call Harris County Pets at (281) 999-3191 to report it.

The agency emphasizes that preparing in advance is the best way to keep pets safe during the July Fourth holiday.

For more on pet and owner safety, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.