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Wednesday, June 3, 2026

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Texas Flooding Death Toll Surpasses 130 as Search for Missing Continues

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The death toll from the catastrophic Texas Hill Country flooding has climbed to over 130, with more than 160 people still missing since the disaster struck on July 4. Kerr County remains the hardest-hit area, reporting at least 106 deaths, including 36 children.

New Storms Stall Search Efforts

Search and recovery teams in Kerr County lost significant time Sunday as fresh storms swept through the region.

“We’ll keep looking,” Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said during a Monday commissioners court meeting, despite the weather setbacks.

Local leaders are now demanding improved cell service, emergency sirens, and “diversion dams” to mitigate future disasters. One commissioner revealed that modeling showed floodwaters in Center Point reached 36 feet, moving at 1.5 million gallons per second.

More Rain on the Way

A flood watch remains in effect through Monday evening across the Texas Hill Country, including Kerrville. Forecasters warn of potential heavy showers that could drop up to 5 inches of rain in isolated areas. Drier conditions are expected by Thursday, possibly lasting into next week.

Continued Recovery Operations

Kerrville officials confirmed that local, state, and federal teams continue deploying additional resources as recovery efforts become more complex. Memorials have sprung up in Kerrville to honor the lives lost.

Despite the growing death toll, search crews remain determined to locate the missing as the community braces for more rain in the coming days.

For more on the tragic Texas hill Country flooding, follow every update with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Biden Defends Clemency Decisions and Autopen Use

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Former President Joe Biden has pushed back against criticism over his end-of-term pardons and use of an autopen to sign them, insisting he personally made all clemency decisions before leaving office. In an interview with The New York Times, Biden emphasized that while he approved pardons in broad categories, he authorized the criteria for who would qualify.

“I made every single one of those, including the categories,” Biden stated. He acknowledged that aides finalized names based on standards he approved, especially in large batches like the nearly 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders pardoned in January and 1,500 home confinement commutations.

Trump and GOP Attack Autopen Use

Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, have continued to assail Biden for using an autopen to sign pardons and official documents. Trump called it a “tremendous scandal,” claiming without evidence that Biden was unaware of what was being signed.

Biden dismissed the attacks, saying, “The autopen is legal… other presidents used it, including Trump.” He called the controversy part of Trump’s “consistent game plan” to divert attention. “They’re liars. They know it,” Biden added.

Investigations into Biden’s Mental Fitness

The criticism comes as Republicans investigate Biden’s mental fitness while in office. Senate Republicans and the House Oversight Committee have launched probes into whether Biden was in control of presidential decisions, including the use of the autopen. Biden’s former physician invoked the Fifth Amendment when questioned in a closed-door hearing.

Pardons for Family and Allies

Biden confirmed he pardoned family members, including his son Hunter, to protect them from political retaliation by Trump. “I know how vindictive he is… all it would do is run up legal bills,” Biden said.

He also ensured a preemptive pardon for former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, citing concerns over Trump’s potential revenge.

Biden Stands by Decisions

The Times reviewed emails confirming a process where Biden made clemency decisions before autopen signatures were applied. Although some name lists changed slightly with new information, aides considered this routine and did not resubmit them to Biden.

Biden concluded, “If I told you three years ago we’d have a president doing this, I think you’d look at me and say, ‘What, are you crazy?’”

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

Plague Death Reported in Arizona

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A person in Arizona has died from pneumonic plague less than 24 hours after first showing symptoms, local health officials confirmed. The patient was admitted to Flagstaff Medical Center with severe signs of illness and died the same day.

Pneumonic Plague Confirmed

An autopsy identified Yersinia pestis, the bacteria that causes plague. Officials specified that the victim had pneumonic plague, the deadliest and rarest form. Unlike the more common bubonic plague, this form infects the lungs and can spread between people through airborne droplets. Without rapid treatment, it is often fatal within a day, according to the World Health Organization.

First Plague Death in County Since 2007

This is the first confirmed plague death in Coconino County since 2007, when an infection was traced to contact with a dead animal. Authorities reassured the public that the risk of further exposure remains low.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Patrice Horstman, chair of the county’s Board of Supervisors.

For more public health updates and the pneumonic plague, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

HPD: Drive-by shooting at southeast Houston nightclub kills 2, injures several others

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — HPD said multiple people are dead and others were hurt after gunfire erupted outside of a southeast Houston nightclub.

Shortly before midnight on Sunday, officers were called to the 6500 block of Dixie Drive for a drive-by shooting at the Bugs nightclub. When they arrived, they found one person dead, and others injured.

“Seven people are injured,” HPD Assistant Chief Adrian Rodriguez said.

“Two of them are deceased. One is dead on scene, and one that was transported to a hospital was declared deceased at the hospital.”

Officers weren’t sure how many shots were fired but told ABC13 it was multiple rounds.

We don’t know much about the victims. All officers said is one of them might be a juvenile.

“Half of them self-transported to local hospitals and some are on scene still,” Chief Rodriguez recalled.

They also don’t know much about whoever opened fire. They didn’t have a suspect description.

Officers told us someone in a silver or gray four-sedan approached the crowd outside of the nightclub and started shooting. “We don’t know what exactly transpired here at this location that led up to this individual or individuals shooting at the crowd,” Rodriguez said.

Just four months ago, there was another deadly shooting at this same bar. In that case, a 21-year-old man died.

Police say he got into an argument with a group of people who took off in a silver, four-door sedan.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Scattered showers and storms possible once again Monday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Another round of summertime storms is expected Monday with the coastal sea breeze developing and pushing north into the afternoon.

Monday will be start off sunny and muggy with our sea breeze bringing us the chance for some scattered showers and storms across Southeast Texas. A few light showers are possible along the coast in the morning before more scattered showers and storms develop for the afternoon. Locally heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning are possible impacts we’ll see from this next round of storms. High temperatures will climb into the low-mid 90s Monday, and if you get some afternoon rain, those showers will cool you off into the low-mid 80s.

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 by week’s end.

Seems like it’s been pretty rainy lately… any drier weather on the way?

It definitely has been rainy! The combination of our summertime heat and humidity has really lead the way for a daily rain chance so far this summer. For July, we’ve picked up just about 2 inches of rain so far at Bush Intercontinental, which is over half an inch higher than what we typically see by now in the month of July.

What’s happening in the tropics?

We’re watching the Gulf for tropical development later this 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.

Sofía Vergara Honored with Statue in Colombia While Celebrating Birthday in Sardinia

Colombian actress and businesswoman Sofía Vergara was celebrated in her hometown of Barranquilla with the unveiling of a giant statue in her honor.

The tribute was revealed on July 10, coinciding with Vergara’s 53rd birthday, which she spent on the Italian island of Sardinia surrounded by friends and family.

Barranquilla Pays Tribute to a Hometown Star

“Barranquilla surrenders at your feet,” said Mayor Alejandro Char at the unveiling.

“Thank you for being who you are, thank you for being a Barranquillera.”

The bronze statue, created by renowned local artist Yino Márquez—also known for the city’s Shakira statue—took seven months to complete with the help of 35 collaborators.

Measuring 5.2 feet and weighing over 5 tons, the statue now stands on the Gran Malecón of Barranquilla, part of the city’s efforts to boost tourism.

Vergara Celebrates Privately in Sardinia

While the tribute was being unveiled, Vergara was enjoying a private birthday celebration in Sardinia. Photos shared on social media show her glowing in a white dress, surrounded by her son Manolo, business partner Luis Balaguer, and close friends from Los Angeles.

Notably absent were rumored romantic interests, including Douglas Chabott and Tom Brady, which sparked curiosity among fans. Vergara is expected to visit her statue in Barranquilla in the near future.

For more on our Latino stars including Sofia Vergara, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

UNRWA Chief: Gaza is Now a ‘Graveyard of Children’ as Crisis Deepens

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The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, warned that Gaza has “become the graveyard of children and starving people” amid Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Hundreds Killed Seeking Aid

The UN reports that since late May, at least 798 people have been killed while trying to access food aid in Gaza, including 615 near U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites. Israel’s military claims it only targets those posing threats, but incidents are under review.

Malnutrition at Record Levels

Doctors Without Borders reported unprecedented malnutrition in Gaza, with over 700 pregnant or breastfeeding women and nearly 500 children receiving emergency nutrition care.

“The starvation of people in Gaza is intentional,”said Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaiseb of MSF.

Hospitals Struggling Without Fuel and Medicine

Gaza’s hospitals are in crisis due to extreme shortages of fuel and medical supplies. At Al-Helou Hospital, staff face deadly power outages, leaving premature babies in overcrowded incubators at risk. The UN has warned that critical fuel shortages are endangering all humanitarian operations.

NGO Report: ‘Medieval’ Conditions in Gaza’s Healthcare

A new report from Physicians for Human Rights accuses Israel of imposing restrictions on medical supplies, leading to preventable deaths and suffering. Healthcare workers report surgeries without anesthesia and untreated infections due to lack of basic equipment.

Ceasefire Talks and Escalating Threats

While Hamas claims to have responded positively to a temporary ceasefire proposal, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the IDF will escalate force in Gaza if Hamas does not agree to Israeli conditions within 60 days. Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 57,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to local authorities.

For more on the Israel-Hamas war and public consequences, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Cypress Springs HS football player in coma week after heat stroke, mom says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Cypress Springs High School football player is still in a coma a week after suffering a heatstroke, according to his mother.

Jarvis Spires, 17, was training outside of school on July 5 when the heat began to take its toll.

“There’s a lot of athletes who don’t understand the importance of being hydrated and staying hydrated,” his mother, Alzadia Spires, said.

By the time Spires made it to the hospital, his mother said he was already in a coma.

Doctors managed to resuscitate him but then encountered more complications.

“His kidneys, liver, all his organs had failed,” Alzadia Spires said.

Doctors then transferred him to Texas Children’s Hospital.

When his lungs and heart failed Tuesday, his mother said doctors had to induce another coma and send her son in for emergency surgery.

“The last thing that he said was, ‘Jesus is my best friend.’ And when he said that, it just made me feel so good because I know he’s in good hands,” she said.

Spires’ family says they don’t know when he will be healthy enough to breathe on his own. But they’re confident he will eventually.

“The fact that he’s still breathing and he’s still here and there’s still a chance, and I know he’s gonna pull through – the doctors are saying this is a miracle,” Alzadia Spires said.

Spires said her son plans to one day play in the NFL and will likely use his experience to spread awareness about the dangers of heatstroke.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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.