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Over 175 Democrats Back NAACP Lawsuit to Stop Education Department Overhaul

Que Onda Editorial
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Over 175 Democrats Back NAACP Lawsuit to Stop Education Department Overhaul

More than 175 Democratic lawmakers are filing an amicus brief supporting the NAACP’s lawsuit aimed at blocking the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

Warren, Raskin, and Scott Lead Legal Challenge

Senator Elizabeth Warren, along with Reps. Jamie Raskin, Bobby Scott, and Rosa DeLauro, is leading the 15-page brief. They argue President Trump lacks the authority to abolish the department without congressional approval. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and over 150 other House Democrats also signed on.

Lawsuit Claims Overhaul Violates the Constitution

The NAACP’s lawsuit, filed in March, claims that slashing nearly half of the department’s workforce and cutting grant programs violates the Constitution’s separation of powers. This week, the NAACP and other education groups requested an injunction to stop the administration’s pause of more than $6 billion in education funding ahead of the school year.

Democrats Warn of Harm to Students

In statements, Warren and Raskin condemned the administration’s actions, saying dismantling the department threatens students’ right to a free public education and undermines democracy. Rep. Joe Neguse warned that closing the department would remove vital support for millions of students and teachers.

Ongoing Legal Battle and Future Supreme Court Decision

Lower courts have already blocked parts of the overhaul. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether firing nearly 2,000 Education Department employees was legal. Education Secretary Linda McMahon claims essential services will continue, possibly through other agencies.

Part of Warren’s Save Our Schools Campaign

The legal challenge is part of Warren’s broader Save Our Schools initiative, launched after Trump’s executive order targeting the Education Department. Warren and other lawmakers continue to investigate how staffing cuts and policy changes could harm students and borrowers.

Education Advocates Speak Out

Rep. Frederica Wilson, a former principal, said dismantling the department would “bring a shock to this nation,” emphasizing that strong schools are vital to the country’s success.

For more on the Department of Education, follow every update with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Deadly Shooting in Chicago’s River North Leaves 4 Dead, 14 Injured

Indira Zaldivar
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Deadly Shooting in Chicago’s River North Leaves 4 Dead, 14 Injured

A mass shooting late Wednesday night in Chicago’s River North neighborhood left four people dead and 14 others wounded, according to police.

Gunfire Erupts Outside During Album Release Party

The violence occurred on the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue when a vehicle pulled up and at least one shooter opened fire on a crowd gathered outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge. The event was an album release party for rapper Mello Buckzz.

Suspects Flee the Scene

The suspects fled in the vehicle immediately after the shooting. As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made.

Victims Mostly Young Adults

Among the victims were two men and two women who died, and 14 others who suffered gunshot wounds. Three of the wounded remain in critical condition. Most victims were in their 20s and 30s.

Citywide Crime Trends Show Decline

Despite this tragedy, overall shootings in Chicago have dropped 39% and murders are down 32% compared to the same time last year, according to the city’s latest crime statistics.

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

ERCOT Ramps Up Emergency Power Ahead of Record-Breaking Texas Summer

Edward Saenz
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ERCOT Ramps Up Emergency Power Ahead of Record-Breaking Texas Summer

As Texas braces for another scorching summer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is preparing for what could be a record-breaking surge in electricity demand—forecasting an unprecedented peak of 87.5 gigawatts. That figure would surpass the previous record of 85.5 GW set in August 2023, driven by a combination of extreme heat, explosive population growth, and rising electricity needs from data centers, artificial intelligence systems, and industrial activity.

To stabilize the grid under mounting pressure, ERCOT is deploying a mix of emergency solutions and long-term infrastructure improvements.

Power on Wheels: Mobile Generators Deployed

In partnership with CenterPoint Energy and LifeCycle Power, ERCOT has rolled out 15 large mobile generators, strategically positioned at nine substations around San Antonio. Each generator provides approximately 30 megawatts, adding up to a total of 450 MW in fast-ramping backup capacity. Unlike older gas plants that take hours to activate, these mobile units can respond within minutes to sudden drops in supply or spikes in demand.

Keeping an Aging Plant Online

ERCOT is also keeping the decades-old Braunig Unit 3 gas plant in operation, despite its previous retirement schedule. The plant, which provides another 400 MW of power, has undergone extensive repairs totaling more than $59 million. While it is slower to bring online—sometimes requiring up to 24 hours—it offers a stabilizing energy source when intermittent renewables fluctuate.

Trouble Near of San Antonio

Grid operators are particularly concerned about overloaded and aging transmission infrastructure around San Antonio. These transmission bottlenecks, if left unaddressed, could cause local blackouts or even ripple effects across the state’s grid. To reduce that risk, the mobile generators are being used as a short-term buffer until new infrastructure, including the San Antonio South Reliability II Project, comes online between 2026 and 2029.

Risk of Rolling Blackouts Falls

Thanks to these emergency efforts, ERCOT says the risk of rolling blackouts this August has dropped to less than 1%—a significant improvement from the 12% risk projected just last summer. That’s due not only to backup generation but also to increased investments in battery storage and solar power, which have helped stabilize the grid during the evenings, when solar production drops but electricity use remains high.

Paid by the People

All of these emergency actions come at a cost—covered by ratepayers across the state. The mobile generators alone cost an estimated $54 million. When combined with Braunig’s repair bills and other grid upgrades, Texans can expect to see the price of reliability reflected in their monthly utility bills.

Looking Ahead

ERCOT’s efforts are part of a broader push to future-proof Texas’s electric grid in an era of rapid change. With AI workloads and high-tech manufacturing pushing energy demand ever higher, and extreme weather events growing more frequent, grid resilience has become one of the state’s top priorities.

For now, ERCOT says it’s ready. But the real test will come when the next heatwave hits.

Jury Reaches Verdict in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Sex Trafficking Trial

Indira Zaldivar
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Jury Reaches Verdict in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Sex Trafficking Trial

Jurors in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile federal trial have reached a full verdict after three days of deliberations. The music mogul faced five serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which could lead to life in prison if convicted on the most severe counts.

Serious Allegations and Potential Life Sentence

The U.S. government accused Combs of running a criminal enterprise that spanned two decades, using his wealth and influence to sexually exploit women. The jury considered five charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution.

Graphic Testimonies from Key Witnesses

The seven-week trial featured emotional testimony from nearly three dozen government witnesses, including Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and two other women. They described disturbing acts of abuse, manipulation, and coercion. Some witnesses received immunity in exchange for their testimony.

Defense Pushes Back on Prosecutors’ Claims

Combs’ legal team presented no witnesses, relying instead on cross-examination and closing arguments. Lead attorney Marc Agnifilo argued that Combs lived a consensual but unconventional lifestyle and was not leading a criminal conspiracy. He admitted to instances of domestic violence but denied the more serious criminal accusations.

Prosecution Presents Disturbing Evidence

Prosecutors highlighted evidence such as hotel security footage showing Combs assaulting Ventura and accounts of sexual abuse, forced labor, and threats. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik emphasized that even one instance of coercion was enough to find him guilty of sex trafficking.

What’s Next for Combs

Combs has been held without bail since his arrest in fall 2024. Regardless of the verdict, he still faces multiple civil lawsuits alleging rape and assault. He has consistently denied all allegations, accusing plaintiffs of seeking financial gain.

This story is developing.

For more updates on the Combs’ trial, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

McCaul Defends Sweeping Border and Defense Bill Amid GOP Division

Edward Saenz
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McCaul Defends Sweeping Border and Defense Bill Amid GOP Division

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, on Sunday defended a sweeping legislative package that includes $80 billion for border security, $150 billion in defense spending, and permanent tax cuts, framing it as a critical step for national security and economic stability.

Appearing on CBS’s Face the Nation, McCaul said the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” would dramatically reduce illegal immigration, support America’s military amid rising global threats, and prevent what he called “the largest tax increase in American history.”

“This bill secures the border, strengthens the military, and protects taxpayers,” said McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “That’s a win-win-win for the American people.”

The legislation, which has drawn mixed reactions from Republicans, proposes $80 billion for immigration enforcement, including $12 billion in reimbursements for southern border states like Texas that have shouldered the costs of federal inaction. McCaul cited internal data showing a sharp drop in apprehensions along the Texas-Mexico border, which he attributed to enhanced enforcement and an end to “catch and release” policies.

“We’ve driven those numbers down to almost zero in many regions,” he said. “That shows deterrence works.”

McCaul also defended the bill’s $150 billion allocation to the Department of Defense, citing escalating global tensions in the Middle East, Europe and the Indo-Pacific. He argued that increased military readiness is vital in a “more dangerous world.”

Not all Republicans are on board. Some, including Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, have raised concerns over potential impacts to Medicaid and the federal deficit. The bill includes cost-cutting measures that McCaul said are focused on eliminating “waste, fraud and abuse” in social programs, not slashing essential services.

“This is about accountability, not austerity,” McCaul said, dismissing deficit concerns and arguing that making the Trump-era tax cuts permanent would stimulate growth and ultimately boost revenue.

He also warned that rejecting the bill could carry political consequences for Republicans facing re-election in 2026.

“This is a defining moment,” McCaul said. “If we fail to pass this, we risk our credibility on border security, national defense, and fiscal responsibility.”

The bill remains a focal point of negotiations in the House, with leadership aiming to build consensus before the August recess.

Families Sue to Block Texas Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

Edward Saenz
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Families Sue to Block Texas Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

A coalition of Texas families and religious leaders filed a federal lawsuit Saturday challenging a new state law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom.

The law, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 21, requires all Texas public schools to post a state-approved version of the Ten Commandments in a prominent location in each classroom by Sept. 1. The poster must be at least 16-by-20 inches in size and printed in large, legible font.

The lawsuit, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and other religious freedom groups, argues that the mandate violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause by promoting a specific religious doctrine in public education.

Plaintiffs include a diverse group of parents and students who identify as Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, atheist and members of the Nation of Islam. They say the law infringes on their constitutional rights and disrespects religious diversity in public schools.

“This law sends a clear message that students who don’t subscribe to a particular religious tradition are outsiders in their own classrooms,” said Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. “The government should not be forcing religious texts into public school curricula.”

Supporters of the law, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Phil King, who authored the bill, say the measure restores recognition of the country’s Judeo-Christian heritage and offers moral guidance to students.

“The Ten Commandments are part of the foundation of American law and culture,” Patrick said. “This is about history and values, not religion.”

The law does not allocate state funding for the posters, but allows schools to accept private donations or use discretionary funds to comply.

The legal challenge is expected to ignite a national debate and could end up before the U.S. Supreme Court. The issue echoes a 1980 ruling in Stone v. Graham, in which the high court struck down a similar law in Kentucky, finding it unconstitutional to post the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.

However, conservatives point to a more recent 2005 Supreme Court case, Van Orden v. Perry, which upheld the constitutionality of a Ten Commandments monument on the Texas Capitol grounds, as precedent in their favor.

Until the courts weigh in, school districts across Texas are preparing to comply with the new mandate while closely monitoring the lawsuit’s progress.

“This is a test of whether Texas public schools will remain a place for education, not religious indoctrination,” said David Donatti, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Texas. “We intend to fight this law every step of the way.”

METRO July 4th Holiday Service Schedule

Que Onda Editorial
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METRO July 4th Holiday Service Schedule

In observance of Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2025, METRO will operate on the following schedule:

  • Local bus, METRORail, and curb2curb will operate on Sunday schedules.
  • Park & Ride service will not be provided, except for the 500 IAH Downtown Direct, which will operate on a Sunday schedule.
  • All METRO HOV/HOT lanes will be closed.
  • RideStores and Lost & Found will be closed.
  • METRO’s Customer Service Call Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be contacted by phone or text at 713-635-4000.

Reservations for METROLift

  • METROLift Reservations and Customer Service offices will be closed on Friday, July 4.
  • All subscription trips on July 4 will be cancelled. Customers should call the reservation line at 713-225-6716 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 3 to schedule trips for July 4-7.
  • Customers may schedule a trip one day prior to their travel date by using MACS at 713-739-4690 (5 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or online through MACS-WEB / EZ-WALLET. A client ID and password are required.

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

Australia Cancels Kanye West’s Visa Over Antisemitic Song

Edward Saenz
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Australia Cancels Kanye West’s Visa Over Antisemitic Song

Kanye West’s visa to enter Australia has been officially revoked following the release of his controversial song “Heil Hitler.” The 48-year-old rapper, also known as Ye, was holding a low-level visa which was invalidated after the track’s debut in May.

A Line Crossed, Says Home Affairs Minister

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the decision, stating, “Once he released the Heil Hitler song, he no longer has a valid visa in Australia.” Though West has visited the country before and has family ties through his Australian wife Bianca Censori, Burke said, “We don’t need that in Australia.”

The visa in question was not issued for concerts but was still reviewed in light of West’s repeated offensive remarks and the content of his new album “WW3,” which includes antisemitic themes. Burke added, “What’s not sustainable is to import hatred. We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry.”

Uncertain Future Entry

It remains unclear if West is permanently banned, as visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This isn’t the first time his entry has been challenged. In 2023, Australian officials also considered blocking him over inflammatory Holocaust-related comments.

A Pattern of Controversy and Contrition

The song Heil Hitler has been removed from major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. West has faced ongoing backlash over antisemitic statements, Hitler praise, and even selling clothing with swastikas.

Despite this, West has recently expressed remorse. Following a video call with his children, he posted, “I am done with antisemitism. I love all people. God forgive me for the pain I’ve caused… GOD CALLS FOR PEACE. Share peace. Share love.”

Earlier this year, he also publicly stated, “I’ve come to the realization that I’m not a Nazi.”

For the top celebrity news, follow every update with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Saharan haze continues ahead of July 4th holiday

ABC13 Houston
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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

Indira Zaldivar
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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.

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