72 F
Houston
Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Home Blog Page 109

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie post-divorce family conflict

Que Onda Editorial
-
0
Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie post-divorce family conflict

A Legal Ending, a Personal Divide

The divorce settlement between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, finalized on Dec. 30, 2024, formally closed an eight-year legal battle. Yet while custody and financial disputes are resolved, the agreement underscores a deeper reality: the family itself appears permanently fractured. Most of the couple’s six children have distanced themselves from Pitt, rejecting his surname and limiting contact, leaving reconciliation uncertain.

The Flight That Redefined the Family

The rupture traces back to a Sept. 14, 2016 incident aboard a private jet. FBI records released in 2022 detail allegations by Jolie that Pitt acted aggressively toward her and one of their children during the flight. Though investigators and child protective services ultimately filed no charges, the emotional consequences proved lasting.

Jolie filed for divorce six days later, citing the incident as a turning point. What followed was not just a protracted legal fight, but a gradual unraveling of parent-child relationships that would increasingly play out in public.

Rejecting a Name, Reclaiming Identity

The children’s estrangement has been most visibly expressed through name changes or omissions. Maddox dropped “Pitt” years ago. Zahara publicly introduced herself as “Zahara Marley Jolie” at her Spelman College sorority induction in 2023. Shiloh formally removed “Pitt” from her legal name on her 18th birthday in May 2024. Vivienne was credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in the Broadway playbill for The Outsiders.

Only Knox has retained the Pitt surname, highlighting the deliberateness of his siblings’ decisions.

Pax’s estrangement has been the most explicit. In a 2020 Instagram post later deleted, he accused Pitt of being abusive and emotionally damaging, describing fear among younger siblings. While no longer online, the message reinforced what legal filings and public actions had already suggested: profound internal family harm.

Two Paths After the Split

By mid-2025, sources close to Pitt described his relationships with some children, particularly Pax, as beyond repair. He reportedly has little to no contact with the older children and only limited involvement with the twins, citing work commitments abroad. Though said to be hurt by developments like Shiloh’s name change, he has taken no public steps toward reconciliation.

Jolie, by contrast, has woven her children into her creative life. She has collaborated with Pax on fashion projects and worked alongside Vivienne on The Outsiders, which went on to win Tony Awards. Her representatives describe her focus as prioritizing stability, independence, and healing for the children.

Pitt has largely stayed silent, telling GQ in 2025 that the divorce was simply “coming to fruition. Legally.”

The Clock Is Ticking

The final legal thread ends July 12, 2026, when twins Knox and Vivienne turn 18. At that point, court-ordered custody arrangements expire, removing any judicial structure supporting contact. Those close to Pitt describe the remaining time as his last chance to rebuild relationships while legal pathways still exist.

Whether that effort will succeed remains doubtful. The coordinated name changes, Pax’s public accusations, and Maddox’s earlier remark that “whatever happens, happens” suggest settled decisions rather than temporary distance.

The Jolie-Pitt divorce may be legally complete, but its legacy is unresolved. As the last custody deadlines approach, the family’s future appears less like a reconciliation in progress and more like a permanent division—one defined not by court orders, but by chosen identities and enduring silence.

For more celebrity headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

New Texas laws taking effect Jan. 1 target immigration, taxes, AI and housing

Edward Saenz
-
0
New Texas laws taking effect Jan. 1 target immigration, taxes, AI and housing

A wide range of new Texas laws will take effect Jan. 1, 2026, bringing changes to immigration enforcement, business taxes, housing rules, technology regulation and public policy, reflecting priorities set by lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session.

Among the most significant changes is a new immigration enforcement measure requiring most counties that operate jails to participate in a federal program that allows local law enforcement to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Under Senate Bill 8, sheriffs must enter into so-called 287(g) agreements with ICE, expanding the role of local authorities in immigration enforcement. Counties that refuse could face legal action from the Texas attorney general. Supporters say the law strengthens border security, while critics argue it could strain local resources and erode trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

Texas businesses will also see tax changes. House Bill 9 significantly raises the exemption for business personal property taxes, increasing the threshold from $2,500 to as much as $125,000 for equipment and inventory. The change follows voter approval of a constitutional amendment and is expected to provide tax relief for small and mid-sized businesses.

Housing laws are also shifting. Senate Bill 38 streamlines eviction procedures, particularly in cases involving unauthorized occupants, and limits the ability of state officials to impose emergency eviction moratoriums during disasters. Property owner groups supported the measure, while housing advocates warned it could reduce tenant protections.

In the technology sector, Texas is moving into artificial intelligence regulation. House Bill 149 establishes a statewide framework governing the use of AI, including requirements for government transparency and restrictions on discriminatory or deceptive uses of the technology. The law positions Texas among a growing number of states attempting to regulate rapidly advancing AI systems.

Another high-profile law targets digital platforms. Senate Bill 2420, known as the App Store Accountability Act, requires app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors download or purchase apps. Enforcement of the law has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge while courts consider constitutional challenges from technology companies and industry groups.

Other changes taking effect include property tax rules limiting school districts’ ability to raise rates without voter approval following disasters, expanded timelines for enrolling newborns in employer-sponsored health insurance plans, and adjustments to various court and administrative fees.

State leaders say the new laws are aimed at promoting economic growth, strengthening public safety and addressing emerging technologies. Critics argue some measures could restrict access, increase government overreach or face legal hurdles.

Together, the changes mark one of the most expansive sets of new laws Texas residents and businesses will encounter in the new year.

Drone Attacks Hit Ukraine Ahead of High-Stakes Talks

Edward Saenz
-
0
Drone Attacks Hit Ukraine Ahead of High-Stakes Talks

Russia launched a new wave of drone attacks across Ukraine overnight as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, Ukrainian officials said Sunday.

Dozens of Drones Fired Overnight

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 48 drones from Saturday night into Sunday morning. Air defenses shot down or electronically suppressed 30 of them, while 18 struck targets across nine locations. The attacks were part of an intense escalation in recent days, with Ukrainian data showing more than 1,800 drones and missiles fired by Russia over the past week.

Diplomacy Continues as Attacks Escalate

The latest strikes came as Zelenskyy arrived in North America for a series of diplomatic meetings focused on ending Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. Zelenskyy met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax on Saturday and is scheduled to meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Russia launched more than 2,100 attack drones, hundreds of guided bombs and dozens of missiles against Ukraine this week alone, calling the period one of the most critical diplomatic moments of the year.

Ukraine Seeks Security Guarantees

Zelenskyy has stressed that any path toward peace depends on strong, legally binding security guarantees from the United States and Europe. He said Ukraine has already made significant compromises, but warned that a ceasefire without protections would leave the country vulnerable to renewed aggression.

“If Europe and America are united with us, we will stop Putin,” Zelenskyy said, adding that divided support would prolong the war.

Putin Signals Pressure, Not Concessions

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Western nations are offering Ukraine favorable terms related to security and reconstruction, but suggested Kyiv is unwilling to settle. He warned that Russia would continue military operations if Ukraine’s leadership does not agree to a peace deal.

Zelenskyy has dismissed those claims, describing Russia’s latest missile and drone attacks as Moscow’s true response to peace efforts.

Fighting Continues on Both Sides

Ukraine also continued its long-range strikes against Russian territory overnight. Russia’s Defense Ministry said it shot down at least 25 Ukrainian drones, prompting temporary flight restrictions at several regional airports.

As diplomatic talks intensify, both sides remain locked in escalating military action, underscoring the fragile prospects for a near-term breakthrough.

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

Woman with flat tire rear-ended and killed along North Freeway, HCSO says

ABC13 Houston
-
0
Woman with flat tire rear-ended and killed along North Freeway, HCSO says

By Brianna Willis, ABC13 Houston.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A deadly crash investigation is underway after a Jeep driver collided with a Honda driver along I-45, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to the sheriff’s office, the incident began when a woman driving a Honda Fit got a flat tire at the 14500 block of the North Freeway around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

Sgt. Kamali said the woman was in the second lane when a Jeep Wrangler rear-ended her car and rolled onto its side. He said she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators reported that the Jeep driver was not hurt and did not show any signs of intoxication.

Kamali explained that another car was in front of the Jeep just before the crash, but it changed lanes at the last moment, so the Jeep driver did not see the Honda.

Authorities believe the Jeep driver was driving at the speed limit when the accident happened.

Investigators said the Jeep driver was allowed to go home and that they do not expect to file any charges.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Snowstorm Disrupts Post-Holiday Travel

Michael Esparza
-
0
Snowstorm Disrupts Post-Holiday Travel

A winter storm sweeping across the Great Lakes and Northeast dumped heavy snow and ice from Friday night into Saturday, snarling post-Christmas travel and creating widespread delays at major airports, including New York City’s JFK and LaGuardia.

Thousands of Flights Impacted

More than 10,000 flights within, into, or out of the United States were delayed Saturday, with over 1,000 cancellations, according to FlightAware. The disruptions extended into Sunday — expected to be the busiest travel day of the holiday season — with more than 600 delays and about 140 cancellations reported early in the day.

Airport Scenes Marked by Delays, Patience

At LaGuardia Airport, flight boards filled with red cancellation notices as snow-covered runways limited operations. Despite the disruptions, many travelers remained calm. Some said they anticipated delays due to the weather, while others, including international visitors, tried to make the most of their final snowy moments in the U.S.

Similar scenes unfolded at Newark Airport, where travelers hoped to escape the winter weather without further setbacks.

Snow Totals and Power Outages

New York City recorded just over four inches of snow in Central Park — the city’s highest snowfall since January 2022 — while parts of Westchester County saw up to six inches. Connecticut experienced the heaviest accumulation, topping eight inches, with more than 11 inches reported in Hartwick, New York.

In Michigan, ice-laden trees and power lines left more than 30,000 homes and businesses without electricity early Saturday.

More Winter Weather Ahead

The storm system is not finished. Another round of wintry weather is forecast to hit the Upper Midwest and Northeast beginning Sunday, bringing snow, wind, rain, and potentially blizzard conditions in parts of the Great Lakes. Forecasters also warn of freezing rain in the northern Appalachians and lake-effect snow in western Pennsylvania and New York, followed by dangerously cold temperatures.

For more updates on the snow story, follow along with Que Onda Magazine.

One last spring-like day before a strong cold front sends us back to winter Monday

ABC13 Houston
-
0
One last spring-like day before a strong cold front sends us back to winter Monday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got one last spring-like day for Sunday before a strong cold front sends us back to winter Monday with a nearly 40-degree temperature drop in one night.

Saturday we tied another daily record high temperature for Houston when it reached 83 degrees. And Sunday we’ll do it all again! We’ll see a breeze pick up Sunday morning ahead of the strong cold front that’s on the way for Sunday night. And before that passes through, high temperatures will once again climb into the low 80s. Then it’s after sunset with a few showers will develop and track from north to south ahead of and along the cold front that will pass through early Monday morning. A few showers could grow and strengthen into a storm, though no severe weather is expected. These will also be fast-paced showers and storms, moving at the speed of the front.

A Wind Advisory begins at 9 p.m. Sunday and lasts until 6 p.m. Monday for portions of Southeast Texas. This includes Austin, Brazos, Colorado, Grimes, Madison, Waller, and Washington Counties. Northerly winds between 20-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected. Gusty winds will blow around light and unsecured objects such as Christmas decorations. A few power outages are also possible.

What else should we know about the incoming cold front?

The cold front that’s on the way Sunday night will bring the possibility for a 40-degree temperature drop between Sunday’s highs in the 80s to morning lows Monday in the 40s. This is a strong, fast-paced front that will pave the way for a wintry return and end to 2025 Monday through Wednesday of next week. And while the main impact of this front will be the colder weather, a few showers and a weak storm could develop ahead of and along the front Sunday night.

How cold are we talking behind this front?

temperatures Monday morning will start in the mid 40s and only rebound into the low-mid 50s Monday afternoon. And with a gusty northerly breeze, some clouds and even a stray shower, Monday will feel quite cold outside compared to this 80-degree stretch we’ve had around Christmas. Tuesday will also be colder with morning lows in the upper 30s and afternoon highs only in the 50s too. We’ll have more sunshine through for Tuesday and Wednesday. And it’s by Wednesday morning when conditions could be right for a light freeze north of I-10 and the city of Houston with temperatures dropping into the low-mid 30s.

What about some measurable rain or any storms?

While this incoming front will bring some rain, these showers will be fast-paced so any rainfall totals will be pretty slim. There’s the possibility for another storm system that could bring some heavier downpours to portions of Southeast Texas next Friday and Saturday, but there’s still some uncertainty at this time as to how much and the potential impacts. Otherwise this is another drier outlook over the next week or two, meaning drought conditions could creep back into the region if they got better earlier this fall.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Union Pacific Plans Massive Industrial Park Near Rosenberg

Edward Saenz
-
0
Union Pacific Plans Massive Industrial Park Near Rosenberg

Union Pacific Railroad announced plans to develop a 2,040-acre industrial park northwest of Rosenberg, marking one of the largest industrial projects in the Houston area in recent years.

The Mainline Texas Industrial Park will include roughly 1,300 acres of rail-served industrial property directly connected to Union Pacific’s main line, with the remaining 700 acres set aside for commercial and mixed-use development. The park is expected to support more than 20 million square feet of industrial and commercial space, with buildings ranging from 30,000 to over 2 million square feet.

“The location gives companies access to both rail and highway networks, making it ideal for logistics and manufacturing,” a Union Pacific spokesperson said. The site offers direct access to U.S. Highway 90, Highway 36, Spur 10, and Interstate 69. Rail connections also link the park to key international gateways in Laredo, Eagle Pass, and El Paso.

Developers said the park will include infrastructure to support heavy industrial operations, including water and wastewater systems, high-capacity gas, and up to 1,700 railcar storage spots.

Local officials said the project could bring thousands of jobs in warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, and transportation. It is part of a broader trend of industrial expansion in the Greater Houston area, reflecting growing demand for rail-served industrial sites in Texas.

Construction timelines and initial tenants have not been announced, but industry analysts say the park could significantly enhance Fort Bend County’s role as a logistics and manufacturing hub within the Texas Triangle of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin.

1 Million Gallons of Sulfuric Acid Leak at Channelview Industrial Plant

Edward Saenz
-
0
1 Million Gallons of Sulfuric Acid Leak at Channelview Industrial Plant

A massive chemical spill at an east Harris County industrial facility sent about 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid into containment areas and partially into the Houston Ship Channel early Saturday morning, authorities said. Two workers were hospitalized after the incident, which prompted a multi-agency emergency response.

The spill occurred around 1:40 a.m. at BWC Terminals on Jacintoport Boulevard when an overhead walkway collapsed onto a sulfuric acid line, rupturing a storage tank. The acid — used in industrial processes and highly corrosive — is considered hazardous to humans and the environment if not properly contained.

Harris County and federal officials, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Environmental Protection Agency, responded immediately. Two workers were treated for respiratory issues and released, while more than 40 others were evaluated at the scene, authorities said. Air quality monitoring showed no need for evacuation or shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents.

Officials said most of the acid remained in the facility’s containment area, though some leaked into the Houston Ship Channel. The channel remained open to commercial traffic, and no immediate environmental damage to aquatic life has been reported, authorities said.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Harris County officials are monitoring the site and investigating the structural failure that led to the tank rupture.

Sulfuric acid exposure can cause severe irritation to eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. Large releases into waterways can alter pH levels, potentially harming aquatic life if not neutralized or diluted.

BWC Terminals officials have not yet commented publicly on the incident. Authorities said they will continue environmental monitoring and cleanup until the site is fully secured.

Texas Republicans push to close primaries, raising voter access concerns

Edward Saenz
-
0
Texas Republicans push to close primaries, raising voter access concerns

Texas Republicans are pushing to overhaul the state’s open primary election system, seeking to limit participation in GOP primaries to voters who formally register as Republicans, a move that has sparked legal challenges and concerns from voting rights advocates.

Texas currently operates under an open primary system, allowing registered voters to choose which party’s primary to vote in on election day without declaring a party affiliation in advance. The Texas Republican Party argues that system allows non-Republicans to influence GOP nominations.

In September, the state party filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block enforcement of Texas election laws that require open primaries. The lawsuit argues the system violates the party’s First Amendment right to freedom of association by forcing Republicans to allow nonmembers to participate in selecting their nominees.

Attorney General Ken Paxton has joined the effort, filing court motions supporting the party’s position. The case names Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson as a defendant, though her office has opposed the lawsuit, arguing that any change to the primary system should be made by the Legislature, not the courts.

Republican leaders say the push is driven by concerns about “crossover voting,” in which voters affiliated with other parties participate in GOP primaries to sway outcomes. Party officials point to a 2024 Republican primary ballot proposition in which a majority of GOP voters supported restricting participation to registered Republicans.

“If Republicans are going to choose Republican candidates, those voters should be Republicans,” party officials have argued in court filings.

Voting rights advocates and election officials warn the proposal could significantly alter voter participation in Texas, where the GOP primary often determines the eventual officeholder in statewide and legislative races.

Critics say requiring voters to register with a party could discourage participation among independents and voters who prefer not to affiliate politically. Texas does not currently have a system for party-based voter registration, and election administrators say implementing one would require major changes to election infrastructure.

Opponents also warn the change could reduce turnout and push primary contests toward more ideologically extreme outcomes by limiting participation to the most engaged party activists.

The lawsuit is being heard in federal court in Amarillo, a venue frequently used in conservative legal challenges. Even if Republicans prevail, election officials say the timeline would make it difficult to implement changes before the March 2026 primaries, meaning any shift would likely take effect in later election cycles.

Texas is one of several states where parties have debated closing primaries amid broader national arguments over voter access, election security and party control. While some states operate closed primaries, others maintain open or semi-open systems designed to encourage broader participation.

The outcome of the Texas case could have lasting implications for how elections are conducted in the nation’s second-largest state and could influence similar efforts elsewhere.

Starbase sues Texas AG Paxton over public records rulings

Edward Saenz
-
0
Starbase sues Texas AG Paxton over public records rulings

The city of Starbase, a newly incorporated municipality built around SpaceX’s rocket launch site in South Texas, has filed multiple lawsuits against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, challenging his office’s rulings that require the city to release certain public records.

The lawsuits stem from requests filed by journalists seeking emails, invoices and other records related to the city’s operations and its close ties to SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. Because Starbase officials are also SpaceX employees, the cases have raised questions about how Texas transparency laws apply to a city so closely intertwined with a private corporation.

Under the Texas Public Information Act, government entities must release records related to public business unless the information qualifies for an exemption. Paxton’s office reviewed the requests and ruled that while some records could be withheld, others must be disclosed. Starbase sued to block those decisions, arguing the information contains protected communications, trade secrets or sensitive infrastructure details.

Paxton’s office has not accused Starbase of violating the law but has maintained that portions of the requested records are public and must be released. The attorney general’s rulings followed standard open-records procedures, according to his office.

Starbase was incorporated earlier this year in Cameron County, near Boca Chica, home to SpaceX’s Starship launch and testing facilities. The city’s creation drew national attention because of its deep ties to SpaceX, including leadership roles held by company employees and the city’s location within a high-security aerospace zone.

Transparency advocates say the lawsuits highlight a growing tension between public accountability and private influence in local government. They argue that once a city is incorporated, its records should be subject to public scrutiny regardless of corporate involvement.

Starbase officials contend the situation is unique, saying disclosure of certain records could expose sensitive business information or compromise security related to spaceflight operations.

The lawsuits are pending in state district courts. Legal experts say the cases could help define how Texas open-records laws apply to public entities that operate alongside major private corporations, potentially setting precedent for similar arrangements elsewhere in the state.

1...108109110...953Page 109 of 953

Houston’s premier Hispanic news network, dedicated to keeping you informed with the latest updates on local and national breaking news, community events, entertainment, chisme, and much more. We strive to be your trusted source for engaging and timely content that connects with our vibrant community and celebrates the culture and stories that matter most to you.

Contact us: contact@queondamagazine.com

© Copyright - Que Onda Magazine 2024