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U.S. Firms Brace for Long-Term Trump Tariffs as Supreme Court Weighs Legality

Trade Turbulence for Manufacturers

Factory equipment maker OTC Industrial Technologies is feeling the strain of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. CEO Bill Canady said his company shifted production from China to other low-cost countries like India, only to face new tariffs there too.

“We just have to hang on and navigate our way through this so we don’t all go broke in the short run,” Canady told Reuters.

Supreme Court to Decide Tariff Authority

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments this week on whether Trump exceeded his authority when imposing global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Lower courts ruled against Trump, saying the law — traditionally used for sanctions — wasn’t intended for broad trade actions.

Trump’s Expansive Use of Emergency Powers

Trump declared the 2024 trade deficit and fentanyl crisis as national emergencies to justify his tariffs, which hit imports from Asia and beyond. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said even if the Court strikes them down, the administration will pivot to other trade laws to maintain similar tariffs. “You should assume that they’re here to stay,” Bessent said.

Negotiating Leverage Abroad

Officials argue that Trump’s tariffs have forced countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea to make trade concessions. Negotiations with China remain tense, with both sides balancing tariffs against access to critical rare earth minerals. A recent deal between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping included mutual tariff reductions and pauses on export restrictions.

Revenue and Inflation Risks

The tariffs have brought in over $100 billion this fiscal year, helping narrow the U.S. deficit to $1.715 trillion. But experts warn that reversing them could disrupt markets and trigger costly refunds. Economists also note that tariffs added roughly 0.4 percentage point to inflation, pressuring corporate earnings by over $35 billion.

Companies Rethink Supply Chains

For manufacturers like OTC, shifting production again may be inevitable. Canady said many firms may bring higher-end production back to the U.S. while sending lower-value parts to Mexico.

“I think the new normal is going to be 15%,” he said of Trump’s tariffs. “They’re going to call it whatever they need to call it so that it is not challengeable.”

For more on Trump’s tariffs, stay tuned Que Onda Magazine.

Microsoft Strikes $9.7 Billion AI Cloud Deal with IREN for Nvidia Chip Access

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Five-Year Agreement Boosts Microsoft’s AI Capabilities

Microsoft has signed a $9.7 billion, five-year cloud services contract with Australian AI cloud provider IREN, securing access to Nvidia chips crucial for powering artificial intelligence operations. The deal includes a 20% prepayment and aims to expand Microsoft’s AI and cloud infrastructure amid skyrocketing global demand.

Massive Investment in AI and Cloud Expansion

The tech giant recently reported $77.7 billion in quarterly sales—an 18% increase—while spending nearly $35 billion on AI-related capital expenditures. About half of that went toward chips, with the rest funding data center real estate.

Strategic Partnership for Growth

“IREN’s expertise in building and operating a fully integrated AI cloud… makes them a strategic partner,” said Jonathan Tinter, Microsoft’s president of business development and ventures. The collaboration is expected to create new growth opportunities for both companies.

Additional Deals Strengthen Microsoft’s AI Footprint

Last week, Microsoft announced a new agreement with OpenAI that gives it a 27% stake in OpenAI’s for-profit arm—helping push the company’s valuation to $4 trillion for the second time this year. IREN also revealed a $5.8 billion deal with Dell Technologies to purchase chips and equipment for deployment at its Texas facility.

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

Half of Americans Say Trump Administration Fails to Protect Rights and Freedoms, Poll Says

Public Doubts About Trump’s Commitment to Civil Liberties

A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll finds that 50% of Americans believe the Trump administration is not committed to protecting their rights and freedoms. Majorities also say President Donald Trump isn’t protecting freedom of the press (61%), free speech (57%), fair elections (56%), or a fair justice system (56%). However, 73% believe he defends the right to own firearms.

Partisan Divide on Rights Protections

While most Republicans say Trump supports all major freedoms, Democrats and independents largely disagree—except on gun rights. Similarly, slim majorities of Americans say Democrats are committed to protecting freedoms of the press, speech, religion, and elections, though 60% say Democrats don’t protect gun rights.

Views on Court Orders and Political Retaliation

By a two-to-one margin, Americans believe Trump’s administration avoids complying with court orders. A majority also think federal judges are enforcing limits on his authority, though most Republicans view the courts as overreaching.

Public Opposition to Trump’s DOJ Payment Demand

Over six in ten Americans oppose Trump’s demand for $230 million from the Department of Justice as compensation for past investigations. That includes 89% of Democrats and 57% of independents.

Concerns Over Retaliation Against Political Opponents

Nearly six in ten Americans say Trump goes too far in targeting his political opponents, with 90% of Democrats and 63% of independents agreeing. Republicans remain more supportive, with 59% saying his actions are appropriate.

For more data on public stance on politics, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston Travelers Endure Hours-Long TSA Delays Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Extended Wait Times at Bush and Hobby Airports

For the third consecutive day, Houston Airports is urging passengers to plan ahead as security lines continue to stretch for hours at both George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) airports. Officials are warning travelers to arrive extra early, as long waits are expected to persist “until further notice.”

TSA Staffing Shortages Create Major Bottlenecks

At Hobby Airport, limited screening lanes have resulted in wait times exceeding one hour. Conditions are even worse at Bush Intercontinental, where TSA checkpoints are only operating in Terminals A and E—forcing some passengers to wait up to three hours before reaching their gates.

Airlines Adjust Operations to Help Passengers

United Airlines has advised customers to check their luggage at Terminal C, then proceed to Terminal E by walking or taking the underground subway system. The carrier hopes the change will ease congestion and reduce confusion among travelers navigating closed checkpoints.

Shutdown’s Impact Spreads Nationwide

According to Houston Airports, the extended delays stem from the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has strained TSA staffing not only in Houston but across airports nationwide. Officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage passengers to stay updated through airline alerts and airport advisories.

For more live coverage on this story, follow along our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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

Chilly mornings early on this week will be replaced with near record warmth Friday

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A gorgeous week is on tap for Southeast Texas. We are starting off November cool but will be heating up at the end of the week.

Temperatures have fallen into the 40s and 50s Monday morning. Sunny skies will help our temps to reach into the mid 70s by the afternoon.

What’s in store for this week?

The weather looks great! We’ll have a sunny sky, cool mornings, and mild afternoons through Election Day. Then moisture returns Wednesday and beyond to bring lows up into the 60s and highs into the 80s for the rest of the week, but overall it should still feel pretty nice. Friday could be especially warm with high temperatures climbing into the mid-upper 80s, possibly near the daily record of 89 degrees too.

Any more rain on the horizon?

After a couple of active days this past week with showers and stronger storms rolling through, it looks like we’re about to enter another warm and dry spell for the first full week of November. A pattern change could bring a few passing showers and storms next weekend, but it’s not a slam dunk at this point. That said, drought conditions could continue to be an issue throughout the month of November.

What is happening in the tropics?

Now that Melissa has moved on, there are no tropical developments expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. 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.

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

Obama, Harris Campaign for Democrats Ahead of Key Gubernatorial Races and California Proposition

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Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris urged Democratic voters to turn out in Virginia, New Jersey, and California during separate rallies on Saturday.

Obama Hits Trump at Virginia and New Jersey Rallies

Speaking in Norfolk, Virginia, at a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, Obama criticized President Donald Trump’s administration.

“Our country and our politics are in a pretty dark place right now… Every day this White House offers up a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness,” he said.

Obama focused on Trump’s economic policies, noting the impact on federal employees in Virginia.

“Hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including a lot of people here in Virginia, have lost their jobs to pay for those billionaire tax cuts,” he said, contrasting that with benefits for wealthy corporations.

Spanberger linked her opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, to Trump, saying, “We do not need someone who has been in lockstep with this administration every step of the way.”

Later, Obama joined New Jersey Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill in Newark, praising her leadership.

“She’s the kind of leader who understands the mission, who knows who she is supposed to serve, who doesn’t have a lot of time for excuses. And that is exactly what New Jersey needs right now,” he said. He also criticized Sherrill’s opponent, Republican Jack Ciattarelli, for his support of Trump.

Trump Invests Millions in GOP Voter Turnout

Trump’s political operation has poured millions into New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, focusing on voter turnout for Republican candidates despite Democrats leading in both states. Trump held tele-rallies with outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Ciattarelli to boost support. A source familiar with the operation described Trump as a “turnout machine” even though he is not on the ballot.

Harris Rallies for California Proposition 50

In Los Angeles, Harris campaigned for California’s Proposition 50, which would redraw the state’s congressional map. Supporters argue it could flip five Republican-held districts to Democrats ahead of the midterms. Harris told the crowd, “This is about reminding folks that we refuse to kneel at the foot of a tyrant,” emphasizing the importance of the vote and the Constitution.

Harris urged other states to take action as well.

“This fight is not about sitting by and complaining, ‘Oh, they’re cheating.’ That’s not what this is about. It’s not that kind of party,” she said.

Democrats see these races and the proposition as critical early tests ahead of the 2026 midterms, while Republicans are using Trump’s influence to bolster turnout and support for their candidates.

For more on the midterm elections, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Suggests Seth Meyers Mocking Him on ‘Late Night’ Is ‘Probably Illegal’

“NO TALENT, NO RATINGS, 100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!!!” the president wrote of the host

President Donald Trump claimed that mocking him on television is “probably illegal” in a new Truth Social post aimed at Late Night host Seth Meyers.

The 79-year-old president lashed out at Meyers, 51, on Saturday, Nov. 1, after the comedian joked about Trump’s recent comments on catapults during his trip to Asia. Trump called Meyers a “truly deranged lunatic” and questioned why NBC continues to employ him.

Trump Responds to Meyers’ Catapult Jokes

Meyers had mocked Trump’s remarks from Japan, where the president said he wanted to bring back steam-powered catapults for aircraft carriers. On Late Night, Meyers joked, “I’ll try my best to explain the gist of what he’s talking about in a new segment we’re calling ‘Seth Translates Trump to English.’”

He continued by playing a clip of Trump dancing, edited to make him look like an aircraft marshaller, and quipped, “Trump thinks he knows more about aviation than everyone else because he dances like one of those guys that holds the signaling sticks on the runway.”

“Probably Illegal,” Trump Writes

Trump fired back online, saying he watched Late Night “for the first time in years” and called Meyers “the least talented person to perform live in the history of television.”

“In it he talked endlessly about electric catapults on aircraft carriers which I complain about as not being as good as much less expensive steam catapults,” Trump wrote. “On and on he went, a truly deranged lunatic. Why does NBC waste its time and money on a guy like this??? — NO TALENT, NO RATINGS, 100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!!!”

Ongoing Feud with Late-Night Hosts

Trump’s comments mark his latest attack on late-night comedians. In August, he criticized NBC for renewing Meyers’ contract, calling him talentless and “the personality of an insecure child.”

The president also previously celebrated the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and has targeted Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel. After Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned from suspension in September, Meyers voiced his support for Kimmel, saying it’s “possible to stand up to this kind of bullying and censorship.”

Reps for Meyers and Late Night have not yet commented on Trump’s post.

For more on freedom of speech under the Trump administration, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

2 Girls Injured After Being Thrown from Ferris Wheel at Louisiana Harvest Festival

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All rides closed pending safety inspections by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office

Two girls were rushed to the hospital after being thrown from a Ferris wheel at the Harvest Festival in New Roads, Louisiana, on Saturday, according to the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Rene’ Thibodeaux said one of the victims was airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital. The girls’ conditions have not been released.

Rides Shut Down Amid Investigation

Following the accident, all rides at the festival were immediately closed until they could be cleared by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Ferris wheel and a nearby slide have remained shut down as the investigation continues.

The Harvest Festival, held annually on Main Street, is described as a “fun-filled family event” that supports the local agriculture-based community.

Witnesses Describe Frightening Scene

Festivalgoer Eddie Jones said he was in line to buy tickets when he heard a scream. “I looked over, and the Ferris wheel car was kicked over,” Jones told WAFB. “The girls were lying on the steel platform below with blood on them. It shouldn’t have stuck like that — someone didn’t do something right.”

Another attendee, Ronald Brasseaux, said he had ridden the Ferris wheel the night before and felt unsafe. “It was cracking — they need to take this down,” he said. “The carts are supposed to swing, but one got stuck at an angle, and that’s when they flipped out.”

Officials Continue Safety Review

Authorities have not released details about what caused the malfunction. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office said the rides will remain closed until all mechanical inspections are complete.

The Harvest Festival organizers have not yet commented on the incident. For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

JD Vance Faces Backlash Over Comments on Wife’s Faith at University Event

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U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, went viral after appearing together at the University of Mississippi on Oct. 29. A photo showing the two hugging—Erika’s hand on Vance’s head—sparked a wave of online speculation and criticism.

Viral Photo Fuels Online Speculation

The moment drew attention when New York Times contributor Shannon Watts reshared the image on X (formerly Twitter), joking, “Vance announces divorce, marries Charlie Kirk’s widow by the end of 2026.” Neither Vance nor Erika Kirk has publicly responded, though Watts has since restricted comments on her post.

Comments on Faith Stir Controversy

Speculation about Vance’s marriage began after remarks he made during the event. When asked about his faith, Vance expressed hope that his wife, Usha, might one day “come to see [the Christian Gospel] the same way.” He added that they maintain open discussions about raising their children in an interfaith household and that Usha sometimes attends church with him.

Public Figures Condemn Remarks

The comment drew criticism from figures like Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, who said Vance “is not a pastor in chief” but a public servant. Critics accused him of religious insensitivity.

Vance Responds to Critics

Vance later addressed the backlash in a deleted X post, calling the reaction “disgusting.” He clarified that his comments came from a question about his interfaith marriage and praised his wife as “the most amazing blessing” in his life.

He reiterated that while Usha, who is Hindu, has “no plans to convert,” he hopes she’ll one day share his Christian faith.

“Posts like this wreak of anti-Christian bigotry,” Vance wrote. “Yes, Christians have beliefs… and we want to share them with others.”

A Decade of Marriage and Family

JD and Usha Vance, married since 2014, share three children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. Despite the controversy, Vance emphasized that he remains devoted to his wife and their shared values.

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

Celebrate Día de los Muertos Across Greater Houston

Honor loved ones who have passed at Día de los Muertos events across the city, featuring ofrendas, live performances, artisan markets, and family-friendly activities. From November 1–2, Houston communities embrace the rich tradition of remembering ancestors through altars decorated with favorite foods, photos, and memorabilia.

25th Annual Día de Muertos Festival at MECA

Celebrating its silver anniversary, the 25th Annual Día de Muertos Festival at MECA in the Old Sixth Ward is a vibrant celebration of art, community, and culture. The free festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days and is one of Houston’s longest-standing Day of the Dead events.

Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival at Sam Houston Park

Downtown Houston hosts the 5th Annual Houston Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival on Saturday, November 2. This free celebration features a vibrant parade, live music, arts and crafts, concessions, and community activities from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., making it a must-see centerpiece of the city’s festivities.

Blanket Bingo at Market Square Park

Kick off the festivities Thursday evening with Blanket Bingo at Market Square Park. Enjoy nine rounds of music, prizes, and community fun while honoring loved ones at a special ofrenda display open through Monday, November 3. Bingo packs are $10, and the event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Family Day & Artisan Market at Pearl Fincher Museum

On Saturday, the Pearl Fincher Museum in Spring hosts a free Día de los Muertos Family Day and Artisan Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate the tradition with hands-on art activities and shop local vendors while honoring ancestors.

For more things to do in Houston and the latest news from Space City, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.