74.8 F
Houston
Thursday, May 7, 2026

Home Blog Page 160

Jeff Bridges Revives ‘The Dude’ on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Slams ICE

Jeff Bridges brought back his iconic character “The Dude” from The Big Lebowski during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night. The 75-year-old actor was there to promote Tron: Ares, Disney’s upcoming sci-fi film in which he reprises his role as Kevin Flynn.

A Call for Calm and “Abiding”

Kimmel asked Bridges to share some words of wisdom as The Dude during a time he described as “troubled.” Dressed in a familiar cardigan and sunglasses, Bridges addressed the audience in character: “Hey world, The Dude here. So, uh, yeah, man. Can we just all calm the f*** down? I mean, c’mon. I’m talking about, you know, all the wars, the fighting, the canceling. Let’s just chill out, man.”

He continued, “We’re, like, at what? A nine? We ought to be at zero. Or zero and a half at max.”

A Jab at ICE and a Classic Quote

Bridges drew loud cheers when he quipped, “ICE?? Let’s get ICE off our streets and into our beverages, man,” referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. He ended his message with a nod to his character’s famous line: “This aggression will not stand. So let’s just abide. Abide together.”

Kimmel’s Return After Suspension

The appearance came shortly after Kimmel returned to air on September 23, following a six-day suspension over remarks about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The incident sparked debates about free speech, with President Donald Trump celebrating the suspension. Kimmel defended his right to speak freely in his comeback monologue.

Tron: Ares Faces Harsh Reviews

While Bridges’ return was warmly received, Tron: Ares hasn’t fared as well. In a one-star review for The Independent, critic Clarisse Loughrey called it “the worst film of the year and a new low for Disney,” describing it as “an ethically dubious, horribly written nadir in franchise slop.”

Tron: Ares hits theaters October 10.

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

Freida Parton Asks for Prayers for Dolly

Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida, is asking fans to send prayers and positive thoughts for the country legend’s health. This comes one week after Dolly postponed six shows from her Dolly: Live in Las Vegas residency.

“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly,” Freida wrote on Facebook on October 7. “Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.”

“She’s strong, she’s loved,” Freida continued. “With all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”

Dolly’s Health Update

Dolly announced on September 28 that she is postponing her residency at the Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace—originally scheduled for December 4–13—until September 2026 due to health challenges.

“My doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” Dolly explained on Instagram. “As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”

She emphasized that she wants to give fans the best show possible.

“In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”

Although she’s taking a break, Dolly will continue working on projects from her Nashville home and hopes to be back stronger than ever.

“Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she said. “But I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you.”

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

Zach Bryan Steps Into Politics with New Anti-ICE Song

Zach Bryan, one of country music’s biggest stars, has entered the political conversation with his new song “Bad News.” Known for avoiding political commentary, the 29-year-old surprised fans by releasing a teaser on Instagram on Oct. 3, lamenting the fading American dream and criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation program.

A Shift from His Usual Stance

Bryan has long kept politics at arm’s length, despite assumptions from some fans that he leans conservative. He previously praised Trump after last year’s assassination attempt and has been photographed with him. Still, he also counts Bruce Springsteen—a vocal Trump critic—as a hero, calling him “one of the greatest men to ever exist.”

Springsteen’s Influence

Bryan’s lyrics channel Springsteen’s protest style, referencing the decline of American ideals: “The Boss stopped bumping, the rock stopped rolling / The middle fingers rising and it won’t stop showing / I got some bad news / The fading of the Red, White and Blue.” Springsteen, known for songs like “Born in the U.S.A.,” has publicly criticized Trump, saying he “doesn’t care about the forgotten anybody but himself.”

Fans Divided Over Political Turn

The song snippet quickly trended on X, with conservative figures like John Rich mocking Bryan and some fans accusing him of betraying his base. Others, like liberal superPAC leader Michelle Kinney, praised his “moral and artistic courage,” urging more artists to speak out.

Record-Breaking Moment

The political pivot comes just days after Bryan set a U.S. attendance record, drawing over 112,000 fans to Michigan Stadium. Whether this new direction will reshape his fanbase remains to be seen, but “Bad News” has already sparked a national conversation.

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

Jane Goodall’s Last Words and Wish

0

Dr. Jane Goodall, the world-renowned conservationist who passed away on Oct. 1, wasn’t shy about sharing her thoughts on some famous figures. In the Netflix docuseries Famous Last Words, she jokingly imagined sending people like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Benjamin Netanyahu into space—on one of Musk’s rockets.

“Put them all on that spaceship and send them off,” she said with a laugh, showing her playful side even when talking about serious global issues.

A Message of Hope

Beyond her humor, Goodall left a heartfelt message for everyone. She reminded us that every life matters and that each of us can make a difference, no matter how small our actions may seem.

“You may not know it, you may not find it, but your life matters, and you are here for a reason,” she said. “Every single day you live, you make a difference in the world, and you get to choose the difference you make.”

Caring for Our Planet

Goodall also encouraged people to think about how they treat the Earth. Even small efforts can add up to big change when it comes to protecting the environment.

“We are part of Mother Nature,” she explained. “We depend on her for clean air, water, and food. As we face climate change and the loss of biodiversity, we must do our best to protect the planet for today’s children and future generations.”

A Lifelong Mission

Even in her final days, Goodall stayed active, speaking at New York Climate Week 2025 and Forbes’ Sustainability Leadership Summit. She urged everyone to have courage and to keep hope alive.

“If we lose hope, we become apathetic and do nothing,” she said. “Do your best while you’re still on this beautiful Planet Earth. God bless you all.”

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

Trump Administration Weighs Selling Off Federal Student Loans

Senior Trump administration officials are considering selling parts of the federal government’s $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to private investors, according to multiple sources familiar with internal discussions. The talks have focused on high-performing portions of the debt owed by roughly 45 million Americans.

Move Aims to Shrink Government Role

The proposal aligns with broader Republican efforts to reduce federal involvement in student lending and increase private-sector participation. Officials from the Education and Treasury Departments have discussed the idea with finance industry executives and are considering bringing in outside consultants to assess the portfolio’s market value.

Legal and Logistical Hurdles

Selling federal loans raises major questions about borrower protections and taxpayer costs. Federal law allows such sales only if they don’t cost taxpayers money, but past analyses found the portfolio was worth less than expected. Experts warn private investors may not pay enough to make the deal worthwhile.

Borrower Protections at Stake

Advocates caution that federal loans come with benefits—like income-driven repayment plans and strong collection powers—that private lenders can’t match. “The only way for it to make economic sense is to structure the deal in a way that really short-changes borrowers,” said Eileen Connor of the Project on Predatory Student Lending.

Broader Overhaul Underway

The discussions are part of a larger student loan overhaul in Trump’s second term, including reversing Biden-era debt relief measures, resuming collections paused during the pandemic, and shifting loan management to the Treasury Department.

Critics Question Benefits

Policy experts doubt the plan would benefit taxpayers or borrowers. “I really don’t see a scenario here where taxpayers come out ahead,” said Preston Cooper of the American Enterprise Institute. Consumer advocates argue the move would favor Wall Street over struggling families.

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

Fossil Fuel Pollution Linked to Higher ALS Risk

Long-term exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO₂), a pollutant produced by burning coal and oil-based fuels, is associated with an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to new research published in Environmental Research.

Canadian Study Identifies Alarming Trend

Researchers in New Brunswick, Canada, launched the study after noticing unusually high ALS rates in the region. They compared 304 ALS patients with 1,207 healthy individuals, using environmental data from their home addresses to estimate pollution exposure over time.

Sulfur Dioxide Emerges as Key Factor

The study found that individuals exposed to higher SO₂ levels had a 23% greater chance of developing ALS years later. While the research established an association—not causation—it highlighted sulfur dioxide as the most significant pollutant linked to the disease.

Mining and Fossil Fuels as Main Sources

High SO₂ levels are often generated through mining activities and the burning of coal or diesel equipment. Although all areas studied met Canada’s clean air guidelines, localized concentrations may still pose health risks.

Call for Stronger Pollution Controls

Researchers say further studies are needed to inform public health strategies and regulations.

“If we’re truly to get to a safe level of no pollution, combustion will have to eventually cease to be our primary method of making energy,” lead author Daniel Saucier said.

For more health-related headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Supreme Court Takes Up Conversion Therapy Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a major free speech case challenging Colorado’s 2019 ban on conversion therapy for minors. The ruling could impact more than 20 states with similar laws and reshape how states regulate certain health care practices.

Christian Therapist Leads Challenge

Kaley Chiles, a Christian therapist, argues the ban violates her First Amendment rights because her therapy involves only “talk,” not medical procedures. Colorado says the law regulates conduct, not speech, to protect young people from harmful and discredited practices.

Court’s LGBTQ and Free Speech Record

The Court has previously expanded LGBTQ protections, including legalizing same-sex marriage. But it has also sided with free speech and religious claims in cases that clashed with LGBTQ protections—such as recent rulings on LGBTQ-themed school books and gender-affirming care bans.

Broader Stakes for Health Regulations

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser warned that overturning the law could threaten other regulations that keep unsafe or ineffective treatments out of health care. Chiles’ lawyers counter that the state is trying to control what children believe about themselves.

Possible Narrow Ruling

Rather than deciding the issue outright, the Court could send the case back to lower courts to apply stricter First Amendment scrutiny. A decision is expected to have national implications for both LGBTQ protections and state regulatory powers.

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

Isolated showers possible until weak front plunges humidity later this week

0

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Small rain chances will continue in this hot, soupy air until a front arrives later in the week to crash the humidity down for the weekend.

Temperatures will climb into the low and mid 90s once again, well above the average high of 86. A couple of isolated showers will also be possible during the afternoon to evening hours.

Are there any signs of cooler weather down the road?

A weak front will slide through Southeast Texas on Thursday, and this will bring more of a humidity drop than a temperature drop. With they dry air in place, morning lows will dip into the upper 50s and low 60s across Southeast Texas, and highs will rebound into the upper 80s.

Will the low humidity stick around for the weekend?

It sure will! The weather will be great for outdoor activities, but all this sunny, dry weather will continue to dry out the ground and increase drought and fire danger conditions.

What is happening in the tropics?

We are monitoring a low pressure disturbance over the central Atlantic that is likely to produce the season’s next named storm. There is another wave we are watching over the southwest Gulf. 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!

SEC Probes AppLovin Over Data Practices

0

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating marketing platform AppLovin’s data-collection practices, according to Bloomberg News. The probe follows a whistleblower complaint and multiple short seller reports alleging the company violated service agreements to push targeted ads.

Shares of AppLovin fell 14% by market close. SEC enforcement teams focused on cyber and emerging technologies are handling the case. The regulator has not accused the company of wrongdoing, and it’s unclear how far along the review is.

Short Sellers Raise Serious Allegations

Earlier this year, three short sellers targeted AppLovin. Fuzzy Panda Research claimed the company stole data from Meta. Culper Research accused it of exploiting app permissions to install apps silently on users’ phones. Muddy Waters Research alleged AppLovin collected and structured user IDs from partners in violation of their terms of service, though some analysts later disputed those claims.

Company Response and Recent Moves

AppLovin has hired Quinn Emanuel to investigate the short seller activity and declined to comment on regulatory matters. The SEC, meanwhile, cited the government shutdown as the reason it cannot respond to media inquiries.

In April, AppLovin made a bid for TikTok’s assets outside China and later sold its mobile games studio to London’s Tripledot Studios for $800 million in a cash-and-stock deal.

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

Illinois Sues to Block National Guard Deployment Amid Immigration Raids

0

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker accused the Trump administration of staging a “military-style invasion” of Chicago, saying federal agents used Black Hawk helicopters during an immigration raid. His comments came hours after Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking to block the federalization and deployment of the National Guard.

“Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nation’s cities,” Pritzker said. He played footage of an ICE raid in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, showing helicopters and over 100 tactical agents rappelling onto a building.

Pritzker Accuses Trump of Manufacturing Crisis

Pritzker alleged the administration is “creating chaos” to justify invoking the Insurrection Act. He described the use of tear gas against protesters as part of a strategy to make peaceful demonstrations look like riots. “Why? To create the pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act so that he can send military troops to our city,” he said.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said he hasn’t yet decided to use the Insurrection Act but would do so if “courts or governors were holding us up.”

Lawsuit Challenges Federal Power

The 69-page lawsuit argues there’s “no insurrection or rebellion” in Illinois and that the crisis is “manufactured.” It claims Trump’s actions violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement. Lawyers asked a judge to block the federalization of any state’s National Guard for deployment to Illinois.

The complaint cites Trump’s posts about sending militarized forces to Chicago, including one that said, “I love the smell of deportations in the morning,” and accuses him of targeting Democratic-led cities for political gain.

Federal Crackdown Sparks Violence and Tension

Over the weekend, two incidents involving protesters and immigration agents escalated tensions. In one, Border Patrol agents shot a woman they said rammed their vehicles during an “ambush.” In another, a man was arrested for allegedly ramming a CBP vehicle.

Trump has described Chicago as a “war zone,” but local officials argue he’s exaggerating unrest to justify military action.

Chicago Pushes Back with ‘ICE Free Zones’

Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order banning federal immigration agents from using city property. “Chicago stands firm in protecting the Constitutional rights of our residents and immigrant communities,” Johnson said, condemning ICE’s actions as abuses of power.

White House official Stephen Miller criticized the order, accusing local leaders of failing to condemn violence against federal officers.

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