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Senate Funding Votes Fail, Shutdown Likely

Que Onda Editorial
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Senate Funding Votes Fail, Shutdown Likely

Both Republican and Democratic proposals to fund the government past Tuesday failed in the Senate, all but ensuring a shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. The Democratic plan, which included health care provisions, failed 47-53, while the Republican-backed clean funding bill fell 55-45.

Key Senate Votes

Democrats largely voted against the Republican bill, though Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and John Fetterman, along with Independent Angus King, supported it. Sen. Rand Paul was the only Republican to oppose the measure. The Democratic funding plan saw all Democrats voting yes and all Republicans voting no. Both bills required 60 votes to pass.

Trump Blames Democrats for Layoffs

President Donald Trump attributed potential federal workforce layoffs during the shutdown to Democrats, claiming they are pushing health care provisions for immigrants without legal status. “We’d be laying off a lot of people that are going to be very affected. And the Democrats, they’re going to be Democrats,” Trump said.

Democrats Push Health Care Demands

Senate Democrats have emphasized that any stopgap funding solution must include protections for health care programs like the Affordable Care Act. Republicans counter that the clean funding bill, lacking such provisions, is the faster route to keeping the government operational.

Shutdown Looms

With neither measure passing and the funding deadline passed, a government shutdown appears imminent, raising uncertainty for federal employees and services.

For more on the government shutdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Cassie Ventura Speaks Ahead of Diddy’s Sentencing

Indira Zaldivar
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Cassie Ventura Speaks Ahead of Diddy’s Sentencing

R&B singer Cassie Ventura says she fears for her safety and has relocated her family from New York ahead of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sentencing this week. In a victim impact statement, she wrote she fears “swift retribution” if he is released.

Government Seeks Long Sentence

Ventura’s letter was part of the prosecution’s sentencing recommendation. Combs, convicted in July on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution, faces an 11-year sentence recommendation, while the defense requests 14 months, which would include time served.

Allegations Reiterated

Ventura, the key witness against Combs, testified for four days that during their 11-year relationship he abused her physically and sexually, forcing her to take part in drug-fueled “freak-off” sex parties. In her letter, she said the experience caused her “tremendous emotional pain” and criticized the jury for not seeing “all of the truths at hand.”

Prosecution Emphasizes Seriousness

Prosecutors highlighted that convictions like Combs’ typically carry sentences over ten years, noting his crimes involved violence and instilling fear. They requested 11 years and three months.

Defense Claims Combs Has Changed

Combs’ attorneys acknowledged past domestic abuse but denied coercion in sexual acts. They argued he has changed while detained, noting his career losses, firing of employees, and time teaching business classes to inmates. Defense filings describe him as “humbled” and focused on family and community.

Ventura Rejects Defense Claims

Ventura dismissed the defense portrayal of Combs as reformed.

“He has no interest in changing or becoming better. He will always be the same cruel, power-hungry, manipulative man that he is,” she wrote.

For more on Combs’ case, tune in to Que Onda Magazine.

If U.S. Strikes Continue, Maduro Says He’ll Declare State of Emergency

Indira Zaldivar
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If U.S. Strikes Continue, Maduro Says He’ll Declare State of Emergency

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said Monday he is ready to declare a state of emergency if the United States carries out more military actions against his country, following recent deadly attacks on Venezuelan boats accused of drug trafficking.

Special Powers Decree

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced that Maduro has already signed a decree granting him authority over defense and security. The order would let him mobilize soldiers nationwide and hand the military control of public services and the oil industry in the event of U.S. aggression.

U.S. Military Buildup

President Donald Trump has deployed eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and F-35 fighters to the Caribbean in what officials describe as an anti-drug operation. UN data, however, shows Venezuela is not a major cocaine source.

Civilian Deaths in Strikes

At least 17 Venezuelans have been killed in U.S. bombings of small boats in international waters. Caracas says this amounts to an undeclared war, while UN experts have condemned the strikes as extrajudicial killings.

Escalation and Response

Reports suggest the White House is considering air raids inside Venezuela against suspected traffickers. Maduro rejected U.S. claims about his country’s role in drug trade and urged a “historic and peaceful” relationship instead.

Trump’s Immigration Warning

Trump has separately threatened Venezuela with “incalculable” consequences if it refuses to accept deported migrants he described as prisoners or mentally ill.

Duration of Emergency Powers

Maduro’s decree would last 90 days and could be renewed for another 90 under Venezuela’s constitution.

For the latest on the U.S.’ international affairs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Citizens File Claims After Violent ICE Arrests

Indira Zaldivar
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Citizens File Claims After Violent ICE Arrests

Several U.S. citizens are pursuing multimillion-dollar claims against the federal government, alleging they were assaulted or wrongfully detained during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

California Business Owner Seeks $50 Million

Rafie Ollah Shouhed, a 79-year-old car wash owner in Van Nuys, California, filed a $50 million claim after ICE agents tackled him inside his business and again outside on the pavement. Surveillance footage shows agents rushing at him as he attempted to present his employees’ work authorization paperwork, according to his attorney. Shouhed was detained for nearly 12 hours but never charged.

Family of Farmworker Files Wrongful Death Claim

In a separate case, the widow and daughter of farmworker Jaime Alanís allege ICE agents used excessive force during a raid on a cannabis greenhouse. Alanís, 56, died two days later from head and neck injuries. Each family member is seeking $47 million in damages.

Iraq War Veteran Also Files Claim

Another U.S. citizen, veteran George Retes, filed a tort claim after agents allegedly broke his car window, arrested him, and held him for three days without legal access. His case is being pursued under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which allows lawsuits against the government once initial claims are filed with federal agencies.

Growing Pattern of Force Allegations

ICE reports defending more than 350 administrative claims seeking over $55 billion in damages, though fewer than $1 million has been paid out. Attorneys for claimants say agents are too quick to resort to force when confronted or questioned.

DHS Policy on Use of Force

Homeland Security guidelines, issued in 2018, authorize officers to use “objectively reasonable” force to control situations or protect themselves and others. Force is required to stop once resistance ends. Still, viral videos this year have shown agents manhandling bystanders, including one officer relieved of duty after slamming a woman inside an immigration court.

Concerns About Escalation

Shouhed’s daughter, Rebecca, fears the crackdown is spiraling. “Nobody is able to rein this in,” she said. “It’s like a free-for-all.”

For the latest immigration policies, stay informed with Que Onda Magazine.

How the Looming Government Shutdown Could Affect Your Day-to-Day

Edward Saenz
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How the Looming Government Shutdown Could Affect Your Day-to-Day

The federal government faces a shutdown on Wednesday unless Congress approves a temporary funding bill by Sept. 30. While last-minute deals are common, this time agreement appears unlikely, leaving millions bracing for disruption.

Federal Workforce at Risk

Up to 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed daily, costing an estimated $400 million in lost wages. Essential staff, such as national security and safety workers, would continue without pay. Unlike past shutdowns, the Trump Administration has instructed agencies to draft plans for permanent layoffs in programs without guaranteed funding, escalating the stakes.

Impact on Air Travel

TSA officers and air traffic controllers must still report to work, but without pay. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, widespread sick calls created long lines and delays, even grounding flights at major airports. A repeat is possible if the shutdown drags on.

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

These programs would continue because they are permanently funded. However, reduced staffing could slow services like issuing new Social Security cards, replacement Medicare cards, and benefit verification.

Veterans’ Services

Veterans’ health care remains funded through advance appropriations, but some administrative services and benefits processing could face delays.

Food Assistance

SNAP benefits would be issued for up to 30 days into a shutdown, but WIC could run out of funds immediately for new applicants. The White House has warned Democrats would be blamed if funding lapses.

National Parks and Museums

Tourist destinations such as national parks and Smithsonian museums would close, costing communities millions in lost revenue, as seen during past shutdowns.

Postal Service

Mail delivery will continue uninterrupted since the Postal Service is funded through its own revenues, not annual appropriations.

Immigration Enforcement

ICE and CBP agents are considered essential and will remain on duty. Detention facilities will operate, though immigration court hearings may slow due to Justice Department budget constraints.

Stay informed with the latest politics with Que Onda Magazine.

Students Trapped After Indonesia School Collapse

Michael Esparza
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Students Trapped After Indonesia School Collapse

A rescue operation is underway after the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, collapsed during afternoon prayers on Monday.

Casualties Reported

Officials confirmed at least three students are dead. Dozens more remain trapped under the rubble, most of them teenage boys. Families waited nearby as crews searched for 38 missing students and staff.

Injuries and Rescue Efforts

Indonesia’s disaster agency said 77 people have been hospitalized. Emergency workers are providing oxygen and water to those still trapped while combing through the debris for survivors.

Cause of the Collapse

Authorities said the school’s foundation pillars gave way while workers were laying concrete for an unauthorized expansion. The disaster agency urged stricter enforcement of construction safety standards.

Recent Building Failures

This is the second deadly collapse in Indonesia this month. Earlier in September, three people died when a building hosting a prayer recital collapsed in West Java.

For the world news that you must know, visit Que Onda Magazine daily.

Hot and dry weather continues along with ozone pollution concerns

ABC13 Houston
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Hot and dry weather continues along with ozone pollution concerns

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our weather pattern is basically on repeat for most of this week, but there is something different happening Tuesday morning.

A cloudy weather disturbance moving in will prevent temperatures from getting as low as the last few days when temperatures in Southeast Texas bottomed out in the upper 50s and low 60s. With the clouds sticking around through sunrise, temperatures will instead dip into the upper 60s and low 70s. The clouds could make for a beautiful sunrise, so send us some photos if you see something pretty in the sky!

Unhealthy levels of ozone pollution could pop up in the afternoon sunshine. Ozone is a lung irritant that can cause a dry cough and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

When does the humid air return?

We’ll get a little bump in the humidity by Friday, which will bring a 10-20% chance of passing showers primarily south of I-10. Otherwise, we probably won’t have a chance of getting any tropical moisture until after the weekend. For now we have rain chances most days next week at just 20%, but those odds could increase if our confidence grows that we will in fact get a surge of tropical moisture.

Are we slipping back into drought?

Well, that is the one downside to all this low humidity and below normal rain totals since September 1. Our rain chances are near zero percent for the next 1-2 weeks, and the warm, dry air will keep drying out the ground. Unusually dry conditions now cover most of Southeast Texas, and soon moderate drought could return in the absence of any rain. There is also an increased risk for wildfires to spread if any ignite in these dry conditions.

What is happening in the tropics?

Hurricane Humberto is now influencing the path of Imelda as the two spin off the East Coast less than 600 miles apart. 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!

Second Detainee Dies After Dallas ICE Shooting

Que Onda Editorial
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Second Detainee Dies After Dallas ICE Shooting

A second detainee wounded in last week’s shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office has died, according to the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Victim Identified

Miguel Ángel García-Hernández, 32, was taken off life support after being critically injured.

“Miguel was a good man, a loving father, and the provider for our family,” his wife, Stephany Gauffeny, said. “His death is a senseless tragedy that has left our family shattered.”

First Fatality Reported

The first victim, 37-year-old Norlan Guzmán-Fuentes, was pronounced dead shortly after the attack. Both men were struck when gunfire erupted outside the ICE office last Wednesday morning.

Shooter’s Target Was ICE Agents

Authorities said the gunman, identified as Joshua Jahn, opened fire on the building and an ICE van. Notes recovered after his death indicated he intended to target ICE agents, not detainees. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.

Increased Security Measures

Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson called the incident “tragic irony,” stressing that detainees became unintended victims. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons announced heightened security across all ICE facilities in response.

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

Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in Significant Latino and Hispanic Cultural Moment

Indira Zaldivar
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Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in Significant Latino and Hispanic Cultural Moment

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will perform the halftime show at Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Announcing the news via social media, the musician said, “This is for my people, my culture, and our history.”

A Cultural Statement

The Grammy-winning artist, real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and his anti-immigration policies. He previously adjusted his U.S. tour plans over concerns about immigration enforcement at concerts.

Announcement and Past Performers

The NFL revealed Bad Bunny’s performance during the halftime of a Sept. 28 game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. Kendrick Lamar headlined the 2025 halftime show, featuring Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, Serena Williams, and Mustard. Other recent performers include Usher in 2024 and Rihanna in 2023.

Jay-Z and NFL Selection Process

Since 2019, Jay-Z and his company Roc Nation have helped select Super Bowl halftime performers while guiding league social-justice initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appearance will be his only U.S. date for the “Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour.” Due to the potential risk of ICE arrests outside of his concerts, the musician had previously announced he would not have any tour dates in the U.S.. But, yesterday was a marked an exception for what the artists believes is a significant cultural moment. He will also host the return of “Saturday Night Live” on Oct. 4.

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

Investigation ongoing for Michigan LDS church attack

Indira Zaldivar
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Investigation ongoing for Michigan LDS church attack

Authorities are investigating a deadly assault at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where a gunman killed at least four people and injured eight more on Sunday morning.

Violent Rampage

Police say 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford rammed his truck through the church’s front doors, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building ablaze. He was killed during an exchange of gunfire with responding officers.

Casualties and Damage

Officials confirmed that one victim died on scene from gunfire, another at the hospital, and two others were found dead in the fire’s aftermath. Eight people remain hospitalized—seven in stable condition and one critical. The chapel is considered a total loss.

Investigation Underway

The FBI, with more than 100 agents on site, is leading the probe and treating the incident as “targeted violence.” Detectives are exploring whether the attack was linked to recent threats or the death of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson a day earlier.

Suspect’s Background

Sanford, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2008 and reached the rank of sergeant, had no immediately known ties to the church. Investigators are working to determine a motive.

National Response

President Donald Trump called the shooting “another targeted attack on Christians” and urged prayers for victims. Vice President JD Vance and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed condolences, with Whitmer condemning violence in places of worship and praising first responders.

Stay informed with all the must-know headlines with Que Onda Magazine.

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