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Rubio Visits Israel After Controversial Strike on Qatar

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel to address the ongoing war in Gaza, days after Israel launched an attack on Hamas members in Qatar. The strike, which targeted militants involved in ceasefire talks, has drawn widespread condemnation from international partners, including Qatar, a key US ally.

Before leaving Washington, Rubio acknowledged President Donald Trump was “not happy” about the strike but emphasized the strength of US-Israel ties. “Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next,” he said.

Ceasefire Efforts Complicated

Hamas leaders had been in Doha discussing a US-backed ceasefire proposal when the Israeli strike hit. Qatar has condemned the action as “cowardly” and a violation of international law. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended it as a justified move against those who organized the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused Netanyahu of undermining negotiations, claiming “every time a deal approaches, Netanyahu sabotages it.” Hamas is still holding dozens of Israeli hostages in Gaza, with about 20 believed to be alive.

Escalation in Gaza City

Palestinians move along with efforts to flee war in Gaza. Screenshot Courtesy of Reuters.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have intensified bombardments in Gaza City, destroying residential blocks and ordering civilians to flee south. Local officials say at least 30 buildings have been leveled in recent days. The UN has warned that further escalation in famine-stricken areas will deepen the humanitarian crisis.

Displaced resident Musbah al-Kafarna told Reuters, “The bombardment intensified everywhere and we took down the tents, more than 20 families, we do not know where to go.”

Mounting Civilian Toll

The Hamas-run health ministry reported 68 deaths from Israeli strikes in a single day, with overall fatalities surpassing 64,000 since the war began. It also claims 144 people have died from starvation and malnutrition since famine was confirmed in August. Israel disputes those figures but says it is increasing aid access.

The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages, continues to push Gaza deeper into humanitarian disaster. An emergency Arab-Islamic summit hosted by Qatar on Monday is expected to focus on the fallout from Israel’s strike and next steps toward ceasefire talks.

For more updates on the war in Gaza and the U.S.’s international affairs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

A steamy Sunday, spot shower possible later in the day

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Another warm day on the way as we approach the end of summer, Sunday’s weather will work out fine for any outdoor plans, just make sure to stay hydrated and seek out some shade whenever you can.

To go along with high temperatures in the low 90s, there is a small, 20% chance for spotty showers in the afternoon and evening.

What’s the weather for the Texans home opener for Monday Night Football?

Get ready to swarm NRG Park and Stadium with beautiful sunny, summery weather! Be sure to stay hydrated through because temperatures Monday afternoon will be in the mid 90s. Don’t forget the sunscreen too with a mostly sunny to partly cloudy sky for tailgates. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. where temperatures will be in the low 90s at the start of the game and fall into the mid 80s by the fourth quarter.

Are there any decent rain chances over the next 10 days?

Not any really good chances. A heat ridge settling in over Texas will squash our rain chances to 20% or less every day. By the end of next week, high temperatures could also make a run for the upper 90s. Some computer models are showing a hint at a pattern change that could bring better rain chances and slightly cooler weather at the start of fall (Sept 22nd), but it’s far from set in stone at this point.

When does fall begin?

The autumnal equinox is on Monday, September 22, marking the end of astronomical summer and the beginning of astronomical fall. That’s also our next chance at a cool-down.

What is happening in the tropics?

There is a high chance for tropical development in the eastern Atlantic over the next 7 days, and there are signs that things could take an active turn the last 10 days of this month. 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.

California Lawmakers Approve Bill Banning Police Face Masks

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Legislative Action

California lawmakers have passed a bill that would bar most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while conducting official duties. The measure, approved Thursday in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, comes in response to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Scope of the Bill

The legislation prohibits ski masks, neck gaiters, and similar coverings for state, local, and federal officers operating in California. Exceptions are made for undercover work, medical-grade masks such as N95 respirators, and tactical gear used in specific situations.

Governor’s Decision Pending

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has criticized masked raids in the past, has about a month to decide whether to sign the bill into law. His office declined to comment, noting it does not typically address pending legislation. Newsom has previously questioned whether the state has authority over federal agents, even as he has opposed the use of masks.

Supporters’ Argument

Backers say the law is needed to restore public trust and prevent fear during immigration operations. Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, vice chair of the Latino caucus, argued that masked agents create confusion and terror. “Imagine the absolute fear of being pulled over at gunpoint by a group of masked individuals,” he said.

Legal scholars have also weighed in. UC Berkeley constitutional law expert Erwin Chemerinsky wrote that while states cannot directly regulate federal agencies, federal officers must still follow state laws unless compliance significantly interferes with their duties.

Opposition View

Republican lawmakers and law enforcement agencies contend the ban would make officers more vulnerable. “Bad guys wear masks because they don’t want to get caught. Good guys wear masks because they don’t want to get killed,” said state Sen. Kelly Seyarto.

National Context

California is the first state legislature to approve such a measure, though similar proposals have been introduced in Congress and several other states. The debate reflects broader tensions over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, where officials defend mask use as a safety measure for agents and their families.

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

New Mexico Becomes First State to Guarantee Universal Child Care

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Policy Details

Starting Nov. 1, New Mexico will provide free universal child care to all families, making it the first state in the nation to do so. The policy removes income eligibility limits and family copayments, saving families an estimated $12,000 per child each year.

Governor’s Statement

“This is about family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexico’s future prosperity,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”

Background

The program fulfills a pledge made in 2019, when New Mexico created the Early Childhood Education and Care Department. Since then, the state has gradually expanded free child care to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level.

Preparing for Demand

To meet anticipated growth, New Mexico is investing in facility expansion and renovation through a low-interest loan fund.

National Context

While several states have expanded early childhood education, New Mexico is the first to guarantee universal child care. Advocates suggest it could serve as a blueprint for others, as polls show that most Americans view child care costs as a major issue and favor government action to address it.

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

Ellen DeGeneres Sued Over 2023 Car Crash in California

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Ellen DeGeneres is facing a negligence lawsuit after being accused of causing a car collision in California last year.

According to court documents filed in Santa Barbara County, a woman alleges that on Oct. 16, 2023, DeGeneres, 67, failed to stop at a stop sign and “t-boned” her vehicle at a four-way intersection.

The plaintiff claims she had come to a complete stop, checked for oncoming traffic, and proceeded through the intersection when DeGeneres “suddenly and without any warning” struck her car. She says the crash left her with “multiple serious personal injuries,” medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. She is seeking unspecified damages.

DeGeneres’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The former talk show host ended her long-running daytime program in 2022 following workplace misconduct allegations and later embarked on a final U.S. comedy tour. That same year, she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, purchased a home in England’s Cotswolds. The couple made the move permanent in late 2024, a decision DeGeneres recently said was influenced by Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

“We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis,” she said in July. “I was like, ‘He got in.’ And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.’”

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

Houston Weather: Here’s what to expect for your weekend

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HOUSTON, Texas (KHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — If you like it hot and humid, you’re going to love Houston’s weather for the remainder of astronomical summer! For everyone else, you could be waiting for weeks to get another taste of fall like we had earlier this week.

What’s in store for the weekend?

For Saturday and Sunday we expect highs in the mid 90s. We can’t rule out a stray shower either day, but we have rain chances at 10% Saturday and 20% on Sunday, so most of us will stay dry. Ozone pollution could also reach unhealthy levels in some Houston area neighborhoods.

Are there any decent rain chances over the next 10 days?

Not really. A heat ridge settling in over Texas will squash our rain chances to less than 20% every day. By the end of next week, high temperatures will also make a run for the upper 90s.

When does fall begin?

The autumnal equinox is on Monday, September 22, marking the end of astronomical summer and the beginning of astronomical fall. The atmosphere doesn’t look like it will play along, with summer-like heat continuing past the equinox.

What is happening in the tropics?

There is a medium chance for tropical development in the far eastern Atlantic over the next 7 days, and there are signs that things could take an active turn the last 10 days of this month. 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.

Nicolas Cage Tackles Jesus Horror in The Carpenter’s Son

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What if Jesus’ early years looked less like a Sunday school story and more like a nightmare? That’s the premise of The Carpenter’s Son, a French-American horror film that dares to twist one of history’s most sacred figures into something truly terrifying. Nicolas Cage stars as Joseph, the weary father trying to shield his family in Roman Egypt while his young son’s divine powers grow darker by the day.

A Family on the Edge

Cage is joined by FKA Twigs as Mary and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) as the Boy — Jesus himself. But this is not the gentle child of nativity plays. Here, the Son lashes out with unearthly force, rebelling against his earthly guardians in ways that blur the line between miracle and menace.

Inspired by Forbidden Scripture

The story draws from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, a text long rejected from the Bible for its unsettling tales of a child savior who blinds his foes, strikes playmates dead, and breathes life into clay birds. It’s the kind of material tailor-made for a genre-bending horror vision.

A Controversial Creation

Even before release, The Carpenter’s Son has sparked outrage online, with some calling it blasphemous. Magnolia Pictures embraces the controversy, marketing the R-rated film as a spectacle packed with bloody violence, brief nudity, and “shocks at every turn.”

Cage Versus the Bees

Adding to the legend, Cage endured a swarm of bees during filming in a Greek cave — a moment that feels ripped from both biblical plagues and his infamous Wicker Man meltdown.

Coming This Fall

Slated for release later this year, The Carpenter’s Son promises to push boundaries — a chilling vision where faith, fear, and folklore collide on screen.

For all things pop-culture, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Venezuela Accuses US of Fabricating Pretext for War

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Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López accused the Trump administration on Tuesday of running a disinformation campaign to justify possible military intervention in Venezuela. In a statement shared on social media, he said Washington was spreading false reports of U.S. aircraft near Venezuelan islands as part of “psychological operations and cognitive warfare.”

Comparison to Vietnam

López drew a parallel to the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident, which the U.S. used to escalate its war in Vietnam. He alleged that American forces could even damage their own aircraft to “manufacture an incident” and then blame Caracas.

Direct Accusations

The minister named U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone as orchestrators of what he called “bellicose actions.” He insisted Venezuela remains pacifist but warned that its armed forces stand ready to defend “territorial integrity with firmness and serenity.”

Rising Tensions

The accusations follow a deadly U.S. military strike earlier this month in the southern Caribbean that left 11 people dead. Washington said the target was a drug-smuggling vessel, but President Nicolás Maduro labeled it “an act of murder.”

Venezuela’s Military Response

On Sunday, López announced the deployment of 25,000 troops, naval units, and drones to secure border regions and waterways used by traffickers. The U.S., meanwhile, has reinforced its presence by sending 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, framing the mission as a counternarcotics effort.

Maximum Alert

López concluded that Venezuela’s armed forces remain “on maximum alert” and would act in unity with civilians to defend sovereignty and independence.

For more on U.S. international affairs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Pledges National Guard for Memphis

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President Donald Trump announced Friday he will send National Guard troops to Memphis, calling the city “deeply troubled” despite official data showing crime has dropped significantly this year. Speaking on Fox & Friends, he compared the plan to his controversial deployment of troops in Washington, D.C.

Federal Force on the Table

Trump said the Memphis crackdown could involve “the military, too” if necessary, in addition to the Guard and federal agents. He claimed Tennessee’s Republican governor and Democratic mayor both support the move, though their offices did not respond to requests for comment.

Crime Numbers Tell a Different Story

According to Memphis city data, crime reports are down 44% in 2025 compared to the same period last year. Homicides have fallen nearly 30%, with 182 recorded so far compared to 261 at this point in 2024.

Political Overtones

Critics note Trump has largely targeted cities with Democratic mayors when floating federal crackdowns. In Washington, D.C., where Guard troops remain on extended orders, the local attorney general has sued to end what he called a “military occupation.”

Expanding Threats

Trump has also repeated threats to send troops into Chicago, sparking pushback from Illinois leaders.

“I want to help people, not hurt them,” Gov. JB Pritzker wrote, accusing Trump of treating cities like battlegrounds. Still, Trump insisted, “I can fix Chicago … we’ll do what we have to do.”

For more on Trump’s continued use of the National Guard amid legal challenges, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Uncle Remembers Slain Ukrainian Refugee

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The uncle of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed on Charlotte’s Blue Lynx Line on Aug. 22, spoke out in an interview with Good Morning America. He described her as “the glue of the family,” saying she “didn’t deserve” the violence that ended her life.

A New Life Cut Short

Zarutska fled Ukraine in 2022 after living in a bomb shelter. She arrived in the U.S. with her mother and siblings, quickly finding work at a sandwich shop and assisted living home. At the time of her death, she was employed at a pizzeria and studying English at a community college. She dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant.

The Night of the Attack

According to an affidavit obtained by ABC News, Zarutska texted her boyfriend that she was on her way home before boarding the train. Minutes later, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed her three times in an unprovoked attack. Zarutska was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family and Community Grief

Her uncle said the family was devastated after watching the attack on video, calling it “just absolutely terrible.” Loved ones rushed to the station when she didn’t come home, only to discover she had been killed. He added that her father, still in Kyiv, watched her burial via FaceTime and remains “heartbroken.”

Suspect’s Background and Charges

Brown, who has a lengthy criminal record and a history of mental illness, was arrested the same night. Federal prosecutors have charged him with committing an act causing death on a mass transportation system, a crime eligible for the death penalty. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 19.

Call for Change

The Charlotte Area Transit System confirmed there was no security on board the train at the time. Zarutska’s uncle urged leaders to act, saying, “Our country has to change on how we deal with these situations.” He also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support since her death.

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