M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller “Trap” is showing in theaters. Que Onda Magazine brings you a brief summary of what you can expect from the movie without spoilers.
Slow-Paced Plot Gives More Focus to a Stellar Performer than the Murderer in the Film
A dad named Cooper (Josh Hartnett) takes his teenage daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a pop concert by Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan). Quickly, the dad starts showing concern about a high presence of cops, even the FBI, both inside and outside the concert venue packed with around 20,000 concert goers.
Viewers’ first clue that something sinister is underwraps is when Coopers starts to reveal polarizing sides of his character which the actor does a stellar job of managing.
Eventually, even his daughter notices her dad is acting “weird” when her dad finds poorly-thought excuses to leave the concert after Cooper and viewers learn that the concert is a trap to capture the serial killer dubbed “The Butcher.”
More than half of the film is spent at the concert, which really pulls attention away from the suspense to showcase the music talent of M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter Saleka, who confessed to iHeart Radio that her fictional character was performing live.
Too few “horror” scenes
What called my attention to watch the movie, was the “horror” label given to the film. However, the film fell short in delivering horror, with only two horrific scenes.
Some solutions are oversimplified
The way certain problems were resolved seemed oversimplified for this day and age’s security, picturing the villain as a mastermind when in reality, the credit is due to plot holes.
Women Power in Surprise Character Developments
Towards the latter half, the film starts to pick up pace when one of the woman characters takes more of a lead role, even saving the day thanks to modern-technology and influence. The film features women in leadership roles, which is a trend viewers like me appreciate.
Conclusion
While the film came short in horror and mystery dulled by a slow plot, it features multi-faceted characters that make it worth the watch.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday indicated that the central bank would soon begin cutting interest rates.
Speaking at an annual gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Powell said the “time has come” for the Fed to adjust its interest rate policy. The announcement comes after a years-long effort to fight inflation with highly elevated interest rates.
At previous meetings, Powell emphasized that the Fed needed to be confident that inflation had begun moving sustainably downward to its target rate of 2% before instituting rate cuts. On Friday, Powell appeared to indicate that the Fed had achieved that objective, stating, “My confidence has grown that inflation is on a sustainable path down to 2%.”
While price increases have slowed significantly from a peak of more than 9%, inflation remains nearly a percentage point higher than the Fed’s target rate of 2%.
In recent months, the labor market has slowed alongside cooling inflation. This trend was highlighted last month by a weaker-than-expected jobs report that raised concerns among some economists that the U.S. may be headed toward a recession.
The Fed is guided by a dual mandate to keep inflation under control and maximize employment. In theory, low interest rates help stimulate economic activity and boost employment, while high interest rates slow economic performance and ease inflation.
Recent economic developments have shifted the Fed’s focus away from controlling inflation and toward ensuring a healthy labor market, Powell noted. The unemployment rate has ticked up this year from 3.7% to 4.3%. “A cooldown in the labor market is unmistakable,” Powell said.
According to the CME FedWatch Tool, a measure of market sentiment, the chances of an interest rate cut at the Fed’s next meeting in September are all but certain. Market observers are divided over whether the Fed will impose its typical cut of a quarter of a percentage point or opt for a larger half-point cut. The tool indicates a roughly 60% chance of a quarter-point cut and a 40% chance of a half-point cut.
“Powell has rung the bell for the start of the cutting cycle,” Seema Shah, chief global strategist at investment firm Principal Asset Management, told ABC News in a statement. “Make no mistake, if the labor market shows signs of further cooling, the Fed will cut with conviction.”
Wall Street rallied in early trading on Friday following Powell’s remarks. Each of the major stock indexes climbed more than half a percentage point on the news.
The Japanese superstar blasted a two-out grand slam in the ninth inning for his 40th homer after earlier stealing his 40th base, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Ohtani achieved the feat in his 126th game and the team’s 129th, the quickest in major league history, and became the sixth player ever to reach 40 homers and 40 stolen bases in a season. He’s also the first Dodgers player to do so.
“It’s really more about the winning,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “Obviously, the record is part of the process, but I think the most important thing is about winning the game.”
Ohtani broke the previous mark set by Alfonso Soriano, who reached 40-40 in Game 148 for the Washington Nationals in 2006.
“It’s just storybook — 40-40 on the same night,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I don’t know if that’s ever been done, and then he wins it with a grand slam. He’s definitely known for the dramatics, and this was something I’ll remember for a long time.”
Ohtani’s 389-foot shot snapped a 3-3 tie. Rays center fielder Jose Siri gave chase, and the ball bounced back onto the field. He then threw it into the stands, so Ohtani didn’t end up with the keepsake, according to Ohtani’s interpreter Will Ireton.
Dodgers starter Bobby Miller was in the clubhouse watching on television when Ohtani made history.
“I kind of called that one,” Miller said. “I was like, how cool would this be just to get that 40-40 on a walk-off grand slam? He’s a really special player.”
Ohtani took a curtain call as the crowd of 45,556 stood and cheered. Teammates Miguel Rojas and Teoscar Hernández soaked him with water on the field.
“It means a tremendous amount for me to be able to do this in front of the home crowd,” Ohtani said.
Ohtani joins Soriano, Ronald Acuna Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, and Jose Canseco in the 40-40 club. Acuna became a member last season when he belted 41 homers and stole 73 bases.
After never making the postseason in his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani finds himself in a pennant race with the NL West-leading Dodgers.
“The number one goal is to get to the postseason and win the World Series,” he said. “Whatever the outcome is for my record, that’s part of the process.”
In the fourth inning, Ohtani reached on an infield single leading off against Tyler Alexander and stole second during Freddie Freeman’s at-bat.
His 12 stolen bases in August without being caught are the most in a month by a Dodger since Rafael Furcal’s 12 for 12 in September and October 2007.
“I know that he’s taking very good care of his legs to be able to do it and be that dynamic player,” Roberts said. “He’s doing his homework on opposing pitchers and he’s getting great jumps. He’s a much better base stealer. He’s very efficient.”
Roberts noted that earlier in the season, and going back to when the Dodgers faced the Angels, Ohtani was tentative on the basepaths and his stolen base percentage wasn’t high.
“He’s an elite base stealer with a high success rate,” the manager said. “I’m sure there’ll be more dramatics to come.”
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge leads the majors with 49 homers. He’s favored to win AL MVP honors, with Ohtani predicted to do the same in the NL.
“I just don’t see anyone any better. Obviously, Judge is in the conversation, but man, I’d take Shohei,” Roberts said.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A mother who was busted in April alongside her daughter for allegedly giving illegal butt injections is facing new charges in Montgomery County.
Consuelo Dal Bo, 57, voluntarily surrendered Friday morning after law enforcement issued a warrant for her arrest.
She was charged Tuesday with two counts of practicing medicine without a license causing physical harm, stemming from incidents in 2021 and 2022 at her home in Montgomery County, court records said.
In April, ONLY ABC13 was there when Consuelo Dal Bo and her 19-year-old daughter, Isabella Dal Bo, were arrested following an undercover sting involving the Houston Police Department, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. The mother-daughter duo arrived at a home in Cypress thinking they were meeting a client who wanted butt injections and would pay $6,000. Instead, they found out they were dealing with undercover officers. Neither is a licensed professional.
Consuelo Dal Bo was charged in Harris County with delivery of a controlled substance. Police said she gave an undercover officer an anti-anxiety drug during the sting. Her daughter was charged with practicing medicine without a license.
Since the arrests, ABC13 has heard horror stories from women who say they have suffered complications from work Consuelo Dal Bo performed on them. One is now listed as a victim in the Montgomery County charges.
“The side of my butt would get really, really red and sore to touch. I’m pretty sure it was infected,” one woman, who asked to remain anonymous, told ABC13 in April. “I regret going to her, yes.”
According to the new charges, the woman told police that Consuelo Dal Bo said she was licensed and had a clinic where she worked but that sometimes she did injections at her home because it was “cheaper.”
Consuelo Dal Bo’s attorney, Paul Morgan, said in a statement, “Ms. Consuelo Dal Bo maintains her innocence. We look forward to facing these charges in court.”
Consuelo Dal Bo stood before a judge on Friday morning, wearing a pink jail jumpsuit. Her bond was set at $50,000 for each charge.
States like Texas with near-total abortion bans are dealing with more parents abandoning their children for several reasons like desperation and a lack of information.
Texas’ safe haven law, or the Baby Moses law, allows a parent to leave a baby less than 60 days old safe and unharmed at a hospital, fire station, or EMS station.
They must notify an employee that the child needs a safe haven.
Though this type of law exists nationwide, Kipley said parents still need more support.
The National Safe Haven Alliance has helped save more than 4,800 babies since 1999. Their hotline for immediate assistance is 1-888-510-BABY(2229).
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — If you wanted rain and missed out on Friday’s showers, we have some good news for you! Next week brings multiple chances for rain with daily odds between 40%-60% as low pressure disturbance and tropical moisture arrive.
Today isolated showers will be possible in our coastal counties, but the rest of Southeast Texas should be mostly sunny, hot, and dry. Temperatures will climb into the upper 90s with heat indices peaking around 105 degrees.
Sunday’s forecast is very similar to Saturday’s, but we do have a low pressure disturbance moving across the northern Gulf to push up the moisture levels late Sunday. The rain chance is still only 20%, but it will climb higher after the weekend.
How high do rain chances go next week?
Right now, we have the chance of rain climbing to 40% on Monday and 60% on Tuesday and Wednesday. Decent daily rain chances will continue through Labor Day weekend, so every day you’ll get to play the rain lottery with high temperatures closer to 90.
Does this mean we are done with triple-digit heat?
Probably! We cannot yet 100% rule out another 100-degree day in September, but it appears unlikely at this time.
Is there any chance for tropical development over the Gulf next week?
While it’s not impossible, it’s a very low chance. The low pressure disturbance sitting over us early next week will reduce wind shear over the tropical wave coming into the Gulf. This type of pattern in the past has led to unexpected tropical development missed by our computer models. Given we are in peak hurricane season, we’ll surely keep an eye on it for you, but we are not expecting development at this time.
What else are you tracking in the tropics?
Aside from the disturbance in the Gulf early next week, we are also monitoring tropical waves about to emerge from Africa that could spin up ahead of Labor Day weekend somewhere over the Atlantic or Caribbean. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for the latest on what’s happening in the tropics.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A city council meeting left some members stunned at what they heard from the teachers’ union and parents just days after school started.
A week after a Marshall Middle School student died, Houston city council members held a hearing on HISD. During the meeting, the student’s death took center stage.
“This was something that never should have happened,” Houston Federation of Teachers chief of staff Corina Ortiz said.
A week ago, HISD said the student suffered a medical emergency. On Thursday, Houston Federation of Teachers leaders told the council the nurse tried to use an AED, but it wouldn’t work.
“If that life safety equipment is not being checked, is out of service, that’s unacceptable, and children’s safety always comes first,” Houston City Councilmember Abbie Kamin said.
That wasn’t the only issue discussed during Thursday’s labor committee hearing. For nearly an hour, the teachers’ union presented their concerns using a PowerPoint that showed students using cones as hall passes, webcams in classrooms making teachers feel like they’re constantly monitored, and statistics of new teacher hires.
“Almost half of your teaching workforce has never been a teacher,” Ortiz explained. “They don’t know anything about teaching. That’s going to be a problem.”
“Honestly, shocked and concerned,” Kamin said. “We know a lot that we read from the news, but it’s different to hear the firsthand account.”
Parents shared concerns about the air conditioning in classrooms and frustration over the cones as hall passes.
“I feel like it makes kids embarrassed to go to the bathroom,” parent Teisha Mayes explained.
Council members say the meeting’s purpose was to hear those concerns and gather resources to pass along to parents. The council doesn’t oversee HISD.
Recently, volunteers cleaned up Marshall Middle School. Instead, the union suggested the city could crack down on the district if it does not maintain upkeep.
“I know that in the grand scheme of things, tall grass isn’t the most serious of things, but it’s indicative of the lack of operations, the lack of planning, and the lack of staffing, and just incompetence,” Houston Federation of Teachers digital organizer Jessi Heiner said.
Earlier this summer, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles met with the city council. Lawmakers said Thursday’s hearing was an opportunity to hear the other side.
Eyewitness News reached out to HISD about concerns Thursday afternoon after the hearing ended. We’ll let you know when we receive a response.
Battleship Texas had been drydocked since August 2022. During that time, crews replaced over 700 tons of steel, painted the hull, and performe…Show more
The move is for the next step in its restoration process.
Since 2022, nearly 300,000 man-hours have been spent replacing 700 tons of steel, painting the hull, and restoring and replacing anti-aircraft guns, among other repairs.
The Battleship Texas returned to the water just six months ago. Officials said spectator boats and pedestrians will not be allowed at the site or in the water.
The iconic ship served in both WWI and WWII and was called the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site home for over 70 years.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Traffic is slow for drivers on the I-69 Eastex Freeway on Friday morning after a deadly crash involving a heavy truck left the freeway shut down for hours near Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Houston Transtar first reported the crash just after 5 a.m. in the northbound lanes before FM-525/Aldine Bender Road.
All northbound lanes have been closed since, causing major delays for drivers on their morning commute.
SkyEye flew over the scene, where a white sedan appeared to be T-boned by a large truck. Authorities confirmed that at least one person died in the crash.
Drivers can take Homestead or the Hardy Toll Road as an alternate route.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks on stage to speak during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
CHICAGO — Vice President Kamala Harris called on Americans to join her in “charting a new way forward” as she accepted the Democratic nomination on Thursday. She argued that her personal story and prosecutorial background make her uniquely qualified to protect their interests and defeat Republican Donald Trump.
Taking the stage to a thunderous standing ovation at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Harris sought to introduce herself to the American public and outline her vision for leading the nation over the next four years.
“Our nation, with this election, has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past,” Harris said. “A chance to chart a new way forward—not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans.”
READ ALSO | DNC attendees tell ABC News what they hope to hear from Kamala Harris’ speech.
Harris acknowledged the magnitude of the last month and the incredible turn of events that put her on the United Center stage tonight.
“America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected. But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys,” she said.
She made the case for unity and addressed climate change in the nation’s politics.
“With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a new way forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans,” Harris reiterated.
LIVE UPDATES | DNC 2024 Day 4: Kamala Harris accepts her party’s nomination on the final night of the convention.
The daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, Harris became the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to accept a major party’s presidential nomination. If elected, she would become the first female U.S. president.
Harris spoke about being raised primarily by her mother after her parents divorced, in a small apartment in San Francisco’s East Bay. She was also raised by friends and caregivers who were “family by love.” She detailed a key part of her political origin story when Wanda, her best friend from high school, confided in her that she was being abused by her stepfather and came to live with Harris’ family.
As she took the stage, she saw a sea of female delegates and Democratic supporters wearing white—the color of women’s suffrage, a movement that culminated in American women securing the right to vote in 1920.
Harris made a direct appeal to anti-Trump Republicans to put aside party labels and support her over Trump, who denied his loss to Biden in the 2020 election, which inspired the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
The prosecutor in Harris surfaced during the speech when, in referring to Donald Trump, she mentioned “his explicit intent” to free those who assaulted law enforcement officers at the Capitol, jail political opponents, and use the military against American citizens.
“Consider what he intends to do if we give him power again,” she added.
In her speech, Harris emphasized her role as a unifier.
“I will be a President who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads and listens. Who is realistic, practical, and has common sense. And always fights for the American people. From the courthouse to the White House, that has been my life’s work,” Harris said.
She promised that rebuilding the middle class would be the defining goal of her presidency, offering a message of hope.
“I see an America where we hold fast to the fearless belief that built our nation. That inspired the world. That here, in this country, anything is possible. Nothing is out of reach,” she said.
What time does Kamala Harris speak tonight and the rest of the DNC Night 4 speaker schedule? The DNC has run late every night so far, but if previous night programming is a guide, the hope will be for Harris to take the stage in the latter half of the 9 p.m. hour, CT.
This is the full DNC night four speaker schedule (all times Central):
5:30 PM
Call to Order: Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee
Gavel In: Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar
Invocation: Everett Kelly, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees, and Imam Muhammad Abdul-Aleem, Masjidullah Mosque, West Oak Lane, PA
Presentation of Colors: Illinois State Police Honor Guard
Pledge of Allegiance: Luna Maring, 6th Grader from Oakland, California
Welcome Remarks: Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar
Joint Remarks: Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association, and Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers
Remarks: California Senator Alex Padilla
6:00 PM
Remarks: Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge
Remarks: California Rep. Ted W. Lieu
Remarks: Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin
Remarks: U.S. House Democratic Whip Rep. Katherine Clark
Remarks: Assistant Democratic House Leader Rep. Joe Neguse
Remarks: Durham, N.C. Mayor Leonardo Williams
Remarks: Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
Remarks: Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey
Remarks: Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren
Remarks: “Project 2025-Chapter Four: Making America Weaker and Less Secure” by Colorado Rep. Jason Crow
Remarks: Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Remarks: New York Rep. Pat Ryan
Remarks: Reverend Al Sharpton
Joint Remarks from representatives of “the Central Park Five”: New York City Councilman Dr. Yusef Salaam, activist Korey Wise, activist Raymond Santana, activist Kevin Richardson
7:00 PM
Joint Remarks: Amy Resner, Former prosecutor and friend of Vice President Harris, Karrie Delaney, Director of Federal Affairs at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, National Urban League President Marc H. Morial, former Corinthian College student Nathan Hornes, and former New York State Assistant Attorney General Tristan Snell
Remarks: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey
Remarks: Courtney Baldwin, youth organizer and human trafficking survivor
Remarks: U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland
Remarks: John Russell, content creator
Remarks: Florida Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost
Remarks: Texas Rep. Colin Allred
Joint Remarks on “A New American Chapter”: Anya Cook, Florida, Craig Sicknick, New Jersey, Gail DeVore, Colorado, Juanny Romero, Nevada, and Eric, Christian, and Carter Fitts, North Carolina
8:00 PM
National Anthem: The Chicks
Host Introduction: Kerry Washington
Joint Remarks: Meena Harris, Ella Emhoff, Helena Hudlin
Remarks: D.L. Hughley
Remarks: Genesee County, Mich. Sheriff Chris Swanson
A Conversation on Gun Violence: Georgia Rep. Lucy McBath, joined by Abbey Clements of Newton, Connecticut, Kim Rubio of Uvalde, Texas, Melody McFadden of Charleston, South Carolina, and Edgar Vilchez of Chicago, Illinois
Remarks: Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
Performance: P!NK
Remarks: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly
Remarks: Former Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta
Remarks: Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego
Remarks: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
9:00 PM
Remarks: Eva Longoria, American actress and film producer
Remarks: Former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger
Remarks: Maya Harris
Remarks: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper
Remarks: Vice President Kamala Harris
Singer Pink rehearsed with her daughter Willow Thursday afternoon at the United Center for her performance tonight. ABC7 Chicago’s r… Show more And a number of performance mic checks and Oprah Winfrey’s surprise appearance Wednesday night have fueled speculation about whether there may be another surprise guest tonight.
In the end, there was not.
Buzz after Gov. Tim Walz’s speech carries into the 2nd day.
Wednesday night, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’s choice for running mate, thanked the packed Chicago arena for “bringing the joy” to the election.
“We’re all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason: We love this country,” Walz said, as thousands of delegates hoisted vertical placards reading “Coach Walz” in red, white, and blue.
“He’s relatable, and he’s down to earth, so I think he’s going to win over a number of people because he really cares. He’s the right person for this position at this time,” said Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson.
Senator Dick Durbin was struck by Walz’s personal story of his family’s struggle with having children, and the reaction that followed.
“They flashed to his kids. You might have taken a look at it, and there was one moment—it couldn’t have lasted more than two seconds—when his son, Gus, stood up and pointed at him and said, ‘That’s my dad’,” Durbin said.
Party leaders are excited about the Harris-Walz ticket, but they know that with the election predicted to be close, the expected DNC bump can only be the kickoff to November.
“We need to turn out here at home, and we need to work with our neighbors in Michigan and Wisconsin to deliver those swing states, because winning takes more than voting,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
“I mean, we need to keep this energy up. We need to make sure we’re keeping it up all the way through November. You can tell there’s been a new jolt in the party. You can see it. There’s a sense of
