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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.

Houston Weather: Here’s what to expect over the next 10 days

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — If you like it hot and humid, you’re going to love Houston’s weather over the next 10 days! For everyone else, you’ll be waiting for some time to get another taste of fall like we had earlier this week.

We started off warm and muggy Friday… and that’s how we will stay! While it will be a humid day, the moisture levels will drop off from Thursday’s levels, meaning rain chances will be very near zero percent. That means it should be rain-free for the Friday night football games.

Ozone pollution could also pop up to unhealthy levels in some Houston area neighborhoods.

What’s in store for the weekend?

More of the same. For Saturday and Sunday we expect lows in the mid 70s and highs in the mid 90s. We can’t rule out a stray shower either day, but the rain chance is less than 20%. 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.

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.

9/11 Attacks Remembered 24 Years Later

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On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 lives were lost in coordinated terrorist attacks that shook the United States and the world. Today, 24 years later, the nation pauses to reflect on the tragedy, the resilience that followed, and the lasting impact on American life.

Ceremonies Across the Country

Memorial services are taking place in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In New York, bells tolled at the exact times when the Twin Towers were struck and later collapsed. Families of victims read the names of their loved ones, a solemn tradition that has endured for more than two decades.

A Legacy of Unity and Service

In the aftermath of 9/11, Americans came together in displays of unity and service. First responders who risked and sacrificed their lives remain central to the story of that day. Annual volunteer efforts and charitable events continue to honor their bravery and the spirit of resilience shown by communities across the nation.

Challenges and Reflection

The attacks reshaped U.S. foreign policy, heightened security measures, and left lasting scars on survivors and families. As the nation reflects 24 years later, leaders urge Americans to remember not only the loss but also the responsibility to foster unity in a time of division.

Never Forget

From flags at half-staff to moments of silence, the message is clear: September 11 remains a day etched in memory. “Never Forget” continues to serve as a call to honor those who died, support those still impacted, and carry forward the values of resilience and hope.

Inflation Rises in August as Tariffs Bite

Consumer prices rose 2.9% in August compared to a year earlier, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The increase, up from 2.7% in July, comes as President Donald Trump’s tariffs intensify.

Housing and Food Drive Costs

Housing costs rose 0.4% in August, making up the largest share of the overall increase. Food prices climbed 0.5% and energy costs 0.7%. Egg prices held steady for the month but remain 11% higher than a year ago, while coffee surged 20% year-over-year. Overall, prices grew 0.4% from July, the largest monthly gain since December.

Fed Faces Tough Choices

The report arrives days before the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates. While a rate cut could ease pressure on the slowing job market, it risks fueling further inflation. Chair Jerome Powell has warned that tariffs are adding to price pressures, putting policymakers in a bind between fighting inflation and avoiding recession.

Jobs Market Weakens

Hiring slowed significantly in August, according to a recent jobs report. Revisions also showed fewer jobs were added in 2024 and early 2025 than previously reported. Analysts warn the combination of rising inflation and weak hiring could push the economy toward stagflation.

Political Fallout

The inflation data also follows Trump’s dismissal of BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, who he accused of manipulating jobs data. McEntarfer, a Biden appointee with two decades of federal service, called her role “the honor of my life.” Former BLS Commissioner William Beach condemned the firing as “totally groundless” and a threat to the bureau’s independence.

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

Apple’s iPhone 17 & 17 Pro Max: A Bold Redesign With Next-Gen Cameras and All-Day Power

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Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max, setting new benchmarks for performance, design, and camera capabilities in the smartphone world. Both models have received major upgrades that appeal to everyday users and demanding content creators alike, including a more powerful chip, all-new display features, and innovative camera systems for photos and video.

Design and Display

Apple has introduced a dramatic new brushed aluminum unibody design, available in deep blue, cosmic orange, and silver finishes. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is slightly larger and heavier than previous models, featuring a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone 17 sports a 6.3-inch version. Both models benefit from a brighter screen with up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, enhanced anti-reflective coatings, and the debut of Ceramic Shield 2 front and back protection for improved durability. The long-requested ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate has finally come to the base iPhone 17, along with support for Always-On display and LTPO power-saving features.

Performance and Battery

Under the hood, the new A19 and A19 Pro chips drive significant performance gains, offering a six-core CPU, a next-generation Neural Engine for AI tasks, and advanced graphics for mobile gaming and creative work. Apple’s vapor chamber cooling system enables higher sustained performance and contributes to extended battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro Max now boasts the best battery life ever on an iPhone, helped by its larger battery and new internal architecture. Rapid charging is supported via USB-C, with both wireless (MagSafe/Qi2) and wired options.

Camera and Creative Features

The camera systems represent the most significant generational leap, especially on the Pro models. Both feature triple 48MP “Fusion” rear sensors—Main, Ultra Wide, and an all-new Telephoto—that together deliver optical-quality zoom up to 8x on Pro Max. The front-facing camera is also improved, now using an industry-first 18MP sensor with “Center Stage,” making selfies and video calls sharper and more dynamic. Video creators will appreciate new features such as ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, genlock support, and more professional controls for exposure, zoom, and styles.

Practical Upgrades

Other highlights include:

  • Brighter displays and stronger materials for everyday toughness
  • Dual-eSIM functionality (no physical SIM slots), suiting international travelers and security-minded users
  • Refined Action Button and Camera Controls on the chassis, offering shortcuts for the most-used functions
  • Wi-Fi 7, Precision GPS, and the latest 5G modem for high-speed connectivity
  • Expanded storage, ranging from 256GB up to 2TB on Pro Max, for users with demanding needs

Conclusion

In summary, the iPhone 17 series is Apple’s most advanced release yet, with a clear focus on professional creativity, multiplayer gaming, durability, and battery endurance. With its upgrades to display, design, camera, and core performance, both the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max are worth considering for users seeking state-of-the-art technology in a sleek, reliable package. Pre-orders began on September 12, 2025, with wide availability following on September 19