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Amazon and Walmart Slash Jobs as AI Threatens Millions of U.S. Workers

Indira Zaldivar
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Amazon and Walmart Slash Jobs as AI Threatens Millions of U.S. Workers

Amazon and Walmart, the nation’s two largest private employers, are signaling a major shift in workforce strategy. After years of rapid hiring to expand their market share—Amazon with over 1.6 million employees in 2021 and Walmart planning 150 new stores last year—both companies are now cutting jobs or keeping headcount steady as AI transforms how work gets done.

Amazon announced 14,000 corporate layoffs this week, even as its sales grew 13% in the latest quarter to $180 billion. Walmart, meanwhile, plans to maintain its 2.1 million-strong workforce over the next three years, using AI to evolve employee roles.

AI and Workforce Transformation

Executives across corporate America are presenting workforce freezes or reductions as a sign of efficiency and innovation, often citing AI as the driving force. Google offered voluntary buyouts as it restructures around AI, while JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Nestlé also announced slowed hiring or job cuts in the wake of automation.

Analysts note that investor pressure encourages companies to highlight AI adoption. Still, some economists caution that economic conditions, not just AI, are prompting layoffs and hiring pauses.

Amazon’s Strategy and Culture Shift

Amazon, historically aggressive about technology and automation, is reducing its workforce to simplify management layers and streamline operations. CEO Andy Jassy emphasized that the 14,000 cuts were not financially or AI-driven but part of creating a leaner, faster-moving organization. The company will still hire 250,000 workers for the holiday season and expand robotic automation to reduce physical strain and create higher-skilled roles.

Walmart’s AI-Focused Workforce Plans

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has stressed adapting employee roles through AI training and upskilling, aiming to keep total headcount stable while transforming job functions. “Our goal is to create the opportunity for everybody to make it to the other side,” he said.

The Broader AI Impact

Research from Stanford University highlights early signs of job transformation, particularly in entry-level roles exposed to AI. Experts emphasize that AI’s real value lies in enabling new capabilities rather than just cutting costs, suggesting a gradual but transformative shift in how companies operate.

Executives are navigating this balance—talking up AI-driven efficiency while managing economic pressures—as they prepare for longer-term changes in the workplace.

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

Trump Urges End to Senate Filibuster Amid Historic Shutdown

Edward Saenz
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Trump Urges End to Senate Filibuster Amid Historic Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown threatens to become the longest in U.S. history, President Donald Trump is calling on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster—a long-standing Senate rule—to break the political deadlock on Capitol Hill.

Trump posted overnight on his social media platform, “It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD,’ and go for what is called the Nuclear Option—Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!”

With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, ending the filibuster would allow them to pass a funding bill without Democratic support. The shutdown has already left millions of Americans facing the loss of SNAP benefits and higher health insurance premiums as Affordable Care Act open enrollment begins.

Understanding the Filibuster

The filibuster allows any senator to delay or block legislation by prolonging debate. It takes 60 votes to end discussion and move to a final vote, where a simple majority is then needed for passage.

The rule dates back to the 19th century, with the modern version established in 1917 under Rule 22, which created the “cloture” mechanism to end debate. While it empowers the minority party, it often frustrates the majority’s ability to advance legislation.

Both Trump and former President Joe Biden have previously pushed for changing or ending the filibuster to advance their respective agendas.

The ‘Nuclear Option’ Explained

The Senate has partially weakened the filibuster before. Under President Obama, the threshold for confirming most judicial and executive nominees was reduced to a simple majority. Republicans extended that change to Supreme Court nominations during Trump’s first term.

These exceptions are known as “going nuclear,” a term reflecting their dramatic impact on Senate tradition.

However, both parties have resisted abolishing the filibuster entirely, fearing political retaliation when control of the Senate shifts. Senate Majority Leader John Thune reaffirmed his opposition, saying his “position on the importance of the legislative filibuster is unchanged.”

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

Houston Food Bank Offers Food Relief Amid Government Shutdown

Michael Esparza
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Houston Food Bank Offers Food Relief Amid Government Shutdown

HOUSTON, Texas — As the federal government shutdown continues, the Houston Food Bank is stepping in to help families struggling with delayed paychecks and SNAP benefits.

Thousands Affected by Shutdown

The organization estimates that thousands across its 18-county service area are being impacted, including more than 50,000 federal employees who missed their first paycheck on Oct. 24. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission confirmed that SNAP benefits scheduled for release starting Nov. 1 may be delayed or canceled.

Special Distribution at NRG Stadium

To ease the strain, the Houston Food Bank is hosting a special food distribution event at NRG Stadium on Saturday. Families are required to register online before attending, but registration has closed. Therefore, the Houston Food Bank features a map of other food aids in the area for interested residents.

Additional Relief Events Across Southeast Texas

Beyond the NRG event, the food bank is also organizing other distribution events throughout southeast Texas. Residents can find event details, including dates and locations, on the Houston Food Bank website or by calling 2-1-1 to locate a nearby partner site.

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

Boo-tiful weather for trick-or-treating, shower chances return late Saturday

ABC13 Houston
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Boo-tiful weather for trick-or-treating, shower chances return late Saturday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A fast-moving upper air disturbance will bring a wave of showers into our part of Texas Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening, but by Sunday we will begin a new streak of sunny days.

Sunshine will warm temperatures into the 70s this afternoon, but clouds will increase after sunrise as the disturbance approaches. The disturbance will be starved of moisture until it gets closer to the coast, so the highest rain chances will be south of I-10. Scattered showers will initially develop, and some of those will blossom into thunderstorms. The air aloft is incredibly cold, so wherever lightning does develop, there could also be some small hail falling down given that cold and unstable upper atmosphere. This rainy disturbance should clear out before sunrise Sunday, making for a sunny, dry, and pleasant second half to the weekend. Temperatures both days will feature lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s.

Is the time change still happening this weekend?

It sure is. On Saturday the sun will rise at 7:35 a.m. and set at 6:34 p.m. Then after the clocks fall back one hour early Sunday morning, the sun will rise at 6:36 a.m. and set at 5:33 p.m. Many of us will be driving home in the dark Monday!

What’s in store for next week?

The weather looks great! We’ll have a sunny sky, cool mornings, and mild afternoons through Election Day. Then moisture returns Wednesday and beyond to bring lows up into the 60s and highs into the 80s for the rest of the week, but overall it should still feel pretty nice.

What is happening in the tropics?

Now that Melissa has moved on, there are no tropical developments expected in the Atlantic Basin over the next 7 days. 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!

UN Condemns US Airstrikes on Drug Trafficking Boats

Michael Esparza
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UN Condemns US Airstrikes on Drug Trafficking Boats

The United Nations accused the United States of violating international human rights law with airstrikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Over 60 people have reportedly died in the strikes, according to U.S. officials.

Human Rights Concerns

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called the attacks “unacceptable” and urged the U.S. to halt them immediately. He emphasized that lethal force is only lawful as a last resort against individuals posing an imminent threat to life, and said publicly available information does not show such a threat from those targeted.

Latest Strikes and U.S. Defense

Since September, President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have authorized over a dozen strikes, claiming they target narcotics and terrorist operations. The most recent attack in the Eastern Pacific killed six people. Hegseth described the vessels as “operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization” and transporting illicit drugs along known trafficking routes.

U.S. Pushback

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly defended the strikes, stating that President Trump acted to protect national security and combat drug cartels. She dismissed the U.N.’s criticism as unfairly siding with criminal groups.

Calls for Legal Accountability

The U.N. urged the U.S. to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute individuals accused of crimes under due process and fair trial standards. A U.N. spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani, said the mounting human cost of the strikes is unacceptable and called for measures to prevent further extrajudicial killings.

For more world news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Federal Judge Blocks SNAP Benefit Cuts Amid Shutdown

Edward Saenz
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Federal Judge Blocks SNAP Benefit Cuts Amid Shutdown

A federal judge in Rhode Island blocked the Trump administration from halting SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans during the government shutdown. The ruling, issued Friday by Judge Jack McConnell, required the administration to pay food stamp benefits out of emergency funds “as soon as possible,” just one day before the planned cutoff.

Irreparable Harm Cited by the Court

McConnell emphasized the urgent impact, saying, “There is no doubt… that irreparable harm will begin to occur if it hasn’t already occurred in the terror it has caused some people about the availability of funding for food for their family.” Plaintiffs argued the administration’s planned suspension was “arbitrary and capricious,” creating a crisis for families reliant on SNAP.

Administration Argues Lack of Funds

A Justice Department lawyer contended that SNAP could not continue due to the absence of congressionally appropriated funds, asserting the program no longer legally exists during the shutdown. McConnell countered that contingency funds set aside by Congress should be used to maintain at least some benefits.

Legal Pressure from Multiple Courts

Minutes earlier, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston, overseeing a similar lawsuit, indicated that the plaintiffs — a coalition of states — were likely to prove the suspension unlawful. She has given the administration until Monday to confirm whether reduced SNAP benefits will be authorized for November.

Response from Plaintiffs and Lawmakers

Plaintiffs, including cities, nonprofits, unions, and businesses, called the ruling a “lifeline for millions of families, seniors, and veterans.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s attempt to cut benefits, calling it “vindictive and heartless” and highlighting that no prior president had stopped SNAP during a shutdown.

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

Celebrate Día de los Muertos Across Greater Houston

Indira Zaldivar
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Celebrate Día de los Muertos Across Greater Houston

Honor loved ones who have passed at Día de los Muertos events across the city, featuring ofrendas, live performances, artisan markets, and family-friendly activities. From November 1–2, Houston communities embrace the rich tradition of remembering ancestors through altars decorated with favorite foods, photos, and memorabilia.

25th Annual Día de Muertos Festival at MECA

Celebrating its silver anniversary, the 25th Annual Día de Muertos Festival at MECA in the Old Sixth Ward is a vibrant celebration of art, community, and culture. The free festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days and is one of Houston’s longest-standing Day of the Dead events.

Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival at Sam Houston Park

Downtown Houston hosts the 5th Annual Houston Día de los Muertos Parade & Festival on Saturday, November 2. This free celebration features a vibrant parade, live music, arts and crafts, concessions, and community activities from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., making it a must-see centerpiece of the city’s festivities.

Blanket Bingo at Market Square Park

Kick off the festivities Thursday evening with Blanket Bingo at Market Square Park. Enjoy nine rounds of music, prizes, and community fun while honoring loved ones at a special ofrenda display open through Monday, November 3. Bingo packs are $10, and the event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Family Movie Night: Coco at Trebly Park

On Halloween night, bring the whole family to Trebly Park for a free outdoor screening of Pixar’s Coco (PG, 2017). Pre-movie activities include meet-and-greets with characters, face painting, popcorn, and candy. Movie starts at 7 p.m., with festivities beginning at 6 p.m.

Una Noche! at Historic Market Square

Also on Halloween, enjoy live mariachi, ballet folklórico, arts workshops, face painting, and community ofrenda photo printing at Market Square Park. The celebration runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is free for all attendees.

Family Day & Artisan Market at Pearl Fincher Museum

On Saturday, the Pearl Fincher Museum in Spring hosts a free Día de los Muertos Family Day and Artisan Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate the tradition with hands-on art activities and shop local vendors while honoring ancestors.

For more things to do in Houston and the latest news from Space City, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Man Found Hanging and Burned Under North Loop Overpass Identified

Edward Saenz
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Man Found Hanging and Burned Under North Loop Overpass Identified
The Harris County medical examiner’s office has identified the man found hanging and burned beneath a North Loop overpass in northeast Houston as 46-year-old Jeremy Norman Carnes.

Discovery Under I-610 Overpass

Houston police and firefighters responded to the scene at 7600 North Loop East last Thursday after Union Pacific reported a brush fire. When crews arrived, they extinguished the flames and discovered Carnes’ body hanging underneath the middle of the overpass with visible burn injuries.

Investigation Ongoing

“The call originally came through from Union Pacific. They called in a brush fire to the Houston Fire Department, and when they arrived, they saw what they saw—took care of the fire, and of course, unfortunately, the victim is deceased,” said Lt. Khan with the Houston Police Department.

Carnes’ exact cause of death remains under investigation, pending autopsy results from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Foul Play Not Ruled Out

When asked if the incident could have been a suicide, investigators said it “seems very unlikely.” Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

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

Trump Administration Ends Automatic Work Permit Extensions for Immigrants

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Trump Administration Ends Automatic Work Permit Extensions for Immigrants

A new policy from the Trump administration could leave thousands of immigrants at risk of losing their jobs while waiting for work permit renewals.

Policy Shift Eliminates Automatic Extensions

Previously, immigrants were allowed to continue working automatically upon submitting a renewal application for their employment authorization. Under the new rule, effective Thursday, that automatic extension is eliminated. Immigrants must now wait until U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves their renewal before continuing to work.

Delays Could Leave Thousands Jobless

Processing backlogs at USCIS mean approvals can take months, putting many immigrants at risk of unemployment once their permits expire. Although renewal applications can be filed up to six months in advance, approvals often lag well beyond that timeframe.

Experts warn that the change could result in widespread job losses and increased exploitation. “The change will have devastating effects on businesses who will lose valuable employees and on workers who will lose their authorization to support themselves and their families,” said Lucas Guttentag, a Stanford law professor.

Who Is Affected

The new rule applies to asylees, refugees, and spouses of certain visa holders. Those who received an extension before October 30 will not be affected.

Criticism of DHS Justification

The Department of Homeland Security says the change aims to ensure “proper screening and vetting” before extending work authorizations. However, immigration advocates note that renewal applicants have already undergone extensive vetting.

“These are workers that have the legal right to work in this country … they’ve been vetted, they’ve gone through the background checks,” said Victor Narro, Project Director at the UCLA Labor Center.

Broader Immigration Crackdown

Experts view the move as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to create a more hostile environment for immigrants.

“This is another tool in the process of the Trump administration’s effort to get people to self-deport,” Narro added.

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

Boo-tiful weather for trick-or-treating, shower chances return late Saturday

ABC13 Houston
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0
Boo-tiful weather for trick-or-treating, shower chances return late Saturday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s a chilly morning in southeast Texas, with temperatures in the 40s area-wide! The Halloween forecast is no tricks, all treats, with perfect fall weather in place.

If your allergies are going bonkers, it could be due to high levels of ragweed, mold, or elm tree pollen. The front even blew in a little bit of cedar pollen. Achoo!

What’s the forecast for trick-or-treat time?!

It looks nearly ideal with temperatures falling from around 70 at 5 p.m. into the upper 50s by 9 p.m. under a mostly clear sky.

Will the nice weather stick around for the weekend?!

Not exactly. A fast-moving upper air disturbance will bring a wave of showers into our part of Texas Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening. Some of your Saturday evening plans are at risk of getting rained out with the showers and chance for some lightning. If lightning does develop, there could also be some small hail falling down given the cold and unstable upper atmosphere. This rainy disturbance should clear out before sunrise Sunday, making for a sunny, dry, and pleasant second half to the weekend. Temperatures both days will feature lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s.

What is happening in the tropics?

Hurricane Melissa has cleared past Bermuda as it quickly moves toward the colder waters of the North Atlantic. 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!

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