Inflation Falls to Lowest Level in Months
U.S. inflation slowed in November, easing after months of rising prices and coming in below economists’ expectations, according to new government data released Thursday.
Consumer prices increased 2.7% compared to a year earlier, down from 3% in September, the most recent month with complete data available.
First Full Inflation Report Since Shutdown
The November report marked the first comprehensive look at inflation in nearly two months after a 43-day government shutdown disrupted data collection. The Bureau of Labor Statistics had previously issued only partial price data for October.
Some Prices Still Rising
Despite the overall slowdown, several everyday items continued to see sharp increases. Coffee prices surged nearly 19% year over year, while beef prices climbed close to 16%.
Egg prices, however, moved sharply in the opposite direction, dropping 13% compared to November 2024.
Economic Warning Signs Persist
The inflation report arrives amid growing signs of economic strain. Hiring slowed notably in November, with employers adding 64,000 jobs, down from 119,000 in September. The unemployment rate also ticked up to 4.6%, its highest level since 2021.
Consumer spending showed weakness as well. Retail sales were flat in October despite the start of the holiday shopping season, according to Census Bureau data.
Federal Reserve Balancing Act
Last week, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point in an effort to support the cooling labor market. The move marked the Fed’s third rate cut this year, bringing rates to a range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said policymakers face a “challenging situation” as they try to balance slowing inflation with signs of weakening employment. The central bank is set to meet again next month, with markets expecting rates to remain unchanged, though a further cut remains possible.
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Israel-Gaza Live Updates: Strikes Continue Amid Fragile Ceasefire
Israel has continued military operations in Gaza and Lebanon as a fragile ceasefire in Gaza largely holds, despite sporadic clashes and airstrikes.
Ceasefire Status in Gaza
The ceasefire in Gaza remains in its first of three proposed phases. While major fighting has paused, intermittent clashes between Israeli forces and Gaza militants have been reported, along with deadly Israeli airstrikes.
Israeli troops inside Gaza have pulled back to what officials describe as the “yellow line.” Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the line now functions as a new border position with the enclave.
Unresolved Issues
Negotiations over the second phase of the ceasefire have not yet been finalized. Israeli officials say the remains of one deceased hostage are still believed to be inside Gaza.
Strikes in Lebanon
Beyond Gaza, Israeli strikes are continuing against alleged Hezbollah targets in southern and eastern Lebanon, signaling ongoing regional tensions despite the ceasefire framework in Gaza.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
Fact Check: Trump Claims Prices Are Falling in Year-End Address
President Donald Trump used his Wednesday night presidential address to argue that his administration has rapidly lowered prices, saying the economy is being brought “back from the brink of ruin.” He compared current costs to those under former President Joe Biden, pointing to gasoline, groceries, airfare and hotels as evidence.
However, the latest available federal data shows a more mixed picture, with some claims exaggerated or lacking clear support.
Gas Prices
Gasoline prices did reach a record high under Biden in June 2022, averaging just over $5 per gallon. The current national average is about $3, representing a significant drop from that peak.
But when comparing prices year over year, the decline is far smaller. According to the most recent Consumer Price Index data, gas prices were down only 0.5% from September 2024 to September 2025.
Airfare
Trump claimed airfares are falling quickly, but federal data does not support that assertion. Airline fares were up 3.2% in September compared to a year earlier, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Hotel Rates and Car Rentals
Hotel room prices have seen a slight decrease, down 0.8% over the past year. Car rental prices also declined, falling 5%, based on BLS figures.
Groceries and Eggs
The president said grocery prices are coming down and claimed egg prices have dropped 82% since March. In reality, the average price for a dozen Grade A eggs fell from a record high of $6.23 in March to $3.49 in September — a decrease of about 43%.
Egg prices were heavily influenced by avian flu outbreaks, which drove earlier spikes.
Meat and Coffee Costs
While some grocery items have eased, others continue to rise. Overall meat prices increased 8.5% over the past year, with beef prices hitting record highs after jumping 14.7%.
Coffee prices were not mentioned in Trump’s address, despite rising nearly 19% over the past year. Analysts note that tariffs, including those targeting Brazil, contributed to higher prices, though the White House recently moved to exempt coffee from those duties.
Bottom Line
While certain prices, such as gas from its historic peak and egg prices from earlier highs, have declined, broader inflation data shows many everyday costs remain elevated or have increased over the past year, complicating the president’s claims of across-the-board price drops.
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Dense Fog Advisory for all of southeast Texas until 9am Thursday
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Dense Fog Advisory for all of southeast Texas until 9am Thursday. As the clouds break, sunshine returns this afternoon and temperatures will warm in the 70s ahead of our next cold front arriving Thursday evening.
How bad will the fog be on my Thursday morning commute?
The fog will be widespread Thursday morning covering most of southeast Texas. You can expect the visibility to fall below 1/2 mile with some places below 1/4 mile. Southwest breezes will blow the fog away by the middle morning hours.
When will we get our next cold front?
Our next cold front arrives late Thursday to bring us a more seasonal day with low humidity and sunshine for Friday. We’ll get one day with a low in the 40s and a high in the 60s before it warms up toward the 80s this weekend.
What’s the early outlook for Christmas week?
We are seeing a strong signal for a very warm weather pattern developing the week of Christmas. In fact, we currently have highs at record levels in the low 80s to kick off Christmas week, and that warm pattern is likely to stick around most if not all of the holiday week.
Are there any more freezes in the forecast?
Not for awhile! We are looking at above average low temperatures all the way through Christmas Day…and beyond. By the time we get to the weekend, low temperatures will be back in the 50s and 60s! We likely have to wait until January for our next chance at a freeze.
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Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
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This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.
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Norovirus Activity Rising in Los Angeles County
Norovirus cases appear to be increasing in Los Angeles, according to wastewater data released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Sampling shows norovirus levels rose 154% in Los Angeles and more than 250% countywide over a 21-day period ending Dec. 11, data reported by ABC News’ KABC.
Health officials say the increase aligns with seasonal patterns, as norovirus outbreaks are more common during cooler months, typically from November through April.
Local Spike Reflects National Trends
The rise in Los Angeles mirrors trends seen across the country. In mid-November, nearly 13% of norovirus tests nationwide were positive, up from about 7% three months earlier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
More recent CDC data suggests national cases may be easing slightly, with about 9.4% of tests returning positive results during the week ending Dec. 6.
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Often called the “stomach bug,” it is not related to influenza.
The virus is responsible for about 58% of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. and causes an estimated 25,000 outbreaks each year, according to the CDC.
Symptoms and Duration
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and non-bloody diarrhea. Some people may also experience fever, headaches and body aches.
Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and typically last one to three days in otherwise healthy adults.
Prevention and Safety Tips
Health experts say thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective way to prevent infection. Hand sanitizer alone is not sufficient against norovirus.
The CDC recommends washing hands after using the restroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food. Local health officials also advise washing produce carefully and fully cooking shellfish, noting that freezing does not kill the virus.
Anyone infected with norovirus should avoid preparing food for others for at least three days after symptoms have ended.
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West Houston daycare worker arrested for dragging, throwing 3-year-old boy, police say
By Luke Jones, ABC13 Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A west Houston daycare employee was arrested on Tuesday after police say she was seen on surveillance video dragging and throwing a 3-year-old boy.
Beneta Wallace, 23, was charged with endangering a child.
Houston police say they were called to Star Kiddos Childcare Center on Barker Cypress on Tuesday, where the boy’s mom informed them of the assault that she said occurred on Monday.
She told Eyewitness News that the video shows a teacher throwing her son into a chair, then dragging him by his shirt down a hallway before throwing him in an office “like a bag of trash.”
Star Kiddos Childcare Center declined to comment or confirm whether Wallace was still employed.
According to an affidavit filed with the court, she’s worked there for four months.
Records show she was released from jail on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.
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High school student dies after being stabbed by a classmate in Baytown, Goose Creek CISD says
By Miya Shay, ABC13 Houston
BAYTOWN, Texas (KTRK) — A Sterling High School student was stabbed to death, and another is in custody after a fight between two students escalated during a science class this morning, Goose Creek ISD officials confirmed.
According to parents and students, the incident happened during science finals for high school juniors. Students said the two young men knew each other and began arguing in class before the situation quickly turned violent.
One student stabbed the other in the neck, according to eyewitnesses.
Parents told ABC13 that students reported seeing “blood everywhere” in the classroom following the altercation. Afterward, students were moved to the auditorium, and the school continued with the remainder of the school day, according to the parents.
Several families described learning about the incident through alarming messages and phone calls.
Samantha Burton, a mother of a student at the school, read aloud texts she received from her son in class: “Two children in his class fought, and one of them stabbed the other, over and over and over,” said Burton, who then rushed over to the school. Her son, though, decided to continue on his day, and she waited outside. “I’m worried about the kids’ mental health,” Burton said.
Windy Snyder, a grandmother of a student, said she learned about the situation from a friend. “I got called and was told the school was on lockdown and that a student had been stabbed,” she said. “I immediately tried calling my granddaughter, and she didn’t answer.”
Snyder says a new law passed by Texas lawmakers this year that bars the use of cell phones during school hours has made it difficult to communicate with students.
The school district released a statement confirming the incident but did not release the names of the students involved. Officials also said classes are expected to continue as scheduled tomorrow.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.
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Trump to Deliver National Address Wednesday Night
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will speak to the nation in a live address from the White House on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Central Time.
President Highlights ‘Great Year’
In a post on his social media platform, Trump described the past year as a success for the country and hinted at more to come. “It has been a great year for our Country, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME!” he wrote, adding that he looked forward to the address.
White House Teases Key Themes
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previewed the speech during remarks to reporters, saying Trump will focus on what she called the administration’s “historic accomplishments” over the past year, as well as plans moving forward.
Policy Outlook Ahead
Leavitt said the president is expected to touch on major issues including border security and the economy. She also suggested Trump may preview new policy initiatives expected to be rolled out in the coming year.
Focus on the Road Ahead
According to the White House, the address will reflect on the administration’s first year of Trump’s second term while setting the tone for priorities over the next three years.
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Warner Bros. Board Urges Shareholders to Reject Paramount Bid
The board of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. has unanimously recommended that shareholders reject a takeover offer from Paramount Skydance, throwing its support behind an earlier bid from Netflix instead.
Board Cites Inadequate Value and High Risk
In a letter to shareholders released Wednesday, board chair Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr. said the Paramount offer failed to deliver sufficient value and would expose shareholders to significant risks and costs. After reviewing the proposal, the board concluded it was not in the company’s best interest.
Netflix Offer Deemed Superior
The board described Netflix’s bid as a “superior” proposal that offers more certain value to shareholders. Paramount’s bid, the board said, fell short by comparison and lacked the financial and strategic certainty provided by Netflix.
Market Reaction
Following the announcement, Warner Bros. Discovery shares dipped about 1.3% in early trading. Netflix stock rose roughly 1.7%, while Paramount shares fell about 2.2%.
Netflix Welcomes Decision
Netflix praised the board’s recommendation, with co-CEO Ted Sarandos calling the talks a competitive process that produced the best outcome for consumers, creators, shareholders and the broader entertainment industry. He said the decision reinforced that Netflix’s agreement is in the best interest of Warner Bros. Discovery stockholders.
Developing Story
The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as shareholders weigh the competing offers.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.