La Porte Emergency Management declared the end of a shelter-in-place for residents on Monday, subsequent to an emergency arising from a chemical leak at the nearby ALTIVIA Chemical Complex. The incident involved a process upset at the complex, resulting in the release of phosgene, a colorless gas with a suffocating odor reminiscent of musty hay. Emergency responders are currently engaged in fence line monitoring to ensure safety.
Promptly following the incident, an alert from the city advised residents south of Fairmont, between Bay Area and S. 16th Street, to immediately seek shelter in place. Affected individuals were urged to proceed to the nearest building, close all doors and windows, and turn off heating or cooling systems. The shelter-in-place order, implemented for safety measures, was lifted at 1:16 p.m.
Phosgene exposure can lead to various health issues, including eye irritation, dry burning throat, vomiting, coughing, foamy sputum, breathing difficulties, chest pain, and frostbite when in liquid form, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Workers exposed to phosgene may face potential harm.
Despite the concerns, mobile monitoring is in place, and Harris County Pollution Control has affirmed that the air quality remains safe. ALTIVIA Chemical Complex, established in 1986 as a water treatment chemical producer, specializes in phosgene derivative intermediates and operates the third-largest merchant production facility of phenol, acetone, and alpha-methyl styrene (AMS) in the Americas, as per information available on the company’s website.
Anya Taylor-Joy protagoniza el primer tráiler de “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”.
Ella interpreta al personaje principal Furiosa en la historia del origen del guerrero renegado, un papel que anteriormente interpretó Charlize Theron en “Mad Max: Fury Road” de 2015.
Chris Hemsworth interpreta a un villano en la precuela dirigida por George Miller.
“Mad Max: Fury Road” fue protagonizada por Theron y Tom Hardy como Mad Max. Reemplazó a Mel Gibson, quien había protagonizado tres películas de “Mad Max”.
Después de terminar la filmación el año pasado, Taylor-Joy dijo que hacer “Furiosa” fue una experiencia que le cambió la vida.
“Me tomará dos años completos antes de que se estrene la película para siquiera comenzar a procesar lo que dejé hace 12 días”, le dijo a The Hollywood Reporter en ese momento. “Realmente sentí que crecí mucho, pero sí, es salvaje. Es absolutamente único”.
Spotify despedirá a alrededor de 1.500 empleados para reducir costos en una tercera ronda de recortes de empleo este año, dijo el lunes el director ejecutivo Daniel Ek al anunciar un cambio de estrategia “significativo” para la empresa de transmisión de música.
“El crecimiento económico se ha desacelerado dramáticamente y el capital se ha encarecido. Spotify no es una excepción a estas realidades”, escribió Ek en una carta al personal publicada en el sitio web de la empresa.
Los cambios de Spotify apuntan a hacer que la compañía sea más eficiente, devolviéndola a sus raíces iniciales después de que una ola masiva de contrataciones y gastos la ayudó a ganar decenas de millones de suscriptores, pero no la hizo consistentemente rentable.
Ek dijo que la empresa había debatido hacer recortes de empleos más pequeños el próximo año y en 2025. “Sin embargo, considerando la brecha entre nuestro objetivo financiero y nuestros costos operativos actuales, decidí que una acción sustancial para ajustar el tamaño de nuestros costos era la mejor opción para lograr nuestros objetivos”, añadió.
“Para ser franco, muchas personas inteligentes, talentosas y trabajadoras nos dejarán”.
Ek dijo que las reuniones individuales con el personal afectado se llevarían a cabo antes del final del día martes. Los empleados recibirán una media de cinco meses de indemnización por despido.
Spotify (SPOT), que emplea a más de 9.000 personas, despidió a más de 500 empleados en enero, uniéndose a una serie de empresas tecnológicas -entre ellas Microsoft (MSFT) y Amazon (AMZN)- que recortaban personal a medida que la economía global se desaceleraba. Y en junio, Spotify eliminó 200 empleados de su unidad de podcasting.
Las principales empresas de tecnología se lanzaron a contrataciones durante la pandemia de Covid-19 para mantenerse al día con el aumento de la demanda por parte de hogares y empresas de servicios como compras en línea y videoconferencias. Pero desde entonces, la inflación y el aumento de las tasas de interés han pesado sobre el gasto de los consumidores, han reducido la oferta de financiación de deuda y de capital y la han hecho más costosa, lo que ha llevado a muchos de ellos a anunciar profundos recortes de empleos.
This summer saw a troubling incident as one air traffic controller arrived at work intoxicated, joking about “making big money buzzed.” Another regularly smoked marijuana during breaks, and a third employee not only threatened violence but also physically pushed a colleague responsible for directing airplanes. While these examples are extreme, they highlight significant vulnerabilities in a crucial layer of the nation’s esteemed aviation safety system.
Over the past two years, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hotline received numerous complaints from air traffic controllers and others, detailing issues such as hazardous staffing shortages, mental health concerns, and deteriorating infrastructure, some plagued by infestations of bugs and black mold. Reports included instances of controllers sleeping on duty and employees working while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The New York Times obtained summaries of these complaints through an open-records request.
Air traffic controllers, entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding thousands of lives, constitute the last line of defense against potential crashes. Despite the high stakes and intense pressure inherent in their roles, many controllers find themselves working in less-than-ideal conditions. A nationwide staffing shortage, fueled by factors such as ongoing employee turnover and budget constraints, has compelled controllers to endure six-day workweeks and 10-hour days.
This scenario has resulted in a fatigued, distracted, and demoralized workforce, increasingly susceptible to errors, according to an investigative report by The Times. The findings stem from interviews with over 70 current and former air traffic controllers, pilots, federal officials, as well as extensive reviews of federal safety reports and internal FAA records obtained by The Times.
While the U.S. airspace remains exceptionally safe, potentially dangerous close calls have been occurring multiple times a week this year, as reported by The Times in August. Some controllers express concerns that a catastrophic crash is becoming inevitable.
In the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, there were 503 categorized “significant” air traffic control lapses, a 65% increase from the previous year, according to internal agency reports reviewed by The Times. This occurred despite a 4% increase in air traffic during the same period.
The NASA-maintained database of aviation safety issues contains instances of controllers making mistakes due to exhaustion. One controller in Jacksonville, Fla., instructed an airliner to turn into the path of another, attributing the error to being overworked and fatigued. Another controller in Southern California told a plane to fly too low, citing extreme tiredness after working continuous overtime.
The combination of six-day workweeks and round-the-clock schedules has led to physical and mental health problems for many controllers. Some avoid seeking professional help to protect their medical clearances, necessary for their work. Others resort to sleeping pills or alcohol to cope, while some choose to resign or retire.
The FAA estimates that more than 1,400 controllers, about 10% of the workforce, will depart in the current fiscal year. Jeannie Shiffer, an FAA spokeswoman, defended the agency’s safety record but acknowledged the need for more air traffic controllers, expressing that a growing workforce would result in better working conditions and increased flexibility.
Since the Reagan administration replaced thousands of striking controllers, the FAA has struggled to keep pace with retirements. The situation worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic when training for new controllers slowed down. For the current fiscal year, the FAA sought $117 million to train controllers and hire 1,800 new ones. However, the agency faces challenges in training, with many aspiring controllers failing to qualify. A November report by the National Airspace System Safety Review Team, appointed by the agency, suggested that the FAA’s hiring plan would have only a negligible improvement over current understaffed levels by 2032, with a net increase of fewer than 200 controllers.
The College Football Playoff landscape is finalized, marking an unprecedented moment as an undefeated Power Five team finds itself excluded from the postseason for the first time.
In a surprising turn of events, one-loss teams Texas and Alabama leapfrogged undefeated Florida State, who, despite clinching the ACC title on Saturday night with a 13-0 record, failed to secure a spot in the coveted four-team playoff. Texas claimed the No. 3 spot after triumphing over Oklahoma State for the Big 12 title, while Alabama surged from No. 8 to No. 4 following their victory over former No. 1 Georgia in the SEC title clash.
Undefeated Michigan (13-0) secures the top seed and is set to face Alabama in the Rose Bowl, while undefeated Washington (13-0) is slated to take on Texas in the Sugar Bowl. The inclusion of both the Wolverines and the Huskies was widely anticipated.
Florida State experienced a drop from No. 4 to No. 5 after a 16-6 victory over Louisville. The Seminoles grappled with the absence of star quarterback Jordan Travis, sidelined by a season-ending left leg injury sustained in Week 12 against North Alabama, impacting their offensive performance in games against Florida and Louisville.
devastated. heartbroken. In so much disbelief rn, I wish my leg broke earlier in the season so y’all could see this team is much more than the quarterback. I thought results matter. 13-0 and this roster matches up across any team in those top 4 rankings. I am so sorry. Go Noles!
Committee chairman Boo Corrigan explicitly attributed Florida State’s exclusion to Travis’ injury, emphasizing the committee’s ability to consider injuries when determining playoff selections. Travis responded publicly, expressing contemplation on whether his injury should have occurred earlier in the season.
Georgia (12-1) witnessed a significant fall from No. 1 to No. 6 in the rankings following their loss to Alabama, marking the first instance where a team ranked No. 1 in the penultimate rankings dropped out of the top four in the final rankings.
Michigan claimed the top seed with a commanding 26-0 triumph over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game, complementing their earlier home victory against Ohio State. The Wolverines, scoring wins against three ranked opponents in the final four weeks, maintained an impressive average point differential of over 25 points per game, securing their third consecutive playoff appearance.
Washington clinched the No. 2 seed after a hard-fought 34-31 win over Oregon in the Pac-12 title game. Despite entering as 10-point underdogs, the Huskies dominated with a 20-3 lead before securing victory with a strong fourth quarter. While Washington boasts four wins against top-25 teams, their margin of victory is notably smaller than Michigan’s, with seven one-possession victories this season.
Texas (12-1) earned their playoff spot with significant wins in the past two weeks, notably a 10-point victory over Alabama in Tuscaloosa in Week 2. Meanwhile, Alabama (12-1) sparked chaos in the College Football Playoff by securing a first-half lead and maintaining control against the previously undefeated Bulldogs.
The exclusion of an undefeated Power Five team from the playoff for the first time set the stage for a heated debate between Texas, Alabama, and Florida State. Despite Florida State’s defensive prowess, limiting opponents to just 21 points in the last two games, the committee evidently deemed them less formidable without the injured Travis, favoring the offensive strength of Alabama and Texas.
The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered Texas to remove its border buoys from the Rio Grande, marking another legal setback for Governor Greg Abbott in the ongoing border policy clash with the Biden administration.
In a 2-1 decision, the conservative appeals court upheld a preliminary injunction issued by a lower court in September. The appeals court had previously stayed the injunction while reviewing the case.
Amid escalating migrant crossings, the border buoys have been a contentious issue between the Biden administration and Governor Abbott, who implemented the measure as part of his border security initiative to deter migrants.
The Justice Department, in its lawsuit filed in July, contended that the buoys were installed unlawfully, emphasizing that any construction in US water required permission from the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Abbott argued that Texas had the constitutional authority to install the buoys, citing them as a necessary self-defense measure.
In Friday’s order, the 5th Circuit determined that the lower court had not abused its discretion in issuing the preliminary injunction. The court considered the potential threats to navigation, federal government operations on the Rio Grande, and the risk to human life posed by the barriers.
Circuit Judge Don Willett dissented, asserting that the lower court had erred in issuing the injunction. He argued that the segment of the Rio Grande where the buoys were installed was not navigable, making the administration’s case less likely to succeed.
Following the decision, Abbott expressed his intent to seek an immediate rehearing and suggested the possibility of taking the case to the Supreme Court to protect Texas from what he referred to as “Biden’s open borders.”
This ruling comes on the heels of another legal defeat for Texas in its border dispute with the Biden administration. On Thursday, a federal judge ruled in favor of the federal government after Texas sought to compel border patrol agents to stop cutting razor wire installed by the state. Texas alleged that federal agents were destroying state property to enable migrants to enter the US. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has appealed the order.
In an unconventional early-season move, the Houston Astros are set to engage in the annual Mexico City Series against the Colorado Rockies in 2024. For those seeking an extraordinary international baseball experience, MLB and Sports Marketing USA have joined forces to present enticing three-night travel packages.
These exclusive packages encompass accommodation options at two hotels, along with tickets to both games scheduled for April 27 and 28 at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City. The cost varies based on the chosen hotel, with the most affordable rate starting just below $1,800 per person for a set of four tickets. Detailed information about the travel packages is available at https://sportsmarketingusa.com/2024-mexico-city-series.
If the package price seems steep, there’s still an alternative. MLB recently announced that single-game tickets for the Mexico City Series will go on sale on Tuesday, Dec. 5, although specific pricing details have not been disclosed.
Attendees at the Mexico City games could witness a high-scoring spectacle reminiscent of last year’s series. In April, the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants combined for 27 runs in the series opener, possibly influenced by the significant altitude of 7,349 feet, well exceeding a mile high. Unless there are substantial changes to the baseballs used in Mexico City, fans can anticipate powerful performances from players like Yordan Alvarez and company.
The showdown with the Rockies in a different country is just one highlight on the Astros’ early-season agenda for 2024. The season kicks off with a home series against Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees. For a comprehensive list of must-watch games throughout the Astros’ 2024 campaign, refer to this link.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has declared the temporary closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry in response to a surge in migrant crossings in the region.
Effective from Monday, December 4, the closure impacts both pedestrian and vehicle crossings. Federal officials state that this measure is essential to redirect personnel to support the U.S. Border Patrol in apprehending migrants. The duration of the closure remains uncertain, forcing travelers from Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, to take a considerably longer detour through Nogales or San Luis, resulting in an estimated delay of two to four hours.
The agency issued a statement, noting, “In response to increased levels of migrant encounters at the Southwest Border, fueled by smugglers peddling disinformation to prey on vulnerable individuals, CBP is surging all available resources to expeditiously and safely process migrants. CBP will continue to prioritize our border security mission as necessary in response to this evolving situation.” Lukeville is situated in the Border Patrol’s Tucson sector, which recorded the highest activity among the nine sectors along the U.S.-Mexico border in October.
“As we respond with additional resources and apply consequences for unlawful entry, the migration trends shift as well,” CBP explained. “We continue to adjust our operational plans to maximize enforcement efforts against those noncitizens who do not use lawful pathways or processes such as CBP One™ and those without a legal basis to remain in the United States.”
On Monday, Arizona’s Family reported extended delays at the border crossing as CBP officials redirected officers from the checkpoint to border enforcement. Reports from KOLD, Arizona’s Family affiliate in southern Arizona, revealed a breach in the border fence in Lukeville, enabling numerous migrants unauthorized entry into the United States.
Justin Winburn, Watch Commander for the San Luis Port of Entry, emphasized the challenging situation at the border, stating, “Our resources are not infinite. When we get asked to do something more, maybe outside of our scope, it means taking people off the line to go support that.”
Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported CBP’s closure of one of two bridges to vehicles in Eagle Pass, Texas, a town of approximately 30,000 people that, for a period last year, experienced the highest traffic for illegal crossings. Although arrests for illegal crossing decreased in October, September marked the second-highest month on record.
Texas football clinched the Big 12 Championship for the first time since 2009 with a commanding 49-21 victory over Oklahoma State at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The No. 7 Longhorns (12-1, 8-1 Big 12) showcased their dominance, solidifying their position for a potential College Football Playoff berth.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered an outstanding performance against the Cowboys, setting a Big 12 Championship record with 452 yards on 35 completions, accompanied by four touchdowns and one interception. Ewers’ four touchdowns matched the Big 12 title game record, earning him the title of Most Outstanding Player in the Big 12 Championship.
Texas established a commanding 35-14 lead by halftime and strategically managed the second half, executing long drives to control the clock. The Longhorns dominated with 662 total yards compared to Oklahoma State’s 281, maintaining possession for over 40 minutes. The team collectively rushed for 198 yards and three touchdowns, with Keilan Robinson leading the charge with eight carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
As Texas awaits its fate, the team hopes to secure its inaugural College Football Playoff spot in program history. The outcome hinges on the results of the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC matchups throughout the day. Alabama and Georgia are strong contenders, Michigan could strengthen its case with a win, and an undefeated ACC champion Florida State could present a compelling argument with a victory over Louisville.
Despite an ongoing disagreement among city officials over funding, construction workers initiated the groundbreaking for a $2.6 billion transformation of Terminal B at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport this week. The ceremony, held at the North Concourse of Terminal C on Thursday, drew a crowd of several hundred people. Mayor Sylvester Turner addressed the audience, emphasizing the economic and reputational advantages the expansion would bring to Houston, a host city for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Turner highlighted the projected creation of nearly 3,000 jobs and asserted that the enhanced domestic terminal, once completed, would elevate Houston’s standing as a premier destination. The mayor linked the project’s completion to the timing of the World Cup, foreseeing additional opportunities for economic development. The plan, subject to final approval from the city council, entails the construction of 40 new gates to accommodate the expansion of United Airlines’ fleet, with a focus on accommodating Airbus’ A321neo aircraft.
United Airlines Chief Operating Officer Toby Enqvist underscored the significance of the new gates, specifically designed for the A321neo, United’s latest addition. The ambitious project also features two major concessions hubs, boasting over 115,000 square feet of food and retail space, a modernized baggage handling system with tracking technology, and an expanded curbside check-in area.
The official launch of the project follows City Controller Chris Brown’s recent refusal to approve a memorandum of agreement between the City of Houston and United Airlines for the next phase of renovations on Terminal B. Mayor Turner contested Brown’s decision, questioning the rationale behind it when the funds were available. Turner sought clarification from the city attorney to ensure the controller’s actions were within the scope of his office. Brown has yet to certify the allocation of city funds for the project, stating that he will withhold certification until an updated feasibility study of the $600 million investment is presented.
