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Former US Diplomat Charged as Cuban Agent for Over 40 Years in Historic Security Breach Case

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Former US Diplomat Charged as Cuban Agent for Over 40 Years in Historic Security Breach Case

A former US diplomat, Victor Manuel Rocha, who served as ambassador to Bolivia, has been charged with acting as an agent for the Cuban government for over four decades. The 73-year-old is accused of aiding Cuba in gathering intelligence against the United States since 1981, referring to the US as “the enemy” and asserting that his clandestine work “strengthened the Revolution,” according to court documents.

Arrested in Miami last Friday after a year-long undercover operation, Rocha’s case is described by Attorney General Merrick Garland as “one of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations” of the US government by a foreign agent. Born in Colombia and raised in New York City, Rocha, who served as ambassador to Bolivia from 1999 to 2002, has degrees from Yale, Harvard, and Georgetown. He held various government positions, including at the National Security Council, during a 25-year career in public service.

The US and Cuba, with a tumultuous relationship since Fidel Castro’s overthrow of a US-backed government over 60 years ago, have faced political challenges. Rocha’s alleged actions occurred amid changing dynamics, including the US trade embargo against Cuba in the 1960s and later efforts by Barack Obama and Raul Castro to normalize relations in 2015.

Court documents reveal that Rocha made multiple trips to Cuba, allegedly advancing Cuban officials’ interests from 1981 to the present. The charges outline an undercover FBI operation, initiated when an agent contacted Rocha via WhatsApp in November 2022, posing as a representative of Cuban Intelligence Services.

During three meetings, Rocha purportedly shared details about his covert activities, expressing pride in his role as a Cuban agent. He used the term “we” to describe Cuba and himself, displaying strong loyalty. Rocha also allegedly referenced being “in charge” during the shooting down of two unarmed planes by Cuba’s intelligence agency in 1996, resulting in four deaths. The former diplomat is additionally accused of providing false information to the US government and making false statements to obtain travel documents.

The US State Department has pledged to collaborate with intelligence agencies to assess any potential long-term national security implications arising from the alleged security breach.

23andMe Confirms Unauthorized Access to 6.9 Million Accounts in Data Breach

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23andMe Confirms Unauthorized Access to 6.9 Million Accounts in Data Breach

23andMe, the ancestry and genetics company, acknowledged on Monday that approximately 14,000 accounts were compromised by “threat actors,” resulting in unauthorized access to the ancestry data of 6.9 million individuals. The breach, first reported by TechCrunch, occurred as hackers exploited reused usernames and passwords obtained from other compromised websites.

While the company initially disclosed the incident in October, the extent of the compromised data was not detailed until now. The accessed information encompasses personal and family details, including DNA-related data such as DNA relatives’ profile information, ancestry reports, and matching DNA segments. Additionally, family tree information, display names, relationship labels, birth years, and self-reported locations were among the compromised data.

In a blog post from October, 23andMe reported the breach but refrained from specifying the extent of the compromised data. The company asserted that it launched an investigation into the matter.

23andMe emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting a breach or data security incident within its systems. The compromised accounts constitute approximately 0.1% of the company’s user base, as indicated in a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

According to the company, 5.5 million users who opted into the “Relatives” feature, connecting individuals with common DNA, were affected by the breach. An additional 1.4 million users had their family tree information accessed during the unauthorized incident.

Texas Senate Passes Bill to Expedite Resolution of Election Challenges Amidst Controversy

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Texas Senate Passes Bill to Expedite Resolution of Election Challenges Amidst Controversy

The Texas Senate approved a bill on December 1 aimed at expediting the resolution of challenges to the results of constitutional amendment elections. Senator Brian Hughes, R-Mineola, introduced Senate Bill 6 in response to multiple lawsuits disputing the outcomes of the November 7 constitutional amendment election, where Texas voters approved 13 amendments. The proposed legislation seeks to address concerns that unresolved election contests could hinder the certification of results by the governor, preventing the implementation of approved amendments.

The lawsuits allege that voting machines in several Texas counties were not properly certified, a requirement by both the Texas Secretary of State and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Senate Bill 6, approved by a 23-1 vote, is now on its way to the Texas House, with uncertainty about whether it will be considered before the conclusion of the ongoing special legislative session on December 6.

Breaking down the key provisions of Senate Bill 6, the proposed legislation significantly tightens deadlines for courts to conduct trials and rule on challenges related to constitutional amendment elections. It stipulates that all trials for such challenges must occur within 50 days after the election, with the court having an additional 5 days to issue a ruling. If rulings are appealed to a court of appeals or the Texas Supreme Court, each court is given 30 days to issue a judgment or opinion. These timelines mirror existing ones for challenges to candidate elections and would apply not only to the November 7 election but also to future constitutional amendment elections.

Senator Hughes clarified that the bill does not intend to curtail Texans’ right to challenge elections. Instead, it aims to prompt expedited resolution by courts to ensure timely appeals. Governor Greg Abbott has not included this issue in the special session agenda, but there is a possibility of its consideration if both chambers pass Senate Bill 6. The governor can choose to sign or veto any bills passed by lawmakers.

Responding to the urgency of the situation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emphasized the need for a swift resolution before the session’s midweek conclusion. However, Senator Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, criticized the lawsuits as recycled allegations and claimed they were based on unfounded claims of election fraud, echoing a broader push for voting restrictions among Texas Republicans.

Katya Ehresman from Common Cause Texas warned against hasty legislative changes, arguing that the lawsuits could be dismissed under existing law. She expressed concern about potential consequences for everyday Texans and urged the legislature not to alter the system prematurely.

As the special legislative session unfolds, it remains uncertain whether the Texas House will vote on Senate Bill 6 before the session’s scheduled conclusion on December 6, as lawmakers left the Capitol on December 1 without taking action on bills. They are set to reconvene next week.

Amazon Eases Holiday Travel Expenses for College Students with $25 Flights

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Amazon Eases Holiday Travel Expenses for College Students with $25 Flights

In a bid to assist college students in reaching home for the holidays affordably, Amazon’s Prime Student is offering one-way or roundtrip flights for just $25 within the 50 United States. The exclusive offer is available from Dec. 5-7, allowing Prime Student members to book departures between Dec. 8-25 and return flights from Dec. 8 through Jan. 14, 2024. To access these discounted flights, individuals must be subscribed to Amazon’s Prime Student membership tier.

For those not yet enrolled, there’s an opportunity to join Prime Student and take advantage of the 50% discount, reducing the monthly fee to $7.49 (originally $14.99). This special offer extends to current students and anyone aged 18 to 24. Alternatively, opting for an annual subscription further slashes the monthly cost to less than $6.

To secure the $25 student flights, Prime Student members can visit the Prime Student x StudentUniverse page starting at 6 a.m. PST on Tuesday, Dec. 5. A limited quantity of 3,000 tickets will be available during Dec. 5-7, with 1,000 tickets released at 6 a.m. PST Dec. 5, another 1,000 at 12 a.m. PST Dec. 6, and the final batch of 1,000 at 12 a.m. PST Dec. 7.

In the event that the initial 3,000 tickets are claimed swiftly, Prime Student members will still enjoy a $25 discount on flights using a StudentUniverse promo code. With such attractive savings on coast-to-coast flights, students are encouraged to seize the opportunity to spend the holidays with family rather than in dorm rooms with takeout meals. Boarding calls are in session, and families can anticipate the return of their loved ones.

KHOU 11 Houston’s Digital Anchor Brandi Smith Bids Farewell After Eight Years

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KHOU 11 Houston’s Digital Anchor Brandi Smith Bids Farewell After Eight Years

KHOU 11 Houston bids farewell to one of its beloved personalities as digital anchor Brandi Smith announces her departure after an impactful eight-year tenure with the CBS affiliate. Taking to social media on Saturday, Smith expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the Houston community, acknowledging the blessings of her 22-year career. Her final sign-off from the channel occurred on Friday, marking the end of a significant chapter at KHOU 11.

Dispelling any notions of stepping away from journalism or leaving Houston, Smith, with over 300,000 TikTok followers, disclosed her future plans. She hinted at a role as a multimedia journalist covering the Rice University community and urged her audience to “stay tuned” for upcoming ventures. Emphasizing her commitment to sharing Houston’s stories, she reassured that her online presence would persist. Smith conveyed her admiration for the city and its compassionate residents, expressing a desire to continue showcasing their incredible deeds.

Smith joined KHOU 11 in February 2017, contributing to the station in various roles, including morning newscast social media anchor, Saturday morning anchor, and reporter. Her national recognition came in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey when she heroically rescued a truck driver on live television, earning her an interview on Ellen.

Reflecting on her decision to part ways with KHOU 11, Smith clarified that despite a supportive management and colleagues, the move felt necessary. She shared that a friend informed her about an opportunity at Rice University, aligning with her passion for journalism and allowing her to continue doing what she loves.

Economists Believe U.S. Economy Can Dodge Recession in 2024 Despite High Interest Rates

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Economists Believe U.S. Economy Can Dodge Recession in 2024 Despite High Interest Rates

A majority of business economists express optimism regarding the U.S. economy’s ability to sidestep a recession in the coming year, even if the job market weakens due to elevated interest rates, reveals a survey published on Monday.

According to the National Association for Business Economics, only 24% of the 38 economists surveyed anticipate a recession in 2024 as more probable than not. Respondents include economists from diverse institutions such as Morgan Stanley, the University of Arkansas, and Nationwide.

These projections suggest a shared belief that the Federal Reserve can execute a delicate balancing act by using high interest rates to curb inflation without stifling overall economic growth.

Ellen Zentner, president of the association and chief U.S. economist at Morgan Stanley, stated, “While most respondents expect an uptick in the unemployment rate going forward, a majority anticipates that the rate will not exceed 5%.”

The Federal Reserve has raised its main interest rate to over 5.25%, the highest level since the early 2000s, up from near zero in the early part of last year. Elevated interest rates typically work to temper inflation by increasing the cost of borrowing and affecting prices for stocks and other investments. However, despite these measures, the job market has remained robust, with the unemployment rate sitting at a low 3.9% in October.

The surveyed economists generally expect inflation to continue slowing in 2024, although reaching the Federal Reserve’s target of 2% may take until the following year.

It’s worth noting that economists are forecasting a slowdown in price increases rather than a reversal, which would be necessary for items like groceries and haircuts to return to pre-2021 inflation levels.

The median forecast among economists suggests a 2.4% increase in the consumer price index in the final three months of 2024 compared to a year earlier. This would be less severe than the over 9% inflation experienced by U.S. households during the summer of 2022.

Opinions among economists vary on when the Federal Reserve might begin cutting interest rates, a move that can alleviate pressure on the economy and act as a stimulus for financial markets. While some economists anticipate the first rate cut in the initial three months of 2024, around a quarter of respondents believe it may not occur until the last three months of the year.

Houston Texans Secure Crucial Win but Suffer Major Setback as Star Wide Receiver Tank Dell Faces Season-Ending Injury

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Houston Texans Secure Crucial Win but Suffer Major Setback as Star Wide Receiver Tank Dell Faces Season-Ending Injury

In a pivotal 22-17 victory over the Denver Broncos, the Houston Texans celebrated a crucial win on Sunday, marking a significant moment in their 2023 season. However, the triumph came at a hefty cost as wide receiver Tank Dell endured a season-ending fibula fracture during the game.

Dell sustained the injury while blocking on a touchdown play executed by running back Dameon Pierce. As Pierce charged into the end zone, Dell’s leg became entangled in a mass of falling offensive and defensive linemen. The wide receiver was subsequently carted off the field and did not return to the match.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud, visibly emotional in the aftermath, addressed Dell’s injury during the postgame press conference. The duo of 2023 rookies had emerged as one of the NFL’s most dynamic partnerships in the first 11 games of the season. Stroud expressed more than just the loss of on-field productivity, emphasizing the personal connection he shared with Dell.

“Tank is very unselfish. To see him go out, the NFL’s tough, dude, it’s tough,” Stroud stated. “To see that happen, it’s cold. I gotta be there for him. More so than anything, like, forget football, Tank as a person, I know it’s going to be tough for him.”

Attempting to inject a positive note into his remarks, Stroud mentioned the possibility of Dell returning to play in the Super Bowl. However, his disappointment was evident. “Trying to be positive about it, but it’s tough. I’m hurting, I can’t sugar coat it.”

Despite Dell’s absence, Stroud and the Texans’ offense compiled 274 passing yards and two touchdowns, with Nico Collins stepping up with nine receptions for 190 yards. Coupled with a strong defensive effort, the Texans are now in a favorable position as a potential playoff team entering the season’s final month. While losing Dell is a significant setback, it may not be a definitive blow to Houston’s postseason aspirations.

Sunday’s injury is a somber note for both Texans fans and football enthusiasts at large, as Dell has been recognized as one of the NFL’s most exciting young wide receivers. His absence will undoubtedly be felt beyond the boundaries of Houston.

Looking ahead, Stroud and the Texans aim to bolster their playoff hopes in the upcoming matchup against the New York Jets in Week 14 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., scheduled for Noon CT.

New Head Coach Willie Fritz Takes Charge at University of Houston, Poised to Transform Program

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New Head Coach Willie Fritz Takes Charge at University of Houston, Poised to Transform Program

Willie Fritz, known for his maximization skills, is set to make an impact at the University of Houston, continuing a trend he has upheld throughout his impressive 30-year career as a college head coach.

In college football, talent often dictates a team’s success, making recruiting a pivotal factor. Fritz recognizes the importance of talent but stands out as a culture-setter who instills confidence in his teams, transforming programs beyond expectations.

Fritz’s transformative coaching style was evident at Blinn College in 1993 when he took over a struggling team that had posted a 5-24-1 record in the previous three seasons. In just two years, Blinn College became back-to-back national junior college champions under Fritz’s leadership, and he was later inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

Before his time at the University of Houston, Fritz laid down cultural roots in the city during his tenure at Blinn. A chance encounter with a player named Milton Jerome Powell Jr., also known as Big Pokey in the Houston rap scene, highlighted Fritz’s connection to the local culture.

Fritz’s coaching journey continued at Central Missouri, where he revived a struggling Division II program, earning its first postseason berth in 32 years. He then took over the Sam Houston Bearkats in 2010, transforming the team from a two-season slump to a 14-1 record in 2011, the highest single-season win total in the program’s history.

Under Fritz, the Bearkats reached back-to-back FCS title games, setting a new standard for success. Fritz’s coaching success continued at Georgia Southern and Tulane, posting impressive records and conference titles.

Now, Fritz brings his proven maximizing abilities to the University of Houston, aiming to elevate the program after a five-year stint under Dana Holgorsen. The Cougars are in need of a transformative figure, and Fritz’s track record suggests he is precisely the coach to lead the way.

El Rey Del Reggaeton Daddy Yankee Se Retira, Esta Ready Para ‘Un Nuevo Comienzo’

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El Rey Del Reggaeton Daddy Yankee Se Retira, Esta Ready Para ‘Un Nuevo Comienzo’

Por Indira Zaldivar

El Rey del Reggaeton Daddy Yankee se retiró de los escenarios desde El Coliseo en San Juan, Puerto Rico culminando su legendaria carrera de 33 años. El pionero del reggaetón llegó a “La Meta” y está ready para su nuevo comienzo.

Fans de todas partes del mundo acompañaron a la primera estrella global del reggaeton en persona y por livestream en su último show de la serie de despedida titulada “La Meta” en su natal Puerto Rico. 

El artista boricua de 46 años, empezó el rumbaton saliendo de un cristal para descender a la tarima cantando los clasicos que soltó desde su comienzo artistico en Villa Kennedy,  “No Te Canses, Mi Funeral” y “Yo Nunca Me Quedo Atrás” mezclados por el DJ pionero Playero. 

“Reciban un fuerte abrazo de nosotros los puertorriqueños que somos tremendos anfitriones,” dijo “el jefe” vistiendo una mudada negra desde su natal Puerto Rico.

Luciendo seis atuendos icónicos, el “Big Boss” brindó un show dinámico e histórico que mantenía la energía en el “choli” prendida por la gasolina de Daddy Yankee, bailarines, instalaciones artísticas en la tarima, y efectos escénicos. Tres videos que mostraban y relataban la historia del “Big Boss,” marcaban las diferentes etapas de su carrera y transiciones durante el show.

El rumbaton empezó sonando los grandes clásicos de la vieja escuela como “Gata Ganster.” Sobre una plataforma colgante, “El Máximo Líder” cumplió su sueño de cantar “Lo Que Paso, Paso” para sentirse en medio del público. 

Luciendo un traje rojo llamativo decorado con su logo de GOAT de plata, nos recordó quién es el “Jefe” del género ejecutando éxitos de su álbum “Barrio Fino” y “El Cartel: The Big Boss” como “Rompe” “Machucando” y “Ella Me Levanto.”

Con una chaqueta colorida, cantó algunos de sus sencillos exitosos como “Shaky Shaky” y  “Que tire Pa Lante.”

El reggaetonero boricua Rauw Alejandro se presentó para cantar las colaboraciones con Daddy Yankee como “Agua” y “Panties y Brassieres.” También Rauw Alejandro le hizo homenaje al “Jefe” cantando sus canciones.

Vestido de dorado y plateado,  presentó “Remix” de su último álbum “Legendaddy,” también “Limbo” y el fenómeno global “Despacito.”

El cantautor puertoriqueno Luis Fonsi y ex Mis Universo Zuleyka Rivera se unieron para ejecutar “Despacito,” una colaboración histórica con Daddy Yankee que se convirtió en el primer video que alcanzó 3 billones de vistas en YouTube. “Despacito” abrió puertas para que canciones en español alcanzarán éxito global sumando 8 billones de vistas y se entrono en el primer lugar por varias semanas en el Billboard Hot 100 en Estados Unidos desde su fecha de lanzamiento.

 Zion & Lennox y el DJ Luian también se sumaron a la lista de estrellas que se subieron a la tarima para despedir a la leyenda del reggaeton durante sus últimas cuatro noches de espectáculo.

Vestido de un traje negro con llamas de fuego, canto “Con Calma,” “Dura,” seguidas por la cancion que “cambio la historia de la música.”

“Esta canción le abrió las puertas al movimiento del reggaeton a nivel mundial,” dijo la leyenda del reggaeton. “Esta canción es la más histórica, las más icónica del reggaeton.” 

 Daddy Yankee culminó su carrera con “Gasolina” sobre una plataforma colgante. 

Luego de muchas palabras de agradecimiento a sus fans y colegas, el rey del reggaeton boto su micrófono.

“Este día para mi es el más importante de mi vida,” dijo DY. “Esta noche reconozco y no me averguenzo en decirlo al mundo entero que Jesús vive en mí y que yo viviré para él.” 

“Se acabó la historia y va a comenzar…un nuevo comienzo,” aseguró Daddy Yankee y se retiró del escenario después de orar. 

“Llegue a la meta.”

Man Suspected of Dallas Quadruple Homicide Takes Own Life During Pursuit

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Man Suspected of Dallas Quadruple Homicide Takes Own Life During Pursuit

The search for the individual suspected of fatally shooting four people in Dallas on Sunday and injuring another came to a tragic conclusion Sunday night when the suspect reportedly took his own life during a pursuit with state troopers near Austin.

The Dallas Police Department responded to a shooting incident in the 9700 block of Royce Drive at around 4:20 p.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of three adults—20-year-old Vanessa De la Cruz, 33-year-old Karina Lopez, and 50-year-old Jose Lopez—along with two injured children, a 15-year-old girl, and 1-year-old Logan De La Cruz. A 13-year-old girl inside the home at the time was unharmed. Unfortunately, the toddler succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while the teenage girl was treated and subsequently released.

The suspect, identified by investigators as 21-year-old Byron Carillo on Sunday, was not linked to the victims or any apparent motive for the slayings. Carillo had an ankle monitor for a 2021 aggravated assault charge, which he reportedly cut off just before or after the shooting. He then stole a vehicle and headed south on Interstate 35 toward Central Texas.

The Texas Department of Public Safety informed state troopers that Carillo might be traveling south on I-35 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, a trooper spotted a matching vehicle and attempted to initiate a stop. Carillo, however, refused to pull over and attempted to flee, ultimately crashing into a ditch near exit 238 in North Austin.

After the crash, Carillo fled on foot behind a business on the southbound access road. It was there that he stopped in a parking lot and reportedly shot himself once in the head. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that Carillo died from the self-inflicted injury.

The Texas Rangers are currently investigating Carillo’s death, according to the Dallas Police Department.

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