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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
