Unassuming luggage with red tag has travelers ‘freaked out’: ‘If you know, you know’

Travel

This will send your anxiety soaring.

A photo of an unassuming suitcase has “freaked out” travelers who are flying over the holidays — and it’s all thanks to a new, fictional movie.

“If I see this at the airport I’m canceling my flight ASAP!!” an X user posted online alongside a photo of a black, hard shell suitcase adorned with a small red ribbon on the handle. “If you know you know.”

The user is alluding to the recently released movie “Carry On,” starring Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton, which follows the story of a criminal attempting to smuggle a dangerous piece of luggage past TSA and aboard a flight.

The movie follows a TSA agent, played by Taron Egerton, who is manipulated by a criminal who wants to smuggle a dangerous carry-on aboard a flight. Sam Lothridge/Netflix © 2024

The carry-on pictured in the viral X post bears an eerie resemblance to the roller bag featured in the film. While some claimed the owner of the luggage “did this on purpose to scare people,” others wouldn’t be taking any chances.

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“I watched this movie three days ago, definitely going to head out,” one person replied online.

“Watched this last night — scrolled past and immediately scrolled back up again because PTSD,” quipped another user.

“See something say something or post something.… if you’re reading this it’s too late for those at the airport,” joked someone else.

If I see this at the airport I’m canceling my flight ASAP!!😂😂😂If you know you know 😂💀 pic.twitter.com/uUiKoZOcKt— Awideee⚔️ (@Loki_Megaa) December 21, 2024

Although the suitcases are not identical, they are extremely similar. One critic, however, suggested that someone tied the red ribbon to their luggage to “scare people.” Courtesy of Netflix

“We low-key all learned how to disarm it,” one viewer reasoned.

One skeptic, however, brushed it off, writing, “People use ribbon all the time to distinguish their luggage from everyone else, be real.”

But perhaps the extra-cautious travelers aren’t so overdramatic after all.

Just days ago, influencer and DJ Xandra Pohl took to TikTok to warn fellow flyers about the dangers of holiday travel after she watched the action thriller flick, too.

“A week and a half ago, I was flying from Miami to DC. I got the airport, I go through TSA, everything’s fine,” she said in a viral clip. “Right before I’m boarding the flight, the lady at the front desk gets on and she’s like, ‘Everyone needs to have their IDs and passports out.’”

“Carry On” also stars Bateman as the malicious actor. Courtesy of Netflix

Before the gate agent scanned boarding passes, there was another person checking for valid identification and to ensure the boarding pass name matched the ID cards or passports, Pohl explained. On the jet bridge, there was another set of security looking at “every single thing in your carry-on,” she said.

After jokingly asking the agent if there was “anything going on” because of the heightened security, she was taken aback by their response.

According to Pohl, the security personnel said, “‘It is the holidays. Be vigilant, don’t travel alone.’”

“He was like, ‘I cannot tell you what is going on, but you need to be on high alert and be very aware of your surroundings,’” she recalled.

The ominous warning comes after record-breaking numbers of people would reportedly be traveling for the holidays.

Unassuming luggage with red tag has travelers ‘freaked out’: ‘If you know, you know’

Travel

This will send your anxiety soaring.

A photo of an unassuming suitcase has “freaked out” travelers who are flying over the holidays — and it’s all thanks to a new, fictional movie.

“If I see this at the airport I’m canceling my flight ASAP!!” an X user posted online alongside a photo of a black, hard shell suitcase adorned with a small red ribbon on the handle. “If you know you know.”

The user is alluding to the recently released movie “Carry On,” starring Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton, which follows the story of a criminal attempting to smuggle a dangerous piece of luggage past TSA and aboard a flight.

The movie follows a TSA agent, played by Taron Egerton, who is manipulated by a criminal who wants to smuggle a dangerous carry-on aboard a flight. Sam Lothridge/Netflix © 2024

The carry-on pictured in the viral X post bears an eerie resemblance to the roller bag featured in the film. While some claimed the owner of the luggage “did this on purpose to scare people,” others wouldn’t be taking any chances.

Explore More

“I watched this movie three days ago, definitely going to head out,” one person replied online.

“Watched this last night — scrolled past and immediately scrolled back up again because PTSD,” quipped another user.

“See something say something or post something.… if you’re reading this it’s too late for those at the airport,” joked someone else.

If I see this at the airport I’m canceling my flight ASAP!!😂😂😂If you know you know 😂💀 pic.twitter.com/uUiKoZOcKt— Awideee⚔️ (@Loki_Megaa) December 21, 2024

Although the suitcases are not identical, they are extremely similar. One critic, however, suggested that someone tied the red ribbon to their luggage to “scare people.” Courtesy of Netflix

“We low-key all learned how to disarm it,” one viewer reasoned.

One skeptic, however, brushed it off, writing, “People use ribbon all the time to distinguish their luggage from everyone else, be real.”

But perhaps the extra-cautious travelers aren’t so overdramatic after all.

Just days ago, influencer and DJ Xandra Pohl took to TikTok to warn fellow flyers about the dangers of holiday travel after she watched the action thriller flick, too.

“A week and a half ago, I was flying from Miami to DC. I got the airport, I go through TSA, everything’s fine,” she said in a viral clip. “Right before I’m boarding the flight, the lady at the front desk gets on and she’s like, ‘Everyone needs to have their IDs and passports out.’”

“Carry On” also stars Bateman as the malicious actor. Courtesy of Netflix

Before the gate agent scanned boarding passes, there was another person checking for valid identification and to ensure the boarding pass name matched the ID cards or passports, Pohl explained. On the jet bridge, there was another set of security looking at “every single thing in your carry-on,” she said.

After jokingly asking the agent if there was “anything going on” because of the heightened security, she was taken aback by their response.

According to Pohl, the security personnel said, “‘It is the holidays. Be vigilant, don’t travel alone.’”

“He was like, ‘I cannot tell you what is going on, but you need to be on high alert and be very aware of your surroundings,’” she recalled.

The ominous warning comes after record-breaking numbers of people would reportedly be traveling for the holidays.

WH Scientists Call For National Effort To Curb Groundwater Depletion

Science and Health

“Even as groundwater levels have rapidly declined in farming regions from California’s Central Valley to the High Plains, the federal government has mostly taken a hands-off approach to the chronic depletion of the nation’s aquifers. But in a new report for the White House, scientists say the country is facing serious and unprecedented groundwater challenges that call for the federal government to play a larger role.Members of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology said the country needs better data to provide a comprehensive picture of how much groundwater there is and how fast it is being depleted. The scientists called for a national effort to advance strategies for safeguarding aquifers, including establishing a federal program that would provide incentives to encourage states and communities to manage underground water supplies sustainably.

“The current rate of groundwater pumping exceeds that of natural recharge,” the council said in the report. “Much of the water in the major aquifers in the U.S. is fossil water, recharged over 10,000 years ago, and will not be replaced naturally in centuries and millennia. In the western U.S. groundwater resources are being depleted at alarming rates, mostly from agricultural withdrawal.””

Ian James reports for the Los Angeles Times December 20, 2024.

Jobs boost hopes for ‘ghost business’ park

Business News

Bryn Cegin business park in Bangor. Photo via Google.
Dale Spridgeon, local democracy reporter
A Welsh Government plan to build four new industrial units on a “ghost” business park could create a jobs boost.
Parc Bryn Cegin is located along the A5 on the outskirts of Bangor.
When it was first mooted in 2000 it was hoped the Llandygai site would attract business and employment.
Millions were raised in investment, but with the recession, the site failed to attract any businesses and lay empty for more than 20 years.

£11 million
More than £11m had been spent on the business park, including the completion of highway and other infrastructure in 2005.
In more recent years, the site has started to attract interest, with planning permission granted for a Bio-CNG gas fuelling facility to serve fleets of specially adapted HGVs, a builders merchant and business units.
The latest application lodged with Cyngor Gwynedd concerns the construction of four new industrial units and associated external landscaping on Plot C3.
Business Units Are Planned For Parc Bryn Cegin In Bangor (Image Cyngor Gwynedd Planning Docs)
The development proposal is for 3,712sqm of employment land with ancillary offices, provided across four buildings, with three of those buildings sub-divided to provide a total of nine units, the plans describe.
The application states that the development on the empty plot could create up to 48 jobs.

Production area
A further description of the proposal states: “Internally, each unit will comprise of a large production area and a small office space with welfare facilities.
“In addition to pedestrian access doors, each unit also includes a roller-shutter goods door.
“Every effort has been made to ensure that the new units will have the capacity to meet the needs of potential tenants for many years to come.”

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India Post abolishes Book Post service, leaves readers, publishers shocked

Arts & Culture, Books

India Post has officially stopped its ‘Book Post’ service in a decision that has shocked book lovers and the publishing industry alike. The service was created to promote education and reading habits. It allowed books to be shipped at very low rates. Sending five kilograms of books cost just Rs 80 – a rate that no courier service could match. India Post’s massive network also ensured quick deliveries with parcels often reaching destinations within a week across the country. Within cities, delivery was sometimes done the next day. While the government provided these low rates to encourage reading, book, magazines, and periodicals all benefited. Also Read: India Post celebrates Mysuru’s ‘hidden heritage’ for World Heritage Day Removed without warning However, reports said that the service was suddenly removed on Wednesday (18 December) without any prior warning. Stakeholders were not consulted. Even postal employees were caught off guard. At midnight, the RBP category vanished from the postal software. Customers were shocked to learn it was no longer available. This decision has hurt the publishing industry. Shipping costs have now surged. Many readers hesitate to pay Rs 78 postage for a Rs 100 book. The move risks damaging India’s already weak reading culture. The cost difference is huge. Sending one kilogram via RBP used to cost Rs 32. Now, it costs Rs 78 under ‘Registered Parcel’. A five-kilogram package that was Rs 80 is now Rs 229. Also Read: Move to etch Covid battle in history through memorial, postal cover 5% tax on sample books The government also introduced a 5 per cent duty on sample books. Foreign publishers often send complimentary translations. These are now taxed for the first time. Industry experts say while taxing commercial book imports may make sense, imposing levy on non-commercial samples seems unfair and counterproductive. Critics say this is another arbitrary decision by the government which puts literacy and education efforts on the backburner.

Honda-Nissan business integration overall credit positive if executed well says Moody’s

Business News

The proposed Honda-Nissan business integration is overall credit positive if executed successfully, said Moody’s Ratings in a comment.“We believe that a larger scale through integration will result in stronger credit quality, particularly for Nissan, which currently has significantly weaker credit metrics than Honda,” said Dean Enjo, VP-Senior Analyst, Moody’s Ratings “Integration would allow the automakers to share research and development (R&D) costs, which will be beneficial for the introduction of new electrified powertrain models in regions such as China,” he said. “Additionally, the integration could help mitigate the potential effects of increased tariffs on imports to the US and enhance product diversification for Nissan, given Honda’s higher-margin motorcycle business,” he added.On the other hand, according to Moody’s execution risk is high, especially for Honda, which has lower margins in its automotive business compared to its motorcycle business. “This gives it less flexibility in absorbing Nissan’s automotive business, which is currently under heavy restructuring and loss-making. The JPY1.1 trillion buyback announced by Honda for its own shares is credit negative for Honda as it will erode its liquidity or credit metrics depending on the amount of cash or debt it uses to fund the buyback,” Mr Enjo said.Both the companies on December 23, 2024 announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for integration of their business. Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors will also join talks for the integration that would create the world’s third largest automobile company. Published – December 24, 2024 07:34 pm IST
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Into 2025: CHIPS and Science Act Investments Year-in-Review

Science and Health

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on Jan. 20, the future of CHIPS and Science Act funding flows remains unclear as the incoming president has recently criticized the law.Nevertheless, as we look back on 2024, the Biden administration has worked hard to finalize key investments under the law – especially with a late flurry of activity in the fourth quarter.
As of late December 2024, the Commerce Department (DoC) had announced the finalization of about $29.3 million of CHIPS and Science Act fundings – not counting numerous other proposed investments that remain subject to final negotiation. If the breakneck pace of deal closings that marked recent months is any indication, look for more definitive agreements to be announced between now and inauguration day.
President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law in August 2022, making up to $52 billion of funding available to incentivize semiconductor makers to establish new manufacturing operations in the United States.
Finalized Investments
DoC announced the finalization of the first major CHIPS award in November, marking a big win for the Biden administration in taking a major funding over the finish line.
The agency awarded TSMC Arizona Corporation up to $6.6 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. TSMC Arizona is a unit of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, which is headquartered in Taiwan and has operations worldwide.
President Biden said the funding will allow TSMC “to build three state-of-the-art facilities in Arizona and create tens of thousands of jobs by the end of the decade.”
Another notable award that the DoC finalized is a $1.5 billion award to GlobalFoundries – the world’s third-largest contract chipmaker. The N.Y.-based company will use the funding to expand semiconductor production in New York and Vermont.
The Commerce Department also announced in late November that it has finalized three separate awards for Intel Corp., BAE Systems Electronic Systems, and Rocket Lab under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities.
Intel Corp. received a $7.865 billion award, BAE Systems received an award worth up to $35 million, and Rocket Lab inked its own agreement for up to $23.9 million.
“From satellites in space to defense systems on the ground, our most advanced defense and commercial technology rely on mature-node and compound semiconductors to operate,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director Laurie Locascio. “By finalizing these awards, we are strengthening America’s domestic semiconductor supply chain resilience and broadening our manufacturing capabilities.”
DoC also announced finalized awards for Micron Technology – up to $6.165 billion in direct funding to build leading-edge memory semiconductors – and GlobalWafers Co. Ltd. – up to $406 million in funding to create semiconductor wafer operations in the United States.
Most recently, DoC also announced two finalized deals on Dec. 20. The first with Samsung Electronics worth up to $4.745 billion to bring advanced semiconductor manufacturing and research and development (R&D) to central Texas. The second with Texas Instruments worth up to $1.61 billion to help construct three new state-of-the-art semiconductor facilities.
Alongside the finalized agreements are plenty more preliminary deals that DoC has inked with other companies – and time will tell if those funding deals come to fruition.
Preliminary Deals
One of these preliminary deals includes up to $225 million for Bosch – which the Commerce Department just announced on Dec. 17. The proposed investment would support Bosch’s planned $1.9 billion investment to transform its manufacturing facility in Roseville, Calif., for production of silicon carbide power semiconductors, which are key for electric vehicles.
The Commerce Department also announced three separate preliminary agreements on Dec. 6 under the CHIPS and Science Act to provide up to $33 million in proposed direct funding to Coherent, up to $16 million in proposed direct funding to SkyWater Technology Foundry Inc., and up to $50 million in proposed direct funding to X-Fab.
“[These] three semiconductor announcements recognize that America’s innovative edge is rooted in communities like Sherman and Lubbock, Texas, and Bloomington, Minnesota. The President and Vice President’s CHIPS & Science Act is creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and securing the resilience of our supply chains all throughout the United States,” said National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard.
Another proposed investment worth keeping an eye on is to provide the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) with $285 million to establish and operate a Manufacturing USA institute headquartered in Durham, N.C.
With combined funding totaling $1 billion, this investment will support the launch of the first-of-its-kind CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute.
The Commerce Department said the new institute will be called SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA), and it will use digital twins approaches to greatly speed the development and validation of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and test processes.
Stay tuned, we will be tracking the progress of these preliminary CHIPS agreements in the new year.
Happy Holidays from MeriTalk! We wish you a cyber-safe and secure holiday season and can’t wait to see what 2025 brings.

Online Business Ideas for Students: Turning Skills into Income

Business News

Back when I was in college, I was always short on cash. Between paying for books, grabbing meals, and hanging out with friends, it felt like my wallet was always empty. I tried a couple of part-time jobs, but they didn’t give me much time for studying—or myself. That’s when I started looking for ways to make money online. It seemed like a long shot at first, but I soon realized there were so many simple ways to earn from home using just my laptop and the skills I already had.

Starting an online business helped me cover my expenses and gave me a sense of freedom and confidence. If you’re a student dealing with the same struggles, don’t worry—there are plenty of online business ideas for students that are easy to start and flexible enough to fit into a busy schedule. Here are some of the best ones to get you going.

Here Are the Top 8 Online Business Ideas for Students

1. Freelance Writing

One of the easiest online business ideas for students is freelance writing. If you have a knack for crafting articles, essays, or blog posts, there’s no shortage of clients looking for writers. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great places to start. Students can write for blogs, businesses, or even academic platforms while earning per project or word count.

To get started, create a portfolio showcasing your writing samples. Focus on topics you’re knowledgeable about or passionate about to attract the right clients.

Why Is Freelance Writing Perfect For Students?

It requires no upfront investment.

You can work on your own schedule.

Writing improves research and communication skills, which are valuable for academic success.

2. Social Media Management

If you’re already spending hours on social media, why not turn that time into money? Social media management is a top contender when discussing online business ideas for students. Businesses need help managing their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok accounts, and students can offer their skills to create engaging posts, grow followers, and interact with customers.

Learning tools like Canva for design and Buffer for scheduling can help you create a professional approach. Offer your services to small businesses, startups, or influencers who don’t have time to handle their accounts.

Why Is Social Media Management Perfect For Students? 

You can utilize your familiarity with social media trends.

It’s an in-demand skill that businesses need.

You can manage multiple clients remotely.

3. Print-on-Demand (POD) Business

Antonio_Diaz from Getty Images

For creative students, starting a print-on-demand business is an excellent option. Platforms like Printify and Redbubble allow you to design custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases without handling inventory. Once a customer places an order, the platform handles production and shipping while you earn a commission.

Among all online business ideas for students, this one is perfect for those with graphic design skills. Use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to create eye-catching designs. Promote your products through social media or Etsy to reach a broader audience.

Why is it perfect for students?

It requires minimal upfront costs.

There’s no need to manage inventory or shipping.

It allows creative expression.

4. Online Tutoring

Students who excel academically can turn their knowledge into a profitable online tutoring business. Teaching subjects like math, science, or languages is always in demand, and platforms like Tutor.com and Preply make it easy to connect with students globally. You can also offer tutoring services directly through video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.

This is one of the most rewarding online business ideas for students because it helps others while sharpening your own understanding of subjects. Focus on subjects you’re confident in and create structured lesson plans to deliver value to your students.

Why Is Online Tutoring Perfect For Students?

You can set your own hours and rates.

It builds confidence and teaching skills.

It provides consistent income.

5. Start a Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping is another low-cost option on the list of online business ideas for students. With dropshipping, you sell products online without having to stock them yourself. Instead, you work with suppliers who ship products directly to customers. Platforms like Shopify and AliExpress make it easy to set up a dropshipping store.

Pick a niche that interests you, such as fitness gear, gadgets, or fashion accessories. Focus on creating an attractive online store and promoting it through social media or Google Ads.

Why Is Dropshipping Perfect For Students?

No need for inventory or large investments.

You can run the business from anywhere.

It teaches valuable skills like marketing and customer service.

6. Start a YouTube Channel

Creating video content has become one of the most lucrative online business ideas for students. Whether you’re into tech reviews, study tips, or vlogging your daily life, YouTube provides endless opportunities to earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

All you need is a good camera (even a smartphone will do) and video editing software like iMovie or Adobe Premiere. Consistency is key, so upload videos regularly and engage with your audience to grow your channel.

Why is it perfect for students?

You can share your passions and hobbies.

It offers long-term income potential.

You gain skills in video production and content creation.

7. Start an Affiliate Marketing Blog

ileezhun from Getty Images

If you enjoy writing and recommending products, starting a blog is a fantastic way to earn passive income through affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services through special links; every time someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission.

Choose a niche like beauty, tech gadgets, or college lifestyle, and create engaging blog content that includes affiliate links. Platforms like WordPress or Blogger are great for building a blog. Over time, this can turn into one of the most profitable online business ideas for students.

Why Is Affiliate Marketing Perfect For Students?

Minimal startup costs are required.

It generates passive income over time.

It builds expertise in a niche you’re passionate about.

8. Graphic Design Services

For students with artistic skills, offering graphic design services is a lucrative option. Small businesses, YouTubers, and content creators constantly need logos, social media graphics, and banners. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork connect graphic designers with clients globally.

If you don’t have experience, start by practicing with tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or Illustrator. Build a portfolio showcasing your best work to attract clients.

Why is it perfect for students?

High demand for creative work.

Flexible hours that fit around your studies.

It allows you to charge per project or hourly.

Conclusion

Starting a business while studying may seem overwhelming, but with the right approach and dedication, it can be rewarding both financially and personally. The digital age has made it easier than ever for students to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Whether you’re passionate about teaching, designing, or social media, these online business ideas for students offer the perfect starting point to earn money flexibly.

By leveraging your skills and exploring opportunities online, you can achieve financial independence while gaining valuable experience for the future. If you’ve been thinking about starting something of your own, now is the time to take that first step!