Texas U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey says Washington’s public threat of possible military action sends a deterrent message to U.S. adversaries worldwide and does not harm relations with allies, describing how American officials coordinate with partner nations, maintain defense agreements, and use military readiness and clear signaling as part of a broader national security and deterrence strategy.
A Texas appeals court on January 17, 2026, ruled that three Texas Planned Parenthood affiliates have standing to sue over the 2021 Texas Heartbeat Act, which bans abortions after detection of cardiac activity and relies on private civil enforcement. The decision allows the providers’ lawsuit against Texas Right to Life and others to proceed in trial court, focusing on the law’s private enforcement mechanism and its potential to generate unlimited lawsuits. The ruling does not suspend the law or alter Texas’ near-total abortion ban that took effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Houston Housing Authority has resumed leasing at The Pointe at Bayou Bend in Houston, Texas, after Mayor John Whitmire in 2024 ordered a pause over contamination concerns near the complex. Following an environmental review and consultation with regulators, Whitmire announced this week that officials found no risk to residents at the property. The authority is now opening apartments to tenants while city and regulatory agencies continue oversight of the nearby formerly contaminated site.
Houston-area forecasters expect temperatures to drop to near freezing over the holiday weekend as a cold air mass moves into Southeast Texas, according to Houston Public Media, with some outlying areas potentially reaching 32 degrees Fahrenheit overnight. Weather officials advise residents to protect plants, pets, and pipes during the brief cold spell. Conditions are projected to improve by Monday, with a warming trend forecast in time for Houston’s Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Parade and related holiday events, and no widespread winter precipitation currently expected.
Houston ISD has delayed implementation of a Texas Education Agency requirement that would limit the use of uncertified teachers until the 2029-2030 school year. The state-appointed Board of Managers approved the move during a public meeting, allowing the district to continue hiring and assigning uncertified teachers while it works to expand its pool of certified educators. The decision affects staffing across the state’s largest school district and keeps HISD in compliance with state oversight while postponing full enforcement of the certification limit.
Amanda Anisimova enters the 2025 Australian Open aiming for a third consecutive Grand Slam final after a breakout season that lifted her to world number four. The 23-year-old American, named the WTA’s Most Improved Player, reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals in 2025, splitting high-stakes encounters with top-ranked Iga Swiatek. With enhanced seeding, elevated expectations, and renewed focus on fitness and mental resilience, Anisimova prepares to test her improved game at Melbourne Park as she targets another deep run in a major.
San Miguel Beer guard Jericho Cruz said the Beermen expect a competitive best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup Finals rematch against TNT Tropang Giga after clinching a 101-88 Game 6 semifinal win over Barangay Ginebra at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Cruz cited TNT’s starting lineup and bench depth as key challenges and noted that San Miguel’s coaching staff has begun preparing adjustments for the championship series, which will open on Wednesday at a venue yet to be announced.
Anne Curtis shared a personal tribute on Instagram as she left Australia, where her late father James Curtis-Smith was laid to rest, describing how her grief “comes in waves.” The actress and TV host posted a video montage of memories from childhood to her wedding, calling her father her “huckleberry friend” and “gentle giant.” She wrote that she left Australia “with a heavy heart” but said they would “never part” in her memories, as media outlets reported on her public expression of loss.
Filipino tennis player Alex Eala captured the 2026 Kooyong Classic women’s singles title in Melbourne, Australia, defeating 2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic of Croatia, 6-3, 6-4. Organizers awarded Eala the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Trophy, named after the former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion. Former Australian WTA and Grand Slam player Elizabeth Peers presented the trophy during the ceremony at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. The exhibition event served as a key warm-up for Eala ahead of her Australian Open debut later in January 2026, where she will compete in the main draw representing the Philippines.
The Philippine men’s football team will face Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos in Group B of the ASEAN Football Championship starting in late July 2025. The draw, held Thursday, placed the Philippines against Thailand, which ousted the squad in the 2024 semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate win. The 2024 run marked the Philippines’ first semifinal appearance since 2018. Head coach Carles Cuadrat will again lead the national team as it aims to at least equal its previous performance. Officials will release the full schedule and venue details later.