Box office milestone: “Zootopia 2” tops $1 billion worldwide

Disney’s “Zootopia 2” surpassed $1 billion in global box office receipts, becoming the fastest PG-rated animated film to reach the milestone. The sequel achieved the record through strong performance in North America and key international markets, extended theatrical runs, and a coordinated global release strategy. Box office data firms now rank “Zootopia 2” among the highest-grossing animated films in history, as exhibitors report sustained family attendance and repeat viewership across multiple territories.

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Austin’s Maywald Christmas lights go dark after 15 years

The Maywald family in Austin, Texas, announced that the 2024 season will be the final year of their long-running Maywald Christmas Light Display. The neighborhood holiday attraction, which has operated for more than 15 years at the family’s residence, has drawn visitors from across Austin and surrounding areas. The display features thousands of lights synchronized to music and will continue on its regular schedule through the current holiday season before closing permanently. City officials have previously monitored traffic near the site to ensure safety.

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Eddie Guttierez stable after spine surgery, Ruffa confirms

Actress Ruffa Gutierrez reports that her father, veteran actor Eddie Gutierrez, remains in stable condition after undergoing a spinal procedure in a hospital in Singapore. She says doctors continue to monitor him closely and administer antibiotics as part of his post-operative care. The family coordinates with the Singapore medical team and has not yet announced a discharge date or details of Eddie’s return to the Philippines. Ruffa releases the health update through social media and requests continued prayers and support during his recovery.

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Bato dela Rosa skips bicam proceedings

Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, designated as a Senate representative to a bicameral conference committee, missed the panel’s meeting on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2024, at the Philippine Congress. His nonattendance extended an ongoing absence from Senate work, according to chamber sources. The bicameral conference committee proceeded with its discussions and bill reconciliation tasks despite his absence, with other senators present and participating. Senate officials had not released a formal explanation for Dela Rosa’s continued absence as of Saturday.

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SEA Games 2025: Al-Bukharie Sali gears up for Alas Pilipinas duty

Al-Bukharie Sali made his international debut for Alas Pilipinas in the men’s volleyball tournament of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 2025), playing in a live preliminary round match against Myanmar. The University of Santo Tomas standout earned his first national team call-up after a training stint in Taiwan and joined a Philippine lineup that blended veterans and young players. Officials from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and SEA Games organizers recorded his participation as part of the official statistics, with the result of the Myanmar match affecting group standings and potential advancement to the knockout rounds.

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Texas warns residents as new pest expands rapidly across multiple counties

Texas agriculture officials have issued an urgent alert after confirming the spread of a newly detected invasive mealybug in more than 20 counties. The Texas Department of Agriculture is urging producers to inspect fields and report suspected infestations. State and local experts are monitoring the pest’s distribution, evaluating control options and coordinating with federal partners. Extension services are providing identification guides, management advice and updated maps to help farmers respond to the threat and limit potential crop damage across affected regions.

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Group urges Texas to raise age limit for THC hemp product purchases

A youth drug awareness group in Austin, Texas, is urging state officials to raise the legal age to purchase hemp products containing THC. The organization seeks tighter age restrictions for sales at vape shops, smoke shops, convenience stores and online retailers statewide. Group members plan to gather support from parents, educators and community leaders, monitor retail sales practices and present their findings to lawmakers and regulators. The initiative aims to place an age-limit review for hemp-derived THC products on the agenda of upcoming Texas legislative and regulatory discussions.

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Houston-area Afghans alarmed as Trump administration restricts immigration pathways

Houston-area Afghans report rising fear as federal immigration authorities halt some Afghan immigration processing and conduct home arrests following a Thanksgiving week attack that killed one National Guard member. Local attorneys, advocates, and service organizations in Houston describe a shift in how agencies handle Afghan cases, including stalled applications, intensified background checks, and increased enforcement at residences. Community leaders respond with legal clinics, rights education, and outreach to help families navigate arrests, detention, and uncertainty over their immigration status, while Afghan residents limit public activities and closely track policy developments.

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