P43-B fund reallocation set to influence employee benefits

Firework incidents spike 31% in Bexar County this New Year, officials say

Iga Swiatek dismisses need for ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in tennis

Texas law offers relief for health insurance as federal aid expires

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A little-known Texas law gives state regulators flexibility over how insurers price Affordable Care Act marketplace plans, using a method known as silver loading. As enhanced federal subsidies expire in the coming days, the law may help some Texans keep net premiums lower by concentrating rate increases in silver-tier plans, which determine federal tax credits. The measure applies to individual and family marketplace coverage across Texas and affects how premium changes interact with federal financial assistance.

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Trump announces U.S. strikes vs ISIS in Nigeria

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The United States has carried out airstrikes on Islamic State–linked targets in Nigeria, following weeks of public criticism by former President Donald Trump over violence against Christians. U.S. defense officials describe the operation as part of wider counterterrorism efforts in West Africa and have not released detailed casualty figures or target locations. Nigerian authorities face ongoing scrutiny over their response to extremist attacks, communal violence, and rising insecurity in several regions.

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‘Last Christmas as a Miss’: Carla Abellana treats herself pre-wedding

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Filipino actress Carla Abellana marked her “last Christmas as a Miss” in 2024 by indulging in self-care and beauty treatments in the Philippines as part of her bridal preparations. She shared photos and videos of her pampering routine on social media, describing the period as “another bridal era” while she readied herself for her upcoming wedding during the holiday season.

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2026 sees SSS pension hike, new micro-loan program

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The Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines announced it will implement another pension increase, launch a micro-loan program, and maintain its emergency loan facility in 2026. SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said the state pension fund will also open new local branches and foreign representative offices in Madrid, San Francisco, and Macau. The agency plans to hire about 1,800 additional personnel to strengthen frontline and digital services and to improve response to member assistance requests and complaints.

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TIME ranks ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ as top K-Drama

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TIME Magazine named “When Life Gives You Tangerines” as the No. 1 title on its Top 10 Best K-Dramas of 2025 list, placing the IU and Park Bo-gum drama ahead of “Way Back Love” and “Squid Game” Season 3. The ranking also included “Tempest,” “Our Unwritten Seoul,” “Resident Playbook,” “Study Group,” “The Tale of Lady Ok,” “Spirit Fingers,” and “Trigger.” Directed by Kim Won-suk and written by Lim Sang-choon, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a Pan Entertainment–Baram Pictures co-production released globally on Netflix.

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Texas store targeted twice in sneaker, hat theft

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Houston sneaker and apparel store Eight One in Texas reported two overnight thefts captured on video, showing three unidentified individuals stealing between $7,000 and $10,000 in hats, sneakers and electronics. Police are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing staff and investigating forced entry at the shop. The store remains open while management repairs damage, checks inventory and reassesses security systems. No arrests have been announced and authorities have not identified any suspects.

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Ahtisa Manalo opens up about boyfriend after pageantry

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Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo confirmed she now has a boyfriend as she discussed life after pageantry and how she balances a new relationship with her duties as a national titleholder. Manalo stated that she remains focused on her responsibilities to the Miss Universe Philippines Organization while preparing for international competition. She said she chooses to keep her boyfriend’s identity private but emphasized that her personal life does not conflict with her official role.

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Lawmaker demands full disclosure of allocations before 2026 budget vote

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Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco on Saturday demanded “non-negotiable” full disclosure of all district and party-list allocations under the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act before the House of Representatives votes on December 29, 2025. He called on the House to post detailed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocations, including specific programs and projects, on the official Congress website. Tiangco cited past transparency issues in party-list funding and said the completion of bicameral deliberations removed any reason to withhold information, stressing that public disclosure is essential for accountability and informed decision-making on the national budget.

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Thailand, Cambodia strike deal for ‘immediate’ ceasefire

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Thailand and Cambodia announced an immediate ceasefire on Saturday after three weeks of heavy border clashes that killed at least 47 people and displaced more than one million, according to a joint statement. The agreement halts fighting involving artillery, tanks, drones and jets along disputed frontier areas and commits both sides to stop hostilities, protect civilians and pursue dialogue. Authorities began assessing damage and coordinating humanitarian aid while officials prepared monitoring mechanisms and follow-up talks to stabilize the border.

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