Ombudsman takes over authentication of ‘Leviste files’ — Castro

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ tops box office for 2nd straight weekend

18 states set to ban SNAP recipients from using benefits for some junk food in 2026

Kennedy Center Christmas Eve show called off amid Trump name dispute

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A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., has been canceled after former President Donald Trump’s name was added in connection with the event. The cancellation removed a scheduled holiday performance from the center’s calendar. Officials have not released detailed public explanations about how Trump’s name became associated with the concert or who made the final decision to call it off. Other holiday programs at the Kennedy Center remain scheduled.

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Chris Evans returns as Steve Rogers in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

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Marvel Studios confirmed that Chris Evans will return as Steve Rogers in the upcoming film “Avengers: Doomsday,” rejoining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The studio announced that Evans will once again portray Captain America in a central role, with the film positioned as a major installment in the ongoing Avengers storyline. Marvel has not yet disclosed the full cast, detailed plot, or exact release date but stated that “Avengers: Doomsday” remains in active development and that additional production and casting updates will follow through official channels.

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Stars spotted: Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla at Ria Atayde-Zanjoe Marudo wedding

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Actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, former real-life partners, attended the church wedding of Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo in Manila on December 22, 2024, where they crossed paths as guests. The ceremony drew family, friends, and entertainment industry colleagues, with organizers coordinating arrivals and seating inside the church. Photographers and event staff documented the rites and notable attendees for official coverage, while security personnel managed access to the venue.

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Marcos to approve 2026 budget on Jan. 5

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Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign the Philippines’ 2026 national budget on Jan. 5, 2026, resulting in a five-day period under a re-enacted budget at the start of the year. The government will operate using the previous year’s appropriations from Jan. 1 to Jan. 5, 2026, until the new General Appropriations Act takes effect. Executive officials stated that agencies can fund ongoing programs during this period but cannot start new projects that depend on the 2026 budget.

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Comedian Kuhol passes away at age 66

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Veteran Filipino comedian Kuhol, known offstage as Doughlas Arthur Supnet, died at the age of 66, according to reports from local media. Authorities and family representatives have not yet released details on the time, place, or cause of his death. Entertainment reporters identified Kuhol as a veteran figure in Philippine comedy and continued to seek information on funeral and memorial arrangements.

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Brooks Koepka breaks ranks, 1st player to depart LIV Golf

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Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, became the first player to leave Saudi-funded LIV Golf, creating a major shift in professional golf and raising questions about his possible return to the PGA Tour. LIV Golf confirmed his resignation on its website and named Talor Gooch as the new team captain to replace Koepka. Officials from LIV Golf and the PGA Tour did not immediately disclose details about contract terms, eligibility rules, or timelines for Koepka’s reinstatement.

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USGS: 6.0 earthquake shakes Taiwan

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A shallow 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Taitung County in southeastern Taiwan on Wednesday evening, according to the US Geological Survey, which reported the quake at 5:47 p.m. local time (0947 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued its own magnitude estimate earlier, and local authorities and emergency services began assessments of possible impact. No immediate reports of damage or casualties emerged following the seismic event, while regional and international monitoring centers continued to track aftershocks and review updated seismic data for Taiwan.

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H-1B visa lottery replaced in sweeping process change

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is ending the random H-1B visa lottery and introducing a wage-based selection system that prioritizes higher-paid, highly skilled foreign workers. The change affects both the regular H-1B cap and the advanced degree exemption, using federal wage levels to rank employer registrations. The agency states that the new process aims to align the program with labor market needs and strengthen protections for U.S. workers by favoring higher-wage positions. The numerical cap on H-1B visas remains unchanged under current law.

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