San Antonio Spurs players Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell marked the holiday period with personal and community-focused actions, as Wembanyama shared a public tribute to his late grandmother and Vassell visited the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Antonio to meet with local youth and support ongoing outreach programs.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in Austin, Texas, reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug under federal law. The order directs agencies to move cannabis to a lower schedule, easing some research restrictions while stopping short of federal legalization. Supporters expect expanded scientific studies and potential new medical products, while critics warn of enforcement and public health challenges. State regulators, law enforcement, researchers, and businesses are now reviewing the implications of the federal shift and awaiting detailed implementation rules from federal agencies.
Governor Greg Abbott joined Jewish community members in Austin, Texas, for an annual Hanukkah ceremony that took on new significance after the Bondi Beach mass stabbing attack in Sydney, Australia, which injured the brother of a Texas rabbi. The event featured traditional prayers, menorah lighting, increased security, and remarks from the victim’s brother, as participants emphasized community solidarity, religious observance, and coordination with local authorities. Organizers reported heightened attendance and planned additional Hanukkah events and outreach across Texas in response to the attack.
Texas has filed a civil lawsuit against Xcel Energy over the 2024 Smokehouse Creek fire in the Panhandle, which killed three people, destroyed more than 15,000 head of cattle, and burned over one million acres. The complaint alleges that poorly maintained electric equipment caused or contributed to the largest wildfire in Texas history and seeks monetary damages, reimbursement of firefighting costs, and court-ordered safety measures. The case, filed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, cites extensive property, agricultural, and environmental losses and remains pending as the court sets a schedule for responses and evidence.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre 3rd as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Malacañang confirmed on Friday. Torre, who previously served as the 31st PNP chief, replaces Procopio Lipana as MMDA general manager in Metro Manila, Philippines. The Office of the President announced the leadership change and identified Torre as the official designated to assume the MMDA post.
Vice Ganda said he and his partner Ion Perez are considering becoming parents through surrogacy, a plan that could require him to take a temporary leave from hosting ABS-CBN’s noontime show “It’s Showtime.” He explained on-air that they remain in the planning stage, weighing the timing, legal and medical preparations, and the impact on his professional commitments. He added that they want to be fully present and hands-on if they proceed, and that no final decision or timeline has been set for the surrogacy process or a potential work break.
Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court has received medical expert reports finding former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte fit to participate in proceedings over alleged crimes against humanity. The Office of Public Counsel for Victims reported that court-appointed doctors saw no medical barrier to Duterte’s meaningful participation in a confirmation of charges hearing. Victims’ counsel urged judges to promptly set a hearing date, citing the right to an expeditious trial. The prosecution must now respond to the findings before the chamber, led by Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, issues a final ruling on Duterte’s fitness and schedules the next steps in the case.
Former DPWH Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara on Friday turned over P71 million to the Department of Justice in Manila as restitution for his role in an alleged flood control scam involving public works funds. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and DOJ prosecutors received the amount as part of efforts to recover allegedly misused government money from flood control projects in Bulacan. The DOJ said it would use the restitution as evidence in its ongoing investigation and possible filing of charges against other officials and private contractors linked to the case.
Calvin Oftana returned from a recent hamstring injury to score a game-high 25 points and lead TNT Tropang 5G to a 113-96 victory over Blackwater in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Friday, adding two rebounds and two assists in the win.
Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton and his wife Angela Paxton agreed to unseal records in their Texas divorce case after eight media organizations filed a legal challenge seeking public access to the sealed documents. The court received the parties’ agreement and prepared to determine which records would become publicly available, while the media coalition awaited a ruling on the scope of unsealing and any remaining sealed portions of the file.