The NBA announced that more than 60 million viewers in the United States watched nationally televised games on NBC/Peacock, Amazon Prime Video and ESPN during the first month of the 2024-2025 regular season, marking the league’s highest opening-month total in 15 years, excluding the 2011-2012 season that began on Christmas Day.
Mexico’s Fatima Bosch won the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand and received the Miss Universe 2025 crown after advancing through all competition rounds, while the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo finished as third runner-up. The event, organized by the Miss Universe Organization, featured delegates from various countries who competed in swimsuit, evening gown, and interview segments before judges selected the finalists and announced the new titleholder during a live coronation program broadcast worldwide.
The Dallas Mavericks announced that guard Dante Exum will miss the entire 2025-2026 NBA season after complications from an offseason right knee procedure led doctors to recommend a second surgery. The 30-year-old guard, who re-signed with Dallas on a one-year free-agent deal, will undergo the operation in the coming days and then begin a structured rehabilitation program under team and outside medical supervision, according to the organization.
A lawsuit challenging Texas’ November 4 election has halted implementation of a $3 billion dementia research and care fund. Plaintiffs allege that voting machines malfunctioned and compromised the ballot measure that authorized the program. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticizes the case and defends the voter-approved fund. The court will review claims about machine reliability, election procedures, and the validity of the statewide vote before any dementia funding moves forward.
Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer is proposing a change to Houston Police Department policy on when officers contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over ICE warrants, shifting “shall contact” to “may contact” to allow officer discretion. The Houston Police Officers’ Union opposes the move, calling it illegal and unnecessary and warning of possible funding risks. The debate centers on compliance with Texas Senate Bill 4, the handling of low-level violations, and the impact on immigrant communities. The proposal needs one more council signature to advance to formal discussion.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers seized more than 400 ounces of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Bexar County after a driver allegedly admitted to having drugs in the vehicle. The driver was taken into custody and the suspected meth was collected as evidence. DPS reported that the case remains under investigation and will be referred to prosecutors for potential drug-related charges under Texas law.
Austin City Council approves a new city budget for the coming fiscal year, adopting a spending plan that includes more than $38 million in cuts to social services and other programs. The council vote followed public hearings and staff presentations on revenue limits, rising costs, and funding priorities. The balanced budget sets funding for public safety, infrastructure, and city operations while reducing support for some health, human services, and community-based initiatives. Departments and contracted providers now prepare to adjust programs and contracts to align with the new allocations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Friday, November 21, 2025, that authorities issued arrest warrants for resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co and 17 other individuals in connection with an undisclosed case. Marcos said law enforcement agencies briefed him on the development and will coordinate to locate and arrest all respondents. He added that the government will monitor the implementation of the warrants and leave case details to the courts and investigating bodies, while directing further questions to the appropriate authorities.
Filipino gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo said in Manila that he is considering pausing his studies to focus full-time on gymnastics after a strong first day at the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship, where he qualified for four event finals. Yulo, competing for the Philippines in men’s artistic gymnastics, stated that he has already made many sacrifices for the sport and plans to consult his family and coaches before making a final decision on his academic plans. Officials described his Junior Worlds campaign as part of the country’s long-term athlete development program.
The Independent Commission of Inquiry (ICI) in the Philippines announced it expects to recommend charges against up to 1,200 individuals in connection with an alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal. An ICI commissioner said investigators are examining procurement, contract implementation, and possible violations of anti-graft and public spending laws across multiple regions and projects. The commission is coordinating with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies as it prepares its final report and recommendations.