Texas A&M University has appointed Dr. Angela Wilson as vice president for research to direct the institution’s research strategy, interdisciplinary initiatives, and external funding efforts. She will oversee grant administration, compliance, and commercialization support while working with faculty and administrators to expand collaborative projects and increase research expenditures across the university.
Several Central Texas cities have removed automated license plate readers after years of using the technology to aid police investigations. Local officials ended contracts, deactivated devices, and took down equipment following reviews of costs, performance, and policy priorities. Police departments reported that the systems had helped locate suspects and vehicles in past cases, while investigators in other jurisdictions, including in the Brown University shooting case, continue to use license plate reader data. Central Texas agencies now rely on other investigative tools and traditional policing methods and say any future use of license plate readers would require new public discussions and approvals.
Houston Landing, a nonprofit news outlet in Houston, Texas, shut down operations on May 15, 2025, citing financial challenges after more than two years of independent, nonpartisan reporting. Launched in February 2023, the newsroom produced thousands of stories that reached millions of readers and recently received dozens of journalism awards recognizing the impact of its coverage. CEO Peter Bhatia confirmed the closure in a farewell note, expressing gratitude to readers, supporters and staff while emphasizing the lasting influence of the outlet’s work.
The Philippines finished sixth overall at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, held from Dec. 9 to 20, 2024, with a 50-73-153 gold-silver-bronze haul for 276 total medals. Host Thailand dominated the 10-nation meet, while Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore completed the top five. Gilas Pilipinas swept the men’s and women’s basketball golds, and the Philippine women’s football team captured the country’s first SEA Games football title. Athletics, shooting, swimming, triathlon, and modern pentathlon led the medal charge, as the Blu Girls and Blu Boys completed a softball sweep and the men’s baseball team secured a third straight crown.
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines reports a rise in hypertension cases among young Filipinos, linking the trend to higher consumption of ultra-processed, salty, fatty and sugary foods, especially during the holidays. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and National Nutrition Council official Dr. Eileen Blanco cite increasing emergency room cases involving youth with high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The DOH urges the public to prepare healthier meals with more vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, to read nutrition labels and to limit daily salt intake to less than one teaspoon as part of efforts to prevent hypertension and related complications.
The original cast of the 2017 film “Bar Boys” will reunite in “Bar Boys: After School,” an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025. Festival organizers confirmed the sequel’s inclusion in the MMFF 2025 lineup, with screenings set in participating cinemas nationwide during the festival run. Producers said the new film will continue the story of the original characters after law school and will release more details on the cast, production, and promotions before the festival opens.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott endorsed Houston firefighters union president Marty Lancton for Harris County judge and announced a pledge of about $25 million to support Republican candidates in Harris County. The governor’s backing links Lancton’s campaign to a broader GOP effort to gain county-level offices in the state’s most populous county. Local party organizations, election officials, and candidates are preparing for a competitive election cycle as the new funding targets key races on the November ballot.
Victor Wembanyama logged his 100th consecutive NBA regular-season game with at least one block in the San Antonio Spurs’ 126-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta. The Spurs center finished with 26 points, 12 assists and two blocks, anchoring both the offense and defense. His early-career streak of games with at least one block continued as San Antonio controlled the matchup and secured a decisive road victory. Officials, statisticians and fans documented the milestone as the Spurs advanced through their regular-season schedule.
Jake Paul confirmed he suffered a double broken jaw in his sixth-round knockout loss to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Miami. Paul posted an X-ray image on social media showing his jaw fractured in two places following the Netflix-streamed boxing bout. The injury occurred when Joshua stopped Paul in Round 6, and medical staff later evaluated the YouTuber-turned-boxer before he announced the diagnosis.
Ukrainian emergency officials said a Russian missile strike on port infrastructure in Odesa on Saturday killed eight people and wounded 27, as a Kremlin envoy prepared to travel to Florida for talks on a U.S.-proposed plan to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine. Authorities reported significant damage to Black Sea port facilities, ongoing rescue and investigative operations, and parallel diplomatic efforts involving Russia, the United States, and international partners on a potential framework for ceasefire and security arrangements.