Chile’s parliament on Tuesday approved a law banning the use of smartphones by students on school premises, joining a growing list of countries restricting mobile device use over concerns for children’s mental and physical well-being.
Rapper Skusta Clee’s hit single “Kalimutan Ka” has been named the most-viewed music video on YouTube in the Philippines for 2025, beating out both local contenders and popular tracks from the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced a multi-year increase in the base pay of military and uniformed personnel (MUP), a week after securing the continued support of key military officials amid rumors of destabilization.
Porac, Pampanga Mayor Jaime Capil surrendered on Tuesday to the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 265 and posted bail for graft charges tied to the controversial POGO hub operating in his town.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been directed by the Trump administration to focus on undocumented Somali immigrants in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, according to a New York Times report. The article explains the scope of the reported directive, the size and background of the Somali community in Minneapolis–St. Paul and the broader context of federal immigration enforcement. It outlines how ICE operates, notes local community and advocacy group responses and describes the legal and policy framework that shapes immigration actions in the region.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is urging the Department of Transportation to extend a proposed $10,000 bonus to all air traffic controllers and FAA technicians who worked during the recent government shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said the payment will go only to workers who did not miss a shift. Lawmakers, aviation workers and unions are watching the dispute over who qualifies for the bonus and how the policy could affect safety, morale and staffing in the national airspace system.
The Supreme Court (SC) En Banc has approved the Rules on Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Interpreting in the Judiciary (FSL Rules), a landmark measure implementing Republic Act No. 11106, or The Filipino Sign Language Act.
The Philippine Consulate General in Houston has announced its schedule of closures for the month of December in observance of upcoming holidays.
The Trump administration is considering an expansion of its existing travel ban to include about 30 additional countries, following the fatal shooting of two National Guard soldiers. Officials across multiple agencies are reviewing security, information-sharing and vetting standards as they weigh broader entry restrictions. The White House has not released a list of countries or a timeline for a decision. An expanded policy could affect travelers, students, workers and families, and may prompt diplomatic responses and legal scrutiny.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced on Tuesday that an independent committee will investigate the cause of the city’s deadliest fire in decades, which killed 151 people last week.