KOR-Texas, Filipino Groups Partner with Consulate to Honor José Rizal in Houston

Harris County elections officials uncover 100+ P.O. box voter registrations

Houston officials clash over $30M stormwater fund for building demolition

Marcos slams claims calling PH an ‘ISIS training spot’

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday in Manila rejected claims that label the Philippines as an ISIS training hotspot, following reports that Bondi Beach shooting suspects previously traveled to the country. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, citing the National Security Council, said authorities have not validated any report that the suspects received terrorist training in the Philippines. She said Philippine agencies, working with international partners, continue to verify all available information but have not seen evidence that the country hosted ISIS training for those involved in the Bondi Beach incident.

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Marcos names new presiding justice of Court of Tax Appeals

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday appointed Ma. Belen Ringpis-Liban as presiding justice of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) in Manila, Philippines, according to Malacañang. Ringpis-Liban, previously an associate justice of the CTA and a Regional Trial Court judge for 17 years in Malolos and Quezon City, brings experience from both public and private sectors, including roles at the Office of the Solicitor General and Court of Appeals. She holds a law degree from the University of the Philippines and an economics degree from the University of Santo Tomas.

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Local philanthropist aids San Antonio Food Bank in holiday feeding drive

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Local philanthropist Harvey E. Najim will partner with the San Antonio Food Bank in December 2025 to expand holiday food distributions for children and families facing hunger. The collaboration will fund additional food, logistics and outreach to reach thousands of households in high-need areas when schools close and regular meal programs pause. The food bank will use its network, warehouses and volunteers to deliver child-focused food boxes through multiple distribution events and will track the number of children and families served to guide future efforts.

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Flood victims seek P1B in class suit vs Romualdez, Zaldy Co, Vargas

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An anti-corruption group filed a P1-billion class suit in a Quezon City court against former speaker Martin Romualdez, ex-congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas to seek compensation for Novaliches flood victims, as Malabon City lodged a separate complaint over alleged unauthorized works on government land. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered tighter police security for Christmas, De La Salle University reclaimed the UAAP men’s basketball crown, and Philippine athletes delivered multiple gold medals in triathlon and muay at the SEA Games. BSP data showed banks trimming real estate exposure amid rising non-performing loans.

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Houston oil and gas industry expected to cut 3,200 jobs in 2026 as prices pressure drilling

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A Greater Houston Partnership forecast says upstream oil and gas companies are likely to cut about 3,200 jobs in 2026 as lower crude prices slow drilling, with manufacturing and administrative support sectors also losing thousands of positions. Even so, the region is projected to add nearly 31,000 net jobs overall, led by health care, construction, education and professional services.

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Bill from Raskin seeks review of White House renovation plans

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Rep. Jamie Raskin plans to introduce a bill requiring major White House renovation and construction projects to undergo formal federal-style review. The proposal responds to past projects, such as President Trump’s ballroom, that drew attention for limited oversight. The measure would apply existing federal standards on planning, spending, and preservation to future large-scale work at the executive mansion. Lawmakers are examining how to balance security needs and privacy with transparency and congressional notification.

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Texas music icon Joe Ely dead at 78

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Texas singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Ely, known for his American roots music and energetic live performances, has died at age 78 in Texas, according to his family. This fact-based news report details what is publicly known about his death, outlines key aspects of his career in Texas country and Americana music, and notes plans for memorial arrangements and management of his musical legacy, based on information released by relatives and representatives.

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Texas immigrant families flee into hiding amid new Trump policy

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Immigrant families in Texas from 19 affected nations have gone into hiding after a Trump administration policy change last month made them ineligible for certain paths to legal immigration status. Attorneys, schools and advocacy groups across Houston and other Texas cities report that many parents now avoid public places, cancel legal appointments and limit participation in services because they fear enforcement. Legal aid organizations and community workers say they have shifted to more discreet outreach and remote consultations as they track federal guidance and advise families on the implications of the new rules.

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Bondi shooting triggers national gun law review amid lone wolf fears

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Australian authorities on Sunday investigated possible foreign terror links and confirmed a gun law review after a father-and-son pair allegedly carried out a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney that killed at least 16 people. Officials said the suspects appeared to have acted alone, prompting renewed concern about “lone wolf” attacks. Police recovered multiple firearms, treated the case as a potential terrorism-related incident, and increased security in crowded public areas while hospitals continued to care for injured victims.

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Bicam panel: medical fund cut could impact over 1M people

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The House–Senate bicameral conference committee in the Philippines agreed to allocate P51.6 billion to the Medical Assistance for Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program in the proposed 2026 national budget, after initial Senate cuts raised concerns that more than one million poor patients could lose access to medical aid. Lawmakers said MAIFIP assures payment to public and private hospitals for emergency care of indigent patients and complements PhilHealth by covering gaps in insurance benefits, supporting the implementation of the Universal Health Care Program.

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