Texas law offers relief for health insurance as federal aid expires

Trump announces U.S. strikes vs ISIS in Nigeria

‘Last Christmas as a Miss’: Carla Abellana treats herself pre-wedding

2 Congress members push bipartisan bill to tackle veteran suicides

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A bipartisan bill in the U.S. Congress seeks to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement an evidence-based suicide-prevention model at VA medical centers nationwide. The legislation mandates standardized screening, staff training, data tracking and crisis response protocols to address veteran suicide risk. The bill directs the VA to coordinate with other federal agencies and veteran organizations, expand access to mental health services and report regularly to Congress on implementation and outcomes.

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Somali TikToker removed from US, claims of innocence emerge

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A Somali migrant, TikTok personality Mahad Maxamud, returned to a hero’s welcome in Mogadishu after the United States deported him in 2024 for allegedly aiding the kidnapping of two French spies. US officials publicly labeled him an “illegal scumbag,” while supporters in Somalia questioned the evidence behind the accusation. Somali authorities confirmed his arrival but did not announce new charges or a fresh investigation, and US agencies did not release further details on the case. Community leaders and legal observers in Mogadishu said they would follow any developments closely because of the case’s implications for security cooperation and the treatment of Somali migrants abroad.

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Universal City blaze leaves families in need of aid

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A major apartment fire in Universal City, Texas, displaced residents from 64 units and prompted a coordinated emergency response. Firefighters evacuated families, aid groups provided shelter and supplies, and investigators began examining the cause of the blaze. Local nonprofits, schools, and city officials organized housing assistance, donations, and support services while structural assessments continued at the damaged complex.

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Southeast Austin blaze leaves apartment complex with $3M losses

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A large fire at the Sage at Franklin Park apartment complex in Southeast Austin, Texas, caused an estimated $3 million in damages, according to the Austin Fire Department. Firefighters responded to reports of heavy smoke and flames and deployed multiple units to contain the blaze and protect nearby structures. Investigators from the Austin Fire Department opened an investigation into the cause and origin of the fire and are reviewing witness accounts, physical evidence, and video footage. Officials said they will release further details after completing the investigation and damage assessments.

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NBA player Rozier pleads not guilty to gambling-related charges

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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges alleging he helped gamblers place bets on his NBA game performance. A judge ordered Rozier released on $3 million bond with travel restrictions and other conditions. Prosecutors outlined accusations involving electronic communications and financial transactions, while the defense vowed to review evidence and consider pretrial motions. The case remains under the Eastern District of New York as the NBA and the Miami Heat monitor developments.

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Arrest warrant for Sarah Discaya on the way, Marcos confirms

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on December 9, 2024, that an arrest warrant for controversial contractor Sarah Discaya will be issued within the week. Marcos said authorities have completed the requirements for the warrant and will implement it once the court releases the document. Officials did not immediately disclose the specific charges, the issuing court, or Discaya’s whereabouts. The administration said it will allow the justice system to address the case and determine Discaya’s legal accountability.

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Fil-Canadian standout Kayla Sanchez shines as SEA Games 2025 ‘game changer’

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Filipino Canadian Olympic medalist Kayla Sanchez will debut for the Philippines at the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand starting December 9. After leading the national swimming qualifiers, Sanchez posted times that broke the Philippine women’s 100m freestyle record and exceeded the previous SEA Games gold-medal mark in the event. She also registered a 29.00-second swim in the 50m backstroke. The SEA Games Thailand 2025 Organizing Committee has labeled her an “Olympic-Level Game Changer” and placed her among the top headline athletes of the Games.

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DOJ files 26 kidnapping charges vs Atong Ang as defense blasts ruling

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The Philippine Department of Justice has ordered the filing of 26 criminal cases against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several police officers over the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, indicting them for kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention in Batangas and Laguna. Prosecutors based the charges on whistleblower testimony alleging Ang masterminded the abductions and killings. Actress Gretchen Barretto was not charged, while some respondents were cleared subject to new evidence. Ang’s lawyer denounced the DOJ ruling and vowed to seek its reversal.

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Filipinos in Qatar remain in good status, envoy says

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The Philippine ambassador to Qatar reports that about 250,000 Filipinos in the Gulf state enjoy good standing with employers and have among the fewest run-ins with authorities. Filipinos form the sixth largest expatriate group in Qatar, with many in high-paying and middle-management roles, including in the oil and gas sector. Ambassador Mardomel Melicor explains that expatriates make up about 90 percent of Qatar’s population, led by Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Nepalis, Egyptians and Filipinos, while Qataris account for around 10 percent. He says Qatar is pursuing labor reforms to comply with International Labor Organization standards.

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