The Houston City Council on Wednesday approved a $30 million program to demolish blighted buildings using stormwater mitigation funds, passing the measure 9-7 amid a clash between Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins.
Sisters Anne Curtis and Jasmine Curtis-Smith announced Wednesday the death of their father, James E. Curtis-Smith, describing him as a “true patriarch in every sense.”
Bayern Munich midfielder Lennart Karl said Sunday that he dreams of playing for Real Madrid in the future, though he stressed that he currently values his time with Bayern.
The U.S. military seized two oil tankers, the Marinera and the Sophia, which officials say are linked to Venezuela. Authorities carried out the operation under federal sanctions and maritime enforcement powers. The vessels are now under U.S. control while investigations continue into their ownership, cargo history, and alleged connections to Venezuelan oil shipments. No injuries were reported during the operation, and further details are expected as legal proceedings and public filings move forward.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington has a three-phase plan for Venezuela, with an initial focus on stabilizing the country. He states that the United States will control money from sales of Venezuelan oil through U.S.-linked financial channels. Rubio describes revenue oversight as a key tool in the broader Venezuela strategy and indicates that later phases will build on conditions created in the first stage. He highlights coordination with U.S. agencies and international partners and links the plan to sanctions enforcement and monitoring of oil-related financial flows.
Malacañang on Wednesday called for immediate action to address alleged disinformation involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.
The Philippines will host its first International Longboard Qualifying event, the La Union International Pro, from January 20 to 24 at Urbiztondo Beach in La Union, organizers announced.
A federal judge has ordered attorney Lindsey Halligan to explain her continued use of the U.S. attorney title after a November ruling found her interim appointment in the Eastern District of New York invalid. The court is seeking details on how she has represented her status since that decision and is reviewing compliance with federal appointment rules and professional standards.
U.S. Senator Rand Paul says he opposes any U.S. military action in Greenland as the White House reviews “all options” for the Arctic territory, including potential security measures. The administration has not released detailed plans but is assessing diplomatic, economic and military dimensions of U.S. policy toward Greenland. Paul, a critic of overseas interventions, says no military move involving Greenland would happen with his support. The island, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, holds strategic value in the Arctic, where global powers are increasing their presence.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 but vetoed seven of 10 unprogrammed appropriations (UAs), cutting P92.5 billion from the P243.4 billion originally approved by Congress.