President Donald Trump has launched a new international initiative called the “Board of Peace,” signing a founding charter that pledges cooperation with the United Nations to address global suffering. The group began its work without participation from several major U.S. allies and has released few details about its structure, membership and operations.
South Korea’s National Tax Service reportedly issued a tax assessment to singer-actor Cha Eun-woo, legally known as Lee Dong-min, after an audit found that more than 20 billion won ($13.6 million) in entertainment income flowed through a company established by his mother. The company, identified as “Company A,” held a service contract with his management agency and received payments for his activities. Authorities examined whether the structure aimed to reduce his personal tax burden and treated the funds as his income for tax purposes. The case forms part of a broader NTS review of tax practices in the entertainment sector ahead of Cha’s planned military enlistment in July 2025.
Ben&Ben released the official music video for “Duyan” on January 16, 2025, featuring Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia in lead roles, as the band marked a major streaming milestone by surpassing three billion Spotify streams and secured multiple honors at the 28th Awit Awards, including Album of the Year for their third studio album, reinforcing the group’s position in the Original Pilipino Music landscape through coordinated digital releases, award-recognized work, and visual storytelling that connects their recorded music with audiences in the Philippines and international markets.
Texas set a new record for Affordable Care Act health plan enrollment for the 2026 coverage year, according to newly released data from marketplace officials, even as overall ACA enrollment declined across the United States. State figures show more Texans signed up for marketplace coverage than in any previous year since the law took effect, making Texas an outlier compared with states that reported flat or reduced participation. The 2026 enrollment totals include individuals and families who obtained qualified health plans through the federal exchange during the latest open enrollment period.
Austin World War II veteran Bernard Snyder marked his 100th birthday at a family-organized celebration in Austin, Texas, where relatives, friends and community members honored his life and military service with tributes, photos and birthday festivities.
Texas health officials and public health leaders from North Texas and Lubbock warn that declining measles vaccination rates could raise the risk of future outbreaks and endanger the United States’ measles elimination status. One year after a major measles outbreak began in West Texas, authorities report reduced MMR coverage in some communities and school districts. Health departments respond with surveillance, outreach, and vaccination efforts to prevent sustained transmission and maintain herd immunity across the state.
Filipino actress Carla Abellana clarified in an Instagram Stories post on Jan. 21, 2026, that she is not on leave from work following her Dec. 27, 2025 wedding to doctor Reginald Santos. Abellana stated that she does not plan to take a leave anytime soon and remains ready to accept projects. She said she has been looking and waiting for work and used her social media platform to address assumptions about her professional status after her recent marriage.
Andre Yllana expressed support for the ongoing courtship between his mother, actress-politician Aiko Melendez, and former matinee idol Onemig Bondoc during a press conference for the series “Hell University.” Andre said he has given his blessing if they decide to become a couple and noted that the two appear happy together. Bondoc earlier confirmed in a joint TikTok live that he is courting Melendez, while she has not yet publicly accepted him as her boyfriend. Andre declined to discuss details of their relationship status, citing respect for his mother’s privacy.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio says he expects the country’s ties with the Women’s Tennis Association to strengthen after the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, a WTA 125 event at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Gregorio led journalists on a tour of the renovated venue and confirmed Alex Eala’s participation, saying the PSC aims to use the tournament and facility upgrades to support tennis development and attract more international events to the Philippines.
British actor Emma D’Arcy, known for playing Rhaenyra Targaryen in “House of the Dragon,” recently met a Filipina fan named Via during an unplanned encounter outside a food shop in London. Via’s husband approached D’Arcy, who sat with “Game of Thrones” actor Tobias Menzies, and asked if his wife could greet and take a photo with the star. D’Arcy agreed, and Via recorded the interaction in a TikTok video that has reached about 7 million views. The clip shows their brief conversation, photo-taking, and Via’s emotional reaction, and it continues to gain traction online.