Israeli airstrikes kill 23 in Gaza amid tentative ceasefire efforts

Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina upsets No. 1 Aryana Sabalenka to win Australian Open

Sofronio Vasquez shows fans his Philippine childhood home

Cup of Joe reigns as 2025’s top act

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Cup of Joe emerged as the top Philippine pop act of 2025, according to music charts, live event organizers and industry observers who cited the band’s strong streaming performance, sold-out concerts, extensive media exposure and multiple award citations across the country. This fact-based report details how chart rankings, touring data, audience turnout, radio rotation and digital platform metrics established Cup of Joe’s status as the leading pop group in the Philippines during 2025.

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Houston Texans eye division title after 3rd straight playoff berth

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The Houston Texans clinched their third straight NFL playoff berth and now aim for a third consecutive AFC South title. Houston can secure the division by defeating the Indianapolis Colts in their regular-season finale at NRG Stadium while the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars lose at home to the Tennessee Titans. The outcome of both Sunday games will determine whether the Texans enter the postseason as division champions or a wild-card team, as the NFL locks in the AFC playoff seedings after all Week 18 matchups conclude.

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Angels’ two championships highlight year of changing PVL guards that took place

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Petro Gazz Angels won two Premier Volleyball League (PVL) championships in the most recent season, marking a major power shift in Philippine women’s professional volleyball as perennial contender Creamline completed the year without a title. League records, statistics, and match reports showed Petro Gazz’s consistent playoff runs, strong defense, and balanced scoring, which propelled the Angels to multiple crowns across different conferences. PVL officials and data highlighted rising parity in the league, sustained fan interest, and the impact of roster and tactical adjustments among top clubs.

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Stephen Holt steps into the spotlight

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Stephen Holt sent Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals with a decisive game-winning shot in a 99-98 overtime victory over Converge in a knockout quarterfinal. The overtime thriller, played on Sunday night, ended Converge’s Philippine Cup campaign and moved Ginebra into the next round of the all-Filipino conference. Holt’s buzzer-beating basket capped a tightly contested game that went beyond regulation after both teams finished the fourth quarter tied, forcing an extra period to decide which club advanced.

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Austin plans $5.2M reduction in social services funding

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The City of Austin will cut $5.2 million from social services contracts after voters overwhelmingly rejected Proposition Q in the November election, forcing budget adjustments. City officials notified affected providers, revised contract amounts, and coordinated changes to program scopes and service levels. The cuts apply within the current fiscal year and reflect the revenue gap created by the failed ballot measure. Austin’s finance department and city leadership reviewed updated projections and directed reductions to keep the budget balanced while continuing to monitor future funding conditions.

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Judge Sakai honors Michele Garcia as a JP who left ‘profound impact’

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Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai announced that Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Michele Garcia died of cervical cancer the day after Christmas in San Antonio, Texas. County officials described her as a dedicated public servant whose work affected many residents through her justice court. The county plans to maintain court services, begin the process to fill the vacancy, and coordinate public recognition of her service. Officials will provide updates on interim court operations, memorial plans, and the selection of her successor.

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Unionized hospitality workers in Houston celebrate 2025 victories, eye 2026 gains

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Unionized hospitality workers in Houston secured major wage increases and improved benefits in 2025 after a 40-day hotel workers’ strike that led to new multiyear contracts at several major hotels. The agreements raised hourly pay, expanded health coverage, and established clearer scheduling and workload rules. Union leaders report that these gains already influence negotiations and pay practices at other unionized workplaces in the city. With additional hospitality contracts set to expire in 2026, unions plan to use the 2025 hotel settlements as benchmarks in upcoming bargaining across Houston’s hospitality sector.

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New Braunfels shooting suspect still at large, police warn

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New Braunfels police in Texas are searching for a male suspect in a December 21 shooting and warn the public that he is armed and dangerous. Authorities urge residents not to approach the suspect and to call 911 with any information. The New Braunfels Police Department continues to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and increase patrols while withholding the suspect’s name pending further developments. This straight news report covers what happened, when and where it occurred, who is involved, why police issued the warning, and how residents should respond.

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Cabral files shown to Ombudsman found to be ‘partial’

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The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday confirmed that its investigators gained only partial access to the so-called “Cabral files” held by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Leviste allowed the team to view selected portions of documents linked to the late DPWH Undersecretary but did not open the full set for inspection. The Ombudsman is evaluating legal steps to secure complete access and to determine the evidentiary value of the materials in ongoing corruption inquiries involving public works projects.

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