Minneapolis struggles after another ICE shooting, mayor says situation is untenable

Minneapolis officials reported a new shooting linked to a federal immigration operation, prompting protests and clashes with federal officers on Wednesday night. Smoke filled streets near the scene as demonstrators gathered, while authorities closed roads and launched a joint local and federal investigation. The mayor said the city faces an impossible situation as it addresses public safety concerns and ongoing immigration enforcement. Investigators are reviewing evidence, coordinating across agencies and preparing to brief the public as more verified information emerges about the shooting and the protest response.

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$300M McKinney amphitheater opening pushed back

McKinney, Texas officials confirmed that the opening of the $300 million, 20,000-seat Sunset Amphitheater, developed by Colorado-based Venu Holding Corp., is now scheduled for 2027. The large outdoor venue remains in active development as the city and the developer adjust timelines for design, permitting, infrastructure, and construction.

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Houston may see 500,000 visitors for World Cup festivities

Houston officials say the city will host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at NRG Stadium and expect about 500,000 visitors over three weeks in June, a temporary population increase of roughly 20 percent. Organizers project the influx of international and domestic fans could generate up to $1 billion in economic impact through hotel stays, dining, transportation and entertainment spending. City, tourism and airport authorities coordinate security, transit, staffing and infrastructure plans as they prepare Houston to serve as a major U.S. host city for the global soccer tournament.

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Senate launches inquiry into Romualdez-Discaya Makati house deal

The Philippine Senate will investigate allegations that Representative Martin Romualdez of Leyte’s 1st District purchased a Makati City house and lot through top flood control contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya. The probe will examine property records, financial flows, and government project contracts to determine compliance with procurement, ethics, and anti-corruption rules. Lawmakers plan to call witnesses, review official documents, and coordinate with regulatory agencies to establish the timeline, participants, and structure of the alleged transaction and to identify any legal or administrative violations.

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Razon sues Barzaga for cyber libel

Businessman Enrique Razon Jr. files a cyber libel complaint against suspended Cavite 4th District Representative Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr. before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office over a January 9 Facebook post alleging bribery of National Unity Party lawmakers to support former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Razon’s camp calls the claims false and defamatory, while Barzaga stands by his statements in new Facebook posts and a video, vowing to present evidence in Congress and in court. The prosecutor’s office will now evaluate the complaint under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

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‘Princess Hours’ turns 20: Notable moments from the beloved K-drama

South Korean drama “Princess Hours” marked its 20th anniversary on Jan. 11, 2026, with fans, media, and broadcasters revisiting the 2006 series that helped expand the Korean Wave. The article reports how the show’s enemies-to-lovers royal romance, adapted from the manhwa “Goong,” raised the profiles of stars Yoon Eun-hye, Ju Ji-hoon, Song Ji-hyo, and Kim Jeong-hoon, influenced later K-dramas, and remained visible through global syndication, streaming, and anniversary re-airings.

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