Texas employers logged 27,188 major layoffs in 2025, led by a few large corporate cuts

Undocumented migrants can get $3,000 for voluntary deportation, DHS says

Harris County’s Black and Hispanic families face highest food insecurity, study shows

Samantha Bernardo, husband expecting baby boy

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Former Binibining Pilipinas Grand International titleholder Samantha Bernardo announced through social media that she and her non-showbiz husband Scott are expecting a baby boy. The couple held a gender reveal celebration attended by family and friends, sharing photos and videos that confirmed they will welcome a son. Bernardo posted images of her prenatal checkups and pledged to continue documenting her pregnancy journey online as she prepares for motherhood.

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Military families seek seasonal help through ‘Adopt-A-Family’ initiative

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More than 50 military and veteran families remain on the waiting list for holiday support through the Soldiers’ Angels Adopt-A-Family program in 2024. The nationwide initiative matches sponsors with eligible households of deployed service members and low-income veterans to provide children’s gifts and grocery gift cards for holiday meals. Organizers report the program is in its final stretch and continue to seek individual, group, and corporate sponsors before seasonal deadlines. Interested sponsors can register online, review guidelines, and adopt one or more families still awaiting assistance.

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President Trump shifts marijuana to lower-risk category

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order in Austin, Texas, reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug under federal law. The order directs agencies to move cannabis to a lower schedule, easing some research restrictions while stopping short of federal legalization. Supporters expect expanded scientific studies and potential new medical products, while critics warn of enforcement and public health challenges. State regulators, law enforcement, researchers, and businesses are now reviewing the implications of the federal shift and awaiting detailed implementation rules from federal agencies.

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Texas rabbi’s brother wounded in Australia shooting shares message in Austin

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Governor Greg Abbott joined Jewish community members in Austin, Texas, for an annual Hanukkah ceremony that took on new significance after the Bondi Beach mass stabbing attack in Sydney, Australia, which injured the brother of a Texas rabbi. The event featured traditional prayers, menorah lighting, increased security, and remarks from the victim’s brother, as participants emphasized community solidarity, religious observance, and coordination with local authorities. Organizers reported heightened attendance and planned additional Hanukkah events and outreach across Texas in response to the attack.

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Texas files suit vs electric company over Smokehouse Creek record-breaking fire

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Texas has filed a civil lawsuit against Xcel Energy over the 2024 Smokehouse Creek fire in the Panhandle, which killed three people, destroyed more than 15,000 head of cattle, and burned over one million acres. The complaint alleges that poorly maintained electric equipment caused or contributed to the largest wildfire in Texas history and seeks monetary damages, reimbursement of firefighting costs, and court-ordered safety measures. The case, filed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, cites extensive property, agricultural, and environmental losses and remains pending as the court sets a schedule for responses and evidence.

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Marcos taps ex-PNP chief Torre to lead MMDA

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre 3rd as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Malacañang confirmed on Friday. Torre, who previously served as the 31st PNP chief, replaces Procopio Lipana as MMDA general manager in Metro Manila, Philippines. The Office of the President announced the leadership change and identified Torre as the official designated to assume the MMDA post.

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Vice Ganda, Ion Perez plan to become parents via surrogacy

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Vice Ganda said he and his partner Ion Perez are considering becoming parents through surrogacy, a plan that could require him to take a temporary leave from hosting ABS-CBN’s noontime show “It’s Showtime.” He explained on-air that they remain in the planning stage, weighing the timing, legal and medical preparations, and the impact on his professional commitments. He added that they want to be fully present and hands-on if they proceed, and that no final decision or timeline has been set for the surrogacy process or a potential work break.

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ICC finds Duterte capable of facing trial, victims call for speed

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Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court has received medical expert reports finding former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte fit to participate in proceedings over alleged crimes against humanity. The Office of Public Counsel for Victims reported that court-appointed doctors saw no medical barrier to Duterte’s meaningful participation in a confirmation of charges hearing. Victims’ counsel urged judges to promptly set a hearing date, citing the right to an expeditious trial. The prosecution must now respond to the findings before the chamber, led by Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, issues a final ruling on Duterte’s fitness and schedules the next steps in the case.

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Alcantara returns P71 million tied to flood control scam

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Former DPWH Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara on Friday turned over P71 million to the Department of Justice in Manila as restitution for his role in an alleged flood control scam involving public works funds. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and DOJ prosecutors received the amount as part of efforts to recover allegedly misused government money from flood control projects in Bulacan. The DOJ said it would use the restitution as evidence in its ongoing investigation and possible filing of charges against other officials and private contractors linked to the case.

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