Bartlett ISD closes campuses due to increased flu, illness outbreak

Bartlett Independent School District in Bartlett, Texas, announced the closure of all campuses for the remainder of the week following an increase in flu and illness cases among students and staff. District officials said they will use the closure to conduct deep cleaning and disinfection of facilities and will suspend classes and on-campus activities during this period. Administrators notified families through official channels and advised parents to monitor children for symptoms and follow public health guidance. The district plans to coordinate with local health authorities and review illness and attendance data before confirming the resumption of normal school operations.

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City of San Antonio cleans out river

The City of San Antonio in Texas has started its biennial cleanup of the San Antonio River, temporarily draining part of the river to remove debris, sediment and overgrown vegetation. City crews are using pumps and barriers to safely access the riverbed, conduct inspections and perform minor infrastructure repairs. Officials coordinated the operation with environmental agencies and notified the public of possible access changes along the riverwalk. The river is expected to return to normal water levels once maintenance activities conclude.

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Ombudsman presses probe into Leviste’s solar firm franchise ‘violations’

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines has intensified its investigation into alleged franchise violations involving Solar Philippines, founded by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, after its sale to businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is examining whether the transfer of controlling interest complied with laws requiring congressional approval for franchise holders and whether the transaction indirectly circumvented legal restrictions. The probe focuses on the sale’s structure, regulatory compliance, possible involvement of public officials, and adherence to franchise and public utility laws.

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DOH: Poor nutrition during pregnancy causing kids’ ‘brain stunting’

The Philippine Department of Health on Thursday linked poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy to underweight births, complications, and “brain stunting” among children, as Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa underscored the importance of proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. He said many Filipino pregnant women lack adequate nutritional support, which affects fetal growth, birth outcomes, and long-term child development. DOH programs now focus on improving prenatal nutrition services, food access, and breastfeeding promotion across communities.

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Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal finally reunite after longtime ‘snub’

Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal reunited backstage at GMA’s game show “TiktoClock” on January 16, 2024, in Quezon City, as seen in a video posted on the network’s official Instagram page. The clip showed Abrenica visiting the set and interacting with Bernal, his former leading lady from “The Last Prince,” while she asked why he had not replied to her messages. GMA recorded and shared the encounter as part of its behind-the-scenes content, marking the first publicly documented interaction between the former love team in years.

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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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